 clipped from swerve.lifechurch.tv
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We had another aftershock about 12:30am ish Monday. This time I did wake up. I thought the dog was jumping on the bed. Much to my surprise my daughter and the dog came running into my room questioning, "Did you feel it?"
Well, this time I did. It was a strong 4.5 aftershock according to the news. I don't know why I'm so amazed at all this, after all it's simply an earthquake and the aftershocks. All this has me thinking about the "end times," not that I think this is a sign of anything. The thought has just been laying there in the back of my head--or maybe swimming around is a better choice of words.
My women's Bible study met tonight. The topic of "end times" and earthquakes came up, without my prodding. And I'm really glad to announce that I wasn't the only one who had that thought. Don't know if that makes me normal or my group not normal. I'm banking on the former.
All this leads me to my question. If you knew today was the your last day on earth before the rapture, what would you do??? Now there's a million dollar question! Any takers?
Okay, honestly there aren't any mountains here in the St. Louis area, but there was definitely trembling in the wee hours of the morning, when a 5.2 earthquake hit our area. We had another aftershock that was felt in St. Louis about 10:15 or so this morning.
Now while I know our house did shake, and the rest of my family was startled out of their sleep by the sudden shaking, I've got to admit I actually SLEPT through it! Can you believe it? Me, the light sleeper. . . the one who awakens a the drop of a pin did NOT feel the earthquake.
So there you have it. The mountains (okay hills) trembled and I missed it! Anyone else feel the earthquake in your neck of the woods?
Shaken in St. Louis,
~Cheryl
 clipped from bp1.blogger.com
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As you know if you've been following this blog, I teach communication. This semester I'm teaching a basic course in interpersonal communication. One of the sections is on language--just how important language is to our experience. My previous post "My Shepherd, my savior" is just one example of how ONE word can impact our perception.
This you tube clip is from an episode of Oprah in which Iyanla Vanzant talks about "relanguaging" in our lives. I hope you'll take the time to watch it and even more so to do your own "relanguaging."
My prayer for you this week is that you are purposeful with your language. For words truly do have power. The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," couldn't be further from the truth.
Are you up for the challenge of relanguaging--watching your word choice? Since research shows that language can significantly impact our experience, why not join me on this journey of not only improving your communication, but ultimately your life?
So how about it? Anyone game?
P.S. And just in case you don't make it to the end of the clip, Iyanla's right. "God is a hoot!"
~Cheryl
Okay, here's a chance for you to put your two cents in. What do you think about taking "Jesus" out of the first line of "Shout to the LORD" and substituting it with the word, "Shepherd?" I'm anxious to read your thoughts.
Just in case you missed it, I've included the you tube clip of the song. It's not the best quality (no High Def) but you'll get the point.
Long time, no blog! I know, I know. . . but be assured you all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for all the kind messages of support. Things have just been super busy on my end between, work, church and home I've met myself coming and going. Luckily, things are slowing down just a bit.
I do have a request, though. I don't know if you follow The Biggest Loser: Couples (click here for a short two minute clip/udate) or not, but my life coach, Laura is good friends with Ali and Bette Sue. If you haven't been following the show it's down to the finals and America gets to vote for who they want in it. Ali is already in the finals along with another woman Kelly. Ali's lost 99 pounds and has never been below the yellow line (Lowest percentage of body weight lost during the week). I really want her to be the first female Biggest Loser!! She's a really neat woman. Add to that the fact that she's the only one who mentioned her "spiritual growth" during her time at the Biggest Loser Ranch and, well you just gotta love her! Go Ali!!!!
So will you help me? I'm asking that you vote for Mark as the third contestant. This will give Ali a better chance to be the Biggest Loser!! Click here to cast your vote for Mark. Then leave me a message that you voted!!
All this is so exciting. The live final will air on Tuesday. So be sure to tune in or tape it if you watch AI. Of course, a prayer or two for Ali would help too, if you're so inclined.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all your help!
Much love,
~Cheryl
I'm hooked on American Idol. I admit it. I schedule things around it and almost always watch it live (in real time/not taped). I don't know when the obsession with the show first began, but I guess it was sometime during Season 2. I was reminded of this tonight when Kimberly Locke (3rd runner up from Season 2) made a guest appearance. Wow! She was fantastic!!
Here's my question: Out of all the past AI contestants, who is your favorite?? Why?
~Cheryl
Kim from connercolesmom posted this on her web and I thought I would play along :)
So here goes:
What I was doing 10 years ago - 1998*
1. I was attending a different church where I sang on the praise team, directed the drama team, and lead women's Bible study.
2. I had just renewed my wedding vows the previous October--celebrating 15 years
3. I had one child in preschool, one in first grade and one in 3rd grade
4. I was involved with CITA (Christians in Theatre Arts)
5. I was treasurer of the PTA.
Five things on my to-do list today -
1. Finish my on-line course design for Cultural Communication
2. Grade Research papers
3. Drink 64 ounces of water!
4. Teach my senior seminar class
5. Watch American Idol
Five snacks I enjoy -
1. buttered popcorn jelly bellys
2. chocolate (need I say more?)
3. Ritz bits (cheese)
4. popcorn
5. yogurt covered pretzels
Five things I would do if I were a billionaire -
1. Quit my job (oh yeah, baby!!)
2. Move to a new house (new area maybe)
3. Travel with my family
4. Pay off all our debt.
5. Donate--to charitable causes (Give BIG!!), including my church
Five of my bad habits -
1. Too much TV
2. Unhealthy on-the-run diet
3. Saying "yes" to too much
4. Too little sleep (Sleepless in St. Louis!!)
5. Biting my nails
Five places I have lived -
1. Park Forrest, Illinois
2. Beecher, Illinois
3. Bloomington, Illinois
4. Belleville, Illinois
5. Normal, Illinois
Five jobs I’ve had -
1. Dish Washer at a fancy restaurant
2. Cosmetic sales at an upscale department store
3. Material Handler at a chemical plant
4. Department chairperson of Communication Arts Department
5. Communication Studies Professor
I tag…Anyone who wants to play along! Just leave me a comment so I can read yours too!!
I just read Mandy's blog at Just a Girl. You've got to check out her post on the Good Friday song she wrote, "May God Arise." It is absolutely fantastic. So treat yourself today and click on her blog and listen. You'll be blessed. I promise!!
Much love,
~Cheryl
I'm very visual. So this video really helped me focus in on the day, today. Hope it does the same for you.
Love in Christ,
~Cheryl
Today is Maundy Thursday. I love this day of Holy week, reflecting on that last night and supper that Christ had with his disciples. Can you just imagine how tender that time must have been?
A couple of my most memorable recent experiences have happened on this day. . . one an explanation of the Seder meal and then Holy communion (taken together as a family) in the "upper room"--very moving experience. And the other was an actual Seder meal served at our church. I had to learn how to make stuff I'd never heard of before for that meal! It was an interesting experience--not quite as moving as the previous one, but still memorable.
All this to ask this question, "Does your church have a Maundy Thursday service?" My current church doesn't. And frankly most of the churches I attended growing up were non-liturgical. So I didn't even know churches celebrated Maundy Thursday. Heck, I didn't even know what Maundy Thursday was.
So how about you? Maundy Thursday service or not?
~Cheryl
Update: Check out Patty's blog about the Maundy Thursday service she attended.
I just caught a glimpse of the worship songs for this Sunday at my church and I've got to admit, I'm a little disappointed. It got me thinking about music on Easter Sunday. Do you have a favorite Easter song(s)? What song(s) are a "must sing" on Easter for you?
As of right now, in no particular order, here's my top ten list:
1) Alive Forever Amen (Travis Cottrell)--one of my new favorites.
2) My Redeemer Lives (Reuben Morgan)
3) The Old Rugged Cross (traditional hymn)
4) God So Loved the World (Hillsongs)
5) That Wonderful Cross (Chris Tomlin)
6) Because He lives (Bill Gaither)
7) Above All (LeBlanc)
8) At the Cross (Isaac Watts/traditional hymn)
9) On My Cross (FFH)
10) Jesus is Alive (Ron Kenoly)
I've been thinking a lot about the power within lately. I think it stems from my recent Chicago visit to hear Iyanla Vanzant speak on the topic. And I thought I had a pretty good handle on the subject. However, just when I thought it was smooth sailing, I had a "moment." You know the kind of moment when everything seems to be going like clockwork and BOOM you get hit with something that shakes you off the path and right down into the pit again.
Today was one of those days and while I'll spare you the ugly details of the situation, I've got to admit my reaction to it wasn't godly. In fact it was so far from being godly, I'm surprised I had any connection to the Spirit within at all. Instead I was mad and hurt and "righteous" about the whole thing. And I threw a good old fashioned fit!! You know the kind you had when you were about 4 years old--throwing yourself on the floor, kicking and screaming to get your way.
Well I wasn't literally kicking and screaming at least on the outside. In fact, most people noticed very little on my outward affect. I'm pretty good at keeping up appearances even when my internal world is going to hell in a hand basket. But I can assure you I WAS being a brat--an ugly, horrible, judgmental, mean-spirited brat to boot!
It was clear to me that my internal dialogue was deteriorating pretty fast. Now, I could have quickly made another decision and stopped that conversation right then and there--in the moment. But of course, I didn't. Still I don't really think that's the core of the problem. Instead the major issue was that I let all that "noise" simply squelch anything the Holy Spirit had to say to me. In other words, I simply didn't listen to that power within.
Why am I telling you all this? Well, confession is good for the soul. Right? More importantly I hope you can learn from my short-lived, temper tantrum. You see, I've since made peace with Christ about the whole thing. Jesus and I are cool! That's the wonderful thing about having a high priest who understands all our shortcomings. He really gets it and is willing to forgive, if and only if we're truly repentant. Oh how I LOVE Him for that!
My hope, no make that my prayer for you this week, is that you can really tap into that internal source of power, because that's exactly what you've got if you have a relationship with Christ. Don't let the noise of the day, the situation, whatever quiet that voice within no matter how soft or distant it may be. And most of all get a good strong hold on the fit-throwing 4-year old. Remember she doesn't get to control things. Leave that up to the Master. Then and only then will you really tap the power within.
Learning, loving, and listening to the one and only Source of power,
~Cheryl
I don't know why I like this show so much, but I do. And I'm hooked. If you missed this week's episode, relax, stop blogging and watch it here, below. I won't spoil the ending, but there is a twist! Enjoy!
 clipped from www.facebook.com
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm BACK!!
Oh my goodness, what an experience! I can not even begin to tell you what a fantastic time I had. God's hand was definitely upon us.
First, we made it to the recording studio early, something that seldom happens with my parents. My Dad drove us, so we wouldn't have to search for parking and then walk. But, we were in luck. We actually parked in front of the building in a meter for FREE!! If you've ever tried to park in the downtown Chicago area, you'll know this is nothing short of a miracle.
When we got into the studio we were lucky enough to snag seats in the first row. Although I've got to admit, any seat in the studio would have been good since there were only 25 seats. When they said it would be an "intimate" audience they weren't kidding! As it turns out, it was an audio only recording (not DVD)--probably the reason for the small audience.
Immediately when we entered the room we made friends with the rest of the audience members as they arrived. I met three woman who had been in a previous workshop with me in Maryland. Yup, it was like a homecoming. My dad was even invited to stay with us during the taping. Could things get any better?
When Iyanla entered the room it was like another homecoming. She was warm and engaging as she greeted each of us personally. There is absolutely nothing like an Iyanla hug! I knew we were in store for something special and I was right.
Iyanla centered on the seven points from her book, "Tapping the Power Within." Neither of my parents had ever heard Iyanla speak, other than her television appearances (Oprah, Starting Over, VH1's Salt and Peppa), so they really didn't know what to expect. I, on the other hand, have seen her in person before and knew she would be dynamic, interesting, engaging and funny as funny can be. And she did NOT disappoint. I only wish I could capture the essence of the evening here for you. Unfortunately I can't. You really need to experience Iyanla in person to get her full impact.
After the taping, my Dad told Iyanla she was the best speakers he had heard in the past 10 years (a MAJOR statement coming from my Dad). And you know she was. . . is one of the best I've encountered. Have I emphasized this enough? I can't even begin to imagine Iyanla and Beth Moore in the same room. I think the walls would explode!
Our evening ended with goody bags including a personal note from Iyanla to (Be Blessed!) and a tape of a previous live recording with some other "freebies" thrown in for fun. Of course, we will get a signed copy of the recording mailed to us when it's completed.
It was a wonderful, magical evening--one I was blessed to share with my Mom and Dad. I will treasure the memory for years to come. And for this I am so thankful.
As Iyanla would say, "And So It Is!"
I'm so excited!! I'm headed up to Chicago. I'm meeting my mom and we're attending the taping of Iyanla Vanzant's DVD for her new book, "Taping the Power Within" (release date Sept. 2008). Click here to read an interview with Iyanla on PBS.
I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I can tell you one thing, my mom and I are going to have a good time. You see it's seldom that the two of us get to spend time together, without other family around. Yes, just two wild women out on the town (tee hee).
And maybe that's the secret to the power within--doing what you love with those you love the most. Hey, it may not be the main theme of Iyanla's book/DVD, but it certainly sounds good. Don't you agree?
Come to think of it, maybe it's time I write my own book. After all, I certainly have a lifetime of experience! (oh and don't get me start on that. . . )
Until then, wish me safe travel. I'll be back soon to tell you the "inside" scoop on the taping.
Watch out Chi-town here we come.
~Cheryl
So many selves, so little time to manage them all!! While this statement may seem somewhat odd, it is on my heart right now. And no, I'm not talking about multiple personality disorder. Instead,I'm talking about "real life." My guess is that like me, you play a variety of roles--mother, sister, daughter, friend, worker, etc. Am I right?
I've been examining this in my own life. Not so much the "juggling" of roles. Like any woman, I've pretty much got those down cold. What I'm talking about is deeper than that.
Just who is the "real" me--the me I was created to be? And yes, I know from "Believing God" I am who God says I am (thank you Beth Moore!). I'm just not sure who that really is. Is she hiding somewhere deep inside? And that, my Siestas is the real question. You see the roles that we play and play well, I might add can get in the way and obscure the real self. In fact, if I might be so bold, those roles and how we think we "should" play them can actually keep us in bondage--never fully realizing the perfect self God created us to be. If you've ever done "Breaking Free" I think you'll agree.
Sara Groves, one of my favorite CCM artists, puts it this way in her song "Just Showed Up":
Spending my time sleep walking
Moving my mouth but not saying a thing
Hoping the changes would take by working their way from the outside in
I was in love with an idea
Preoccupied with how a life should appear
Spending my time at the surface repairing the holes in the shiny veneer
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
I'm going to live my life inspired
Look for the holy in the common place
Open the windows and feel all that's honest and real until I'm truly amazed
I'm going to feel all my emotions
I'm going to look you in the eyes
I'm going to listen and hear until it's finally clear and it changes our lives
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
So how about it my dear Siestas? Am I the only one who has trouble recognizing the real me?? Or is it easy for you to dig deep and then truly be transparent and show your authentic self?
So many questions?? Anyone "brave" enough to venture a comment? Oh come on. I triple-dog dare you!! Just who is the real you??? And is it time for you to show up for your own life?
 clipped from www.rateyourstudents.blogspot.com
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I read a post on a blog today aptly titled "Time Margin" and of course this got me to thinking about my own use of time. You see, I'm almost always busy. I sometimes meet myself coming and going, blah, blah, blah. . .I know you've probably heard it all before. Listen to any working mom or stay-at-home mom for that matter and you'll be exhausted just listening to her recount her day.
Unfortunately we live in a society that values "doing." How many activities can we cram into our daily lives is often worn as a badge of honor. I mean think about it. How do we typically measure success? I know in the academic world it's often based on how much "stuff" (good academic word, don't you agree?) that can be accomplished. At home it's a similar situation, just different circumstances. Each night is crammed with "stuff" to do. With three kids and a husband who works nights, there are times when I think I am going to lose my mind between their activities, church service, papers to be graded, daily household chores and on and on.
Why are we so reluctant to slow down, even when we know the statistics of stress on the body? (Did anyone watch Oprah yesterday? Come on you southern bloggers. Can I get an "amen" here?) This constant "doing" is not healthy. When will we slow down and simply rest? Christ offers us rest in Matthew 11:28:"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest". (NIV)
DUH!! Can it get any clearer??
Is your life filled with constant busy-ness? If so, perhaps it's time to take the advice of the Master and simply come to Him--not doing anything, or saying anything, but just "being" in His presence, in the stillness, the wonder and the mystery only He can provide.
Think about it. How long has it been since you've put aside the burdens of the day? I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being tired! It's time to slow down and simply "be." After all, isn't that what your heart is really longing for--that perfect peace that surpasses understanding?
I don't know about you, but I'm ready! And it's about time!
Today I'm grateful for the following:
-A call from Randy
-Sleeping in late
-Calling Lisa and talking even though she didn't feel good.
-An e-mail from Kelly
-Practicing with Melissa for our duet tomorrow in church.
-Getting the bulletin done early
-Seeing Andrew in "You Can't Take it with You."
-Late dinner at Applebee's
-Temporary pain relief.
-Arizona green tea.
-Having time to talk with Bill.
-Brenna's sweet spirit.
-Payton's protectiveness of me.
-Late night tv.
-Our new pastor who starts tomorrow (or is that later today)
-My blogging Siestas--You are a such a blessing to me.
-Clearing out e-mail
-Wearing my Uggs
-Receiving the video my dad taped for me.
-An opportunity to be at the DVD taping for Iyanla's new book.
-My spiritual life coach, Laura.
-Recognizing more of my emotions instead of just shutting down.
-Feeling peaceful
-My Bible study.
-Laughing really hard!
-Finishing "T is for Trespass" by Sue Grafton.
-Yogurt covered pretzels from Sammie and Andrew.
-Listening to "Extravagant Grace" by Women of Faith--so many memories!
-Finding a cheap airline ticket to Baltimore ($130 total round trip-no stops).
-Considering attending WWW again.
-Posting on Circle of Friends and 2Transform.
-NOT going shopping today with Sammie.
-My bed and PJ's
-Embracing the changes in my life.
-Having the Holy Spirit as my constant guide.
It's late or I guess early--the wee hours of the morning. It will surprise no one who is a regular reader of this blog that I'm awake and well. . . blogging!
Do I ever sleep? I've been asked this question many times. The answer of course is yes, but that sleep is often interrupted. Tonight I watched American Idol while I was talking to my BFF on the phone. After the show I did a bit of household business and settled in to be to watch CSI NY. And immediately fell asleep. I woke up about 2 am when my hubby came in. Now, I can't get back to sleep. So obviously I'm here blogging, watching a late night re-run of the tonight show.
In a bit, I'm going to shut down the computer and attempt to catch some more ZZZZ's. Before I hit the hay I have a few questions for you. Do you sleep solidly? What do you do when you can't sleep? And of course the BIG question. . .Just when during the day do you blog???
Okay that's enough for this sleep deprived Prof. If I can take the liberty to steal a bit from Ryan Seacrest of American Idol fame, it's time for me to simply say, "Profbaugh out!"
Sleepless in St. Louis,
~Cheryl
Ok, it's time to come clean here. What I haven't shared with you is today was my second time to play the piano in our praise band. Our regular accompanist is on vacation and I filled in.
Now why this may not seem like much of an accomplishment, especially to those Siestas that play or accompany others, it is for me. You see I "cut off" that part of my life many years ago. And in fact, have not played the piano for years.
I'm not sure how the decline in my playing started. After all it was such a central part of who I was from grade school through college. I even accompanied our choir during high school. I entered college as a piano/voice major sure that was what I was supposed to do in my life.
In college I soon learned that my talent was limited, or so I thought at the time. I continued to take music classes and was active in band all four years, but I changed my major to speech communication. I soon found myself engulfed in speech activities, including an active role on our individual events speech team.
And it seems the slippery slope of the decline in my piano playing began. I got married, graduated from college, moved to St. Louis, started graduate school and on and on. Soon three children graced our home. Between a full-time job and a family, little time was left for anything else.
About ten years ago I reclaimed part of my musical self and became a vocalist on the praise team at the church I attended. And I loved it! Still, I shied away from "playing" the piano. I'm not sure if it was fear or lack of desire that fueled my hiatus, but I hung tightly to the fact I could no longer play.
Thus today was a milestone for me, at least as far as playing the piano publically. Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to win any awards with my playing, but that's not really what matters. I've learned to simply surrender and play for that "audience of One." What a wonderful experience to worship the King of Kings through music.
So although Teri at Facedown may be fond of her nickname "Prof" for me, I now have embraced a new name, one I haven't had in a while, but that I'm learning to love once again. So, if I don't immediately answer to "Prof" just call me "Keys." Hum. . . . yup, that feels right for the first time in a long time.
With a new song in my heart,
~Cheryl
Despite my lack of posting during the past month, I am still here--alive and gaining strength daily. I'm still trying to find that happy medium between balancing work and home--a constant challenge for me.
St. Louis is under a layer or I guess more accurately I should say layers of ice. FBU closed yesterday and was on a snow schedule today. Our local school system has canceled the past two days. Needless to say, things are moving pretty slowly here. And since I actually live south of th city, over the river in Illinois we actually have MORE ice than the St. Louis area. Yes, I will be so thankful when Spring comes around!
So, I'm home today--snug as a bug in the rug. Although I've been pretty "unproductive," I have been very self-nurturing--something I'm just beginning to do better at this stage in my life. So what does fun does the evening hold? I'm thinking of ordering in pizza, putting on jammies, and watching tv.
Yes, life is good even when it's icy.
Staying warm and toasty,
~Cheryl
Jesus told a story about ten lepers who were healed. Only one returned to say “thank you.” I hope I am always the one.
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