Six Random Things

My friend Lora at "By the Lamp Light" tagged me today with a game of "Six Random Things About Me!" So... Here are the rules as I choose to play along:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules on your blog (copy and paste 1-6).
3) Write 6 random things about yourself.
4) Tag 6 people at the end of your post and link to them.
5) Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6) Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

MY SIX RANDOM THINGS:

1. I once auditioned for a reality show called Starting Over.

2. Besides being a professor, I've had a variety of jobs including one as a material handler at a chemical plant (think hard hat, safety glasses and steel toed boots).

3. I'm great at ping pong. I learned from my dad who actually played in the U.S. national tournament.

4. I was captain of the flag squad in college. We had a 500 member marching band called The Big Red Marching Machine that traveled all over the United States performing at college and professional football games.

5. My brother-in-law is an art director and has worked on all kinds of movies (i.e. Barber Shop) and tv series (i.e. Prison Break-first season). My sister-in-law is an actress who had a recurring role on ER.

6. I love wear UGGs all year round. A pair of chocolate brown classic shorts is #1 on my Christmas wish list this year.

Here are my six tagged friends:

Beth
Janel
Erin
Nancy
Kathy
Tami


And if you've not been tagged and would like to share something random about yourself in the comments, please do so.

Growing Up at the Pediatrician's Office

Sammie went to the doctor's office today and I realized as we were in the waiting room that she is growing up. Now you might think that I would have realized this a while ago, and I guess on the surface level I did. But when you're around someone day after day, the small changes go unnoticed. Today, however it hit me like a ton of bricks.

You see even though Sammie is 17, she is still seeing her pediatrician, Dr. Greg Garrison. I love Dr. Garrison and will never forget the first time we met him. He asked the kids where they went to school. They replied, "Victory Christian School." To which Dr. Garrison replied, "Great! I'm a Christian too." Finding someone as special as this to trust your children with is well, nothing short of a miracle. So today I'm praising the LORD for Dr. Garrison and the tender, loving care he's provided over the years for my children. He's definitely been Christ in the flesh for us--healing the kids when they were sick.

That's also part of the reason I'm lamenting today. As I watched Sammie in the waiting room with the rest of the toddlers, I realized that season of her life, of our life together had passed. She'll soon be transitioning to my doctor; no more visits with Dr. Garrison. And while I'm enjoying her new "grown-up" self, I'm also missing my baby girl--the one with the pony tail on top of her head.

So here's some good advice to all of you with young children. Love them hard and enjoy every minute of your time with them, even the times when they are sick and in the pediatrician's office (minus the throwing-up, of course). All too soon, they'll be grown up like my Sammie and be moving on to the next stage of life.

Much love,
~Cheryl (aka Sammie's Mom)


Sammie in the waiting room at St. Clair Pediatrics, unamused by my picture taking!


Sammie in the exam room. Watch out! There's a small smile creeping in.


Rochele checking Sammie's temperature.


Jeff (a nurse practitioner student), Sammie, and Dr. Garrison (Notice the smile on Sammie's face now).


"There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven" -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Happy Birthday, Dad!

During my hiatus from blogging I missed posting on my dad's birthday. So, although I may be almost a month late, I'd like to publicly wish my dad a very happy birthday. I love you, bunches!

My dad and mom celebrating his 78th birthday. Don't they look great??

Let's Say Thanks!

Check this out folks. It doesn't take long and can really impact those folks serving our country.

Campus Crusade for Christ St Louis Style!

Each year my hubby and I host a table at the annual Campus Crusade for Christ fellowship dinner. Even though CCC is not allowed on my campus, I think it's an important ministry for college students--thus our involvement with this annual fundraiser. We continue to hold out hope that one day there will be a place for CCC on my campus.

The dinner takes place at Window's off Washington in St. Louis which is, in my opinion one of the most beautiful spots in the metro area for a dinner. This year we had the pleasure of our daughter Sammie joining us since she's in college (doesn't see possible does it?) as well as good friends from church. I thought I'd share some of those pictures with you.

Here's a picture of our table.


Me and my hubby, Bill.


Nathanial (a Webster Univ. student) and our friends from church, Jeremy, Barb and Jim.


Bill and Sammie


Me and my very grown-up, baby girl!


I don't know if you can really tell from this picture, but Russell Kinsell from KMOV (Channel 4) tv was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He told the story of his involvement with CCC during his college days and now as the parent of a college-age daughter.


Here's board of pictures that are used to start discussions with students on campus.


And of course, no evening would be complete without a picture of my two family members showing off their picture posing skills. Do I really have to claim them as mine???


Personally, I like this one much better of the three of us.

So you think you're smart, huh?

I got this from Mandy's blog. Try it for yourself and see just how smart you are! Click here to try this test.

The Love Dare

I can't believe it!! We've actually made it though forty days of The Love Dare. I 'm curious. Did anyone follow each and every day? Did you do any of the challenges?? What do you think about The Love Dare? Okay. Enough questions. I'm looking forward to some comments.

Love is a Covenant: Day 40

The Love Dare: Day 40
Where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be may people, and your God, my God. --Ruth 1:16

"Write out a renewal of your vows and place them in your home. Perhaps, if appropriate, you could make arrangements to formally renew your wedding vows before a minister and with family present. Make it a living testament to the value of marriage in God's eyes and the high honor of being one with your mate." (The Love Dare, p. 199)

Love Endures: Day 39

The Love Dare: Day 39
Love never fails. --1 Corinthians 13:8

"Spend time in personal prayer, then write a letter of commitment and resolve to your spouse. Include why you are committing to this marriage until death, and that you have purposed to love them no matter what. Leave it in a place that your mate will find it." (The Love Dare, p. 194)

Love Fulfills Dreams: Day 38

The Love Dare: Day 38
Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. --Psalm 37:4

"Ask yourself what your mate would want if it was obtainable. Commit this to prayer, and start mapping out a plan for meeting some (if not all) of their desires, to whatever level you possibly can." (The Love Dare, p. 189)

Love Agrees in Prayer: Day 37

The Love Dare: Day 37
If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, if shall be done for them by My Father. --Matthew 18:19

"Ask your spouse if you can begin praying together. Talk about the best time to do this, whether it's in the morning, your lunch hour, or before bedtime. Use this time to commit your concerns, disagreements, and needs before the Lord. Don't forget to thank Him for His provision and blessing. Even if your spouse refuses to do this, resolve to spend this daily time in prayer yourself." (The Love Dare, p. 184)

Love is God's Word: Day 36

The Love Dare: Day 36
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. --Psalm 119:105

"Commit to reading the Bible every day. Find a devotional book or other resource that will give you some guidance. If your spouse is open to it, see if they will commit to daily Bible reading with you. Begin submitting each area of your life to its guidance and start building on the Rock." (The Love Dare, p. 179)

Love is Accountable: Day 35

The Love Dare: Day 35
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. --Proverbs 15:22 NIV

"Find a marriage mentor--someone who is a strong Christian and who will be honest and loving with you. If you feel that counseling is needed, then take the first step to set up an appointment. During this process, ask God to direct your decision and discernment." (The Love Dare, p. 174)

Love Celebrates Godliness: Day 34

The Love Dare: Day 34
[Love] does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with truth. --1 Corinthians 13:6

"Find a specific, recent example when your spouse demonstrated Christian character in a noticeable way. Verbally commend them for this at some point today." (The Love Dare, p. 169)

Love Completes Each Other: Day 33

The Love Dare: Day 33
If two lie down together they keep warm but how can one be warm alone?--Ecclesiastes 4:11

"Recognize that your spouse is integral to your future success. Let them know today that you desire to include them in your upcoming decisions, and that you need their perspective and counsel. If you have ignored their input in the past, admit your oversight and ask them to forgive you." (The Love Dare, p. 164)

Love Meets Sexual Needs: Day 32

The Love Dare: Day 32 The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. --1 Corinthians 7:3

"If at all possible, try to initiate sex with your husband or wife today. Do this in a way that honors what your spouse has told you (or implied to you) about what they need from you sexually. Ask God to make this enjoyable for both of you as well as a path to greater intimacy." (The Love Dare, p. 159)

Love and Marriage: Day 31

The Love Dare: Day 31
A man shall leave his father and his mother, and he joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. --Genesis 2:24

"Is there a 'leaving' issue you haven't been brave enough to conquer yet? Confess it to your spouse today, and resolve to make it right. The oneness of your marriage is dependent upon it. Follow this with a commitment to your spouse and to God to make your marriage the top priority over every other human relationship." (The Love Dare, p. 154)

Love Brings Unity: Day 30

The Love Dare: Day 30
Father, keep them in Your name, the name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are. --John 17:11

"Isolate one area of division in your marriage, and look on today as a fresh opportunity to pray about it. Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your own heart that is threatening oneness with your spouse. Pray that He would do the same for them. And if appropriate, discuss this matter openly, seeking God for unity." (The Love Dare, p. 149)

Love's Motivation: Day 29

The Love Dare: Day 29
Render service with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men. --Ephesians 6:7 HCSB

Before you see your spouse again today, pray for them by name and for their needs. Whether it comes easy for you or not, say 'I love you,' then express love to them in some tangible way. Go to God in prayer again, thanking Him for giving you the privilege of loving this one special person--unconditionally, the way He loves both of you." (The Love Dare, p. 144)

Love Makes Sacrifices: Day 28

The Love Dare: Day 28
He laid down His life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers. --1 John 3:16 HCSB

"What is one of the greatest needs in your spouse's life right now? Is there a need you could lift from their shoulders today by a daring act of sacrifice on your part? Whether the need is big or small, purpos to do what you can to meet the need." (The Love Dare, p. 139)

Love Encourages: Day 27

The Love Dare: Day 27
Guard my soul and deliver me; do not let me be ashamed, for I take refuge in You. --Psalm 25:20

"Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home. Think of one area where your spous has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard of them about it. Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love." (The Love Dare, p. 134)

Love is Responsible: Day 26

The Love Dare: Day 26
When you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. --Romans 2:1 HCSB

"Take time to pray through your ares of wrongdoing. Ask for God's forgiveness, then humble yourself enough to admit them to your spouse. Do it sincerely and truthfully. Ask your spouse for forgiveness as well. No matter how they respond, make sure you cover your responsibility in love. Even if they respond with criticism, accept it by receiving it a counsel." (The Love Dare, p. 129)

Love Forgives: Day 25

The Love Dare: Day 25
What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ.--2 Corinthians 2:10

"Whatever you haven't forgiven in your mate, forgive it today. Let it go. Just as we ask Jesus to 'forgive us our debts' each day, we must ask Him to help us 'forgive our debtors' each day as well. Unforgiveness has been keeping you and your spouse in prison too long. Say from your heart, 'I choose to forgive.'" (The Love Dare, p. 123)

Love vs. Lust: Day 24

The Love Dare: Day 24
The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever--1 John 2:17

"End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be filled and destroyed--today--and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love." (The Love Dare, p. 119)

Love Always Protects: Day 23

The Love Dare: Day 23
[Love] always protects.--1 Corinthians 13:7 NIV

"Remove anything that is hindering your relationship, any addiction or influence that's stealing your affections and turning your heart away from your spouse." (The Love Dare, p. 114)