Seven Branches

He Wants To

2011-12-06T12:52:00.000-06:00

I've said it several times in the last few days . . . "and when I see Him, face to face, I long to hear Him say, 'well done, my good and faithful servant . . . enter . . .' " That is what really matters to me!

"Well done, good job, you did it, you make me smile, I am pleased, thank you , YOU LIVED . . . enter."

He longs to speak those words over us!

When my children were little ones perched around our kitchen table, eating food prepared by my hands, earned by his, blessed by Grace, my husband would say, "good supper, momma!" as he pushed his chair away from the table. Almost every meal.

Made me smile every time.

A few times, he forgot. Taking his hand and resting my head on his shoulder I would nudge his thoughts with a whisper, "please say it". Grinning he would repeat the familiar phrase he loved to say and I loved to hear.

The Lord will not forget . . . He will remember much that we have forgotten . . . because it is His nature to want us to know . . . that He is pleased and blessed.

Lord, what might I do to make you smile today?

Baby Asaph

2011-08-09T08:36:00.001-05:00

Our first grandbaby was born July 24, 2011. I arrived in New York City just hours before he entered the world. He was born at home, weighing in at 9 lbs. 11 oz. He is beautiful!
His parents, our son, Caleb, and his wife, Ashley chose the name Asaph because they love Psalm 73, a Psalm of Asaph. They had a friend die recently, a close friend, a young man that they loved very much. The Lord comforted their hearts with this Psalm of Asaph.
He will be called "Ace".
His middle name is Bernard, Ashley's maiden name.
I am reading through the Bible again this year and while I was caring for Asaph who was only a few days old, watching him sleep in his crib, I read in my daily reading 1Chronicles 15-16. Verse 7 of chapter 16 says, " On that day David first delivered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brethren, to thank the Lord . . ." the psalm follows.
What will be delivered into this little guy's hand to do for the Lord? I am not sure yet, it has not yet been revealed. Until I see it, I will pray for it, and for him, this little man that has stolen my heart.
I am home now and missing him so much. I keep asking the Lord if I really have to remain a Kansas girl forever. I could give it up in a heartbeat!

Quenched

2011-07-22T13:43:00.002-05:00

Yesterday

vibrant springtime
birds singing happy melodies
trees dressed in the greenest of greens
earth shouting happy
so happy to be alive
drink filled
saturated

today

breezes dare to blow
the heat around
weeds bow lower
cowering near earth
away from sun
earth baking
in the summer heat
green fades to brown
the thirsty
pleading to be quenched

tomorrow

rain returning
clouds hovering
roots cease reaching
brittle leaves softening
all the wilting lift their heads
gazing upward ready
for the pour of heaven

a time of refreshing has come
life is renewed
hope revived
thirst quenched
heart heals

The Closet

2011-07-15T17:33:00.000-05:00

"And Lord! hear me as I pray that Thou wouldest everywhere bless the closets of Thy believing people." Andrew Murray

My closets runneth over and there is no room for me!

I have been sorting, piling, purging with a toss here and a pitch there. I am overwhelmed. I even brought my daughter who is an expert with organizational skills (she even considered making it a profession . . . and, yes, I am her real mother!) from New York City to help me. Ashli has no problem letting me know that something is just not right for me to wear even if I do love it! I am so grateful for her honesty because it has helped me to discard apparel that I would probably hang onto until the Lord returns if it were up to me, just in case it would be the perfect thing to wear someday.

The bedroom closet that I share with my husband is rather small. tiny compared to the closets that are out there today. Some of my friends have closets that could be a small bedroom. So I decided to fix my dilemma by making the smallest bedroom in our house, the one closest to our room into a closet for me. I painted it a warm, welcome pink, added a few antique pieces, and some vintage art and "voila". It was so much fun fixing it up, but over time, I am afraid, it has become a catch-all the place to stash anything and everything in haste.

The day of reckoning has arrived and I am restoring the closet room to a healthy, happy state, meaning I am going to be very happy when the project is complete.

Once upon a time, most of a home was public with shared living spaces. The closet was one of the few places of privacy. Imagine all that might have happened in one.

I have been reading two books about the "secret place" Jesus called a closet. He said to go in, not to hide your stash or to find it, but to find Him. He promised to meet anyone who would be willing to make their closet a place to seek Him. Of course, I don't take this literal, but in a way, I do. I don't want to work so hard at filling my closet because I really desire more time resting in it . . . meeting Jesus there. I want my closet to runneth over with Him!

"Lord, draw us all in the closet nearer to Thyself and the Father. Amen." Andrew Murray

On The Mend

2011-06-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Her white blond hair hung down the length of her back. She grinned then grabbed her momma's waist and leaned into her . . . shyness can overcome a girl of nine.

The U-Haul they had rented was parked nearby, ready to unload. They had brought it all the way from New Mexico to Joplin, full of goods for the needy ones. She had made a plea on their behalf, stood in the gap for the hurting, and the response was overwhelming. Friends and neighbors and some folk they didn't even know generously responded, bringing enough to fill a truck. A little child shall lead them.

She was going to take dance lessons this summer. She was. She wanted to . . . twirl, spin, leap . . . but she wanted to rent that truck more than she wanted to feel the wind beneath her wings. Even more so, she wanted to ride in the truck to Missouri with her mom and help people. There won't be any dance lessons for her this summer, maybe next year, she is on a mission instead, dancing her way into the hearts of the homeless.

Her daddy died three months ago. She and her momma cried and cried but all the ache would not go away. The pain of losing someone you love can hang on for a very long time. They chose to shake off their hurtful hearts and give to others who had lost more. It wouldn't bring her daddy back but it would make him very proud of her, even so.

A little girl of eight came to sign up to receive free supplies for the victims of winds. I helped her and her momma sign the papers, writing her name and age in the designated box, and those of her sisters, too. I introduced her to my new little friend from New Mexico. They were shy at first, strangers, grinning, then dimpled grins turned down to look at painted toenails inspecting the other's flip-flops. They went through the "store" together, pushing and filling the grocery cart while becoming friends. My new little friends, girls, ages 8 and 9 found a place to mend in the company of one another.

Like I said, I didn't sit on a pew last Sunday. My twirly skirt remained on the hanger, but I got the message that the Lord wanted to teach me. It was delivered by a nine year old girl from New Mexico. It was about giving when you are hurting and letting the healing come. There is something about reaching out when all you want to do is cower in that liberates one from the heaviness of grief. I got the message, but more than that, the message got me.

Did I just see her pirouette?

Beyond the Pew

2011-06-13T07:35:00.001-05:00

When mind is small it thinks on small things. My mind was fixed upon wearing my new pink twirly skirt to church Sunday. It is beautiful! Dancing is not required, it has a graceful, pretty flow when you walk across the room.

I received a call Saturday afternoon that caused my small mind to completely forget about the skirt. Thankfully.

I was called upon to help at a church that is helping the needy victims of the Joplin tornado. I have been wanting to help, asking the Lord where to go, what to do.

So Sunday, I put on my capris and my t-shirt and went to Joplin to be the church.

We are supposed to grow at church. I am told of those who have gained pounds as a result of church suppers. I am most likely guilty of that. It is easy to grow seated around a bountiful table, but we are supposed to grow spiritually seated around the altar. It can be easy to get fat there, too. Yesterday I was called upon to exercise my faith, away from the altar feast, with my hand outstretched toward hurting and broken people.

Today the tears fall like rain.

I hope I never see destruction like I saw in Joplin ever again in my lifetime. Words do not convey, tv news reporters cannot depict, stories cannot reveal, cameras cannot catch how devastating the reality is.

My friend, Rosamary, spent nine 14 hour days there . . . yesterday was her tenth. I have spent one measly day, small, small sacrifice on my part.

I met a little girl yesterday. I am going to have to tell you her story. Think I will write about her tomorrow, that is unless I am called back to Joplin to work.

Please pray for the people of Joplin. 7000 homes were destroyed. Last I knew, 151 people have died as a result of that one damaging storm.

There are people who have lost everything. One lady said that she buried five family members and a friend.

So many are still in shock. Some are getting their bearings. The strong ones are sharing hope.

I will never be the same . . . amen.

Twirly skirts sitting on a church pew . . . what was I ever thinking?

A Simple Phrase

2011-05-26T20:46:00.000-05:00

He spoke it, I heard it, then I did it.

It was one of the most powerful phrases I have ever heard in my entire life.
He didn't say it the first time I went to him, nor did he give me the eternal nugget the second time that I called.
The tenth time I called him with questions he spoke this life changing message, a few potent words when acted upon.

"You need to read the Bible, then you will know what to believe."

Over thirty years have passed since those words were spoken to me. It has been nearly that many years since I last saw him . . . until the other day.

We were at the funeral of my mom's best friend, a celebration of eternal life.

I beckoned him when I saw his face as he stepped over the threshold of the church.

"I am indebted to you for eternity. You spoke a simple phrase that has altered my life. I am forever grateful!"

I reminded him of my story, of the tenth time when I called him on my quest for truth. Then I told him that I have read through the Bible so many times that I have lost count. It doesn't matter to me any longer how many times, I just want to know it better, know Jesus better.

A few people have been touched by the Word because that phrase was spoken to me. Might there be more?

I cannot express strongly enough the importance of that simple phrase. It was like a pebble dropped in a deep sea, the ripples it created continue to seek rest at the shore. Indefinitely they roll.

Thanking him has reminded me of a lot of things. Foremost, it has renewed a prayer in my heart . . . "Lord, give me power-phrases that will impact Your kingdom for eternity. Amen."

Communion

2011-05-19T08:37:00.000-05:00

We meet at the table, Bibles open, His supper on our minds.
Fellowship is sweet and full. Ministry flows from one heart to the other. Encouragement. The Lord has been working in our midst, touching the poor and helpless, lifting needy hearts with words of hope. We have seen it. We share.
Wealth of Word, wisdom rich words, pass one to the other. Hearts receive. Hollow of soul, filled. Thirst quenched.
We bow our heads and pray searching our own hearts, asking the Lord for a cleansing. Asking Spirit to find the wrong in our hearts, seeking revelation, the mirror of our soul. "Come Holy Spirit," we pray. Even the children still their chatter. Holiness settles in the room. We are baptized with His presence. Silently we confess.
We take the broken bread and give thanks for His broken body. Broken for us. We proclaim His death. The Father hears us testify. "He was broken for me. "
We lift our cups that symbolizes His blood. The juice, symbolic of the spilled righteous blood of Christ, the blood of the Lamb that was slain to save us, we pray and thank the Father for the blood of His Son. We drink this holy emblem together.
The obedient act of remembrance of Him brings a spirit of joy.
Happiness fills the room. Celebration! We must sing now! We must sing!
Song rises, praise is lifted high.

"What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus!
What can make me whole again, nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Oh, precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow, no
other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus!"

There is twinkle in the eyes of the little ones.
The partakers have been strengthened, renewed, blessed until we meet again next week.

Ministry

2011-05-17T08:29:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to find my place.

Where do I belong?

Write a book?

Speak? Where? When? To whom?

Youth?

The prisoner?

The mom, the wife, the single woman?

I don't know for sure.

So I pray and pray and pray.

The ministry of intercession is hidden in cocoon of transformation.

I go to work day after day learning the ministry of kindness.

Oh, to be kind to those who are not kind. There are those who cannot be kind. They hurt.

Perhaps my words can bring healing to body, mind, soul, spirit. Let is be so, God.

I long to brush the back of my hand along the cheek of the orphan, wipe their tears away, and give them hope.

My heart yearns to visit the homeless in cities devastated by storms. Offer them my hand of service, my heartfelt prayers, hope for future days.

Ah, the biggest dream, to have my family, my adult children, all circled around me desiring another Bible story and prayer. I would begin the story but midway, relinquish my chair to one of them, to carry on.

This ministry I am involved in looks so different from times past. It has evolved into new places, new people, new ways. I am being stretched into it. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but when the cocoon is opened and my new wings are exposed it will be obvious that I have not been alone in the hidden place. The One who makes all things beautiful, in time, He is with me.

Miah

2011-05-10T18:54:00.000-05:00

He yelled my name with sounds of glee when he spotted me walking toward the kitchen door where his little nose was pressed. I can't think of anyone in my whole life that gets excited like that when they see me. I lowered myself to look at him, his twinkle blues even with mine, but he was ready for hugs. After a quick but convincing embrace, he took my face in his little hands, looked into my eyes and said, "kiss!" then planted a moisture enhanced big one on my cheek. A holy kiss. I smiled the rest of the day!

This little man is joy on two feet! He has a joy wiggle in every step he takes! Delight defines him. Adorable! Wonderful! So much fun! Energy, busy . . . yes!

I honestly cannot get enough of him.

My encounter with Miah changed my whole day. Knowing him might possibly change my whole life. The joy wiggle is contagious. I splashed a jolly spirit all over a whole lot of people. Oh, the power of it!

I am heading back over to visit Miah tomorrow to see if I can catch it again!

Thirst

2011-05-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

"He forever changed the lives of his children because he stayed thirsty." News Reporter speaking of Hashim Khan World renown Squash Player

Oh, God, let this be said of me! That would be my eternal plea.

Let my thirst for You influence the generations who follow me.

Let their footsteps run toward your altar, that place of joy where You reveal Your face, the deep well that never runs dry.

My heart is settled down and satisfied with the magnitude of Your greatest gift . . . my salvation . . .

thirst for eternal life, quenched.

But the thirst for the abundance of You in my life, Your righteousness, I am forever stirred, longing, always desiring another cup.

I bow before the well of salvation, with face to the ground, drink deeply from the water of life. You offer. You fill.

Let these words be said in future days:

"She forever changed the lives of her children because she stayed thirsty . . . for more of God." spoken by My Children and their Children.

Give me grace to live a life that thirsts after You . . . forever!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

The Embrace of God, Husband, and Wife

2011-05-03T09:11:00.000-05:00

Morning breaks.
We rise.
He holds out his arms to me, I accept the invitation, and step into his embrace.
I rest my head against his shoulder and he begins to utter prayer.
My words are quiet, yet spoken underneath his. Whispers of agreement echo his heartcry.
He prays for me, then for us.
Our children, one by one, brought before God. We name them and ask
the Lord's blessing on them. Then ask specifically, the things they have need of.
It is nearly the same every day, the prayer that we pray, and yet it is always new, fresh, and empowering.
We begin every new day touching God with our agreement. We press into an invisible triangle.
We have survived many storms under this invisible canopy . . . our God.
He has kept us together.
Our heartbeats are synchronized in these precious moments.
We rejoice in our God, our Maker. He who declared we should be one.
And we thank Him . . . each day.
He hears our prayers and praise, the harmony of our voices touch the heart of God.

Favorites

2011-04-30T09:42:00.000-05:00

I do not have newsprint lining the walls of our home, but I do have powerful phrases posted here and there. Words of inspiration to invite the soul to swell . . . wisdom expressed.

One of my favorite phrases lines an old crock: It is plain, really, simple, Oh, but it is the thought that made me plunk down too much money to bring that old piece home . . .

"families are forever"

I am learning that sometimes forever has to be worked at.

A home was devastated this past week in neighboring town. A young mother, 38, was given a week to live. Cancer. She passed last Wednesday. But families are forever. She waits for the rest of her young brood to follow her someday to her eternal dwelling. She will meet them at the gate. I believe. I believe!

I have chased a bunny trail, I am afraid. I intended to share some of my favorite reads. Works that have moved my heart to better places. Phrases that have opened understanding and helped bring healing to my mind. I thought you might be encouraged by these works as well.

One of my all time favorite devotionals is Tozer on the Holy Spirit, a 366-Day Devotional compiled by Marilynne E. Foster. Tozer is one of the very best writers ever! His works have inspired me so much!!! I have read through this devotional several times and will again. It gives wing to heart!

Other inspirational works that will never leave the nightstand beside my bed:

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg. This book is amazing! I will continue to refer back to it again and again. This book opens understanding.

Crazy Love and Forgotten God two works by Francis Chan. Books that were not written to make one feel comfortable. They are compelling! Very good reads!

Radical by David Platt. This book will stir you right out of your comfort zone. It challenges to the core! One of my favorite things about it is that he gives a plan to help you shake out of the zone. I LOVE that! The cover says, "This is a must read for every believer!" Great idea!!!

Prayer, the Heart's True Home and The Celebration of Discipline by Richard J. Foster. Life changing works! These books are powerful and packed with wisdom! I love both of them and refer to them again and again.

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I am reading this right now, nearing the end of it. Ann shares deep wisdom with beautiful phrases. I have drawn little pencil hearts all over the pages of my copy. Those little hearts mark the God inspired wisdom that Ann has received after praying through difficult times. I love this book. It is a treasure!

Choosing to See by Mary Beth Chapman. I could hardly put this book down! Mary Beth is honest and real and shares her heart very openly. My favorite part of this book was seeing how the Lord blessed this family with assurance after they lost their little girl. Their story is awesome. The Lord is magnified through this work. It is a blessing to read! I hesitated picking it up for fear that it would be too sad . . . it has it's sad times, but the next minute I would have tears from laughter. This is a great book!

Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge. This book is amazing! It is definitely among my very favorite reads if all time! I cannot recommend this book enough! It has drawing power to take you to the deeper waters of the Spirit. I love this book!

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo. I read this book in one day. It is amazing!!! The first chapter or two were hard for me. Once I got beyond those two difficult chapters I could not stop!!! The sub-title says, "A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back". I believe there is integrity in this work. I believe that you will be blessed by this read!

Going to read soon:

Between a Rock and a Grace Place by Carol Kent. I read Carol's When I Lay My Isaac Down which is amazing. It is a must read for mother's who of prodigal children. It is liberating!!! I am looking forward to more of Carol's written messages. I got to hear her speak recently at an E-Women conference. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her testimony will stretch you!

Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst. I am looking forward to this read. Lysa's writing is awesome. She has touched my life in a multitude of ways! I am so thankful for her ministry!!! It has made a difference for me! She also has dvd's and a workbook for this book. It is on the New York Times bestseller list. I am expecting great things from this work.

There are so many more wonderful books that I have read that were written by some amazing authors. I did not list fiction this time, I do read fiction, and I love it!!! But I guess I always come back to the non-fiction stuff the most.

Would you let me know if you choose to read one these great books? Will you come back and let me know your thoughts? I would love that!!! Not only do I love to read, I love to share what I have read. That is probably my favorite part! Rich blessings!

Bloomin' Joy

2011-04-26T08:03:00.001-05:00

Joy! Feeling JOY in my being today! Stuff has been pushed out of the way . . . stuff that hinders and suppresses the Joy that comes from the Spirit! Today I am feeling joy bubbling, doing a happy dance in my soul! Circumstances are pretty much the same, but the load has been shifted. It is off of my shoulders. The One who now carries the load, He can manage the load! I am celebrating! Freedom of heart has come! Someone says, "Settle down!"

"No Way!!!"

The tomb is empty and my heart is full of LIFE! Death was not a difficult foe for God! Sin is painful and gives death license to rule. Sin had to be defeated. Jesus had defeated the first death before the cross. "Lazarus, rise!" Death surrendered to the Word of Life! The second death was defeated in the tomb of Jesus. Eternal death. Death that is a result of sin, defeated!!! Jesus defeated eternal death so that we might have eternal hope of heaven with Him!

Did you know that there are two deaths? When our flesh dies that is the first death. Most of us will experience this one. The second death happens when we stand before God and He says, "You cannot come in here. I do not know you!" However, there is good news! You do not have to experience the second death! Jesus defeated the second death and God was pleased with His sacrifice. Do you believe that? If you do, tell Him so right now! You have said that before? Tell Him again! He doesn't mind hearing it over and over again! Tell Him you believe!!! When we believe, we will stand before God when our flesh dies and Jesus will step up and say about us, "I know you, good and faithful servant, enter into your rest." That is our escape from the second death. Are you jumping up and down yet???

How are you feeling today? Feeling JOY?

There is hope, my friend. I have been in a war lately. Hurting, struggling, disappointed, frustrated, etc. Now my focus has shifted! It has been readjusted and hope is blooming in my heart! Our time here is short! Eternity with Him is forever!

Nothing is impossible with God!!! The tomb is empty! Let's believe! And walk in JOY! Celebrate!!!

One Thing

2011-04-20T09:42:00.001-05:00

I read a devotion this morning that was penned by Charles H. Spurgeon over one hundred years ago. It is truth that resonates with the deepest parts of who I am. I needed to hear this message. I thought perhaps you would be inspired by it as well. My advice, pray before reading, pray during your reading, meditate, and pray after reading it. These are rich, rich thoughts, a deep well of cool water. I offer this cup to you. Blessings!

One Thing is Needful

One thing is needful. This one thing, according to this passage, is faith in Christ Jesus, the sitting down at the Master's feet, the drinking in His Word. If I may expand for a minute the "one thing," without seeming to make twenty things out of that which is but one, I will refer it to the possession of a new life. This life is given to us when by the power of the Holy Ghost we are created anew in Christ Jesus, and it develops itself into a simple confidence in Jesus, in a hearty obedience to Jesus, in a desire to be like Jesus, and in a constant yearning to be near Jesus. "One thing is needful;" that one thing is salvation, wrought in us by the Holy Ghost, through faith, which is in Jesus Christ our Lord. The new heart, the right spirit, a filial fear of God, love to Jesus . . . this is the "one thing needful." . . . Ten thousand things are convenient; thousands of things are desirable; but there is one thing, one only thing, the one thing we have described to you, of which our Saviour speaks as the "one thing needful." And oh how needful this one thing is! Charles Hadden Spurgeon

Luke 10:41-42 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."

More Than Filling a Page

2011-04-07T08:54:00.002-05:00

I have a goal this year. So far, I am on target to memorize the book of Colossians in one year by tackling two verses a week. It has been hard, hard work for me. I have had to be extremely repetitious and diligent in order to get the words to "stick to the pan". That is the phrase I pray when I am working on a verse that is difficult. Have you ever cooked and had a mess of eggs or gravy or something stick to a pan and it was really hard to scrub off? Me too! So I ask the Lord to make these words that I am working on to "stick to the pan of my brain". I have had to ask Him for that on almost every verse.

It is really something, though, when He makes it stick to my heart. A miracle has happened many times over the last few months . . . a miracle of revelation that only God can give. I pray that the transformation process that is happening on the inside of me will be obvious to the outside world one of these days.

It happened this morning. I am working on the final three verses of chapter one and this verse nearly leapt off the page at me:

"To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me." Colossians 1:29

Should I share with you what that verse did to me? Or should I urge you to say it over and over, out loud, at least 100 times (like I have) and see what it does to you? Go ahead, write it down and say it over and over again. It will make much more sense if you read the previous verses. Paul is talking about admonishing and teaching. He is talking about disciplining, sharing the gospel, with sacrifice, for the sake of Jesus and His body, the church.

The verses in chapter one are so powerful! Paul didn't write to fill a page, he wrote words that would change the world.

I guess I had to ask, to what end am I strenuously contending? Am I adequately using the "energy which Christ so powerfully works in me"? I am humbled by Paul's words.

I have had a dream to write for more years than I can count. I don't want to write to fill pages with worthless thoughts. I want to write words that will strengthen the His body, the church. Help me to do that, Lord! Infuse me with Your energy to admonish and teach Your word. For Your glory!

At the Foot of the Cross

2011-03-30T05:45:00.006-05:00

If I had been at the foot of the cross that day when Jesus was dying to save my soul from the pit of destruction, what group would I have been in?

Would I have been next to His mother, letting her squeeze my hand through her agony, and use my sleeve to wipe tears of sorrow away? Would I have been among the women who followed Him with all of their hearts who would not leave Him in the hour of His great suffering?

Would I have been standing with the mockers with the word "crucify" still lingering on my tongue, with my heart brimming with satisfaction as I watched Him carry a cross loaded with the invisible weight of sin upon His torn and mangled back?

Or would I have been with those gambling for His garments, the ones wanting to take home a souvenir? Would I have been willing to gamble and feel lucky should I walk away with a piece of cloth that He had worn? After all, wasn't this the garment that the sick touched and were healed from? Surely it would be a priceless treasure someday. Would that have been enough for me?

Perhaps some of the ones who mocked were the ones He had passed by, the ones who still had sickness in their homes, or loved ones who had been buried. Perhaps they had not been protected from the storms and tragedies of life. Perhaps He had walked passed them on the street and did not heal their blindness, or sorrow, or cover their shame. But He was dying for them on the cross. Their sin was included in the invisible load. Their eternity was being purchased with His blood now spilling before their eyes.

How long did the garments survive that they stripped from Him that day? One thousand years? Where are they now? Does it matter?

What perspective do you have at the foot of the cross? I have been imagining myself there with the various groups who were once gathered. As I reflect upon this horrible/wonderful day in time, I am perplexed of heart and soul. Whatever group I might have gravitated to at the foot of the cross, whatever place I would have chosen for myself, my Lord Jesus would have died for me. He would have carried the weight of my sin to the cross so that I could be saved from my sinful self, my life of destruction, despair and darkness. He would have gone to the cross so that I could have eternal life . . . Even when I was rejecting Him, He was dying to save me.

Jesus is a giver. What do I want from Him?

I want to know that He is near.

I want to have something to give . . . something deeper and more precious and more eternal than a piece of His garment.

I want to love Him enough to share with Him in His suffering.

And I want to share my eternal life with Him.

Can you imagine yourself with me on that day when Jesus suffered? You and I are standing at the foot of the cross.

Did you just hear Him say, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Can we do anything but run to Him?

I am reposting this as a submission for a She Speaks scholarship contest. She Speaks is a ministry of Proverbs 31 Ministries which is designed to encourage women who are commissioned by God to write, speak, and lead women, equipping them to become more effective leaders. Ann Voskamp , from Holy Experience has offered this possibility. I read Ann's blog which are some of the most inspiring moments of my day. Her book One Thousand Gifts is destined to be a Christian classic. Other contestants. Please check out the other contestant's blogs. I am certain you will be blessed. Thanks for stopping by. Cheri

Living Proof

2011-03-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

One daughter and her husband are moving through this day with heavy hearts. Their friend didn't think he could take it here anymore. He was angry with his parents so he decided to climb the rails of a bridge and jump off. He would kill himself. That would hurt them bad enough! He never thought about the other people in his life that he would hurt.

I wonder what he is thinking now. Would he undo this if he could?

How can one get to this point?

Life is stinkin' hard sometimes! Is it not?

Have you ever wanted to ascend the rail of a bridge and end it all?

Have you ever been that discouraged, hurt, or angry? I hope not!

I sit here and ponder, how can I encourage you?

I must admit, there have been hard times in my life. And a time or two I begged the Lord to end my life and take me home! I did! I really did! It was in desperate times, times that I really couldn't see up or down or in or out or any other way around hard! It felt like life was going to be that way forever! But it wasn't. The devastating season of hard finally came to an end . . . oh, not the screeching halt I pleaded for, but gradually it all got better. Right now I am in the season of happy and fun and good. And THANKFUL for the Lord being my anchor in the season of hard, because if He had not, I would have probably found my way to the rail of a bridge and would not be writing this right now.

Is today another hard day? Are there seemingly hundreds of hard days behind you and as far as you look you cannot see anything but hard days ahead of you? Can I tell you more about my Anchor? The One who kept me from the rail of a bridge? He can walk you through to happy days. I am living proof!

Winner!!!!

2011-03-18T14:07:00.000-05:00

Dear Sweet Ladies!
I have a winner!!!
Thank you all for leaving a comment. I LOVE hearing from you more than I love writing! My husband drew the name for me and Susan, you are the winner!!! I will be sending the book to you very soon! I hope that you all will read it and be extremely blessed.
A young woman stopped by my house the other day and saw the book on my end table. She asked my thoughts about it. She had heard the audio version of the book and was tremendously inspired!!! I wish I had read such a book when I was in my late teens! I might have chosen a different course in life. I am thrilled for her!
We chatted about it for awhile and by the time she left we were all stirred up again! Let's live RADICAL for Jesus!!!
Blessings to all!
Cheri

Divine Encounter

2011-03-15T13:13:00.000-05:00

Some encounters are designed to change your life forever. Today I had such an encounter. I met Andy Barrick via phone and in the first short minutes of our visits I was certain that I was experiencing a Divine Appointment. Please watch the video link that tells the story of his family's testimony. I promise, no matter where you might be in your walk with the Lord, it will draw you closer. Watch to the very, very end, past Del Tacket's final word. Be blessed in every way. I am confident you will.
The most important encounter we will ever make is with Jesus. Do you know Him? If not, He is wanting you to. Run into His glorious embrace. You will never be sorry that you did!

http://bcove.me/xss1ru15

Radical

2011-03-12T11:20:00.000-06:00

I am reading the book Radical by David Platt. It is messing me up, shaking some stuff loose, jolting my theology all over the place. I ordered ten more copies to share with others. Would you like one? Leave a comment below and I will have a drawing this next Friday. The winner will receive a copy.

I talked to a friend this morning who has not read this book, but he is living radically for Christ. He has a joy in his voice that is rarely expressed in most Christian voices. He is lost in love with Jesus and His Word and His people and His Work and he can't quit expressing and testifying to what he is witnessing in his life. He is living a radical lifestyle for Christ!!!

There is freedom in this kind of living.

There is tremendous joy in this kind of living.

Why do we hold on to so much?

Why am I holding on to so much?

This little book is so good, I promise you will not be able to put it down. It is on the New York Best seller list.
Thank God!!!

Your thoughts?

Unconditional

2011-03-01T08:54:00.003-06:00

I hardly ever get to see her. It is a busy season for her at work now and I barely get to hear her voice. The mug she gave me the last time I saw her sits on the cabinet, every day, I cannot bear to put it away.

When she was growing up, we had a red plate with a message on it. A white pen came with the plate so that you could write special occasions or achievements on the back of the plate recording the reason for the use of it on special days. We never wrote on the back of it. We never used it for those kind of days, we wanted it to be far more special than that. The pen is forever lost without ever having been used.

We believe that you are special every day so every one in the family could have used the plate every day, but we only had one plate. So, we, with joy would bring out the plate and surprise someone when we were setting the table on ordinary days. It was never planned, always random, always fun. It was one way of demonstrating unconditional love. It was a blessing to the recipient, one of our seven, to come to dinner and find the you are special today plate at their place at the table. Just because!

Sometimes the plate was set before a special visitor.

I was a young mom when I first used a red "you are special today" plate. Aunt Jane set her red plate at my place when I was a visitor in her home. I don't remember how I purchased our plate, nor do I know where.It might have been a gift from Aunt Jane. I really can't remember. It has been in our family so long it is part of home in our house.

Ashli, my daughter, was asked about family traditions by her mother-in-law, "We had a red plate . . ." she began to tell the story, minutes later, they entered a gift store and there was a table fully set with red dinnerware, all saying "You are Special Today". Cups, plates, bowls, pitchers . . . everything! Her mother-in-law had never heard of the Red Plate. Ashli had never heard of the whole set of dishes.

Ashli said that she wanted to buy the whole set, but of course resisted, but "had to" buy the mug for me.

When you come for tea, I will be happy to share my red plate with you and pour you a steaming cup of flavored tea in my new red mug.

Thank you, Aunt Jane, for sharing your red plate idea with me so very long ago! My family has benefited greatly. Thank you, Ashli, for purchasing a mug for me. When I see it I think of you and how special you are to me!!!

Fifty Things

2011-02-17T11:17:00.000-06:00

"Can you meet me at the Coffee House in the morning? I have something for you."

She is all sweetness in every way. Everyone loves her, who could help but?

I meet her when morning comes and we talk, and talk, and talk. Has it been years since we had a moment like this? No, but it feels like it. Words are deep and meaningful, quickly they shift to light and fluffy talk. Friend Corrie joins our fun. We laugh, really laugh. We are enjoying the richness of fellowship . . . heart to heart . . . and it deepens the unity in us.

Morning flies while we are absorbed in matters of heart, all too soon, it is time to go.

"This is your birthday gift, for you. I'm sorry it is late it took some time to put together," she hands me beautiful bags filled with treasure.

My heart is already blessed to brim. She is a gift to me, and I am so thankful.

She said that she got the idea from Hallmark.

She cut out hearts and wrote sweet messages on them, 50 things that she loves about me. She placed them in this beautiful punch bowl. Red cellophane wrapping brings the bowl to life and deep inside are hearts with messages scripted, just for me, 50 of them.

I don't know when I have ever been given such a precious gift.

I had a birthday a few weeks ago, I am 50 now, so she thought of 50 things.

A long time ago, I decided that this would be my year of jubilee. I made a choice to celebrate what is behind me, and celebrate what is to come, and be happy about it all.

But I must admit to you, it has been a harder one, this birthday. It really has.

The fifty hearts with script from the heart of a friend that brought soothing balm to the space I am in. Her beautiful words brought humility to my very being and I just had to bow down and say, "Thank You Dear God! Thank YOU!"

There was so much to thank Him for, it was completely overwhelming.

Perhaps we have a crowd of witnesses here, not just in heaven (Hebrews 12). Her thoughts make me believe so.

I want to pass this on, you know, for someone who might need words from a friend. Words of encouragement, words of life, and inspiration. Powerful, beautiful, loving words. There are beautiful ways to love . . .

Thank you, my dear beautiful friend, and sister in the Lord, Christina! The world is better because of YOU!
Loving, grateful blessings! You have given me exemplary example to follow! Much love to you, Cheri

Pondering Seven Branches/Candlestick

2011-02-09T16:50:00.000-06:00

"As the incense table was a type of their aspect towards God, as intercessors, so the seven-branched candlestick was a type of their aspect towards the world, as luminaries . . ." F.B.Meyer (referring to the lampstand in the holy of holies).

Seven-branched candlestick . . . luminaries . . .

let us be light

illuminating where holy is holy

and where life is like night, barren of celestial planets sharing glory with earth

let us "shine like stars in the universe"

and Matthew 25 . . . sleepy virgins with lamps, five ready for journey

five pretending there is time . . .

let us be like the seven-branched candlestick filled

with fresh oil, pressed, clear for burning, fuel for holy fire that strengthens weary soldiers

luminaries

seven luminaries (my daily prayer), eight, nine, ten, and every branch following

filled and ready to shine . . . for eternity

Mission

2011-02-01T12:38:00.002-06:00

"There are all kinds of mission fields," I said looking into his beautiful blue eyes.It was the first thing that came to mind when he told me that he would be joining the Navy. We sow seed as we walk the path of life.

I dressed him in his first sailor hat and suit when he was 6 months old. His Noah's ark toy was next to him. "Click, flash," his smile was big for the camera. Did the Lord already know then?

We homeschooled when he was five. He was learning to read and write and memorize scripture and I loved being his mom and teacher and the love of his life . . . at that time. He loved stories, stories about George Washington were his favorite. I found a gorgeous bronze colored porcelain bust of George at a flea market. I decided to decorate Josiah's bedroom with an Americana theme. George was placed on his dresser.

Piece by piece old paper was taken off the walls, piece by itty-bitty piece. Then we painted. I put a border of vintage American flags near the ceiling. It was beautiful! It was then that I found a wool navy shirt in a flea market. It was beautiful. I hung it up in his bedroom with other pretty decor that I can't even remember now. I will never forget that uniform! Was it seed? I was oblivious.

I keep pondering. I intentionally sowed seeds of faith into my children's lives. I purposefully sowed love and compassion for the lost, broken, and needy. I meant for them to learn patriotism and tenderness for others from me . . . but I did not intentionally sow seeds that would inspire a desire for serving our country into the heart of my son.

I am too selfish. I realized this when he pulled out his dog tag, saying, "Mom, I want you to see this."

There was his name, and other pertinent information, then I saw it, what he wanted me to see. Stamped in silver it said, "Christian" across the bottom of the dog tag. "They put this there so that if anything happens to me . . . " I cut in, "I know." I hug him. He doesn't see my tears. I am proud and honestly, I am scared, so I pray all kinds of prayers, big prayers, whispered prayers, tearful and happy prayers.

The most important prayer is that his work will be done here as the Lord would will it. That he would have the integrity of Uriah, the tenacity of David, the obedience of Gideon, the courage of Joshua, and the armor of Ephesians 6, because

there are all kinds of mission fields. I want him to hear the Lord say someday, "Well done, sailor, welcome into your rest," after he has lived about 100 earth years.

Sharing Birthdays

2011-01-27T17:35:00.000-06:00

We shared a special day.

I was born fifteen minutes before midnight. My mother had been in labor for many, many hours (she reminds me) and finally I emerged from birth waters into the arms of the doctor just a few short minutes before the turn of the day. Therefore, I was brought into the world on my grandmother's 42nd birthday, her first grandchild of seven. Whew! I barely made it!

Being born on her birthday was one of the greatest gifts that the Lord ever bestowed on both of us.

January was always a lean month, especially when I was a child. Christmas gift giving and extra food for holiday celebrations had usually squeezed all of the extra out of spending and most of my birthday gifts were insignificant. In fact, I don't remember any of the gifts that I received on my birthday. Well, I do remember a beautiful winter coat that I received the year I was in middle school. I had drooled over the picture of it in the Sears catalogue for hours and hours. I couldn't believe it when I found it hanging in my bedroom. That beautiful warm coat was an exception. My mother was very conscious of our lack and always fretted about my gifts being small, but I never thought of it that way. Grandma, one of my favorite people in the whole world, shared my birthday and that was a wonderful gift to me.

She died when I was 42 years old on a very hot summer day. Days before her death, she had a vision that she was dancing with Jesus. "Right there," she pointed her long finger to a spot on the floor at the end of her hospital bed, "we were right there dancing, He and I. Surely someone saw us." My grandma was not demented in her final days. I always believed her story and I treasure the memory of her tale.

I turned fifty last week, this is my year of Jubilee. It has been eight years since Grandma left with her dancing shoes on. Every year I feel the ache of her absence as my life goes on and I keep having birthdays without her.

January 20th is a day that is usually extremely cold, someone is usually sick, and everyone's pockets are nearly empty, but I wouldn't want any other day to be my birthday. One of these days, when I stop celebrating my birthdays here, I will witness with my own eyes, Grandma dancing with Jesus. Reunited, we will celebrate our born again birthday together with all the hosts of heaven because that is the birthday that really matters.

"Your days for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16

Patience

2011-01-11T09:56:00.001-06:00

I folded the hem on the scrap of cloth just so. I folded it at least ten times before she was satisfied.

"Now make tiny stitches, like so, in and out, in and out. Here, you try."

Grandma was teaching me to sew on a 9x9 scrap of cloth that would be nothing. It wasn't even a pretty piece of cloth. What a waste, I thought.

I wanted to sew like her. I wanted to be able to look at a picture of a really cute dress, make a pattern out of paper, pin it to a favorite fabric, cut it out and sew one for myself. She thought it a great idea to teach me.

She wouldn't let me begin my sewing hobby by making a dress. I was impatient with her method of small beginnings.

My ten year old mind did not enjoy the mundane and I totally lacked the vision for where this rediculous
task might take me. As a result, I am not the gifted seamstress my grandmother was.

I would get to the end of the "hem" I was sewing on my little square of cloth then present it to the judge, the gifted one, grandma. She would examine it, much like a jeweler inspects a precious stone. The verdict was the same every time, for ten times or more.

"Okay, honey, rip it out now and do it again. Your stitches need to . . ."

It took a lot of patience to learn from her. She was excellent at everything! Originally, I thought she was born that way, but looking back on her method of teaching, I think she taught like she had learned, practice, practice, practice.

Until this moment, I never really considered the patience that it took for her to work with me. Selah moment.

Practice takes patience. Practicing the mundane can lead you to some great places! I wish now that I had stuck with it and let her teach me, but I gave up too soon, and now I live with the result of my impatience.

I would never choose to write on patience, but it seems to be the word that the Lord has stuck in my heart right now.

Love is patient.

Yesterday, someone said to me, "You should never pray for patience!"

They had no idea what has been stewing in my heart.

"Well, I won't! Thank you for reminding me!" I thought.

But the truth is, patience can get you places that impatience cannot. And I want to go to some places; with people, with accomplishments, with God that will take a lot of patience. I desperately need it.

I may not ask God for patience, but I am praying. I am asking Him to fill me with His Spirit. And His Spirit is patient and if He is in me, I will have it when I need it. Thank you, God.

"But let patience have its perfect work; that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4 NKJV

Love Is

2011-01-09T22:51:00.000-06:00

1Corinthians 13

Love IS . . .

The verses aren't about rules or reasons.

They are descriptions

Love Is . . .

meeting us at the threshold is

patience . . .

preceding all others, the genesis of qualities, the captain that

the others follow . . .

patience, the arbor that kindness, humility, and forgiveness must pass through . . .

"the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect, complete, lacking nothing." James 1:3-4

When patience has its perfect work ... kindness, humility, and forgiveness are released from a well of living water within . . . an uncapped well that becomes a fountain and all who drink from it are refreshed.

Patience . . . the benevolence of God.

God is LOVE and LOVE is PATIENT and He is faithful to give us the fruit of Spirit . . . patience.

Under Construction

2011-01-04T07:57:00.000-06:00

"End of Construction ... thank you for your patience." (as written on Ruth Bell Graham's tombstone you can see below)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/doxieone/5152341596/?reg=1&src=fave

She is gone but she has left a message, an unconventional sermon, which was so Ruth!

I stood over her tombstone pondering her gratitude, her wit, her grace.

Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of world renown evangelist, Billy Graham, ministered to me that day. That was four years ago and her words still speak to my soul.

I love new beginnings. I love that January causes so many to reflect on the past, and look on the present as opportunity to redirect and pursue new goals. I have been in that rank for many years.

This year is different for me. I feel like I am under construction.

"Aren't we always?" you might ask.

Yes, we are, and Ruth would agree. But this year is different. The work I need is major!

I feel like an old, broken down homestead that is in much need of repair. Windows are broken, floors are sagging, doors lean against walls or cover holes in floors instead of hanging securely in place, plumbing and electricity need repair or replaced and ... the list is endless.

However, I have really good news. The Lord is not going to tear down the house. He is in the process of reconstructing as I write.

I am doing some things to help Him with the process, but I must tell you, that, mostly, I am letting Him do the work.

Some of the construction is moving right along. He has helped me to get some garbage out. There is some woodwork that has been restored. The stripping came first, then the stain. Some of it is tedious requiring patience for both of us.

There was a heaping pile of pride, so, so large, He has removed dump truckloads at a time. Just when I think He has gotten it all, the truck comes around the corner for another load!

How I despise the smelly stuff!!!

So, I am committed to taking one day at a time. I am listening. Following the lead of the Master Craftsman.

I join my grateful heart with Ruth's in saying, "thank you for your patience."

Nativity

2010-12-24T09:30:00.001-06:00

We celebrate because He Lives! Merry Christmas!

The Gift of Healing

2010-12-18T06:24:00.000-06:00

I love stories of reconciliation. Relationships can be most challenging. Isn't it awesome when a broken one finally begins to be woven back together? It is often difficult to find the very thing that will restore and bring healing to a severed bond.

Susan Panzica, my soulmate, invited me to return to her blog, Eternity Cafe today. Please pop over and visit her 40 Days of Christmas where I share how the Lord inspired a way to mend a broken relationship that I had with a member of our family. It inspires me to keep seeking Him for other relationships in my life where I haven't discovered what it will take to restore that which has been broken ... yet.

I am so thankful that the Lord coming has brought to us the ministry of reconciliation. God to man, man to God, and oh Lord, help us, man to man. The Lord is amazing, as you will see in my post, The Gift of Healing. Prayerful blessings!

Cheri

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2010-12-14T10:13:00.002-06:00

An angel spoke ... a handmaid humbled herself, bowing low to receive heavenly words, life altering words, brimming with redemption. Holy encounter sealed calling of great price.
"Holy Spirit will overshadow you and you will give birth" ...
Fruit of Spirit lay nestled in womb until the time of His revealing.
A handmaid heard ... sleeping world lay deaf to expectation.

Shepherds heard ... angels declaring promises, heavenly words of peace for men's souls. While hearing, angels words of proclamation transformed to dancing words, songs of rejoicing filling heavenly skies ...
Shepherds heard ... sleeping world lay deaf to Divine revelation.

Simeon heard Spirit of God ... Deliverer would be arriving, Simeon waited, anticipation rising, expectation filling every fiber of being, eyes seeking until door of temple opened and handmaid, arms filled with heavenly promise, caught his eye ...
Simeon heard ... sleeping church lay deaf to anticipation.

Humble folk heard Godwords ...
What were they doing when they heard celestial voices ...
was handmaid washing stained garments? Dishes? Changing a siblings diaper?
were shepherds counting sheep? Poking one another in fun? Perusing mountains for ravage beasts?
was Simeon dutifully stoking fire on altar at temple? Counting offerings in the treasury? Dusting scrolls and putting them in order?

Were they tending to humdrum life with faithfulness when the Lord saw and with joy blessed their mundane moment with awe?

Almost twenty years ago I was was going to have a baby. I was bedridden, sick, so sick, with four very active children playing around me. I could hardly move. I rested my heavy laden body, burdened with child and pain on our couch. I waited. Difficult day followed difficult day. Several days before bringing our newest joy into the world, I had a revelation ... a silent voice powered with knowing ... the child would be a boy. Instruction was clear, "make Christmas photo cards with a nativity on them". My children would depict a handmaiden, a faithful carpenter, tiny shepherds, and a baby Jesus. Of course LambsyChops would represent a lamb in the manger scene.

Christmas cards from twenty years ago have been framed and continue to rest on mantles in homes around the country every year. Celestial spoke to simple and simple and others are still being blessed.

No one heard what Mary heard ... she had to share it ... Mary did not hear what shepherds heard ... they had to tell her. She did not hear what Simeon heard ... he was bursting with news ... you might never hear what I heard ... I hope you didn't mind that I wanted to share ...

We may not hear the same thing ... but hosts from heaven speak ... sometimes so that we can hear. We will hear, sometimes when we are listening for a voice of instruction, and sometimes when life is mundane or even hard.

Have you ever been inspired by heavenly voices? Your sharing would be a gift that I would love to open this Christmas.

My prayer for all, Word of God speak ...

Excuse me, the mundane calls ... must go and work out!

Merry Christmas Blessings!

Cheri

Sharing Christmas

2010-12-08T05:40:00.000-06:00

My friend Susan asked me to be a guest on her blog today. I hope you have been following her forty days of Christmas where she has been posting wonderful Christmas devotions. I am humbled to share her vision. You may visit me there today. Forty days of Christmas . Many blessings to you, sweet friends. Cheri

Christmas Lamb

2010-12-07T07:49:00.000-06:00

   A Lamb was born on Christmas night ...

   Born to give His life that others might live ...

   "Who for the joy set before Him endured the

   cross ..."

   Angels sang to shepherds praises about

   a Lamb, born to die, that men might live

   forever ...

   Shepherds said, "Let us go now ... "

   and they came with haste ...

   and they found the Babe (Lamb) ...

   then they told everyone they saw.

   All who heard marveled ...

Words

2010-11-30T22:28:00.002-06:00

The Lord whispered to me Sunday morning, "you need to ask her to forgive you ... ".

He didn't tell me why ... no need to ... my conscience has been wringing its hands and wringing its hands causing much grief and bother.

Words I had spoken had crossed boundaries that were not permissible. I was weary with wrenching of soul.

He did not rant, rave, throw a fit, or even try to hurt my feelings. He just wanted me to get it right.

Lots of sorrow had moved into me. It was stealing my peace ... filling me with regret.

So when He spoke, it moved me to a different path ... the right one ... the one He always treads. Suddenly I wanted her to hear my sorrow and know my regrets. They were a burdensome load. Confession had power to loose their hold on me.

Later that morning, I crossed the threshold of church looking for her face among the followers. Where was she? I couldn't find her so I went through the motions of service, wearing my cloak of heaviness.

There was lots of greeting with happy hugs, worship following, then sitting down with attentive ear, we listened to the message of the morning.

Words ... the message was about words ... about their boundaries ... things that should be spoken ... things that should not.

The Lord's whisper that had exhorted me earlier in the day was being confirmed by the preacher. It was time to right a wrong. Time to humble myself and admit that the bit on my tongue had gotten loose, unnecessary fires had been started. Fires that needed to die. (James 3:1-12)

I talked to her today. I couldn't hold it in any longer. I needed to be free.

Pent up, anxious words were finally released as she attentively listened to my plea ...

"I am so sorry! My words crossed boundaries. Please, please forgive me!"

"Without hesitation!" she exclaimed, setting this captive girl free.

Then I ran to Him, "Lord, please forgive me!"

"Without hesitation," He replied.

Oh, the power of words!

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3

Offering

2010-11-28T08:19:00.000-06:00

What may I offer You in this sanctuary of worship? What is it that would please Your heart most? I ask for grace to bring You fruit ... the fruit of Your Spirit ...

   love born of sacrifice
   joy blooming, full measure, complete
   peace of heart, resting in gratitude


   patience, stilled soul, full of grace
   kindness, giving and forgiving, voiced love
   goodness, a standard exalted

   gentleness, whispers of mercy, tender touch
   faithfulness, anchor of heart
   self-control, self bowing to Spirit

Oh, Lord of the heavens, would You but give me this one grace ...
that I may bring You an offering of a Spirit filled vessel, this jar of clay, brimming with fruit to worship You? Will You take it and feed hungry for Spirit nations ... fill and make full and pour ...

"Only that which is born of Spirit is spirit. The flesh can never be converted into spirit,no matter how many church dignitaries work on it. Confirmation, baptism, holy communion, confession of faith ... none of these nor all of them together can turn flesh into spirit nor make a son of Adam a son of God." Tozer

"A sinner cannot grow into repentance. God's power puts him there, and being there, then he grows in grace." Tozer

   " ... be filled with the Spirit ..."

Together: Bible Study Fellowship

2010-11-18T15:51:00.002-06:00

We quiet our chatter and share praises and needs. We are about to join our hearts in prayer. The Lord is attentive to our cares that we knit into one garment of praise. We hand Him the garment of prayer. Mysteriously, concern is replaced with confidence. Together, we have felt Him hear us.

We return to place of study. Our Bibles open to a familiar place. We will linger here for now. We are camped at a watering hole. We nurture one another with drink. How can we learn so much from so few words.

"Rejoice always"

Two words, acting as musical schoolmasters, training our soul to sing harmony with Spirit. We lingered here for a measure of time.

"Pray without ceasing"

Three words, a trinity of passion for prayer, exhorting us to meet at table, often, with the One who nourishes soul. We find a staying place. We will wait while we grow here.

The cloud moves ...

"in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Breath of gratefulness defeats a host of fears and doubt. We polish shield of faith while camped at the banks of this drinking spot. A cup runs over and spills into mine as we share the wine of the Word. I am filled ... yet want to return, knowing there is more to be poured from the pitcher. We rest in this place.

Well rested we rise.

"Do not quench the Spirit"

Our listening ear is quickened, to follow Him we must hear Him ... then obey Him. Living faith follows the footsteps of Jesus ... in His shadow you follow where He leads You. We repent here. We don't make a scene, but we have all experienced moments of hesitation, times of resistance. Rod and Staff persuade us to return to the path. Willingly we make our way.

"Do not despise prophecies"

It is here we stop for now. It will take a few days to unlock the meaning of these few words. I listen to my brothers and sisters, their words filling my wisdom cellar. They have moved the tent pegs of my heart with new meanings. It is here we will return next week.

Knowledge puffs the proud, I sit among the humble. They speak truth with grace. The room is full with love for the Savior, His Word, and each other.

English lace veils windows, ceiling to floor, in the front room of our home. I pass by the lacy veils at midday when rays of sun flirt with patterns of ivy and roses. I return at sunset when sun blazes through. Orange of sky brings depth to beauty, adding more to much.

It also happens to us. Our little group of friends linger on passages, verses with few words, that have beautiful meanings. As we wait, depth is added to beauty, much becomes more and it changes the glow of our souls. We regather to study, full of rejoicing, prayerful,with grateful hearts, full of the Spirit, willing ... (well, hopefully) because we have lingered, allowing ourselves to be changed by a few powerful words. Together.

.

Grateful

2010-11-16T09:07:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving is coming soon. It will be the first year that all of our children will be away. There will be three of us ... four ... maybe if my younger brother decides to join Scotty, mom and I. We are trying not to be sad and count every reason to be thankful. We have 10 million reasons to be grateful, we know this.

Our youngest left for the navy yesterday. I glance across the kitchen and there is his cap hanging on the back of the chair. My heart aches with missing him.

I am selfish in my sadness. Selfish and silly, I guess. I turn my thoughts to those who have told their children goodbye and they will not see them again until heaven.

Caleb's best friend, Brock, died last year on Thanksgiving Day. My heart hurts for his momma. She is missing her sweet boy.

My friend, Carla, lost her little girl, Asya, a 6 year old, eleven months ago today. Eleven months ago at this moment I was standing over Asya's little body telling her that I loved her ... telling her goodbye. This morning my heart is breaking for her momma.

Would you please join me in praying for these momma's who are missing their children? Their sorrow is great. Please pray that they will feel the Lord's embrace.

The Priestly Garment/Part Three

2010-11-15T07:17:00.010-06:00

I decided to skip part two of this trilogy and share part three with you, my favorite part. I hope it blesses you. Compose

Dialogue with Aaron continues:

"Of blue, purple, and scarlet thread they made the garments of ministry, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord had commanded Moses." Exodus 39:1

Aaron, you are going to be the one called into the holy place. God has commanded your brothers to fashion a garment for you. It is beautiful, woven with royal colors. You will be given a title, High Priest. You will see God again. He will meet with you there. He is going to make you look good.

He will even, once again, trust you with gold.

Verse 2: "He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and of fine woven linen. And they beat the gold into thin sheets and cut it into threads, to work it in with with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen, into artistic designs."

Threads of gold, Aaron, do you believe it? Were those golden threads supposed to remind you of something from your past? Were they to remind everyone else? Or were they purely a demonstration of mercy. I wonder what the craftsmen were thinking when they were hammering that gold into thread for the garment that you would be wearing. Did they think about you and that cow?

Was God saying, "I know you misused gold before, but I am going to weave it into the garment that you wear, because I want you to know that I am merciful. I am going to trust with it, again. I want you to come before me with it on. I am going to make you look good. I am going to redeem your past and use the very thing you meant for evil to make you shine!"

As I read through the description of the priestly garments, I was moved to tears with awe! The Lord is a redeemer. He dressed you in the finest of the finest. You did not deserve that honor! You offended the Lord with a huge offense, and yet he called you beyond your past. He covered your shame with His glory. He put you in a position of honor. He brought honor to His name by redeeming yours.

How great is our God, Aaron! Mighty to save! Full of mercy!

What was it like for you the first time you went into that holy place as a representative for the people of God? I just wonder your thoughts? Did you once think, "I am not worthy of this honor!"

Oh, Aaron, how I can relate to you! I have been chosen by a holy God, delivered from a horrible pit of destruction, set upon a firm Rock, and I am treated by God as if I had never sinned. He pours mercy on my life every day I breath. He speaks to me as if I had never wronged Him, shamed Him, or despised Him. That isn't fair to Him! He calls me to a destiny that will bring Him glory, a position of servanthood for His kingdom, a doorkeeper for His house. What an amazing God to be so kind to me.

I know you are relating to my thoughts, Aaron. Probably even more now, since you continually abide in His presence these days.

I need to remember these things. I can get pretty discouraged with myself. And the past, whoa, how it loves to haunt!

Oh, but your testimony gives power to my heart! It encourages me so! I am so thankful that your time of blowing it, big time, was written in the Bible. I needed to see it. I needed read about my redeeming God, who not only forgives, but forgets. Who uses something in my horrible past, for a wonderful future. That gives strength to me, brother. That encourages me, friend. I have learned something about my God and His willingness to forgive through you!

Your priestly attire astounds me. The Lord commanded that pure gold be used over and over for you to wear. But this really got my heart. The Lord had them make you a crown of gold.

Verse 30-31: "Then they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD. And they tied to it a blue cord, to fasten it above the turban, as the Lord had commanded Moses."

You were called into a holy priesthood even though you once created an idol that caused others to stumble. He put a title upon you that declared His holiness. Then He crowned you with it.

And you know what? You couldn't see the words that the Lord put above your head, but others could see. The Lord would continue to remind everyone around you of your redemption with that crown.

Exodus 40:12-"Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of meeting and wash them with water. You shall put the holy garments on Aaron, and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister to Me as priest."

The Lord called you to minister to Him, Aaron. That had to be amazing. Just amazing! What an honor! Could you barely breathe when you went in to behold Him? I wonder. Did you marvel at the mercy seat, the place where He rested. Did you thank Him for saving you, being patient with you, and then placing you in such a place of honor? I imagine you must have. How could you not?

When you formed that golden calf, the priestly garments were far from your imagination, far, far out of reach. But when you put the garments on, there were golden threads to remind you that you were redeemed from your past mistakes.

This is something to think on today. I am going to meditate on the Lord's covering. How lovely. How beautiful. Even glorious! How forgiving.

I would not have chosen you, Aaron, but the Lord did. That is His way.

1 Peter 2:9 says: "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light......"

He is talking about me in that scripture, Aaron, can you believe it? I can't either...not in the natural, but by faith I am reaching for it! I am so thankful that He doesn't leave us behind with our golden calves, but calls us into a future where there is truth and light. And He does it without shame, covering us in His authority, calling us into His dignity, His integrity, and creating a new heart in us with His mercy. Oh, the greatness of our God! How this moves me!

My heart just wants to bow in His presence and give Him praise for He is the One who lifts the lowly. He is the one who is worthy!

We have so much in common, Aaron. We have both been redeemed, forgiven, chosen, called to be ministers unto the Lord, crowned with holiness, dressed in righteousness, and blessed with His presence. How great is our God!

I wouldn't have chosen you, but I wouldn't have chosen me either, but the Lord has. The Lord has!

The Priestly Garment/Part One

2010-11-13T08:43:00.003-06:00

This is a three part series that I posted before. I needed to hear it again and thought it might bless you as well. I will be posting the next two parts in a few days. You might want to reference the chapters in Exodus 24-29. If you follow through to part three I believe you will be blessed. Oh, for the love of His great mercy! How great is our God! Blessings, Cheri

Talking with Aaron:

I can hardly believe it, Aaron! God is so merciful, I wouldn't have chosen you to be priest. Oh, perhaps in the beginning but you blew it! You really did! You destroyed my trust when you got impatient waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain! The people that were in your charge were impatient and you fell into the trap of trying to please them. It can be difficult to stand alone when there is a multitude persuading you, can't it? I can hear you saying:

"I know, I have an idea! A revelation! Let's make something!"

Soon you had gathered gold objects in every form, placed them over a heated fire, and crafted a cow..........to worship.

Aaron, what were you thinking? Did you not see God in Exodus 24:9-18? Do you not recall the moment of parting? Even before that wasn't there something special to recall?

"Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity."

Aaron, YOU SAW GOD! The real God. The LIVING GOD! How could you blow it so bad just forty days later? How could you forget the wondrous experience of seeing God?

Verse 11: "But on the noble of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank."

Okay, Aaron, the Lord not only let you see Him but He also fed you in His presence!!! He let you eat and drink from His table? Oh, will you please tell me what He served? I imagine it to be unforgettable! Heavenly! Beyond any picture I have seen in the best of cookbooks! Beyond the taste of the best of foods available to man! You ate from heaven's table..........WITH THE LIVING GOD!

Is it because the Lord did not choose you to come into His presence? You were not invited into the glory cloud with the Lord like Moses was, tell me, did that bother you?

Verse 12: "Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.' "

I am thinking it might have been different if you had been called into that presence for forty days and nights, Aaron. I don't think Moses would have blown it. Not that he never blew it, but he knew his God and he was faithful to Him. Surely, he would not have formed a calf for the purpose of worship.

Perhaps you all thought Moses was gone forever, taken into heaven, like Enoch. Where did he go? The Word says that your thoughts were that your leader had gone on. Who knew where! And he might never come back. Time for a new leader.

Okay, I get that part! BUT time for a new God? When you just ate with Him at His table! And it wasn't potluck! He provided everything you ate and drank! And it must have been very nourishing because Moses did not eat again for forty days and nights!

The people were restless, weren't they? You needed a solution, didn't you? Think of something fast! "Well, God took our leader, so I will be the leader! Take off your gold and I will make you a new god."

Whoa! And they didn't argue with you! And after you molded and fashioned that calf, they worshiped it, with singing and dancing. Where were the seventy who shared that meal with you? Did even one of them try to persuade you to stop? Think about it? Be patient? Challenge you to consider what you are doing?

Oh, I hope if I had been there I would have. I hope so! But I don't know! I really don't! I don't do well in the wilderness! It challenges me and I sometimes succumb to weakness and temptations that are not normally a problem for me. Perhaps, if I had been you, I would have been persuaded! Oh, but I know the rest of the story and I sure hope not!

I wonder if I would have tossed you my gold and begged you for a god, willingly handing over my earthly treasure entrusting you with it.

The thought rattles me. My flesh can be so weak! That is the scary part. It can forget the wonder of eating at the table of God so quickly! All too soon I can find myself at the feast of my enemy, a god who poses as real! How can I loose sight of truth so quickly?

Aaron, there is hope for you! Moses will intercede for you! Plead your case! Beg for mercy! Many will pay the consequences, but you will live! And the Lord will bless!

You will die in the wilderness, eventually, but not before God trains you and raises you up as an example and calls you to pass on the priesthood.

Tomorrow, I will expose the wonder of your God, Aaron. I am in awe of Him, for many reasons, and I marvel at His way with you.

You fouled up so much and yet He used you! He did not thrust you aside and banish the idea of you being His chosen leader! I would have. I am sorry! I would have trouble trusting you with my people. I would find someone else.

But I am thankful that the Lord worked His way with you and not mine because that means there is hope for me. When I fail Him He is willing to forgive me. He listens to my intercessor, who is His Son, my advocate, who pleads my case and He chooses to trust me again. Praise the Lord! He lets me work for Him though He knows I am human frailty and I can mess up. I can form a false god with my words or opinions and cause the Lord's children to stumble. And yet, He knows that my mistakes can draw me closer to Him. It makes me realize my incredible need for Him. My mistakes make me grateful for my intercessor, Jesus! Grateful for the Holy Spirit! And so, so grateful for my Father God who loves the voice of my advocate! Praise Him!

Estate Sale

2010-11-12T09:54:00.001-06:00

Ashli came home from New York City for the weekend. She gave us reason to pause from our busyness and hang out together. We went to an estate sale. We never do this. It was her first time to get a number at an auction. It was my third.

I am not very good at bidding. Ashli laughed at my attempts and gave me a big hug in front of everyone. She warmed my heart with her patience.

A collector of many years left behind a lot of stuff. It was fun to rummage through and find unique treasures. Together.We had a wonderful day.

Can you guess which one of these articles I brought home?

Ashli is like a fresh wind. She stretches us into new places when she comes home, leading us to places of adventure, forcing us out of our rut, challenging what is familiar. After spending a day among another's left behind treasures, I realized that I could have left it all behind and still brought home treasure. Memories were born in the moments we shared and you can't put a price on that.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroys and where thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21

Confession

2010-11-10T10:03:00.002-06:00

I am old enough to know better.
I should have realized it a ton of years ago, but I had a revelation this weekend that was very helpful.
The thing is, I think everyone else already knows this about me and I am just figuring it out. I feel like I have been standing on a platform in front of a whole Bunch of people with my pants unzipped and everyone can see things that they shouldn't! It is an awful feeling.

I am an expresser.

That is who I am and it makes me cry to think about it.
I think I am probably a leader/expresser which is even more potent.

There are good things about expressers ... it isn't all bad ... but it is much more vulnerable to be one.

I probably make more mistakes with my tongue than most people.

I know that I do. And I don't like that part about being an expresser.

My heart is an open book. I tell about it. What I feel, what I like, what I see ... what is on my heart finds its way to my tongue.

When I don't feel that I have freedom to share I feel all locked up inside. It is a prison of sorts and I feel miserable.

Sometimes I don't know who to trust. If I show others those precious things that are in my heart they have the ability to stomp all over them. And they do ... sometimes ... so I close up and I get all miserable again. It is a painful cycle.

The analytical can pounce on everything said. I have learned that my heart needs a shield from them. I must be wise with the buffer I choose.

Being an expresser doesn't mean that I can't keep a secret. I can and do. I want to be trusted because I want to be able to trust. My own life is the open book.

This is helping me to understand myself a lot better and I am understanding others as well.

Have you ever taken an LEAD test? (Leader/Expresser/Analytical/Dependable) Do you know what you are? How do you feel about it?

The thing is, the Lord made me to be an expresser. What a responsibility! Did He know what He was getting into? The tongue is hard to tame ... for anyone! Oh, but how difficult for an expresser! He and I are going to talk about it this morning. I will let you know what He says!

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1

" ... be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath ..."

"For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body."

"Look upon me and be merciful to me, as your custom is toward those who love Your name." Psalm 119:132

Treasure

2010-11-09T09:09:00.000-06:00

I found a diamond on the sidewalk the other day. It was lying among broken glass but it out-glimmered the many shattered pieces, catching my eye. I am not positive it is a diamond, but it is cut very nicely and is very pretty. It is not a piece of broken glass. It is a gem.
I need to take it to a jeweler so that he might declare it a genuine stone. However, I do not want to be disappointed so I hesitate. It has been a delight to think that I found a diamond on the sidewalk.
I found it in another town that houses multitudes of people. It would be impossible to find the owner, therefore my conscience is clear. I am very sorry for the one who lost it. She must be very sad about losing something precious. I have lost precious stones before and it is very disappointing.
But finding one ... now that is a different story.
When I found this tiny little gem glittering in the sunshine I smiled all over inside. Not because it was going to make me rich. Nor will it make me happy. It was just fun to find something of value on the ground, just there, seemingly waiting to bless me.
I have reveled in the thought of it being real.
I have loved the reaction of my family when I nonchalantly tell them of my find. Their response is worth a million joys. I wish I had each reaction on video. Oh, what fun! Gonna keep enjoying this for awhile.

"I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food." Job 23:12

The Handmaid of the Lord

2010-11-04T11:21:00.001-05:00

I met her the other day, the one I want to be like.

She is beautiful! No, absolutely gorgeous!

Her eyes are so beautiful that you would never notice if she forgot to wear make-up.

She has a radiant smile that makes you feel good all over.

She is a handmaid of the Lord. Genuine. Real through and through.

Not the look of a Hollywood girl.

She really, really loves Jesus. Deeply!

When you look at her, you see something of Him all over her.

As a result, she loves others well.

She doesn't know what I think of her. My deep admiration is tucked away.

How did she get to such a beautiful place in Him?

That amazing place of oozing the Holy Spirit of God everywhere she goes?

When I am with her I am a witness to genuine joy. Peace is present. Love embraces. Gentleness, kindness, goodness ... it is all there. The tasty fruit that nourishes a parched and hollow soul.

Our meeting was life inspiring. Feel like hanging out with her and those she hangs out with forever.

Hoping for a makeover.

Before the Day Gets Away

2010-10-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

Trying to capture the vapor of time is like trying to manage a helium balloon without a string. It longs to escape my grip and float away with wings. I have charted my course, made my plans, and hope a few items will be crossed off my list when at night my pillowed head surrenders to sleep.

Beds are stripped. One set being washed. One set warming in the dryer.
My wish, beds will be tucked back in place by bedtime.

Apple pie is on my mind. Make the crust. Chill in fridge. Buy apples. Peel, cut, slice, sweeten. Bake.

Finish writing project. Write. Edit. Prepare letter. Fold. Stamp. Send.

Warm up leftover Butternut/Acorn Squash soup. Serve with warm garlic toast. mmmmm

Fold, sort, toss, put away, straighten clothes in closet and drawers. Today. Must do.

Take a walk with the man of the house. Brevity of fall is on my mind. Must enjoy.

Dinner. Chili perhaps?

Evening open for surprise. Expecting blessings on the horizon.

On Down the Line

2010-10-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

I am waiting for grandchildren! It might be awhile. So aware of that but it doesn't stop me from looking forward, anticipating that blessing with much joy and expectation.

My friend's families are expanding circles around circles. I am not envious. Just can't be! I am so delighted for them. It is so much fun to watch my friends get so silly with love for their little ones. It literally tickles my insides to listen to them chatter on about coos and grins and cuddles.

I love how they pray for their precious little bundles. Their petitions are focused far beyond now, way into the future of the child, beyond my friend's own lifetime. I LOVE that!

It reminds me of a verse that I have prayed for our family so many times.

"As for Me," says the Lord, "this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and My words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from your mouth, nor from the mouth of your descendants, nor from the mouth of your descendants' descendants," says the Lord, "from this time and forevermore." Isaiah 59:21 NKJV

Praying this verse today and believing for a whole houseful of grandbabies and a message passed on down the line!

When We Walk Together

2010-10-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

A friend and I have been walking together in the wee early morning hours. We pull on all our wraps, head for the walking trail, and share with one another rich conversation. We never run out of things to say.

I have walked this trail alone many times in the past. It is a long and seemingly arduous journey when traveled all by myself. I have to talk to faithfully talk myself into taking the next step of the journey. Over and over I say to myself, "Its not so far!" but inside I am thinking, "When will I get to the end?"

However, when walking with my friend we are turning around and heading back to our starting place before I even realize how far we have gone. We are enjoying sweet fellowship so much that we want to slow down at the end of our trail to stretch out our time together.

When there one of us has an ache or pain it can be a little more difficult. The first day we walked, I got two huge blisters on the back of my heals. I came home with some bloody looking shoes. Truth is, I was enjoying our conversation so much it didn't seem to matter that my heals were getting raw.

Our rich fellowship has spurred some thought. Was it easier for Paul to sing in prison with Silas beside him?

Perhaps they sang in harmony.

They might have made a pretty sound.

Maybe not.

But it made the earth tremble.

Sunday, Pastor shared a story of the prize fighter George Foreman. George was asked what was the most memorable moment of his life. Everyone expected his response to be the moment he was named heavyweight champion fighter of the world. George told a different story instead.

He had attended a special olympics event. A race was being run, with a little guy, "Billy" in the lead. Billy was dragging a lame leg but running the best he could in spite of his handicap. He got to the finish line, stopped right at the tape and looked back. His best friend was in second place. Billy went back to his best friend, took his little hand, and they crossed the finish line together. Victory with double joy.

Memorable for George and me.

We can accomplish so much more when we walk together.

New York City Cab Driver

2010-10-22T11:57:00.003-05:00

I woke early. The city noises had crept through the panes of the third story windows all through the night. I had wrestled with sleep through the midnight hours. Before daybreak, I woke for good and decided to dedicate the remaining time to prayer. I prayed for he and she, this and that, them and those. It was a good time of prayer. I felt assurred that I had been heard.

Nothing seemed trivial. I asked about it all. I even prayed about the taxi cab driver who would be delivering me to the airport. I don't really remember specifically what I asked for but I do remember spending some time on it.

When it was time to go, my son-in-law, Drake, helped me to the curb with my luggage. A cab was waiting for a green light at the corner but I am pretty sure that the Lord had him waiting for me. Drake called him over to the curb.

The driver's face was dressed with a sober scowl. It made me shiver.

"Is this the driver you had in mind, Lord?" I whispered with wonder so only He could hear.

We loaded the trunk and I got in the back seat. I had barely shut the door when the light turned green and we began to fly through city traffic. He moved that car like a gazelle as he whisked in and out of busy lanes trying to get me there as fast as he could.

My imagination can easily get carried away. I began to wonder if he was a kidnapper and we were on our way to his hideout. Imaginations can be cruel!

My mind began to ease as signs for the airport began to appear. I got to the airport in record time. I was a very satisfied customer and I told him so.

"You are amazing! You did such a great job getting me here! Thank you so much!"

His whole body reacted to my gratefulness.

"What," he said with both arms in the air turning to look at my face. "No one has said that to me in my entire life."

"I am sorry," I replied, "they should have. You did a really good job."

It was fairly early in the day when these words were spoken. I have reflected on them several times since then. I wondered if he did. Did they make a difference in the rest of his day? In the rest of his life? Had those few words been able to turn that sober scowl into a pleasant face with twinkle in eye? It would probably take a few more positive words in his life to get it to that place, but I would like to think it was a start. Perhaps he softened some.

It was a small thing. I wondered if I would have spoken those words if I had failed to pray about it that morning. Probably not.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

21

2010-10-12T10:17:00.002-05:00

There are some things I really didn't know when I was twenty~one. I did not have a need to know some of them, some things were not invented yet, and some of them were beyond my life experience. I thought I might name a few of those things.

1. I did not know that there was such a thing as a mirror magnified to the 15th power.

2. I had never heard of spanx. Nor did I need them at the time.

3. Cell phones? I did not need a pocket in my purse for one like I do now so that I can find it when it buzzes or rings.

4. Blogging might be a word that my toddler might say while rolling his dump truck across the kitchen floor.

5. Travel the world? I thought making it to the store was an accomplished feat!!!

6. I did not know that God really, really loved me ... until the day I read Romans 8. It changed my life.

7. I did not think I could be successful. My husband was extremely successful. Thought my success in life would come from being in his shadow. I had a wrong definition of success.

8. I thought that people in their 50's were old ... or getting there!!! (Recalculating!!!!)

9. I really felt like beds should make themselves!!!! (Wouldn't that be cool?)

10. I really believed if you loved people well they would love you back. Now I know that they do ... sometimes.

Missing Anna

2010-10-08T20:44:00.000-05:00

Scotty and I are in Chicago. We lived here a long time ago. I reach back into memories that I filed away so very many years ago.
We had a lot of friends here. They were hard to come by and it took a long time to win them over but once we did I thought we had made lasting lifetime bonds. I learned after awhile that people here do not plan to make lifetime bonds with transient people ... students and their families. Students come, they go, life goes on and circles of relation change their course.
I still miss some of them ... a lot.
One that made a lasting impression on me, the one that I would love to see, face to face at least one more time is sweet, sweet Anna.
I don't know if she is still living, if she is living, I have no idea where she might be. In an age where it is difficult to hide away and not be found, Anna has successfully slipped through my fingers. It seems that I will never again see my dear friend again.
I wonder if she thought we were as close as I did. There have been times when I thought my relationships were tighter than tight only to find out later that I was the one keeping the ropes tied between us. Just because I felt close to someone did not mean that we both felt the same. How sad it has made me when these truths has been revealed to me.

Anna and I could talk for hours. She was a mother of three, I only had one child. She was patient with my immaturity and insecurity as a mom. When I walked into her house I felt like I was home. She had a calm about her all the time regardless of the chaos that might erupt on her daily path. She was gentle and kind, peaceful and loving. She seemed so confident, so practical. I learned a ton from her. Hopefully some of her incredible virtue and wisdom was woven into the woman I was becoming.

My journey with Anna was short. Scotty and I moved away and Anna and I lost touch. But I remember so much about her. I will never forget her. She impacted me in so many ways that I cannot count them all.

I am in Chicago, but it doesn't feel like home. I am missing Anna.

Grateful

2010-10-06T19:08:00.000-05:00

She called in tears, no, hysteria!
"Is dad there?"
I wanted to know, had to know, what was up? She (our daughter) never cries. Not unless it looks as if the moon will fall from the sky and the sun will no longer shine.
My heart nearly stopped but she would not say. She wanted her dad.
I watched his face as he took the call. It was covered in every kind of sadness. Her tears ... was that all it was that was making his face draw up and his eyes fill with tears?
I waited.
Was it really serious?
After four years of marriage, our daughter had never called to complain of one misunderstanding. They are an independent couple, working things out on their own. I was sure that it was trouble of another sort.
"Drake has been stabbed."
I screamed and my whole body began to tremble.
Drake is a darling. I think I have told you before. My eyes swell with tears as I describe to you my one and only son-in-law. I love this young man as my own son. He is wonderful. I adore him. The more that I know him, the more I appreciate him.
My husband and I began to run in circles trying to get ourselves ready and out of the door, through traffic and to a New York City hospital to see our dear ones, Drake hurt, Ashli by his side, both suffering in different ways.
We got our son Caleb (who also lives in New York) to drive us there. By the time we were on the road and in the heavy traffic, Drake was released from the hospital and they were both taken to a New York City police station where we would wait while he was being interviewed by detectives.
I will never forget the relief I felt when they walked through the doors of the waiting room where we sat waiting for their arrival. Ashli melted in my arms. I thought I might never let her go.
We had not been to New York City to visit them since Christmas. We had been there a whole 12 hours when Drake was assaulted and robbed and injured. He is a strong young man and fought back hard. The Lord protected him and spared his life. He will be alright. Soon. But it was hard.
We have been traveling for many days. We have been in many states and done many things but on the day when our children needed us, we were within reach. We could be there. The Lord knew.

It seemed as if we had planned our way, but the Lord had set our pace. We knew that He was the One who was in control. And we are glad.

"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." Proverbs 16:9 NLT

Beauty

2010-09-29T07:06:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite sights that we have seen on this trip. Beautiful!

Branches

2010-09-28T07:13:00.000-05:00

We are in Tennessee, in the mountains where fall is just becoming. We are in a cabin, a three bedroom, a beautiful place. My favorite room is the screened in back porch. It sits high in the air with gigantic trees all around. A treehouse of sorts. A peaceful retreat.
The cabin is dressed in tree branches. The door handles are branches, they are pushed and pulled to open doors into bigger spaces. The stair railing to the downstairs is made of many branches woven and held together to make a very sturdy barrier and guide. It is lovely.
Curtain rods made of branches hold lacy little curtains.
My favorite is the large branch that arches over the bed in one of the three bedrooms. Nests and little birds nestle all along it's crooks and crannies.
This is the perfect resting place for a Seven Branches momma. An unexpected surprise.

Branches used in various ways. Which of the branches would you like to be?

Worth It

2010-09-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

Pressing on.
Loving unconditionally.
It is worth it.
Forgiving before sleep ends my day.
Worth it.
Giving time, energy, self.
Worth it.
Seeking when I can't see anything ...
revelation will come.
Worth it ... all.
Loving ... without reciprocation

or expectation ...

sometimes without trusting.

Pressing on because it is worth it.

Surrender

2010-09-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

We have been studying together for almost two years now. Our small group is growing, two babies have been born to us since we began to gather. We have dug in the Word and sharpened one another week after week. There are times I hang on the wealth of wisdom that others share throughout an evening. Other times I am like a water fountain, full, and ready to fill and encourage. We are becoming like family.

One of the little ones, that usually plays quietly at her granny's feet during our study, doesn't say much to me. She looks at me with big eyes and speaks volumes with her smile, but she still holds her words back. Sometime last summer she embraced me as soon as she caught my eye. The first time, we had not seen each other for a few weeks, she ran to greet me with a big hug. She melted into my arms, surrendered completely to our embrace. Since that time she faithfully greets me in this precious way.

Surrender.

It was the word that I have been meditating on since we gathered two evenings ago.

The little three-year-old's grandpa is our leader. He was the first to quicken the word, surrender, to my soul this week. He began with a quote that someone had sent to him. He paraphrased it this way.

"We don't talk about commitment in my country the way that you do in the American churches. In my country we talk about surrender. Commitment is something you do with an equal." Romanian Pastor

I was immediately quickened with his words. I have been very committed. I realized that I have boasted that I have that strength ... I can hang in there even when the going gets tough. I don't enjoy the ride so much and I have sometimes whined along the way but I hang tight until the end. We can go through the hardest of things together and when we arrive at the other side of a trial, I will still be hanging out with you. I am committed.

But am I surrendered?

This is a new concept ... not really ... it is an old concept presented in a new way ... a way in which challenges, convincing me I need to change.

Someone else posted a few more quotes about surrender this week. Here is the one that pierced me.

"One of the challenges of complete surrender to Christ is that we don't know what lies ahead ...
God says instead, "Here's the blank piece of paper, I want you to sign your name on the bottom
line, hand it back to me and let me fill in the details." Nancy Leigh Demoss

Will I sign my name to that blank page and be content with the way He fills in the details?

I want to.

I want to be with the Lord like my little friend that has learned to embrace me, completely, unreserved, with her whole heart.
I want to be surrendered like that ... every day ... without hesitation ... without considering the cost ... fully trusting knowing that He will faithfully bless a heart of surrender.

I want to remain committed to you. I think I will be able to do it even better if I am completely surrendered to Him ... perhaps I will be able to do it with a lot less whine.

Extreme Believing

2010-09-22T09:33:00.000-05:00

I wish that there had been such a thing as blogging when my children were tots. I kept a journal for each one of them as they were growing up and tried desperately to capture their darling expressions and their words of wonder and songs of joy, but truth is, I failed to capture so much. They all had amazing faith. They believed God for everything. My faith would begin to wane when the fire got hot and the trials became intense but theirs never failed. And God heard them. They would pray and He would answer and they saw the works of His hands and they believed for the impossible and He would quickly respond to their words of petition again and again. I was humbled time after time. They believed for the extreme without fear ... without criticism ... without doubt. They just believed.
I envy young mommas who can capture amazing moments with their children and share it beyond their journal pages to minister to others so that extreme believing might spread.
My friend Laura has shared a beautiful story titled, Breathe, about the faith of her son. Her story ministered very deeply to my heart. As you read it, I hope that you will be blessed into extreme believing, too.

Cheri

Gold Meadows

2010-09-20T08:05:00.000-05:00

The meadows are hosting church, golden flowers gather to worship their Maker with uplifted faces and glorious smiles. I would be moved by one simple flower however their unity stirs delight. Sunkissed, smiling, my heart is raptured as I join in their glory, standing in the meadow beholding the sight.

"How good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" Psalm 133:1

Wild Plums

2010-09-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

This post is to be read with a LARGE dose of humor. I was in a store the other day and there was a little girl with her momma. The momma was past ready to leave but the child was intrigued with something in the store and did not want to. Momma beckoned child again ... was it the third time? ... and the momma used the child's first and middle names. The child immediately rose and walked away with her momma. The momma did not use the child's name in anger, no, it was rather like she loved the name and was blessed that she got to use it with audience. Thus this story formed in my mind. The scene brought back memories of when my children were small and they would not come when I called them. I love their names. I dreamed of being a momma long before I got to be one and I meditated long hours on what my children's names might be someday.
My daughter was in India when she was 18 and our youngest was a boy of 8. He would write to his sister and say, "Ashli, come home ... right now!!!" He missed her and that is how he let her know ... thus the reason for the end of this tale.
My children are grown and gone ... my youngest will leave in two months. Their childhood lives on in the 10 million memories that I cherish.

Looking back, I'm so grateful that my children didn't always respond the first time that I called their names to come to dinner, etc. ... sometimes they failed to respond the second or third time, too! ... It gave me opportunity to use their middle names which, when choosing, took me so long to decide upon and so long for my husband and I to agree upon.

Joshua David
Ashli Elizabeth
Caleb Scott
Luke Jonathan
Josiah Benjamin

Come home to dinner! Right now!

And that is what middle names are for?!?!?!

Learned from Experience

2010-09-13T15:22:00.000-05:00

It isn't a good idea to scare someone who is curling their eyelashes.

Hairdressers should not speak on the phone while mixing (my) hair color.

I have fed my teenaged sons chili on Saturday evening only to regret it at church on Sunday morning.

Always hated it when my children would grab their bottoms and yell "don't spank me" when we were in a crowded room.

Living on the edge can be tricky especially when the arches of your feet will not bend very well any more.

Starbuck's coffee will make you want to sing ... at three in the morning!

Children cannot look you straight in the eye and lie to you.

I do have a green thumb! Just look at the cheese in my fridge!

Do you any little secrets that you have learned from experience? Please share!

As Evening Sets

2010-09-02T08:33:00.006-05:00

Magical moment! We are exploring back roads discovering lands dressed in beauty that we have never seen before. Afternoon becomes evening then night. We are sharing the awe of togetherness.

We share story after story. We have been married so, so long ... we can hardly remember when our life of singleness meshed into our life of togetherness ... some of our stories have been repeated to one another at least a hundred times. We listen to each tale as if it were the first time spoken. This is love.

We share several stories that we had never disclosed to the other. Amazing! There remains mystery between us.

Suddenly we witness one of the most glorious sunsets we have ever seen. We pull off the road, fully facing the expanse of glory in the sky. I listen to him breathe next to me.

Are sunsets like fingerprints, each one unique with its own identity? A symphony of evening noises accompany my wonder.

I focus completely on hues of purple, crimson, and bursts of orange blazing before me. The Lord has blessed the close of day. We bask in His glory. We sense He is near.

Changes in the sky happen so quickly. Evening sun gracefully bows to earth dropping beneath the horizon before we are ready to bid it farewell.

As evening sets, nature, our awe of it, and our love for one another reveal beauty in four dimensions.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 NIV

Caleb's Ashley

2010-08-31T13:43:00.002-05:00

I have another Ashley! Caleb married her last October so she has been part of the family for a little while.

She is darling.

I talked to her on the phone today ... tomorrow is her birthday ... wanted to tell her that I am celebrating her before she receives a million phone calls from everyone else that loves her.

Caleb found the perfect match for him when he found his Ashley.

She is thoughtful, kind, loving, gently, sweet, merciful, but bold as fire!

She believes in Jesus and she wants everyone to and so she talks about Him everywhere she goes. Everywhere! All the time!

Caleb has had the gift of evangelism since we was about four years old. I would say he has met his match with this sweet girl.

I love this girl so dearly! What a gift from the Lord.

So I feel as if I have been blessed with a double portion ... Ashli and Ashley ... my wonderful daughters!

Perspective

2010-08-29T22:27:00.004-05:00

A young girl got baptized at our church today.

She had been to summer camp and heard the gospel in a whole new way and decided that she wanted to give her heart to Jesus. Her whole family gathered to watch her dip in the river (baptismal) and her sins roll away.

It was a beautiful sight.

It made me remember.

I gave my heart to Jesus when I was but nine years of age.

My dad did not want me to. He thought me too young to be making such a big decision.

Mom, the pastor, and I talked and I think I begged some until my dad finally relented. He didn't come to my baptism. He did not approve he had just surrendered.

I will never forget that day. I made my confession of faith, followed the pastor to the dipping tank, stepped into the freezing waters, and believed with all of my heart that Jesus had suffered and died and rose again ... for me! Sin lost it's hold on me as the pastor's strong arms helped guide me out of those freeing waters.

Something magnificent happened in my heart that day! I became a new creature in Christ!

I wish I could say that I never made another mistake after that ... never sinned again ... never had reason to regret. I have fallen short so many times. Perhaps that is what my dad knew would happen. Could it have been the cause of his hesitation?

The difference was that the Lord no longer would see me as a sinner ... from that moment on He saw me as His child. What would He ever do with a child who would make so many mistakes? He would correct me, love me, and call me back until I got it right. He still does that today.

Was I too young to make such an important decision? Perhaps, but the Lord has enough grace to keep me until the day when He will come again. Thank you, Jesus!

Crossing Rivers

2010-08-27T07:35:00.003-05:00

I recently made a trip to Illinois with my mom to visit family. We crossed several rivers, notably the Ohio, Tennessee, and the Mississippi.

We took a ferry across the Ohio ... a family member called it the "scary ferry". She advised that we keep our windows rolled down in case the ferry failed to make it across. I immediately agreed with her upon seeing the ferry.

The ferry ride was free. We shared the ride with a truck and trailer hauling cattle which made having the windows down a bit unpleasant.

The Ohio River crossing at the location of "scary ferry" is absolutely gorgeous which encouraged my nerves to settle. The view was so spectacular I even forgot about the cows. I must return to that location again someday.

We crossed over rivers on high old bridges and beautiful new bridges.

I love to cross rivers. It is more than the fact that there is somewhere that I long to be on the other side. I get caught up in the journey.

This morning I was thinking about the streams of living waters that are inside of us. I love it when I find a soul with the river of life flowing inside their soul. I savor the ambiance, the wisdom, the power to create, to teach, to pray that flows as a result of that internal river. I am always encouraged, exhorted, and strengthened when those eternal rivers touch my life.

I am grateful that our "rivers" have crossed.

Blessings~

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow within him." Jesus said in John 7:38

Bringing Home Linens

2010-08-21T09:36:00.007-05:00

I love to browse in antique stores.

My daughter and I used to visit this one. We would try on hats, making faces in the mirror, pretending. Draping vintage clothing over our shoulders, slipping our feet into high heeled shoes, imagining ourselves dressed for occasion.

Alone, I made my way back to one of our preferred mercantiles.

It was void of chatter.

I was drawn to the vintage linens.

My thoughts were on dressing my table for company,

family,

friends,

acquaintances,

strangers passing through town.

I purchased some, pressed, starch, crisp table coverings expecting

I will have opportunity to share my table.

"Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless ... cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything ... encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!" 1 Peter 4:7-11 The Message Translation

Beauty and the Beast

2010-08-16T14:24:00.003-05:00

Scotty and I went to Starlight Theater in Kansas City last night to watch the beautiful production of Beauty and the Beast. I was completely captivated by the set, the cast, the music, the gorgeous night. Everything was absolutely perfect! I don't know if I have ever enjoyed a musical production as much as I did that one ... which was a complete surprise to me!

In reflection, I have pondered the different morals that the musical presents. Genuine beauty hidden in the Beastly looking one. The proud beauty (Gaston) filled with the obvious disease of self-absorption. Belle, the reader, the thinker, the practical, quick-witted prize that both men desired. Her profound portrayal of a discerning woman was brilliant.

The spell. The captivity one can be under because of an incident from the past and

the power of love to liberate an imprisoned soul.

I loved the faithfulness displayed between Belle and her papa.

2 Timothy 3 talks about "weak willed women" another version says "gullible". Belle was not weak willed or gullible. She was strong and stood for what she believed in.

Of course it is just a fairy tale. For me it was a magical evening full of beauty and prose.

Today it is food for thought.

A Special Day

2010-08-11T08:53:00.007-05:00

There are some lives that ebb away while others are taken from us so quickly. My dad was one that seemed to vanish, his last breath taken while I slept dreaming of his recovery. He was never to recover from a heart that was torn and couldn't be put back together again. I had been fooled. Deceived. Believing what I wanted to believe. Then he was gone. One minute I was telling him goodbye for the day, the next day he was gone for life. He was stolen from me in the night.

His birthday would have been last Friday. I miss him.

His big sister and I went exploring the old home places again a few days ago. We went last fall. We both love the history and had to do it again.

My favorite place we explored was the home place where she and my dad grew up. He was six months old, she two and a half when they moved there.

The farmhouse is a memory in both of our minds. She of many days, me of few. The porch remains. Footprints from my little girl days have been washed away by many rains. I remember dancing there.

I remember the old house where grandma's home was. The squeak of the screen doors, the smell of fresh bread, the coal stove in the front room linger in my mind. It had an upstairs, wasn't it a big house? My little girl memory thought so.

Grandma passed before my fourth birthday. My mom says that I am like her. I do not remember the soft of her face or the sing in her voice, but I feel a kindred bond to her heart. I remember the day of her funeral. The sadness of it settled upon everyone. Even in my youngness I could not escape it. It is etched in my mind forever.

As I grew, I would sit on my grandpa's lap and asked him about her many times. His love for her was seasoned, deep and real. I felt it when he spoke her name.

Dad's big sis and I wandered all over the boundaries of old home. I was thrilled with her delighted squeals when she discovered something familiar.

"We pumped our water at this well and carried it to the house! It is still here! Does it still work?"

Answer, "Yes, the grandkids still pump water from it when they come."

"Look at this pear tree! I couldn't even count all of the pears that I picked for mother for canning!" Pears were hanging from every bough. She touched them remembering then leaving them for the new owners.

I am tickled by her delight.

The old barn stands. Steps to the loft beckoned me to explore among the rafters. The word "snakes" held me back.

I pictured my dad, in work and play running up and down those old wooden steps. The stories they could tell me! Stories he would have long forgotten!

A Monarch butterfly settled among the flowers, eavesdropping memories.

It was one of my favorite days. I will remember and treasure it for a very long time. I must take my children there so that their footprints will mingle with mine and those I have loved.

It is where I have come from.

Remembering where I have come, inspires me for where I am going.

My grandpa, grandma, dad, are treading heavenly ground now. Someday my feet will dance over the holy places they now enjoy.

Thicker Than Blood

2010-08-07T10:50:00.002-05:00

Loved this wonderful novel written by C. J. Darlington. C.J. began writing this tale when she was homeschooling. It is an amazing read. I think you will find that the story is as wonderful as the cover.

Have you read it? Your thoughts?

Blessings,

Cheri

Fruitfulness

2010-08-04T16:39:00.004-05:00

Our apple tree is beyond the bloom and well into the harvest season. I just came in from a pickin'. They are nice and round this year, with a hint of blush . The tree is full.

Last year we had only one apple off of that tree. Kind of disappointing. No apple cobbler. No fried green apples. It was a fruitless tree. For one season.

The frost had come early and destroyed any hopes of a harvest ... last year. It was a hard year for the tree. I wonder if that tree sensed our disappointment and decided that no matter what, it was going to have a plentiful harvest this season. The disappointment most likely had nothing to do with us.

It might have hoped for bloom and bounty last season too, but it wasn't to be.

Seasons of fruitfulness. Barren seasons.

There have been years when that tree was so bountiful that the limbs tickled the ground from the weight of the fruit. Deer have enjoyed a dessert feast, but because of circumstance or schedule or trial, I failed to enjoy the fruit off of that wonderful tree. I missed my opportunity. They are ripe only so long. Bugs come. Apples eventually rot on the limbs or get eaten by deer.

Today, I took advantage of our abundance. We will be having fried apples for dinner. The kids love them. Two of my kids will be home to enjoy them.

Been thinking a lot about spiritual fruitfulness. Seasons. Opportunities. Responsibilities. Callings. Do you have any thoughts about these things?

Souls

2010-07-13T09:38:00.003-05:00

I have been among the masses lately. Easy to imagine Jesus walking among those He longed to save. Just wondering as I stroll through them, finding my way, do they know Him? Any of them? Would they like to? There is a truth inside of me that I am required to share ... outwardly ... actions and words matching well through me revealing and representing the Lord. Sometimes that happens. I wish for more than sometimes.

I am bumping shoulders and elbows and at times I feel their breath on my shoulder as we struggle toward our destinations. And I wonder, do they know Him?

Have they ever been introduced, drawn, heard?

Would they want to?

Knowing that He lives and choosing one's own way ... scary.

Not knowing Him ... scary ... terrifying even ... keeps one continuously searching for peace. Longing even. Remaining empty.

Keep thinking, my eye on each one as if there were just one ... do they know?

And I think of some ... not yet.

Not, no they don't know Him, but they don't know Him yet. There is time to pray for their souls to be saved, rescued, delivered from a disastrous eternal fate.

I wonder, am I the only in this crowd of people thinking about eternal things? No, the Spirit is here and working.

Praying for wayward ones that I know, family, friends, neighbors who don't know Him ... yet ... and hope rises up in my heart encouraging faith and prayers for them.

A Chapter

2010-07-12T09:13:00.005-05:00

Memories surround me today

little barefoot boys running through the yard

with bouquets in hand freshly gathered from the blooming meadow.

Squishy mud between little toes from crossing creeks and catching tadpoles.

Squeals of joy as splashes of water escape the horse tank where they swim.

I feel lonely for those days.

Sometimes I want to momentarily borrow them back,days where memories were born.

To hear little voices say big things, delivering news that made me laugh ... and sometimes cry.

Innocent prayers from tiny lips that brought about answers ... God proving Himself real so that they would know Him ... forever.

"Looking back all the time will age you," they say, "look ahead now".

My looking forward seems more meaningful when I glimpse back on what we built here.

Yesterday a little maid handed me a wildflower from the blooming meadow and I pushed it behind my ear and memories were stirred from the mantle of my heart.

They linger with the new of morning.

I sit and ponder them awhile.

I enjoy.

Then I move on.

Dreamer

2010-06-29T07:58:00.009-05:00

Dreams swell like hot air balloons, colorful, whimsical, magical with basket to carry me away. Others try to set boundaries saying, "You can dream this far but you must reign in your imagination." Imagination running loose can be the ride of a wild bronco, out of control, dangerous, frightful to experience, sometimes even more frightful to observe. Where is adventure without the ride?

Dreaming has accompanied nearly all of my days, all the days with hope in them.

More is to be seen from hot air balloons in flight, horizons grow, perspectives broaden.

Where to land, where to land? Possibilities seem endless.

The skeptical think not. They long for the balloon to be anchored. Reality must bring you to balance.

Skeptics often become the voice of the enemy, bringing doubt, fear,and unbelief ... deflatable words ... the hindering woes ...

This is my reason for letting others spill their dreams into my lap. "Is there more? I often ask. "Could it be bigger? Don't imagine small things, could there be more to it?" I know they are fragile, I handle other's dreams with tender loving care.

When we play cards with friends and it is time for the bidding, one of our friends always says, "Don't send the boy!" Think big, take a risk. There are those who inspire dreams.

Time as my schoolmaster has consistently taught that dreams are inflated visions that in reality will look different than we first supposed. Lived out they will be squished down until they become the perfect piece that slips right into place in the 1000 piece puzzle of life. Holy Spirit, life, circumstance will bring it around to fitting into the place predestined for it.

When it comes to the things of God, our imaginations are small. We believe Him for little. Jealousies arise when we see His fingerprints produce the dreams of another, because we don't believe that He can do the same for us.

There are those who despise dreamers. I've met them along the way. I am sad for them. They hurt inside. Somewhere in time, their dreams were devastated, it would be too daring for them to dream again. So they walk from day to day, empty.

Dreaming with purity of heart, seeking the will of God, longing to please Him, knowing Him better as you go, never letting your hand slip from His, that is the secret to dreaming big. He will only harm what is not of Him. I really don't think He is offended if we let the dream get too big, far fetched, beyond real, He will turn it into the perfect piece that fits as bone and marrow in the puzzle of our lives.

Dreams that descend with great fanfare, exploiting the heart, palpating the soul, often dissipate like the wispy clouds of morning. Unexplored and soon forgotten, like the friend you meet on the plane. Behold the net of God.

So, I exhort you, my friend, dream big! Big as the sky, and deep as the ocean ... while thinking on good things.

Hope and Faith

2010-06-09T10:24:00.002-05:00

"Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future ...
Faith is to dance to it today." Theologian Peter Kuznic.

Away

2010-05-19T18:54:00.001-05:00

I will be away for several days. I expect to come home full of inspiration! Please check back in.

Personality According to Pooh Bear and Friends

2010-05-12T09:01:00.007-05:00

I must attribute this genius idea to my son Caleb.

He compared all of our family's personalities to Pooh Bear characters.

I have been studying the different personality styles for years so his summation both tickled and intrigued me.

The four basic personality styles are as follows:

Tigger's (Sanguine) ... Tigger's personality is full of bounce and spunk. They are the life of the party and enjoy having all of the attention. They struggle a bit with ego, but for the most part they just like having fun. If there is a stage, they want to be on it. If there is a party, they want to attend. They tell the stories and provide the entertainment at family dinners. Sanguine's (Tigger's) know a lot of people, are liked by almost everyone (except those who cannot tolerate bounce in their lives) but relationships are often shallow. Our Caleb has a Tigger personality and we miss his bounce when he cannot be present at the family gatherings. He always brings a reason to giggle to the table.

Rabbit (Choleric) ... Rabbit's personality is a "let's do it this (my) way" kind of guy. He makes lists, wants everything just so, and he is usually the one who knows just how it should be. He is a good boss, except that he can always do it better than anyone else (he thinks) so he usually does it himself, just easier that way. He likes to be chief, administrative, and tell others how the world should turn. He is confident and his confidence can be intimidating ... but not usually to a Sanguine ... they just roll with the punches. We have a couple of rabbits in our family. They help to keep the rest of us in line. We thank the Lord for them.

Christopher Robbin (phlegmatic) ... easy going, loving, encouraging ... the peaceful child. He is supportive of the whole family, is loyal, loving and kind. The flaw of this personality trait is that they can be so peaceful that they might be on the lazy side at times. They don't struggle with deadlines ... "I'll get it in sometime" is their motto. They are not easily moved by the opinions of others. They want to keep the peace at all cost so they just don't stir the waters. Don't offend them, it is hard to win their hearts back. Christopher Robbins are very easy to raise, unless you want their homework turned in on time. Josiah is our Christopher Robbin.

Owl (Melancholy) ... (I don't know if owl is the best example for a melancholy, but I will give it a try). Melancholy's are perfectionist in every way. They have meticulous habits and expectations. Sometimes a person with a Melancholy personality might have a bit of a Choleric personality mix, then you have a very strong perfectionist. If you are not one, you might have a hard time living with this person. If you are one, you might have a hard time living with them, too. They are very strong in how they believe the world should be run. Details are very important to them. They say;

"The paper towels should be hung this way!"

"The toothpaste should be squeezed this way!"

"Hang the clothes this way! Fold my underwear this way!"

Little things are a big deal to a Melancholy ... a Sanguine or a Phlegmatic would never notice such things.

Melancholy's get perfect scores on papers, they turn in their work early, and you can eat off the floor of their bedroom. They like things done right. They can also be little like an Eyeore sometimes. They worry about things and look on the negative side of life. They can easily adopt a "woe is me" attitude, and predict negative outcomes long before life happens.

They have a very good eye for organization. They can easily toss things they don't need even if you just gave it to them as a gift five minutes ago.

Many would call the Melancholy the perfect child. It probably depends on your personality type. If you are a Phlegmatic, you and your child are going to clash ... or vice-versa.

Knowing these personality types has been very helpful in raising our family. This is a very brief description. I would encourage you to study more about it. Knowing the different styles can help in a marriage (our spouse is usually our opposite), raising children, they even use it to train employees in large corporations.It helps you know the things you can and cannot change about someone.

I was struggling with the personality of someone long ago, and my husband so wisely said to me, "You can't change who they are! And you are trying to!"

We can't change who our children are, but we can help them be the very best they can be. We need every character in the Pooh Bear stories to make life work at its best. What if everyone were a Phlegmatic? Necessary things would not get done!

How about a Sanguine? Life isn't all fun and games! We would never have order!

A Melancholy? We would all be carrying umbrellas every day, expecting rain. With a "be sure to take your shoes off at the door" on our lips.

Or Choleric? There would be a lot more wars, I think. Everyone can't be in charge, but someone needs to be.

The perfect person would be the one who has, over time, developed a little of all of these traits. It can be done, but there will always be that one basic one that is your greatest, most natural strength.

Blessings from Pooh Corner!

In Five Days

2010-05-11T10:32:00.006-05:00

In five days our youngest son will be handed his high school diploma.
I expect his momma is going to cry ... or maybe she has already cried enough.
Here I am writing about him and he just told me last night that he doesn't like it when I write about him. Hmmm, please don't tell!

I cannot begin to tell you how much I respect the young man my son has become.

Can I share just a few things that I love about him?

He is honest. I don't ever remember him telling a lie.

He is solid. I can depend on him to stand strong in his beliefs. He is not easily swayed by the opinions of others.

I have always been able to trust him.

He is devoted to his family and friends.

He is peaceful. He carries a peace about him at all times. It is in his nature. He avoids conflict and most of the time holds his tongue.

He has his priorities right. He has put life into an amazing perspective. I respect him for it.

He is tenderhearted and loving. He is so strong physically, but the greatest strength I see in him is gentleness. I love to see that strength displayed in a man.

He has been a delight to raise. I am proud to call him my son.

In just a few days, he will be handed his high school diploma.

I will rejoice with a magnanimous smile and tears.

Way to go, Josiah!!!

Lessons That I Learned From a Dead Snake

2010-05-07T10:36:00.008-05:00

Are you still with me?

I want you to know that I am talking about a dead snake though I realize that in the picture he appears to be very much alive. And that my friends is the bottom line for this post.

Josiah killed the snake on our farm. My son, the great white hunter had to display his kill, proving his triumph over the beast! I refused to mount it. Actually, he knew better than to ask!

I went out to look hoping that it wasn't a copper head or rattler (I have heard that out in masses this year). It wasn't. It was the "good" kind of snake that eats rats and mice.

The snake was dead. I could see the bullet wound. Evidence, half a head, a real gonner.

The snake's body was on the move as if he was alive, though. It coiled, straightened, twisted , rolled, turned, and looked as if it was very much alive. It was obviously dead, but if I was walking up to the patio without knowing the obvious, I surely would have screamed! It was a creepy sight!

There are several analogies that I have come up with since the body of the snake finally relaxed.

My first analogy:
Satan appears to have life in him sometimes. He disguises himself to appear as if he is the genuine lifegiver. I have fallen for his ploy at times. I can honestly share from experience ... there is no life in him ... none at all! Discernment needed!

Second:
People can walk around and appear to have life in them, going through the motions, pushing through their days, but they are completely depleted. Either they have never been attached to the lifegiving source (Jesus, John 15) or they have been but have pulled away. Where is the life? Motions are not evidence that we have it. Discernment needed!

Third:
Cholo, the dog walked right over the dead body without even wincing. Had he ever seen a snake before? I watched him to see what his reaction would be. Nothing. The snake's body might have well as been a rubber hose. Cholo had absolutely no fear! Perhaps he knew it for what it was ... a harmless, dead snake. Who has to fear that?
Discernment needed!

Fourth:
One of Josiah's friends, who just happens to be a girl, came over that night. The snake was no longer moving, but he still looked like a snake. Josiah had to show off his prey to her. He went out the door first to get the snake, evidence of his amazing hunting skills. Emily opened the door to follow him, saw the snake and ran back in the house screaming! I assured her that it was a dead snake ... a very dead snake, a fact that she cared nothing about. She was not going out there where that snake was! "He knows that I hate snakes!" The tests in friendship!
I opened the door and led the way for her, protecting her from a dead snake! Do you need me to protect you from snakes? Please make sure that they are dead first!

Emily was afraid of something that was no longer a threat to her. Does this make you think of the devil again? James says that the devil prowls and seeks someone to devour, warning, "resist the devil and he will flee from you!" If we resist him is he dangerous to us? Hmmmm! He sure would like to be! Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world! Once again, discernment needed!

I think the key to this analogy is to keep Jesus right in front of us and follow His footsteps so that the "snakes" in our lives remain powerless!

Fifth:
Josiah was intent on defeating the snake. Are we always intent on defeating, Satan, the serpent that would threaten to be in our lives? He can only defeat us if we allow him to. Do we welcome him, befriending our enemy? Or perhaps we are afraid of him. FEAR is:

Fasle
Evidence
Aappearing
Real

We don't have to be afraid of him. That gives him power, does it not?
It would be awesome if there were more like fearless Josiah in the kingdom.

Summary:
We must be aware that we have an enemy. He is real. He appears alive. He has no life to offer us! We can resist him. We do not have to be afraid of him. Jesus has defeated him. We need discernment. Just because we don't like snakes doesn't mean they just go away. The Lord has given us authority over them.

Do you have any snakes to be killed? The real creepy, crawly things? I will send the great white hunter your way!

How about the spiritual kind? May I suggest, get out your Sword (the Word) and aim for the head. He might twist about awhile, appearing like he still has power ... nah! No worries! The Sword works!

Thanks for sticking with me on this one!

**** Josiah's friend's name has been changed. I am still in protector mode.****

Cooking

2010-05-03T08:49:00.005-05:00

I am the appointed cook in the family and I have not been cooking much lately.

I like to cook ... sometimes ... but not all the time.

It has been a busy time and I have had many reasons for not cooking.

Last weekend I had a garage sale. That was the last reason that I wasn't cooking. It takes so many hours to dig out stuff, price, and place items in a garage sale. I know, I should have cooked, too. Proverbs 31 lady would have ... for sure!!!

I am married to a man who does not cook ... not even a steak on the grill! That is not fair, mind you! He won't hardly eat if I am not here to put the food on his plate and carry it to the table, setting it right in front of him.

I've lived with him a long time, and I have taught him that this is okay. I am really okay with it when I am here. The problem is that when I am away, he will not eat and then he blames me for his lack of nutrition.

I am going to be gone for several days. He is going to need to feed himself. I really think my little break in cooking could save his life.

Two nights ago, he made himself some eggs. I went to Sonic.

Last night he chopped some garbanzo beans, used all the honey mustard we had in the fridge, and mixed all that together with a lot of sauerkraut. He put the mixture on toast and topped it with two eggs and dill pickles.

I was soooo proud of him. However, I didn't let him make me any or give me a bite! He thought it was so good that he made himself seconds. I still passed on his offer to share.

I think he might survive the days when I am out of town. Maybe, guess it depends on what he mixes up!

We always bless the food! It is a very important part of eating. Blessed food is best, especially if it is Scotty food or Sonic!

" ... And He took the five loaves and two fish, and looking up into heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes." Matthew 14:19b

Passions

2010-04-26T07:46:00.005-05:00

My grandma always had a song in her head. Everything that happened brought a song to her mind. She literally sang her way through life! Don't know if it is true or not, but I imagine that if she was upset at grandpa, she probably had the song, "I'm gonna wash that man right out of my hair" on a continual loop until they kissed and made up.

When I was a girl, I would mention something and she would begin to sing about it.

My grandma was such a joyful, delightful, incredible person. She had a beautiful, contagious smile, which she always displayed. I believe those songs in her heart empowered her to wear that smile from day to day.

I don't always have a song in my head ... but I always seem to have a story brewing in my heart. I am just not sure how to get it down on paper.

My grandma was not a great singer ... she never would have been selected for the Hollywood musicals that she loved so much ... but she was a singer all the same. She had a passion for it like no other.

I am not a great writer ... I will probably never write a book that will be listed on the New York City bestseller list ... but I am a writer all the same. I have a passion for it.

Our passions empower us ... they also affect others ... if only on a very tiny scale.

"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds..." Deuteronomy 11:18a

Reward

2010-04-22T08:12:00.006-05:00

"Behold children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:4-5

Josiah's Senior Prom

2010-04-19T09:54:00.005-05:00

Josiah wasn't going to prom this year.

Saturday was prom. Josiah went.

Last Wednesday the flower shop called. They said,

"There is a new girl in town. Today is her second day in school. Your son, Josiah, is taking her to prom."

There was an unexpected move. She already had her red prom dress. She wasn't going to get to go. Josiah decided to take her. Last minute!

The problem, Josiah was out of town for two days ...

He was on a bus on his way to Kansas City when the flower shop called to fill me in on the details.

"What size does he wear, shoes, jacket, shirt, pants?"

I dug around in his closet and returned a call to the flower shop, hoping I had found the correct measurements.

We overnighted the tux, ordering the sizes we thought would work.

May I say, $$$$$$! Yikes!

Scotty and I left for a seminar before Josiah returned home from his trip. The tux was waiting for him, hanging in our kitchen for him to try on when he got home. All was taken care of when we left, or so I thought.

Saturday morning, I was in Springfield, MO when I got a text from Josiah, "The tux does not fit me at all!"

Prom was that night! What would you do?

I called him.

"Go to the flower shop right now and plead for help! Use those baby blue eyes of yours." (I didn't really tell him that, but I am sure they helped!)

He did go to the flower shop.

Bless, Tracie's heart! She found a tux that would fit him, as she stripped down her mannequins to fix him up.

I owe her big time!

He and Caitlyn had a great time at the prom. He looked debonair, she lovely! Josiah was the best looking guy there! My mom said so. I was out of town but the pictures reveal success.

It was a ride, friends! A wild ride. I felt like I was in a kayak on troubled, rushing water. There was grace to ride it out. We, Tracie and I,rode it out, laughing our way through the whole thing!

Thank the Lord that Josiah is of the male gender! I do not think it would have been fun at all if he had been the girl!

I don't think we will be remember what Josiah wore to prom last Saturday night. Well, I might.

Behaviors are not easily forgotten. Impressions were made last week. I will always remember Tracie's helpful attitude. She was such a blessing! She might remember me. We had a great time.

Does this verse fit at all? Just wondering. It is the verse hanging around my mind as I write this.

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage .. with great patience and careful instruction." 2 Timothy 4:2

Life is an adventure!

(Smile!)

Just for Fun

2010-04-14T07:59:00.006-05:00

I have never really thought of myself as an obsessive person.

Okay, maybe over a couple of things, but I am a woman who has raised five
children and some of my obsessions have just had to relax.

A spring fever bug bit me in February. I became convinced that if I would just sort, straighten, and scour around my house, snow would finally melt and flowers would begin to bloom. My little formula did not work, winter decided to linger.

I have many deep and wide kitchen cabinets. They are more like storage trunks for many a trinket, many an object. As I sorted and cleaned, I was constantly getting reaquainted with my old things. There was one surprise or another behind every door and drawer. Reorganizing became treasure hunting.

There was one surprise that I will never forget.

A few years ago, I had a really hard time finding, chopped green chilies at the store. I like to use them in several recipes, so it was very discouraging when I couldn't find them.

I must have started picking up cans of green chilies every time I shopped, because when I cleaned out my canned food cabinet, I found twenty-one cans of green chilies. I could not believe it! Twenty-one! I had obsessed over green chilies and I didn't even know it!

I laughed so hard as I pulled out another can ... and another one ... and another one ... They were hidden everywhere in my unorganized pantry.

I was so embarrassed I did not want to tell anyone! Now I am telling all of you!

I guess I don't always realize when I am out of control.

Is anyone in need of a can or two of green chilies?

Beautiful Things

2010-04-02T09:41:00.004-05:00

I must repeat one of my favorite stories.

There once was a city that was divided by a great wall. The people on one side of the
wall hated the people on the other side of the wall with a great hatred. One night those that harbored hate
threw all of their trash over the wall leaving a huge heap for those they despised. The people on the other
side of the wall had an idea ... that night they threw flowers and many other beautiful things
over the wall leaving a mounding heap of beauty for those on the opposite side of the wall to
discover when they rose in the morning. Above the mound of beautiful things hung a note that read, "Each one gives
what he has."

Proverbs 19:11
"The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression." NKJV

I am looking for opportunities to give away some of His beauty today. Do you know of anyone who could use some beauty? Let's tell them about the cross, the resurrection, and the promise of the return of Christ. That is a beautiful promise to leave with folks.

I am so thankful for the cross! And His resurrection! And the promise of His return!

Happy Easter, friends!

~Cheri

Rachel's Tea Party

2010-03-24T11:16:00.011-05:00

Rachel and Rosanna are in town ... time for tea ...

cutie pie

cutie pie with handsome gent

friends

grace

touch of spring

dainty

soon to be filled

Response

2010-03-21T21:43:00.007-05:00

His reply brought such joy to my heart

I wasn't expecting it ..

At times,I am random with questions.

Once in awhile I just blurt out an investigative, or maybe it is just inquisitive ...

(Ashli would correct me on this) ... question about something ...

We were tucked in bed, our jammies on, with covers pulled up to our noses,

I could hear his breathing begin to deepen

which usually means, "too late for conversation" not a good time for getting a

response.

I felt daring so I

boldly blurted out, "What are you most thankful for? I mean what do you feel was the

best thing that has ever happened to you in your whole life?"

I am ashamed to say, I wasn't expecting his answer ... my mind just wasn't on it at

the moment ... I thought he might say, "The day I met you!" or "The day you became my

wife!" Yep, that is where my mind was at! I confess! At that moment, it was all about

me!

It didn't take him very long to reply ... seconds, perhaps ...

I will treasure the word he spoke to me in that precious moment for the rest of my

life ...

Tenderly, beautifully, sincerely, appreciatively, assuredly he said,

"Salvation."

The perfect answer ... beautiful ... it stirred and convicted my heart.

It was if my own gratefulness for my salvation had been measured and left wanting.

Speechless, I lay next to him in awe of his answer as his breathing moved in time

with the rhythm of my mind. A rest settled over me, peace, sweet, satisfied peace.

His reply continues to echo in my mind ... If salvation is the most treasured

of all things to him... the thing he is most grateful for, then I feel safe with him.

I feel sheltered, I can rest, trust, and lean on him, not as Lord, but as

friend, spouse, beloved.

He went on to sleep, while I rose up to praise. Oh, I didn't leave his side, but my

heart began to rejoice, not only for his salvation, but for mine. Baptized in

gratefulness, I lay beside him pondering the gift of my salvation and the gift that

his salvation has been to me. The gift of the journey, yoked with the one I love who

is yoked with the One we love. Together, together on our way through life with

eternal life on our minds.

Grateful meditation beckoned me on to the place of sweet dreams.

So, random question for you ... what is the best thing that ever happened to you in

your whole life! I pray your answer is salvation. That is the perfect response!

Romans 10:9 "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Harmony

2010-03-04T17:40:00.003-06:00

Luke did not even know that I was out of town. He was at his college home. I had decided to go with my friend at the midnight hour which barely left me time to pack much less notify my next of kin that I would be gone for a couple of days.

Regardless, a wandering thought had entered his mind the night before ...

"Mom, is going to call me from an antique store and is going to say something about an accordion."

Next morning the wandering thought repeated itself.

Hmmmm ...

I did not know this.

So back to the antique store next to the Lemon Drop Tea Room that I spoke of in my last post the other day, to that part of the story where I left you hanging ...

They was a child's accordion for sale. It was an antique, in a case, in good condition ... very cool. Renee' and I were completely intrigued with it.

Luke inherited my great aunt's accordion a few years ago. Luke loves music ... he picks up an instrument of any kind and within a measure of time is making melodies with it. He is gifted from God!

I pictured his future child playing this instrument, making harmony with their big daddy, Luke someday.

It was a bit on the pricey side and I wasn't positive that he would like it. I was about to make the purchase when I completely chickened out ... "Wait, would you let me call my son first?"

"Sure" ... the cashier was hoping that Luke was up for the deal.

I got him on the first try! Miracle!

"Luke, I am in an antique store and they have a child's accordion here, would you ..."

He breaks in, "I knew you were going to call me about this."

I say, "WHAT????" so that everyone in the store turns and looks to see what I am up to.

"I knew you were going to call me from an antique store about an accordion today. I didn't have a dream, I just had that thought before I went to bed and then again when I woke up this morning."

I stood staring in the face of the cashier stunned. She couldn't wait to discover the reason for my shock.

"Luke, I don't know if you will like the accordion or not, but because of what you are telling me, I am going to buy it."

Luke and I were in harmony.

The lady taking my money was a little uncomfortable with my story. I was too amazed to care.

Pictured above is the little accordion on my new chair.

Actually the base part does not work ... but perhaps can be fixed.

Luke was not into my vision so much ... the one about a little he/she making harmony with their big daddy, Luke. He's just not thinking about that right now. He thought a little niece or nephew might be okay to teach. Guess we need to hope for him to have another wandering thought that will bring about more harmony ...

Lemon Drop Tea Room

2010-02-25T16:38:00.007-06:00

We successfully made our escape!
We left our neck of the woods for another and boy did we have fun!

It was a short run ... we left late Monday morning and returned late evening Tuesday.

Rachel is going to marry this summer ...

She is our girl ...

My friend is mom number one ...

And I am mom number two ...

Rachel adopted me some time ago ... an unexpected delight!

We talked about wedding locations, dresses, flowers, and of course food.

That was our wedding talk ...

Then we moved on to coffee shops, vintage dresses, and hmmm ... lots of other girly things!

The morning of the second day we visited an amazing coffee shop. Rachel and I love our coffee and she knew I would love this place! Everyone in the shop was having their Bible time! Cool, we thought!

We dropped Rachel off at school barely getting her there in time for class. We hugged her neck and promised to keep in touch. Did I tell you that she is absolutely darling?

Renee' (mom number 1) and I went to the damaged food store ...

Interesting ...

Beneficial ...

Prudent ...

P31 style ...

Car weighted down, we headed for home.

Renee' spotted a sign on the way home ... Lemon Drop Tea Room ...

Hmmmm ...

We kinda had other plans ...

Should we stop?

I am up for adventure ... so we got off the beaten path and headed for the Lemon Drop!

It was love at first sight!

It was decked in bright and cheery style ... every table said "welcome" ...

Finally, we found our place.

They served a sampler plate (on mismatched fine china) ...

a bit of salad,

a dainty cup of soup,

a quarter of a chicken salad sandwich on marble rye bread ...

and a potato quiche (which was new for both of us and may I say, simply out of this world!)

We finished our meal by sharing their signature dessert ... lemon cake!

"Not so into lemon cake", says I, but that one is worth repeating a little two hour trip East for. It was divine!

The Lemon Drop Tea Room is located at the end of the most amazing little strip of shops we had ever seen. Thus our three hour delay in the antique store next to the Lemon Drop.

Wish you could have seen this place! It was the cutest little shop we had ever, ever seen! We fell in love with it! It wasn't just the inventory that was so inviting, it was how they had put it all together. Have you ever seen a Romantic Homes magazine?
It was like stepping into it's pages and getting to walk around ... and touch and smell and enjoy at another dimension!

Umbrellas hung from the ceiling ...

Drawer pulls on dressers were made out of lace ...

Ideas galore!

We brought home a couple of things ... and we left so many wonderful things behind!

For next time ... I hope!

I bought a chair ... I put it in my new guest room ... if you come over to stay you can see it.

It will be a favorite for a very long time ...

There is another story about our trip that I must tell ... but it will have to wait.

The best part of the journey happened on the way home.

My friend prayed for me. Really, really prayed ... She took a long time to pray ...

And I needed that more than I needed a beautiful new, antique chair!

Heart Lifter

2010-02-15T08:54:00.007-06:00

"Awake, north wind,
and come, south wind!
Blow on my garden,
that its fragrance may spread abroad.
Let my lover come into His garden
and taste its choice fruits." Song of Songs 4:16

I love to worship Jesus with passion.

There are times my heart gets so heavy that it feels as if it is literally dragging the ground. I have discovered a few remedies,heart lifters. They have come in various forms, such as the smile of a child, a timely message from a dear friend, or a new worship song.

Misty Edward's new cd, Fling Wide, has been a heart lifter for me.

It is full of beautiful worship songs. Songs that draw me right to the heart of God.

It has brought healing and refreshing to my soul.

Song number 5 is hard for me to sing. I don't like all of the words.

Worship is praying to music, is it not?

The words of song number 5 pray like this:

"Awake, awake, O north wind
Awake, awake, O south wind
Blow over me
Come, O wind of testing
Come, winds of refreshing
Blow over me
Let the winds blow ..."

This song is directly quoted from Song of Songs. The Bride petitions her Bridegroom to let the north winds blow on her garden. The south winds too. The north winds are symbolic of the hard times ... the harsh, momentary seasons, the Job lessons of life.

The south winds bring refreshing. They are the breathers in life,respites between tides.

I have experienced many north winds in my life. I have learned so much from them. I have snuggled closer to the heart of God during those frigid, seemingly heartless, hurtful seasons, and found such a warmth, I never would have discovered otherwise, so near His heart. It was a place warmth and wealth of love for me. A refuge. A crevice in the rock where He covered me with His hand. But those seasons are difficult and I don't enjoy them at all.

So I am hesitant to invite them ... even if it means that I will grow in my affection for my Beloved Jesus. Even if it means that others will see Him more clearly as they witness my suffering while walking in His grace.

So I mumble through that line of the song while singing the next line with courage and boldness ...

"Awake, awake, O south winds ..."

It does not take courage to ask for refreshing winds.

It is like asking for a trip to the Bahamas.

A north wind is blowing outside today.

I have stayed in ... I hear it ... it invites me to open the door and come out and play.

It wails ...

It reminds ...

It chills me to the bone ...

I stay inside with a hot cup of coffee.

Just the thought of it discourages my desire to petition for it.

Winter seasons pass ... eventually spring wins the game of tug of war with winter and it comes ...

Soon everything is blooming and I hardly remember the bite of winter winds

as I once again bask in gentle breezes ...

I find that I appreciate spring so much more after a hard winter.

I would love to share one of Misty's cds with you. Just leave a comment and I will enter your name in a drawing.

Blessings,
Cheri

Legacy

2010-02-12T09:23:00.006-06:00

I have been considering my days. What is worthy of time, what is futile? What deserves my attention, where should I linger, what should I ignore?
A heritage is being woven behind me. My children will rest in the creases of the garment called legacy being prepared as I walk out my destiny.

Legacy calls for prudence ...

What is the most important baton to place in the hands of my children?
What would help them the most to endure to the end?
Is there something to be passed that would carry them through the difficult seasons, encouraging them on their way?
Oh, that they would enjoy the Lord as I have ...
that they would they listen for His whisper, His song, His laughter,
and they would delight in His presence never losing their awe of Him!

So I pray~

Oh, Lord, let me pass these wonders on to my children. Let this be their heritage! Their greatest delight!
I will be a failure if they do not have revelation of who You truly are!
Let joy spring in their heart like a fountain!
Let Your promises set passion to dancing in their hearts!
Let childlike wonder and awe inspire them to seek you more!
Oh, that they would bask in Your beauty, eye witnesses of Your glory,reveling in Your joy!
This is my petition! That they would be great in You,Lord! Mighty men and women of valor who love Your name!

Most of all, may they enjoy You forever, truly experiencing the pleasure that is only found in You!

Amen

Perspective

2010-01-22T09:09:00.006-06:00

I found a love note today.

It wasn't hiding under my pillow.I didn't find it on the cabinet by the coffee pot this morning. It wasn't on the white board that hangs on our fridge and it wasn't on the bathroom mirror. But I found it! I found it!

I read it and thought, "This is for me? This is for me!"

My heart responded with a waltz and then a soft shoe that soon burst into the tango.

I read it again and again, over and over! His words captivated me!

I knew I was in love before I read the note, but after the first glimpse of what had been left for me today, my love was deeper, sweeter, my passion for Him reignited.

I heard His voice whispering the words to my heart.

My response, "let me hear you say it again!" My eyes fell back to the page and drank in the words.

"I have entered my garden, my treasure, my bride!" (Song of Solomon 5:1)

He was calling me

His treasure ...

His bride ...

"I gather myrrh with my spices and eat honeycomb with my honey.
I drink wine with my milk." (Song of Solomon 5:1)

He sounds like one crazy in love!

Drinking wine with milk?

Myrrh, spices, honeycomb,and honey?

He gathers them for me because I am His treasure and His bride ...

I would follow Him anywhere!

My heart responds with song ...

*"You fill up my senses, like a night in a forest
like the mountains in springtime,
like a walk in the rain,
Like a storm in the desert, like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses come fill again.

Come let me love you, let me give my life to you
Let drown in your laughter, let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you, let me always be with you
Come let me love you, come love me again."

He doesn't bring me flowers, He invites me into His garden
where flowers never die ...

He meets me there

calling me His treasure, His bride ...

I bask in the glow of our oneness ...

We are inseparable ...

for eternity ...

I am my Beloved's and He is mine ...

His banner over me is LOVE ...
(Song of Solomon 2:4)

Eternal LOVE ...

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever ..
Isaiah 40:8

*Annie's Song written by John Denver
Song of Solomon 5:1 taken from the New Living Translation
Song of Solomon 2:4 taken from New American Standard Version

Silly Prayers

2010-01-18T08:39:00.003-06:00

I felt silly praying it, but I just wanted it so.
I was in the shower, not on my knees, and this overwhelming desire for flowers came to me. I wanted flowers ... today!

Perhaps because it is January. Flowers are scarce. I don't know. I don't usually ask for the frivolous.

"Lord, please send me flowers today!"

Once the words escaped my mouth I felt shame swallow me whole.

I shouldn't be thinking like this. How selfish! But I still wanted flowers!

Really bad!

I began to force my thoughts another direction ...

Perhaps there was someone else that needed flowers today.

I prayed about it ...

"Lord, if you have someone in mind that could use some cheering up with a beautiful bouquet of flowers would you please drop their name into my heart?"

I stilled my wants and waited for a name to come to my mind.

The Lord kept His silence.

Soon it is lunchtime.

I look up as the back door opens and he enters. We smile. Scotty sets down the armload that he brought home from the office.

He returns to the door and momentarily disappears.

Within minutes he is coming through the door again with a dozen roses and a beautiful card.

Years have passed since he has brought me flowers.

I am speechless. I am so deeply touched, momentarily paralyzed by the beauty of it,

Scotty showering me with his love by giving me glorious red roses,

the Lord loving me by answering such a selfish request in such a precious way.

Happy tears begin to roll down my cheeks ...

"Scotty, I prayed for flowers today" I tell him.

The Lord caressed our hearts with His sweetness.

He had blessed our desires ...

Scotty's desire to bless ...

my desire to be blessed ...

Such a kiss from the Lord ...

So beautiful ...

Message From Heaven

2010-01-06T10:36:00.004-06:00

click on photo to enlarge picture
She would take off her shoes and step into the little red rubber boots the minute she walked through the front door and into my living room.

She could not comprehend my decorating style. Who would think of putting little red boots out for decoration? She decided to put them to good use.

Occasionally I go through a decorating frenzy and move stuff around but the little red boots have remained in my front room in the same spot since the day she began to slip them on her feet.

Once the boots were on she began to sing and dance and explore every region of my house.

One day she spied the little old wooden, half red, half blue toy mailbox that Scotty used to play with when he was a child. She began to leave me pictures in the mailbox. I found that I had a self appointed pen pal. As she mastered her writing skills, my little aspiring artist left messages for me at the corners of her canvas.

Concerned that I would forget to peek in the box for mail, she would leave me a note on the kitchen table reminding me that I needed to check my box.

We had something special. She called me "My Cheri".

She was my little darling.

I love her.

The morning that she passed away, three few weeks ago today, I came home and looked in my mailbox hoping for one last letter from her. My heart sank. The box was empty.

No mail from Asya today.

No mail from Asya tomorrow.

The little red boots remain near my front door, the little mailbox rests in the corner. Both are resting, waiting for her to appear.

I wonder what she would say if she could leave me a message in my box today?

I think she would write:

My Cheri,

Don't be sad! I want you to be happy!

Be sure to smile more! Laugh heartily! Love deeply, even if it's costly! Celebrate salvation! Believe completely! Pursue eternal matters! Sing when it hurts! Dance like David did, confounding the proud! Learn all you can, but live as though there is always more to learn. Appreciate sunrises, sunsets, birds singing, and the fragrance of meadows in bloom. Don't worry about tomorrow, or other's evaluations of you, or burnt casseroles. Live like you are alive on the inside! Assure others of your deep affection for them! Encourage, exhort, and give others a pat on the back whenever you possibly can! Invest your energy wisely! Pray for souls to be saved daily! Expect to see the fingerprints of God in your life!

Oh, and I am having a very good time!

Take good carry of mommy and grammy!

I love you and

I will see you soon!

Your Asya

What do you think she might say?

My little friend, Asya Frazier, was taken home to be with "her Jesus" December 16, 2009. It was a very unexpected departure. We miss her terribly.

Number 64

2009-12-10T10:56:00.010-06:00

He is number 64.

His family is desperate, they need help.

He needs a coat, shoes, clothes, diapers, high chair, and the list goes on.

I kept forgetting to sign up at the bank at the adopt a child program they have set up for Christmas.

Finally, it came to me while I was still at the drive up window.

"I would like to adopt a child."

"What gender would you like?"

"Age?"

"What do you need most?" is my reply.

The teller hands me a sheet of paper with a list of number 64's needs. I look it over. Should I get started now? It is a nasty day ...

I head for a store that carries what little 64 needs. I handle each garment with care, looking for comfort as well as warmth.

I head to another store. Number 64 is heavier on my mind. A momma pushes her shopping cart past me. A tiny one about 64's age is sleeping in the seat of the cart, his body draped over the back of the seat with his head propped up by a box in her basket. Is that number 64 I wonder? No, probably not. I study him just the same. Curls frame is sleeping face. Cheeks are rosy, chapped by the wind. He looks like a cherub.

I am falling in love with number 64 and I don't even know his name.

But I imagine him.

I bring the parcels home and begin to wrap them for him. I pray as I wrap.

I write a note and place it in the package.
"I promise to pray for you, little 64, every day this year. I will pray for your family too. Many happy blessings!"

My husband and I embrace for morning prayer. I ask him to add number 64 to our list. He lists him when he prays for each of our children by name. Number 64 comes last. He calls him little one. He prays for blessings on his life. It is a sweet time. I pray for number 64's salvation.

A few days ago I received a letter in the mail from a missionary in Sri Lanka. They found children who needed prayer warriors. I adopted one. Her name is Jumana. I was praying for her this morning. I just noticed this morning that there is a number on the back of her beautiful picture. You guessed it! Her number is 64.

So I will be praying for two children this year. One is in Sri Lanka, a little girl, age (? 10 maybe), and a little boy from my county, age 1, who wears size 5 shoes, and 18 month size clothing. Both are number 64.

How did the Lord work all this out? His ways are amazing! I believe He just loves to thrill us with these little things that are really quite big!

Merry Christmas!
Cheri

"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. But Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.' And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left."
Matthew 19:13-15

ps. Pictured is my little friend Teagan. He is not #64, but he is close to his age and he is a sweetheart! Don't you think?

Wasn't Going to Tell

2009-12-04T09:33:00.003-06:00

It began with a burden. It seems that everywhere I go I am running into women who are in desperate situations! They are the victims of unfixable problems. I have some who pour out their hearts to me. I listen. I don't have answers. I don't have ten or twelve steps to offer. But I do understand!

I have been there! I have been in seasons where the hurt was more overwhelming than I thought I could bare. It took my breath, it wrenched my gut, it threatened my faith, my hope and my trust. It shook me to the core.

They were seasons.

They have passed.

Some seasons were long.

Others brief.

All painful.

I am still here to tell about it.

The Lord was there for me. Sometimes it appeared that He was the only one, but He was faithful.

Now I want to encourage others who are in a season of pain. I want to stir hope in hearts and minister to inner wounds, applying salve to the soul.

I want to help my sisters to continue on this marathon of faith so that we can all make it to the finish line.

I prayed.

The Lord had an idea, opening a way that I can possibly help.

I am starting another blog for women who are in pain, or who are praying through a difficult situation, or who need a word of encouragement once in a while.

It is a work in progress and I wasn't going to tell about it until I had it all complete, so it is under construction, but perhaps someone needs a good word today.

The name of my new blog is Threadbare ... hope for women who feel they are hanging on by a thread. The url is cherilb.blogspot.com.

I will continue writing on my blog Seven Branches. Threadbare will be a very specific blog.

Do you know someone who is hurting that might benefit from some encouragement? Would you send them over to check out by new blog? Perhaps they will find a respite there.

My love to you sweet ones!

Cheri

Parting Paths

2009-11-28T11:31:00.006-06:00

I was alone when I got the message.

Alone on Thanksgiving Day.

Have you ever been alone on a major holiday?

We celebrated our Thanksgiving meal on Friday so that Luke could be with us.

Our New York families couldn't join us this year.

So I was working in my kitchen Thursday when the news came about Brock. He was gone.

He passed away a few minutes after midnight, Thanksgiving Day.

My heart broke. Tears began to roll and I thought they would never stop.

I remember the first time he came to our house. I was carrying a laundry basket, heaping with clean clothing, out of the laundry room. Laundry for a family of seven can be a daunting task. He rose immediately, holding out his arms to take my burden.

That is how I remember him. Hands outstretched ready to relieve another of their load.

I cannot begin to tell you all the ways this young man was there for us.

You should have seen Caleb and Brock together. You would think them clowns. They had such

a great time, always happy in heart, always smiling.

The boys spent a lot of time doing missions work together. Work and pleasure woven together, presenting a powerful message of the Gospel. A message of hope.

A few months ago Caleb called us to ask us to pray as soon as he heard that Brock had a brain tumor. He had called Brock to ask him to be in his wedding, to stand up with him at the altar, be a groomsman. Brock was sick. Very sick. Life threatening sick. It was not to be.

Things for Brock seemed to get worse. I called Caleb and asked him to come home for a visit. So glad that he did. It was the last time he saw Brock alive.

Caleb held his hand without speaking, sitting for the longest time at Brock's side.Brock couldn't speak. Caleb didn't want to cry in front of Brock so he choked back sobs. Sobs prevented words. I could see the tears streaming down the side of his face.

We returned to the car, Caleb broke, releasing a flood of tears. So did I.

Over the summer improvement in Brock's condition gave way for hope. It seemed that he was going to win the war against cancer! We all cheered him on. He said the words, "I love you" to his sweetheart. If excitement could change a destiny, he would still be with us.

We can imagine Brock now, dancing all over heaven, his struggle left behind, his future inviting!

We are happy for him. Seriously, so happy for him.

But saying goodbye to a young man at 23 years of age is heart-wrenching regardless of how you try to look at it. It doesn't seem right. It doesn't seem fair. It leaves a huge question mark in your heart. I have added it to the list of things I want to ask the Lord about someday. Along with the time my cousins wife died in her early thirties, and their son died when he was 18. I am laying down my desire to know now. I fail to put it into a rational perspective every time I try. I just can't comprehend!

Would you join me in praying for Bobbi, Brock's mother; Sam, his dad; Sydney, his sister; and Nicolle, his fiance'; and countless others that this young man loved and was loved by. This will be a very hard weekend for so many.

The funeral will be tomorrow. Caleb is flying home tonight. It will be a very short trip for him. He will fly back out Monday morning. Thank you for your prayers.

Two young men have parted paths, one will continue to tread the streets of earth, one the streets of heaven, until they meet again.

Many blessings,

Cheri

The Missionaries Visit

2009-11-26T18:43:00.003-06:00

Their little legs dangled over the edge of the pew, little black shoes hanging above the floor unable to reach. I sat between their little boy bodies, Luke snuggling in, resting his dark curly head against my arm. Caleb sitting a bit straighter was more attentive to his friend sitting across the isle than he was to the missionary.

Immature legs that fail to reach the floor often become restless with a wiggle that seems to rise all the way up the boy. Oh, my! Let the show begin! I am between a lot of bottled energy. My prayer, "Please let this be good so that it will grab their attention."

The missionary begins to speak, soft and low he tells stories about the African country filled with families he adores. I am not sure when their little boyness settled down and the missionary captured their attention for he had caught mine as well.

We were caught up in the testimonies about building churches filled with brand new believers, training them, blessing them, feasting with them (with their delicacies, unappealing to us), traveling over the countryside of Eritrea, Africa spreading the gospel while encountering every kind of adventure imaginable.

The missionary, a fisher of men, caught my son that morning, casting his line into the audience, taking up a net he pulled Caleb into a vision for his future. The missionary was unaware of his catch, oblivious to the mesmerized look on the little boy's face sitting on the second pew from the front. Caleb, at the age of ten, now knew exactly what he would do with his life. He would be a missionary like Mr. Falley.

Lunchtime, Pizza Hut, reflections of the service were passed all around. It was Caleb's enthusiasm that kept the conversation about the missionary going.

"Did you hear him say ...?"

"I want to go there! I want to help him!"

"I want to be a missionary someday!"

"Can we write Mr. Falley a letter and send him a picture of me so he'll know what I look like when I get there?"

Evening shadows fall on our house on the corner of South Plummer Avenue and little man of ten pulls me away from the kitchen sink where dish suds are spilling onto my apron.

"Momma, lets write to him now! Who, Caleb, who are you talking about?"

(Five children and a spouse can cause you to forget your own name sometimes.)

"Mr. Falley, mom! I have to tell him that I want to help him someday. I want to tell him that we will pray for him and his wife. Tell him that I will pray for many to know Jesus!"

I dry my hands, embrace my little man of vision and lead him to the card drawer. He thumbs through all the cards, his little tongue perched at the side of his lips as he carefully considers his choice. He finds the card that suits him. Together we sit fashioning a letter that would encourage the heart of anyone called to spread the gospel.

The letter would be the first of many we would send to Mr. Falley. Our hearts are knit as we continue to lift one another's families in prayer to this day. Caleb has found a very tender spot in the heart of Mr. Falley, the missionary who shared his faith, his testimony, his vision and calling at our church over thirteen years ago.

Mr. Falley did not know, when he spotted the two little boys sitting on the second pew with their momma that one of them would find his calling through the message he would share. He was only being faithful to bring a word of testimony to the body of Christ. However, it was that day a torch was passed to the next generation and is being carried around the world in the hands of a little man grown tall, my son, Caleb, still to this day!

How great is our God!

Blessings,

Cheri

Psalm 40

2009-11-16T14:09:00.005-06:00

"Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; Let such as love Your salvation say continually, 'The Lord be magnified!' But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God." Psalm 40:16-17 NKJV

"I am poor and needy ... Yet the Lord thinks upon me ..."

Pondering ...

imagining His thoughts ...

imagining His thoughts toward me ...

He has set His mind upon me ...

I am poor and needy ... Yet ...

He is thinking ...

about me ...

right now as I am writing about Him.

Scotty read my mind yesterday. He knew I would want to go out to eat after church and where I would want to go.

After service I said, "I have an idea ..."

Before I finished my sentence he replied, "You want to go ________ for lunch".

(me) "How did you know?"

(he) "I read your mind."

(me) "Okay, so when did I have that thought?"

(he) "Mmmmm, about the middle of the sermon."

Scotty was thinking about me. Thinking about what I might like to do for lunch. And he was right on.

The Lord is spending some time ... right now ... thinking about me.

And I am thinking about Him.

Setting my mind on Him.

Pondering His thoughts ...

Caught up in the wonder of it all.

The Lord is spending some time ... right now ... thinking about you, too.

Are you thinking about Him?

Mixed Feelings

2009-11-13T21:10:00.003-06:00

My son is on his honeymoon.

She lingers at her son's side anticipating his final breath.

Final words whispered, heart to heart, mom to son.

She draws the cover around him, tucking in feisty edges.

She hovers, wiping his brow, giving through her pain, longing to wake up from the nightmare.

My son's best friend is going ahead. They walked hand and hand, pilgrims in their generation, proclaiming a message of hope. Hope tested. Hope soon confirmed.

Friend of the bridegroom could not attend the wedding. Wasn't able to stand by his side joining the celebration. His fiance sat among the witnesses.

My son is on his honeymoon .... Her son awaits his final breath ....

Three Thank Yous

2009-11-03T07:17:00.002-06:00

What stirs a heart to say 'thank you' ?

She worked at a very upscale salon in Long Island, New York and she offered to do my hair for the wedding. I was supposed to meet her at the salon at 8:00 a.m. the day of. It had been a long night. My feelings had been so hurt the night before. The hurt brought tears ... a lot of tears. Long night, puffy eyes, heavy heart. Memories of my dad came with the dawn and a longing ache for him joined the hurtful pain from the night before. Buckets of tears poured from my eyes. I wanted him to be at the wedding. He would be so proud.

I entered the salon wrapped in heaviness, eyes swollen, with a forced smile. She assigned me to a chair and began to do my hair. We didn't talk much. I rested while she pampered me. Two hours passed, I rose to leave and she asked if I wanted my make up done as well. I nodded.

She directed me to Michelle who began her magic. She rummaged her bag of tricks, swept her brush across her artist palate, began to stroke my face applying a mask hiding sorrow beneath shadows of color.

It was just what I needed. It was a gift. She would not let me pay the price. It was a gift, from her, from the Lord. He knew. He knew.

I wrote "Thank You" on my whiteboard (magnetically held to my fridge) at home so that I would not forget to thank her.

I wrote a note to her Sunday, two days ago, complete with photos from the wedding.

Thank you.

What stirs a heart to say 'thank you'?

I wrote about Lydia on my last post. She had written a special note to me to tell me thank you.

Yesterday a friend called me during her prayer time to thank me for being me. Thankfulness was overflowing her prayers and she decided to call and let me know that she had mentioned my name when listing her reasons for gratefulness.

This morning Scotty rose early. A while later I stumbled into the family room, eyes half open to find him at the computer. He was typing a letter that began, "Cheri, thank you ........" The sweetest words followed, precious words that I will keep in my heart and treasure.

Three days in a row 'thank yous' have come.

Their thank yous have stirred my heart to say 'thank you' to the One from whom all blessings flow. I am overwhelmed with gratefulness. The Lord has put such good people in my life. He has poured, poured, and poured good things into my life. He has given me above and beyond what I could ever ask or think. Thank you, Lord.

'Thank You' remains scribbled across the top of my whiteboard as if it were the title for my week. Perhaps it should be the title of my life.

Now I would like to say that I am thankful for you, you the one who is reading this post. You are on my list of reasons to be grateful this morning. Thank you for being you in my life. Today I will remember to tell the Lord how special you are to me!

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamation of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart." Philippians 1:1-2 The Message

Gratefully yours,

Cheri

The Eyes of the Younger

2009-11-02T09:58:00.003-06:00

She put the card in my lap as I sat visiting with her big sister. I peered through the envelope's veneer spying tiny little words forming long sentences on the card beneath. I longed to see the message. Had I hurt her feelings? Was she thanking me for something? Or was it just, "I am thinking of you" kind of card?

Sunday lunch had ended and the room was filled with the buzz of cheerful chatter. Everyone was involved in conversation, some listening, some voicing their opinions, others holding their peace until given the floor. It was truly fellowship at its finest!

Rachel (big sister) had been on a mission trip to India. Her grandma and I looked over the picture book she had made as she shared stories ... life changing stories ... the kind that make you cry. I am still reflecting on it. Her testimony left an imprint on my heart and I am still tracing it's borders with my finger. What if I had been with her? Could I have handled it as well as she? Echos of these thoughts continue to challenge me.

Afternoon was waning as it beckoned the evening. Time to head for home.

Goodbye kisses were given all around.

Scotty and I head for the truck, I with unopened card still in my hand.

I rip the seal before we exit the long driveway.

Lydia is twelve. Her card tells me that she has been watching my life. She feels that I am one who has been an example. She mentions Proverbs 31 and quotes a verse she feels describes me. I read the words to Scotty. He smiles.

I am humbled and quiet the rest of the drive home. This sweet, thoughtful card has reawakened my responsibility to be a good example for those who are following. There are those who are learning from my walk with Jesus, making decisions based on my example, for good or for bad.

I will keep the little card that has made a big impact on my heart and refer back to it from time to time. There are seasons when its message will be encouragement to help me persevere. There are seasons, like the one I am in now, when its message will humble me, bringing me to my knees, pleading for grace to walk this life out, light shining, grace speaking, love giving, hope offering, and forgiveness mending life. I will need her words again to remind me.

This morning, I find a place to bow, and wait for the Lord to make her words true in me for today. The eyes of the younger are watching, I pray that they will see Jesus!

Blessings,

Cheri

Offenses

2009-10-21T09:24:00.002-05:00

"I have swept away your sins like a cloud. I have scattered your offenses like the morning mist. Oh, return to me for I have paid the price to set you free." Isaiah 44:22 NLT

An old offense was brought to my attention yesterday.

It came in the form of a telephone call, "Hello, Cheri, I don't know how to say this ... "

The tone was extremely serious.

My nerves began to quiver.

I braced myself.

Words began to topple from my friend. I had been wounded by misunderstanding ... a long time ago. I had long since put it all to rest. Now I was being reminded.

My memory of details were vague.

"I should have come to you a long time ago and made this right," my friends words brought comfort.

It was so timely. The Lord knew that this was the week to bring up the past. "Offenses" is the word of the moment. The word keeps rising up in various ways from many sources over the past several days.

After the call, when all concern was quieted on both sides of the misunderstanding, I settled into prayer. Deep prayer. Prayer that begs the Lord to search my heart and reveal my anxious thoughts.

I began to fill a blank page.

Offenses come. What do I do with them?

Do I stuff them deep inside hoping they will keep company with all of my other hurts?

Do I wear them on my sleeve sharing them will all who will listen, hoping they too will pick up my offense and side with me?

Or do I take it to the Lord asking Him to help me through the pain of offense so that I can grow through the offense and love the offender ... beyond the offense?

I am sad to say that I have done all three.

I hope you do the third option when you are offended.

My first reaction to offense is I just want to quit! I give up! I cry, get angry, and want to throw in the towel.

I have found that there is strength to be gained when I take offenses to the Lord. He reveals the truth in what has been said by my offender. He settles my heart and I welcome His peace. I wish this was my first response every time. I think my life would be much easier.

I prayed through the situation my friend brought to my remembrance yesterday. I was unaware that there was residue of hurt still in my heart. I asked for the Lord to heal. The enemy had successfully come in creating division. Because it was brought to my mind the Lord had opportunity to bring healing to my soul, now I am restored and thanking Him.

My friend cared enough to call. They wanted to make things right, making my heart rejoice. But the greatest thing is the Lord brought it up. He dealt with my heart and healed it, which stirs me to praise.

Do you have any thoughts on being offended? I would love to learn from your wisdom.

Blessings,

Cheri

" ... offenses must come ... !" Matthew 18:7 NKJV

"Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses." Proverbs 10:12 NLT