tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-327591162011-10-30T21:54:18.941-07:00Thoughts about living real life as a real follower of Jesus....and other things to ponder.Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.comBlogger1601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-70891295638556075552011-10-30T09:51:00.000-07:002011-10-30T11:00:28.436-07:00

You know you're in a new place of life when the book of Ecclesiastes begins making sense! In a conversation with my husband yesterday, we talked about the flood of thoughts, fears, emotions and apprehensions that have crept into life as we celebrate birthdays this next month and head deeper into our 50's. Admittedly, we are stunned at how quickly half of our lives have passed, seemingly in a 

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-43256219274547248372010-07-29T09:34:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:02:00.926-07:00

Our Wedding Day: July 27, 1985 My husband and I celebrated our 25th Wedding anniversary this week.  It is hard to believe that 25 years have passed since that day. I spent some time thinking back over the years, reflecting on all that has taken place.  We have experienced joys that can't be surpassed, trials that we didn't think we'd survive, and sorrows that we  wished we could have

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-15152466341206500662010-07-23T21:01:00.000-07:002010-07-23T21:03:47.254-07:00

I have something to confess.  Beginning this blogging journey once again is a bit of stretch for me, yet I know it is something I need to do. I'll explain... A couple of weeks ago I ran into a dear friend whom I had not seen in person in over a year.  We had exchanged some Facebook comments and emails in past months, but that had been about it.  As we talked face to face, she brought up

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-9551578144684962832010-07-18T08:48:00.000-07:002010-07-18T09:59:54.877-07:00

Yesterday was a very "blue" day for our family. We picked blueberries at a local farm. The weather was perfect and everyone was very up for the adventure. The crop was so bountiful that we nearly couldn't stop ourselves but finally regained control and put the buckets down after picking 64.7 lbs! Needless to say, our freezer will be well-stocked for the next year! What a blessing to be able

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-26721753705127732022010-07-15T12:53:00.001-07:002010-07-15T21:51:06.250-07:00

Well....I took quite the break from blogging! Wow! Over 10 months since my last post! Guess I haven't had much to ponder?Nope, that's not it....just not pondering 'out loud' I guess.Anyway, it seems that it is time to ponder publicly once again! You may have noticed that I changed my page format too. It was time for that as well. Summer so far:JUNEGraduation for child #3! It is true what 'they'

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-38677400919716120192009-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:002009-09-07T13:28:53.629-07:00

Nearly a year ago, our 16 year-old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Her life was forever changed with that diagnosis. That is why our family is walking and raising funds for the American Diabetes Association’s signature fundraising walk, Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes happening in September.Every step we take and every dollar we raise will make a difference in the lives of 23.6

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-70592816861320357332009-06-08T13:02:00.000-07:002009-06-08T14:29:30.831-07:00

Well, I think it is safe to say this is the longest I've gone without updating my blog! Yikes! I knew it had been a long time...but nearly 3 months??? I have to give credit to my dear friend for the ever so soft nudging to get back to blogging. (Even if you didn't realize it Kimberly--it helped!)So. Where to start.I think after many months I'm just about ready to cancel my FaceBook page. Really

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-4096324737368816602009-03-16T05:58:00.000-07:002009-03-16T06:28:12.203-07:00

This past weekend was the one-year mark since Mom died. Hard to believe it has been a year already. It has flown by, and so much about 'life' looks differently than it did last year at this time.Many have asked my siblings and I how we're doing. As my sister had said to someone, 'we did our work all along the way [throughout the dying process], every step of the way, so we're doing well.' And

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-53734008972685602642009-02-15T06:03:00.000-08:002009-02-15T07:25:51.876-08:00

It has been such a long time since I last posted something. Although life has been 'full', the writing well has been dry as I've struggled to put something--anything-- down in sentence form. There are periods of life when so much is happening internally and personally writing can be a burden rather than a joy. I think that's where I've been--or still am to some degree.I have had some

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-47973238213312953312009-01-03T09:05:00.000-08:002009-01-03T22:14:02.338-08:00

There is so much to be thankful for as we head into 2009. Our family breathed a collective sigh of relief as we welcomed in the the new year; 2008 was not a great year for us, and so entering a new year feels hope-filled.The most recent trial of 2008 was our 16 year-old daughter, H's, diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes that we received October 1st. Without any family history of diabetes, the thought of

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-34002343001741144472008-12-23T05:48:00.001-08:002008-12-23T07:01:33.440-08:00

Being home bound with 3 teens during these wintry snowy days of the past week has had its ups and downs. I have tried to go to work when possible, but since my place of employment is in the higher elevations, being able to actually get to work has been hit and miss in the past week. One day I drove on nearly-bare pavement all the way to the bottom of the hill that leads up to the office, but

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-54438369613932650272008-12-15T09:17:00.000-08:002008-12-15T11:05:07.416-08:00

The Lord is good!To follow up on my "IDK" post, I just had to share a little bit of how the Lord has been working. He has given clarity, and direction in ways that can only be spirit-directed. And not only that, but has been giving confirmation through words of exhortation from brothers and sisters in Christ. I'm so thankful for these Spirit-filled followers of Jesus who know truth, speak truth

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-14435618648006471292008-12-10T21:52:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:41:26.588-08:00

I'll confess, I am just a recent text-er. I know, I'm a little late getting on the band wagon. I resisted for quite a while. On what principle? IDK (I don't know). Partly because I didn't want to pay extra on my cell phone bill, partly because I didn't know if I would have the patience to learn T-9. But, I maneuvered around that by getting a phone with a full keyboard...AND I LOVE IT!

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-51576219858208061732008-12-03T18:08:00.000-08:002008-12-03T22:02:12.375-08:00

The Lord has been teaching me a lot about truth lately. Not a fun or easy task. Actually, it is a gruelling journey that I would have opted out of many times over by now...but I can't. I was created this way; with a tenacity for truth. I remember being this way since I was a little girl, never satisfied with just whatever someone would tell me, but wanting to know the truth for myself. I guess I

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-48872022501879405442008-11-30T10:34:00.000-08:002008-11-30T11:05:30.361-08:00

This was our first Thanksgiving without Mom present, and, as it turned out on the calendar, Thanksgiving day also fell on mom's 71st birthday. Several of mom's friends contacted us this week, with concern in their voices and sympathy in their notes and cards letting us know they were thinking of us and missing her, knowing that this would be the first of many holidays this year that we will be

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-24028386378856008442008-11-09T08:33:00.000-08:002008-11-09T09:41:58.044-08:00

I've determined that my husband and I are in a weird stage of life; that strange point in time where our parents have died, our children are beginning to fly the nest, and we're aging. The collective they said it would happen. And yes, it has. We've reached that point in life where we have long hit the half-way point and are thinking about the years to come. This month being our birthday

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-68029057474762775852008-10-17T08:51:00.000-07:002008-10-17T09:02:36.002-07:00

Just had to do a quick post to let you know that the prayers of many have been answered so clearly and precisely for our dear daughter H.Because of the blurry vision she has been having for the last few weeks due to being diabetic, it was questionable if H would be able to take the PSAT at her high school this past Wednesday. Well, the answer was YES! She was able to take it! Since last Sunday

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-22800727145669552182008-10-11T09:15:00.001-07:002008-10-11T10:11:18.603-07:00

Well, we made it through an entire week 'on our own'. I'll admit that at the beginning of this week, it seemed very daunting. We were going full steam ahead into the unknown, and every minute of every day had its share of fear attached. In fact, that may have been one of the biggest battles fought, and won this week--the battle over fear.It is true what they say that 'knowledge is power'. We

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-41194463392053177562008-10-05T10:50:00.001-07:002008-10-05T12:25:50.164-07:00

This past week was one that I won't easily forget. It is true what they say, life can change in a an instant, and once again our family felt the impact of that sentiment.For the past month, our daughter H has had some changes in her health; nothing that was obviously wrong but subtle changes and some weird "symptoms" that began around July and intensified once school began. Knowing that things

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-36663386802650397812008-09-28T08:10:00.000-07:002008-09-28T09:46:43.523-07:00

It is such a journey when one decides to truly follow the Lord wherever He leads, especially when things get scary and dark. My every tendency inside of me is to run the other direction and head for safe, familiar shelter, surrounded by people and things that bring comfort.As the Lord has been leading this year, I'm understanding that following him is rarely comfortable or 'safe'. Because he

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-10068354189625487922008-09-22T11:52:00.000-07:002008-09-22T12:13:33.481-07:00

It's amazing what results can be obtained when one has the right information! After intensely studying this past week, new course information, terms and laws as they pertain to health insurance, I re-took (is that a real word?) the state licensing exam on Friday. What relief I felt when I saw "PASS" in the results section. Whew! It is so nice to be done with the studying part of things.This

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-80017041248130080002008-09-13T08:29:00.000-07:002008-09-13T09:55:32.320-07:00

"Well, Mom, now you know how it feels!"This was my daughter's response when I told her I had failed my health insurance licensing exam this past Tuesday. At the time, she was consoling and even commiserated with me, telling me that she knew it didn't feel good to fail a test of any kind. Encouraging me, she told me I'd do better next time and inquired if I knew what parts of the test I needed to

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-42431943653709485792008-09-12T16:10:00.000-07:002008-09-12T16:31:32.505-07:00

I've missed singing. I haven't sung for a long time now. It's not because there hasn't been an opportunity, it's just because I haven't had a song in me. My husband and I stepped down from worship team over a year ago (? is that right?) for lots of different reasons, mostly because the pressures and issues of "life" were weighing heavy on us and our time and emotional reserves were being depleted

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-644646280108898092008-09-02T01:18:00.000-07:002008-09-02T03:28:00.850-07:00

My husband and I had a garage sale this past weekend. Our goal was to clean out, lighten the load and free up some space. We had acquired a lot of "stuff"over the last few years, and most recently, more items from both sides of our families when our mother's passed away this spring. I realized that the last time I was involved in a garage sale, or yard sale, was two years ago--almost to the date-

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-37298840397411649402008-08-23T10:02:00.000-07:002008-08-24T20:48:16.426-07:00

Too many things have taken up pondering space in my brain. To write out such ponderings would be laborious and borderline inappropriate. (Okay, not even borderline....one does need to have boundaries.) Perhaps one day I will be able to share more openly about these deeper ponderings....but for now...they need to remain in my brain.For now, we'll keep things on the "safe" side and only openly

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-60436963387985269142008-08-16T08:27:00.000-07:002008-08-17T18:26:56.638-07:00

Wow it has been quite a while since I last posted. I try to post at least once a week...but not lately...just not enough hours in the day. I am still in the midst of unpacking boxes into our new home. I wish it were only boxes, but settling into a house has also required a lot of unpacking of emotions. It has surprised me a little bit. As we placed my grandmother's dining room table into our

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-86089115732334638672008-08-03T07:47:00.000-07:002008-08-03T08:57:13.581-07:00

We're here. We're really here. Even last night as my husband and I relaxed and watched a little TV before bed, we would smile with disbelief that we were sitting in our new home, acting like this is where we really live!It was a very busy and tiring week. Although we moved the majority of our things last weekend, we still had several items left in the apartment. Each night after work, my

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-86992669490626872042008-07-27T09:30:00.000-07:002008-07-27T10:18:46.756-07:00

Just having received keys to our new home a few hours earlier, all 6 of us were a little goofy and elated as we sat on the new carpet of our new home Friday night, envisioning daily life in our new surroundings, planning the move, thinking ahead to holiday dinners, and determining where the Christmas tree would go. We celebrated God's goodness and His blessings in providing this house. This is

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-25247647006035749142008-07-23T09:56:00.000-07:002008-07-23T12:56:08.401-07:00

I've just got to vent! What is the deal with customer service these days...or more accurately, non-customer service? I know this is not a new phenomenon, but lack of customer service at every turn in varying venues is a growing hot button for me. In my current employment, a good portion of my responsibility is customer service-related. I talk to numerous people everyday who feel they can't get

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-9986525967382628782008-07-18T08:57:00.000-07:002008-07-18T10:34:52.500-07:00

As I examine my face in the mirror I can see the toll that stress has taken on my skin. All those "tiny lines" I've had now seem like defined creases that won't diminish with repeated coverage of miracle skin cream. My skin has broken out in zits more in the last year than in previous years. Even my eyes seem to have lost their sparkle and seem dull to me. When I look in the mirror, I see someone

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-1962233690360937542008-07-11T07:12:00.000-07:002008-07-11T07:35:11.268-07:00

Happy Birthday to our dear Miss H who is sweet 16 today! She is such a joy and blessing to us.

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-62032540876485713722008-07-02T12:32:00.000-07:002008-07-03T09:48:06.239-07:00

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”Matthew 11:28-30This passage has been swirling through my mind quite a lot lately. I've been ruminating on it--meditating on it--this week.As I read fellow

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-12143475239029604432008-06-24T11:22:00.001-07:002008-06-24T11:59:04.340-07:00

Gas and grocery prices being what they are these days, it seems despite our attempts to cut back, conserve, buy cheap and do without, my dollar doesn't seem to be stretching very far. We have cut a lot of "extras" out of our weekly expenditures, but it seems we're not really seeing the fruit of our prudent spending. Or maybe we are in that we actually do have gas and food money every week. We

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-62607605765229192752008-06-16T08:54:00.000-07:002008-06-16T10:25:38.059-07:00

Since January, life has been in a constant mode of chaos, significant life changes, and transitions. Today, with the sun shining, sipping coffee, and the first day of summer break for the kids, I find myself breathing a huge sigh of relief and actually have an overwhelming sense of calm enveloping me.With the events of past months I had become accustomed to 'putting my head down and plowing

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-64400585217975465662008-06-01T09:06:00.000-07:002008-06-01T10:11:05.209-07:00

"Times Change... and we change with the times." This Latin phrase (Or at least the first two words of the phrase as noted in the title) appears on the front of the graduation announcement for my son's high school. I'm still working on the "... we change with the times" part. Yet, with so many transitions and changes this spring it seems so fitting. Here's to my high school graduate, and my 8th

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-23913436592806948792008-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:002008-05-18T09:20:39.563-07:00

Waking up this morning I felt a little surge of excitement run through my body. This is the day I've been waiting for--even anticipating. This is the day that marks a new stage of life I have informally dubbed "moving forward". That may not seem significant to most, but for me--for my family--it is momentous. This is the day that signifies we're done with memorial services for mothers/

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-44795465177567772582008-05-13T13:41:00.000-07:002008-05-13T14:48:23.407-07:00

Gosh! It has been difficult to blog lately. I'm not sure what it is, other than my head is muddled and forming complete sentences proves to be difficult, let alone writing something that is even worth reading. I have had some random disjointed ponderings, but at this point I don't think I'm able to develop each of them into their own self-sustaining entry, so I'll just jot them down below in

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-84365231260992396402008-05-01T09:51:00.000-07:002008-05-01T09:57:53.365-07:00

This morning at 5:35, my mother-in-law, Isobel stepped into Heaven. It is Mother's Day in Heaven as our moms are reunited. I can only imagine them as being radiant, with whole, healthy bodies and free from pain. We're so thankful for this hope we have, yet the grieving process continues for all of us. Please pray for my husband and his sisters as they plan Isobel's memorial service.

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-52297417505785382452008-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:002008-04-27T11:54:13.297-07:00

As I write this, my mother-in-law is the the process of "actively dying". This is a term I was introduced to when my mother was in her process of dying. My siblings and I were educated by the hospice nurse as to what signs to look for that would signal her body was entering the final phases of life. We learned about "mottling" of the feet and legs and Cheyne-Stokes breathing patterns. We watched

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-64093056676967681462008-04-14T14:07:00.000-07:002008-04-14T15:04:48.857-07:00

I know many are wondering how my mother-in-law is doing so I wanted to give a quick update. I've put off writing and updating about her because her condition is tenuous. And, honestly, the stress and strain of everything over the past 2 months is beginning to take a toll and these days I'm just trying to get through each day. Having energy to post to a blog is proving demanding these days.As

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-77426351874161763202008-04-09T13:31:00.000-07:002008-04-10T13:10:43.154-07:00

My siblings and I are in the midst of an archaeological dig. At least it feels that way. Two days after my mother's memorial service, we commenced the project that had been looming large--cleaning out Mom's apartment and two storage units. Yep--two.My mother was a "saver" not a "purger". Her second husband was also a "saver" and had seemingly never-ending card files that stored notes and articles

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-52156374954751703142008-03-31T12:13:00.000-07:002008-03-31T16:21:06.335-07:00

The weekend was once again 'full'. My mother-in-law is stable and was moved out of ICU over the weekend. At this point they aren't exactly sure she had an actual heart attack and are doing more tests. Along with her initial "episode", she is having quite a bit more edema and her congestive heart failure that she's battled for years is really being an issue right now. They are guarded, but, for

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-11848182564648093242008-03-27T11:02:00.000-07:002008-03-27T11:27:25.028-07:00

I just exchanged an email with a dear friend and mentioned in my email that I have enough energy for "today", but that is about it. But in reality, that's all I'm called to isn't it? Today. The more I'm in this process of life, the more I really know I don't know anything. Yet, at the same time, I'm experiencing greater freedom and the burden is so much less because I'm not trying to carry all of

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-64408432634257329702008-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:002008-03-24T11:34:06.976-07:00

It's official. I'm in the part of this journey where it is time to figure out my new "normal". Life has been so consumed with Mom and her process, that everything surrounding her care and ultimately her death, had become my new routine. But now, suddenly, I'm without routine, and the very thing that was my purpose, focus and mission, is gone.In a note I received from a friend this week, she

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-37363982920017934952008-03-22T03:32:00.000-07:002008-03-22T08:24:27.031-07:00

Another sleepless early morning--but that may be due to the fact that I slept a good portion of yesterday. I was exhausted yesterday, the day after Mom's memorial service, and the first day of not having to making arrangements and phone calls for the past week. As of this morning, it will have been one week since mom died. Hard to believe that it is a week already and that the service has come

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-77284286612208271612008-03-18T03:49:00.000-07:002008-03-18T07:41:48.814-07:00

Grief is strange. You can't pre-empt grieving or "do" grieving until the appointed time. No matter how many times you've encountered it, or done it, it is new and fresh each time. Even when I knew my mother's death was eminent, and had already been grieving on so many levels, there is now another kind of grieving happening, and with it, an infusion of other emotions I hadn't expected.A long-time

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-67996250935441341762008-03-15T16:10:00.000-07:002008-03-15T16:15:32.067-07:00

Mom stepped into Heaven around 7:20 this morning. I had the privilege of being with her.We are experiencing such a mixed bag of emotions, but so thankful that her battle with cancer is over. She was brave all the way to the end.We will be having a memorial service for her on Thursday, March 20, 1:00 at her home church, Hinson Memorial Baptist in Portland.Thank you for your continued prayers

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-69674395241463681042008-03-13T12:55:00.000-07:002008-03-13T15:01:49.589-07:00

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in ourhearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all‑surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned;

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-5695515096555108222008-03-07T20:59:00.000-08:002008-03-07T21:35:39.741-08:00

I got home a short while ago from my 26 hour stay with Mom. It was a sweet time. We know that many have been praying for peace over Mom and strength for each of us and I just had to share how your prayers were being answered. Mom suddenly turned a corner yesterday morning and as of last night was back to the sweet gal she's been all along in this process. Her angst about "going home" was gone,

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-14166881174029539072008-03-05T13:42:00.000-08:002008-03-05T17:40:57.301-08:00

Gosh. I really wasn't prepared for this. I had thought we had escaped it; even thankful that she didn't have Alzheimer's. At least with the confusion brought on by unfiltered toxins traveling from her liver to her brain, Mom still always knew who I was...always knew we were her children. Until yesterday.We thought Mom would be slipping into a coma any day--this is what we were preparing for

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-54590487347225434212008-03-04T05:36:00.000-08:002008-03-04T06:15:02.828-08:00

Once again finding time to write a new post is difficult. So, instead, I've copied the most recent posting from the blog we've established for my mother's friends and family. We have found this site to be an effective way of keeping everyone updated and informed, as well as providing a way for them to share with one another or send greetings to Mom, or as is the case recently, encouraging notes

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-8045165443462725132008-02-27T10:05:00.000-08:002008-02-27T15:33:24.611-08:00

"Probably soon."These were the words the hospice nurse spoke yesterday after assessing Mom's condition.We aren't surprised, yet there is something jolting when your inner thoughts are confirmed and even stated by someone who has given care to terminally ill patients. She knows the signs to look for; the body posturing, the rate of the pulse, the sleeping cycles, and the 'turning inward' that

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-48859901931110596392008-02-19T10:20:00.000-08:002008-02-19T14:14:15.972-08:00

Life takes on an "other world" feel when caring for a dying parent. You know you have entered another dimension when morphine is delivered to your doorstep or when knowing how to work a concentrated oxygen machine becomes second nature; or the care you now provide to your mother, is strangely familiar and even reminiscent of the care you provided to your infant children not so many years ago.

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-83975535072463607452008-02-14T00:08:00.000-08:002008-02-15T09:34:36.208-08:00

It has been difficult finding time to post this week. Lots going on, and the need to spend more time with mom is increasing.Just for the sake of time at this late hour of the day, here is the latest:Mom has been sleeping more and more every day. Her greatest complaint is tiredness and weakness. Walking is now done with the assistance of a walker, and someone near by to steady her so she won't

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-67775626792459380812008-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:002008-02-08T07:48:34.294-08:00

I spent the evening going through a large box of photos that I retrieved from my Mom's apartment last week. My sisters, brother and I are gathering pictures, momentos and memorabilia that we think we may want to use at Mom's memorial service.Plowing through the box of pictures, I felt as if I was on an archeological dig of some sort. The top layer of photos were from the past 20 years, the middle

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-52762051831036510562008-02-03T22:12:00.000-08:002008-02-05T10:36:24.018-08:00

This past Friday, my sister and I made a visit to the funeral home. We jokingly referred to this impending appointment as a "field trip". Of course we knew it would be nothing like the wonderfully anticipated field trips we took in grade school, but rather, we were finding some enjoyment in the sarcasm of the label.My sister "J" and I were the only ones able to go on this field trip since my

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-37729323529540966032008-01-29T12:15:00.000-08:002008-01-29T13:38:45.069-08:00

I know my previous post (Early Morning Ponderings) was a bit on the doom and gloom side of things, albeit truthful and honest. Just part of the journey...Today's post is truthful and honest, and on the bright and up-beat side of things. Again...part of the journey.I just had to share with you another of those Warm-Gloves In My Pocket moments. I had awakened yesterday feeling especially low and

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-27329163336221212512008-01-26T00:18:00.000-08:002008-01-26T00:30:58.186-08:00

Saw this on a sign in front of a business today and had a good laugh:What if the Hokey Pokey really is "what it's all about?" Now, there's something to ponder!

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-19919219506329140372008-01-23T09:46:00.000-08:002008-01-24T06:34:19.853-08:00

With all the winding and turnings of this journey, it has been common to find little surprises and joys nestled in the nooks and crannies on this path. These are little love gifts from the Lord. Clearly, it seems this is His way of reminding us that He is very present and very near as he makes this journey with us.On Monday my cousins, the "B's", made a special trip from California to come see

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-75397488261356428582008-01-20T09:02:00.000-08:002008-01-20T11:01:46.017-08:00

I received an email from a dear friend who has previously traveled this path with her own mother. She put it well, and I knew she totally understood, when she referred to all of this as "strange". It is strange. Hospice, the process of dying, preparations--all of it--strange. A part of me is curious about it all. How does this work, what happens, what do we need to be thinking about, etc. Part of

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-67547980903592181962008-01-12T07:59:00.000-08:002008-01-12T10:07:04.268-08:00

Today we meet with the hospice people. I had heard this term, "hospice" throughout my life, and always it has been connected with someone in the last stages of cancer, preparing to die. These were the people called in to help and support the family and patient as they near the end. And here we are. This is why we are meeting with hospice today.It has been a bit of a surreal week. I took my mother

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-70357595156138420302008-01-05T20:51:00.000-08:002008-01-05T23:54:47.419-08:00

I smiled this morning as I felt the gloves in my pocket. I was driving in my car, on the way to visit my mother on this cold, rainy day. I had decided to drag myself out of bed at a reasonable time and go see her for the day, partly to take care of some business items, partly to visit and check in on her.About a mile away from my house, I realized my hands were incredibly cold and thought to

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-47533733244595711862008-01-02T17:23:00.001-08:002008-01-02T18:17:30.327-08:00

I was reminded--again--why I so desperately want out of my present employment situation. This is the busiest time of the year for the office I work in. (Oh, not to mention that things have progressively gone down hill since my earlier departure attempt to go to the florist. But that is another blog post waiting to happen. )The insurance agent I work for deals mostly with medicare insurance and

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-25274077416085991952007-12-29T10:30:00.000-08:002008-06-04T09:11:40.630-07:00

This week, I was introduced to Guitar Hero. Santa brought the kids the PS2 game along with two "guitar" controllers. Can I just say, this momma is lovin' rock and roll and is jammin' with the likes of Slash! Miss "H" and I were up way too late last night playing as a team, rockin' out, having a great time--although I think she was laughing at me more than with me!I'm proud to announce that on a

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-5094787609024198572007-12-23T21:46:00.000-08:002007-12-23T22:16:38.177-08:00

WISHING YOU ALL A JOYOUS CHRISTMASAnd she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-89984075477519548622007-12-15T08:26:00.000-08:002007-12-16T21:47:19.618-08:00

One of the "messy" things about life at this point in time is that we truly are living the "sandwich" life; we are still caring for and raising our children, while at the same time, caring for and taking care of our parents.Both of our mothers are widows and have failing health. My mother-in-law is 18 years older than my own mother and has had health issues for the past 10 years. She has had many

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-20789311972198365002007-12-06T07:31:00.001-08:002007-12-06T08:05:57.544-08:00

I just had to give a quick note on how the Lord has ministered since my last post. I have felt the prayers of many this week as I have had a blanket of peace over me. Circumstances and the messiness of life haven't changed, but I have had an anticipation in the Lord. He has shown me several times this week, in very small, "quiet" ways that he is present and aware of all that is going on.A

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-58979251365033395722007-12-02T09:05:00.000-08:002008-06-04T09:13:40.246-07:00

I know-- my self-imposed "taking a break" from blogging has lasted less than a week as I sit here writing another post. I woke up with many things on my brain this morning, deciding that perhaps "making" myself blog is exactly what I needed to do.Blogging is one of those weird things in life. I mean, really, isn't blogging in and of itself a little weird; open journaling for the world to see,

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-18790486597986864462007-11-27T08:13:00.000-08:002007-11-27T08:18:21.653-08:00

Obviously it isn't still my birthday, so the need to post something--anything--has become evident. So here I am--posting--anything.This is the extent of my blogging ability at the moment. Responsibilities, work, family, time, "life" are a priority right now, so with that in mind, I'm taking a break from blogging. I see it as one less pressure or 'need to do' on my mental list. I certainly will

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-25169053287065694722007-11-19T06:39:00.000-08:002007-11-19T07:07:24.152-08:00

I'm usually not one to shamelessly plug my own birthday, but call it a result of "maturing" or this "season" of life, or whatever, but I'm pretty much over that now, so...TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY!!Yep, 48 years ago I was born on this day. I know, I'm asking myself the same thing--how can it be 48 years already? I am continually amazed the years keep increasing while I still feel around early thirties

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-89058795989030351302007-11-17T15:51:00.000-08:002007-11-17T16:18:18.752-08:00

**This is a re-posting of a post from February of this year. It still rings true and seems fitting for this time of Thanksgiving. ** Thankful I'm Not All There IsI'm so thankful that there is someone, a person, bigger than me, wiser than me, someone beyond me that I can put full dependence and trust in, someone who never disappoints or fails. I'm so thankful I know the True God who is my Creator,

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-54656562182391083162007-11-10T16:22:00.000-08:002007-11-10T16:41:56.503-08:00

Thank you all for weighing in on my last post. It was interesting to read various thoughts and processes that go into decision making. It reminded me a lot of my "Critical Thinking and Decision Making" class from college. I loved that class. Maybe that just attests to how geeky I am. But I find the process interesting. In fact, "intellection" is something I value according to my strengths

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-25148111124155756962007-11-05T16:21:00.000-08:002007-11-06T13:17:20.472-08:00

Walk through this scenario with me and tell me what you would do.I currently have a part-time job. Hours are M-Th, 6 hours each day. I do some occasional Friday work as well, but for the most part, 24 hours a week. I get to see my husband out the door to work, the kids off to school and am home when they get home. I earn a pretty decent hourly wage and there is great flexibility for time off if

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-65371859212539584432007-10-27T23:14:00.000-07:002007-10-28T12:37:52.699-07:00

Well, actually, Mickey Mouse doesn't talk at Disneyland, but I'm sure he would have said hello if he could!We're back from the Magic Kingdom. It was a great family trip, although a bit wild. Of course everyone is aware of the California wildfires and the devastation that ensued. We were up close and personal with one of the fires.Last Sunday we traveled a little further south of Anaheim to meet

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-20783289813919737982007-10-09T18:24:00.000-07:002007-10-10T14:10:20.726-07:00

I love this time of year. Autumn seems to stir so many things inside of me, and yet, at the same time brings a calmness to my spirit.I am inspired by the colors of the changing leaves that demonstrate God's artistry. What a wonderful palette He has used! I'm continually amazed that we are invited to enjoy his creativity and be blessed with this brilliance as the seasons change. The chill in the

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-68584664428223678362007-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:002007-10-07T20:09:49.253-07:00

Recently, I've been looking on "Craigslist" for employment opportunities. (I may have mentioned once or twice that I'm really feeling the desire to move on from my present position as an office assistant to something else. What? I'm not sure, but I have been praying about it for many months and want to be open to what the Lord has for me!) I know everyone and their brothers are also looking for

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-75335135681124049202007-09-30T08:51:00.000-07:002007-09-30T10:51:03.039-07:00

October is here, and excitement is building around our house. Why, you may ask? Because we're going to Disneyland!! Yep, it is true! The whole gang is heading to Disneyland in less than 3 weeks! Work schedules have been arranged, notifying teachers has begun and vacation time put on the calendar a year ago is quickly approaching.We figured it has been about 11 years since we last visited

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-21742341051400753342007-09-23T10:05:00.000-07:002007-09-23T22:49:59.499-07:00

I am amazed, on a daily basis, at God's very presence in my life. I don't know why I am so thick headed, or dull that I can't grasp this reality consistently, but I am so thankful that He reminds me and makes His presence known.Many months ago my blog consisted of thoughts about this transitional phase of life I'm in and everything that comes with it; and today I'm still pondering these things. I

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-44398240762439450862007-09-15T22:39:00.000-07:002007-09-16T00:01:14.730-07:00

Last night was the first home game of the season for our high school football team. My daughter, a sophomore, and my son, a senior, were very excited for the first game of the year. It was pretty fun being around them as they made plans with friends and prepared for the game. My son had requested face paints before the game. He explained to me 'how things work' at the games and his "

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-65054646617080704082007-09-12T09:17:00.000-07:002007-09-12T22:07:44.195-07:00

In the past month my regular routines have gone out the window. With this upset of schedules, changes in homes, and so on, has come an increase in anxiety. It has been an interesting progression to observe--well maybe not interesting as much as--noticeable.This past weekend, after another night of intermittent sleep and early waking, I had a long prayer time, pouring my heart out to the Lord.

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-68131120048716750442007-09-10T12:05:00.000-07:002007-09-10T12:45:15.452-07:00

This is a total fluff piece to fill the void while I'm finalizing some ponderings on another issue, or issues. Just take this as a friendly warning...or advice...or something...I doubt there is anything of real depth that will follow...It seems lately, with frequency, that I've been getting comments about my hair color. (I know...this is deep, thought-provoking stuff.)It is just funny to me,

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-90951626093563174232007-09-06T12:28:00.000-07:002007-09-06T13:23:50.882-07:00

I'm happy to report we've officially moved into our new home--and we're adjusting! We're adjusting to new sounds while sleeping at night; most noticeably the absence of road and airport noises, and the presence of frogs and crickets "chirping".We're adjusting--slowly--to more space. We have one room that is completely empty because we don't have enough "stuff" to put in it. This will most likely

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-4437301636899249462007-08-25T22:45:00.000-07:002007-08-26T12:13:29.693-07:00

When one finds one's self arguing with their spouse over the placement of a love seat (hmm, interesting irony) one knows they are stressed out. So was the scene today as my husband and I were re-positioning the love seat after cleaning the carpets this morning.We are in the final stages of moving out of our current home, and fatigue, and the natural stress that comes with moving are becoming

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-61527316632986441702007-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:002007-08-17T12:46:34.533-07:00

Today is my blogging birthday! One year ago today I entered the world of blogging and posted my first pondering. What a fun year it has been.On this noteworthy day, my celebration will be rather quiet, spent only with close family members. I won't have a marathon blogging session, re-hashing every post from the last year, nor will I be posting anything that will impact humanity in a significant

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-60183820821035551532007-08-12T08:46:00.001-07:002007-08-12T09:38:13.992-07:00

It is hard to believe it has been nearly two weeks since my last posting. I'm finally feeling like I'm getting back into the swing of things following surgery, which includes blogging once again.Surgery went great. Very "uneventful" as the doctor said. Recovery as been pretty good, although I've been amazed at how quickly I tire and how much I want to sleep these days. Everyday I can see

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-53122060681843641712007-07-30T10:14:00.000-07:002007-07-30T10:28:06.099-07:00

A psalm. For giving thanks.Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness;come before him with joyfulsongs.Know that the Lord is God.It is he who made us,and not we are ourselves;we are his people, the sheep of hispasture.Enter his gates with thanksgivingand his courts withpraise;give thanks to him and praise his name.For the Lord is goodand his love endures forever;his

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-12756029870102535502007-07-27T10:17:00.000-07:002007-07-27T10:55:11.539-07:00

When I left for my appointment this morning, I asked my husband, "Do you want to know if it's a boy or a girl?" He responded, "I'll be surprised!"As the ultrasound technician moved the wand over my abdomen, I was amused with the irony of the situation. I was having an ultrasound this morning to locate any wayward gall stones in my abdomen, all in preparation for my surgery scheduled for Monday. I

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-91405546475025649422007-07-20T07:53:00.000-07:002007-07-20T09:15:20.628-07:00

"O taste and see that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8This verse from the Bible hangs by my front door. It is part of a large picture that shows a bountiful fruit bowl in bright, appealing colors that invites the observer to have a taste.The imagery of having a taste of the Lord's goodness--perhaps one of those small spoon-sized samplings one gets at Baskin & Robbins of an intriguing ice cream

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-11318755706131698872007-07-18T18:07:00.000-07:002007-07-18T18:35:20.894-07:00

Something I wasn't prepared for as I entered these "middle" years is how often I would hear the phrase, "at your age" or some derivative thereof.For example, last time I went to the eye doctor for my vision exam, I was told, "at your age" it is common to need bi- or even tri-focals.When I began putting on weight with no real change in eating habits, I read in my 'weight- management-in-your-40's'

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-44235485584015338672007-07-15T08:03:00.000-07:002007-07-15T11:37:37.618-07:00

You are probably like me and all too aware of the heartache, tragedy, hardships and trials going on around us in every day life. If one looks in their own life there are plenty to be had, and then as the circle expands to extended family, friends, church family, community, country and world...well, it is potentially overwhelming if we take it upon ourselves to be the ones to tend to all these

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-51549956730070891512007-07-11T16:37:00.000-07:002007-07-11T16:54:09.473-07:00

Today 7/11/07 is free slurpee day at all 7/11 convenience stores to celebrate their birthday; 80 years! Wow!Today is also a special day in our family. My sweet daughter, Miss H, turns 15 today! A driver's permit will be following shortly! Happy Birthday my sweet girl!

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-77688486157679074142007-07-07T21:51:00.000-07:002007-07-07T23:46:10.650-07:00

Today was such a great day. I delivered the flowers for the wedding I've been working on (see previous blog). I was accompanied by my lovely assistant (my husband) who offered to come along and help with the set up. We made a morning of it getting specialty coffees to accompany us on our 45 minute drive. The wedding was being held in the garden of this 150 year old historical house. I had never

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-48079191904200176342007-07-05T16:13:00.000-07:002007-07-05T16:31:44.274-07:00

Just had to post something joyful.I am preparing to do wedding flowers for a Saturday wedding! I always get a little giddy at the thought of getting to sit and put together beautiful combinations of brightly colored flowers.This afternoon I picked up the flowers from the flower market. "My" market guy is "Justin". He's such 'a nice young man'. Very easy to work with; I just give him a call 2

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-81476153655759129642007-07-04T09:10:00.000-07:002007-07-04T20:47:07.281-07:00

Two of my kids went with about 10 of their friends to the Oregon coast yesterday for a day of playing in the sun and water. An adult friend of ours went along to drive and supervise. (Thank you Chris!) We cautioned our teens about safety before they went, making it clear that the only reason they were being allowed to go is because an adult was driving them, etc.Throughout the day yesterday I

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-2094113907332961592007-07-02T05:30:00.000-07:002007-07-02T23:07:14.765-07:00

"You're a good man, Charlie Brown", Lucy says to her round headed pal as she extends her hand in friendship. These are the last words spoken in the musical of the same name.As (I) "Lucy" uttered this final line yesterday, I fought tears (and lost the battle) at the realization that I was bidding farewell to Charlie Brown, Lucy and the rest of the gang. Months of preparation and rehearsing were

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-70139551633131739032007-06-23T07:52:00.001-07:002007-06-23T08:42:13.483-07:00

Okay, so it may seem like a little thing, but it's not.I was reading through the program for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". It's a great looking program and very fun to read all the biography bits about the directors and the actors. But that's when I realized, that I'm the only one of all the "church" people that didn't thank God in my little biography section. (This whole "bio" thing is new

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-51773493779074749032007-06-17T08:12:00.000-07:002007-06-17T09:10:38.892-07:00

It's here--The dress rehearsal week and then--ta dah--opening weekend of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!********************************Here's what people on the street are saying about the show:"Do you think that little red-headed girl will be there?"-- Charlie Brown"I bet the show will be better than my dumb ol' jump rope--and that's my new philosophy!"-- Sally Brown"The music in the show is

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-29604395518775349162007-06-10T08:28:00.000-07:002007-06-10T09:26:27.142-07:00

Several times this week I found myself talking to people overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for how he has moved so specifically and directly in their lives. It is always such a privilege to have others share their stories, and it is encouraging to hear stories of how God is at work--it helps to keep that "big" picture of the body of Christ, and a God who never slumbers but is always watchful

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-2726683154200832042007-06-03T06:38:00.000-07:002007-06-03T09:58:01.499-07:00

Our pastor finished up his series on "The Race of Faith" this weekend. It has been a great series. You may remember some of my previous posts where I shared some of my thoughts (Hitting the Wall and Abrahamic Faith and Cleaning Out the Closets)and the "heroes" we examined in Hebrews 11 in the Bible. I have some final ponderings on the subject that I'd like to share. Although as a kind warning,

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32759116.post-6968732144651438702007-05-30T12:14:00.000-07:002007-05-30T13:03:25.623-07:00

And now for the weekly update....I guess this sums up where things are in my blogging life right now...just updating...unable to spend too much time at serious ponderings as of late! (Although they are swirling around in my brain wanting a chance to jump out on a blog!)We celebrated another birthday this last Monday, Memorial Day; son #2 turned 17. We gave him a cell phone. He was truly surprised

Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06790574437981921006noreply@blogger.com3