Chick Flick Night

Last night we held our Ladies' LIFE Group reunion - a "Chick Flick" Night. I was looking for a movie about women's relationships and was trying to steer clear of romantic type movies, since most of us are married. I originally picked "Steel Magnolias", but after fielding some objections raised by a scathing moral review, I decided to choose a different movie so that no one would be offended. Have you ever tried to find a movie that is acceptable to a group of women from varying backrounds and at different life stages? I watched more movies in the last two weeks, than in the last two years combined. Here are some of the titles I reviewed:

Miracle in the Woods 
Hidden Places
Love Comes Softly
Sense and Sensibility
The Ultimate Gift
Come What May

They were good movies, but not what I was looking for in a "Chick Flick". The movie that was most recommended as a good "Chick Flick" from outsiders, and even by some of the ladies in the group, was "Pride and Prejudice" with Kiera Knightly. That is what I settled on. It is definitely a chick flick - Craig would have very little interest in sitting through it.

I have not had much interest in historical fiction because I am not a big history fan, and I can't really relate. I did enjoy the movie, and realized as the movie played on, I had actually seen it before! My favorite parts of the movie - the balls, where there was formal dancing. I would have loved them! The end where Elizabeth is talking to her father about her love for Mr. Darcy. It was very much like my conversation with my father.

Of the two Jane Austin titles, I actually liked "Sense and Sensibility" better. I think I will watch it again. :)

The best part of the night was visiting with my friends before and after the film. It was great to catch up with the ladies in the other group and ladies who can no longer attend due to current circumstances. The evening fufilled it's purpose and that is to maintain our connection and friendships as women.

Adding to my list of gifts:

331. Women friends - to laugh, cry, pray, and rejoice with.

332. A friend recognizing that I needed prayer, stopping everything to pray for my immediate need. Thank you! Your prayer made a difference.

333. A special young man willing to "babysit" three active boys so that a young mom was able to fellowship with the ladies. What a blessing you are!

And this morning,

334. Finding a reasonable plane fare to FL for my sister-in-law with departure within the week.

Lord,

Keep me humble under your mighty hand. Help me to cast all my anxieties on you, because I know that you care for me. Help me to be sober-minded and watchful. My adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Help me to resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by my "brothers" throughout the world. I trust that you, the God of all grace, who has called me to eternal glory in Christ, will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me.

With all my heart,

Cheryl

His Grace is Enough

It's been a tough couple of weeks for both me and my hubby. I am thankful for my savior Jesus Christ, God of mercy and grace, and for His people of grace. I am living by grace, today! Here are some gifts of grace I've received -

316. Familiar WMUZ Christian music from the car bay as I walked by, first thing in the morning.

317. A supervisor who encourages me regularly.

318. Co-workers patient through my mistakes.

319. Receiving help and instruction from my co-worker, husband.

320. Hanging out with the work group eating chili and talking.

321. Open participation at a planning meeting.

322. Women humbly and honestly sharing their thoughts and opinions.

323. A long winter walk with my hubby.

324. Needed grocery items on sale at Meijer.

325. Sisters in Christ who are gracious and support me, even when I use poor judgment in leadership.

326. Friends who call me just to say they understand, and to encourage me.

327. Amazing, wonderful parents whom I can call and get support and encouragement from even when they are thousands of miles away.

328. Pastors with great wisdom, who ALWAYS make time for me, as if I were the only sheep in their flock.

329. Co-workers who encourage me with their stories of "fail" when I feel like a big "FAIL"!

330. A boss who "wants" us to make mistakes...though I don't think he is talking about the ones I made this week. But he does understand, and openly acknowledges that I am on a huge learning curve, right now. He uses encouraging words, often. (Words of affirmation is near the top of my "Love Language" list.)

His Grace is enough...

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

Help me to be a grace giver.

A Quiet House & "ME" Management

It's week two of 2010. I've been trying to manage my time better...*NEWSFLASH*... from this morning: Time cannot be managed, it's actually ME that needs managing. I really knew that. That's why it's so hard. I have to change.

Right now, it would be easier to focus on the negative that seems to surround me, but this is the place where I share the positive, the "Gifts" I have received from God.

307. Drinking coffee and knitting with my neighbor and good friend.

308. Listening, for a change, instead of doing all the talking. *I need to do more of this. Make a note...

309. The guys (our nephew and three friends) accepting Craig's invitation to attend a "Wild Game Dinner" at a local church.

310. Quiet time at home, alone with the dog.

311. Mia snuggling up behind me while I work on the computer.

312. A walk in the sunshine with my hubby and dog on a cold, snowy day.

313. Getting to the halfway mark in my knitting project - that's an accomplishment!

314. Hugs from lots of women at church.

315. A call from Mom, who is vacationing in Hawaii.

I confess that I stumbled a bit today, having a little "pity party" over what I have "given up". It is nothing compared to what I have gained in You, Lord! Thank you for helping me to re-focus on the principles of this morning's message: "God's schedule never distracts, destroys, discourages, disappoints, or defeats." Lord, help me to live this out loud! 

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20

Sweet Beginnings

This week I began my "Great New Adventure" in the Chemistry Lab with Craig. It was also the end of our time with the kids - bittersweet. My list of gifts continues.

292. Shoulder-to-shoulder time for 1 1/2 hours with my hubby, 5 days a week and not having to talk to enjoy being together.

293. Dinner prepared and served by each of our children when we got home from work each day.

294. Playing and laughing together as a family during our last evening together for the next four months.

295. Enjoying learning my new job.

296. Helpful co-workers.

297. Working together as a family to be able to send venison jerky with the kids.

298. Safe travel home from work on treacherous, snowy roads.

299. Helpful phone airline agents.

300. On-line Flight Check-In.

301. Boarding passes printed at home so all the kids had to do was go through security and walk to the gate.

302. Airlines agents doing their job, and getting Cristin on an alternate flight when they canceled her booked flight - again.

303. Friends who are willing to pick up Cristin and Chad from the airport.

304. Post-Christmas Photo Greeting Card and note from my college roommate and sorority sister.

305. Receiving a forwarded photo greeting card and annual newsletter of a high school/college friend. His son looks just like him!

306. Seeing "fruit" of God's work in my family.

2010 Goals - Not Resolutions!

“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination.” ~ Fitzhugh Dodson

Goals give me direction and achieving them, motivates me. It gives me something to focus on and  those of you who know me well, know that I LOVE to check things off of a list. I also believe in "never give up or give in", and "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again"!

So here goes...my goals for 2010:

1. Read through the Bible. (Using the reading plan, Every Day in The Word )

2. Memorize one Scripture verse each week. (I post one every Monday)

3. Lose 25 pounds. I really need to lose 50, but we'll start reasonable. (I am working on a plan and looking for an accountability partner to work with me - praying that my hubby will join me.)

4. Complete a full sprint triathlon. (Start training, Monday, indoors)

5. Complete a 10K run - the Crim? (Run at least 3 times/week)

6. Finish the knitting projects I've begun. (Knit 1 hour, 3 nights/week)

7. Use up my yarn on new projects.

8. Complete the photo albums I've started. (One day each week)

9. Clean each room in the house thoroughly. (Schedule weekend time)

10. Finish repairing the hall wall, and re-hang the coat rack. 

"The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord...Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established...The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps...Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 16:1,3,9, & 19:21

Lord,

Most of all, my heart's desire is to please you and accomplish Your purpose in my life in 2010.
 

Wondering...

...what the new year will bring. There is my new job...Chad is applying for summer co-ops and internships... and Cristin is already thinking about her summer job, away. We are not promised tomorrow on this earth, much less another day with any of our loved ones. I am learning to treasure each moment we have together, to overlook offenses, and to seek out the positive in every situation, because life is short and very fragile. Note - I said "learning".

Here is a continuation of my list of "1000 Gifts" from the past couple of days:

282. Bargain buys at the NEW Salvation Army Thrift Store in Oxford. Eight shirts to wear to my NEW job in the chem lab for $15 and name brands like Liz Claiborne, Croft & Barrow, Old Navy,...

283. Visiting a long time friend, catching up on each other's lives for over three hours! Good friendships never die, they just grow old with you.

284. An e-mail from an elementary school friend I haven't talked to in a while. I cherish friends who make you feel like you've never lost contact; you pick up where you left off...

285. An evening of fun with my family, sister, and nephews - eating tacos and playing games: WIZARD, Catch Phrase, and Apples to Apples - Bible Edition

286. Laughing so hard I could barely breathe

287. Having adult conversations and laughing with all the "young" adults in our family. They are all grown up, talking about college, their futures, and much more.

288. Playing pinnochle with the family until bed time. It is a gift to have the family around the kitchen table, again. 

289. Cuddling between my gal and my hubby during worship - being able to squeeze a hand or a shoulder, and knowing what each other is thinking without saying a word.

290. Coffee time between services to connect with some new friends.

291. Happy for my gal being able to spend the day with "That Boy" and his family. :)

 

Lord,

I thank you for the gifts of family and friends; relationships that last a lifetime, stand the tests of the trials of life, grow through the good and the bad times - they are gifts from you and just a glimpse of the love and faithfulness you show me every day of my life.

Committed to you for life, 

Cheryl

Parting Gifts of 2009

271. Coffee and catching up at Starbuck's with the gals.

272. Going to the theater as a family, and looking silly together in 3D glasses.

 

273. Learning a new card game - Wizard.

274. Playing games with my kids AND my parents. Three generations around our table.

275. Making a fancy breakfast - Eggs Benedict - for my family, even though no one was impressed.

276. Getting the house ready for a party.

277. Watching my "kids" interact with other adults.

278. A house full of people.

279. Lots of loud laughter.

280. Lots of yummy food.

281. Family bringing in the New Year, together.

Lord, I am thankful for your goodness to me and my family throughout 2009, and am looking forward to all that you will do in and through us in 2010.