Precious Memories

Memories - reliving old and making new - are opportunities to thank God. These are just a few of the blessings this week.:


335.  Our summer vacation beginning at the Knable Kottage with Nonna and Gramps.

336.  Two of my very favorite men (Hubby and Gramps) working together most of the day Friday troubleshooting the trailer wiring, repairing the problem, and cleaning up. Thankful for the wisdom we glean from working with an older generation.

337.  Nonna and I having the "chore" of "snail hunting" along the lakeshore and soaking in lots of vitamin D! It was a gorgeous day at Bear Lake and I always enjoy our conversations while we "work".

338. A Friday morning bike ride with Gramps, joining him during the second half of his ride. Time spent with my family is so precious to me, and I thank God for the relationship I have with mine.

339. A leisurely drive up and over the Mackinac Bridge. It was so neat to see the roadside packed with parked cars and the sandy Lake Huron beaches scattered with families enjoying the sunny day together. Thanking Him for families and fun times together!

340.  Arriving safely on Drummond Island after hauling a 30' trailer behind a truck with a 14' boat on top.

341. More "older generation" wisdom and advice from Uncle Carl as we continued to learn new things about RV camping. :)

342. Thankful to be able to "catch up" with good friends, Annette and Lynn.

343. Thankful for the USA, and the show of patriotism at the parade.

344.  Spectacular fireworks! It gave me a new understanding to, "the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air"!

345.  Reliving precious memories of days past with Grandma Julie and Grandpa Dale.

346.  Spotting an eagle and watching it soar.

347.  Getting up close to an eagle, and a family of loons. Oh, they were so pretty, but I wasn't able to capture them on my camera.

348.  Catching the first fish of vacation! We spent two hours scouting for fish, avoiding the floatilla of fisherman, until we finally gave in and joined them. I no sooner had my line down, and was receiving instruction, when I interjected, "Like that?!"  - my bobber disappeared from view and my line was taking off away from me! We were all laughing so hard as I worked to get the first one in the boat. YAY! We had to stop 3 short of our limit of 48 herring/whitefish because there was a smoker full that needed to get checked.

349.  Fun with friends and a good laugh.

350.  Health to bike around the island and a beautiful evening to do it.

351.  Appreciating God's beautiful handiwork in creation - flora and fauna. I startled a deer as I passed her on the side of the road and she startled me!

352.  Playing "Pied Piper" to the campground labs...They were just like little children playing in the sand and water.

353.  Enjoying the chatter of my friend's 2 1/2 year old granddaughter, Sarah - so precious!

354.  A boat ride with Craig and Lucky - It was another beautiful evening.

355.  Playing cards until midnight and laughing with friends. :-D

 O Lord My God, You Are Very Great!

Growing in Grace and Knowledge

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2Peter 3:18

Over the last several months, I worked through Chuck Swindoll's book and study, "The Grace Awakening" with my Ladies' LIFE group. As I walked through these lessons, I was convicted that I too, have been the rigid, critical, self-righteous, judgmental "grace killer" that Chuck describes, and it grieved me. In the past year, I, and several people I care about, have been "attacked" by "grace killers". It has been a stretching, growing, and sometimes painful year of discipleship, struggling with moving myself and others to grow in righteousness and holiness, while always speaking and acting with overwhelming grace flowing from the grace poured into me by my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I followed the study by reading Beth Moore's, "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things". It reinforced being a grace receiver and grace giver. We have an adversary who wants to destroy us, the church, and the work of God. Much grace is needed, not only in reaching out to those who need God's redeeming grace, but also to help restore our fallen "brothers" and "sisters". I am often reminded of the saying, "But by the grace of God, there go I." In the name of God and His righteousness, we beat up the brethren when they fail to meet our expectations, whether they are valid or not. We judge their hearts and intentions, best left for God since He alone knows the heart. *sigh* I have been on both sides of this, as well.

I am forever changed by the Truth I learned as I stumbled through these two books.There are so many broken people in the world. I am so thankful that God is full of grace and mercy for all who cry out to him. I am forever grateful to my God for rescuing me, and His patience as He is faithful to complete the work He began in me.

While I have been singing so many "Hallelujahs!"  to God, lately, this song has really touched me, knowing that "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." 

 Sometimes, there are things better than a "Hallelujah!"

Lord,

   Help me to continually, day by day, grow in the grace and knowledge of you, and allow that grace and knowledge to flow freely and extravagantly onto those I come into contact with.

Having the Right Perspective on Getting Older

Thanks to my friend, Dawn for sending me this!

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I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

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.