Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Church billboard

Sign on a Church board I passed on my way into work this morning....

Body piercing saved my life! (smile)

Monday, January 30, 2006

A Southern Winter's morning


Its winter in Georgia.....cold...but not....its all realitive. :) Spent the weekend in Jax and 60 in FL is definitley warmer than 60 in Georgia... in winter.
This morning, frosty breath, crunchy dead leaves, sun shining brightly. Geese lined up around the pond like they are waiting for it to warm up before venturing in...as it surely will as the day goes on. Smoke rising from a pile of fresh mulch, still warm from the muching, the heat meeting the cold air. Too cold for shirt sleeves but too warm for most self-respecting jackets. No chance of snow but possibly a chance to bask in the sun and feel toasty on your afternoon break. Maybe the sunroof will be open on the ride home....then agian....maybe a fire tonight. ummmm... I love a fire. Ummmm love a Southern winter..... so short...sooo sweet!

Sunday, January 29, 2006

NCV (part 2)

Ps 105:1-4
You are worthy of thanks and your Name is holy!
You have done mighty and wonderful deeds in my heart and in the lives of those I love.
You are the song and your prais and love wells up within me. It flows out unceasingly!
You are Glory and your Name is higher than any name. You shine brighter than the sun.
You are Joy, my joy - ALL Joy!.....and where You dwell, You make yourself known in fullness.

Friday, January 27, 2006

NCV

NCV stands for the New Cheryl Version... :)
Here is one of my versions of Ps 105:1-4, as pertaining to a little something the Lord and I have been discussing. :)

Version 1
I will give thanks to you. Lord, I call your name!
I tell everyone of your wonderful works in my life and in the lives of those around me
I sing your praises and sing love songs to you and talk of you incessantly and of all that you are.
I bask in your presence and glory in your name...
Let your name be known and make your face to shine in me and out from me.
I find my greatest joy in you and in your strength and presence.
I must see you, must know you.
Your whole person, every part of you...make known to me!

Thank you

Thank you!...to all who have lifted me and my husband to the Lord this week. Your prayers have covered us and carried us.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Sorrow upon sorrow

I am sad today....so very sad.....my heart is breaking and I can bearly see the monitor through my tears.....as my dear brother has said to me "sorrow upon sorrow".
My husband and I have had to come to some very hard decisions over the past few months and in the past couple of days they have been solidified. No turning back...
I am a blessed woman with many riches in my life but it seems there must also be much loss and heartache. I know not why things have to be the way they are but I have no choice but to travel the road the Lord has put before me.
I will try to go forward as though nothing has changed....but I wanted to mark this day.
If the Lord should put us upon your heart, please keep us in your prayers...

Monday, January 23, 2006

Bits and Pieces

I think I finally found it! Yes, the perfect picture for my family rm/den. You don't know how difficult this has become! The entire downstairs is basically going to be decorated around this ONE piece of art. And I think I found it........ yes! Totally on accident....shopping for wedding paraphenialia (sp?) and there it was...actually a print that will need to be framed but still, never seen it before (which is big for me, I like one of a kinds), but perfect in the colors and the balance of the colors and the subject of the pic ...just right ....I think...still have to get hubby's approval...he is the one with the artistic eye but its MY room to decide... :) He has one or two of his very own. :) Maybe I'll post some pics when we get past the wedding and on to the decorating of our new house. Like next spring....lol...maybe we'll have money by then..:)
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On another note...I have a dear dear friend coming for a visit today...actually a conference, but she'll be staying with me and we can have girl talk till all hours for 3 nights...of course we will both have to get up and go every morning so that may limit us a bit but I'm definitley looking forward to seeing her!
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Wedding update:
Wedding bouquets designed...daisys, yellow roses, something blue....you get the idea...?


Jax this weekend to meet with the florist and country club
(get to see Jadabear and Kate!!)

Invites almost done,
Handmade decorations for the aisle...almost done
Guest book and pen purchased
Photographer contract done (Good Grief, its expensive!)

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Saw Mr & Mrs Smith over the weekend....cute flick...great for passing the time....
Sadly, I think those two got their acting job mixed up with real life...the dangers of an acting career...forgetting where reality lies and who you really are....

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Go Steelers!! (never thought I'd hear those words come out of my mouth!) LOL

Have a great week....

Friday, January 20, 2006

LIF- today...,Yes

You Are My All In All
Dennis Jernigan

You are my strength when I am weak, You are the treasure that I seek. You are my all in all.
Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord to give up I'd be a fool. You are my all in all.

Jesus, Lamb of God, worthy is your name. Jesus, Lamb of God worthy is your name

Taking my sin, my cross my shame, rising again... I bless your name, You are my all in all
When I fall down you pick me up, When I am dry you fill my cup. You are my all in all

This song is one of my favorite choruses and in some ways answers the cry of the last post......
...He is my treasure, the pearl of great price worth selling all that I have to find. I would be a fool to look anywhere else for what He alone can give. He fills me with Himself and draws me even when I am letting our relationship cool, He won't let me go. He continues to graciously cause His Light to rise up in me...from the inside...where He resides (the source of the light)
He is ALL and in all!

I'm better now...:)

Thanks to all of you for allowing me to rant and rave in my last post...sometimes the preacher in me just comes out... :) hope you were exhorted not to live in such a situation yourself.

Tuesday, January 17, 2006

My Darkened Heart

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21).

I have been thinking a lot lately about how darkened my heart feels when I am out of His fellowhsip. No I’m not backslidden….I haven’t stopped praying …I haven’t fallen into any secret sin. Noneless, I feel my heart growing darker...am I only warming myself at His radiance? Am I growing used to coming and going, in and out of His presence?... I don’t want to live that way, but I fear I am quite capable of surviving at such a sub-level existence.

In the past I have come to be comfortable and even to consider it a normal state to be bathed in His presence, to walk continously in His light. I have lived in the midst of His people and in the midst of that city where scripture says there is no night nor need of the sun for the Lamb is the light….It is a very bright and transparent place to be and it is quite difficult for darkness to reside in such a place. From my experience, it is not somewhere that is easily found inside any church door but once discovered, it is a place of incredible Life, of immersion into Christ, a place to be permeated with the originator of Light. An amazing place to live, one that I could not begin to describe here but that truly does exists. I have dwelt there and known Him in a deep and living way, eventually almost taking His light for granted.


I can’t go into detail here but circumstances have caused me to live in that realm less and less. I have carried that light with me...out in to the wide world…far away from the walls of that city and for a time all is well… the light doesn’t go out…it is an eternal flame,... but I can feel it weakening. With little fuel to keep the light burning…my foolish heart becomes more and more darkened over time. I find I can keep the darkness at bay by visiting His house and soaking up His presence on a regular basis or listening to Christian music, or spending time in prayer and study…but I have also discovered…and this through difficult personal experience, that coming together with other believers isn’t enough, hearing stirring words of exhortation isn’t enough, listening to Christian music isn’t sufficient, although it helps to drive the darkness away for a time. Praying isn’t the same either, my spirit seems to be quiet and shy as if it has forgotten how to communicte. So unlike the self I am when I am immersed in His light.

Too often these days I feel as if I am standing outside a warm and inviting home, standing in the light that shines from a window out into the darkness . The light only lasts as long as I stand there in it and when I step away the darkness surrounds me. I desperately want to be inside where the light originates from. Only there am I completely overwhelmed by His presence and my heart is exposed to blinding light. Only in His immediate company can I halt the hardening of my own heart, even reverse it till my heart is soft and pliable again. The curses of humanity fade away in that light, my human nature takes a back seat to His divine nature.

How can I settle for having the light only to shine upon me at intervals? To come and go, in and out of His fellowship?

I cannot!... I must not!

No, to truly live in the Light…I must have His life-giving presence moment by moment, His constant fellowship, internally. Which means I must turn to Him, seek Him out, need Him desperately! (Must -not as in"should" but as in necessary to survive) Only then do I experience His light pouring forth from within my spirit continuously… I must touch Him, know Him, hold onto Him…for without Him I will surely die! I refuse to live in such a place where the light is fleeting and darkness overwhelms my heart. I cannot put into words the reality of Him and the Life that His internal presence brings but I surely recognize when I have not been walking in that reality for a length of time. It is painfully, humanly recognizable. Oh I look the same on the outside, can even spout scripture and pray, sing on the worship team or whatever I need to do to stay warmed at His fire but inside I know the truth…my heart is darkened…and without Him I am, as Paul said “of all men, most miserable”.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

24

24 Season Premier TONIGHT!! Can't wait! Its the one and only show almost my entire family programs our time around. Its definitly a family "date" night. LOL We call each other on the phone before during and after to discuss and lament...I know....crazy but fun...and weirdly bonding... :)
Love the drama, the suspense...the cliff hangers...it may be the only thing I've seen more dramatic than our daily lives.... :) (no I don't put everything into my blog...haha) well our lives probably aren't that dramatic....but we do spend quite a bit of time figuring ways to "save the world" lol (little church joke there, folks) ..Anyway...see ya tomorrow...I have to go get briefed for tonight's show.....
Have a fun Sunday...

Friday, January 13, 2006

LIF?- Not today....

Ok, this post is on a slightly negative note but please, humor me today,....
This is the classic lesson in "What NOT to do"....the song I hav chosen today is being played on the secular adult contemporary radio and on Christian radio stations all over the south. I don't know about other parts of the country...anyway...it is the classic "say nothing" song...and I can understand the secular world buying it...after all, the only thing they care about is whether or not it " has a good beat and you can dance to it" (quote from American Bandstand for some of us old enough to remember:)). Unfortunatley...it has been number one on the Christian radio stations around Atlanta weeks in a row and I find that sad. Come on people! pay attention! This song has little value as a "Christian" song at all. On a reach I could see it, after all I am unable to take my eyes off of Him when He is wooing me....if it didn't have that stuff in it about the clock and about a she being beautiful .... Is this about the Lord? is this about the church? Who can tell? It means that it doesn't say anything really......all because it is catchy(and it is) and given, Lifehouse is a cool name for a Christian group, if that's what they are...but come on!
I think I can appreciate what Lifehouse is trying to do...no, are doing...they are making deep inroads into the secular music scene and possibly having impact out there....but I find it sad to see Christians all over the country swaying and "worshipping" to songs that are basically meaningless and have very little to do with HIM...can we at least direct our Christian songs somewhere in the general direction of the Lord or the church or something?? He is what this is all about after all....Arrrgh!

LIFEHOUSE LYRICS "You And Me"
What day is it? And in what month? This clock never seemed so alive.
I can't keep up and I can't back down I've been losing so much time. Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to lose And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right I'm tripping on words You've got my head spinning I don't know where to go from here Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to prove And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you
There's something about you now I can't quite figure out Everything she does is beautiful Everything she does is right Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to lose And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you and me and all of the people with nothing to do Nothing to prove And it's you and me and all of the people And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you What day is it?And in what month?This clock never seemed so alive .

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Stencils and things

OK so I can't stencil!! Who knew?? Well I can NOW after messing up like 14 invites! It looks so simple!! but my daughter informs me that they are atrocious.....well I knew that 4 of them were messy but ALL of them??? really! Its a good thing I'm buyin......Its probably all because we watched Gilmore Girls and The Peoples Choice Awards (ack!) instead of House. That's enough to mess up anybody's stenciling, no to mention its been about 70 degrees around here this week so I'm sure my body is in a tiz from the roller coaster weather. What could you expect?? duh!

Well I have to think of ways to make amends...guess I'll have to buy more and redo them all...what say?

OK.....breathe....hmmmmm

Short List:
Dress should be in shortly for fitting (don't worry I asked permission before posting this pic :)...the groom isn't gonna be looking at my blog).......
Want to get some dance lessons and tanning done.....
Meet with florist
Gotta get these invites out the door by Feb 5th.....

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BTW...Happy Birthday to my wonderful Mama! Sorry I have no pics of her but trust me she looks waaay younger than she really is and she's a real winner too. Always willing to go "where no man has gone before" :) well where no one she knows has gone before at least...a true pioneer. Hubby and I are making her birthday dinner tonight with apple pie and ice cream for dessert instead of cake...yummm! She won't be reading this but I'll say it anyway..."I love you, Mom!"

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Normal life

Well, we're back in the middle of a normal work week....whatever that is. :) Everyone is back at work and another holiday is away off in the distance (for us), school is back in session, traffic is as thick as ever. A few cookies are the last of the holiday goodies...the sky is grey, i need a haircut and the dog needs a bath. Yaaawn...Boy are we back to normal!

Well that lasted about 5 seconds.....

Now its time to settle into full-time wedding mode - non-stop til April!
Yikes! Only 3 more months! Its a downhill run for the finish. Will we make it? Yes we will! Will we survive it?? Yet to be determined..... the "to do" list is 4 pages long----single spaced! I need a tan and my hair colored and a dress, blah, blah, blah....(this is my mini-personal list).
There are invitations to be made (yes I said MADE) and addressed and place cards and pictures to be decided upon and a gorgeous dress to be fitted and flowers to be discussed and trees to be rented and music to be chosen...and.... and ...... (fun in here somewhere, I'm sure of it) Oh yes, that will be on the beach AFTER the big day! lol

We will survive this! "I think we can...I think we can...I think we can" chugga chugga chugga...
1 ) Tonight...stenciling... :) whilst watching "House"

Friday, January 06, 2006

LIF

I'm naming my weekly lyrical day Lyrics I Feel = LIF :)
This week I chose a song from the latest Rob Thomas CD. I often hear songs, secular, popular, broadway, country, pop, blues, whatever...that with the simple change of a word or two can mean something incredibly spiritual. Actually there are several on this CD that resonate with me but this one needs the least modifing(none really) to make it a message of import. It seems to me that God's voice can be heard in many forms for those who have ears to hear... I'm sure Rob had no idea that the voice of God would come through in his work but...there it is...if you indeed have ears to hear. :) I hope you can hear the voice of Jesus speaking to you in the words of this song.

"Ever The Same"
Rob Thomas

We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same

We would stand in the wind
We were free like water flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same

I like the words that say "You were holding onto me like a someone broken" cause I am a "someone broken". I am a messed up, lost person who desperately needs Him to catch me when I fall and hold me when I'm losing it. He is reminding me that this is what He does and that I am not a burden to Him. He wants to be necessary to me. ...I am forever in Him...... Yeah, I hear that voice. :)

What do you hear?

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Yeah I changed the Template

Just bored with the green on green and too lazy to figure out how to put something more personal on the banner....

GWC totals

Good Wife Challenge
JAn 2 - 30
Jan 3 - 25

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Rules to Live By

This came to me via e-mail this morning and in the spirit of a new year I thought I would share.... :)


Rules to Live By
===========

Because sometimes we need to remember WHAT the Rules of life really are.

1. Never give yourself a haircut after three alcoholic beverages
of any kind.

2. You need only two tools: WD-40 and duct tape.
If it doesn't move and it should, use WD-40.
If it moves and shouldn't, use the tape.


3. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital
relationship are "I apologize" and "You are right".

4. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

5. When you make a mistake, make amends immediately.
It's easier to eat crow while it's still warm.


6. The best really good advice that your mother ever gave you
was: "Go! You might meet somebody!"


7. If he/she says that you are too good for him/her –
believe them.


8. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself,
“Will this matter one year from now?”
How about one month?
One week?
One day?


9. Never pass up an opportunity to pee.

10. If you woke up breathing, congratulations!
You have another chance!

11. Living well really is the best revenge.
Being miserable because of a bad or former relationship just
might mean that the other person was right about you.

12. Work is good, but it's not that important.

13. And finally, be really nice to your friends and family.
You never know when you are going to need them to empty your
bedpan.


(Although this was submitted as a joke, it contains much truth)

Monday, January 02, 2006

Wife Challenge Starter

Working on Gina's "Good Wife Challenge" so here are my totals for Jan 2nd ...... 30 I know...not that great but I didn't complain... and I did say he was right about a thing or two...:)

Sunday, January 01, 2006

New Boots!

A quick peak at my new cowboy boots(#1 Christmas present :)....the upcoming rage of the east coast.....(love, love these boots!) and a quote from the Justin website to go along with the pic. LOL

"There are literally thousands of reasons you should be wearing a pair of Justin Boots. In the interest of time, we'll just give you a few…
1. You would look great in a pair.
2. We've got boots to match your mood. Whether you feel urban chic, rebellious or if you're in the mood to tame the Wild West. We got the boots.
3. Double layer comfort means you don't have to sacrifice comfort for style."


Now aren't they just fabulous? :)