Thursday, November 27, 2008

~Friday Funnies~


The Confession Session
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears several confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions.

The old priest suggests, "Cross your arms over your chest and rub your chin with one hand."

The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, "Try saying things like, 'I see, yes, go on, and I understand, how did you feel about that?"

The new priest says those things, trying them out. The old priest says, "Now, don't you think that's a little better than slapping your knee and saying, 'No way! What happened next?'"

Church Bloopers
This is a compilation of actual Church Bulletins and Service bloopers...

Our next song is "Angels We Have Heard Get High".

Don't let worry kill you -- let the church help.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

The rosebud on the altar this morning is to announce the birth of David Alan Belzer, the sin of Rev. and Mrs. Julius Belzer.

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk will please come early.

This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.

The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement Saturday.

Thursday night--Potluck supper. Prayer and medication to follow.

The senior choir invites any member of the congregation who enjoys sinning to join the choir.

During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when A. B. Doe supplied our pulpit.

The Rev. Adams spoke briefly, much to the delight of his audience.

The church is glad to have with us today as our guest minister the Rev. Shirley Green, who has Mrs. Green with him. After the service we request that all remain in the sanctuary for the Hanging of the Greens.

The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet" in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The 1991 Spring Council Retreat will be hell May 10 and 11th.

Please join us as we show our support for Amy and Alan in preparing for the girth of their first child.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.

The pastor will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing, "Break Forth Into Joy."

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa will be speaking tonight at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER & FASTING Conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals."

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again" giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

Next Sunday is the family hay ride and bonfire at the Fowlers'. Bring your own hot dogs and guns. Friends are welcome! Everyone come for a fun time.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, superb entertainment, and gracious hostility.

"Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
For more Friday Funnies see Kim at Homesteaders Heart
Have a GREAT FRIDAY!
Cheryl

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

~Word Filled Wednesday~


Thanksgiving-Give Thanks

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

For more WFW, visit Amy at The 160 Acre Woods

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

~Recipes~


If anyone is interested, I added a link over at A Spoon and a Whisk where you will be taken to the Northpole and a ton of recipes.

Monday, November 24, 2008

~ Thankfulness~


We are so busy that we don't take the time to reflect on the good things. Life is tough but there is a lot to be thankful for. Remember those things. Reflect on those things. Here are just a few!

Jesus who died for our sins.
A beautiful song
A comfortable chair
A cool breeze
A Diet Coke
A drink of cool water
A full moon
A gentle rain
A glass of cold milk
A good book to read
A good coat
A good pillow
A scenic drive
Air conditioning
Banana splits
Beaches in the morning
Birds singing
Blue jeans
Brothers
Butterflies
Butterfly kisses
Ceiling fans
Children laughing
Christmas morning
Clothes that fit well
Comfortable shoes
Compliments
Computers that work
Cooing Babies
Cream Brule
Dark Chocolate
Dishwashers
Fairness
Crackling fire in a fireplace
Flowers
Freedom of religion
Freedom of speech
Fresh ideas
Friendly dogs
Good conversation
Good eyesight
Good friends
Good health
Good movies
Good teachers
Good tires
Grace
Hair spray
High-speed Internet access
Holding hands
Homemade ice cream
Honest people
Hugs
Ice cubes
Indoor plumbing
Laughter
Live Christmas trees
Parking spaces near the front
Peanut butter
Plenty of closet space
Polite drivers
Porch swings
Puppies
Quiet mornings
Rainbows
Remote Controls
Roasted peanuts
Shade trees
Sisters
Smiles
Snow covered mountains
Snowflakes
Soft toilet paper
Sunrises
Sunsets
Thanksgiving dinner
The color of autumn leaves
The ocean
The smell of a Sunday roast cooking
The smell of homemade bread
The words "I love you"
Tire swings
True friends
Uninterrupted dinners
Warm kisses
Warm showers
Whipped cream
White puffy clouds
Wrinkle-free clothes

Have you thought about all the things you have to be thankful for?

My uncle passed away last night. Mom and I will be making a quick trip to San Antonio, TX, leaving Saturday morning and returning some time on Monday. Please pray for safe travels.

Blessings!
Cheryl

Saturday, November 22, 2008

~Have You Heard This Song?~

Chris Tomlin ~ I Will Rise~


Happy Saturday!

Cheryl

Thursday, November 20, 2008

~Thoughts~

Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.." -- James Allen, 1864-1912, British-born American Essayist, Author of "As a Man Thinketh"

Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. - Henry Ford

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.- Ursula Le Guin

Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.- Mother Teresa

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.- E E Cummings

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

~How Big Is God?~

Have you seen this presentation? (Note: Click on the pictures to get a bigger view)


I CERTAINLY THOUGHT THIS WAS ENLIGHTENING.
BEYOND OUR SUN IT'S A BIG UNIVERSE.
ANTARES IS THE 15 TH BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY ...
IT IS MORE THAN 1000 LIGHT YEARS AWAY.
NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU?
NOW TRY TO WRAP YOUR MIND AROUND THIS.........

THIS IS A HUBBLE TELESCOPE ULTRA DEEP FIELD INFRARED VIEW OF COUNTLESS 'ENTIRE' GALAXIES BILLIONS OF LIGHT-YEARS AWAY.

BELOW IS A CLOSE-UP OF ONE OF THE DARKEST REGIONS OF THE PHOTO ABOVE.

HUMBLING, ISN'T IT?

GET THIS, Someone knows how many hairs are on your head, and not even a single sparrow dies apart from His will (Mt. 10:29-31)!
NOW HOW BIG ARE YOU? AND HOW BIG ARE THE THINGS THAT UPSET YOU TODAY?

NOW HOW BIG IS OUR GOD?

DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

HE HAS IT ALL UNDER CONTROL (Job 38)
STILL SOME SAY THERE IS NOT A GOD !
Take some time to read Job 38
Blessings !
Cheryl

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

~Introductions~

Hello Friends~

I just thought I would introduce you to my new blog:

"A Spoon and A Whisk"

Haven't done much, other than get her set up....but if you are interested, check back or share!

Love
Cheryl

Monday, November 17, 2008

~Talk and Walk by Kay Warren~

Getting our body in sync with our message.
Published first in Christianity Today: June 5, 2008

On a gray winter's day in Kiev (Kyiv), Ukraine, I walked the halls of a monastery-turned-hospital, its tile floors smoothed down by the footsteps of monks.

People newly diagnosed with HIV come to this hospital for further tests. In one room, a man sat aloof, barely acknowledging our presence. Another man angrily denounced his government's weak response to people with HIV. Anatoly, a local pastor, invited me to this hospital and we listened as the angry man talked about his two-year-old boy with HIV. (This means the mother in the family is almost certainly HIV-positive.) In silence, we grieved together over the uncertain future of this family.

In the next room, two young women sat on neatly made metal beds, apprehensive at our unannounced arrival. One pretty blonde, 23, told us she had been diagnosed for a month. To look at her, you would never know she was ill.

But the 20-year-old in the bed next to her was visibly very sick. Her emaciated body clearly communicated serious illness. My attention shifted to this woman's weeping mother sitting across from her. Mother and daughter had come to the big city from a rural area and were alone to face death. No family. No friends. Not even kind strangers.

That is, until Pastor Anatoly's passionate voice spoke—reassuring them that they were not alone. He promised he and the members of his church would be back to visit them and support them. In that moment, I saw faith become real.

I frequently hear criticism that evangelicals are more interested in talking about their faith than in actually doing anything tangible. Like all Christians, we often use our mouths more than our hands and feet. I too plead guilty.

But my recent trip to Ukraine underscored how Christians, far from American shores, combine faith and action. This inspires me and helps make my faith vibrant.

After visiting with Pastor Anatoly, my ministry team and I took a 16-hour overnight train ride southeast to Mariupol, a lovely, small city near the Sea of Azov adjacent to the Black Sea. Young children lined up to greet us exuberantly as we visited the Pilgrim Center that Pastor Gennady Mohnenko created.

Pastor Gennady resembles a swashbuckling movie hero—tall and handsome, with energetic hands he distributes bear hugs and high fives to children passing in the hallways.

These precious children once lived on the streets; their arms are scarred by needle tracks from drug addiction. Twenty percent are HIV-positive. Pastor Gennady is known for blatantly grabbing street kids from their hideouts. He offers them safety, detox, and nourishment for soul and body.

Late that day, I joined him in a surprise visit to a basement under a large apartment complex. He had heard that a street boy there was about to die. The entryway into the basement was a hazardous crawl, down a metal ladder hanging onto the wall by a few screws, into inky darkness. As I climbed down slowly, my eyes adjusted. I could see the exposed electrical wires, pipes dripping waste, empty syringes, discarded foil cards that held tramadol (their drug of choice), and dead rats.

The glimpse of wretchedness was enough to smash my heart yet again. In the middle of this, I caught a glimpse of another reality—a local church pastor being the hands and feet of Jesus to someone who perhaps had never personally experienced the love of Christ. Everyday Christians can take the commands of Christ seriously and make their faith real, not by words alone, but by active compassion.

But consider one more glimpse to get the full picture. At the basement entryway, an old woman stood at the top of the stairs, directed us down to the children, and watched us with a mixture of curiosity, anxiety, and concern. I wondered why she didn't do more. She knew there were homeless, drug-addicted youth living beneath her. Did she ever try to help them? Invite them in for a cookie? Or was she overwhelmed, fearful that if she showed kindness to one, all would swarm her?

I wonder how many times each of us stands at the top of the stairs, watching, not getting involved. We can use our words (as the old woman did) or we can use our hands and feet as well. But being the presence of Christ in forgotten places provides a two-fold blessing—one for the person in need and another for the believer. Let's put our body language in sync with our gospel message.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

~Friday Funnies~




For more Friday Funnies see Kim at Homesteaders Heart
Have a GREAT FRIDAY!
Cheryl

~Message From Jan~

I printed off all the comments left for the give away in honor of Jan on this 1 year mark. I took them with me to lunch and let Jan pick who would be the owner of the tile. I might have already told you this, but I had 2 tiles made exactly alike. I thought it only fitting to give one of them to Jan also. After drawing Christina's name, I sent all the comments home with Jan so she could read all the all the sweet sweet comments. I got an email late this afternoon from Jan that she would like me to share with all of you:

"Thank you so much for going to lunch today with me. I had a great time. Do you want these notes back? I read them all. Please thank them all from me and tell them they were all a blessing to me.

Love ya, Jan"


And, from me, thank you for always being an encouragement, for offering prayer, well.... for just being you!

Love,
Cheryl

~One Year Later~

Here is a picture of Jan taken on Halloween last year, just a few weeks before she had emergency surgery.

As I sit and think about one year ago today, it is a day I never want to relive.

I can't begin to imagine how difficult this past year has been for Jan. She has had to fight extremely hard. She was away from home while she underwent radiation treatment in Houston for 6 weeks. We were blessed that a friend shared their frequent flyer miles with us and they were able to fly home every other weekend. We have so very much to be thankful for.

God has blessed our entire family many times in this year. He has shown us many things, which I will share a few with you.

In March, 2007 we helped move Mom to the house/acre next door to Janet (their country folks.) Mom previously lived 3-4 miles from them. It had been our thoughts/hopes when the time came Mom would be able to live independently longer, if she lived closer to Janet (Donna and myself, we aren't country folks). It was very evident at the time of Mom's move, this was God's will. The house she bought and sold, neither one were put on the market. Everything just fell in place. Now, we look back and see how God had his hand in all this.

The week before 11/13 Jan had developed extremely severe headaches. Actually, she had been having headaches for some time, but not to this extent. (If you know of anyone who starts having headaches, not typical of their usual headaches, PLEASE INSIST the does a CT scan. Jan had been to doctors about these headaches, but no one ever did any testing.)

When Gerald left for work this Tuesday morning, he called Mom and asked her to go next door and see if she could get Jan to eat. If Mom had not been living next door, Gerald would not have called her and things would be different) God was at work here almost a year earlier, preparing. We thought she was having migraines and was dehydrated. When Mom went next door and talked to Jan, she responded to Mom. She had set her alarm for work, but had told me she doubted she would go. That morning she had "hit her snooze" several times. When Mom went back in after getting her something to eat, she was NOT RESPONSIVE. Still not thinking it was that serious, Mom called Gerald and he came back home. Jan's daughter-in-law works at the hospital where they were going to take her, so they called ahead and they were waiting in the ER when they arrived. The doctors were amazed that she was alive and said in the sense of "medicine" she should not be. That's God! He says Jan still has work to do.

Since they were waiting for Jan, she was rushed directly in. CT scan was done immediately followed by an MRI. The first thing I heard when I got there was she had multiple brain tumors. They were waiting on the MRI results and then were going straight to surgery.

When the neurosurgeon came and talked to us right as they were going into surgery, he said there was a lot of swelling, and this possibly could be an abscess and not a tumor. He also said he didn't know how long it would take her to come out of the coma. However, they had been giving her steroids since she got the hospital. Before surgery she was able to wiggle her toes, grasp their hands, so this was a good sign.

The surgery took 2-3 hours. She made it fine, but still we were told they didn't know how long she would be in the coma. But, during the night she would open her eyes and by early the next morning, she was out of the coma. She had no clue what she had been through. The first few days she didn't unless someone else initiated the conversation. It was very troubling because she was so quiet and different.

She was not able to retain any memory for several weeks. She was told numerous times what she had been through, but kept thinking she had had a seizure, fell and busted her head open. But, she could remember how to unhook everything after watching the nurses do. It was amazing to see the progress she made, EVERY SINGLE DAY for weeks, she improved.

She didn't want to treat at MD Anderson because she didn't want to be away from home. Not a few minutes after she went in to meet with her oncologist, she changed her mind. That's God!

I know this is kind of jumbled. I tried to condense so much that occurred in that time to just give you a glimpse, and I butchered it good.

There has been a great deal of time during the last year that Jan didn't feel good. We are thrilled that at this time, she feels better and she is "enoying life."

It is very difficult to think back to this day 1 year ago and everything that has occurred. We are truly blessed and very thankful we had the opportunity to CELEBRATE TODAY!

Jan, Mom, Donna, Jenny, me, and 2 of Jan's friends from work went to Panera Bread. It was really fun. Here are some pictures from today of Jan, Mom, Donna, and Jen.




The story doesn't end here, the fight continues! Please pray for Jan and her earthly healing. Pray she continues to feel good as she continues with treatment. Pray for peace of mind for her and our family.





Thank you all for everything!

1 Corinthians 13:13 ~ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Blessings!
Cheryl

~All That Blog~Winner~



While at lunch today, Jan picked the winner of the Tile. It is Christina @ All That Blog. Christina has a lot going on in her life and family right now.


I sent her an email earlier to let her know she was getting the tile. Stop and see Christina.


Thanks so much for joining in this day of honor for Jan.


We are truly blessed!


Love

Cheryl

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

~Blog Give Away Final Details~

As I mentioned in my post Saturday, I'm going to have a blog give away in honor of my sister Jan. November 13, 2007, 1 year ago, her life changed dramatically.


I had started my blog in May, 2007, but never posted anything. It wasn't until Jan was finishing up her initial treatment at MD Anderson that her blog was designed and I decided to jump in and started blogging, also. But, I don't think it was until sometime in April that I joined some of the meme's and have been blessed with so many sweet friends. You have been so kind as to pray for Jan and our family, along with checking on her, asking about her and even leaving her comments on her blog.

So, to say "THANK YOU," and to CELEBRATE this very special day, I want to share this 6x6 Laser Engraved tile (w/easel) with one of you. Just leave a comment here between now and Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. (11/13). I think I will let Jan draw the name when we have lunch Thursday, and will announce the winner Thursday afternoon.

Thank you for your friendships and most especially for your prayers.

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.

Thank you for walking this journey with us.

Truly Blessed,
Cheryl


I think this may be the most recent picture of Jan. I snatched it off her blog.

~Award~ From a Dear Friend~

My dear sweet friend, Debra over at Clothed With Scarlet I know you all know her, as she has made a BIG statement here in our bloggy world. She has such a sweet heart for Jesus, and all of us, and many more, well she has passed the Marie Antoinette ~ A Real Person Award on to me.

The rules for this award want you to reflect who awarded it to you, display the icon, and pass it along to seven (7) other bloggers.
So, in turn, I would like to pass this aware on to the following. Thank you all for blessing my socks off:
Amy @ Mom of ~ Saved By Grace
Kristi @ Kiki's Corner
Christina @ All That Blog
Enjoy and have a blessed Tuesday!
Cheryl

Monday, November 10, 2008

~Tempt My Tummy Tuesday~


BROCCOLI SALAD

5-6 cups broccoli flowerets
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
5-6 strips of bacon, crumbled
1 cup of grated cheddar cheese

Combine broccoli, onion, bacon and cheese in a large bowl.

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons vinegar

Mix dressing ingredients well and pour over vegetables and mix well. Refrigerate for 1-3 hours before serving.
For more recipes, go here to Lana or here to Lisa .
Have a great Tuesday.
Cheryl

Saturday, November 8, 2008

~BLOG GIVE AWAY~Update

I've been thinking about having a "Blog Give Away." And, what better time than this coming week. So many have blessed our family by praying for Jan, and us, taking the time to check back, and even leaving comments for Jan on her blog.

This coming Thursday, November 13 will be 1 year since Jan's life changed tremendously. So, in honor of Jan and to say "THANK YOU!"

I'm working on getting all the details together, but I know it will have something to do with HOPE!

Our November 13, 2008 will differ from November 13, 2007. We are going to lunch to celebrate! And, it will not be ANYWHERE near a HOSPITAL!

Now, I'm trying if I want you to do something wild and crazy for this blog giveaway, or a prayer and comment! I have decided on what I want to give away. I hope you guys love it as much as I do.
What I have chosen for my give away is a 6x6 Laser Engraved Tile with Faith~Hope~Love ~1 Corinthians 13 with an easel for it to sit on.
More details to follow!

Have a blessed weekend!

Cheryl

Thursday, November 6, 2008

~Friday Funnies~


























You can click on the picture to enlarge and see it better.

I think Kim at Homesteaders Heart had a great idea for Friday. By the time they roll around, we usually need a good laugh.

Check out some other Friday Funnies!

Have a blessed, safe, fun-filled weekend!

Love,
Cheryl

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

~Thankful Thursday~ Praise~












Deuteronomy 10:21 ~ "He is the one you should praise; he is your God, who has done great and wonderful things for you, which you have seen with your own eyes."


I am so very thankful today for the gift of this last year. Though it has been extremely hard and some things are not as they should be within our family, I have to praise God for all the wonderful things I have seen with my eyes this last year alone.

Thank you for your prayers and choosing to walk this journey with me. I pray that you will continue to join us!

Please see below for testing results posted earlier today.

For more Thankful Thursday, visit Iris @ Grace Alone

Praising God!

~November Results~

Hopefully you can tell by this photo, we are PRAISING GOD today for absolutely WONDERFUL RESULTS! The tumors have SHRUNK! Not sure how much, but they are SMALLER.


Janet is now waiting to see the endocrinologist, but her oncologist told her, with the medications she is on, it is normal for it to mess up her thyroid. However, her thyroid results were better today than 2 weeks ago.

You can only imagine how absolutely positively thrilled we are today.

We give ALL OUR PRAISE TO OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN!

Thank you from the very depths of our hearts for praying!

I sent Janet a text message after Mom called, just saying, "Yea!" I can only imagine how thrilled she is. She responded by saying, "I am so excited. It is ALL God."

Love,
Cheryl

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

~Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?~


"Is anything Too Hard for the Lord?" Genesis 18:14

This is God's loving challenge to you and me each day. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, and worthiest desires and longings of our hearts. He wants us to think of those things that perhaps were desires for ourselves or someone dear to us, yet have gone unfulfilled for so long that we now see them as simply lost desires. And God urges us to think of even the one thing that we once saw as possible, but have given up all hope of seeing fulfilled in this life.

That very thing, as long as it aligns with what we know to be His expressed will--as a son was to Abraham and Sarah--God intends to do for us. Yes, if we will let Him. God will do that very thing, even if we know it is such an utter impossibility that we would simply laugh at the absurdity of anyone every suggesting it could come to pass.

Is anything too hard for the Lord?" No, nothing is too difficult when we believe in Him enough to go forward, doing His will and letting Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.

The only thing "too hard for the Lord" is our deliberate and continual disbelief in His love and power, and our ultimate rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is impossible for Jehovah to do for those who trust Him. Taken from Messages for the Morning Watch (Streams in the Desert)

Janet had her MRI this evening. Tomorrow will be: Blood work, oncology appointment and endocrinology appointment. They have a full day. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR THIS DESIRE FOR WONDERFUL ASTOUNDING RESULTS ON MRI, BLOOD WORK AND ENDOCRINE APPOINTMENT.

NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR OUR GOD!

Monday, November 3, 2008

~The Antidote to Fear~Prayer~Testing

John 14:1 ~ Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me."

Jesus commanded His disciples to "trust God; trust also in me." The antidote to fear is faith.


When I toss and turn in the middle of the night, worried and fearful over something that is impending in my life or the life of someone I love, I am comforted and calmed as I meditate on Who God is. It helps me plant my faith in Someone Who is bigger than my fears. I just fall back on Who God is and rest in Him. He cannot be less than Himself! And my God is God!

Next time you feel afraid, make up a list--not of your fears, but of the characteristics of God. Find a Scripture verse or passage to substantiate each one as you reconsider your situation in light of Who God is. Then, if you feel it would be helpful to list your fears, make sure beside each one you write down the attribute of God that applies. The secret to peace lies in your focus.
From: My Hearts Cry ~ Anne Graham Lotz

The Scripture I'm claiming tonight is, Romans 8:18 ~ "The sufferings we have now are nothing compared to the great glory that will be shown to us."
God is bigger than any cancer, any problem, any fear....the list could go on and on.

Tomorrow Janet/Gerald leave for MD Anderson. God already knows the results. He is in control. Ten days (10) days from today, Tuesday, November 3, will mark a 1 year anniversary since we were so rudely slapped in the face by the sound of that ugly word cancer. I know it has not been an easy year for Janet. There is a reason for this. What, we have no clue. We have to place our trust in God. Please pray for a GREAT RESULTS.

Her schedule this time will be:
MRI ~ 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night.
Blood Testing ~ Wednesday morning.
Oncologist appointment ~ following blood work.
Endocrinologist appointment - following oncology appointment.


Janet has a cold/allergy problems right now. So, has not felt good the last couple of days. Pray, she feels better in this regard. She is also seeing the endocrinologist because her thyroid is "overactive." Pray this is something that is just being thrown off from the chemo, and can be remedied easily.

We were saddened today to learn that they also lost their 1 1/2 year old Boston Terrier, Annie. They do not know why. Janet said Bosley their other Boston Terrier was just lost today. Ripley loves Annie and when we were there Sunday evening, she was fine.

"Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious." By Andrew Murray

Here is a recent picture of Annie.


Thanks for your prayers. We cannot tell you how much they mean to us.
Have a blessed Tuesday~
Cheryl

Saturday, November 1, 2008

~Friday Pictures~


Yesterday morning, I received an email from Jen, my niece. In the subject line it said, "Aw shucks." I'm assuming she dressed up at work for Halloween. I'm sure you can guess who she is supposed to be!

I couldn't ask for a better niece. She is so sweet, and we have had some great times. She has grown to be a very beautiful lady, inside and out. Looking forward to MANY more fun times, Jen.

These are pictures of Ripley. He unfortunately had to wear his costume from last year. This first picture is kind of blurry. He had been fighting me for the hat and was chewing on it at the moment.




This second picture looks kind of like he is pouting. But, what he is actually doing is chewing on the string to his hat. It does not bother him to put his costume on, EXCEPT for the hat. I have to get it to sit back, otherwise, he is constantly trying to get it off.




This last picture (Ripley), he is sitting pretty for "a moment." He's probably thinking, "get it over with lady." He would wear his costume all day, if I left it on him. But, not the hat. The fringe needs to be trimmed because he steps on it some.





My cousin sent me pictures of her 3 sweet kids from last night. Aren't they adorable. And, what a great idea. I didn't ask for permission to put these on my blog. The 2 little ones are TWINS. They will be 1-year-old this week. Pooh is their 3-year-old brother, "T" and you can't see his face in this first picture.



There is a story here. Little "piglet" had open heart surgery this summer. She will have the 2nd part to her surgery, I think when she is about 2." God has been awesome and I know He has provided such comfort and peace. These 3 little ones have a Daddy and Mommy who truly know what a blessing they are. Before they were born, they didn't know if little "piglet" would have some other problems, but as you can see, she is doing beautiful.
I have many more pictures, but I am sharing this last one. I think it is a hoot. The look on "G" and "P's" faces when they see each other in their costumes is so funny.
Janet and Gerald return to MD Anderson this week. There will be an MRI, blood work, and an appointment with a endocrinologist. Janet's thyroid is overactive. And, she is feeling the effects of this. Please pray for great results and medication to correct her thyroid.
Hope you enjoyed this pictures. Have a blessed weekend!~