Cheryl's Chatter........

Psalm 121

2009-06-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let let your foot slip-

he watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you-

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm-

He will watch over your life;

The Lord will watch over your coming and going both

now and forevermore. - Psalm 121

Happy Father's Day Dan!

You are the best husband and father in the universe!

I love you!

Avery Joy will be 2 in a few days....

2008-10-04T20:25:00.003-07:00

Emma Lee is almost 4 years old!

2008-10-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

my blond beauty!

2008-10-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

Not a natural blond? You sure?

Count down to the Women's Conference!

2008-09-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Our CCJ Women's conference is just weeks away. Will you be there? Sign up on line at Calvary Jupiter.com or call Justine at 561-747-6367. The date is October 10-11th! The cost is $30.

This will be a great time to grow in your relationship with the Lord, while making some new friends. Worship will be awesome with our all girl band, ETA.

If you would like to help out, call Justine. We can find a place for everyone to serve in some way!
As you can see someone already took the sound spot! It's easy and fun serving at CCJ!

see you there!

"Coming to church tonight"?

2008-09-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you at the Saturday night service at Calvary Jupiter!

6pm sharp!

My Mama!

2008-09-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

This is my mom!
She is my biggest cheer leader!
She always listens to me and cheers me on.
She always sees the best in me!
She loves my husband and my children!

I never realized how hard a mother works until I became a mom myself! I never realized how important her role was and is in my life.

I know I need to get some more photo's on my computer of me and my mom...working on it.

I also know I am not blogging much anymore but I wanted to tell you how special my mom is to me.

Mother's have the best job in the world!

She has worked hard her whole life and is still working hard at all she does.
I am blessed beyond measure in all she means to me.

I hope you take the time today to honor your mother and to tell her all she means to you!

I love you mom!

listen....

2008-08-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

James 1:19 "...but everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger."

We've all heard it said that God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth to be used in direct proportion of each other but how many of us really listen twice as much as we hear?

My husband is one who listens about 3 times more than he speaks which is great because I speak at least 3 times more than I listen. I know I need to become a better listener.

A teacher asked her classroom what the definition of listening was and no one in the class seemed to know. Finally, a little boy raised his hand and said, "Listening is wanting to hear." I think that is a great definition.

Listening is just wanting to hear what someone is saying.

A few tips on listening (try these and see how it goes):

1. Listen without interrupting. when you interrupt someone they perceive you as rude. Listen without interrupting.

2. Restate what someone says to clarify what you think they mean by saying, "So, what I'm hearing you saying is this...?" Then they can say that is correct or clarify for you. This will let them know that you are indeed listening and that you care about the heart of what they really mean.

3. Pause before replying. Give their words time to sink in. This also gives the speaker a chance to keep talking if they were only taking a breath or organizing their thoughts.

4. Just listen. Don't try to think of a response for them. Just listen. This let's you really hear what they are saying and keeps you from interrupting them with your thoughts.

5. If you don't have an answer or solution don't offer one. If your opinion is asked, just say, "I like to take some time to think important matters over, can I get back to you on this?" This will save you from a quick response and let the other person know that you really do care about their situation.

6. Don't offer your opinion if your not asked for it. Most of the time people just want to process out loud...let them.

7. If you don't completely understand what the other person is saying and you need more information just ask, 'How do you mean?" and they will elaborate more on the topic.

8. Lean in, be there. Don't look at your watch, yawn, or change the ring-tone on your cell phone. All of these things communicate that you are not really listening and that you don't really care to hear them.

Remember, as long as your talking you can't learn anything new.

You already know all that you know....but you don't know what they know.

The best conversations have an even flow (like the tide).......back and forth......

But the best place to be (as the Bible reminds us) is in the place of listening.

So, that's your first Moment of Truth! ..and this is the first moment I've had all day...and it's because everyone else is asleep!

Quote: Dale Carnegie said, "You can make more friends in 2 weeks by being genuinely interested in others then you can by spending 2 years trying to get others interested in you!"

Grandpa and Abigail.....

2008-08-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite photo's of Abi with her grand-dad.
My dad.

He is telling her the story as she is holding the book. My dad has a way of making stories come alive and adding some parts that the author himself didn't know was funny or relevant!

The kids always beg grandpa to tell them the story about the weasel.... and it's not the one that pops!

Abi says its about her great, great, great grandpa who had a farm with chickens and every night the weasel would come out....and then one night her great, great, grandpa sat outside with a gun....and because it is a family story I can't tell you the rest of the story...............

Hope you have a blessed week!
God loves you!

Cheryl

Snow White

2008-08-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is our family at the last play my step mom was in.

It was Snow White. It was really funny because near the end of the play when the prince was trying to find Snow White (who had already taken a bite of the apple and was dead on the couch) The prince came out asking the kids in the front row, 'Have you seen Snow White?" The kids were all quietly pointing to the stage in the direction off Snow White....when all of a sudden, my daughter, Hannah cried out in a loud voice, "She's right there, on the couch!" to which the entire place broke out in contagious laughter.

It was really cute and Hannah liked the attention!

Working hard to 'Play' hard.....

2008-08-23T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is my dad and step mom. They worked hard for over 25 years and then.....well, now let's just say they 'Play' hard.

They live in the Villages which is about an hour north of Orlando in Lady Lake.

These are not your typical plays that are low budget and stuffy.

These are Way Off Broadway (which isn't' too bad.....just have Broadway in your name is a good thing...) shows. These are shows that require 100's of hours of rehearsals, 100's of memorized lines, song lyrics, dance steps, and even 'staged' laughter...which I find very challenging. Stop reading right now and try to do your best fake laugh. Pretty tough, isn't it?

Thankfully both my step-mom and dad can sing really well and have done a number of duets together.

The first time I saw them on stage, I cried. I felt like a mother seeing her kids up there.

I was like, "Oh, my that's my daddy up there singing, dancing, and making jokes."

It was really neat.

Of course they do other things like take care of my grandfather, serve at their church, and spend time with their 15 grandchildren.

They moved into The Villages at the right time and built a beautiful home there. The funny thing is all of the homes have golf cart garages attached to the main garage. And then you see everyone riding on their carts, busy about getting to all the different things to do.

There is the downtown square where they have dancing, sell fun products, have little shops, and many restaurants to choose from. It's a nice place to retire to.

My step mom even had the fore site when they moved in and had the landscaping done to invest in what I think they call Snake Coverage. It was an extra $$$ few dollars but the lawn man assured her that she would have no snakes in her yard with this extra feature. I guess they have it all in The Villages!

Oh, my beautiful sister Tara also lives there for now with them until she finishes school and marries her fiance, Scott. So, Tara keeps us updated on all The Villages gossip......gossip, isn't' everyone over 55 there? What gossip.....you'd be surprised....it's General hospital...The later years...

So, next time your near Lady Lake...go check The Villages out....you will be surprised at how this little town is almost like the Jim Carey movie...The Truman Show...."Good morning, good afternoon, good-evening!" But, between you and me I'm not buying the whole 'snake coverage' thing.....:)

First's

2008-08-22T10:51:00.000-07:00

Calvary Chapel Jupiter.....First Service this Sunday!
~ Truth for where you're at~

Don't we as humans love firsts?

First babies, first snow of winter (if you live up-north), first rain of summer, first grade (maybe not), first day on vacation, first day of school, first last day of school, first friendships, first car, first job, first hair cut, first in line at Costco, first service in our new church building!!!!

We are having our first church service(s) this Sunday at our new facility in Jupiter Farms (In the Publix Plaza) We have 2 service times...9:00am and 11:00am.

I am looking forward to seeing the first people walk through the new church, drop off their kids for the first time in kids ministry, first worship set, first Bible study, first membership class on Sunday night, first cup of CJ's coffee in the Calvary Cafe, and then to watch some first friendships form!

I hope to see you there! I'll be there early or better yet..I'll be there first!

I hope we will see you many more times then just this first service!

God bless you!

More Family Photo's

2008-08-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

You might need to make a pot of coffee for this one. I got a little carried away finding cute pics of the kids. Enjoy!
Hannah Faith....do you think I should cut bangs on her again???

Grandma bought the girls aprons! Time to clean!

Emma-Lee Grace! is there anything sweeter than this smile....and those teeth?????? noah at karate!
Christian!
Emma- a classic hair washing!
Emma...precious!
Avery on her adoption day!
Noah being cool at Karate...which he doesn't take yet! :)
Em
Christian..AKA..X-MAN
Abi's 5th b-day!
Emma half smile...
Me holding Avery when she was just 2 hours old!
Hannah
Abi with a curly wig on acting like a girl from the 50's...she looks cute with curls!
Avery on her first Christmas morning.
Abi and I at Avery's baby shower my sweet friend Lyette had for me!

Staff get-a-way picture!

Hannah!
Emma with ears!
My mother waving goodbye after a nice visit!
Avery in the tub...her curls unravel in there.
Daniel James!
Abi riding her four wheeler!
Emma rocking in Tennessee!

Girls playing dress up!
Girls in Tennessee!
Abi and her close friend Madison Hedegard!
Sister's!
Abi!
Me and my friend Dabney!
Hannah eating cake!
Abi's practice wedding!
Noah!
Emma!
Family shot 2005!

This is Emma in her new big girl bed when she turned 3!

Smile......oh, sorry....I missed it!

2008-08-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

So, what is the best camera out there? I have a camera that does not capture the moment....or the kids. It doesn't do distance and it doesn't fit them all in the frame. I got memories here and no camera!

what do you suggest? I want to click click click and get all the cute moments. Not the kind of camera that gets the moment after the moment....you know what I mean???

I want to capture the moment in the moment! Am I asking for too much here?? Is there a camera that does that??

If so let me know what it is and where to get it. Is this Nikon a good one? What do I need to look for? Price range? Where to shop for it?

My kids are growing and daily doing photo worthy/blog worthy cuteness. I don't have time to miss these moments.

Thanks for your help.

Now, say cheese! Oh, sorry...I missed it...and that was a really good pose.....I told you I need a good camera....there goes another memory.........

Hey, and don't forget that God loves you very much! You were on His mind all day long!

Abi and Emma-Lee

2008-08-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

Abi and Emma just want to say "Hello" to you today! Hannah was mad at them yesterday because we went shopping and as we were going she found a pack of underwear that were really cute that she wanted me to buy. Hannah carried her underwear package all through the store.

When we got up to the check out I said, "Hannah, where is your underwear?" to which she answered by lifting up her dress and showing the entire store just where her underwear was. Thankfully, no one but her brothers and sister's saw this....but they are a crowd in themselves and they all laughed at her...it was cute. She didn't like their laughing very much.

Needless to say we bought the underwear and left. As soon as we returned home she wanted to put her 'new' underwear on...so we did that!

I love kids!

napping and rain.....just seem to go together!

2008-08-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

Make sure you take a nap today in this rainy weather!

Good night! :)

New Post!

2008-08-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Any suggestions? I love posting but sometimes just don't have any good posting idea's.

What do you think would be some interesting posts?
Let's hear some suggestions!

I'm waiting......
Still here.......
Okay, I'm going to go and make a sandwich...when I get back I'd love to read your suggestions.....

.....still waiting........

Adoption

2008-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Adoption is so very close to my heart and only gets closer.
I don't think everyone should adopt...but I think everyone could.

You could support a child from a distance.......get creative.

I always thought adoptive families were 'special' and 'different' somehow.
Now people say that we are special and different because we have adopted twice.

I know that I am not special or different. I just love children and realize that they are an amazing gift from God. I am having a blast watching my 8 children grow and learn about God and the plan He has for them.

Is it hard? It seems to get easier as I just enjoy them and keep praying and focusing on being the mom I need to be. I love how Catherine Hickem talks about being an intentional mom. Being intentional in what I do helps me to weed out the things I don't need to do. What is the most important thing I can instill in my child TODAY that will make a difference in their tomorrow?

Adoption has taught me to trust and to realize that I am not in control but that God is.

He places each of us right where we're supposed to be.

Do you know that the family you grew up in was hand picked by God just for you? (and He makes no mistakes).

That gives me peace even though my upbringing was far from ideal....I know I was right where I was supposed to be which has made me who I am today!

I can appreciate my parents a lot more for all they did do and not what they didn't do.

I also identify with adoption because I know that God adopted me into His family... and I was not the cutest kid in the orphanage if you know what I mean!

Did you ever pray about supporting a orphan, helping out a single parent, or adopting a child?

Steven Curtis Chapman wrote a beautiful song called When Love Takes You In.....here are the words.....better grab a tissue...

I know you've heard the stories

but they all sound too good to be true

you heard about a place called home...

but there doesn't seem to one for you...

so one more night you cry yourself to sleep

and drift off to a distant dream.

when love takes you in

and everything changes.

a miracle starts with the beat of a heart

when love takes you home

and says you belong here...

the loneliness ends and a new life begins.

when love takes you in...

and somewhere while your sleeping,

someone else is dreaming too

and counting down the days until

they hold you close and say;

I love you..

and like the rain that falls into the sea

in a moment what has been has lost in what will be

when love takes you in

everything changes

a miracle starts with the beat of a heart...

and this love will never let you go

there is nothing that could ever cause this love

to lose its hold..

when love takes you in

everything changes

a miracle starts

with the beat of a heart...

when love takes you home

and says you belong here.

the loneliness ends and a new life begins

when love takes you in.

it takes you in for good.

when love takes you in.......

God bless your day!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN.........

2008-08-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

....Reserve your seat today

2008 Women's Conference

The Journey October 10-11, 2008 At our new facility in West Jupiter: 10100 Indiantown Road

Be sure to invite your daughter mother sister granddaughter niece cousin co-worker roommate hair stylist or a complete stranger! (18 and over welcome).

She won't want to miss this conference!

Conference Speaker: While our special speaker, Catherine Hickem, is a sought-after speaker and an accomplished author, she is also a wife and a mother. Like us, Catherine wears many hats and wants to share with us some of the things the Lord has taught her on her journey.
This will be a time of listening, learning, and laughing!

Conference Cost: $30. This includes all materials, all sessions, all snacks, and a special gift for you!

Worship: Come enjoy worship with us as ETA leads us! (Our amazing all girl band!)

Our Journey begins on Friday night from 7-10pm and continues on Saturday from 9am until 3pm.

How do I sign up? You can sign up by going to CalvaryWord.com or Calvaryjupiter.com or you can call the church office at 561-747-6367

Don't miss this event it will be our first in our new facility! :)

To quote a country singer....

2008-08-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

"Let's get a little mud on the tires........." (brad Paisley song)

This is Madison, Daniel, and Abigail. They love to 4-wheel!
Yes, that's exactly what I asked also..."Why aren't they wearing helmets?"
let's just say mom wasn't there that day and so, well, daddy ( a great man of faith) completely trusted their angels to watch over them....which they did! :)

Give me a hug!

2008-08-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

Noah wants to give you a hug with his muddy hands.......come on, how can you say no to those sweet eyes?

The Original....

2008-08-16T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love that God made everyone in His image, yet we are all different.
Yes, we're all born sinners in need of a savior....but I am talking about how He allows us each to grow up in different families and to just be different. To see life differently.

This is Noah.
He is awesome. He knows what he likes and what he doesn't like.

He likes people.
He likes thinking about things for long periods of time without talking....
He likes riding his bike and jogging.
He likes Bible stories.
He likes running to the store with mom alone and getting a free cookie.
His favorite movie is Rocky 4.
He doesn't like scary movies.
He likes Italian food.
He does not like chicken pot pies.
He likes apples (eats about 6 per day).
He likes swimming, fishing, and boating.
He does not like cleaning under his bed (after he doesn't like cleaning his room). :)

He likes me. and I really really really like him!

Enjoy being different today!

Snorkeling with the kids......

2008-08-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

We took the kids snorkeling this week! It was a blast.

Just a few pictures of the stuff we saw...I mean the stuff we wanted to see....I mean the things we were praying to see....I mean....okay, fine we didn't see anything really great but I can't let you down can I??? so there you go! Happy now??? :)

We hope to see cool stuff like this on other snorkeling adventures.

What did we really see that day? Well, some little crabs, some shells, sea-weed, a big unknown fish, a puffer fish, some rocks, and an old boot!

Even though we didn't see anything all that great this week....I enjoyed the quiet.

It was relaxing and fun to watch the kids snorkel and for them to learn how to use their new fins!

Hannah is a mermaid! She is very natural swimmer. Emma is more like her mama...a thrasher! :) So, if you have not snorkeled lately....go....you deserve it!

God bless your day!

My baby

2008-08-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

This is my baby, Johnny. He will be 20 in just a few weeks!
Time sure does fly! He is in college now (UCF) in Orlando.

Please pray that he would follow Jesus in all he says and does. Please pray that God will lead him to the wife he has planned for Johnny and that Johnny would wait for her!

He is the 'perfect' son in so many ways.....yet, I want to see him start and finish well! I want him to see his need for God in everything and that "Apart from Him he can do nothing."

Rumor has it teenagers think they are unstoppable, all knowing, and in control of their lives! I pray that this teen will see his need for God on a moment by moment basis.

Thank you for your prayers for Johnny as he is on this new journey of his life in college.

I will post an older photo of him soon....but this is how I see him....he's my little man no matter how big he is now benching hundreds of pounds....!

Don't ask me why he is in my wedding if he is my baby....that is a story for another time :)
What, should I not have invited him????? ha ha..

God is faithful as we lift up our sons and daughters to Him, every day!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not....

2008-08-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

...on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.

Every day is an opportunity to give our will over to God.....seeking His will for us for our lives here on earth.

It is easy to want to "lean on our own understanding" with what we see. But we walk by faith (not by sight) and have to trust our heavenly father for His will, His wisdom, and His timing.

Keeping in mind that

He is good,

He is great,

He is sovereign,

and He loves us.

I am holding onto His goodness today, are you?

I am holding onto the fact that He is the one who fills my thirsty heart with HIM (Living water)...and anything else I gain on earth will always find me thirsting again!

In the story of the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4 It says that Jesus had to pass through Samaria, other translations say, "He must needs pass through..".Jesus went out of his way, to a place where good Jewish men did not go, to meet the need of a woman that no one wanted anything to do with. There He changed her and the whole city she lived in...because He 'must needs' go and love and minister to someone everyone had written off.

Who does the Lord want you to "Must needs" find today and love that everyone thinks is maybe not worth the time??? That very person that you show the Love of God may turn around and change their world for Christ....you never know!

I have had many people who invested in me when others had written me off.....thank God for those hearts that know that true love sees more in that person, and because love can see more, Love chooses to then see less....and just love in spite our flaws. I am thankful for those that have loved me in spite of my many flaws.

But in the midst of things we don't always understand with our eyes, He gives us peace that passes our understanding, and brings us back to the one thing that we need....HIM and HIM alone!

If your thirsty today, go to the only one who can satisfy that thirst both now and forever.... go to Jesus.

I also thank God for the gift of friends who we can laugh with, cry with, and pray with. :)
You know who you are my precious friends!

Our Princess is turning two soon!

2008-08-09T19:16:00.001-07:00

This is Avery Joy on the week of her first birthday!
Soon she will be two!

She is pretty stinkin cute, huh?
She has a great personality also to match her cuteness!

Mommy and me as a chicken...(thanks mom!)

"Yes, we all get the chicken thing...can I take it off now?"

"GOT MILK?"

"I'm my mommy's trainer for the Disney marathon!"
"Then after that..... I'm riding on dumbo!"

"Okay, let me try that again.......
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!!!!!

"Okay, here's my best smile...take the picture right......ready, set, go!"

Got it................................good!!!

"What, I'm turning two?

Oh, man....what will I wear?"

ETA

2008-08-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

ETA has been playing at our ladies functions for years! It's time they just move to Jupiter!
In order starting from the right...meet Zoila, me, Becky, and Amy.

They are not only talented in writing and singing worship music, they are also beautiful women who are deeply in Love with God. They love to share Him (and their love for Him) through worship! If you have ever heard them worship you know that they are very gifted and that God is glorified through their music and blessed by their hearts!

From what I hear Zoila is due with her first baby in November!

We will be seeing them soon at our 2008 Journey conference at our new building!
Please keep them (and this event) in your prayers!

God bless! ...
p.s. ETA stands for Estimated Time of Arrival....so please don't be late!

Some random family photos.....

2008-08-08T14:54:00.000-07:00

Pictures

2008-08-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine mentioned that some of my blog photo's look canned or uploaded from the Internet. I can't believe that she would think that I wouldn't personally take ALL of the photo's I use for my blog.

I mean who in their right mind would do that?

Take these sun-set pictures for example.

Do you not believe that I drove to the Key's yesterday alone with my 7 children just to snap this shot? I then drove through the Key's McDonald's to get dinner for my kids for the long drive home. Then as soon as I returned home to Jupiter I put the kids to bed, and then got busy blogging??? Do you question that at all???

And I did it all for you....just so I could have an authentic photo for the 7 people who read this blog. But you (and you know who you are) are worth the $300 in gas money that it took for me to get these photos.

Just wanted you to know that.

And to my friend who questioned the authenticity of my blog photos....shame on you! I forgive you because it is hard to believe I would do this for my blog friends. But it is a blog-eat-blog world, so I must do what I must do.....

God bless you!

My friend......

2008-08-08T05:45:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Susan.

What do we know about Susan?

Well, we know that she is charming and beautiful!

Susan and I met almost 13 years ago when she had Dan and I over for dinner when we were dating. Let's just say we were not 'instant' friends. The reason there was not an instant love connection here was mainly because our lives were in very different places. I was a single mom of Johnny who was 7 (and would later become her son, Aaron's best friend). She was a mother of 2 young children at the time and we just didn't connect.

But, God had other plans for us.........

Two years later she was stuck with me. Living in the same town, our husbands working together, serving together at ladies conferences, and luncheons....she had to hang out with me...often. And after the first year, my genuine love for her (coupled with teaching her how to shop) over road those first awkward days and we became very very close.

So close, that Susan was there each time I had a baby. She even video-taped the birth of my son Noah, and called me from Africa when Christian arrived. She baby-sat them, went to the mall with me on day's I just had to get out when the kids were young and I was out-numbered. And as any good friend she laughed with me, and (by force) cried with me (Susan's not a cryer).

This photo was taken of her when she spoke at our ladies conference in 2006.

This was just before her world completely changed.

I have watched her walk through some valley's in the last 2 years that are deeper than we ever dreamed....yet God has sustained her and Bryon in His grace and they are more than surviving this trial, they are over coming it!! They are conquering it! They are winning! How? Because God always wins!

I am very proud of Susan and I love her very much!

I will never forget all the times she was there for me. She laughed at me (yes, I meant to write at not with!:) she helped me, she listened to me, she prayed with me, she ate tons of ice-cream with me when I was pregnant, she put that crazy triple stroller together for me before I could throw it out the window! Her and Bryon put ALL of our Christmas presents together each year, served with us at Calvary, ate Thai food with us,.....and on and on and on and on and on..............

I can't wait to see her again (and Bryon and Allie)! I bet she cries when she sees me!!! :)

Family Photo!

2008-08-06T14:23:00.001-07:00

This is our latest family photo. From Left to right....Avery, Christian, me, Hannah, Noah, Abi, dad, Johnny, Daniel, Emma-Lee.

Lord, I Love this family! :)

Genius!

2008-08-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

This is Emma-Lee Grace!

She is a genius. She remembers everything.
This can be a good thing or not a good thing...like when she says,
"But mommy, you said we were going to the toy story tonight.."
"But mommy, you said I could come with you this time...."
"But mommy, you said......"

I always thought it would be really cool to be quoted one day by someone for something I said. Now I am quoted constantly by this little girl and her sister's and brother's. It's not exactly how I imagined it to be.....

But still I would rather be quoted saying something from these sweet lips than from the President of the United States or some one from TIME magazine because the quotes that come from these lips are reporting words of love and life and memory's!

And at least I know whatever I do forget...they will remember.

I pray when I am an old lady this sweet little girl will be quoted the things she remembers most about me; words of faith, scripture, and words of love for her!

Gotta run Emma is in the other room calling me......."Yes, Emma, I did say you could get up from your nap now...let's go swing outside for a while."

Out of the sky.....from heaven above.....Avery!

2008-08-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is Avery Joy.
Her name means "out of the sky" or "from heaven".

And so she is our joy from heaven!

She is:

smart
sweet
funny
a great dancer and singer
a great eater
big footed (is that a word?)....wears an 8 1/2 wide shoe (at 22 months old).
cuddly
stubborn
curious
friendly..."Hi to all" from Avery...
cool
watchful
playful
determined
delicious!
and fun!

She loves having a lot of big brothers and sisters to tease and to be babied by....when shes in the mood, that is!

A blessing!

2008-08-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is my Hannah.
My blessing.

My climber.
My tester.
My little bag lady
My mommy's little helper
My control freak
My towel folder
My stubborn baby
My joy!
My laughter!
My certainty of God's goodness.
My Hannah.

We adopted Hannah from China 4 years ago and she has been a blessing ever since.
She is curious, smart, organized, funny, and sweet. She loves God and says constantly that He is her helper and that He is always with her.

I look forward to what God does with this little girl .........

I'll keep you posted!

Dear Abi.........

2008-08-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

Abi is a prayer warrior. She prays about everything.
If I ever say, "I have a head-ache..." she comes over and quietly lays her hand on my head and prays for me.

I have often found her on her knees in her room praying.
And what so blesses me about this sweet 7 year old girl is that she is almost always praying for someone else's needs.

I look forward to seeing all God does in her life.

Got a prayer request? Write my dear Abi as she will take your prayers to the true and living God and it won't be her personal advice but wisdom from above and direction for your situation. :)

Have a great day!

Protection from the inside!

2008-08-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

Daniel and Noah take guarding their sister's very seriously.

They will marry godly men....or else!

No one's getting by these two....

We asked Avery if she felt safe with Daniel and Noah guarding her. She answered, "Yes, because I know that if they get passed these 2 rough guys, then I will just have to take them down myself! And I can take them....have you seen my feet lately? Well they are an 8 1/2 double wide! No problem! I would like to see some bad guys just try and come in here.......

Emma was asked how safe she felt with her brother's protecting her. She said, "Oh, there great...they have the power of the Lord watching over them! and God is watching over me...and He likes my princess dress, do you like it? I like it.

Abi and Ansley felt safe too while Daniel stood watch for more than 3 minutes. "I think we're in the clear of bad guys now."

Hannah looked up and smiled and said, "Can Daniel protect me with that Daniel Boone get up on? I don't know, I'm from China where we have real fighters like Jackie Chan. But I can tell you this, I can see angels up in the ceiling watching over us, doing God's bidding to keep us safe, and that's all the protection I will ever need!" just look at them flying........now that's the joy of the Lord!

Abi and her pal Beary.

2008-08-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is my Abigail Praise and her bear. Abi has had Beary for many years. I guess I would think that was silly if I didn't still have my own bear from when I was very young (22).

We all need things to hold on to

We all need memories....why do you think the invention of the camera went over so well?

We all need to remember the great moments and ponder the not so great ones, grow, and go on.

I want you to remember Abi's little face here because one day soon she is going to replace Beth Moore. I am sure Beth will be happy to share the stage with another great Bible teacher. Abi loves to learn and teach God's word. She already practices her speeches and what she will say. She wants women to know how much God loves them and has a plan for their lives. I guess the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.........

Please pray for Abi as she grows into a godly young woman!

Now go and get out your old stuffed animal and give it a hug....go on now...it's okay!

God bless you!

The Journey

2008-07-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

Our Fall Ladies Conference is on it's way.

October 10-11th, 2008 at our new church building!

Our speaker this year is a neat lady named Catherine Hickem. Her web site is Intentionalmoms.com. She is a gifted author and speaker. She will be sharing about her journey with the Lord, her passion for ministry, and some other topics all surrounding our Lord.

I remembering thinking at age 21 that my journey was over. I was a single mom, working long days (and nights), and thinking that was all there was to life. Then I started walking with the Lord. What does that mean?

I started going to church consistently and learning what God's word meant. I was praising my God and seeking to live my life for Him.

I knew that He was the only way to heaven, and my only hope on earth.

So, my journey got better. I didn't mind the long road, muddy trails, or flat tires. I trusted my God who is bigger than life and death.

My journey led me to my husband Dan. Before I met Dan I seriously did not know there were men out there like him, because I'd never met one like him! He is honestly the smartest and most godly man I have ever met! Also, he is the most handsome, and the funniest person in the universe.

You may think I'm just bragging....I am not bragging......it is just the truth! Okay, maybe a little bragging but wouldn't you brag if you were married to the most handsome, smartest, funniest, godliest person in the universe??? I rest my case. He is also an amazing father to our children and an amazing pastor. He is a extremely gifted Bible teacher.

God gave me a verse from the Bible (before I knew it was in there) it was Jeremiah 29:11 and it says, " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

"Oh, you say, I know that verse it's been around forever"...Yes, but do you believe it for you?

Do you know that He knows the plans for you and that they are for good (not evil) and that they will bring you a hope (we all need hope) and a future???

Believe it. It's true.

Enjoy the Journey!

Time out with God...

2008-07-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

I hope you take a time out today to hear the voice of God for your life.
Don't skip time in His word and prayer. He misses you and you miss out!
What will He say to you tomorrow morning to prepare your heart for the day?

Will it be words of love, words of hope, direction, wisdom for decisions, words of hope for a friend or a stranger, a gentle correction, discernment, or maybe words that bring peace, understanding, or joy? Maybe He wants to prepare you for what's just around the corner....

I don't know what He wants to tell you today....but He does......so give yourself a time out with God!

I like that this life is a journey and I love that we don't have to walk this path alone.

My boys!

2008-07-27T15:29:00.001-07:00

My girls

2008-07-27T15:20:00.001-07:00

I love the shot of Avery with the helmet on! She rides dirt bikes! :)

Sleeping baby!

2008-07-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is our Avery when she was born...what a sweet sweet child she is!

Remember the 50's?

2008-07-25T05:31:00.000-07:00

Remember the 50's? Me neither! This is not my dad's baby picture, it is my son, Daniel James in 2001 looking rather dapper if I don't say so myself! He is 9 years old now! But this is a classic picture of him, don't you think?

Be yourself!

2008-07-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

I wonder what this sea turtle is thinking?

Is he wondering why he was created? Is he upset because he didn't get the Sea turtle part in "Finding Nemo?" is he wondering where his wife is with dinner, or why he is a turtle at all.....why couldn't he have been a whale or a swordfish?

Or is he just enjoying who he is and not trying to be something he was never meant to be?

I hope you enjoy who you are and who God made you to be! If your not as beautiful, handsome, smart, or you didn't get the part in life you wanted......so what....have fun being YOU!

I know what your thinking....pretty deep, Cheryl.... Well, I just had to work this cute picture in somehow and encourage someone today with it!!!!!

I wanna go back....

2008-07-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

I would love to go back to China for another doll like this one. This is not my Hannah-Faith...but she is just another reason for someone (maybe someone like you) to adopt from China. We have "too many children" in China's eyes to go back as the law states you can only have 4 minors in the home in order to adopt! I guess it's your turn!

You are unique!

2008-07-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139: 13-14 "For you formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works, and my soul knows very well."

Can you guess what the name of this unique flower is?

Getting ready ready ready to run........

2008-07-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, here we go...starting to train for the Disney!

Let's go.....

ready to go....

we're really getting started here...

Here we go....

Just have to get the right shoes, some water, a training plan, uh, a schedule, some mental motivation, some music, and I'm ready to go.

Let's go! Got any words of motivation for me?????

Let' s hear um!

"Cease Striving and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10

2008-07-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

The Bible tells us to "Cease striving and know that I am God." Jesus invited us in Matthew 11:28 "Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, 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 SHALL find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."

Jesus also instructed us in Matthew chapter 6 to not worry about tomorrow but to trust Him for everything from our basic food and clothing to our house payments, to our teenagers and toddlers! He gives us enough wisdom, grace, and provision for each day!

If today your burden feels especially heavy, your heart feels weary, or your load unbearable, go somewhere quiet and ask the Lord to unload your load onto Himself! He will gladly do it!

God bless your day!

Time flyes!

2008-07-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Time sure does fly, doesn't it? It will be 12 years since we married on November 9th! Look at Johnny...just 8 years old here....still handsome as ever! I have been blessed so much more than I knew I would be on this day.

Blessed with children, a great church, friendships, a wonderful marriage with the most amazing husband, father, and pastor.

The only losses have been my waist line...:) and grandpa who is now with the Lord!

Enjoy your family! They are God's gift to you!

p.s. I don't want to hear any 'mullet jokes' in the comments...that mullet was one of the things I loved most about Dan!!! :)

My greatest blessing!

2008-07-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

This is my greatest blessing and joy!

Dan Plourde!

He is the best husband, father, and pastor in the universe!

We have been married for 12 years and have 8 amazing children!

I am very thankful!

My kids!

2008-07-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of my kids! They are simple amazing and an amazing blessing to me!
God bless you!

Daniel James

2008-07-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

This is my 9 year old son, Daniel James.

How would I describe him in a sentence or two?

Daniel has a pastor's heart.

He is loving, kind, and thoughtful.

He is funny and full of wonder!

He is a wonderful young man of God!

Lost teeth!

2008-07-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

My 2 boys (Noah and Christian) each lost a tooth this week!
First they lost them as in they fell out of their mouth...then they lost them meaning they cannot find them. I told them the tooth fairy is pretty strict on having the actual tooth under the pillow if they want the money. I may have to pull some strings over at the tooth fairy village if you get my drift.

With or without teeth these are some pretty handsome boys!

Dan's running with me!

2008-07-19T20:41:00.001-07:00

Well, there you have it! Dan is running the 2009 Disney Marathon with me!
It will be a great date to run with my sweet husband!

We can carb load on Saturday night, run on Sunday, and talk about it on the ride home! It will be a great adventure to share together! Please keep us in your prayers!

Unforgettable!

2008-07-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Some people are unforgettable....like this person here.

Miss Penny. She was (and still is) a huge part of our children's lives for 4 years!

Miss Penny did it all. She bathed, clipped, fed, played with, and taught my kids lots of games and songs! But most importantly, she simple loved them.

She gave Dan and I many ministry opportunities and date nights. She gave me time to shop, play, and rest!

She invested in our children and loved them as if they were her own. She loved them so much she even tried to take one of them home with her. Can you guess which one????

But that season has passed and now Miss Penny has 2 beautiful boys of her own, Roman and Jadon!

I couldn't even begin to list all Miss Penny means to us (and her husband Pastor Chris also) as the title says...her investment will forever be unforgettable!

What's your story?

2008-07-19T10:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a story. What's yours? This is my friend Dabney...have you heard her story? It's pretty incredible!

Think about your story today.

What has the Lord done in your life as you ponder the last 5 years, 1 year, month, week, and today.

I am so thankful for all the blessings God has placed in my life story, and the trials that have stretched me and showed me once more that I am not in control but that He is. I am also grateful for the life stories I have had the privilege of sharing in with the people that God has placed upon my path.

Praise God today for your story! I'm sure it's a good one!

Created in His image

2008-07-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

I went for my second run this morning training for the Disney marathon.

While I was running I had time to have a few uninterrupted thoughts.
I started thinking about how the Bible says that we were made in the image of God.
I thought about how cool it is that being made in our creator's image He also gave us the ability to create things. He made us in His image but didn't keep the creativity gift all to himself.

He placed all the necessary materials we would need to create, some quite accessible and others hidden for us to discover for ourselves. But He placed them all there none the less.

Next time you create something maybe you will ponder the goodness of your creator in giving you the gift of creating! Maybe the next time you create an interesting meal, or if you create an environment for your family to experience peace. Maybe you will create a picture, a letter, a tree-house for your kids, a garden, or even a new outfit! Whatever you create started with your Creator and is for your enjoyment. Maybe you could create something as simple as a smile on another person's face today by simple smiling at them first!

I am thankful for the creation of make-up every time I get ready to go out.
I could post a picture of me pre-make-up but then some things our creator created that only His eyes could handle seeing! :)

God bless you!

We can make it to Fall!

2008-07-12T20:40:00.000-07:00

Does it seem a little hot lately?

Summer! Hot! Sticky!

We can make it to Fall!

Then it should ease off to at least the mid 80's here in Florida!

Summer tips:

1. Swim often.

2. Drink lots of water.

3. Wear sun screen and hats.

4. Go boating often.

5. Find a shady tree to sit and read to your kids under.

6. Don't complain when cooler weather or rain comes.

7. repeat this list often.....

My Passion is sharing The Passion!

2008-07-12T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is my passion!

Telling women, in whatever season they are in, that God loves them..that He has a plan for their life! That He sees their past, He sees their present, and He is in their tomorrow!

I am blessed to get to share with the best women in the universe about the Love of God!

We laugh together, we cry together, we pray together, and together we trust a real God in real ways!

Love of my life!

2008-07-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is me with the love of my life, my husband Dan.
I won't go into a long love story. I will just sum it up in a sentence.
He is my answered prayer, the biggest blessing of my life, a million answered prayers, and my hero!

2008-07-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Sister's

2008-07-12T20:17:00.000-07:00

Abigail is a great sister! She is so helpful and sweet!

I have 4 daughters!

I have 2 brown eyed girls and 2 blue eyed girls!

What a joy they are!

Got chicken?

2008-07-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

My husband and I have been doing Weight Watchers since January.

I love Weight Watchers because I get to have a lot of chicken!

This is my favorite kind....it's called Chicken Ala Avery!
Juicy, spicy, and and never boring!

Chasing this little chicken around all day keeps me nice and fit!

Have you seen this man?

2008-07-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this man?

This is my first-born son, Johnny, and I have not seen him since June 5th!

Where could he be??

I have narrowed it down to 4 places.

He is either at the beach playing volleyball, at the mall, making a silly pose like the one in this photo, or sleeping.

If you see him or hear from him tell him to CALL HIS MOTHER!!!!

Disney Marathon 2009

2008-07-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

So, I signed up for the Disney 09 full marathon.
I started training this week and I am excited!

Now if you think I can't do it, please send comments to my daughter, Avery, as you can see she is fully ready to deal with any comments about her mama!
Isn't she a cutie?

The comments I got were interesting when I shared my goal with people.
some said, "Wow, that's great!" some said, "I'll run it with you!"
some said, "I'll cheer you on." While others said, "I could never, would never, do that, you're crazy!" Some warned, "You'll ruin your hips!" And still others said It might not be a good idea....

What do you think? Here's what I think.... Millions of people run marathons each year (and some of them are in their 80's). I know I can do it because others have done it. This will grow me in many other areas of my life as well as tone my body. So, for me it's not why do it but why not do it?

So, the Disney 09 marathon is just one of my many goals for this year.
What are your goals? I'd love to hear them!

And remember some will try to stop you from reaching your goals, some will tell you why you can't do it, some will say your crazy, and some (a few) will join you on the journey. The Bible says in Philippians 4:13; "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." and I think ALL means ALL, even a marathon! And I've even heard that life is more like a marathon than a sprint anyway, so just keep on keeping on doing whatever God has called you to do and I bet you will find that there will be people along the journey cheering you on when you cross your own Finish Line!

God bless you!

Leggos saved my life today!

2008-07-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

I'm not too sure that this blogging thing is for me. Does this come with spell check?
Yesterday I went shopping with a friend who told me that my children need leggos in their lives.
I am a fanatic about small parts so I never bought the smaller ones. Last night I did and today my home was happy. Christian, my 5 year old played with his fireman leggos for 6 hours straight (stopping only for lunch and to go to the bathroom.) Noah, logged in at a close 5 hours, and Abi was just under 4 hours for leggos. Life was good for mom today. Not because they were busy but because it was so neat to see them so engaged while I did school with them at different times of the morning.
Abi was so sweet (she is 7) because she was crying after an hour of trying to keep her leggo's on the little table thing while keeping them together. We talked about enduring or quitting. She prayed and endured for another hour and made a house just like in the directions. It even had flowers out front! If I knew what I was doing I could up-load (or is it down-load??) a picture for you. This is my first blog.....give it time!

All that to say I love my kids. I have 8 children. They are 19, 9, 7, 6, 5, 5, 3, and 1.
Oh, my 9 year old Daniel is at his first sleep-over tonight.
How am I doing with it? Oh, fine. And it has nothing (well, maybe a little) to do with the fact that his friend lives 2 blocks away and I have known his mother for many years. Other than that it's a piece of cake!

In closing, a friend of mine called tonight and was talking about some painful times in her life and she said something I really liked. She said, (speaking about the Lord). "Cheryl, when I can't trace His hand, I trust His heart!" I like that! So, you too, when you can't understand what God is up to, and you start to wonder if He knows......remember that when you can't trace His hand, you can trust His heart! He loves you with an everlasting love!
If anyone out there reads this let me know how I did for my first blog! be gentle!