Romans 8:38-39

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

Gardeners

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust

I have no idea if the flower in this picture is a weed or a rare perennial. What is know is...I think it's beautiful.

Today I am grateful for ladies who know the difference between a weed and a plant one purchases. Thank you for adding beauty to this world.

And to the garden club ladies in our community -- thank you for allowing me to tag along. I'm happy for the chance to putter in the garden with you. I pray that you enjoy the beauty of this gift we call Planting Day.

xoxo Ladies and Gentlemen, Cheeky

Mini-Breaks

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen! Today Rick Warren's Purpose Driven advice was stellar. His interpretation of what God says to us made me smile.

I pray that you have a God-kissed day. xoxox, Cheeky

For the Love of Annie

When I married at age 27, I chose a soiled “sample” wedding dress that brought proud tears to my mother’s frisky blue eyes. Regrettably, it had to be dry cleaned before the wedding.

When the dry cleaner tossed my clean-ish but not-yet-worn wedding dress over the counter at me a few weeks before the Big Day, she offered, "Some of the beads fell off. We put them in a separate bag for you.” Her casual observation sent this tightly wound bride into a state of near hysteria.*

The "some beads" were tiny oblong pearls originally arranged in symmetrical rows around the V-neck of an otherwise unembellished dress.

My girlfriend Annie was the one who sewed the beads back on in expert order.

This is not the only time she has saved my arse.

Today, in honor of all who have Mothered Others, I want to tell you a little about Annie.

I met Annie 25 years ago when we were freshmen in college.** She was an intelligent, witty, honest young lady with her whole life ahead of her and a beautiful exterior to boot. She excelled academically while thoughtfully pursuing a boisterous social life.

Annie is still all these things. Plus, she’s brave, Godly, and compassionate.

She did a few key things before I did like becoming a Christian, a Wife, and a Mother. More than once, I have called her to ask, “Why didn’t you tell me about thus-and-so?” as if it’s her responsibility to clue me in to any/all possibilities/consequences in these areas.

The night before my wedding, Annie stayed with me in the bridal suite. She said, “Awwhh” when I showed her the engraving my husband had chosen for my wedding band (“As You Wish,” from the Princess Bride). She was a happy, tearful bridesmaid for me just as I had been for her.

She burst out laughing and then smiled knowingly when pregnant with my first child I declared, “I don’t know when I’m going to have time for this baby.” She was already a Mom; I was an oblivious pre-parent.

When she visited shortly after each of our babies were born, she brought casseroles.

Annie is one of the few people who know virtually everything that occurred during the four-year crisis that led to the end of my 10-year marriage. To her I can say anything (and have) (not always with much grace).

Because of Annie’s integrity, her deep commitment to marriage, and her Christian faith, hers was one of the few voices that broke through the din during my desperate, fruitless attempt to hold our marriage together.

When Annie echoed the experts, "Maybe you really should consider a divorce,” I heard her. For that act alone I am eternally indebted.

Annie stood by me and supported me every step of the way through the mess of divorce and as I stepped with trepidation into the world of single parenthood.

For more than half my life, Annie has befriended, inspired, delighted, challenged, and spoken the truth to me. She makes my (our) world a better place simply by being her beautiful, authentic self.

God willing Annie and I will be there for each other as Grandmothers and beyond.

The Bible verse that most reminds me of Annie is Genesis 16:13. In this verse, Hagar calls God “El Roi,” meaning “the One who sees me.” It is my all-time favorite name for God. El Roi reminds me of Annie because she has given me the best gift one person can give another: She Sees Me.

Today please share a few words about someone who sees you. I’d love to hear about them.

oxooxo, Annie, and the rest of you beautiful Church Ladies and Gentlemen. You are in my grateful prayers, Cheeky

NOTES:
*“Near” is as close as this Minnesotan gets to full-blown hysteria.
**Annie is reading this for the first time along w/the rest of you. I’m just guessing here, but think she would probably want me to say that SHE started college REALLY young :)

Susan Boyle's Cheeky Reaction

In case you haven't heard, Scotland's church lady, Susan Boyle, is moving on to the finals of Britain's Got Talent.

Click here to see her reaction to the news. She is one saucy church lady; looks like she's having the time of her life.

When I saw this clip it reminded me of King David dancing in the streets.

"David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the LORD with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouts and the sound of trumpets.

As the ark of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart." (2 Samuel 6:14-16)

What does it bring to mind for you?

Today I pray that you have reason to dance before the Lord. And that you actually do it.

Now that I've said that, I'll have to actually do it, too.

NOTE: If you record yourself dancing (fully clothed) (unlike David) and decide to post it on YouTube, please share the link with us. That would be so cool.

xoxox Ladies and Gentlemen, Cheeky

Remembering Their Sacrifices

1 John 3:1

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1)

Stillness

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you."

-Deepak Chopra, Indian author and physician

Krista Tippett Speaking of Faith

Good morning! I just have a second and want to pass on a link for American Public Media's "Speaking of Faith" program.

I had the honor of hearing Krista Tippett, host of Speaking of Faith, interview Joshua DuBois at the Fitzgerald Theater last night.

I also had the privilege of submitting a totally inane question which was not selected to be read on air. (Even though I tried to bribe the volunteer question collector to place mine on top.) For some reason they chose to read relevant and insightful questions from the studio and web audiences instead.

I love the respectful, intelligent, joyous, way Krista Tippett and the staff at Speaking of Faith do what they do.

In Minnesota, "Speaking of Faith" is broadcast on MPR News, 91.1 FM Sundays at 10 a.m. (I know you're all at church then) and 7 p.m. Or you can catch the show on the web at speakingoffaith.org

I am praying for you and for everyone striving to live a life of faith today. xoxox, Cheeky

What Are You Thinking?

"A man is what he thinks about all day long." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is on your mind today? Besides perhaps wondering what the heck Emerson's quote has to do with this picture? I see your point. The picture really does not have much to do with the quote.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

OK, so that's WAY easier said than done.

I did have a point...

Oh yes, I think Philippians 4:6 tells us that we should not dwell merely in anxious questions or possible-future-scenario projections. And Ralph Waldo Emerson says that we are what we think. So we should avoid worry and think positively, right?

And yes, that was (almost) completely for my own benefit.

What are you spending your time thinking about today? If you could ask God one question right now, what would it be? And of course I know that you know that you can totally ask Him anything at anytime. Just thought it would be fun to share.

Thanks for reading, ladies and gentlemen. You are in my (completely) unanxious (I know this is not actually a word) prayers this day. xoxox, Cheeky

2 Corinthians 4:18

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Parenting Tips for $$ Issues

This morning I received a message from the National Center for Fathering (fathers.com), an organization for Christian Dads. I contribute to them financially whenever I can and have also benefited from their compassionate parenting advice.

Yes, I know, I am not a guy. But I do appreciate the wise man's perspective.

Here's an excerpt from today's fathers.com mailing:

"Sue Shellenbarger, the work and family columnist for the Wall Street Journal, has written about how to help kids understand your own financial issues. Here are several of her insights with some added application ideas:

First, talk about lifestyle changes that need to be made, even with young children. Tell your kids the facts in a brief and straightforward way, giving them as many specifics as you think they can handle regarding income, expenses, and your budget. This is a great time to let them see some of the realities of money management.

Second, involve your children in the problem-solving process. Don’t feel bad if you have to tell them, “We have to find ways to spend less money.” Kids can handle that, and they might even surprise you by volunteering to make some changes to help the cause. In the process, you’ll learn more about what really matters to your kids.

Third, make it clear that while some things are changing, other important things are not—like your values, your faith, your involvement in their lives, and how much they mean to you. Young kids sometimes assume the worst and don’t always apply sound logic, so they may need to be reassured that things will be okay, you’re not leaving them, and your love for them will not change.

Read the article by Ms. Shellenbarger here." (source: www.fathers.com)

And now for a little something from a wise man named Paul: "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (1 Corinthians 1:25)

I find this verse reassuring because I don't always get the good advice in time. And then, depending on the day, the time, place, and source, I may or may not listen when it is offered. Do you do that, too?

Today I pray for wisdom and perspective for all all parents. xoxox, Cheeky

Click here to register for weekly fathers.com emails (even if you're a girl).

Mother's Day Flowers

I had a sink full of flowers on Mother's Day. Why, you ask? Well, I'll tell ya why.

Because about 9 years ago I bought some super cute pots I intended to fill with Mother's Day bouquets for all the wonderful Moms I knew.

They really would have been some fabulous arrangements.

Back then I was a relatively new Mom permanently ensconced in Suburban Housewife-hood. I believed the people to be celebrated on Mother's Day were women (specifically married women) who had borne or adopted children.

A few things have changed since then. Including my marital status, my flower purchasing frequency, and the size of the pots I can afford to fill.

Another thing that has changed is my outlook on Motherhood. Now I firmly believe "everyone who has ever nurtured anyone" should be celebrated on Mother's Day (and throughout May a.k.a., Mother's Month).

This year I finally semi-delivered on the bouquet plan hatched 9 years ago. Coming up this month, more about the kitchen sink flowers and some of my favorite "Moms."

I hope you have a beautiful day, ladies and gentlemen. You are in my hasty prayers. xoxoxo, Cheeky

Honoring Mom

The gospel according to my mother: a woman who has always been about fierce love.

For at least the last 40 years, she's had a version of this on display in her and Dad's home. If she had a blog, there is no doubt this image would be prominently displayed at all times. I'm quite certain she's repressed the fact that I worked for a defense contractor for 7 years. I won't be reminding her of this today. (It's a long story.)

The Scripture equivalent (as I see it):
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God."

Happy Mother's Day ladies and gentlemen, xoxox, Cheeky

For the Love of Mom

As I prepare for Mother's Day weekend, Mom is on my mind. My mom is a complex, passionate woman who values justice, works for peace, and loves her children unconditionally. She's smart, resourceful, modest, cocky, kind, and true.

She cares about the whole wide world and all the people in it. She was an environmentalist way before that was a good word.

She taught her children to think and to act independently. Over the years, we have rewarded and punished her by doing just that.

She's a hopeless romantic who likes to talk about how she and Dad used to go dancing "all the time." She is a complete and total flirt.

An octogenarian who never leaves the house without first "putting her face on"' she still frets about the size of her waist. If I arrive to escort her somewhere and she's not wearing earrings, I know something is seriously wrong.

When she giggles, you can't help but join in.

My mom is rarely short on opinion. She's frequently known to say, "It all comes down to love." This almost always irked me until I had my own children.

Mom and I agree on many things but religion is not one of them. She often says, "I'm Catholic; I don't read the Bible." I think she's a bit leery of people who do.

This verse reminds me of her.

"[Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
1 Corinthians 13:7

I'm not sure if she'd be honored or peeved that that I just shared that with you. But I'm sure I'll hear about it from one of my siblings.

In honor of Mother's Day weekend, it would be really cool if you shared a thing you love about your mother. Then maybe also put that thought in a card and send it to her. Or if, sadly, she's no longer physically present here on Earth, do something fabulous for yourself.

More about Mothers next week. Now because I've written this...there is a 87% chance I will actually pull through for Mom myself this year. I've already been instructed not to bring a hanging pot of flowers because that would mess up the new siding on her garage. But I know she would really love a card. For a complex woman, she's pretty simple.

And now it is my distinct pleasure to admit she's been right all along. It really is all about love.

You are in my Cheeky prayers ladies and gentlemen, XOXOX, Cheeks

Not-So-Purpose-Driven Life

I subscribe to the “Purpose Driven Life” devotionals.

I enjoy them about as often as most things that are good for me…about 37.2% of the time.

That’s OK; I don't think they're always meant to be enjoyed.

I don't agree with everything Rick Warren says (I don't even agree w/myself 100% of the time). But his ministry has helped me stick to the "narrow path" many a day.

Occasionally, the Purpose Driven devotional includes a call for service that shuts me down. Some days my service simply cannot extend beyond preparing a semi-decent meal for my kids. And actually listening when they speak.

On those days (OK, this day), it helps to remember that Jesus said:

"The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:29

If you're having a not-so-purpose-driven day, know that to believe is an act of service.

No one lives up to their purpose every day; celebrate the moments when you do. If you feel like sharing one of your shining purpose driven moments, by way of "comments" on this blog, please do.

I pray that the unfailing love and grace of Christ uplift you today. Bless you, beautiful children of God. xoxox, Cheeky

To sign up for Rick Warren's daily devotionals click here.

One + Three Things

"Be still, and know that I am God" Psalm 46:10. Thanks to the beautiful church lady who reminded me of this verse yesterday.

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth." From another really smart guy called Buddha.

You are in my prayers today. Thanks for reading. xoxox, Cheeky

Philippians 4:8

"...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Bumbling Along

Wisdom received from a kind woman this morning, "God's grace is sufficient for all our fumbling."

You are in my prayers today, ladies and gentlemen :) xoxoxo, Cheeky