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