Rainy Days and Mondays

Remember that song by the Carpenters?  Well, if you don't here's a line from it....."rainy days and Mondays always get me down"!  But, really, they don't - Mondays should be embraced and faced head on ready to take on anything, especially after a weekend of rejuvenation!  Really though, we should face every day as though we could take on anything, because we can.

My day started off kinda slow, I had a list of errands and gym to get in before heading home to get dinner ready for the hubby.  But, I just couldn't get moving this morning, I fiddled on the computer, paid bills and before I knew it, it was noon.

Why are some days easier than others?  Well, for me I can say that when I start with God my day is definitely better, if I leave Him out of the equation, I usually have trouble -- this happens over and over for me so why am I surprised?  I'm not really I guess.  What I'm trying to say here is that when we remove God and His plans for us we sometimes wander aimlessly, complaining and well, slow-going.

Once I was out, the sun was shining and it was a beautiful day, almost one that I missed because I was caught up and not focused.

As the rain starts hitting the windows again this evening, a smile is on my face as I know that no matter what the weather, if I focus on My God who is right here with me leading me through whatever storm may be approaching, I will be just fine!

Here's a picture of Otto's license plate from the other day - we had freezing rain with 2" of snow, now that was an experience!  Our neighbor thinks we are crazy, we were out there for 30 minutes trying to get the ice off the truck so we could get to the gym.  She kindly asked us for our kids' phone numbers so she would have someone to contact when something happened to us.  She is a little on the cautious side and wouldn't dream of driving in inclement weather.  She advised us to at least wait until it warmed up - it was 6 degrees, warming up was 30!  LOL  Boy, it sure is different living out here.  We ended up taking a walk, she was right, there weren't ANY cars on the road.  Once we got home we did some P90X abs + core and just hung out.  (love those workouts!)  We did venture out to church at 4 and it had warmed up to 24 degrees!

This week, it's supposed to be in the high 40's-50's and today at one point, it was 61 - crazy weather for January here in PA is all I'm saying!

Here I am Lord!

"Here I am Lord, speak to your servant"  Samuel's response to His Father's calling.  It only took Samuel three times to get it right along with a little help from Eli!

Today I am thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ who sometimes help me discern the calling I've failed to respond to.  Just like Samuel, I run to what is familiar because I fail to listen.  It is so easy to fall into worldly traps and snares that keep us from responding to God's calling.

Otto and I worked the food pantry at OLG last weekend and committed to return next month.  We've felt the call but neglected to answer.  I am glad we finally responded, it feels great to be back in service!  We need to open our hearts and ears to hear what else God is asking of us and respond.  We need to be His hands and feet!

As St. Francis would say, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."

Family Christmas

We had a wonderful time in Minnesota, here's a few pics from Christmas Eve before going to church.  We feel so blessed to have had such a great visit with Leanna, Jared and the grandkiddos!  We sure missed the Olivito/Stuck clan, but enjoyed our time with the Hansons.  

Today, I am feeling reflective, yesterday I felt defeated.  It is somewhat boggling that I can change gears so quickly, but then again not so much.  When I spend time with the Lord, I feel that I can do anything, but when I leave it up to my own doing, I just can't do it.  So, why do I spin my wheels?  Human nature I guess. I think sometimes I just forget, so I've adopted this mantra, I can do all things, through Christ who gives me strength (Phill 4:13) I have to bring Christ back into the center of my thinking, make Him the reason I can do all things, not because of me, Cheryl, but because of Him.

This morning I feel renewed, let's see if I can keep my thoughts on Him today.

Cardinal in the Snow

This guy stood out so much today with all the snow - I spotted him out our back slider!
What a blessing for me to catch him.

Happy New Year - 2012

Well, for this first post of 2012 I want to start out by thanking God for all the blessings in our lives!  Wow, where to start.....I'm grateful that He knows what is in my heart because right now it is overflowing with all the precious and wonderful things that have been 2011 for us.  Of course, y'all know we made a cross-country move, our fifth grandchild was born, we visited the Hansons in Turkey and explored more of this great land.

Those were some of the BIG things but there were many more simpler God moments that have blessed us.  Getting a blowout on the freeway, and having Jesse with us who has mad skills at everything to help change the tire and drive us safely home. The Chamberlains being in PA when we made our relocation visit and getting to watch our nephew, Tristin play in the Pony World Series in Washington PA.  And, on this same trip a random FB post about New Stanton connected me with my elementary school friend, Mary Brunasso who was dropping her daughter off at Seton Hill in Greensburg.  We met for coffee, met her husband and we chatted for hours it seemed.  We've even gone to hear her daughter, Liz sing in the school's choral group.  Like moving to the same town as Joyce's sister, Judy and her husband  whom we've connected with.  Finding a new hair stylist and nail gal who just happens to coach travel softball, Otto and I both liked her right off the bat; we never thought we'd find someone like Becca.  Of course, no one will ever replace that sweetheart, but at least we found someone we have something in common with, and who does a good job.  Going to the University of Pittsburgh game and meeting the COO of the Westmoreland County Food Bank and we chatted about volunteering, sent my resume and hopefully made a connection for a job.  I almost stayed home and didn't go to the game, but Otto talked me in to it.  And just last night at mass, mind you the church was packed, the usher sat us next to a new friend from my bible sharing group, Rita.

There are so many more of these moments we call a God thing or God moment but just a few to help you understand why we are so grateful!

Otto and I are really looking forward to whatever 2012 has in store for us and we are hoping to find joy in each and every adventure, opportunity or challenge.

We sincerely hope that you recount your blessings from 2011 and find joy in the journey in 2012!

J's 30th birthday in Big Bear with Kirby, Troy and Kelly and Gabe

At Smyrna  in Turkey had the best time with the Hansons as our guides

J and Corynn's baby shower at the Mitchell's house
it was an awesome celebration

Four generations, Framma, Jason, me and Gianna - amazing!

Tony's 40th birthday celebration on the Big Red Trolley
through Long Beach - what a blast!!

On our houseboat with neighbors, Amy and Christine - what fun!

Arizona Discount ATV - ADA
We've played with these guys for 10 years!  gonna miss 'em

Legonier - our first small town Main Street parade - cool!

Our first Pennsylvania Thanksgiving, quaint and yummy!

University of Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse - explored the city
and enjoyed the game at Heinz field

Christmas Eve hike in Eden Prairie with the Hanson's - beautiful and wonderful!