Under The Sun

Have you ever used the phrase 'everything under the sun' to describe a lot of things? I am doing a bible study called "A Woman of Contentment", it is based on Ecclesiastes and the phrase 'under the sun' is everywhere in this book. Solomon looking for answers everywhere 'under the sun', fools gathering treasures 'under the sun'. Were they happy once they had everything 'under the sun'? Well, not really. Last night's chapter focused on 'fading glories'. We discussed chasing after everything 'under the sun' and how we should live thankfully for these gifts, but remember that our real life, the life that will never fade away is in heaven. Where are we headed and what do we want in this world? We know that we will not live forever, but we chase after things that will make us happy for a moment and then the moment is gone. What do we have left? This book has helped me focus on what is important to me and reminds me that all we have here on earth will be gone one day. The real treasures are in heaven and our focus should be upward. When you have a minute, thank God for what we have on earth, appreciate it, but keep your focus upward to where your real treasure lies!

Beauty in a Sunset

Can You Feel It?

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. "
Philippians 2:13

This is an ongoing discussion at our weekly Bible Study meetings, Can you feel it? 'It' is actually God. We often get sidetracked in our discussion about a scripture or topic during the study and go the route of 'how do you know when God is talking to you or which path to take or what is the right thing to do'. Well, what we have determined so far is...

1. Lightening probably won't strike you and you won't hear 'Cheryl, this is God'
2. He often speakes through others, in readings and nature
3. We can see Him in everything if we just take the time to stop, look, but most importantly, listen

How do we know when God is working in us? How do we know that our desires are the desires that He has set in our hearts? How do we know what path to follow? Well, that my friends is something that when we are at the 'pearly gates' may be answered. But, for now, we have to trust our judgement and our feelings to follow the right road that will lead us to Him. Stay in touch through scripture and meditation. Seek Him, you will see Him if you look for Him!

I am sure you all have seen the email, or heard the story about the man who was trapped on the roof of his house during a flood and prayed to God to save him. First, a boat motors past the flooding house and the guy refuses to get on board waiting for God, then a helicoptor flies overhead and drops a rope and the guy refuses again. Finally, after the water has overtaken the house and after the man drowned, he is face to face with God. He is angry and yelling at God for not saving him. God says "I sent a boat and a helicopter for you, what were you waiting for"?

Since the Lenten season is approaching, I hope that you all take the time to reflect, renew and refresh your faith. Take the time to stop, look and listen for God!

See you at the finish line.......

I've been reading a short book by Lincoln Murdoch who is an endurance racer, "See You at the Finish Line" and am again reminded how God works in our lives. I have been struggling with motivation and direction lately and it seems that others around me are as well. You see, this book wasn't on my bookshelf, in fact I don't even know where it came from or how I got it. I stumbled across it when putting away the Christmas decorations. I don't know about you, but I heard God speaking to me "stop what you are doing and look at this book". Now of course, Otto would say that was my ADD and inability to stay on task, but I know it was God. So many of us miss His calling because we are pre-occupied and don't stop to listen. So, blocking out Otto telling me to 'stay on course', I picked up the book and read the Introduction....

In the Introduction, Lincoln speaks to his endurance racing and how he is able to compete because he has set a plan and stayed the course - he talks about how football or basketball teams fall apart in the 4th quarter and lose because they didn't have the same level of endurance and conditioning as the other team. Well, just as in athletic performance or life, we need endurance in our spiritual walk.

Luke 21:19 says "By your endurance, you will gain your lives."

I am drawn to what the author is saying, whether we are battling relational struggles, burnout, financial problems or an attack by the enemy we can not abandon our faith just because the race is too hard. We must stay the course and press on. I am looking forward to reading more of what Lincoln has to say in his book and will keep you all posted and hopefully bring some helpful tips on not giving up when the going gets tough! As well as our spiritual lives, we can apply what he is saying in our daily lives and other goals we may have set and struggling to complete.

Two weeks ago, I signed up for two classes at the local community college with the goal of getting my degree (finally). I gave up pursuing my degree about 20 years ago; there were many reasons that justified my decision at the time and even since then. But I have always questioned my decision and whether I should start school again. Over the past few years my job has taken many twists and turns, all of which I had no control over and many times I thought about going back to school to see what I wanted to do when I 'grow up'. Well, finally, after much soul-searching and praying, I made an appointment, met with a counselor and requested my transcripts from 1987. I know this road may be a tough one to travel, but I am keeping an open mind and pressing on toward the goal to get my degree.

I hope that if any of you have set goals and not accomplished them will consider looking at them again, coming up with a plan to meet your desires and pressing on to completion!

Oh yeah, and one more thing.... GO CARDINALS!

Pressing On

The past few days I have been following emails between our family regarding a family vacation which turned into a discussion about the economy; specifically budget cuts and spending that will affect professionals in education. I was really touched by the passion that J has for his profession and his commitment to encourage the youth he teaches to persevere. But, I was also saddened by his comment that his morale has been low and he felt this is affecting the way he is teaching.

Don't we all get discouraged at times? What do we do when this happens, where do we turn to reverse the negative thoughts of uncertainty, disappointment and anger? We need to stay the course, and persevere by putting our trust in God and seeking Him to help us through.

Here are two scriptures I turn to often....

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5

I hope that we all will be encouraged to stay the course and keep our heads up when all seems lost. We never know who is watching us or looking to us for guidance or direction. Our actions will speak louder than our words, so if others see us as discouraged and negative, then they too may be negative. In words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, "We spread the Gospel by modeling Christ, always preaching sometimes using words."

Mom sent out a cute story today about a dog today, and these words jumped off the page at me.

Remember....live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget....the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care for us.

Let's continue caring and sharing Christ's love through our actions. Don't be discouraged by events that we can't change, but to help change the things we can.

Love you all,
Cheryl Lee

Troubled Hearts

Ever get that feeling that something just isn't right? You can't quite put your finger on exactly what it is, but you know you are out of balance, 'off kilter' or whatever cliche' or term you choose to attach to the feeling. Some people will look inward searching their heart, mind and soul to find out what is causing that annoying feeling. Others will look outward and possibly seek professional help. Me, I usually do both. When my life feels out of control or 'off kilter' I sometimes need that nudge and be reminded to trust in God and take my troubles to him first instead of trying to solve it all on my own.
As we inch forward into 2009, I hope to rekindle the flame of my desire to become closer to Him, be devoted to a quiet time and keep the fire burning as I search for answers. God is there, waiting for us to call upon Him and to trust in Him to calm our troubled hearts. Make the call!

"Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me."
John 14:1

New Year

Howdy!
Today I am returning to work after a two week hiatus and have really mixed emotions. I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but this year I want to be more disciplined, motivated and committed. I have been struggling with some things over the past few months and feel that I need to make some changes, but mostly give more of an effort in certain areas of my personal and professional life. Some changes are more evident, others I am still searching for. So, while I begin my search for clarity, I will be praying for you all and your New Year's resolutions, whatever they may be!

I came across this scripture this morning and I guess it just confirmed that we all need discipline in our lives, without it we would lose direction. I know that I get distracted easily and it is good to be guided back to the right path.

See you soon!

"Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good." -- Deuteronomy 8:5 --

Post-Christmas Blues

Well, it is officially setting in.... the post-Christmas blues. After spending 10 days in Tennessee with Leanna, Jared, the grandkids, Jason and Corynn I must think of getting back to the real world of Phoenix. A world of work, respnsibilities and reality.
It's times like this that I stop and look back on the time we spent here and all we miss living in separate states. With Leanna and Jared in TN and Jason and Corynn in California the miles that separate us are most clear when we are all together and we prepare to go home.
Otto and I are leaving tomorrow at noon; today will be reflecting on time spent and with great sadness the journey which will lead us farther away from our families.
Don't get me wrong, we cherish the moments we shared here together, but it all comes to a close tomorrow. One thing I know though, the memories we make today are avaialable at a moments notice. I only need to stop and look into my heart to find them, relive them and hold them close so I can grab them when I start to get the blues.
With a thankful heart, we will end this visit, but will have the memories of our 'Tennessee Christmas' close.

It begins....

I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and start a blog. I always have so much on my mind to share, and thought what better way to do so then online where all my friends, families and others can visit and hopefully get inspired or something? So, today Cheryl Lee's blog begins. Stay tuned for frequent entries!