If

I wanted to share with you some of the words that have encouraged me tonight. These hit me differently after having spent the afternoon teaching young minds about the fruit of the Spirit. Is this evident in my life as well?


If I am afraid to speak the truth, lest I lose affection, or lest the one concerned should say, "You do not understand," or because I fear to lose my reputation for kindness; if I put my own good name before the other's highest good, then I know nothing of Calvary love.


If I hold on to choices of any kind, just because they are my choice, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If I myself dominate myself, if my thoughts revolve round myself, if I am so occupied with myself I rarely have "a heart at leisure from itself," then I know nothing of Calvary love.

If, the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold, I do not shut the door, and keep that door shut, then I know nothing of Calvary love.


                ~Amy Carmichael~

Pray

Pray for the World. It's free!

Today's Psalm

I will sextol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up

and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

and you have healed me.

O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;

you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,

and give thanks to his holy name.

For his anger is but for a moment,

and his favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may tarry for the night,

but joy comes with the morning.

As for me, I said in my prosperity,

“I shall never be moved.”

By your favor, O Lord,

you made my mountain stand strong;

you hid your face;

I was dismayed.

To you, O Lord, I cry,

and to the Lord I plead for mercy:

“What profit is there in my death,

if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise you?

Will it tell of your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD , and be merciful to me! 

          


                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

O Lord, be my helper!”

 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

you have loosed my sackcloth

and clothed me with gladness,

 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Drops of Sunshine

I hope your friday is full of colorful rain!

Hats

 Fromme-toyou.tumblr.com

Why Socks?

A dear friend and I were recently having a very interesting conversation. The topic was centered around Grandparents and the things that Grandparents seem to all agree are necessary. One such thing that we found our Grandmothers had in common, is the idea that it is ABSOLUTELY OBLIGATORY to wear socks when headed in the direction of the basement. Why this is, neither of us could quite decide except that we believe it was out of the goodness of their hearts that they did not want to see their precious little Grandchildren catch cold. So, here is a little bit of advice for those of you who hope to become a Grandparent some time in your life: make your Grandchildren were socks, they'll remember you the rest of their lives.

Victory Rolls

This morning, I finally remembered to call and make a hair appointment. Unlike my profile picture (which was taken quite some time ago) my hair has gotten very long. I am seriously considering getting something shorter so I can do some styles more like this. I am still trying to make up my mind, which can take a very long time. I guess that only time will tell! 

Another Day

On my way to school today! I like the rhythms of life two-thirds of the way in to the school semester. However, I am also happy to find that in the span of seven short weeks I will have completed my fifth Semester of college. Quite Satisfying. I hope you all have a wonderful day!
                                                                                                   ~Cherry~

                                                                                                         

A Lesson in Love

Today, I have the privilege to teach fourth grade girls about the Lord. It is good for me to remember that they are not all the same but individuals with individual souls. They need love and attention but most of all they need Jesus. Would you pray for me as I go into this mission field today? Just a taste of what is on the menu: the fruit of the Spirit lesson one, a story about love, and frosting cookies. 

Today's Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

 He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for his name's sake.

 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.
                  ~Psalm 23~

Smile Today

Retro Kitchen

So, just as promised, I had a joyous time with the little girl and boy I baby-sat today. Just one of the joys was cooking with them in a real 1950s kitchen! How fun to see them in their little aprons that reach down to their toes and a mess spread from top to bottom (literally) of their smiling personages. They had fun, and I had fun - a good combination. 

Life is good

Listening to Yo Yo Ma as I do my Logarithms. How much better could life get? Well, maybe substitute the logarithms for a good book... Also looking forward to baby-sitting the Dee kidos later today!

The TImes, they are a Changin'

I was devastated, back in 2006, when the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. And somehow, I am now cheering for the same team I despised five years ago. How can this be? Well, one reason is that the team the Cardinals are playing defeated the Tigers in the play-offs this year, but another reason I am rooting for the Cardinals is that they have an amazing comeback story. The story goes like this: beginning of September they are back 9.5 games, they win a bunch including number 162 and to everyones amazement clinch later on that night when the Braves lose number 162, once in the play-offs, they beat the best team in the NL, then win one more series, and now they are playing in the World Series! Isn't that one of the best under-dog stories you've ever heard? Well, these are just two of the reasons I am cheering them on. It just goes to show that anything can happen: in baseball and also in my loyalties.

A Visitor

There are some things in life that bring a little extra joy to me. Birds are one of those things. Today I had an unexpected visit from a friend of mine called the Brown Creeper. He is kinda creepy in a cute way, and all around a pleasant little fellow. He makes me excited for the bird-watching season (winter) and the anticipation of the next small visitor.

Three things

There are three wonderful things about Camp Staff potlucks:

Pumpkin stew, baked apples and little kids. Tonight I get 

to enjoy all three. I think this gives me a little motivation 

to do well at my school work today. Let's go Logarithms.

Dissections

I really enjoy dissecting. Today I got to dissect

a sheep kidney. This makes me happy, but not 

as happy as knowing the Creator of the kidney. 

I am sorry dear teacher, no one could have thought 

it up any better. Thank you Lord for sustaining me!

The Order of Things

Today, I need to go to school...

... So I can do this...

... but first I am going to do this...

...Shop!

The American Farmer

As I pulled up to Crabapple Farm today (that is where I clean)I was struck with what a beautiful thing a farm is. A farm is so very  quintessentially American. The Kittens: Calvin, and Hobbs are quietly curled up around the pumpkins at the door, and the sound of 

gentle mooing greets me from across the pasture as I walk up the 

steps to the front door. I enjoy the down to earth conversations

I have with the farmers wife as I clean up farm dirt tracked across

the utility room floor by the two mischievous boys who live

upstairs. Ahhh...... the life of a farmer. Not that it's easy mind 

you, but there is a kind of reward in itself of getting to live

so closely with the sights and smells of God's creation 

all around you. Here is a tribute to the American Farmer!!

What is a Logarithm?

My Mondays

My Mondays usually consist of Math...

... And Cleaning...

... Have a Happy Monday!

Summer Camp

After spending a summer with children, this picture looks familiar. I was just spending time this evening writing letters to my first group of junior age girls. Lots of memories, lots of fun stories. It is good to take time and remember them, to remember that they are sinners in need of a Savior. But boy, are they cute little sinners!

Castle Peeps

Doesn't this fabric just make you smile?

I like thinking about all the fun possibilities

this fabric presents. Bag? Quilt? Skirt?

Keep thinking

Sad Night In Baseball

Last night was a sad night in Baseball. A sad night for Detroit's baseball fans. A sad night for me.
Thank you Tigers for a very fun-filled and exciting season. Thanks for giving us thrills and something to talk about. Enjoy the next three months. See you in February!
                ~Cherry

Today's Proverb

 ~Selections from Proverbs 16 ~

The plans of the heart belong to man,

but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord...

 ... Commit your work to the Lord,

and your plans will be established...

 ... Better is a little with righteousness

than great revenues with injustice...

... The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps...

 ... In the light of a king's face there is life,

and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain...

...Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good,

and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord...

 ...The wise of heart is called discerning,

and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness...

.

 ...Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body...

 ... Gray hair is a crown of glory;

it is gained in a righteous life...

 ... Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,

and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

 The lot is cast into the lap,

but its every decision is from the Lord.

Charlie Harper - one of my favorite things

A perfect representation of a fall day

The robins are gathering to fly south

The hope of spring

Saturday

Enjoying a little catch-up time with my dear friend Mrs. Troyer. Whispers of baby and sweet nothings. And reveling in the results of my math test.*

Fall Break

I hope that you all had a wonderful mid-october Friday! My Sister is home on her fall break, so of course I had a beautiful time today. I can say this even in the midst of getting ready for a math test (sigh), but who could be dull when the rain is gently falling and leaves are swirling all around. Life is pretty wonderful. Thanks for popping in.
 Love,
     Cherry