Life with Cherie

Faith, Family, Friends

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The “Real” Good News

Whether we realize it or not, this pandemic has stolen or damaged even the simplest pleasures we had in life. As a woman of a certain age, I thought I’d finally earned the right to laugh at the silly things teenagers dream up. Yet here we are facing an unprecedented rise in teen suicide. It would be easy to blame social media and the lack of “real” relationships in their “self-isolating” lives, but I think we all know there’s something deeper going on here.

Where is our hope? Why don’t they have it? Have we even offered it to them?

My hope is in Jesus and I believe that He sacrificed Himself so that we can enjoy eternal life. Do we talk about that anymore or are we afraid of being viewed as “pressuring” and maybe even offending someone? I’ve been guilt of that. For sure, I have!

So as I was thinking about the pain in this world and comparing that to my own experience, it occurred to me that I’m being selfish. If I have a hope that brings me joy in everyday life, if I know that secret, I want to share it!

The “real” good news is not just about what happens to me after I die. It’s about how I get to experience THIS LIFE through Jesus’s eyes.

I see how incredibly different and uniquely gifted each person is and I notice how their perspective adds something I wouldn’t have seen without them. I feel compassion for their hardships and sadness and look for ways my own uniqueness might make things a little better. You see, my faith isn’t about what happens “some day.” It lets me experience life through the eyes of Love which, in turn, yields the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These aren’t virtues to be worked on. They are gifts that God gives freely to those who walk in His ways.

If you know someone who needs this good news, I’m posting my very first sermon here. It’s addressed to the teens who attend my church. You see, I’ve been a Youth Leader and I hadn’t even shared this secret with them.

The Times, They Are A Changing!!!

I started this website when I knew my life needed to change and had decided to take some risks. It’s been a long time since I’ve posted and it just occurred to me that, without my realizing it, I have changed too. So much!!! I’m looking forward to sharing my adventures with families and friends – and those who might be considering a change themselves.

Let me very quickly catch you up on the visible changes: We had a metal pole barn built. In the process of looking to add horse stalls, I met an amazing friend. And what an exciting blessing that she had 4 babydoll sheep (the breed I’d selected after extensive research)!

After a flurry of work, we have two beautiful stalls and are in the process of building collapsible lambing jugs. Yes, that’s right, lambs!! Two of our girls are expecting!!!!

And if that weren’t enough, I am expecting 13 apple trees to be delivered next week from Ithaca, NY. Through my seminary studies, I’ve been taken with the desire to pour myself into Creation Care. It’s not just a garden anymore. Soon, we will have a perma-culture tree guild.

Yes, it’s springtime in Missouri! Our plans are in place to set up a rotational planting schedule, I’ve selected and purchased the seeds. Besides my plans for a vegetable garden, I’m also planning to set up a few beds for flowers. It will be exciting to have fresh flowers for the table and to share with friends.

There is so much to learn, and so much to share!

The Journey: Week 1

Perfect timing?!

This blog was supposed to come out last week.  Might as well come right out with that…
And there I was telling you how EASY it is to grow your faith!  Umm, by any chance, did you happen to read the blog I posted on September 1st?  It was titled “Why do I have trouble finishing things?”  Oh, the irony. LOL. But here’s the thing, I believe God is using my weaknesses, the ones I exposed in that September 1st article, as an object lesson for all of us.  A lesson that is the PERFECT way to begin The Journey.

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Let me explain.  It IS easy to have more of Him.  In fact, it’s EMBARRASSINGLY simple to reconnect.  Want to know how?

JUST ASK.  He will answer.

For real.  It’s that easy.

OK, Cherié, if it’s that easy, and if that’s all you have to say in The Journey: 

  1. Why are you writing a blog?
  2. Why is it a series? And
  3. Why wasn’t your initial post on time?!

Because The Journey isn’t about finding the answers, it’s about making them part of who you are and how you instinctively react to life’s circumstances. Until then, even if you know the answers, like me, you will agonize, flail around, and forget.

How is my prideful word-smithing the perfect way to begin The Journey?  I believe it is God’s way of reminding us that the answers are (relatively) easy to find, write about and understand. Holding onto Him in the midst of life? Well, that’s a different story! It’s everything BUT easy. Yet if we are willing to be changed, to be humbled by the dumb mistakes we make time and time again, we can have more of Him right here, right now.

My fellow travelers, my brothers and sisters, I hope you will join me on The Journey.  The truth is, while I am willing to share what I know, what I have experienced and what I have learned, it’s just a glimmer of the Truth. Your insights and experiences will add to that light and lead the way forward for all of us.

In my next post I will share tips on “how to ask” and what to expect when you do.  Until then, blessings and peace in the confidence of our shared salvation!  As branches of one vine, we can do this.  Together!  (John 15:1-17).

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Why do I have trouble finishing things?

That was the Google search I ran at 3:30 this morning.

Squirrel moment for a second… it will make sense at the end of this article, I promise. Why did I use my real name on this blog? And why did I let my friends and family know what I was doing?! They are reading this right now, nodding their heads, “Yep! That’s Cherie. She’s always running late too!”

For future reference, if you decide to start a blog, keep it anonymous. That way, you can say what you really want to say and not worry about what “they” will think or say to each other behind your back. Also, it won’t hurt your feelings that they’re NOT reading your posts. Nope. Next time, I’m going incognito. And I’ll cuss if I want to!

OK, so back to the “I have trouble finishing things.” Some of you have this same issue. You are the reason I’m writing this article and “outting” myself (as if everyone in my world didn’t already know this about me).

Last night, I finally came to grips with the fact that procrastination isn’t my problem. It’s actually worse than that. When I get to the deadline and know it’s time to give a …., I just don’t have anymore ….s to give. There is NOTHING that can help me or make me finish.

What the heck?! Procrastination is a problem, granted. But it’s one I create and one I have the ability to change. Having no ….s, I can’t change that. And apparently, I can’t fake it either. Uh, oh!

Back to that Google search… Its clear that my Google thinks I’m serious/boring/not funny/insane. She didn’t point me to all of those fun Pinterest boards that joke about how having no ….s is liberating. Noooo my Google sent me links to Psychology Today. It should worry me that she knows me better than my husband, but hey… he’s a dude. Clearly, Google is not.

So, anyway, it turns out that this Psychology Today article helped me not only figure out why I have trouble finishing things, it pretty much summed up why I struggle in other areas of my life. (This is the part where squirrel moment will begin to make sense). What I learned is that I am afraid to fail. (See! Who would want their closest friends and family reading this? Anonymity, baby. It’s the only way to blog).

Finding out that I am afraid to fail might not sound like the most earth shattering thing, but when you start to find out the lengths I will go to to avoid finding out just how (insert negative self-talk) I am, you start to see that the fear of failure can be a cover for much deeper fear.

Back to you… If you struggle with finishing things like I do, after reading that Psychology Today article, I can confidently say, “You are NOT lazy, disorganized, irresponsible or rude.” There is a valid reason you can’t get the job done. Take some time to read this article, find out what’s reallly going on, and then you will have the power to do something about it. That’s the first step to getting some of your ….s back. 😉

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/creating-in-flow/201402/5-ways-finish-what-you-start-and-why-you-often-dont%3famp

Giving Thanks on Labor Day

I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a break!  That’s how I’ve come to think about Labor Day.  But is that how I want my kids to experience it?

As someone who has continuously held a job for more than 30 years, the same someone who is currently “enjoying” unemployment, it’s hard for me to understand why I’d feel the need for a break this weekend.  And worse, why I’d feel entitled to enjoy this holiday for myself.  But I do!  I’m tired.  Worn out.  Ready to rest.

That’s what got me thinking; Labor Day isn’t just a celebration for employees.  It’s also for the self-employed, the under-employed and the un-employed.  At first, I thought I would offer a devotion, thanking God for the gift of our brothers and sisters who help us get through life.  But then I realized a blanket thanksgiving wouldn’t capture the importance of what I learned today – to lift everyone up for the good that they do.  All of us contribute.  All of us are necessary.

Instead of that blanket prayer, I’d like to call out a few people who might be surprised to hear how important and appreciated they are.

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Photo by Carl Attard on Pexels.com

Ladies at the Des Peres Licensing Office, you are at the top of my list.  Man, you have a tough job!  Most of us, myself included, walk in ready for frustration and a fight. I’ve lived in Missouri for just about ten years.  We’ve moved a few times and, after experiencing other locations, I drive an hour to go to Des Peres instead!

I’d also like to give thanks to the “creative” people out there.  The ones who look at the world, see its needs, and come up with some wild inventions – like blowing hot gas through a tube, running it through some fan blades and creating cold air.  Who thought of that?  Or the light in the refrigerator?  Running water?  Oh, and hot water!  There are so many things we take for granted because they’re common place. Well, it wasn’t always that way.  So this Labor Day, I wanted to thank the people who are “out there” dreaming up the kinds of solutions most of us don’t understand, but will look back on one day and wonder how we ever survived without them.

For those who inspire our minds; teachers, preachers, missionaries, public servants, volunteers…  You’re often the last to be recognized and, considering the hours you work and the importance of your jobs, you need to know – Our minds are indebted to you, our hearts are grateful and our future is in your hands!

Always, we need to remember our service men and women, whether on active duty, retired or deceased.  Not many of us have had to experience what life would be like without the freedom to express ourselves and the opportunity to become whoever and whatever we want to be.  You are often recognized for fighting and protecting us from harm.  This year, I want to be sure we’re also considering that you have given up your own choices in order to preserve ours.

Is there anyone in your world who would be surprised to hear from you this weekend?  Someone who makes your life easier or better for the work that they do? Add to this post and we can look back on this Labor Day as the year we joined together to begin thanking the unthanked.

 

Weekly Workout: Week 2:

Burn fat and tone your body in half the time

There are so many benefits to strength training. Whether you are trying to increase the power and endurance of your body, lose weight, control cholesterol, build bone density, or look good in a bikini… even a 30 minute, weekly session is well worth the effort.

Links: Printable PDF & Full Article

This workout doesn’t require a gym membership,  you can do it at home whenever its convenient, AND it targets several muscle groups in a single move. If you are just beginning to exercise, are over 40 or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise.

A few tips on this particular workout:

  1. Completed in circuits NOT rounds – there are three exercises in each circuit.  You should perform each three-exercise circuit three times before moving to the next circuit.  That means you will do three sets of the three exercises in Circuit 1, before you move to Circuit 2.
  2. Pick the right weight – your muscles should be tired by the third set in a circuit, but not to the point where your form suffers or you can’t finish all the reps.
  3. Choose form over speed – these are combination moves, so go slow.  By maintaining good form, you will target the entire muscle and amp up the benefits – including longer, leaner looking bodies.
  4. Focus on your core – with each of these exercises, imagine pulling your belly button backwards towards your spine, and up about an inch.  Breathe normally, but try to keep your abs contracted throughout all reps in each exercise.

Some of these combinations were new to me, so I studied the pictures and focused on the written directions in the Full Article.  If you have a tough time with anything, try it without hand weights or drop one of the two moves in each picture. For example, picture one is a reverse lunge and an overhead press. Choose either the overhead press or the lunge.

Another great workout from Susi May!

 

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Grow an avocado tree from a pit

I can’t believe it worked!! We have an avocado pit that took root.

My husband looooves avocados.  They can be kind of pricey when you live in the middle agriculture-avocado-close-up-997390.jpgof the Midwest, so I got the bright idea of trying to grow our own tree.  If you’ve looked into this, you know there are tons of Pins out there offering advice.  Well, six pits into the effort, we finally got one to take root. Yes, I have a brown thumb, but come ON!  These articles make is sound like it’s so easy.  Ha!  Read on if you want to find out what did work…

Before we go any further, if you are interested in this article because you want to grow your own avocados, you can probably stop right here.  Sadly, I found out that it takes an avocado tree anywhere from 5 to 13 years to begin bearing fruit.  And it also sounds like grocery store avocados aren’t your best bet.  (If you want to know why, feel free to add a comment below.)  For the rest of us, let’s just say it’s not impossible to get an avocado pit from a grocery store to bear fruit, but it is improbable. Oh, and it will take a very long time.

Why I am so excited to have an avocado pit with an itty-bitty root?  Well, for one, it was such a challenge!  Someday, I’m going to look at my little (indoor) avocado tree and think, “Yes, that’s right – even people with brown thumbs can do it!” If they’re willing to try hard enough, that is.  Second, I’m excited because God has blessed me in so many strange and unexpected ways.  Who’s to say that this little pit isn’t a gift?  One that’s meant to remind me that all things are possible through Him.  And besides, you never know! There could be little avocados to come from this someday.

So what’s the secret???  How did we get this pit to root?  Three simple steps:

  1. Take your pit and wrap it in a wet-but-not-dripping paper towel;
  2. Put it into a plastic sandwich bag (leaving the top open); and
  3. Let it rest in a dark cupboard.

Yep.  That’s IT.  From there, just check in on it every two weeks or so to be sure the paper towel is moist.  In just a few months, you too could have your very own avocado “rooted pit.”

Here’s our budding, baby avocado tree next to its temporary home.  Isn’t it cute?!!  Just 10 weeks (and 5 other failed attempts) to get to this point.

IMG_0427-2 IMG_0429 OK, I’m joking about the “cute” thing.  It’s kind of slimy and reminds me of Audrey II, the Venus Flytrap from Little Shop of Horrors.  Feed me, Seymour!  LOL

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Making Cold Process Soap at Room Temperature?

Yes, this can be done and it is actually easier than the usual way of making cold process soap!  Check out the tutorial here.

I’ve been wanting to try some new techniques, but couldn’t settle on what color or scents to use.  Never one to take things one step at a time, I have combined several things in this one tutorial.  As the title says, it covers how to make soap at room temperature.  This is a great idea for those who want to use cold process, but don’t have a way to measure its temperature throughout its cooking time. I’ve also been wanting to make goat’s milk soap, but was intimidated by the need to be extra-careful with temperature control.  Violà, one recipe that allows me to try both techniques at the same time! AND… who can stand waiting 6 weeks to find out how his/her soap turned out?  Not me!!  I’d been reading up on Oven Processing, to speed up curing time. It’s easy to do, but complicated to determine whether its right for a particular soap’s content and style.  Anyway, you guessed it, this recipe will let us try all 3 of these techniques in one batch of soap.

How did I pick the color and scent of the soap we will use?  Well, I have a few friends sampling my Fall Soaps. Someone asked why the pumpkin soap wasn’t orange…

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(it’s the soap at the top left of the picture.)  To her, it looked green.  You probably don’t want me to get into the “why,” but it made the perfect excuse to try out another pumpkin spice recipe!

Want to see how? You don’t have to scroll to the top, the link to the tutorial is copied here.

Happy Soaping!!

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P.S.  Did you want to know why the first soap wasn’t orange? Good question!  And an easy answer… I use organic ingredients in my soap.  The olive oil is extra virgin olive oil, which tends to have a green tinge.  Why?  Because it isn’t processed and it’s as close to the natural olive as any oil you can get.  Given this is soap, there was a LOT more olive oil in the soap as pumpkin purée (5 times, actually).  I’m not surprised she could see the greenish tinge come through.

Luckily, there are a number of techniques to add color to soap naturally.  Sure, they won’t be as bright as the commercial soap we can buy, but that’s because we’re not using artificial ingredients.  😉  And since I wanted to test making soap at room temperature, this was a great opportunity to add some of those natural ingredients to create an orange-er pumpkin soap too!