Off to the gym I go

After months of talking about going to the gym, Troy and I finally got off our behinds and joined a gym. Believe it or not, we got the best deal, with the best facility at Gold's Gym. It doesn't even look like a normal gym. Very high society. We're movin' on up.. to the big time!

We went for the first time on Tuesday. Didn't overdue it too much, just the treadmill and bikes. We tried this one machine that simulates cross country skiing... our legs hurt after only a few minutes. We couldn't stand it. We'll have to work up to that one. :-) I did a little upper body pull ups but my wrist started hurting so I stopped. We still need to meet with the trainer and hopefully will do that soon. Troy's been really dedicated - I'm so proud of him. He went yesterday, by himself and spent about an hour there. I had a ladies bible study last night. I hope to go tonight.

One cool thing about this gym is that a local female boxer, Jennifer "All American" Alcorn, who is rather famous, boxes there and holds classes. The woman is built!! Oh my goodness!! If I could have half the muscle she has, I'd be so happy. I'll have to check out her classes. Now that we're involved in a gym, it's becoming a family affair. We took the initiative for ourselves, and now his mom and step-dad, dad and sister want to join. We'll see if they actually do.

Better Days... or is it?

The week has been better. The sun came out and the 'Dogs won a very impressive game on Tuesday. They pounced all over Toledo St. 44-14. Go Dogs! The days seem to be getting shorter, and cooler... a good sign that the holidays are nearly approaching.

I can't get over the fact that many retail stores are already putting out their Haloween and Thanksgiving merchandise. It seems that each year, they get put out earlier and earlier. Once the Haloween stores start coming up, I know that Christmas is just around the corner. Besides the crazyness of the holiday shopping, I love Christmas. The whole spirit of giving is a wonderful feeling. I wonder though... since we all have been giving to those effected by Katrina, and now Rita, will the giving at Christmas time be fewer, or stay steady? Once we think that all is ok in the world again, we go back to our self-absorbed lives. Thus we forget that day in and day out, there are many who are without homes, without food, and without the normals that we all take for granted. As we're giving so much to those in the Gulf Coast area, let us knot forget those in our own home towns that have been without for so much longer.

When I think about those, that are so less fortunate than I, my complaints about busy schedules, the weather, and my moods seem not so big. I thank God every day that I have been blessed!!!

Rainy days and Monday's Always Get Me Down

Isn't it interesting how the weather can really effect how your day goes? Or your mood? Today's it's really overcast and dreary. It's not quite raining yet, but thunderstorms are expected today, at some point. It was one of those days that you really want to stay in bed and hide from the dreary day that awaits you. Or if you must get up, you could stay home, make a nice fire in the fireplace, put on a good movie or read a good book under your favorite blanket and sip a nice hot cup of cocoa. Unfortunatlely, I can't live in my fantasy world and must make a living. My mood today as been very low... almost depressed. I've been really quiet and just sitting at my desk, doing my work. If it weren't for blaring my positive, encouraging KLOVE into my ears, I'd probably be in tears. Of course, there are some songs that just touch me to tears too... but those are good tears.

I find it so strange that yesterday, the Lord's Day, was nice and sunny, a bit breezy and a wonderful day to spend outside appreciating God's creation. It was a good day. Then, today, it's gloomy and those I see walking around carry an umbrella, for chance of rain.

So, How is it that something as minial as the weather, can effect our moods so? I am not wise in the ways of psychology, so those who are more educaded then myself, please let me know........
Hope your day has been much happier!

Oh what a crazy day

It was one of those days that I really wish I could have stayed in bed.

Oh, the morning I’ve had…
It started with not having a working shower this morning. The on/off dial on our shower broke off. We had to take our showers this morning in the guest bathroom. That was quite an ordeal. Then, because I was running late, I caught all the school traffic and a lot of slowpokes… and one late student who rode my behind all the way to school. He was really getting on my nerves. And to top it off, Troy and I have a concert to help with tonight. so I had to make sure I had my ‘get ready’ stuff with me because I will have to go straight out to the church for concert set-up.

But one thing happened that made all the madness of the morning go away. Today is 'See You At The Pole' Day where students and staff from all over the U.S. gather around their school's flag pole and pray for each other, their friends, their schools, and the nation. With such an uproar about the separation of church and state, I was comforted to see a group, allbeit small, gathered around an elementary flag pole praying. I said a quick prayer for them and went on my way. In all the rush this morning, I forgot what today was.

In honor of 'See You At the Pole' and all the believing students out there, say the pledge:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the United States of America... and to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation, UNDER GOD, Indivisable... with Liberty and Justice for All!
Amen!

Where has the summer gone

The first day of fall is Thursday. We've had such a busy summer, it's flown by so quick. We got our first rain today. It was just enough to mess up the car, you kow how it goes. As I was driving home, I saw the wonderous sight of rays of sunshine peaking through through the storm clouds. Oh, the awesomeness of God! The lightning storm tonight was exciting to see.

You know how some churches will have billboards outside of their buildings? I drove by one day that make me think It said, "God Comforts The Afflicted and Afflicts the Comfortable." That phrease made me think..... We know that God comforts those you face afflictions. But does God bring us trials to remind us that we aren't to get too comfortable on this earth? When we get too comfortable, we get complacent, and forget the reason God put us on this earth.... to go out and reach the world for Christ. It's tough for us, as humans, to do anything outside of our 'comfort zone.' It takes disclipline and obedience to 'think outside of the box' as Jack in the Box's slogan goes. (at least, I think it's Jack in the Box)

Next time I face any affliction in my life, I will remember that He may be telling me, "Think Outside of the Box."

On my soap box

I'm usually not so politically out-spoken. But I wanted to share my thoughts on recent going's on in the world.

Sharing my thoughts from Malia's blog, I certainly agree with all she's said. I do have my two cents to share. People in today's society want to blame everyone and everything for what happens to this country. In Katrina's case, some are all too quick to blame the state governor, mayor and even Pres. Bush for not acting quick enough or blame God for letting the disaster happen in the first place.

The bottom line is that the attempt was made by the government to get people out in time... the PEOPLE did not want to go. They cared too much about their positions, then trying to save their own lives. It's the same with those who want to blame God for the bad things happening. Trying to argue with someone who had dead-set on thinking any other way is impossible. In a Christian's case, we just need to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, and show them the spirit of Christ within us. A good example right now, is to show how many people are rushing to the aid of the victims of Katrina. It takes devestation like this to make the US stronger. When the time arises, most of us can get out of our materialistic, self-absorbed holes and help our fellow Americans.

My Pledge: I Pledge Allegance to the Flag, of the United States of America... and to the Republic for which it stands, One Nation, UNDER GOD, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All!!

Some of you may have heard of the gentleman from CA who is battling the courts to make it unconstitutional for the words, 'UNDER GOD' to be in the Pledge of Allegance. It's things like this that make me not too proud to be from California. This gentleman claims to be doing this for his daughter, but in actuality, his daughter (and his wife) are both Christians and are proud to say 'Under God'. He happens to be an atheist. One Judge agreed and said it was unconstitutional, but the debate still goes on. In my opinion, our Founding Fathers would revolt if they could see this happening now. They based this nation on their faith and values. It's because of the deterioration of this country's faith and values that we see the state that it's in. See what has happened to our schools because they don't allow students to talk about God, or even pray anymore.

I pray for those that fight against God... the battle is really within themselves. Whether we agree with the President's decisions or not, as American's we should pray for our leaders in government - both national and state governments. I know CA really needs prayer for our 'Governator' (said with a slight Hungarian accent) I pray every day for the direction of our nation and for God's guidance and security. God Bless America!!

You've been tagged - 7 things
I actually got this awhile ago, but kept it to use eventually. Life has been crazy... here's something just for fun. Here's my responses.

7 things to do before I die:
travel the world
start a concert promotion company
go on tour with a favorite band
learn to play the piano
learn to play the bass guitar
travel
travel

7 things I can do:
I can sing
I can design
I can organize
I can believe in God Almighty
I can love
I can be a friend
I can be a little lazy. (I love veggin' in from of the tv)

7 things I can't do:
I can't whistle anymore
I can't play the piano - very well (not coordinated enough to use both hands)
I can't help loving you!
I can't help but giggle at life's little instances.
I can't deny that God is real.
I can't think of anything else

7 things that attract me to the opposite sex:
I am only attracted to my husband so I'll say a few things about him
his humor
his love for me
his passion for serving
his love for God
he is a man of character and morals
his desire to please others
his helpful nature

7 things I say most often:
"Whatever?!?!" (with a big W made with my hands - from the movie Clueless)
"Totally!" (commonly used mostly in CA)
"I love you." (I need to say more often)
"Thank you, God!"
"Hello!?"
"It's Like" (commonly used mostly in CA)
"Oh my goodness!"

7 celebrity crushes:
Not really crushes, but people I admire and would most like to meet.
Most musical artists that I admire, I have met. So here are a few I haven't met yet...
Mel Gibson
Michael W. Smith
George W. Bush
Dr. James Dobson
Amy Grant - I've met her, but would like to talk more in depth with her.
Tony Vincent
Dr. Billy Graham

7 people I'd like to do my list:
Anyone who wants to.

In the Middle of Nowhere!

Labor Day - a day of rest for all who labor... unless that work is in retail, restaurants, or ministry. Troy and I, along with our friends Larrin and Kindra, journeyed up to Quincy, CA for JoshuaFest. It's a 3 day Christian music festival similar to Spirit West Coast, but not as big... YET. Each year it has doubled in attendance and from the looks of this year, JoshuaFest will be to capacity and may need to change venues next year. The music is more on the harder alternative side, but filled with great lyrics and messages about Christ. The best girl band of all time - Barlow Girls - were there! It was great to see them again. The crowd, full of mostly teenagers, rocked out and had a blast! There were some interesting looking people there, but if the heart is filled with the Spirit of Christ.. then I say Amen!! Pictures to come soon!

Despite the long trek, we had a blast, and will maybe make it again next year. Some of the artists did give me a headache but seeing how they witness to the young people, was awesome! It's worth a little headache to see more of this generation come to Christ! They may look a little wierd on the outside, but God loves them still!

Quincy is a little mountain town in Northern CA, just West of Chico and East of Reno, NV. It's mostly a camping spots but a few low budget motels around. There were no Starbucks around, but there were a few coffee shops that made a good Mocha! Thank Goodness! We dared to drive home on Monday (Labor Day) and with careful guidance from God, we avoided major traffic and a few spying eys of the CHP.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!!!
So it's a short week and I can't wait for the weekend! Football season is coming into full swing and Fresno State's first home game is THIS SATURDAY!! We're looking for a win against Weber St. (whoever that is???) Not that I'm a fortune teller - but I foresee a big winning season for our Bulldogs here at Fresno State! I'll keep you all posted. GO DOGS!!

Rain, Rain... Go Aaaway....

If you're like me, you've been watching the trek of Hurrican Katrina, now downgraded to a Tropical Storm. It's times like this I feel so blessed that I live in California, instead of anywhere on the East coast. Some may disagree, but I'd rather take an earthquake over hurricanes or tornados. As I watch the news coverage of the impact Katrina has made, I pray for those in her path... and those dear friends of mine, who may also encounter her.
I thought it quite incredible that the force of Katrina was so strong, that it ripped a whole in the SuperDome, where the New Orleans Saints (NFL football team) play their games. Since the season in about to begin, that may cause a problem. I guess it's not such a 'Super Dome' after all, huh. :-) So, what happens when the Saint's have to play at home? My guess: Pray for No Rain!!
With total damage rising and many areas in need, it's times like this that the true meaning of being Americans comes alive. When disaster happens, Americans come out in full force and lend a helping hand. In spite of all our differences, we rise to the occassion to lend help and support to those being effected... in this case, those who have lost their homes, food, clothes, possessions, etc. because of Katrina.
I pray that those of us who have been fortunate not to be in Katrina's path will reach out our hands to our fellow Americans on the other side of the country to help them recover from their loss. Check out your local relief organizations helping to aid the Katrina victims. If you like, you can also check out the following sites that I recommend: www.redcross.org, www.samaritanspurse.org (with is an organization chaired by Franklin Graham, son of Rev. Billy Graham).
God Bless all of you, and may He keep you safe! You are in my prayers!

Ps. If you have suffered any effects from Katrina, please let me know... so that I may pray for your specific needs.

A Spa Day

Aaaaa! What a feeling, to be able to relax and be pampered after a long and hectic week. It was so nice, and I highly recommend it to anyone (male or female) who needs to get re-energized. As mentioned in my last post, Troy got me a spa package at Zena's Island Day Spa for our anniverary. The package included a deep tissue massage, herbal wrap and a pedicure. I chose to substitute the pedicure for a facial. I've never had a pedicure, but really wanted a facial instead.

The morning started out with the facial in this nice little room, warmly decorated and with ocean waves soothing my ears. Thirty relaxing minutes gettings exfoliated, moisterized and massaged... yes, my face got massaged too! This was a high-class place! Next was the herbal wrap. Wasn't sure what to expect with this but it felt great! You basically get wrapped up in hot terrycloth-type sheets that have been soaked in herbs. It was VERY hot... but after awhile, felt really good. They put a few layers over you, then wrap you up in this taffata-type fabric. The herbs along with the heat is suppose to hydrate and cleanse your body of toxins. For me, it felt like being bundled up in a really warm blanket.

Next, was the massage. Oh... the massage!! The poor therapist had a lot of tension to work on in my shoulders. She works your whole body, literally from head to toe. I've never had a scalp massage, but it felt pretty good. After the massage, came the time to get dressed and leave this enchanted place of relaxation for reality. Next time - I'm going for the whole day!!!

As I mentioned before, if you've never experienced a spa treatment, I highly recommed it! I can't say that I'm re-energized and ready to conquer the world for another week, but it made a usually busy Saturday, very relaxing and worth getting.

Week 1 is DONE!

After a very hectic week on campus, the first week of school is finally done. Wooo hoo!!!
Traffic was crazy, lines at all the food places were long and there were kids EVERYWHERE!!
All in all, it was a good week though. The crowds will start to thin out, there will still be parking problems but everyone will get in the 'groove' of a new school year.

So, It's Friday... and it's really quiet at work today. Not very many of us are left as it gets closer to 5 o'clock. tick... tock...tick...tock.... we're waiting for the time to fly so we can start our weekend. I have a very interesting one planned.

For our anniversary, Troy got me a spa package, and I have my appointment tomorrow. It's the first time I've gotten a real spa treatment, although I have had a facial and a massage. The day will include an Herbal floral wrap (whatever that is), a deep tissue or Sweedish massage, and instead of a pedicure, I'm getting a facial. Then, after my trip to the spa, I'll be off to get my nails done. I guess it'll be a day of pampering for me! You'll get no complaints here! I'll let you know how it all goes.

School In....

Tomorrow is a big day for a lot of families. School starts for many of the districts in this area, including the colleges. Fresno State is no exception. In the last week, there's been more and more activitiy on campus but tomorrow.. MONDAY... the insanity begins. The new semester begins. After a some-what quiet summer on campus, there will be outright fights for parking, long lines at all the food places on campus, and the line for coffee.... will be out the door!
Is it me, or are college freshman getting younger? Many freshman orientations were held on campus within the last few weeks and I can't get over how young they all are.
Some of you have children going back to school. Moms & dads of school-aged children look forward to the day their children go back to school after summer break. To you, I say congrats! You finally get some piece & quiet again. Hope you all survive!
Have a great back to school, and God Bless!

My A-B-C's

The sun is shining and it feels like a normal hot August day again. School's about to start again and there's more activity on campus. The days seem longer and the evenings seem shorter.

Taken from my friend, Malia's blog, who got it from someone else's blog... wanted to do my own.

My Alphabet:
A is for age: 33
B is for booze: only on special occassions
C is for career: Data Clerk at Fresno State
D is for dad's name: Donald (or Don)
E is for essential item to bring to a party: ME
F is for favorite songs at the moment: ‘What If’ by Jadon Lavik, ‘Next Thing You Know’ by Matthew West, ‘In the Middle of Me’ by Todd Agnew and ‘We Live’ by Superchick, anything from Barlow Girl… any many more
G is for goof off thing to do: watch a good movie
H is for hometown: Grew up in Firebaugh, Madera, and currently live in Fresno, CA.
I is for instrument you play: my voice (yes, that’s an instrument too), once upon a time I took piano lessons and played the clarinet, learning the bass guitar.
J is for jam or jelly you like: strawberry & grape
K is for kids: none yet… unless you count my big kid husband.
L is for living arrangements: house
M is for mom's name: Margie
N is for name of good friend: Malia C., Nashville, TN. Whom I miss Very Much!!
O is for overnight stays in hospital: 0, God willing, it will stay that way.
P is for phobias: snakes
Q is for quotes you like: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount with wings like eagles, they shall walk and not get weary,"
R is for longest relationship: My Lord and my God
S is for siblings: 2 sisters, 1 brother (deceased)
T is for Texas: Cowboys! Yeee Haaaa! The real cowboys, not the NFL team.
U is for unique traits: do I have any?
V is for vegetables that you love: chocolate! (It has been proven that chocolate is indeed a vegetable)
W is for worst trait: procrastination, occassional lazyness
X is for X-rays you've had: none
Y is for yummy food you make: ice cream, chocolate chip cookies
Z is for zodiac sign: leo

It's Raining? In California? In August??

On days like this, a few things come to mind... the old children's song, "It's raining, it's pouring...." and to quote from the Carpenters, "Rainy Days & Monday's Always Get Me Down."
Especially when it's raining AND it's Monday.
It's a gloomy Monday morning. It doesn't seem like summer anymore. Where has the 100 degree weather gone?? Not that I want it back!! If this dull weather is a forecast of the way the day will go today, I hope that It'll be a lot sunnier soon. Doesn't seem to be coming though.
This summer, the campus of Fresno State was on a special summer schedule of 7 am - 3:30 pm to help the state conserve electricity. For us, it became something to look forward to... not the getting up so early, but the getting off at 3:30 definately made up for it! Today, we started back on our regular 8 to 5 schedule. School starts next week! Hummmmm. I hope this day goes by quickly. The afternoons tend to drag on and on, when all you do is sit at a desk and type all day. (That's what I do) At least, I have my music. That keeps me sane during a day full of repetitive activities.
My mind wanders to more important things... like my church activities, my next concert date, and my new toy - a brand new bass guitar, which I am learning to play. It's a challenge, but according to those I've talked to, it should be farely easy to learn. I hope it's a lot easier than learning piano... been there, tried that! I'm just not coordinated enough to use both hands at once.
Hope the summer has been good to all of you, who read this. (hope someone's out there reading!!) G'day my mates!

Women of Faith are fired up!

Wanted to show some photos I just downloaded of my recent journey to the Women of Faith conference. First picture is of me and my mother-in-law, Judy. This is our 3rd WOF conference together.

This picture is of our two friends, Kindra and Helen. They were both newbies and were so blessed by the whole weekend!

And some of the artists that performed during the weekend. Tammy Trent (pictured with me at left) and the group, Avalon (pictured at right).

We had such a wonderful time! If you have not attendee a Women of Faith conference before, I highly recommend it! Find out if it's coming to your area soon!

Recent adventures

This summer has been quite a wild ride for us this year. I can't believe it's August already!

July was full of many celebrations including my birthday and my anniversary to my husband, Troy of 10 wonderful years! I surprised Troy with an anniversary party and renewing of vows ceremony. Everyone had a wonderful time and we caught up with so many friends we hadn't seen in so long.

At the end of July, Troy and I attended and helped out at Spirit West Coast in Monterey for the 4th year in a row. If you are unfamiliar with SWC, it's a 3-day music festival (sort of like a Christian Woodstock) held at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey. We help every year with KLOVE and Air 1 radio, who has a booth there. For those that know us, it has become the custom now that Troy and I help out with KLOVE and Air 1 whenever a concert is in this area or on the central coast. We're (especially me) music lovers enjoy serving with such a wonderful ministry. The picture is of me and Barlow Girl (from left to right, Alisa Barlow, Becca Barlow, me and Lauren Barlow). It was a special treat for me because I got to 'hang' with them when they came to Fresno during a recent tour. Those girls rock!! Check them out at barlowgirl.com!

This last weekend, I left Troy at home and journeyed with my mother-in-law (yes, my mother-in-law) to Sacramento to attend the Women of Faith conference. This is my 4th year going and Judy's 2nd. We are always so blessed by the wonderful speakers and artists that sing & share their stories with us. If there's a Women of Faith conference anywhere near your town, I STRONGLY encourage you to go check it out. You'll enjoy it! Trust me!!!!

More to come as August goes on..

Hello Friends!

Hello All!
"There is no such thing as strangers, just friends you haven't met." I hope to meet some of my new friends.

This is our first blog. Let me introduce us. My name is Sheryl My husband is Troy. This last July, we celebrated 10 years of marriage together and by the grace of God, He will grant us many more decades of happiness and service!

I hope this will be more efficient in sharing my ramblings then updating our website. Hope all who view this will enjoy.

Sheryl