In Memory of SFC Richard Henkes II KIA September 3, 2006 in Mosul, Iraq

Veterans Day 2007 (see post)

On September 3rd of 2006, the little brother of a dear friend died in Iraq. I couldn't believe the news. My heart broke for her and her family. On September 11, 2006, I attended the public memorial for SFC Richard Henkes II. Please consider stopping by my friend's blog and leave her a comment on this post (see post) that memorializes her brother.


Tomorrow, we plan to attend a service at a small park that honors fallen soldiers from all military branches. We hope to teach Christopher to understand the importance of our military, their sacrifice and our freedom in America.


Somehow, I feel like it is the least I can do. Honor those men and women who have served so valiantly.

Is there anyone you would like to honor on this Memorial Day? Please feel free to share their name/family here. I will stand beside you as we pay tribute together to the true heroes.

To those families who have lost friends or loved ones, I am so sorry. I am truly grateful for your family's sacrifice. I pray for God's blessing and comfort for you.

And let us consider
how we may spur
one another on
toward love and good deeds.
Hebrews 10:24

The Leaking Window -- Our One Year Anniversary

Where It All Started

Can you believe it? One year? It feels like I've known you much longer than that... When I look back on the posts from last year, I'm amazed. A lot has happened... and there was so much I didn't even get a chance to blog about... yet! To commemorate our anniversary, I'll retell the tale of how "The Leaking Window" arrived at its name.


In May of 2007, I entered the world of blog. My sister-in-law's blog, FreckledFarm was my inspiration. I love Cammyk's beautiful pictures and unpretensious posts, and I'm not alone in that thought.


Just like any other blogger, I wanted to name my blog something... well, thought-provoking, curious... or even cute. With much consideration, Christopher suggested "CheeseyWheesey." Although cute, clever, and high in protein, it wasn't the trademark moniker that I had envisioned.


Around the same time Christopher had a field trip to the Portland Classical Chinese Gardens. During the tour the guide explained to us about these curious windows throughout the garden. Each window has "a unique design depicting nature or a geometric pattern." The windows leak a view. Lan Su Yuan Leak Windows -- a “'borrowed view,' sharing a glimpse of the verdant beauty that lies beyond."

Well, I thought that was just the blog name I was looking for! Letting people have a glimpse into my life through a "window." How perfect... and to be part of a garden... well, you know how I feel about gardening...

It is Good for Our Hearts to be Strengthened by Grace

"It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace..." Hebrews 13:9

I have been so fortunate to meet such incredible people in blogland. All of the encouragement and wisdom is icing on the cake.

One of my biggest fans (well, she's given me a couple awards lately, so...) is Grace from Grace Today. Her words of affirmation are feathers in my nest.

She has awarded me the "I love you this much award" and "The Royal Banana"! She stated that I am "way too crafty, honest and sweet." Me thinketh that she exaggerateth, but I'll taketh!

Grace also Tagged me a while back, and I thought I would take this opportunity to complete the tag. It is supposed to be a six word description of myself, but I'm breaking the rules and doing five... the first five letters of my name! And they have to do with my blogging... okay, and they aren't words, they are really comments, so... hmmm....

Shameless plugs for Words of Affirmation
Happy to read all of your comments
Ever reading and commenting on other people's blogs instead of keeping up on my own
Ridicously behind schedule for completing "The Friendships of Women" Series
Insecure in my blogging abilities, but loving it too much to care

Well, Grace... it is good for my heart to be strengthened by you! Hugs!

Vision...

Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee

I have been a little busy lately... aren't we all, you say? True. But I don't like being this busy. It is only for a season... and actually the season will end soon.

My "season" right now is that I decided to become a certified "life coach" and I have been spending additional time each week on certification training calls... and then some additional homework. This is a volunteer position, but the training is intense.

I have gained so much by going through certification... by learning how to be a coach... that I am actually becoming a better coachee. Things that had been elusive are finally starting to click.

I completed the following assignment (below) a week ago. Since that time, God has been doing such a work with me. I have always been afraid of the word "vision" because its definition to me has always been "disappointment." After using my thesaurus and dictionary* I got a better understanding of what the word vision means... and doesn't mean!

VISION:

• the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom
  
• a mental image of what the future will or could be like

Sometimes, finding out what a word really means... can make all the difference. So, here was my initial attempt at completing a vision for my coaching.

Successful Living Vision Summary for Coaching
Envisioned Future by Sheri

I am not known for having a vision. Any vision. I’m more of a to-do list and scheduler type of gal. When my DISC (a measurement of behavior and emotions) stated that I was a Coordinating Supporter, it made sense to me. Someone else has the vision, and I help them. In Jeremiah 29:11, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” So, I let the Lord have the vision, never asking Him what that might be.

For some reason, I have coincided setting a vision and pride together, but just for me. When I see that others have a vision, I think, “Wow! Good for them. I will pray for them as they set about this journey.”

So, here is the challenge, I have decided to jump completely into Successful Living. And what is one of the first things that I am assigned as an action plan? Write and/or clarify your Faith Vision. Gasp!

So, I am on new territory here. My mindset has been -- why set a vision when most likely God will change it? What if it doesn’t happen and then I am let down? All I know is that if I must write a vision, I will do it! It is an action plan, and I love to check off my to-do list. So, I appreciate any grace given…

My vision is that I would complete my first year of Successful Living, and sign up for a second year for maintenance. I will complete the Certification for Successful Living and become a certified coach. I will wait upon the Lord to know who will be my coachees. I will act upon His prompting when He places potential coachees before me.

As I live intentionally for God, I will use all of the abilities God has given me to lovingly equip other women to do so, too. I envision that other women will be drawn to the Lord as I deliberately live my life for Him. There will be a smaller group (2-3) who I will be actively coaching. There will be a medium size group (8-10) that I will be facilitating and/or teaching. Finally, there will be a large group that I will be encouraging/motivating/inspiring. That all would know and accept Christ as Lord and Savior.

Cinco de Mayo ("5th of May")

Well, are you wondering why I would be celebrating the 5th day of the 5th month? Wonder no longer! I have lost 5 pounds with SparkPeople. Who knew?

I am trying to figure out ways to reward myself... for losing 5... then 10... then 15 pounds. Any ideas? I could use some! It is also suggested that I set up mini-rewards, too. For being consistent in an area... like counting or tracking calories for a certain number of days in a row.

On March 20th, I announced my intention to get healthy. I have lost the first 5 pounds by counting and tracking calories alone. I have no motivation to get exercising... I did however buy a set of weights and weight bench I found at a garage sale on Friday. The weights were $5 and the bench was $15. The weights are in cute colors, too. My upper body strength... well, shall we say... is non-existent. Who wouldn't like arms like the gal that trains the black team on The Biggest Loser? Anyway, I figure when I hit a plateau then I will be motivated to start exercising. Sound like a plan?

Anyway, SparkPeople encourages you to tell people about your weight loss success and goals... for accountability and encouragement. Kind of scary putting it all out on the World Wide Web.. but, hey, I figure why tell just one person... maybe by telling more people... I have a greater chance of success.