Clickers and Closers

Are you a Clicker or a Closer?

I truly believe that most people in this world fall into one of two categories: Clickers and Closers.  The camp in which you find yourself can be rather revealing.  Please, allow me to explain.

This clarification of personalities came into focus for me during my college dormitory years.  I only had two room mates.  Both were Clickers!

When Frank and I first married, he too was a Clicker.  But he soon became an excellent Closer!

"Sheri!  What in Heaven's name are you rambling about?!"

Clickers are the people who close the door behind themselves without thought of what the closing will sound like in the room they've just left.

Closers take time to quietly turn the door knob, slowly close the door then release the handle so as to make no perceptible noise for anyone remaining in the room they've vacated.

We're all Clickers during the day.....unless you have children sleeping peacefully in the room you hope to leave.  Then you'll immediately become a Closer.  And you dare anyone in the house to be anything less!

Many Clickers are dear people. (i.e. my room mates and my husband).  They just aren't aware of what their habit causes.   For the person trying to grab just fifteen more moments of precious rest, the last thing they want to hear is the door clicking shut.

In our tiled dorm room, that click echoed like a cannon going off.  And you can imagine the irritation; frustration; annoyance it caused the one who had been sleeping.

I even went so far as to demonstrate the fine art of Closing for one of my room mates.  She looked at me over her study guide and sniffed with a bit of disdain at the conclusion of the demonstration.

And although I carried on as the Closer anytime she was sleeping, she maintained her Clicker ways until we graduated.  It's hard to convert some people.

Frank converted rather quickly!  Of course, we were newlyweds.  In that phase of doing any and every thing that brought a smile to the face of the other!  To his credit, he remains a kind and faithful Closer all these years later.

Most RV's have doors that force all occupants into the role of Clickers.  Thankfully, ours had regular doors with handles which allowed the family Closers to flourish.  (The girls' space had a pocket door; cancelling the question of  Clicking or Closing entirely.  Sliding Only Required by All.)

Clickers and Closers - two distinct camps of thought and action.

I had to laugh at myself recently as I slowly backed out of the room where Noah was sleeping.  I turned the door handle ever so carefully.  Pulled the door toward me without sound.  Released the handle noiselessly.  And moved away silently.

The reward for all my effort - a long, satisfying nap time for Noah! The child on the other side of the door slept for almost two hours.  I had those closed eyelids in mind the entire time I attempted to close the door without disturbing him.

As I've aged, I've discovered that the Clickers and Closers exist in every area of life....not just one's home.

Some people are Closers in conversation.  A topic comes up that will leave another person in an unfavorable light or make someone else in the conversation uncomfortable.

Closer to the Rescue.  The Closer steps in, expertly diverts the conversation flow and effectively closes the door on what could have been a disturbing, hurtful discussion.

The Clicker invariably responds with pursed lips, raised eyebrow, impatient sigh.  All signs indicating that they had plenty more information to share if only the Closer hadn't interrupted.  The feelings of the person "on the other side" really not mattering as much as the Clicker's desire to share.

You'll find Clickers and Closers in traffic, at stores, concerts, even at church now and again:

• "This is the row where I sit.  I'm not moving over to make it easier for you."  (CLICK)  
• "My friends and I always ride together.  Sorry!"  (CLICK)
• Body language speaking loudly - "My back is to you because I have no intention of including you in my conversation!"  (CLICK)

I've been a Clicker - more times than I'd like to admit.  Clicking just seems to come naturally.  Closing can be awkward.
 
Being a Closer takes extra effort.  Many times, your work as a Closer will go unnoticed.  And some people you encounter will choose to live as Clickers their entire lives.

But I've noticed something about the times I'm able to operate as a Closer - it makes me feel better about myself.  It's like giving a little gift to someone; even if they don't realize or acknowledge it.

Clickers and Closers.

Which one are you?  I'd love to hear your thoughts -

  








 

Cup of Joy!

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(This post was actually written yesterday from the corner of Joy's hospital room. )

 My Cup Runneth Over!

I’m so completely overwhelmed by God’s mercy and goodness today!  At 8:28 AM, Mr. Zachariah Avery Schreck took his first big breath.  And when we got the text, celebrating commenced from New York to Florida. (John's parents and grandparents live in NY.)

Frank and I arrived at the hospital just after sunrise.  We all prayed together, caught some pictures; then Noni and Poppa took up station in the waiting room.  Joy went through the C-section beautifully.  John served all the roles of a doting father.

Her massive bouts with heartburn accurately predicted an amazing head full of black hair.  Chubby cheeks, almond-shaped eyes, perfect bow lips, chunky legs.  His cry?  Decisive!

Mostly Schreck looking; although, we occasionally glimpse some Hawley or Burke.  He is perfection; swaddled and capped in blue.

My heart is so incredibly full!  The joy keeps coming in waves.  And with it, my whispered gratitude to the Father.

Around lunchtime, Aunt Meagan and Aunt Kristin descended on the waiting room with four excited little ones.  Spencer (4), Abby (3), Noah (almost 2), Madi (3weeks).  The parade included a double stroller, multiple diaper bags, flowers, and balloons.

Poppa and I switched out to care for Noah and Madi while the sisters took Spencer and Abby in for introductions and pictures. 

Noah is a true people watcher.  So much was happening in the waiting area that after a long walk with Poppa, he sat quietly on my lap looking left then right then left again.  Never a peep.

Frank will bring lunch for me then head to the church for Bible study.  I’ll keep watch while John gets out of the hospital for a while.  Kristin and Cody have sibling duty with Spence and Abby.  Meagan and Nathan are holding down the fort with pictures, information, food, etc. 

(The Schreck house is already clean.  We descended on it Monday and cleared nearly every crook/nook/cranny to be found.)

Moments like this remind us of the blessing of nearness.  The joy of a big family.  The importance of prayer and gratitude. 

After weeks of concern about Meagan and Madi, bed rest proved the key.  Madison quit knocking on the exit and settled in to wait the extra time needed for development. 

How thankful I am every time I look at that precious little face.  I’m grateful even when those tiny lungs fill with air and allow her to express to the neighbors just how displeased she is!

Zach brings the “grand” total to 5!

And Kristin and Cody haven’t even launched into this part of the marriage journey yet!  When it’s time………..

Thanks for your prayers and expressions of care! 

I’m well aware that I haven’t written much about our miracle trip to Israel.  And I have so many stories to share from our missions trip to Spain.  There are posts I’ve pondered concerning all the current events and struggles in our world.

But for today, the greatest story I could share is this – God is Faithful - always!  And sometimes, like with Zach and Madi, things work out just the way we've hoped.  In those moments, we must bow and whisper, "Thank you, Father!  Thank you!"

Yes, my cup truly runneth over!

A Grand Day!

It's 8 PM so I have only a few hours to get a fourth post online for June, 2015.

And if you know me well, you know that I really only have about an hour and a half until the "shades start going down!"

While we were in Spain, many of the services and small groups didn't meet until 8 or 9 in the evening.  Even in the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, the culture runs much later into the night hours.

The retreat (our first teaching opportunity) began at 9:00 PM because so many of the ladies had to navigate train schedules.  That meant I didn't start teaching until 10:00 PM!!

Such a momentous occasion, that Kristin took a picture of me holding the microphone and a picture of the clock on her phone to verify it.  The caption reads, "Mom preaching at 10:15!  Miracles still happen!"

As I write, Gracie has her chin resting on my keyboard.  (And she's quite annoyed each time I  attempt to hit the delete button.)  Madison is sleeping contentedly in her bouncy seat on the dining room table; a fitting throne. The occasional coo escaping her perfect little lips.

Frank had a men's dinner meeting.  Nathan took Noah to the park.  Not sure which of those two will come home more tired!  And Meagan is grabbing a rare, quiet moment as a new mommie.

However, the real purpose of this post is rather grand!

You see, today is the day we get to celebrate, for the third time, the birth of one (drum roll please) Abigail Grace Schreck!  

Seems impossible that three years have passed since that ray of sunshine burst into our lives.  But they have.  And in about eight more days, Abby will become the big sister of (as she says it) "Zach-ah-why-ah Aave-wee!"  (Zachariah Avery, to the rest of us.)

June 30,......the birthday of my first grand daughter!  That's why this post is so "grand."  (Why yes!  As a matter of fact,  I did go for the obvious pun.  Try to remember that it's late as I write.)

We celebrated Abby last week because we knew her actual birthday would be very close to the baby's arrival.

As she prepared to open each gift, Abby would look around the room until she located the one who gave it.  Then she'd flash that trade-mark, million dollar smile and thank them sincerely.  There were a few teary eyes because of the genuine gratitude expressed by the precious three year old.

After all the gifts were duly squealed over, squeezed and squirreled away, Abby thrilled her adult guests by quoting the newest scripture Joy has taught Spencer and her.

She stepped to the middle of the room, drew a deep breath, gave another huge smile, swayed back and forth a couple times then recited perfectly the following:

" Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 
I Timothy 4:12  

I could have written it in her precious vernacular, but it seemed that would undermine the wonder of her ability to quote such a lengthy passage.  A grand accomplishment, indeed!

And I don't mind telling you, this is one grateful grandmother. Um, Noni! 

Blessings to you all!

Madison Ryleigh

She's Here!

She made it almost full term and weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds 9 ounces!  Noah's baby sister, Madison Ryleigh Smith, a.k.a. the newest cousin of Spencer and Abby, has arrived safe and sound!

(Cue trumpets and angel choir with chorus of "HALLELUJAH!!")

This little angel looks very much like her own precious mom looked when she was put into my arms some 27 years ago.  We told Meagan and Nathan that out of five grandchildren, it was nice to finally have one that looks at least a wee bit like the Hawley side.

(Zachariah Schreck makes his appearance in three short weeks.  It's pretty certain that he will follow the DNA track of his siblings.  He'll look nothing at all like his mom, Joy!  Abby has mannerisms like her mom but those kids will always be recognized as their daddy's children.  Good thing John is handsome.)

Once Meagan had the all clear from her doctor, she started walking and dancing and cleaning.  Any and all activity that she had been restricted from for fear of it sending her into labor, became the very activity she activated.

She was ready to deliver that baby!

Last Monday night after family dinner, the contractions hit a steady three minutes apart.  Around 10:00 pm, she and Nathan headed for the hospital.  By 11:30 we got the call, "They've admitted Meagan.  Madi is definitely on her way."

John stayed with Spencer and Abby.  One of our trusted teens from church came to stay with Noah.  And off to the hospital we went to pray and wait in the designated waiting area.

Being the organizer she is, Kristin brought snacks and drinks.  She also urged us all to bring a blanket and pillow.  Joy brought her experience.  She held Meagan's hand and cheered compassionately.  We were ready for the long night of labor to commence.

But Meagan was blessed with a relatively short labor when Noah was born.  She had every expectation that the same would happen with Madi - and it did.

A little after 2 AM I wandered back over near the labor room.

A nurse came running out, "She's ready to deliver!"

The doctor who was sauntering in that direction was startled, "She's delivering now?!"

"Yes!" was the curt response.  "Right now!"

They both sprinted into the room.

I hurried back to the waiting area and reported the information I'd gleaned through my eaves-dropping. 

And twenty-four minutes later, we heard the first precious cry!

I once read this lovely quote by Carl Sandburg, "A baby is God's opinion that the world should go on!"

My heart says AMEN to that!

Hospitals

Frank knows hospitals like an eagle knows flight!

He's totally comfortable in any hospital.  Any where.  Any time.

Me?  Not so much!

He trained and worked in a regional hospital while we lived in Asheville, NC.  Up until recently, my only experience with hospitals was limited to emergency rooms, trauma and the labor/delivery area.  All experiences with more than just a little tension involved.

That has had to change.

Not only do we have numerous church members needing hospital care right now.  We also have two daughters pregnant at the same time.  With due dates differing by only a few days.  With one on bed rest and the other caring for TWO toddlers.  It has had to change.

Suddenly, I'm spending a LOT of time at doctor's offices, talking with nurses, watching monitors, listening to beepers, offering ice chips, even pushing the occasional wheel chair.

Meagan has gone into labor twice (that required hospital intervention.)  She has become so accustomed to the labor pains that she now knows the drill for trying to stop them at home.  LARGE amounts of water, in a warm bath, resting on her side, deep breathing.

She and Nathan have it down to a science.

I've spent most of those moments walking around; quietly trying to help entertain Noah and whispering prayers.

Saturday marked her thirty-sixth week.  Madison Ryleigh is now totally viable and the doctor has no intention of stopping labor next time the contractions again reach three minutes.  (Meagan was a little disappointed that during church Sunday the contractions were only six minutes apart.  Oh, the new normal!)

We've all been focused on Meagan's delivery which has seemed eminent at any moment for the past six weeks.

Last night, the tables turned!

Joy (due July 15th) had been incredibly uncomfortable all day long.  Lots of nausea.  Pressure.  Lots and lots of pressure.  She had seen the doctor the day before and he gave the all clear.  But there was absolutely NO relief for her.

Around 8 PM, he said for her to go to the hospital as a precaution.  You see, Spencer and Abby both liked where they were and  preferred to NOT to be born by regular means.  So, the doctor went in after them.  Joy gave birth via cesarean section.  That means Zachariah will need to be a C-Section birth as well.

When that's the case, the little incubator mommie can't be allowed go into labor as it will cause problems for the little incubating baby.

The Daddy (John) is currently in Miami on a missions trip with students from our church.  They are working long hours in the heat and gathering with other students from all over FL for services in the evenings.  While planning this trip in January, we thought it perfectly okay for him to lead the team as Joy would be six weeks from her due date.

CHANGE!

Aunt Kristin and Uncle Cody jumped into action to cover Spencer and Abby.  Noni (who could do without hospitals) and Poppa (who could minister in hospitals every day) loaded up the mommie we didn't expect to take to the hospital and took her to the hospital rather quickly.  In a driving rain, just for added effect!

Fortunately, they were able to stop her contractions with the help of two massive bags of fluids and an IV - which the nurses kept calling her "Date" for the evening.  (Humor.  Always good medicine!)

We finally stumbled home around 1 AM and got Joy settled in bed.  She made the call that John (who was ready to start the four-hour drive from Miami) should stay put and finish the trip with the students and other leaders.

There's nothing whimpy about my girls!

It's true.  I would be perfectly content to never visit a hospital again.

But it's also true that I'm incredibly grateful.  Grateful for the wonderful professionals working in hospitals everyday to give my girls, my church members, my extended family and friends the care they so desperately need in times of crisis.

In just a few minutes, I'll get into my car and drive to a hospital in Orlando to visit a dear church member.  Their situation is not pleasant.  But once again, it's the medical professionals who are making it bearable. 

So as Noah would say, "TANKS!"  (Thanks for ALL you do for the communities you serve!)

Grateful Heart!

Jet Lag is no joking matter!  (In fact, I first typed "Jeg Lat." Sigh!)

No joking matter, but worth every bit of weariness to have experienced the past two months.  My heart is full to overflowing with gratitude! 

If I were a mathematical sort, I would calculate the number of miles I've traveled in just under sixty days:

• Florida to Israel!  
• Florida to NC!  
• Florida to Spain!  

As Mom would say (in a thick southern accent), "Hit's a right fuhr piece!" 

Now I know why I kept praying "Lord, increase my capacity to absorb all I'm experiencing!"  I needed Divine assistance!


Israel was truly the dream trip of a lifetime!  And the fact that our church family blessed us with such an adventure......well, that journey just can't be equaled!

Frank and I talk about it with a sense of awe and extreme gratitude.  We're still sorting through pictures and experiences and emails from our fellow travelers.

The next two trips were mainly ministry.  While in NC, I preached three times in 24 hours.  Spain became a new record for me -  I preached, taught or coached more than 12 times in 8 days.

The last night we were in Barcelona, they sent Molly, Kristin and I to three different community groups scattered around the area.  Kristin with the young ladies group.  Molly with a home Bible study.  I met with the couples group.  We had already met with the church leadership team in the morning and the women leaders for lunch.

By the time we cleared airport security early Thursday morning, we could say with confidence that we had truly left it ALL on the field!

But oh, the adventures of these weeks!  The sights!  The new friends!

We discovered a long lost "daughter" in Israel.  As well as a "son" who gave Frank a farewell hug of epic proportions.

We found a "brother,"  "sister" and "nephew" in Spain.  The Dowson family (who hosted our team) instantly became lifetime friends!   By the middle of our first meal, we all knew the Lord had brought us together for the blessing of a rich connection!  So much laughter!  So many genuine hugs!

Then there was time with the beautiful young couple pastoring International Church of Barcelona.  We had a "family" connection with them during their itineration three years ago.  John and Brandi Carrano are amazing trail-blazers! 

(You should check out the website for their awesome church: icbspain.org  Your heart will experience joy and challenge all at the same time.)

So many stories to share with you in the coming days.  I'm trying to sort them now.  But it felt important to share this thought.

My recent travels have convinced me of a few things:

• God is still very much at work all over the world! 
• If we look, we will find Him!
• Heart connections are powerful!
• Everyone has something to share with someone!
• Dreams do come about!
• Miracles are happening all around us - just look!

May your summer be filled with great moments and experiences that cause you to overflow with gratitude!





 





 

Contractions, Changes, Constants

I'm so grateful for those of you who choose to read Embrace the Grace!

I'm well aware that I deserve NO loyal readership whatsoever with my slackness of the past few weeks!

I'm glad you stopped by, just the same!

That being said, let me give you a couple of quick updates that will better describe the days since our return from Israel.

First off, Madison Ryleigh apparently loves the sounds of excitement she hears and has decided that she wants to be here NOW to enjoy life with us.   Unfortunately, she has another seven weeks until her due date!

As soon as we returned, we became aware that Madi will surely be like her mom.

Meagan started trying to make her appearance when I was only five months pregnant.  After a couple of hospital stays, I was put on complete bed rest for the last six weeks.  I was only allowed to stand and walk to the living room couch, the bathroom, or the shower for three minutes - which Frank timed diligently.

Meagan has had to stop working.  (Teachers find it almost impossible to instruct students while sitting.)  And now Nathan holds the timer; keeping up with contractions to determine if they need to go back to the hospital.

The entire family is pretty focused on keeping Madison "in the oven" for at least three more weeks.  We would appreciate your prayers for them both.

Joy is doing well with her pregnancy.  Although keeping up with Spencer, Abby and Noah most days leaves her ready for a back rub almost every evening!  Zach is not due until mid-July.  "Noni, it's Zah-ka-why-ah!" Abby loves her little brother's name and corrects me as often as her mother will allow!

Speaking of Mother's Day (did you like that segue?)  Joy brought the sermon for our Mother's Day services!  We were so very proud of how she listened for what the Lord wanted to say.  And I've heard it was a powerful message of encouragement for both the women and the men.

"You've heard?!  Weren't you there?"

Actually, no I wasn't.

I had flown to Concord, NC to speak for the Mother's Day brunch held by First Assembly on Saturday.  Then I was also scheduled to speak for their services on Sunday.  You can actually click on this link and listen to the sermon I gave if you'd like.  It starts at about 40 minutes into the service.    http://cfachurch.com/media.html

The time in Concord was great fun.  Their women's pastor is a dear friend from college years and beyond.  I've spoken there before and know many of the ladies.  Their pastor and his wife have preached at our church.  And special bonus - time with my sister who lives near there!

Did I mention that we also hosted my dad and his new wife, Christeen, for a few days after returning?  Yeah, we did that too.  Of course, it was nice having them and getting to know Christeen, who truly is a sweet lady.

And that our church offices are still crammed into the church kitchen because we're trying to expand our nurseries with so many babies being born?!

And that Kristin and I leave for Barcelona on Wednesday?

"Did she say Barcelona?  As in Spain?  As in running of the bulls and flemenco dancing?"

Yes, Barcelona, Spain.  We may see a flemenco dancer or two but no bulls, I hope.

Last January, our missionaries asked that I bring a small team of ladies to speak for a conference they were planning for May.  I was honored by the invitation but had to chuckle because of the timing.  It was scheduled for two weeks after we would return from Israel.   No way in the world!  Maybe 2016.

I shared the request with Frank who immediately said, "Sheri, you should pray about this!  Ask if they can push it later into May."

I had almost no faith that something this amazing would happen right on the heals of our dream trip!

But I asked and they said,  "Certainly!  End of May works!"

I kept praying and each door I tested seemed to swing open.  Wide Open!

Our missions director was certain her husband wouldn't let her go.  "Absolutely!  You need to go with her!  This is an important trip!"  was her husband's immediate response.

Cody cleared Kristin to go!  And please understand that we were each responsible for raising our budget to make this trip.  Missionaries can invite - but they don't have extra funds to cover the cost of the ministry teams they need.

This was actually a ministry trip I had secretly dreamed of taking.  The young couple working there are serving as pastors for a rapidly growing international church.  The wife and I connected immediately because she grew up near Pensacola and felt just like one of my own girls.

I kept fasting and praying because this was a time I needed a very definite word from the Lord.  The decision deadline was rapidly approaching.  Everything had to be in place before we left for Israel or we wouldn't be able to go.

And Israel was only three weeks away!

On that Sunday morning, I was in my prayer chair searching for a scripture I wanted to share with a lady in our church.  I knew I had seen the passage in Romans and it would be such an encouragement to her, but I couldn't remember exactly where it was.

As I quickly scanned the pages, my eyes fell on the word SPAIN.

I screeched to a halt and read the following, "....I have been longing to see you.  I plan to do so when I go to Spain. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem.  When I have completed this....I will go to Spain."

You can not make up this stuff!

I walked (a bit dazed) into the bedroom where Frank was getting ready for church.

"Honey, read this!"  I handed the passage to him.

He read it and looked right into my eyes, "I told you you're supposed to go!  How much more plainly do you need to see it?"

So, Wednesday we leave for Spain. 

I'll get to preach/teach at least seven times in eight days.  Kristin will lead worship and teach.  Molly (who organized it all) will teach and sing too.  We are humbled, excited, overwhelmed.  And my clothes are already packed, believe it or not.

Yes, we're dealing with early contractions.

Yes, there are all sorts of changes swirling around.

But God's word continues to serve as a constant for me.  And that's probably why He used scripture to confirm this next leg of my journey!



We have a group of twelve ladies who have agreed to go with us by being prayer partners.  Would you please consider joining us that way too?  We could really use the extra prayer!  And the scriptures I shared are found in Romans 15:23-29.  Check it out - pretty amazing!