Cornelius Hurt His Back

Saturday, November 24, 2012 9:34 PMSubject: Prayer Request

Today Cornelius injured his back while doing chores outdoors.  He is in a lot of pain and laid up.  Please pray for a quick recovery.  It also is imperitive he heals quickly because he just started a new job a few weeks ago.  Also, could you pray for our little Jaelle.  She has had a fever the past few days and needs God's touch.

Thank you for your prayers

Cherri and family

Update November 26, 2012

Dear Church family and friends,

We thank you for your prayers. It’s been a long hard weekend in our household.  Saturday night I slept 3 hours after spending the night in ER with Cornelius.  The pain was too much that he finally decided to go get some pain meds.  Right now Cornelius is unable to walk without the aid of a walker.  He can’t sit up at a desk, table or chair.  To get him around in a vehicle we took out the middle seat so he can lay in the van to transport him.

Many of you know that my husband is not the kind of man to not work and that the very nature of him is to serve. He’s always helping and serving someone and so it’s very difficult to see him like this.

Today he plans to make phone calls to get into a doctor but we have decided that we need to seek a chiropractor and see how quickly we can alleviate the pain and get him walking and working.  His job is a big concern since he is new and on probation.  I was reminded this morning to not be like the Israelites who kept forgetting all that God did for them. They would have something happen and then worry or doubt and God was continually faithful and did miraculous things for them.  And God did a miraculous thing getting Cornelius this job. So I have to be thankful, trust and know that God has this situation in His hands- which is the best place to be.

Jaelle still is sick and needs a lot of attention.  So continue to pray for her healing as well.

We love you all and thank you for your support and prayers.  Those of you who have called, texted or facebooked have been so wonderful with your kind words and care.  Cornelius needs the encouragement and it means so much.

Thank you,

Cherri and family

 Email to Friend November 26, 2012

I was thinking these 2 things this morning:

1.       We can make plans and be all prepared and think we are in control- but we are never ever really in control.  We live in a fallen world and bad things happen.  So we can do all the right things and still have bad things happen. But GOD is in control and holds us in His hands.

2.       I am reminded to be thankful in all things and to trust.  I don’t want to be like the Israelites in the Bible who are always doubting and complaining after what God did by providing Cornelius’ job in the first place.

I am reminded this morning that God’s heart for me is to be more like him- and lots of times that is dealing with character issues. J

And here are the sick couple from this weekend. :)  Jaelle sucking her thumb after leaving a pile of crackers on her daddies lap. And Daddy resting and dealing with all his back pain.

So this is me....

So I had my friend Molly take some pictures of me.  This is one of the first ones she sent me on my facebook page.  I was like, "wow...is that really me?"  I've always been so fiercely insecure about the way I look.  Mostly because I just wasn't a typial cookie cutter American cutie. I was overweight and it just seemed like boys didn't like me in that way.  I had so many boys as friends growing up, but not boys saying "oh Cherri, I really like you."  Instead I was hearing their stories of love for some other girl while in my heart I wished someone would like me.

Anyway, I sound like a silly sob story telling you all this.  But after seeing this picture I thought to myself "I am beautiful. Beautiful because God made me unique, a jewel, a treasure and that I am His child and a child of a King."  But this picture just made me feel and look fabulous.  Molly, the photographer, put it well by saying that I'm beautiful on the inside and it shows on the outside.  And I think its true. I had a friend in Elementary tell me (and I didn't forget) "Cherri, if you weren't nice, you'd be ugly."  And I have told people this and they are like "that is so mean!" And I'm like, well, it is and it's not. Because the truth is, when someone is ugly on the inside, when their heart isn't right and its filled with bitterness, unforgivness, and just yucky stuff, well, it shows on the outside.  Your heart is a well spring of either life or death.

The whole purpose of this picture wasn't to be philosophical, but to have a few pictures to use on a demo CD or pamplet to share about my ministry. So I thank my friend Molly for taking this wonderful picture and I can't wait to share more pictures with you all!

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

Showers of Blessing

Verse for the Day-
 "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love." Psalm 33:4-5


Today is a State holiday, Veterans Day, and I am so thankful that they give me this work day off.  And last month I decided that I was going to still have the babysitter come for Jaelle so that I could make a day for just me.  Get away, make a doctor appointment and just do things in this day that I don't have time for very often.

So I woke early, like I was going to work, and as I was getting ready I was thinking about titles to a demo CD or promotional pamplet for a ministry that I would like to do.  And I have thought about images, or dreams or things that God has been in my life- a treasure, jewels, faithfulness.....but then this morning (in the shower), I was reminded of what God told me the day I got married - "Showers of Blessing" 

I think I really started thinking about God's voice and direction more intentionally because of our Small Group study, "Soul Shift". This past week in particular we are focused on a shift from "Ask to Listen".  And I was challenged again about truly listening to God. And how to listen and where to listen. I feel like that I practiced listening to God for the most part and as a result of listening to "his still sweet voice" which is like a melody in my heart, I have found blessing and favor in my life.  And I ask myself, how did I learn to listen to that voice.  I think of my mom and grandma and how they instilled a deep faith and love for God and a deep desire to follow Him. How they taught me to sense and acknowledge God's Holy Spirit in my life. To serve others in love and sensitivity because of knowing that God is in me and working through me.  I think of my dad, and how he instilled in me a deep desire to learn and know music and to use music in my life.  Not because my dad was a professional or trained musician, but because my dad had such a love for using music to express his heart to God.  He used music to serve.  Now if you combine what my dad and my mom and grandma taught me together- you can see where it has helped to direct my path and lead me to "listening to the sweet melody" of God's voice and how now I am making a melody of my life unto the Lord.  I see where 13 years ago, when I chose to listen to God above my hearts wishes and my fleshes desires, that I found myself on the path of blessing.  Cornelius was a huge part of God blessing my life and showering blessing in my marriage, friendships, children and finances.  I think of the bumps along the road, but how they pale in comparison to the overiding showers of blessings, faithfulness, goodness and love.  God has truly been unfailing in His pursuit of me, to show and reveal His love to me in such tangible ways.

So now here I am, today in Panera Bread, drinking coffee, eating oatmeal.  Enjoying a quiet day to myself to think, contemplate, rest and just "be".  To hear God's voice in an intentional way.  And I have to admit, I questioned if I was doing the right thing today, leaving Jaelle with a sitter when I could be home with her.  But as I was getting my coffee to sit down, the lady behind the counter said "would you like to sample a free bagel?"  I was like, "Really?" and it sounds silly, but that simple gift of a free blessing just reaffirmed me in knowing that  God was blessing me again today, that He was with me and reminding me that He only has good things for me and that when I keep chosing to listen and obey, He's going to show up and reveal Himself to me in my world, in my path and I only need to look and listen and then taste and see that HE IS GOOD. :)

So I end this journal entry with complete joy in my heart- and anticipating what God is going to speak to my heart as I take time to hear from Him about the CD and music I'm working on.  Because today I really want to take time to hear what God wants to say about that party of my life.  Part of me is afraid because I'm afraid of what He might tell me or show me.....God, help me to not run and to trust that you have always been faithful in the path you have lead me on, no matter if the choice was hard, you always showed up and opened that door to something more wonderful than I imagined.

What a day- a rainy, gray and cold day, but a beautiful day to look to Jesus and see Him through it all and see that every day, no matter what it looks like or the circumstance, is always a beautiful day with Jesus.

Amen

First Time Going POTTY

Did I happen to mention that Jaelle went pee pee on the potty October 11th?  Yep, so I figure I better document this momentous occassion!

She grabbed at her bottom and then Abby said "Jaelle you have to go potty?!"  So she grabbed her hand and ran her to the bathroom.  Got her clothes off and as I walked into the bathroom I picked up my naked little girl and put her on the potty.  And sure enough...."Pssst!"  Pee went into the potty. :)  Pretty cool for a 16 month old. 

Don't know if she's quite ready for potty training but just going to be relaxed and let it happen.....totally different attitude from the last time I potty trained with Abby and Becca. :)

Life is good in the Bornman Household. :)

Letter of Recommendation

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM GRACE ADVENTURES

October 12, 2012

To Whom It May Concern,

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Cherri Bornman as a worship leader. I am the Program

Manager at Grace Adventures, a Christian camp and training center in Silver Lake, Michigan. Cherri has

lead worship for 3 years in our Women’s Retreat program.

Over the 3 years that Cherri has participated, our program has grown from 100 women to over 250 and

she continues to receive rave reviews from attendees. In fact, she has never received a negative review.

Cherri’s worship style is simple but authentic and powerful. She easily relates to the attendees using

humor, personal stories and testimonies and is then able to smoothly transition into a worship

experience. She is extremely talented vocally and on the piano and has a great balance between types of

songs she chooses from traditional to contemporary, upbeat and slow.

Cherri is very easy and fun to work with. She is flexible and really desires to meet the needs of the

program. Cherri is also organized and always gives us the information we need well in advance.

Although she has only lead worship for us in Women’s Retreats, I have no doubt that she would be

excellent with any adult or family group.

In addition to her musical skill and talent, Cherri is a huge benefit to our program in that she is not just

there to play music but to minister. On many occasions she has gone out of her way to form

relationships with guests, to listen and talk and pray with them. She is a woman of strong faith and her

passion for God’s love is evident in her actions and speech.

If you are looking for a worship leader who will authentically and sincerely draw people into the

presence of God, I highly recommend Cherri. She has a true heart for worship and we have been blessed

to have her as a part of our program and I believe you will be as well. I would be happy to provide any

other helpful information.

Sincerely,

Abby Banfield

Program Manager

(231) 873-3662

abby@graceadventures.org


FEEDBACK ON THE WORSHIP BAND:

Answers to the question, "What has your experience at the Women’s Retreat meant to you?"

• It was a wonderful experience with my sister, church and other ladies, listening to God’s Word through Jennifer, worshipping, fellowshipping, and learning.
• It was relaxing and allowed me personal time to spend with God and friends in worship.
• A fun time of relaxing and growing with new great worship.

 

Answers to the question, "Please share which sessions or workshops impacted you, and what you’ve learned from them."

 

• I also really enjoyed the worship before each session. 
• Worship.
• Worship was the best I’ve participated in in a long time.
• I really enjoyed the sessions to worship.  Deep, deep love of Christ came out of this.
• Jennifer Shaw’s sessions, the worship music, session on change, Eva’s open house – great ideas.
• Also, Cherry and the worship team are great.
• Worship and speaker.

Random comments:

• I loved Jen and the worship team
• Loved Cherri and the girls doing worship – great blessing!  Would enjoy even longer worship times!
• Loved the speaker and the worship singers.  I would be very happy to see the speaker and singers again next year.

Answers to the question, "How did God speak to you or work in your life this weekend?"

• Worship, in His Word, in His music.
• God really spoke to me through the Shepherd’s Walk and through the worship times. 
• He gently reminded me that I am special, unique, and important.  Stress, worry, and self esteem issues have plagued me for years.  He also showed Himself while we worshipped and sang.

Abby Banfield

Program Manager

Grace Adventures

(231) 873-3662

www.graceadventures.org

Jaelle Veronica Bornman September 2012, 15 months old

I couldn't let these pictures go without sharing them.  This little girl has so much personality and ENERGY.  It's not that she is bad, but she surely keeps us on our toes.  I don't remember Abby and Becca being so strong willed and determined.  Jaelle is a go getter and loves playing and interacting with people of all ages.  Bedtime is normally 7:30 or 8pm and she gets up between 6:30-7am every day.  Naps have been either once a day for 2-3 hours or two 1 hour naps.  I've noticed that she likes to "pick" at Becca. I think because Becca reacts and Jaelle knows she's going to get some kind of response whether good or bad.  Abby is Jaelle's little mommy and I love how Abby helps Jaelle and nurtures her.  I'm not surprised that Abby is such a responsible big sister. 

Jaelle is so beautiful and I just had to share these precious pictures from earlier in the month of September 2012 

These pictures show all her different faces in a half hour span.

Aren't I cute mommy?

Very much a thumbsucker.  But I'm going to just let her grow out of it and not worry about it.

I try to play piano with Jaelle but she usually boots me off the piano because she wants to perform, or sing or do her own thing. :) 

Spacing out face.

Goofy girl- she is very silly and loves to laugh and joke.  Jaelle has an usually keen sense of humor for being so little.

And I just LOVE this picture!  Yep, Jaelle is trying to go potty.  Abby thought that Jaelle was telling her that she had to go potty because she was grabbing at her diaper.  So Abby took her and then was yelling from the bathroom for me to help.  I come and of course, nothing happens.  So I set Jaelle in front of me and tell her to watch mommy.  I sit on the potty and then tell her to "listen" and then proceed to pee.  Before I could respond/react, Jaelle sits down on the floor in front of me, looks between her legs, and then PEES!!  I start to yell but notice that Jaelle is proudly clapping because she peed.  So I quickly change from yelling/scolding to "yeah, good job Jaelle!"    So this is Jaelle's first pee pee picture and I'm sure we'll have more fun stories to share.  But how cool that we caught her first potty picture and story together. :)

Grace Adventures Women's Retreat September 28-30th,2012

This is my 3rd year attending this Women's Retreat at Grace Adventures in Mears, Michigan as the guest worship leader for the weekend.  And how it all came about was from a referral.  I spoke for 3 years at a Women's Retreat for New Haven Brethren church and also lead the women in worship at a Bed and Breakfast in Saugatuck MI.  It was such a wonderful thing for me in that it was my first time speaking for a whole weekend and because the women who go to this retreat are just so loving and made me feel part of their church family.  I met Noelle Gable, an amazing woman ministering to young girls in the Grand Rapids area.  I had an opening Ice Breaker question asking who in the audience had the most children and everyone yelled "NOELLE!"  And I asked "How many children do you have?"  And she replies "I think 16" and then someone in the audience says "And she's not married!!"  And I said "Ok, well I just opened a can of worms!"  And we all laughed....but later I was able to sit and talk with her to hear her ministry to young troubled girls in Grand Rapids, how she lives with them in a home and basically becomes a mother to them.  Anyway, Noelle was the one who mentioned me to Grace Adventures when they were looking for a woman worship leader for their upcoming women's retreat.  And that is how I ended up with the opportunity to minister in music and continue to return.  I just finished my 3rd year this year and they asked me to come back again for 2013!  I couldn't be more excited about it.  Grace Adventures truly has a unique and most amazing campus.  They have such a GIFT of hospitality.  You instantly feel loved, accepted, and pampered while you are there.  The campus is beautiful and the activities range from Zumba, zip line, horse back riding, massages, shooting, paintball, or SLEEPING or no sleeping.  One of my favorite things to do at Grace Adventures is to go to Eva's house.  Eva is the wife of the maintenance director at Grace.  She opens her home anyone to visit.  She oozes God's love and her home is so cute.  Every crick and cranny is filled with little things she's created. She has wonderful ideas on food, hosting, and especially giving little gifts that cost pennies to make to give to someone  to make them feel loved or special.  I just love Eva and I think its because she's such a perfect example of what it looks like to use your gift to the fullest to bless others.  Her gift of hospitality and service and "works of her hands" are so evident in her home and life that Christ is honored and all people are blessed who come encounter her.

Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

Jennifer Shaw- Songwriter, Vocal Performer and Speaker.  Tremendous woman of God- because she was REAL and her message was straight from God's word and not of her.  It was amazing ministering with her in music this weekend and being apart of her vision for the weekend.  She came with laryngitis and wasn't able to sing until Sunday morning.  But she did speak every session and God used her mightily!

My favorite picture from the weekend- my sister and me

On top of Little Sable Lighthouse with Elissa Green, Gina and Kendra Battig

Here is the gang who came with us to Grace Adventures.  We loved bunking together and spent a few hours Saturday at Little Sable lighthouse and lake Michigan enjoying the sun and view.  Gina and me even ran up one of the sand dunes. :)

Gina and me had to take a foot picture

Very happy me

I am actually terrified of heights but the view was breathtaking and I was glad that I overame my fear and went up on the balcony at the top of Little Sable Lighthouse.

And the older I get, the more I like my stubby little nose that God gave me. :) Thanks God!!

BELOW IS AN EMAIL I SENT TO FRIENDS REGARDING THE WEEKEND:

We're back from an awesome weekend at Grace Adventures! The speaker and song writer/vocal artist was Jennifer Shaw. Wonderful woman and we totally enjoyed ministering with her in music this weekend. We left feeling more encouraged in our gifts and the call on our lives to use music to touch women and bring them closer to God. I’m excited to see where God will take us this coming year with our music.  And they booked us for next year again and both Grace Adventures and the Musical artist are writing a letter of recommendation on our behalf!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT!!  They mean so much.  Keep praying for Gina.  It’s a long road and I still see her wanting go back to Freddy-Only God knows what the outcome of their seperation will bring. She so badly wants to honor God with her marriage and love Freddy.  But the emotional/mental abuse was strong and so evident in her behavior, patterns and actions. I hope she remains steadfast with her decision but time will tell. I keep remembering that verse that says “He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.” 

Anyways, I am learning every day what it is to trust God with family and to see God work in a tangible way in Gina’s life as she works through and deals with her trials.  She continues to amaze me with her simple “child like” heart and faith.  Gina is such a loving/merciful person and I want that quality too.

Cherri  

P.S.  HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEKEND-We met a girl who survived abuse (the last day of the retreat at breakfast)  All I asked her was “Do you mind me asking how you became a single parent?” And she started in with her story. By the end, Gina and I were both a mess.  Anyway, I call it one of those “divine appointments” and Gina feels that her meeting this girl was totally why she was supposed to go this weekend. Gina got her phone number and info and she recommended some programs for Gina. It was good for Gina to see and meet with another girl who has survived, thrived and overcame.