Math was never my strong suit in school. In fact, I loathed math. My least favorite math, Geometry. Ninth grade was one of the worst years of my life because of that class. But I pushed through and eventually came to a mutual understanding with the world of numbers. In fact, I have even tutored several students in Algebra. My math teachers would be proud!
Having said all that, the title of this post has nothing to do with my superb math skills or lack there of.
Actually, the title of this post is to help me announce that Daniel and I are expecting a baby! I am currently 8 1/2 weeks pregnant and Baby Cooley's estimated due date is August 27th. I had an ultrasound at 7 weeks and Daniel and I were able to see the baby's heartbeat at that time. We go back to the doctor on February 15th to hear the heartbeat. We are both very excited as we approach this next chapter in our lives.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Fundraising Complete
I am pleased to share that Gloria and I have reached our fundraising goal for our mission trip to Guatemala. We are thankful for all our family and friends that were able to support us in this way. Please continue to pray for our team. The team will meet next month to plan.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Mission Trip to Guatemala
Gloria and I are hoping to participate in orphan ministry in Guatemala and we need your help. We feel led to join a team traveling to Guatemala City in February to share the love of Christ with children living in the San Gabriel Boys Home and the Manchen Girls Home. We will also be able to encourage and share fellowship with a church plant in Guatemala City.
Here is where you come in.
1. Prayer Support. We want to offer you the opportunity to support us and the orphans of Guatemala through prayer. Please pray that the young people in the homes we visit will be open to the gospel and that the team will be able to encourage and bring joy into the lives of these young people. Many teams have already visited these homes over the past several years, and many of these young people have become followers of Christ. Pray for these little ones as they grow in faith.
2. Financial Support. Please consider assisting us financially or through the donation of American Airlines Miles, perhaps in lieu of a Christmas gift. Your support in helping us reach out to needy children in Guatemala would mean as much to us as any gift could ever be. You can donate online using the donate button. If you would prefer to send a check, you may do so by making the check payable to Buckner International and mail it to our home.
Feel free to check out the pictures from our trip to Guatemala in 2004, and come back later for more details about our trip.
Here is where you come in.
1. Prayer Support. We want to offer you the opportunity to support us and the orphans of Guatemala through prayer. Please pray that the young people in the homes we visit will be open to the gospel and that the team will be able to encourage and bring joy into the lives of these young people. Many teams have already visited these homes over the past several years, and many of these young people have become followers of Christ. Pray for these little ones as they grow in faith.
2. Financial Support. Please consider assisting us financially or through the donation of American Airlines Miles, perhaps in lieu of a Christmas gift. Your support in helping us reach out to needy children in Guatemala would mean as much to us as any gift could ever be. You can donate online using the donate button. If you would prefer to send a check, you may do so by making the check payable to Buckner International and mail it to our home.
Feel free to check out the pictures from our trip to Guatemala in 2004, and come back later for more details about our trip.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Going Deep
I normally do not write about really deep or personal things on our blog. It is more a means of keeping our friends and family updated on our not-so-exciting life. However, tonight I just felt the need to write about something deep.
Our church, Grace Point Church, is beginning an Advent series this Sunday, as are probably numerous other churches across the US. Our pastor, Brent, has asked Daniel and I to be in a video to be played on Sunday morning. The message and the video will be focused on "Hope." Not a worldly hope, but the hope that believers have because of the redeeming work of Christ Jesus.
Brent has asked me to share about two of the most difficult life experiences I have walked through. First, my father's illness and death and second, my mother's battle with breast cancer. While these two circumstances are similar, both involved cancer and both involved a parent, my life was affected differently by each. Not because my mom survived and my dad did not, not because of different relationships with each parent, but because of where I was and am in my relationship to Christ.
Brent sent a couple of questions for me to think about and to guide our conversation for the video we will be producing.
One of the questions he asks is:
How did you maintain your hope in Christ when you lost your father and cancer threatened your mother?
As I thought about the question, I came to the realization that hope looked very different to me in each circumstance.
I remember the phone call I received while a junior in college in which my mom shared with me that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I had accepted Christ just 5 months prior to that phone call. As I hung up the phone I remember this immense feeling of hopelessness. I cried. I was angry. I began to question how God could allow this to happen to my mom. I kept thinking... my mom is going to die. I knew Christ, but as a young believer I did not know hope. Perhaps I did know hope, but certainly not the hope I know today.
7 years later I would receive another phone call. This time the phone call was from my dad with the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. I would soon learn that the prognosis was not good. The treatment would most likely not save his life, but prolong it for just a short time. I cried. But this time they were not tears of hopelessness, but a cry of hopefulness. I did not think ... my dad is going to die, but instead, God please heal him.
My dad was not given an earthly healing. He passed from this life a little after 7:00am on Wednesday, May 11, 2005. A few hours later a neighbor shared with me that she was certain my dad was in Heaven. She told me that just the week before she came to sit with my dad while my stepmom ran errands and she asked him if he knew Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior. She told me with a smile on her face, that he said YES! Oh, what blessed hope of knowing Christ and Christ crucified, but even better yet, the resurrected Christ.
How did I maintain my hope? Through God's grace.
I spent time in His word, I prayed, I cried. I surrounded myself with other believers and talked about the things that were going on. I leaned on the promises of God. That He would never leave me nor forsake me. That even as I walked through the valley of the shadow of death , I could fear no evil because He was with me. I clung to the promise that His Word does not return void. I envisioned the mansion prepared for my dad, if he truly believed.
How did I maintain my hope? Again, I say through God's grace.
Our church, Grace Point Church, is beginning an Advent series this Sunday, as are probably numerous other churches across the US. Our pastor, Brent, has asked Daniel and I to be in a video to be played on Sunday morning. The message and the video will be focused on "Hope." Not a worldly hope, but the hope that believers have because of the redeeming work of Christ Jesus.
Brent has asked me to share about two of the most difficult life experiences I have walked through. First, my father's illness and death and second, my mother's battle with breast cancer. While these two circumstances are similar, both involved cancer and both involved a parent, my life was affected differently by each. Not because my mom survived and my dad did not, not because of different relationships with each parent, but because of where I was and am in my relationship to Christ.
Brent sent a couple of questions for me to think about and to guide our conversation for the video we will be producing.
One of the questions he asks is:
How did you maintain your hope in Christ when you lost your father and cancer threatened your mother?
As I thought about the question, I came to the realization that hope looked very different to me in each circumstance.
I remember the phone call I received while a junior in college in which my mom shared with me that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I had accepted Christ just 5 months prior to that phone call. As I hung up the phone I remember this immense feeling of hopelessness. I cried. I was angry. I began to question how God could allow this to happen to my mom. I kept thinking... my mom is going to die. I knew Christ, but as a young believer I did not know hope. Perhaps I did know hope, but certainly not the hope I know today.
7 years later I would receive another phone call. This time the phone call was from my dad with the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer. I would soon learn that the prognosis was not good. The treatment would most likely not save his life, but prolong it for just a short time. I cried. But this time they were not tears of hopelessness, but a cry of hopefulness. I did not think ... my dad is going to die, but instead, God please heal him.
My dad was not given an earthly healing. He passed from this life a little after 7:00am on Wednesday, May 11, 2005. A few hours later a neighbor shared with me that she was certain my dad was in Heaven. She told me that just the week before she came to sit with my dad while my stepmom ran errands and she asked him if he knew Jesus as His personal Lord and Savior. She told me with a smile on her face, that he said YES! Oh, what blessed hope of knowing Christ and Christ crucified, but even better yet, the resurrected Christ.
How did I maintain my hope? Through God's grace.
I spent time in His word, I prayed, I cried. I surrounded myself with other believers and talked about the things that were going on. I leaned on the promises of God. That He would never leave me nor forsake me. That even as I walked through the valley of the shadow of death , I could fear no evil because He was with me. I clung to the promise that His Word does not return void. I envisioned the mansion prepared for my dad, if he truly believed.
How did I maintain my hope? Again, I say through God's grace.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Growing Up Fast!
Wow! Kindergarten all ready!
So grown up!I can't believe how quickly time passes. It seems like just yesterday that my nephew was born and of course not much longer ago my niece. They are just too cute!
Saturday, November 03, 2007
One Week Ago Today
One week ago today I had already walked 20 miles, used multiple port-a-potties, drank more Gatorade than I have in 10 years, attempted to sleep in a tent while wearing multiple layers of clothing and had set out on day 2 of my 60 mile adventure. When I look back all I can say is WOW!
Last Friday morning, Daniel dropped Melissa and I off at South Fork Ranch in Parker, Texas. The temperature was a slight 34 degrees. I had goose bumps on top of my goose bumps. We dropped off our luggage and joined almost 3000 others for Opening Ceremonies. Emotions were high! Excitement, tears, laughter, anxiety they were all there. The spokeswoman for this year's events was a phenomenal speaker and she truly facilitated in preparing us for the journey we were about to embark upon.
The crowd was as diverse as a box of Crayola Crayons. Men, women, young, old, survivors, fighters, repeat walkers, first timers. But each person in that field had the same purpose. 60 miles in 3 Days in hopes of finding a cure!
Watching the Survivor Circle walk in carrying their banners, I could not help but cry. Tears of joy for these women and the many others who have overcome this terrible disease. But tears of sorrow as well, for those who have not been so lucky. I walked because I could and I can. I walked because there were others who couldn't.
I knew as I took my first steps on Friday morning that it would not be easy. Physically, I knew my feet would hurt, I knew my muscles would ache. I knew I would be cold and hot and at times truly uncomfortable. However, I also knew it would only be temporary. Emotionally, I did not know what to expect and looking back all I can say is that I rode on a roller coaster of emotions that weekend. And I am so thankful I did.
Today as I go about my daily tasks I think back on last weekend when I had no concern except for putting one foot in front of the other and accomplishing my task at hand. I remember the faces of the women I walked with who were walking because life had given them a second chance. I remember!
Last Friday morning, Daniel dropped Melissa and I off at South Fork Ranch in Parker, Texas. The temperature was a slight 34 degrees. I had goose bumps on top of my goose bumps. We dropped off our luggage and joined almost 3000 others for Opening Ceremonies. Emotions were high! Excitement, tears, laughter, anxiety they were all there. The spokeswoman for this year's events was a phenomenal speaker and she truly facilitated in preparing us for the journey we were about to embark upon.
The crowd was as diverse as a box of Crayola Crayons. Men, women, young, old, survivors, fighters, repeat walkers, first timers. But each person in that field had the same purpose. 60 miles in 3 Days in hopes of finding a cure!
Watching the Survivor Circle walk in carrying their banners, I could not help but cry. Tears of joy for these women and the many others who have overcome this terrible disease. But tears of sorrow as well, for those who have not been so lucky. I walked because I could and I can. I walked because there were others who couldn't.
I knew as I took my first steps on Friday morning that it would not be easy. Physically, I knew my feet would hurt, I knew my muscles would ache. I knew I would be cold and hot and at times truly uncomfortable. However, I also knew it would only be temporary. Emotionally, I did not know what to expect and looking back all I can say is that I rode on a roller coaster of emotions that weekend. And I am so thankful I did.
Today as I go about my daily tasks I think back on last weekend when I had no concern except for putting one foot in front of the other and accomplishing my task at hand. I remember the faces of the women I walked with who were walking because life had given them a second chance. I remember!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Blisters Don't Need Chemo!
Just a quick post to announce that I successfully completed the 3 Day! I was able to walk all 60 miles! This weekend was a life changing experience and not one I will quickly forget. To walk alongside approximately 26oo men and women, all with the same purpose and goal, was amazing.
I have stories and photos to post; however, right now I am just way too emotionally and physically spent.
Thank you to all of you who supported me financially! With your generous contributions I raised $2710.00 for Breast Cancer research. If you would like to make a donation, there are still four more weeks. You can make a donation here: http://www.the3day.org/dallas07/gloriacooley
Thank you to all of you who sent Daniel cards, emails and small gifts to show your support. I cannot begin to express how encouraging it was to receive "mail" at each Cheering Station. You played a major role in helping me achieve my goal.
Check back soon for photos and stories!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Why I Walk
I walk in honor of my mom as we celebrate her 10 year cancer-free anniversary. I walk in honor of Daniel's Great Aunt Frances who had breast cancer over 40 years ago. I walk in honor of the women who battle this disease every day.
These are the names of the women that I walk in honor and in memory of.I walk so that my children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, will never have to walk the "breast cancer " road!
My sweet friend Lindsay sent me this small silver stone. It reads "Courage." The box reads, "Feel the fear and do it anyway!"
I am reminded of the courageous women throughout the world who battle breast cancer.
Daniel and I went out to dinner at Rock Fish before heading home for a good night's rest.Sunday, October 07, 2007
This Post Brought To You By the Letters B and U
B is for Baylor, Bear, and Bad. U is for University, Upset, and Unbelievable. Yesterday, Daniel and I hit the road and headed down to Waco for the Baylor - Colorado Game. Much to our disappointment Baylor forgot to show up for the game, but Daniel and I still had a fun trip.
Our first stop of the day was the Bear Pit to visit the bears! Only one bear was out, but we were able to get a few good photos.
Gary Baxter was Daniel's next door neighbor while Daniel was at Baylor. Gary called Daniel and his friends the "Party Boys!"
Daniel and I during the Half Time show featuring the Golden Wave Band.Monday, September 24, 2007
A New Lease on the Living Room
We recently ordered some new furniture, which arrived on Friday. We spent Saturday looking for stuff to go with our new couch and love seat. Our living room looks and feels very different. Feel free to stop by and check it out if you want.
Lions and Meerkats and Hyenas...Oh My!
Daniel and I went to see The Lion King this past Thursday night at the Music Hall at Fair Park. I had always heard rave reviews of this show and it definitely fulfilled my expectations. The costumes were phenomenal, the puppetry amazing, and the cast was extremely talented. I think the only thing that could have made it better was if we were in New York seeing it on Broadway.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Let's Go Swimming!
Saturday, Christi came to visit with her precious kiddos. I just love this family. I have known Christi and Ben and their children for 6 years. It is hard to believe how quickly time has gone by.
We spent Saturday afternoon hanging out by the pool chatting while the kids enjoyed the water. It was great getting to spend time with them. I took over 50 pictures of the kids swimming and playing in the pool. Here are just a few from our time together.
Just chillin'
Geronimo!
Look out below!
Silly guy!
We spent Saturday afternoon hanging out by the pool chatting while the kids enjoyed the water. It was great getting to spend time with them. I took over 50 pictures of the kids swimming and playing in the pool. Here are just a few from our time together.
Just chillin'
Geronimo!
Look out below!
Silly guy!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil
If you read my previous post you know I tried out a new recipe over the weekend. It was delicious! Here it is for those of you who enjoy a new recipe every now and then.
Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil
4 1/2 C fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
1 T extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 C chopped leek (can substitute green onions)
1 1/2 C Arborio rice (risotto)
1/3 C dry white wine
1/4 C half and half
1 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
1 C halved grape tomatoes
1/4 C chopped fresh basil
5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced
Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil)
Heat 1 T EVOO in large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek to pan; saute' three minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1C broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding next portion (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half and half, salt and pepper; cook two minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil and cheese.
The recipe in the magazine also calls for a balsamic vinegar sauce, but I omitted this from our recipe the other night. If you choose to use it you will need 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Before preparing the chicken broth place the vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon. Set aside.
Once you have stirred in the tomatoes, basil and cheese and put each portion into a bowl or plate, drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon EVOO.
Bon Apetit!
Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil
4 1/2 C fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
1 T extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 C chopped leek (can substitute green onions)
1 1/2 C Arborio rice (risotto)
1/3 C dry white wine
1/4 C half and half
1 t salt
1/4 t freshly ground black pepper
1 C halved grape tomatoes
1/4 C chopped fresh basil
5 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced
Bring chicken broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil)
Heat 1 T EVOO in large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek to pan; saute' three minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1C broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding next portion (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half and half, salt and pepper; cook two minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil and cheese.
The recipe in the magazine also calls for a balsamic vinegar sauce, but I omitted this from our recipe the other night. If you choose to use it you will need 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. Before preparing the chicken broth place the vinegar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon. Set aside.
Once you have stirred in the tomatoes, basil and cheese and put each portion into a bowl or plate, drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon EVOO.
Bon Apetit!
China, Candelight and Crystal
Like most young married couples, Daniel and I had never used our china or crystal, until last night.Yesterday after talking with my sweet friend Meredith and discussing the issue of wedding china never being used, I decided that we really did not have to have a holiday or special occasion in order to use our beautiful china and crystal. So, last night I prepared a new recipe from my Cooking Light magazine and Daniel and I had a quiet candlelit dinner using our china. It was a lot of fun and we hope to do it again soon!
Candlelit dinner for two
Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and BasilWednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Three Amazing Years
Yesterday was the third anniversary of our first date! We celebrated by having dinner at the restaurant where our first date took place, Humperdinks. Then we headed to the park for Symphony in the Circle. It was a great day!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Graduate
Watch out kindergarten, here I come! My precious niece has graduated from pre-school and will be headed to kindergarten in just a few weeks. I can hardly believe it! I just had to post this too cute picture of her in her cap and gown.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Four Things You May or May Not Know About Me
So I took my daily trip over to Amy's Blog, Cowtown Times and came across this little meme and since I have not had anything to overly exciting to post on our blog lately, I thought this would be fun.
Four Things You May or May Not Know About Me
4 jobs I have had:
1. Hostess at Ruby Tuesday's
2. Live-In Youth Care Worker at a Children's Home
3. School Bus Driver
4. High School Spanish Teacher and Soccer/Cross Country Coach
4 movies I would watch over and over:
1. Shrek
2. Anne of Green Gables
3. Shall We Dance
4. Sound of Music
4 places I have lived:
1. Hialeah, Florida
2. Tampa, Florida
3. Hawaii
4. Texas
4 TV shows that I watch:
1. Survivor
2. Amazing Race
3. Trading Spaces on TLC
4. What Not to Wear on TLC
4 places I have been:
1. Shanghai, China
2. Morocco
3. Lebanon
4. Romania
4 of my favorite restaurants:
1. Olive Garden
2. Lawry's
3. Red Lobster
4. Celebration
4 places I would rather be right now:
1. on a cruise anywhere
2. on the beach
3. Guatemala, specifically in HueHuetenango with my kiddos
4. anywhere on vacation with my husband
4 things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Christmas with my family at Disney World
2. The Breast Cancer 3-Day
3. Going to see Lion King the musical
4. My sweet friend Meredith's wedding
Well, maybe you have learned something you never knew about me and maybe you didn't, but at least now no one can complain about me not posting.
Four Things You May or May Not Know About Me
4 jobs I have had:
1. Hostess at Ruby Tuesday's
2. Live-In Youth Care Worker at a Children's Home
3. School Bus Driver
4. High School Spanish Teacher and Soccer/Cross Country Coach
4 movies I would watch over and over:
1. Shrek
2. Anne of Green Gables
3. Shall We Dance
4. Sound of Music
4 places I have lived:
1. Hialeah, Florida
2. Tampa, Florida
3. Hawaii
4. Texas
4 TV shows that I watch:
1. Survivor
2. Amazing Race
3. Trading Spaces on TLC
4. What Not to Wear on TLC
4 places I have been:
1. Shanghai, China
2. Morocco
3. Lebanon
4. Romania
4 of my favorite restaurants:
1. Olive Garden
2. Lawry's
3. Red Lobster
4. Celebration
4 places I would rather be right now:
1. on a cruise anywhere
2. on the beach
3. Guatemala, specifically in HueHuetenango with my kiddos
4. anywhere on vacation with my husband
4 things I am looking forward to this year:
1. Christmas with my family at Disney World
2. The Breast Cancer 3-Day
3. Going to see Lion King the musical
4. My sweet friend Meredith's wedding
Well, maybe you have learned something you never knew about me and maybe you didn't, but at least now no one can complain about me not posting.
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