Merry Christmas from the "Crooks" 2007

Merry Christmas from the "Crooks!"

Good news this 2007 Christmas! We can experience FREEDOM through Christ! Because of His abundant, steadfast, and never-ending love, we are free to enjoy the miracles large and small that surround us.

And let's not forget to recognize those miracles, offering praise and thanksgiving.

Yes, life can be a battle and change is hard, but the "chains" binding old ways can be tossed aside! How? We are transformed into His likeness when we accept His love and mercy offered through the miracle of Jesus' birth.

It is my desire that you accept and treasure the greatest gift of all this Christmas. The gift that God sent to us many years ago - His Son.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32.

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36.

MAKE THIS YOUR BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!

SUSAN CROOK IN CHICAGO

Watch Susan Crook's television appearances in Chicago the week of November 12th!

SCOTT AND ERIN'S 2nd ANNIVERSARY

BACK-TO-SCHOOL DUELS

Holly prefaced her email with, "Tears are falling as I write this, but I need to tell you something. For the last couple of years my daughter, Allison, climbed on the school bus each morning wiping away a flood of tears. I repeatedly exploded with anger and frustration because Allison was too slow and disorganized. Our school mornings were war."

Holly continued, "I heard you speak about two weeks ago and was stunned when I learned about the personality information and how it affects relationships. I read your book, "Personality Insights for Moms" and realized that I always expected Allison to act like I do (fast, organized, and charging out the door).

"Allison's personality style, on the other hand, needs plenty of time to adjust to each new day by waking up slowly. She requires lots of hugs and reassurance.

"I actually resented that because I'm NOT that way. However, after understanding our personality differences, our school mornings changed dramatically! I now know that I'm a 'D' and Allison's an 'S.' I've been a drill sergeant and she's been crushed! No wonder our relationship has struggled. I didn't understand her and she didn't understand me.

"How could I have been so hard on her and not understood that it's okay to be different? This information has changed our lives! I feel so bad for all our fights and misunderstandings, but I'm going to make it up to her from now on."

Holly went on to say, "For the FIRST TIME EVER, Allison left for school this morning happy and with a smile on her face!

"And so this morning, I'm the one with tears - tears of sadness for all the happy times we've missed - and tears of joy for the happiness that we now share. Thank you so much."

Needless to say, after reading this email, I too, shed tears. There's no greater joy then when you impact someone else's life - in a positive way. And we ALL possess the opportunity to impact lives - one way or another.

Do you understand your children's personality style enough to know why they do what they do? Are they allowed to feel accepted for their unique personality style - or ostracized for being different?

The child you impact may be at home, school, church, daycare, or in your neighborhood, but opportunities exist around every corner to help others feel accepted and appreciated for who they are - just the way they are - and to feel understood.

If a child feels being different is wrong, then he or she may develop poor self-esteem or lack confidence to pursue goals and dreams. But when a child feels understood, a child feels loved.

Do you experience a "war" in your home each morning before school - as Holly and Allison did? Do you have a child in your life (in your classroom) whom you experience conflict or clash with quite often because of differing personality styles? Choose to appreciate your differences and relate to one another with admiration and respect. Establish guidelines, systems, and methods for success.

Let your loving smile of affirmation and acceptance be the last thing you give your children each day when they head out the door for school.

Assure your child that he or she is the "apple" of your eye.

"INTER-DEPENDENCE" DAY

"The sky is falling ... apart! The sky is falling ... apart!" he shouted while darting through the crowd dodging blankets, leaping over picnic baskets and hurdling every cooler.

Bolting for the car, my then two-year-old son, Scott, was almost a block away before I could catch up with him. "Stop!" I yelled. "It's okay! It's just the fireworks!" Misunderstanding the cause of the exploding sky, this determined little tike quickly lost his enthusiasm to celebrate the festivities and ran for cover.

Over 280 million celebrated the birthday of our great nation earlier this month with the usual picnics, family, friends, and fireworks. "E-e-ews" and "a-a-aahs echoed abound while brilliant fireworks exploded in the night sky celebrating our unique opportunity as Americans to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Over 200 years ago on Independence Day, fireworks exploded in the sky, but I would venture to say that our ancestors exploded more with emotional excitement and enthusiasm as they pursued and anticipated the freedom and independence awaiting our brand new country.

How ironic then, that the key to our country's independence today actually stems from the inter-dependence of yesterday. In fact, our country was built on interdependence. We harvested together, raised barns together, worked and worshiped together. We taught one another skills and shared expertise to survive. Otherwise, without appreciating and recognizing the value of interdependence, eminent failure would have persisted for our country - our people.

We knew then what we should know now. God revealed that the greatest commandment is to love Him. What's the second greatest commandment? We are to love our neighbors. "There are NO GREATER COMMANDMENTS THAN THESE." Whoa! That's serious stuff!

You might be thinking, "What can I possibly do for my neighbor - my country?" Amidst all our foibles and imperfections or lack of talent and influence, look around to see how you can bless someone - receiving nothing in return. (Careful, though. You'll probably be the one who ends up blessed!)

When we're intertwined in people's lives, there's more purpose and fulfillment. When we're connected to others, we experience "independence" from loneliness, solitude, and life without purpose.

No "buts." You can't tell me there's not someone out there who needs you right now. Start with one. And start today, because tomorrow may be too late. Act courageously and boldly be willing to join in where's God's calling you. After all, He uses the most unlikely characters to accomplish His purpose. He doesn't look for the perfect, He looks for the willing.

Allow me to make a 2007 Proclamation - embrace the remaining 364 days of the year as a declaration of "Inter-Dependence Day." Veto complacency. Reach out to your neighbor, be proud of our country with undiminished devotion, and love the one and only true God with all your heart. You, too, will experience an explosion - of joy and happiness! (And rest assured - the sky is NOT falling ... apart!)

For more newsletter info like recipes, jokes, etc., visit http://www.susancrook.com/Newsletter/Monthly_newsletters/July_2007.htm.

Susan Crook

WHO'S AT RISK?

"Uh-oh. Look at this," he motioned to his assistant. Face-down on the examination table in the oh-so-typical and not-so-cute little hospital gown, I realized my worst fears may have just come true.

As my dermatologist searched for signs of skin cancer on my back, I searched for the strength to face what might lie ahead.

"You have skin cancer," was actually a familiar phrase. Been there, done that. However, my prior experience consisted of basal cell carcinoma - the less severe and slower growing type of skin cancer on my face and chest. My greatest fear had always been - melanoma - the very serious kind - the kind that can metastasize and spread like wildfire if you don't catch it early. The kind that takes a life every hour.

"Most likely it's melanoma," my dermatologist continued. "We'll find out what stage when the biopsy comes back," launching the longest five days of my life.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. Yes, that's scary. As with any cancer, early detection is the key. Prevention is even better.

Are you at risk? I'm aware that it IS possible that you feel this could never happen to you. I felt certain that I was exempt. OTHER people get skin cancer. OTHER people need sunblock. OTHER people have to be concerned with the damaging rays. Besides that, it's a pain in the pale-white-booty to apply this stuff.

But, we've gotta' do it. We've got to take the time and effort to protect our skin - our own and our kid's. In summation, everyone's at risk. The best ways to have an active summer, but lower the risk of skin cancer are to:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Seek shade. If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are at their strongest.
• Cover up with protective clothing (tightly woven fabrics you can't see through).
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount (about a palmful) and reapply after swimming, towling dry, or perspiring (even on hazy or overcast days).
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck.
• Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes.
• Avoid tanning beds like the plague. They're 15 times as intensive!

As adults, we're also responsible for protecting our children from overexposure to the sun. Kids don't always "get it." In fact, they usually complain that applying sunblock is a hassle and delays their fun. Why not check out the new scents, fun colors, and cute shapes?

Fortunately, we caught the melanoma on my back early. Following surgery (and many prayers), I can say I'm "C" free again. But I will continuously go for checkups (modeling the latest fashion in hospital gowns), experience the slice and dice of a biopsy, and anxiously await the results. It's worth the effort. In fact, compared to the risk of skin cancer, it "pales" in comparison.

I'm passionate for you to enjoy your summer - but more importantly - that you get to enjoy your LIFE!

Susan Crook
www.SusanCrook.com
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Earl

It is with great sadness and yet great peace to let you know that Earl passed away yesterday. He went peacefully in his own home with my mom beside him, as per his request. Widowed, he and my mother “dated” for 13 years. Besides being a part of our family, he was also my high school principal.

After numerous “heated discussions” over the years about the existence of God, most of you know – I had the great honor and privilege to lead Earl in the prayer of salvation less than a month ago. The doctors said that he probably wouldn’t make it through the night. Facing death without Christ, I saw a 76 year old man full of fear and panic as he motioned me over to the side of his hospital bed, barely able to breathe, and with a frantic plea to discuss “the end” once again.

Paul told us in Philippians 2:10-11 that one day EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. What a GREAT JOY to know that Earl asked Christ into his heart before it was too late and is indeed in heaven! God blessed Earl with an additional month – a miracle - after that night to enjoy his new life. When I took lunch (his favorite steak soup) to him for the last time a few days ago, I saw a man full of peace and contentment. Truly - a different person in Christ.

I attribute your numerous prayers as a direct contribution to Earl’s salvation. Thank you for your prayers during the previous months and please pray now for comfort for the rest of the family. A couple of weeks ago during his last week in the hospital, a nurse (God uses everybody) told Earl about Ecclesiastes 3, “A Time for Everything.” He asked if I would make sure that it was read at his funeral. I felt led to share this familiar and beautiful verse with all of you, as well.

Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:
... a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot,
... a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,
... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,
... a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
... a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away,
... a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,
... a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

We don’t know when, where, or why things happen, but we can be assured that God’s love, plan, and purpose for each one of us is nothing less than absolutely perfect. “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Keep loving, keep praying, and never give up hope. Be assured that God hears and answers ALL prayers. None of us can drift beyond His love. And His immeasurable love – is endless. May Earl, indeed, rest in peace -- and dance in heaven.

God bless,
Susan Crook

Hey! Check out my May Newsletter at http://www.susancrook.com/Newsletter/Monthly_newsletters/May_2007.htm!

Happy Mother's Day!

Susan Crook

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Susan Crook

Welcome!

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