Blaryngitis....I have no blog voice!

Seriously, I keep clearing my throat (keyboard) and nothing is coming out!! I have gargled (googled) and brainstormed (binged) but nothing has helped!! I have many interests and many passions so having one blog to focus on one thing just wasn't suiting me any longer. Furthermore, did you know that when you have the desire to write about many different things it can be even more difficult to find your blogger's voice?

With that said, I have started another blog but this one will focus on the whole person: Faith, Fun, Fitness, and Food. It is called SeaChel's Trax. There you can find tools to help track your fitness levels and goals as well as find recipes and learn about events that focus on Faith, Fun, Fitness, and Food! You would be a huge encouragement to me and I would love for you to click over to my new blog and join on in!

SeaChel's Trax at http://seachelfitnesstrax.blogspot.com/.

Thank you so much!!!
Chel

Jesus is the Gate

I have begun to compile the different names I have taught about over the last 8 years and put the information all down on paper in lesson formats! I am so excited that the Lord has compelled me to take this journey!!!

Why you ask? I am so glad you asked!!!

The first name I decided to relook at is The Gate! Based primarily on John 10 and a wonderful sermon I heard from my pastor a couple of years ago. I am blown away! when I looked up the information on our Lord, The Gate, I was never so excited to find the hidden treasures in the nooks and crannies of the old testament! Now I am not going to fully go into all that a gate does but I do want to highlight some valuable insights that touched my heart.

X marked the spot in John 10 and several passages within the Old Testament.

In John 10 Jesus explains how He is the gate through which the sheep must enter - the eternal kingdom that is - but he explains it to them in a way they fully comprehend. See this crowd understood the idea of a Shepherd and how the shepherd not only guided the herd but he guarded them as well. As my pastor, Dr. Danny Howe, explained a shepherd who was traveling with his heard would often have to use temporary shelter for the sheep. Without the guidance of the shepherd the sheep would wander as sheep are prone to do so at night he would gather them all together. Not all shelters would have an actual gate so he would literally lie down in the doorway. This protected the sheep inside not just from what might come after them but also from their own tendency to wander.

2 Chronicles 23:19 tell us that, "He also stationed doorkeepers at the gates of the LORD’s temple so that no one who was in any way unclean might enter." (You are now the temple! And Jesus is your Gate not just the keeper but the entire Gate!)

As cool as that it is it just gets better the deeper you dig!

In Deuteronomy 6:1-9, we read how important the Word of the Lord is and in verse 9 we see a role it has been given, "Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." His Word is a gatekeeper! All throughout the Old Testament we see the significance of a gatekeeper and all the duties they are charged with and how it is an inheritance for them as well. In Deuteronomy chapter 6 we see the inheritance of His Word. It all ties together in a clear & concise way! I stand in awe!

Then as I began to dig a little deeper, I found a nugget of names neatly folded within one verse and significantly tied to the eternal inheritance and lineage of Jesus. In both 2 Samuel 23:15-16 and 1 Chronicles 11:17-18 I found a beautiful request from King David.

2 Samuel 23:15-16, "David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD."

1 Chronicles 11:17-18, "David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD."


I do not know what is running through your head right now but mine is reeling with eager anticipation to share what just broke through to my mind and heart!!!!

When the Israelites had their grateful moment in the desert for the provision from the Lord they poured out water as a drink offering to show that what they had received was beyond their own resources and straight from the Lord. They poured it out as thank you to give back to God what He had given them.

David is the line from which Jesus would come on earth.

Jesus is the water that gives eternal life - the Living Water.

Jesus told the woman at the well in the New Testament that we would draw water from Him and never thirst again.

When Jesus was pierced on the cross water flowed first from Him showing the end of His human resources - all His mortal body could do it did.

Now there is still more!!!

Jesus is not just the Living Water but He is the Bread of Life from Bethlehem which is the House of Bread!

So here was David - the line of Jesus - asking for the life giving WATER found in the WELL at the GATE of BETHLEHEM! The David poured out the water as an offering.
Now there is still a little more perfect treasure here:
See David is now in a stronghold (cross) and just prior to verses 15 & 16 we read all the praises David has for his Lord calling out the many names of Him who has made a way for him throughout his life. He speaks of his house (his line) and all that the Lord had promised him. These are recorded as the FINAL words of David where he follows it by pouring out a drink offering to the Lord.

This is a foreshadowing of Christ Himself through these mighty words and all because He is the GATE! The difference here is that David made a way for Jesus whereas Jesus made the WAY for us!

The Word of our Lord is flat out Amazing!
Abiding Still,
Chel

The Yo-Yo - A Toy or a Way of Life?

Do you have a Yo-Yo Diet when it comes to God's Will and Word? 

Do you often wonder, "Why?"       Me too!!!     
So this brings me to the name of Refiner the only cure for the Yo-Yo Worshiper!

My prayer dear Father is that me and all who read this will abide in the name of the Refiner and His fire that serves to make us look more like your Son!

There have been some crazy things happening in my household lately! Although some will have "their" opinions and others theirs, I believe that the Lord is refining not just my faith alone but the faith of this very household. I am seeing more and more Christians go through what seems to be "trials" and yes according to the book of James they are but I firmly believe it is the Refining Fire of the Lord upon His own.

I read this in 1 Peter 4:17, "For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

Not to lessen the Power in this Word to any degree but it was this verse which suddenly reminded me of Yo-Yo Dieting! Obey-Disobey-Obey-Disobey but instead of learning to “walk the dog” we end up living with the pigs! This is the life of the Yo-Yo Worshiper!


Depending on your perspective that was either funny or harsh but take heart when reading within the entire context of 1 Peter 4 you will see something beautiful! After all do we not read that He makes all things beautiful??? See Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."


Again with the ups and downs of the yo-yo here…. “time” & “eternity” We are governed daily by time but eternity is set in our hearts. So easy for us to be up and down isn’t it?

Now let's dig in!!!!

1 Peter 4

Living for God

I am not sure where these words will hit you today but I know that this particular chapter in 1 Peter sums up a lot for me in the past as well as my present. I have never been more confirmed with my convictions.


1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

I do not know if any of you have felt the pain of verses 3-5 but I certainly have. I began my high school years in this way....If I were to show up at a party the question was asked of me, "Rachele, what are YOU doing here?" By the end of my junior year the question was asked, "Rachele, where WERE YOU?"


This is not something I am proud to share, but it does reveal that there was a certain perception of me. Now what they did not know was that my father's girlfriend would buy alcohol for me and her daughter who was 4 years older. This began when I was 12! If that wasn’t awful enough, my father actually looked the other way. So “don’t drink, but I’ll look the other way while someone gives it to you”....Yo-Yo childhood with a yo-yo parenting??? One could easily slide into a Yo-Yo adulthood and Lord forbid Yo-Yo Worship. Too often as Christians we ask ourselves the following question when it comes to convictions "Should I or shouldn't I?" When you ask this question your Yo-Yo of  Worship could begin if your convictions you choose to bend.

You see dear brothers and sisters, although the things listed in verse 3 may not be sin in your life they are huge stumbling blocks to many believers. Many Christians have been diverted from an abundant life by the choices of this world’s pleasures. (Yo-Yo) And who hasn’t seen way too many lives taken from this world due to the “liquid spirit's” control? Yes that is right folks alcohol isn't called a "spirits" for no reason!


This begs the question, "Why would a child of the LIGHT want to live in the shadow of sin?"
(Yo-Yo) The sound boing-boing just keeps going on and on in my head!




7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

Is it just me or do you find this passage interesting as well? "Be of sober mind so that you may pray." Ponder this one for yourself.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Love would and does change a lot of things.

9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

I think this section is completed by reminding us it is not about us and that we should strive to be Holy since He is Holy. Now the problem is that we try to be perfect because He is perfect but we are only charged with being Holy not perfect. You, as a believer, are already set apart so live like one who has been set apart for His special purpose. (Phil 3:16 – Live up to what you have already attained) Live for HIM and you will see how loving and serving others will come much more naturally - or supernaturally. :)
Rededicate - Relapse Rededicate - Relapse Rededicate - Relapse Rededicate - Relapse  YO-YO

So do we continue to be a "Yo-Yo Worshiper" gaining and losing holy ground like a Yo-Yo dieter? The answer is quite possibly is revealed in our response to the following verses of this chapter.

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

OK I AM TRULY FEELING VERSE 12 RIGHT NOW IN MY LIFE and looking for the glory! Yikes! I could claim a test and a trial right now and partly it is true but more than that it is about John 3:30...I must decrease and He must increase! (repeat that 10 times really really fast! and don't flip the creases.) If you ever wonder, "Why?" then John 3:30 is for you because we all need more of Him and less of ourselves. I will also hold tight to John 16:33 in my life and I will take heart and not lose hope because HE HAS OVERCOME THIS WORLD!

Oh how I love that His Word is woven so tightly together!

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

I don't know if those of usChristians here in America get as much of this from "the World" as we do each other. Where convictions are shared opinions are birthed, and where opinions are birthed divisions deepened. There is more of this in America going on IN our churches rather than outside of it. Either way praise Him that you bear His name! And it is quite fitting that verse 17 is next.



17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

His final word will be mine was well…..Continue to do good…..even when you have the ups and downs….even if you feel like a Yo-Yo!

Abiding Still,
Chel

The Rock

Today I am leaning on THE ROCK and rejoicing with people who bring others to Him. I heard a pastor say once that The Rock is softest place to fall. I know and have felt the devestation of loss and the fear of losing it all but one has remained constant and unwavering in my life and that is Christ, The Rock!

I love that old hymn - southern gospel song I Go to the Rock. (the lyrics will be posted below)

It reminds me that HE will always listen.
It reminds me that HE alone is my foundation.
It reminds me that HE will never leave me!
It reminds me that HE is a refuge, a shelter, & a friend!
It reminds me that when I stand on HIM I will not sink.
I will always have a place to go....
                           AND
It reminds me when I feel rejected SO WAS HE. He was the Stone the Builders rejected!

I Go To The Rock by Aaron Jeoffrey 
I go to the Rock, I go to the Rock

I go to the Rock, I go to the Rock

I know, I know He's able



Where do I go

When there's no body else to turn to

Who do I talk to

When no one wants to listen

Who do I lean on

When there's no foundation stable

I go to the Rock I know He's able

I go to the Rock



CHORUS

I go to the Rock of my Salvation

I go to the Stone that the builders rejected

I run to the mountain and the mountain stands by me

When the earth all around me is sinking sand

On Christ, the solid rock I stand

When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,

I go to the Rock



Where do I hide

When the storms of life are threatening

Where do I run to

When the winds of sorrow blow

Is there a refuge (a refuge) in the time of tribulation

Cause I go to the Rock

I know (I know) He's able.



CHORUS



When the earth all around is a-sinking sand

On Christ, the solid rock I stand

When I need a shelter, When I need a friend,

When the earth all around is sinking sand

On Christ the solid rock I stand

When I need a shelter, When I need a friend

I go to the Rock



I go to the.. I go to the Rock

I go to the Rock. I go to the Rock

I go to the Rock


Where are you running today? Where have you decided to fall? Are you sinking? Are the winds blowing you right off your feet? GO TO THE ROCK!

Abiding Still,
Chel

Our LORD, The Sovereign God

In my head I am hearing Carmen sing: Lord of All! He is a powerful and dynamic singer but he and none will ever hold a candle to our Lord, the Sovereign God.




Our Lord is completel in control even when we try to take the wheel. I have had some major ups and downs over the last two years and felt like my feet was on shifting sand most of the time. (This is how emotions, valid or not, can make you feel.)

If you have been rejected: He is still Sovereign!

If you have been abandoned: He is still Sovereign!

If you have been deeply wounded: He is still Sovereign!

If you have felt like a ship without a sail: He is still Sovereign!

         btw, if you set out to sea with "emotion" as your sail....there's holes in it. I'm just sayin'.....

If you have lost friends: He is still Sovereign!

If you have lost your way: He is still Sovereign!

If you have walked away: He is still Sovereign!

If you have done anything that you believe could never be forgiven: He is still Sovereign! Yes HE IS!

See the LORD, Our LORD, the Sovereign God reigns, daily. If we think for one instant He is not there we are wrong, our believing it doesn't make it real. He is still there even in this economy, He is still there when the package for which you have waited so long hasn't arrived.

What are you waiting on today? I love the ASL sign for waiting with hands and arms stable while the fingers are moving!
This is a great picture with two perspectives:

Anticipation of excitement OR Anxiousness in fear of what is to come. http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/pages-signs/w/wait.htm

Which way are you waiting on your answered prayer today?
Determine your stance while remembering: He is still Sovereign!


Abiding Still,
Chel

Sweetest Name of All: 5 Names a Week

Welcome!!! This blog is titled Abiding In His Name because that is the best and safest place to be in any day & age. God is our Father, King, Lord, and so much more. He meets us just where we are and His names are the Sweetest of All! I want to hear what He means to you and what name you have called Him. Biblical or not to share His character with me and others, after all His word is His character sketch and great sketches are meant to be shared.

I realize that some of you will have a hard time relating to God as your Father for obvious reasons. While others have a hard time with other His names of His due to hurt in our lives. Then there are times when we think He was absent from us when we did call out His name. I promise you, no God promises you that He will never leave you or forsake you. This is your opportunity to profess His name and appoint to Him the praises due to His name.

Recently I have had a hard time with my past and have come to know the God of Yesterday a little deeper. He has assured me that as far as the east is from the west He no longer remembers my sins. I can walk in freedom because God has chosen to see me through Jesus Christ.

1. Does something in your past render you to struggle?  How has the God of Yesterday assured you He was in control?

My stewardship has been called into account lately and I have come to meet with God the Provider, Jehovah Jireh. Was I fearing that He would not provide? Has not proven faithful? Of course I was acting in fear and of course He has remained faithful to me. I must thank Him daily for His provision in my life from husband and children to the joy I feel as I type this post. It all comes from Him, my Jehovah Jireh.

2. How has God provided for you lately? Have you recognized Jehovah Jireh in your life?

The Light of the World has recently asked of me why I would spend any time in darkness with my thoughts. He wanted to know why I would stay in a box instead of lighting up the world since THE LIGHT was in me. Recently in Sunday school while reading our Max Lucado study on the Book of Romans we heard a great story about being a light.

A farmer had lost his power so he took out his box of candles, (they were talking candles by the way). As he took out the first candle it said to him, “I am not ready to be lit. I have much more research to do before I fully understand what it means to be lit. Please put me back in the box.” When he pulled out the second candle it sadly proclaimed, “I have not prayed enough about being lit. Please put me back in the box and I will let you know when I am ready.” The next candle as you can imagine had something to say as well, it said, “I just can’t be lit, no one would listen to me and I just don’t have it all together yet and my light would not be good.” The fourth candle told the farmer, “I do not want to be lit alone, please put me back in the box. I will not be lit all by myself.” The final candle said, “I can’t be lit because it may change me. I like the way I look right now and I am not ready to be changed.”

3. The Light of the World has called you out of darkness and into His light to share Him with others. If the Light of the World were to pull you out of your “box” what kind of conversation would you two have?

I had a wonderful thing revealed to me during one my recent quiet times. I have often prayed that God would help to continually keep me on His path for my life and not allow me to veer to the right or the left. Then he showed me how it was much like bowling with a toddler or small child. I know what you are thinking, “what does this have to do with a shepherd?” When you take a toddler bowling you can ask for the gutter guards to be up so the ball will reach the mark. This gave me such a visual image of how the Good Shepherd keeps me on the narrow way. Since I have asked for guidance and protection when I wander He pops up the guards for me. Yes I get a few bumps and bruises along the way, but I am placed back on the path and sent on my way. He does answer our prayers and will help us stay in His will if we ask. (Plus, in keeping with the Shepherd analogy, I do not want Him to have to break my leg in order to trust His care for me.

4. The Good Shepherd goes after His sheep even if for only one when it is lost from the fold. How has the Good Shepherd guided you back in your life?

The Prince of Peace reminds me that I am to be a peace maker. A long time ago I was taught the difference between a peace keeper and a peace maker. A peace keeper could very well be simply sweeping things under the proverbial rug in order to avoid confrontation. Quite conversely though is the peace maker. They have the sovereign and understanding Spirit in the forefront of their minds and hearts. They long for restoration and authentic relationships. There have been some things I have had to lay at the foot of the cross and allow Him to deal with it His way because I know that His way will lead to true Peace.

5. How has the Prince of Peace ministered to you lately?



I can't wait to hear you share!!
In HIS Name, Chel

The Holy One

Today as I sat doing my quiet time, (thank you Lord for meeting me with me!!) I perused through 1 Samuel 21-22. I learned some great things about King David and while he fled from Saul who was seeking to kill him.


David knew to practice holiness each time he set out on a mission. I would believe that he knew it carried a daily significance. By this time Jonathan and David had spoken over whether Saul was really out to kill David or not. David set out and went to the priest for prayer and guidance. While visiting the priests, David asked for food. The priest had only consecrated bread to offer and they were welcome to it if they had kept themselves pure and clean. David assured the priest that the men's "things" were holy, as is what he required every time he set out on a mission. He also explained that even if the mission were not holy, he would be.

David's heart in this manner, although he lied to save his life which later led to the death of over 80 priests, reveals to us the manner in which we should face each day: Consecrated. Not only must we daily consecrate ourselves unto Him but we should also realize we have THE CONSECRATED BREAD within us as believers and should not walk around as if we were defiled.

We serve a Holy God and things that are unholy cannot abide in His presence. No matter my duties or job requirements for the day, I must make sure I am sanctified by the Lord. The things of this world easily defile us and make us unworthy of taking of the bread just as it would have been for the men with David, if they had been with women. We turn away from ourselves and the things of this world in order to be made into the image of Christ and be transformed by HIM so why do we insist on taking the Holy One to unholy places? Wherever we go, He goes. Whatever we drink or eat, He drinks or eats. Whatever we think we pour out on our Jesus. His light shines brightly and we know the secret things in our lives He is trying to flush out, yet we still insist to have it our own way. We act much more like Saul (the king trying to kill David) than we do David or even Jesus. I want to be called a woman after God's own heart and I don't think I can do that unless I am daily consecrated no matter my journey.

I must make sure that my "things" are holy and my life is honoring to the Lord. Each time my feet hit the floor all that is within must praise His holy name! My thoughts, my actions, my heart must be made holy by my Holy One. My life should reflect my beliefs, my actions should mirror His, and my goal must be to honor and please the Lord. (Thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven!)

There is enough of this big old world to go around, but God who is even larger is what we need the most and see the least. We are called to holiness and called to a Holy One!


Thank you Lord Jesus that you have shone us the way and made known to us through your Word what you desire in our lives. I pray that you help me to live in a way that is pleasing to you every day no matter where you send me.

Chel

The Resurrection: The Life, The Truth, The Way!

My day began quite tumultuous to say the least. The storms that blasted into our area last night decided to have a family and take up residence. Their mighty winds, fierce lightening, window shuttering thunder, and pelting of hail left their mark on towns in North Texas. As I drove east early this morning we were frightened and leary of the roads ahead. We knew the golf tournament would be cancelled but took to the drive anyway. Our event was cancelled as more storm cells developed right over where we were. We were finally released and hit the road home! - -- - And it was not even 8:30 am yet!!!


Later in the day after playing Wii golf with husband and son I opened my electronic Bible today for the daily read I found 1 Peter 1. There is hope in these passages and security in knowing He is our Resurrection and Life! In these verses we see that Hope, Life, Ressurection, Holiness, and Truth! Verse three pours forth blessings unto the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ for His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Our inhertance in Him, which is incorruptible and undefiled is reserved in Heaven for us! All of this will fade away and the things of this earth are incorruptible but all things in Christ are eternal and free from the defilement of unholy things. He is guarding His treasure which is reserved for us as well.

Although we will have trials (v. 6) the genuineness of our faith will be proved and found to praise, honor, and glorify Jesus! (v. 7). Through this we see that in all of our life we are presented with opportunities to reveal our proven faith.

In verse 12 we find that even the angels desire to look into what is revealed to us in the hearing of the Gospel! Not by our own ways but by living under HIS influence and not the influence of this world....live sober (v. 13).We find a way to ward off the ways of this world by resting our Hope in Him (v.13 and 14).

In verse 15 we see the command to live holy lives in our conduct and our ways. Of all people - knee jerk reactor Peter himself would know this lesson well. And if/when we call upon the Father we will find Him impartial to those of us who have been redeemed! When we live for His inheritance and not that of our eartly fathers we reveal that we were redeemed by the incorruptible! Jesus had the glory from the Father so that we could place our faith and hope in the Lord.

I found that in our obedience we and love for one another we are purified and through His word, which abides forever others and God see that we are not of the corruptible seed!!!

The Word of the Lord endures forever!!! (v. 25)

I was so deeply moved by these words and the thinking of how Peter may have learned some of his lessons that my soul had to pour out just a bit more. Below is a little poem inspired by the Lord and the words in 1 Peter.

Abiding in His Eternal Word!

Peter has such a profound way of putting us in our place, which is looking directly into our Savior's face!


He points us to Jesus for resurrection and life. Commands us to love and live without strife.


He sees in our weakness our flesh is so strong, but gives us HIS words to prod us along.


Peter lived with reactions much like most of us; perhaps in his darkest moments we would have heard him cuss.


But he turned to the Lord and sought sanctification in HIS word.


He tells us this world will fade away and to live holy lives for Christ lived that way.


Calling us to live only for the things above, to relish in His incorruptible unchanging love.


We are commanded to obey and purify souls leaving no defiled parts, to love one another with ferverent hearts!


When we cling to the things of the Kingdom to come and not this earth which will be undone, we find that peace and solice reside in the will of our Lord Most High.


Reaching out to Him during times of plenty and times of not we will live out our faith we proclaim we have got.


Through Him we have eternal life to share in the Promise of the Resurrection and the Light!


Though the storm has arrived and our fears are revealed, we will look to the one who from death was healed.


Clinging to the will of the Father above will cause me to live in the light of His love.


Each time we call upon Him no matter what we fear, He will draw us in close and keep us near.


We will suffer and see trials of all kinds but thinking Truth will keep us loving with our minds.


Our thoughts will hold us captive if we give into their jeers and at the end of the day we will be in a heap of tears.


We most hold fast to the revelation that is in Jesus our Lord we will guard our hearts, protect our minds, and live out His word.


Holiness is not a gift granted in the absence of strife, holiness is revealed in how we live our life.


We will fade away just as the flowers of the field and to us the end of this earth will not yield.


There is only one who will cause us to live once more and upon His return to heaven we will soar.


If you only believe you will have life eternal and free, receive the Lord Jesus the very one who rescued me!


I know that I will live again! I know it will be all because of Him. There is nothing on this earth which will earn my way but I will bank all I have on the Life, the Truth, The Way!


His name is the Resurrection, The Life, The Truth, The Way....do you know Him today?
Chel

Lover of My Soul

Jesus is the Lover of my Soul!

Psalm 94:19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

HE has calmed me when the storm was raging about me!!!

Psalm 19:7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

Isn't it just like our God to allow us simple people to know of His wondrous ways and impress His law upon our hearts?

Psalm 23:3he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

For His name alone is worthy of all honor and praise!

Psalm 31:7I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.

He peers deep within me only to reveal that which is most vulnerable and give strength and healing with love alone!

Psalm 63:5My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

A hungry soul is a sad and lonely one. I am grateful for His provisions physical and spiritual!

Psalm 116:8For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,

Praise you Father for loving me! Praise you Jesus for rescuing me from myself! Praise you Holy Spirit for your daily guidance!

The Softest Rock Around

I heard an interesting quote on the radio the other day....Who'da thunk a ROCK would be the softest place to land when you fall?


Just ponder that with me for a moment...


Being on the Rock can help elevate you to see things from new heights.


Being on the Rock will give you a new perspective.


Being on the Rock will always give me a sense of security.


Being on the Rock means that my ground is a firm foundation.


Being on the Rock reveals that I need more than my own two feet to stand.


The Lord realizes that there are times when are not able to stand or times when we have trusted in sand. He then created the sofest place of all, the Rock, fall upon that if ever you should fall.


It does not matter how you have ended up where you are now. Trust in the Lord when you headed to the ground and realize that He is the Softest Rock Around.

Sweetest Name of All: Great Physician

Today I am in need of the Great Physician. I have a lot of sick loved ones on my heart today. Yesterday we spent the entire day treating my son's asthma. It had been fairly non-reactive for a few years but the last few months have been tougher than we knew. He was in the danger zone in regards to his capacity to exhale and is now on more medications than our grandparents were. It is just not right that children have to be ill. But he is a trooper. This morning he is not feeling well because all the congestion - we did not know he had - is breaking up and upsetting his stomach. I CAN IMAGINE!!


He has had this dry irritating cough for a while now and we finally saw a doctor that treats asthma. Now we finally have a peak flow meter which if you were to do associate "Thermometer with fever" you would associate this "Peak Flow Meter" with breathing capacity. I wish I had one of these sooner. His primary physician treated me like a worrying mother instead of someone in tune with their child's ability. The doctor would listen to his lungs and say give him allergy medicine. ARG!! Anyway, I did not write this to complain but to explain the depth at which I need the Great Physician for our home.


Another need for the Great Physician is a friend named Beth. She is in her late thirties and is fighting brain cancer. She celebrated 2 years of life after the death sentence, Praise God, but she just had surgery Monday. Her 4 girls are stressed and worried, the oldest is 11. The doctor's were able to remove all they expected they would which is great! She has Glioblastoma Multiforme which is the most malignant form of brain cancer, terminal but treatable with physical abilities lasting longer.




See the Glial cells in our brains out number the neurons 50 to 1 and without the glial cells neurons would die. This particular cell in our brain is just one more awe striking chord of our Lord! These cells can change shape and form which is one reason it is hard to extract all the malignant cells. But these cells conduct no electrical impulses; however, they do support and insulate the neurons which do.


Beth's entire family is crying out to the Magnificent Creator, who thought of us even down to that odd little brain cell, for the healing hand of the Great Physician! We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made. Can you imagine for a moment the thought and care which went into creating that one little cell that has no direct influence on our abilities? But their sole purpose is to support the cells that do! Our matter is so intricately designed that it screams loudly, "I was created by someONE with the utmost intelligence!!", the Most High of all!



My daughter has a friend that is still only 15 years old and she has breast cancer. This family is dire need of the Great Physician! And this girl's friends need to understand what truly living like it is last day really means. It does not mean going to parties and "living it up" because you don't want to miss anything. This little girl had been pushing the limits of life prior to this diagnosis and my prayer is that they will get a full understanding of living. I am not certain of her time or treatments but I do know that no one deserves these things. I just pray they find Jesus and HIS party not what this world offers.


My Mother-in-love has a prayer need of this Great Physician also. She had broken her wrist several weeks ago and it still has not healed properly. She does have osteoporosis and is 65 so she does not heal as fast as she once did but it has been 8 weeks with little improvement.


There are many more and I could go on as well as many of you. I know this turned more into a prayer request rather than a Hallelujah but I know that He is able!!! The Great Physician is more than able to handle each of these needs and all of your as well.


God bless each one of you and may the Great Physician show Himself in your lives today as well.



In Christ,



Chel

HE IS

Since I finally found the song HE IS, by Aaron and Jeoffrey - the father son duo, I wanted to post about it. I have pasted the words to their song here as well as the youtube video.

Please be sure your sound is on if you are going to listen. Or you may play the video linked here; either way, I promise you will be blessed.





In Genesis, He's the breath of life
In Exodus, the Passover Lamb
In Leviticus, He's our High Priest
Numbers, The fire by night
Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice
In Joshua, He is salvation's choice
Judges, law giver
In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer
First and second Samuel, our trusted prophet
In Kings and Chronicles, He's sovereign
Ezra, true and faithful scribe
Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives
In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage
In Job, the timeless redeemer
In Psalms, He is our morning song
In Proverbs, wisdom's cry
Ecclesiastes, the time and season
In the Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

He is, He is, HE IS!

In Isaiah, He's Prince of Peace
Jeremiah, the weeping prophet
In Lamentations, the cry for Israel
Ezekiel, He's the call from sin
In Daniel, the stranger in the fire
In Hosea, He is forever faithful
In Joel, He's the Spirits power
In Amos, the arms that carry us
In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior
In Jonah, He's the great missionary
In Micah, the promise of peace
In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield
In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival
In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage
In Zechariah, our fountain
In Malachi, He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

He is, He is, HE IS!

In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, He is God, Man, Messiah
In the book of Acts, He is fire from heaven
In Romans, He's the grace of God
In Corinthians, the power of love
In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin
Ephesians, our glorious treasure
Philippians, the servants heart
In Colossians, He's the Godhead Trinity
Thessalonians, our coming King
In Timothy, Titus, Philemon He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor
In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant
In James, the one who heals the sick.
In First and Second Peter, he is our Shepherd
In John and in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride
In the Revelation, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords

He is, He is, HE IS!

The prince of peace
The Son of man The Lamb of God The great I AM
He's the alpha and omega
Our God and our Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord
and when time is no more He is, HE IS!

Words by Jeoffrey Benward & Jeff Silvey©1994 Star Song(All rights reserved.)

God Who Restores! My Restorer!

Continued from Abiding Branch!!!



But the biggest thing ever, did I say ever? I meant EVER!!!!!!RRRRR!!!!!
My hubby and I attended the Family Life Conference called A Weekend to Remember!!!

No, as so many have asked...I did not drag him there! It was HIS idea!! Yep! (heart string strung! ***insert harps and violins***) tee hee

It was Valentines Weekend!! And we stayed at the Gaylord Texan! Beautiful and wonderful!
The best way I can describe any of this is that when you choose to love your husband in the same way Christ loves you it means more than you can imagine.

(side note: If you are in a relationship where your life is being threatened please understand that Christ took that so you would not have to. When the world and its evil ways are taking your life and trying to steal your very soul that is another thing all together.)

God has called me to this man and this is where I will find my joy and peace. When you are abused there is no peace in that home but you can have peace within. Hang in there. You can seek help and even safety without divorce if you can't bring yourself to divorce. God did not intened for you to be a punching bag or piece of merchandise. He loves you so much! And God is the best husband you could ever have!!

1. You trust God in all things!
2. You learn to love with the Love of the Lord - unconditional.
3. You forgive! (FUDGE Forgiveness Under Divine Guidance Everyday)
4. You learn grace!
5. You die to self!
(not necessarily in that order.)

A couple of things I noticed about myself: I had begun to protect myself from being hurt, which led to isolation. You know the story, "I am so lonely yet I am married." God showed me I was not dying to self in the Name of the Lord! I was so focused on forgiving him and protecting myself that I kept my heart to myself. He could have my forgiveness but not my heart? That won't do;

I was not fully trusting God!

I withheld a natural tendency toward affection, not even knowingly most of the time. I was not living to love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength! Not to mention squelching the Holy Spirit!



While whining about his walls of independence, I was building some of my own called preservation - self preservation! ***see the pattern***I don't know about you, but that to me is the opposite of dying to self. I was hanging on to my own life for dear life.

Jesus said that who ever would seek to save their own lives, would lose it. Whomever lost their lives for His sake would live! I was dying a little each day!!! Not a good place at all!!!



I needed restoration in a big way!!!! I mean huge! Life gets in the way and people just get tired. Now, I know it is not all mental, I have physical reasons for feeling so tired too!! (the health concerns in my previous post)

On Saturday, we were to write a love letter to one another. I wanted to approach the Throne Room first and visit with my DAD. So, I asked Him for the advice I needed as a woman and I opened my Bible to Psalm 86. The Words were the balm of Gilead to my heart and soul!

We needed restoration. Both of us had some repenting to do. I had prayed and prayed for a marriage that would stand the test of time and endure all things. Sometimes you just don't know what you are praying for, and you had better be ready for the answer.

It is a good thing though, because HIS ways are not our ways! If we knew what He would use in and through us for His glory, we might not take that path. Glory to God! We should be joyful in our trials and consider it an honor to die to self even for our spouse! It is a privilege we take too lightly, at least I have.

I knew the God Who Restores could do anything He wanted to!!! But the word restore is a word that implies the re-breaking of a bone to restore it fully! God had been doing some re-breaking!!! But the pain had long passed. As a matter of fact, it was hard to feel.

Bottom line is that all this time I had felt a numbness that I could not explain. But when all the walls had come tumbling down I felt the weight! But I felt!!! I had been in a body cast of sorts and God wanted my husband to remove the bandages like a veil on a wedding day! God healed me and my husband was able to reveal me. My veil was torn!!!

God offered a new path, a new season in our lives together. He provided an unhindered path to approach one another. Choosing to be true always and forever is not what this world would have you do. But this is a choice that you have to make. This choice will change your attitude but more so it will penetrate your heart! Our choices led us to this weekend we will always remember!! And to a vow renewal ceremony we would not forget!

The renewal of our vows seemed sweeter to me than the vows on our wedding day! This time we actually knew each quite well and did it anyway! lol We knew each other 3 months before we wed! SERIOUSLY! But this time we had shared half our lives together and still said, "I do"!!!

I am choosing to act the way I want to feel and not act the way I feel! We have been married almost 17 years and we are fighting to keep what the entire world would destroy!

When was the last time you sat down with the God Who Restores?
Do you need to pray for your marriage to honor God no matter what it takes? Be ready this prayer works!
I promise you one thing you can't do this! This was WAY more than I could handle, alone that is. I said I couldn't do it and God said I was right. I could not and you cannot do it without HIM!!! One thing I have learned the hard way, get-out-of-the-way and let God do HIS job. When you get out of God's way there is no telling what He will restore.

I am praying a restoration for you too in whatever area you need it in your life. If it is God, a friend, a relative, a parent, or a spouse, whomever you need restoration, you have my prayers.

I want to hear how God is revealing Himself to you!! Please share!
In Christ,
Chel

Painter Extraordinaire! Elohim

ELOHIM: CREATOR GOD (HEBREW) The "strong one" who "constructs and forms".

Welcome to the Sweetest Name of All meme. I would love to hear what you have heard from the Lord lately and a name of His that just seemed to stand out more than another. Leave a comment and make your post. If you use Mister Linky below you can share your post with the rest of us. Please copy my button and use it to link back to this post.

God truly is a Painter Extraordinaire! He sets forth on each canvass of our lives and paints the most exciting and beautiful pictures right before our eyes. Take a look at what He painted for me the other day:

This sunset literally took my breath away. I was amazed at the crane sitting perfectly still at the water's edge and the ducks politely parting the waves. The sunlight appeared to kiss the horizon and everything seemed at peace in stillness and confidence. This can only be attributed to the finest artist of all, Elohim, the Creator God. His creation astonishes me so often. From watching the sunrise from the middle of the ocean to this sunset over a golf course, the beauty at His fingertips is marvelous.

When I see the beams of light in this picture above I am captivated. When I was a little girl each time I would see sunbeams pouring out of the clouds I would think that was the way that souls knew how to get to Heaven. And each time I saw those beams I thought God was taking people home to be with Him. Perhaps that thinking came from losing my mother when I was 11 years young. She helped me to see the beauty in things and people that we would normally not see. I know that God was at work in our lives and the one who paints this sky just for me is also creating a perfect place for me in eternity.

This last photo caught my eye after I saw it on the computer. I felt it would turn out pretty when I took it, but I did not imagine the use of light the Master Artist, Elohim, would portray. The light, which gently makes itself known from beyond the trees, gave me a sense of warmth and security. There is no way someone less than Thomas Kinkade could capture this moment in time with this lighting and I am not convinced there is a living soul who could. I find myself looking for the majesty of the sun behind the trees and yet I can't quite reach it. All this just instills the wonder within me for Elohim.

Romans 1:20 tells us the intention in creation.

Read the New American Standard Version: "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. "

New Living Translation:

"For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."

I see this and I know I see Him, at least His hand's work. This creation of just a few moments most assuredly points toward our Creator God. If we can see something this beautiful this side of Heaven, I can't wait until the Carpenter has completed His job on our mansion and returns for us, His Bride!

I beseech each of you to find beauty in your day and praise Elohim that He took the time to share it with you, His most beloved of all creation!

In Jesus Name, Chel

Wise Counselor / Interior Designer

I know if I want this meme to catch on I need to do it earlier, but here I am at the end of the day finally posting. But it was only after reflecting on all God had been saying to me did I realize how He had been my Wise Counselor recently (still looking to redecorate my life though).

Have you ever looked around the walls of your house and wished you could simply redecorate? I know I have. I love to hang pretty groupings of pictures or plates or just plain pretty (the frillier the better!) things. This made me think of God as my Interior Designer, One Who Counsels Wisely at that! The one who will redecorate all the corners in my heart, or around it.

I realized that sometimes you just have to switch out the pictures and even the knick-knacks on the shelves. You definitely have to dust every now then, ho hum. If I had my way everything would be black and white with splashes of red and purple but, alas I do not have my way always. [sigh]

Today, He directed me some blogs that touched me deeply. There is such a sweetness in the fact that He cares what my insides look like and uses this electronic format to reach us right where we are!

He carefully places the right colors and knick-knacks on the shelves in my heart through each blog I read. The things all bloggy sojourners share are helping to take part in making God my "Interior Decorator". I can't wait to see what He does next!

Today He guided me to Psalm 32: 10 & 11

10 Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. 11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

He is going to Flip This Heart over and over until it is done! How neat is it that HE wants to decorate my life by covering everything, even me, with His Unfailing Love! And He will give us some background music too!

Chel

Extreme Makeover

Is that? No, it couldn't be...Ty Pennington?











...............................NOT!!!!!!!!!!!




It is the Lord thy God! (well could be anyway)




I know I have not written on the names of God for a while now but since we have a conference just around the corner. I must allow the "crew" to come in and demolish every thing so it can be rebuilt better, more beautiful, but hopefully not bigger - seein' as how I'm a woman and all!! yikes!



Have you ever thought of God as a "Home and Garden Expert".

Well that is what He has been to me lately.

First of all, He is the Firm Foundation!

And boy is HE a genius with spackle to fill all our crackles...

ok, so I could not resist that.



He knows how to pull the weeds out of our lives.



When we have been in His presence He enhances our curb-appeal!



He makes our "Old House" mighty clean!



He designed our world in less than a week.

He was the first to "Design on a Dime".

The Ten Commandments.



He was the first to Flip a House for His gain...

one example Paul "Saul of Tarsus".



He already knows what our walls would say if they could talk and loves us still.



Well I could go on but I wanted to share this one last one with you:



God sent His son to "Trade Places" with us.



(I know!) ----top that networks and cable tv.




I felt it was time to pull another name of God or two or three or four, well yes more and remind everyone just how versatile our God is. This is the blog carnival/meme where you are encouraged to name drop. Yes you read that right.

But not just any old name, I want an older one. Let's talk about God and any one of His names. I want to hear what He is to you and what that means to you. How does He reach you? Did you ever think that His reaching was just proving one of His names like Tower, Strength, Everlasting? If you want to participate steal my button loop back over here and make a comment! I can't wait to hear about who and what God is to you.

The LORD God Almighty, God Alone

As I have read HIS word, the Bible, today, I found that God makes His name known when it comes to those He loves, He is the LORD God Almighty, God Alone! It just struck me that no matter what goes on around us He is on His Throne, Unshakeable. I have been singing God Alone all day. You know it was one of those moments that I knew I have known this but it was real and tangible right here, right now. He alone is God, who Was and Is and Is to Come!

No matter what goes on around me I can rest assured my God is there. No matter my sins, no matter my backsliding, no matter my circumstances, nothing changes Him. He alone brings the "changes" in me that make a difference in my life. I have been much like the nation of Israel and I have learned much so far and await many many more lessons in my life. This nation had tried God every which way but He shall not be loosed!

In Jeremiah 14 we hear the cries of the rebellious to God: verses 7-8, "Although our sins testify against us, O LORD, do something for the sake of your name. For our backsliding is great; we have sinned against you. O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress..."

WOW ~ I KNOW! (I have also learned that admitting something does not always have remorse and both are different than repentance.)

Then this is what the LORD says about His people, "they greatly love to wander, they do not restrain their feet." Oh my feet grew tired a long time ago but my mind still takes a journey or two.

I have huge nomadic tendencies, but thank Jesus I am unable to escape the LORD God Almighty. I also thank Jesus that nothing can snatch me from the Father's Hands! Thank Him right now for Jesus because much wrath was brought upon this wandering nation that has been spared from us. If you have been redressed by the Blessed One thank Him right now. He is God Alone!

This is all a heart issue and not just for me. You know when your heart tries to wander. Your heart has a hobo bag handy and ready for the next journey. You know the one with spare clothes wrapped in a large hanky tied to a stick? This is why I love to read Jeremiah. There I hear this weeping prophet cry out to the people making known the will of the Father.

Jeremiah 17: 1-4 addresses all the idols of the nation. Verse 5 delivers the curse of those who trust in "man" who depend on flesh for strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. Verse 7 says Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD. Verse 9 reminds us of how our own heart can and will deceive us.

verse 10, "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

Chapter 51 verse 5 let's us know that the LORD God Almighty has not forsaken Israel or Judah. And He will not forsake any of us. He will bring healing, he will be the Rebuilder, the Restorer, and KING.

He alone is Healer-in-Chief.
He alone is our HOPE (Heaven's Offering of Peace Eternal).
He alone is Almighty.
He alone is Holy.
He alone is YAHWEH (LORD).
He alone is GOD!

Rewarder of those who seek HIM

First of all let me rephrase that HE is the REWARD! Yes HE IS!


This name is a TREAT because there is tangible evidence and it is a TRAIT of His character because He is simply keeping the promise made in Matthew 6:33 (provided at the end).


Ok, now to the post. The last few years have a been a roller coaster at home and in the workforce and in the midst of all this mess the Lord saw fit to provide a women’s ministry to some very busy ladies.

I had a very demanding, micromanaging, never-pleased boss and my husband was going through the same phase at the time. And while this roller coaster was clinking loudly up the steep climb WOVEN began. WOVEN is the name of our ladies ministry. This post is not about that but about Him. So, just briefly it is Women of the Vine Equipping Nations. We have yet to go outside our nation, but we see that as more than the earthly boundaries. We are all just ordinary women with one extraordinary Savior!! (http://www.woven-ministries.org/)

Back to our Rewarder, I left that one job telling my husband it was him or that boss, I could no longer take both. He jokingly said keep the job! HA. Well God saw fit, as I sought HIM, to give me a job doubling my pay. REALLY! Oh yes He is Provider too!

This company was bought, and in one year I was presented another job opportunity. The notice for this job came out the day before it was announced that the company who purchased my current company was also being acquired. Jesus is the ultimate Inside Trader!!! Lol

So, I work there with a boss of some similarity to a previous one, but I will not describe any further as he has passed away this year, and I will not speak ill of the dead. I will only say that he was also hard to please. I did make some very dear, lifelong friends while there. I went on to another company 2 years later for another double hit on the salary scale. Woo hoo! Then after taking 2 months to decide to interview and 2 months for them to decide they wanted me, I took the job. After one month of working there they changed everything!!! The territory I was to work would not change, but what I would sell did. This ultimately would decrease my salary by 2/3rds! WHOA buddy! Stop the press! What was that name again????

Oh yes Rewarder….. Now the new management was awesome. This lady is wonderful and very inspiring. She provided the best sales conference I had ever been to and having been in this industry for over a decade I have seen some fun. The theme was to “Expect a Miracle”. I do every day. Anyway, The Rewarder was not going to let me down (I learned later). I was told that there were no more guarantees, did I mention I was given a 12 month commission guarantee and I exceeded it monthly but everything was changing…..

Ok, on with the changes…..this wonderful lady announced that there were no guarantees and that this whole thing had been blown up to start over new and fresh and better!! Well after being told this, we still did not know what that meant financially to us even after the start date for new pay. I had been hounded by another company to work for them and I took it. I found out after I had accepted the offer the guarantee was still in play but by the way so is their stressors to this day!!
I took that other job and in 6 months (ironically when my guarantee would have stopped) I found myself without a job and on unemployment. During this time, I began college. For 13 weeks I was without work and now making much less than the first underpaid highly demanding job I had left to begin this journey. ARG!!!!!! I nearly lost my marriage also, all this seriously had no reflection on my actions. I was just doing what I was supposed to do and now I had nearly nothing and I could not blame myself or even feel guilty about anything I may have done. There was nothing to blame but I still keep seeking HIM. But it seemed I had lost all my rewards. I was tired, sad, lonely, but making great grades in school. It seems that school, Christian school, was helping me stay focused when I worked on it. I slept a lot and there were no companies hiring. Before I had lost my job there were a lot of job openings, so I knew this time off was God ordained but I was not seeing the whole picture. And for the first time in a long I felt uninspired.

Or was I?

During this time off, there were real break-throughs in my husband’s life and God once more asked me to be willingly obedient even though I did not feel like it. We still had a WOVEN conference but then I had to let a friend go.

It was a very hard year from October of last year to now. The roller coast has now become a kiddy coaster (that is a good thing!) But still the Rewarder is peeking through the fog in my life.

June 30th, I started a new job and I have a wonderful group of people to work with and a GREAT boss! I have not had both together at the same time since running a Senior Center in Tulsa. Even there I had a lying boss for a little while but he met his doom on his own and kept serving him even when I did not want to. I have been writing like crazy and spending more time in the Word then ever accept when preparing for a conference. We average two per year.

I am NOT trying to make myself seem like a saint or a martyr (however you need to know that the root word for the noun WITNESS is martyr!)

I did not always cheerfully obey but I do willingly obey. There is a difference, and I am learning to do it cheerfully even when it hurts. It will be a lifelong process and I give Jesus all the glory. I have not arrived anywhere except in some PEACE.

Recently, I began to question if I was where I was supposed to be job-wise. I could not concentrate or even seem productive in my own eyes. People have seen such potential in me my whole life, but I could never figure out what that was supposed to amount to.

So, I asked my Provider to become the Rewarder financially once more. Now I say financially but know I like to be busy and I have fun in insurance, I know that is weird but I like what I do and I like to see people understand their benefits and I do like to get paid for it. Plus, I am climbing back up the pay scale less ambitious but still eager less proud of the reward and more humble in HIS Grace.

Immediately the answers began to come. DID I SAY IMMEDIATELY???? Yes it was and not just in work but in the lives of people around me too. God is on the move and He is ready to be a Rewarder to all those who diligently and earnestly seek HIM.

Matthew 6:33, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness and ALL these things will be added unto YOU.” AMEN

Man of Sorrows: Our Blessed Jesus!

Is is too seldom that we spend time on this particular name. I have been clinging to this name and not even realizing it. So, I thought I would share where God has been leading me in His Word.

"Transparency is not about letting people see you at your worst moment, but being willing to admit you have them. " quote by ME! :-) RP

Isaiah 53:2-4

2 He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.

I have never truly spent an abiding time desiring to share in the sufferings of my Lord and Savior. Do you long to "know" His sufferings?

Philippians 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,


If you saw the Passion of the Christ a couple of years ago you know how it felt when you watched this movie. This movie brought to life the sufferings of my Blessed Savior!
Have you seen this movie, or should I say "participated" in this movie?. See it was proclaimed as an "experience" instead of the usual "entertaining" description. My mother-in-law believes she saw this in English; she experienced every detail to the point of the gift of tongues (she heard English in their Aramaic)! She heard it, felt it, and experienced it.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.


Have you ever cried out as the Psalmist and the Prophets did in wondering when all the evil would come to an end? When will all those who hate God be punished and when there would be perfect peace? I know...I know.... I'm the only whiner right?

1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.


I have been derailed a time or two myself and suffered at the strike of my own hand and the hands of others. Both for my beliefs even by other Christians and from the result of my stumblings.

1 Peter 4:12 [Suffering for Being a Christian] Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.


But see Paul acted like he could not wait until his weaknesses reared their ugly heads??? WHAT?? Let's get weak? Well let me tell you all these sufferings will show us exactly how weak we truly are. In my suffering (oh the shame of it!), His salvation power is amplified!

Hebrews 2:10 says, "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."


In my weakness (I can't even open a jar 1/2 the time) His strength and ability is magnified! Hmm, I wonder if God is glorified from a jar? Yes He is a Jar of Clay!! The choice storage for Hidden Treasures!

2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, (this is where we defend that none want to suffer alone! lol)



In my weakness He is made strong (in me)!! Sufferings will bring about His harvest in us.

Genesis 41:52 The second son he named Ephraim and said, "It is because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."


This is how we are to share in this name, Man of Sorrows.
Romans 5:2-4, "2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope."

I pray that you do not cringe at the thought of suffering for our Jesus. We seem to want all His characteristics but this one. Hmmm, I personally need to remember that sharing in His sufferings the result will be more of HIM and less of me.

Lovin' The Man of Sorrows today!!
Chel

My Peace

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God truly provides Peace in the midst of chaos created by us.

When my head is pounding - He is Peace.
When the kids are yelling - He is Peace.
When the job is tough - He is Peace.
When my heart is breaking - He is Peace.
When my soul is aching - He is Peace.
When my mind is busy - He is Peace.
When my strength is gone - He is Peace.



His peace truly does surpass understanding. Today a gentleman associate of mine and I greeted one another, and I don't know if this happens to you but it does me....I asked how are you? It was "his" event, he is the president of our Health Underwriters Association, so I initially thought what I saw on his face was the craziness of the day, but it was more, way more. He did not have words to express what he was feeling. Then he told me that his dad died on Labor day and he was there as the paramedics tried to revive him. Before he spoke he said to me I don't know if you can imagine this but....I told him that I knew exactly how to pray for him and that I promised I would. My mother died when I was 11 and my father when I was 24. After my father died I had a moment that resembled the look on his face so I shared this...



I was on my way to a chocolate social with my Sunday school class, alone and looking cute! I had on a new red t-shirt and a denim ball cap from the Gap. I was stylin' and ready for some chocolate but I could not find the highway, seriously. I got lost 1/2 a mile from the highway and kept taking wrong turns. I began to freak then it was as if the Lord was in the car with me and said, Shhh, turn down the radio and listen to me...I poured my heart out for the first time to God that night on the side of the road. I cried out because I did not know whether my dad knew my DAD or not. Then I heard Him again, "I never promised you answers but I did promise you peace, My Peace."



John 16:33"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."



I had been on anxiety medication and no longer needed it after that. It had been nearly 6 months since my dad had died and I was finally free from all sorrowful thoughts. I don't mean the sorrow that causes me to miss him that is still with me but the sorrow that impeded upon my progress for each day. The sorrow that fed my worry of his eternal destination the sorrow that destroyed my peace.


I am here to tell you that Peace indeed was real for me that day and it was not the first time I had met Him. He is real and He is Peace and you will never understand it even when it happens to you. His Peace truly does surpass all understanding....Seek His Face, Seek His Peace.

I know what it is like to feel all alone and to actually be all alone but never forget - I do mean never - that Christ and His Peace is right there all for you! He wants to bear the burden of grief and sorrow. He longs to calm the storm that is welling up inside your heart. He desires to replace all of it with himself, Peace. I pray that no one has to feel the way my friend has felt or the way that I have but if you have or will please remember Christ said, "Peace, Be Still."


On another note, you know we pray for peace in the Middle East, right? Because we should; however, try this pray for PEACE as in CHRIST to BE in the Middle East!!! Peace as in lack of war is great but PEACE Himself would be much more and bring much more than just praying for peace in the land!!! They need PEACE in their hearts first!!


Pray for PEACE to reside in all hearts and the hearts of the Middle East.

Philippians 4:7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In Christ,

Chel