tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67838341588028975232024-03-21T18:53:59.308-07:00Beholding His beautyChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-17600558805922458382011-07-09T12:58:00.000-07:002011-07-09T12:58:45.678-07:00Some days are just better than others.I haven't blogged in awhile honestly because I haven't had much to write about. I'm creeping into my last days here in the TC. I'm not sure how to feel about it. One part of me is so ready and excited to leave my hometown and venture out into the unknown. There are so many things to look forward to! On the other hand I'm here today sitting in a quaint little coffee shop, sipping on a delish latte (thank God! if I have one more bad cup of coffee I might just pack up and leave early) reading my Bible AND sifting through my thoughts and emotions. Some of you may already know I am moving to Portland in a month... I love Portland, I fell blessed God is keeping me in the Northwest. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. In this there is SO much faith that I desperately need to step out in. I know I can't do anything on my own and so humbly I give God all control. <br />
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<blockquote>"(God)...who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,...For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, FOR I KNOW WHOM I HAVE BELIEVED AND AM PERSUADED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP WHAT I HAVE COMMITTED TO HIM until that day." -2 Tim. 1:9 & 12</blockquote><br />
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Reading this scripture today reminded me about the one and only Jesus. The commentary of my bible blessed me with the wise teachings of Mr. Jack Hayford,<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYn3Oq8a-CYEdLAhpYaSlwrTFKhD_JbajDhvjALep6MZ2x8ZLgnVhky7rWNKLjMU9yJyiizE9ZdLKi1WYlXnUxRVq2fColPHLrVl2gMtIvgpbcb3C5j90kPphiQwx5jjR7xLByCj5X_8/s1600/17460_267248855329_578845329_5001588_3641678_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYn3Oq8a-CYEdLAhpYaSlwrTFKhD_JbajDhvjALep6MZ2x8ZLgnVhky7rWNKLjMU9yJyiizE9ZdLKi1WYlXnUxRVq2fColPHLrVl2gMtIvgpbcb3C5j90kPphiQwx5jjR7xLByCj5X_8/s200/17460_267248855329_578845329_5001588_3641678_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>"The focus of faith is knowing in the whom we believe, not merely what we believe. Faith is more that understanding a particular promise - Faith is knowing Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith; focusing the Person behind the promise more than the promise itself."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm always reminded of Peter stepping out of the boat.. I probably bring up his act of faith in every other blog post lol. Peter knew Jesus and had so much confidence in the Jesus he knew that he asked Him to command him to come out to Jesus on the water. All Jesus said to Peter was, "Come". Peter was asking for it. We all ask to be used by God, but how confident are we in the Jesus we know that when He says "come" do we take a step out of the boat in faith. So here I go, Jesus is saying to me come...so i must go. The Jesus I know will reach down to pull me up if I sink. He will be with me every step of the way because He wants to. I need to know Him more and more every day. Thankfully he knows this and has plenty of grace and patience. <3</div><br />
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<blockquote></blockquote>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-41036574036831524872011-05-15T22:41:00.000-07:002011-05-15T22:48:17.407-07:00Weight or Wait?<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You know that saying..."The best things in life are worth waiting for"? So often we fear change and yet we are constantly wanting it. (or at least I am) We live our day to day lives looking forward to that day and or thing that we have been waiting for. Waiting for the perfect job, marriage, accomplishment. How is it possible to be satisfied with what we have currently if what we are waiting for seems so much greater? I ask myself this question right as I ask myself if it's really possible. I try not to set myself up to be disappointed and yet again pray for something greater than I could ever imagine. I could either sit in the boat or take a step out and see what happens next. The next thing I know what I have been waiting for has become more of a weight. And then I ask...<br />
"is it really worth waiting for? maybe I should just ______" (you fill in the blank) This is NOT what God has in store for us! </span><br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"God proves to be good to the man who passionately <strong>waits</strong>, to the woman who diligently seeks. It's a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God. It's a good thing when you're young to stick it out through the hard times. When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: <strong>Wait </strong>for hope to appear. Don't run from trouble. Take it full-face. The "worst" is never the worst"-Lamentations 3:25-27 MSG</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">...Gosh, I love the first 5 words or this scripture...that's all I needed to be sucked into the absolute truth that God wants to share with us. GOD PROVES TO BE GOOD! We can put all of our hope into God. It's a good thing to wait. The enemy wants to distract us by taking those things that we are "patiently" waiting for and twisting them causing us to question God's faithfulness. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts. Not only that but God's desires for us are way more incredible than we could ever give ourselves. The best thing any of us can do in these times is to seek God. Giving our fears to God will enable us to walk freely in His grace. As we do this we will reap the greatness of the fruits of the Spirit. There is nothing like <strong>true</strong> love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, & self-control. We can all try to get bits and pieces of the fruits of the Spirit but I have learned they are not something I can produce in myself. I can produce emotions and reactions to life circumstances. But what's so great is that the fruits of the Spirit will help get us through the ups and downs of life. God is always constant our emotions are not. As we wait on the Lord we must take our impatience, fear, doubts, and mistakes to God and allow Him to give us the peace we need. The self-control to keep ourselves on the narrow road... etc. As you wait allow God to prove Himself to be good. Seek for it in prayer and scripture. Allow Him to give you the strength to get from where you are to where He is taking you. His timing will always be perfect so give your weight to Him and receive what He wants to teach you as you wait. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LPJ1bjDrHdpBXha0GhDWNNLywBCptEcTBeitkaTEQYdWCCMVonRsJlcH_ZQ0kEQU2tsyHpiMdvYKwBz0r9Hb4oTxATTBE5gqqaqigo2ra9lwaMv5InwQIYF5lRWMB6sesHnfwBI0WXA/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9LPJ1bjDrHdpBXha0GhDWNNLywBCptEcTBeitkaTEQYdWCCMVonRsJlcH_ZQ0kEQU2tsyHpiMdvYKwBz0r9Hb4oTxATTBE5gqqaqigo2ra9lwaMv5InwQIYF5lRWMB6sesHnfwBI0WXA/s320/29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, "God has lost track of me. He doesn't care what happens to me"? Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening? God doesn't come and go. God lasts. He's Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who <strong>wait </strong>upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."-Isaiah 40:27-31</span></blockquote>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-2249187596053083702011-03-27T23:32:00.000-07:002011-03-27T23:37:36.151-07:00Back to Life, Back to Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBE2yWdqxkjycsZ3Iti4F8VxisPyXS7gQ4B1rPVfsuoRbdKxQ1vMRBkeQp7X_SN8O3qGRRwYahHz06KPEW6giLoJEjrgrcXkMcWcZGZK3w45B2eMUvlhCilDKBUJef7Tz083YnVPbBGk/s1600/fgh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="133" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBE2yWdqxkjycsZ3Iti4F8VxisPyXS7gQ4B1rPVfsuoRbdKxQ1vMRBkeQp7X_SN8O3qGRRwYahHz06KPEW6giLoJEjrgrcXkMcWcZGZK3w45B2eMUvlhCilDKBUJef7Tz083YnVPbBGk/s200/fgh.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">clothes packed...check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">gas tank filled...check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">coffee and snacks in hand....check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">ipod on shuffle...check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">open highway ahead of you...check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">amazing friends by your side...check</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">leaving all worries, responsibilities, work, school, & burdens behind...check, check, check, check check</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHMUGY6xIoEnCPsyio5EiQ8Tq-3cSeoP8KXGS4SZOO86Bi1OK30fdTgs94snFSkw0wV-wZ0iLNFAof3_hWIUKQGT037qMi01x5J5wgJvLwgau5C5zaFIFEv6EdLz1zUtP3PiisCAu-3g/s1600/mssjd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHMUGY6xIoEnCPsyio5EiQ8Tq-3cSeoP8KXGS4SZOO86Bi1OK30fdTgs94snFSkw0wV-wZ0iLNFAof3_hWIUKQGT037qMi01x5J5wgJvLwgau5C5zaFIFEv6EdLz1zUtP3PiisCAu-3g/s200/mssjd.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">destination: <strong>VACATION </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I just got home from an amazing trip to Cannon Beach, OR with Jennae & April. It was beyond amazing! There's something about the Oregon Coast that I can't get enough of. The beautiful coastlines, the amazing houses, the perfect coffee shops...and well...I can't forget the cute boys. It's refreshing to get away for a few days to relax where the unfamiliar is so perfect. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Every time I go out of town I have to fight the thoughts on the second to last day that creep into my mind "you have to leave tomorrow..." Now don't get me wrong... I have a blessed life... but it feels so good to getaway. Coming home the song "Back to life, back to reality" was on my mind. I was less than thrilled to leave my vacation behind not knowing when I will get to return..."<span style="background-color: silver;">what would be the light at the end of my everyday life tunnel? What will I have to look forward to next?" </span></span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: silver; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Well... I can't tell you when my next vacation will be. I'm sure another one will come around in due time... but the wisdom God gave me through my troubled thoughts was this..."I'm the same when your on vacation or not." That got me thinking about the different seasons we go through. We may be in the most amazing season of our lives, where we see God's blessings in our lives so clearly. Where love and joy is experienced on overflow. We stand on top of that beautiful mountain with a clear perspective of how amazing our lives are...all the valley's and weeds seem so small compared to the height of grace we are standing in...we are unstoppable; and it's all because of our God's love for us. Or we could be in that season that is less than exciting... days are long and boring. You're not in a valley but your definitely not able to see things from on top of that mountain you have visited before. But instead your just waiting for it to come again. The waiting feels like eternity...and it's often hard to remember what that pure bliss feels like. All you hold onto are God's promises. They seem so far away but you keep moving forward one day at a time. Well God is still the same. His love for you has not changed. And then there is the worst season of all...the valley of the shadow of death. Where sin and fear seem closer to you than God. It feels like He is only on top of the mountain and it is impossible for you to get there. David(in the Bible) had such an amazing understanding of God. He knew God was with Him and He didn't allow the circumstance tell Him differently. My prayer for whatever season I am in is that I will know God the way David did. His God is the same God as mine...wow crazy to think about... I leave you with Psalm 23 it's the reality that I want to stay in...vacation or not. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv_8nABFlCyHKJxx7xi6YwTWeLn36iXmsguu2VVh52kImgkOIR7LvhHZ6jsomT7CKkJZ4XEYBLberkDEF_6R9GGJD7FCQ_iSXDlKW-Ux3Zctw15-FK5y49oZI3FEPoIB3kWwSw-i8HAo/s1600/djsk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv_8nABFlCyHKJxx7xi6YwTWeLn36iXmsguu2VVh52kImgkOIR7LvhHZ6jsomT7CKkJZ4XEYBLberkDEF_6R9GGJD7FCQ_iSXDlKW-Ux3Zctw15-FK5y49oZI3FEPoIB3kWwSw-i8HAo/s200/djsk.jpg" width="132" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Your rod and your staff. protect and comfort me.You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me, all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."</span></div></blockquote><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-29241935187112709992011-02-05T13:32:00.000-08:002011-02-05T13:35:14.979-08:00Sing, O barren<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVajpK7wORXPvddn1d7yush1wYXNEoxNOSF3yGoaCbmEB9ql8l3DyGnfSuRWUlwOsx644ZTSaZzbgBXk_Nbk8e3_Xv0CKLSpmBf1m1I8EN3_c1AEm3cMQV2DIB22RUw-Qkz9wFeTWyMAU/s1600/llllllllllllll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVajpK7wORXPvddn1d7yush1wYXNEoxNOSF3yGoaCbmEB9ql8l3DyGnfSuRWUlwOsx644ZTSaZzbgBXk_Nbk8e3_Xv0CKLSpmBf1m1I8EN3_c1AEm3cMQV2DIB22RUw-Qkz9wFeTWyMAU/s400/llllllllllllll.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Sing, O barren,You who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, You who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate Than the children of the married woman,” says the LORD. “ Enlarge the place of your tent, And let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings; Do not spare; Lengthen your cords, And strengthen your stakes. For you shall expand to the right and to the left, And your descendants will inherit the nations, And make the desolate cities inhabited. “ Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; Neither be disgraced, for you will not be put to shame; For you will forget the shame of your youth, And will not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore. For your Maker is your husband, The LORD of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; is called the God of the whole earth.'-Isaish 54:1-5</span></blockquote><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Leelawadee", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">More are the children of the desolate? God makes all things good. As a woman we need a husband to have children…if there is not one we are barren by circumstance. Even through what we see, God desires us to praise Him. Praise Him in the midst of our lack. Even when what we see as a future is desolate God still says MORE are the children (what is birthed) from desolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in times where you see no growth God still wants us to prepare our hearts to sustain greater things. I imagine this woman lived in a small tent. She never allowed herself to make room for anything greater because of her circumstance. In the times of hardship or lack we become strong as we press through the stretching of our faith for more. Who you prepare for will inherit what you have started. They will possess all that you have worked for. Nothing we do for God is in vein. We don’t labor in vein. Perfect love casts out all fear. Sometime I know for myself I am afraid to “enlarge my tent” because I am afraid to fail. But God says "do not be afraid. you will not be put to shame." Even in the times I have failed or have been shamed I will forget… maybe not literally but when my eyes and focus are on God and what He is doing my mind will not focus on shame. This barren woman did not have a husband in the natural but here God is saying, "I am your husband. You will birth something through me." He is the creator, redeemer, and in control of all things. </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"></span></span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-81478079210911098262011-01-19T22:26:00.000-08:002011-01-19T22:32:12.103-08:00Changes...next exit?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvmGPhTxk8PHuq5kSrQ0mC-GJsZS7qMZFsuyl11oxCgLgxxVzDGP3e9ZqXh9nzjJEfM3SVi-iF3F72MPIsi6P6zFZDClmTs2yAyhbVfgX9KPin5-ZFJofm5dUsU5qI_t1qulLMCzJ4JQ/s1600/555.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvmGPhTxk8PHuq5kSrQ0mC-GJsZS7qMZFsuyl11oxCgLgxxVzDGP3e9ZqXh9nzjJEfM3SVi-iF3F72MPIsi6P6zFZDClmTs2yAyhbVfgX9KPin5-ZFJofm5dUsU5qI_t1qulLMCzJ4JQ/s200/555.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><blockquote><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else, and everything you gain, you lose something else."-Ralph Waldo Emerson</strong></em></span></blockquote><span class="sqq"></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="sqq" style="color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you could become.”</strong></span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I have been reading a great book by Joyce Meyer where she has been explaining why it is so important to make decisions. She brings up the story of Peter stepping out of the boat being the only disciple to walk on water. It's so encouraging because Peter made the choice to do something physically impossible trusting in God. In that faith he was able to walk on water as he was gazing upon Jesus... unfortunately for Peter he did not make it all the way to shore...but fortunately for you and I...and well Peter in the long run, Jesus reached out to Peter and lifted him up once he started to sink. Jesus did not leave Peter to drown once he made the mistake of letting fear get between him and his faith. In the same ways when we have a big or little choice to make...we can't not move forward and allow the changes to happen because we are worried or have a lack of faith. Jesus will always be there to lift us up out of the water. He is faithful and always forgiving. Take a step in the right direction and if it's wrong Jesus will give you a second, third, fourth... as many as you may need to be back on track. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">So... with that said... I don't like change. I know that I can't stop things from changing and I trust God that He sees the bigger picture but still it's not always very comfortable. It's hard to for me to make big or little decisions. I'm always questioning if I'm making the right choice. I weigh the possibilities and outcomes. I tend to be unbalanced which complicates things more than they need to be. But here I am...in transition. I have listened to the Holy Spirit and and making a choice to believe. To believe that He has a hope and a future for all of us. I love what God has blessed me with in the past so much that it's hard to let go of some things. So much that I want to try to keep holding on but if I do that I know moving forward would be impossible. Just like Peter he had to take a step out onto the water... leaving the boat and everything else behind to do something he probably never imagined he would. That's how exciting God is that He gives us all opportunities to do crazy things. They may not seem like they make sense in the moment but trusting and believing in Him gives us the ability to let the impossible come to pass even if we make a few mistake on the way. God wants us to trust the Holy Spirit in us. He has provided a way through Jesus to give us what we need to do the exceedingly abundant and to live life fully. </span>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-80403587665519955962010-11-29T23:36:00.000-08:002010-11-29T23:50:58.434-08:00To be or not to be?<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I don't know about you but sometimes I just don't know how to articulate how I'm feeling...whats in my heart... or going on in my mind. It would be nice to be able to say exactly what I need to say... or do exactly what I need to do... or be exactly who I need to be. I may be a bit transparent I hope you don't mind. Now don't get me wrong I know who I am. Now do I go through brief periods of time having difficulty seeing that always? Of coarse... but I have to believe that God finishes what He starts. I am a work in progress... not only that I am HIS work in progress. I think sometimes we forget that we don't have to have it all figured out...if we did then why would we need God? We forget that we belong to the all powerful, all knowing (guess what He knows everything therefore He will never be disappointed in you because He already knew what He was getting into) and always loving God. God is good. He wont let me or you sink. He wont cast us to the side. Instead He will be with us everywhere we go. In the dry, lonely, fearful places He is there. When you feel lost or forgotten He still knows exactly where you are. When I think about this all I can say is there is a peace that surpasses any understanding I could ever keep. That even in my lack God is still abundant. Though my flesh is weak my spirit is willing. (I think this is a good segue into the next topic on my heart) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A few weeks ago the Holy Spirit asked me a question during a sermon. The pastor was preaching about being strong. Standing for what God says to be true and not being ashamed of the Gospel. It was a good word but what stirred in me that night...and obviously weeks later still echoing in my mind is this question...</span><br />
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<div><blockquote>"ARE YOU TRYING TO DO CHURCH OR BE THE CHURCH? "</blockquote></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Something a wise women embedded in me in my days of serving as an intern was this... God calls us to be human beings not human doings. Our nature wants to perform and please people. But God wants us to be led by His Spirit and obedient. Its so easy to do the Christian norms...and lose the heart behind it. We come to church, put on our happy faces and forget the real reason we are there. We are His bride. We are called to be His chosen one. That's not something we can imitate but instead we have to arise into our chosen place... </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iPoumvubsI1-1WvMxVfI7DM9wUGDp56q6ktG4aSH_5XHNqRy73aXtXUT9i0VAkHIhz_7t6hb8jHP4BZEGnG_hlKNprTCoANmW_11ui2bQj3IkNULX55Yh2XiZOxvsYd9PjkuKzTE6Hs/s1600/566666666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iPoumvubsI1-1WvMxVfI7DM9wUGDp56q6ktG4aSH_5XHNqRy73aXtXUT9i0VAkHIhz_7t6hb8jHP4BZEGnG_hlKNprTCoANmW_11ui2bQj3IkNULX55Yh2XiZOxvsYd9PjkuKzTE6Hs/s320/566666666.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A good friend of mine will be getting married this summer. I cant wait! I already know she is going to be the most beautiful bride. When she was dress shopping she found the perfect dress. She fell in love after she put it on...but decided to try on a few more just for good measure. There was another bride-to-be interested in the same dress. Kindly my friend let her try it on secretly fuming inside at the thought of someone else wearing her wedding dress. It makes me smile to imagine her getting ready to... well do whatever she has to do to get her dress off that girls body. Ill let you imagine the possibilities. Anyways back to my point...my friend knew exactly what was meant to be hers. Even though she took some time to try on others they just weren't right. She would have stopped at nothing to get her dress back and to not see another person wearing what was meant to be hers. I say all this because we so often trade our perfect dress for something not exactly right. Ladies we all know we don't want to be walking down the aisle thinking I wish I would have gotten that other dress. In the same way what about your life. Bride of Christ one day we all will be walking down the aisle what are you wearing? What God perfected just for you or something less than that? Are you caught up in imitating something; settling for second best or being exactly who you are supposed to be? Think about it. :) Don't be afraid to fight for what is meant to be yours! Life and life abundantly is what Jesus came to give freely to His bride. Be His church</span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-32067383283464236022010-11-02T18:58:00.000-07:002010-11-02T18:58:18.318-07:00Wonderul things!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKQ_G0r5QoY7My1Jxf3RIJmdpTcz6_s3eiMWdEOPeixJDo6q2VBxsgLRnPX7c4ovsh1bfpC8U9KW6Gp1iBg5eqlKogMPDa5Oeyn4LBWGxfJbgfkE7kCSK4PVF_gfepyPKsVq9b1BX9LY/s1600/pic9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKQ_G0r5QoY7My1Jxf3RIJmdpTcz6_s3eiMWdEOPeixJDo6q2VBxsgLRnPX7c4ovsh1bfpC8U9KW6Gp1iBg5eqlKogMPDa5Oeyn4LBWGxfJbgfkE7kCSK4PVF_gfepyPKsVq9b1BX9LY/s320/pic9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This last weekend I journeyed to Portland, OR with my bestest of friends! I was... wonderful!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: silver;">We went all over the city of Portland... Not because we wanted to see every square inch of it... but we got lost a couple times... we made the best of it! In search of a great coffee shop we got soaked walking in the rain. We rode the MAX everywhere...missed a few stops. Strangers were nice. </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdggYFTlE2xWAbRDfDSPR61c2fWJhc1kfO-HsEEms5UkVk2kzMEL70JagEQfc_RUkifFcZC33bMq4WfaDzGyePS5jKhg20_vfahzMYnAHgvCLyN6M4etTyzhOdr1mQbPGTOSKuduCFEHY/s1600/pic10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdggYFTlE2xWAbRDfDSPR61c2fWJhc1kfO-HsEEms5UkVk2kzMEL70JagEQfc_RUkifFcZC33bMq4WfaDzGyePS5jKhg20_vfahzMYnAHgvCLyN6M4etTyzhOdr1mQbPGTOSKuduCFEHY/s320/pic10.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Portland this time of year is incredible!!! I love fall...and that city! They are perfect together! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wEruPwdGEJLdmPyNU72cdsunTO4z4AQV_Giak4ywjkrZ7fCUa4wxWNx2G7jMIAJyokL0bymNlu2YnprZIv485yGtq7MohNdcMn8dWvMO_LyeIEBKkjGKIcvEUAW7DWO_dIcNU-1insw/s1600/pic16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wEruPwdGEJLdmPyNU72cdsunTO4z4AQV_Giak4ywjkrZ7fCUa4wxWNx2G7jMIAJyokL0bymNlu2YnprZIv485yGtq7MohNdcMn8dWvMO_LyeIEBKkjGKIcvEUAW7DWO_dIcNU-1insw/s320/pic16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe9ZNEJA7W27-LwQ1AUqkwDW928Amw2lB_OnZei91vH1XhD5qOmHsF6JYKIf2g1B3bvFp9UXIqhRADlLAGr93zqqTBd6DJnnNGBExm35qTynU3cWZoR4476idppBzOAHTfAua2bd0Wos/s1600/pic19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe9ZNEJA7W27-LwQ1AUqkwDW928Amw2lB_OnZei91vH1XhD5qOmHsF6JYKIf2g1B3bvFp9UXIqhRADlLAGr93zqqTBd6DJnnNGBExm35qTynU3cWZoR4476idppBzOAHTfAua2bd0Wos/s320/pic19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt-b6cezdZjpfmNgb0qJfWX5rgOVW_vb5M8iNWGl0peN4L1lGAQYHzFs1ty-4XbkOuOuzxM3veQ5Ko3ybsWDgA6jc4A6PuPUpgWOpBQb_BqMpoMtCODd50BFQ7QS9QoUV-Tf3GDUxMHw/s1600/pic20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt-b6cezdZjpfmNgb0qJfWX5rgOVW_vb5M8iNWGl0peN4L1lGAQYHzFs1ty-4XbkOuOuzxM3veQ5Ko3ybsWDgA6jc4A6PuPUpgWOpBQb_BqMpoMtCODd50BFQ7QS9QoUV-Tf3GDUxMHw/s320/pic20.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: silver;">The purpose of the trip was to see the one and only Ingrid Michaelson in concert! It was amazing! Not only because she is my favorite and has written the soundtrack of my life... but because of her talent and wit! I loved it! I can't wait to go to another one of her concerts and maybe even one day she will sing at my wedding lol! </span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It was a great weekend! It ended with church at City Bible. Pastor Frank preached on prayer and how big God is. There are no limitations in prayer! And guess what... we have enormous possibilities in Him! It's inside of each and everyone of us... we just need to tap into the power and hope He has given us! </div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-40143683491981573692010-10-17T22:52:00.000-07:002010-10-17T22:52:52.730-07:00Maybe I'm made more...faithful<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthenyour heart; Wait, bI say, on the LORD!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">~ Psalm 27:14</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">I love the fall! The crisp chill in the air...the colors...pumpkin spice lattes. It's the season I wait all year for! I feel blessed to live in a city where it faithfully comes every September. Fall reminds me of the changes that come with every season we walk through.We have to go through one to get to the next. It's amazing. We all are waiting for a that special big season to come. We all want to move on to the next thing. But maybe for this season we can all just stop and love where we are. Appriciate what God is doing. See beauty in the unexpected. It all has purpose. Let's just wait...be still...and trust in Jesus. </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #20124d;">Faithful by Brooke Fraser</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">There's distance in the air and I cannot make it leave</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #20124d;">i wave my arms' round about me and blow with all my might</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">I cannot sense you close, though I know you're always here</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">But the comfort of you near is what i long for</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">When I can't feel you, I have learned to reach out just the same</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">When I can't hear you, I know you still hear everyword I pray</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">And i want you more than i want to live another day</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">And as I wait for you maybe I'm made more faithful</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">All the folly of the past, though I know it is undone</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">i still feel the guilty one, still trying to make it right</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">So i whisper soft your name, let it roll around my tounge,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">knowing you're the only one who knows me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #20124d;">You know me</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Show me how I should live this</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">Show me where I should walk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">I count this world as loss to me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">You are all I want</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #20124d;">You are all I want </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-MOFjtSZYFhaaAYdvgqQxIbVn6lc-RXiK2NF0OgD3T4ROqv_bmpjLy4ecijyvUY6RCIKj8rty0qgIWbdb6QZQbixANCtsd94k_42MlVmbFaZarPJPAopG0GSom1HgEFiN0wM8Pw-Mlc/s1600/jiud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-MOFjtSZYFhaaAYdvgqQxIbVn6lc-RXiK2NF0OgD3T4ROqv_bmpjLy4ecijyvUY6RCIKj8rty0qgIWbdb6QZQbixANCtsd94k_42MlVmbFaZarPJPAopG0GSom1HgEFiN0wM8Pw-Mlc/s320/jiud.jpg" width="179" /></a></div></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-69200446624372743182010-09-12T13:29:00.000-07:002010-09-12T13:29:19.939-07:00Twenty-four<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><strong><em>Twenty-four</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I am twenty-four</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Bibical meaning for twenty-four- heavenly worship </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Psalm 24</strong></em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">" The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The world and those who dwell therein.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> For He has founded it upon the seas,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And established it upon the waters. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Or who may stand in His holy place?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He who has clean hands and a pure heart,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Nor sworn deceitfully.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He shall receive blessing from the LORD,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And righteousness from the God of his salvation.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him<br />
Who seek Your face. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Lift up your heads, O you gates!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! <br />
And the King of glory shall come in.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Who is this King of glory?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The LORD strong and mighty, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The LORD mighty in battle.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Lift up your heads, O you gates!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Lift up, you everlasting doors! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">And the King of glory shall come in.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Who is this King of glory?<br />
The LORD of hosts, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">He is the King of glory. Selah </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Twenty-four elders (redeemed men) in heaven I imagine singing "Holy, Holy, Holy..." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #999999; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="background-color: white;"> A year of worship. Here I am... God let's go!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-30325084061036621392010-08-24T13:40:00.000-07:002010-08-24T14:12:16.429-07:00Friendships<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today friendships have been on my mind... So I thought I'd blog about it. Get my thoughts and a bit of wisdom down for you to read. Enjoy. </span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="color: #660000;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">First I would like to say I am incredibly blessed! I have amazing friendships! I have a handful of people in my life that I know will always be in my life. We all have people that we love and know for a season and then we have the ones that are there for every season. The ones that grow along with you. No matter what you do, how far the separation, or who else you are friends with these special people will always be in a place in your heart ordained by God. These friendships are effortless. You don't have to force them even in times of sharpening and conflict.</span> <span style="color: #660000;">(those are the things that will make your friendship better)</span></span></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipat4ANySlJCfc8kibmr80j4sH6aqCjXUyPZcTn-X-JbpKZDtyL-mkQ7ftdMDygNMYsdYFhUexbXJ1rQ-WWEYopliJO3QsfvlgUFYsO_8QZmst7YXelOGj3GY1OR52tsgx06le120LuJ8/s1600/fff.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipat4ANySlJCfc8kibmr80j4sH6aqCjXUyPZcTn-X-JbpKZDtyL-mkQ7ftdMDygNMYsdYFhUexbXJ1rQ-WWEYopliJO3QsfvlgUFYsO_8QZmst7YXelOGj3GY1OR52tsgx06le120LuJ8/s320/fff.bmp" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">MC and I have been through so much together!</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">MC you always encourage and love me! Thanks for being there</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaudN33m4pV4ObTIkzkwPsxqGjiLXAT6a47yxGYp4zvs6ZwtIY7U6RHCRUuD54ufyE4YV7LYlAJiapB500GfoW6Cjs2I-yRFPYrPbDWf-Yi65eeGt_InZ3FVyny7cLqMkseYvW3SCQB0/s1600/ol.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYaudN33m4pV4ObTIkzkwPsxqGjiLXAT6a47yxGYp4zvs6ZwtIY7U6RHCRUuD54ufyE4YV7LYlAJiapB500GfoW6Cjs2I-yRFPYrPbDWf-Yi65eeGt_InZ3FVyny7cLqMkseYvW3SCQB0/s400/ol.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e;">I have know these girls for basically my whole life! April you will always be my best friend! </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">You are the perfect man for me ;)</span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;"> Cara you make me laugh and get me like no one else!!!</span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp6osrbs-Rc21Ry_D9cCudnpDp9IsL1Xl_9gEcAuOIp9OzVh14jc3juLIg7doaWrfZGLsmEd0DaZCbOqRGsrmRXUzmgZ-QT9rnl1hbQo8yY1SjfYekDaLZkvIWVJiFcj-RuzxttSOoUQ/s1600/chelsies+pics.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdp6osrbs-Rc21Ry_D9cCudnpDp9IsL1Xl_9gEcAuOIp9OzVh14jc3juLIg7doaWrfZGLsmEd0DaZCbOqRGsrmRXUzmgZ-QT9rnl1hbQo8yY1SjfYekDaLZkvIWVJiFcj-RuzxttSOoUQ/s320/chelsies+pics.bmp" /></a></div><span style="color: #45818e;">Got sexylove? There's never a dull moment with us! </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Jennae you are forever my beloved</span>!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk5TFbmd0E2UOkE9HjKe7luF8PXgo3PQEPQUTaolh7Rbotv1-ASLa5SHKmqJzzn6b5wZUuk5iOF_OPg9ZX4NzzUJcHT4FhZd9ztovRXt92Wvay6E-aqLPTBuNXptCOLAuzhmPeExSX_E/s1600/ooo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk5TFbmd0E2UOkE9HjKe7luF8PXgo3PQEPQUTaolh7Rbotv1-ASLa5SHKmqJzzn6b5wZUuk5iOF_OPg9ZX4NzzUJcHT4FhZd9ztovRXt92Wvay6E-aqLPTBuNXptCOLAuzhmPeExSX_E/s320/ooo.bmp" /></a></div><span style="color: #45818e;">Romey and Michelle can make it through anything! </span><br />
<span style="color: #45818e;">Sara you always make me smile I miss our crazy laughter! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="background-color: #666666; color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">"Friendships don't just "happen," but the best ones seem to fall into place right from the start, naturally and easily, as if they were always meant to be."</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-88719834599626904372010-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:002010-08-20T09:25:35.740-07:00To all my single ladies<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Cherish the season you are in!</strong></span> </div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">...it's for a reason.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> <span style="color: #444444;">I know the majority of us have lived our lives dreaming on that perfect man for us. We think of all the little things we want in someone...Wit, integrity, good looks, charm, vision, character, style, and the list goes on...and on. I believe God puts those desires in us but we tend to take them and run with them... but why? I know the fairytale seems so much better than the lives we actually have... but wouldn't it be wonderful to love the life we have. To be satisfied with what God wants. To trust in that scripture... yes I'm going to throw it out there... you have probably heard this 1000 times when it comes to all your dreams and desires for that "perfect man" ...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">"Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" -Psalm 37:4</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It's such a good scripture... and is so TRUE but you know what I like more...</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">what God says before...and after that. We tend to focus on what we want to hear instead of what really brings rest to our souls. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Proverbs 37:3 states "Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I feel the Lord say "feed on My faithfulness... put all your hope in Me... look to me... stop making everything a performance... to be honest when I hear delight yourself in the Lord most of the time I automatically think "I have to read my Bible more... pray twice as much... have every waking thought be something about God... DELIGHT DELIGHT DELIGHT! ...with joy of coarse :)" God wants us to trust Him. Trust is a product of a relationship where you know you are loved. Do you know (in your heart) that God loves you? Because if/when you do trust in Him feeding on His faithfulness will be more than enough. True delight will come. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">...now moving onto Psalm 37:5 "Commit your way to the LORD, And trust in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Again it says trust in Him... so really trust that God will bring every one of Your desires to pass. It's not something you have to make happen. Finding that perfect guy... it will come in the right season. Don't try to make it happen because you'll lose sight of what God is doing in you right now. Commit yourself to God's will. It's so much better than what we would give ourselves. Just like you... I'm a single lady and I stand in faith that God wants to give me a man far better than what I would pick for myself. So I just want to live my life... trust in God... it's far better than anything else. True delight isn't a bunch of works... but it's trust in the One who wants to love you more that anyone else. So let Him!!!! </span>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-55896606150658454852010-07-26T08:41:00.000-07:002010-07-26T09:29:09.295-07:00By Faith<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuYq2RnSX5cnZtRxmIKhUIemzOQRTe4fW5ay5LrfSfNYx068Ec973qNyU3WwKZkeu42TodVF5z_SaNRYSBO4LvuzXTBYs3Qhjvj5SxvSnIMw41-2ZhYwp-Iw15U5TJLTc8hK_hljNSOg/s1600/pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498250352193287874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 363px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuYq2RnSX5cnZtRxmIKhUIemzOQRTe4fW5ay5LrfSfNYx068Ec973qNyU3WwKZkeu42TodVF5z_SaNRYSBO4LvuzXTBYs3Qhjvj5SxvSnIMw41-2ZhYwp-Iw15U5TJLTc8hK_hljNSOg/s400/pic.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong>"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going." - Hebrews 11:8</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong>"The journey of the man who would become know as Abraham is a paradigm of all authentic faith. His is a movement into obscurity, into the undefined, into ambiguity, and not into some predetermined, clearly delineated plan for the future. Each future determination, each next step discloses itself only out of a discernment of the influence of God in the present moment. The reality of life for Christian men and women requires that they leave what is nailed down, obvious, and secure, and walk into the desert without rational explanations to justify their decision or guarantee their future. Why? Solely and simple because God signals this movement and offers it His promise... For contemporary Christians, there is an essential difference between belief and faith. Our religious beliefs are the visible expression of our faith, our personal commitment to the person of Jesus.- Brennen Manning (The Signature of Jesus)</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong>As i was reading this I couldn't help but think of my dear friend Ashley Leir. If you know her you would know in less than a week she will be moving across the country. Leaving all that she knows and entering into what Brennen Manning calls "His promise". If you know Ashley you would also know how incrediable she is! Her love and passion for Jesus is infectious, she's always the life of a party, and has a heart as big as my booty ;) Ashley, I love you! Thank you for always putting a smile of my face and being someone who inspires me to love Jesus more! You have been an amazing friend!!! </strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong>Taking the active step in faith we all are on the journey to what God is promising us. We may not see it right away. We all need to believe (to be established) that what God has for us is greater than anything we can do or someone else can do for us. If you are in the darkest valley, the driest desert, or on the highest mountain top let God be the one leading you. Have faith that He is your strength and joy. Where He is taking you will be worth the hard times. </strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong></strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong>"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence." Jeremiah 17:7</strong></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#333333;"><strong></strong></span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-14994451765921669472010-07-16T16:25:00.000-07:002010-07-16T17:19:14.723-07:00My ocean and me<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:verdana;font-size:11px;"><pre style="font: normal normal normal 11px/normal verdana; line-height: 16px; padding-top: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">I think I figured it out... We need to be together, Like the shore and the sea. We are not one thing... We're drawn here together My ocean and me.- Jon Foreman</span></span></span></span></pre></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">God is my ocean... His waves crash over me. I need Him... if He wasn't there I'd have no purpose... I'd just be dried up sand thirsting for water to come and fulfill my dreams. </span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_521qEYQN58P2Ha7dOcxI_ERz7hfgU_XfkQEglqjyMt6wotjHxllSkj3euWq4JKlIiqiQ28eU4IOh_IhxOIqYyjNAWvdZQyINAktmv0tu0C1AbqDrlGwAbz4wDJTsgMCmepTsKRa6uw0/s400/DSC00839.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494656309303329154" />ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-92124104747413622402010-07-04T13:27:00.000-07:002010-07-04T14:14:57.147-07:00JOY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAq35ewKyt3tcN8YOb7wH-NCcnUC4wOMZK3ipjw_jdky6uwi0757GTqqCy1gBQ1hSVfgERhv0iYYHbpIqVIWiBwhhSSMLT-nC-wkTRO5y1IEOcDsEjkUJENfIh7s1YBEb7keuCcgDY8M/s1600/IMG_2029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAq35ewKyt3tcN8YOb7wH-NCcnUC4wOMZK3ipjw_jdky6uwi0757GTqqCy1gBQ1hSVfgERhv0iYYHbpIqVIWiBwhhSSMLT-nC-wkTRO5y1IEOcDsEjkUJENfIh7s1YBEb7keuCcgDY8M/s320/IMG_2029.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490162495688985634" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">"So the ransomed of the LORD shall return, And come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; sorrow and sighing shall flee away." - Isaiah 51:11</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">...mmm so good...</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> I decided to spontaneously write today... not knowing what but knowing I have stuff that needs to come out of me. So naturally not knowing what I was going to talk about I decided to play the "what are You saying God?' game... we all have done it... you know the one where you close your eyes open your Bible to a random page and then point. So I read what was under my finger in hopes I would find a bit a wisdom and encouragement...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I find myself asking the question what is true joy</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">?...</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">the opposite of sorrow... a treasure... a fruit of the Spirit... a character trait... a gift... a </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">choice</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I'll be honest sometimes I feel like joy is something I try to have instead of something I'm reaping. But then I'm reminded that we were the joy set before Jesus as He hung on the cross... How can this be? As He was paying for us who were the RANSOMED because of our sin... we were still His joy. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px; font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">So I guess what Im saying is... wherever you are... if you don't exactly feel the joy... know that if you don't know pain you will never fully understand how great the true joy is. We all walk through seasons of pain, heartbreak, and loss. Jesus did... but joy was His strength, so no matter what let joy be yours even if it seems far away. Believe that it is God making a way in you to go deeper to experience Him in greater measure. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 5px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 5px;font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-51159473932013287202010-06-16T13:03:00.001-07:002010-06-16T14:14:35.863-07:00Jesus is amazing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAEV1oiKgwusDx6VQhMQ5zzv6rNHPHVFNdoK8_WwQmj34RWJGKLc_JiuiDOwCQUd-ZPwMZeIndnKjBLnMZvya8b0AFPsygsJQZ3szETi1qsyPvEvnoor3J7hyphenhyphenykfgCy24biRINlW7IWU/s1600/IMG_1483.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyAEV1oiKgwusDx6VQhMQ5zzv6rNHPHVFNdoK8_WwQmj34RWJGKLc_JiuiDOwCQUd-ZPwMZeIndnKjBLnMZvya8b0AFPsygsJQZ3szETi1qsyPvEvnoor3J7hyphenhyphenykfgCy24biRINlW7IWU/s320/IMG_1483.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483482811470333490" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Do you ever really think about why Jesus is so amazing... like really really REALLY think about it? If anyone reads this... then Im guessing you are probably someone who could give me a very spiritual/Biblically correct answer... and thats ok... but I guess why I'm writing this is because lately God has been stretching my perspectives and shifting some paradigms that I have about the King of Glory, the Lion & the Lamb, Son of God, Son of man, the bread of Life... Christ Jesus my Lord and Savior. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Recently I have been longing for understanding and sharpening. I have been blessed to come across an amazing author who by his testimony and life experience that he so transparently shared in a few of his books given me that. (if you follow me on twitter you have probably seen a few quotes I have tweeted from him)</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">But anyways back to Jesus...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">So what do you think about Jesus? God has been showing me how much we truly need Jesus. Without Jesus we have absolutely 110% NO hope. Apart from Him we would not know forgiveness, freedom, and most importantly love. It's crazy to me! Even though God created us, named us, knows the count of every hair on our heads... we would NOT know this love if it weren't for Jesus. In Phillipians 3:8 Paul says this,</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; white-space: pre;font-family:'courier new';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; white-space: normal; font-family:Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">of the knowledge of Christ Jesus </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">my Lord, for whom I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">have suffered the loss of all things, and count them </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">rubbish, that I </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">may gain Christ."</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">My heart leaps when Paul says I count all things loss for the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">EXCELLENCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">. Why?... well because I desire to have knowledge of Christ... not head knowledge but knowledge that comes from real experience. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">"In the Hebrew understanding the word knowledge is </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">felt</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">; it arises from experience of God </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">in faith and love rather than human investigation. Knowledge is the fruit of a faith-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">encounter with Jesus as the Christ." -Brennen Manning </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> I think as humans we tend to be driven by success so we equate knowledge as power to get us where we want to be. But through God's eyes He sees us through the blood of Jesus as His perfect creation. He jealously wants all of us and wants to show us all of Him. So what do we do? We seek after the head knowledge thinking the more we know about God the better we are as Christians... but we never count everything else as loss to have experienced the excellence of Jesus. And what did God do? He loved us so much He sent Jesus to come and show us what true knowledge is. He came to restore to us the destiny God had created for us. He came to love us and He did by dying for us knowing obviously through His experience that we would never be able to love Him the way He deserves. We crucified Him, we denied Him, we took Him for granted. But He forgave and loved us anyways. And will always do that as long as we are on this earth. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Think about why Jesus is amazing. He will show you and be faithful to strengthen your knowledge of His excellence.</span> </span></span></div><div><br /></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-87163950009267815952010-05-28T11:20:00.000-07:002010-05-28T16:46:58.537-07:00Heart-shattered lives ready for love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM16Lv7x2Xhs_SBT7d1w4rtpFusSCNVC57pAT7cZw1r51-knuz6HNnqy4HXGV6r4AQ7OS3fSiQqc2S3ZIh0-PXxnrNew5J74SAY655KbdTRBx2rOI27S0hc1O4UprbhZNhFMlRp4bwQE/s1600/777.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 316px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWM16Lv7x2Xhs_SBT7d1w4rtpFusSCNVC57pAT7cZw1r51-knuz6HNnqy4HXGV6r4AQ7OS3fSiQqc2S3ZIh0-PXxnrNew5J74SAY655KbdTRBx2rOI27S0hc1O4UprbhZNhFMlRp4bwQE/s320/777.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476471588118569618" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This goes out to the brokenhearted and the weak. Those who cry out for mercy and His grace. No matter where you look there is only one source of life. It's not in yourself, others, or circumstances... but in Jesus. In Him is where we find the grace to move forward day to day. In our weakness, fears, and failures His redeeming love proves strong and glorious. So let us ragamuffins allow our lives to be transformed by His promises. Please take time to read these scriptures below and allow the Lord to speak to you and give you peace and affirmation through His love and truth. </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> "Going through the motions doesn't please you, </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> a flawless performance is nothing to you. </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> I learned God- worship <br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> when my pride was shattered. <br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);">Heart-shattered lives ready for love </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);"> don't for a moment escape God's notice. "<br /></span></span></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 102, 102);">Psalm 51:17-18 Message</span> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">"The L</span></span></span><span style="font-variant: small-caps; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">ord</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> is close to the brokenhearted;</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> he </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">rescues</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"> those whose spirits are crushed."</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><br /></span></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 102);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Psalm 34:18 NLT</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-style: italic;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">"Take My yoke upon you and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">learn</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> from Me, for I am </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 204, 204);">gentle</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 204, 204);">humble</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> in heart, and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">." Matthew 11:28-29</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">"For our </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">light affliction</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:17-18</span></span></span></span><br /></p></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"> So when we still feel broken, insecure, and hopeless where do we go? When we are in that dry place and the cries of our hearts are "God I don't know how much more I can handle... I need grace... forgive me.. I can't do this please help me!" and then we hear nothing... so we stand up, wipe away the tears and keep pressing on. I have been there so many times... and in a small voice the Lord shows me JESUS, He knows what it feels like to be facing evil, injustice, and pain. To not feel the presence of the loving Father to come sweep Him away from it all. In the garden Jesus prayed "take this cup of suffering away from me" then hanging beaten on the cross He cried "Abba Father why have You forsaken me?" Despite what he felt He had God's word living inside of Him. In this He made it possible for us to know the Love that He was so close to. So my prayer is that would I have God's word living inside of me. That no matter what is happening I can trust that He is close to my contrite heart... As I am humbled He is glorified... My afflictions are temporary but if my eyes are on Jesus they will be eclipsed by His glory... It's okay to have flaws and to be a mess sometimes because I am a daughter of the Most High clothed in His righteousness. He knows our hearts and what we need. So let Him rescue you and give you His strength!!! Denying what your flesh says and embrace His promises. They endure forever. </span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-45634012585359983352010-04-12T16:23:00.000-07:002010-04-12T17:11:56.487-07:00Come!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjSf4HsUVA4FLirGH_A9K2kSs5pl3OvjH6-xXBcuQGFvrQhf8MTMyE0yg85lsMxHvGoG7WwbjlF08jkrtdSn3zBfvIstfHqbCfpFmvh6OhyxUBHrqta4gnmfKiZm0ImFsI7NYgBzF5z8/s1600/ist2_8436416-ceramic-cross-on-weathered-wood-xxxl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjSf4HsUVA4FLirGH_A9K2kSs5pl3OvjH6-xXBcuQGFvrQhf8MTMyE0yg85lsMxHvGoG7WwbjlF08jkrtdSn3zBfvIstfHqbCfpFmvh6OhyxUBHrqta4gnmfKiZm0ImFsI7NYgBzF5z8/s320/ist2_8436416-ceramic-cross-on-weathered-wood-xxxl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459407831229457538" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Have you ever wondered why God choses to use you? Maybe you feel completely inadequate or overwhelmed to think the God of all creation would put His trust in you. I sometimes laugh praying, "Oh Lord, do You really know what You have gotten Yourself into?... ha ha ha... Your so funny." And then He gently speaks back saying, "Arise, shine my glory in on you! I have no doubts because I know who I have created you to be. I know where you will fall short so I know where I need to bring you more grace. In your weakness I am strong... so my child trust in Who I am." It's that easy, yet for us that hard. Trusting in God and what His word says. From generation to generation He has proven Himself faithful. He doesn't have to use us but He wants to because He loves us and created us for His glory... so why would we ever want to settle for less? Jesus in the fullness of His glory was hanging on a cross; beaten, naked, and fully surrendered to the one He called Abba Father. In that moment on that day He was crucified for my sin... I can't help but wonder right before He said "it is finished" the thought that went through His mind was... "my purpose here on Earth is done. It was hard and uncomfortable... not really what I expected... but Abba Father it is finished. You are so good... receive Your servant"... At the end of my life I pray that I would have the same peace in knowing what God created me to do.. and who God created me to be will be finished. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Here I am convicted... for myself and also for the Bride of Christ. Revelation 22:17 says,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"> "And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">God wants to use His bride to send out a heavenly invitation to everyone... saying COME! Are we corporately and individually there yet? The verse doesn't say the Spirit says Come... it says the Spirit AND the bride say Come. God could do this on His own but He is trusting us because He knows what He has created us to be. He created us to love... inside and outside of the church. To go to the people who we may have once called unclean or common... and call them clean and separated to a Holy God. Even though we may not come out and say it a lot of our actions say "I'm only going to love who I find lovable." Everyone God has created is thirsty and in need of Jesus Christ and His message of love. But instead of arising and speaking out the love and freedom God has for all we let fear, laziness, or judgement distract us from being what God has created us to be. In this we have held back not only in ourselves but what God has given freely to us to give to others. I love in Acts when Peter has the revelation that God wants to pour out His Spirit on ALL people and not just the Jews. The first time He preached the Gospel to Gentiles they were saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. God's love is for everyone and He desires to pour out on everyone. Even thats so simple its so crazy! If we know this then it's time for us to step into what God has created us to be! A light in the darkness... testimony of freedom... and a vessel to proclaim liberty to the captives!!</span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783834158802897523.post-32135861066830913412010-03-25T14:15:00.000-07:002010-03-25T15:24:27.099-07:00A new thing... A new me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFmJv_Dshmzh-nArQcvRbnT74acisZmofep5T1RkuFLWm7syGWBi-wDL7O7waor6tbeTpHGtV50lQ1nXyM9srX4DB2b0hiHM7gDdtbZdeUKnSc8rEmtTa1P3m9G_kbQwqxFpb2Cqn48M/s1600/IMG_1517.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFmJv_Dshmzh-nArQcvRbnT74acisZmofep5T1RkuFLWm7syGWBi-wDL7O7waor6tbeTpHGtV50lQ1nXyM9srX4DB2b0hiHM7gDdtbZdeUKnSc8rEmtTa1P3m9G_kbQwqxFpb2Cqn48M/s320/IMG_1517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452699265307143378" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">Isaiah 43:18-19</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"> “ Do not remember the former things, <br /> Nor consider the things of old. <br /> Behold, I will do a new thing, <br /> Now it shall spring forth; <br /> Shall you not know it? <br /> I will even make a road in the wilderness <br /> </span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">And</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"> rivers in the desert."</span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);">For the past month I have been thinking about the seasons we all go through as children of God. I think I have been thinking about it so much because not only do I not fully understand why God wants to take us through seasons but because I find myself in a place where I'm constantly comparing the season I am in now to previous ones I have had in the past. The wise King Solomon states the there is a time for everything under the sun. He also says God makes all things beautiful in IT's time. So here I am sitting here asking God "what is IT?" How can I know what you are making beautiful if you don't tell me what "IT" is! For you it could be character, a relationship with a friend or family member, your future, your past. Whatever "IT" is we can stand on God's promise that one day in "IT's" time it will be beautiful. For me right now my "IT" is this season I am in right now and my heart that God is molding, shaping, and breaking right in His hands. As He is doing this I am forced to look at myself and who I am. I knew who I was in the seasons before but here now I'm not sure I do. Not because I don't know who God says I am but because for so long I have been comparing who I am now to who I once was. I have been comparing how I experience God now to how I once did... and it has taken me to a place of confusion and even condemnation. Maybe some of you know what I am talking about and if you don't maybe one day you will. But God is saying now... "Im doing a new thing stop looking at who you once were in the former times because it is causing you to miss what I am doing now!" Hearing Him say this to me is such a relief... I don't have to be that same girl I once was... not that she wasn't doing and being who God wanted her to be but because now He is doing a new thing and it doesn't have to look like the old. And I can let go... we all can let go of that fear of not measuring up and instead just be who He created us to be for such a time as this and rest in His grace with the understanding that He is making us beautiful and sometimes the timing doesn't go with ours but thats ok. We can relax and give it to God and allow Him to take us to heavenly places where we can see timing from His view. A wise woman once told me, "Until you learn what God is teaching you in this season He wont take you to the next." God is faithful and has the road prepared before us to get us to place where He wants us to be... to teach us exactly what it is that we need to know. And rivers to give us strength and refreshment even in the driest of places... sometimes its so simple... today I make the choice to sit at the table of the Lord and just sit and eat ice cream with Him. That is what He is teaching me... just to go to that place where all that matters and all that I have is in Him. I don't need to be looking back at yesterday... but just being in that moment with Him and not comparing what I think joy should look like... or what I think intimacy is... but seeing He has created a new thing and I don't want to miss that. I hope whoever reads this will do the same. :)</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Charis SIL';"><br /></span></div>ChelsieDiannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13899533878594162492noreply@blogger.com0