Word Filled Wednesday

Reaching
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Luke 8:40-47:
And as Jesus returned, the people welcomed Him, for they had all been waiting for Him. And there came a man named Jairus, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus' feet, and began to implore Him to come to his house; for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him.

And a woman who had a hemorrhage for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her hemorrhage stopped. And Jesus said, "Who is the one who touched Me?" And while they were all denying it, Peter said, "Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You."

But Jesus said, "Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had gone out of Me."

When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed.

Isn't it amazing that we belong to an awesome, powerful God? This woman, in faith, knew that Jesus' cloak alone held the power she needed to be healed. Everyone else had failed her, but Jesus would not. Can't you see her? Pressing in, knowing what others may be whispering about her, but all the while setting her eyes on the one who could save her, who could restore her. Beautiful scene isn't it?

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

A journey for friends

Every now and then, we are blessed in this life to have incredible, wonderful friends. Not just any kind of friends mind you, but the ones that you know you can rely on, the kind you know that no matter what, you will always be friends. Distance, life circumstances, nothing matters because the friendship is too special, too precious, too needed.

This past weekend, Andy, our girl, and I loaded up and headed up to Kentucky to visit a friend of mine whom I have known since college. We met through FCA, and worked at a few FCA camps together. We also attended the same church and were active in the college ministry there. Since then, we have each moved multiple times, we have each gotten married, and children now spice up the landscape. I had not seen her since I was engaged, 6 years too long if you ask me. But, it felt as if I had just been there, as if no time at all had passed. We still laughed (a lot!), goofed around, and just enjoyed being.

This time however, we got to see one another in the context of one another's family. We saw one another as friend, wife, and mother. And you know what? She is even more beautiful and amazing to me. Her accomplishments are vast, but nothing matters as much as her faith and her family, and her life is evidence of that. In her actions and speech, I know that to be true, and I love her for it. Her friendship is truly a treasure I am blessed to have been given, and it is one I hold closely. And her family? They are wonderful extensions of who she is.

It was a good weekend, a good weekend indeed.

Common bond, though not as strong as our bond of faith:


Their sweet dog, Roxie, who allowed our girl to pet and kiss her, nonstop:

WFW Romans 12:9

WFW Romans 12:9
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

I Had This Friend Once, Part Two

I had this friend once, who started making choices that greatly impacted his family, and many people close to him. A man who was once passionate in his pursuit of the holy became trapped in a web of selfishness and deceit. It was ugly, it hurt people, it changed the course of lives.

But yesterday, we got his letter. A letter stating his repentence, his acknowledgement of the sin he willingly walked through. It was a humble, beautiful letter. He has returned to the One who first loved him, and is walking the road to recovery.

Dear Friend,
I am rejoicing over your decision, your desire to seek forgiveness, and the fact God so willingly grants it. I am thankful for His mercies and grace, for His continual love and pursuit of you. I am praising Him that you have returned, that the disciplinary actions taken against you served their purpose, and now, you are restored into fellowship.

In your letter, you asked forgivness from a few specific people. I was shocked when our names were mentioned because, truly, I saw no need for it. Our hearts have been broken over you, we simply wanted you to return to your First Love. But, you humbly asked, and we humbly granted. Through it all, even in the times of broken fellowship, we have loved you and have wanted God's best for you. We had to follow the authority placed before us, and you knew that, but it was so hard to not reach out. To see you walking through paths of destruction and have to sit and watch, but do nothing. We prayed, we wept, we longed for your return.

Like Lazarus rising from the grave, you have risen up my friend. We pray for your safekeeping, for healing, and for your restoration. The past cannot be changed, but it certainly does not have to dictate your future. We welcome you back, with open arms, my friend. We have missed you. Now, we weep tears of joy, and our hearts rejoice. May your scars be a testimony of God's grace and forgiveness rather than instruments of condemnation. May they serve to remind you that you are forgiven, and are deeply, passionately loved by the God who made you. May those scars be your motivation to continue forward on the path to righteousness, but never painful burdens. Welcome home friend, welcome home.

Sheesh!

I drove the speed limit today***.


Other drivers didn't like it

Truly, every driver that passed by was glaring. I was going 70, at least, and they went by as if I were not moving at all. And, the graciously looked over and glared at me. Oh, I'm sorry, I think my daughter's life is more important than your impatience!

***I took a picture of my speedometer with my phone, but it won't post. Bummer.

Week Recap

The folks arrived in one piece, and happy to be done with their drive. We celebrated my dad's birthday, played, laughed, the wee one entertained us all, shopped, ate, laughed some more, and enjoyed one another. When I got up (entirely too) early this morning, the folks headed out as well. I loved having them there, I hate seeing them go. I don't like it, not one bit. The wee one and I headed out to do some grocery shopping, where she entertained many other shoppers, and now she is peacefully napping. I am about to do the same. This afternoon we are off to get Easter pictures done of the girl. Let's cross our fingers, say a prayer, and hope for some smiles. It should be interesting, if nothing else.

This week has been incredible (not that you would know it by this boring entry), but it's left me exhausted. Or, maybe it's depression setting in due to the many miles separating us from family. Hmmmm, could be many things. Oh well. The sun is out, life is just fine, and we are blessed. Plain and simple. Time for a nap. Later friends.

Oh wait, I also finally made my way to a dentist and get to have THREE crowns put in. I knew I was royalty, and instead of one little crown, I get three. Dang, I'm so lucky. *smirk, smirk*

WFW - Lillies

WFW - Lillies
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Matthew 6:28-34:

"And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

The truths and promises of God. Wonderful, aren't they?

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Me? Procrastinate?

A friend has asked me to help with a fun project. It involves me be able to write freely and creatively. I am pumped about this opportunity. Part one needs to be done by Friday, this Friday. Have I done it? Uh, no, not so much. Well, I have a few lines written down. That's it. Me thinks me needs to get with it!

Did I mention my folks are in town? Their visit is not stopping me from going to 5 am workouts however. They told me I'm crazy, I agree. Today, we are celebrating my dad's birthday. He had the wee one help him open his gift. She looked at it, as if the bag and ribbons were aliens about to attack. Hmmm, the first birthday should be interesting. Oh well.

Aside from my dear husband being home sick today, all is well in the land. I'm even putting my parents to work....that's just the kind of amazing kid I am. How nice huh? Drive 17 hours to visit and get put on task duty. Only because of love I tell ya. Still, it is nice to have them here and nice to have the help. Now to make tomorrow's to do list, and, maybe I'll start that writing project....in a minute, I'm sure.

Waiting, it's for the birds

My parents will be arriving tomorrow. I'm excited, very excited. My sister and her family live in the same town as our parents. Me and my family? Well, not even in the same state. I don't so much like that fact, but it is what it is. Since our girl arrived last year, the folks have been to visit a few more times than pre-granddaughter. But, I don't mind one bit. So, they are driving many many many miles to come see us for a week. And I? I couldn't be happier!

Word Filled Wednesday

Hats - WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 126:2:
Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them."

This star made of hats in hanging in the Fort Worth Convention Center. When I saw it, I laughed, out loud. Everytime I passed by it, I just smiled. Yep, only in Texas. I hope your day today is filled with laughter, with incredible joy. May you laugh today until your sides hurt and your eyes are watering. Let the world see your JOY!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Richard Wright's 4-Prong Stimulus Package

Stripping

But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Eph. 4:20-24)

I am not who I was. True? Daily, we are each learning, growing, and changing. Or, that is the hope at least. Yesterday, while recalling an exchange with a friend and listening to Carter teach our Sunday morning class, I had to smile at this thought. I am not who I was, nor am I who I will one day be. I find great comfort in that.

While I was in Texas, I was able to meet with a friend of mine who is incredibly dear to my heart, and an important part of my spiritual walk. During my college years, she discipled me, taught me, challenged me, and laughed with me. She allowed me to simply be. With a discerning spirit, she seemed to know when to press for more, and when to allow me to process information. As I look back, I think she "got me" rather well. I received and email from her, and part of it read, "Seeing you reminds me of the student who was so out going but deep too... she just had to process on her own, figure things out or get them under control and then she would bring it all to the table. Sound familiar?:-)"

I had to laugh as I read that. Oh how true! In my response, I wrote, "I have always been able to simply "be" when I'm with you. No need to be the funny girl or the one who's always smiling, just me. It's nice, and I thank you for that. Yea, I remember that student. In fact, I remember one who thought she had to be the always smiling always clever one, but all the while she was soaking everything in. Would she speak up? Maybe, maybe not, it would depend on who was around and who might stomp on her thoughts. Sometimes I wish I could go back and tell her, it's OK, you are OK, God has you here, in this place, in this moment for a purpose. Be confident in that!"

More often than not, I am the "funny one" in the group, or the one with just a tad more energy than others. This niche is fine, but it is only part of who I am. I married an introverted, musically gifted, highly intelligent man. He too can be quite funny and rather clever. He uses words that make Webster sound juvenile, and has the gift of making connections in the Bible I have never heard or thought of before. He's gifted, in many ways.

When I was pregnant, a friend said, "Maybe she'll get Andy's intelligence and your athletic ability." Oh, thanks, so I'm the dummy in the bunch. She didn't mean it that way, but it was a funny comment. However, at the end of the day, I am the one listening to Andy process his day, what he is learning, and what he is being challenged with. And you know what? I get every single word. I may not understand the computer programming language he uses or why one code worked and another did not, but I understand him. Truth be told, he is not the only intelligent one in the house.

I am finding myself becoming more OK with who I am, imperfections and all. The imperfections are now a source of joy and an opportunity for growth rather than sore spots I try to hide.

Right now, today, I have set up goals for myself, for my family. I am in constant battle deciding whether I can meet those goals and if I should give up on them. Do I move beyond people's perception of me or stay comfortably in this place? Do I go after what some say is impossible and silly or forge ahead with conviction and strength? Do I remain in character with that funny yet inwardly timid girl or do I walk confidently on in the gifts I have been given? Do I hide or do I allow others to know me? Either way, it is a choice.

In his book The Traveler's Gift, Andy Andrews writes, "Easing off does not make the going easier. Neither does it guide one to the desired destination. Most men ease off when the going is rough. Most slow down when the road appears treacherous. These are the times when you must feel the weight of your future on your shoulders - the throbbing, unstoppable strength of destiny coursing through your veins. Times of calamity and distress have always been producers of great men. The hardest steel is produced from the hottest fire; the brightest star shreds the darkest night" (pg. 159). He also writes, "Until you have accomplished what you were put here to do, you will not - you cannot - be harmed" (p. 188).

And, I find myself smiling as I think, "It's OK for me to go ahead and run towards greatness." No, I'm not who I was, nor am I now who I will be, but, I sure am having fun on the journey.

Find Rest

Matthew 11:29: "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS."

Whew friends, what a week! Tuesday I finally caved and headed to a doctor to find out why the cold I had would not go away. It had been a week, I figured it should be gone. His exact words were, "well, I'll go ahead and treat you for a sinus infection." Oh, nice. At least we are sure of what's going on. I was given a prescription for an antibiotic that proceeded to make me feel worse than I did before. Even better. I seriously felt like I had been run over by a bus, and an alien had taken over my intestines. Lovely, I know. And did I mention the pounding headache that lasted just over 24 hours? I was a mess I tell you, a mess! I even skipped out on my early morning workouts, and when I miss those, you know it's bad.

Yesterday, after taking the antibiotic in the morning, I decided I was done with it. I'd rather endure saline rinses and nose blowing than feeling completely incapacitated. Besides that, not being able to interact with my own daughter was making me more miserable. With the antibiotic gone, and food finally staying in my tummy, the world began looking a little brighter. I even made my way to volleyball last night, which found me in giggle fits most of the evening. This morning, I was back at my early workouts, and enjoying that. There's just something about moving around, acting like a kid, and feeling muscles work that brightens my mood. Love those endorphins!

Today, I'm back on my AdvoCare products, and feeling much better. During a discussion with my mom this morning, we talked about all the crazy things happening in the world and in our own neighborhoods. Crazy times friends, crazy times indeed. I wonder what happened to that clearly defined line between right and wrong. When did it become so hazy and unclear? It's scary, especially as a parent now. But, in the end, God is still God. He loses none of his power regardless of who is in "power" on earth, and regardless of how wayward his people become. There will come a time we will have to answer for it all, and for that day, I certainly am praying. Even still, my soul is at rest today. It's in that wonderfully content, peaceful place of assuredness in my Savior. Though the world may fade away, my God certainly will not.

Yea, I'm definitely feeling better now.

Word Filled Wednesday

Word Filled Wednesday
Originally uploaded by chelled.

1 Chronicles 16:29
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.

I'm not sure I am even capable of giving God all the glory He is due. My mind cannot even fathom how that might look. Yet, may my life, in the little things, brings Him honor and glory today.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Ready

I am ready for Spring. I am ready for it's warmth, it's sunshine, for its ability to melt the cold winter from outside. I am ready for Spring to step forward, to show itself in all of its colorful splendor. I look forward to hanging my coat in the back of the closet and allowing it to rest there for a while. I am so very ready.

March 1st brought snow to us, but today the sunshine is back. Although the air is cool, the hint of Spring whispers around the corner. Oh, I can hear it, and I am ready for her.

I am ready to reach goals I have set, and to help others do the same. I am ready to go after what I could not envision before because now I see the picture more clearly. I see the why and the how, and I am going after it. I am ready for newness in nature, in the world around me. Oh yes, I am ready.