Worship and Praise Sunday

I am not sure I can adequately explain just how much I love Casting Crowns. They are some phenomenal writers with abundant gifts! Their concerts are more like worship services, and they have yet to sing a song that doesn't affect me in some way. The following song, Until the Whole World Hears, is just amazing. In fact, while at Success School and having my reckoning moment, I decided that when I am on that stage and telling my story, this is the song I'm walking out to.




Lyrics | Casting Crowns lyrics - Until The Whole World Hears lyrics

Blueberry oatmeal bars

This recipe is from Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious Cookbook:

Servings: Makes 12 bars

Ingredients:
Blueberry Oatmeal Bars (with Spinach)

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup Balance trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread , chilled
• 1 cup low-sugar blueberry preserves
• 1/2 cup spinach puree

 Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Coat an 8" x 8" baking pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and vanilla and stir to mix well.

Add the margarine and cut it quickly into dry ingredients with two knives until the mixture resembles coarse meal and is no longer powdery. Do not overmix—bits of margarine will still be visible.

Set aside about half of the oat mixture; press the rest firmly into the pan. Bake until lightly browned at the edges (but not fully baked), 13 to 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, mix the preserves with the spinach puree in a small bowl.

Spread blueberry mixture over the partially baked oat layer, then sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake until topping is slightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Set the pan on a rack to cool completely before cutting into 12 bars.

This Little Prayer of Mine - check this out

I know you're up in heaven, God,

and can hear my voice from there.

I'm just a little child.

Will you answer my short prayer?

So begins this delightful book that affirms God's readiness to answer our prayers, no matter what our age.


With engaging rhymes and beautiful illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine assures children that God is always near--watching, listening, caring, and eager to respond to their requests. They'll also learn that prayer isn't just about asking for things, but about sharing their feelings of sadness and uncertainty as well as of thanksgiving and joy.


Most importanly, This Little Prayer of Mine reminds children—and those who love them—that they can trust God to tenderly care for them, no matter what the future holds.


Check out his blog here.
Order the book here.

Matt Chandler's Latest Update

Talitha Koum!

On my journey to the metroplex this past weekend, I decided to take advantage of the fact I was alone and enjoy some quiet time.  For one hour, it was just God and me.  No radio, no phone conversations, just my heavenly father and me.  I started with the usual, "Ok God, we need to chat."  As usual, the response was, "Yes, and you need to listen."

Last year at Success School, I called Andy to tell him my goals for the coming year.  I had a vision of what I wanted our AdvoCare business to look like, and it was sweet.  In fact, I told him that by this time, our income from AdvoCare would match his salary.  That is what I set out determined to do.  In fact, I am pretty sure there were tears in my eyes as I told him these goals, my vision for us.

Out of all the goals I set, you want to know how many I reached?  None.  Zero.  Zip.  Not a single solitary one.  Ouch.

I began telling God about this fact, about my disappointment over the fact nothing went as I had wanted it to.  Of course, I asked one question, "Why?"  The answer I got in return?  "Your actions didn't match your goals."  Double ouch.  This began an intense dialogue, mainly of God speaking and me listening, as to my motivations, the desires, my insecurities and fears, and the answer to the "why".

During this time, God showed me one simple, yet profound fact: for every desire He has placed in my heart, for every vision for my family, for every goal, He has already given me everything I need to obtain them.  All the tools I need are there, either they have already been given, or they are coming, at the right time, when I need them.  But, they are all there.  What I must do is walk forward, confidently, and without fear, in that knowledge.  It was if God was saying, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” (Mark 5:41)

You see, my failure was a result of my lack of action.  I sat, expecting everything to happen, so I should not have been surprised at my failures.  I even had my list of reasons ready, "my advisor moved," "I'm a stay at home mom, I don't meet many people," and the list went on.  But my reasons were just excuses, not valid, not viable. 

I had to come face to face with the fact that I have seen the stress my husband carries as the provider for our family.  He has even voiced his worries since we moved away from a large market to a smaller area, one that does not have as many opportunities should something go horribly wrong with his present job.  He carries a large burden, and I know I have the very vehicle that could ease that for him!  I have the exact thing that will lighten his load and I have been doing nothing with it! 

God, in his loving way, brought me face to face with the truth I needed, and then informed me I had to forgive myself.  I cannot change the past year, but I can learn from it and I can grow from it and be a better leader because of it.  I can move forward, fearless and determined, with mercies that are new every morning. 

It is no surprise to me that at our team meeting Saturday night at Success School, our leader prayed for us.  And do you know what he prayed for, specifically?  That we would not walk with a spirit of fear.  He prayed that we would know God did not give us the SPIRIT of fear, but the SPIRIT of power, and of love, and of sound mind and to not let that spirit steal our power, our peace of mind, and our joy.  It was powerful, it was good, and it was right on time.

When I returned home, I came back to a child who wasn't sleeping and who is sick, a husband who was worn out, one thing after another that would have been "reason" to not go forward.  But, I reminded myself I am not walking in fear, there are things to accomplish, people who need the freedom AdvoCare has to offer, and there are no more excuses.  I did a 3 way call that night with a girl fired up and excited about the products and the company.  I scheduled another, and talked to even more people about what the products can do for them.  All of us tired, sick kid in tow, we are going forward.

It's a new year, one with no excuses, more action, forgiveness, and a very decided heart.

WFW- Matthew 28:5-6

WFW- Matthew 28:5-6
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Matthew 28:5-9 (New International Version)

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."


So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

How wonderful, how great it is that we serve a living God.  Death could not defeat him, a tomb could not keep him.  He is alive, and he is calling your name.  Run to him, fall into his embrace, and remain with him a while.  It is good to be a child of the Risen King!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Susan @ http://susan2956.blogspot.com/.

You want me to huh?

I received one of the most humbling, fear invoking calls ever yesterday.  A college friend called me, with a request I could have not fathomed in a million years.  Having been raised in a home where abuse was all too common, she has decided to write a book.  I told her, from the beginning, I supported her in that decision and would do what I could to help her out.  Well, that comment is now being put to the test.  What has me shaking in my boots?

She asked me to write a chapter for her book covering things that happened, and added, "but you have to be honest, about everything."  Gulp.  Panic.  Wipe the sweat from the brow.  You want me to what, huh?  She informed me it was a twist she wanted to throw in; a twist was thrown in alright, right smack in the middle of my gut.

Friends, there are things that happened that are not pleasant, not pretty, and anything but fun to remember.  There are moments in our past that are littered with anger, fear, hurt, despair, and more anger.  Words were spoken that should have never been uttered, but if we fought, we went for the big hit with one another.  There were times I was literally afraid for my life as well as hers.  It's a winding road that I am thankful we are on the other side of, and now, I have been asked to be honest about that road.

You see, not only will I have to be honest about choices she made, and how that affected those around her, but I will have to be honest about the choices I made.  I am going to be brought to admitting the insulting self-righteous words that flew out of my mouth, the actions I took, and the ones I did not take. 

But she has asked me, to be a part of this journey, the one that will lead her to healing.  It is a small part, yet I want it to also be effective and purposeful.  She repeatedly told me I have to be honest, and I will honor that request.  I would ask that you, who believe in the greatness of our mighty God, to pray that what I write is honest, but also reveals an inner-working of God in each of us that we were unaware of.  Pray that the words I write bring more light on how abuse changes how someone thinks and reacts.  I, in no way, want it to be a chapter that crucifies my friend.  I want this to be one that shows the resurrection beauty, the mercy and grace we are offered in spite of ourselves.  I want it to be a blessing, not another yoke for her to carry.

What a weekend

I headed east for the weekend, all the way over to Ft. Worth for AdvoCare Success School.  Oh friends, what a weekend it was!  I was able to hear Andy Andrews again (you need to read his books), hear how products help two of our unpaid endorsers, NFL player Julius Jones and world class sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown, and worship with Michael W. Smith.  There is also the training we received on new products, the business, and just how to live life on our terms.  It was an incredible weekend.  But, you can read more about what's happening in the world of AdvoCare by going here.

It is good friends, very good!

WFW-Psalm 142:3

WFW-Psalm 142:3
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 142
1 I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD; I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I declare my trouble before Him.
3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my path
In the way where I walk
They have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see; For there is no one who regards me;
There is no escape for me; No one cares for my soul.
5 I cried out to You, O LORD; I said, "You are my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
6 "Give heed to my cry, For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are too strong for me.
7 "Bring my soul out of prison, So that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, For You will deal bountifully with me."

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Christy @ Critty Joy.

Learning to walk together

Last night, I spent some time chatting instant messaging with a dear friend of mine.  She was telling me about her day and how she had spent time with a friend, but in the midst of their conversation the other person shut down.  Rather than continuing to engage my friend in conversation, the person began texting, skyping, and partaking in an array of forms to no longer be present.  There my friend sat, across from another person, feeling completely alone.  And that experience took us into a Spirit led discussion on relationships and communication.  I am going to try my best to recreate that a bit for you because it was good stuff friends, but you must know I am currently having doubts of my abilities to give you the meat of the message.  Say a prayer and here we go.

It is my belief that technology, though wonderful, has hindered our ability to relate to one another, to sit and converse with another living, breathing soul (and yes, we were chatting via Facebook, trust me, I got the irony).   I think we tend to hide behind the technology because we can walk away from the computer claiming we must go, when in reality we no longer want to engage with the other person.  If the person is not in front of me, they will not see my nonverbal communication, the real message in what I am saying.  In addition, we have lost the ability to focus on just one person, at any given time.  If I am solely focused on you, then I cannot be wrapped up in myself and my thoughts, perspectives, or even the game on the TV.

This led me to the following statement: I wonder what it would be like if we imagined ourselves sitting across from Jesus everytime we were with another person.  Our eyes would not dart around the room, we would not check our phones, our watches, or even care about the conversation happening beside us.  We would be so zeroed in on the one in front of us.  How would that change our relationships?  What if we learned to look into one another's eyes, to truly hear what our friend is saying.  What if we actually delighted in one another?    If we are to be an extension of Christ, isn't that what we are supposed to do?  We are to walk in freedom, allow others to do the same, and delight in one another. 

As we continued our discussion on how we can feel so alone even in the midst of a crowd, the thought began to form, "what if this is God's jealousy for us?  He so desperately longs for us to run to him that he will allow us that disconnect in order to remind us that our hope cannot be found in man, but only in him.  What if this is his way of drawing us to himself?"  Oh friends, I think the earth moved for a moment when we came to that conclusion.  The thought rocked us to the core because God so completely loves us that He allows moments that put an ache in our heart, that render us alone, in order to draw us into his presence.  Wow.  He adores us.  He cherishes us.  He longs for us to know him.

I believe we have forgotten that our validation comes from Christ, should come from him, and him alone. We are so wrapped up in trying to please one another, to appear intelligent, witty, or amusing, that when we sense we are not being accepted we shut down. Jesus knew how to be with people. He was so connected with his father that he allowed people to walk away; he even walked away at times to proceed on, finding others to speak to, to breath life into. He was free enough to listen to another's burdens, to help when he could, and to let the person leave when necessary. Jesus was so deeply rooted in his father that he could be with other people, even those who rejected him, and still treat people well.

And so, our challenge is this: when you find yourself in the presence of another, be there.  I mean really be there.  Pay attention to their eyes, the movements of their hands, their posture, hear their words.  Know that you may not be able to solve their problems, but you can at least acknowledge that they are struggling.  Be ok with not knowing all the answers, with the silent moments, and if they need to get up and walk away, do not be offended, allow them to walk away, and as they do, offer up a prayer for them.  Stop.  Breathe.  Experience life alongside of one another.  Be the extension of Christ.

Worship and Praise Sunday

Let me indulge you in two of the coolest, most incredible guys I have met. Did I mention they are dripping with talent as well? I love Shane and Shane, and I have yet to hear a song by them that I did not completely enjoy. Every one of their songs speaks a cry of my heart, and I find myself nodding in agreement to their words.  So, for your listening pleasure, we have Shane and Shane singing Arise:

Lyrics:

arise

by shane and shane

Arise (arise)

And awaken

He is King (He is King)

He is King

Arise (arise)

My soul Awaken

All flesh is grass

Surely is fading (surely is fading fast)

Oh soon it's all gone

Oh You are the Maker

The life sustainer (life sustainer)

and everything comes

Everything goes

When You give the Word

Have mercy oh Lord

And satisfy (satisfy)

we will all arise

Arise

My soul awaken

That I might sing (I might sing)

And be happy all my days

How long (satisfy) will there be mourning

Return to us (return Lord Jesus)

Return to us

Oh soon it's all gone

and we'll fly away

Oh soon it's gone, it's gone

chorus

Teach me to number my days

At the most 80 years

Who cares about meaningless things

I do and I care about art too and I care about yahoo

Things that are fleeting and

Fading away

Awaken my soul

Awaken my soul

Chorus x2

Click here to participate in Worship and Praise Sunday!

Sometimes I wish they'd say nothing

A talk show host, and self proclaimed prophet, has been making a lot of headlines lately.  This is not the kind of "publicity" believers need.  Truly people, sometimes it is better to say nothing.  Or, let's just stick to the obvious:

1. There was a severe earthquake
2. The people in Haiti are going to need help, a lot of help
3. Many lives have been lost in this earthquake
4. There are various ways we can reach out and help

You know, the basics, the obvious, the facts.  Worse still, is that there are people out there who will lump all Christians into one category and state we all believe an earthquake is God's wrath, that an evil people are now paying for their sins, and so on and so forth.

Last time I checked, Jesus was nailed to a cross to pay the penalty for sin, all sin, mine, yours, televangelist dude's, Haitians, everyone's sin.  I recall this in Romans 5:6-8, "You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." In all the studying I have done, classes I have attended, I cannot believe the us, used in this or any other verse, refers to solely Americans.  It's for mankind.  Period.

Forgiveness does not happen solely for the white man living the American dream my friend, it is for the lost, the least, the widow, the orphan, those with plenty, and those with nothing.  Yes, I believe it is in Galtians 3:28-29 where it says, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

There are many times I wish believers would just be silent, especially those with misinformation.  My final thought is this: If Haiti's suffering is due to sin, then we will suffer complete and total loss when God pours out His wrath on America.  There will come a day that we will stand before the throne of grace and give account for what has been said.  In fact, Matthew 12:36-38 states, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." 

Christian family, sometimes the best thing to do has nothing to do with words, in fact, it is sometimes best when we say nothing, but rather go, and serve, help rebuild, bring food, supplies, clothing, and wrap our arms around those who are hurting.  Yes, there are times it would be best if God's people would simply act.

Deut 11:18-WFW

Deut11:18-WFW
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Deuteronomy 11:18:
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads

This verse has been flowing through my mind lately. It started when I heard about Matt Chandler and the brain tumor that was discovered. He mentioned, in a video he recorded that he would like people to pray for his memory, something that can be affected by radiation and chemotherapy. As I listend to him speak, listened to him be specific in how to pray for not only him, but also for his family, I thought, "But the Word is written on your heart. No matter what, it will remain."

And I thought about the friend who is in isolation because of problems stemming from black mold invading her home.

And there's the man, who is a father and husband, who was just told there was nothing more that doctors could for his internal bleeding. Now, it's just a matter of time.

Also about my friend who has throat cancer, who is in pain when she swallows and throughout most moments of every single day, who feels like her body is essentially on fire from radiation.

As I pray for these instances, I find myself praying that each of these people, each person who is walking alongside of them, has the words of Christ imprinted on their hearts, their minds, in the fiber of their being. I pray that when despair and pain and fear set in, the words of Christ spring out, "I AM." He has not left you, will not, in fact, he cannot leave you. He is God, Emmanuel, God with us. He hears you, he sees you. And he loves you.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Lori @ All you have to give.

He got me...again

The husband and I have been discussing growing our family.  One problem in this plan, I have no little desire to be pregnant again and endure all that entails.  Adding to that is the fact I will have to have another c-section.  Joy, nothing like having one's gut ripped open to get one excited.  Yee-stinkin-haw.  I have always wanted to adopt, so why not proceed from there?

Last night, Andy brought up the subject of children again.  I told him, and it's hard to explain without receiving wayward glances, that I dread being pregnant, having a c-section, recovering, restructuring my body (again), gaining and losing weight (again).  My daughter is beyond worth every "inconvenience" I experienced, let us clear that right up.  But really, adoption brings all the joy and eradicates all the negatives.  Right?  Right.  So, we discussed it, agreeing we would look into adoption seriously, what it would involve, costs, etc.  I also said something about God would just have to change my mind towards pregnancy if that is what He wanted. 

And then, God had to interject his two cents.

This morning as I was preparing to go to the gym, I read a bit from my "Women in the Bible" devotional.  Who was I reading about?  Elizabeth.  Of all the women between Genesis and Revelation, it had to be Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist.  You know, the woman whose womb was more like a shriveled prune than a warm, inviting environment in which to grow a child.  But, God steps in, side steps the old age factor (one of my arguments), and she becomes pregnant with a son, the one who is Christ's forerunner.  Nice.  Thanks, I appreciate that. 

I flipped the page, trying to avoid what was being said.  Who was being spoken about there?  Mary, as in, Jesus' mother.  Ok, fine, I hear ya God, I got it.  I laughed, out loud.  And rolled my eyes thinking, "Ugh."

When I returned from my workout I said to Andy, "Well, God may have just let me know we're supposed to try to have another child before adopting."  He stood there, mouth gaped open in disbelief, smiling like a wild man.  He chuckled and asked where that belief came from.  I retold him of my morning's events to which he responded, "Well, we'll try, and if we get pregnant, we get pregnant.  Otherwise, we adopt." 

Okey dokey, case closed, problem solved. 

Now, what are the odds I can whip myself into the best shape ever BEFORE becoming pregnant?  Any bets? 

Mary M. Byers - Two great reads!

Thanks to LitFuse, I have had the great priviledge of reading two great books by Mary M. Byers.

First up, Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and Family Under one Roof.

As a mom who also has an at home business, this book was rather insightful.  Byers offers tips and useful advice concerning how to plan, organize, and work well, even from home.  I will be referring to this book often as I go throughout the year in order to refresh and restructure how I am doing things.  With real live stories from working moms, this book is a great asset!  For any of you who are juggling balancing work and home under one roof, this book is a must.

Secondly, we have The S.O.S for PMS: Practical Help and Relief for Moms.

Throughout this book, I found myself laughing, nodding in agreement, and understanding exactly where Byers is coming from.  Some moments were enlightening, others, I simply praised the Lord that I am not experiencing such trauma due to hormones on a monthly basis (though my husband may disagree a bit).  Byers includes useful tips, charts, and ways to actually improve PMS symptoms and the destruction they can cause.  Her husband even throws in his two cents, which happens to make a lot of sense, for husbands who wives suffer on a monthly basis.  He offers practical help, solutions, and something husbands can do to help their wives, and essentially, their family.  Again, Byers does a great job offering practical help for situations women face.

You can read more about Mary M. Byers here.

Buy her books here.

And finally, head over here to find out more about the Work At Home Girls network where you can also become a Work at Home Girls affiliate!

Click here to visit The Work at Home Girls.

Pop Props

The girl and I spent our Saturday with my folks yesterday as Andy had some "me time."  The folks were kind enough to pick us up, and off we went to return some chairs I had purchased.  As we were making our way to the store, a car coming in the opposite direction stalled, dead, ceased to move forward.  The female driver began frantically making a call for help as other drivers failed to so much as slow down.  Stop for help?  No, most just honked and shook their heads as they drove right by.

As soon as traffic cleared, my father quickly pulled into the parking lot (into which we were already headed) and promptly jumped out of his truck.  While he ran back across traffic to help the stranded driver, I hopped over and moved the truck out of the way.  Two other drivers stopped, one directly behind her got out to help, while the second one stayed in his car, with hazards flashing to protect the two cars ahead of him. 

There they went, my dad, another man, and the female driver, pushing the little VW bug across the road.  Of course, they had to wait for a big enough gap in oncoming traffic because heaven forbid they all stop to allow the broken down car across!  Ironically, the girl was on her way to get a new battery. 

My dad came trotting back across the street, and all I could do was smile.  Without a thought, he had jumped out to help the stranded driver.  He commented on how so many people drove right by, most probably never even noticed, others quickly decided their own agendas were more important than lending a helping hand.  But, not my Pop.  He makes me proud to be his kid.

Mercy Me, we need to talk*

Today was just a dandy old day.  My girl went off to her school, happy as could be.  I headed to the gym to attempt to torture myself (I succeeded), then came home, cleaned up, and went off on a lunch date with the hubby.  Despite the cold weather, it has been a good day.  Then, my husband had to ask one little question at dinner tonight.  The question?  "Was today the day Camden went to Heaven, or was today his birthday?" 

In an instant, the events of this day, six years ago came flooding back.  The call from my mom, the weeping, the intensity of prayers, the cries when God didn't answer as I hoped, the fears, the pain of being far away, the sorrow that invaded every inch of my being.  In one instant, my eyes filled with tears as I thought back to that day.  Maybe it is because we are here now, where I thought we should have been then.  In my head, had we lived here, closer, the script would have been different.  But we were in another state, a few plane rides away, and completely unable to help, to ease the burden, to lessen the blow.

And even when we arrived, and in the time after, I realize more and more how I added to the burden.  I cannot change that fact, but I can change how I respond in the future.  I know better how to walk alongside someone in their darkest hour, and I know that I will not be able to take away all the pain, that there will be no easy fix. 

Six years later, the ache in my heart is just as strong, the questions are still asked.  The hurt remains, but so does the hope of Heaven.  Six years later, my life is still being changed because of the life of my nephew.

**For one of the greatest messages I have ever heard on walking through grief, or hardship of any kind, and how to walk alongside someone in it, please click here, click on "sermons" on the left hand side of the page, then click on the message entitled "Getting off the end of your rope," from 12/6/09.

*I'll elaborate more later as to what this song is doing in my life right now, but I am going to need to ask Mercy Me to stop recording such songs, songs that make me think, convict me, and cause me to grow so much....

Light - WFW

Psalm 119:130

The unfolding of Your words gives light;It gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130, all the proof I need that there is hope for someone like to me to understand the nature of the Divine.  Whew.  *grin*

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit Penny.

Say it..or don't

Proverbs 21:23:

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

I have come to the realization, as of late, that I no longer know when to speak and when not to.  You see, in days past, I passionately walked forth spouting my thoughts, ideas, arguments, whatever I saw was "needed" in the present moment.  Although I never intended harm, I am rather sure that the words that flowed from my mouth were not always encouraging, not always right, and not always spoken in love.  Over the years, I have tried to speak truth, as I saw it anyway, but smooth the edges as I did so.  Sometimes my efforts have worked, sometimes they have not.  I know this. 

When diving deep into conversations with those close to me, I know the boundaries, most of the time.  I know what I am able to freely say and know when to keep thoughts to myself.  I know because I am confident the person I am speaking to is keenly aware of my desire to see their life prosper.  But these are the honest moments most vulnerable and most open to cause hurt. 

There are times however I am stuck in the middle ground of whether to speak or not.  There are conversations that are needed, but I know they will not be easy.  Do I go forward with these or stay put?  Do I try to engage in these verbal exchanges, or do I wait for the moment to arise on its own? 

Why the trouble with this?  Because I am dealing with people I care deeply about.  I want to see them obtain EVERYTHING God has for them, not just parts of it.  I want to see them flourish and grow and mature into who God is calling them to.  And it can be hard to encourage and not nag, hold accountable without accusing, and speak without degrading.  Though the negative is never the intent, I cannot control how things I say are interpreted.  All I control is whether to speak, or not.

This is where the new year has begun, at a place that is wide open with opportunity for growth, for strengthening, encouraging, and change.  And I find myself praying for the discernment I need in order to move forward.

1 Corinthians 13

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

May it be so

A friend sent me her prayer for me for the coming year.  It is quickly becoming my prayer for myself.  May it be so.

May 2010 bring space and time for the world to receive YOUR offering! Chelle, there is soooo much within you. The gifts and talents that have only been tapped will begin to flow as never before. Pour out, pour out.... pour out! I pray that this year brings you overwhelming joy and only the sorrow that heaven promised. ...May your face shine with blessing and your path be straight with blessings you can't find enough storage for! Ha! Just give it away and watch it multiply!!! Love you so much and I'm excited about your New Year, sweet friend!