Step-by-Step

Summer Excursion...Stepping Out of This Boat

2011-01-29T16:59:00.002-06:00

As I look out into the world that we so comfortably live in today, I see so many things wrong. We are so comfortable in the lives that we live and so set, but are we looking at what is really going on behind the scenes?? And if we do see it, do we care?

This summer I am going out in this world and finding out what the Creator of this world is doing behind the scenes. I am going after the call that He has placed in my path. I am so excited that He is giving me the chance to break out and venture into the unknown in so many of our views. I will be going to a number of countries to work hand in hand with ministries through and across the map. I will spend about 10-12 weeks out and about, reporting all along the way.

If you would like to give to the cause, I will be doing numerous fundraisers. If you would like to donate, you may also feel free to message me on Facebook [Chelsea Martin] or e-mail me at martinchels@gmail.com. I will be putting out a monthly newsletter on updates before the trip with prayer requests and updates on it and would be delighted to add anyone, who would like to be added, to the list. If you e-mail, please make the subject line Matthew 10.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Chels

Procrastination 101

2009-08-01T23:59:00.001-05:00

It is official...I am 2 wks away from moving to Jacksonville and have nothing packed...I've gotta get on the ball!!

Let Go

2009-05-27T23:21:00.003-05:00

Please keep my mom in your prayers. I spoke with her on Monday [and found out more details yesterday] and she told me that her liver and kidneys are failing her. She says that dialysis is the next step for her and she has been going to the doctor every other week for a check up. They say that they can't do anything for her. She has known that they were failing for about a year now and was told 4 months ago that she was estimated only 18 more months for her. I believe that God has the power to determine that and not the doctors. She wasn't going to tell me, or anyone else for that matter, but she did and I have shared it with my sisters. We are all trying to take it in as much as we can right now.

I also ask that you pray for me. Many of you have probably not heard my testimony, but without going into a whole lot of detail I will say that I have a lot of bitterness and anger built in my heart towards my mother. There are things that she has done that have affected me so strongly that I guess she didn't realize until it was too late. [If you want to know more, I will be glad to share my testimony with you]

As I am sitting here restless, yet another night, my mind won't stop. It keeps on going as if a million possibilities could be going through it right now, but only one is passing slow enough for me to dwell on. What if she is taken and I never made things right? What if I don't have/take that chance to set things straight with her? But then another question arises...How do I set it right if she was the one in the wrong. She was the one who left me, so what am I supposed to do.

Well, my first thought is to be blunt with her and let my stubbornness sink in as I wait for her to apologize for the wrong that was done to me, but I know that isn't what I am supposed to do. I know that I have to forgive her and let it go. It happened in the past and if I dwell on what happened then, I can't focus on what God is doing now, in the present. I know that He has BIG plans that I can't even begin to imagine, but He can't work those plans out if I won't let the past things go.

Someone pointed out to me tonight that my relationships in the future are all affected by my relationship with my mother and I totally agree. I am so afraid to get too close to anyone now because I am so afraid that I will let my guard down and I will be left and hurt all over again. And the walls refuse to come down. I know that God can break them down. He can crush the walls of hurt and bitterness inside that are holding me back from what He has for me. Barlow Girl has a song out that has really spoken to me today and I wanted to share it with you guys. It is called Let Go...

Yeah I trust in You
I remember times You led me
This time it's bigger now
And I'm afraid You'll let me down

But how can I be certain?
Will You prove Yourself again?

'Cause I'm about to let go
And live what I believe
I can't do a thing now
But trust that You'll catch me
When I let go
When I let go

What is this doubt in me
Convincing me to fear the unknown
When all along You've shown
Your plans are better than my own

And I know I won't make it
If I do this all alone

'Cause I'm about to let go
And live what I believe
I can't do a thing now
But trust that You'll catch me
When I let go
When I let go

Anyway, I just wanted to leave that with you for tonight. I will keep you all posted on my mom and myself as well. I love you guys and thanks for all your prayers.

Chels

Ministry

2009-05-04T22:14:00.002-05:00

Let me just start off by saying that so much has been on my mind lately. I finished school last week [whoo hoo!], have just been working now, got my puppy last week [pic soon], getting ready for the move to Jacksonville, and some ministry changes as well.

Here lately, God has really placed on my heart to get more involved with our children's ministry at church. It is on my heart to lead Children's worship. This includes leading in songs and a lesson every Sunday morning with the middle aged kids group. I have helped in there before and really enjoyed it. I talked to Angie, children's ministry director, today and am meeting with her on Sunday to talk a little more about it. She says she has a lot of ideas for the ministry and wanted me to be involved, but didn't want to pressure me to move from the student ministry. But this is where He is leading me. I ask for your prayers and I trust Him in this.

China

2009-04-15T23:57:00.004-05:00

My trip for China will be the whole month of July again. We will head off to Chatsworth, GA for a couple days of training and getting to know each other and then, we will fly out of Atlanta a few days later. We will be back on August 1st.

While there our teams will run English camps teaching the kids English through song, drama, conversation, and games. The trip is $2500. Airfare is $1500 due 4/22 and the remainder is due by 5/15. So far, I have raised $790. If you would like to give towards this mission, you can send to

Munford Baptist Church
c/o Jim Usher
P.O. Box 129
Munford, AL 36268

Make checks payable to Munford Baptist Church with Chelsea's China Mission Trip in the 'FOR' line. Any donation would be much appreciated. I will continue to update on the progress.

This week

2009-04-04T21:34:00.002-05:00

This has been quite the week. My sister has moved in with us and I am adjusting. I haven't lived with her since we were younger. Although the circumstances for this is difficult, I am praying that her and I will become much closer.

I have worked close to 45 hours this week at work [plus going to school]. We are trying to get the store ready for corporate to come in and evaluate our store. It is exhausting. They will be at our store on Thursday and will not even be there very long, but it should be interesting. Our district manager, Don, will also be at the store Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday getting us ready for them.

Finals are coming up in a couple of weeks and I am ready for school to be out. I am so ready for this summer to be here. I am ready for China to be back. I am having a slight problem though. Please pray that funds would be made available to pay for my trip. I believe that God will provide for it. It is just hard to see right now.

Whoo hoo!!

2009-03-24T22:41:00.002-05:00

I am moving to Jacksonville!

I met with the manager at the Grove today and I signed my lease. Everything is now taken care of. The scholarship will pay for everything [except maybe my puppy, but it isn't going to be that bad to pay for her]. They are supposed to call me when they find out if the association will pay for my application fee or not.

I am so beyond excited...but people at church are beginning to warn me about that place. They say it is a bad party scene, but I am believing God will use me to make a difference on our campus.

The Grove

2009-03-11T22:22:00.004-05:00

The Grove is the place I am considering moving to in Jacksonville. It is amaazing! I went for a tour of the apartments and saw all of the Grove's featured amenities as well. I think I really want to move in there. It is so much closer to campus and will be so much more convenient. I am waiting to hear from the Horatio Alger Association to see if they will still pay for my living expenses [which would be suhweet!]. Please pray that this opportunity is still available to me. I will keep all two of you who read updated.

Out for now. :)
Chels

blog

2009-03-05T23:37:00.000-06:00

new post to my thought blog...

The dress...

2009-03-01T22:35:00.005-06:00

So, this is the last year that I can go to prom, so I might as well make the most of it right?? Lol. J/k. This is Joseph's last year and we are going to his Sr. prom...I know, I know...I never thought I would be one to go back to those high school days, but here I am and anyway, here is the dress [the picture does it no justice though].

Also, here is some fun pictures from our snow day. :)

Our snowman...[it looks like we got cropped into these pictures w the snowman]

Jessica's and my snowangels

...and what became of our snowman...

Sister

2009-02-11T21:12:00.002-06:00

I just found out tonight that my Sister is joining the Air Force. Once enlisted, she will head off to Texas to stay on base for 4 months. This is going to be difficult for many of us as she is very important to us.

Daily Doses

2009-02-05T08:21:00.002-06:00

I have started a new blog. I encourage you to check it out. So far, there is just the foreward on it, but tonight it will contain more.

The site is chelsdevo@blogspot.com

Chels

Are you ready for a revolution?

2009-02-03T22:50:00.003-06:00

These past few weeks have been insane. I figure I would go ahead and update while I have a chance. For the few of you that actually read this, here goes...

All I have really had time for lately is just going to school and work and church. It has been difficult to factor anything else in, but God has still been so awesome. He is still continuing to speak so much into my life and showing me so many things all in the craziness of my everyday life. It just goes to show that God is not limited to anything that my feeble mind can come up with to be a hindrance. It may seem that no extra time is to be found, but I have realized that I have sweet opportunity to encounter God more closely than usual in my commute between school and work. I have also been able to encounter Him walking between classes. It is quite the stride between buildings, but it doesn't seem to be so terrible when I get to converse with my amazing Creator. His beauty is more majestic than I can comprehend. I praise my Father for allowing me these opportunities and can only hope that He will use me on the campus of JSU. He knows how much they need Him. I am ready to see the campus rocked and revolutionized. He can do it. I will continue to make myself available.

All for now.
Chels

hmm.

2009-01-25T22:18:00.000-06:00

Joseph and I are embarking on a new journey together. :)

Brief Update

2009-01-24T22:17:00.002-06:00

Work and school have been keeping me extremely busy. The job that I thought would be 30 hours a week has brought me to realize that it is usually going to be between 30 and 40. Tonight was my first night to close by myself...and of course something had to go wrong. My paperwork wouldn't print and I had no clue what to do when it wouldn't.

Also, Joseph and I have started hanging out again. We went on our second first date last night. It was great. It brought back so many memories. It was repeat of our first first date. And really sweet. :) We are going out with a couple from our church, good friends of ours, tomorrow night after church and after I get off work. I am excited.

Well, that's it for now. Sorry it's not much.
Chels

NEWS

2009-01-09T22:20:00.003-06:00

I GOT THE JOB!! :) I started training tonight on how to close and learn how to open in the morning.

Oh yeah, and I started classes today at JSU.

New in 09

2009-01-06T20:49:00.002-06:00

I am now officially a student at Jacksonville State University and start classes on Friday.

AND...

Last Sunday, I got offered the shoe manager position at Peebles. At first, our DM, Stan, had told Connie [my wonderful boss] that he wanted her to interview other people as well. I found out today that she interviewed others and they just didn't seem right and so...I have a interview with Stan on Thursday for the job. :)

School days...

2009-01-03T12:15:00.002-06:00

As another year has come and gone so quickly, I have found that my heart has learned many lessons this year. I have managed to finish my first year of college only to have to begin college all over again a few months later. I have achieved going on my first major mission trip while also managing to go out of the country for the first time and also get on a plane for the first time.

A few lessons I have learned...

- God has to come before anything that I bring into my life. If He is not first, then not only one thing, but many others will begin to pile up before Him and in His place.

- Jesus is my heartbeat; missions is my passion. I truly enjoy serving others. It is what I was made for. Serving and helping other people gives me such joy.

- My greatest dream is to open an orphanage in a foreign country. I have taken my first step towards that and am working towards the second step.

- I should never be allowed in a kitchen by myself cooking...ever...things end up burnt.

- Me + empty house alone = one very paranoid 20 yr old.

- I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, but sometimes have to make myself refrain from being around people so that I can concentrate on alone time with my Father.

- I will probably never [or not for a long time anyway] ride a go kart again. I am not fond of them right now...or the drugs I have to take to be able to feel ok after having wrecked one...

Well, that's all of my lessons for now. I am sure there are many I forgot, but I am stopping there for now.

School starts on Thursday [and orientation in Tuesday]. I am super pumped, yet so nervous all at the same time. Jacksonville State is so much bigger than Southeastern, which really doesn't make me feel real great about it. But I am so ready to get into what God has waiting for me. Becoming a Social worker is my next step to achieving the Big Dream God has placed within me. I am so excited and cannot wait to see who I get to meet through this program at JSU and can't wait to see how He will use me to help so many.

Also, I am starting my fundraising for China. I get to go back this summer. :) The trip is a couple hundred dollars more than it was last year, but I know God will provide like He did last year.

Out for now.
Chels

Winter Xtreme 08

2009-01-01T21:20:00.002-06:00

I went to Winter Xtreme this week with the students. It was an awesome time with some really great bands and speakers. Unfortunately, my body didn't have as much fun. Monday, I was sick. Tuesday, I felt great; yet that evening came to an end when I wrecked the go kart I was driving on a track. And Wednesday, I was reaping the benefits from the wreck. My body is still really sore, but I had xrays done and no bones were broken [praise the Lord]. He gave me some meds and sent me on my way. I am praying for quick recovery and hoping that I will be alright enough to go to work tomorrow.

Blissfulness

2008-12-27T21:10:00.004-06:00

The holidays have been slightly on the ritz this year. Our Christmas tree in the Usher house was put up on Christmas Eve morning and ended up on our porch the following night. I really enjoyed Christmas Day [and also not having to go to work the day after to deal with returns]. Christmas Day I was able to spend precious time with family and extended family. It actually wasn't as crazy as it usually seems, and I loved it. My aunt and I were able to have a sweet heart-to-heart talk that was probably long overdue.

our tree

and our other decor

Luckily I survived my first set of holidays in a retail store. Although everyone appeared to be a little insane...I really did enjoy it. And while I am on my job, I might as well update you too. I still really like it a lot. It is wonderful, to me, that I get to help people and get paid for it. I have such a huge passion to help folks out and this is just topping on a cake. I would still really like a job [soon] in human resources, but for now, this is ok. I can wait on Him to put the job in my path.

Let me just say...we so take a lot of things for granted. I saw a drama put together to a new Faith Hill song, "A Baby Changes Everything." It was really good. At the end, the song says: "My whole life has turned around, I was lost, but now I'm found." This part made me break down everytime I saw it. Everyone is dressed in 'biblical clothes' except the guy that does this part. He is a person from our time. He takes the baby from Mary and just holds Him in his arms.

God sent this baby to a lost and dying world. He sent His baby boy to take on MY sins and save from a terrible, wretched place that I really deserve. That blows my mind. Why in the world would He decide to do anything like that? Especially for me?? I just don't understand. And then as I get into the Word I remember why. He loves me. The God who created this universe, this world, the land I walk on, and my very being with such intricate detail loves me. My oh my. I just want you to take that in. He loves you. He loves you despite the mess ups that we do every single day, week, month, year. He will always love us and be there for us. I hope and pray that as another Christmas season has come and gone that the true meaning will live on in your heart. Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the reason we have breath each new morning. He is the reason we need to live our lives. Focus on the Father.

Birthday week: numero uno...

2008-12-02T16:54:00.008-06:00

This week has been wonderful and so much fun. Birthday week started last Sunday (Nov 23rd). Nikki said I should have had a birthday month, but I usually start a countdown 3 months before my birthday and make sure everyone knows about it, so I decided that I wanted to have one solid week of birthday fun. [I got the idea from an episode of Gilmore Girls when it was Lorelai's bday and she got a bday week.] Pictures will be posted below each day from that day...

Sunday: A group of friends that went to China with me was coming through Birmingham on their way from Tennessee back down to Florida. They went to go pick up one of our translators, Midea, for her to spend the holidays with one of them. So, I drove up after church that morning to meet with them for lunch. It was a wonderful surprise to the week [because I had no idea they were coming until Saturday]. And after church that night, a whole group of folks came to celebrate with me at Struts. We had the center of that place filled up. It was so much fun!

my China friends. :)

Jessica and me at Struts

Connor [he wanted his corndogs to be on a stick...so i put them on straws for him]

the big 2-0

Monday: This was my actual birthday. I worked for a little while, went to lunch with Connie and then me and my sister, Nikki, went out to eat at Outback and hang out...we missed you Katie.

Tuesday: I spent the day in Birmingham, worked for Mrs. Kathy for a few hours and then went to spend the evening with Melissa. :) And then I went bowling.

yummy birthday cupcakes.

me and Mel

Wednesday: I went out and bought myself some cute dress shoes. [This is a big deal...I never buy dress shoes...]

three of the most comfortable, cute dress shoes ever...

Thursday: Thanksgiving. We had our 1st annual Turkey Bowl game. Courtney [Wendy's 8 yr old] taught Wendy and I some cheers and we cheered til we got bored... Later that day I went over to Katie's in-laws [another set of parents to me] for lunch and then off to Raylee's to see Nikki and Chad and everyone.

Friday and Saturday: We had the Miller kids stay with us. 6 kids. It was intense, but great! I had to work most of the weekend, but still got to hang out with them. The 5 girls stayed in my room with me, while the brother had the upstairs living room all to himself.

This week, birthday week: number two...Tiff is having me open a present a day. A blog will follow on this week as well...possibly will be just pictures...

Til next time.
Chels

Happy thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:20:00.002-06:00

I have the most amazing friends in the world. Yes, you...

I could never thank God enough for blessing me with the people He has allowed to be in my life. You are each so precious to me and I want you to know that I am so thankful for you.

And I also thank you for being a part of my journey. I appreciate the role that you each play in my life. You are wonderful.

p.s. Random thought...I don't understand why 'turkey day' replaces 'thanksgiving' as today's name...

Have a happy thanksgiving!
Chels

Peebles

2008-11-21T09:21:00.002-06:00

I started my new job on Wednesday. I sat and watched videos for hours only to find out last night that I really didn't have to. Yesterday was my first day on the floor. I loved it. I worked from 10-9 [open to close]. Of course I was exhausted after work, but I learned soo much! I think that is only a few things that I don't know how to do now. I am really excited about it. I have never done retail before, but I think this is one job that I was made for. I helped this older lady pick out a whole outfit and some other stuff too. It was a lot of fun! :) I have found that when I greet a customer and ask if they need help finding anything...well, i actually have to help. lol. I don't know where hardly anything is except by department/section. But it is helping me to learn the whole floor. We had two new kids start last night and I was walking the girl around and explaining stuff to her like I had been there for forever.

Anyway, this is just to say...I like this job a lot! :)

out for now.
Chels

House/dog sitting weekend

2008-11-15T23:10:00.005-06:00

This weekend has been another one of those good ole 'stay at someone else's house while they aren't there' kinda weekends. I am not 100% sure why I volunteer to do this for people when I know it creeps me out, but I guess it is good for me...mayybe...I went to see Katie and the kids this weekend and also got to hang out some while I wasn't at the house. I just thought I would include some fun pics. So, here they are...

katie, me, and nikki [sisters got the new cut too]

rylee brooke [my new niece]

i feel like this one deserves a little explanation...this was after i had put a small piece of painter's tape on his mouth...he liked it and decided to keep it there...

Maggie wanted to play this morning when I took her out...she has a sister, but Twiggy doesn't like me and won't let me take her picture

now it is time for drawing and Gilmore Girls before bed. :)

out for now. :)
Chels

Push comes to shove

2008-11-12T21:35:00.002-06:00

Tonight was very interesting. I was going over notes for my 15 minute presentation about my trip to China when I was suddenly told that Bro. Tim, our pastor, wouldn't be at church tonight. I was supposed to share and then he was going to speak. So, I quickly found out [20 mins before service started] that I had charge of the entire service! I panicked! I went into Jim's office and began searching for more info and trying to figure out how I was going to turn a 15 min presentation into 30-45 mins. After I calmed down, I went into the sanctuary and read over my journal a little bit and finally found a passage to talk about. I ended up filling the entire service by sharing about our camps and experiences, talking about Joshua 1, watching a video I made, and having a question session. And as people asked questions, I remembered more and more that I wanted to share. It turned out really great!

Super fantastic weekend

2008-11-09T20:41:00.002-06:00

This weekend was so wonderful! Friday I drove over to Birmingham to spend an evening at the Hawkins' house with Melissa, Mrs. Kathy, and Dr. Hawkins. We enjoyed a nice meal and fellowship. It was a nice foreign affair. DHawk shared India pictures with us and I was able to share China pictures and we talked about various mission trips and such. It was fantastic. I was also able to spend a good bit of time with Mel. It was much needed. :) After all, we hadn't seen each other in ages...ok ok, so it was only a couple months, but that is a really REALLY LONG time. We went for a jog/walk in Veteran's Park. [so wonderful] I was surprised I made it for as long as I did. [Thanks Melissa for the drive and encouraging] I was also able to catch up with Mallorie this weekend over some Starbucks. [white hot choc is the best...mmm :)]

Today at church was so much fun. We are learning about the roles each person has in a family. This consists of the women, men, and students splitting up and each having their own lesson. Tonight in the student's quarters we talked about respecting your parents. Jim asked Jessica, Callie, and I to come up with a skit to the song R.E.S.P.E.C.T by Aretha Franklin. And the pictures below can show you what we came up with...

me in all my...well...i dont know what you would call it...

Jessica [wife], me [husband], and Callie [rebellious son]

We obviously have too much fun dressing up together, but it just wouldn't be the same without them. The kid in me especially comes out when I am around these girls. They are awesome! [And just in case this thought is crossing your mind...No, you don't need to be worried about us] We started the song with a short skit and then went into the song with Jess leading and me as her background singer and oober crazy dancer. You can only imagine this...really...lol.

Anyway, that's all for now. Til next time...
Chels

In recent news...

2008-11-02T23:28:00.002-06:00

Well, it has been a while since I have updated everyone on how everything is going my way. I am not real sure how many people actually read this, but for those of you who do, thanks. And for you inquiring minds, here's the spill.

God has been doing such an amazing work in me in the past couple of weeks. I am seeing so much of His glory in everything I encounter from day to day. My worry level has certainly gone down as my faith has been increasing. For those of you who pay attention on Facebook, you may have seen that Joseph [my bf of 14 months] and I are not dating anymore. I did not feel as if the relationship I was in was headed in God's direction. I have been so much more of myself the past couple of weeks and have been so happy. I know that sounds really mean, but I know it is certainly in the will of God for my life that I am a single person. My focus and drive has to be on Him before it can be on anyone or anything else. I know that He is going to handle everything else. God is so amazing and I am so blessed to have wonderful people in my life to support me. I thank Him each day for giving me such wonderful friends.

Also, I have been in search of a new job. While I still really enjoy being in construction and doing something new almost everyday, I have to have a new job for when I start school in January. Please be in prayer with me on this. Chad, my brother-in-law, told me that a lady is looking for a college student to come and work for her 20 hrs a week that is going into something related to human resources. As most of you know, I am going into Social Work at Jacksonville State...I would say that social work and human resources are pretty connected. :) I am hopeful and Chad is going to put in a good word for me. It is really good pay and not many hours a week. Plus, some experience to go with my field. This is what I decided a while back that I really wanted to do when school started, so I am praying that this is why no one has called me back from other jobs I have applied for. If not though, I will just know that it is not meant to be. I am trusting Him in this.

Well, I think that is pretty much it right now. OH wait! I take that back. One more thing. This week Jim and Donna are on vacation. They left for Maggie Valley, NC yesterday morning and will return next Saturday. For the record, I don't enjoy being home by myself. It pretty much freaks me out and I really miss both of them.

Ok, that's really all for now. Peace.
Chels

Oh the places you'll go with a fox in socks...

2008-10-30T22:29:00.004-05:00

We had our Fall Festival at church last night. It was so much fun! My friends and I had this brilliant idea that we would get all dressed up for the kids and hand out candy. Well, we did that and some of the kids were scared of us. One kid thought that Jess and Callie were the Joker from the Dark Night. So, anyway, for those in suspense...here is our 'brilliant idea'.

Callie, me, and Jessica otherwise known as Thing 1, Cat in the Hat, and Thing 2.
I love these girls.

Other pics shall be posted as soon as I get them from Jess.

A dash of faith brings a big miracle

2008-10-08T11:54:00.004-05:00

For a while now, I have been reading through the Gospels. I finished them last week and as I began Acts, a certain passage caught my attention. Acts 3:1-16. The man who sat outside the temple gates called Beautiful everyday was healed because of his faith.

In the end of this passage it says that the people were astonished. If you continue reading, Peter raises a really great question..."Why does this surprise you? [vs. 12]" I think we should ask ourselves this question as well. Why is it that we are surprised when God moves in our lives? Why is it that we don't trust God to do what He says He will? These are questions that I have been asking myself lately in the situation I am seeing. There are so many promises and examples in the Bible that prove to us that God is a God of fulfillment. He is a worthy God who deserves our praise. I heard a song recently that really opened my eyes. I am trying my hardest to fully be able to say these words and mean them with all that I have within me.

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Waiting is not always easy, but I have found in past experiences that it is so worth it. All my days, I believe it will be worth it to wait for the answer God provides, even when it is not convenient for us. I am trying to wait on God right now to provide answers and praying that He would use people in my life to show me the right direction to go. [I know how that sounds, but I hear Him a lot better when He does this.]

The crippled beggar was determined and went to those gates everyday and he had people to help him get there. In our lives, we have to stay focused and determined to find what God's will is for our lives even if it takes a little waiting. I am learning to be content in Christ, rather than using my circumstances to measure my level of contentment. I believe Paul said it best when He said, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything who gives me strength. [Philippians 4:11-13]"

He says it all. I believe if Paul could do it, we can do it too. I can do it. I can be content with what the Lord has for me and when He decides to change my circumstances, I will be waiting. Paul faced so many hardships that I probably will never have to go through. Paul is a great example for us to follow. I admire him dearly and thank God for allowing him to be a part of His letter to us.

I am learning what true surrender is all about and finding that as I fix my eyes on the cross, they will be opened all the more. I am trying my best to lay everything at the foot of the cross. We are all like onions with so many layers; as one layer goes, another is revealed. Once they are peeled back, the heart is shown. I seek to have my heart released and given solely over to the will that God has for me; to His plans. While this is a tough process for me, I will go at it with my all. I will allow Him to break me and put me in my place. I thank Him for the grace He gives and praise Him for what He has, what He is, and what He will do with my life.

Til next time...
Chels

Thinking on Heroes...

2008-10-04T23:16:00.004-05:00

I was thinking about heroes today and remembered that I made a post on facebook back in May. A lot of stuff was going on and that is what perked me to write it in the first place. I have decided that I would re-post the old blog on here and give my follow-up thoughts. So, here is the previous...

Did you have a favorite superhero when you were younger? I’m sure we all did at some point. Superheroes are people with an enormous amount of strength and extraordinary talent and ability. They exemplify just what we want to be. They have characteristics that we want to possess. At some point though, don’t all superheroes reach a point of brief defeat? We think it is the end to our favorite superhero and sense doom for them. We decide that it is not worth the effort to believe that our favorite superhero will make it.

Isn’t it the same with the people we consider heroes in our actual lives; the REAL lives we live everyday? God places people in our lives that are heroes to us. A hero is someone who has distinguished courage or ability. We lift them up on a pedestal in hopes that they can conquer anything that comes their way. We count on them to never fall, yet they also have a point of brief defeat every now and then in their lives. We believe so strongly that our heroes can’t fail that when they do, we tend to want to give up on them and choose someone else to be our hero.

What I have come to realize though, in the past weeks, is that when our heroes fall, we can’t just walk away and choose someone else. We believe they have done so much to reach hero status that they just can’t let us down. But where are we when they do? Is it right of us to walk away? BY NO MEANS! They were there to teach us so much, to walk us through our hard times, why do we think that we can’t walk beside them in theirs? Our heroes need us just as much as we need them. We all go through hard times and too many times flee when it gets ‘too tough’.

I have learned that no matter what struggle comes our way or in the way of our heroes, we can’t ever give up. We have to keep on going. We must press on. The Power Team is a ministry that essentially breaks things to win people to the Lord. They performed feats of strength that I’m sure they have done time and time again, yet you could still see the pain on their faces of the agony they were going through. I watched them over the course of three nights and walked away with learning this from them: No matter how many times we face the same kind of pain and no matter how much it hurts; we have to keep going and overcome the difficulty and pain and in the end, it shows our strength rather than our weakness and then comes testimony. We can never give up. NEVER. And we can never let our heroes give up. And ultimately, we can never give up on each other. We have to show them love and help them to remember that they can make it through.

And the latter...

I have realized over the past 4 and a half months as I have watched my hero grow, that she is even more my hero now than she was before. A friend brought it to my attention that a hero might possibly be a hero because they have overcome the fall they faced and risen again rather than not ever failing at all. While my hero faced a point of brief defeat in her life, she rose above the plans that the enemy thought he had for her and walked in what our Father had in mind. She has come through this storm clinging to the cross with all she had. In my hero's point of brief defeat, she has not failed me in the least bit. She has only made me believe in her all the more. I have learned through her experience that you can still be the person God calls you to be even though trials, temptation, and tribulation come. She has put her faith and trust in God to bring her back up and to walk through the storms. I continue to learn so much from this person each and everyday. She is and has been and will continue to be my inspiration and such a blessing to me.

I have seen this wonderful friend/hero of mine blossom in such a wonderful way and I want to tell her again how proud I am of her for growing as she has. I want to let her know how grateful I am to have her as a hero and to have her in my life. Melissa, God blessed me with you and I could never have enough words to say to thank you for being who you are and for constantly being the inspiration that you are. God has molded you into a beautiful person and I can't wait to see how He is going to continue to use you to enrich His kingdom. Always know that no matter what, I am pulling for you and will be here, walking with you every step of the way. You are amazing. I love you.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." -Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

I am so grateful for this word from His Word. God is so gracious to offer us friends to share our lives with. I spoke with one of the girls in the student ministry at the church I go to and shared this scripture with her. As I shared it, I realized that when we are at our lowest moments, it is so great to have people with us. Often times, we want to seclude ourselves and keep people outside the walls that we like to hide behind. These walls represent the boundaries we think we have to keep ourselves safe, but in all actuality they are there to block people from being 'in' on what we are facing. It puts us in danger because we can't guard ourselves from every area. If we block everyone out, who is there to help us up when we fall in a pit within the walls? Nobody. Nobody is there to help us because everyone is 'out'. Why would we want to have that happen? We as people need encouragement from other people who may have gone or are going through what we are going through. It gives some sort of comfort to have someone there for us.

I have gone through many trials, tribulations, and storms in my almost 20 years and I have come to know that while I have God with me and on my side, it is also great to have someone beside me; a physical person that God provides. He has helped me to break down many walls and also used different people in my life to break some tough walls down. If you have walls built up, consult the Father. I know how hard it is to have them broken down. Believe me when I say that it is a relief when the walls are gone and the chains are released. Our Father is a Healer of many hurts. He has a promise that no one can beat. Seek Him out and let Him break you free from your walls.

Driving in the am

2008-09-16T21:48:00.006-05:00

9 times out of 10 during the week when I come to Birmingham, I end up staying the night. Last night, I went to the ham to celebrate Tiffany's birthday with her. We had so much fun and for her, it was a night of surprises. First off I gave her the crown...

First stop of the night...Chili's

Tiff said I kept giving her my evil plan face...

Then off to Bruster's...
where I had her open her present...
And to end a great night...I stayed at the dorms with Jenn. I drove home this morning while the sun was coming up. Here are some pics. [I know what you are thinking...I shouldn't be taking pics and driving...but they turned out really well :)]

When the sun started to break through the clouds...

There was an intense cloud cover this morning.
This was all the sun that was shining through in front of me.The sun was reeeally bright. As I was driving and gazing into the sunrise, something hit me. [No, not physically, but mentally.] The sun was shining so bright through the clouds that it was almost blinding and this came to me. When we are wondering what God really has in store for us or when we want to know more details about what He has already revealed to us, there is a reason behind Him not revealing more. Sometimes when we know too much detail it is almost blinding to our minds. We see so much detail and it may cause us to panic or worry about how these things will possibly be able to come about. So, sometimes we have cloud coverage in our minds/lives that help us to get to where He wants us to be. Storms, no matter how big or small, in our life help us. They help us to realize things about ourselves, help us see what we may not have known was there, and help form us into the beautiful children of God that He created us to be.

That's all for now.
Chels

Following up on Living Water

2008-09-13T19:10:00.007-05:00

Living Water was amazing last night! That was the best I have ever heard them be!

Although Nikki told me that she wanted to pass out, she did so wonderful! I am so proud I wanted to cry last night when she was singing.

And of course, MercyMe did a great job too! I had forgotten some of the songs that they actually wrote. Bart Millard made a really sweet move when he had everyone sing several hymns a capella. You could really feel the presence of the Lord in that church.

That's all for now.
Chels

Living Water

2008-09-12T17:35:00.003-05:00

For those of you that don't know, my sister, Nikki, is in this really awesome band. She is the lead singer and plays the acoustic and electric guitar. Tonight, Living Water will be opening for MercyMe. I can't tell you how excited I am for her and how proud I am of her [and the band]! :D She has been writing music for a really long time and the lyrics are all amazing!

Please keep her and the rest of the band in your prayers. They are all extremely nervous!

Thanks.
Chels

Reunion

2008-09-06T13:47:00.003-05:00

I am sitting in Jessica Rouse's [awesome friend on China team] living room with her, Hannah, Liz, and Daniel [more China friends] in Winter Garden, FL. We are just hanging out right now until we go Rock the Universe. ;) I am so excited to go to Universal. We are going to the park also and riding some rides.

It almost seems surreal that I am sitting here right now. Don't get me wrong...I am soo glad to be here, but it doesn't feel like I drove all the way down here. I guess I don't really know how I feel except really happy.

This has been a great weekend so far and I know it will continue to be. Hannah and I are leaving JRouse's in the morning to head home. Our adventure here was great. I will post pictures on the follow-up post. Please pray that we have a safe trip back.

Til next time,
Chels

Chip off the ol' block

2008-08-24T11:46:00.002-05:00

Well, I made it. I finished the first week at work! It really wasn't that bad at all. THE GUYS LET ME ON THE ROOF!! I was so excited. At first they didn't trust me up there and that's why my feet stayed on the ground [and it probably didn't help that I kept tripping over everything that was laying on the ground]. But, they decided to test me and see if I could live up to what I was saying. And I did. YAY! I finished the week off mowing a lawn for Dean, my boss, instead of helping on the barn because there were a lot of us there. So, after three days of work, this is what I got accomplished...

- I made it up on the roof.

- I managed to prove to the guys that I really could work harder than them.

- I got several nicknames [Muscles being one].

- I got a nice little tan going from being outside...[And yes, Melissa, I did use sunscreen...on my face...only the first day...]

- I got my first paycheck in a while from a full time job :D

- I learned how to use a riding lawnmower and figured out the technique you have to use when the grass gets all caught up under the front...swerve.

I am off tomorrow and will be heading to the place to apply for a job on the Honda assembly line. And also going to Jacksonville State to talk to some folks up there.

Please pray that JSU will accept my credits from Southeastern after I present my case of why they should. Kristie has helped me to have a strong case and I believe that if I present it well enough, they might consider it.

Until next time,
Chels

Combo...first day and thought for the end

2008-08-20T22:28:00.003-05:00

The first day of work was good. I am building a barn for a well known orthodontist in our area. It's pretty neat. The guys made me stay on the ground though. I was so anxious to actually help on the roof, but they wanted me on the ground. :( Not my style, but I will work towards the roof. They said that I am the best help the have had so far. So that was a great compliment. They didn't think I was much at the beginning of the day, but by the end they started calling me 'Muscles' and realized that I am just a country girl who enjoys working on outside stuff. One of the guys said he was impressed that I actually have a tool set and keep it in my car [thank you Joseph]. I am going to work out the rest of the week and see what I think at the end...In the meantime, I am going to stay on top of the hospital job and also apply at the Honda factory. I think I could like that job.

Ok, so we take a drastic leap to a recap of church tonight.

Tonight in the youth service, Brian did not preach. He put a video in and let the video play for our message. It was from the 'Indescribable' tour. Louie Giglio was preaching. This message was soo amazing! He was talking about how small we really are in comparison to the universe. [I encourage you to get that DVD if you can...it is worth it] He kept talking about the various things that are so far out that we have no clue about. It was really interesting.

At one point in this message he said this, "We are only a tiny speck floating on tiny kosmos in space." How awkward to be told, but oh so true. If you were to look at the entire universe...right off, you would not even be able to find the milky way, much less the solar system, much less earth, much less north america, much less alabama. Ai yo! We are a speck! That just proves how much more awesome God really is. He is ASTRONOMICALLY AMAZING!!

Another thing that completely blew me away...even though we are just on this tiny blue speck in this tiny solar system we live in...God chose to create us. Each of us intricately designed so that He could use US for the purpose that HE has for each of us. Out of this whole huge universe we live in...God chose to come to EARTH to come and die for US. That simply amazes me. Life could have been anywhere out in the universe, but God chose to give us life, send His Son to die for us, and gives us the chance for life AGAIN!! Holy Gotham City Batman!! "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

Why should He have come to die for me? Why would He even consider paying the ransom for me? It all comes down to the love He has for each of us. He loves us so much that we could NEVER fathom, imagine, or dream of such a great amount. He who made the universe, the milky way, the solar system, earth, north america, alabama; stretched out His arms, allowed them to nail Him to a cross like a thief, and He died for you and me. If that don't make you shout, I don't know what will.

Again, I encourage you to get a hold of this DVD. It is soo good. I hope that it touches you as it has me. As bad as this sounds, I have a new appreciation for my Savior. I didn't realize all that was out there and how much He surpassed to get to me and to have a relationship with a sinner such as me.

Test drive...

2008-08-19T21:57:00.002-05:00

I have been on the job hunt for the past couple of weeks; mainly trying to get a job at the hospital. I called today about the job and the lady said that they were just waiting to hear from the manager about who will get the job. She also said that if I didn't hear from them within a couple days that I was welcome to call back.

Later today while I was trying to find the low pressure port on my car to put free-on in my car, a guy from our church called Jim telling him that he was looking for someone to work for him doing some labor. So, Jim suggested me for the job...

Tomorrow I get to 'test drive' the new job. I have been told that if I like the job, it's mine and if I don't like it, then it won't hurt his feelings any. I am quite excited. Please pray for me as I go to this job in the morning. I start at 7:30. I will let you know how it goes.

Til next time...
Chels

The Start of Something New

2008-08-18T23:27:00.002-05:00

Let me just start off by saying that, I am not one to just write about how my day was or something like that. Generally when I think of blogs, I think of writing down my thoughts to share. Most of those being on Facebook and Myspace of course. It gets out to people that way. I have recently been introduced to this blog site and have found interest in writing down other stuff besides just 'profound' thoughts, as some like to call them.

So, this is me, starting my new blog. I plan to just write updates as they come to let whomever that reads this know what is going on with me. New experiences are to be shared, thoughts of course, and just whatever comes to mind when I feel like writing.

I want to welcome you to the inside of my head. Please take precaution as the thoughts tend to be jumbled, out of order, and put down as they come.

Enjoy.