Freedom isn't about picnics, parades or fireworks displayed
It's about the day that I knelt and prayed
The day I asked Jesus into my heart
Is the day that my freedom really did start
Thank You Lord for dying on the cross just for me
Because of your sacrifice I am totally free
copyright 2005 Lelia Chealey
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!
Got a praise report here from my previous posts!
Last night my husband met with our daughter Alyssa and just talked with her and told her as a family we were done. I was at my parents praying God would give him wisdom and the words to speak into her heart. I prayed she would listen. Gene told her we would continue to pray for her and love her, but we were done watching her go down this path of destruction a minute longer. He told her how much he loved her. He told her she is always welcome to come home. Then he left and cried his way home.
God had a breakthrough in this young teen mom's mind and within two hours she was at my sister Michelle's home. I was at my parent's still with Amiyah when my sister called to say they were on their way to Mom and Dad's. Gene came over and as a family we cried, laughed and prayed. It's been decided she is going to live with my sister for now and Amiyah will stay with us. When she asked my sister if she could stay there she told my sister, "But if I stay here, I need rules."
Please pray for a continued renewing of her mind and a willingness to give up some stuff that will only draw her closer to God. Last night I saw a broken child who desperately wants to be with her baby girl and wants a different life. She even has asked to talk with someone, so I pray God leads us to the right person for her. I don't think I realize the hold the enemy has on her mind and just how much he has destroyed her self esteem.
Please pray for a continued renewing of her mind and a willingness to give up some stuff that will only draw her closer to God. Last night I saw a broken child who desperately wants to be with her baby girl and wants a different life. She even has asked to talk with someone, so I pray God leads us to the right person for her. I don't think I realize the hold the enemy has on her mind and just how much he has destroyed her self esteem.
I pray she allows God to show her just what He thinks of her.
For the last 3 years she has told us that she wanted to be a nurse. Last night she said she doesn't want to be a nurse any more, but rather a counselor so she can help other teens avoid what she's going through.
For the last 3 years she has told us that she wanted to be a nurse. Last night she said she doesn't want to be a nurse any more, but rather a counselor so she can help other teens avoid what she's going through.
Hallelujah!
Who knows besides God what she'll be in the future. All I know is that the prayers you said over her went right to our Heavenly Father's ears. He heard them and He responded. I saw such a softening of her heart last night.
Today I am one joyful Momma and last night I fell asleep at 2am in the middle of whispering praises to Him. Whatever comes my way this weekend there is no way I will let the enemy steal this joy. God is just too amazing to short Him any of the praises He is due.
Thank you again for joining us in doing Hebrews 4:16!
You knocked the wind out of me and my family with your responses of prayer for a teenager you have never met. Renee Swope had a post the other day about prayer and I want to follow her lead. We should never be too busy to pray for each other.
So I ask, how can I pray for you?
Please let me know in the comments and if it's too personal to share here then e-mail me at chealey5@windstream.net
Also, let's not forget to daily keep these brave guys and gals in our prayers. 
I can't begin to imagine how their family members must feel. I only had a few days of agonizing over my daughter's safety knowing she was on the enemies playground.
Let's pray and be thankful for them and their families.
Have a blessed weekend dear friends.
Go visit my friend Kelley to see what her Red, White and Blue treats are.
Yum. Me.
Is all I got to say!
~Many Blessings~
37 comments:
I have just found your blog so I have no idea what's going on in your family but I can tell you that my heart hurts with you. And my soul rejoices at the crack in the wall Satan had around your daughter. God can do this - He is able. I have lifted her up in prayer today asking God to cover her with His love and surround her with His arms and to call her name. And I pray for her sweet daughter and for your entire family God's grace and strength. May God continue to bless you with moments of joy.
Dear Lelia,
I know that we have never met in person but there are some serious tears o' joy falling here in PA for that precious girl of yours. I can not wait to hear/see what God will lead her to do in her life!! HE IS JUST SO AMAZING!!
Love & Hugs from the east,
Kim
Well... We praise you Father!!
I got your comment on my blog last night that said that you were going to meet with her to talk... I couldn't wait to get back online this morning to see what happened.
What an absolute blessing to have her reach out to talk to you guys. And I believe that God is working... powerfully working. He is able to do more than we can ever imagine. A desire to help others avoid what she has gone through... well how awesome is that?? A nurse of sorts... to the soul.
I will continue to pray for you and your sweet family. I have to tell you that I gain much peace and encouragement for my situation from you and the godly way that you are handling yours. Your faith is showing... full force. Thanks so much for being so real and honest... God is using you.
Lynn
Oh sure, now I feel so shallow! You are pouring your heart out and praising Jesus while I am handing out recipes!!
Seriously, I am really glad things have turned a corner with Alyssa and that you are able to rest. God is good ALL THE TIME!! Enjoy the day with your family and I will be anxious to hear what you think of the cobbler!!
Love,
Kelley
Praise God. That is wonderful!!!
I am spending a rather quiet 4th, but it has been good. I actually decided to write a "Declaration of Dependence" (on God) rather than Independence. That was fun to think through.
Thanks for the comment about my "Old Letter" post. My grandmother was definitely a beacon of hope to me as I am sure you already are to Amiyah.
I may still join the Tuesday study. I have the book, have read it before, but didn't manage to fit it in this past week. I still think I was recovering from She Speaks.
Blessings.
Celebrating with you the freedom that has come your way on so many different levels. Be blessed.
peace~elaine
Are there really any words to say, other than WE PRAISE YOU LORD.
Freedom in our country to praise God, worship God, love God.
Freedom to show others the path that isn't so worn BECAUSE we don't desire others to take the path we have been on previously.
FREEDOM!
Love ya,
Yolanda
I'm so pleased to know Alyssa is safe and I'm praying and trusting that she feels better and stronger each and every day from here. Rejoicing in your joy. xox
Great news Lelia. I pray that Alyssa welcomes the Lord with open arms and open heart, and that she finds someone to speak to, who well encourage, empower, and enable her to see what a wonderful young woman she is, and that in the Lords eyes she is a Princess.
Wow! I'm praising God with you! What an amazing work God is doing!
Happy July 4th! Freedom is so grand when it comes from the Father! Love the poem!
Rebecca
P.S. You already know my prayer request...please keep lifting me up!
Wow! Definitely reason to praise and rejoice! Thanks! My prayers will surely continue for your precious girl...
Lelia, rejoicing with you...
Prayer...that God would break the bondage of financial stress...thanks..
God is Good!!
Happy Independence Day blessings,
kari & kijsa
What great news! I don't understand her pain but do remember my own pain from my teenage years. I'll continue to pray for her healing and that God would direct you all to just the right counselor.
Isn't it great to be able to pray for another, even though we may never meet this side of heaven.
I would be blessed if you would pray for my family. We need restoration on all fronts. Health, marriage, broken hearts, you name it. Thanks for asking.
-Sheryl
It's great to see evidence of God at work in Alyssa's life and we'll just keep praying that He will continue to answer in the days ahead.
I like the comment above about depending on God as oppossed to our own independence - how true is that!! As far as prayers, that concept covers me quite well. Just yesterday I wrote about how I often think too much - you know trying to figure life out likes it a math problem or something. Well as I reflected it was like God reminded me, when I think too much I'm not trusting enough. That hurt a bit.
Thanks for sharing your story - it's a true example of trusting!!
Lelia,
I haven't been by here in a while and then I stopped in a few days ago to read your news. I began praying immediately and I'm so happy to see that God is answering prayers. I'm sorry you guys are going through this fire right now, but I can see God's at work.
Lelia,
That is awesome news!
I know it was the hardest thing Gene has probably ever had to do, but something he had to do and it sounds like he said all the right things.
Alyssa knows she's loved and I am joining with you in prayer that God will fill her heart with such a knowledge of how much He loves & cares for her so she can see her worth. Praying too that He will send amazing people into her life to minister to her.
GOD IS FAITHFUL! HIS WAYS & HIS TIMING IS PERFECT!
Love you!!
so glad to find ur blog. I'll be praying for Alyssa. I was a very lost young mommy myself and know that the road to redemption is sometimes a painful, tormentous experience for everyone. For all of the hopes she has--there is self-doubt, fear of further failure, and the underlying pain that things have gotten so bad there's no going back. Let her know if she ever wants someone to talk to...I'd be more than willing. She can pop over to my blog and read how silly for Christ a woman can become when she leaves her past behind her and steps out of the pain, grasping each day for peace.
Blessings to you and your family as you navigate through this journey together.
Our God IS an awesome God - isn't he?!! That was truly a blessing to read this morning - we will be putting her in our prayers as well!
Thanks for sharing!
Karla & Karrie
The power of prayer!! I will continue to lift your family up daily my friend.
In His Graces~Pamela
Hi LeLUH! ;)
I am Lea - Not Le UH
but Lee silent a
To further confuse you.. it is actually Leaon. Everyone butchers that.. because it is pronounced Le- on with thee accent on the second syllable. Named after UNCLE Leon. But Momma threw the a in there to be french and more feminine. ? We are not french.. but thanks Momma for the feminine touch naming me after my UNCLE. She definitely had a sense of humor! haa ~ All that being said HELLO LELIA! I am so so so happy to meet you. Your friend Kelley has touched my heart with her Aroma of Joy blog. Funny how God uses "blogging" to unite His people!
I just prayed for your daughter.. and your family. And I smile at the "writing on the back of your door, and the "want" of a little broth. ;) yum! heehee I look so forward to getting to know yall better! Have a beeeautiful weekend and a FABULOUS SABBATH day tomorrow. Talk to you soon!
L ;)
Oh Lelia! I'm so glad that things are turning around!! I know this must be a very hard situation over and over again. I'm praying for your precious daughter and her baby girl!!
I'm so glad I found your blog today. Though I feel like I'm jumping in in the middle of things, it was so good to read this post of answers to prayer with these struggles. I will continue to pray as I know those first steps can be so hard, and getting up after falling on your face again and again can get so discouraging and tiring!
May God give you wisdom, dear one, and guide you in all things!
Cora
God is so good!!!
~Beth~
Praising God with you! He is so good and so faithful. I'll continue to pray for your family.
PRAISE GOD!!!! Thank you for the update. Bless as you continue on this journey.
Rhonda
What an amazing praise report!!! I'll continue to pray for your sweet daughter, that God will continue to speak to her heart.
Remember, the Joy of the Lord IS your strength!!!
Kim~
Lelia,
Praise God! I am so thankful for the breakthroughs that have been made. Jesus, keep 'em coming!
Thanks for your sweet words on my blog. I am so blessed that Papa used what He is teaching me to speak to you.
How can you pray for me? If Papa brings me to your mind, would you pray a covering of protection over me and mine? Another thing is that my oldest daughter is trying to discern where to go from here.
She just returned from a 5 month's missions trip.
My 2nd oldest will be going on a trip to a country that could have some danger. (missions trip) for 3 weeks in September. If there will be danger for her and she should not go, I am praying it will be made evident... In the meantime I am choosing to trust....
Thanks for asking,
Hugs,
Julie
My 'puters been down so I'm a little late on this. I just got my post intended for yesterday posted via my mom's computer.
Wow, I rejoice with you. I sing praises to the only One worthy of praise. I praise the Lord for what HE has clearly done in this young mother's life. What a blessing. I could not be more happy for you and your family. I'm so glad Alyssa will be with your sister while you take care of your grandgirl. She is a good mother and she will be great when she gets her mind and heart straight. Indeed, satan can totally mess our minds and seriously make us believe things that are so very false.
You know my prayer concern and I know you're praying for my beloved.
Love you,
Paula
Dear Lelia,
I am praising God with you that Alyssa is slowly starting to want contact with her family again. I pray that God will set a hunger in her that will draw her ever closer to Him, and bring her back to that precious baby of hers.
General prayer requests, Health for our family, we seem to have a stomach bug going around. Also, pray as I start to adjust to actually finding my emotions stable for the first time in a while! I am not sure how this feels, if this is normal, or if I am comfortable here, because I have been depressed for so long... this is completely new for me. I am not sure who I am here... if that makes any sense.
I will continue to pray for you and yours!
I love you,
Heather
Hey, Lelia!
Wow!!! God is SO good! I will continue to lift up Alyssa and your family. Gene was so strong in showing the tough love that we as parents sometimes have to resort to. YOur faithfulness is such a witness. Bless your hearts.:)
On a lighter note, I never did comment on your video of your taxi driver from NC. That, my friend, was priceless.
Looking forward to our Bible study this week! I have read ahead--sorry! I'm looking for nuggets of truth for an upcoming Bible study on the Proverbs 31 Woman.
Love ya,
Susan
I know what it's like to have to let go of your child. To come to a place that you must step aside and get out of the way,so God can take over.
I told my son 8 years ago that we too,were done as a family but since then our relationship as been restored. I have seen many times God working in his life, I call them 'God windows.'
God watches over him,speaks to him in his darkest moments and each time I see my son stepping a little closer to Jesus.
Lelia, I will be praying that God will continue to give you 'God windows'so you too,can have peek into what He is doing in Alyssa life.
Praise God for He is good!
Praise the Lord for answered prayers! I will continue to pray as your daughter continues to seek what is right in her life.
Have a blessed week!
still praying for you and your family, friend! I hope your holiday held some special surprises.
Laura
Still praying friend and celebrating each baby step and big step Alyssa takes towards the arms of God. My heart overflows with love and compassion for her. I see this innocent child caught in a trap she desperately wants to escape yet doesn't realize there is a key she is holding... that she only needs give it to Jesus so he can unlock that painful place in her heart that holds her captive, so He can heal it with His love. In His time I know it will happen.
Counting on His Grace,
Renee
Please know I'm still covering ya'll in prayer on this, Leila. I know it's hard but it sounds like you've found release. I'm praying your daughter does well with counseling. After she works through her own issues, she will be such a blessing to others, hopefully preventing them from walking a mile in her shoes. As Renee mentioned above, it will be in His time. He has already done marvelous things, hasn't He? Praise be to Him. *Hugs* Laurie Ann
oh Leila, I am a little behind but I am SO glad to hear this.
I know that the conversation that Gene had with her must have been the hardest one he has ever had. But I am so proud of y'all for telling her that - that you loved her but would not tolerate her behavior. We ALL NEED to hear that talk sometimes. And when it is done lovingly, which it obviously was, *it works*.
Praise God. He's got her in his hands.
much love,
mis
xo
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