tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90581213083984643632024-03-13T15:35:20.856-05:00WRITE FROM THE HEARTLelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-51158882133858866442011-09-24T03:15:00.002-05:002011-09-24T04:11:41.652-05:00I must have Jesus in my whole life<div align="center">I wanted to share this, but can't pull it off of blogger, so I can't put it on my <a href="http://www.leliachealey.com/">new blog</a> or on Facebook except to link it here.<br />
<br />
Anyway, in 2009 our daughter Alivia, then 8, sang in our old church. She was so nervous and we prayed about it the whole week.<br />
The words she sang are<br />
<br />
<b><i> "I must have Jesus in my whole life.</i></b><br />
<b><i>I must have Jesus in my life.</i></b><br />
<b><i>In my walking, in my talking, in my sleeping, in my waking, I must have Him in my life."</i></b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwavzkeea-4CqEYw8cVdevfsB66XeD4_YNE52dGDJF8Ng1Rt2ofN1oGIgfV07ILfDxCCpuvzty6YZVtr_bpBg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<br />
I hope He is in your whole life.<br />
Better yet, I hope He's <u><i>your life</i></u>.<br />
<br />
<i>Blessings,</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-7423768190396861242011-07-05T18:29:00.002-05:002011-09-24T03:17:34.627-05:00I'm MOVING!<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Guess what? </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: yellow;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>After almost 4 years, I'm moving!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://movingcomp.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/moving-day.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Write from the Heart</b></i> has come to an end so </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">go visit me at my new blog <a href="http://www.leliachealey.com/">here</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>See you soon! </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-31436101728858021122011-06-14T17:09:00.002-05:002011-06-15T09:20:08.614-05:00Just Ask<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few weeks ago the Lincoln Public Schools district office burned down. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Completely destroyed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-37bpbELEG5Y/Tffb1VOR6QI/AAAAAAAAB9g/RiZUrnQNBPY/s1600/lps+district+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-37bpbELEG5Y/Tffb1VOR6QI/AAAAAAAAB9g/RiZUrnQNBPY/s320/lps+district+office.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, I had to call the temporary office to ask some questions.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the midst of sorrow and loss, Jean, who answers the phone has made a deliberate choice to rise above.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She answered the phone with one question:</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"How may I serve you?" </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Usually when you call an office you're asked how they can help you, but <i>serve</i> you? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It took me off guard and got me thinking. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sometimes when I talk to God I just ask.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Days can go by when I may not even praise, just ask. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for help, guidance or relief for my husband who is in chronic pain. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for interference in a friend or one of my kids' life who is seeking anything but You. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ask for peace, wisdom, insight and energy. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Salvation has been given from asking.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Forgiveness has been granted from my asking. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Grace has been poured over my undeserving self from asking.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I ask. Sometimes He answers. Sometimes He tells me to be still and just know. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Know that He is God. That He is able. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But I can honestly tell you in all my asking with hopeful gain I have never simply asked Him </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "How may I serve You?" </span></strong></em></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So today... </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I praise. </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And I humbly ask, </span></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Lord, how may I serve You?"</span></em></div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-89000225646984326002011-06-05T16:30:00.004-05:002011-06-06T08:34:42.913-05:00Like Charlie Sheen says...WINNING!My sister Michelle said something the other day while we were in the car together that stayed put in my mind.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"I wonder if God ever looks at us and says, <i>you're too much</i>." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We live in a world that we can dismember a baby while God's in the midst of forming him or her.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We can break every vow we took on our wedding day and make walking out on our family<br />
look like an exercise.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We live in a world that </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">a woman can go out on the town with no plan and the next morning a pharmacist can hand her Plan B over the counter and erase her night of irresponsibility before she leaves the store. </div><div style="text-align: left;">We can fill our arteries with heart stopping fast food made by a teenager that just returned from a smoke break.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We can go broke living beyond our means no matter the cost to keep up with the Jones', the Smith's <i>and</i> the Johnson's trying to portray what we want others to see and yet be a mess within the walls of our heart. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We live in a world that </div><div style="text-align: left;">has low morals and and high teen pregnancy and crime.<br />
Where morons are trying to take God out of the school, the state and get Him off of our radios. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Being a Christian in today's world is not easy. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But He never said it would be. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the media didn't have something meaningful like Alabama or Joplin to focus on,<br />
they gave us hours of Charlie Sheen and his ridiculous lifestyle while he yelled <i><a href="http://youtu.be/ib3Y-Q3QnOk">"Winning"</a></i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such a clear picture of what Satan must think and do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When a Daddy confesses to secrets he thought he could hide from his wife and kids all while attending church because God is just a religion...<i>Winning</i>!</div><div style="text-align: center;">When a woman overturns her belief in abortion so her life won't be inconvenienced...<i>Winning</i>!<br />
When a teen turns to drugs instead of the Jesus inside of them...<i>Winning!</i><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And yet in the midst of crazy, our God doesn't look down and say "you're too much" but instead says<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"</b></span>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He sees us for who we are and wants relationship with us in spite of ourselves.<br />
<br />
He endured the beatings, the torture and the cross for <i>us</i>.<br />
He stuck to God's Plan A and was carried into that grave dead to walk out alive<br />
with the hope that we would accept His sacrifice and choose to spend eternity with Him.<br />
<br />
And when we do choose Him all the angels shout...<br />
<br />
<i><b>WINNING!</b></i><br />
<br />
And through the tears of my grateful heart all I can manage to whisper is...<br />
What an <u>amazing</u> Savior.<br />
<br />
<i>Blessings,</i><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: transparent; border: none;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-31292456866550289222011-05-14T17:36:00.052-05:002011-05-15T04:11:47.251-05:00Legacy...What kind will be left?My friend & neighbor Mary Beth has taken care of her Dad, Dell, in their home for the last 10 years.<br />
Last Saturday afternoon she told Gene that he was now on hospice so we should say our goodbyes.<br />
Alivia was at my sister's house and came home right away so she could go see him. Her and Grandpa Dell as he was called, were very close. 86 years apart and they had such a special bond. Click <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/2008/10/sincerely-sweet.html">here</a> to read their story.<br />
<br />
<br />
He had a stroke about a week before and wasn't able to talk so along with Mary Beth, Gene and Alivia and I stood next to him and held his hands. As Gene prayed over him, I had my arm around Alivia and tears slid off her pretty nose. When I told him I loved him there was no response, but when Alivia did, he kissed her cheek twice, it was so sweet. Sunday afternoon Alivia went to see him again and came home and said he gave her a kiss again. Hours later at 9:39pm, surrounded by his entire family, Grandpa Dell's eternity began.<br />
Exactly what he had wanted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iR0zcHl6JEc/Tc8CXw5ReII/AAAAAAAAB9c/GBtzSHoRNcE/s1600/Grandpa+Dell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iR0zcHl6JEc/Tc8CXw5ReII/AAAAAAAAB9c/GBtzSHoRNcE/s320/Grandpa+Dell.jpg" width="224" /></a><br />
Thursday we went to his celebration of life.<br />
His son-in-law Keith, Mary Beth's husband who is a pastor, spoke and did a beautiful job.<br />
I sat there listening to all the funny stories shared and memories each family member had wanted said about their Dad and Grandpa.<br />
The consistency within in each memory was Jesus.<br />
<br />
I learned that Dell's desire to be with Jesus wasn't just in his latter years, but that he wanted to go from the time he invited Jesus to be his Savior.<br />
<br />
<br />
I learned how he and his bride Ruth would pass out Bibles and how he'd leave a big tip for a waitress or waiter in a Bible saying "they're going to have to open their Bible to get their tip".<br />
<br />
<br />
They joked about the hitchhikers he would pick up and how the passenger probably "couldn't wait to get out of the car away from this crazy man talking about end times". We laughed when Keith said how whenever someone died and they told Dell, he'd accuse them of "cutting in line before him".<br />
<br />
But most of all, I heard of his love for Jesus Christ.<br />
<b>I heard his legacy.</b><br />
And being his neighbor, I was blessed to see it first hand too.<br />
<br />
<br />
Clearly, Grandpa Dell was all about Jesus.<br />
He wanted the rapture to happen the minute he accepted Christ as his Savior<br />
Family or friend, neighbor or stranger, son or daughter, in-law or grandchild was going to hear of Jesus whether you wanted to or not.<br />
Keith shared how the grand kids remember seeing him in God's Word <i>all of the time</i>.<br />
How his meal time prayers would go on so long the food would get cold.<br />
And how he was generous beyond the imagination.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
I have been to many funerals, but I can honestly say it was the first one that I left feeling a little jealous of the deceased because he sincerely wanted death so he could live with Jesus.<br />
<br />
I love Jesus Christ, but have never expressed a desire to want to die to be with Him. "Die to self" I've said before but I've never wished for my physical death.<br />
Sitting there listening to the stories about my neighbor, I realized that I didn't have the same zeal for Jesus that Dell had. I want to be with Jesus, but not to the point of leaving this earth right now.<br />
And this man did.<br />
He wanted to give up everything here to be with Jesus there.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, don't miss the point here.<br />
Grandpa Dell loved his family deeply and he loved being with his family. But he loved God more.<br />
He knew God is the Author of life and He is the One to write our final chapter and so his death would happen on God's timing. Knowing that though didn't stop his prayers urging God to pen the words <i>THE END</i><i>.</i><br />
He didn't obsess with death, instead, he just desired for his eternal life to start.<br />
He lived the life God gave him well and without a doubt heard the welcome words of his Father, <i>Well done good and faithful servant.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
At other funerals, I have been so saddened by the loss that celebration was far from my mind.<br />
But as I sat in the pew Thursday and laughed at the family stories, I felt no guilt from being happy for him. Tears filled my eyes at the beautiful Chris Tomlin song, <a href="http://youtu.be/fa8w7mGug0c">"I Will Rise"</a> that was sung and I came to the conclusion that it was easier to celebrate his passing because he really wanted to go.<br />
<br />
Since Thursday, I've been thinking about the legacy I'm leaving my children and grandchildren.<br />
The thing is that we all might not stick around until we're 95 like Grandpa Dell did...against his will, I might add. :)<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We may not have years to get it right.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So as of today...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>What kind of legacy will you leave?</i></b></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I want to get to the point of being so deep with Jesus that my desire to be with Him out weighs my desire to get things done on earth or get my ducks in a row. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Just like Grandpa Dell.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last Monday, the day after Grandpa Dell died, I received an e-mail from Proverbs 31 Ministries updating me on my <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/2011/04/mewrite-book-and-speak-are-you-crazy.html">scholarship for She Speaks</a>. On this update they list each gift giver's name.<br />
As I scrolled down the page, I praised the Lord for such generous souls with tear filled eyes.<br />
I burst into tears when I read the last name on the list: <i>Dell Sand. </i>Our sweet neighbor,<i> </i>Grandpa Dell.<br />
Later that evening in conversation with his daughter, I thanked her for the gift in his memory.<br />
She said, "Oh no, I sent that in for him a week and a half before he died".<br />
<br />
<br />
What a gift.<br />
What a man.<br />
What a life.<br />
What a legacy.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you Grandpa Dell for believing in me. Have fun with Jesus and your beloved Ruthie.<br />
And thank you for the friendship you and Alivia shared; she will miss you forever and never forget you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Za1KzLs-7e8/Tc73z7bhp8I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/_cGKqh2-_nk/s1600/Alivia+and+Grandpa+Del+May+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Za1KzLs-7e8/Tc73z7bhp8I/AAAAAAAAB9Y/_cGKqh2-_nk/s320/Alivia+and+Grandpa+Del+May+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Alivia and Grandpa Dell, a week before his homecoming unable to flash that handsome smile due to the stroke.</span></i></div></div><br />
Love,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-83640429358606824482011-05-04T18:58:00.012-05:002011-05-04T19:11:46.693-05:00Come follow Me, He said.I really love the Bible.<br />
I was reading John 1 the other day and keep thinking about a few verses.<br />
<br />
In verse 43 it tells us how Jesus was walking along and He had just told Philip, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Come, follow me."</span><br />
<br />
The next verse doesn't mention anything else than the name of his hometown.<br />
But in verse 45 it says that Philip went to look for Nathanel and he told him about Jesus.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Philip went to look for Nathanel and told him, We have found</div><div style="text-align: center;"> the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nathanael was unsure of all Philip said and in his words...</div><div style="text-align: left;">"Nazareth!" exclaimed Nathanel. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" </div><div style="text-align: left;">"Come and see for yourself," Philip replied. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love that. He simply invited Nathanael to see Jesus for himself. </div><div style="text-align: left;">My commentary says this: <i>Nathanael couldn't fathom that such a significant person as the Messiah could come from such an insignificant place as Nazareth. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But this is the part that is getting to me. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Verses 47-48</div><div style="text-align: left;">When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.</span>"</div><div style="text-align: left;">"How do You know me?" Nathanael asked. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Jesus answered, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i><br />
I know my past. I know what I've done and where I've been. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And so does Jesus.<br />
<i>How do you know me? </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Before He called my name He knew me and <i>He saw me while</i> I lived my life away from Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;">And still He said, "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Come, follow me Lelia</span>." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have no idea of what your past is like, but Jesus does. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He knew you while you were still______________________and He loves you anyway. </div><div style="text-align: left;">No matter what your past looks like, He wants you to follow Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Because He knows when we do, He can take all the ugliness of our choices and use them for His glory.<br />
And He also knows that just like Philip, we won't want to keep Him to ourselves.<br />
We'll seek people out and extend a gentle invitation for them to "come and see for yourself" just how great He is. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Blessings & Hugs,</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-10135984616819453632011-04-28T09:03:00.008-05:002011-04-28T09:07:04.691-05:00Finally some wisdom sets in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This Sunday is the Lincoln Marathon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We live very close to the route of the marathon and after 12 years you think we'd learn where not to go. One Sunday a few years ago, the kids and I were at church waiting for Gene to show up. I waited and waited alone in the sanctuary and no husband. At that time Gene didn't believe in cell phones so I had no idea what had happened to him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We returned home after service to find out that he had only made it 3 blocks from our home and spent over an hour just sitting in traffic unable to go through the intersection due to so many runners. The wait was so long he turned off his truck and just sat there in frustration watching the runners pass by him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week I received an e-mail warning us of the traffic delays caused by the marathon. Here is the first paragraph: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The goal of this e-mail is to make people aware that ingress/egress to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">downtown is best from the east on Vine, Q, P, or O Street once the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">runners clear 16th at the start. Also that motorists can avoid long</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">delays trying to cross Capitol Parkway by actually looping around it.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida console', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The words you find consistent throughout the rest of the e-mail are: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><i>busy, delay, divert, congestion, very difficult</i>. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So often in life, I have found myself in a place that I have wondered, how did I get here? Places that have caused me frustration. Just like this e-mail warning us to not go certain places, God warns us in the Bible of places that aren't good for us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Proverbs 5:7-8 He tells us to stay away from adultery: <i>Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yet affairs happen every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 1 Peter 5:8 we're strongly warned of the devil: <i>Be self-controlled and alert. </i><i>Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And yet we're in shock when we are under attack. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Throughout God's Word, we have warnings of what can happen to us if we go places we aren't supposed to be whether in person or in our mind. And yet, we let go of God's hand and wander off on our own path of destruction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over and over again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we do this we get <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>very busy</b></span> </i>with meaningless things. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>divert</i> </span></b>others from getting to know our Jesus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We get caught in the <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>congestion</b></span></i> of sin and the consequences of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And when we part from God, our life is <i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">very difficult</span></b></i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have to take our Father's words to heart and learn from our bad choices instead of repeating them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So many times we are repeat offenders for years before we realize that this just isn't working for us. As the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">e-mail above suggests, let's <i>loop around</i> the plans that Satan has for us and stay on course with God's plans for our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After 12 years of getting stuck in traffic and either missing church or being late, we have finally caught on. We'll be at church at 6pm on Saturday night this year. And on Sunday you'll find us 3 blocks from our home in lawn chairs cheering on our brave friends running in front of frustrated motorists. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;">*Also...those that have contributed to helping me get to the <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/2011/04/mewrite-book-and-speak-are-you-crazy.html">Proverbs 31 Ministries writer/speaker conference</a> this summer whether by prayer or finances...I am humbled, blessed and have been brought to many tears. Thank you so much for believing in this woman in Nebraska. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;">May God bless you in ways you can't imagine like He has me. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;">Love, </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: #ffd966;"><i>Lelia</i></b></div></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-38118906803394320382011-04-21T20:49:00.005-05:002011-04-22T13:17:32.122-05:00Two MilesLast night I watched American Idol and Jacob sang a song by Luther Vandross called <i>"Dance with my Father Again".</i> Before singing, he shared how when he was 12 years old his Dad died.<br />
At the end of the song, judge Steven Tyler made the comment, "Your Daddy was up there listening to you."<br />
<br />
I don't know if it's manners or what, but I hear this kind of thing often said about people that have died. People just assume that the person that passed away went to heaven, that they're "up there".<br />
And we can't blame them. It would have been absurd for Steven Tyler to say, "You're Daddy was <i>down there</i> listening to you." So in our attempt to say the right thing and ease the pain, we paint this picture that when you die, you are heaven bound.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">But let's put our manners aside for a second and get real with one another.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The <i>only way</i> to heaven is through Jesus Christ. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We cannot wish our way to heaven. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We cannot be good enough and get to heaven. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Heaven is our eternal dwelling because of our choice of Jesus. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's not a prize we get after we exhale our last breath.</div><br />
<br />
Those in heaven are there because of the choice they made to believe that Jesus Christ is more than just a nice guy. They confessed to being a sinner and accepted the free gift of salvation from God.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo_Ybinj_Eg/TbDa7xmjyHI/AAAAAAAAB9U/gV80bHclkQU/s1600/Jennifer+4+jpeg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bo_Ybinj_Eg/TbDa7xmjyHI/AAAAAAAAB9U/gV80bHclkQU/s320/Jennifer+4+jpeg.jpg" width="216" /></a>Twenty years ago on December 16th, after throwing a successful surprise birthday party for her Mom Carol, my beautiful friend Jennifer left the party. Two short miles from her childhood home, her car was struck by a drunk driver and she was killed at 18 years old. A week before Christmas, tragedy rocked our world.<br />
<br />
<br />
I just talked to Carol on Jen's 40th birthday, April 6th. We always talk about Jen and wonder what she is up to and we can say with confidence that <i><b>she is looking down on us</b></i>.<br />
It's not just something said that makes Carol feel good. It's a truth that fills Carol with hope because she knows without a doubt in her heart, she'll see her girl again.<br />
All because Jennifer accepted Jesus Christ and the gift of His life on the cross. A choice that changed where she'd spend eternity. She didn't put off asking Jesus to be hers. And because of her choice, there has not been one time in the last 20 years that we've wondered where Jennifer is.<br />
<br />
<br />
We have to confess our sins, ask Jesus to forgive us and choose Jesus and if we don't, heaven is not where we'll go. Many wait on this decision because they think they have to "get cleaned up first" and be perfect before they make this choice. But Jesus wants us <strong><em>as is </em></strong>now not later.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The next time you leave your house,<br />
what if your life ends just 2 miles down the road?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><u>Where</u> will you spend eternity</i>? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'd be a fool to assume everyone who reads this blog has a relationship with Jesus Christ.<br />
If you have never invited Him into your life, I want to encourage you not to wait.<br />
He is worth getting to know.<br />
My girlfriends over at Proverbs 31 Ministries have an incredible page on their website that walks you through responding to the free gift from God. Click <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/doyouknowJesus/doYouKnowJesus.php">HERE</a> if you want to learn how to make a decision that will change where you spend eternity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Easter is upon us and many will hear about Jesus for the first time<br />
and how He died on the cross for our sins.<br />
And rose 3 days later. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Will they choose Him today or save Salvation for another day? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope they choose Him today,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> for we never know when we're traveling the last 2 miles of our life on earth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">~Many Blessings~</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-21114716865473237832011-04-19T22:31:00.007-05:002011-04-20T16:13:34.973-05:00No connection at this time<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}" style="color: black; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My Dad, Acey used to be on Facebook. </span></div><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Until he got annoyed with all the posts that notified him every time someone made a move or drove through a Starbucks. </span></div><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Still thinking he was MIA on FB, imagine my shock when I saw <i>this</i> on my sister Michelle's Facebook page...</span></div><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><br />
</div><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><br />
</div><div class="actorName actorDescription" style="font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 3px;"><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1654425648" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1654425648" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">Acey Jane</a></div><span class="messageBody" style="font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">I love ya, kid, Dad</span></h6><div style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><form action="http://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="live_10150147569616284_131325686911214 commentable_item autoexpand_mode" data-live="{"seq":15808439}" method="post" rel="async" style="margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix" style="display: block; zoom: 1;"><i class="UIImageBlock_Image UIImageBlock_ICON_Image img sp_az299p sx_15352b" style="background-image: url(http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/zk/r/0HScAkK8aCn.png); background-position: -17px -17px; display: block; float: left; height: 16px; margin-right: 5px; width: 10px;"></i><br />
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<div class="commentContent UIImageBlock_Content UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content" style="display: table-cell; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: top; width: 10000px;"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=734671283" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=734671283" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Michelle Jane</a> <span data-jsid="text">I love ya too Dad, thanks I needed that:)</span><br />
<div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px;"><abbr data-date="Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:43:12 -0700" style="border-bottom-style: none;" title="Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 8:43pm">March 31 at 8:43pm</abbr> · <span class="comment_like_15807157 fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[15807157]" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="15807157"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;">Like</span></button></span></div></div></div></li>
<li class="uiUfiComment comment_15808262 ufiItem ufiItem" style="background-color: #edeff4; border-bottom: rgb(229,234,241) 1px solid; margin-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px;"><div class="UIImageBlock clearfix uiUfiActorBlock" style="display: block; zoom: 1;"><a class="actorPic UIImageBlock_Image UIImageBlock_SMALL_Image" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1575822257" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; float: left; margin-right: 8px; text-decoration: none;" tabindex="-1"><img alt="" class="uiProfilePhoto uiProfilePhotoMedium img" src="http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/174531_1575822257_5022408_q.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; height: 32px; width: 32px;" /></a><label class="deleteAction stat_elem UIImageBlock_Ext uiCloseButton" for="u786039_1" style="background-image: url(http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/z5/r/Yz_2RL5XOEG.png); color: #666666; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; float: right; font-weight: bold; height: 15px; margin: 0px; opacity: 1; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 15px; zoom: 1;"><input id="u786039_1" name="delete[15808262]" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: normal; opacity: 0; outline-style: none; padding-bottom: 18px; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 18px; padding-top: 18px;" title="Remove" type="submit" value="Submit Query" /></label><br />
<div class="commentContent UIImageBlock_Content UIImageBlock_SMALL_Content" style="display: table-cell; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: top; width: 10000px;"><a class="actorName" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1575822257" href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1575822257" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Lelia Chealey</a> <span data-jsid="text">What the heck????? He hasn't even accepted my friend request. Hmmmm.</span><br />
<div class="commentActions fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-top: 2px;"><abbr data-date="Thu, 31 Mar 2011 19:31:47 -0700" style="border-bottom-style: none;" title="Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 9:31pm">March 31 at 9:31pm</abbr> · <span class="comment_like_15808262 fsm fwn fcg" style="color: grey; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal;"><button class="stat_elem as_link cmnt_like_link" name="like_comment_id[15808262]" style="background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: "lucida grande", tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin: 0px; overflow-x: visible; overflow-y: visible; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; width: auto;" title="Like this comment" type="submit" value="15808262"><span class="default_message" style="display: inline;">Like</span></button> · <i class="cmt_like_icon img sp_3mzc0s sx_315ee9" style="background-image: url(http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v1/ze/r/tgCjNDQG0qU.png); background-position: -12px -65px; display: inline-block; height: 9px; width: 10px;"></i> <a ajaxify="/ajax/browser/dialog/?type=likes&id=10150148289826284" class="uiTooltip comment_like_button" href="http://www.facebook.com/browse/?type=likes&id=10150148289826284" rel="dialog" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; position: relative; text-decoration: none;">1 person</a></span></div></div></div></li>
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<br />
Excited, I remembered that I had requested to be friends a long time ago, but since he had stopped any interaction on FB I thought my request got lost.<br />
So I looked and I put my request for friendship in again and I waited.<br />
And waited.<br />
Then I was on my high school friends' page and saw he is my Dad's friend.<br />
Then I saw Dad recently became friends with this kid at our church.<br />
<br />
<br />
So I did what any confused daughter would do.<br />
I clicked on the ADD FRIEND button to re-request my dear Dad to be my friend.<br />
Only to get this instant rejection message...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YugCtqskoN8/Ta5LoBqgSII/AAAAAAAAB9Q/nkbO98xhnvY/s1600/FB+request.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YugCtqskoN8/Ta5LoBqgSII/AAAAAAAAB9Q/nkbO98xhnvY/s320/FB+request.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Isn't it good to know that when we pray and try to connect to God we don't have to worry about getting this kind of message?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah%2029:12-13&version=NIV1984">Jeremiah 29:12-13 </a>tells us that when we pray to God, He will listen and when seek Him with ALL of our heart, He WILL be found. We may have to quiet ourselves enough to hear from Him and it may not be the answer we were hoping for, but one thing we know for sure is there won't be a delay in connection. He will be found for those who seek. We won't get a message back that says <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><i>You have already sent a request to connect.</i></span></b><br />
<br />
As of today, April 19, 2011 my Dad and I are still Facebook strangers.<br />
Michelle's profile picture of the 3 of us mocks me every time she visits my page.<br />
Ignoring my friend request is <i>not</i> a smart move 2 months before Father's Day!<br />
Hopefully his FB BFF/daughter Michelle will take over my tradition and take him Key Lime pie!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>Thank You Lord, that You are a Father that connects to His children! </em></strong><br />
</div> <em>Blessings,</em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></a></div><br />
P.S. Michelle, send Dad a FB message that I love him. :)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">UPDATE: As of 3:10pm my Dad & I are now Facebook Friends! </span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;">The threat of no pie must have got the best of him. :) <em>Love you Dad!</em></span>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-79536870731082384952011-04-14T14:57:00.001-05:002011-04-14T16:51:27.064-05:00Missing out...for nothingAs a Mom, I want my kids to grow up to be respectful adults.<br />
And in order to not have spoiled kids, parents must discipline their children. <br />
Give them consequences that sink in deep enough that there won't be a next time. <br />
<br />
<br />
This weekend is my son's first prom and he isn't able to go. <br />
And honestly, it's <em>killing me.</em><br />
When I think of all the fun he'll be missing out on it breaks my heart. <br />
I want to put the consequences on hold and just tell him to go and make good memories and choices this time, but I know this season of discipline is best for him. <br />
<br />
<br />
He's my only son and I have thought of the day where he'd be dressed in a tux looking handsome. And then I'd make him mad at me because I want just one more picture of him and his beautiful date. <em>But</em> because of his choices I'm stuck with heartache instead of pictures and probably a teenager that will try his best to be unpleasant.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This has me thinking of all the choices I've made as an adult and I wonder...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>what have I missed out on from my Father</strong></em>? </div><div style="text-align: center;">What plans has God had for me that I sabatoged for nothing and had miserable consequences instead of blessing? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh Lord...forgive me, nothing is worth choosing sin over You.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If Aaron is rude this weekend, perhaps I'll try squeezing into my prom dress from the 80's and ask him to dance with me. </div><div style="text-align: center;">That should adjust his attitude.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-38140593840844938262011-04-13T09:45:00.038-05:002011-06-20T01:24:07.576-05:00Me...write a book and speak? Are you crazy????<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">UPDATE (6/20/11) Thank you so much those who contributed financially and also for all the prayers in getting me to She Speaks. God is so amazing! I am heading to She Speaks because my scholarship was fully funded with enough that I am blessed to be able to go the day before to get settled and prepared for the conference that starts on Friday, July 21st. And a blog friend/sister in Christ asked me to be her roommate so I'm able to stay at the conference hotel. THANK YOU & may God bless you above and beyond! </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since November 2007 I've written here on my blog. </span></span></span></span><br />
I'm amazed at all God has taught me.<br />
<br />
Being a writer and speaker wasn't my childhood dream.<br />
Over the last 20 years of writing God has showed me as I grow up in Him that speaking and writing is exactly what He has in mind for me.<br />
<br />
Shortly after starting my blog, God would allow our family to go through uncharted territories. Unfamiliar paths to us, but no surprise to Him. <br />
On this blog He has prompted me to share things that I wanted to keep secret to my grave.<br />
He has loved on me and my family though fellow bloggers and readers and used them to teach me much.<br />
He has connected me to wonderful people through this blog.<br />
People that have given me unconditional love, support and prayers and have been a huge encouragement in my life. <br />
Some people I know and many I have never met. <br />
I am so thankful for each of you.<br />
<br />
Although the last 3 years have been tough, God has used the trials to teach us how to trust Him and rely fully on Him. We have experienced not only heartache, but much joy as we learned how to praise Him in the storm. The blessings He has poured down on us have been amazing.<br />
<br />
</div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Over and over again God has proven to be our <br />
Provider, Great Physician, Comforter, Wonderful Counselor and the great<br />
I AM.<br />
Honestly, I wouldn't trade where I'm at with God for an easier path. <br />
He has been worth every step and <em>He is so worth trusting</em>.<br />
As He has grown me spiritually, He has given me growth in my writing. <br />
Doors have opened that should never be opened to a woman with my history.<br />
And yet, my Doorman Who has been holding open the doors, is the <em>only One</em> capable of washing me white as snow as I walk through them.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"></span></span></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">One thing I've been asked over time is "when are you going to write a book?" and in the last 2 years I've been asked if I speak at women's retreats. A few years ago, I was invited to lead a class at a retreat on writing and I invited a friend to help me. Looking back, I see how God was giving me a taste of where He wants to take me.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Which brings me to where I'm at today. I feel strongly God is moving me in the direction of more writing and to start speaking. To learn more in this area of ministry, the Lord has laid it on my heart to attend the <em><strong>She Speaks Conference</strong></em> in July 2011.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><strong>She Speaks</strong> </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">is a life-changing conference held in North Carolina for women seeking to step out in the passion God has placed in their heart. </span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries, </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><strong>She Speaks</strong> </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">encourages and equips women to make the most of their messages, communicating God's Word to others. It is a conference led by Christian women and each track is designed to fan the flame of what God has burning inside me. </span></span></span></div><div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #537000;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>She Writes: </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #537000;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Writers Track) From basic writing guidelines to preparing an article or manuscript for submission and everything in between. In addition, the opportunity to meet one-on-one with some of the top editors, publishers, and literary agents in the Christian market.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #537000;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>She Speaks: </b></i></span></span><span style="color: #537000;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Speakers Track) Whether speaking in a large arena or leading Bible studies in church, participants will be equipped with the tools needed to effectively share the Word of God, create a bio sheet, market her ministry, and give successful presentations.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #537000; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5a1701; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">My first step is to raise funds which I am in the process of doing now. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Gulp*</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Will you </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>prayerfully</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> consider helping me through a financial contribution towards a scholarship? </span></span></span>If</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> you feel led to join me in this exciting call, there are two ways to participate. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Call Proverbs 31 Ministries at 877-731-4663 to contribute by credit card;</span> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">or send a check </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>payable to Proverbs 31 Ministries</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to:</span></span></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;">Proverbs 31 Ministries</span></span></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">She Speaks Scholarship/</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Lelia Chealey</b></span></span></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;">616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road</span></span></div><div align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Matthews, NC 28105</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-origin: initial; color: black;">Please be sure to designate the scholarship in my name in order to credit my scholarship fund. </span></b></i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: yellow; background-origin: initial; color: black;">You will be receipted for your tax-deductible donation.</span></b></i></span></div></div><div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For more information you can visit the She Speaks website by clicking <a href="http://www.shespeaksconference.com/">HERE</a>.</i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b>Whether or not you can help financially, most importantly <i>please</i> keep me in your prayers as I step forward in faith. Thank you!</b></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;">Excited. <em>Scared.</em> Humbled. <em>Thankful</em>.<em> </em><strong>READY</strong>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;">If I wait until I think I have it "all together", I'll never follow His lead. </span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Many Blessings,</em></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Freestyle Script', cursive; font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Freestyle Script', cursive; font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">*If you have a room at the conference hotel and need a roommate, please let me know. </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Freestyle Script', cursive; font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">The hotel is all sold out, but I'm on the waiting list. <i>Thank you!</i></span></span></b></span></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-80394725065927213542011-04-06T12:01:00.007-05:002011-04-13T14:12:29.971-05:00My new Un-comfort levelThis morning Gene and I were talking about us. And Jesus. <br />
Right now our church is doing a 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. <br />
But we're not. We haven't. <br />
We never have. And so we started talking about it. Trying to justify our "why" of not doing it. Why we are choosing to not model sacrifice to get closer to God to our kids. <br />
<br />
<br />
And I began to share with my husband. Things I had just said inside my heart to Jesus. The tears fell and the lump in my throat got in the way of the words I tried speaking. <br />
<br />
<br />
Putting aside our weak justifications we began to get real with one another. Why we didn't start a fast on Sunday is because honestly, we don't want discomfort. <br />
We want Jesus to use us at <em><strong>our</strong></em> comfort level.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This past summer my mom's 63 year old brother committed a crime. His first one. One that the judge sentenced him last month to 30-40 years. Don't let your mind jump to wondering what he did that would give him such a lengthy sentence. If you go there, just leave my blog now because you'll miss the whole point of this post. <br />
<br />
<br />
My uncle has a family that he loves. Adult kids, grandkids and a beautiful wife that remains faithful to her vows and his BFF. He loves fishing with my Grandpa. He loves cooking and hunting with his grandson. He loves telling jokes. He had a new truck that he bought last spring with all of the bells and whistles. When he bought something it was the best of the best. <br />
Now, all of his personal belongings, including his shoes, must fit into a space of 4 cubic feet in a small cell. <br />
<br />
<br />
He made fun of the faith my Mom boldly shared all the years she was the saved minority in her family. He rolled his eyes at any mention of God at family gatherings. He didn't believe in "organized religion" he would daily tell me. He refused to acknowledge that his own Mom is a miracle when every organ doctor she had signed off on her life and gave her 3-24 hours to live in the summer of 2002. She's still alive. He considered Jesus to be the head of the "organized religion" he wanted no part of.<br />
<br />
<br />
Until the summer of 2010 when caught in his crime he turned to Jesus. <br />
I didn't believe his conversion at first. <br />
Most people behind bars stumble upon God. <br />
But this was different. <br />
He wasn't behind bars yet when he turned to his Savior. <br />
He still had his freedom and he chose to accept the gift of salvation. <br />
He repented, truly repented and was forgiven. <br />
And he went from not reading even the newspaper to being in his new crisp paged Bible for <u>hours</u>. He started going to church. He got baptized with his wife and Mom last fall. He'd cry talking about Jesus. At the begining he'd talk about choosing suicide over prison. But even as thoughts of ending his life he kept reading the his Bible. He welcomed his pastor over to lead a Bible study with his 80 year old parents every Tuesday. <br />
<em>And Jesus stood triumphantly over his enemy. </em><br />
<br />
<br />
I received a letter from him on Monday. A letter addressed to me on the outside of the envelope but solely written to Aaron, our teenage son that Satan is having his way with to put it bluntly. Aaron has been in trouble with the law and here is part of the letter from my uncle: <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Aaron, Please-Please don't go down the wrong path. <br />
I'm sitting here trying to write this to you crying like a little baby. <br />
I thank God every minute for my family and all the love they have shown me and I know they show the same for you. <br />
Don't turn your back on God or your family. <br />
I am sitting in a cell just crying and wishing I could be with my family. <br />
Don't throw away what you have. <br />
It's hard becoming a man---<br />
But with God's help and the people that love you, <br />
you will be a fine young man. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Please keep your act together. <br />
You would never want to come to a place like this, <br />
it is the closest thing to hell on earth there is. <br />
Stop and thank the Lord you have a family that loves you so much. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't give up on God."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's just a piece of this hand written 2 page letter sent to our son. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I look at how my uncle is living today compared to how he lived the first 63 years of life and he has more freedom now in a small cell than he did when he was camping, fishing and hunting when and where he wanted to. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He may never see his name on another fishing license again, but because of his choice to accept Jesus, he will see his name written in the Book of Life. <br />
<em>Freedom only God can give</em>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I told Gene this morning that I want to be <strong><span style="color: red;">Uncomfortable for Jesus</span></strong>. </div><div style="text-align: left;">If Jesus took on the flesh again and walked up to my front door, knocked and said, <em>"Follow Me"</em> like he did to the disciples, I want to go <u>WITHOUT</u> hesitation. <br />
Gene shared too and we agreed that we both want this new un-comfort level. <br />
I have never been in this place of complete and I stress <em>complete </em>desire for surrender until now. To the point that it hurts. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This life on earth....</div><div style="text-align: left;"> Temporary </div><div style="text-align: left;"> A mist </div><div style="text-align: left;"> Here today, gone tomorrow</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <em><strong>Too comfortable.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't want to waste another minute. </div><div style="text-align: left;">I want my life to be just about Him. </div><div style="text-align: left;">To go where He says to go.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>To be obedient when He speaks through my pastor asking me to fast. </em></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>I want to be <span style="color: red;">Uncomfortable for Jesus</span>.</strong> </div><div style="text-align: left;">A Savior that is able to capture the hardened heart of my uncle and then use him in his uncomfortableness. A God who has His holy radar locked on my son from the walls of prison.</div><div style="text-align: left;">That's the Jesus I want to live for and be usable for. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-36309525002545814062011-04-04T11:00:00.008-05:002011-04-27T21:15:03.048-05:00You are seen<div style="text-align: center;">Do you ever feel like one in a million in the Kingdom of God?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Like He isn't paying attention to you at all? </div><br />
<br />
A few years ago, Gene was really struggling, unbeknown to me. He's a man of incredible faith and loves the Lord with all of his heart, soul, mind, strength and even bad back. But after being in months of constant pain and continuous back surgeries, he didn't want to pray anymore about his back. He felt like he was just bothering God and he even stopped reading his Bible. <br />
<br />
<br />
Working a night job and a day job and having very busy mornings, I failed to notice that he was watching TV instead of reading his Bible first thing after waking like he had forever. I didn't notice how down he was due to me being in my own world. <br />
<br />
<strong>But God did.</strong> <br />
<br />
One Sunday morning we were getting ready for church and nothing was going right. It was just one of those mornings.We had our granddaughter Amiyah with us and when we arrived at church I realized we had no diapers. When I told Gene and Alivia to go ahead inside and I'd be back after making a trip to the store for diapers, Gene threw his hands up and said, "Let's just go home". I had noticed at home that he was in a different kind of mood, but him throwing his hands up was out of his character. The urge to go into church was strongly on me, so I decided to see if the nursery had diapers instead of leaving. So into the house of God we walked, frustrated husband in tow.<br />
<br />
I sent Alivia to children's church and Gene sat in the back of the sanctuary waiting for me. I went to the nursery and wouldn't you know, the package of diapers on top of the changing table belonging to the church just happened to be Amiyah's size? I changed her quickly and left her in good hands. As I was walking toward the sanctuary I looked up at the big screen TV in the lobby as I heard a familiar voice ask if my husband was present. <br />
<br />
I stopped and watched as Linda, a woman in the church stood at the microphone. She was about to sing a song, but before she did she felt the Lord wanted her to give Gene a message. Keep in mind, <em>nobody</em> <u>but God</u> knew what Gene was going through inside. <br />
<br />
She said, <br />
<br />
"Gene Chealey...I just wanted to encourage you.<br />
You've been on my heart a lot lately.<br />
I know you're a Dallas Cowboy fan and so am I, but I just want to tell you I feel like the Lord is speaking to me to tell you not to give up.<br />
To keep on keeping on.<br />
Don't give up hope.<br />
<i>Many are they that say of my soul there is no help for him in God, but thou oh Lord are my glory and the lifter up of my head. </i>(Psalm 3:2-3).<br />
And He wants you to know...He doesn't want you to give up.<br />
Keep running the race man and don't give up.<br />
Don't give up."<br />
<br />
I stood there smiling thinking, <i>how sweet</i> when Gene came walking out of the sanctuary with tears covering his face and neck and a bewildered look on his face. He just fell into my arms and began to tell me of how he had been struggling. How he didn't even want to come to church that morning. How he hadn't opened his Bible in over a week. <br />
<br />
That morning God let Gene know. <br />
I see you. <br />
I see the struggle you're having. <br />
I see depression trying to wrap itself around you. <br />
I see the pain you're in 24 hours of your day.<br />
BUT. <br />
Do. Not. Give. Up. <br />
Seek Me. <br />
Let Me lift your head. <br />
Because I see you Gene Chealey.<br />
And I love you so much that I'm going to give this woman a message straight from my heart to yours since I can't give it from a closed Bible. <br />
I see you my son. <br />
<br />
That moment changed the course of Gene's focus that morning and got him back in God's Word. Gave him a deeper love for his Savior. Took his level of belief to a height Gene had never known before.<br />
<br />
WHATEVER you are going through that makes you feel forgotten by your Savior, know and believe that God sees you. He loves you and no matter what circumstance you face, He wants you to keep seeking Him. Keep walking with Him through it. <br />
<br />
Gene would be the first to tell you <em>He is worth</em> <u>anything</u> He allows you to endure. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a><br />
<br />
If anyone knows how to get a wpm file onto blogger, let me know. I have the clip of God's message through Linda, I just don't know how to get it on here & we'd love to share it with you.Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-54783772102746209462011-03-26T11:39:00.004-05:002011-04-13T14:11:37.097-05:00I believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning I'm sitting at my kitchen table and through the window I see snow falling. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On March 26th, 6 days after the calendar announced <i>Spring Begins</i>.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We just ended our spring break and it looks like winter break instead. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Green grass laced with white snowflakes is such a strange sight. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right now we are dealing with some heavy stuff with our 16 year old son Aaron. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Things that make his Mamma's heart break and ache.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I look at his choices and how we raised him I find no common ground. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Right now our son is like snow in the spring. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It shouldn't be. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It doesn't belong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doesn't make sense. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning I have my Bible opened to 1 Samuel about Hannah and Samuel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The son she wanted, prayed for and vowed to give to God for his whole life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved this particular verse in chapter 3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">19: The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of His words fall to the ground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><i>let none of His words fall to the ground </i></b> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today the only thing that will fall to the ground is the snow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The words my God has spoken over my son will <b>not</b> fall to the ground. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Instead, they will fall into my restless heart and through them I will find peace as I pray them over my Prodigal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Luke 19:10</b> <i>For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Romans 10:13 </b><i>for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pray he does this: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Jeremiah 29:12-13 </b><i>Then you (Aaron) will call on Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. </i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So God can have His way with Him...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b> Jeremiah 29:11</b><i> For I know the plans I have for you, (Aaron)," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because of <u>Aaron's choice</u> to invite Jesus into his life and a few years later choose to get baptized, I believe that he will return to the Lord and what a day that will be! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Philippians 1:6a </b><i>being confident of this that He who began a good work in you, (Aaron Preston Chealey) will bring it on to completion.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are you currently facing that goes against what God has for you? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whatever your "snow in the spring day" is, choose to focus on Jesus Christ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Charis SIL", charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Keeping our eyes on the One who can make a snowy spring day beautiful. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><br />
</a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-83663268098776051262011-03-21T13:47:00.001-05:002011-03-21T13:50:55.390-05:00Get off the roof top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ao43pGQEY6A/TYeSxzBt6UI/AAAAAAAAB84/xQVxYPKOO18/s1600/Duck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ao43pGQEY6A/TYeSxzBt6UI/AAAAAAAAB84/xQVxYPKOO18/s1600/Duck.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friday night my sister Michelle and I were getting the girls some healthy dinner at McDonald's. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While in the drive-thru line we heard quacking and looked up and saw 2 ducks sitting on the top of the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Radio Shack building.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I once heard Beth Moore tell a story of while walking her dogs they came upon some ducks playing in a mud puddle. She pointed out how just over the hill was a beautiful pond. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Her point was that sometimes we insist on playing in mud puddles when God is trying to get us into the pond. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">God has bigger and better things than we can even begin to imagine. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">We need to stop constricting Him and let Him have His way with our lives. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">It's time to let Him wash the mud off of us and get us into the pond and do the unimaginable!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 miles from the roof of Radio Shack is Holmes Lake. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E8EZ-thQMSo/TYebXR9PWdI/AAAAAAAAB88/VwMoM7Ff7UI/s1600/holmes+lake+ducks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E8EZ-thQMSo/TYebXR9PWdI/AAAAAAAAB88/VwMoM7Ff7UI/s320/holmes+lake+ducks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looks like some of Dumb & Dumber's friends chose the good life. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Isaiah 55:8 (NLT)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>"And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine."</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have a blessed day,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><br />
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</a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-4783679219485754832011-03-16T16:14:00.002-05:002011-03-16T16:25:00.285-05:00I don't want more of God anymore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing I've said on my blog, in my heart and out loud <b>a lot</b> is that <i>"I want more of God"</i>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I take that back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This past weekend Gene and I attended <a href="http://www.familylife.com/site/c.dnJHKLNnFoG/b.5846045/k.8C0A/Weekend_to_Remember__Marriage_Getaway.htm?fromeventhp=WTRlogo"><b><i>Family Life's Weekend to Remember conference</i></b></a>. We've helped with it for the last 6 years and attended a total of 7 years and we strongly believe what they teach at these conferences has been the very tool God has used to save our marriage. But this year I learned something different that had everything to do with me being the bride of Christ instead of the bride of Gene.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was Saturday afternoon and we were at the end of session 5: What Every Marriage Needs: God's Power for Oneness. The last page of the session there was this sentence that wouldn't leave me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>As we grow, we don't get more of God...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>He gets more of us.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No longer will I ask God to surrender to me, instead I will ask Him to help me surrender all to Him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't get enough of His Word and the more He gets in me, the more I am usable to Him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have Your way Sweet Jesus, have Your way in this woman with a past only You could forgive and find a way to use for Your glory. I love You more now than I did even an hour ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">The new yearning in my heart. </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"></span>As I grow, I don't get more of God...</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>He gets more of me. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-81026361591300092562011-03-11T04:34:00.006-06:002011-03-11T06:27:25.916-06:00She Speaks contest winner...to be or not to be?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I'm hoping to attend the <i>She Speaks</i> Christian conference this summer for women interested in speaking, writing and/or women's ministry.</span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">This is my entry for a chance to win 1 of 2 scholarships being offered.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">More information regarding the conference is at the end of this post. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My husband Gene has always been the main provider of our family of five; often working 13 hour days between both of his jobs. Three years ago life as we knew it changed for what we thought would be a short season. Over time we would see that God had something else in mind for us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">April 3, 2008 Gene had back surgery and after 3 nights in a hospital an hour away from our family he was discharged. On April 9th, I left Gene in bed to recover and rest while I took our teenage daughter to a hospital and witnessed the birth of our first granddaughter. As summer came to a close, I realized my husband wouldn't be returning to work anytime soon, so I kept my day job and got an overnight job to help pay for medical bills and diapers. April 2009 my husband had a second back surgery and in June our daughter had her second little girl. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two surgeries, two grand babies and two jobs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This was not the happily ever after I had dreamed of living out.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the fall of 2007 I stumbled upon a blog written by Rachel Olsen of <b><i>Proverbs 31 Ministries</i></b>. I had never heard of either and was captivated by not only her writing, but the ministry itself. P31 offers free, encouraging devotions sent daily by e-mail, an affordable monthly magazine that focuses on God and blogs written by some down to earth, godly women. The ministry also offers an annual conference called <i>She Speaks</i> to equip writers, speakers and women with a passion for ministry. The summer of 2008 I attended my first <i>She Speaks </i>in Concord, North Carolina<i> </i>registered for the writer's sessions. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember sitting in my first session and the speaker told us how we needed a platform such as a book, a ministry or writing for magazines. It was as if Ms. Insecurity suddenly took a seat beside me and began to whisper doubt into my ear. As tears began to fill my eyes I realized I lacked a platform and I began to question the why of my presence at a writers conference. Who was I to waste the time of the publisher's I was to meet with the next day, one of them being the man speaking about platforms. And then he said it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>"If you have a blog, that can be your platform".</i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I sat straight up, blinked my tears back in and elbowed Ms. Insecurity hard enough to knock her off her chair. Instant validation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I <b>belonged</b> at <i>She Speaks </i>and the only time being wasted was when I listened to the enemy whisper sweet nothings in my ear. I was right where God wanted me to be and He had already given me a platform; I just didn't know it until that moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I ever stepped foot in North Carolina, God had given me the idea of doing Bible studies and I was excited about hosting one in my home. Since God knew surgery and a grand baby would bloom in the spring, He closed a door I thought He had opened and it left me confused and frustrated. After reading "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God" by Lysa TerKeurst, the idea of leading a Bible study re-surfaced, but it was clear I was to do it on my blog instead of in my home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first online blog study was a few months before <i>She Speaks. </i>A group of women I had only met through the internet joined me and we read and then blogged our thoughts on one chapter a week. I named the online study "Yes to God Tuesday's". After attending <i>She Speaks</i>, I led women through four more online studies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I began to see the difference between my vision and what God wanted me to be doing. While I wanted to lead a small Bible study in my home, He took me around the world through my blog. I met weekly with women from all over the United States and even three women from different areas of Australia. He also introduced me to a woman in Malaysia named Sheena who wrote me to tell me how she was inspired to start her own "Yes to God" group after participating in my 3rd study. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One thing that stuck to my heart when I heard it at <i>She Speaks </i>was when Lysa said how after attending a conference and she was leaving, "feeling excited only to be hit with a shocking dose of reality back home."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She then encouraged us to<u> "not resent the task of your everyday life because it is preparing you for ministry</u>."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="color: #333333; font-family: Trebuchet, 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't resent the last 3 years. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I embrace them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Grandma of two beauties before I even turned 40.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Total of 4 surgeries and being diagnosed with other health issues keeps my hard working husband unable to work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm still working both jobs to make ends meet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not the life neither one of us had planned, but we can honestly say that we wouldn't trade where we are with Jesus for anything and of course those babies have been the biggest blessings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last 3 years have changed us for our good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to continue to share Jesus with others, but I believe it's time to be shared outside the walls of my blog. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My blog is comfortable for me and I truly believe God is ready to change the platform again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Currently I am not doing blog studies. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Instead, God gave me the green light to lead a group of women through the book, "Made to Crave".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I get to meet with a small group of women every Monday night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His group. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">His platform. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One amazing God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I want more of Him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope to win a scholarship to <i>She Speaks</i> so that I can continue to live out the plans God has for me and I believe this Christ-centered conference will give me the tools necessary to keep moving forward. To write and speak about Jesus Christ, my One and Only.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">If writing, speaking and/or women's ministry is a fire burning within the walls of your heart, don't let it blow out. Instead, let God flame the fire that He Himself lit. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Check into going to </span><i>She Speaks </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">in July. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I have no idea what your story is or what He wants you to share with others through the spoken or written word or both, but what I do know is that He is worth speaking and writing about. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Click <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/2011/03/she-speaks-scholarship-contest-2011/">HERE</a> to be directed to Lysa TerKeurst's blog to read her post about the contest and how to enter no later than Friday March 11th.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Recipients of the scholarships will be announced on Monday, March 13th on Lysa's blog. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To visit the <b>Proverbs 31 Ministry </b>website click <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/">HERE</a> and get signed up for the free daily devotionals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank You Jesus for where You've brought me from, through and where you're taking me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I choose to say <i>YES</i> even before I know what You have planned</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To read more about <i><b>She Speaks </b></i>click <a href="http://www.shespeaksconference.com/">HERE</a> for all the information about this year's conference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Blessings,</i></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-28028446469263588262011-02-28T18:01:00.002-06:002011-02-28T18:10:53.359-06:00God's Word: Living and Active!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b><i>Hebrews 4:12a</i></b> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">For the word of God is living and active. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I was driving to work. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The same path I have taken for the last 11 years. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Friday morning I noticed something different when I was stopped at the light. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I looked to my left where there is a Walgreens on the northeast corner of the intersection and noticed a white sign attached to the corner of the building.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not a small sign so I wondered how I had missed it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5QdRVnC1G5g/TWvdGImWsRI/AAAAAAAAB80/cbCqWaSq0Z4/s1600/Walgreens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5QdRVnC1G5g/TWvdGImWsRI/AAAAAAAAB80/cbCqWaSq0Z4/s320/Walgreens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">It's hard to read, but underneath <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-style: italic;">Walgreens </span><span class="Apple-style-span">it says:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>WELCOME HINKY DINKY</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>PHARMACY CUSTOMERS!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">To the right of the Walgreens building you can see the corner of another building across the street. </div><div style="text-align: center;">A grocery store called Sun Mart. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Until 2004, Sun Mart was formerly known as Hinky Dinky.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That sign has been up there for 7 years and I just now noticed it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">A very old message. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">On the way home later in the day, I saw another sign with the same message on the south side of Walgreens.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The timing of me seeing these signs is no mistake. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Instantly I thought of what Gene and I had just talked about before I left for work. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">God's Word is alive.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We can't just open our Bible once in awhile and ride the coat tails of Scripture until we feel like getting a "new word". We have to be in God's Word daily. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Reading, dissecting, memorizing, pondering, seeking.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">God may have a different Word for you tomorrow than He did today.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">OR maybe He does want you to stay in one place until you get the message He has for you.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The 7 year old message on Walgreens was good for a season. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Walgreens pharmacy was trying to let the Hinky Dinky pharmacy customers know that they could get their meds from them.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The message is no longer relevant though since Hinky Dinky hasn't been around for 7 years.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Unlike the sign, God's Word never returns void.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Isaiah 55:11</span></i></b></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so is my word that goes out from my mouth: </span></span></div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> It will not return to me empty,</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but will accomplish what I desire</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and achieve the purpose for which I sent it</span></span></div><br />
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">One thing I really love about the Bible, is that you can get the same verse in different seasons of your life and God will give you a completely different meaning to it. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Only a Savior has the capability of doing that.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">So, don't ride the coat tails of a Word given to you heard 10 years ago.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Visit it, yes.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Remember it, absolutely.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Share it, of course.<br />
Memorize it and embed it into your heart...a must!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">But know God has many more from where that came from.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep moving forward because we can <i>never</i> get enough in our lifetime of the Word of God!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessings,</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-62083011080598535772011-01-13T12:20:00.003-06:002011-03-02T11:36:43.651-06:00Time to use your get out of jail free cardBack when Gene & I got married I had a friend of mine take our pictures. Her name is Deb and she's a nurse who I worked side by side for an entire year before my wedding day took place. Her hobby was taking pictures so I asked if she would photgraph our wedding. <br />
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One thing about Deb that everyone knew without a doubt was that she loves Jesus Christ. Her life had only one center and it was Jesus. All of her activities she enjoyed centered around Him, her speech centered around Him and she had no hesitancy in sharing Him with anyone. <br />
<br />
I'll never forget this moment between us at my reception that followed the wedding. After a Christ centered wedding ceremony, Deb said, "Lelia, I didn't know you were a Christian!"<br />
I couldn't believe she just said that to me! Not that I thought she was rude, but it's like looking at someone dressed up at the circus in big shoes, a wig, make-up and a big red nose and saying, "I didn't know you were a clown!" After the quick jolt of shock wore off I said, "<em>What</em>? Deb, I've been a Christian since 2nd grade!"<br />
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That short conversation never left me.<br />
And what I realized is that Deb was looking at my life and not seeing Jesus in me. At. All.<br />
Not one time in a year did she see Jesus Christ as the center of my life.<br />
And it wasn't like I was choosing to keep Jesus as my best kept secret...I wasn't choosing Him at all and my life showed His absence. How dare I make my wedding about someone I hadn't even invited into my marriage.<br />
Deb's revelation grieved me so deeply that I gave my life back over to Him.<br />
Her words to me that day is a sentence I don't ever want to be my truth again. <br />
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Did I have times after that of turning my back on Him?<br />
Yes, I still made bad choices, but each time I was His Prodigal, it was Him Who I missed and returned to and it was Jesus Who forgave me. <br />
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This morning my heart is weighed down for those who at one point chose Jesus as their Savior, but then like I did, they chose the world over Him and off they went.<br />
And soon, instead of Him being their everything, He became related to nothing more than a check mark on a paper inquiring of their choice of religion. <u>__X_</u>Christian ___Hindu ___Muslim <br />
<br />
<br />
This morning I asked God to give me <em>something</em> in His Word to read and this is what I opened up to.<br />
I cannot tell you how He spoke to my heart through it...<br />
<br />
<em><strong>1 Kings 8:46-50 (NIV)</strong></em><br />
“When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to their enemies, who take them captive to their own lands, far away or near; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9033"><span style="font-size: x-small;">47</span></sup> and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captors and say, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, we have acted wickedly’; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9034"><span style="font-size: x-small;">48</span></sup> and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their enemies who took them captive, and pray to you toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and the temple I have built for your Name; <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9035"><span style="font-size: x-small;">49</span></sup> then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their plea, and uphold their cause. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-9036"><span style="font-size: x-small;">50</span></sup> And forgive your people, who have sinned against you; forgive all the offenses they have committed against you, and cause their captors to show them mercy;<br />
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Life without Jesus Christ as the center of your life, is living in bondage.<br />
Recently someone we know was in jail and one thing they said was, "The toilet didn't even have a lid". <br />
No privacy, no toilet lid, clothing marked with Lancaster County Jail on the back, handcuffs, shackled, discomfort, shame, embarrassment,...not the way a daughter or son of a King should be living. And it didn't matter that this person's family hated to see them go through this. Just because their parents wanted to step in and save their day, the parents had no say so in the matter. It was all up to the judge and also the person behind bars had to make different choices. The same way when I was away from Jesus. My parents could pray me up, but returning to Him had to be my choice. <br />
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<br />
<strong>Once we ask Christ into our life it's amazing how by choice we want to see how far we can push away God and still claim Christianity as our way of life. Maybe we hope He won't notice. Or perhaps we are so into the world that we think the things we choose over Christ won't effect our relationship with Him. The thing is, Jesus is <em>not</em> a choice of religion. </strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Every time we treat Jesus Christ as a religion, it's as if we're clutching His crown of thorns while walking through life our way and we don't even realize we have His blood on our hands because our grip on the world is so tight. </strong></div><br />
<br />
The prince of darkness does not want you to return to your Heavenly Father, but I encourage you today if you are living a life apart from Jesus to run back to Him. You will be amazed by His love for you. <br />
He outweighs anything the devil makes look good in this world. <br />
<br />
<br />
Stop living a life of captivity and instead choose the freedom of a King that chose death on a cross over the comfort of His throne. <br />
He loves you that much. <br />
No matter what kind of past or present you have, He is bigger than all of it. <br />
Go home. <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-67252097637058228662011-01-05T10:26:00.003-06:002011-01-05T12:28:12.804-06:00Satan's Most Wanted list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The other night I was at Family Christian bookstore picking up my copy of <a href="http://www.lysaterkeurst.com/">Lysa TerKeurst</a>'s book <b><i><a href="http://www.madetocrave.org/">Made to Crave</a></i></b>. The book study I'll be leading at a coffee shop in Lincoln starts Monday, January 17th and also here on my blog starting Tuesday, the 18th. Can't wait!! If you want to join me, get your book & do so!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, I received a phone call and within an hour my Momma's heart would be crushed. No, I'm not going to be a Grandma again...that's not really a crushing of the heart anyway, that's just a temporary shock of the heart until the blessing arrives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm not going to share the news my husband and I received as God has made it clear this is to stay between us, but I will ask for prayer for our family. Not trying to be dramatic, just obedient to the Lord. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Over the last 48 hours I have cried until I couldn't squeeze another tear out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have called out to Jesus. Over and over and over again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have come together in prayer with my husband, something we don't ever do consistently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have had my face in God's Word instead of riding the coat tails of verses I know are somewhere in the Bible. I have searched His Word. I have begged Him to give me something. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then something major happened. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My heart tilted. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is easy to get all dressed up and throw yourself a pity party, but I refuse. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have ripped up the invitations and am fully going to rely on the Lord. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are told that our enemy, the devil, is prowling the earth out to kill, steal and destroy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>1 Peter 5:8</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Be alert and of sober mind. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a believer, <i>why</i> would I take that lightly?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why do I think that the "someone" God is referring to isn't me, my husband or my kids?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I was told there was a lion prowling around in my neighborhood I would never send my kids outside to play. They'd be close to me under my protection. I'd do anything to protect my loved ones. Anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be honest here, when I pray for my kids, I often do it on my way to work and it's usually a group prayer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Because I'm that busy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Dear Lord. Please help Alyssa, Aaron & Alivia to have a good day. Amen"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Why</i> is my hearts' desire for my children to have a "good day"?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HOW insulting to the Righteous Father Who sits upon the throne to hear such a pathetic prayer if it can even be called that, come from my lips. I give telemarketers more respect and time then I do my Savior.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> How <i>dare </i>I insult the King of all Kings!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So am I going to up my prayer time as a New Year's Resolution? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">No, because that's just a plan of failure for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm going to <i>change</i> my prayer life and make it a priority to spend time with God because my life as well as my family's life is on the line. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Satan wants us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you are a believer of Christ Jesus, you also are on Satan's most wanted list. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is time to put on the full armor of God and let God fight the battles that will be coming your way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not if they'll come, when.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a tough couple of years of learning how to rely on Jesus for what I thought was everything, it is clear to me that I missed the importance of putting on the full armor of God, praying and being in His Word...daily!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I missed it the first, second and hundredth time around, but these last 48 hours, I got it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I need Jesus in EVERY area of my life. Big and small, He wants to be the center our entire lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jesus, I need You.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I trust You and I will not focus on the circumstance in front of us right now, but instead focus on YOU. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You are so much bigger than anything Satan could ever come up with and in You we believe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't wait to see what You're going to do and I promise to stay out of your way, no matter how long it takes for You to have your way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To You be the glory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Between Genesis and Revelation it is not one time recorded that You ever came out the loser of any battle. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As a couple, Gene and I seek You, love You and totally trust You with our lives and our children's.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And while you fight the battle on our behalf, we will do our part of sending forth our praises and prayers and trust in You.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to encourage you that no matter what. Let me say that again..NO. MATTER. WHAT. God is worth trusting. He is worth seeking. You will not be disappointed as you learn to trust in your Creator. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You won't. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He may not answer prayers or do things the way you would, but He knows what He is doing and if you hang in there and trust Him, His plans will be revealed and you'll find yourself in awe. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't know what hit you in the year of 2010, perhaps...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Car repossessed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Job lost</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Home foreclosed on</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cancer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Surgeries...overall health issues</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Death of a child or other loved one</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Prodigal child</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Having a cheating spouse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Being the cheating spouse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Financial loss</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rough marriage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miscarriage</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Regretful abortion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Depression</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loneliness in being Single</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loneliness in being Married</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>WHATEVER </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you have gone through, know that IF you profess Jesus as your Savior and IF you cooperate with Him and trust Him <i>even when it doesn't look like He knows what He's doing</i>, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He WILL come through in His holy timing like no other can. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Put on the full armor of God.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For if you believe in Jesus, you are on Satan's Most Wanted List. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Live prepared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians%206:13-18&version=NIV">Ephesians 6:13-19</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Charis SIL", charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love You Jesus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-87626148753268099562011-01-03T14:39:00.006-06:002011-01-05T11:31:26.743-06:00New Yes to God blog study: MADE TO CRAVE by Lysa TerKeurst<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">NEW</span></strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LDoi1VkG58s/TSIx5yaA0NI/AAAAAAAAB8o/d8uzfPZqcKM/s1600/yes_to_god_button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LDoi1VkG58s/TSIx5yaA0NI/AAAAAAAAB8o/d8uzfPZqcKM/s1600/yes_to_god_button.png" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BLOG STUDY</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>What:</strong> Blog study of <a href="http://www.lysaterkeurst.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lysa TerKeurst's</span></a> newest book </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LDoi1VkG58s/TSIyXOzF7nI/AAAAAAAAB8s/lThURSTaTrE/s1600/Made-to-Crave-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LDoi1VkG58s/TSIyXOzF7nI/AAAAAAAAB8s/lThURSTaTrE/s1600/Made-to-Crave-book.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><strong>Where:</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Here on the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><em><strong>Write From My Heart</strong></em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> blog</span></strong><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span>When:</strong> Starts <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><strong>Tuesday, January 18th</strong> <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-small;">and every Tuesday through Feb. 28th</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Why:</strong> It's time to learn how to desire God...not food!<br />
<b>Who</b>: ANYONE!<br />
Go to the <strong><em><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Made to Crave</span></em></strong> website <a href="http://www.madetocrave.org/">here</a> for more info and how to get your book and the workbook if you want it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Joining me? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Leave a comment and let me know! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Blessings, </em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Lelia </strong></em></span></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-45515286264808908742010-12-05T14:50:00.003-06:002010-12-07T20:10:13.072-06:00What message is your life portraying? October 4, 2009, a woman named Janna married John, the man of her dreams.<br />
<i>A beyond beautiful couple. </i><br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs223.snc1/7017_177668078697_674743697_3779073_3722550_n.jpg" /><br />
On December 8, 2009, still a newlywed, Janna was killed in a bizarre accident.<br />
Done with work for the day, she got out of her car in the parking lot of her apartment complex when a snow plow truck backed into her and took her life.<br />
28 years old.<br />
John's wife for only 2 months.<br />
A groom who pulled into the parking lot as the ambulance was loading his beautiful bride into the back.<br />
In a matter of moments John went from a groom to a widower.<br />
60 plus days married, a life time ahead of missing her.<br />
<br />
I didn't know Janna personally, but was so moved by her story that I contacted her Dad, Jon, by e-mail and we've talked on the phone a few times. One of the first things he wanted me to know about her was that his little girl <i>has</i> a passion for Jesus. Since she was young.<br />
I say "has" because it's an eternal thing that only increases once you hit the floors of heaven and something that doesn't end with your last breath.<br />
<br />
I joined the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remebering-Janna-Moore-Morin/198418381911">Remembering Janna Moore Morin Facebook page</a> shortly after her death and have cried many times from the posts and pictures that people have shared about her. Especially the ones from her BFF's and her Dad, Jon.<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs063.snc3/13043_190778233697_674743697_3914297_6662824_n.jpg" /><br />
I've also looked at her Facebook page. Unless you're her friend, you can only see the Info page.<br />
I was amazed at what I read. Here's a little bit of what she had written...<br />
In the "about me" section:<br />
<u>Religious views:</u> John 14:6 "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but through Me."-Jesus.<br />
<u>Favorite Quotations: </u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">*Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">*Mark 13:13 All men will hate you because of Me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">*John 3:3 Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">*John 14:6 I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">*John 15:18 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you. No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">*Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But this part is what got me the most under her <u>Bio</u>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">I'm a hairstylist that has never stopped moving. literally...I moved back to </b></div><b style="background-color: magenta;"></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">Nebraska in February for my how husband after living in San Diego for a few</b></span></b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">years. I got married October 4th, 2009 and am now living the life as a </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">newlywed.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;"><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">The Lord guides my steps in all I do, and my goal in life is to live a life pleasing in His sight. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">I <i>will </i>be </b><b style="background-color: magenta;">in Heaven with Him someday...</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: magenta;"><i>Will you</i>?</b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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Janna and John's engagement photo...she had no idea her time with him as his wife would be so short.</div><img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs113.snc1/4679_105710918697_674743697_2745755_831686_n.jpg" /><br />
<br />
When she was the center of attention at her Bridal shower, she didn't have a clue that she'd see Jesus so soon...<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs203.snc1/7017_177664728697_674743697_3779036_6837006_n.jpg" /><br />
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And when she became Mrs. John Morin that day in October she didn't know she'd die as a newlywed.<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs223.snc1/7017_177668193697_674743697_3779087_701572_n.jpg" /><br />
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She didn't know she'd die before her 30th birthday, as none of us know the day we are going to die and leave this earth.<br />
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What Janna did know though with any doubt to even those who never had the privilege of meeting her, is that she loved Jesus Christ with everything in her and she had no shame in sharing Him.<br />
From what I've read in her very own words and what I've heard from her Dad about her is that her love for Jesus was undeniable.<br />
<br />
A beauty of a woman from the inside out with a message that Jesus Christ was Who she loved and lived for and she knew that one day, sooner than what anyone thought, she'd be with her Savior.<br />
She even had <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2053:5&version=NIV">Isaiah 53:5</a> tattooed on her arm. A tattoo her Dad said that she had put on her arm with purpose. When she was cutting hair and her client asked her about it she was able to witness to them.<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs223.snc1/7017_177668458697_674743697_3779121_8197153_n.jpg" /><br />
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What messages about your life are <i>you </i>purposely sending out?<br />
If you have a Facebook...what is that people can without a doubt say about you just from your Info page?<br />
Under "religion" do you mark "Christian", but then live a life that doesn't portray Christ at all?<br />
Is Christ just another part of your life, or <i>is He your life</i>?<br />
What unspoken message can be said of your life and your beliefs?<br />
Christ was never meant to be your best kept secret, but to be shared with others.<br />
<br />
<br />
"Knowing" Janna over the last year has made me more aware that I am the one in charge of how I portray myself. I'm the one who chooses what I want others to know about me. Do I get it right all of the time? No way, but when I feel immediate conviction over my choices, it makes me want to do better next time. And so I seek forgiveness from God and move forward. If there's one thing about me that I want people to know it's Jesus. Not that I'm a wife, mom or Grandma or that I love writing. Jesus. That's Who I want my life to portray.<br />
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Today, as I am, ask yourself...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><b>what message are people getting from my life</b></span>?<br />
If you can't honestly say Jesus, then I pray that you shift your priorities and make Him your #1 and if you don't know Him at all, I hope you choose Him.<br />
He's not a choice of religion, for He's more than just <i>saying</i> that you're a Christian.<br />
Anyone can believe in Jesus. The difference is allowing Him to live through you.<br />
<br />
Please keep Janna's husband John and her family and friends in your prayers this week as they come upon the 1 year anniversary of her homecoming and their 2nd Christmas without her.<br />
<br />
And today...make Jesus your choice above anyone and everything.<br />
Allow Him to be the message of this short life you're living here on earth.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">The Lord guides my steps in all I do, and my goal in life is to live a life pleasing in His sight. </b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">I <i>will </i>be </b><b style="background-color: magenta;">in Heaven with Him someday...</b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="background-color: magenta;"><i>Will you</i>?</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b style="background-color: magenta;">~Janna Moore Morin~</b></div></div><br />
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Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" /></a></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-66132190654860774362010-10-15T14:53:00.001-05:002010-10-15T14:58:46.348-05:00Jesus is the HeroI just read a post by my friend Nicki that is so bold and awesome about how the world views Christians called <a href="http://nickikoziarz.com/2010/10/if-you-want-to-blame-someone-blame-yourself/#comment-3860">If You Want to Blame Someone, Blame Yourself</a>. You must read it! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what it spurred in my heart just now though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This week many of us witnessed the miners in Chili being brought up out of a dark pit. </div><br />
<br />
Since the day they were trapped, the desire to rescue them was intense and focused. <br />
It would have been worthless to sit up here and just point fingers at whatever went wrong. <br />
Condemnation was put aside and the rescue efforts were put in place. <br />
And from the 1st to the very last miner, we rejoiced and praised as we watched each of them walk into the arms of a loved one. <br />
Every single miner was waited for. <br />
And every single miner was welcomed with open arms no matter how dirty they were. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LDoi1VkG58s/TLix5qSfWEI/AAAAAAAAB8g/0zvBBm_lkD0/s1600/miners-hug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LDoi1VkG58s/TLix5qSfWEI/AAAAAAAAB8g/0zvBBm_lkD0/s1600/miners-hug.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There are <em>many</em> in the pit of darkness.</div>And as Christians, it is easy to sit in our pews and shake our heads at their lifestyle.<br />
Does that mean we sit back and just let them live life out of control? <br />
Of course not, that would be stupid and irresponsible on our part. <br />
But there is a way to confront someone in love instead of pure condemnation.<br />
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying to be afraid of stepping on any one's toes, you want to speak truth into some one's life and not skirt around the issues they're facing. But to be truthful <em>in love</em> is so different. My Uncle Chris was just like that with me. He lovingly told me that I needed Jesus. That He was praying for me. And he pointed things out that needed to be addressed.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>I knew my uncle didn't agree with my lifestyle, but <em>not once</em> was his finger pointing so hard at me that I couldn't see past his finger to his heart for me and more importantly, His heart for Jesus. </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>That love is a tool Jesus used to save my life.</strong> </div><br />
What are you doing..sitting around pointing fingers or are you cooperating with God's rescue effort? <br />
Don't let it be mistaken that Jesus Christ is the Rescuer. <br />
He is the Hero. <br />
Not us. <br />
Even though men dug the hole that provided the way out of the entrapment for the miners, the tube is what brought the miners up out of the earth. And just like with those lost, who don't know Jesus or perhaps do know Jesus, but have chosen to live life their way like I did...He will use us to share Him, to share His Word, but HE is the tube that brings them up out of the darkness. The tube brought the miners up and out to freedom while the men who dug stood around clapping and praising. And as Jesus brings those that are in any sin filled lifestyle into freedom, we stand or perhaps kneel...clapping and praising our Hero. <br />
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Thank you Jesus for never giving up on me and thank you Uncle Chris for letting Jesus use your love for Him to love on your once Prodigal niece. <br />
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Have a blessed weekend. <br />
Next Tuesday I''ll post on chapters 3 & 4 from the book study of <em>"It's No Secret"</em>. <br />
Sorry I missed this week, but it was a crazy one. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;" /></a>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-18685431660451717512010-09-23T14:17:00.001-05:002010-10-01T07:18:47.784-05:00No more being fake!<div style="text-align: center;">A block away from our home is the cutest house ever. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It almost looks like a little cottage out of a storybook and I've always loved the look of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back in the spring of 2003 the house was put up for sale and my mom, who has also loved it, wanted to see the inside of the home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">She would call the realtor, but could never get a showing because as soon as there was interest, they would take it off the market. It was so strange. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Watching the news one summer night explained why the For Sale sign kept getting taken down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Neighbors had called the health department on the two women that owned the house. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They were being reported for a smell coming from their home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">City officials responded and quickly removed 78 cats and 2 dogs from the home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Seventy-eight felines. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In a small 2 bedroom cottage on the corner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently I was visiting with my friend who lives next door to the former Cat Group Home and I commented on what a great job the new owners have done with the place. That's when she told me that when they began building their addition and started digging, they found graves of cats in plastic bags. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The health department again was called out and they discovered over 80 buried cats on the property. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Little did I know all along I was admiring a cat cemetery, not a cottage that could be found in a</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Thomas Kinkaid painting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My friend said that the new owners had to completely re-gut the house and put all new stuff in to get rid of the smell of the cat urine left behind. The paper reported that <i>Animal control officers could smell the urine while standing 50 feet from their home</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had never been that close to the house, instead just admiring it from a distance, so I had no idea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What my Mom and I thought looked good on the outside was actually unlivable on the inside. </div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: center;">Don't we get like this sometimes? </div><div style="text-align: center;">So worried about what the outside looks like that we forget about our heart?<br />
We want to look good from a distance and can easily accomplish that goal. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So many of us can look like we have it all together to the naked eye, and the closer people get, the more they smell our stinking hearts. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When we allow Jesus to take over, it won't be cats He carries out of our our heart, but instead things like jealousy, anger, pride...and so on.<br />
Jesus wants to re-gut our hearts and fill it up with Himself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When Jesus is what we're all about, the aroma of Christ will come seeping out of our hearts and our insides will match up with our outside appearance.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All because of our sweet Savior.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My girlfriend <strong>Lisa Whittle</strong> is much like this. What you see on the outside is what you see on the inside. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Straight up beauty.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pure Jesus girl. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The real deal.<br />
I just went to Lisa's blog so I could link her and read her post <a href="http://lisawhittle.com/?p=590"><em>The Ugly Truth</em></a>. Oh my goodness!!<br />
This is exactly what I'm talking about. Go read it. So worth your time. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let's pursue Jesus Christ and let Him invade us from the inside out!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Join me <strong>next Tuesday</strong> for the next <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">Yes to God </span></i></b>study of <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><a href="http://rachelolsen.blogspot.com/">Rachel Olsen's</a></span></i></b> new book, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><img alt="It's No Secret front cover" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Qj2iAiFdhoE/TIW5HG6i5II/AAAAAAAABSE/Nsx9D4eanfA/ItsNoSecretfrontcover7.jpg?imgmax=800" /></span></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Get the book and join in anytime! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You don't have to be a blogger to join us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Discussion of <b>chapter 1</b> will be </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Tuesday, September 28th</span></b>! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See you here!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Click on the <strong><em><span style="color: #38761d;">Yes to God</span></em></strong> <strong>FAQ'</strong>s on the right side of my blog if you have never joined an on-line blog study before. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And if you read <a href="http://leliachealey.blogspot.com/2010/09/3-women3-cancersone-jesus.html">this</a> last post...I hope you are praying for the 3 women with cancer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Thank you! </em></div>Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9058121308398464363.post-32643803542607305572010-09-20T21:15:00.002-05:002010-09-21T13:35:54.111-05:003 women/3 cancers/ONE JESUSMonday.<br />
<div>Some people start dreading Monday's on Sunday and wake up every week with this attitude...<br />
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<div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/i_hate_mondays_poster-p228890902787981072tdcp_400.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But then by Friday their attitude has flipped and they feel like this...</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thebsreport.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/tgif3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://thebsreport.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/tgif3.gif" style="cursor: move;" width="191" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Not all people are like this though. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">There are some who wake up like this most days...</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><img height="211" src="http://heartofthematteronline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/istock_000006328139xsmall.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Just choosing to praise God before the day even has a chance to get to her. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Over the last few weeks I have found out that 2 women I have blogged with over the last two years and have had the privilege of meeting both in person are battling cancer. Then over the weekend I found out that a guy I know through high school is married to a woman who is also fighting for her life. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">All three daughters of the King, wives and mothers.<br />
Let me introduce you to Elaine, Veronica and Amy.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">When I look at the things I complain about I feel so silly to know that there are 3 of my Sisters in Christ waking up every morning knowing that they have something in their body that doesn't belong. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">And as I have read through each one's blog and/or CaringBridge posts they are all three looking like Elaine does in this picture...</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_RRV7ci01pYA/TH1NQMi0rjI/AAAAAAAACQo/B34-KelGQ-8/s320/IMG_0460.JPG" width="213" /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">They may be the first to tell me that it's not all it seems to be and that they have their bad days too. That's fine, they're human, but when I see a woman in the midst of a battle for her life and her belief in God hasn't wavered, but instead increased, the picture above is what they each look like.<br />
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<br />
Just letting their Jesus soak through them. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">My heart is heavy for each one of them. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">They have children and husbands who adore them. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">They have already or will soon lose their hair. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">They are physically weak and sick. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But even with all they are physically and emotionally enduring, each lady is<br />
praising, seeking and trusting in<br />
Jesus Christ, their Savior.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I introduced the 3 of them over the weekend via Facebook and through tears, laughed as I read Amy and Elaine telling Veronica how she is "rock'n" the bald head look.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><img height="150" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs193.ash2/45590_428815391111_649516111_4756103_3250596_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> They are encouraging each other and praying for one another and they are sharing their stories.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">And they know the One thing besides cancer they have in common is Jesus Christ. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Three beautiful women in different parts of the country. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Three different cancers invading their body. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">ONE Savior.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Not one of them has turned away or stopped trusting Him. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">In Amy's CaringBridge post today she expressed her anger at the enemy and I loved how real she is. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">The last time I talked to Elaine was over the summer. <br />
She had just written her first book and I called to congratulate her. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="Book Release... "peace for the journey: in the pleasure of his company"" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_RRV7ci01pYA/S97BMoPE1ZI/AAAAAAAACH8/Pr5CghC3jSM/S170/!cid_CC6D70BE-C4AD-45D2-ABEC-766B6A2FBA23.png" style="cursor: move;" /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">So now that she is in a battle, does she toss her own book out or rely on all God has taught her up to this point? I mean c'mon, can one really have <i>Peace for the Journey</i> when it comes to cancer?</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">So what am I learning from these three beautiful godly women? </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">So far, I have learned to embrace my Jesus. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Praise Him all of the time. Not just when it's Friday. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Seek Him <i>deeply</i>.<br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">You may not have cancer in common with these women, but if you are saved then the One thing you have in common with them is Jesus Christ. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">And whether we have cancer or not, He wants and desires our praises. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">He doesn't want to be your god who you turn to in an emergency or on Easter and Christmas. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">He wants to be your God that you want more than what your flesh wants. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">He wants to be the God that you talk to about every little and big thing in your life. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">He wants to be the God you surrender completely to.<br />
He wants to be your Everything when you are sick and when you are healthy.<br />
He wants to be the reason you leave yourself behind.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">These are women filled more with Jesus than they are cancer. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">And that's what life should be about. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Many of us may never get cancer or any other life threatening disease. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">We may just seek Him out of convenience, not desire.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I think what is scary is that we can go through life and not ever really get to know our Savior.<br />
And by choice we may never get to know Him past the baby in the manger.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I don't want to wait until life takes me to an unfamiliar place before I get on bended knee. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I want to choose to daily surrender fully to Jesus <i>now</i>.<br />
I want to be like these women and do it before anything dangerous comes my way.</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">From what I know of Vern and Elaine and what I've read about Amy, these women were praising and seeking their Savior prior to their diagnosis.<br />
Now they've just taken it up a notch.<br />
How many unbelievers will cross paths with these women? </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Doctors, nurses, lab technicians, volunteers...</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">How many lives will be changed watching them stay faithful to the Faithful One? </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Their love and passion for Jesus that no matter what, will <em><strong>not</strong></em> be surrendered. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Amy woke this morning to see one of her children in bed reading her Bible. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Not playing video games. Not texting, not watching television. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Reading God's Word!</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">What a way to start your day off. </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><img height="192" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs144.snc1/5333_149428561977_698201977_3411590_7812228_n.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
Three women </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Three lives </div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Three cancers</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>ONE </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>JESUS</b></span></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;">One Jesus who knows exactly what we're going through.<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NK9kZKK8LNs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NK9kZKK8LNs?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/146/03F7FD31763F081204E3EFEDD1273562.png" style="background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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</div></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;">Please keep these women and their families in your prayers and go visit them...</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><b><i>Veronica (Vern) Hutcherson</i></b></span> at her <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/veronicahutcherson">CaringBridge</a> website.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b><i>Elaine Olsen</i></b></span> at her blog <a href="http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/">Peace for the Journey</a> and to order Elaine's book, click <a href="http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/2007/09/resources.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Amy Bowman </span></i></b>at her <a href="http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/amybowman">CaringBridge</a> website or her blog <a href="http://networkedblogs.com/86tUO">New Nostalgia</a><br />
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*And all 3 are on <span style="color: blue;"><strong>Facebook</strong></span>.Lelia Chealeyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173827811277833243noreply@blogger.com3