So the last couple of days have been very eye opening for me. I have a lot of younger cousins. It seems as though my family have their own seasons of baby booms every ten years. I was the youngest grand daughter for 12 years. I was always referred to as the baby, little Chellie, pookie, all the other names I could ever be called. I remember the day vividly while at my grandma's house.
*Ring Ring*
Grandma: Hello
Aunt: Hey ma guess what?
Grandma: What?
Aunt: I'm pregnant and it's a girl!!!
Nine months later, the world was introduced to my little cousin. She was the new baby. I won't say I was jealous of her or mad she took my shine but she was interesting to me. I would play with her a little. I would hold her until she cried. Then I'd give her back lol I didn't really understand the significance of our bond then. But I remember as she got older how excited she would be when she was going to see me. But as a teenager I was just like "this little girl always follows me around."
Now at 12 years old she's always blowing up my phone asking when I'm coming to visit. She'll call and call, Leave voicemail after voicemail, wanting "Che Che" to visit. Well yesterday I went to Richmond to pick her up so she could stay the night at my house and so we could hang out a little too. She's been asking for a while but I hadn't really had a chance to do so. Upon her arrival, she followed me around the house. She sat as close to me on the couch as she could even though there are two full couches in the family room that we both could've easily stretched out on. She called my name every 5 seconds. (And as I write this she just called me and now she's telling me she's bored lol)
For most people these things could be annoying and I must admit, they annoy me at times too. But as I started thinking about it, I was like wow she really looks up to me. She doesn't care what I'm doing. As long as "Che Che" is doing it then she's down for it. We made tacos, baked cookies and cooked breakfast the next morning. We even cleaned up the house and she went running with me. She was so excited to do it just because I was doing it. That's pretty flattering.
One thing that spoke to me more than anything was when I told her I was about to go read the Bible and pray. And then she asked if she could do it too. So I gave her one of my bibles and we listened to worship music, prayed and read the Word. As I read through my Study Bible I asked her if she knew what certain verses meant and we discussed them and elaborated. I asked her if she had any questions and she started to ask me about heaven and angels. I talked to her about living purely and when you live a pure lifestyle you're closest to God. The best thing ever was as I was kneeling meditating and listening to a worship song, I looked over and saw that she had kneeled beside me. Talk about a tear jerker!
I realized the influence I actually have on her. And not just her, but every other person in my life young or old. Whoever is watching me, is being influenced by me in so many ways. God has me in a position that I can pour into her and encourage her to go in a positive direction. In all humilty, I believe I'm a pretty decent role model. I'm moving in the right direction and I realize everything I'm doing is being watched, so I have to keep moving forward to provoke all those around me to do the same.
You're more than just a big cousin, sister, brother, aunt, or uncle. You are assisting the potter (God) with molding His clay. I want to look back and say she witnessed me walk a positive path. I don't want her to regret that she wanted to be just like me when she gets older. I want her to believe that "wanting to be like Che Che" kept her out of trouble and made her desire to be better and seek God more than anything else. It can be alot of pressure but after our conversations about boys, crushes, girl talk in general and God, I realized that she really values my opinion. She asked me about my experiences with certain things and how I forgave this person and that person. And I talked with her about the importance of walking in love and being pure at heart. Very productive two days.
I can't say certain things that she does will never irritate me again. Or that I won't get frustrated when she's acting her age and asking silly questions or doing silly things. But I can remember that I'm her role model just as we all are to many. (Whether we realize it or not.) And my decisions can effect her in the same way they effect me. I'm going to be a living example to her and everyone that God places in my life, that you can be IN the world but not OF the world. Not conformed but renewed. A true disciple of Christ. And by her being around, I'm responsible for the things she sees in me, good or bad.
You can't be a wife until you get your own life!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Prayer life
Happy holidays everyone! I hope you all enjoyed Christmas. Not just the gifts but I hope you took some time to show reverance to Jesus Christ and offered Him the gift of MORE of YOU! :-) I'm sure that was His best birthday gift!
Anyway, I've been kind of having this strange feeling. I don't want to say it's frustrating because that's a negative word but I feel like something is about to take place. It's a hard feeling to describe but SOMETHINGS going on and I think it's the anticipation of that something that I'm feeling.
I've been praying for people alot lately. I pray everyday but there is one person in particular that I met just a few weeks ago that has had a lasting effect on me. I've found myself praying for them alot and part of me feels that that is part of my assignment. With all humility, I do believe that my prayers have power. And because of that, I do my best to pray for those that God places on my heart.
I've been praying that God helps me have more of a desire to pray for others. Not necessarily meaning I prayed selfishly only for myself in the past but let's be honest, I'm NOT perfect. I go to God pretty often in hopes that He removes anything unlike Himself from my heart and/or mind. In the mist of all that, I may not have taken the necessary meditation time to seek God on what and who I needed to pray for specifically.
We are all in need of something but if you've ever read Proverbs 31 -The Wife of Noble Character in the Bible, you know that she puts others' needs above her own. What makes her so wonderful is her ability to serve others. Not only serve them but she does so graciously. And I believe that if we live that way, God will take care of OUR needs. I want to be like her. (With my own little Chelsea twist of course lol) I don't want to just appear to be a Proverbs 31 woman outwardly by only my actions but I want my heart to be that way. I truly want a heart to serve, serve God, my future husband and family, even a heart to serve strangers. And I want to do so graciously.
And I realize that's one of the things I'm learning after praying for that person I've mentioned. I barely know anything about them and at this point, I'm not in a position to know more about them outside of prayer. But I believe God wants to show me that the holy spirit gives you the information you need in order to cover a person in prayer. I've always been hesitant to pray with a stranger. I've done so plenty of times but there was always that thought "What if I don't know what to pray about???" But we aren't required to know. We're only the vessel right? If we submit to God who knows all, what needs to be said will be said as long as we get out of His way. Hmm, interesting...
So everyday I lift up many people but also one who is pretty much a stranger to me. But I know an assignment when I see one. So I'm going to keep on praying for them in hopes that God is using me in the way He's intended for that person's life. Even if they don't know I'm praying or even if they're not praying for me, I'll fight for them spiritually as if I knew them better than myself and I feel that God is maturing me in the area of service.
If you don't know the importance of prayer, it's important! Prayer has the power to reverse an evil trap, it has the power to heal bodies, to free people, to cover them, to deliver them, I could go on and on. Your prayer life is important and I've asked God to expand that. And because of that, I've had the desire to pray more for others. Proverbs 31 is in effect. And I'm not specifically talking about striving to be a "wife," I want to be like her as a woman in general. Even before I'm married, I want a heart to serve others in ways that may not even make sense to them. I want to be genuine and generous, loving and caring, selfless and dedicated, walking in the fruits of the Spirit. (Not being deep but I want to be pure in every aspect of my life as we all should.)
So I'm thankful for my new "invisible" friend that has been in my daily prayers lol When someone has such a lasting effect on me, they usually have some lesson attached to them for me to learn. Alot of things I still don't quite understand but I see why they have been so heavy on my heart and why our distance has been a requirement set up by God. God is introducing me to the life of a woman with a servant's heart. :-)
Anyway, I've been kind of having this strange feeling. I don't want to say it's frustrating because that's a negative word but I feel like something is about to take place. It's a hard feeling to describe but SOMETHINGS going on and I think it's the anticipation of that something that I'm feeling.
I've been praying for people alot lately. I pray everyday but there is one person in particular that I met just a few weeks ago that has had a lasting effect on me. I've found myself praying for them alot and part of me feels that that is part of my assignment. With all humility, I do believe that my prayers have power. And because of that, I do my best to pray for those that God places on my heart.
I've been praying that God helps me have more of a desire to pray for others. Not necessarily meaning I prayed selfishly only for myself in the past but let's be honest, I'm NOT perfect. I go to God pretty often in hopes that He removes anything unlike Himself from my heart and/or mind. In the mist of all that, I may not have taken the necessary meditation time to seek God on what and who I needed to pray for specifically.
We are all in need of something but if you've ever read Proverbs 31 -The Wife of Noble Character in the Bible, you know that she puts others' needs above her own. What makes her so wonderful is her ability to serve others. Not only serve them but she does so graciously. And I believe that if we live that way, God will take care of OUR needs. I want to be like her. (With my own little Chelsea twist of course lol) I don't want to just appear to be a Proverbs 31 woman outwardly by only my actions but I want my heart to be that way. I truly want a heart to serve, serve God, my future husband and family, even a heart to serve strangers. And I want to do so graciously.
And I realize that's one of the things I'm learning after praying for that person I've mentioned. I barely know anything about them and at this point, I'm not in a position to know more about them outside of prayer. But I believe God wants to show me that the holy spirit gives you the information you need in order to cover a person in prayer. I've always been hesitant to pray with a stranger. I've done so plenty of times but there was always that thought "What if I don't know what to pray about???" But we aren't required to know. We're only the vessel right? If we submit to God who knows all, what needs to be said will be said as long as we get out of His way. Hmm, interesting...
So everyday I lift up many people but also one who is pretty much a stranger to me. But I know an assignment when I see one. So I'm going to keep on praying for them in hopes that God is using me in the way He's intended for that person's life. Even if they don't know I'm praying or even if they're not praying for me, I'll fight for them spiritually as if I knew them better than myself and I feel that God is maturing me in the area of service.
If you don't know the importance of prayer, it's important! Prayer has the power to reverse an evil trap, it has the power to heal bodies, to free people, to cover them, to deliver them, I could go on and on. Your prayer life is important and I've asked God to expand that. And because of that, I've had the desire to pray more for others. Proverbs 31 is in effect. And I'm not specifically talking about striving to be a "wife," I want to be like her as a woman in general. Even before I'm married, I want a heart to serve others in ways that may not even make sense to them. I want to be genuine and generous, loving and caring, selfless and dedicated, walking in the fruits of the Spirit. (Not being deep but I want to be pure in every aspect of my life as we all should.)
So I'm thankful for my new "invisible" friend that has been in my daily prayers lol When someone has such a lasting effect on me, they usually have some lesson attached to them for me to learn. Alot of things I still don't quite understand but I see why they have been so heavy on my heart and why our distance has been a requirement set up by God. God is introducing me to the life of a woman with a servant's heart. :-)
Aftermath: Macaroni & Cheese Balls
Sorry I'm late with posting this...
However, my dad fried the rest of them the next day. And my family tore them up! My dad must've had a magic touch or something, because apparently his tasted so much better than mine. And he fried them on the deck, as opposed to the kitchen like I did. I don't know if that made a difference.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas!!! =)
So I fried a few of the balls, and pretty much they tasted like fish and/or the batter stuff. So, that was a fail on my part.
I don't think I'll make this again. It took too much time; novice cookers like myself should just stick to the "short and sweet" recipes, and then work their way up. Next up...banana pudding! Yum! I've been buying ingredients for this recipe since Thanksgiving, but it's taking me forever to get to it. My dad ate my vanilla wafers from last time, since I was taking too long to use them. lol...and same thing with the bananas...smh! Hopefully, I'll whip it up by the end of the week! =)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Walk in or out!
Candice and I had a mini conversation about people who disappear in the blink of an eye. I don't remember how that conversation came about but it seems like a lot of people that seemingly mean well, end up disappearing. I will admit, it gets frustrating and I often have to bind that thought of, "Hmm what did I do?" Or even when that conversation with God comes up,
God: Walk away from them.
Me: What? Why??? We've gotten along so well. What's the problem?
God: Be obedient. Just walk away.
Me: :-(
One thing I've come to realize is that sometimes people pop in and out to show you the condition of your heart. What's your reaction? Do you want to chase after them? Blame yourself? Or do you continue to look at them as your bro/sis in Christ and continue moving forward?
I automatically use to assume that if someone "disappears" they had ill intentions. But that's not necessarily the case. I think it helps you mature. It helps you learn to guard your heart until someone has earned your friendship. Because honestly we don't know how long someone will be in our lives. Everyone has a purpose within any friendship with a person and sometimes it's only seasonal. I've learned that it's important to learn the art of saying Good-bye. Not in a sad way, but in a mature and accepting way.
When God tells you to walk away, you have to walk away. When He allows someone else to walk away from you, you have to let them walk away. There are some people you have to let go of before you go to the next level. If you ever look around and feel like you're stuck in the same place and overwhelmed by confusion and unproductivity, evaluate those around you and see if there were some people you were suppose to say Good-bye to. It's not an easy thing to do but I know God will honor those who are willing to sacrifice relationships with people in order to gain more of Him.
It will also show you your selflessness or lack thereof. How much are you really willing to give up for the sake of God? I'm reminded of the story of Abraham and God telling him to sacrifice his son Isaac. God promised Abraham that through Isaac, He would "establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him." (Genesis 17:19) Although Abraham knew the promises pertaining to his son and what God was going to do through him, he was willing to obey God even to the point of sacrificing Isaac. He knew God was not a liar and His promise would still come to pass so he believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead. Talk about TRUST. But before he could go through with the sacrifice, an angel of the Lord appeared and stopped him. He had passed God's test.
After thinking about this story in the Bible I questioned myself, "How much do I really trust God?" I had to remind myself that I know the promises. I've seen the promises. I've heard the promises. And I believe in the promises of God so I must trust Him and the things that He requires of me to do. And that includes walking away from people or allowing them to walk away from me. Any friendship or relationship with any person can be resurrected after they've been sacrificed for the sake of God, if they're in God's will. Holding on to people who are 1.) No good for us, 2.) Not in God's will for our lives or 3.) Out of God's timing is SELFISHNESS.
Continuing to fail the test over and over again gets you nowhere. It's not easy but I truly believe God wants to see how much you REALLY trust Him. I've been tested recently and it didn't sit well with me for a while but I had to be obedient and do what I felt was best and pleasing to God. And I do believe that God will honor that in the future. I don't want to be distracted or pulled away from God so if that means I must sacrifice some relationships with people for a season then I will. If God intends anything to come about from them, in due season it will. But if He says walk away for a few weeks, months, years, so be it.
The right people in the wrong season are the wrong people. And I think when you're around the wrong people, confusion seeps in and turns things upside down. I've experienced that, when everything seems to be flowing, growing in God, focused, etc. Then in walks someone who you accept in your life selfishly and the next thing you know, you're lacking progression, confused, unfocused and distracted. I've been there, done that but never again. A false sacrifice is something that won't cost you anything. But when you can release the people in your life to God and obey the things He's asked of you, that is a place of ideal maturity.
I always tell Candice, "if someone is suppose to be in your life they will be." So a few questions to ponder. How much do you really trust Him? What relationships are you willing to give up to gain more of Him? Are you failing any of God's tests? Are you in the will of God? Do you believe that the promises of God will be fulfilled regardless of what you must give up?
Whatever it takes, be obedient. God will bless you for it. I truly believe that! Those who God have allowed to walk away or those God have instructed you to walk away from, have no choice but to return if God has a plan involving them. Maybe not this season or even the next but God can only trust you with what you're willing to lay at His feet.
God: Walk away from them.
Me: What? Why??? We've gotten along so well. What's the problem?
God: Be obedient. Just walk away.
Me: :-(
One thing I've come to realize is that sometimes people pop in and out to show you the condition of your heart. What's your reaction? Do you want to chase after them? Blame yourself? Or do you continue to look at them as your bro/sis in Christ and continue moving forward?
I automatically use to assume that if someone "disappears" they had ill intentions. But that's not necessarily the case. I think it helps you mature. It helps you learn to guard your heart until someone has earned your friendship. Because honestly we don't know how long someone will be in our lives. Everyone has a purpose within any friendship with a person and sometimes it's only seasonal. I've learned that it's important to learn the art of saying Good-bye. Not in a sad way, but in a mature and accepting way.
When God tells you to walk away, you have to walk away. When He allows someone else to walk away from you, you have to let them walk away. There are some people you have to let go of before you go to the next level. If you ever look around and feel like you're stuck in the same place and overwhelmed by confusion and unproductivity, evaluate those around you and see if there were some people you were suppose to say Good-bye to. It's not an easy thing to do but I know God will honor those who are willing to sacrifice relationships with people in order to gain more of Him.
It will also show you your selflessness or lack thereof. How much are you really willing to give up for the sake of God? I'm reminded of the story of Abraham and God telling him to sacrifice his son Isaac. God promised Abraham that through Isaac, He would "establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him." (Genesis 17:19) Although Abraham knew the promises pertaining to his son and what God was going to do through him, he was willing to obey God even to the point of sacrificing Isaac. He knew God was not a liar and His promise would still come to pass so he believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead. Talk about TRUST. But before he could go through with the sacrifice, an angel of the Lord appeared and stopped him. He had passed God's test.
After thinking about this story in the Bible I questioned myself, "How much do I really trust God?" I had to remind myself that I know the promises. I've seen the promises. I've heard the promises. And I believe in the promises of God so I must trust Him and the things that He requires of me to do. And that includes walking away from people or allowing them to walk away from me. Any friendship or relationship with any person can be resurrected after they've been sacrificed for the sake of God, if they're in God's will. Holding on to people who are 1.) No good for us, 2.) Not in God's will for our lives or 3.) Out of God's timing is SELFISHNESS.
Continuing to fail the test over and over again gets you nowhere. It's not easy but I truly believe God wants to see how much you REALLY trust Him. I've been tested recently and it didn't sit well with me for a while but I had to be obedient and do what I felt was best and pleasing to God. And I do believe that God will honor that in the future. I don't want to be distracted or pulled away from God so if that means I must sacrifice some relationships with people for a season then I will. If God intends anything to come about from them, in due season it will. But if He says walk away for a few weeks, months, years, so be it.
The right people in the wrong season are the wrong people. And I think when you're around the wrong people, confusion seeps in and turns things upside down. I've experienced that, when everything seems to be flowing, growing in God, focused, etc. Then in walks someone who you accept in your life selfishly and the next thing you know, you're lacking progression, confused, unfocused and distracted. I've been there, done that but never again. A false sacrifice is something that won't cost you anything. But when you can release the people in your life to God and obey the things He's asked of you, that is a place of ideal maturity.
I always tell Candice, "if someone is suppose to be in your life they will be." So a few questions to ponder. How much do you really trust Him? What relationships are you willing to give up to gain more of Him? Are you failing any of God's tests? Are you in the will of God? Do you believe that the promises of God will be fulfilled regardless of what you must give up?
Whatever it takes, be obedient. God will bless you for it. I truly believe that! Those who God have allowed to walk away or those God have instructed you to walk away from, have no choice but to return if God has a plan involving them. Maybe not this season or even the next but God can only trust you with what you're willing to lay at His feet.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Quick Update: Fried Mac & Cheese Balls
This recipe is getting on my nerves....still not done! Smh! I didn't realize there was only one egg in the house. And of course, I needed two to make some gross-looking egg wash stuff. I just came back from the store to get eggs, and I failed to realize that there wasn't enough vegetable oil either so I could fry these suckers up. There was a fair amount in the container, but not enough to cover the fryer thing. Ughhhhh! Is this meant to be?? :-/ .....lol
So, I guess I'll get more veggie oil tomorrow.
Shoot, this thing is taking like 3 days to make. What if it doesn't even taste good?
My family is wondering why I've been in the kitchen all night and today, with nothing to show for my efforts. My dad has been teasing me, saying that he hopes I don't take 4 days to fix my husband a meal. Or that I don't forget to feed my kids. Hardy har har...lol
Not sure if you can see the balls all that well. But they're covered with seasoned bread crumbs. I have about 4 or 5 containers in the freezer. I was able to make SO many! And it would be such a shame if they tasted anything less than the best. lol.. Until tomorrow...
So, I guess I'll get more veggie oil tomorrow.
Shoot, this thing is taking like 3 days to make. What if it doesn't even taste good?
My family is wondering why I've been in the kitchen all night and today, with nothing to show for my efforts. My dad has been teasing me, saying that he hopes I don't take 4 days to fix my husband a meal. Or that I don't forget to feed my kids. Hardy har har...lol
Not sure if you can see the balls all that well. But they're covered with seasoned bread crumbs. I have about 4 or 5 containers in the freezer. I was able to make SO many! And it would be such a shame if they tasted anything less than the best. lol.. Until tomorrow...
Tryin' To Be "Big Time"
Have you ever been to the Cheesecake Factory and gotten those fried mac & cheese balls as an appetizer? I tried one a couple months ago at one of my cousin's bday dinners, and talk about something GOOD! So, I randomly googled the recipe last week...just wondering if it was out there, ya kno. And I found it! But I think I'm already off to a bad start, already smh lol...
First off, the recipe is ridiculous. You have to fix the cheesy concoction, fold it in the pasta, refrigerate for 2 hrs, take it out and make the ball-sized mac & cheese, then freeze for 12 hrs, and.....there's still MORE I have to do when I get off work tomorrow afternoon. What kinda tomfoolery is this?!
Then, everything on the recipe was in lbs. I mean, what's so hard about saying 2 cups?! So, I was googling conversions and asking my mom questions. My mom then proceeded to scold me as to why I bought off-brand pasta and off-brand vanilla wafers (for that banana pudding I was supposed to make Thanksgiving). I didn't know it was such a big deal. It's just food, right?
Apparently, not. I learned something new about my mom tonight. She used to work somewhere that had people come in to check to see if companies were putting all the ingredients in their products. She said that the off-brand products were usually the ones missing ingredients. So even if you compare the ingredients of a brand name product to an off-brand product, you may notice similar ingredients. However, you don't know how much of those ingredients that company is actually using--more or less (than the brand name ones). Hence, that is why it is cheaper and sometimes of lesser quality.
If the ingredients you use to cook with are working for you, then keep doing what you're doing. Me, on the other hand? It almost seems like I have no choice. I was scolded y'all...scolded lol..."that's being cheap, it's not gonna taste right, pay that little extra for the brand, etc."
Then, I didn't buy enough gouda (some type of cheese).
I realized that I hate grating cheese, especially gouda. Maybe a big block of cheese isn't so bad, but that gouda mess? It came in sets of tiny squares, so it kept breaking up all over the place...getting on the counter and floor. I just got fed up, and melted it for a little bit in the microwave. Shhh....no one has to know. =)
Well lovely people, it's been fun. I shall update you on the fried mac & cheese balls later on today. I can't believe I chose to make this, and I have to be at work in 5 hrs! The pasta is still in the fridge, and I haven't even made the balls yet. Ugh! Someone needs to manage their time more efficiently...not saying any names or pointing any fingers, but..... ahem, girl! lol
First off, the recipe is ridiculous. You have to fix the cheesy concoction, fold it in the pasta, refrigerate for 2 hrs, take it out and make the ball-sized mac & cheese, then freeze for 12 hrs, and.....there's still MORE I have to do when I get off work tomorrow afternoon. What kinda tomfoolery is this?!
Then, everything on the recipe was in lbs. I mean, what's so hard about saying 2 cups?! So, I was googling conversions and asking my mom questions. My mom then proceeded to scold me as to why I bought off-brand pasta and off-brand vanilla wafers (for that banana pudding I was supposed to make Thanksgiving). I didn't know it was such a big deal. It's just food, right?
Apparently, not. I learned something new about my mom tonight. She used to work somewhere that had people come in to check to see if companies were putting all the ingredients in their products. She said that the off-brand products were usually the ones missing ingredients. So even if you compare the ingredients of a brand name product to an off-brand product, you may notice similar ingredients. However, you don't know how much of those ingredients that company is actually using--more or less (than the brand name ones). Hence, that is why it is cheaper and sometimes of lesser quality.
If the ingredients you use to cook with are working for you, then keep doing what you're doing. Me, on the other hand? It almost seems like I have no choice. I was scolded y'all...scolded lol..."that's being cheap, it's not gonna taste right, pay that little extra for the brand, etc."
Then, I didn't buy enough gouda (some type of cheese).
I realized that I hate grating cheese, especially gouda. Maybe a big block of cheese isn't so bad, but that gouda mess? It came in sets of tiny squares, so it kept breaking up all over the place...getting on the counter and floor. I just got fed up, and melted it for a little bit in the microwave. Shhh....no one has to know. =)
Gouda, Gouda, Gouda!!!
The struggle
What is this?
Oh?
The mess I have waiting for me....after I submit this post. Not to mention, gouda crumbs on the other counter. Smh!
Well lovely people, it's been fun. I shall update you on the fried mac & cheese balls later on today. I can't believe I chose to make this, and I have to be at work in 5 hrs! The pasta is still in the fridge, and I haven't even made the balls yet. Ugh! Someone needs to manage their time more efficiently...not saying any names or pointing any fingers, but..... ahem, girl! lol
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Joy To The World!!
Whitney's rendition of "Joy to the World" just came on Pandora, so I was prompted to look for the song on YouTube. I LOVE her version, and of course I love the Preacher's Wife movie. I've watched it about 3 times this holiday season, and it just doesn't get old to me. Don't ya just miss this woman's voice?? She was the bomb.com 10+ years ago. =)
Monday, December 19, 2011
Why the rush?
"Instead of savoring the "courses" of an unfolding love story-acquaintance,friendship,courtship,engagement,marriage-the impatient couples mash the sequence together. Before they've build a friendship, they start playing at love. Before they've even thought about commitment, they're acting as though they own each other."
I've always said it's important for me to have a true friendship with someone before ever going further. And if you truly think of friendships, you realize that you don't automatically open up your innermost thoughts and feelings as soon as you meet someone. You don't instantly tell all your secrets and trust the person fully. (At least I don't.) Before I become FRIENDS with someone, I get to know their character and personality and then it gradually moves to friendship.
Of course, this is my opinion and others may think differently but if friendship is really a priority and part of a foundation in a relationship, then PATIENCE is important. Diving in head first can have consequences. This is another excerpt:
"Patience is important not only in waiting for the right time to start a relationship, but also in allowing it to unfold at a healthy pace. Impatience rushes everything. It urges us to skip the time and attention a healthy friendship requires and to jump right into emotional and physical intimacy."
I am so glad I don't feel so weird about this anymore because that's exactly how I feel lol Impatience can be a dangerous and distracting thing. Proverbs 19:11 says, "A man's wisdom gives him patience." I saw a dvd series about a year ago from a pastor. I can't remember the name of it but it was about Christian dating and had alot of information. One of the things he said was that everything should get put out on the table on the first date. At the time it made sense. Like, no need to waste time if we don't line up to what we desire in a relationship. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that doing that implied that there was no pursuit of a genuine friendship. Just strictly headed directly to a romantic relationship.
I consider Candice my friend. Everyday I learn more and more about her; her strengths and her weaknesses. But at this point, we've already established a friendship. Regardless of the fact that there are certain things we may not agree on, we've gradually grown to become friends over time. I think that's the normal course of friendship so I wonder why some people don't look at friendship with the opposite sex in the same way. It's so "Rush rush rush rush rush!"
Do you ever stop to think about your friendships? Most people have had more successful friendships with the opposite sex than relationships with them. Possibly because there's a level of knowledge and understanding about one another that isn't fabricated to impress the other person. It's genuine and real and usually isn't rushed but developed gradually.
Once two people of the opposite sex have established a friendship, they learn more and more about their compatibility as far as a romantic relationship goes. If during that time they realize they're better as friends, they can remain friends. Although there may be a little disappointment, there's no broken promises and their hearts have remained guarded. This is one thought I've had, "What if I put everything out on the table at the very beginning with every person I've ever been friends with or interested in???" Let's be real. Sometimes we do get it wrong and befriend or date the wrong people which is okay but there would be a whole bunch of people who I don't even talk to anymore walking around knowing all my business lol funny but true.
I haven't even read the whole Chapter yet but it's really beneficial to me so far because I've been looking for this type of confirmation because I've always been a "snail" in this area. It's good to know that Joshua Harris feels the same way as me lol Like I said, everyone's different but because I know that sometimes "feelings" can get in the way and cause us to give assignments to people in our lives they don't belong to, pacing ourselves is the best way to stay away from emotional ties. There's little room for second guesses and/or mistakes. Once a friendship is established and God gives the "Go" to pursue a relationship, the foundation has been set. And if it doesn't work out, (like it sometimes doesn't) "let's just be friends" is actually possible since that's where it began.
Whether if you're in a friendship, relationship, or engagement, being CONTENT where you are is good evidence of whether wisdom and patience are being used in a relationship of any kind. It shows a trust for God and submission under Him, His will and the season He has you in. Relationships are like running a LONG race, if you start off sprinting, you'll be tired WAY before the finish line. Even if it seems like everyone is starting off fast, endurance is what's important. Pace yourself! Build a friendship first. It'll be worth it. Because whose better to spend your life with than your best friend? ;-)
Friday, December 16, 2011
You think you know
I just had an interesting thought. Very few people actually KNOW me! lol
I'm a bit surprised that the thought even came up but by "know" I mean really have a pretty decent understanding of who Chelsea REALLY is. Of course I learn more and more about myself everyday but in all my learning, very few people have had access to Chelsea.
I'm such a different person now than I was two, three and four years ago. I say this with ALL humility but I think I'm a pretty decent person. I'm not perfect but I have a caring heart and I try my best to help people become better. Most people may pass by me at church or see me in the parking lot on the way to my car. Some "like" my facebook statuses or get a quick but genuine hello on my way to wherever I'm going but very few people have actually have access to my innermost thoughts, my goals, my hopes, my dreams, my passions, and desires. And I really like it that way.
One of my brothers, who is a very gifted poet, encourages me everytime I'm around him. One thing he said to me not too long ago is that God has hidden me to work on things on the inside of me. To get me to a certain point so He can finally display all the things He's been working on. I always think about that when I get in that mode of "I'm being misunderstood AGAIN!" lol Most people really just don't know me and because God has me in a place with only me and Him, many things won't make sense to people on the outside.
Now because of that fact, people have tried to put me in a box. Putting a person in a box can be the worst or the best thing you can ever do. Either it will cause a person to second guess themselves and their abilities or it will push them to escape the box. People will always question your abilities. I'm a pretty quiet and soft spoken person around most people. However people like Candice know me as being loud, silly and country lol But because of what people have come accustomed to when they're around me, they assume they know me and what to expect from me. Little do they know, God has been working on me in my own private time, out of the view of others. God and I have 3 am calls, 3 hour calls, 6 am calls, midnight calls, entire weekend calls lol That's my homeboy FOR REAL lol He's working out some things that I'm so excited about!
So I say all that to encourage you if you've ever been placed in a box. You are far better than any restriction people have attached to you or your abilities. It doesn't bother me though. I kind of laugh and say to myself, "You THINK you know, but you have NO idea!" Only God fully knows who I am and based off of what I know this far, it is far more than what can ever fit in a box! :-)
I'm a bit surprised that the thought even came up but by "know" I mean really have a pretty decent understanding of who Chelsea REALLY is. Of course I learn more and more about myself everyday but in all my learning, very few people have had access to Chelsea.
I'm such a different person now than I was two, three and four years ago. I say this with ALL humility but I think I'm a pretty decent person. I'm not perfect but I have a caring heart and I try my best to help people become better. Most people may pass by me at church or see me in the parking lot on the way to my car. Some "like" my facebook statuses or get a quick but genuine hello on my way to wherever I'm going but very few people have actually have access to my innermost thoughts, my goals, my hopes, my dreams, my passions, and desires. And I really like it that way.
One of my brothers, who is a very gifted poet, encourages me everytime I'm around him. One thing he said to me not too long ago is that God has hidden me to work on things on the inside of me. To get me to a certain point so He can finally display all the things He's been working on. I always think about that when I get in that mode of "I'm being misunderstood AGAIN!" lol Most people really just don't know me and because God has me in a place with only me and Him, many things won't make sense to people on the outside.
Now because of that fact, people have tried to put me in a box. Putting a person in a box can be the worst or the best thing you can ever do. Either it will cause a person to second guess themselves and their abilities or it will push them to escape the box. People will always question your abilities. I'm a pretty quiet and soft spoken person around most people. However people like Candice know me as being loud, silly and country lol But because of what people have come accustomed to when they're around me, they assume they know me and what to expect from me. Little do they know, God has been working on me in my own private time, out of the view of others. God and I have 3 am calls, 3 hour calls, 6 am calls, midnight calls, entire weekend calls lol That's my homeboy FOR REAL lol He's working out some things that I'm so excited about!
So I say all that to encourage you if you've ever been placed in a box. You are far better than any restriction people have attached to you or your abilities. It doesn't bother me though. I kind of laugh and say to myself, "You THINK you know, but you have NO idea!" Only God fully knows who I am and based off of what I know this far, it is far more than what can ever fit in a box! :-)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Another Growing Point
This day has been a whirlwind of emotions for me....confusion, frustration, annoyed, hopeful, dreamy, motivated, inspired, sad, lonely, etc. I've just felt a lot of stuff today, and I think I tried just about everything to combat the bad stuff out of my life.
Awhile ago (somewhere posted in this blog), I finally "grew" up as I learned to speak to the storms in my life. So, I think I had that down. Still, I felt empty as a person. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore, read the Bible, prayed to God (What is going on? Take this pain away, please! Show me what you want me to do, and I'll do it! What do I need to be doing today?), thanked God in the midst of my feelings, and still....emptiness.
You ever have those moments where you feel so alone, and you wonder if God is even hearing you? Well, today was one of those moments. I've felt this way several times, and I've even heard positive sayings such as: When God is silent, He's really working. However, I was not trying to hear that. I just wanted my emptiness filled ASAP, my joy back, and the ability to go on with my day not feeling so glum.
My emotions and feelings were all jumbling around, birthing from many different things. I was sad that I didn't have many friends (I know less is more, but...). I was upset that I failed once again in attempting to walk in my purpose yet. And I guess I entertained the hidden fear that my college years would be worthless because I might not land my dream job after graduation; I may still be serving up chicken in my hometown. (Still a job, but we go to college to be more, right?) Then, a little little little part of my being was thinking that a significant other would make me feel SOOO much better! But I know better than that; my self-discovery issues would still be there, and one day I would just be caught in a mid-life crisis or something....putting another human through the ordeal of trying to figure ME out. ~And as I write that, I realize that it's better for me to be single right now after all. Know thyself.~
And then another breaking down moment occurred.
Ever since 2006, I feel that I'm supposed to have written this fictional book based on real-life circumstances in my life. I can't believe it's been 5 years! Man, I'm one disobedient kid...smh! lol...I literally think about writing this story and/or others every. single. day. People and their problems inspire me. Especially those in relationships. I have movies playing in my head all the time, with dialogue and fictional (based on real people) characters. I see how stupid TV/movies are today, and I'm inspired to create that real stuff again.
However, a dream is just a dream unless put INTO ACTION. Faith without works is dead.
So, I haven't written stories forreal forreal IN YEARS! I've done a little brainstorming, started a paragraph or two, but nothing serious since I was younger. Writing stories was my hobby. I did it almost as much as I played Barbies or with my stuffed animals. And I think that was one of the factors that led to my writing. Playing with toys required imagination, and writing required you to merely extract stories from an endless pool of creativity and imagination.
Tonight, I actually mustered enough courage to actually go for it. A part of me is a little scared to begin, for whatever reason. I'm just gonna do it already. It eats me up inside everyday anyway. This could be my breakthrough, I thought. So, I get my notebook and pen out. I write a few phony little sentences out my head, and it sounds so stupid to me. So I quit. Just like that. I got frustrated, and I wondered if God had taken that gift away from me since I procrastinated too long to obey Him. I mean, 5 years is a long time to live under a wing of disobedience. Then, I felt Him speaking to me. I've included a portion of what I heard. I think some of what was said can apply to YOU and whatever situation you find yourself in today:
Awhile ago (somewhere posted in this blog), I finally "grew" up as I learned to speak to the storms in my life. So, I think I had that down. Still, I felt empty as a person. I cried until I couldn't cry anymore, read the Bible, prayed to God (What is going on? Take this pain away, please! Show me what you want me to do, and I'll do it! What do I need to be doing today?), thanked God in the midst of my feelings, and still....emptiness.
You ever have those moments where you feel so alone, and you wonder if God is even hearing you? Well, today was one of those moments. I've felt this way several times, and I've even heard positive sayings such as: When God is silent, He's really working. However, I was not trying to hear that. I just wanted my emptiness filled ASAP, my joy back, and the ability to go on with my day not feeling so glum.
My emotions and feelings were all jumbling around, birthing from many different things. I was sad that I didn't have many friends (I know less is more, but...). I was upset that I failed once again in attempting to walk in my purpose yet. And I guess I entertained the hidden fear that my college years would be worthless because I might not land my dream job after graduation; I may still be serving up chicken in my hometown. (Still a job, but we go to college to be more, right?) Then, a little little little part of my being was thinking that a significant other would make me feel SOOO much better! But I know better than that; my self-discovery issues would still be there, and one day I would just be caught in a mid-life crisis or something....putting another human through the ordeal of trying to figure ME out. ~And as I write that, I realize that it's better for me to be single right now after all. Know thyself.~
And then another breaking down moment occurred.
Ever since 2006, I feel that I'm supposed to have written this fictional book based on real-life circumstances in my life. I can't believe it's been 5 years! Man, I'm one disobedient kid...smh! lol...I literally think about writing this story and/or others every. single. day. People and their problems inspire me. Especially those in relationships. I have movies playing in my head all the time, with dialogue and fictional (based on real people) characters. I see how stupid TV/movies are today, and I'm inspired to create that real stuff again.
However, a dream is just a dream unless put INTO ACTION. Faith without works is dead.
So, I haven't written stories forreal forreal IN YEARS! I've done a little brainstorming, started a paragraph or two, but nothing serious since I was younger. Writing stories was my hobby. I did it almost as much as I played Barbies or with my stuffed animals. And I think that was one of the factors that led to my writing. Playing with toys required imagination, and writing required you to merely extract stories from an endless pool of creativity and imagination.
Tonight, I actually mustered enough courage to actually go for it. A part of me is a little scared to begin, for whatever reason. I'm just gonna do it already. It eats me up inside everyday anyway. This could be my breakthrough, I thought. So, I get my notebook and pen out. I write a few phony little sentences out my head, and it sounds so stupid to me. So I quit. Just like that. I got frustrated, and I wondered if God had taken that gift away from me since I procrastinated too long to obey Him. I mean, 5 years is a long time to live under a wing of disobedience. Then, I felt Him speaking to me. I've included a portion of what I heard. I think some of what was said can apply to YOU and whatever situation you find yourself in today:
Crawl----> Walk----> Run
Research the craft.
You were only 7.
Order before you establish something.
Your room and bathroom are chaotic.
Habits, chaotic. Life, chaotic.
You're looking for someone to complete you, but only I can do that. Just trust me. I will bring it to pass. There's no formula that will better your chances. I speak, you listen. Order. Organization. My glory. I AM. Learn a little more. Don't give up so quickly. It's only been 2 minutes. Breathe. Listen. Remember. I will do great things through you if you let me. Don't put me in a box. You think you have it figured out, but that's your problem. You need to trust and believe. These may not be the best days, but the days will be glorious one day. Patience. Faith.
I've felt the need to give to someone, but I didn't know what to give. Tonight, I give my words. And hopefully, that will spark something inside you that was on the brink of dying. Be encouraged.
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