Author: f8ithgal

My Facebook Blog Page hit 300 likes today. I am humbled by and thankful to God first and my friends, family, and so many people I’ve never even met for taking the time to like my page. I remember when I first started it with just a few likes and so scared that it would never grow, never touch anyone’s heart, never make a difference. But God!

I pray my post here and on FB will continue to lift you on this journey of life and encourage you along the way. It is God that has brought me this far and God that sustains me. The Holy Ghost works through me, My Poppa’s light shining for the world to see as a beacon of hope in a wayward world. I’m not at all perfect, just forgiven. My path has not been straight, but full of grace. I’m here to let someone who needs it know, you are not alone. Thank you for allowing me to do that. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

This heart of mine, I say that a lot. My heart is so soft, the silliest things hurt my feelings. Everyone says, don’t take it personal. That approach doesn’t seem to work for me. My “hurt” feelings seem to reach into the very depths of my heart. This morning I realized my circle had gotten smaller. You would think one would grow used to it at this point on my journey, but it still hurt. It hurt more than it came from a sister in Christ. I heard my Poppa say, I told you your circle would be small. Not everyone can go where I am taking you. Draw into me.

I sat on my bed looking out the window, watching leaves peacefully fall. There appeared to be a gentle breeze blowing through the trees. You are never alone; I am all around you. I dwell within you my Poppa whispered. Then I saw something in the trees, I thought it was a bird at first, but it was a squirrel. He was frolicking on the branches. He appeared to be all alone, but enjoying the morning air. You need to be more like that squirrel. Stop focusing on hurt and what you don’t have. I will supply your every need. Those leaving your circle are doing so because I am moving them out and more are to come. I have placed you there for such a time as this. It is time to draw unto me as WE walk into your destiny.

Wow, that’s heavy. God blessed me with this heart of mine. He has instilled in me a love for everyone, the lost and saved. What good is it to be a light to only God’s people? No, He wants His light to shine so bright through me that the lost are drawn to Him. He wants me to encourage others through the paths I’ve taken. I may have went off path along the way (okay, I took a lot of detours), but He always draws me back. It’s those detours and His grace that gives me the fuel to tell others you can get through this. I can say His grace is sufficient for me and you because I’ve seen it on those detours. Yes, my circle is smaller this morning. Jesus’ circle got pretty small too, so I’m in the best of company. No matter how small my circle, Jesus is in the middle holding in those that should be there and sending out those that shouldn’t. That overall plan makes my heart smile even when it feels broken. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

My view this morning…

Wow, I love it when God tells me something and then confirms it. My stress level and headaches have been out of control. Yesterday He told me to “Be still and know I am God.” He went on to tell me to draw into Him this weekend. I was filled with His perfect peace for the rest of the day. This morning I woke to the Reminders from God and it said, “Seek a silence of spirit-understanding with Me then all will be calm and at peace.” Confirmation! Our God is so good, so patient. I think He is especially so with me. When I opened my eyes I was thinking, “I need to do and this and that today.” My Poppa knows His daughter. The reminder was quietly saying, Hey what did I tell you yesterday?! I’m listening Poppa, I’m listening. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Two days in a row God has called my attention to Proverbs 3:5-6, “5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” It took almost everything I had to make this move home. I’ve had a migraine for the last several days. Poppa, it’s just too much. How do I climb out of this financial drought? Trust in me. Lean not unto thine OWN understanding. Where is my focus? Is it on my bank account? Is it on how much I have to do and not enough hours to do it? It’s time to shift my thinking and allow my faith in God to pull above all else. He is directing my path. That path may not be paved on an easy road, but it is etched and already recorded in God’s book. He knew what I’d think, what I’d do before I knew. He already has a plan in place, I just have walk close to Him and listen to His voice.

Listening to Pastor Swaggart this morning, he prayed against migraines. I know that specific prayer was for me. Overtime has been approved while we work with a skeleton crew due to Hurricane Florence. I’m teaching you to trust ME, lean on ME. Your help comes through Me, I am meeting your needs as they arise. I’m listening Poppa. We don’t always understand in our natural mind, but when we draw close to our Father we can understand and see things more clearly in the spiritual realm. I just wanted to share that this morning. You may be facing seemingly impossible odds, but your God is able. Draw to Him, don’t lean unto your flesh, don’t be tricked by what you think you understand. Draw to Your Father, when He is directing your path you can be assured it will all work out according to His plan. No demon in hell can stop what your Heavenly Father has for you, how comforting is that?! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Unpacking and setting up my home office, I found at least 10 journals. I think that might be a sign of a born writer. I have journals in almost every room of my home so that I’m always ready when God gives me a Word. He has planted me here to walk into my destiny so it’s time to focus on Him and His plan for my life. This means my writing is about to blow up and flood timelines. It is my prayer that through me, God will encourage, enlighten, and save people across the world. I am so excited for you to take this journey with me. 💛 😉~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

A new leg on my journey, 1,421 miles from Cripple Creek, Colorado to my new home in Mount Olive, WV. At this stage in my life, it is a move I could never have imagined making alone. Amazingly, after what I have been through in the last year, I had grown into a comfortable place and had to fight the fears of moving. In fact, I had put off scheduling my move until some recent changes forced me to set a date so that I could request the vacation time off. What am I going to do Poppa? I don’t have money for an almost 22 hour move. Where am I going to live when I get there? I’m doing this all alone. Ahhh, but my Heavenly Father! He said, you are going to set a date and trust Me. So, I did just that.

When it came time for a place to live, he opened the door to a beautiful home on Mt. Olive. How am I going to get there Poppa? What about the things I’d like to take with me, like my fireplace. He said, leave them. I am doing a new thing and you have emotions attached to those things. I called my mom and Uncle to tell them what The Lord had said and found the place I was moving in to was completely furnished. A dear friend from home offered to ride out and pick us up. Poppa, I can’t even afford the U-Haul home. A friend stepped up with his truck to come and get me and April. So, the end of August I fit everything I owned into a Chevy Silverado and came home to WV.

When I got here, I found God had blessed me with a huge yard, with beautiful trees. He provided a furnished home where the furniture seemed to be handpicked just for me. I had used my internet money (that I needed for work) just to get here and had no food, still a week from payday. My Uncle and mom stepped up and helped me get it on and provided the food and personal supplies I needed for the week. God has met each and every single need I’ve had on this new leg of my journey. Still, I am human and fear started to kick in when I got my check and started paying things. The Lord spoke clearly to me and said Be still and know I am God!

I got reverse altitude sickness when I went to moms and required a trip to the ER for IV fluids and nausea meds. I was so sick I could barely stand, but my brother got up after working a midnight shift and took me to the ER. I can’t even express how much and to what degree God has carried me through the entire last year. I didn’t know anyone a year ago when I was abandoned in Colorado and He gave me a whole church family that watched over me. Now He has transplanted me onto another mountain and positioned me to walk into my destiny. This one is Mount Olive. The symbolic significance of that name doesn’t escape me. Jesus often went to the Mount of Olives to pray. He has placed me here to draw me close to Him; He has placed me here for a time such as this. I can’t wait to see His awesome outpouring over me through this leg of my journey and I can’t wait to share it with you. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

I didn’t realize how bad the depression had gotten until I cleaned my house yesterday. Goodness Poppa, how long had I been riding the waves of depression? I cleaned and cleaned, cleaning out the old to prepare for the new. The dates have been set for my move back to WV. I can’t help feeling a little like the prodigal daughter returning home. I left home in 2005, 15 years later I am returning. I am coming up to 2 years here in Colorado. Before even making my way back to God, He had told me this would be a place of healing for me. He’s still healing me, the last couple of weeks were proof of that. This morning cleansing tears are flowing as my Poppa teaches me to let go of things I thought I’d released over 7 months ago: hate, hurt, and bitterness, while He replaces them with love, healing, and His promises.

Poppa, I thought I’d already been down this road and moved past it. Now the painful words and what was done to me is bombarding my thoughts. I feel alone and I’m finding trust so very hard to do. Help me Poppa. Daughter, you can’t do this alone, but my grace is sufficient for you. Lean into me instead of running. I have paved the way before you. All you have to do is walk on it. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. Your wounds are still gapping, allow me to heal them. The bleeding has stopped, but the wound is tender and open. The pain you are feeling is a healing pain, soon itching will set in as the wounds heal and excitement for what is ahead of you will take root. I’m bringing you out of the tears and into your destiny.

I was emotionally abused for years. I am learning it is okay to allow time (and more importantly God) to heal those wounds. Years of damage takes a little time to be unraveled and that’s okay. God is using every hurt, every deception, every tear to propel me into my destiny and to allow me to use those things to encourage others! Growth is not easy, but necessary on this path. Soul wounds. God is healing mine and He can do the same for you. We all have different paths to walk and different demons to conquer, but we all have Jesus interceding at the seat of His Father on our behalf. If we look to Him and keep our eyes fixed on Him we will come out pure gold. We are being refined, processed for the shine that is to follow. That is worth a praise shout! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

What an awesome and loving Father we serve! I have been REALLY struggling with depression the last couple of weeks. So much so that a couple of the ones closet to me started to notice. Last Sunday at church the Preacher had a word for me, God wants to heal my heart. Only me and God knew the things my mind was struggling with the last couple of weeks so this was enormous for me. This morning I found a new work time off policy was forcing me to schedule my move. I was overcome with fear. As I was requesting prayer from my precious sister, I heard The Lord tell me it was Him that was forcing me to set the date because I wouldn’t do it any other way. I said, if this is Your voice give my sister the same word, show me Poppa. He not only gave it to her, but my other sister! She also had a word from The Lord that confirmed I’m on the right path, again just enormous for this lady!

God knows where you are and where you’ve been. You know what else? He knows where you are going. He knew what was in my head and my heart and after I had stepped out on faith and scheduled the move, He confirmed and reaffirm that I’m doing as He wants. He knows His daughter very well and has continued to reaffirm it the entire day. My Uncle is set to close on the place I’m moving into at the same time I’m coming home. We have a holiday around the same time I’m moving, giving me three extra days (because it falls on a Monday). The place I’m moving into is right on top of a mountain and is completely furnished all the way down to dishes and a coffee pot! My Poppa has planned every detail for this move. I’m not sure how He is going to provide the money, but I KNOW He will. I can’t wait to see how He does it!

Friends, our God truly cares about every need we have. Emotional, spiritual, physical, financial… He doesn’t leave anything out. He knew I was struggling and He met me at the point of my need. He gave me an awesome word, comforted, and reassured me. His love knows no limits. If you are struggling or have a need, take it to you Poppa, I promise He will not leave you alone. Silly devil, he thought he was breaking me but he was simply making my testimony stronger! God can use whatever you are facing to do the same thing for you! 💛~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

The hardest thing in the world for me is understanding some battles aren’t mine to fight and letting them go. Sometimes the battles people face are coming from within and I can’t fix people, they have to fix themselves. I’m still learning how to do this. I tend to just want to fix everything and make everyone happy. I’m learning how to step back and give them to God, not an easy lesson.

Some people don’t even want to get out of the mess they are in, they almost thrive by trying to pull others under. I’m like a magnet that attracts these people and my efforts to help almost always end with a knife in the back. Do I stop trying? I’ve pondered that for a long while tonight. No, I press on and pray for a discernment in these situations and that God protects my heart from those that aren’t genuine.

These people really need Jesus almost more than anyone; however, their demons aren’t mine to fight. It’s okay to walk away when it starts to hurt me emotionally or spiritually. Perhaps my seeds of kindness and God’s love will take root and God will water it. It’s okay to put it in His hands and walk away. ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

On my walk this evening, I saw a flower all by itself growing in the rocks. I feel like that flower Poppa, all alone. Look at the flower again daughter, it is thriving right where it’s planted. Poppa, I can’t do anything right, help me. Tears streaming, I began to pray “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” How many know when you call on His name He won’t leave or forsake you? “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” He met me at the point of my need and spoke directly to my heart…

Going ahead of me, lagging behind me; neither will work. Daughter, you have to walk with Me and seek Me in everything you do. You have been so hurt you’re afraid to live, trust, or love; but when you give everything to Me I go before you clearing the way. You’re not the flower standing alone because I’m with you, My Spirit lives in you. You are the flower thriving in the environment it has been planted. Your biggest mistake right now is trying to do it all alone. Stop running before Me in search of happiness. You will find it through me and our daily walk.

As for this man, he is a good man but your validation can’t come through him. I’ve made you in My image and it will take a special man to handle your heart. Allow Me to work in and through you both. You’ve been running in the wrong direction, run to Me not away. Allow Me to be the glue that binds your relationship. Give it to Me daughter, put your heart in my hands.

Wow. I don’t know what you’re going through or where your at in life, but I hear God saying slow down. Walk with Him. Talk to Him. Lean on Him. Stop running and give it all to your Father. He knew the plans He had for you before you were even formed. When things get really difficult do what I did and call on the name of Jesus. I promise He won’t leave or forsake you. He hears every prayer and catches every tear. Don’t rush ahead and don’t lag behind… walk with Him and allow Him to be your guide. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” ~ Jeremiah 1:5

“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” ~ Psalm 56:8

So many family and friends are struggling right now. I want you to know God hears every tear you cry, every obstacle you are encountering and He’s got you! 💛 😩~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Big verses little, one against two, raven verses magpies… this is what I saw as I walked April this evening. I smiled as I watched the trio. The raven was clearly annoyed by the tenacious magpies who eventually won as the bigger raven finally flew away in defeat. The three were atop the Post Office roof. The raven didn’t want to give up his perch, but two against one proved to be too much. The magpies were little in comparison to his stature, the two probably made one of the bigger bird. Even though smaller, they had something the raven didn’t. Teamwork. They were almost tag teaming him. The Lord spoke to me as I watched them, two are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

You try to do everything alone, you against the world. You have Me to draw on and I’ve surrounded you with a circle to lean on. You’re shoulders weren’t meant to carry it all, no one can handle that. What is happening in the unseen will eventually come to light. Use those I’ve placed in your path. Matthew 18:19, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.” The prayers of two people are more powerful than the magpies against the raven. Whatever mountain you are trying to conquer has to crumble when you have a strong, praying circle behind you. I’m not alone, you are not alone. Whatever you are struggling with, trust your inner circle to pray you through, and give it to a God. He will show up and show out on your behalf. Don’t think you have a circle to form that threefold cord? Send me a message and I’ll pray with you.

I couldn’t help but smile at the bird showdown. It amazes me how God speaks to us in the little things around us. Too often we miss conversations with Him because we are immersed in self. Too upset, too happy, too mad, too sick… all we have to do is silence ourselves and listen. He may speak in that still small voice, He may have someone call you, or even have someone post something that speaks directly to your situation. Are you watching and listening for your Father? Poppa remove any blinders from my eyes and unstop my voice, I want to hear from you today! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

I was taken aback by the flowers I saw on my evening walk with April. They were growing in what appeared to be rock. I’m sure they had dug into the soil, but they were surrounded by rock. I had a long day full of upsets and hurt feelings. I was reflecting on that when the flowers came to my mind. Poppa, how do they do that? I sustain them, they grow where planted. It was a simple answer, yet packed with meaning,

These flowers grew where their seeds fell. They dug into good soil beneath the rocks and were flourishing. I didn’t see any grass over this area, yet little pretty patches of white flowers spotted the brown, rocky terrain. Then God showed me, there were no weeds to choke out their life. They had obstacles to over come, but once they dug in they flourished.

I am being refined, prepared for all the Lord has for me. Through the process, the weeds must go. People that choke the life out of my dream must be weeded out. Others that twist and grind against me preventing me from taking root must be excavated. Those that condemn and judge without merit must be pulled up and tossed out. This is why my Poppa told me my circle would be small. It takes a select group of Godly people to help encourage, support, and propel one to the next level. Yes, my circle got a little smaller today; but my roots dug in deeper and God is sustaining me through each stage of my growth. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.” ~ Psalm 54:4

The mind is a crazy thing. You can be all smiles, things moving along great and bam! Tears overwhelm you and you sit there like Poppa, where is this coming from? Old soul wounds, I’m still healing them. You were cut deep. It wasn’t a surface wound, it cut to your very core. He wounded your loving, giving, gentle spirit. I’m giving that back to you, replacing everything that was stolen. Healing mind and soul.

Tears are cleansing, but how much cleansing could one mind and soul need? I caught myself reverting to my old thinking, that is why the renewing of one’s mind is a daily thing especially when recovering from a narcissistic relationship. Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Yes, after 6 years it was going to take time, a whole lot of God’s grace, and a daily renewing of my mind to heal me completely. Last weekend I took a little time to do me. No more hiding behind what other people wanted, it’s time to step out and step up. It’s past time to do what’s best for me.

God is healing me, but I must do my part. Oh that devil, he knows where to hit and how hard to bring on blows that almost transcend me back in time. But I have the Holy Ghost to quicken me to his tactics and help bring the Word back to remembrance, I am armed and ready. It doesn’t mean tears won’t overwhelm me at times, it doesn’t mean there won’t be moments where I am teetering on the past. It does mean I’m whole and healed through Jesus. I walk in that reassurance and face each day as it comes. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

I sit here listening to music and smiling. A real, genuine smile that I couldn’t hide if I tried. Sometimes life has to take you through twist and turns to get you where you need to be. All of the tears and struggles, they are simply tilling the ground and preparing the soil for the growth that is going to come from it all. It’s not an easy process, but you are being refined, shaped, and molded for something bigger. All you have to do is stay the course. However, any detours only delay the inevitable (they don’t end the dream). If God has promised something over your life He is faithful to see it through. Philippians 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”.

I’ve had a lot of tears lately as the refining process shifted out roots within me that were not of God. Many tears as people exit my circle, but God held me close through the process. The town donkeys dropped by today and that just made my heart smile. I was reminded I’m not as alone on the journey as I think. My Poppa will never leave me, the Holy Spirit comforts me, and the blood of Jesus sustains me. Whomever exits my circle simply wasn’t mine to keep, they were seasonal. But as people exit, God moves others in that will give me the support on this journey I need. My Father’s love knows no bounds, I just have to give way to the process and trust Him. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

When you’ve cried so many tears that no more come, you just sit in silence. When you don’t even know what to pray, you just sit there and mutter, “help me Poppa.” When you just feel like giving up, yet God is still there. I could feel the presence of the Holy Ghost as I sat, not even able to cry another tear. This storm was knocking the wind out of me, clearing people and things in its path. The winds of change were sweeping through my life and seemed to be taking my world away with them. Less of me and more you Father, help me…

When God set me on this path to my destiny, He told me my circle would be small and the path would get lonely. I have a tight yet awesome circle, but at times the loneliness is almost too much to bear. Poppa, why am I too much for the people I tend to care about the most. “Less of you and more of Me.” While not answering my question, that has rang through my spirit since a conversation I had on Sunday. I came to know the Lord at an early age, but I guess you could say I’m the prodigal daughter. I’ve wandered away several times and came back. This time the Lord got a hold of me and said I’m not letting go. After being baptized with the Holy Ghost, He set me on the path to my destiny and there is no turning back.

God took control and it forever changed me. My outlook changed, my appearance changed, the way I thought changed… it all had to change. “Less of you and more of me.” Poppa, people think I’m crazy because of how I communicate with You. They say You can’t speak to me that way. He brought me to Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” How did He communicate with people in the Old Testament? In some Scriptures, He spoke directly to His servant. What He did then, He can still do today because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I’ve never heard God’s voice in an audible way, but I have heard Him in the stillness of my heart. How do I know it’s Him I hear? John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” I am human, I tend to question what I’ve heard. “Poppa, show me I am hearing you correctly.” He confirms and re-confirms, He never leaves any room for doubt.

These storms will pass and give way to His will. Once again the storms are cleansing me, saturating the ground, removing anything that will hinder my walk. The rains are watering the ground the Lord has planted me in so that I will grow. Somethings have to be purged out of me creating a painful death to self. It is a process that must happen for me to grow, less of me and more of Him! I finally looked the Scripture up. John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” This lonely, painful process is me decreasing so that my Father can increase within me. This must come to pass in order for me to fulfill my destiny, but I’m not as alone as I feel. My Poppa is watching over me and the Holy Ghost is walking with me every step of the way. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Your light is too bright for some to handle. Shine anyways. The devil doesn’t like that shine that draws people to God and he will seek to destroy it. He will send people to discourage and move you off course, no one is off limits. Some of the very people you love might be moved by his ploy and not even realize it. It’s tempting to give in to them when this happens. I almost caved today, but God has placed the “right” people in my circle to lift me back up. I realized the importance of who’s in my circle too. After I realized this, my Poppa sent me one message after another as confirmation. He showed me several months back that my true circle would be small, but powerful. I am so thankful for their guidance and encouragement when I have tears streaming down my face and need help seeing the bigger picture.

When I look back to 7- 8 months ago, I am amazed at the change in me. Spiritually, emotionally, and physically, I have completely changed in all areas. It’s a true statement to say I’m not the person I was back then. Today I thought I needed to find “me” when the truth is, I know who I am and where I’m headed. I know the plans and destiny God has for me. How do I know? I’m walking closer to Him than I ever have before. Yes, He talks to me. It’s not an audible voice, but I still hear Him deep within my spirit and He confirms everything He tells me. John 10:27-28 says, “27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” My heart was grieved today because I have some people in my life that want no part of Jesus while others don’t believe He communicates with us in a real and tangible way. How then does He guide us? I want everyone to have that closeness I have and it just breaks my heart when they don’t.

A lot of tears today. I fell asleep early, but when I woke God placed this word in my heart to share and moved me to get up and write. He also spoke to me. The power within you is great and it’s too much for some people to comprehend. My closeness with you is real, it’s not in your head. It comes from seeking me. I’m drawing you closer, pouring my spirit out into you. Soak it up. Dust your feet of those that don’t believe it or can’t comprehend such power. Write what I give you and allow my light to shine from within. It’s going to be too bright for some people and that’s okay. You serve me not them. Wow, that was an on time Word for me. I scrolled through my FB and listened to one sermon after another confirming what He’d shown me. My heart still hurts, my Heavenly Father made it a little soft (alright, a lot soft). It’s okay to cry, it’s not okay to let anyone question who you’ve grown into. When God is shining through you, let that light shine through. Yes, you will be too bright for some to handle. Shine anyways! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

My favorite shirt is officially too big and hangs on me! I don’t have a full length mirror in my home. When I go out and walk past one, I am amazed at the change in me. “Who’s that?!” I say to myself. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you! No matter the goal, press into the Lord and keep going. I promise HE will see you through. I just wanted to remind someone of that today. NOTHING is too small OR too big for God! Press into Him my friends and keep moving forward. If you are moving forward you are making progress, the speed is irrelevant.💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” ~ Philippians 4:13

When God moves on your behalf, He moves mightily. Yesterday He answered something huge for me! Today He has placed one thing after another before me telling me to keep going and not to detour from the path He has me on to my vision. He’s also shown me that “thing” I want the most in my heart can still come to pass if it’s what I’ve chosen. We have free will, but when we align ourselves with God’s perfect will we can’t go wrong. He says in Jeremiah 29:11-13, “11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” This is exactly what I’m doing right now. I’m staying before His throne and asking Him, “Poppa, align my thinking, my will with Your perfect will for me.” You know what I’m finding? He’s doing just that and He’s working behind the scenes to give me the desires of my heart. Psalm 37:4, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

This morning when I took the April out, the dandelions once again caught my attention. They were closed up, protecting themselves from the night elements. The Lord said, protect your dream. Just as the flower closes itself from the elements, you must protect yourself and the dream I’ve given you from the world. In the shower, I was praying and saw myself become very small as I lifted my hands toward Heaven. The world wants to swallow you up and take the dream I’ve planted within you. Draw to me, seek me, and it will come to pass. That was a Rhema Word for me, on time and needed! Habakkuk 2:2-3, “2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”

I am standing on the promises of God. I was discouraged for a minute, I couldn’t see a part of the dream anymore. But I turned to God, “show me Poppa” and He did just that. Not only that, He started to open doors moving me in the direction of His will, reassuring me I was on the right path. Stay the course daughter, stay the course. My spirit needed that renewal and He gave it to me. He never leaves us wandering and will always nudge us on course. We are human, stumbling is part of that. Becoming discouraged is also a part of life, but when you take it to your Heavenly Father He will lift you up. He wants so much more for us than we even want for ourselves, we just have to stay on course with the vision He has for us. When we do this, we walk right into our destiny. Acts 26:19, “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:” 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“Where did all of these dips and crevices come from?” I kind of mumbled as I walked through the field yesterday morning. They appear to have popped up over night. In truth, they had always been there. Perhaps the brown grass made it all blend in and now the green grass gave way to its appearance. Whatever the reason, the field was certainly full of dips. I had walked that field so many times, not really paying attention. This time I was watching not to fall or twist my ankle in a dip. The Lord spoke to my heart and said life is full of peaks and valleys.

There was an awesome glow from the sun, so awesome that when I came in I could it’s rays shining though the window right into my living room. This had never happen before, I was mesmerized by it. I heard God say, MY light guides the way. I started reflecting on my own life, so many twist and turns followed by ups and downs. The one constant was God seeking me. It didn’t matter how far I strayed, He was always pulling me back. I learned a lot in those valleys, but He always cleared my path to the peak. He continues to do just that.

God teaches me in the valley how to soar when I reach the top of the mountain. All the dips and crevices along the way help to shape who I am and equip me for the journey ahead. Regardless of where I’m positioned, God’s light still shines down on me. It guides me every step of the way and draws me back when I get lost. It’s a beacon of hope when I feel helplessness overcoming me. Are you in a valley? Look to the light, He’ll draw out and help you on the climb back to the top. He will never leave you in the valley alone. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Moments of tears still overtake me. I spoke to my Heavenly Father about this as I was getting ready for work. Poppa why do I still cry for him? Help me. I shouldn’t still be crying, I feel so stupid. It’s your heart, it’s so full of love and concern it makes it difficult to just let go. In my hands is where he needs to be. I will heal your heart and replace it with a love like you never knew. I began to think on this. God wants so much more for me than my mind can fathom. Know your worth daughter, He told me that days ago.

I deserve someone that celebrates my weight losses with me. I deserve someone who encourages me along my dream and destiny. I deserve someone who is proud of who I am and excited for where God is taking me. I deserve someone who thinks I’m beautiful with or without my makeup, with short or long hair. It’s taken me too many years to know my worth to settle for anything less.

What are you settling for? Do you know who you are in God? Do you know your worth? God created you in His image, your worth to Him is more than you can even imagine. I stayed in one relationship after another that diminished my self worth when God had so much more for me. He has so much more for you too. Don’t settle, ever. Know your worth. I’ve finally learned mine and I’m not going back. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11

“The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:” Numbers 6:25

Today was a rough day

This silly heart is always getting in the way

Tears rolling down my cheeks

Trying to be strong when I feel so weak

Poppa, I thought I heard you so clear

About the one my heart was holding so dear

You both have the freedom to choose

My daughter you didn’t lose

You’re learning your worth

And spreading my light throughout the earth

I know it was hard letting him go

But I have more for you than you know

The players changed your hand

But walk with me through this land

Your dream and destiny I promised will take place

Just follow my pace

When you feel weak I’ll carry you through

And I will bless all that you do.

~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

5/7/18

Ugh, my first thought when I looked in the mirror lately. My weight loss is on track, but my face is broken out and when I look in the mirror I just see blah. My child, know your worth whispers my Father. Stop seeking it from others and know I formed you and cherish you. You are beautiful and I created you in my image. Last night at an event the speaker and author Sharon Patrick commented on my smile. This morning I was called beautiful. Once again Poppa, you have my attention and I’m listening!

Yesterday I bought myself some pretty yellow flowers and said sometimes you just have to spoil yourself! I didn’t even realize it at the time, but I’m worth it. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in helping others that I lose myself. I definitely become so focused on “fixing” people that I tend to neglect myself and it’s not even my job to fix them. I can’t “fix” them, only God can do that. So here I sit this morning, reflecting on my worth.

God reminded me of Psalm 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” I am wonderfully made, you are wonderfully made! God took great care in making us, we are beautiful in His eyes. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” I usually stop there, but today the Lord took me to verses 12-13, “12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Are you calling upon me when you feel unworthy and ugly so that I can repair those thoughts and show you your worth? Are you calling on me daughter? The answer was no, I was just struggling inwardly.

My vision gets swayed by wrong thinking. My perception of myself causes me to waiver and feel inadequate. God doesn’t want that, know your worth daughter! Seek me, stay close to me. It’s so awesome how He knows what we struggle with before even telling Him and how He meets us at the point of that need. It may not be what you see in the mirror, you might be struggling with something else. Whatever it is, God already knows. He loves you and He wants you to know your worth. My worth is found in Him and the destiny He called me for. I am precious in his site and so are you! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Hail and rain hit us earlier this week, followed by snow the next day. I was curious to see how my dandelions had faired. I went out and they still had ice on them and looked a bit ragged. Will they make it Poppa? I came back in and continued through my day. That evening I went back out, the sun had been shining and all of the snow and ice had melted away. I was excited to check on the dandelions. They had sprung back to life. Some looked a little tired, but most had sprung forth shining bright above the ground. Wow Poppa, look at that!

I think life does that to us. The rains of trouble and hails of life pelt us, while the snows of too many issues tend to bury us. It’s during those times we have to draw on our Heavenly Father, His light shines down on us. Melting the snow and ice and energizing us for the rest of this journey. I’ve heard so many times, He doesn’t promise us everything will be easy, but He will sustain us through it. We just have to trust in Him. Nahum 1:7, “ The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”

Trust can be so difficult when the storms of life have beat you down. Oh Poppa, help me to trust You completely. Remove any blinders from my eyes and unstop my ears. During the remainder of the week, my timeline was overwhelmed with post about leaving the past in the past. The Lord led my precious sister to send me one directly. It read, “Don’t stumble over something behind you.” My devotions over the next couple of days led to the same place! I’m listening Poppa! The past traumas, hurts, broken hearts, it’s all behind me and behind you too! Our Heavenly Father will heal any brokenness and piece us back together. Not only that, He’ll turn it around and use it as a testimony to His faithfulness, goodness, and mercy. How awesome is that? 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

I noticed flowers are starting to spring up here. I was so excited to see the tiny yellow ones just above ground, but hidden in the still turning grass (it’s mostly still brown and yellow). Just a couple of days later I started seeing the dandelions pop up. This made me smile, it’s already May and our flowers are just coming out. Late bloomers compared to most places, but here they bloom on their own schedule. I got to thinking about the dandelions I saw, they weren’t growing in the field but by the road. How odd I thought, then I noticed in the pictures the grass was also greener there. They had grown where their seeds had planted themselves and were thriving, more so than my tiny yellow flowers in the field.

The field has many more obstacles for the tiny flowers to overcome. They had to sprout up in a place with a lot of growth pulling for nutrients. It’s harder for the sun to reach these little guys too. Yet here they were, popping up. It’s a little harder for them to flourish because of where their seeds were planted, but in a few weeks I will start to see tiny yellow all throughout the field. It reminded me of us. Sometimes the things in life make it hard for us to grow, but when we lean into the Lord instead of the world we too overcome those obstacles and start to flourish. It may be delayed like my little yellow flowers, but when God is watering what He has planted we will grow.

Earlier in the week I read Psalm 133:3, “As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” I had it highlighted and written beside of it, “Powerful there, God commands His blessing.” That is pretty powerful indeed, the verse says God commanded the blessing. I had been meditating on that verse when I saw the dandelions. Lord, I want to be in the right place to receive the blessings you are commanding over my life. Grow where you are planted. Not only will you flourish, but you will plant seeds that will last long after you are gone. I will continue to water those seeds so that they can flourish in the hearts of those you touch.

We live in a world that is looking for a quick fix, but it takes time to grow. It takes time for heart wounds to heal, but God is faithful and He won’t leave you in the same condition He found you in. When I moved to this little town, God told me it would be my place of healing. A lot of turmoil ensued, but I’m finding now it was necessary for my growth. Now I’m in a place to receive the blessings the Lord is commanding over me. He holds tomorrow and wherever He moves me, but today I am growing where He has planted me. Where has the Lord planted you? Ask Him if you are where He wants you to be and if you are, grow there. Spend time with a Him in prayer and His Word, let Him water the grounds there and watch with anticipation for the blessings He has commanded over you. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

The clouds bellowed through the skies much like the PMDD was screaming within my body. If you’ve followed my Facebook blog you know this8s something that can be severe. Today I was doubled over in pain, the irony didn’t escape it. A surgery took my uterus, but left my ovaries- the source of the pain. I know there are many health reasons for leaving them, but I as it felt like my ovary was twisting and being squeezed like washcloth I couldn’t help but think my Dr. missed the mark. She took away the “bigger” problem and left the root of the condition there.

The Lord spoke to me through that pain and said isn’t that what people do in life? I started reflecting on my own life. For years I stayed in an emotionally unstable and abusive relationship. More times than I can even count, I treated the symptoms of the problem, yet stayed in it. It wasn’t fixable my way, yet I tried for 6 years. I was more stubborn than the children of Israel! God couldn’t start the healing process until the root was cut out. That meant dealing with some major emotional baggage and a heart that wasn’t just broken, but shattered. But God. Once the root was dug up and thrown out, my Father went to work. I just realized that root had little tiny roots dug into me and latched in. He has started pruning me and cutting away those harmful roots that were invading the very areas He needed to make changes in me.

I’m still a work in progress, I have so far left to go. Poppa is working in me and teaching me to address things at the root in so many areas of my life. That’s where my healing takes place, that’s where my growth occurs. As those negative roots are uncovered and dug out, the roots God is planting in me can grow. If they are left, they risk choking out the roots God is planting. What kind of roots are buried within you? Are treating the problems with quick fixes and trying to fertilize grounds that need rooted up? Don’t be discouraged by them, ask God to help you dig them out. With God ALL things are possible and He would love to help you weed out your life so that His roots can flourish! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

Mark 10:27

The beautiful rays were shining down on me as I went to bed and there they were again when I woke. God’s light illuminates our path at all times. It is a beacon of hope through the storms of life, lighting the way in the midst of the world’s darkness. When we start to feel troubled or like the darkness is in control, we need only quote His Word and pray to chase it away. When things are great, His light shines as a reminder that all good things come from Him. He never leaves us in the darkness and doesn’t forsake in the day’s light. I’m finding it important to mediate on God’s Word to keep my mind from straying into the darkness.

The Bible tells us to mediate on God’s Word day and night. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” It says to do this “that though may observe to do…” God already knew how easy it could be for us to fall away so we are instructed to mediate on the Scriptures so that we stay on the path He has for us. His path is prosperous, straying from it delays our destiny and can cause unnecessary pain. How awesome that He loves us enough to instruct us in His ways! Have you meditated on His Word lately? 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Earlier this week I went out and there were clouds over the mountain, blocking the sun. It could be seen beneath the clouds, but was covered. I came in and read my morning Scriptures and something with Psalms 126:5-6 really resonated with me this time. I had a pretty rough week and I would usually focus on verse 5, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.” You read and see that verse a lot, it’s a comfort when tears are falling, but this time God kept bringing me back to verse 6, “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Those tears your crying, I see them; those prayers your sowing, I hear them.

Not even an hour later, I walked back by the door and the clouds had already almost cleared and the sun was shining bright. Your timing is not like mine. We want things right now, God moves when it is right for us. Patience is a fruit that is still growing in me, but my precious Father nurtures it and continues to show me He hasn’t forgotten me or the things He’s promised. Now when I see or read verse 5 my mind will immediately go to verse 6 because it’s a promise that my harvest is coming in. What are you sowing? If God has you planting it, you can believe your harvest is coming in too. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when”. It’s in His hands and His timing, that ensures the harvest with be rich and plentiful! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” ~ Psalm 126:5-6

I looked at the mountain as I took April out this morning and didn’t see the sun coming up as I usually do. We headed back in and I heard God say take a picture, but there’s nothing there I thought. I went ahead and took the picture and was amazed to see the sun. I couldn’t see it with my natural eyes, but it was there and so beautiful. God whispered I am working in the unseen. That renewed my spirit like you can’t even believe and put a huge smile on my face. Talking about a praise shout, I wanted to tell everyone what He’d shown me all day!

I tried to focus in on the sun with my phone, but the more I focused the more it seemed to disappear into the sky. I’d take another picture and it was still there, shining with such a beautiful glow. We focus on our problems like I was trying to focus on the sun. Everything else becomes a blur and we miss the bigger picture. We become discouraged and forget our Father sees it all and is always working behind the scenes on our behalf. Just as I couldn’t see the sun, we can’t always see Him in the midst of a storm. However, He’s there and still in control.

I was so grateful for the pictures and the Word my Poppa gave me this morning, I couldn’t wait to share it with all of you. I pray you are as encouraged as I was. Whatever you are going through or praying for, God hears you. Just because you can’t see it yet, doesn’t mean He’s not working on your behalf. He has a plan and it’s in His timing, it’s also so much better than we could have planned for ourselves! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

2 Corinthians 4:17-18, “17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Wow look at God! That’s all I could really say and of course thank You Poppa for knowing just what my heart needs and answering my prayer! From my morning devotion by Joyce Meyer to the Reminders from God to checking my email and reading the KLOVE’s Scripture for today, He used all three to directly speak into my situation. I love it when He does that!

“I’m listening Father, You’re daughter is listening,” I looked up and smiled! 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” I just sat and reflected on that verse for awhile. This was my prayer in the early hours without even reading the Scripture and then there it was in my inbox from KLOVE! The Reminders from God today said, “Rise above your fears into My Joy. It will heal your sores and wounds.” Do you see a pattern here? These are the things I posted about yesterday and that I’ve been praying about!

My devotional today spoke just as loudly! John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” Joyce Meyer wrote, ““His peace is a spiritual peace, and His rest is one that operates in the midst of a storm—not in the absence of a storm. Jesus did not come to remove all opposition from our lives, but rather to empower us to go through times of opposition peacefully.” (Excerpt From Power Thoughts Devotional) Wow, that spoke right into my spirit man.

Oh my friends, He listens. I prayed about these things and He just confirmed what I knew, but needed to hear again. He knew what I needed and He provided it; not once, not twice, but three times. He is so good. He loves us so much and He doesn’t want us to struggle, He wants us to take it to Him! I told Him, “Poppa, I’m struggling. Strengthen my faith, forgive me for any lack that causes any unbelief.” I woke with the same peace I went to bed with, He’s holding me in His perfect peace. That’s awesome. Not only did He give me peace, but reminders that I so much needed. Yes, He listens, we just have to take it to Him. Mark 9:23, “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

No tears, not to today. I sat on my bed just gazing at the snow falling silently listening to praise music. This morning in my Bible reading the Lord took me to Philippines 1:6, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” He has given me a vision and a dream and the devil can’t have it. He has started a good work in me and He will complete it.

The enemy loves to try to fill your mind with the negative thoughts and this would be where he whispered, you should be crying now. I continued to watch the snow fall, I’m not opening that door. Fear can’t abide here, God is in control. Philippines 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” It’s not His pleasure for me to live in worry and fear causing unbelief. No, the vision and dreams I have aren’t just mine; God instilled them in me so He will give me what I need to fulfill ALL of them.

My thoughts are focused, God has heard my prayers and it is finished. I just have to do my part, that includes casting out worry, fear, and ultimately unbelief. Philippines 4:6 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” He knows my heart, my desires, and He planned my destiny. My prayers are in His hands and aligned with His will. Philippines 4:7-8, “7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” I will think on these things and devil will have to flee.

I continue to watch the snow fall. No tears, not today. I draw my strength from my Father and things of this world can’t detour me. Philippines 4:13, “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” As I gaze out the window, that precious peace that passeth all understanding covers me. 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

I don’t trust “me” Poppa. You don’t have to trust YOU, you have to trust ME. I have went over and over that it my head today. I know in my heart what God has told me, but my thoughts start to cause me to second guess. Perhaps I didn’t hear Him right, maybe I missed something, what if I’m wrong about everything? Early this morning, before ever even getting out of bed, the Lord told me to go back and reread about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego. I read it and then read it again this evening.

The unwavering faith and trust these three men had in God is amazing. In verse 17 – 18 of Daniel 3 they say, “17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” They trusted God completely with their lives and had faith he would bring them out of the fire and if He didn’t they still would not submit to the king’s demand. They believed with no doubts that God was in control and if you’ve read the story, you already know He was. Once cast into the fire, the king saw a fourth person in the fire (verse 25) that was “like the Son of God.” They were not alone in that fire! When the men were brought out in verse 27, “And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” The fire had no power!!!! That made me want to shout, I had to read it again.

Trust is so hard for me. Finding it difficult to trust myself has a lot to do with what I’ve been through, but God is sifting that out of me. “The fire had no power.” My past has no power, the attack on my mind has no power. God spoke it over me, God spoke it to me, that seals it. Are the attacks going to stop? No. With a high calling on your life comes a high probability of attacks; however, I’m equipped in yet another way. The fire, those attacks can’t harm me! Jesus is with me (and you) in the fire. Has God promised you something? What fires are trying to harm you? It may not be trust issues, addictions, financial issues, emotional hurdles, or even health problems. Don’t let these things steal your peace and rob you of your joy. Jeremiah 20:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Trust Him! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

“8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews.

9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.

10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, shall fall down and worship the golden image:

11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.

14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated.

20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.

25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire.

27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.”

~ Daniel 3:8-30

The snow crunched beneath my feet with each step. The fresh snow from the two days before had frozen solid. The sun was just coming up over the mountain and glistened beautifully against the frozen white layer that was still covering everything. As I walked April my back was to the sun, but I felt it growing brighter and brighter until I turned around to see it’s shining glow spraying out over the mountain. It’s beautiful Poppa!

The storm had passed and it wouldn’t take long for the bright sun to melt away the pretty snow. I started thinking about my post yesterday. The snowy frozen grounds kill off the the harmful things. The storm passes, the grounds thaw and that snow turns to the water that is essential for life. The ground absorbs that water and makes it fertile for new life to spring up. It’s the same way for us! When that storm hits, the frozen ground that you think has you trapped, is killing off the toxic things in your life. When you give it to God, He’s with you through the storm and when the grounds thaw and melt, His water flows through you and around you. He’s making it fertile for your growth. You start to see new fruit sprout from within you.

When you draw close to Him through His Word and prayer, when you seek Him, He starts to prune and weed out the things that will hurt your growth. The process isn’t easy, but it’s done in love. Sometimes these storms purge and help that process. When you find yourself in them, seek God. He will not only help you through it, but you will be amazed at the changes in you once the storm passes. Then His beautiful sun will come out and you will be left with a testimony that draws others to Him. That is amazing process done out if love! John 15:1-2, “1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Daughter, why do you weep? Get up from this bed, wash off your tears of weariness.  Have I not promised you, why do you worry so?  About that time the messenger alert went off on my phone, it was my prayer partner and sister. Talk about God’s timing, always perfect.  Within minutes, I was smiling through the tears.  Sometimes you just need reminded who you are in Christ and she did just that!  I am truly blessed that God has placed her in my circle.

These are difficult times we live in and you have to guard your mind. The devil is out to destroy anyone that is a vessel for God. His destiny has been cast and he is set on dragging as many souls to hell with him as he can. If he can’t take you there, he will do the next best thing. What’s that? Destroy your testimony so that you can’t draw people away from his darkness into God’s light. The higher your calling, the more intense the attacks. You have to stay prayed up and in God’s word because the devil is out to devour you. 1 Peter 5:8, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

I have an incredibly soft heart, some may say it’s too soft. I fully admit to being a crybaby. Commercials, movies, it’s insane.  With the soft heart, comes feelings that are easy to tread on. I guess this heart of mine is my weakness and my strength.  I’ve ask God about this so many times and He says, I have His heart.  I’m made completely in my Poppa’s image, how can you not smile at that?! Unfortunately, the devil also knows how to manipulate the strings on my heart and this is where I must be wiser and grow in the Lord. I’m so thankful to have a Heavenly Father who said get up! Hebrews 12:6, “ For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” But He didn’t stop there, He went on to remind me of His promises to me.  My awesome Father didn’t want me worrying about something He has control of, wash off your tears He said. 

The weariness was not something I needed to carry.  What are you carrying that should be left in your Father’s hands?  When He says to trust Him, there is no other person in this world you can trust more.  When He says not to worry and those thoughts come up, cast them out. He takes care of the fowls in the air and the lilies on the ground, He can handle whatever you and I face.  Sometimes we just have to get out of the way and let Him! Matthew 6:26-29, “26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Abandoned, rejected, left completely alone. I guess that’s probably one of my greatest fears. Some would say this stems from my daddy dying when I was three months old. Unfortunately it is a fear I’ve never really overcame and was only solidified in every adult relationship I’ve had. Most know my last relationship was extremely toxic and he played on this fear very well. The Lord is working on repairing this in me, thankfully He will never leave me and always hold me close. Those old wounds were once again opened this week and this old soft heart has really been in turmoil. I have cried out to Him and cried and cried. I don’t know how many of you face this particular struggle, but it can be overwhelming. There have been times this week that I thought this storm was going to overtake me.

Then right in the midst of it, God would show up and pull me under His wings. At times it would be a whisper asking why I weep, reminding me He was in control and to trust Him. Other times I would wake to encouraging post or songs from friends directly to me! He has blessed me with a prayer partner that understands, I mean really understands where I am. He flooded my timeline with post that spoke directly into my situation. He has put people in my circle to encourage and lift me so that I keep working on me and the destiny God has for me. Only my God can do these things. This wasn’t an easy week, the tears are still falling as I write this, but it was necessary for me to grow and maybe to encourage someone else going through it or something similar. You are NEVER alone, I want you to know this.

Do you feel like the storms are about to overtake you? Perhaps they are purging you in preparation for better days. Is snow falling at a steady pace? The frozen ground kills off the toxic things in your life in anticipation of the best that is yet to come. Do you feel like the snow is flying from every direction? The clouds may fill the sky, but the Son is still in heaven and your rainbow is promised in the end. Keep pressing, keep believing. We are in this together! 💛 ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal

Thanks for joining me!

Life can be tough all on its own.  When you add depression, abusive relaltionships, addictictions, whatever you are facing, it’s important to know you are not alone.  Each of us have our Goliath to conquer and our mountain to climb, let’s to it together! ~ Chelle, #f8ithgal