Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Believe

It is an odd feeling...

One moment, a sudden second, and death knocked. It knocked, more like crashed, in the form of a massive moose. 

On screen of the accident was a buzz and murmur that repeatedly stated, "she should not be alive." Truthfully, I shouldn't. But somehow, I am.

Some would say, "it's just luck!" Or others would highlight, "wasn't your time..." But in a state of shock upon a spine board with a neck brace, I stammered, "how can you not believe?" 

I believe it is a miracle I am alive. 
I believe I was protected. 
I believe that I am beyond lucky; rather I am privileged and blessed!  
I believe life has purpose. 
I believe this will teach me more about the character of God.  
I believe that it’s okay to not fully understand why it happened…

Why does it take death knocking to suddenly believe? Ironically, I think we have forgotten to believe in each day…

Today, I lay upon the physio bed with the laser paddles upon my neck and softly say under my breath, "the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me to paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:1-4). The physiotherapist returns and stammers, "It will be a process of time, yet remember your alive!" 

So today, I believe in recovery!
  • Believe for miracles!
  • Believe for healing!
  • Believe for restoration!
  • Believe for hope! 
  • Believe for possibility! 
  • Believe for dreams! 

What are you choosing to believe today?

I believe,
Charlene

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Keep Calm and Carry On



I never liked this quote to be honest.

It annoyed me.  I think mostly because it became such a trending quote.  On everyone's pinterests, bumper stickers and pendants from here to tim-buk-tu.

I read a blogpost a few days ago, the topic was mantras.  What is a mantra you may be asking yourself?
It is: an often repeated word, formula, or phrase, often a truism(a self-evident, obvious truth)
I don't remember what else the blog said, but what did catch my attention was that it asked the reader to find a mantra for themselves.

For whatever reason keep calm and carry on was what came to mind.
I found it bizarre that this was the phrase that leapt forward into my mind.  Like it had been sheepishly hiding itself just waiting for this exact moment to spring forth with excitement that I was looking for just the right words to say to myself.

Keep calm and carry on.
Keep calm and carry on.
Keep calm and carry on.

Have peace and self control.  Be humble and gentle.  Be patient.  Stop for a moment.  Breathe.  Don't rest on this.  Don't overthink this.  Don't be irrational.  Let go.  Move along.  Carry on.
All these words and phrases sum up this little phrase I'd for so long despised.  Yet after repeating it, over and over, I realized how much this phrase could and did mean to me.

I long to live my life with peace and self control.  To walk every day, every moment in the fruits of the spirit. I don't want to become irrational in any situation, I don't want to be stuck in a moment of anger or frustration.  I want to be humble and gentle.  Soft spoken and loving with my words and my thoughts.  I want to breathe in and take a moment to gain clarity in a situation.  I want to be discerning, I want the Holy Spirit to lead.  I want to let go of the negativity that so wants to creep it's ugly way in and take over. I want to keep calm and carry on.

I find myself repeating this little phrase now.  Even when I'm not in a situation that needs it's use.  I think in doing this I am setting myself up for a more than likely positive situation next time I find myself in a negative situation.  I am already creating a habit.  I am already walking in that peace, self control, humbleness, gentless, kindness, love and power.  So when I come head on with a situation that I might have otherwise reacted to in not such a lovely manner, I think I'll already be walking into this situation with a calm to just carry on :)

Do you have a mantra?

I challenge you to find one today.  It could be a word, a phrase, a bible verse.

Maybe you need it to remind yourself you are significant and beautiful.
Maybe you need it to walk with bravery and courage.
Or maybe like me you just want to have more peace and self control in every day situations.

I have a few words and phrases that I like to say to myself.  You can have as many as you'd like/need.
If you're not sure where to begin...Ask God to show you.  He will :)

Love and blessings,

Christy Creative Dreamer Dawn