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

The Hidden Box.

I think we all have one of those boxes. It’s a box that maybe holds an assortment of encouragement cards or quotes; a box that contains a variety of trinkets or photos; and a box that is woven with memories and hand written notes.

My box has always been kept in my closet. Someone I once knew called it, "the bad day" box and only opened it on those days when she needed affirmation or direction. I've moved over seven times in the last three years, so I've had to condense my box and its contents.

Hidden. 

The contents are hidden. I don't go for coffee at Starbucks or invite you over and say, "Hey, lets check out my box!" In all honestly, I haven't even looked at my box for sometime. Oddly, today it seems appropriate.  I am discovering that life isn't to be hidden.

Today, I am choosing to share a few contents of my box...

Letter #1:

Sweetheart, I don't have long to live, as the cancer has won. Yet promise me, you'll remember Psalm 23:6. Sadly, I'll never meet your husband or children, yet I declare that God's goodness and love will be evident for as long as you live...

I've kept my promise. Psalm 23:6 is a passage that I declare on my life.

Trinket #2:

Set of keys. My boyfriend at the time wrote the words, "you have the key to my heart." Priceless, right?

Card #3:

The written words, "You've always told me to be better not bitter. Why is that so hard?"

Memory #4:

A picture of helium balloons. That day, I wrote on each balloon with a sharpie marker and released each balloon off the White Rock pier. In that solo letting go ceremony, I surrendered a variety of items, things, even people, as my final balloon had the words "dream big."

Why these specific contents? Truthfully, I don't know. It's always surprising what pieces of the box seem significant to me. Regardless, today I am reminded of the truth of Psalm 23:6. Furthermore, one day someone will have the key to my heart, whoever he may be. I believe it's a choice to be better and not bitter. It enables healing, so dreams are possible. Today, I am in awe of dreams...

But that's another blog for another day.

Together, lets simply acknowledge that life isn't to be hidden and lived alone. Instead, you are surrounded by a community of friends and family who want to be woven into the framework of who you are.  They desire to engage in each and every moment of sadness or happiness; each and every disappointment or celebration; and each and every hope or dream! Furthermore, you have a Heavenly Father who's deepest desire is to apart of your day to day, as you are his greatest design and perfect creation.

Can you simply stop hiding? And will you let someone in today? Will you let God in?

Choosing to no longer hide today,

Charlene

P.s. "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23:6 NIV). Jon Foreman crafted a beautiful song based off Psalm 23.