Keep Up with Chelsey

Today I had to go shopping for duty boots. For my new job, there were specific requirements as to what this boot should be made of and look like. The first store I went to, a lady asked me, how she could help? So I explained to her that I needed duty boots. She took me over to this small section and pointed to the options. I then told her that I needed steel toe, duty boots. She looked puzzled and asked me why I needed them? I began with my explanation. Well, I am a firefighter with the city now, and their requirement is that the boots be steel toed.  .....with a concerned look she states:  Aren't you too little to be a firefighter?  I left that store with nothing in hand asking myself why buying a pair of boots had to be so difficult, and emotionally draining.....  I go to the next store.  Same thing...  And listen, I just need to buy these boots. I have to have a pair of boots in order to work. And again, it was pointed out t...

1. A year ago, I was devastated. I was to hop on a plane and return to the country I loved so dearly. I was to return to a ministry that was developing, and to return to what I thought would be my life long identity. I had purpose, I had love, and I had a life that meant something. But low and behold, God really shook my world when the day I was suppose to get on the plane, I couldn't. I couldn't because I had zero peace. It went against all logic and reason- and it was the easiest and yet hardest choice I've ever made. 2. After making the choice to stay in NC, I had no clue what to do with myself, and even more importantly, what did God want from me? I was walking around aimlessly- working as a lifeguard. Low and behold, a fellow co-worker and friend, invited me to a Fire Academy. It took him 3 months of convincing, but 2 weeks before the start of the summer academy, I enrolled. I honestly thought, there is no way I will make it through this... there is no way I am going...

Please watch this video and share it- remember to respond in love if you want to see people's lives changed! #youaremybeloved #chosenchild #abbalovesyou

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/battle-for-ukraine/ Click the link above to watch a video produced by PBS', Frontline. And please continue to pray for Ukraine!

As you are now aware- I am still in the US. At this time, I can officially say that I am here in NC for the time being, and do not plan to return to Ukraine anytime soon. God can always change things, but for my sanity, I've surrendered to the fact that I am here, and must live my life for God where I am currently and can not dwell on where I am not! With that being said, as of May 1st, I am asking you to end your monthly support. I have been so blessed to have your help these past two years! Without you, nothing would have been accomplished! Easter with my mom There is no way to convey into words my gratitude for your faithfulness to God's calling. Man, I am so amazed at God's provisions and how he used so many of you to further his kingdom! It brings me to tears thinking about all that these past two years have brought, and without you all praying for me and supporting me, things could have turned out very differently! I love you all, and again am so, so, so...

Church is a place filled with sinners, just like all the places outside of church. If you've been burned by church (which I have more times than I care to recount), I hope you won't let those hurt feelings affect your relationship with God. God is not the church, but he loves the church because he loves all of us sinners. Church isn't perfect but God is. And his love for you is so great- Easter is a time to reflect on that- that God loves you and that despite all the sin and  bad things that you have done, that God still craves a relationship with you. You don't have to be in a church building to have that relationship, but you can't have unforgiveness in your heart either. Take time this Easter to forgive, and accept God's love. And remember that church will never be a perfect place, people will always be people, but it shouldn't be something that keeps you from finding a church that will encourage you and help you grow. And if you are in my area of the wor...