tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55140280809564600942024-02-18T23:04:35.619-05:00Today with Dana CheA reflective and inspirational perspective on the issues of our day and how we can learn from these "life lessons"Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-15603951870165684232012-06-09T17:18:00.002-04:002012-06-09T17:18:38.839-04:00The Dad I Never Had<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTYfIKHUKYY_8aWnpglJe1gkKBXqxyIa0DA8e5xqaRyfwWZq_OyGveF5K27f9_-bBE_brwVMtiOvcKCgcemKYGMUZgOdFue1JLwAzRCYTaSOYNTZrEwdPudsBa6MaO5g5nkKjt8qd6vCC/s1600/father+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTYfIKHUKYY_8aWnpglJe1gkKBXqxyIa0DA8e5xqaRyfwWZq_OyGveF5K27f9_-bBE_brwVMtiOvcKCgcemKYGMUZgOdFue1JLwAzRCYTaSOYNTZrEwdPudsBa6MaO5g5nkKjt8qd6vCC/s200/father+image.jpg" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dad I Never Had</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Father's Day is just around the bend and sadly, I don't celebrate with my natural father. My dad died 12 years ago. But in all honesty, I never spent one Father's Day with him even while he was living. He and my mom divorced before I began preschool, so I don't really have any memories of him, other than the tassels from his dress shoes (I guess I would crawl around on the floor and notice the tassels on his shoes---a memory I still have to this day). As a young girl, I would imagine what life would be like with the dad I never had.<br />
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When I was 10, I actually led my dad to the Lord by writing him a letter pleading with him to get his life right with God. After he died, my grandmother gave me a box of some of his belongings, and all those years later that letter was still there! By God's grace, we were able to reconnect shortly before he died. I had long forgiven him for not being a part of my life, and I was right there with him as he breathed his last breath. I had made peace with the dad I never had.<br />
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Growing up without a dad left a tremendous hole in my life. I would look at my friends' dads for guidance, protection and validation. Some of these men, like David Martin and Karol Warren will never know the impact they had on my life as I watched them love their wives and children . . . and me! I may not have had a relationship with my own dad, but God allowed these "filler fathers" to show me how a man should behave. These men gave me the blueprint as to what a loving Father was.<br />
<br />
Fast forward and now I am married with children of my own. God continues to show me more of who He is through how I parent my own kids. No, I am not a father, God knows that :-), but I am a parent. And God always meets us where we are. He knew I couldn't really relate to him as "Father," but I most certainly can as "Parent."<br />
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Just today, I had to spank one of my kids---something I absolutely <i>hate</i> to do! You should see me. I'm probably more anxious than the child! <i>Why won't this kid just listen and obey?!</i> I scream aloud. I pour out mercy and give warnings, yet they still choose to disobey. In that moment, I understand the Father heart of God more clearly than ever. How many times does He warn us, redirect us and give us mercy and we <i>still </i>disobey? How this must grieve Him!<br />
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On the flip side, I am planning a wonderful surprise for my kiddos tomorrow. I'm so excited! I've purchased the tickets and they have no idea! I think of my Heavenly Father. How many times does He have a wonderful, glorious plan in store for us, yet we whine and complain because we can't see how our future looks. Instead of stepping out in faith, we shrink back in fear, not realizing He's already "purchased the tickets" for our hope and future (Jeremiah 29:11)! I see Father God all giddy and excited because He knows our future, and it is mar-va-lous dahlin'! Won't you trust Him?<br />
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See, for me, Jehovah, Yahweh is to me the dad I never had. And what a Wonderful Dad/Father/Papa He is!Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-30550051679528790172012-06-07T12:20:00.001-04:002012-06-07T12:20:13.296-04:00Keep Moving Forward<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xjE9toDrXEbKhf7uA9pSWvtWwoNbH98JSXmmqvAw2eJsMmzw-PO7THEVNJYnVK8zt5zeWeJvCW1F4j1ny2PP2DPyMA6zVrS35xZa9nrVHiOPgsc-wQ2mRp5KbejvpF2hdc7ZQO7aIaxe/s1600/life+is+a+journey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xjE9toDrXEbKhf7uA9pSWvtWwoNbH98JSXmmqvAw2eJsMmzw-PO7THEVNJYnVK8zt5zeWeJvCW1F4j1ny2PP2DPyMA6zVrS35xZa9nrVHiOPgsc-wQ2mRp5KbejvpF2hdc7ZQO7aIaxe/s200/life+is+a+journey.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life is a Journey. Keep Moving Forward.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You know, no matter what stage in the journey of life you're in, one thing remains: you must keep moving forward. Life is a journey filled with twists, turns, setbacks, celebrations, obstacles, problems, triumphs, pain, risks . . . the list could go on. At the beginning of any obstacle, you are faced with a decision: fear or courage. Whichever you choose determines how long you stay at that "station" in life.<br />
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Say for example, you lose your job. That's a huge obstacle to most people! You might wonder, <i>What am I going to do? How will I make ends meet? How did this happen to me?! </i>You are at the beginning, the genesis of your crisis. I've said it before and I'll say it again, "It's not <i>what</i> you go through, but <i>how</i> you go through." The unexpected happens. That's life. You can't change it. You can't hide from trouble. Trouble will find you! So, how are you going to respond?<br />
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That decision is so key and crucial as to how long you will face that challenge. In this situation, some people pout, have a pity party and collect their unemployment check with no plans on getting back on top. Others become angry, blame their boss, blame the economy, the world, whatever. Then, there's the Warrior. This person says, "You know, I didn't ask for this, but there is a reason this happened to me. <b>What can I learn from this?</b>" This is hard. I ask myself this question EVERY DAY! "What can I learn from this?" Having <i>that </i>attitude sets you up for growth, blessing and influence. Let's face it, no one wants to hear your pity party! Now, before you accuse me of being harsh and "compassion-less," believe me, I've had my fair share of pity parties! Some of my parties had a room full of people and during others I was all alone. Cry if need to, but at the end of your cryfest, <u>you need a plan</u>. You must keep moving forward!<br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> </i>Many people get stuck in life because they never mastered the art of moving forward. They get swallowed up by pain and tragedy that they forget that life is a journey. Get your feet out of the mud, dust those bad boys off, make a plan of action and keep it moving . . . forward! Then, and only then will your <i>test</i> become a <i>testimony</i>.<br />
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I've got a new best friend, and her name is KIM. (Keep It Moving)! Don't quit. Because just around the bend of that obstacle is a celebration waiting for you to attend!<br />
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Love and Blessings, and I'll see you at the top!Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-82073724796431653662012-06-06T16:44:00.003-04:002012-06-06T16:44:54.214-04:00The Chinese Bamboo Tree<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2-vXAg2ERAsQEVQ1yNDYjh1UgiwdcafD6DjufYsF2Axku86377NH74rC18_iPIwpCUYjKnvljmgttjHcSOvZC-VvFdv04K79A33sH6m5g_tJFPqthBff8xNwqKltdsXwJrI51p5sQiON/s1600/Chinese+Bamboo+tree.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2-vXAg2ERAsQEVQ1yNDYjh1UgiwdcafD6DjufYsF2Axku86377NH74rC18_iPIwpCUYjKnvljmgttjHcSOvZC-VvFdv04K79A33sH6m5g_tJFPqthBff8xNwqKltdsXwJrI51p5sQiON/s200/Chinese+Bamboo+tree.png" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese bamboo tree over 90 ft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What does writing, starting a business and waiting on provision have to do with a Chinese bamboo tree? E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! Chinese bamboo is quite a hot commodity here in the US. We use Chinese bamboo for beautiful hardwood floors, place mats, cutting boards, you name it. But it's not their versatility I want to write about. It's the growing process of the Chinese bamboo tree.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You would expect great results from a little seed that has been watered and fertilized, watered and fertilized, watered and fertilized for a year. But to the contrary, nothing happens! The second
year you water and fertilize, and nothing happens. The third
year you water and fertilize, and <i>still</i> nothing happens. If you haven't given up yet, you're most definitely discouraged!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The fifth
year you continue to water and fertilize the seed and then---suddenly it seems---</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">the Chinese bamboo tree
sprouts and grows to over NINETY FEET IN SIX WEEKS (just one growing season)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">All the hard work and dedication you put into its growth didn't go unnoticed. While you were watering and worrying, life was taking shape UNDERGROUND! You couldn't see it, but life was certainly happening. A favorite scripture comes to mind when I think of this: </span>"We don't look for things that can be seen but for things that can't be
seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can't
be seen last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:18, GOD'S WORD Translation)<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Personally, I have begun a new business that is taking time to grow. I'm also continuing to look for writing and speaking opportunities . . . another growth process. Even myself. <i>I</i> am a growth process! I'm not who I was last year and not who I'll be next year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My Facebook status for today was, "It can't grow if you won't sow!" Many of us haven't sown any seed because we are afraid it won't grow. I used to be like this. Instead of planting my seed, I would hold on to it (which is why it took me years to ever write my first book!) Of course it can't grow if you won't even exercise the small amount of faith to sow it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">So the next time you contemplate whether or not to sow a seed, think of the story of the Chinese bamboo tree. Success doesn't happen overnight. Rome wasn't built in a day! Sucess takes<i> time</i>. But remember, "It won't grow if you won't sow!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></div>Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-54827185957502818422012-05-29T15:57:00.005-04:002012-05-29T15:57:46.043-04:00"Help, I'm Drowning!"<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdbCTA-vcym13ydIXrFcNhU7weKk19CsgJlXO7OqYO1cJi1qzetCDzD_WUzhqPdvg2c1dXMZEZSCbV_en74bQNZT8wz3REA39FqXPuWyBrfAlQiy-KfjjSQtEiLfh0ydhoMPNILlV35Tq/s1600/drowning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdbCTA-vcym13ydIXrFcNhU7weKk19CsgJlXO7OqYO1cJi1qzetCDzD_WUzhqPdvg2c1dXMZEZSCbV_en74bQNZT8wz3REA39FqXPuWyBrfAlQiy-KfjjSQtEiLfh0ydhoMPNILlV35Tq/s200/drowning.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm Drowning!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday I took the kids to the pool. The older two got in the water with no problem, even though they can't swim and even the baby splashed about happily. But my five year-old . . . he wasn't having it! He stood on the edge of the pool watching everyone else have fun. As I tried to coax him in, he backed away---the closer I got to him, the more he backed away until he full-out ran to the safety of the lounge chairs nearby.<br />
<br />
A little while later, he ventured to the edge of the pool again. "I'm gonna get in, Mommy. I can do it myself," he said hanging on to the railing for dear life.<br />
<br />
"Corey, the water is only two feet deep. Come on in," I tried to reassure him.<br />
<br />
"No! I'm gonna drown, I'm gonna drown!" he shrieked.<br />
<br />
"Corey, do you think Mommy would let you drown?" I asked him, bewildered at why he was acting like this.<br />
<br />
"Yes!"<br />
<br />
I was shocked. My kid actually thought I would let him drown. What kind of parent did I think I was?! <br />
<br />
Lesson #1<br />
As a good Father, God beckons us to "swim in the deep with Him." Much like Corey, we, for some reason, think that He is going to let us drown.<br />
<br />
Lesson #2<br />
We see everyone else enjoying life, making their dreams come true and we smile and think, "Good for them," but we don't have the courage <i>ourselves </i>to get in the water.<br />
<br />
Lesson #3<br />
We run to <i>what's familiar</i> (in Corey's case, the lounge chairs) or "safe," because we <i>perceive</i> the water as dangerous. <br />
<br />
Little did Corey realize that even if he stood up in the middle of the part of the pool where we were, the water would have only come up to his waist. He was never in danger of drowning! God spoke to me profoundly through this little experience. It's all about our PERSPECTIVE! What one kid perceived as fun and adventurous, the other perceived as scary and unsafe.<br />
<br />
In my business, Organo Gold, or even in my writing business, Dana Che, there are many who look at what I'm doing from the sidelines and say, "Good job, Dana, so proud of you," but they are not able to see themselves doing the same thing! Or maybe they perceive network marketing as "scary" or "risky." After all, what if I don't do well? they ask themselves. I, however, have come to a realization that life is all about taking risks. NO ONE, hear me, NO ONE who is successful got there by playing it safe. What's the worse that can happen? For Corey, it would've been that he fell into the water and I would be right there to catch him. For you, if you trust a loving Father who is able to keep you from drowning, the worse is that you fall and He picks you up. Be not afraid of what might happen if you try, be more afraid of what will happen if you don't.<br />
<br />
This is my passion---to see people set free from fear and limited living. Jump in! The water's great!!Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-52586323285096638802012-05-24T15:02:00.001-04:002012-05-24T15:02:15.616-04:00Dissin' the President<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qopKx5fgAlAvdkmtBQj6nxXdAUrDwVlYAZ7MkXAFcU3L5A897YhV0e5bZusIsc_1Qm8PD7HkTESmb8lnWmznNG95H8FLklquf2EFexGHP2S7CcheP9tFg8shEnmqI5LD-x2aDnB33fXF/s1600/obama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qopKx5fgAlAvdkmtBQj6nxXdAUrDwVlYAZ7MkXAFcU3L5A897YhV0e5bZusIsc_1Qm8PD7HkTESmb8lnWmznNG95H8FLklquf2EFexGHP2S7CcheP9tFg8shEnmqI5LD-x2aDnB33fXF/s200/obama.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Barack Obama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My Facebook status today and the comments written by my friends made me want to expound on my thoughts about people dissin' the President. First, I am neither Democrat nor Republican. Both parties have ideals that I agree with and both have ideals that I disagree with. When President George W. Bush was in office, I would stand up for him as well when people made snide, rude and inappropriate comments about his decisions. We must learn to separate our own opinions from the <i>character</i> of another.<br />
<br />
I've never met President Obama, but I think we would be friends if I did. :-) He seems very down to earth and I really believe he thinks what he's doing as a leader is the right or best thing for the country. Now, whether or not that's true is my OPINION.<br />
<br />
I've seen comments posted on Facebook that make me want to "defriend" some people. Some are just plain nasty . . . like they have a personal vendetta against the man. But again, I saw the same thing with President Bush.<br />
<br />
When we look at the issues of our day--- affordable health care for all, education benefits for all, equality for all and the protection of our religious freedoms---there are bound to be major disagreements. All I want to know is, can we disagree in a mature, responsible and cordial manner? Some issues, especially issues on morality are passionate for many. Personally, I take a bold stance against abortion. However, I have learned to disagree with others in a way that will highlight the truths in my words and not the anger behind my words.<br />
<br />
The President of the United States gets paid far less than most celebrities, receives daily death threats, is ostracized by half the country and never can seem to do anything right. It's time we begin to support our leaders again. And for those who pray, PRAY! Pray for his health, his decision making, his convictions and his courage.<br />
<br />
"Then
if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from
heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14, NLT. Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-41032200928563181682012-05-01T09:47:00.001-04:002012-05-01T09:49:27.860-04:00The "F" Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmOA3gKWd9P-fdWDYbmj7bFJwlN-xEw6FBhtSKuz8YK0P_TdHfXzGg7Jqowf1qiY8T3y7rw6Z3ySW-IKtNOgAoih-z10zcgWXj_EOKN-7RMXxiwZnf4OoXX3z0T9ytaChu2M4rrN0meyu/s1600/fear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmOA3gKWd9P-fdWDYbmj7bFJwlN-xEw6FBhtSKuz8YK0P_TdHfXzGg7Jqowf1qiY8T3y7rw6Z3ySW-IKtNOgAoih-z10zcgWXj_EOKN-7RMXxiwZnf4OoXX3z0T9ytaChu2M4rrN0meyu/s200/fear.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
The "F" word. It's such a bad word that many of us never want to admit we use it. We think it. We ponder it, but we dare not say it. We dare not admit that we struggle with it. We call it other things . . . introvert, cautious, careful, or my all time favorite, "practical." But really, we need to call it what it is. F-E-A-R.<br />
<br />
Fear destroys our destiny and keeps us stuck in today with no hope for tomorrow. I will be honest to say that fear has controlled my life for quite some time. If you were a friend of mine in the late 90's and dropped me off at home when the house was vacant, you knew your role: you had to get out of your car and come "check the house" with me. We would look under beds, in closets, in the refrigerator (what?!) . . . all so that we could pounce on that burglar before he pounced on me! I had convinced myself that there was always someone lurking in the shadows waiting to attack. I had 9-1-1 on speed dial and would call them whenever I heard a scary noise. No lie. At one point, after I got married and moved out on my own, the police department threatened to fine me if I called them again with one more false alarm! So, I stopped calling them, but nonetheless, I was still fearful.<br />
<br />
We lived in a safe neighborhood and no one else's house had been broken into, but that didn't matter. <i>It's only a matter of time</i>, I thought, <i>Eventually, someone is going to break in here. </i>That's because fear has been described as "False Evidence Appearing Real." It took a lot of praying, reading Psalm 91 and calls to my best friend at midnight (if my husband wasn't home) to overcome that fear of my home being burglarized.<br />
<br />
But, the "F" word didn't leave me. It simply attached itself to another situation and I became fearful of other things. The Bible teaches that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7) that does not come from God. It is sent by the enemy to torment, depress and stifle you. It will choke the very life out of you <u>if you allow it. </u><br />
<br />
Now that I am a businesswoman, I still face fear. Fear of talking to others, fear of rejection, fear of not meeting my goals, fear of looking stupid. What about you? What are you afraid of?<br />
<br />
I am learning that no matter what fear you face, the antidote is ACTION! <b>Take massive action toward the very thing you're afraid of</b>, and you will knock that fear giant right on its tail! I'm all in today!! How about you?Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-75414685105850809432012-04-17T09:27:00.001-04:002012-04-17T09:33:38.134-04:00Working While Resting?<div style="text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgkp1O2FhdkwKmyPJXTuE2_GgmWN2OAY-WlwuapuEzMIg8wKJxuFv_X5KFFrvbQlajq7V8KP0Kor7ofglnfp5SOt6DToxMW76_5wUf-9o0Hg43kSt0DjyWyxrIWhm6UYdY3qSZwImjRhB/s1600/Resting+in+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgkp1O2FhdkwKmyPJXTuE2_GgmWN2OAY-WlwuapuEzMIg8wKJxuFv_X5KFFrvbQlajq7V8KP0Kor7ofglnfp5SOt6DToxMW76_5wUf-9o0Hg43kSt0DjyWyxrIWhm6UYdY3qSZwImjRhB/s1600/Resting+in+God.jpg" /></a></div>
So, yesterday's post was all about allowing the Lord to build our "house"---our hopes, our dreams and our plans for the future. We all know either from firsthand experience or watching a TV show like, <i>Extreme Makeover: Home Edition</i>, that constructing a home takes T-I-M-E. Even on <i>Extreme Makeover</i>, with nearly a hundred construction workers, helpers, designers and the like, the process of constructing something from nothing takes time. Ponder this acrostic that I made up: <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> T <span style="font-size: small;">hings</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I <span style="font-size: small;">mprove</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> M <span style="font-size: small;">ost</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> E <span style="font-size: small;">ventually</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> See, no matter what you may be waiting for. <i>Things improve most eventually! </i>Ever heard of "bad grammar, good gospel?" Case in point. :-) Every thing that is of value takes TIME to grow. Someone told me a very encouraging story last night about the Chinese bamboo tree. I learned that it takes this tree on average 5 years to sprout! Think of the planter who waters and nurtures this plant for <i>5 years </i>without ever seeing<i> any </i>results! But by faith, he continues to water and nurture it day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year. Then in the fifth year, something amazing happens. That Chinese bamboo tree explodes out of the ground and grows up to 98 feet tall in ONE GROWING SEASON (4-5 months)!! That's huge . . . <i>literally</i>! Just think if that farmer said, "You know, I don't see anything happening, I may as well cut down this tree and choose another plant." It takes time to see results! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, what to do in the waiting? Well, there are two ways in which we can wait: passively or actively. The Bible is clear that "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:17). Yet works without faith is insanity! We need both. I love the book, <i>What to Expect When You're Expecting</i> (a must-have for soon-to-be mamas and daddies). I just love the title. <i>Expectation </i>is the exact posture we need to have while waiting for the promise. In our expectation, we rest, but we also work. Huh? Is it really possible to work while resting? You bet it is. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Right now, I am in a season of my life where I am believing God for BIG things. But, I'm not sitting around twiddling my thumbs hoping success will just fall on me! I'm planning my work and working my plan, and trusting God the whole way through to accomplish His plan in Him timing and in His way. <i>That</i>, friends, is active rest. I am not anxious, nor am I desperate. I <i>know </i>that in T-I-M-E, my answer will come and it will be a big, loud YES! </span></span><br />
<br />
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" (Proverbs 6:6). Notice the difference between the wise ant and the foolish sluggard. Being lazy, lethargic and not on purpose leads to folly, destruction and lost hope. The ants are busy accomplishing their task FOR A SEASON and then they rest all winter. You can't rest if you haven't worked! So, in whatever season of life this finds you, please allow me to encourage you to actively rest in God. Pray over your plans daily, being cognizant of <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">God's Master plan, then work your plan. And after you've done all you can (be that praying, worshiping, putting a plan of action together, making a phone call, etc.), REST!! God's got this. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br />
<i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philipians 4:6-7) </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-48808905015025777362012-04-16T09:05:00.000-04:002012-04-16T09:05:00.874-04:00Unless the Lord Builds A House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I used to struggle with one word more than any other word in the English language: <i>rest</i>. See, by nature, I am a "go-getter," a "doer" who like to make things happen. Last year, my husband was on military orders for a year and a half which caused him to be away from our family 5 days a week. During that time, I homeschooled 3 of my kids, went to school full-time, led a ministry of over 70 women at my church, finished writing my first book and let's see what else . . . chauffeured my very active children all around town to various sporting events and practices, volunteered at church and launched a business.<br />
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Whew! Even writing about it makes me nauseous now. How did I ever get <i>all</i> that accomplished?! Well, let me tell you, I am no Super Woman. I survived off of an average of 5 hours of sleep and, unfortunately, was very irritable most of the time (just ask my kids!). Living on the go-go-go is no way to live. Carrying the weight of the family on my shoulders caused me to be overwhelmed and out of fuel. I would run into the presence of God "real quick," get what I needed and rush back out. I wasn't resting, for sure.<br />
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As I look back over the last year and a half, I am so thankful for God's mercies that kept me sane! And I am so grateful now that He is teaching me how to rest in Him. Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds a house, the workers labor in vain (their work is wasted)." If your foundation is shaky, the whole house is subject to collapse.<br />
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I've had to go through my schedule and "weed out" some <i>good </i>activities that were not contributing to the greater goal of my life. I've had to say "no" to things I've really wanted to say "yes" to. I've had to rearrange my schedule so that my God comes first, my family second and then everything else has to fall in line. I will not compromise my priorities to try to get ahead.<br />
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This all leads me to wonder, "Do we really trust God with our lives?" Think about it. If you are running to and fro, chasing dreams and trying to make things happen on your own, what does it all profit anyway? I am learning how to rest--how to give God my plans while filtering them through His master plan. Remember, "unless the Lord builds a house . . ."<br />
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So, friend, REST! And watch for my next post which will contrast passive rest versus active rest.<br />
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So long for now! <br />
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<br />Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-37985999172481780962012-04-03T09:00:00.001-04:002012-04-03T09:00:02.295-04:00More of You<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dUMRqJCV9Q4?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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This song always makes me wanna cry as I picture the image of a loving Father hovering over the earth desperately seeking someone who will really love him through their lifestyle. "He wants it all today."<br />
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What idols are you willing to let go of today? Pride? Self-image? Fear? Rejection? Loneliness? Self-Dependence? Anger? Sex? Striving? I could go on and on. Today as I was worshiping, I literally bowed down and named the idol out loud that I was leaving at the feet of Jesus. They are horrible masters anyway!<br />
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All of me, Lord<br />
You deserve my best<br />
I don't need idols<br />
To give me rest<br />
I don't want anything<br />
But You<br />
Come Lord, Jesus<br />
I'm making room<br />
Empty and humble I come<br />
To receive the endless love of the Son<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More of You, today!!</span></span></i>Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-62905506301807141752012-03-27T10:04:00.000-04:002012-03-27T10:04:05.060-04:00Are You Neglecting Yourself?That is the question I had to answer yesterday. Sadly, my honest answer was "Yes." As a very busy wife and mother of four, a new business owner, writer, speaker, volunteer, friend . . . the list goes on, I spend large quantities of my day investing in others.<br />
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Now, don't get me wrong. It's what I've been created to do. I LOVE talking to a friend on the phone for an hour just to help her get a sense of peace. I LOVE pouring into the lives of the young moms I work with in my local MOPS group. I LOVE kissing my kids' cheeks and watching them play with wild abandon. I LOVE massaging my husband's back because he's been working all day, and I LOVE when a new story line or chapter presses me so that I have to run to my computer to type it out. <br />
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Giving is what we were created to do. Give love. Give joy. Give our time. Give, give, give. <b>Unfortunately, in this getting, we sometimes neglect ourselves.</b> Humans are complex beings. We are made up of body, soul and spirit. I love reading people's posts on Facebook about how they're running miles and miles in the early hours of the morning, or having "gym time." I enjoy reading how they've discovered a new, inspiring website or book. But what I don't see a lot of is a well-balanced approach in taking care of all three parts of ourselves.<br />
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For years, all I focused on was the spiritual. I was at every church event and prayer meeting and yelled at my kids when they would "interrupt my devotions . . ." I didn't exercise, had no career goals and didn't have much time for my friends. Now, I see how out of balance I was!<br />
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Today, I am making a concentrated effort to begin and end each day with God, but also in between to make sure I'm taking care of my physical, emotional, and yes vocational sides as well. If you're a household manager (because I hate the term "stay-at-home mom"), don't just run around chasing kids all day; contend to take care of your entire self. You owe it to yourself, and you'll be much happier for it.<br />
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So as you go throughout your day today, I pray you will, with me, focus on being a more balanced, peaceful you!<br />
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<br />Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-25856591168191243762012-03-26T17:56:00.000-04:002012-03-26T17:56:14.820-04:00Keep Dreamin'I dream just about every night. Some dreams are wild, crazy, unrealistic figments of my very active imagination that have me flying through outer space with sparkly wings eating a piece of banana cheesecake and squeezing my little son's cheeks with glee.<br />
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<i>What?</i> I know. I said "crazy . . . and active imagination." <br />
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But then there are other dreams that wake me up in a cold sweat, heart pounding, and I know . . . I've been in touch with destiny. <b>Purpose has been born</b>, and even if I don't always know the exact meaning of the dream, I <i>know </i>I'd better "wake up," be alert and pay attention . . . something's coming.<br />
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One of my favorite authors and speakers, Lisa Bevere, says, "God gives us visions (or dreams) to enlarge us." <b>No one gets anything big by dreaming small! </b><br />
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Think back to when you were a child. What did you want to be? Do? Go? More importantly, <i>WHO</i> did you want to be? I'm not talking about singing to Mariah Carey in the mirror and wanting to be her. I'm asking you to close your eyes and think back to what type of person you wanted to be. Were you strong, courageous, funny, loving, nurturing? Did you have a small army of children nestled at your feet while you read them goodnight stories or were you taking the corporate world by storm? What did your husband look like? Act like? How did your wife treat you? One thing I'll bet---you were happy, weren't you?<br />
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So what has happened to us? When did we stop dreaming? Why did we allow the naysayers and the "Debbie Downers" (think SNL) to tell us who we would be or what we would become? When did we believe the nonsense ourselves? <br />
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Today, I am asking God to reawaken the dreams in me. I believe He put them for a reason. And if I could look you in the eyes, I'd say the same to you, "Keep Dreamin.'" Because sometimes, dreams really do come true. Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-23513703706621983312012-02-13T10:09:00.003-05:002012-02-13T10:09:30.842-05:00Last Thoughts on Whitney Houston<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My heart sank as I read the text message a friend sent to me: "Did you hear the news about Whitney Houston?" I had a sick feeling in my stomach, and even before I grudgingly typed in "cnn.com," I already knew---she was dead. You don't understand, as a kid, I was the hugest Whitney fan. I knew every song of hers and would often record myself in our old tape recorder singing along to her tunes. She was such a picture of class and dignity, stirring my emotions as her heavenly voice echoed in my bedroom. I wanted to be like her when I grew up.<br />
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Fast forward several years, and now I'm in my mid-20's. Whitney's life is spinning out of control as most media outlets report scenes of wild parties and heavy drug use. I can't believe it! What happened to the classy, elegant Whitney I had grown up listening to? Her infamous Diane Sawyer interview airs and I watch her declare, "Crack is whack!" proving media reports to be true. <i>How could this be?</i> I wondered. <i>Why would a woman who has so much give it all up for . . . drugs? </i><br />
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I, thankfully, have never experienced the horrors of battling drug addiction, so I cannot speak from experience. However, I have faced enormous emotional pain, so thick I thought it would swallow me whole. I do know what it's like to feel like your life is totally out of control, and no matter what you do, you'll never win. I know what it's like to cry so hard there are no tears left. I think I can relate to the pain Whitney must have felt in her short life.<br />
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Which brings me to the point: Where do you turn when you have nothing left? When your heart is shattered and your life destroyed, when those you thought you could turn to turn out to betray you, when your hopes and dreams come crashing down, who can you go to? The difference between "Christians" and "those who know their God" (Daniel 11:32) is as different as Mother Teresa and Chelsea Handler. Many claim to be "Christians," but not many can truly say they KNOW God. I have learned in my own emotional struggles that God is so much more than just a religious figurehead or distant unknown. He is such a friend! I have learned to truly "cast all my cares on Him" and allowed Him to sustain me (Psalm 55:22).<br />
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Drugs, sex, money, power---none of it truly satisfies or brings the healing our hearts so desperately seek after. My prayer is that Whitney's life will serve to be a "life lesson" for those who struggle. There is a God who is waiting on you to cast your cares on Him and trust Him as he exchanges your pain for His peace, your shame for his grace, your life for his purpose. So, next time you need a "fix," will you try Him? I guarantee, you will not be disappointed.<br />
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<br />Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-28368476904380017812011-12-24T10:53:00.000-05:002011-12-24T10:53:09.696-05:00Rejected and Alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2XNUwss6vXlCoLmQ_sTgM-XimbUkBKwQ_-jLvcwhMX-zXDMn7UWtgXrQi4PnT3LS7CZqVN-pwTxxLC1ex-U4yn0EWxA6aZZ4jpV7Fjuiv91eExJZTVzJT6b8d0KDB5foALhS0MwCkdqk/s1600/bored+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2XNUwss6vXlCoLmQ_sTgM-XimbUkBKwQ_-jLvcwhMX-zXDMn7UWtgXrQi4PnT3LS7CZqVN-pwTxxLC1ex-U4yn0EWxA6aZZ4jpV7Fjuiv91eExJZTVzJT6b8d0KDB5foALhS0MwCkdqk/s320/bored+girl.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>Christmas can be a very difficult time for those who are alone or have lost someone they love. Feelings of abandonment, rejection and depression can easily seep in. A dear, divorced friend of mine whose children are now grown and distant, was sharing with me how this time of year can be exceptionally lonely. My heart goes out to all in this situation. I can't help but think of Jesus. "He was despised and rejected, a man of many sorrows and familiar with suffering" (Isaiah 53:3). Those closest to him walked away and betrayed him in his darkest hour.<br />
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What about you? Are you like my friend, feeling all alone this holiday season? If so, take comfort in knowing that Jesus can relate! I say, if you are feeling alone, <i>look up and look out.</i> <i>Look up</i> to Christ, and tell him what you're feeling. Don't worry, you're not complaining: you're just being honest with a God who loves you. How about playing some soft worship music to set the atmosphere of your home? Pandora has a huge selection.<br />
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Next,<i> look out</i>. Who can you bless this holiday season? Remember, not all blessings involve money. Who do you know that is alone? What about someone in a nursing home? We know they are often rejected and left alone day after day. How about that neighbor you barely know? I've learned that in order to get what you want, you've got to give what you've got. If you need love, give some. If you need friendship, be a friend. If you need peace, make some. As you begin to "look out," watch your own feelings of loneliness evaporate.<br />
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As we begin to take the focus off of our own need, and look after the needs of others, God is able to do his "magic" and fill our lives and hearts with love, peace and joy.<br />
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Merry Christmas to all of you, and especially those who feel rejected and alone!Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-57304706786808312922011-12-14T00:36:00.000-05:002011-12-14T00:36:54.944-05:00Fulfillment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwgTeUN4f_vY828_3gBIy6joTyOKEMBoLIiAyEQW3K58AayJ4wvCxp8yePAYct8l0Mbx03e9Pxw00SuPpisfUd0txU5FQXJzZW4qCIRYzyzeTFAUjFPHyorowtseCvlea2kV3ZRQ7GaEH/s1600/dreamstimefree_3032759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwgTeUN4f_vY828_3gBIy6joTyOKEMBoLIiAyEQW3K58AayJ4wvCxp8yePAYct8l0Mbx03e9Pxw00SuPpisfUd0txU5FQXJzZW4qCIRYzyzeTFAUjFPHyorowtseCvlea2kV3ZRQ7GaEH/s200/dreamstimefree_3032759.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Today was my mother's younger sister's funeral. All who knew my Aunt Marilyn loved her. I seriously doubt she had one enemy. Even her ex-husband's family and the family of her ex-daughter-in-law came to not only show their support, but to openly weep with those of us who wept. Sadly, sometimes it's only in death that the true life of someone really shines forth.<br />
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As I continue to reflect on the events of today, I realize that it is not in the lofty words we speak, the new ventures that come our way or even the pursuit of our own happiness that makes living life worthwhile. It's in the simple hug of a loved one we haven't seen in years, the easy banter between childhood friends reminiscing over memories of long ago and the simplistic knowing that we are right on target in where we should be in our lives.<br />
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Someone once said that "happiness is the highest human emotion." I'd like to offer another take. I say, "Living life fulfilled (whole and complete with a sense of joy and purpose--my definition) surpasses any human emotion! For happiness is a temporary fix induced by chance. Fulfillment is on a whole other level. It is a sense of wholeness in which happiness cannot compare <br />
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I suppose that's the beauty in the death of a believer. There is true fulfillment knowing you have touched the lives of others in a deep, profound way that will far outlive you.<br />
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So it's now up to you. What are you grappling after? pining over? regretting? Let today be a new day full of new dreams . . . not dreams of materialistic possessions or notoriety, but in finding your "sweet spot"--the place where you become fulfilled. Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-75679988612385743302011-06-21T23:18:00.000-04:002011-06-21T23:18:05.503-04:00Let There Be Light!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxeyWa2Rog9BOUj3dCkAZ5XqCSICNolrrSsaMYiTFhhx2Po7fhemv5uTTb7HlWo7aDMck5fxz456ustt98aGA7OKgMvMaSnUetR_ux9DdwVVMYYpZ_U77IaA73W90kn_WKScfyeaFveEy/s1600/Light+bulb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxeyWa2Rog9BOUj3dCkAZ5XqCSICNolrrSsaMYiTFhhx2Po7fhemv5uTTb7HlWo7aDMck5fxz456ustt98aGA7OKgMvMaSnUetR_ux9DdwVVMYYpZ_U77IaA73W90kn_WKScfyeaFveEy/s200/Light+bulb.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>It's something we all take for granted<br />
Something we rarely even think about<br />
It's something we barely even notice<br />
Until we have to go without <br />
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Without it, your food will spoil<br />
Your normal tasks become a toil<br />
In darkness you grasp at things<br />
You're hopeless without it's means<br />
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I could go on and on, but this is just a little "freestyle" intro to the surprise that awaited me when my family and I returned from my daughter's softball game this evening. Our house was nearly dark; all the lights were out. "What happened?" I exclaimed. "I <em>know</em> I paid that bill!" I called my neighbor who lives a few doors down, and interestingly, she still had power. I peered out of my window and noticed the street lights were still on, and the neighborhood pretty much looked undisturbed. <em>WITW? Am I the only one who was affected by this sudden outage?</em> I wondered.<br />
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After an immediate call to the power company, I settled in the family room with my children and some scented, lit candles, a flashlight and said a prayer. <em>Geesh, Lord, really? I have an assignment that is due tonight, and I really need my computer. Tonight of all nights, why did the power have to go out?</em> I thought to myself. <br />
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Not long after, the power company pulled onto my street with two oversized trucks and several workers. "They're here, they're here!" my four-year old cheered. He doesn't know much about lights and electricity or their functions, but he knew these guys looked like they could fix our problem. This got me to thinking about how many things we take for granted. I mean, who really appreciates having electricity until you don't have it? You go into the bedroom, flip the light on, never thinking to yourself, "What if this light doesn't come on." We <em>need</em> electricity. I mean, really, really need it. Thank God for the utility workers!<br />
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This brings me to my final thought (sorry, nothing profound this time!). How often do we take the time to appreciate the men and women who work tirelessly (in the middle of the night even) to ensure our comforts? As we watched out of a bedroom window the men working quickly and carefully, I thought of how they risk their lives every day so we can have light. My heart was tenderized to their sacrifice. So after they finished working (hey, I needed to make sure they did the job right!), I ran outside and yelled, "Thank you, thank you!" over the loud humdrum of their trucks. <br />
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A simple "You're welcome" was all they said. But I knew in my heart, they walked a little taller tonight knowing they had restored light to a family in need. So the next time you flip a switch, open a nice cold can of soda or take a hot shower, how about saying a little prayer of thanks for all the little things we take for granted. Let there be light! And there was light.Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-8107914514189032162011-06-15T11:03:00.000-04:002011-06-15T11:03:07.986-04:00Away From the NoiseMy, my, it's been a long time since I've blogged! My busy life and hectic schedule have been the main culprits, but there is also something else. I have allowed myself to be caught up in the busyness of life, straining for bits and pieces of quietness from the noise. I am a writer who needs total peace and quiet in order to let the creative juices flow from my head and through my fingers to the keys on my computer. With four kids and a dog, you can see how this can be somewhat impossible. <br />
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In my morning time with God today, however, I was reminded that quietness is not only good for my own personal writing time, but quietness is absolutely essential if we are to truly connect with God's Spirit and hear from Him. He speaks in a "still, small voice" (I Kings 19:12). <br />
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"When you approach me in stillness and trust, you are strengthened. You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen," writes Sarah Young of <em>Jesus Calling</em>. How true is that! In this life, we are constantly bombarded by noise! TV, radio, unwanted advertisements online, hollering children, airplanes flying overhead, phone calls, you name it. We have become so accustomed to the noise, that the stillness can be deafening, uncomfortable and irritable.<br />
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How clever the enemy is! If he can keep us distracted by the noise (and yes, even church can be a very noisy place), he can keep us from hearing the still, small voice of our Father. How about every morning, before we begin our day and before we lay our requests on God, we begin with a few minutes of simple silence. Concentrate on trying to hear His voice for He speaks to those who have <em>ears to hear</em>. <br />
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God bless you! I'm excited to hear what God has shared with you in your own quiet time.<br />
Dana CheDana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-77930346585269727732011-05-03T17:32:00.001-04:002011-05-03T17:34:09.543-04:00Corey's Ram in the Bush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpcVstBpIEV4kMrkyz8j2RN7GdLSkNgtfAjaxKV4fTK1BhKYFFnML1lQVLlFN5axarE6bSgQHUeS39r3yevvjJ2-MG9FNk2ymHXnx0q8y02QIjj-_qEZ2pY0T3k8-Zdo_rjOM3H69Mxv/s1600/toy+truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHpcVstBpIEV4kMrkyz8j2RN7GdLSkNgtfAjaxKV4fTK1BhKYFFnML1lQVLlFN5axarE6bSgQHUeS39r3yevvjJ2-MG9FNk2ymHXnx0q8y02QIjj-_qEZ2pY0T3k8-Zdo_rjOM3H69Mxv/s320/toy+truck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>How did I find myself driving 20 minutes out of my way <em>back</em> to the baseball field at 10:00 pm after my oldest son's baseball game? With four sleepy children in the car at that. Simple. My four year-old had left his toy truck on the field and was on the brink of a meltdown if I didn't drive back to get it. "Please, Mommy, please. I <em>need</em> it," his pitiful eyes watered as he begged. <br />
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So, imagine my dismay as I drove my four-wheel-drive through the sand on the baseball field looking for the green toy truck. The Coach had forgotten to turn out the field lights, so at least I had some light. As any good mother would do, I send my eleven year-old out for the search and recovery operation. To his utter annoyance, he looked and looked, near the trees and on the playground, on the field and in the grass, but the toy truck was nowhere to be found. <br />
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"I can't find it," he said shrugging his shoulders as he slumped back into his seat. <br />
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At this point, I was through. "Corey," I said, trying to keep my anger at bay. "It's late, Mommy's tired. Where was the last place you had your truck?" <br />
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"I don't know," his fat innocent face shone. "Maybe someone took it."<br />
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All sorts of thoughts went through my mind at that moment. None of them appropriate for a four year-old boy in mourning over the loss of one of his favorite toys. As I drove much too quickly away from the field, my nine-year old cries, "There it is! I see it! Look over there in that tree." <br />
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And sure enough, there it was indeed. The little green truck was safely tucked away in the branches of a tree in the parking lot. WITW? Immediately, the Old Testament story of Abraham lifting his eyes to the ram in the bush, realizing he would not have to sacrifice his beloved Isaac came to mind. God had provided the ram BEFORE Abraham ever saw it. That truck was in the tree the whole time! It just took a nine year-old with <em>eyes to see</em> the provision of the Lord. <br />
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I just love God. He's just that good. He cares about the little, intricate details of our lives--right down to a toy for a little boy. What are you searching for today? May I encourage you to open your eyes and look for the provision the Father has already provided for you.Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-54961438183134766832011-04-06T16:38:00.000-04:002011-04-06T16:38:58.396-04:00Stop, Look and ListenI try to write out of my own personal experiences with the Lord. Just today, as I curled up on my bed with my laptop and devotional book in hand, I was ready. Ready to hear from God. Soaking music was playing softly in the background and I was in position . . . postured for Him to speak. <br />
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After waiting a few minutes, I didn't hear anything. <em>C'mon, Jesus, speak.</em> I said to myself. I turned up the volume on my computer thinking I would usher His presence in a little quicker if my music were louder. Still nothing. I peeked out of one eye at the clock on the bottom of the screen. Six or seven minutes and two whole songs had gone by, yet I didn't hear the familiar calming voice in my spirit.<em> C'mon, Lord. I know you've got something to say,</em> I prayed. <br />
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And what I heard was: <strong>Wait.</strong> <em>Wait?</em> I thought. <em>I am waiting. I've been waiting. Now come on. </em>Is this as comical to you as it is to me now? Ahhhh . . . how often do we rush into the presence of God expecting him to dish out a word like our local barista dishes out our favorite latte on demand? <br />
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We struggle (at least I know I do!) with stopping from the ordinary, looking into the face of Christ and listening to what he has to say. Prayer isn't just us talking all the time. It's really a conversation. God speaks, we listen. We speak, He listens. Even still, it's difficult to cultivate a quiet spirit. <br />
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Listen. Just listen. The Father has so much to say. Are we <em>listening</em>? Not to our pastor's words, not to the television preacher and not even to the lyrics of a worship song, but to the still, small voice that is ever speaking to our souls. Can you hear Him? God is always talking, but we talk over Him so much that we fail to hear him. Isn't His voice enough for you?<br />
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You've gotten my attention, Lord. Today, I choose to stop, look and listen.Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-80337310576566225722011-03-21T16:44:00.000-04:002011-03-21T16:44:43.480-04:00Spring Will Come<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuVIX_KZCAa4AjDcIzpiiNTAvr67S5xQqp7Maa1fdTUhnG6tpVqqSHCyERUmcUF3KefLCIqDdxkK8VM7dMgQWStQow3Def8KSPnYT3jVEJTMZdcVa2aB0pE6VO-wWQHieDp-nBqmhCLAz/s1600/spring+flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuVIX_KZCAa4AjDcIzpiiNTAvr67S5xQqp7Maa1fdTUhnG6tpVqqSHCyERUmcUF3KefLCIqDdxkK8VM7dMgQWStQow3Def8KSPnYT3jVEJTMZdcVa2aB0pE6VO-wWQHieDp-nBqmhCLAz/s320/spring+flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Driving in the rain to my son's preschool this morning, I was again reminded that Spring is here. I can hardly believe it. It seems like only yesterday when my husband and I were braving below freezing temps to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. <br />
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This past winter was unusually harsh in Virginia Beach, where I live. Temps often dipped in the low twenties and snow fell on several different occasions. "I'm not used to this weather!" I often moaned. You see, I grew up here and can count on one hand the times we have had snow in my lifetime. I would open my closet door and long for the days when I could wear my strapless tank tops and flip flops again. <br />
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Now, all of the sudden, it seems, Spring has come. A few days ago, we were in the mid-eighties! I was lovin' it! Even with today's rain, temps hovered near 60. <em>It's true</em>, I said to myself. <em>Spring has come just like I knew it would. </em><br />
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That got me thinking. How often when we are in the midst of a crisis, an unforeseen occurrence or tragedy do we think, "I'm never going to recover from this" or "Will this ever end?" But, no matter how bleak your circumstances, the good news is Spring Will Come! It has to. Just like God has ordained the astronomical seasons, so He has ordained the seasons of your life. I love how <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ecclesiastes%203:1&version=CEV;NASB;MSG;AMP;NLT">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a> says, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." (NLT) Hear that? Everything has its appointed time or season. <br />
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I had been going through a difficult season in one of my relationships. No matter how hard I prayed or tried, nothing seemed to work. As a matter of fact, things only seemed to get worse. When I read Ecclesiastes 3:1, however, I was at peace. I knew that God was able to bring an end to that season of strife and misunderstanding. And He did. Now, that relationship has been restored. It's like it's raining love now! <br />
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All in God's time. Remember, Spring Will Come. Just wait for it. I know that's the hard part but no matter how much we push or pull, no matter whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow, it is destined that the seasons do change . . . in God's perfect timing.Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-25964870215237114432011-01-23T16:25:00.003-05:002011-01-24T14:23:24.273-05:00It's Like Being Born Again <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GoKScqlEZXhmeuxwa6vkXME4aErnjErqaD19KHKPfT8MsojzeIcR56poaDwS6ZXZkexnuOQZpkTnh5LNzScbp7Ml3fNH1v3W0egYxUAwgeQqsUA4NYPwMPJlRWdIw-YzbIDclTvMuKzt/s1600/blog+1-24-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GoKScqlEZXhmeuxwa6vkXME4aErnjErqaD19KHKPfT8MsojzeIcR56poaDwS6ZXZkexnuOQZpkTnh5LNzScbp7Ml3fNH1v3W0egYxUAwgeQqsUA4NYPwMPJlRWdIw-YzbIDclTvMuKzt/s320/blog+1-24-11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feels Like I'm Born Again</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
Ok, I have a confession. I don't watch the news. Too many fear-inducing stories. Instead I will scan Yahoo News from time to time. Today, I stumbled upon a news article on <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/kidnapped-carlina-white-solves-cold-case-reunites-parents/story?id=12712313&page=2">abc.com </a>about a girl named Carlina White who was abducted from a New York hospital in 1987. The story ends on a positive note with Carlina solving her own kidnapping and being reunited with her birth parents. <br />
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The thing that struck me about this story wasn't only the fact that this girl had been abducted from right underneath her parent's noses (that could've been my child!) but what she said at the reunion with her biological family: "I'm so happy. At the same time, it's a funny feeling because everything's brand new. It's like being born again," Carlina White told The Associated Press. <br />
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I began thinking of the Christian experience. Isn't that just like being born again into God's family? At first, when you realize your sins have been forgiven, you're as high as a kite, happy indeed. Then, you begin feeling "funny," or nervous. "Am I really okay with God now? Did he really forgive me?" "What are my friends and family gonna think about this?" Doubt may creep in. Memories of your past may flash through your mind. Everything is brand new... and can be somewhat scary. But, you feel like a different person. You don't look at people or situations the same. You've been made new and it's a great feeling!<br />
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Jason Gray sums it up so well in his song, <a href="http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=7GLGPGNX">"I Am New." </a><br />
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If you have been born again, enjoy the experience. If you are "pre-born-again," (not yet a Christian) jump in, the water's great!<br />
<br />
Follow me on Twitter @dana_che.<br />
Find me on Facebook at Dana Che.<br />
www.danache.comDana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-17201925108319043832011-01-10T17:11:00.000-05:002011-01-10T17:11:49.864-05:00Setback or Setup? Submitting to God's Plan for Your LifeWhen I was sixteen and a senior in high school, I had my whole life planned out. I KNEW that I would graduate high school 2 days after my 17th birthday. I KNEW I would graduate college just before my 21st birthday. I KNEW I would go on to become a child psychologist, though I could barely stomach the idea of going to school for another four years after undergrad. And I KNEW I would be married by 27 to a loving husband and have 4 kids...3 boys and a girl. I KNEW all this because I had my whole life planned out.<br />
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Okay, maybe I'd be married by 28, what's a year here or there? I laugh now at my presumptuous and strict timeline. Who was driving my life anyway? Well, if you had asked me, of course I would have said God was, but in reality, I was. I was making my own seemingly good choices and asking God to bless them...after the fact. Boy, did that get me into trouble.<br />
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Not only did I not graduate college at 20, but I gave up my aspirations to become a child psychologist after my first semester. I just couldn't do 8 years of school! I got married at 18 with a 6 week old baby to boot. I worked for a large national insurance company for a while before eventually finding fulfillment at a small non-profit. Three additional kids later (yes, I did actually have 3 boys and a girl!), I find myself pursuing my true love...writing. <br />
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Writing was something I always dreamt I would do...later. Perhaps after I had worked as a psychologist for a few years, I thought maybe I'd write a textbook or something. Or, maybe after I had raised my children, I would write a novel. <br />
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But God had another plan. Romans 8:28 reminds, "All things <u>work together</u> for good for those who love God and are called according to his purposes." <br />
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Sometimes our setbacks can be blessings in disguise, setups even. You see, after recommitting my life to Christ in my early twenties and giving God full control, I began to see Him working his plan in my life in the most unexpected ways. God has truly blown my mind with the way he works things out for my good. I have been given vocational opportunities that I was way unqualified for, strategic connections I could have never made on my own and a fulfilling life's purpose. <br />
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I couldn't have planned my life better if I had tried! So, maybe instead of beating yourself up at your setbacks, LOOK UP! God just might be setting you up to experience your life's greatest mission. <br />
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Follow me on Twitter @dana_che.<br />
Find me on Facebook at Dana Che.<br />
www.danache.com.Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-1617785785483317742011-01-07T15:54:00.000-05:002011-01-07T15:54:27.964-05:00New Year...New You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGJRWjdGhtwWmCTb_1IdCtjkbSkCZDHLdUnYtOmxijBXllhpg4el2P4zCli0NOHzjNrOCMLhqMKiRGd2n04olxlV6B7iHv05-nL6O9gisMumH2RFTxBRQbLgAWbVFwqGYWj3iJUzOJtKr/s1600/success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGJRWjdGhtwWmCTb_1IdCtjkbSkCZDHLdUnYtOmxijBXllhpg4el2P4zCli0NOHzjNrOCMLhqMKiRGd2n04olxlV6B7iHv05-nL6O9gisMumH2RFTxBRQbLgAWbVFwqGYWj3iJUzOJtKr/s320/success.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Okay, I know I'm a little late but Happy New Year and welcome to a new you! Some scorn New Year's resolutions believing them to be a set up for failure. Others are just too pessimistic to believe for change. Still, others prefer to call them "goals." Whichever terminology you use, I am always in favor of folks taking any opportunity to improve themselves, self included. <br />
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Every New Year is a time for us to reflect upon last year's mistakes and successes. Someone once said, "If you aren't making mistakes, you aren't trying." I concur. Think about the goals you made for 2010. Were you successful in completing them? I used to beat myself up about not finishing what I had started. It's one of my own pet peves. Then, I had an ephiphany: whatever progress I made was indeed progress! I hadn't "failed" at completing something, I had succeeded in beginning it in the first place. <br />
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So many times it's easy for us to be down on ourselves, always striving, without taking a look at what we actually <i>have</i> accomplished. So what if you didn't lose all 20 pounds you set out to lose. What <i>did</i> you do? You lost 5? Great! You joined a gym? Fantastic. Keep up the good work. The Bible says, "Steady plodding brings prosperity," Proverbs 21 :5a TLB. Little by little, day by day, moment by moment and before you know it, those dreams and goals have materialized in their entirety. Sure, there may be times when we need to refocus, recharge or recommit ourselves, but keep the long term goal in mind. You will make it if you continue to try. <br />
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Allow 2011 to introduce you to an all new you. Let this be your year to see those resolutions flourish. <br />
<br />
Follow me on Twitter @dana_che. <br />
Find me on Facebook at Dana Che. <br />
www.danache.comDana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-16479966756110657122010-01-21T09:24:00.000-05:002010-01-21T09:24:09.327-05:00Risky RiskyToday, I took a risk<br />
I've dreamt this dream a long while<br />
I've flirted with it<br />
Took a baby step here<br />
A baby step there<br />
But today I took the plunge<br />
Only God knows where He'll take me<br />
But come what may<br />
I can finally say<br />
I made a dream a reality<br />
And stepped into the unknown<br />
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Is there something you have been dreaming about? Longing to do? <br />
If so, what's keeping you from "stepping out there"?Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5514028080956460094.post-8872630862794199242010-01-06T23:00:00.000-05:002010-01-06T23:15:02.262-05:00Raining Joy<div>Tonight, for the first time in a long time, I cried. But these were no ordinary tears. It feels so good to cry tears of joy instead of tears of shame or pain. I am overwhelmed at God's amazing love and how He shows me it in the smallest of ways. I can't stand in His presence...my knees are weak. Yet here I am, totally captivated by His sweet mercies and caught up in his loving embrace. </div>
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<br /><div>I truly can't imagine living my life without Him. From the outside, some may wonder why I'm so grateful. My bills aren't all paid, my relationships aren't always right, and my kids make me want to hide in my closet at times. But when I reflect over this time, this season, right now, I know I am exactly where I should be. His grace overwhelms me.</div>
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<br /><div>What about you? When's the last time you cried? Were they tears of joy or pain? Heartache or shame? Confusion? Loss? My hope for you is that your tears will turn into tears of joy...raining joy and you, like me, will become captivated by the One who loves you so. </div>Dana Chehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09515857575611776318noreply@blogger.com4