30 Years of Grace

On the night of my 30th Birthday my good friend (and former roommate) and I sat in her car talking for about an hour. We talked about God and all the things He is teaching us right now, we listened to Justin McRoberts' Untitled EP and silently tuned into his lyrics, we talked about friends and boys, and ended the night in prayer. It was so sweet! Anyway, one of the things she said in her prayer that really struck me was this, "Thank You God for giving Chela 30 years of grace." Wow. It's so true! Even during my 22 years of lostness, His common grace was at work. What a lover! He pursued me hard, and He captured me with His sweet words.

There is truly nothing like being a part of God's family. "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting" (Psalm 118:1). Not only has He blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies and given me everything pertaining to life and godliness, but He has given me a wonderful and loving family, solid friends, a roof over my head in the home of an amazing God-fearing woman (what an example of sacrificial service to others she has been!), a very fun and sweet other roommate, health, money to pay my bills, a car to get to work in, an awesome church, and for Pastor John MacArthur, whose teaching has benefitted me for eternity. I have learned so much not only from Pastor MacArthur's faithful teaching of the Scriptures, but from other Pastors too like Rick Holland, Phil Johnson, and Don Green. Also from shepherd's from old Bible Studies and their wives (Justin & Jana Erickson, Phil & Jamie Layton, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" (James 1:17).

The latest on my family is this, my brother Joey has been released from the placement camp type school he was in after a year of being there (praise the Lord-it's an answer to prayer), but now we need the Lord's wisdom to know where to go from here. Mom and dad are divorced and experiencing financial problems like never before. This has put a strain on all of us. We're praying for their salvation, along with my brother's who would write my job here at Grace to You asking for us to pray for his salvation. Two young cousins of mine Christian and Juan (both 15 years old I believe) were hit by a car. It was a hit and run accident, and the man who did it is still at large. They survived, but one of them (Juan) sustained brain injuries. He is currently hospitalized, and after being unconscious for over two weeks has finally opened his eyes. Pray for their salvation. It's my dad's side of the family and they're all Catholic.

Pray for my sisters and I to be a consistent testimony of God's love to them and even have opportunities to share with them. During the last visit we paid Juan, one of my aunts asked me to pray for his recovery and for the families involved - this came from my aunt, the "Super-Catholic." It was a privilege, and we just prayed that God would help my cousin recover quickly that he may have an opportunity to hear and understand the gospel, and perhaps if God be willing, even respond in true repentance and faith in Christ. (sigh) I've also prayed for the man who did it. I can't imagine what must be going through his mind right now. But God knows and He is the righteous Judge, I leave him in His hands wherever he is.

Man, I don't know how people do it without the Lord! He is my refuge and strength, my very present help in trouble. I'm going to hide myself in Him. I'm praying that I'd swim in His Word consistently so that I may establish a habit while still single, that will last until I take my last breath on earth. I can't wait for the voice that will say, "Come awake from sleep, and rise! Your were dead, you've come alive. Wake up, wake up, open your eyes; Climb from your grave into delight." ~David Crowder Band Come Awake A Collision or (3+4=7)

To all my friends: HEBREWS 12:1-2