Me?

God how could you love me? How could you use me in Your plans and purposes?

"...We forget Noah was a drunk. Joseph was abused. David had an affair and then had the other husband killed. Martha worried about everything. Lazarus died. Moses murdered a man, stuttered and questioned God. Abraham thought he was too old. Isaac was a day-dreamer. Jacob was a liar. Gideon was afraid. Zacchaeus had low self-esteem because he was too short. Samson was a womanizer. Rahab was a prostitute. Jeremiah and Timothy thought they were too young. Elijah was suicidal. Jonah ran from God. Naomi was a widow. Job went bankrupt. Peter denied Christ not just once but three times. Several of the disciples were good ‘ol boys, fishermen. The disciples fell asleep while Christ was praying...." John from The Bridge.

"For God so loved the world..."
"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us..."

For me?

"For I know the plans I have for you..."

Plans for this sinner?

"Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you."

He cares?

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Did He say ALL? Even Noah? David? Surely not Rahab? Me? Yes...He said ALL...

ALL...come to Me, I love you and I will give you rest!

Yes, even you:)

Why Harold?

Does anyone remember the book Harold and the Purple Crayon from their childhood? It was by far my favorite book and besides Heidi, the only other book I even remember treasuring. I love that Harold has a blank slate to work with and he has the ability and responsibility to create his future reality. His path isn't marred by his past but he keeps his eyes forward, striving toward new adventure. There was something very safe about having the crayon that outlined the future. When he encountered fearful situations he used his crayon and creativity to find a safe solution. He did have the moon...he followed the moon because it helped him find the way home.

I walk each day upon a blank, clean slate because His mercies are new each morning...I am forgiven and walk with His righteousness upon me. Not matter what the day brings I co-create with God, a safe and creative solution for each circumstance. I walk with a purple crayon! I always know the way...the Way. As Harold kept his eye upon the moon for direction, I keep my eye on the Father and His plans and purposes for me. I talk to Him daily about direction and am reminded daily that He loves me and will faithfully guide my steps.

When I was beginning my own recovery from sexual abuse I started reading the book, Courage to Heal. At the time, I didn't realize my choice...but I picked up a purple colored pencil as I read through the book and used it to highlight passages. After a few years into recovery and feeling blessed with the progress of my journey, it hit me...the purple crayon got me through the toughest experience of my life! Every page of that book had purple markings leading me closer to healing and a safe path home. Thank you Harold for inspiring me to press forward into the path, knowing I will find the way home. Thank You God for showing me the way home!

Never alone

Ok there are just a few songs that make me sing at the top of my lungs with complete abandon. Here's one! I ran across the song Never Alone by Barlow Girls on GodTube today and did my thing...loud and off key. The words of this song resonate with my faith in God when we cry out to Him in need. We've all been there...in the pit, in a stronghold, tethered to behaviors that bind us. What is going to save? Or maybe the question is Who?

And though I cannot see You
And I can't explain why
Such a deep, deep reassurance
You've placed in my life
We cannot separate
Cause You're part of me
And though You're invisible
I'll trust the unseen

I can say with abandon...with the same passion I sing (actually screech) out this song...I trust the unseen with my life, with my yesterdays, my todays and my tomorrows, I trust His goodness, His faithfulness, His love, His mercy, His power, His unbelievable passion to draw near to His children...to me! I trust He will always extend His hand to pull me out of the pit!

For extra credit...After you listen to this song/video, do some singing and dancing to Shackles.

Firsts are the best!

I love starting something new...the first always brings hope and vision for things to come. This is the first post on a new blog meant to reach out to the glorious women I have met on their journey of healing from and victory over eating disorders. And I mean glorious! It has been such a privilege to companion with courageous women as they face the toughest season of their lives. For some, I'm a Chaplain during the initial recovery phase, for others I'm a fellow Christ-follower at Community Christian Church and for others, hopefully, a friend. My prayer is that this site will be informative, spiritual and a means of connecting. Let me know how this site can best meet your needs.