Longing.

What does it mean to miss someone? Some of us say the phrase more often than others, but I believe these 3 little words have more meaning than we think.


Lately I have been saying "I miss..." You name it, old friends, family, current friends, and even family members I have never even met! What makes us miss people? Them not being there with us, not talking to that person, or not seeing that person? I, personally don't believe missing someone is about how long it has been since you have seen someone or the amount of time it has been since talking to them, rather it's about that moment when you are doing something and wishing they were right there with you. We miss people because things would be better if they were with us in that moment. We miss people because they, in some way, have made an impact on our lives. For instance, my grandfather was a police officer and died on the job. I never got to meet my grandpa, but I wish I could have because he was a man of honor. He sacrificed himself for others, and left a legacy for my father and then to me. In some strange way I miss my grandpa, because he has impacted my life, I respect him for what he did. I long for time spent with him where he would have imparted wisdom and virtues with me. Missing someone is more than not spending time with someone, rather wanting that person with you.


The funny thing is that no one can preclude from missing someone, it just happens. If you are missing someone, contact them if you can and if not, cherish the memories you had with them.

{Chelsea}

A "New Way" of Being The "New Kid"

If you have ever been a "new kid", whether it be at school, youth group, sport clubs or anything in between, you know it's not easy. Why? It doesn't have to be scary, or difficult, but for some reason, being the "new kid" has become a terrifying thing.

For the majority of people, when they are put in a situation where they do not know other people or a situation at hand, or even what they day may hold, they tend to not be ourselves. Why? Is it because we are afraid of being judged? Afraid of people not liking us? Or simply because we like to be in control of every situation? Why are we all so intimidated? Intimidated by the people around us, intimidated by people who are just like you. Everyone at some point will be the "new kid". With that in mind, why is it so hard for us to welcome someone new? To smile, introduce yourself, and find ways to relate to that person. I believe it would be easier on everyone if we could simply be friendly. Wouldn't it be easier if we could incur grace on one another? We, as humans all have at least one thing in common, that is imperfection. We are all going to fail, to say something wrong, or to say something that embarrasses ourselves. Why? Because we are all imperfect, we were made that way, so why can't we except each others imperfections?

If you are a "new kid", be yourself. Don't be afraid of people judging you, because in some way those people are just like you. If you see a "new kid", go talk to them. Make them feel comfortable and smile! Extend grace on them and realize that you (if you haven't already) will someday be in their position.

{Chelsea}

The Gift of Life

Gifts. Not a gift that you receive for your birthday or Christmas. Not spiritual gifts that one can receive, but the gift of life. As we eat, go to the places we need to go, interact with people, and simply live our lives, we rarely think about what a gift we have been given.

Take a moment and think about your life, the simplicities and the complexities. The simplicity of eating food to the complexity of trials that we all go through. How many times during your day do you think about your next breath, or the fact that you have food, or simply that you are alive? I think we need to recognize the little things, the things in life that have the most impact, the ones that create memories, and the ones that shape our life. Take time to slow down and realize all that you have. How many times in your day do you complain about not having something, that is not superfluous in your everyday life, when some people do not know if they will even have breakfast. You have numerous times in your day, to not only be thankful for your life, but to recognize the little gifts that make it up. The gift of clothes, the gift of your next breath, the gift of the people in your life, and even the gift of the trials that shape us into the people that God intended us to be.

If I can leave you with one thing, it's this: slow down. You live your life and it's gone before you know it. Make the most of everything. Enjoy the little things, the simple things, in life and you will be a happier person.

{Chelsea}

The Act of Love

Lately I have been thinking about love. Not romantic love or the feeling when you say "I love you" but the kind of love that has the ability to change a moment, a day, or perhaps a life.

Maybe instead of thinking of love as a feeling, we should think of it as an action, a choice, or an opportunity. Think about all the moments God has given you, the good ones, the bad ones, and the everyday ones. Now, think about the times when you could have loved, the times when you could have been a little nicer, the times when you could have done something for someone without complaining, and the times when you could have been a fruit loop in a world of cheerios. Opportunities to love surround you whether you know or not. When you take those opportunities, time seems to stop to a place where memories are made and something ugly can be turned into beauty. I believe this has something to do with the fact that God is love and we are made in His image. What about Daisy Love, an 8 year old girl who fought cancer for 3 years, and passed away 2 weeks ago. If Daisy knew one thing, it was love, how to love, when to love, and who to love. Love was her middle name, literally. Daisy never missed an opportunity to love, to love her family even when she was in agonizing pain voicing her needs without ever being rude. To love people in her life who were going through trials that paled in comparison to hers and always asking if she could pray for them, and to love people she met as she lived her short, but very impact full life. Do not think for one minute that you are not capable of showing the action of love.

The next time you are in a situation where you just don't feel like you want to love, think about Daisy and how this lovely little girl showed love to everyone through her pain.

{Chelsea}