I’ve been updating elsewhere such as Believe in Grace and Sufficient Graceand have started aNutrisystem diet blog. Hang in there, readers… I will figure this out soon.
January 21, 2008
December 13, 2007
You Should Know By Now
As I prepare for meeting with my friend/mentor this morning to review what has transpired over the past several weeks of sabbatical, I feel God speaking to my heart in undeniable ways.
Yesterday, I heard some hurtful comments from people from my office questioning the reality of my depression, which is ironic considering they are mental health counselors. As I emotionally exclaimed to a friend-fellow counselor, they should know me by now- it hurts that they believe I would just bail out for no reason! Our history together should tell them I am a responsible, hardworking therapist!
Knowing they doubt my intentions makes it so much harder to return. I want to throw up my hands in defeat.
But then I review my writing the past weeks, how God made miracles happen, saving me emotionally, physically, and financially. He knows where I am. God knows the validity of my depression, and that is the only thing that matters. Other’s view of me does not matter. It hurts deeply, yet I will give my pain to Him.
Finally, my words were spoken back to me from the Lord, piercing my heart as he reminds me of our history together, Him and me. You should know me by now, Shelly. Even my provision the past month should show you my character, and tell you who I am. Trust me, Ask me, Believe me!
December 1, 2007
Joel Osteen
That’s it – I am making a hair appointment first thing Monday morning! I look like an indigent here. Anyway, we had a blast. The whole thing was so “God” the way it happened, i.e. Amanda did not receive my email before she interviewed Joel… I had emailed asking if this one time, could I ‘use her celebrity status’ (in so many words) and her get me tickets to see Joel. She didn’t even know I wanted to go! She was talking with Joel’s brother-in-law and said she doesn’t know why but she started talking about me… She said she has a friend who wanted to go to the show but it was sold out. She said she doesn’t know why but she mentioned I have Cerebral Palsy and the guy said, “Do you know Joel’s sister was born with C.P.?” Ta-da…one thing led to another and he told Amanda he’d give her tickets and get us backstage *which Amanda did not tell me that part! I didn’t know until the very end when a lady came up to Amanda and started whispering. Amanda leaned over to me and said, “okay, Shelly… Get ready, you are going to meet Joel.” I looked at the girl beside me (who was with Amanda earlier) and she smiled, telling me it was all planned out. We had to casually walk up to the side because they didn’t want other people coming back. As we stood there while Joel walked off the stage, he shook a couple hands, then came to me and excitedly said, “Hi! Nice to meet you! Let’s go in the back so we can talk…” WHAT?? Even Amanda said she doesn’t know how he knew to come to me. Anyway, only a handful of non-staff went back with him and his family. (Amanda and I both love his mom… She’s adorable!) Victoria told me about her son’s iPhone (was so funny), then Joel talked with us a bit. Amanda (so cute) tried marketing me to him, saying how I inspire her and I am an artist and writer… Very humbling that she turned the attention to me. Joel told me to “Go For It!!” (writing career)… I said, “God talks to me all the time!” and Joel responded, “He has a lot to say!” I loved that response. Then (Amanda liked this part) Joel signed my book (rather HIS book) and asked how to spell my name, and I told him then asked him to put “to my best friend” which he did! As Amanda said a few times through the night, “God REALLY loves you!” No doubt.
