Weekend Recap... (a little late!)

I had the privilege of going to Women of Faith in Columbus with my mom and my best friend from high school, Jamie. Mom came up Thursday morning, and we hit the road bright and early Friday. I really wanted to say "bye-bye" to Isaac before we left; however, he was still asleep. Any mother out there knows you never wake a toddler unless it's a serious emergency! We looked forward to this trip for a few months, and it did not disappoint.

My favorite part of the conference was hearing Steven Curtis Chapman. He played Friday evening to round out the night. I wonder if there was even one dry eye in the building. Mom, Jamie, and I knew he was speaking, so we armed ourselves with plenty of tissues. This man has a heart of an angel; he is truly a light to the world. After everything the Chapman family has gone through this year, his faith is unshakable. During his worship time, he briefly shared the story of Maria Sue and how the Body of Christ carried his family through this tragedy. Shortly after Maria's going to meet her Maker, Steven thought he could never play Cinderella at his concerts. Even if he could get through it, he knew it would be too difficult for the audience. His wife said he had to sing this song. I'm sure thankful he did! We know Maria is at the ball with her Prince. Jesus searched for her, and the shoe perfectly fits! One day Steven will dance with Maria Sue, and he made sure to let us know we are all invited to the ball! I hope you'll join!

The speakers and other artists included Sheila Walsh, Sandy Patti, Patsy Clairmont, Mandisa, Steve Arterburn (founder of Women of Faith), Lisa Whelchel, Meriln Meberg (such a funny woman!) and Allison Allen. Every person shared a story about his or her life and what God has done to bring him or her to a place of rest and peace. Each speaker made us laugh and cry. The weekend was filled with insightful teaching coupled with the humility we should have before the Lord.

Most importantly, I got to spend this time with Mom and Jamie. My mom is my hero of all time. She is the most generous person I know. Mom does all she can to help those around her in every possible way. She gives her time and resources to help others be glad in God. I admire my mom's faith in the Lord. In all she has gone through in her life, I've seen her triumph in victory because of the cross of Christ. She knows what it means to have and to lose. She knows highs and lows. She has hurt deeply and loved powerfully. She is my mom, and I love her!

And, Jamie... Wow! She is the sweetest person I know. Jamie has always had a caring heart and gentle spirit. She accepted Christ a year or so before I did and witnessed to me about His love and grace. I remember her talking to me about knowing Jesus personally and choosing to follow Him and be baptized. She was such a dear friend to me even while I was in darkness. We come from very similar backgrounds, and I know Jamie understands me and loves me. I'm glad we were able to spend the weekend together. As a mom of two little ones three and under, Jamie was ready for a break! Although we both missed our children, we rejoiced knowing they were well cared for and that we had time to catch up with each other.

Thank you, Mom and Jamie, for a wonderfully encouraging weekend!

Excerpt on Murmuring

We may not be responsible for everything that happens in others' lives, but we will be held accountable for the impression they perceive regarding Christ because of our presentation of Him. We must make sure that we are spending the quality time with the Lord that rectifies our attitudes and restores our confidence in the sufficiency of Him. Then those within listening distance will not hear the typical tones of dissatisfaction that accompany a worldly relationship. Rather, they will be astounded by the sound of romance that reflects the relationship that swept us off our feet when we first fell in love with Jesus.

* Excerpt taken from Devotionary by pastor Boy Coy

Updates from the Nelms' Neighborhood

I realize it's been a few weeks since my last post. It's not that I don't love you all - I really do! I haven't been feeling great lately. I had a couple of doctor appointments just to make sure everything is okay. Sometimes it's easy for me to assume any ailment is due to having Crohn's disease. I felt fatigued and queasy almost every morning over the past month. I scheduled a general physical with my family doctor just in case something was going on not related to Crohn's. He asked me lots of questions and did some lab work. Everything came back normal except my white blood count was low, but that's because of the medication I take. Now, I can relax knowing I'm not a walking health problem. If only I could kick the Crohn's to the curb, right?! I wholeheartedly believe Jesus will heal my body permanently when I see Him in glory. For now though, He has graced me with His love and strength to walk through these challenges.

And... a while back my G.I. doctor switched my medication, so I'm almost certain that was part, if not all, of the problem. I feel much better now, and I'm taking my medication in the morning instead of bedtime. Matt thought it might absorb better during the day. I think it's making all the difference! What an intelligent and keen husband I have!

All that said (or typed!) to let you know we're all doing well. Here are some of the things we rejoice over and have been doing lately:

* went to the Columbus Zoo.... good times
* enjoyed Matt's week-long spring break from AFIT
* just ordered my Esther book for the study Kate and I are beginning
* happy (for now) to report I'm not pregnant (maybe next year!)
* Easter egg hunt at First Christian with Mom, Isaac, Haven, Cale, and Matt
* Mom came up a few weeks ago and blessed me with an early birthday gift - Keurig coffee pot!
* dinner with Mom, Sean, Casey, Matt, and Isaac at Sakai in Troy
* coffee with the aforementioned at Night Sky
* singing songs and dancing around the house with Matt and Isaac
* nice walks outside
* Isaac's growth and development and overall health
* great sale prices at the grocery store
* sleeping in a little more when I wasn't feeling well (HUGE praise)
* Easter egg hunt in Waverly last weekend
* watching Matt clean up our yard today
* laughing when Isaac plays in his crib just talking to himself when he should be napping!
* journeying through the gospels with our house church
* Isaac knowing pretty much all of his books verbatim, counting to ten, and saying the ABC's!
* hosted Easter dinner at our house for Matt's side of the family
* love, love, love hearing Isaac say all sorts of words... even saying "no" is quite funny!
* heading to Columbus for Women of Faith with Mom and Jamie (best friend from high school) next weekend
* date nights with Matt and free childcare for Isaac (We love you Grandma Linda and Grandpa Chuck!)
* girl's night out last night at Grandma Bobby's
* watching Isaac take a serious interest in cars, trucks and "airpanes"
* our family and friends who love us despite our quirks
* time spent with my house church ladies. gotta love coffee cake, quiche, and bacon!
* the feeling I get when Isaac wants to read "Day Day" (Day by Day Bible devotional)
* women's retreat at Apex in a couple of weeks
* the sunshine!
* the sweetest, most caring husband I could have EVER asked for and a very precious and loving child
* knowing God's love for us NEVER fails.... that is what gives me hope to live this life!

Proverbs 3

This morning I read through Proverbs 3. Many of the verses struck a chord within my heart; I thought I'd share some of them with you. This book of wisdom and understanding is a reminder of what I need every day.

My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

Proverbs 3: 1-18 (NKJV)