The new Church Lady

This is real love (1John 4:10)


 Recently several friends re-posted a Blog to me from PearlsandGrace.blog because the blogger mentioned "the new church lady". Since I wrote a book titled- Church Lady-Freed To be a Woman of God; they thought I'd like to read it, and I'm so glad I did.


It’s exciting for others to be talking about the church lady. When this happens I see it as a confirmation from my heavenly Father that I'm on the right track of what He wants me to communicate. The blogger asked the question- “Do you feel that Christians are known more for what they stand against or what they stand for?” Interesting question! This could lead into a great round table discussion or....blog conversation, no doubt.


The bloggers story could be included in the pages of Church Lady. She talks about the morning she walked into the church "unwed single mama raising a baby on about $6.00 an hour and no support of any kind", and was judged.
As my friend Max Lucado says, "Isn't it good to know that when we don't love with a perfect love, God does."


In my book, transparent stories unveil the real hurts, of real church ladies, who've been trying to act like they have it all together, when really they don't. Surely you too have judged others. It’s such an ugly characteristic, don’t you agree? Praise God, He’s still working on me, to make me what I ought to be!




Eye’s Like His


Although my optometrist told me that I had 20/20 vision, I was in real need of an adjustment. I was seeing with human eyes when what I needed was eye's like His. The Great Physician got me still enough, for long enough, to adjust my heart, which adjusted my eyes. Then The Lord sent me on a journey where I began to recognize my flaws, my judgmental ways, and religious pride. For some reason, (remember we are born with a sin nature and that's why we need Jesus), I think women feel the need to appear that they have it all together no matter what hurt they may be facing out in the “real world”. So they (we) act like they (we) are happy and content, have good children, beautiful homes, great marriages, a content happy single life, etc... There is freedom found when we are REAL. Guess what? People like REAL! So instead of trying to change everyone else, ask your heavenly Father to adjust your vision. I highly recommend it! Seeing others through eye's like His...Wow! It changes the way we see ourselves and others.


The reality is that Christians often expect people who do not know God to act godly- to uphold the standards that we strive to.  (1 John 1:5-7) God is light and no shadow of darkness can exist in him. We've been called out of darkness, into the light. (1 Peter 2:9) Those still walking in the darkness cannot see.


We are called to love-everyone!


"Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.” -Romans 12:9




The church building is a place of worship where we come together to honor and adore Him, hear and study The Word of God (the Bible), all while surrounded by the love of Christ that flows from the people; children of God. 


The church is nothing without the people. Let’s desire to become the light in the darkness, the help to the hurting, the hand to the hopeless, the hug to the lonely, and the friend to the friendless. Let’s remember not to just teach the Good News of Jesus Christ but to live it outside the walls of the building so others will want to come and see.


A sample prayer if you’d like to pray with me.


Father forgive us, your followers, your daughters; church ladies- when we reflect self instead of being a reflection of You. Help us remember that no one is perfect, not even one (that means not even me!). Help us to love others with a genuine love.  Lord, I am thankful for the many beautiful, (inside and out) Church Ladies who have reflected your love; who’ve been godly examples of a church lady. Lord, continue to adjust our human vision. That in each moment You would give us grace to see, a heart that’s open, and a joy that not only brings new light to our own eyes, but that spreads like fire to those around us. Oh Lord, give me Your eyes-agape eyes. Amen.


 


“See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children, and we really are! -1John 3:1


“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other, let us really show it by our actions.”
 -1John 3: 18


“God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him, this is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.” 1John 4:11,12

On Valentine’s Day and every day, never pass up an opportunity to tell someone that you love them.

May you be filled with much love today and always, because you know the One who is LOVE.
Love in Christ, Chandra

 Redefining the modern day Church Lady, Peele challenges her reader to embrace her calling to take the church into the world. Admitting none of us have it all together (although we try real hard to act like we do), Chandra challenges us to reflect the love and beauty of Christ in spite of our circumstances; the good, the bad and the ugly. Who is the Church Lady? Take a look in the mirror-YOU woman of God, are the Church Lady!  

“Church Lady or un-churched lady, you will be blessed as Chandra shares what God has shown her, taught her, and done in her. As you read, you will feel like she is your best friend taking you on a great road trip. This trip will be insightful as you see yourself in the Church Lady. So, sit back and relax with your favorite travel mug, and enjoy the journey of- The Church Lady. “ –Denalyn Lucado

 

Chandra Peele

Speaker/Author

www.ChandraPeele.com

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I'm A MiMi!

November 14th, 2013, Bruce and I became grandparents- MiMi and Moose. We are thrilled and overjoyed to welcome sweet Adelyn Grace O'Flaherty, into our family.



The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy! - Psalm 126:3



Is there anything sweeter than holding a new born baby in your arms? Yes! Holding your own grand baby in your arms! It has been such a joy to watch Holly and Caleb love, adore, and care for this precious baby girl since her very first breath. The nurturing and love that come instantly with the birth of a child; what a thrill to witness from the sidelines. 



The night Addy was born, after all the visitors were gone; I watched the nurse bathe Adelyn through the nursery window. It took my breath away when she literally counted every toe and every finger then gave me, the proud new MiMi, the thumbs up. The verse that instantly came to mind as I watched this precious moment - "For you created Adelyn's innermost being; you knit her together in Holly's womb. I praise you because she is fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well. Her frame was not hidden from you when she was made in the secret place. When she was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw her unformed body. All the days ordained for her were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139 13-16



Months earlier, Holly asked me to paint Zephaniah 3:17on a canvas to hang on the wall in Adelyn's nursery.  Adelyn cried when the nurse poked her so without hesitation, as I wiped the tears from my cheek, I put my hand on the glass and said out loud, "The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." -Zephaniah 3:17 Can you believe that baby stopped crying as I spoke the words over her...it was a precious moment that I will hold dear- always.



What a delight! My cup overflows! 2014 may just be the best year of my life, yet! I'll be keeping Adelyn while Holly goes back to work. There is no greater ministry than to minister to my own family.  What a privilege and honor it will be to love and care for this precious baby girl in the first year of her life and... enjoy little Miss Prestyn, when she gets here in March, too!



What about the ministry?

This year I am excited to co-teach the Dayspring Ladies Bible Study class at my home church, Houston's First Baptist. I also hope to speak at one event a month outside my church and I'm already booked through August. Who knows, maybe I'll write my first children's book. Several years ago a little boy who is very dear to me asked if I would write a children's book about a Knight whose name is Rowan McFarland. I think God was already at work because Adelyn means- noble beauty and the O'Flaherty's built some of the first castles in Ireland. Also, every little girl needs a best friend…that means Prestyn will be a character, too! Hmmm....sounds like a good idea to me!

 

From my heart to yours –Happy New Year!

As I sat on my drive way, New Year’s Eve, watching and listening to the fireworks; I couldn’t help but reflect on the year -2013. With my head held high, I hoped my heart of gratitude looked like fireworks to my Lord, as I praised Him for all the good in my life! Two words came to mind-abundantly blessed! I am grateful to my Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, for the JOY I've experienced and anticipate more of the same in 2014. My prayer as I kissed my husband at midnight was ...more Lord! More!

 “Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us HE is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope for.” Ephesians 3:20

As Holly (my daughter and mommy of my first grand baby) and I watched our husbands, Bruce and Caleb, act more like boys than men (as they lit and threw fireworks), the past year seemed to re-run through my mind. Like a slide show, the BOOM and POP where the back ground music to the show- This is my life!

Bruce and I, so in love after 32 years of marriage, have been blessed beyond measure! Both our daughters are married, we love having “sons” in our family and now a beautiful-precious, 6 week old grand baby, Adelyn Grace, is in my arms! Knowing that we are 11 weeks away from Lindsey and Bryan blessing us with a second granddaughter, Prestyn Leigh...life is good and I love this sweet spot! Our blessings seem uncountable, like the stars above my head! Can life get any better than this? Oh… with Christ I know that it will! But for this precious moment…awe…I’ll bask in the joy of the Lord and count my blessings, one by one, thanking God for what He has done!

I’d love to share a few verses with you as a reflection of my 2013.

“Yes! The Lord has done great things for us! What joy!” -Psalm 123:3

Give thanks to the Lord of lords. To Him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. -Psalm 136

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” -1 Samuel 1:27-28

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.-James 1:7

My prayer for my family and for yours- let us be confident in Jesus Christ who knows our every need and trust Him with our future, as we settle in to 2014.

“See, the former things have taken place, and the NEW things I (The Lord) declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, your  islands, and all who live in them. Let the desert and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops.” Isaiah 42: 9-11

And…let them raise their voices in Cypress, and San Antonio, and Dallas; let them shout from the mountaintops of Denver and Jackson Hole, from the deserts of Africa, let them praise the Lord…and from wherever you call home…raise your voice there, too!

Let’s keep shining the light of Jesus Christ, y’all!

Wishing you blessings, good health and much joy in 2014 and always!

Chandra

 

Consistency is a good thing!

Every time I come home from a mission trip I notice a change in me.   This time however, it was a different kind of change. This time I didn’t just glance across the surface. I wasn’t distracted by all things new- culture, food, cuteness of the children and beautiful smiles of the people. Like a knife cutting through the flesh, it went deeper and I saw “real life” in Kenya.  Coming back to visit this familiar place for the 2^nd time, was good for my soul. Aw the value of consistency-it is good!  I recognized people and many remembered me! I saw the progress of their hard work between visits (four years earlier). I saw their love for the Lord Jesus and recognized spiritual growth in both the older children and the adults. Washing clothes in a bucket, wearing shoes with toes cut out, eating the same thing out of the same bowl every day, waking up to the beat of a drum at 5:00am, going to worship the Lord before walking up the hill to school….this is their life- and they are joyful and content!  How they serve. How they smile. How they love. How they respect their elders. How they are so grateful for what they have. How they don’t complain about the fly on their forehead. How cow poop on the trail is no big deal! How they depend on the crow of the rooster instead of being annoyed with it. How they don’t live by a “to do list” that controls their every waking minute but instead take each day at a time. How they can be content by leaning on the side of their house, made of mud, for however long and never think, “I’m so bored!” How they greet EVERYONE they pass by. How they don’t complain about walking 2 hours (in the rain), to hear someone talk about Jesus-but are grateful for the opportunity! How they live on Kenya time and enjoy the simple life. How knowing Jesus has changed them-this is what I noticed.

Before Jesus ascension, His words were plain to the disciples and now to us. “You will receive power and will tell people everywhere-Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8.

On June 9^th, 2013, I left home burdened for the people of Kenya …my Samaria, to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  On June 21^st, 2013, I came home burdened for the people in Cypress, Texas…my Jerusalem- my neighbors, my family, my Cypress, my Houston, and my Texas-to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If I can stand in a market place in Kenya and participate in a skit that shares the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God-shouldn’t I share the same message in the market place here, in my Jerusalem(?); just a thought. One thing’s for sure; I want people to recognize the unconditional love, joy and peace of Jesus Christ- in me. (and you!)I want people who are hopeless, to have hope in Jesus Christ. I want people who are lonely, to know they have a friend in Jesus Christ. People who are broke, to understand they can be rich in Jesus Christ. I want people who need healing, to find it in Jesus Christ. I want Christians to believe what they read in the Word of God is TRUTH. I want them to live it and share it.

This past Sunday morning, I introduced my Bible study message by carrying a globe in a plastic bag over my shoulder. The analogy; God did not create us to carry the weight of the world, but He did create us to love the people who live here.   

Today, look past the surface; look deeper into the lives of those around you. Get to know your neighbor by name. Pray for you Jerusalem (the place where you live), that when people see your love, they will come to know His love for them.

“For God so loved the World, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it."  -John 3:16-17

God loves you! God loves your neighbor! God loves your enemy! God loves your relatives.

God loves…THE Whole WORLD! Tell someone that God loves them-TODAY!

Bibles to Kenya- the Miracle!

“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

 Gregg Matte, my pastor, has been teaching through a series titled, "Mission 1:8". His challenge-"say Yes!” when God calls you. So when the request came for me to lead a women’s conference in Kenya, I said, “Yes!”

While evangelism is at the top of the list of reasons to “go” on a mission trip, serving and loving people is equally important.  Our team of 18 was prepared to share personal testimonies, teach and play with children in the orphanage, evangelize and present skits in the market place, and be ready to serve with each opportunity given; like a dance perfectly choreographed, every task was accomplished and detail fulfilled.

While preparing to teach Power(full), (a bible study I’ve written on 2 Timothy), the Holy Spirit prompted me to take a bible for each woman who would attend the conference. I paused, thought about the logistics it would take to locate Swahili Bibles, purchase and deliver them all in three weeks, then quickly dismissed the idea as if there were no possible way that could happen.  But I couldn’t get the thought out of my head. That’s when the Holy Spirit seemed to shine a spot light on the four bibles lying on the table in front of me. I realized I have many bibles while most of the women at the conference have never had even one bible of their own.   I thought about the message of 2 Timothy;  hold on to the pattern of right teaching,  be a good soldier of Christ Jesus, be an approved worker who correctly explains the word of truth, stay away from counterfeit teaching- I could understand why having a bible would be a priceless gift for the ladies of Lamora.  Instantly the possibility of putting a bible in the hand of each lady filled my heart with outrageous joy and I believed by faith it was going to happen.

The five day miracle!

·         The team met the following day and we began to pray the Lord would provide Bibles.

·         There was no conference registration but 200 bibles came to mind.

·         We got to work and made phone calls to resources we had.

·         Sunday, I shared the idea with Day Spring, my ladies Bible Study Class at Houston’s First Baptist and before the hour was over the ladies had given $450.00 toward the cause.

·         Gregg Matte’s @HoustonsFirstBaptist, message that Sunday was Pray for a Miracle!

·         On Monday I called the mission’s office at HFB to see if they could help locate Bibles. They agreed and began the search.

·         Tuesday, Lane, from the team called to tell me that Pastor Willie Dengler, from South Africa, had located 200 Bibles in Swahili! Like a kid on Christmas morning I was jumping for Jesus in my kitchen, praising the Lord!

·         I emailed Houston’s First Mission Office to share the news and thanked them for joining in on the search.  I closed the email with these words-“Now we’re praying by faith that the finances to pay for the Bibles will come through.” At the time I had the $450.00.

·         Wednesday morning I got a call from Carolyn O’Neal (Women’s Ministry Director at HFB), who shared the exciting news. “HFB will pay the remaining balance of the Bibles!”

·         The next day we found out the cost of the Bibles was two hundred dollars more than we expected. No surprise to God. That day, two hundred dollars came in from a class member of Day Spring!

God gave the idea. I shared it by faith, believing He would make it happen.  The team of ladies believed with me.  God’s people came together. God’s people gave. Now two hundred Bibles are in the hands of believers in a remote village of Africa! 

God wasn’t finished! We witnessed another miracle! While our team sat around the dinner table the night before we would present the bibles to the ladies, it came to our attention that most of the Pastors who were graduating from the World Hope Bible Institute (the first graduating class), also did not have Bibles in their language. We were happy God provided bibles for the women but felt burdened to know many of the pastors needed a bible, too.

 God had a plan! Although we had 130 women come and go at the conference on different days, the last day when we were presenting the bibles, it poured down rain after lunch and only 106 ladies came back for the last session.  That evening we were amazed when we asked, “How many Pastors will be graduating? The reply- 94! Do the math. 106 women plus 94 pastors=200! You should have seen the rejoicing when each of the graduates received a bible after receiving their diploma. They were so grateful! They held the bibles to their chest; kissed them! It was a wonderful site.

Can you see how each step of this mission was ordered by God? Because those who heard said “Yes!” we witnessed a miracle! God used us to help Him accomplish His greater plan. He’s not finished!

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 17) It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do. -2 Timothy 3: 16-17

Over 1000 people trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during our 12 day trip. Gods doing a work in Kenya!  Pray with me that people in America will open their hearts to the Good News of Jesus Christ and that many will develop a personal relationship with Him. We need more people shining for Jesus in America and …to the ends of the earth!

When God calls you to “go” what will you say? 

 

Chandra Peele

www.chandrapeele.com

Welcome to my BLOG-post weddings!

 

Hello friends!

Let me welcome you to my Blog -POST weddings. Wow! It's been too long since my last post! Lindsey and Bryan, and Holly and Caleb have already celebrated their one year anniversaries!

AND... Holly and Caleb are expecting a baby girl in November! Praise Jesus! Bruce and I are just a little excited about that! Life is sweet and the Lord continues to bless our family. I pray you too are blessed with good health and much happiness. If you, however, are going through a storm right now, remember that God changes us through the storms of life. He’s walking with you through the storm.  Hold on to Jesus…He’s holding on to you.

What else is new? We are excited to share the new and improved website which is now compatible with the latest technology and can be seen on your smart device. If you haven't taken a look, be my guest and head on over to www.chandrapeele.com. And if you need a new web site…contact Jarod at FlyRock Media!

On the site is a link to my Blog so I'm now committed to write and post at least once a month; my hope is twice a month. This will be a fun way to stay connected with my readers on day to day, real life!

Visit me here often. Share what you like with your friends. Pray for me and I’ll be praying the stories and words I share will encourage and build you up.

A friend shared this with me this morning. Now I’d like to share it with you.

“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble.

But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and

not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.”

-Max Lucado

 

The Wedding Shoes

Today, I've been in my office preparing to speak at a Ladies Retreat this weekend. How exciting to share Church Lady- Freed to be a Woman of God with this precious group of ladies from Spring Baptist Church! Its noon and I'm taking a quick break for lunch. I decided to write a post since I haven't in several days. Time...it goes by so fast!

Although I’m focusing on an encouraging message for women, there isn’t a day that goes by wedding isn’t on the forefront of my mind. How can it not be? A few minutes ago the doorbell rang and the UPS guy delivered 2 more gifts for the Bride and Groom. Boxes…they’re everywhere! But the greatest task of the day… Holly has her 2^nd fitting tonight at 7:00.


 If you haven't been a part of a wedding in a while you can't imagine how important the role of the wedding shoe has become. Perhaps photographers and shoe designers have collaborated. They surely both benefit well from this fashion trend. You should see the pictures staring the wedding shoe. It’s unbelievable!  A good photographer creates unique pictures (with the shoe in the spotlight) that portray the personality of the Bride. Its fun and the pictures are beautiful but for the girl who LOVES SHOES, like Holly Peele…it’s a huge task to find the perfect pair!

Holly has spent hours looking on-line and evenings off searching. Perhaps you, like her dad, are  thinking, “You’re kidding me. She didn’t even find something at Nordstrom?” Well…yes she did. In fact she found the perfect pair! A designer shoe with a price tag through the roof! Needless to say, she didn't get the Jimmy Choo she thought would be exquisite with her dress. Thankfully...we laughed-together!  

With the wedding day five weeks away and her Bridals one week from today, we are all very happy that Holly has finally found the perfect shoe. Well…we hope so. She’s taking two pair to determine which one looks best.  Can’t help but think of Cinderella. Actually it may have been easier to find glass slippers. And thankfully Caleb, her Prince charming, has already found his Princess.
Oh my Holly Dolly- gotta love that sweet girl.
My joy!
The Mother of the Bride