Friday, April 4, 2008

All things have become new.


"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Cor.5:17

Celia and I met in 1994. I remember the day she walked into dispatch and started work with me. I was working the police channel and was very, very pregnant with my son David. She walked in wearing a long skirt and peasant blouse. I thought she was so pretty. The gals in our radio room weren't very nice to her. Actually, they weren't very nice to anybody. I befriended Celia and we became close friends, best friends.

To set up the story accurately, in 1994 Celia was not walking wholly with the Lord back then, and neither was I. I found Celia's obnoxiously bossy ways, loud mouth and even bigger heart a joy to be around. During many heartaches in my life, she was the one that drug me to church, she was the one that gave me a Bible that I actually read, she was the one who was slowly being made into the godly woman that I so often seek counsel from.

If you had told me fourteen years ago that she would be speaking at a Christian women's conference at Mt. Hermon, before 350 women. I would have laughed.

But friends, this is the God we serve.

It reminds me of the saying, "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him the plans you have for your life." When you surrender your life to Him, you can't dream dreams big enough for what he has planned for you.

God takes our old lives, our mistakes and misteps and makes them ALL new again. Her life is a walking testimony of how the Lord loves to pick up His children, dust them off, and send them upon the straight path towards the blessings He has stored up for each one of us.

Please pray for my dear friend Celia, she is speaking this evening. I know the women are going to be blessed by her message to them. Celia is transparent, so very funny and the type of Christian woman that you desire to hangout with, all the time! I know these women will just love her like I do.

And for any of you out there who may read this post. Those of you who may feel like you are a walking failure, or a hyprocrite or just too old to change or too dirty to be made clean, God wants to dust you off too. He is waiting for the chance to make your life whole again. He has so much in store for you.

God took the bossyness of my friend and turned that trait into leadership. He took her loud mouth and turned that into a gift of speaking. He took her even bigger heart and turned it towards hurting women.

Rest in the words above, in Christ, He makes all things new.

This means you too.


17 comments:

Jonatha said...

What a great post about an even greater friend - thanks for sharing! I needed that bit of encouragement about God's plans :)

Cherdecor said...

Oh Joanne, that is a wonderful story!I wish I could hear her speak! What a blessing she must be to you! Thanks for sharing.

Connie said...

excellent post! What a wonderful story.

Rmomof3 said...

What a precious testimony of friendship! I will be praying about her speaking engagement!
Blessings my friend!
In HIM,
Renee

Charlotte said...

This is an inspiring story. Thank you for sharing.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Awesome Testimony! I love how God uses us, especially when we think he can't possibly do it, because of who we are! I don't know if that made since or not, but I feel God is leading me a direction too, and I'm excited to see where he takes it!

Mari said...

What a wonderful and inspiring story. Our God is great in what he does to change us. Praying for Celia!

Amy said...

Joanne,

There is a reason why I come over to your blog. I love reading what you have to say. You really lift me up, and inspire me. It's refreshing to read your words. There is so much hope, and you remind me of this. Thanks so much!

Nice story, btw. I wish your friend much luck and success (sounds like she already has both!).

Have a wonderful weekend.

Laski said...

What a beautiful, personal testimony! And, what a wonderful friend.

Shelly said...

Nice story of you and your friend Celia. Amazing how God brings people into our lives. Many blessings to your friendship together. Have a great weekend!

Anonymous said...

What a neat story!!! God is good :o)

Rebekah said...

What a great story. God blessed you with a beautiful friendship.... Which I know can be hard in our line of work. I am lucky to have worked/ work with a couple great girls too.

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

What an inspiring story. God does make us all new creatures.

Beth Cotell said...

What a wonderful post! Thanks for the reminder that God can do great things with us!

AlaneM said...

What a great story, I wish I could hear her speak in person.

Amy Wyatt said...

Congrats on winning going to She Speaks from Laced with Grace! I hope to meet you there.

connorcolesmom said...

That is a fantastic story!
I love how God uses us and has plans for us FAR greater than we can imagine - PRAISE GOD for that.
Blessings my sweet Joanne,
Kim

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