Christian Healthcare Ministries

I have to say, I am pretty impressed with Christian Healthcare Ministries. 

Nick's bill for his bloodclot/hospital stay in February was $83801. 

We received $40822 in discounts from the hospitals and doctors because we are self-pay. 

Christian Healthcare Ministries paid all but $353- which, in the program we are in (silver) does not pay for an ambulance. 

Total paid by our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ: $42622. 

I can't even begin to tell you how thankful we are- to God, our Provider and to our fellow believers.

Great quotes!

"The way I see it you're either full of yourself or you're full of nothing or you're full of others expectations or you're full of Jesus."- Hickson from the book Daisy Chain by Mary E. DeMuth (one of the best books in this genre I've listened to in awhile).

As I get older Spring reminds me more and more that there is a resurrection! Things that are dead as a door-nail spring forth with new life and they are prettier than they were before. We must remember that life sleeps in those old dead roots waiting until God says, "it's Time!"- Pat Tillotson

"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God." - C.S. Lewis

Train up a child....

Starla Ellison

As a parent you often think- have I done this right? Have Nick and I been "good enough" parents? Through the last few years I've learned that the most important thing we can "do" as parents is not just teach them ABOUT God but for them to know that He is our life, the center of us and our home. We aren't perfect as our kids will surely tell you- but you don't have to be perfect to have a deep abiding love relationship with Jesus and with each other (thank You for grace, Lord!). Not just saying that Jesus is our Everything but truly living from Him that lives within us (John 15:4-5, Galatians 5:22-23)

The most important thing is for our kids to know is that most important thing is that God is their Father, just like He is ours - and they can trust Him, they can find their life in Him, He can be their life. He IS the Center and Purpose. They can enjoy intimacy with Him, talk with Him and more importantly, listen to Him.
It's like a runner handing over a baton to the next runner- that's what this parenting is about- we are handing over the baton to our kids to find their life in Him and not us. It's handing over our kids (baton) to Jesus- letting them go so they CAN find Him as their Everything and we aren't taking His place.

Johnie Ellison

8 hrs ·

This weekend I went to Greensboro with a few church members to help a church run a block party. It was a good weekend and the block party went well, but before the block party one of the pastors said something that I thought was really good. We were talking about God telling his church to go out into all of the world and he asked "what does this verse tell us?" Another church member responded, "it tells us that if we do what God commands, he will be there with us." The pastor stopped and said, "I believe that even if we fail to do what God commands, He will still be with us and He'll still love us." That's a very good summary of how I believe God interacts with his children. Even when we fail, sin, and fall completely short...He still loves us, cares for us, provides for us, and promises to walk with us through the messiness of our own life.

Growing Older

You can tell when you are growing older. 

It's when kitchen appliances make you happy. 

Now, we all know that being "happy" is based on- well the "happenings" around you. That's true. 

Anyway, our refrigerator is 18/19 years old and has been going out for some time.  The icemaker hasn't worked in years.  That's not too much of a problem except when people come over and want a cold drink.  The water hasn't worked in years either.  We bought a Brita pitcher and use that so to that wasn't a big problem.  We only drink water and the guys drink milk (and Johnie and I drink coffee of the morning)- occasionally I will fix some koolaid, occasionally Nick or Johnie will buy a soda.   So- none of it's really a big deal.  The freezer was getting to where it would not fully freeze- we have a chest freezer so we just keep the main frozen food in it.  

But last Sunday, Easter, we came home from church and there was something all over the floor.  The freezer had completely went out.  We knew it would happen sooner or later.  Nick can only fix it so much.  

So it was time to buy a new refrigerator.  We went at it the "search" just like we did for our Escape last fall.  First, how much money do we have to spend?  Second, what do we like?

After many hours of looking- and thinking we decided on a Kenmore bottom drawer freezer with a single door refrigerator on top.  I LOVE IT!!!!  Size wise it is a bit smaller on the outside than the old one but the inside so far is very much better laid out so can be organized better.  The main thing for me was the door had to be able to open with my left hand so I can reach in with my right hand and put things on the counter.  Yes, I know....that's probably pretty specific but....I like things like that.  I wanted something that I didn't have to bend down a lot to get into- that's why having the refrigerator on top is so great.  I also didn't want anything that showed finger prints.  I really love this refrigerator.

We bought it on my birthday in Greenville at the Sears Outlet (scratch and dent) for a total of $909!

Another thing I wanted was an upright freezer.  We have a chest type that we keep in a big closet/pantry in our kitchen.  But it is so annoying to have to bend way down in and get stuff out- after you've rummaged all through it.  

So I got on Craigslist and low and behold!  One in Spartanburg for $100!  Nick called the fella- arranged to pick it up Sunday evening.  It is an older model but runs great and is energy efficient.  They sold it for an uncle was going into assisted living.  And he was so very nice!  I may eventually paint the freezer black to match the rest of my appliances but that's down down on my list a bit.  : )

So for $1009 we got both that we wanted.  And our savings is going...down down down...but like Nick said- this is what we have it for!  

Thank You, Lord for providing for us...and helping us be good stewards. 

He is....

What if the "great things" that we are always talking about-
"doing great things for God"
"expecting great things from God"

is simply living from faith, leading a quiet life, trusting, resting, abiding- experience His presence within us- intimacy with Him?

What if HE is THE great thing?

Is that enough for you? Is He enough?

"Once it was the gifts, now it is the Giver, Himself"- AB Simpson

Reflections on 46 years....

Now that I've got to live 46 years upon this earth I think what God has spoke into my heart, my life, my whole being is simply and profoundly this:

Live healed. 

Jehovah Rapha, the Lord Who Heals

There are many Scripture verses about being healed but the most significant is this:
By HIS stripes/scourging/suffering, I am healed.- Isaiah 53:5

I choose to live from Him, Jesus- the Lord Who Heals. 

Healed spiritually.
Healed soulically- mind, will and emotions.
Healed physically. 

Thank You, Jesus.

4.6 miles on a sun-filled 46th Birthday!