Name Calling




I did not realize how much I missed hearing my name called out in the grocery store until this morning.  “Cris, Cris Nole!”  The sound of a somewhat  familiar voice came from behind me.  A hug to my heart as my new friend greeted me with a warm hello. 

Coming from a community where I lived for almost 17 years, going to the store without running into someone I knew was virtually impossible.  I learned about ten years into being a resident of my last community that it was important for me to leave extra time to visit with people in the market, gas station, parks and sidewalks.  These connections gave me the sense of belonging that every human being longs for. 

Needless to say, yesterday when I heard my voice floating through the air at the local super market, I felt like I was at home for the first time since moving to our new community.  It had been over three months since I ran into someone I knew.  It has been lonely at times, standing in line with my groceries and not recognizing a single soul.

Hear me out.  It is not that I have this need to hear my name as much as the need to  connect into community.  I love people, strangers are just friends I have not met yet.   This is why leaving my life, as I knew it after all these years was not easy.    

However, I am able to celebrate  a new chapter in my life, all because someone called my name out loud.  I am  looking forward to hearing my name more in the middle of the market, at the mailbox and on the sidewalks.  When I hear my name, I will know that  I am connecting more  into my new community.

Cris


I Can.....


Just because I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength  does not mean I should.

Just for today, instead of trying to do all things, I am choosing to do one thing and one thing well.

Just for today I will choose to be kind to all of humanity, starting with myself, my family, community and beyond.




"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

But by faith I will focus on one thing.


Hold On


Philippians 3:16
Hold on tight to the progress you have made.
Pastor Paul


Dear fellow travelers, greetings from the front porch.   Can hear them now?  The teachers from the past, whispering in our moments.   Do not worry, do not worry, do not worry.  Progress; hold on tight to your progress.  Learn from the lessons along the way.  God has given us the courage to face today.

Do not look any farther then this moment.  He will walk with us.  He will be with us.  Being still, quieting our soul, those actions will bring us peace.  Remember, I AM with you, regardless of how we feel.

Crisis, victory, trauma, success they are all part of your path.  Eyes wide open.  What do we see?  Look beyond the practical, look beyond your possessions.

Broken beautiful people all around us.  Continue to show up and just be you.  I AM enough.  Stand tall, walk in truth.

I AM love.  Gentleness and kindness to all of humanity is a lofty goal but a good one. 

Like the wind, HE will send us here and there.  Go in peace.  Fly.  Be free.  This is our time.  Walk in complete confidence.   We are never alone.  If we seek HIM, we will find HIM.

This is our moment.  Reflect, look back, taste all HE has done.  Our life gives hope to all who see. 

Redemption, recovery, restoration.  Continue to put one foot in front of the other.  His love will light the way.   We are not alone.  Love well.  Let go and see.  Remember the progress we have made.

  • Do you ever send yourself back to the starting line?
  • How do you remember the progress you have made?
  • How can others encourage you to continue to run the race set before each of us?


Praying for you my blogging friends and looking forward to opening season of the Folsom Front Porch.

Copyright © 2013 Cris Nole All rights reserved.

CCCo

Chap Cris