Chelsey G.

Chelsey shares with us thoughts on “progress over perfection,” her powerful first encounter with God, and how she has dealt with recent grief.

Chelsey G.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: So right now, my favorite book to rest in is Galatians. It’s like the whole book is filled with structure and teachings. Sometimes, I feel like I need someone to just tell me how something needs to be without sugar coating it, and I feel like this book does that.

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Progress over perfection and character over calling. So basically this means that right now in my spiritual life I am learning that in order to live out my “perfect calling”, I need to rejoice in the progress that is being made (big or small) and focus on my character. If my character does not reflect Jesus, then my work cannot be done!

“Progress over perfection and character over calling.”

Profession: Speech-language pathologist, graduated grad school May 2018!

A one sentence bio of yourself: I am a SLP, wife, and boxer pup dog mom who loves JESUS, all things fixer upper, and a good cup of coffee.

When did you first encounter God? So, I feel like I have known God for a long time. Like most of my life. However, I don’t think I truly encountered Him until my first semester of college. I will spare you the details, but basically I hit rock bottom (October 2011) when a fun night at the bar turned into the night a stranger took advantage of me. I felt disgusting, worthless, ashamed, dirty and heavy. There was a heavy weight sitting on my shoulders. However, it was in that moment that God picked me up and said “you were made for more.” Ever since that moment, I have completely changed my life. It’s amazing how God can turn a mess into a message.

“However, it was in that moment that God picked me up and said, ‘You were made for more.’”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? PODCASTS! Life has been crazy, so podcasts make it easy to reflect on God’s word while going about my busy day.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): So, I just read Finding I Am, and it is so amazing! It’s a Bible study that goes deep into the truth about who God is. There are sections where you can reflect on scripture and the pages are beautifully designed. Overall, I feel like I have a deeper appreciation for my relationship with Christ after reading it. While learning the “I Am” statements, I was able to see just how majestic our Lord is!

Top three essentials: Coffee, Chapstick, Jesus—obviously, not in that order. *laughs*

How did God speak to you recently? So last week, my friend’s son tragically passed away. It’s been hard. REAL HARD. I had been grieving and wondering why God didn’t save that little boy. While in line at Starbucks, I glimpsed at the person in line behind me and I felt God say, “Pay for that person behind you,” After I paid for them, I felt God say, ” You can find the good in a bad day,” and I immediately felt peace.

“I had been grieving and wondering why God didn’t save that little boy.”

Hobby: Traveling and antique shopping!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Be a part of community, start your morning off quiet time, and always, always pray.

Favorite person in scripture? I honestly don’t think I can answer this because there are so many great people in the Bible.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to see an imperfect girl who is loved by a perfect God. I want them to see that you don’t have to have it all figured out in order to do Kingdom work. Put your hair in a messy bun, grab a cup of coffee and go to work sweet friends!

Favorite season? Oh, for sure fall!

Favorite holiday? Christmas.

A dream you have? To own my own online business. I want to provide women with online Bible study tools, inspirational apparel, and a community to grow in.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: So we don’t really have any traditions, but something I am hoping to start traditions when I have kids.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? I think the idea of physically being in the presence of God is super intimidating, so I’m not really sure if I will ask a question. I am really good at crying, though. *laugh* So, I can see myself doing that.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I would like to eventually raise awareness about anxiety just because it is something I have struggled with for a long time.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Coffee, Bible study, snuggle with my pup.

What is on your nightstand? My lamp, a cup of water, and my wedding ring.

Define Christianity in a sentence: Die to yourself and live for Christ.

For more Chelsey:

Insta:  @fruitful_livingministry

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO