Posts Tagged ‘spirituality’

I recently had the opportunity to do something that I normally would have never considered: Trapeze School at the Santa Monica Pier.
I have a fear of heights, and I am also not quite the gymnast that I was as a kid. What transpired that afternoon provided great insight into my self-esteem, team dynamics, and the power of letting go.

If you are not familiar with the Trapeze, the process involves climbing a super-tall ladder and standing on a platform held by cables. You are instructed to grab the bar, hang and swing your legs up over it. Next you let go of the bar and hang by your knees, and lastly, you swing your legs back down and gracefully drop into the net.

UMMM HMMMM…

This exercise revealed the vulnerabilities of most of us. Some of us were extremely nervous, and some couldn’t get up the ladder. My goal: do it to overcome a fear. Anothers goal: to do it once just to be able to say I did it. Another: I don’t care, I am COMING BACK DOWN NOW!!! Anothers kids gave him a Superman T-Shirt and he was all over the place, jumping from one bar to the next.

We had two hours, and trust me – that is a LOT of time.

When I went up the ladder, I was on fire! I was on a mission to accomplish the stunt, because it actually looked fun! As a skier, I was
concerned that my knees might suffer additional stress by hanging upside down. However, I was “raring to go”!

I quickly scaled the ladder to the top, and dipped my hands in the chalk bag. Let’s DO THIS!!!

Everything was fine until the instructor told me to lean my upper body away from the platform. My hands would hold the bar and prepare to
jump. I immediately said, “Nope, this isn’t going to work.” In my mind, I was leaning out into the unknown. What if something happened??? I mean I am leaning out over nothing but a net many feet below. “Unh-uh. I can’t.”

A team member yelled, “Hey Kelly, just TRUST”

With that reminder – in a split second, I let go and leaned forward.

As I let go, I felt the instructor holding me so that I would not fall off of the platform. When I got my legs up on the bar, he shouted, “Drop your hands!” I screamed, “Oh no, I can’t do THAT part!” He COMMANDED in a loud voice, “Yes YOU CAN!”. Like a soldier taking orders, I immediately let go, swinging from those “ski knees” – hahaha!! It was soooo much FUN!!!

From that moment on, I learned how to hang from the bar and swing, and I almost did a flip like they do in the circus, but my timing was off.

WOW!!!!

…and greater WOW watching those handsome beach instructors climb a rope and do tricks on a bar (but I digress – sorry)

In all seriousness, how many times have you felt that you needed or wanted to do something, but you stopped or quit due to fear? Whether it is:

- starting a business
- going out of the country for vacation or on a missions trip
- singing or public speaking
- snorkeling, or some outdoor adventure
- or following your passion even when the odds seem stacked against you?

We have so many excuses, so much negative self-talk:

- What if I can’t pay my bills?
- it’s dangerous over there (as if the United States is absent of criminals and violence)
- They are all going to laugh at me
- What if I hurt myself?
- Everything is falling apart so maybe it is time to “throw in the towel”

For some reason, God called me to share the Good News via Kelly Chapman Ministries. I could have (and did have) alot of doubts about it:

- I haven’t quite memorized the entire bible yet, am I qualified?
- I am sooo far from perfect, everyone must know?
- I don’t have a husband, how can I share with singles?
- I haven’t been to divinity school so why are people asking me to speak?
- I can’t sing like Karen Clark-Sheard or Kim Burrell, are they going to reject me?

… on and on the list goes and GROWS!

But God knew me – my faults, my shortcomings and all. He knew that I suffer from tremendous stress when I grab the microphone. He told me to go anyway. He knew I had never been formally trained at a worship leaders camp or retreat. He told me to lead others in worship anyway. He knew I didn’t have time to write a book, so he sent Kenya Banks to get the process started and co-write… anyway.

When I said, “No way”
He said, “YES, and trust me”

He knows the plans He has for me, and they are GREATER than anything I could imagine (Jer 29:11)

And trusting has been a daily process. Dying daily to my fleshly nature that is so concerned with perfection, so concerned with what others think, so concerned with not failing.

Last week, I worked myself into a stomach flu-like illness the morning I had to sing at a big event co-chaired by BET’s CEO Debra Lee.
I won’t get into all of the sexy details of that morning, but suffice it to say – I was not well. I finally got in God’s presence. I prayed, I sang worship songs, and I worshipped the Lord in the spirit. And five minutes before I opened my mouth to sing I was fine. I knew that God was with me, and that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13)

At the end of the day, I understand many were moved to tears.

Really? Me??? I am no J-Hud?????

But guess what KELLY: God called YOU anyway.

I have to learn to trust that calling, and walk in it ALWAYS with boldness. I know how many artists suffer from stage fright so I know I am not alone. Many take drugs to calm down prior to the performance. I thank God that I am learning how to TRUST, by getting in the presence of God (which takes the focus off of me), and just sing! Just LET GO!

Thank you to my trapeze team for encouraging me and reminding me to trust. I realize every day when I log onto the internet or answer
my phone/emails, that people are encouraging me, and are nearby to remind me that it will be just fine. Likewise, I hope that I can be an
encourager to you. It WILL be FINE my friends!! Just let go and let GOD!

So with that, keep praying for me as I pray for you, and let’s watch what God continues to do with Kelly Chapman Ministries going forward.

Letting go as I find a way to get to Haiti.

I just spent a week with my Dad and the family. I really learned a lot about him, and a lot about me.
Firstly, he is very analytical. He has an engineering degree, and even started on his Masters at my Alma Mater CWRU. As a Black man accepted into a top engineering school during those times – you KNOW he is smart.

But what I most appreciate about my Dad is not just his wisdom, and intelligence, but how he takes care of everything. I mean, I couldn’t lift my bags (and I lug 70 lbs. easily by my-”little Ms. Independent self” every week. When I spilled something, he wiped it up before I could grab a towel.

He and Shirley even insisted on sleeping on the air mattress and put me up in the Master Bedroom with the jacuzzi and huge walk-in closet! I objected profusely, but they INSISTED. All GUESTS this week had a bed.

People always say men look for a woman like their mom and women look for a man like their dad. I gotta tell you why I would love a man like my pops:

- the way he takes care of everything makes you feel like a lady. We like that!

- he comes home EVERY evening. Not night – EVENING and has dinner with his wife. They do simple things like watch TV together or fun things like golf or Ballroom dancing. And they just enjoy life together.

- He can FIX STUFF!! I watch him fix the broken mailbox outside, fix the car, and even change an electrical cord/plug on an appliance. There is nothing like an educated, professional (General Motors) man who aint too cute to fix something!!
- he cares for every detail. He is so analytical.

HAHAHA!

I laugh because I am the exact opposite. When he wanted to make sure we got to the airport on time, he worked the minutes backwards to our departure time. When he wasn’t sure if all of my bags would fit in the SUV, fast as lightning–he pulled out a TAPE MEASURE to check the size of the bags and the trunk. Me on the other hand, I would throw the bags in there and find out when I couldn’t close the hatch.
I could go on and on… I have a GOOD Dad!

It reminds me of Abba Father. He cares for every little detail. He plans stuff out for me.

He FIXES STUFF!

I am thankful that I have a Daddy that I can still run to when I need anything. And he is always there- just like my “Father” in heaven.

I enjoy running to both of my Dads and I know they appreciate my love and quality time.
So, I won’t complain should I meet a guy who opens the door, stands up when I approach the table at a restaurant, grabs my coat, or insists on driving me to the airport. I appreciate the smart guy who can analyze every situation and effectively problem-solve. I want him to love his Father also.

I can submit to that for sure!!

I can also appreciate the one who just wants to stay home with me every night.

Over Christmas I am reminded of how marriage can still work in these times. I just have to wait on my “Dad” up there to send someone like my Dad down here.
I salute all GOOD men and GOOD Dads. I know its not Fathers Day but, thank God for the good ones who are here and those who blessed us while they were here.
Give yours a hug!!
Kelly Chapman

I just love the holidays. As I shared in my book, “Real: The Truth About Being Single”, I don’t see many of my friends because most of them are married and spend time with their married friends. However, I really enjoy spending time with my family and extended family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Of course, no holiday with family goes by where I can elude the popular question:
“So where is your man?”
“How are things going for you in the dating world?”
“Who is your boyfriend now?”
“Where is XXXX who took you all over the world?”
I used to dread the holidays because I always wanted the fantasy date to bring home. Now I have gotten past that, and can really enjoy my time (with or without the date).
So yesterday, my one relative said, “You need to realize and open yourself up to the fact that MEN ARE EVERYWHERE. They are working, they are homeless, they are all around you. You need to open yourself up and witness the men who are in your everyday life. That’s when you will meet THE ONE”.
Okay… so I already know from my daughter that I spend waaayyy too much time on my PDA (in private and in public). I have been out with girlfriends and guyfriends who always ask me,
“Did you see that man checking you out?
Of course I am like, “Where? I didn’t see it!”
Then they always say, “Kelly, you need to pay more attention to what is going on around you. Men are checking you out and you NEVER EVEN SEE IT”
Got it. I tend to believe that Ruth met Boaz when she was working… head down, doing her thing.
He RECOGNIZED HER – right? RIGHT???
Well, this weekend I have NOTHING to do. It is almost troubling for someone who likes to work. I don’t want to shop because I just cleaned out four closets of clothes and I still have too much stuff. In fact, I don’t want to buy ANYTHING. Even on sale.
soo…
this weekend I will open myself up to appreciate the fact that God created man and he is EVERYWHERE.
(smile)
I will appreciate every man who walks past me this weekend.
He who looks at me,
He who smiles at me,
He who looks at me, smiles at me, holds the door, buys flowers and chocolates at the local stand, and invites me out to dinner (ahhhh stop dreaming)
I will only view my pda for a brief moment in public, and spend time sitting, walking, enjoying Cleveland this weekend. And enjoying the many Men who inhabit this wonderful city.
I will conclude the weekend at the “MAN FEST” – The CAVS game on Sunday!!
Woohoo!!!
I will keep you posted, but I have to believe that I am not going to have time to take in all of the men that I will see and appreciate this weekend. I am getting “tickled pink” just thinking about it.
What an interesting new thing for me – juggling men HAHAHA!!
Okay – ladies enjoy your weekend, and enjoy the Men who are EVERYWHERE!!!
PS. Check out the Book of Ruth this weekend

I want to take a moment to invite all of my single ladies to repeat this (with me):
Yes it is Christmas
Yes I am single
Because I am saved, have a real friend to spend Christmas with
Therefore:
I won’t spend one more minute awaiting the phone call for a Christmas Eve date
I won’t spend one more minute awaiting the phone call for dinner with his family
I am not a last minute option, I am a priority
I won’t charge my credit card on an expensive gift for one more chance to impress him
He is not impressed with my fancy gifts
He either likes me or he doesn’t
This year, I promise to focus not on a man, but to focus on THE MAN
In fact on Christmas, he was just a baby born in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes
In His presence there is fullness of joy
In His presence there is healing, honest conversation, comfort, safety, power, compassion, unconditional love, patience… the list goes on
How can I compare me waiting by the phone to that
There is no comparison
I know my value and I am priceless
Through the school of hard-knocks, I finally am ready to pass my test
This time I choose ME
So I will wait in His presence for the one who can’t wait to be with me
It may be Jesus for now, and He is enough
Have a good week my friends, and enjoy the days leading up to Christmas! Don’t worry about that man’s plans. God has great plans for you (Jer 29:11)

Last night I made dinner. Because I was in a rush (and I was also tired), I decided to use my stoneware dinner plate in the oven. Well after all it, did say “Microwave Oven Safe”.
When I picked up the beautiful plate in the oven, half of it remained on the grill. And of course, when I went to Target I only bought four sets of dishes because – why buy eight when you are SINGLE and ALONE?? Man, I hope that I can find another set today.
As I woke up this morning, I wondered how many times I “half step” because I am just lazy, tired, rushing, trying to juggle too much, or honestly sometimes even depressed. Do I cut corners because I just don’t have time, or is it because I can’t enjoy the moment because I am always rushing?? Or do I cut corners because I am tired because I am always rushing??? Or do I cut corners because I am not enjoying moments in my life because I am always rushing and I am tired????
The answer is likely all of the above.
And in my attempt to “half step” I now have half a plate.
hmmm…
Are there times in your life that you are not fully committed to what you are doing? Are there times in your life that you are not fully committed to God?
Or have you ever suffered the consequences of trying to “cut corners”? Texting and driving? Doing something else while listening to your friends issues on the phone? Praying on the run?
God wants “all of you”. He wants us to give him everything, love him with all of our heart, trust him completely, and put him first.
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:16-17)
Today, I am going to try to commit to being “fully present” in everything I do – whether it is enjoying cooking, driving down the street, spending time with family, or my time with the Lord. I don’t want any more broken items or “half baked” outcomes. I don’t want to miss anything. With that I am choosing to take more time for me.

It may mean that I run in different circles.
It may mean I cut some people out of my life.
It may mean that I take a vacation on a beach somewhere and do nothing.
It may mean that I fast and pray again soon.

Selah
May this Christmas season be a time of joyful celebration for the one who nows dwells among us. May this also be a time during your vacation days to practice being “in the moment” with everything you do. Doing it with excellence, and with your whole heart. And may 2010 have a different outcome for you because of your commitment.
Off to make my favorite meal – breakfast. And yes, I cook my bacon on the griddle (smile)
In Him,
Kelly
Recommended Scripture – Rev 3:14-22

God sent some individuals into my life recently who are just ‘the bomb’ (or Natalie what is the new slang? Mom is not up on things- but I digress) When people bless you please pay it forward and bless someone else. I am a witness that with God all things are possible. Today, expand your faith lens and believe even though the view seems out of sight. Is there anything too hard for the Lord??

I want to start this week off with praise to my faithful Father. If you feel like the Lord has been good to you, has shown you grace & mercy, delivered you from the hand of your enemies, set your feet upon a rock & given you a firm place to stand. If you feel like God has done something AWESOME in your life, tell somebody below! Send me a note to fan@kellychapman.net and I will send you a free “Great is Your Grace” ringtone. Don’t be scared (smile). Testify!!! www.kellychapman.net

And let me start. I want to thank the Lord for removing some pretty sorry brothers from my life when I didn’t have the strength to do it on my own. I threw my pearls before swine, because I didn’t realize that I was a precious gem – a pearl of great price. I didn’t realize that I could be a Proverbs 31 woman. I didn’t see what God saw in me, what He formed in my mothers womb.

Now – still single, I can see why He removed those jokers. Yes jokers. Forgiven jokers…(smile – I blessed it and released it years ago).

And I can’t wait for Him to send who He has for me… it will be soooo worth it. And had I gotten married at 23 like I wanted to, we may never have met, because I may have never written a book, recorded a CD, etc. etc. …

It is ALL GOOD!

Hallelujah!!