Hello all!
My name is Channele (Shuh-nell) but you can call me Channel, Channy, Chan, ChanChan,
Chan-Cho, Cha-nay-nay, Nay-Nay, Chanelta, or any other nic name you can think of!
I am 23 years old and I'm from a small city (that is rapidly expanding) called Turlock, California.When I was little, I was always involved in some sort of extra curricular activity, whether it was girl scouts, soccer, piano, all sorts of dance classes, you name it.. I grew up always hearing about Jesus and all of the miraculous things he had done/had been doing, but it wasn't until I was 13 that I truly experienced the love of Christ, and began to live intentionally for Him.
Somewhere along the way, I began thinking that I had to be perfect. That life was mostly about me and my reputation (not as a Christian, but as a female in a middle eastern culture), and eventually, my "good ways" were no longer about glorifying the Lord, instead to glorify my own name in attempt to stand out. I blamed my culture for this and felt as if I had to escape! So, I moved to southern California for college, where I attended Biola University where I met two of the most amazing women of Christ that have forever changed my life.
But, after three semesters at Biola, God really showed me who's boss. I hit a very low point emotionally, and my eyes were opened to the fact that in no way was I perfect, and the reality that I never would be. I realized that running away from my problems wouldn't solve anything. So with courage and humility from God, I managed to get myself back to Turlock, where I was able to mend some very broken relationships, and through much prayer and patience, my bitter/broken heart was slowly healed.
Unfortunately that's also the door that led me to falling into some worldly ways. (not to mention my lack of planning or failed attempts to find a small group) Feeling accepted by the same people that at one time saw me as conceited or thought that I saw myself as being "too good" for certain activities I chose not to participate in, I felt almost like, if I wanted to continue to be accepted, I would have to make sacrifices or live up to new expectations of me. I gave in figuring that my other option didn't work out so well the first time, and eventually, I started believing that these things were OK. I thought if there are plenty of "Christians" (that word is used so loosely sometimes..) who do these things, they can't be so bad. And I let myself "fit it".
This continued for about two years, and after a series of desperate pleas to the Lord, to draw me near, and turn my attention to Him alone. I was able to make a firm decision to get back on track, to follow Christ whole heartedly, and as soon as I did, everything just fell into place, and doors swung open and closed for me. I am so thankful for my new and improved sense of trust and honesty with God, and for the promise of grace and forgiveness that He has for His children .I am thankful that God has grabbed hold of my heart and my mind and my entire being, so close and so tightly that I cannot say no!
All I know is that when God wants something done, He makes it happen!
..Clearly this life is not my own..
I am so thankful for the opportunity that Christ has presented.
I am thankful that he has been my guide and has never left me behind.
I am excited for the experiences that are to come.
I am hopeful that God will break to heal many hearts.
A Few Facts..
I love Jesus
I am silly
I love to play soccer
I love to cook
Kids make me smile! :)
I listen to Among The Thirsty on repeat.
I love to sing and shout for Jesus!!
I have two little sisters (Chantel and Chereen.. yeah, people get our names mixed up)
I love my mama and daddy
I love photography
I have a HUGE middle eastern family
I am a shameless Celine Dion fan
I love adventures!
I love the outdoors
I listen to sounds of nature when I study
I love Calais, Maine.
The elderly have a special place in my heart
I talk to Jesus..outloud.
I am His servant
I am a slave to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am absolutely sold out to His will.
I am willing to do whatever He tells me to do.
I am willing to say whatever He tells me to say.
I am willing to go wherever He leads me. I am a woman who has made a choice.
I am going to serve Him for all eternity.
