Tuesday, October 28, 2014

WAKE UP!

Just a heads up this blog post cuts straight to the point of the matter. I'm sure each of you will be convicted as I have been. Stick with it and pray that God opens your eyes and your heart so that you can grow in Him throughout this process. 

It drives me up the wall how women treat each other, inside and outside the church. We may not overtly be rude to someone but even in our subtleness the point is evident. If you don't look like us, act like us, or like what we like, then you might as well not attempt to be in community with us. You can attend an event but don't think you are a part of my circle. This is sad on so many levels especially since one of the Great Commandments is to love others.

But you may say wait a minute Alissa I am never rude or discriminate against other women. I'm always nice and cordial. I smile from across the room and occasionally ask people how their day is going. Girlfriend allow me to let you in on something. Saying hello and being "nice" is not what loving others is about. Love is an action and many times requires sacrifice. Further, we are supposed to be "sisters" in Christ. It's been my experience that we treat other women more like distant cousins at a family reunion that we wish we didn't have to attend. 

Being a sister in Christ means reaching out to women who may not be the "type" of women you normally deal with. Being a sister in Christ means getting out of your clique and embracing another woman who may not have any other friends. Being a sister in Christ means praying for opportunities to reach women no one else wants to reach. Being a sister in Christ means being willing and available for God to use you in the life of a woman at her time of need even when it's not convenient.

Wake up! Many times women are better at tearing each other down than lifting each other up. So many walls have been built up in order to keep us from getting hurt that we don't understand we are isolating ourselves from what God really wants from us. How in the world are we going to fulfill the command to love others if we don't even like each other?! God wants us to be in community. In doing so we have to get out of our comfort zones. 

Wake up! We have a generation of young women looking up to us. We have to show them how to encourage one another. They need to see the difference in how Christian women are to act. No one else is going to show them how the sisterhood is supposed to be. We have to wake up and take our job seriously. 

God is calling forth women who want to be evidence of what being a sister in Christ is all about. You don't want to sleep on this movement of God. WAKE UP!!!

The following are only a few Scriptures pointing us to wake up, encourage one another and love one another as God has instructed.

"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and God will shine on you" Ephesians 5:14

"For you were once darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Walk as children of light- for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth- discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:8-10

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing" 1 Thessalonians  5:11

"By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" John 13:35

"Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" 1 John 4:7

Based on Scripture and my personal stance on the subject I want to offer some practical ways to become the type of women who love others and bring God glory through their relationships:

1. Stop sizing up women before you even have a chance to say hello. 
2. Be open to get to know women you normally wouldn't hang around. 
3. Pray for women who come to your mind. 
4. Encourage women consistently. 
5. Allow God to stir your heart and follow Him in obedience. 

If you start by doing these things God will grow you in more ways than you will ever imagine. It may be hard because the world tells us "no new friends" is cool and that there is such a thing as "having enough friends". However, God expects more from His daughters. He calls us to be salt and light. Show others that God sits on the throne of your life. 

There are so many women dealing with unimaginable hurts who need encouraging words and for sisters in Christ to come alongside them. Let's resolve to love one another through the great and difficult times of life. Be the woman of God He has called you to be. Not because I said so but because God gets all the glory when we act according to His will. 

If God has awakened you by reading this post don't ignore it. Stay in Scripture. Choose to go against the culture. Make a change. It is never too late to get back on track.  Lets keep each other accountable, encouraged, and lifted up in prayer. Also, please forward this to other women you know!  This is not about me. This is about all of us growing in Christ. 

In Christ,
Alissa

Monday, October 6, 2014

Trying to Connect

My husband recently bought me a new hot pink bluetooth device for me to wear around my neck. I love it not only because of its color (I love pink!) but also because it helps distract me from cooking and cleaning. I can listen to my music or talk to a close friend while still being productive.  It's truly a win-win solution for my daily to do list. Many times I forget I have it on while walking around the house or playing with my kids. To work properly my phone has to be close enough to pick up the bluetooth signal. Once I get out of range the headset reminds me with the message "trying to connect". Only then do I remember I need to go closer to the source for my device to work in its intended function.

God used this illustration in a mighty way to reveal a bigger truth to me. He allowed me to see He has been saying the same thing to me lately. In my spirit I heard Him say, "Alissa, I'm trying to connect with you". That moment of clarity reminded me in order to truly connect with God I have to be close to Him. He wants an intimate relationship that only comes through connectedness.

If I polled the people reading this blog I'm pretty sure the majority would say they want to know and connect with God more. So the question becomes how can we know God more? The answer is easy. Intentionally stay in His word, seek His face, and talk to Him constantly. He is not hiding from us. We are the ones who are walking further and further away without even realizing it. He is calling out to us "trying to connect" but are we listening?

Reclaim your relationship with God. Connect with Him on a deeper level. Ultimately allow Him to work in your life and fulfill the plans He has for you.

Thank you for reading this post. Please share with your friends who may need to hear this message.

In Christ,
Alissa

Friday, September 12, 2014

When God Says No

For the past few years I've yearned for a place my family could call "home". After years of moving around to different states we felt ready to put down roots and become homeowners for the second time. Documenting the building process through frequent visits and an ever-growing photo album was a fun adventure. The home quickly became my fourth baby over the summer months. Slight uneasiness crept in as the building process neared the end. I dismissed it as nerves and continued to move forward. 

A.T. and I couldn't get over the Holy Spirit's constant nudging in our hearts on the DAY of closing. Many issues in the home had not been resolved and we began to feel rushed. The lack of peace hit me like a ton of bricks. In the midst of the final walk through we took a moment to talk in private. After all the planning, trips with the kids to visit "our new home", and the loaded U-Haul truck with all our belongings staring at us from the road, we knew we were supposed to walk away. Walk away... I couldn't believe it. God clearly told both of us no.

Even though we had just walked away from the dream we had fixated on for months, we had an undeniable peace. We didn't know how everything would end up but we knew God had a plan. The peace we experienced had nothing to do with us but everything to do with God's hand on us that day. For whatever reason we weren't supposed to move into that house. We had to trust and believe that God's way was better than our own. 

What happens when God tells you no? Do you continue to ask questions? Do you beg, plead and try to explain why your way is better? Do you continue on your own path hoping God will change His mind? Or, do you trust in God's plan? Isaiah 55:8-9 states, "for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." 


Do you feel God is trying to get your attention? Has He told you no to something? Maybe it is a new job that you've worked hard at getting only to realize it is not God's plan for you. It could be a relationship you've invested years into only to realize the love is not being reciprocated or the person is unequally yoked. I know it's hard to step away when you've invested so much time and energy. You want it to work out so bad you can taste it. However, if God has told you no please take heed to it and don't dismiss the Spirit's promptings. God is faithful. His way is always better than ours and He will see you through. Have faith in His way, plan and purpose for your life! 

In Christ,
Alissa 

The following video is "Give Me Faith" by Elevation Worship. This is one of my favorite songs. 



Thursday, June 5, 2014

Is Worrying our Default?

Over the past several weeks I have been thinking about the future in terms of job opportunities, ministry, and family. Even though I know God is in control I tend to "worry" about how everything will end up. I hate to use the word "worry" because of the negative connotation. However, I have to be honest and realize many times worrying has become my default.

There are so many wonderful things I want to do. There are so many people I want to touch. It is easy to get overwhelmed by trying to do too many things at one time. Worst is getting so overwhelmed that I do not do anything at all. I find worry creeping in telling me that I am not good enough, no one wants to hear what I have to say, or even telling me to wait until everything is perfect before doing anything.

However when I'm at a low point God always puts me in a situation where my passion comes alive, and I realize I am valuable to the kingdom. God does not want me to worry about the future because He holds the future in His hands. He predestined me to be here at this specific time in history and already knows what He has for me to accomplish in this life.

Matthew 6:33-34 states, "but seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." As I reflect on this verse I'm reminded that the times I worry the most are the times I am not seeking Him FIRST.

Lets stay committed to building our relationship with God. We need to listen to His promptings and stay in His word. He will continue to guide our steps and keep us from worrying about the future. We have to let go and let God have His way in our lives. For someone like me and probably many of you, worrying could appear to be our default. How about we surrender everything to God and watch what He will do in our lives?!

In Christ,
Alissa


Thursday, May 8, 2014

It Is FINISHED!

I am so excited to announce I am officially FINISHED with seminary! I am almost in shock even though I have been counting down this day for the last 6 months. I won't lie I had tears in my eyes when I submitted my last assignment. Honestly, I didn't know if I could do this. This journey has been a hard one because many times I didn't feel I had what it took to go to seminary. I wasn't well versed in the Bible nor did I completely understand what God wanted from me. Throughout this process God showed me that He is there with me every step of the way. I have grown so much these past few years. I am now confident that God can and will use me to bring Him glory.

I vividly remember God showing me that I was supposed to go to seminary. At the time I didn't know exactly what seminary was but I decided to be obedient to His command. I thank God that I have an understanding husband who has led my family through this journey. We are currently in our 4th state since I got the calling. God has used every stop on this journey to help me understand my purpose. I know He will continue to lead me and guide me in the direction I am supposed to go.

When I say it is finished, it doesn't mean that I am about to ride into the sunset with my degree. This degree is only one step of obedience. I have so much that I want to do and WILL do in my life to bring people closer to God. When I think about my life and see how far I have come I can't help but praise God. From a teenage mom to a seminary graduate... Hallelujah!

For those of you reading this please do not let anyone put a limitation on you because God never will.  I love each of you!



In Christ,
Alissa

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Am I Delusional?

Am I delusional? This is a question I ask myself fairly often. I know it's weird and maybe even uncomfortable to think about, but it's honestly how I feel sometimes. This is not in the way you are thinking. Many times I have thoughts and dreams of ways to reach the kingdom of God that seem outright delusional. It's not the kind of thing that everyone else is doing or things that even seem do-able. This is usually when I'm reminded that things God calls us to do are delusional sometimes (from the world's viewpoint).

God really spoke to me today and reassured me that I'm not delusional. I'm just willing to be "all in" for His plans for my life. My church served at various locations around the city and invited several non-profits and missionaries to speak this weekend. This morning our speaker for my life group was Bryan Kaiser, a man who started a nonprofit called "God's Eyes". God called this "average guy" to provide eyeglasses for the poor all around the world. He had no clue how he would do it or why God even called him. His testimony through the beginning of his nonprofit to now was such an encouragement to me. I'm sure his plan seemed delusional to many around him (even to himself) but he did not allow that to make him waver in his obedience to God. I felt an instant connection of kindred spirits as I listened to him share his vision and heart for what God has called him to do.

I want to relay some truths I received from Bryan's testimony today... God will show us specifically what we should do if we are open to hearing it. If we go "all in" the provisions will come. We cannot listen to common sense when God is in the midst of our lives. God can and will do whatever He wants because there is nothing impossible for Him. We have to be obedient to whatever God is telling us to do. We cannot allow a spirit of fear or mocking from the next person to diminish what God has clearly shown us. Lastly, God is looking for vessels He can pour through. The question is, will we allow Him to use us as His vessels?

Everyone, we have a legacy to leave. What will we be known for? Will we step up and do what God tells us to do, or will we play it "safe" in order to fit in? God is calling some of us out right now. I feel it with every ounce of my being. I don't know about you but I'm willing to be viewed as delusional as long as I'm following God in obedience and building up His kingdom!!! Let's all leave a godly legacy for the generations to come.

In Christ,
Alissa

*If you want to know more about "God's Eyes" please visit godseyesinternational.com.

Sunday, February 2, 2014

The Middle

I feel like I'm in the middle right now and quite honestly it has been hard for me. I've basically been waiting on God to reveal what I am supposed to do next. I've been overwhelmed with a need to plan my next steps to make sure I am doing His will. Many of you probably feel like you are in the middle too.

I've prayed, cried out, and even negotiated with God in the past couple of months. I've been desperate for some sort of revelation. He has pointed out that the middle should not be viewed as some sort of punishment and that my faith is being authenticated in "the middle".

My recent trip to New Orleans helped me refocus during this journey. God reminded me that life is all about relationships. Relationships with Him, relationships with family, relationship with friends, and relationships with others. Loving God and loving our neighbors is the goal. I felt an overwhelming conviction that instead of worrying about what's next I need to instead be focused on the relationships that God has put all around me.

So what does all this mean for you and me? The middle produces challenges and requires us to make some hard choices. Don't make excuses. Excuses are ultimately just a reason to keep doing the same thing without feeling guilty. We need to have a perspective change about the middle. We need to embrace it and follow God's promptings. God is leading us in the direction He wants us to take. It may be a totally new thing. Be open and choose wisely. Don't give up and turn back to the familiar. Don't allow fear to cause you to do nothing or worse go backward.

I have no idea what is in store for me but I've resolved to let God do His thing. I'll continue to love Him with all I am. I'll continue to love my neighbors. I'll continue to be who God has called me to be... a disciple who tells others about Him. Lets "live out" our faith daily because God has a plan for each of us. It will come to pass!