Friday, January 15, 2016

Being Faithful in Goal Setting

It's officially mid-January 2016 and I know many of us are in the thick of keeping up with our New Year's Resolutions/Goals for 2016. For me, the hard part is not setting the goals but creating margin in my life to fulfill the goals. I like to fill my schedule with numerous things so I feel productive. However, all activity is not productivity.

God gave me two words for 2016... Alignment and Action. I must be in alignment with what He created me to do and I must move into action based on that alignment. I've had to strategically look at everything I am doing and evaluate whether it lines up with the things I believe God is calling me to do in this season of life. If it is not in alignment with the purpose God has on my life then it has to go.

It is difficult to realize that some of the things I am doing are good things but not God things for me. Just this week I had to cut out two good things I am involved with in order to go to the next level with the God things. It's hard to let them go. I liked those things. I liked the people associated with those things. However, I knew that it was taking up valuable time and I couldn't do it all. Those good things were actually time thieves.

There is no excuse for me, or you, not to give 100% on our God things. Giving 100% is oftentimes scary because what if our "all in" is not enough to make us to feel successful. We cannot worry about the outcome. We just have to do our part and allow God to do the rest. God is faithful to do what He said He would do. We have to be faithful to stay focused on the mission/goal God has given us. Do not look to the left or to the right. Look straight ahead and keep plowing. Step by step we will begin to see the fruits of our labor and realize we are where we were meant to be. Obedience is the key to success in God's eyes. God will bless our obedience. We have to rest in Him and humbly follow His directions.

If you do not know what God has called you to do in this season, pray for Him to give you a revelation. Get quiet before God and seek Him wholeheartedly. You are perfectly equipped for what He has for you. More than likely He will only give you a few steps at a time but that is okay. Do your part and watch God work. It is not about our abilities. It's about God's ability, and He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above anything we can ask or think.

In Christ,
Alissa


"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations." Deuteronomy 7:9 (ESV)

"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?" Numbers 23:19 (ESV)

"He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV)

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 (ESV)

Friday, January 8, 2016

Daddy is Here

Daddy is here... These three words may conjure up different emotions for different people. However, for my 7 year old Brennan it gives him a peace and comfort that most people hope and wish they had. Brennan loves his dad beyond words and can't wait for him to get home each day. He runs with open arms as soon as the door opens. I love witnessing their connection because I know that is not the reality for many children and their fathers. It makes me so happy to see the genuine love between the two of them. 

Earlier this week Brennan went to the dentist to get two fillings for his cavities. He knew about the upcoming procedure for a few weeks but grew anxious as the day approached. The morning of the procedure I went into his bedroom to wake him up. His first words were "I hate this day". I reassured him that he would be fine and that daddy would be right there with him. I explained that many other kids had been through what he was about to do. They were ok and he would be as well. The words appeared to calm him, and he said he was ready to be brave. I knew it was more than the mere words I spoke to him that calmed his fears. It was the reassurance, presence, and relationship that accompanied the words that pushed him past his fears and gave him strength. He knew his daddy would be there with him and that was just what he needed. He trusted and believed his daddy would not put him in harm's way. He knew even if it hurt his daddy would be there to comfort him.

Brennan's relationship with his daddy helped him gain courage that morning to walk into the dentist office like a big boy. When he met me back in the waiting area he was excited that it wasn't that bad and told me he was "super brave". I don't know how the dentist appointment would have gone if my husband was not there. Honestly I'm glad I didn't have to find out. All I know is that Brennan had a great experience and a vital reason for that is his daddy was right there with him in the room.



God spoke to me that morning as I was reassuring Brennan. The words "Daddy is here" echoed in my mind. God reminded me that He is the Ultimate Daddy and is here for His children always and forever. Daddy is here when I don't feel brave and want to give up. Daddy is here when fear comes in like a flood and washes over me. Daddy is here when I feel alone and isolated. Daddy is here when the world seems against me. Daddy is here you fill in the blank. The truth is Daddy is always here in any and all of life's circumstances even when we don't realize it. 

Don't ever forget that Daddy is here for you. He wants to give you peace and comfort. He wants us to be brave and courageous. He also wants an authentic connection and the type of relationship where you yearn to see Him each day. He wants to walk with you in every situation no matter how big or small it seems. 

Do you truly believe that Daddy is here? Do you feel His presence in your daily life? If not, pray for God to overwhelm you with His presence today. Be open with Him about your feelings because an authentic relationship begins with honesty and trust. Show God today that you want an intimate relationship where you know that He is here. If we are honest with each other, we all want to know Daddy is here for us unconditionally and indefinitely. 

I pray that you will get to a point where you, like Brennan, can find rest in the fact that Daddy is here!



In Christ,
Alissa 


"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV)