Tuesday, February 23, 2016

We're Here to IMPACT

Who made a significant impact in your life? Upon reflection your mind is probably flooded with vivid memories of specific individuals. Maybe it was a teacher who believed in you or a parent who was always there when you needed it most. Possibly it was a coach or mentor who spent time with you showing you the best way to reach your goals. Whatever the situation these individuals impacted you in ways that continue to bring a smile to your face. Perhaps their good deeds changed the trajectory of your life. 

Similar to those who have impacted us, we can impact others. We are equipped by God with certain gifts and talents. Each of us has certain experiences that have shaped us. Why not use these gifts, talents, and experiences to impact others? One of the best gifts you can give is your time. Whether that's lending a listening ear, teaching a craft or skill, or encouraging a friend we should find a way to impact those around us. The motive is not to get a pat on the back but to give back a portion of what has been given to us. 

Based on my gifts, talents, and experiences I continually look for ways to impact individuals who are confused, hurting, and feel like hope is dwindling. I currently mentor at a local pregnancy center and middle school. I also seek out opportunities to speak life into what seems like dead situations. How could I not tell people about the Savior of the world who provides hope to the hopeless? My methods may change as time goes on but my mission will always be to tell others about Christ and make an impact for Him. I may never reach the masses with my words and deeds but I am determined to make an impact on those who are in my path. 

Through God's providence we are alive at this moment for such a time as this. I truly believe we are not here to impress but to impact. How will you use your life to make an impact? What is something God has impressed upon your heart to do? How can your gifts be used in a God honoring way? 

However the Lord has gifted you use it for His glory. You never know how you may positively affect a person's life. I remember several individuals whose impact changed the trajectory of my life and I am forever grateful. Reflect on those who made an impact in your life. Now GO and make an IMPACT in someone else's life for the kingdom for God.

In Christ,
Alissa

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Community in the Midst of Storms


Overwhelmed, tired, hurt, lonely... Do any of these words describe you? Have they described you in the past? Many of our friends and family feel as if they are drowning. Drowning from the ever present storms of this life. If we take the time to truly look around and observe our loved ones we will see the signs of an overwhelmed, tired, hurt, or lonely individual. I've been that person on several occasions. Therefore, I can't look around and see the devastation without feeling the burden to be there and help.

Life is hard. Sometimes very, very hard. As the saying goes, either you just came out of a storm, currently in a storm, or about to head into a storm. Thank God He never intended for us to do life on our own. That's why the Holy Spirit indwells in us and we have brothers and sisters in Christ to walk alongside us. We were made for relationship and community.

My heart's cry is to see brothers and sisters in Christ unified. We need to help others see the importance and desperate need for Christ. Not only do we need Christ but we also need one another. People view needing others as a weakness but I strongly disagree. Being in community with others is a strength. We are better people when we are in community with others. It shows us life is not all about us. We get to have a front row seat at Christ working in other peoples' lives which is a constant reminder that He is ever faithful.

Will there be moments when we feel overwhelmed, tired, hurt, or lonely? Probably so. Will we have storms in our lives? The Bible says yes. This is why I am thankful that God has given me a community of brothers and sisters who love me and are there for me. I am even more thankful for my relationship with Christ who is my constant friend. When I think about all God has done in my life I can't bottle up my emotions and remain silent. All the storms I thought would have taken me out have prepared and equipped me to be the person I am today. Therefore, I continually seek relationships with people for the mutual edification of Christ.

God make us Your example. Show us people we can impact. Allow us to be a light in the world. There are days when we fall short but continue to convict us, pick us up, and show us the way. Help us see the need for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us realize we are family and teach us what that truly means. Help us deepen our relationships so we are burdened for our sisters and brothers.

Are you in a consistent relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you have people you can call on when the storms of life are raging? Remember that God created us for community with Him and one another.

In Christ,
Alissa

"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:5-7 (ESV)

"If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 (ESV)

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2 (ESV)

"For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." Romans 8:29 (ESV)