Loving Others Well

Watching the elementary age students in my sons’ school cafeteria on Friday was inspiring. The children were so excited not because of lunch but because of the two gentlemen sitting at the end of the table before they reached the serving line. I witnessed each child, no matter their race or gender, wait in anticipation of reaching the gentlemen. The children and gentlemen exchanged either a high five, fist bump, or their favorite handshake. It was so sweet seeing the children wait in line to be acknowledged with a loving embrace. They had smiles on their faces and appeared to honestly be in the moment.

One would think the gentlemen were special guests or possibly the principal/leadership of the school. Actually, they were the custodians/janitors at the school. I’ve visited the cafeteria on numerous occasions during both of my sons’ lunch periods and noticed the same loving gestures. I can describe those moments in two words: pure joy.

You see many people may look down on these gentlemen because they think the jobs are not important enough or high enough on the success ladder. Children, however, are great at figuring out the authenticity of a person. The children adore these men and quite honestly the men adore them as well. They didn't care about the position the men held. They realize the men care about them and that's all that matters.

Growing up my mom's profession was a janitor/custodian as well. She cleaned her elementary school with excellence. She took pride in making sure the school was in the best shape it could be. The children loved her and still remember her even 20-30 something years later. Mrs. Linda, as they called her, holds a special place in many of the children's hearts until this day. People still tell me stories they remember about my mom and what she did for them while they attended her school. I believe she made an impact on those children and the gentlemen at my sons' school will continue to make an impact on their children as well.

Maybe all of us can learn from these children and not assign dignity or worth to a human being based on WHAT they do. Instead we should love others because of WHO they are. We need to treat everyone with respect because they are worthy of respect. God assigned dignity and worth to all His creation. How dare we as the created try to change what the Creator set in motion. Let's not think too highly of ourselves believing we are better than others. Truly, it doesn't matter your job position as long as you are positioned in right standing with Christ and reflecting His glory in all you do. 

Look to the gentlemen and my mother as an example of loving others well. Strive to make an impact in someone's life no matter our position or theirs. People are looking for authenticity and compassion. Give it to them freely because you know they are worthy of the investment. 

In Christ,

Alissa

"Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23 HCSB

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." Romans 12:3 NIV

He's Intentional, Are We?

One of my favorite songs right now is Intentional by Travis Greene. By definition, intentional means "done on purpose; deliberate". The song repeats "all things are working for my good, cause He's intentional, never failing". God is never failing and has worked all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God yearns for all His creation to become His children. He wants us to believe in His son Jesus Christ who died for our sins and rose again to be with Him. This is the biggest gift God offers us, but it doesn't stop there. He is intentional in our daily lives and working on our behalf for His glory. We don't have to worry or fear our circumstances because God is with us through the Holy Spirit living in us. God's intentionality should give us peace to keep going.

On this Good Friday I ask you to reflect on how God's intentionality has changed your life. Reflect on personal, real life examples of God's working on your behalf. Realize that because of Him sending His son you have hope of a future with Him. Thank Him you do not have to be alone on this journey because you have the Holy Spirit inside you.

Let's take it another step. Are we following God's lead with being intentional to other people in our lives? Do we show others the love and hope we find in Christ? Intentionality can be hard and usually takes us out of our comfort zones. In order to be intentional we need to build relationships not just connections. To me, connections can be surface level only. True relationships require a level of intentionality and have the ability to make you vulnerable.

Think about the people God has put in your life. How can you be intentional about sharing the hope that you have? What relationships can you grow for the glory of God? Find where God is already working and join in. God wants us to be intentional with His message. Will you?

In Christ,
Alissa

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 NIV

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15 NIV 

On The Other Side of Comfort

Oh the joys of our comfort zone! It's where we feel most content and at ease. It's where we dwell and pretty much know what to expect. Comfort zones aren't perfect but they are familiar. The familiarity urges us to stay in that place. We know we can do better but are scared to take a risk on a new adventure. Ultimately comfort zones keep us stagnant.

I had the opportunity to speak at the R.E.A.L - Raising Extraordinarily Amazing Ladies Forum at New Manchester High School last Wednesday. If I had not stepped outside my comfort zone by contacting the speaker coordinator the blessing from that experience would not have been realized. Any other time I probably would have waited and missed out on the opportunity. I didn't know if I would be selected but I knew I had to at least reach out.

The event was a clear answer to my quiet time with God. I had no idea how many people would attend until I showed up. Imagine my surprise when the entire cafeteria was packed with approximately 300 women and girls. It was definitely a God honoring time that uplifted, inspired, and empowered everyone in attendance including me. I'm continually grateful for that opportunity.

We all have to step outside our comfort zones and follow God in obedience based on what He tells us to do. Even if you do not see the big picture follow Him in the one step He has shown you so far. Do your part and you will be pleasantly surprised how the details unfold without you having to "take things into your own hands". Instead, allow His hand to lead you.

I'm currently learning to take risks for the cause of Christ. I hope you do the same. Trust and believe He is with you every step of the way. Put feet to your faith which requires you to step outside your comfort zone, take risks, and work hard. The most amazing things happen on the other side of comfort. God will meet you there and blow your mind based on your obedience.

We can change the world according to our obedience. Now join me on the other side of comfort!

In Christ,
Alissa

R.E.A.L. Forum on March 2, 2016

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

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

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)

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)

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)