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

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. 

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

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

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.

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!

A God of Second, Third..... Infinite Chances

I am a woman who knows the grace of God. I am a woman who has been touched by the grace of God. I am a woman who needed an infinite number of chances to get this thing called a Christian life right. I am not a perfect woman but I strive to walk with Christ daily. My passion in life is to show people the transforming and redeeming love of Christ. No matter your circumstances God can and will bring you out. I've prayed long and hard about what my "ministry" will look like in this world. I've come to the realization I really want hurting people to experience the unending love of Christ. I want them to know Christ is searching for them. I realize many times people in the community need someone to really invest in them. I feel like I'm the girl who can go and love on them and build relationships. I want to show Christ's love....

Even with all I wrote in that first paragraph (which is truly my heart), I sometimes want to extend grace to some while internally believing some people just aren't worthy of "MY God's" grace. How selfish is that?! I never want to admit this but it became a reality last night when my husband asked me to watch a video. The video was a testimony from a guy I knew in college. This was that ONE guy that I truly did not like. He never did anything to me personally but I noticed how he treated people and it rubbed me the wrong way. As soon as I saw the guy's name and face I did not want to watch it. My disdain for this guy was that bad. I had no idea what the video was going to be about so I halfheartedly listened. The video documented how his life spiraled out of control during and after college. To my surprise, this guy has made a miraculous change in his life. God worked in this guy's life and sent people to encourage him while in prison. Now he is "all in" serving the Lord in his local community. How Great is our God!!!

I was in utter shock! I'm not sure why I was so shocked because I've seen God do some amazing things in my own life but shock pretty much sums up the emotion I was feeling. As I re-watched the video, my attitude was different. This time I actually listened and had compassion. I realized this guy had bigger issues going on in college than was visible on the outside. I finally saw a human that was hurting. God pulled the veil from over my eyes and showed me that I had been a hypocrite. I can't choose who I think God should extend grace to because he sent His son to save ALL who believe. Something in my heart changed last night. God revealed that part of me that still holds judgment. I'm glad God showed me the error of my ways, and I can move forward proclaiming the good news to those who need to hear it. 

God is a God of second, third... infinite chances. God can take you out of that pit and build you up in Christ. I am so amazed at how He will get our attention and call us into a closer relationship with Him and others around us. There is no doubt in my mind that God will use my old college classmate in amazing ways. He wants to use all of us if we are willing. Ask yourself this question, "are you willing to be used for God's glory and to show Christ to hurting people around you?" I pray you will go and be the light in our world.

I'll leave you with a clip of the video "Jesus, Friend of Sinners". It pretty much sums up our call to the world.

In Christ,

Alissa