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

Stay Calm and Enjoy This New Season

Well it's Monday, August 12th and a new season in my life has officially began. This morning was a little crazy like most of yours I'm sure (that is, if your children started school today). I found myself barking out orders and trying to hurry Brennan out the door for his first day of kindergarten. I had a moment when God showed me I needed to calm down and enjoy the process. Staying calm is sometimes a pretty difficult task for me. However, staying calm produces great results. I noticed the joy on the face of a five year old who could not stop talking about being a big boy and then the look of terror when he actually arrived at school and had to get off the golf cart to walk inside! I am thankful God slowed me down long enough to enjoy those precious moments that I will never get back.

For months I have been sensing a new season was coming for me in August. I did not understand exactly what "GO TIME" meant but I knew God was up to something. I recently found out I will be teaching the bible study Gideon by Priscilla Shirer at my local church. The main theme is Your Weakness, God's Strength. Lord knows there are moments when I feel so weak that it's only by God's strength I make it through the day. In addition to teaching, I am also taking four classes this Fall with hopes of a Spring graduation. Of course, my most important task during this season is striving to be a godly wife and mother through it all.

This new season definitely has its challenges but I am excited about the opportunities as well.  As Priscilla Shirer said, "What lies ahead in your journey is not nearly as critical as where you are now. Wherever you are now is where you are meant to serve now." This statement sums up what I believe God meant by "go time". It is time for me to show others in my sphere of influence what it means to wholeheartedly follow Christ. 

God has placed each of us in certain situations and areas in order to fulfill His purpose. With each new season, He gives us a sphere of influence.  In our daily lives, we have opportunities to affect people in positive ways. Classmates, coworkers, family, friends, and others we come in contact with are looking for authentic people who foster genuine relationships. Therefore, it's "go time" for the followers of Christ. Who knows what these genuine relationships may lead to when we are following God's will in this season of our lives?! 

I am diligently praying I can remain calm and enjoy this process. I pray the same for all of you as well. Remember stay calm and enjoy this season of your life because it is indeed purposeful. 

I love you all!

In Christ,

Alissa

He Makes All Things New

I've been volunteering at Vacation Bible School at my church this week. I have a 3rd grade class full of high energy children! I thought I was blessing them with my presence but I now realize I have been blessed by them and the message of Jesus Christ all over again. God's Word is so fresh and new every time I hear it. I got choked up today in our missions class when the teacher showed videos of people's testimonies and gave her own. It is something about a person's testimony that touches my heart each and every time. Testimonies are so personal and cannot be refuted. The teacher did such an amazing job of teaching the kids that God loves them and wants to be a part of their lives. She explained to them they are fearfully and wonderfully made.

The best part of today was that my son Kolbi was in the class with me. As many of you know, I had Kolbi when I was 15. Kolbi heard the teacher say that no one is a mistake and that God knew him before he was even in my womb. He listened to Scriptures about how important he is to the Kingdom. God has done a miraculous work in my life, and I thank Him daily for my testimony. God loves me unconditionally. He loves ALL of us unconditionally. Yes that means "YOU TOO". No matter what you have done you can always run back into the arms of God and turn your life around.

I pray that everyone reading this knows that God wants a relationship with you. He wants you to trust Him with all your heart. Believing in Him is not enough... He wants you to TRUST Him and follow Him daily. By following Him, your life may not look like you planned but you will have a testimony that is sure to touch other's hearts and hopefully lead them to Christ. Look at me, I've gone from a teenage mom to a seminary (bible school) student who wants nothing more than to show others the transforming life Christ gives. He has made me new and will do the same for you!

I truly love all of you and hope God has revealed something to you through this post.

In Christ,
Alissa

Using the Gifts God Gave You

God has been speaking to me lately in a variety of ways about using the gifts He gave me. For a long time I never thought I was talented in anything. I thought since I couldn't sing, dance, draw or any of the normal things people think about as talented then I didn't have much to offer. After diving into scripture and realizing we are all God's workmanship, I now have a new outlook. God has equipped me with different abilities, talents, and spiritual gifts. Actually, He has equipped all of us. The circumstances and situations in our lives have built us into the people we are. God wants to use our stories for His glory. He wants to use our talents and gifts to show others His way. Everyone is unique and has a special role to play in God's plan.

God has given me the gift of encouragement and authenticity. Many people may not see these attributes as gifts but I know the power in them. I am at this point in my life due to the encouraging words of others who told me not to give up or give in to the enemy. These individuals kept it real with me and explained the importance of following God.

I am passionate about showing girls and women their worth in Christ. I want them to know that God can use them no matter what has happened in their lives. I need them to know they are special to God. My prayer is that all of you use your God-given gifts. Pray and ask God to reveal to you how you can use your gifts and talents for His glory. You do not have to be a preacher or teacher of the Word to be useful in the Kingdom. God needs you to play your part.

Are you willing to be "all in" with the gifts God has so graciously given you? Step up to the plate and allow God to work through you to change lives. You never know how God will use you. He will do exceedingly and abundantly above what you can ask or think. Believe me I know!