We are Special!!!

Just a little reminder that as Women we are special in God's eyes and we should feel special everyday, all day!  These verses are for anyone....wife, girlfriend, sister, friend.


What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition.
 Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle, gracious kind that God delights in.

1 Peter 3:3-4  Message Bible

Proverbs 31:25

The Message (MSG)

Hymn to a Good Wife

^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things,
but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

Three Days Later...

"...There is nothing to fear here.  I know you're looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said."  Matthew 28:5-6

HE HAS RISEN!  HE HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD!   Hope everyone has a very blessed Easter! 

Love In Christ,

Alicia

Jesus Paid It All

"It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun's light failed.  The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle and Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'Father, into Your hands I entrust My spirit.'  Saying this, He breathed His last."

Happy Good Friday Everyone!  Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us!  Never committing a sin, He took all of ours upon Him, so that we may be forgiven and have eternal life!

Matthew 27:35

The Message (MSG)

^35-40 After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: “You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you’re really God’s Son, come down from that cross!”

Love In Christ,

Alicia

Guest Post(Dr. Gene Wilkes) : Operation Beautiful

Today at Plano Senior High School the girls are taking a risk to be themselves by not wearing makeup. As a father of two grown daughters and pastor of a local church, I know the struggle girls face throughout their lives to look a certain way. I don't have to tell you the disorders and personal pain that follow a pursuit of an image you were not created to be.

My wonderful wife, who is a teacher there, is joining the girls today! This is the first time I ever remember her intentionally going into public without makeup except to workout. Her love for the girls and her support of this value motivated her to join the experience.

Here she is this morning without makeup!!! I remember the first time my heart jumped when I saw her. She was walking across campus coming from a PE class without makeup.

I respect her for caring enough to look nice when she leaves the house, but I love her for the face she wears in her sleep.

The Bible makes it clear that outward beauty is not the benchmark of worth or beauty. Here's just one example:

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (1 Peter 3:3-4, NLT)

Let the girls know you appreciate their efforts. "Like" their video. Forward the message. Have a talk with your child. Let beauty from who we are not what we wear be our message today.

 

This post comes from Dr. Gene Wilkes.  I had to share it on the blog!  You can follow him on his own blog site: http://drgdub2.blogspot.com/   I wish more schools would do this!

 

Love In Christ,

Alicia

Reflection

I believe I have mentioned on this blog before that my husband and I are fostering two little girls.  We hope to be able to adopt them when the time comes and if it's God's will.  The oldest one, who is only 3, has a hard time just being herself.  She likes to copy everything that my son does(which he is older, so part of it is a younger sibling looking up to an older sibling), and when you ask her a question she gives you the answer that she thinks you would like to hear.  She does  not form her own opinions, rather just goes along with whatever opinion was put out there.  She is definitely a people pleaser!  One day I was talking to her about being her own person.  Granted, she is three, so my conversation was based on a 3 yr old level and hoping that she grasped some of what I was telling her.  I was trying to explain to her that she can have her own thoughts, likes and dislikes and that is Ok!  Also, that there is only ONE of her!  All of the sudden I got this feeling inside of me, like an "Ah Ha" moment.  I was talking to myself!!  I used to be her as a kid.  It was like looking in a mirror.  I am still very much a people pleaser in my adult life, but not like I was as a child.  I can remember as a child agreeing with certain things just to please others.  I now know that I can form and state my own opinions.  I have come along way, but it hasn't been easy.  I still find myself trying to please people, but I also can now stand up and give my own opinion without feeling guilty or worrying about what others will think.  I know that God has placed these 2 precious girls in our home for a reason.  I also know that it is important that I try and teach them both to be their own person.  I have made this one of my missions!

God made all of us in his image!  There is no one person alike!  Even our fingerprints are different! So, if we conform to others opinions and thoughts and actions, then we are masking our true individuality that God created!  I am still learning this.  I hope that if you struggle with being a "people pleaser", then you pray for God to help you unveil the true YOU!

Genesis 1:27New International Version (NIV)

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

 

Genesis 2:5-7 The Message(MSG)

 

^5-7 At the time God made Earth and Heaven, before any grasses or shrubs had sprouted from the ground—God hadn’t yet sent rain on Earth, nor was there anyone around to work the ground (the whole Earth was watered by underground springs)—God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive—a living soul!

 

 

 

 

Hijacked

Have you ever felt like your dreams were hijacked?  You wake up after a dream confused and asking yourself, "where in the world did that come from?" 

I have had 3 dreams in the last couple of weeks that have left me with the feelings of fear, doubt and worry when I awoke from the dreams.  These feelings that I experienced can only come from the devil, himself.  The devil hijacked my dreams!!

I will paint you a little picture of each of my dreams, so you can see what I am talking about.  The setting of all 3 of my dreams either took place at night or on a cloudy, evening. The house that the 3 dreams took place in or around was a 2 story, old, white house.  Shutters were falling off and doors creaked when they were opened.  The stairs were very narrow and the stairs creaked with each step that you took.  Yes, I dream in vivid detail and sometimes that is a disadvantaged. 

My first dream was about me loosing a baby.  We are fostering a 3 yr old and a 3 month old right now and for some reason I kept loosing the baby in the house.  Every time I found her, I would loose her again.  Panic is an understatement.  What I felt was sheer terror! When I woke up I was thankful it was only a dream, but the feeling of fear was still running through my body.  I know I would never loose this precious baby, but the devil wanted to create fear in me to try and break me down.

My second dream consisted of both girls that we are fostering.  They have weekly visits with their parents in reality, but in my dream we kept getting questioned about how we parented the girls and the bio-parents kept saying what a horrible job we were doing.  The negativity went on and on.  The devil was trying to create doubt in my ability to parent these kids.  My husband and I went through extensive training in order to foster kids, not to mention that fact that we would never do anything to harm these kids, so I know in reality I am totally capable  of taking care of these two precious children.  If we weren't, we would not have been licensed by the state, and therefore, entrusted to take care of kids in need.

My third dream was two nights ago.  The thing that I worry about most is my family.  It's not a constant worry, but more of a concern, hope everyone is doing well sort of worry.  They cross my mind at least once a day.  I dreamed that my brother got jumped by a group of guys.  They were outside the little white house.  I was yelling for them to stop, and asking my husband and friends to go help him.  Fortunately I woke up!  Thankfully, once again it was all a dream.

I am thankful that all three of these scenarios were dreams.  The devil will try to get to you anyway that he can.  He tried to get to me through my dreams.  He used my dreams to try and create worry, fear, and doubt.  I could have allowed all those negative emotions to control me, allowing the devil to "hijack" me, but through the power of prayer I was able to overcome each emotion and allow God to provide me with peace. Giving me positive, real thoughts instead of the negative thoughts that the dreams had created.

Everyday, the battle between good and evil rages on.  The devil wants to "hijack" your thoughts and emotions so bad that he will try anything, and I mean anything to get his way.  You do have a choice, you can choose to prevail over him by praying and asking God for help or you can become a prisoner to your negative thoughts and emotions.

I know which one I chose; the one that gave me peace and happiness.  God will always prevail over the devil!!!

2 Timothy 1:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

P.S. Just FYI, God allows the devil to try and get to us.  So, in other words the devil had to ask permission from God, to "hijack" my dreams.  This is for another blog that will be posted in the near future!

Love In Christ,
Alicia

Resolution

It's the new year, and for most people, that means making a new resolutions!  I personally did not make any new year's resolutions for 2013!  I used to make resolutions in the past, but never seemed to keep them.

I am so glad that with God we always get a chance to start over at any point that we ask for forgivness!  When we accept Jesus as our persoanl Lord and Savior, we are given the great gift of enternal life and the fact that we can ask for forgivness whenever we mess up or do something wrong.

Our slates become clean again and we are given another chance to show God's love and do right in the world.  This is the best resolution that I can think of!  I am so thankful that God loves me so much that He gave his son to die on the cross, that I can have my sins washed away and I can become "white as snow" again.  Thank you Jesus, for the best resolution!

The Lord says, "Now, let's settle the matter. You are stained red with sin, but I will wash you as clean as snow. Although your stains are deep red, you will be as white as wool. "  Isaiah 1:18

And yet, I am the God who forgives your sins, and I do this because of who I am. I will not hold your sins against you." Isaiah 43:25

Love In Christ,
Alicia

Wherever You Are

"Wherever God has placed you, he can use you to speak his truth-words of love, justice and faith to a lost world-even if it means being misunderstood or ridiculed.  Yes, it may be difficult and you may be weary; but, sister, "never tire of doing what is right" (2 Thessalonians 3:13)  Devotions to Go Vol. 3

This is a great reminder to us all, that no matter where we are or what we say or do, we can always be a witness for God!  EVERY LITTLE THING THAT WE SAY OR DO reflects who we are and what we stand for!

My Top Five of Thanks

It is that time of year again, the time of year when everywhere you look you see signs that the holidays are quickly approaching!  Well, here we are the day before Thanksgiving and I have a ton of things to be thankful for, but I thought I would narrow it down to my top 5!  I feel that Thanksgiving gets overshadowed by Christmas, so I always like to stop and reflect on the year and everything that God has blessed me with.  So, here you go, my Top Five Things I am Thankful for:

5.  I am thankful for the roof over my head and the food in my refrigerator.  Sometimes, I take for granted that I live in a solid structure, with a roof over my head and all the groceries that are in my pantry and fridge.  There are so many with out and I am blessed to have what I have.

4. My family and extended family.  I have a huge family!  Sometimes, it can be a little over whelming and LOUD, but we are all a close knit family and I love it.  We recently got another new addition to our family in our foster to adopt journey and my family did not hesitate to come and help out or send things that would help us out.  Truly blessed!!

3.  I am thankful for this foster to adopt journey that God has placed us in.  It has helped me grow stronger in my faith and trust in Him!  It is unbelievable how He has answered our prayers and is allowing us to help raise these 2 precious children that He created!  We are absorbing and loving every minute of it.

2.  I am thankful for my husband!  He is my biggest supporter and my partner in this crazy journey, called LIFE!  He gives up so much for me and the family.  Lately, it has been sleep, so I can make it through the day with 3 kids, even though he has to go to work as well.

1.  The number one thing that I am thankful for is MY GOD!!  Without Him I could not be thankful for anything and I would not be able to do anything.  He is my rock and I love Him with all my heart!  I am so THANKFUL that He did not turn His back on us and died for ALL of our sins so that we could be FREE.  He is a forgiving God and for that I am truly thankful!!

So, there you have it, MY top five things to be thankful for.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and know that God truly loves each and everyone of us.  You do not have to wait until Thanksgiving to reflect on the things you are thankful for, everyday you wake up you have something to be thankful for.

Psalm 107:1"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." (NIV)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Love in Christ,

Alicia

"Airing the Secrets"

"For the word of God is living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."  Hebrews 4:12-13

""If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly," wrote C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity. "But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding."

The rats within us cannot hide from God's sight.  What's more, we must give full account for what God's eyes see.  As ominous as that sounds, baring secrets to each other in marriage is really good news.  Rooting out our souls' vermin encourages healthier people and healthier marriages.

But what can you do if even you don't see the secrets of your heart?  Hebrews 4 tells us three things that we can do to expose our rats.  When we read the Bible and look carefully at ourselves in its mirror(see James 1:23-25), we begin to see ourselves as we really are.  God's ancient words speak frankly about our personal secrets.  So as we regularly read Scripture, we see our hearts in its mirror."

Devotional came from "Devotions to Go" Vol. 3 edited by Sharon Cole

All of have "rats"! The excert above talks about in a marriage, but this devotion can pertain to anybody and any relationship.  Friendships, co-workers, siblings, parent-child relationship, etc.  Having secrets from someone that you truly care about can really damage the relationship.  It can eat away at you if you hold it inside.  I am not saying to share just any and everything to just anybody, but if you truly care about the person or the relationship you should "get the rats" out! 

I hope everyone is having a blessed week and maybe this week you are able to let something go that you have been keeping locked up inside.  God wants us to let go and let Him, but we must first get rid of the baggage and give it to God and let Him take care of it.

Love In Christ,

Alicia

A Little Something

I am going to post one of the devotionals that I read yesterday during my quiet time.  I thought is what a good reminder for everyone.  God knew I needed to read it!  The title of the excert is called:  "All Things to all People"
"Juggling a hectic life is not new or unique to women in our culture.  However, our culture glorifies the multi-tasking woman.  Many times we over-schedule our lives because we can't say no.  Sometimes we don't want to miss out, so we try to do everything.  Moses could relate.  He led Israel as a prophet, guide, intercessor, teacher, lawyer and judge.  In short, he was trying to be all things to the Israelites.  But it was too much for him to handle by himself.
Many women struggle with the "need" to please everyone.  But we simply can't be everywhere at once.  We can't do everything everyone would like us to do.  We can't even do everythiing we would like to do.  Trying to be all things to all people puts us on the fast track to burnout.  But when we delegate, we are freed up to focus on the things God has given us to do.  Delegating also creates the opportunity for another capable person to grow into a new role.  Failing to share the load may impede another person's God-given potential.  Sometimes the best thing we can do, for others and ourselves, is to step aside so someone else can step up."

The bible passage that goes with this devotional can be found in Exodus 18:13-18

Devotions to Go Vol.3 edited by Sharon Cole

I love this devotional and it is so true!  Trying to do everything myself is a huge thing that I struggle with everyday.  I am trying my best to delegate where need be and to step back and let others help out!

I hope God uses this little excert to speak to you, like He used it to speak to me.

Love in Christ,
Alicia

Waiting

We live in a fast pace world. Everywhere we turn we have some reminder that waiting is " for the birds". We have fast food, high speed Internet, microwaveable meals and even the speed limit has increased. We do not like to wait! I especially have a hard time waiting. I have always been inpatient. It's not my best trait to admit, but it is true. Right now we are waiting for our first foster-child placement and it is rough. We have been licensed for about a week now and everyday I pray that my phone will ring and tell us we have a placement for you. We have been preparing for this since May.

I realized over the last week that God waits on me all the time. God is always right there patiently waiting for me to obey Him, talk to Him, to listen and yet I choose to make Him continue to wait. God never pushes us to answer Him. He merely gives us soft reminders that He is still waiting. He is so patient and kind. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He is the one that is constant in our busy lives. I feel like God is in away strengthening my faith with Him. He is in control of my life and the little one that we are supposed to take care of. On the same day that we were licensed, we also received a phone call that evening saying that we were getting our first placement, but 5 minutes later the placement was cancelled. I know God was giving me reassurance that it will happen, but not on my time, but on HIS!

So, this is my little lesson in faith and waiting. It is extremely hard, don't get me wrong, but I also have faith in God that He knows what is best for me and my family. Right now I will continue to pray for guidance and trust in Him.

Psalm 27:14 says "Wait for The Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for The Lord." ESV

Love in Christ,

Alicia


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

When Music Talks!

God has many ways of talking to us.  He can place a certain person or task on our heart. He can bring certain situations into our lives.  He can use people; people we may know or people we don't know to get his teaching or message to us.  What about music?  Have you ever thought about God using music to speak to you!!

God uses the sources around you the most to talk to you sometimes.  In my case, its music!  I have had several different songs come on the radio at several different points in my life over the past year.  I spend a lot of time in my car, A LOT!  My son goes to several therapies and activities a week, so about 75% of the time I am driving.  I listen to a Christian radio station.  It is my time of worship.  Recently it has become my confirmation and reassurance from God.  It amazes me how He can use something like music to talk to me.  I will give you some examples of what I am talking about:

"Carry Me to the Cross" by Kutless came on the radio around the time my son was diagnosed with PDD(social disorder).  The song talks about when your path seems hopeless and exhausting, do not worry, because you are not alone.  God is with you and will carry you.  This song did not just come across the radio once,  but several times over the course of 3 months.  I heard it at least twice a day if not more.  I know this was not a coincidence, it was God's way of telling me, "I know this is a rough time, but I got you."

Another example is "Safe" by Phil Wickham.  This is another reassurance song God sent to me to let me know He will take care of me and will not leave me.  These two songs danced back and forth across the air waves for a long time.  God was speaking to me through these songs during a very trying time.  My sister was asking for some encouraging words or scriptures why she was going through a rough patch a month ago and I just happen to be in my car when I got the text.  After reading the text, "Safe" came on the radio and I knew immediately that God wanted me to share that song with her, so I did.

The latest song that God has used to talk to me is called, "Jesus, friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns.  This song is on all the time.  We started our adoption journey back in May.  We were wanting to adopt an infant.  God shut the door on private adoption and opened the door to adoption through the state.  We really wanted to adopt an infant, but during our training classes in July, we were told that in order to eventually adopt an infant we would have to foster to adopt.  I really didn't want to go that route because I didn't think my emotions could handle it.  After much praying and talking with my husband, God changed my heart.  "Jesus, friend of sinners" came on the radio and for the past month and a half I hear it at least 2-3 times a day.  Basically, the song talks about instead of talking the talk, you really should be walking the walk.  God befriended so many people and loves everyone!  We should do the same.  God uses this song to speak volumes to me.  It touches my heart every time I hear it.  God is reminding me that foster to adopt is what we need to be doing.  This is the way that we will be able to reach out to these kids and through these kids hopefully reach others in the process.

I have heard all these songs before God used them to speak to me.  God opened my heart and ears so I could be attentive and receive the message that he had for me in the songs.  God will speak to you in many ways and He will find that one way to get your attention.

You can find all these songs on the Internet.  You can google them and listen to them through you tube or other means.  They are also available on Itunes to download. 

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" Romans 10:17

Love in Christ,
Alicia

Random Acts of Kindness

I am sure I have posted on this topic before, but it never hurts to be reminded, right?  I cut coupons every week before I do my grocery shopping on Saturday.  I usually have a lot of extra coupons that are about to expire or I have duplicates of.  I take all the coupons with me when I go to the store(I have a coupon binder, I know sad).  If I know I have a coupon for something and I find a better deal without the coupon, I will simply place the coupon on the item that the coupon is for.  I leave it for the next person to find.  If I find some that are about to expire that I know I want use before it expires, I will leave those as well on the item. Makes me smile.  Who knows what the other person that finds that coupon might be going through and that coupon being there might just make their day.  It's the little things that make me happy and I know that is the same for other people as well.  See you can do random acts of kindness anywhere.  I deemed myself the "coupon fairy", lol.  This past Saturday I think I left about 10 coupons all over HEB!  Hopefully it helped someone out.  I didn't know them or their situatuion, but the kindness that I showed by just the act of leaving a coupon behind might just have made them smile. 

There is someone always watching us, even if you think no one is.  This is just one way that I can kindly do something for someone else. I am not in it for the "thank you" or the regonition; I am simply showing God's love even if it is through a coupon!

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Epehsians 4:32)

Remember: ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Love in Christ,

Alicia

Your Way OR The Right Way?

Guidance defined by Webster's Dictionary:  1. the act or process of guiding

2. a: the direction provided by a guide b : advice on vocational or educational problems given to students

3. the process of controlling the course of a projectile by a built-in mechanism

 

We all have been guided by someone at least once in our lives.  It could have been a friend, a school counselor, a teacher, a parent, aunt, uncle, etc.  When you are born you are not born knowing everything, therefore you have parents or someone to guide you and help you.  In my life right now, I am going through a little spiritual guidance.  I have totally given God the reins and given Him total control.  I have a lot of things on my plate right now and He is in total control of it all.  On August 1, I will become a full time stay at home mom, with a part time job working from home, plus my husband and I are in the process of adopting.  Pretty huge things, right?  These two major things have been orchestrated by God and just when I think I am headed in one direction(my direction), He is right there to take me by the shoulders and stir me in His direction(the right direction).  Let me explain with some examples, when me and my husband decided that I should stay at home with our son, because of his autism and special classes he would have to take, I was extremely nervous about how we were going to make ends meet without my paycheck.  I prayed about it and tried to give it up to the Lord, but I still wanted to hold on to it.  I worried and then decided I was weary and once again let go and gave it to God.  A couple of days later my boss came to me and said she could offer me a part time position doing collections from home.  I was completely taken a back!  I was not prepared for that statement at all.  It was an answer to prayer, and I knew that since I had let God lead instead of me,  He was able to provide a solution.  Next example, my husband and I have been talking about adoption since the end of last year.  We tried several different private adoption agencies and never was able to "get our foot in the door" so to speak.  I felt that was God's way of saying, "No, that is not what I want you to do."  Eventually we were able to start with a state agency and start the process.  From the very beginning we both said that we wanted to straight adopt.  There was no way that we wanted to foster to adopt!  We were very adamant about it!  We decided that we would adopt a child between the age of 0-2.  Perfect!  Over the course of these classes that we have been taking, I can feel the Lord taking me by the shoulders and stirring me away from straight adoption and into foster to adopt.  You wanna no my answer, "Really God? You know that my heart is too big to have a child taken away from me."  Yea, God isn't having any of it!  He is listening to me, of course, but He is still guiding us away from straight adoption.  You see, God always, always knows what is best for us, even when we don't think it is.  He also wants to give us what our hearts desire.  We were told by the agency in one of our classes that if we straight adopt there is no way we would be able to adopt a kid between the ages of 0-2.  The youngest is usually around 4 with straight adoption, but most of them our older.  So, the route to go would be foster to adopt.  I have two choices, I can not listen to God and continuing fighting and doing it MY way OR I can listen to God and let Him guide me and reap the wonderful benefits that He has in store for my family.  God's way is not always the easy road to follow, but in the end it has the best reward possible!  God loves and wants to guide us in our journey of life.  He also puts special people in our paths to help guide us as well.  No matter what decision you are having to face you can always look to the ultimate guidance counselor, God and know that if you choose to listen and have Him guide you, the results will be so much sweeter in the end! 

 

Psalm 32:8 ESV  I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV 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. (this is one of my favorite verses)

Love In Christ,
Alicia

Blessed to be Different

On the radio this past week, I heard the DJ quoting Aimee Copeland, the girl who has been in the hospital fighting a flesh eating disease. If you don't know who I am talking about, she was on a zip line when it broke and she gashed her leg open and fell into the river below. The quote below came from her, the girl that has lost both her hands, part of her stomach, and other limbs. She is blessed to be different! I have played that one sentence over and over in my head. What a great example of taking something so negative and finding the positive in it. I know that we all have experienced some negative situations in our lives, but how many can honestly say that they turned it into a positive instead of dwelling on the negative. I sure can't say that I have done that with all the negative in my life. It is always easier to wallow in self pity, rather than try to find the good in the situation. I want to challenge you, the next time you find yourself in a negative situation try to find the good in it. We should all feel blessed to be different, no matter who we are or what we have gone through. God created each and everyone of us to be different!



"'I mean that I am blessed to have the opportunity to experience something that not many other people have the chance to experience,'" Copeland wrote, recalling his daughter's words. "'I am blessed to be able to have a challenge that not many others get to have. I am blessed to have the capacity to share my experience with others and have a chance to improve the quality of someone else's life. I'm blessed to be different.'" by: Aimee Copeland

It all began after her ride on a makeshift zip line across the Little Tallapoosa River snapped. A gash in her left calf took 22 staples to close.

The pain continued for three days. When she went to an emergency room, doctors determined she had necrotizing fasciitis caused by the bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila.

Surgeons amputated most of her hands, part of her abdomen, one of her legs and her remaining foot in an effort to stay ahead of the infection. She has also had multiple skin grafts.

Exert taken from Hlntv.com

Proverbs 1:15 says, "My son, do not walk in the way with them. Keep your feet from their path,.." NAS

Genesis 1:27 says, "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." NAS

Love in Christ,

Alicia






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Who Says You Can't Rap for Jesus?

I hear "Lose My Soul" by TobyMac on the radio alot. My 4 year old loves it and tries to rap it as well. I decided to look up the lyrics to see exactly what they are saying, because lets face it there is always a part of a rap song that you don't really get. Anyway, after reading the lyrics, I decided I liked this song even more. It has a really great message. They are talking about their careers as song artists, but you can insert your own life into it and apply it to yourself. My favorite line of the song is in the chorus; "I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul." I interpret this line to mean that they would rather have a relationship with Jesus instead of having the things that the world gives them. This is just what I take from it, it could mean something different to you. I just thought I would share the lyrics of the song. If you would like to hear the actual song you can find it on YouTube under "Lose My Soul".


"Lose My Soul"
(feat. Kirk Franklin, Mandisa)

Man I wanna tell you all something, Man.
Man I'm not gonna let these material thing's, get in my way, you all.
I'm trying to get somewhere.
I'm trying to get somewhere,
Thats real and pure and true and eternal.

Father God, I am clay in your hands,
Help me to stay that way through all life's demands,
'Cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me,
And every little thing I make up my mind to be,
Like I'm gonna be a daddy whose in the mix,
And I'm gonna be a husband who stays legit,
And I pray that I'm an artist who rises above,
The road that is wide and filled with self love,
Everything that I see draws me,
Though it's only in You that I can truly see that its a feast for the eyes- a low blow to purpose.
And I'm a little kid at a three ring circus.

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.

(Mr. Franklin, Step up to the mic sir)

The paparazzi flashes, and that they think that it's you,
But they don't know that who you are is not what you do,
True, we get it twisted when we peak at the charts,
Yo before we part from the start,
Where's your heart?
You a pimp, hustler?
Tell me what's your title,
America has no more stars, now we call them idols,
You sit idle, While we teach prosperity,
The first thing to prosper should be inside of me.
We're free...
Not because of 22's on the range,
But Christ came in range, we said yes now we changed,
Not the same, even though I made a fall,
Since I got that call, no more Saul, now I'm Paul.
(YEP!)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
Don't wanna walk away,
Don't wanna walk away

How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
It's hypnotizing me from living in light of eternity,
How do I sense the tide that's rising?
De-sensitizing me from living in light of eternity.

(Lord what we gonna do,We're relying on you,
all eyes are on you Lord,
all eyes are on you, all eyes are on you Jesus.)

I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
Don't wanna walk away, let me hear the people say.
(Don't let me lose my soul, my soul.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(This is my honesty, Father, won't you cover me.)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna walk away, and all those people say)
I don't want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul,
(Don't wanna lose, I don't wanna lose my soul.)

Lord forgive us when we get consumed by the things of this world,
That fight for our love, and our passion,
As our eyes are open wide and on you.
Grant us the privilege of your world view,
And may your kingdom be, what wakes us up, and lays us down.

(Hallelujah, Don't wanna lose our soul,
No, Don't wanna lose my soul.)

Hey excuse me,
I'm looking for the after party,
Toby,
Ha ha, yeah, last door on the left, you'll hear it.
Thanks,
No problem.

Don't let me lose my soul, I never wanna walk away,
I don't wanna lose my soul,
No, no, no.
Don't let me, don't let me, lose my soul,
I don't wanna walk away,
Don't let me walk away,
Na na na na no,
Don't let me lose, my soul,
I'm never gonna walk away.

Love In Christ,
Alicia



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Family Values

I spent time with family over the memorial day weekend.  Every time I am surrounded by family, I am reminded how blessed I am.  If you were to count just my immediate family, you would count 14 including children and spouses.  Yes, that is just my immediate family, so you can imagine how many there are when you add extended family... ALOT!!  The things that I cherish most about my family is how close we are and how much we support one another no matter what it is, good or bad!  Yes, we have are ups and downs and no we do not always get along, but when it comes down to it we have each other's back.  If you were to ask every single person in my family " Do you like spending time with your family?" Every single one of them would answer yes without hesitation.  Seriously!  We love hanging out and being together and we have the most fun!  We have a strong bond and I am forever grateful for it!  All the family values that have been bestowed upon me and my brothers and sisters, have been passed down from generation to generation.  The number one thing that has kept us so close and bonded is GOD!  There is a relationship with God and without that I believe we would not be as close as we are. 

God should be at the top of your family values!  He should be at the head of everything that you do and every decision that you make.  God wants to be involved in your family.  He is always there, waiting for you to say, "OK God, what do you think?"  I know that might sound silly, but it is that simple.  If you never got a chance to have a close relationship with your family, don't worry, you can start over new and have God as the head of your family, just like He wants to be.  If you think about it, God started this whole family when he created Adam and Eve, so He is the leader of us all, but it is our choice to acknowledge Him and listen. 

Family values are so important and when you put God up front as your leader, you can never go wrong.

"I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named (Ephesians 3:14-15)."  You may also want to continue to read verses 16-19

 

God is and always will be part of the family, but it is up to you to acknowledge Him!!

 

Love in Christ,

 

Alicia

Mother's Day Blessings

Proverbs 31:26-31 "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many woman do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive , and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

I love this verse and it speaks highly of moms. My mom and I have a very special bond. She has taught me so much over the years. She provides encouragement, wisdom, love, and friendship. She is a Godly woman and loves the Lord. I am truly blessed to have her as a mom.


Thank you God for making a mom that was uniquely designed just for me!

Love In Christ,

Alicia

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A Taxi Story

A sweet lesson on patience.

A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'. We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day,I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.


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