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
Monday, August 13, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Your Way OR The Right Way?
Guidance defined by Webster's Dictionary: 1. the act or process of guiding
Love In Christ,
Alicia
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
Sunday, July 8, 2012
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
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
"'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
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, June 28, 2012
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
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
"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
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, June 3, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
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
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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