"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!
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
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
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
Thursday, November 8, 2012
"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
""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
Thursday, October 18, 2012
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
"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
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
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
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
Sunday, September 9, 2012
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
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
Monday, August 13, 2012
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
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
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