"I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You
Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain
I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Holy, holy, holy
Is the Lord God Almighty"
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
July 24, 2014
March 9, 2014
God Gives Me More Than I Can Handle...
We've all heard the line, "God doesn't give you more than you can handle." This phrase has been spoken to me many times since my diagnosis and it makes me cringe each time I hear it. I know it's always spoken out of love and from a good heart, from people who want to say something to comfort but don't quite have the words.
But I prefer to think about tough times from a different perspective. Maybe it's true that God Himself doesn't necessarily send more than we can handle. Only good things come from God. I do believe, however, that God allows Satan to give us more than we can handle. God allowed Jesus more than he could handle; all of our sins laid upon this perfect, sinless man. But Jesus knew he could get the strength to continue from God alone. So why would we think that we are so special as to not have more than we can handle placed upon us?!
God allows us to have more than we can handle so that we can learn turn to Him for strength and comfort and give Him the reins of our lives. Only in our hardest, darkest moments do we really turn to God in such a way that we bow down at His throne and give all our hopes, dreams, and lives fully to Him. So, I'm here to say, I'm so thankful that God has given me more than I can handle. Through the messy, hard moments, I have learned that life is so much more manageable when He's fully in control.
When I heard the diagnosis of brain cancer, my whole life as I knew it came crashing down. All of my dreams were stopped dead in their tracks. It changed the way I looked at every situation, every activity I was involved in, and the people around me. This may sound crazy, but I truly am so thankful for this cancer. I'm at peace knowing that I've learned to give control of my life to God. I no longer take life for granted; I enjoy the people around me in new ways, I appreciate the little moments of joy more, I don't participate in things just because people want or expect me to but rather because I enjoy them, and I have learned to live each day with a passion and fire that I never had before. I see each day as an opportunity to make a difference, rather than as a day to get through.
Life is short and can be taken at any moment. Our community learned this lesson this week, as a wonderful woman's life was cut short due to cancer. Sharri understood the importance of loving her family and friends while she still had an opportunity to. She remained joyful despite the Doctor's prognosis. She cherished each moment that God gave her. I was impacted by Sharri's life, as I know were many others. We can only hope our lives are as fruitful!
I challenge you to live this week in such a way that you appreciate and cherish each moment God gives you!!
But I prefer to think about tough times from a different perspective. Maybe it's true that God Himself doesn't necessarily send more than we can handle. Only good things come from God. I do believe, however, that God allows Satan to give us more than we can handle. God allowed Jesus more than he could handle; all of our sins laid upon this perfect, sinless man. But Jesus knew he could get the strength to continue from God alone. So why would we think that we are so special as to not have more than we can handle placed upon us?!
God allows us to have more than we can handle so that we can learn turn to Him for strength and comfort and give Him the reins of our lives. Only in our hardest, darkest moments do we really turn to God in such a way that we bow down at His throne and give all our hopes, dreams, and lives fully to Him. So, I'm here to say, I'm so thankful that God has given me more than I can handle. Through the messy, hard moments, I have learned that life is so much more manageable when He's fully in control.
When I heard the diagnosis of brain cancer, my whole life as I knew it came crashing down. All of my dreams were stopped dead in their tracks. It changed the way I looked at every situation, every activity I was involved in, and the people around me. This may sound crazy, but I truly am so thankful for this cancer. I'm at peace knowing that I've learned to give control of my life to God. I no longer take life for granted; I enjoy the people around me in new ways, I appreciate the little moments of joy more, I don't participate in things just because people want or expect me to but rather because I enjoy them, and I have learned to live each day with a passion and fire that I never had before. I see each day as an opportunity to make a difference, rather than as a day to get through.
Life is short and can be taken at any moment. Our community learned this lesson this week, as a wonderful woman's life was cut short due to cancer. Sharri understood the importance of loving her family and friends while she still had an opportunity to. She remained joyful despite the Doctor's prognosis. She cherished each moment that God gave her. I was impacted by Sharri's life, as I know were many others. We can only hope our lives are as fruitful!
I challenge you to live this week in such a way that you appreciate and cherish each moment God gives you!!
February 25, 2014
One Year Mark
This Thursday marks one year since my surgery to remove the brain tumor (Trixie, we called her) and my later diagnosis of brain cancer! I can't believe we've hit the one year mark already! This past year has been an absolute whirlwind, but so many blessings have come out of it.
First of all, because of my realization that this life can so quickly be gone, I have refocused my priorities. Before my diagnosis, I was so focused on making money and on work that I often put my relationships with Christ, Travis, family, and friends on the back-burner. I worked so hard that I came home exhausted with no energy for the people who really mattered. Now, I recognize that work is still an important part of life, but it must be focused on leading people to Christ and I must have enough left after my workday for Travis and Lucas!
I have learned to rely on Christ alone and my relationship to Him has been radically deepened. I have recognized that I cannot do this life by my own strength. Life is too much to handle to do it alone. He is now in complete control of my life. I pray daily for direction and for His guidance in my decisions. I pray for the Holy Spirit to work in my life each day, leading me where He has planned.
Not only has my relationship with Christ grown stronger, but my relationships with friends and family have intensified. I have truly realized the importance of sticking together, serving one another, and putting others before my own needs. Before, I was so focused on our finances and goals that I often forgot how important it is to spend time with and uplift those around me. Now, I have been more purposeful in my friendships, setting aside time for those who matter; whether it be a lunch date, evening visit, quick phone call, facebook message, or letter, this year I have focused more on my friends and family than ever before. As a result, I see my friendships deepening and myself connecting on deeper level with family members. I pray this only continues as the years go by.
This year has also led me to long for Christ and my Heavenly Home! I have realized that this place is not my home. I will continue on Earth for only a short time, and I long for the days when all I do is sing praises to my Creator! In my final days on Earth, however long that may be, I will praise God through my actions, words, and thoughts. I know that my time is short, but I will use each hour I'm given in a purposeful way, in order to show people Christ through my life! I pray today, dear reader, that you have committed your life to Christ as well.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and encouragement as I live each day to the fullest. Remember, friends, the best is yet to come!
God bless you,
Alicia
First of all, because of my realization that this life can so quickly be gone, I have refocused my priorities. Before my diagnosis, I was so focused on making money and on work that I often put my relationships with Christ, Travis, family, and friends on the back-burner. I worked so hard that I came home exhausted with no energy for the people who really mattered. Now, I recognize that work is still an important part of life, but it must be focused on leading people to Christ and I must have enough left after my workday for Travis and Lucas!
I have learned to rely on Christ alone and my relationship to Him has been radically deepened. I have recognized that I cannot do this life by my own strength. Life is too much to handle to do it alone. He is now in complete control of my life. I pray daily for direction and for His guidance in my decisions. I pray for the Holy Spirit to work in my life each day, leading me where He has planned.
Not only has my relationship with Christ grown stronger, but my relationships with friends and family have intensified. I have truly realized the importance of sticking together, serving one another, and putting others before my own needs. Before, I was so focused on our finances and goals that I often forgot how important it is to spend time with and uplift those around me. Now, I have been more purposeful in my friendships, setting aside time for those who matter; whether it be a lunch date, evening visit, quick phone call, facebook message, or letter, this year I have focused more on my friends and family than ever before. As a result, I see my friendships deepening and myself connecting on deeper level with family members. I pray this only continues as the years go by.
This year has also led me to long for Christ and my Heavenly Home! I have realized that this place is not my home. I will continue on Earth for only a short time, and I long for the days when all I do is sing praises to my Creator! In my final days on Earth, however long that may be, I will praise God through my actions, words, and thoughts. I know that my time is short, but I will use each hour I'm given in a purposeful way, in order to show people Christ through my life! I pray today, dear reader, that you have committed your life to Christ as well.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and encouragement as I live each day to the fullest. Remember, friends, the best is yet to come!
God bless you,
Alicia
February 5, 2014
God is the Reason...
God is the reason why
even in pain, I smile;
in confusion, I understand;
and in fear, I continue to fight!
- Author Unknown
God truly is the reason. He's the reason I wake up each morning; I've taken a vow to represent Him each day and love people in His name. He's the reason I smile at people, hoping to be a ray of sunshine in a dark world. God's the reason I am able to understand that difficult situations only bring us closer to Him and each other. Honestly, God's the only reason that I'm able to continue this fight!
God, thank you for carrying me through this difficult season in my life. Thank you for my family, friends, mentors, and church. Lord, I give it all over to you; the burdens I carry are too heavy and you have offered to take them. Thank you. You are my strength and my hope, my joy and my reason for everything.
God, to you be the praise!
even in pain, I smile;
in confusion, I understand;
and in fear, I continue to fight!
- Author Unknown
God truly is the reason. He's the reason I wake up each morning; I've taken a vow to represent Him each day and love people in His name. He's the reason I smile at people, hoping to be a ray of sunshine in a dark world. God's the reason I am able to understand that difficult situations only bring us closer to Him and each other. Honestly, God's the only reason that I'm able to continue this fight!
God, thank you for carrying me through this difficult season in my life. Thank you for my family, friends, mentors, and church. Lord, I give it all over to you; the burdens I carry are too heavy and you have offered to take them. Thank you. You are my strength and my hope, my joy and my reason for everything.
God, to you be the praise!
April 27, 2013
Busyness: An Idol in My Life?
"How are you today?" she asked me. "Oh, just crazy busy," I respond. It's expected in our society, almost seen as the only way to live life. If you're not busy, you're seen by many as not productive and sometimes even lazy. I've been thinking a great deal about busyness lately, digging deep into God's Word to see what He says about the topic. And I have come to realize that busyness might just be an enemy of God.
This hasn't been an easy realization, though. You see, I have lived my life around frenzied activity, moving from one task to the next so quickly that I can barely breathe. I viewed downtime as wasted time, rather than as a way to re-boot and re-charge. This has been my way of life since I was a child; always on the move and getting things accomplished. But for many, including myself at times, a life of busyness leads to an accumulation of skills for personal achievement, but neglects the cultivation of godly character and a personal relationship with God.
I don't know about you, but the last thing I need or want is for anything to get in the way of my relationship with my Savior and Friend! But as I reflect on how I have been living my life, in a frenzied non-stop way, I realize that busyness has indeed become an idol for me and I believe the same is true for many of you reading this.
How has it become an idol for me, you ask? An idol is anything that absorbs your heart more than God or anything that you seek to fulfill you. In my life, I have filled my days with busyness mainly because I hate being alone and I'm seeking fulfillment somehow from my tasks and deeds, rather than from God's goodness. My heart is more absorbed by my to-do list than developing a Godly character and building a relationship with him.
In Luke 10, Jesus corrected Martha when her busyness got in the way of spending time with Christ. While Mary sat at Jesus' feet, soaking in his wisdom, Martha was busy making preparations for the day. Martha approached Jesus and asked him if he cared that her sister had left her to do all the work by herself and requested that he ask Mary to assist her. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many tings, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)
I don't know about you, but when I get busy, my priorities are thrown out the window. I'm too tired in the morning to get out of bed in order to sit down with my Bible open and spend quality time with God. My evenings are filled with meetings and computer work, so time with my husband and son becomes slim. I don't have time to spend with my best friend/accountability partner, and we start drifting. We need to first order our priorities and then slow down enough to remember them, so that we give our best time and effort to what matters most in life.
Psalm 39:6 says: Man is a mere phantom, as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
As mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends, we often find it hard to say no. We know in our hearts that we're too busy already, but when asked to sit on a church committee, community board, or volunteer at our kids' classroom event, we say yes because we know it will make a positive difference in our community. It's important for us, as Christians to make a positive difference, but even the most 'holy' of activities can quickly turn into burdens when they take away from our quiet time with God. Serving in ministry to others, encouraging the sick and elderly, being productive at your job, and many other tasks on our agendas all have merit. But none of these should be done at the expense of our relationship with Christ. We need to guard our precious alone time with God.
Even Jesus himself knew how important quiet time with God is. In Luke 5:16, we are told that "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." We need to follow Christ's example and spend time in prayer and devotion with God.
I am slowly learning how to fill my hours with God, rather than on worldly tasks; putting Christ in His rightful place in my life. Will you join with me as I develop in this way?
This hasn't been an easy realization, though. You see, I have lived my life around frenzied activity, moving from one task to the next so quickly that I can barely breathe. I viewed downtime as wasted time, rather than as a way to re-boot and re-charge. This has been my way of life since I was a child; always on the move and getting things accomplished. But for many, including myself at times, a life of busyness leads to an accumulation of skills for personal achievement, but neglects the cultivation of godly character and a personal relationship with God.
I don't know about you, but the last thing I need or want is for anything to get in the way of my relationship with my Savior and Friend! But as I reflect on how I have been living my life, in a frenzied non-stop way, I realize that busyness has indeed become an idol for me and I believe the same is true for many of you reading this.
How has it become an idol for me, you ask? An idol is anything that absorbs your heart more than God or anything that you seek to fulfill you. In my life, I have filled my days with busyness mainly because I hate being alone and I'm seeking fulfillment somehow from my tasks and deeds, rather than from God's goodness. My heart is more absorbed by my to-do list than developing a Godly character and building a relationship with him.
In Luke 10, Jesus corrected Martha when her busyness got in the way of spending time with Christ. While Mary sat at Jesus' feet, soaking in his wisdom, Martha was busy making preparations for the day. Martha approached Jesus and asked him if he cared that her sister had left her to do all the work by herself and requested that he ask Mary to assist her. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many tings, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:41-42)
I don't know about you, but when I get busy, my priorities are thrown out the window. I'm too tired in the morning to get out of bed in order to sit down with my Bible open and spend quality time with God. My evenings are filled with meetings and computer work, so time with my husband and son becomes slim. I don't have time to spend with my best friend/accountability partner, and we start drifting. We need to first order our priorities and then slow down enough to remember them, so that we give our best time and effort to what matters most in life.
Psalm 39:6 says: Man is a mere phantom, as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
As mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends, we often find it hard to say no. We know in our hearts that we're too busy already, but when asked to sit on a church committee, community board, or volunteer at our kids' classroom event, we say yes because we know it will make a positive difference in our community. It's important for us, as Christians to make a positive difference, but even the most 'holy' of activities can quickly turn into burdens when they take away from our quiet time with God. Serving in ministry to others, encouraging the sick and elderly, being productive at your job, and many other tasks on our agendas all have merit. But none of these should be done at the expense of our relationship with Christ. We need to guard our precious alone time with God.
Even Jesus himself knew how important quiet time with God is. In Luke 5:16, we are told that "Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." We need to follow Christ's example and spend time in prayer and devotion with God.
I am slowly learning how to fill my hours with God, rather than on worldly tasks; putting Christ in His rightful place in my life. Will you join with me as I develop in this way?
March 30, 2013
Meeting the Supernatural
I didn't know whether I believed in this before it happened to me. After telling my Pastor, who called it an epiphany event, he gently said some people may not believe me and may even think I'm crazy. I'm willing to risk that, if telling my story leads even one person to Christ.
Let me set the stage; I had brain surgery on Wednesday, February 27th. I was in ICU overnight and on Thursday was transferred to the neurological recovery unit. I hadn't slept well on Wednesday night and was very tired and droggy, so decided I needed a nap. Travis needed a break, so Danielle came in to sit with me. She said I was asleep only about 15 minutes, but let me tell you, this was the best sleep of my life!
I met the supernatural, right there in my hospital room! I can visualize it like it was today; I was sitting there with an image, a lighted being. I can't describe it to you any other way. This creation was just simply a bright light. I'm not sure if this was an angel or Jesus, but no matter which, he was sent to my room from God. He reached out with his hand and firmly grabbed my hand in comfort and gently whispered, "Alicia, go back."
I quickly rose from my sleep and all I could do was smile and stare at my hand. Danielle was alarmed and asked if I was alright. All I could do was say "I just met Jesus" and smile. She just sat there and listened as I shared with her what had just occurred.
Then, she shared how the night before my surgery, she had done some meditating in God's Word in order to have some verses to share with me. Our plan had been for me to call her that evening if I needed encouragement or for her to pray with me. The verse that God kept placing on her heart was Isaiah 41:13; "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you."
God works in amazing ways. He shows us His power and strength through every opportunity. He uses everything in believer's lives- and often the difficult things- to remake them, to transform them into being more like Jesus. Everything that happens to us-the good, the easy, the difficult, the grief, the joy, the pain- has one purpose and that's to shape us into being more like Christ!
I am absolutely sure that God was showing me through this meeting with the supernatural that He needs me down here on earth; to show more people His love and to teach people that this life isn't all there is. And He will walk with me, holding my hand as I go. Because of that meeting, I am more on fire than ever.
My prayer now is that of Paul, when he asked the church in Ephesians 6 to pray that his words may be from God and bold. I pray that God gives me boldness and His words, as I go out and speak as an ambassador for Christ! Please pray this prayer for me as well. Thank you, friends.
God bless,
Alicia
Let me set the stage; I had brain surgery on Wednesday, February 27th. I was in ICU overnight and on Thursday was transferred to the neurological recovery unit. I hadn't slept well on Wednesday night and was very tired and droggy, so decided I needed a nap. Travis needed a break, so Danielle came in to sit with me. She said I was asleep only about 15 minutes, but let me tell you, this was the best sleep of my life!
I met the supernatural, right there in my hospital room! I can visualize it like it was today; I was sitting there with an image, a lighted being. I can't describe it to you any other way. This creation was just simply a bright light. I'm not sure if this was an angel or Jesus, but no matter which, he was sent to my room from God. He reached out with his hand and firmly grabbed my hand in comfort and gently whispered, "Alicia, go back."
I quickly rose from my sleep and all I could do was smile and stare at my hand. Danielle was alarmed and asked if I was alright. All I could do was say "I just met Jesus" and smile. She just sat there and listened as I shared with her what had just occurred.
Then, she shared how the night before my surgery, she had done some meditating in God's Word in order to have some verses to share with me. Our plan had been for me to call her that evening if I needed encouragement or for her to pray with me. The verse that God kept placing on her heart was Isaiah 41:13; "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you."
God works in amazing ways. He shows us His power and strength through every opportunity. He uses everything in believer's lives- and often the difficult things- to remake them, to transform them into being more like Jesus. Everything that happens to us-the good, the easy, the difficult, the grief, the joy, the pain- has one purpose and that's to shape us into being more like Christ!
I am absolutely sure that God was showing me through this meeting with the supernatural that He needs me down here on earth; to show more people His love and to teach people that this life isn't all there is. And He will walk with me, holding my hand as I go. Because of that meeting, I am more on fire than ever.
My prayer now is that of Paul, when he asked the church in Ephesians 6 to pray that his words may be from God and bold. I pray that God gives me boldness and His words, as I go out and speak as an ambassador for Christ! Please pray this prayer for me as well. Thank you, friends.
God bless,
Alicia
March 27, 2013
He is my potter, I am his masterpiece
Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
God uses everything in his followers lives, very often the difficult things, to remake them, to transform them into being more like Jesus. Everything that happens to us; the good, the easy, the difficult, the grief, the joy, the pain; it all has one purpose and that's to shape us into being more like Christ!
That's what God is doing in me through all of this. He's shaping and molding me. He is my potter and I am his masterpiece. He's transforming me and working on my heart, making me more like Jesus each day. I will never be able to successfully be just like Christ; I am a sinner. But through prayer and study, I can try my hardest to live as he lived his life.
And again, that takes me back to Galatians 5:22, the fruits of the spirit.
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control
God is moving in my heart and shaping me into a more Christ-like woman. I pray that I can show each of these fruits in my life each day. I am so thankful for Jesus' willingness to come show us how to live our lives and for dying and taking my sin, so that I am hopeful of meeting my Creator one day. He did this for you, as well. You just need to accept him as the Lord of your life and you can also look forward to the beauty of our Creator!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for sending your only son, so precious and perfect, to die and take my sin. As I live my life, I pray that I don't allow things of this Earth to get in the way of my relationship with you. I pray for you to speak through me and that I can speak with boldness all the days of my life. Please keep Satan away from me. I feel the spiritual battle around me, but with your strength, he cannot touch me. His negative words cannot discourage me because you are mightier! Thank you Lord for listening to my pleas.
Amen
God uses everything in his followers lives, very often the difficult things, to remake them, to transform them into being more like Jesus. Everything that happens to us; the good, the easy, the difficult, the grief, the joy, the pain; it all has one purpose and that's to shape us into being more like Christ!
That's what God is doing in me through all of this. He's shaping and molding me. He is my potter and I am his masterpiece. He's transforming me and working on my heart, making me more like Jesus each day. I will never be able to successfully be just like Christ; I am a sinner. But through prayer and study, I can try my hardest to live as he lived his life.
And again, that takes me back to Galatians 5:22, the fruits of the spirit.
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control
God is moving in my heart and shaping me into a more Christ-like woman. I pray that I can show each of these fruits in my life each day. I am so thankful for Jesus' willingness to come show us how to live our lives and for dying and taking my sin, so that I am hopeful of meeting my Creator one day. He did this for you, as well. You just need to accept him as the Lord of your life and you can also look forward to the beauty of our Creator!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me life. Thank you for sending your only son, so precious and perfect, to die and take my sin. As I live my life, I pray that I don't allow things of this Earth to get in the way of my relationship with you. I pray for you to speak through me and that I can speak with boldness all the days of my life. Please keep Satan away from me. I feel the spiritual battle around me, but with your strength, he cannot touch me. His negative words cannot discourage me because you are mightier! Thank you Lord for listening to my pleas.
Amen
February 26, 2013
Encouragement Through This Storm
I had a slight break down today. It didn't last long though... The devil was once again trying to get a foothold and get me doubting. I was tired, not feeling well, and emotional. So I cried. And cried. And then called Danielle. I am SO thankful for her friendship!! She isn't just my best friend, though; she's my sister, counselor, accountability partner, and mostly, one of the deepest Christian women I know. I know that I can always count on her to lift me up! So, I called Danielle...
After admitting to her my fear of tomorrow and admitting that I just didn't feel as strong as I needed to be, she comforted me, provided me with the wisdom that I needed to immeditely turn to God's Word after getting off the phone, and we talked about something her and I both separately have been feeling. Just a bit of background that only Danielle and Travis know- over the past year or maybe even longer, I had been thinking about women's ministry as a career path. I love getting up in front of groups of people and presenting a great message, I love encouraging women and helping them realize their full potential, and I knew deep down that God was calling me to do something. So a few months ago, I started a young women's Bible Study at my church. We've had decent attendance and it's a wonderful blessing to facilitate this. But I've always felt God calling me to do more; I truly believe God is calling me write a book and/or travel and share God's Word at women's conferences and churches around the country. Danielle and I have talked about this often and I've always come up with substancial excuses: what could I possibly have to speak to these women about that will challenge them in a new way?! I didn't have a 'platform.' Financially, we just needed me to have a consistent, full-time paycheck. We didn't have enough faith to allow God to work. The excuses went on and on... Well, after this health experience, I would say God might have a perfect plan; I now have a platform and enough faith to immediately say "yes, God" rather than "let me see what I can do, God." This provided me with such encouragement! God is in complete control of this situation, and because of this experience, I will be more on fire than ever for Christ!
After I got off phone with her, I dove directly into God's Holy Word. As I prayed and worshipped God through studying, all I could do is cry out and raise my hands to a Holy God. Confessing my sins and devoting my whole being to His servanthood, I felt God's presence in the lobby of our hotel! I flipped my Bible open and started reading the first thing I could find...
I've heard it said that God never gives you more than you can handle. But wait, I'm here to say that maybe He does... You see, I'm a stubborn, independent woman. I like to be in total control. I'm talented and educated and it's easy to lean on my own understanding. I think that maybe God had no choice but to give me more than I can handle. So I admit it, I can't control this situation; I am unable to do this one on my own. I have no choice but to rely on God!! :-) I'm thinking He knows what He's doin', how about you?! So, I'm awake to His awesomeness now! He's got my attention! And now I'm giving it all to Him. I have complete faith that He is alive and moving and has a huge plan for my future. And like I read in my study, I know that by that faith in God, I will be healed of this!
Thank you to all of my supportive family, friends, church family, and community for lifting me up in prayers! I appreciate all of your encouraging words and thoughts. I'm going to come thorugh this with a wonderful testimony to share, so look out! :-)
God bless,
Alicia
After admitting to her my fear of tomorrow and admitting that I just didn't feel as strong as I needed to be, she comforted me, provided me with the wisdom that I needed to immeditely turn to God's Word after getting off the phone, and we talked about something her and I both separately have been feeling. Just a bit of background that only Danielle and Travis know- over the past year or maybe even longer, I had been thinking about women's ministry as a career path. I love getting up in front of groups of people and presenting a great message, I love encouraging women and helping them realize their full potential, and I knew deep down that God was calling me to do something. So a few months ago, I started a young women's Bible Study at my church. We've had decent attendance and it's a wonderful blessing to facilitate this. But I've always felt God calling me to do more; I truly believe God is calling me write a book and/or travel and share God's Word at women's conferences and churches around the country. Danielle and I have talked about this often and I've always come up with substancial excuses: what could I possibly have to speak to these women about that will challenge them in a new way?! I didn't have a 'platform.' Financially, we just needed me to have a consistent, full-time paycheck. We didn't have enough faith to allow God to work. The excuses went on and on... Well, after this health experience, I would say God might have a perfect plan; I now have a platform and enough faith to immediately say "yes, God" rather than "let me see what I can do, God." This provided me with such encouragement! God is in complete control of this situation, and because of this experience, I will be more on fire than ever for Christ!
After I got off phone with her, I dove directly into God's Holy Word. As I prayed and worshipped God through studying, all I could do is cry out and raise my hands to a Holy God. Confessing my sins and devoting my whole being to His servanthood, I felt God's presence in the lobby of our hotel! I flipped my Bible open and started reading the first thing I could find...
"No on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border bwetween Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leporacy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice. Jesus, Master, have pity on us! When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yoursevles to the priests. And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him- and he was a Smaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner? The he said to him, 'Rise and go: your faith has made you well." ~Luke 17:11-19
Rise and go: your faith has made you well.
Then I read: "Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that is was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called ot the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you? Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately, he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. ~Mark 10: 46-52
Go, your faith has healed you.
Finally, I read: "While he was saying this, a ruler came and knelt before him and said, 'My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.' Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.' Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. When Jesus entered the ruler's house and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away. The girl is not dead, but asleep." But they laughed at him. After the crowd has been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spead through all that region. ~Matthew 9:18-26
Take heart, daughter, your faith has healed you.
I've heard it said that God never gives you more than you can handle. But wait, I'm here to say that maybe He does... You see, I'm a stubborn, independent woman. I like to be in total control. I'm talented and educated and it's easy to lean on my own understanding. I think that maybe God had no choice but to give me more than I can handle. So I admit it, I can't control this situation; I am unable to do this one on my own. I have no choice but to rely on God!! :-) I'm thinking He knows what He's doin', how about you?! So, I'm awake to His awesomeness now! He's got my attention! And now I'm giving it all to Him. I have complete faith that He is alive and moving and has a huge plan for my future. And like I read in my study, I know that by that faith in God, I will be healed of this!
Thank you to all of my supportive family, friends, church family, and community for lifting me up in prayers! I appreciate all of your encouraging words and thoughts. I'm going to come thorugh this with a wonderful testimony to share, so look out! :-)
God bless,
Alicia
A Bump in the Road
I can’t sleep. I woke up with
those pesky little doubts in my head; I know that’s Satan just trying to get me
down. You see, I’ve had headaches for
the past few months and what I call “spells.”
I get dizzy and lightheaded, can’t see very well, have a weird taste in
my mouth, and just have to sit down and let the time pass. Then the headaches come. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had about
2 or 3 spells a day and the pain from the headaches were almost unbearable
enough to go to the ER. Last Wednesday,
I had an MRI scan on my brain, to see if something was wrong. They found a mass growing in the right side
of my brain. At this point, we don’t
know what type of tumor it is; cancerous or not, fast-growing or slow,
etc. So we have little idea on what to
expect. Tomorrow morning (Wednesday),
the neurosurgeon will complete a temporal craniotomy tumor resection. Man does that sound fancy! I guess it kind of is… it’s brain surgery
after all. J I can’t lie and say that I’m not a bit
nervous for this. But due to not knowing
what kind of tumor we’re dealing with, I know that this surgery is our best
bet. So here I am, sitting in our hotel
room at 4:00 in the morning, unable to sleep. I’ve done research on this type
of surgery, know the risks, understand the benefits, and am putting my faith in
God and my surgeons.
I feel so normal, but I’m just not.
I have a tumor growing inside of my brain. It’s kind of surreal. But I
have faith that this too shall pass. You
see, I’m a young mommy and wife. I love
Jesus more than anything. I like
laughing and thoroughly enjoy life. I
have an amazing family and support community; we are so blessed to have
Danielle and Caleb, Tanner and Ashley, and our church family. We also have the best family ever; they might
be crazy and overwhelming at times, but they are the most giving and caring
people in the world! I know that I will
have a testimony to share when I’m through this bump. People will listen to how Jesus was able to
work through this situation; how He carried me through it and how I was able to
hold onto Him. Jesus is right here
beside me. He has already carried my
ultimate burden and is now willing to carry me in my physical body. I have lots of life left to live. I must raise my son to know Jesus and to walk
daily with Him. Lucas will one day do
amazing things for Christ. I must be a
strong faith example for Travis, so He grows in wisdom and faith in
Christ. One day, Travis will be a strong
leader in Christ and lead not on his own understanding but on Christ’s. I know that God has placed me right here
beside him to be his helper. Mom has
bounced back and forth in her faith life; I know deep down she has always
believed and held to Christ. She’s just
not sold out. I know that I can make a
difference in her Christian Walk, by encouraging her and showing her God’s
strength.
My life has been hard, but I’ve always bounced back. I have always looked up at those beautiful
twinkling stars and remembered that I am a servant to a huge, powerful God. I serve a God who knows exactly how many hairs
are on my head, but created gravity and turns a tiny cell into a human
being. What do I seriously have to worry
about?! This tumor is so tiny and
insignificant compared to my God! God
will give my surgeons skilled hands and my recovery will be speedy, for I have
a testimony to share. I am ready to be
more fervent than ever in my faith life; to speak out and up about Christ’s
Truths and to show love those lost. It’s
our jobs as Christians. So I’m viewing tomorrow
as the first day of the rest of my life; to speak more loudly than ever about
Christ and to live a sold-out life for Him!
He is alive and working and I am proof!!
God bless,
Alicia
January 27, 2012
2012 Goals
- Meet with God. Pray more. Study more.
- Do Dave Ramsey's baby steps.
- Make 'dating' Travis and priority.
- Snuggle often with Lucas.
- Take more pictures of Lucas and I.
- Be a great friend to Danielle.
- Make changes, not excuses.
- Have fun. Smile lots. <3
October 10, 2011
July 26, 2011
Let God Be God
"To lack faith is to give into one's desire for control." -James S. Spiegal
This week in Sunday School, we were given one line to focus on this week- Let God Be God. I thought about this very quickly on Sunday and moved along, not thinking twice about it. Yesterday during my devotional and prayer time, I became aware of what this means in my life right now. Simply put, God is in control. I, however, must be willing to surrender every aspect of my life over to Him. It's easy for me to give some things over to Him- things that aren't big and don't matter all that much. However, the big things like our finances, Lucas, our marriage, and my health are things that are just hard to stop worrying about. Psalm 142:2,3 says that is is You who knows my way. I see this little sliver of my life- today, tomorrow, even maybe a few months or a year down the road. But God sees my whole life, laid out and planned for me. He knows how everything will work out. So why do I find it so hard to rely on Him to direct my path? Why can't I simply trust that he will show me where I need to go and what I need to do? Maybe it's because discernment is not my best forte; maybe it's because I'm too impatient; maybe it's because I think I can handle it myself. That is, I can handle it myself until life starts going crazy and whirls out of control. Then, like a puppy dog with my tail between my legs, I come back to God and realize that I really do need Him to direct me.
Today, I commit to stepping back and allowing God to work in my life. I'm going to Let God Be God.
This week in Sunday School, we were given one line to focus on this week- Let God Be God. I thought about this very quickly on Sunday and moved along, not thinking twice about it. Yesterday during my devotional and prayer time, I became aware of what this means in my life right now. Simply put, God is in control. I, however, must be willing to surrender every aspect of my life over to Him. It's easy for me to give some things over to Him- things that aren't big and don't matter all that much. However, the big things like our finances, Lucas, our marriage, and my health are things that are just hard to stop worrying about. Psalm 142:2,3 says that is is You who knows my way. I see this little sliver of my life- today, tomorrow, even maybe a few months or a year down the road. But God sees my whole life, laid out and planned for me. He knows how everything will work out. So why do I find it so hard to rely on Him to direct my path? Why can't I simply trust that he will show me where I need to go and what I need to do? Maybe it's because discernment is not my best forte; maybe it's because I'm too impatient; maybe it's because I think I can handle it myself. That is, I can handle it myself until life starts going crazy and whirls out of control. Then, like a puppy dog with my tail between my legs, I come back to God and realize that I really do need Him to direct me.
Today, I commit to stepping back and allowing God to work in my life. I'm going to Let God Be God.
March 7, 2011
Day 12
Challenge: A picture of something you love.
There are SO many things in this world that I love.. cheesecake, Travis, love, dogs, chocolate, family, getting all dressed up, watching the sun rise, and the list could go on and on! :) This life is full of so many wonderful and amazing things that it's hard to nail down just one thing that I love. Therefore, I'm going to take the easy way out and say that I love the Creator of all of these things. This picture is of the "eye of God." Every time I see this image it reminds me of how He planned out every little piece of the world- from the stars to each cell in our body! It's pretty amazing when you think about it!
There are SO many things in this world that I love.. cheesecake, Travis, love, dogs, chocolate, family, getting all dressed up, watching the sun rise, and the list could go on and on! :) This life is full of so many wonderful and amazing things that it's hard to nail down just one thing that I love. Therefore, I'm going to take the easy way out and say that I love the Creator of all of these things. This picture is of the "eye of God." Every time I see this image it reminds me of how He planned out every little piece of the world- from the stars to each cell in our body! It's pretty amazing when you think about it!
February 14, 2011
Excitement for Tomorrow
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| Courtesy of Babycenter.com |
Tomorrow is our first ultrasound and our second appointment with our midwife!! I cannot wait to hear our little baby's heartbeat and to see him/her moving around inside of me! It's almost scary to think that there is another human being growing inside of me! How can one see the miracle of pregnancy and still not believe in a powerful and amazing God? I keep reading the weekly reminders about what is developing in the baby each week and how big he/she has grown. It's simply amazing! For week 11 (which is what I am until Wednesday) states that my baby is the size of a fig. It says that his/her tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums and that some of his/her bones are beginning to harden. How cool! The picture to the right is what they send me each week- showing me just how big he/she is within my body. I love the visual image! It makes me proud of myself for what my body can accomplish! :) Who says women aren't strong creatures? I will upload the sonogram pictures and update you on how everything went tomorrow!
January 25, 2011
A Sneaky God
Sometimes God directs me in ways that simply stop me in my tracks and make me laugh. He can be quite sneaky- knowing exactly what I need, but allowing me to fail on my own first. He knows every little thing about me, yet I try to rely on my own talents and strengths to make decisions. Why? Major life decisions are so easy to fret over and should be decided upon with careful planning and pros & cons lists, right?! Maybe instead of trying to think through decisions, I should get on my knees and go to the One who knows exactly how my life will pan out! With lots of prayer, and even allowing other people to pray for me, I think my next major decision will be the right one! God, thank you for guiding me but also allowing me to realize some things on my own- like the simple fact that I need you to guide me! :)
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