Take My Life And Let It Be

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.

God's Not Finished With Me Yet

Last night, I went to sleep meditating on Galatians 5:22: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." 

This verse hit me in a deep and sincere way last night.  How many people do you think that we come into contact with each day take the time to dig into their Bibles, to really know and appreciate the man of Christ, to learn who He was and what seperated Him from everyone else?!  Most people may think they understand who Christ was; Maybe he was a nice man who walked this earth and did some amazing miracles and gave his time to widows and sick people.  They might see him as a "Mother Teresa" type figure; a do-gooder, a Saint and a prophet.

But Jesus was so much Greater!    He was so much greater than a good man, a man of healing, forgiveness, and compassion.  We're talking about the Ultimate SON of GOD here!!  Jesus Christ was absolutely perfect- he sat at the right hand of God in Heaven!  He had the perfect body and lived in a perfect world with no sin or sickness and was able to worship our Creator all day long.  How absolutely amazing is that visual?! 

Because of sin brought into this world, Christ willingly gave it all up, though.  God gave Him the Ultimate Mission and Jesus took it on humbly and with 100% fervant and fire. 

You see, we have all sinned.  We all deserve to die and live forever in Hell.  Having decent morals, trying to be good, and keeping the 10 commandments does not excuse our sin.  No one has been able to fully uphold all of God's Will, except Christ Jesus himself.  But our Creator deeply desires a personal relationship with us.

Jesus, being fully God, came to this earth to serve as a replacement for us.   He knew that He had to send the Perfect sacrifice, in His Son.  "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24).  Since no human being is inherently righteous, no one can enter into fellowship with God on his or her own.  A person's most basic spiritual need is to be reconciled to God, to be made right and whole before God.  The sole answer to our dilemma is found in Christ, who justifies us in God's sight through our faith in Him. 

John 3:16-17 clearly states that: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."  Through Jesus Christ's death and burial, we have the hope of meeting our Creator one day!  We must commit to follow him completely, though!  That is my challenge to you today, as well as myself. 

I woke up this morning with these words on my heart: "I'm not finished with you yet."  I know that we have a great battle ahead of us right now.  Yes, I have cancer; big deal.  The important thing is this: God has a huge voice for me to speak up for Him, right now, in the present!  He's not finished with me yet and has super extradordinary things in my future!  He is bigger than this! 

I meditated on those fruits of the spirit last night from Galatians, and know that I personally will live each day in such a way that those around me see Christ.  I commit today to live a full life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Will you take this challenge with me today?!  Will you live your life from this point forward in such a way that those around you actually SEE Jesus in you!?!

I hope you are challenged today and get some inspiration from this song, as I do: Wait and See by Brandon Heath.  This song is wonderful to just listen to when it seems like your life isn't what you thought it would be... But to remember that God is in control and He does have a plan, even if we can't see what it is right now. 
God bless you all,
Alicia

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...

"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

2013 Goals

Travis and I got together this past week to write down our 2013 goals, both as a family and each individually.  It was a wonderful conversation with him and I'm excited to publish our goals.  Thank you for serving as my accountability throughout the year... When I blog about something, it seems like it's more likely to happen.  Not sure why.  Maybe it's because others now know and I don't want to let them down.  Maybe it's because when we write things down, it's harder to forget.  No matter the reason, I am excited to share our goals with you! 

Family Goals:

1)      Pay off Envoy, pay off medical bill, and save $1000 for emergency

2)      Buy a racecar and watch Travis race this season

3)      Finish fixing up bathroom and organize upstairs

4)      Buy a dining room table

5)      Visit Bonnie in Nashville

6)      Visit with an adoption specialist to start the process

7)      Make at least $2000 from Vinylicious

8)      Sign Lucas up for swimming lessons

9)      Travel to Indiana as a family

10)   Move Vinylicious items to upstairs office

Alicia's Goals:

1)      Pray more.  Study the Word more.  Grow closer to God.

2)      Listen to God and obey His instructions for my life.

3)      Express my love to Travis often, through touch and deeds. 

4)      Cherish my time with Lucas.  Take lots of pictures of him, in order to be able to remember how precious time is.  Snuggle with him often.  Let him be an adventurous boy. 

5)      Keep progressing… never stop moving forward! 

6)      Finish Lucas’ first year and second year scrapbook

7)      Keep my emotions in check.  Remember “if this is the worst thing that happens today, it’s still a pretty good day!” 

8)      Be a great friend to Danielle.  Spend time with her at least a couple times a month.

9)      Organize and deep clean our house, especially upstairs

10)   Read one book a month

11)   Keep encouraging others through my smile!  Enjoy life and laugh often! 

Travis' Goals:

1)      Finish the racecar by car show

2)      Win rookie of year at Avon Racetrack

3)      Get a raise at work

4)      Organize the garage

5)      Finish Rich’s Mustang by April

6)      Talk to Schaley’s about the Auto Body shop

7)      Vinyl 3 racecars

8)      Buy and install garage door and get a door ramp

9)      Teach Lucas to drive something

10)    Plan Lucas a Daddy-and-me day

11)    Plan a romantic evening for our anniversary

Lucas' Goals:

1)      Start potty training

2)      Start financial peace junior and chores

3)      Say family members’ names

4)      Learn colors

5)      Count to 5

6)      Know all of his body parts

7)      Clean up toys each night

8)      Go to dentist

9)      Start working on ABC’s

10)    Go to the races often with Mommy

2012 Goals Review

Back in January, I posted my 2012 goals.  With it being the new year, I want to take some time to reflect back on how I did. 

1. Meet with God. Pray more. Study more.
• Towards the end of the year, I started a ladies small group and this encouraged me to be in the Word daily.  We held each other accountable to our SOAP Bible Study method through Good Morning Girls.  I will continue this into 2013 and am proud of the strides I made with prayer and studying!
2. Do Dave Ramsey's baby steps.
• We paid off over $20,000 in 2012!!  We are still on baby step 2 but have laid out our plan for accomplishing lots in 2013, also!
3. Make 'dating' Travis and priority.
• I pretty much failed miserably at this, but we have such a strong marriage and I am not concerned that we do not go on dates as much as we once did.  Sometimes just being home and working on our vinyl or discussing our days is just as nice as going out! 
4. Snuggle often with Lucas.
• I definitely accomplished this goal!  I love rocking him to sleep, reading him bedtime stories, and having him sit on my lap as we watch his favorite shows.  He's growing up way too fast, and I'm making sure that I capture the moments while I can! 
5. Take more pictures of Lucas and I.
• I'm almost finished with his 1st year scrapbook and have already started on his 2nd year one.  I'm making sure to take lots of pictures along the way, in order to capture the moments of his life!  I feel like I did a good job with this goal. 
6. Be a great friend to Danielle.
• Hmmm... I wish I had more time to devote to Danielle!  She is so encouraging and I enjoy our long chats and honesty and trust that we have.  She's my accountability person and I hope that she feels the same towards me that I do for her.  Life would absolutely be tough without her friendship and I am so blessed to have her in my life!  I feel like I could always improve in this area, by devoting more time to her!
7. Make changes, not excuses.
• Accomplished!  :-)  I have learned to admit when I've failed, instead of making excuses.  I'm proud of this accomplishment. 
8. Have fun. Smile lots. <3
• Haha!  We did lots of smiling and having fun this year, and I'm so looking forward to more in 2013! 

2013 Book List and 2012 Book Reflection

Here are the books that I completed in 2012.  I only recently started reading again, and I am proud of myself for jumping right in and reading so much this year. 

• Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey
• The 5 Love Languages of Children
• Nonprofit Leadership in a For-Profit World: Essential Insights From 15 Christian Executives... Need to finish a couple chapters
• Unglued by Lysa TerKeurst
• Greater by Steven Furtick

My book list for 2013 is as follows.  I'm hoping to read at least one book per month! 

• The Adoption Decision by Christianson
• Let. It. Go. By Karen Ehman

Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst

Boundaries by Dr. Henry

A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life by Lysa TerKeurst

Why Men Hate Going to Church by David Murrow

Am I Messing Up My Kids by Lysa Terkeurst

Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman

More Than a Hobby by David Green (Hobby Lobby Founder)

Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Point Man by Steve Farrar