Happy Scots Day

As I'm overwhelmed on social media with messages about my Alma Mater, Monmouth College, celebrating Founder's Day, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on my years as a student at MC.  I walked down the long sidewalk up to Wallace Hall during Matriculation in the Fall of 2007, an excited and nervous freshman about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.  For my first semester, my focus was socializing and figuring out what this college thing was all about.  I had done quite a bit of partying my Senior year of high school, and this seemed to roll over to this first semester of college.  I joined a sorority and made friendships that will last my lifetime, and I made some poor choices that fortunately pushed me to realize who I really wanted to be.  With the help of some amazing mentors and wiser ladies, I came to the realization that life was better with God and family as my focus.

My sophomore year was much different, as I was asked to serve as a Student Chaplain and joined encouraging and uplifting groups on campus.  I spent this year focused on my education, ministry at my home church, and my sorority.  I will never forget the mentoring from Paige Halpin and other ladies of Alpha Xi Delta.  Thank you for your inspiration and love during these years, ladies!  TFJ forever!

Junior year, I focused on figuring out what I wanted to do with my life.  I felt a call to start a nonprofit and I spent a great deal of my time off campus in meetings with community leaders with Danielle, developing plans for FOCC!  I was also busy planning a wedding and developing my relationship with Travis during this third year at Monmouth College.  At the end of my junior year, my amazing Advisor, Kristin, and I met to discuss plans for my senior year.  I discussed my desire to bring FOCC development and planning into my Senior Psychology courses and Kristin was thrilled to help me achieve my goals in this way!  We developed an Independent Study course, where I got credit for developing this nonprofit; I researched best practices, learned how to raise funds and write grants, and worked with Danielle and our lawyer to file our nonprofit paperwork with the government!  Kristin also allowed me to complete my Senior Research project based around FOCC, conducting a Needs Assessment Survey to see what the greatest needs were in Henderson County.

Looking back on this semester of college, I truly appreciate how MC and Kristin allowed me to bring my passion into the classroom.  I am now the Executive Director of FOCC, which serves over 200 families each year.  I can honestly say, without my time spent working on this project at Monmouth College and their willingness to be flexible with my learning experience, FOCC would not be the organization it is today!

After that Spring semester was complete, I graduated early and soon discovered Travis and I were expecting.  In January, I got my first "big girl" job and in May, I proudly walked across the stage to receive my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  Thank you Monmouth College for the wonderful impact you had on my life!  Once a Scot, Always a Scot!

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!!

Prayer for Our Husbands

I preference this blog post by stating that I indeed have my hubby's permission to share this story.  You see, my life is an open book on this blog.  I share my deepest emotions, moments of excruciating pain and of awe-inspiring joy, and photos of the ones I love the most.  I pray that through honestly sharing my life with you all, the tears, the joys, the anxious moments, and more, that I am able to make a positive impact in this dark world.  But if any of you know my wonderful husband, Travis, it's a bit of a different story.  He's a quiet guy who's just fine listening to conversations rather than joining in.  He's very reflective and likes to think things through before expressing his opinions.  He's the type who will answer questions honestly if you ask, but he won't necessarily just come out and start a conversation about too much, especially his emotions.  I wouldn't want Travis to be any other way, but I felt the need to let my readers know that he has given me permission to share this with you all.

Travis has been a Church attender since he was a little guy.  His Mom made sure that he knew Jesus, and I respect my Mother-in-law so much for the emphasis she placed on that as Travis grew up.  But he hasn't always been the most open about his walk with Christ.  I'm kind-of ashamed to say this, but we weren't the type of dating couple that did Bible Studies together and had deep conversations about God.  We've both had our individual relationships with Christ, but he's generally not too willing to talk about his faith, especially outside of Bible study or with his buddies. 

Travis is a servant, though, and has served communion for a couple years at our church and is always willing to help whenever needed.  This year, he was voted onto our church's Board as a Deacon.  He's only served a couple months in this way, but was asked to give the communion meditation this past Sunday.  The week before, he reminded me that he had to do it and I told him to let me know if he needed any help.  We didn't talk about it again until Saturday night, when I asked him if he had anything prepared.  He said "Yes, but you'll hear it when everyone else does."  I was nervous Sunday morning, as I didn't know what he had prepared.  All I could do was pray that God give him the words. 

As Travis walked up to the platform and took the covers off the communion trays, I was frozen in disbelieve that my husband was giving a meditation in front of people.  This is the man who a few years ago wouldn't even pray in Bible Study.  But there he was, standing at the front of the church.  He started off by preferencing that he's a little nervous because this is the first time he's given the meditation.  He went on to share the story of how he was talking to the guys at work about how he was asked to give the communion meditation at church.  A young co-worker of his, who's new to his faith and a baby in Christ, said he was surprised to discover that Travis was a believer.  He said that he would have never guessed that Travis went to Church.  Travis shared with the congregation how this really hit him and made him realize how little he shares his walk with Christ.  The men he spends 40+ hours with each week, some weeks more time with than his family, didn't even know that he was a Christ-follower.  Travis said he was really using this as a wake-up call, and challenged us to do so as well. 

Some of us live in such a way that those around us wouldn't separate us as Christians.  Some of us proclaim the name of Christ loudly, and then choose behaviors that make others question whether being a Christ-follower even matters.  I pray that his story makes as much of an impact on you as it did to me. 

My husband's words shook my core.  You see, I have been whispering quiet prayers to God for Travis for many years; prayers for his choices and actions, for his patience, for his career, and for his faith-walk.  I am overjoyed to see such honest and open words pour from his mouth.  And I pray that his faith in and relationship with Christ only continues to deepen.  Prayer matters, ladies, and I challenge you tonight to say a quick prayer for your husband.  Be his helper.  Forgive him.  Live in purity and faith so much that they are won over to Christ because of it (1 Peter 3:2). 

Wives, please join me tonight as we pray for our husbands:

Lord God, I come to you tonight in prayer for the man whom I was created for- as you said woman is made from the rib of the man.  I pray that I am the best helper I can be for him, as you created me to serve in this way.  I thank you for a husband who will love me even as Christ loved the church.  Father, you said that the head of every man is Christ, and tonight I pray that my husband give control of his life to you.  Lord, I pray that he be a godly leader in our family and lead our children to you.  I thank you for all the things my husband does to make our home stable and safe.  I pray that you give him knowledge, wisdom, and strength so that he can make godly choices in our home and in his workplace.  Silence all other voices in his mind, and his social circle that would tear him down and please give him confidence and boldness in you Lord. Let him be a man of influence for you, dear God.  Help him to be a light in this dark world.  Again, I thank you for my husband.  I ask all these things in Jesus' Holy name.  Amen. 

Such a blessing!!

This month, I received a couple large checks from Rozetta Baptist Church to help me with my chemo pills!!  This gift to my family means that 6 months of pills are paid for!! I cannot express to you enough how much this means to us!  THANK YOU all so much for your love, support, and prayers through this process!  This gift has taken SO much stress off our chest and I feel like I can now breath easier knowing that I can continue these chemotherapy treatments without having to worry about the finances.

I feel so loved and blessed to live in this community!  And I thank you all for your prayers and love!  I just wanted you to know that I so appreciate this and feel very blessed!

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

That's What Faith Can Do

This song is so perfect for today, as a friend also battling cancer was given terrible news about her prognosis and my Father-in-law is in the ICU with a medical condition.  As I sat at my desk at work and this song came across Pandora, all I could do was cry and thank God for His faithfulness and gentle reminder that my big faith  in Him can indeed move mountains, heal the sick, and cause miracles to happen.  Please pray with me today for Sharri and Ed!

Please enjoy the following lyrics from Kutless' song "That's What Faith Can Do"

Everybody falls sometime

Gotta find the strength to rise 
From the ashes 
And make a new beginning

Anyone can feel the ache 
You think it's more than you can take 
But you're stronger 
Stronger than you know

Don't you give up now 
The sun will soon be shining 
You gotta face the clouds 
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains 
Hope that doesn't ever end 
Even when the sky is falling 
I've seen miracles just happen 
Silent prayers get answered 
Broken hearts become brand new 
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard 
Impossible is not a word 
It's just a reason 
For someone not to try

Everybody's scared to death 
When they decide to take that step 
Out on the water It'll be alright

Life is so much more 
Than what your eyes are seeing 
You will find your way 
If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains 
Hope that doesn't ever end 
Even when the sky is falling
I've seen miracles just happen 
Silent prayers get answered 
Broken hearts become brand new 
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds 
You don't have a chance 
(That's what faith can do) 
When the world says you can't 
It'll tell you that you can

I've seen dreams that move the mountains 
Hope that doesn't ever end 
Even when the sky is falling 
And I've seen miracles just happen 
Silent prayers get answered 
Broken hearts become brand new 
That's what faith can do 
That's what faith can do

Even if you fall sometimes 
You will have the strength to rise

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!