tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36559580571052364352024-03-21T19:09:10.056-07:00Blessings and CountingAlexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-83629234779759829342018-08-15T11:24:00.001-07:002018-08-15T11:42:56.940-07:00Seasons of Preparation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I found an old post I wrote in draft and was planning on publishing but never did. As I read it I realized last summer I was going through the same struggles as this summer. To be real honest I am learning to be faithful in seasons when nothing is happening. I was recently reminded that "normal" days are the foundational days. It is in those moments we develop routine and faithfulness. I have been learning to be faithful in the little things. It is in the little moments that God does something big.<br />
Joseph would not have at the position he had if he was not faithful along the way. He showed character through his commitment as a slave and in prison. He could not have gotten to the highest ranking man in Egypt without God. However, he also was diligent in the small jobs which was preparation for the future. If you are in a slow season that feels meaningless, you are in preparation.<br />
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1. <b><i>Prepare</i></b>: Use this time to spend time with Jesus, to let him become your friend. Enjoy each slow moment, because life will pick up again.<br />
2.<i> <b>Be grateful</b></i>: Jesus has cleared space for you to just be. I guarantee these slow seasons become a little more enjoyable when we are thankful.<br />
3. It sounds cliche but <b><i>this season is a gift</i></b>. It may be hard and barely tolerable. However, these are the bridges to healing and intimacy with God.<br />
4.<b> An i<i>ntentional heart</i>: </b>At the end of the day we must choose to grow in this season and God cannot choose that for us. However, this choice does not always come through discipline. It is important that our hearts are set on being intentional with God and others. It is through this mindset that we can learn and grow in this season. To sum it all up: We come with our hearts saying yes to Jesus and He does the rest.Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-75637958253082466252018-06-25T15:49:00.002-07:002018-06-25T15:49:32.596-07:00The Single Season of Life<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">The past two years of college has taught me a lot on how to be single well. Singleness can be </span>portrayed<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;"> as a lonely season of life where love is dumb and no where in site. What if God had more for this season than just feeling depressed? In the midst of this crazy but beautiful season of singleness there can be abundance and joy. This post is special, because it is a mixture of the books, sermons, and conversations that have deepened my knowledge on what it truly means to be single and pursue Jesus in the midst of it. So grab your cold brew, sit down, and feel free to ponder with me as we dive into this post. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Lesson #1: This season is a gift. Why do we spend so much time worrying about the gift of marriage when we have been given the gift of singleness? God loves to give gifts and like any good gift giver God wants to provide what you desire most. However, He already gave to us what we wanted most: Himself; Jesus. Now we can live life from the abundance of the Holy Spirit. God wants us to enjoy that abundance just you and him. As much as it is about Gods plan for us to be in relationships, our life is not always about the desire you have for relationship. At the end of the day what our true heart’s desire is Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God our Father. So why wait until you are married to discover that the only one who can satisfy your soul has been with you the whole time?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I have found that the continual contentment found in God’s presence is too sweet to pass up. From the presence of Jesus comes security in your true identity and boldness to take hold of the gifts and callings he has placed over your life. Eventually, our pursuit for someone to satisfy our heart becomes a lifelong pursuit for more of God because he is already satisfying your soul. Then we no longer live for ourselves and approach relationships with a selfish mindset. We are able to take hold of relationships with a selfless and God centered mindset.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">When we are finally in initiate relationship, our significant other does not consume our identity. We know who we are in Christ. I believe this established confidence in our identity, makes it easier to be in a healthy relationship. (Lesson 1B friendship is key). It is important that we daily start our day with a<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>posture of knowing Gods love intimately</i>, so we can be reminded of our identity in Christ and pour it out on others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Lesson #2: Letting God satisfy our hearts does not mean we will be absent from our physical and emotional desire for a relationship. We are human and are naturally deigned to connect to others in this way. It is okay to be in places of want for relationship. There will be those depressing single nights where all you want to do is cry and watch The Notebook (Speaking for all the ladies in the house!). However, we must not allow these desires to hijack our pursuit for Jesus. As His children we need to learn to wait well, because God gives us friendships and opportunities that are best. Our heightened desires may not mean that our future husband is on the way. However, these heightened desires will always give us an opportunity to press into God who knows us the best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">Lesson #3: To have faith. At the end of the day Jesus wants us to have faith that he will provide. When we ask him for things we must have faith. To be honest it has been hard for me to have faith that God will provide a husband for me. For me having faith in God to provide a husband was me taking the time to pray for him. To me it seemed pointless to pray for someone that may not exist. However, even if I do not end up getting married, I get to be a part of the bride of Christ. It is not stupid or lame for me to ask and pray with faith for someone, for it all still glorifies God. At the end of the day God cares about the posture of my heart rather than me asking for the right things. As his daughter it lights up the Father's heart when I get to ask with faith for relationships he has designed me to have. At the end of the day he is pleased that despite my request, I still choose to know Gods love and allow it to satisfy the depths of my heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: -webkit-standard, serif;">I know at the end of the day we always hear marriage is not everything. Yet somehow, we always go back to it as our everything or deepest desire that needs to be satisfied. No matter where you are at remember that Jesus is truly your friend and wants you to delight in intimate relationship with him. This blog post may be something we always hear when the church talks about relationships, but do we truly live it out?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-27621961044918789382018-02-15T11:40:00.003-08:002018-02-15T11:40:51.635-08:00To be apart: a deep desire to be with GodValentines day came and went. For some this day was fun being able to celebrate with friends and family but for others the term "single awareness day" was in full swing. I want to speak truth into that feeling of dissatisfaction that yesterday might of brought up. Our deepest desire to be in relationship with someone is real and beautiful. But our deep longing to be with someone is also our desire to be known and found by God. Yes, the beauty of marriage and relationships is to reflect God's love for us. It is a deep relationship that we were uniquely designed for. However, If we are not walking intimately with God, then maybe our deep void for relationship is just buried desire to run back to our creator. In the end there is no relationship or marriage that can fully satisfy that longing. To all my single ladies out there I want to challenge you to choose deep communion with Jesus when those beautiful desires well up. They are not bad on the contrary so very good. But it can be so easy to fill that desire with other good things besides God. To distract our hearts from our feelings. Ultimately, we fill our hunger for God up with the world and start to loose our desire for Jesus. Honestly, I do not want to fill my deep longing for God with temporary distractions that the world offers. Maybe you are in a marriage or relationship and your heart is restless for something more. God wants to be walking alongside you in deep relationship. <div>
It is hard to write this post as a single woman who has never dated before. However, I do know the deep desire to be with someone. I know that wasting our time searching for "the one" when we could be found in the arms of Christ is what our souls want. More than just a want it is a crucial need. As children of God we will always desire more. The good news is that God is so big and unsearchable that there will be always more of God to desire and to know. I want to challenge you to go deep with God. Choose to fill your deep longing in him. Remind yourself of the never ending love and relationship with God you will always have. Honestly, spend time with God pouring out your deepest desires and allow him to respond. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Zephaniah 3:17</i></span></span></div>
Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-39611315220477901632018-01-01T12:09:00.003-08:002018-01-01T16:01:46.045-08:00Your Faith is Precious to God<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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Happy New Year!<br />
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(Before reading note that the first half of this post was written yesterday as a reflection of 2017 and second half was written today (2018) as a prayer for this year).<br />
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I am going to be honest as I look back on this year (2017) I immediately think of all the times I failed. This year probaly was not my best year in remaining steadfast to God and to all the places he called me to. In fact this year was spent mostly doing what I needed to to get by. I spent more energy on being ungrateful for what I did not have rather than spending time thanking Jesus for all He has done. However, If I take a second and think a little bit deeper into this past year I start to remember the accomplishments God has brought me through. The more I thought deep into this year, the lessons God has taught me started to resurface. It is easy to categorize this year as a failure if you did not personally reach the goals you made at the beginning of the year. If you know you did not fully obey God then it is easy to consider this year as a throw away. Do not give into that temptation. Even in the driest of seasons there are lessons to be learned and signs of God's faithfulness to be noticed. Through it all we always have the hope of Christ in our hearts.<br />
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As I reflect on 2017, two lessons come back to my mind.<br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";">1. My true identity is rooted in God. I am his daughter no matter how faithful or unfaithful I have been.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"> </span><br />
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2. Devotion time is not the only means of my faith. He cares more about my heart engaged with him throughout my day then doing a devotion just to get it done. </div>
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This year there have been so many new and exciting opportunities completely outside of my comfort zone. When we are in a new environment or community of people it is hard to be ourselves. College is beautiful but it is also completely uncomfortable in every aspect. It is hard to find purpose in a place that is completely different from what we are used to. In the rush of school work, dance, and regular work, it is hard to find God amidst the business yet alone our true identity. I am learning in the moments were I feel the most purposeless I need to press into God even more. It is in the times spent with him that we might experience our true-self and be reminded of our purpose. </div>
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In every season and circumstance we are children of God and we are saved by His grace. God's grace never runs out even when we are in a dark season. We never can shake off our new identity in Christ even in our failures. I am God's daughter in the hills and valleys of life. It is one thing to read this post and say a silent amen and another thing to wholeheartedly believe this statement. I will confess I have read statements like this all year and have only said a silent amen without taking action in my heart. </div>
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Which brings me to the second lesson God has taught me. My devotion time is not the only way to seek the Lord. Throughout high school I found comfort in my devotion time. Moving to college where there was no time for devotions felt like my relationship with God was sinking. In my brain not putting God first through scripture reading made it "impossible" to live for God in all the other moments. Slowly but surely God has been showing me a new way. A way not with devotions in the center of my life but a way where God is. If God is in the center of my life then everything I do flows from that. My faith is a not a product of devotions but it comes deep within the heart. Sure scripture reading strengthens one's faith and deepens a person's heart for God. But to soley label our devotion time as our product of faith is a misconception.<br />
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We all know the passage "faith without works is dead." A faith that does not take care of the orphan or widow. One that does not love or have compassion to those around them is quite frankly dead. Yes, reading the Bible strengths our hearts and reminds us of who God is. It is necessary in growing as a christian. However, It should not be the means that soley identifies our faith. Our actions should. The way we live in our every day lives with the people around us. God desires this from us, because our faith to him is precious. He does not want our mere actions but our hearts. He wants us to allow his call for our lives to be our <i>everything. </i>Faith in God is our response to this world and the situations that arise. </div>
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As I approach or rather am thrown into 2018, God has put this verse on my heart as a reminder of what is truly important. </div>
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"So be truly glad. There is a wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your <i>faith is genuine</i>. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though <i>your faith </i>is more <i>precious </i>than gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials. It will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." 1 Peter 1:6-7. </div>
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I do not know what this year holds; the good or bad. However, I do know there is always <i>hope, always love, and always grace. </i>Faith is a theme that I have chosen for this year. A year where I hope my faith in God is strengthened and flows from heart and mind. I pray that you would chose this year as a time dedicated to God and all he has for you. </div>
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<i style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-size: 12px;">“I will not die; I will live to tell what the Lord has done.” Psalm 118:17</i>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-47055347099444377992017-12-04T13:35:00.004-08:002017-12-04T13:35:56.230-08:00What If We (A Poem From the Heart). What if we stopped holding back during stressful times and gave our best.<br />
If we gave our all to God and did not stop.<br />
What if we continued to begin each day with our palms lifted open to God.<br />
What if our prayers for revival did not cease but kept going.<br />
When our life becomes a comfortable flow we loose sight of heaven, of God, of the need for hope and revival.<br />
Instead we settle.<br />
We stay within our comfortable life when maybe just maybe God has called us for more.<br />
What is your promise land that God is calling you to take hold of?<br />
Who are the people in your life crying out for hope?<br />
Who are desperate for an answer to their suffering?<br />
We who have the answer this time of year can so easily keep it to ourselves.<br />
We are afraid to offend others so instead we keep our heads down and whisper silent prayers to God.<br />
When the world calls for the removal of Christ in the -mas, we silently conform.<br />
Who then is the reason for the season?<br />
The one time of the year when more people are familiar with the true reason for this season yet we stand by.<br />
To paraphrase the lyrics from Hamilton, If we stand for nothing then what will we fall for?<br />
I pray this time of year you will be reminded of Jesus the hope of the world. That in the midst of the season you will take time to be intentional about showing God's love and mercy to those around you.<br />
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<br />Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-68821857736769737032017-09-13T12:50:00.001-07:002017-09-13T12:52:53.665-07:00The Quest to Finding Rest:The Burden of Unforgiveness<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif" , "serif";">“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest.<span style="background: white;"> </span></span></i><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "arial" "" , "serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "sans-serif" , "serif";">Take my yoke upon you and
learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls.</span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "" "arial" "" , "serif";"> </span></i><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "arial" "" , "serif"; font-size: 9.0pt;"> </span></i></b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "" "arial" "" , "serif";">For my yoke is easy and my
burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30. </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";">I'm learning
that rest in the Lord is not a specific formula but a journey that starts with
surrender. True rest in God comes in different areas of our heart. The
burdens of anxiety, unforgiveness, and lack of hope prevent us from finding
this true rest. For the next few weeks I want to take you on this journey I am
on in discovering what true rest in Christ looks like. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Today's post is titled: The Burden of Unforgiveness. As humans, we tend to
carry unforgiveness or lack of mercy in our hearts. Whether that is towards
ourselves, a family member, friends, or a stranger that has wronged us, we
continue to grow in frustration the longer we carry it. I have struggled
with showing those closest to me mercy. Just for the record these people have
never wronged in a way I could not forgive them. I just got so frustrated at
the burdens they would carry, I allowed my heart to become hard hearted. I
could not relate to their hurts and had no space in my heart to show mercy.
Then I started to read about Job. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";"> God allowed struggles to hit Job not because he
sinned but because God knew how strong Job was. Job was not giving into the lie
that his sin caused destruction. His trials were apart of Gods plan. Amid
heartache and physical pain Job could rest in being forgiven. He could rest in
the fact he already repented of his sins. After that there was nothing he could
do. Later, in time Jesus would take care of the rest. I wonder how many of us
go on in life bearing the burden of condemnation on yourselves and others. The
rest and light yoke Jesus talks about in Matthew 11 is resting daily in
forgiveness and grace. It is reminding yourself, "I am forgiven" and
letting the worries of being good enough start to cease. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";"> I recently, started to notice I expected
those closest to me to be perfect Christians. I was allowing the standard I had
for myself flow into my thoughts about those around me. Internally I was not
fully accepting God’s grace in my everyday life. I felt like I had to work for God’s
love. Even when my strivings ceased and I started to accept God’s grace
daily; I still was not viewing my close friends and family through a lens of
Gods mercy. Then my perspective shifted. My friend and I had a two-hour
discussion on how we think internally about ourselves flows into our words and
actions towards others. This creates a double standard we mentally set for
others but not ourselves. For me this double standard became a burden I carried. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";"> I was unable to love or relate to those closest to me. As you take on this
light yoke of grace you start to view others with God's eyes.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Forgiven</i>. Oh, the peace I
started to experience as I fully took Gods yoke of grace. My soul experienced
true rest. I was no longer wrestling the burden of condemnation. I had been
allowing the actions of others to cut into the wound I was not allowing to
heal. The longer I held on to the offenses of others I was wounding my heart.
My view towards those closest to me was skewed, because the wound cut deep and
my heart was filled with pain. Pain that drove my heart to become frozen in forgiveness. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";">When Jesus died on the cross one of the men dying with
Jesus said,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: "serif" , "serif";">"<i>We are punished
justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our actions. But this man has
done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into
Your kingdom!” </i></span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "serif" , "serif";">And Jesus said to him, </span></i><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";">Truly I tell you, today you
will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:41</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";">This man knew that he was
guilty of sin. It was because the man knew he was wrong that saved him. He
simply surrendered, asking Jesus to remember the justice he was getting.
This man never said a prayer all he did was verbally admit his sin and ask God
to remember him even though he was unworthy. If this man is in heaven with
God now, then why do we expect ourselves and others to jump through hoops and
ladders to be "Christian." My heart felt so convicted as I sat there
talking to my friend. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "serif" , "serif";"> I pray that you may understand the simplicity
of Jesus' grace and forgiveness for humanity. Wherever you are whether its
holding onto unforgiveness towards yourself or towards a family member or
friend. Remember that true rest is found in taking up the yoke of grace. It is
impossible to carry a light yoke unless you take off the heavy burdens you have
been holding onto for a long time. Let your soul rest in His grace. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-36395200430053347382017-09-08T12:21:00.000-07:002017-09-08T12:21:42.182-07:00Terrified Seasons change, school starts, and farewells are said to family and friends. If your like me the flow of your schedule might start to slowly fill up as mid-august comes upon us. It is so easy to run around daily filled with worry and distractions. May heart starts at home base with God and then quickly runs off with my thoughts filled with the "what if's" and the "oh no's" that the day will hold. This routine of the heart only leads to us trying to carry our burdens. My mind spirals with anxieties and fears making me feel so alone and separated from God. When will we realize fear is a way of rejecting Gods comfort and healing in our lives? I am currently reading Uninvited by Lyse Terkeurst, a book that I am sure many of you have read as well. In the book Terkeurst, defines the word terrified coming from the root word <i>tarasso. </i>Meaning, "to set in motion what needs to remain still." I was blown away by this definition, for so long I let my anxieties and fears set in motion thoughts that weren't glorifying to God. Thoughts that freaked me out, made me believe I was not a christian. Our fear puts into motion the thoughts we fear most. It is in the moments where I put to rest those thoughts and just be I can experience Gods peace. Realize again and again there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-32123294897360839372017-07-26T23:47:00.002-07:002017-07-26T23:54:49.859-07:00When "No" is Enough I believe the season of silence between us and God is a real struggle for most christians yet not frequently talked about. In fact it is hard to be honest about these seasons in life. This summer has been slow and filled with business. I have found my heart longing for a word or vision from God. There have been many "maybes" and "what if's" in the last few months. Many prayers and desires I held, hoping that God would provide. I would come to the feet of God wanting to hear the right answer and leave unsure. Sometimes the door clearly opens up or closes, but sometimes I'm left waiting. There was a specific instance this summer where I was waiting on an answer from God. Finally, after praying and praying all I got was "no." In the midst of discouragement and trying to justify the circumstance, I realized this answer of "no" is still God speaking. God was being faithful to me by revealing his plan. I think sometimes in life there are moments where all we get is just one word from God. Are we able to take that word and trust that God will continue to provide? Can we take these no's and rejoice that He is speaking into our lives? I am learning that the closed door ahead can be turned into a victory of Gods faithfulness. In Lydia Terkeurst's book Uninvited, she talks about closed doors as God protecting us. Ultimately, God knows exactly what we need and that closed door means, it was not what we needed. There was leadership opportunity I applied for at school. Unfortunately, I did not get into to the position. For the first few hours I was sad, but I knew God's plan was bigger. The growth I have experienced (not to mentioned that amazing opportunities that have opened up because of that closed door) was all apart Gods plan. He ultimately, knew what would grow me yet protect me the most. My challenge to you is the next time God says "no" or closes a door. Can we be the people who trust in his ultimate plan. No matter how confusing or heart breaking it can seem in the moment, God is protecting us and guiding us on His path. Can God's "no" be enough for now?<br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Ps-139-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">"You have searched me,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16241A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16241A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and you know<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16241B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16241B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Ps-139-2" id="en-NIV-16242" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>You know when I sit and when I rise;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16242C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16242C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you perceive my thoughts<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16242D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16242D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> from afar.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Ps-139-3" id="en-NIV-16243" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>You discern my going out<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16243E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16243E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and my lying down;</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">you are familiar with all my ways."</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="indent-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-139-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Psalm 139: 1-3. </span></span></i>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-49763321033604712392017-06-12T14:50:00.004-07:002017-06-12T15:00:39.200-07:00The Always Provider<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">I was recently talking to a friend about this past semester of college. Half way through the conversation I found myself saying/ realizing what God had provided throughout my Freshman year was just enough. I remember driving with my friend over spring break talking about the power of asking God just for our "daily bread" nothing more and nothing less. In that moment I quickly prayed a little prayer in my heart asking God to always provide just enough. It is amazing how when the small prayer was whispered out to God; He already knew. God was already working in my life always giving me just what I needed. It took me to realize in the midst of my deep desires for travel, relationships, and wisdom to see He was going before me. In each moment when I felt discouragement or just in want, God was right there. Remember, our God goes before us to intercede on our behalf. (Romans 8:24). He turns the small loaves of our desires and talents to minister to others in a thousand different ways. More than we could imagine. It may not go our way or the way we would choose. It might require us to go through trials and give up our comfortable lives. However, I pray that you would hold on to this promise, this truth. Mediate on it and remind yourself of scriptures that declare: our God is one who ALWAYS provides. <i>He is the always provider</i>; the one who provides just enough to nourish our soul in each season, trial, and moment.</span></div>
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<br />Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-78564312041651906552017-04-20T22:37:00.001-07:002017-04-20T22:37:18.585-07:00Have Courage and TrustLive courageously. This phrase cuts deep within the soul of mankind with a conviction to live life on the edge, to persevere through the hard times. Yet it is so easy to live life with just a conviction to be courageous and not actually live it out. <div>
Having courage means a lot of different things. </div>
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It is doing the right thing even if it goes against the flow.</div>
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Speaking truth to those around you while not fearing their reactions.</div>
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It means surrendering your heart to God and letting Him guide you. </div>
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Courage is facing your fears. Letting God pull you into the storm. </div>
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Life last semester was rough and I have to stay it was way easier to mop about, cling to the distraction of always going and never really stopping. Looking back I wish I could tell myself that everything is going to be okay. When everything you know is stripped away from you and the only comfort you have is really God. It takes courage to allow your heart to rest in Him. Courage to say, "okay God I trust you no matter what. Even when this sucks." </div>
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Courage is not always found in the moments of perpetual work but in the moments of rest and surrender. It is solely found in God, who beckoned Joshua to be "Strong and Courageous." It is vital to recognize our time with the Lord is more than just a daily routine but a deep daily communion with our Lord and Savior. Have courage to let your heart to rest in Him. To allow yourself to surrender the daily sins that so burden your heart. He knows what you need, when you need it. Take time to rest. Resting in God is a daily or weekly routine that I have found most refreshing and life giving. (Even when resting by watching Netflix is a tempting option.) It is in those moments where I find my courage in God.</div>
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I have found even in those tough moments God provides friends who will speak truth into your situation. Friends who are learning to have courage with you. </div>
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No matter what, God is by your side, always. Sometimes it even takes courage to believe that truth into your situation. </div>
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Courage both in large and small dose speaks a testament to Gods faithfulness.</div>
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He is constant especially in those times when courage is most needed. </div>
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Today, take that step to have courage and trust in Him, in the small and big trials you are facing</div>
Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-1857415943841459482017-04-16T22:49:00.001-07:002017-04-16T22:54:10.770-07:00The power of the Resurrection <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jesus is the resurrection that gives us life both now and forevermore; <br />this compels my soul to follow Him wholeheartedly.</span></i></span></td></tr>
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I came into this Easter busy and tired from school semester. I honestly, did not spend the time I normally do letting the Easter story soak into my heart. This morning as I was doing my devotion God changed my perspective on the power of the resurrection.<br />
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<i>"Peace be with you, he said. As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord! Again he said, peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20: 19-21</i><br />
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What amazed me was in this moment of celebration, is Jesus did not stop with His glorification of coming back. He went on in that celebratory moment to give the disciples their mission. For us the resurrection does not just end in our freedom from sin. It does not just mean that we now get to have a relationship with God and spend eternity with him. Because of Jesus' resurrection, we called to spread the word. To follow Him.<br />
I was taken back, for most of my life I have spent almost every Easter being reminded of Jesus' glorious defeat of death which has set us free. Yet I never truly let it flow into the edges of my life. If we annually celebrate and remember the Resurrection, let us allow it to flow into each part of our hearts. I do not want to spend each Easter to just celebrate the crucifixion. I want it to yearly redefine the purpose of my life.<br />
I believe that Jesus' choose his reunion with the disciples for a reason. In this moment of celebration, there is this theme of letting it influence our actions. Our actions to spread the word was/ is just as important as celebrating and remembering the reason and foundation of the gospel. Jesus wanted to highlight it. I think to him our actions to evangelize is just as important as our celebration of the Easter story. If we are truly free and healed through this death defying moment, then everyday should be a time of spreading the news. Every person we come across should know or be reminded of our glorious Father. I would challenge you to not let this Easter to just be a Sunday of remembrance and time with family.<br />
Let God use the Easter message to influence your week and year. To inspire you to live out what we profess as a church. Also let gospel heal the broken pieces of your life. God's grace means giving ourselves grace. It also means only by Him can we have the words or courage to spread the gospel. Jesus is the resurrection that gives us life both now and forevermore, which compels my soul to follow Him wholeheartedly.Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-79376261989744655192017-03-05T21:50:00.002-08:002017-03-05T21:50:30.825-08:00My Weary KneesI walk in the world and don't see my worth. My faith is weak, and my knees are weary. Weary of living a life of ignorence to God. I am a whore of the world dammed for hell. Yet you saw me as valuable, your creation. You humbled yourself, dying for me. So as I'm trudging on in my doubt, you calm the storm, and overcome your creation with truth. Truth which casts out fear. Truth which shines forth light casting out the dark terrors of the night. Light that brings forth daylight showing the world the morning comforts of belonging. I believe when a person realizes how powerful and convicting this truth is, He might start a chain reaction of love. Showing love towards his brothers and sisters living in the world. My knees may be weary of running hard in life. Yet I shall find my strength in the one who gives me a reason to run with these weary knees.Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-53916099411247820422017-03-04T21:55:00.001-08:002017-03-04T22:00:30.508-08:00Fulfilling The Need<span style="text-align: center;">It is easy to live in this excitement and desire to serve God through the gifts, talents, and passions he has given us. When is the right time to move? When our life seems so mundane, slow, and God seems silent. When you're in a season that seems like one for learning than for pouring out. How do you continue to fulfill the great commission? </span><br />
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<i>We learn to serve in the mundane.</i> By now you know and are fully aware that life is short. Yet doing the big things for God seems like the only powerful way to reach others. How can you in all your weakness do the <b>BIG</b> things for God? When God has not even provided opportunities that you deem worthy as being humongous? We all want to belong and be apart of something. Whether that is through a ministry at church or a nonprofit. We want to be the missionaries for Christ. To be apart of a group that serves together. Yet how can you serve God when you are not involved, and you are in a season that seems lonely. How can you serve God and others, when the open doors for being involved in physical ministry are being closed? This is the pressure us humans put on ourselves. </div>
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<i>Sometimes there is more power in taking life slow. </i>In being present. Most importantly, in serving through the little things. Then the pressure to do the big things is off our backs. For the last semester and a half, I have been struggling with these questions. I longed to be apart of something. I was so used to being involved in ministry, in going out of my way to serve others. Honestly, its hard to find areas to serve in this season. A season that is more quiet than others. One that takes patience with God and myself as I am learning and adjusting. </div>
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I just realized that for so long I have found my identity in being a student leader, volunteer in inner-city mission, and friend. I did not allow room for God to reveal who I truly was to Him. It is so easy to come to college with so many expectations and become so overwhelmed by every opportunity my university has to offer. Yet I am not defined by the open and closed doors filled with many opportunities to serve with on campus. For some of you that may not know me at all, I had the amazing opportunity to lead students and friends from my youth group to an apartment complex in the inner-city of my hometown. God placed this desire on my heart to minister to these families and kids while I was living full-time in Fresno. I learned so much during this time. Towards the end I started to find security in this idea that serving these families was my life calling. </div>
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I think I just assumed that if God had called me to this community then I am supposed to be serving in inner-city ministry for the rest of my life. Now this could be the case for the future, however with this mindset I felt that I needed to continue to serve in <b>BIG</b> ways. I forgot the whole purpose of why I obeyed God in the first place. He placed a desire and showed me this community's need. Then he gave me the strength and desire to fulfill it as best I could. That is Gods call to do ministry.</div>
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<i>Wherever we are, we need to tend to each need we see, as best we can and beyond with Gods strength. </i></div>
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Friends, it is so easy to become discouraged at a slow paced season of life. While we are waiting to make the next step in life or even in the midst of a season that is fruitful with opportunity, let us continue to fill every need that we come across with Gods guidance and strength. Let us remember that we are already apart of something bigger, a ministry which is Gods family. As long as we are Gods children, we apart of something bigger.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1</span></i></span></div>
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Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-67355864450530609932016-12-13T00:15:00.000-08:002016-12-13T00:20:37.308-08:00Learning to be aware<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its been quite a few months since I've last written. Between these past few months and seasons, I have undergone great deal of transition. From graduating high school, to moving away to college. Some of you, who were once in college or have moved to a different city understand that transition does not come easy. As the semester is winding down and everyone is reflecting on the year or semester, I thought I would share my thoughts on this semester. Through these past couple months of adjustment I have learned some important lessons. The art of learning and learning to be more aware is the greatest lesson this semester has taught me. Through out most of High school I was involved. I got into this rhythm of leading, serving, being around familiar environments, and seeking the Lord through my alone time with Him. God has stretched me in college to listen, learn, and get to know him through community and vulnerability. For He has designed us to be in deep vulnerability with those you are unlike us. I am learning that it takes time and trust to unpack ones heart.<br />
The greatest sense of humility is vulnerability. I read this quote a couple months ago which responated deep within my heart, <i>"To be in posture of reverence to God is the willingness to listen to Him and others." </i>If I could sum up this semester in one sentence or quote this would be it. It is easy to go through this semester fixed on the temporary struggles and loneliness. When life is lived focused on myself, we loose sight of God and his holiness. If we decided to quite our self-fosuced thoughts and choose to listen to others, our hearts will open to God. We suddenly realize that there are other people who share similar struggles. The Joy of sharing each others burden comes to life.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7</span></i></span><br />
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The longer we live in our own bubble, we become numb to God and the world. We loose sight of God's holiness and we forget the mountain of the darkness the world is filled with. We grow numb to the thousands of people who are drowning in spiritual darkness with no hope. What if, God beckoned you to be used in his redemptive plan to bring His children back to Him? What if the only way you could be truly used is if you were aware of where God placed you. Being prayerfully aware of the people you interacted with each day. From this awareness community expands.<br />
Community is no longer those who are in your personal bubble, but those who are across from you. Sometimes it is those who are different from you whether in race, personality, or gender. We are not limited to certain people we are called to, but we have the possibility to befriend anyone around us. Maybe there is an unexpected person you keep running into? For what is seen in ones appearance, masks the an unseen hurt, pain, and loss going on in everyones life. The power of community not only brings us closer to God, but it allows us to reach behind the barriers of the heart in people. A key way of being in community with someone, is being vulnerable.<br />
During one of my university's conference sessions, the speaker used the creation story as an example of how God designed community. Adam and Eve were both naked, they were intimately vulnerable with each other. Yet they were different from each other, Adam being male and Eve being a female. When they both committed the first sin, they felt like they needed to cover up their sin. Feeling deep shame for their actions. This moment marked the first realization of shame which became the enemy to vulnerability. Thus causing Adam and Eve to cover their flaws. We can see from this picture, that God originally designed mankind to be vulnerable with those unlike us.<br />
For we are no better than the next person. When both persons are open about their sin, shame is defeated. Then in that moment they know they are not alone in their struggle. When hearing this imagery about vulnerability, I finally understood community. For so long I have tried being the light of Jesus through service. The longer I bottled up my struggles, serving others was rooted in my pride of who people saw me. The moment I started to open up, that pride walked out the door, instead freedom to draw near to God became abundant. As a community we are the bride of God. Let us not allow our self-centered desires and thought filled shame keep us away from the community in which God has called us to live in. Let us continue:<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">N<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; text-align: justify;">ot giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."</span></span></span></i><br />
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<span class="p" style="color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-32029011255734180552016-06-11T18:20:00.001-07:002016-06-11T18:36:21.090-07:00Importance of a youthful spirit<i>"Don't let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say 'life is not pleasant anymore.' Remember him before your legs-the guards of your house- start to tremble; and before your shoulders-the strong men-stoop." Ecclesiastes 12:1;3</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A couple weeks ago my pastor talked about how age is not a matter of physical appearance but of our spirit. Since then the Lord has been unraveling this wisdom in my own life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To my lovely friends and family living as a youth in this time. We live in a world that screams for teens to follow their hearts desire and live it up and then follow God when we are older and settled down. Through out the bible there are many examples that call for us to run wild for Jesus now. While we are young we have the chances to reach out and serve others. We are only guaranteed now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know how chessy that sounds, but we truly have now to make a difference. This moment to fall in love with our Lord and Savior. I am reminded that I could chase romance or friendships now. What is the point of fully focusing on those things when in the end we will be with our True friend, husband, father, and savior forever. Instead lets chase what matters in life first and let God provide the rest. (Matthew 6:33)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now is the time when we are passionate and full of life. Now is the time to learn how to be joyful during trials and thankful through it all. Being youthful in spirit is "not determined by physical being but mindset and heart set."* In John 21 after Jesus died and rose again, his disciples went back to what they were doing. They went through a couple years of being taught by Jesus but when He left they when back to their regular way life. Then Jesus reappears and challenges Peter. </span></div>
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<i>"<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">“Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”</span></span></i><br />
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<span class="text John-21-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26914O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26914O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-15" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Feed my lambs.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26914P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26914P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-16" id="en-NIV-26915" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Again Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Simon son of John, do you love me?”</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Take care of my sheep.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26915Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26915Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-17" id="en-NIV-26916" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The third time he said to him, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Simon son of John, do you love me?”</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-21-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Do you love me?”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26916R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26916R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> He said, “Lord, you know all things;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26916S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26916S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> you know that I love you.”</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="text John-21-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus said, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Feed my sheep.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26916T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26916T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span> <span class="text John-21-18" id="en-NIV-26917" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”</span> <span class="text John-21-19" id="en-NIV-26918" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26918U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26918U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by which Peter would glorify God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26918V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26918V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Then he said to him, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Follow me!” John 21:15-19. (bible gateway)</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus shows Peter that while he is young the opportunity to go on mission is now. Soon enough our laters or next years will come and eventually our energy or physical ability decreased. That does not mean we stop but our opportunity to serve is just as important now as it is when we are older.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> recently visited my great aunt who being not in the best condition had great joy beyond bonds. She truly is a perfect example of someone who has a youthful spirit and continues to choose Jesus everyday no matter the circumstance. It does not matter what age you are, because God calls us of all ages to have faith like a child. To those who like me are young right now, We only are going to get older. Throughout the bible Jesus chose the young, because of their passion and ability. Do not wait to serve the Lord and obey his commands. We do not know what lies ahead in the future or how long God allows us to live this life. As we embark on this next season where ever we are I pray that we would take advantage of being young and start now. We has chosen all of us and makes us able through H</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">im to do all things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">* quote from sermon preached by Dale Oquist. </span></div>
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Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-88987934923894297352015-11-27T21:17:00.000-08:002015-11-27T21:17:07.913-08:00Chasing sunsets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am realizing that as I grow up life becomes more routine. It is harder to be spontaneous. It is harder to have child like faith. Temptations and doubt become giant tidal waves that I face in the midst of life. I forget the importance faith. I yearn for these moments of triumphant victory, I desire to see Gods hand move in miraculous ways. Yet my yearning is nothing if I do not actually take the time to spend time with my Father. I run towards these moments. Expecting to see the beauty without going through the pain. I want to see the sunset. I chase the sunsets. I desperately want to take in the beauty as much as I can before the night rages on. I want to be found in those moments.I want to live my life through works and sacrifices so I can have those moments. I think that as long as the blessings and beauty abounds I will be okay. But its the moment the sun goes down and the dark sky creeps in I loose hope. I forget it is about the relationship; the journey. I proceed with my head down going once more through the motions of life. I do not want to live my life this way. I realize this is such a big temptation. As soon as the holidays role around and life just gets busier we have excuses to go through the motions. Excuses to not take time to let Jesus in. It all ends in hopeless stress. Galatians 5:1;13 says,<br />
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<i> "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not us your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."</i><br />
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I have to remind myself the Author of Life has not made me to be a sunset chaser. Chasing the sunset trying to find myself in those moments. Trying to see the beautiful outcome before the journey. For we only have the few moments God gives. Do not let the motions of life become your excuse. For we are free. Free to have faith. Free to pursue a relationship with Christ. This has been my theme since summer. I have written the same prayers and had the realizations that now is the moment to follow God. Yet it was hard to take the time to truly spend time with my Father. We will have moments where we use our freedom as freedom to live for now; the temporary. Do not get discouraged. Christ died to give us grace so we could get back up. For he desires our hearts more than our actions. Our actions will surly reflect our hearts. I think in the world today we want to see our outcomes; our future. That we forget the now moments.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings."</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hosea 6:6.</span></i></span><br />
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Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-41895424329144201732015-07-22T23:34:00.001-07:002015-11-27T21:22:28.424-08:00Pain in the Midst of the Sunsets<div>
No words cannot describe, no poetic word sequence can be written. Nothing can help describe the silence. It's watching a sunset on a broken heart. Letting it heal but also letting it bring on another day. Another day that your not used to. Instead of ending each night with peace, you anxiously dread another tomorrow. A tomorrow full of life, storms, laughter, and tears. A tomorrow that brings the next path. A path that no one wants to walk down. I realized following God in these moments is letting go of life and mourn. Cry it out. Let him carry you into the rugged journey. It's letting yourself feel helpless with trust in Him and be okay with it. Hopelessness try's to make a breathable moment unbreathable. It try's to make you feel like life will always be this way. But it's okay. Life is this way. The journey/this storm/ this leg of the path may be filled with hopeless after hopeless moments. The wind may be knocked out of you each time. It's okay. In one moment you are mourning and the next small gap may be a beautiful sunset. A sunset that is filled with storm clouds and the very thing you are morning. Our pain will hurt, but God turns it into beauty. In these moments we can see the beauty of our pain like a sunset. </div>
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In these moments we are reassured that He is near. He is constant. He literally hears our prayers.<br />
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<br />Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-34334716782768803642015-07-11T13:35:00.001-07:002015-07-11T13:38:33.076-07:00The Wandering Ways of the World.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>It's an ocean of the tempting pleasures of life. A tidal wave that wants to devour. A little taste here, a little drink there may not be so bad. It's the little steps that will eventually bring to this ocean. I have found myself wandering in circles. Trying to get away from this life but letting myself be devoured even more. I try to remind myself that I am truly statistied in Jesus. I bear the good fruit when I follow my Savior. I feel like I can live the life of pleasure and follow God. Why even bother going back. It's a mindset that's hard to lose. With no conviction there's no point. As I wander knowing I am saved by grace but hating the moment when I have to start all over. I realize that conviction starts when I truly start to choose Jesus. I have told myself and God that I would come back. It's just words with no meaning. We all have moments when falling seems a lot easier than trudging on. Falling gets us nowhere and trudging eventually gets us to the other side. We all are tested and tempted. We all will fall. I am reminded of this verse. "<i>He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:2-4 NIV)</i><div>Own of my pastors said that "God cares about our holiness more than our happiness." Even when we fall and getting back up is hard, when it hurts and giving up the world to follow Christ feels like the hardest thing. Know that bearing the fruit that we want to bear and being Joyful during trialsome times only comes when we remain in Christ. I am truly myself when I am in Christ. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkUZmtvJbJfCo5Os__P8XqEG430XCSmz_kTf0Po38n_7zBpBv-wlxPO2r0McFs2o5Hl9X18mO8wtsM03ZN4RCidJBdPBjungDiD5LJMQyW0aKznpizx0xFqiDsJcuTXF0BTc1iIf_ROg/s640/blogger-image-1229043295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkUZmtvJbJfCo5Os__P8XqEG430XCSmz_kTf0Po38n_7zBpBv-wlxPO2r0McFs2o5Hl9X18mO8wtsM03ZN4RCidJBdPBjungDiD5LJMQyW0aKznpizx0xFqiDsJcuTXF0BTc1iIf_ROg/s640/blogger-image-1229043295.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeOu-7aRj-xOCozTNjcZTL1hdhz-yX8XiJ0sIoUiuz3xPTo6Vf6-QW2EYpL8pwdyfKB0rPCxEnMkgF25Swn5fymvSTe-kFbk4E_qXl8UXEMInVk6ycShozuZK-o4inyAWj-8CCVNuMuQ/s640/blogger-image-776315911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVeOu-7aRj-xOCozTNjcZTL1hdhz-yX8XiJ0sIoUiuz3xPTo6Vf6-QW2EYpL8pwdyfKB0rPCxEnMkgF25Swn5fymvSTe-kFbk4E_qXl8UXEMInVk6ycShozuZK-o4inyAWj-8CCVNuMuQ/s640/blogger-image-776315911.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISQFUX-Yjv6TiE1bei1hkNXlGKo2hH4uqgPNkaEf6kPsFUeG_yc-f0FSnAyZ2h4ySbF7_yuf15p39oXxLrQlj6XttnKVV_bwtMd-UAZfbR6YDlTXn0NTUPOYPQPUaQNAK5zF_IgfIf9U/s640/blogger-image-1044654119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISQFUX-Yjv6TiE1bei1hkNXlGKo2hH4uqgPNkaEf6kPsFUeG_yc-f0FSnAyZ2h4ySbF7_yuf15p39oXxLrQlj6XttnKVV_bwtMd-UAZfbR6YDlTXn0NTUPOYPQPUaQNAK5zF_IgfIf9U/s640/blogger-image-1044654119.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-63812289065105456392015-07-01T11:33:00.001-07:002015-07-01T12:04:07.062-07:00To act justlyThe recent Supreme Court decision on gay marriage has been a huge heartbreak for many churches around the US. I will admit I was very heartbroken when I heard about it too. As I was sitting on my bed this morning, I realized, here all of the US has been foucsed on the gay marriage ruling. As Christians we can think of all the persecutions we might face in the next few years. But Christians are truly being persecuted for what they believe in now! We all know who ISIS is and what they are doing. We are not really aware of what's going on right now. All the media is really talking about is gay marriage. I know battle on gay marriage will be a long fight. I am not saying that this issue is not important. Right now ISIS has killed 76 children for reasons such as not fasting during Ramadan and practicing sorcery. They have not ceased to kill women and children that they come across. Im am not trying to bashthe Church or society, but I think we need to be more aware. In the bible God calls us to "walk humbly, love mercy, and act justly." I believe we need to act justly with this issue. I don't want to just post this and do nothing about it. I want to change this situation. My heart and prayers go out to all the people suffering from ISIS. God not only calls us to act justly, He also tell us these people are our neighbors, brothers, and sisters in Christ. These people need as much help as ever. I personally don't know how to help besides praying for them and giving money to organizations that can. I think if we as a church are aware of what's going on. Change <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">can happen. Not only should we be aware of what our brother and sisters are going through. We should be aware of what our country is doing about it. These are just some thoughts. Below are articles with more information. </span><div><div><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/07/01/isis-executioners-spare-no-one-killing-74-children-for-crimes-including-not/">http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/07/01/isis-executioners-spare-no-one-killing-74-children-for-crimes-including-not/</a></div><div><br></div></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-17624892266435471432015-05-28T14:45:00.001-07:002015-05-28T15:31:00.578-07:00Simple moments of beauty.<div><br></div>It's the simple moments of beauty. The sunsets. The stillness at twilight. It's sitting in the midst of this beauty and having a moment with God. These are the moments where I like to bring my broken hearts and simply give it to God. As I was reading old journal entry's of a couple months ago. I realized I had these moments where my faith was strong and God moved. Then I had moments where in my weakness and unworthiness God blessed me. He showed me He was faithful. Yet I seemed to let the broken hearts, the anger, the falls, And the bad days get the best of me. I seemed to forget all that the good shepherd provides. Why are we humans quick to let the joyous moments and the times of defeat effect us equally? These past couple of months have been hard. There have been moments of refinery and moments of blessing. I realized when we try to follow God but always look at how unworthy we are, we can never accomplish anything. We or I in this matter am so focused on the negative. I realize how unworthy I am. A couple weeks ago God blessed me beyond words. I was feeling unworthy and trying my best. My parents surprised me and took me to a concert. That night every little thing from getting there to the key words to in the songs blessed me. I knew that God was working in my heart and was moving. I realized its in those big moments of blessing where we can remember to thank God. Remember to live out life with gratitude. Living life in gratitude opens heart to Him. It's not letting the times of defeat effect us but letting Jesus write his beautiful story in our lives. <div><div><div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoP1sWK3Oyx_tD6IGrwbIhqkaQmTWcyDxQyDkrKgyUd2Jub07GgLZ6OlxE3ivddebDBcEy7066pg6jtf9My3o-C8WEAdw9Yr5SjBzPPptdXKRkECkV_-iW2F-yW2FisEGci8y-zWn2RQ/s640/blogger-image-265914892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoP1sWK3Oyx_tD6IGrwbIhqkaQmTWcyDxQyDkrKgyUd2Jub07GgLZ6OlxE3ivddebDBcEy7066pg6jtf9My3o-C8WEAdw9Yr5SjBzPPptdXKRkECkV_-iW2F-yW2FisEGci8y-zWn2RQ/s640/blogger-image-265914892.jpg"></a></div><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyuY1e-PFrKhV-llZKRs4qJQa9powQ5SZJms41fxJNlYtDzPgdVEAziDEDAYYGP0sG0LJ25bFI4gSM4dtwa1tEhgvPb9-HeK80Iu1RsQt_X-aJyJx9SqTO0Lvk4RG7g93yysNpwWOmcQ/s640/blogger-image-438711228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyuY1e-PFrKhV-llZKRs4qJQa9powQ5SZJms41fxJNlYtDzPgdVEAziDEDAYYGP0sG0LJ25bFI4gSM4dtwa1tEhgvPb9-HeK80Iu1RsQt_X-aJyJx9SqTO0Lvk4RG7g93yysNpwWOmcQ/s640/blogger-image-438711228.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6F5i3ef7jns5FSeTspLvYVDgNZ-CdcOrR1Ez27RwcsaC9ikcx9zJ6X8POR8Oi4ztSkI8XozaLJvHL4XScTMMINYvtH4VIgKM6FCafO63JsLlUuDM99jGPhWlBlZIYuSgKW_TvgBK7_w/s640/blogger-image--1151483815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6F5i3ef7jns5FSeTspLvYVDgNZ-CdcOrR1Ez27RwcsaC9ikcx9zJ6X8POR8Oi4ztSkI8XozaLJvHL4XScTMMINYvtH4VIgKM6FCafO63JsLlUuDM99jGPhWlBlZIYuSgKW_TvgBK7_w/s640/blogger-image--1151483815.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MwHLmW3T_JTwRQpIKyXWnikVFaS6g0vVi3ATBRZPxYRcta93pcTt8QZ48EyOSvgv2s-zJd_NL8n7l4KbmsgaJ9pK8Dxws85yXxbYKE4hj8i3HFaozB_w5Ev4b4Oa0_wZO1x9bk5PzA0/s640/blogger-image-984702425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MwHLmW3T_JTwRQpIKyXWnikVFaS6g0vVi3ATBRZPxYRcta93pcTt8QZ48EyOSvgv2s-zJd_NL8n7l4KbmsgaJ9pK8Dxws85yXxbYKE4hj8i3HFaozB_w5Ev4b4Oa0_wZO1x9bk5PzA0/s640/blogger-image-984702425.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPtvcVt-OyUzTQq2Ed_6zy3JiVsY0e3bZZJwdz8Lz9QJE-6wrij7OEfBEJyPUl8o78h7q3lUFffq_7UkmZ3f4o-OShD3j9ygRMt7mIEAY2kX314TqXCflK9MRa72NR5n_vxeU7DVBhbc/s640/blogger-image-1744795838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPtvcVt-OyUzTQq2Ed_6zy3JiVsY0e3bZZJwdz8Lz9QJE-6wrij7OEfBEJyPUl8o78h7q3lUFffq_7UkmZ3f4o-OShD3j9ygRMt7mIEAY2kX314TqXCflK9MRa72NR5n_vxeU7DVBhbc/s640/blogger-image-1744795838.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyleV9nrnX1PGiKg8EWeeDrCCgVNUwG6vd8ZzOvl-FDqSg1Fn6KXVebqQLHQqh-u1n4idAANTB_NzR14y0VLPDuaGS4SYtV7TU7WjxG1hyphenhyphenyaRSo_rTCXg5dhgFp3d9pvmxY-bQtcEmXs/s640/blogger-image--906253089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHyleV9nrnX1PGiKg8EWeeDrCCgVNUwG6vd8ZzOvl-FDqSg1Fn6KXVebqQLHQqh-u1n4idAANTB_NzR14y0VLPDuaGS4SYtV7TU7WjxG1hyphenhyphenyaRSo_rTCXg5dhgFp3d9pvmxY-bQtcEmXs/s640/blogger-image--906253089.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-75584171928106298742015-02-14T11:58:00.000-08:002015-02-14T12:12:45.129-08:00My LoverOn this fine Valentines Day I wanted to take a few moments and tell you about my love.<br />
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It has been four years since I have committed my love to you.<br />
Since I have gone on this adventure with you My Love.<br />
You are gentle and Kind.<br />
You never fail to give me grace when I mess up.<br />
You always hold my hand.<br />
Your love for me is genuine.<br />
Your compliments to me are more than words can describe.<br />
You help me believe in myself and be confident in who I am.<br />
You don't want me to be like everyone else in this world.<br />
You inspire me to be different.<br />
You give me my passion to serve.<br />
You wash my feet so that I can wash others feet.<br />
Your security is all that I need.<br />
I know that you will provide when times are rough.<br />
You are willing to give up your life for me, so that no one can take me away from you.<br />
You protect me when harm is near.<br />
You give me confidence to help those who are hurting.<br />
You teach me how to love.<br />
You never break your promises.<br />
You help me dance when times are hard.<br />
You give me Joy when mourning is near.<br />
You help me see the world in a way I have never seen before.<br />
You are patient when I wander off.<br />
And forgiving when I betray your/ our love.<br />
You are my song.<br />
You give me laughter.<br />
You are my love.<br />
Unlike most lovers, I am confident that I will spend eternity with you; lover of my soul.<br />
This Love is not the Love found in typical romance. It runs so much deeper than that.<br />
On this Valentines Days here is to <i>Jesus,</i> <i>My Savior; Lover of my Soul.</i><br />
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<i> </i>Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-47178700733328024042015-02-07T17:03:00.003-08:002015-02-07T17:03:30.687-08:00The Importance of Being Women of God in Community. <br />
<i>"We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not with holding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange- open wide your hearts also." 2 Corinthians 6:11-12.</i><br />
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I have felt the pull in my heart to go on mission for God, but I did not know where to start. A lot of times when I try to say yes to God in this way I feel as if I just need to move to Africa or some foreign country and help those in need. Whenever I think of this worries start to flood my mind. Thinking about living in a foreign country makes me automatically assume that all my dreams and hopes will never come true. I know this is black mail from the devil. In the end I leave feeling more discouraged than ever. We need to start somewhere. Make one change at some point. As women when we are in the word and encouraging one another I know that God can use us in amazing ways. He has given us a caring motherly heart, he gives us strength to endure hard times so we can make a difference. Me by myself sure I can encourage others and lead worship, and be involved in the church. Sure God can still sure use that. What I don't have is the willingness to be vulnerable. To say 'Hey, life is not going to well, I don't have peace or I can't forgive,' or whatever it is that I'm going going through. The most important way we can do ministry is being a community. Community takes vulnerability. Now you hear community but what does that look like? Community is meeting someone for coffee or getting a group from school, work, church, etc.. and digging deeper in God. It is making it available to who ever and letting God move. Letting Him take it to the places he has planned. I know when the emotions of life come it is important to have people to support and love and to do the same for others. This past week God has shown me that when I start something He will blesses it and take it to places I never could of imagined. It starts with willingness.Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-91601965529220466522015-01-31T13:00:00.001-08:002015-01-31T13:00:39.314-08:00Gift Count #6:Stand in awe of HimMy dear friends, Let us continue to count our blessings and in stand in awe of God. Whatever trials we may face today, we may not have another day to thank him for all we have.<br />
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<i>"Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." Ecclesiastes 5:7. </i><br />
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<i>110. </i>Excitement over the simple things.<br />
111. Moments where you can learn something new.<br />
112. Constant reminders that the Lord is here for me.<br />
113. Starry nights.<br />
114. Late night drives.<br />
115. Encouraging words,<br />
116. Coffee dates.<br />
117. Dates with God.<br />
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118. Waiting for my someone.<br />
119. Seeing myself the way God sees me.<br />
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120. Watching seeds grow,<br />
121. Little sisters.<br />
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122. Nothing will ever stop the plans God has made.<br />
123. Music to dance to.<br />
124. Braids.<br />
125. Chocolate.<br />
126. Words that cut to the soul. (in good ways as well as bad.)<br />
127. Meeting new people.<br />
128. Best Friends.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">129. Outdoor dinners.</span><br />
130. Skirts to twirl in.<br />
131. Flowers to plant.<br />
132. Watching the sun rise in the midst of a broken heart and life.<br />
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<br />Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-35905622939985654792015-01-15T18:23:00.002-08:002015-01-15T18:28:44.820-08:00The Hard Truth About Worship. This past year God has been showing me how imperfect the church is. How beautiful the church is because God has redeemed the church and we are his bride. One of the areas in the church that I think is one of the most "sensitive" areas is worship. Worship is a way that we connect with God. It is our way of almost loving God back. A way where we can feel and know Gods love and grace for us. Worship is such a beautiful thing. Sometimes with all different denominations, generations, and different styles of worship the church can have different opinions. I've been on worship team at my church and now school for about three to four years. One thing I have noticed and I have struggled with is competition. I feel like as a church that is one of the biggest unspoken topics. When you go to church every week or when your leading worship every week. It can sometimes become a routine. When it becomes a routine that is when we sometimes can loose sight of God. Worship becomes something that is not about worshiping in spirit and in truth anymore but it becomes worshiping the songs. We start to either compare our church with other churches or if your on worship team you start to feel as if you should do this or have this. You should lead this song etc.. Honestly, everyone has probably had thoughts similar to this or even exactly like this. This past summer God shattered my view of worship and has rebuilt it. The real question is I can lead people into worship every week, but am I leading others into worship by the way I live? Do other people see the love of God in me and start to yearn and seek him. Worship is far greater from just an emotional experience. Sure God can touch us and heal us during worship. That should not be what makes us worship God. For me I never intentionally thought "I am going to worship God so I can feel him." But it started to become my heartset. That is when God reminded me I worship in Spirit and in Truth. If the emotional side is why we are worshiping then we will be led astray fast. Emotions are fleeting but the spirit of God and the Truth of God is a stronghold that will never lead us astray. Its this emotional yearning to be constantly in deep worship with God. Which is not bad. If we are not also grounded in the truth of God and in the Spirit of God then we will surely be led astray. Worship is an area where we don't always check our hearts. It is an area I know in my life that I have to check.<br />
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<i>"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is the spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24.</i><br />
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So it does not matter how people worship around you or what worship song you're singing or leading. Our father will accept our worship when its grounded in Him. Ultimately when it comes to the bottom line that is what matters most.<br />
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<br />Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3655958057105236435.post-35870868507656752532014-12-31T10:35:00.000-08:002014-12-31T10:35:03.490-08:00A peace that shatters all."<i>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you, I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27</i><br />
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As the holiday season is slowly slipping away and a new year is charging towards us. Its hard to believe what another year will bring. From laughter and memories to pain and tragedies a new year means more adventure. More unexpected turns. As excited I am from what the Lord has planned. I am afraid. Afraid for pain. Afraid for sacrifice. Afraid for life. HIS peace shatters my fears. He comes in a shatters my fear like its a piece of glass. If He is calling me to go risk my life. Sure fear will come but His peace is stronger. For the peace that the world brings is temporary and will die quickly in our fears. His peace knows the outcome. He knows that there is no need to fear. If your Creator who loves you and will only let good come out of every situation. If that Creator is holding you and giving you peace. Then surely His peace will shatter our fears. His peace will concur all. So if your excited, anxious, fearful or however you feel about 2015. Breath in His peace.<br />
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Alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00891421648706436657noreply@blogger.com0