Victorious Declarations

Two months ago, I wrote an article about the power of words, if you haven't read it - you can find the post here.

Just a few weeks ago, my dear friend sent me something called "Victorious Declarations".  What it is, is a list of Scriptures that you read over yourself.  It helps you refocus your thoughts to the mind of Christ, and to speak godliness over you, your life, your thoughts, etc.

It is amazing!  So amazing, I just had to share it with you all :)
Please feel free to copy this list, print it off, and add other Scriptures to it.  Make it yours!

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~ I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Ps. 139:14)

~ I am like a green olive tree planted in the house of God. (Ps. 52:8)

~ My life has been redeemed from destruction and I am crowned with loving kindness and tender mercies. (Ps. 103:4)

~ I am my Beloved's, and His desire is toward me. (Song of Songs 7:10)

~ I have been given the mind of Christ. (1 Cor. 2:16)

~ I have been bought with a price, I am not my own, I belong to God. (1 Cor. 6:19-20)

~ I have been made righteous by Jesus who became sin for me, that I may become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21)

~ I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ loves in me. (Gal. 2:20)

~ I was chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be holy and without blame before Him in love. (Eph. 1:4)

~ I am accepted in the beloved. (Eph. 1:6)

~ I have been made alive together with Jesus. (Eph. 2:5)

~ I have been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom I have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14)

~ I have been made complete in Christ. (Col. 2:10)

~ I am of Abraham's seed in Christ, and an heir according to the promise. (Gal. 3:29)

~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13)

~ I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control. (2 Tim. 1:7)

~ Not by works of righteousness that I have done, but according to His mercy He saved me, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

~ I am kept by the power of God through faith for salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Pet. 1:5)

~ I am a new creation, old things have passed away. (2 Cor. 5:17)

~ I am reconciled to God and am a minister of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18-19)

~ I am hidden with Christ in God. (Col. 3:3)

~ I am a living stone in God's house. (1 Pet. 2:5)

~ I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)

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What are some Scriptures you like to speak over yourself?

Comment the Scriptures below.  Maybe others would like to add them to the list ;)

Living Loved

the title of this post was taken from the theme of Lysa Terkeurst's book "Uninvited"

Since I've been home, the Lord has been reaching out to me in ways that He's never reached out before.

While I was in Ghana, I went through a huge struggle (and am just now recovering from it).  God laid it on my mom's heart to purchase a book for me called "Uninvited" by Lysa TerKeurst.  Her theme for the book is living loved.  I have only read the first three chapters, but last night I felt like God challenged me to figure out what living loved meant for me.

This post are my thoughts on what it means ... hope you all learn from my rambles :)

The human race seems to run on this word.  We use it when talking to our family, friends, and our jobs (well, some of us do anyways lol).

We long to be loved by a guy.  To have him look down at us and say "I love you sweetheart".

We all long to be loved by a child.  To have him wrap his tiny arms around our neck and say "I love you Mommy".

But do we long to be loved by my King?  To have Him bend down, wrap His strong and mighty arms around us, and say "it's okay baby girl, I've got you and I wont' let go.  I know you're hurting, but I'm here to heal that hurt.  Love me, and only Me.  Walk through this life knowing you are loved, loved by Me dear one.  I love you sweetheart!"

Living loved looks different me than it does for my mom and vice versa.  However, the foundation is the same ... she is still loved by her King.

So how can we live loved?

// find our joy & strength in the Lord - Nehemiah 8:10

// get lost in our King's love for me & be content - Hebrews 13:5

// be strong in the Lord - Ephesians 6:10

// extend mercy & love to others - 1 John 3:11-24

Verses on God's love for us:

Zephaniah 3:17 // 1 John 4:7-8 // 1 Peter 5:6-7 // Job 34:19 // Psalm 86:15 // 1 John 3:1

So are you ready?  Are you ready to experience love from the King like no other love?

I pray that this helped someone, I know it helped me a whole lot.

"Say Goodbye" - Mandisa

During my three mile walk two days ago, I came across a song {Say Goodbye} by Mandisa (love her songs) and it made me think ... I love when songs make me think :)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! {2 Corinthians 5:17}

When we are made new in Christ, we need to put what we used to be behind us.  No matter what our past mistakes be, no matter how much we hate what we use to be like.  We need to "say goodbye" to who we once were, and embrace who we are in Him.

Enjoy this song by Mandisa - I hope you are greatly encouraged as much as I am when I listen to it! :)

Engagement : depicting Christ and the church

I want to apologize for the delay in getting this portion the mini-series up.  Being that life seems to have slowed down (a tad), I should be finishing up the series next week (Lord-willing).

Okay, we've talked about following:

Guy/girl friendships  – how we should strive to keep them closely casual.  We also talked about needing to find the middle ground, and the importance of giving the friendship to God.

Courtship  – how it's a form of “commitment” and shouldn't be taken lightly.  How it should be set apart from the dating scene, and treated with the attitude of seriousness + responsibility.

Prayer & Purity - how it's important to keep our hearts pure, not just in our friendships with young men, but also in our courtship.  How we shouldn't treat courtship like dating.  Instead we are to treat courtship like the set apart, Christ-honoring relationship it should be.  How we should allow our courtship to reflect the love we and the gentleman have for Christ.

So let's talk about the next step – engagement.

Engagement.
It has finally happened!!  You're engaged.  You said “yes”, have a beautiful ring to show off, and now have a wedding to plan.  After watching my dear friend get married the 30th of last month, I began asking myself a few questions, that I just recently had answered (another reason the posts have been delayed).  

What is engagement?

Do you call off an engagement?

How can you depict Christ loving His Bride (the church)?

How do you make engagement set apart?

What is engagement?
Depending on who you ask, most people will tell you that engagement is a life-long commitment between a couple (or at least that what someone told me).  When I was told this, it really made me ponder.

Is engagement really a life-long commitment?

The reason I really began to question it being a commitment, is because I know of at least two couples (possibly more) who have called off an engagement.  If it is a commitment, then shouldn't they have followed through?

Being the type of gal who needs her questions answered … because she has to know everything, I looked up engagement.  Here is the definition I found:

A formal agreement to get married

Reader, engagement isn't a commitment!  To be committed is to be wholeheartedly dedicated to something.  We are committed to Christ.  We are committed to living as peculiar people (set apart).  If engagement were a commitment, then why call it off??  

Would you dare call off your commitment to Christ??

Do you call off an engagement?
I know of at least a couple engagements that have been called off.  I have seen the heartache that it causes, the lack of trust that enters into the hearts of both parties, etc.

We just talked how engagement isn't a commitment, but merely an agreement to marry a person.  I personally believe that this "mindset" is being abused - especially in the world of young adults.

When a couple faces trials and tribulation, they should strive to work through the hard times together, not immediately call off the engagement.  What you practice now will carry through into marriage.  Engagement today is, in a sense, like dating - practice for divorce.

So here is my point of view on whether you should call off an engagement.

A couple should try their hardest to work through any trials and tribulation they are facing.  Even if that means that they postpone the wedding for a bit.  Once the couple has done everything to the best of their abilities (prayer included), then they need to discuss where to go from there.  Whether that's postpone the wedding or calling off the engagement.

If a couple can't learn how to work through life's problems, then how will they survive the hardships, trials, and tribulations of marriage??  

How can you depict Christ loving the church?
Any couple has this potential.  It doesn't matter if you are a believer or a non-believer.  Every couple and every relationship has the potential of depicting Christ loving the church.  It just takes effort – sure there will be trials, but when you are striving to be like Christ, going through the trials side by side will make you stronger as a couple.

Do you think Paul was simply talking to the believers in Ephesians 5: 22-33?  Absolutely not!!  He was talking to all husbands and all wives.  There isn't a special sect that needs to obey, and doesn't have to.

So what are some ways to depict Christ loving the church?

- diligently seeking the Lord's guidance in every aspect
- making Christ the center focus of your relationship
- praying for other's to see Christ working through your relationship
- being submissive to your special someone in every aspect (practice now ladies)
- discussing major "issues", events, etc., with that special someone
- being respectful (even in your friendship)
- don't nag or complain about your man.  You have been incredibly blessed!!
- realize that he isn't perfect and that he never will be.

Those are just a few that came to my mind at the moment.  Pray and ask God to show you ways that you can depict Christ and His church.


How can you make engagement set apart?
I have been praying and searching for ways that my man and I can do to make our engagement season special and set apart.  I have studied out betrothal - while I like what it stands for, I won't be doing (unless y'all have a money tree to share lol).  So I prayerfully decided to apply some of the things from betrothal (now I just have to hope that my man is open to them haha).

Here are some ways that I have come up with - enjoy :)

** In the sight of both families, say special "vows" or promises to each other.  Binding our hearts together in the sight of God

** Both families choose the time to be elapsed between engagement and wedding

** Discuss with both sets of parents boundaries you two would like to set.

** Have a field day full of games, food, and fellowship.  Plan it so out of town guests can join in on the fun.  Have the games be bride vs. groom, maid of honor vs. best man, or the bride's party vs. the groom's party.  The field day can take place of the typical bachelor and bachelorette parties.

** Appropriately cultivate "romance" in your preparation for the spiritual and emotional unity in marriage.

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It all comes down to this:

take the typical stereo-type engagement and make it a commitment.  Seek God in all aspects.  Learn how to work through the hardships, trials, and tribulations together.  But most importantly, work together to make your engagement special and YOUnique.

What are your thoughts on engagement?

Let the iron sharpening continue ;)

Being In Reckless Abandon

In my last post I explained why I believe the way I do!  But lately, I haven't shared with what God has shared with me lately!

I'm finally in total reckless abandon in Him - and have finally reached the point of true contentment!

Yes I still desire to serve a man I call "my hubbers", but it's not my every waking thought and no longer a raging desire.

Having a man in my life will not going to solve any loneliness I may feel - only My Lover (Christ) can solve!

However, I still long to serve the man God has for me - whoever it may be, whenever He sees fit to put him in my life.  But I think God hasn't shown me or revealed who the man is, because I have never fully understood that marriage isn't meant to fulfill me.  Marriage is meant to depict Christ and His Bride.

"Then what is marriage suppose to be or even do??"

Marriage is to fulfill the image of Christ loving His Bride and vice versa.

I also finally understand that marriage isn't a bed of roses - no marriage is perfect.  Sometimes the couple will fall. But when they have Christ as their center focus - they'll be able to get back up and walk hand in hand and learn from the mistakes they make (self-centeredness has no room in a God filled marriage). 

We as women weren't created to be fulfilled by men or suck the life outta them.  We were created to be their help-meet and to fulfill them.

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Did you find this post helpful and encouraging and inspiring? Leave a comment and let me know ;)

Any thoughts on this topic?  Leave a comment and let me know ;)

Is there a topic you would like me to post about? Leave a comment and let me know think ;)

To Those Who Don't Understand

I know that you all don't really know the reason behind why I've chosen to live my life the way I do - so hopefully this post will kind of explain it to you!

I am going to try my absolute hardest to be respectful with this email!  If I seem to be disrespectful – I'm sorry, but I am very passionate about my convictions, and I'm tired of the constant strife they seem to bring!

I want to share a definition with you all – it may help you understand the reason behind my “radical belief”.

Conviction - 

a standard that serves as a springboard for your choices

At nine years old, I made the decision of waiting for/wanting God's best – it wasn't forced on me by my parents or pastor, nor was I brainwashed!  My parents had no idea the kind of commitment I made – saving myself for the man God has for me (they didn't understand or know what it was).  That choice (like all the rest I've made) was a choice I made by myself with God's leading!!

As I got older I knew that I wouldn't get support from the majority of my family and friends, but I always “figured” that the small minority would show a little support.  After all, I'm not living in sin like most of the world!  But soon the small minority started showing their disapproval, and I just can't seem to be the duck (like my Papa always told me).

For six and a half years now I have lived under the disapproval, constant nagging, and unbiblical teaching of the world, some of my friends, my family, etc.

For six and a half years I have let my mom stand up for me + and have not spoken up for myself.

After six and a half years, I'm finally ready to be heard by everyone!!!!

My mom recently told me that someone wanted me “to go out and find myself”.  So I'm happy to share - I have found myself:

I'm a 20 year old young woman who has no desire to get drunk (nor consume any alcohol), do drugs (I'll stick with my ibuprofen and Aspirin haha), go to parties, lay with any guy I find cute, or play around with being lesbian. I desire to be counter-cultural and wait for God's best.  I desire to be a young woman of faith, who is loving her

single-hood.  Who doesn't need the approval of every man she meets – because I already have the approval from a Man … my Man Jesus!

I found all that out just by reading God's Word, observing how society chooses to live, and by being me – all while living at home.  If none of you aren't satisfied with who I am and who I am becoming, then … I'm sorry!

Why is it that the world complains/tears down others and how they have chosen to live immoral lives, but when I choose to live a higher morally standard life – the world complains/tears me down too???  I can't seem to win for losing with anyone!!  I'm told all the time “Ali go out and experience all the fun the world has to offer!”

Readers, is fun what society is living???  As I see it it's lack of conviction which leads to everything society has gotten into:

:: drugs + alcohol + smoking + cussing + tattoos

:: sex before marriage

:: unwanted pregnancy/teen pregnancy

:: living with someone before marriage

:: abortion / adoption

:: divorce

:: jail/prison

:: suicide

I have decided that I don't want any part of this type of “fun” – because all it leads to defiling the Lord's temple (my body) and goes against His Word!!  I want to continue to live my life with higher moral standards.  So I ask:

What is wrong with higher moral standards?

The higher standards in God's Word (the ones by which I live my life) are not irrelevant, but completely applicable to finding God's best in my life (and yours).  They are directly from the Bible, and show that I love the Lord (Deuteronomy 30:20)

At nine years old, I made a decision to live a life of a true God girl – much like my favorite woman from the Bible … Ruth.

Before she married a godly young man, Ruth lived in an ungodly culture (Judges 21:25).  The culture was Pagan, and worshiped not the One true God, but many false gods.  When she married, God changed her life – she became a great woman of faith!  After her husband died, Ruth did not allow the past influences of an ungodly culture keep her from setting new standards and making wise choices for her life that would honor God.  Instead, she chose to break her family's sin cycle and establish a new godly cycle.

The ungodly culture that Ruth faced, is that which America is today according to Judges 21:25:

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Ungodly cycles can be broken!  My destiny isn't something that is left to fate or chance; it is the product of wise choices.

Many of you may think that my convictions are unrealistic or that I'm stubbornly opinionated, but with Jesus' strength I am standing firm, unwavering as I wait for God's best!  Which is much like what my papa told me:

“Just be yourself, if they don't like it… that's their problem.”

I'm told quite often “I won't be surprised if you never get married.”  To be honest I won't either.  I have given God full control of my future – if He wants me married, then the right man will come along … He doesn't need my help matching me up with my southern boy!  If He doesn't then I won't have the distraction of being married (1 Corinthians 7:32), and I'll be able to serve Him fully in the way He wants me to!!  Just note, being single the rest of my life is not my hearts desire, but I'm fully content in where ever God has me going in the journey of life.

It doesn't matter how much others tell me that I'm making a big mistake, or that I'm missing out, or whatever it is I'm “doing wrong”.  Nothing anybody says will change my mind in how I'm choosing to live my life.  I'm being controlled by God's Holy Spirit, not by what the world, my friends, my extended family, or my family say.

My purpose in this post is that it would diminish any strife my convictions cause.  If any of you would like to come to me about my convictions, I'm a big girl now and I can answer for myself.

I would like to end this post with a question for you all (none of you don't have to answer the question if you don't want to):

Why are you so adamant on persecuting my convictions?

Taking Every Thought Captive

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” {2 Corinthians 10:5}

As daughters of the Most High, the way we handle our thought life is extremely important!

If we spend all our time thinking about how we appear to others, what guy might possibly like us, etc., then it makes it harder for the light of Christ to shine through us … and it’s hard to remain content in who God made us + where He has placed in this life.

For instance, if we spend every.single.day of our life thinking about guys, then we will be discontent in our singlehood + struggle in serving God / our family to the fullest.

2 Corinthians 10:5 says to “take every thought captive“, so what are some ways to apply this to our daily life??

When we are fretting over how we look :

ask yourself these three questions …

:: why am I focused so much on my outward appearance?

:: do I represent the Lord in how I am dressed today?

:: am I trying to impress somebody other than my Lord?

After you have asked yourself those three questions, pray that God will help you see yourself through His eyes + that He will take away any vanity polluting your thoughts!

When we are fretting over young men :

ask yourself these three questions …

:: what’s the purpose of these thoughts?

:: would I think this way if I was married or if the young man was my brother?

:: how are these thoughts making Jesus feel? (after all ladies, Jesus is your ultimate Lover!!)

After you have asked yourself those three questions, pray that God will help you put your focus back on Him + that He will help you see the young men in your life as brothers.  Pray that God will help you grow ever closer to Him, your Lover!

I am by no means perfect, and these are areas that I struggle with as well – but together we can be victorious!

Ladies, I can’t express how important it is to take every thought captive!  When we learn the importance of this quality, we will be able to shine the light of our Savior even more than before!!

Be victorious + take every thought captive!

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Thank you for taking time in reading this!

If you have any comments on today’s topic, feel free to leave a comment below ;)

This post was first published at Lilies Among Thorns Ministries

In HIS grace, Alisha

Are you married to God or the church?

In today's culture you have a diversity of people, and therefore have a diversity of beliefs on church attendance.
Some believe you shouldn't go to church at all
Some believe you should only go to church for the Christmas Eve and Easter services
Some believe you should only go to church on Sunday morning (excluding Sunday school)
Some believe you should only go to church on Sunday morning (including Sunday school)
Some believe you should only go to church for Sunday morning and Wednesday night
Some believe you should go to church for Sunday school + Sunday morning + Sunday night + Wednesday night + go soul winning every Thursday night + all the fellowships + bus ministry.

It baffles me that the last four are so different!  I mean, we all read the same Book and notice how the early church (in Acts) met for worship (which should be the way we do it today), but yet we bend the views to fit whatever we want to do.

Just the other day, a friend asked me what my view of church attendance is, and I thought that I would share it with you.

I believe that believers need to have a place where they can be encouraged + uplifted + worship together in one accord + be edified.  I believe that each individual believer is the church … and that the body of believers is the church – not the building … because the building won't stand forever.
I believe that you don't need to go to church for Sunday school + Sunday morning + Sunday night + Wednesday night + Soul Winning + bus ministry in order to truly love the Lord.
When Paul said “do not forsake the gathering of fellow believers” (see Hebrews 10:25) he was talking to the Hebrews.  They weren't going to church, because they were afraid of the persecution they would face.  It wasn't a matter of not going all the time, it was a matter of not going at all.
I truly believe that this one verse (which happens to be the only verse that talks about “church attendance”) is taken out of context!

Do I think it's wrong if a young couple wants to go to church every time the doors are open?  

No – unless it gets in the way of their relationship + is put before our Lord.

Do I think it's wrong if the same couple wants to go to church every time the doors are open once they have children? 

Yes – the church isn't called to rear up the children, the parents are.

But how can parents train up their children if they are always attending a church service?

After a while, the parents begin to wonder what went wrong.
“We raised our children up in church – why have they turned out this way?”
The parents were so consumed with church church church, that their children were thrown to the way side and left to fend for themselves.

How fair is that to the children?
It's because the parents have neglected their children that the children start to feel neglected + search for love elsewhere + feel depressed + leave the faith + rebel + try to kill themselves.

I truly think / believe that when children are involved, Sunday school + Sunday morning is plenty.
If the husband wants to be encouraged in his walk + get in the Bible more, then he needs to listen to sermons to and from work – and he also needs to start family devotions.  He doesn't need to make his family warm the pews every day of the week.

Most churches are so adamant on “family is the foundation of the church” - which is something I totally 100% agree with.  However, how can the family be strengthened, if the family is so consumed with church activities + church services etc.?

Are we married to God or the church?

I for one do not tend to be married to the church – but to my Lord!!  Which will you choose??

In HIS grace, Alisha

Memories - what will you do with yours?

photo from Pinterest

Old photographs.  Certain music.  Old friends.  Certain books. 

All of these have one thing in common - memories ... no matter what has happened  - good or bad!

I'm the type of person that loves looking through old photographs.  Why?  I can look back on the good memories that I've forgotten about.

I'm the type of person that loves watching home movies.  Why?  Because I can relive those good memories over + over again.

I'm the type of person that loves listening to certain songs.  Why?  I do it for the good memories that I'm taken back to.

I'm the type of person that loves catching up with old friends + laughing at all the good memories we had once made.

But every once in a while, it seems like my mind takes the path of "revenge" and "haunts" me with the horrible memories.

If you would have asked me a month ago what I do when these bad memories come, I would have told you that I don't dwell on them + that I think about something else.  But now - they seem to never go away ... causing me to lose sight of the victory I have through Him.

Memories that involve:
*my weight
*my piano playing
*the way I act around people
*my beliefs

But there's always that one set of memories that will always affect me (in some shape, way, or form).

>> Will I choose to allow defeat in my life?

or ....

>> Will I choose to have victory?

Yes this set of memories will always affect me - I can't change that.  What I can change is, how I choose to handle the affects.

>> Will I forgive and move on?

or ...

>> Will I hold a grudge and remain stuck on these memories?

I plan on taking the course of forgiving + moving on.

Will it be easy?  Ha no!  

Will I still be affected?  Sadly yes (to some degree).

Will I feel better?  Maybe

Through Christ we have the victory to overcome - no matter what we face!

Will you overcome?

In HIS grace, Alisha

He is our strength & song

T R U S T   M E  and don't be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.  Do not let fear dissipate your energy.  Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and singing My Song.  The battle for control of your mind is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable to the enemy.  Therefore, you need to be vigilant in guarding your thoughts.  Do not despise this weakness in yourself since I am using it to draw you closer to Me.  Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is well worth all the effort.  You are not alone in this struggle for your mind.  My Spirit living within you is ever ready to help in this striving.  Ask Him to control your mind; He will bless you with Life and Peace.

I S A I A H  12 : 2 -  R O M A N S   8 : 6 

This was taken from Sarah Young's Jesus Calling

Five Things You Don't Know About Me

I'm loud
If you know me personally, can I hear an “amen” lol =P  I've always been loud … we don't know why, but I just am.  Oh the unexplainable in life … isn't it amazing ;)

I'm insecure
My problem with being insecure has gotten some what better … some what.  I can't tell you why I'm insecure, or when it started, all I can say is this … another unexplainable in life.

I care what others think about me
I long to be liked by people … always have, always will.  I've always been the one who longs to have at least one friend, and when they (for one reason or another) don't seem to “like” me, I immediately start thinking that I did something wrong / said something wrong / it's my weight / and the list can go on.

I procrastinate terribly
Can I come up with an explanation for this one later? =P

I am a Southern gospel music lover
I think I'm the only one in our family who can listen to it non-stop haha.  The rest of my family … well … they can only take so much of it haha.  #praiseGodforPandora hahaha

what are five things that no one knows about you?

In  H I S  grace, Alisha

We have a choice to make

As I stated in my post Predestination vs. Free will, I have been trying to study out the why I believe the way I do.  I don't want to have the faith my parents or my pastor or friends have, I want to have the faith that God wants me to have.

Through this study of mine, I have asked God to give me opportunities to talk about my faith with a friend .., and like always, He faithfully answered :)

As a dear friend of mine was sharing with me a theological discussion (predestination vs. free will) she was having with a friend, through this whole discussion and study, I asked myself this question

"If God hasn't already chosen who He wants to follow Him, then why did the disciples follow Christ after He said 'follow me'?"

So, I got to thinking + praying ... and as I was ironing for Daddy the other night ... God gave me a revelation!!

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

{Matthew 4:19}

This verse clearly shows us that we all  have a choice when it comes to Salvation!  Jesus is constantly holding out His hand to a lost soul saying "follow Me" ... it is our choice to either reach out for that hand or to reject it.

Peter and Andrew didn't have to leave their nets behind and follow Jesus.  They could have stayed in the boat and continued living for themselves.  Because they followed Him, they had the opportunity of a life time.  They were able to be under the teaching of the Lord ... they were able to physically sit at His feet.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, didn't have to believe the angel.  She could have laughed and told him "yeeeah ... you see ... I'm not willing to do this!  I'm betrothed!!!!"  But because she didn't ... through her, we have the hope of a Savior!!

The woman at the well didn't have to believe that the Man speaking to her was indeed the Messiah .. none the less run and tell the townspeople about Him.  She could have laughed at Him and turned her back.  Because she believed, they had the opportunity to tell others about Him.  And because of her belief, the people said to her “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” {John 4:42}

It all boils down to this .... we have a choice to make!!

We can either choose Heaven or we can choose Hell.

Which will you choose???

In HIS grace, Alisha

Awk + Awe :: take two ::

:: Awkward ::

When a dear friend texts you and asks for your views on predestination vs. free will and eternal security - and you don't exactly know how to respond nor do you want to.  But because you are such an awesome friend, you respond anyway ... praying the whole time that you and your friend agree wholeheartedly!!

When you're told that the ministry name is already taken, and you have to explain to them your silly mistake of using the wrong name, when actually ... you thought you were using the right one!

Putting together a mission project - and someone starts teasing/questioning your motives behind it!!  C'mon people ..... really lol????  What's wrong with sending flip flops to the area in which our supported missionary lives?!?!?!?!?  LOL :P

Going to your favorite Chinese restaurant and getting the Hershey's chocolate ice cream (place happy face here) .... and then suddenly ........ a little boy steals your chocolate ice cream (place very disappointed + startled face here).  I wanted to cry hahaha :P

Having a young girl who looks up to you, come up from behind you and almost strangle you by giving you a hug because she's soo tall lol.

Finally sending out two very belated birthday packages (they should have been sent out before Christmas 2014) ... and you wanna escape the face of the earth cuz sending late packages makes you a bad friend lol :P

On your way out of the chicken yard, your foot catches the edge of the fence and you fall make sure gravity still works lol.

:: Awesome ::

Having two best friends who agree with you in every aspect of your Christian walk :)

Having two understanding best friends and who love you ... even when you send them their birthday package in mid May and not December.

Getting to talk to one of your two missionary friends on the phone + catching up with her

Feeling so overjoyed to be able to support Moriah in her trip to Uganda through the fundraiser ... .love that girl dearly!

Going to your favorite Chinese restaurant with your family

Seeing Mom's face when she opened her Mother's Day gift this past Sunday :)

In HIS grace, Alisha

Predestination vs. Free will

For about month or so, my dear friend text me and asked, “what do you believe in regards to predestination and free will?”  To be honest with you, I cringed when I read this question … seriously!  So many times, I'm asked this question and when I answer, the person tells me that free will is not in the Bible.  So I despise answering any questions based on predestination vs. free will ... or eternal security.  After I answered her question, I felt as if I needed to study out why I believe what I do.  I had to know that I know that I know that I know that my conviction is Biblically based.

So ….

“What do I believe in regards to predestination and free will?” 

The definition of predestination is:

the action of God in foreordaining from eternity whatever comes to pass.

After searching Scripture, I undoubtedly believe that since the beginning God has known who will accept and who will deny the gift of His Son.  Why do I believe that?  Scripture is clear ….

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” {Ephesians 1:4}

“But what does it say?  'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart on believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame'.  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.  For 'whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'” {Romans 10:8-13}

“For this good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” {1 Timothy 2:3-4}

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew and for the Greek.” {Romans 1:16}

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” {John 3:16}

After really studying this topic out, I am pleased to say that I know that I know that I know that my conviction is Biblically based.  I have also come to the realization that instead of cringing at this topic … I need to answer boldly!

My purpose in this post wasn't to cause a theological discussion, but to share with you what I have studied and learned.

In HIS grace, Alisha

Getting to know you

Okay - so I was reading The Whispering Cottage and saw that she was doing a tag post + wanted others to participate.  Soooo here we go ;)

1. What are three of your favorite hobbies?
If you know me , you know that my hobbies are: photography, playing the piano, and image design.

2. What is your favorite season?
Autumn, most definitely! I love everything: the colors, crisp air, holidays, scents of baked goods, leaves falling, lattes from Starbucks, and I could go on, but I'll stop myself here. 

3. Heels or sneakers?
Due to the fact that I am absolutely 100% a klutz, I'd have to say sneakers ... buuut wedges + tiny heels are awesome too!

4. Casual of fancy?
I'm kinda an in between person haha.  Casual is pretty much all I wear, but I loove getting dressed up for church on Sunday mornin'

5. Which do you prefer: a birthday party, or a girls sleepover party?
I loove birthday parties!!

6. What kinds of blog posts do you enjoy posting that may be out of the ordinary for you or out of your comfort zone?
Ummmm .... hahaha .... I don't really know.  Probably posts on my different convictions (mainly cuz I don't wanna offend anyone). 

7. How old are you?
20!  When I really think about that, it makes me feel very weird thinking I'm 20 (good grief I'm old) lol!

8. When is your birthday?
April 5 ... I love being a spring baby lol :)

9. Do you like the thrill of a roller coaster?
OH YEAH!!!!!  The adrenaline rush + negative/positive G's + wind in my hair ... oh great, now I want to ride a roller coaster again lol!

10. Do you like watching movies in a theater?
Sometimes ... depends on how much I really wanna see the movie.  If it's Disney or DreamWorks - count me in!!

11. What would be your ideal job in the future?
Well - I wanna be whatever God wants me to be!  But I've always wanted to be a wife, mother, and homemaker. But aside from that I would love to be a missionary one day.  I would also love to run a home business like an Etsy shop - we'll see about that though :)

12. Are you into sports? If so, which ones?
Sorta ... I really like football.  Buuut - we don't have TV + I don't follow up on the team I like =/

13. In a football party, which are you: the one that jumps while shouting if your team almost scores? or the one who isn't interested in the game and prefers to eat the snacks while talking to friends?
I'm probably the one cheering my team on while eating snacks with my friends (we'll talk every commercial lol)

14. What are your biggest pet peeves?
Well ... I have a different name for pet peeves (cuz nobody is perfect lol) - buut my "flabbergast moments" are: dogs wearing clothes (God gave them fur for a reason!!). When people appear fake and not genuine. When people ask me if I wanna go to college and I tell them "no I don't" and they respond "well you need to go to college!!"  I wanna say "no really I don't - people in the Bible times got along just fine before college was invented!!"

15. What are your favorite clothing stores you prefer to shop?
Easy ... Goodwill lol :)

16. Are you a bookworm?
When I wanna be haha :P

17. Which do you spend more time on- a book or the internet?
The Internet :P

18. When did you decide to start blogging?
Almost three years ago (blogoversary party is coming up soooon!!)

19. On your honeymoon, which would you rather go to- a rustic lodge in the mountains or a sunny beach house in Florida?
Ummm ... well ... I'm not the type to stay in the mountains ... nor am I the "beachy" type of person.  So my dream honeymoon would be Disney World or Disney Land.  But since those weren't my choices ... probably a beach house in FL.

20. What are five of your favorite TV shows?
1. I Love Lucy
2. The Dick Van Dyke Show
3. The Andy Griffith Show
4. 19 Kids and Counting
5. Bringing Up Bates

21. Where were you born?
In the same hospital as Dad + Rhey ... which was in El Paso, TX

22. If you could meet any ONE fictional character, whether from a book, TV show or movie, who would it be?
Easy ... Nat from "Witch of Blackbird Pond"

23. Do you prefer coffee or hot tea?
Coffee definitely!!

24. What is your hidden talent?
Hahahaha ... I can ... ummm ... well ... *gulp* ... when I was little I could burp my ABC's 

25. If you could travel to any time period (Medieval era, Western 1800s, 1950s, etc.) where would you go?
The 1920's - 1950's

26. Would you rather travel cross country in a plane or a car?
In a plane - although ... rode trips are awesome too haha

27. Do you prefer to play a musical instrument or simply listen?
I prefer to play the piano - but it's extremely nice to be able to listen to others play as well!!!!

28. Who is your best friend?
In my family - Rhey.  Outside my family - Toria, Megan, Rachel, Roxanne (I know, I know, that's more than one - buut there isn't a rule that says you can't have more than one best friend lol).

29. What is your favorite movie?
Father of the Bride 1 and 2; Home; Annie (2015); Betrothed; October Baby

30. Do you believe in God? 

Yes

31. Are you saved, If not what stops you? 
I am a blood bought born again child of God

32. If you could travel some where (other then your own country) where would it be?

Definitely El Salvador, Haiti, the Philippines, and Africa

33. What are you most afraid of..? 
Heights, spiders, snakes, moths, wasps, bumble bees, honey bees ...... this could be a long list.

34. What do you love to do with your time (besides work/school)? 

Read my Bible, blog, experiment in the department of image design, play the piano, pretend I can play as beautifully as Anthony Burger, attempt sewing something, listen to music, email/text my friends

35. What is your favorite color/colors? 

My two top favorites right now are navy blue and coral pink.  My favorite color combination is aqua + red.

36. What are you wanting in you future spouse..?
A man after God's own heart, has a sense of humor, shares the same values and goals, and wants to reach out to others (whether that's thru missions or foster care, etc.) 

37. What is you favorite Bible verse? 
Psalm 27:14 which says, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

38. Do you have any pets? 
Yes - a dog, 2 cats, 3 birds, and fish

39. Where is your favorite place to be?

Home

40. Do you like rain or shine?

Shine - everything is so bright and cheery!!

In HIS grace, Alisha

**I hope that you'll take the time to participate in this post. I can't wait to read your answers. Don't forget to let me know if you're participating!!**