Wait for the Best

Wait for the guy who loves his Savior more than he loves you.

Wait for the guy who leads you spiritually.

Wait for the guy who puts Christ as his head and at the center of the relationship.

Wait for the guy who pushes you closer to the Lord, than to himself.

Wait for the guy who respects you and your family.

Wait for the guy who loves you for who you are in Christ and as an individual. Who doesn’t stop showing you and telling you just how much he loves you.

Wait for the guy who reaches for your hand, no matter where you are, and holds it proudly.

Wait for the guy who is so excited to have you in his life, that he introduces you to the entire world.

Wait for the guy who is passionate and serious about what he does (in work AND serving God), but yet he still makes you his priority.

Wait for the guy who makes you genuinely laugh. The laugh that lingers long after the moment has passed. The laugh that makes it impossible to be down in the depressing times.

Wait for the guy who puts in an effort to keep his integrity. Who keeps his word every . single . Time.

Wait for the guy who is always there for you, who is committed, and who talks about your future without any question.

Wait for the guy who is always making you smile, no matter what.

Wait for the guy who never stops trying – flowers, handwritten special notes, out of the blue dinner dates, home-cooked meals.

Wait for the guy who dances with you, even though he can’t.

My dears, wait for the best!

Created {Guest Post by Chloe McCormick}

1 Corinthians 6 : 19-20

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

Hello lovelies! Before I start this post, can I just say what a blessing and privilege it is for me to be doing this guest post today! I have a huge heart for encouraging others in their walk with Jesus and I am so thankful for this opportunity. My blog is Sweetness With Christ where I try to blog at least twice a week if possible:)

You are all amazing! Christ paid a huge price for your sins-just because He loved you that much. He knew that you were worth dying for, because He created you to do mighty and great things for His sake and glory. The Lord did not create you to sit around and be quiet for Him. No. He created you to wholly serve Him and others with all of you heart and all of your being! You are created for great things :) You are created in the image of Christ- what an honour! To know that Jesus made us for something greater that we may not even know or understand should make the very hairs on the back of your neck stand up! You are one of a kind, unique and precious in His sight. You were created for such a time as this, to share the love and hope that Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

I want you to know today that if you are in a hard place today, God is not done with you. He never will be done with you. When we are in a terrible situation, that is often when God uses us most and tests us more deeply to see how genuine we are about loving and serving Him. Never, ever underestimate what you can do for the Lord! If you are struggling at thinking of what you could do for God, or struggling at the thought of why you were created- seek your Heavenly Father in prayer and simply ask Him to show you what He wants you to do. We can't expect God to work if we don't ask Him to work through us first! Get into the Word of God and ask Him to show you verses that will encourage you in your Faith, and which will be a reminder of how precious you are in how you were created.

So today, I pray that you will know just how precious you are. I pray that you will know that Christ created you for an AMAZING purpose, that no-one else can fulfill, only you! Be encouraged today friends that Jesus loves you with a vast and never-failing love, and He wants to see His Children rise up and be mighty and faithful warriors for Him and for His Kingdom:)

God Bless you all and have a great day:)

Chloe x

When Life Gives You Lemons

title image from Pixabay

Summer 2016.
This summer was epic … amazing … adventurous – but most importantly, I was able to heed the call of missions.
I traveled across the Atlantic.  I went on a three month trip.  I was able to reach out to a village that I would not be able to reach here in Virginia.  Loving the little children that came into my path unconditionally.
I was able to see the joy on a person's face when I handed them their own Fante Bible.  I got to see the joy in children's eyes when they got flip flops.  I was able to share the Gospel with several people.  I was able to see how much impact a simple card can have on a person's life.  I was able to give hugs to people and see how that simple act of love changed their day.

Yes that's right, I went to Africa this summer!

This opportunity had me so excited … ecstatic … bewildered … anxious … nervous … you name it, I felt it!

My family, friends, and I prayed for God's will to be made evident.  We fervently prayed for God to open and close doors according to His will.

{A huge hug and thank you to those of you who prayed with me every step of the way!}

I knew God could do anything – I knew He could close doors, but He didn't.  May 31st I set foot in Ghana.  I couldn't believe I was actually there … it felt like a dream, and I didn't want to wake up!  I was ready to impact this country for His Kingdom … haha okay, I was pumped :)

Then it happened.  One month into my trip and I made a stupid mistake.  I won't go into detail, but the struggle that I face here in America followed me to Ghana.  However, this struggle was ever more present, and came to me stronger than ever before.  I lost sight of everything and became “best friends” with the world.

One minute I was focused on what the purpose of my trip was, and the next minute … the focus had changed.

When my parents found out all that I was going through, I was so embarrassed.  I knew I couldn't change my huge mistake.  I knew that I would have to live with it the rest of my life.  I knew (deep down) that I would suffer heartbreak.  I also knew that my parents would be disappointed in me … they had a right to be. However, to my surprise, they weren't mad/angry/upset.  Instead, they offered encouragement and took the news like champs.  Sure they were disappointed, but instead of showing that disappointment, they extended mercy.

To say that I'm hurt is an understatement.

But I just have to remember that God has a bigger plan for my life than what I can fathom.

Sure I can't change my mistake, and yes I have to live it the rest of my life.
But there is a reason that God allowed me to go through this struggle.  Do I know what the reason is?  No of course not, and I don't need to know at this time.  But I can learn from my mistake and move on with life.

Sure I'm hurt, embarrassed, and disappointed with myself.
But this is the perfect opportunity to learn how to extend mercy to myself.  I need to learn how to move on and not wallow in self pity, or become even more depressed.  I have to overcome this hurt.

I can't let hurt control my life.



The other night, God led me to a passage in Scripture:

“But as for me, I would seek God, 

And to God I would commit my cause - 

Who does great things, and unsearchable, 

Marvelous things without number.”  Job 5:8-9

That's exactly what I've done – I've committed my cause to the Lord.

I'm excited to see what great things He has in store for me the rest of the year.  I know they will be unimaginable and unfathomable to me – but I trust God.  I am finally willing to move on, and not let this hurt + disappointment steal my joy and contentment!

Life has given this gal lemons …

… anyone care for some lemonade? ;)

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.

Seize the Day

Growing up, I've been told:

“Alisha, don't get ahead of God – He has you where HE wants you.”

“There is a season for everything!”

“Focus on today – the here and now.  Let tomorrow take care of itself.”

(There were probably other wonderful words of wisdom, but the ones mentioned are what I remember)

Of course I was given wonderful advice – I mean c'mon!  Parents are great at giving advice (can I hear an amen!?).  However, as a young adult (searching out my own faith), how can I truly know any of the advice is true?  I can't/shouldn't use the stock answer “my parents said so” or “well I've been raised in a devout Christian home, so what my parents believe … I believe”  I need to search out the why behind the advice.  I need to know if the advice given to me is truly biblical.

I almost “regret” (not the right word to use folks, but hang with me) the following verses.  They almost seem to be a biblical stock answer in the aspect of “what verses should I use?”.  However, they really do go along with what I've been searching out!

<< Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11, 17 >>

It is said that the writer of Ecclesiastes promoted a “seize the day” philosophy.  Which, if you read all of chapter 3, you can most definitely see.  But noticing the philosophy, it made me ask:

Is this philosophy scriptural?

I really pondered over this question + asked God to really reveal to me what He wants me to learn.  I came to the following conclusion.

I'd say the writer's philosophy is indeed scriptural!  If we aren't supposed to worry about tomorrow (see Matthew 6:25), and everything has it's season – then we should most definitely seize the day.

If we don't “seize the day”, we are most likely exhibiting anxiety, or showing a lack of trust in God.

After I came to this conclusion, I asked myself yet another question:

What does it mean to seize the day?

It means for rich and poor alike to heed the call, and focus on the most important issue of life – seeking God's kingdom with it's righteousness and justice.

Thinking that God had revealed to me everything He wanted – He whispered in my ear :

Whenever you feel yourself wishing for a different season of life, or worrying about what the future may hold, remember that I'm in control.  Take every thought captive + seize the day.

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

The Problem With Churchianity

I have had the hardest time in figuring out how to start this post, so I'm just going to begin with a warning:

The past three weeks have been p.r.e.t.t.y tough on my family me, so I really need to pour my heart out!

It all started four years ago … when we moved from Texas to Virginia.  You see, we had read that Virginia was a wonderful place to live!  It was beautiful … it had all four seasons … it had mountains … it wasn't too humid.  For our family – Virginia sounded fantabulous (don't get me wrong – I love it here in VA).  However, the one itty bitty detail on Virginia that wasn't mentioned was this:

“If you're a very conservative family whose mostly Anabaptist (with some Baptist and Charismatic sprinkled throughout) good luck finding a church!”

The past four years, my family and I have had the most difficult time in finding a church home – no joke!  When we think we've found “the one” we find out one of the following:

:: they don't mind women in leadership
:: we have to be in church every time the doors are open (otherwise we don't love God)
:: the Pastor isn't willing to agree to disagree and slyly asks us to leave the church
:: Daddy can't fulfill God's calling within the church because of something that happened in his past

The current church we're going to – is by no means perfect, but we call it home for now.  We love the people – they're genuine.  We're able to serve – however we are still limited.  The majority of the congregation is willing to agree to disagree – most of the time.

So why are you and your family having such a hard time finding a church?

Honestly … because we have a different perspective on church than what the majority of America has.  Because we can't find a church that has Anabaptist / Baptist / somewhat Charismatic beliefs.

You get one extreme or the other :
fully Anabaptist
fully Baptist
or … wait for it …
fully Charismatic

Just the other day, Daddy mentioned a word (that I didn't know existed) :

Churchianity.  What exactly is “Churchianity”?

Wiktionary.org defines “Churchianity” as follows:

“Any practices of Christianity that are viewed as placing a larger emphasis on the habits of church life or the institutional traditions of the church than on theology and spiritual teachings; The quality of being too church focused.”

As I continued reading, I found a quote from Charles Jenkins that I fell in love with:

“What is wrong with the world today is that we have too much Churchianity and too little Christianity.”

Churchianity is the problem with “church”!  People are so focused on what they can do for the church – that they put their family and God on the back-burner.  They make Churchianity their religion – their idol.

Don't get me wrong – I love serving in the church!  In fact this past week (July 13-17) I served as the VBS photographer (pictures coming soon).  But when it becomes my “life source” – then there's a major problem.  Serving shouldn't be my life source – Christ should!  I have to be careful not to let serving become my idol!
If my children tell me “the reason we've gone down this path, is because you've neglected your responsibility as a parent” – then I need to prioritize … am I going to continue serving the church or be the mother I need to be?
If I realize that I have a teenager who's struggling in her faith, but can't seem to find the time to talk to her – then maybe I'm spending too much time concerning myself with church.

Why is it we care so much about the traditions within the church, but we don't care about what the church is teaching our family's?

We've heard about a church that's splitting because they didn't want there to be a screen / projector.  Seriously??  Let's focus less on the traditions and focus more on important spiritual teachings (you know like modesty, purity, exhorting the younger men, teaching the younger women, etc).  Pastors today are so concerned about offending “their” congregation, that they avoid offensive topics – we attend a church with this exact problem.
Don't get me wrong, I love our pastor dearly – he's a wonderful man of God!  But when it comes to talking about modesty or preaching modesty … he would much rather pass the responsibility on to someone else.
We knew a pastor who wouldn't let a man go soul winning because the man wasn't a suit and tie.  Which if you think about it – when some people see a suit and tie they are automatically turned off (I've seen it happen)!  You need to meet people where they're at (using discernment) … you need to be genuine.  Do you seriously always wear a suit and tie (typically that's what you wear on Sunday)??  You don't need to be dressed to the nines – but you also need to be dressed in a way that speaks “hey I'm a follower of Jesus!”

Another problem with Churchianity is that in serving, churches limit themselves to their own denominations – Daddy calls this very problem “denominationalism” / denominational prejudice.
If we are all the body of Christ – and the believers are the church, then why do we say :

“Oh honey, we can't fellowship – we don't believe the same!”
“I can't help at that VBS – it's at a Methodist church … I'm Presbyterian!”
“I'm a missionary from the ________ and I'm looking for support!  I will only call Baptist churches to see if they will support me!”

If we are all the church, the body of Christ, and children of God – it shouldn't matter what church you go to or what denomination you decide to consider yourself apart of.  If your church preaches Jesus as the way to heaven, His mercy / love / grace, and that the law is our school master, then who cares who you fellowship with!  Who cares what VBS you help at!  Who cares what churches you call for support if you're a missionary!
On the day you stand before God, He isn't going to say :
“Great job!  You were supported by this many (pick any denomination) churches!  You helped in only (pick any denomination) VBS!  You only fellowshipped with (pick any denomination)!  You may enter into My Kingdom!”

Instead He'll judge you based on how you lived your life for Him!  Who you fellowship with / what churches support you / what VBS you serve in / what church you go to – all that won't matter (much like if you're a good person or not).  He's gonna judge you based on the Ten Commandments!

I know this post may make some people mad or better yet:
some people may think I'm a whack job who has gone off the deep end / who's mad at church – that's not the case.  I am by no means mad at church – I'm mad / fed up with Churchianity.

The only reason I posted this, was because I want others to know what I believe when it comes to serving in the church / denominationalism / Churchianity / etc.

I pray you all have a wonderful evening!

In HIS grace, Alisha

Being Mission Minded << Your Time to Speak guest post - Mrs. Lori B >>

So often when we think of missions we have this idea it means going abroad – over seas - to share the Gospel with those that are lost and have never heard the name Jesus Christ. It seems so glamorous in it's ideal situation. After all Jesus did tell us in Acts 1:8 that “ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” But does that really mean that each of us must travel to the ends of the earth in order to share that sacred name; Jesus? It is my opinion that we, in fact, need to rethink what being mission-minded truly means according to the Scriptures.

Let us first explore Acts 1:8. When Jesus spoke this “Great Commission” He wasn't suggesting we all jump on the next red-eye flight bound for Tim-buck-too. He says that we will be witnesses of him in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost. Let me create a word picture – think of Jerusalem as your home; your neighborhood. Judea could be the city you live in. Samaria is the bigger picture; your country – the US. And of course the uttermost will be the places that you may never think of going (traveling abroad). So in this verse he talks of ministering to everyone... starting from those closest to you. But the where does it really start?

I believe it all starts at home.

Please don't misunderstand me... there is a definite place for people traveling across our boarders to tell others of what God did for us on the cross. I believe Christians (as a whole) have lost sight of the big picture. We see so many suffering and lost lives via the media, visiting missionaries, church bulletins that I think our lens is clouded as to what He first called us to – the family. I believe being mission-minded starts in the home; serving God selflessly and then extends outward with a motion like a drop of water in a cup. But what does serving God selflessly look like for a twelve, fourteen, sixteen, twenty (some) year old young lady look like today? A married woman?

It looks like a rose, emerging from the soil, beautifully giving credit to its Maker's design – blooming to be what it's suppose to be, exactly where the gardener has planted it, in its perfect time. Giving glory to God in everything.

We are each a rose, God is the Maker (as well as the gardener). He planted each of us, regardless of the season we are in, exactly where we are. He makes no mistakes, therefore if you are still in school, do your school to the glory of God. If you've graduated, waiting for Mr. Right to come along, be the helper at home that gives glory to God. (did you know learning to serve your earthly father as you would your husband is not only good practice, but also glorifying to God?) If you've crossed over into the blessed union of marriage (even motherhood) – learn to glorify God by becoming the best helpmeet (mother) you can be for those God has entrusted to you.

You see... being mission-minded is more than travel, glamor, and verbally sharing the Gospel with everyone you meet. It is learning the heart of God and allowing Him to have that ripple effect through us, through our family. That's why I believe family is the foundation. We must strive to be women of purpose; to live our lives discipling our children and loving our husbands. We must direct our children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. We must be intentionally living with a generational vision. Our home must be our first mission field. Our family must be those that we purpose to effect first. Our children should be foremost on our list to disciple.

I understand it's a difficult place to be; not knowing when and where God has you going next. Especially when you want something so badly. God tells us He is a light unto our path, a lamp unto our feet – with that light, from that lamp - we are only allowed to see a short distance. He offers to guide us and protect us, but we must be in His will, being obedient in faith that He knows best. I would like to encourage you to stay the course and not give in to the earthly ideals of where your mission field “should be”. There are plenty of opportunities for being mission-minded in your home, in your city, in this country. Allow God to grow the vision of His mission in your heart. And if you seek Him and his kingdom first, everything else will fall into place.

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Don't forget about the current giveaway!  The winner will be announced July 29th and will revieve homemaker's journal divider pages!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post!

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

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