The Millennial Excuse

A new common term has sprung up in our society in just very recent times - “millennial generation”. Alright, alright – the term itself isn’t new, but it seems to have sprung up recent conversations in Christian and non-Christian circles.

What is the “Millennial generation” exactly?

According to Live Science, the “Millennial generation” is defined as follows:

“The term Millennial's generally refers to the generation of people born between the early 1980’s and the early 2000’s. Perhaps the most commonly used birth range for this group is 1982-2000.”

It is in this specific generation, that the “reputations” of adults/young adults has been ruined.

What do I mean by this?

If we tear this “popular generation” apart, we may understand it a little better. So let’s look at the reasons one by one shall we.

Reason 1 : the “Millennial generation” is known by either the Peter Pan generation or the Boomerang generation.

Why these titles?

The reason this generation has been given the titles Peter Pan and Boomerang are for very obvious (and rather disappointing/discouraging) reasons.

Adults/young adults born from 1982-2000 are commonly known as the following:

1) They are flighty and lack stability

Like Peter Pan, they aren’t willing to grow up – nor are they (for the majority) encouraged. Which leads to the following:

- bouncing from job to job

- going from their parents house, to their own, back to their parent’s house, back to their own (I’m sure you get the picture)

2) They don’t take responsibility for their actions

Adults/young adults today always have an “out” to their responsibilities – no matter what. They aren’t encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions. One of three things happens:

1) they find the easy way out

2) they get out of “it” completely

3) their parents end up taking the responsibility.

For example:

a girl (within this specific generation) gets pregnant. She ends up either 1) giving her child up for adoption (the easy way out), 2) having an abortion (getting out of it completely), or 3) her parents tell her that they will take care of her baby so she can have her life back and have fun (their parents end up taking responsibility).

What’s the problem with the above example? (I’m not pointing fingers, just being honest and sharing my heart about this)

1. Who’s fault is it?

We could play the blame game on who’s fault it is. I mean c’mon, the blame game is common in this generation, right?

We could blame the girl for not saving herself, the guy for allowing himself to be caught up in the moment, them both for not being responsible in their actions, the parents for not teaching their children properly, God for allowing her to get pregnant, or the devil for putting the temptation before the “couple”.

Let’s pause for a moment, so I can explain something.

Who are we to blame God for bringing evil to fruition?

It is NOT God’s fault that the girl got pregnant. It’s NOT His fault that the guy couldn’t control himself. It’s NOT His fault that the parents didn’t teach their children properly.

Yes the girl got pregnant, but God didn’t allow it. The pregnancy occurred because it is a consequence from the sin that was committed. Sin has a consequence, whether it’s here in the now, or later on down the road.

However, God WILL use the pregnancy for His good and His glory. He will take the evil, and make it good. I have seen it happen, heard accounts of this happening, and know it to be TRUE.

Okay, back to the post.

So again, who’s fault is it?

It’s certainly not God’s fault, we’ve already discussed that (and the reason behind it). We could use the devil, because “he made it to where we couldn’t control ourselves”.

It’s actually the parent’s fault!

2. Why blame parents?

Just because I say that it’s the parent’s fault, doesn’t excuse the “couple” for their irresponsibility. They too are wrong, and for that they are going to face the consequences for their actions. However, if they were raised the way most young people are being raised today, they didn’t know any better.

Parents today have not raised their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. They do not encourage their children to live a life that’s set apart from society, to resist the devil and flee (see James 4:7-8), to live a life of total surrender, purity, to live their lives pleasing to God.

Instead, they want their children to experience the world, have a life they never had, have fun, express themselves, and just be “kids”. After all, kids will be kids, right?

This mindset that parents have has ruined this generation (and the generation to come!). It has ruined the “reputation”.

Parents have created young people who use the excuses:

“Well, ‘this’ is wrong with me. So I can’t hold a job.”

“I’m not going to do ‘this’ because it’s over my head.”

“I don’t like how it doesn’t affect me.”

… and other excuses.

The reputation for this specific generation has been so called “ruined” because no one expects more from them because of what their parents have instituted early on. Instead they have instituted a “me focused” mentality into young adults in this specific generation (and the generation to follow).

But have the parent’s “lack of knowledge” affected only the reputation? Absolutely not. Young people from today’s society haven’t been the only ones affected. Christian young adults have been affected as well.

Because the vast majority of the young people have set the “standard” in the generation, it makes it very hard for Christian young people to live set apart. The “standard” is now seeping into the minds of Christian young adults today, which means the possibility for affecting the world for the cause of Christ is diminishing rapidly.

Christian young adults are leaving the faith, quitting church, and giving up on the cause of Christ due to the mentality parents have instituted.

In Christian families you have parents who want their children to live better than they did. They want their children to live differently than the world – pleasing God and attempting to live a holy life.

Now don’t get me wrong, that is totally awesome! I am totally all for that, however, what parents don’t realize is that their children don’t attempt to search out their own faith. They are simply living the way they’ve been raised, because “Mom and Dad says this the only way to live life.”

They never get to experience the freedom that comes with living out their own faith.

They are never able to fully understand the underlying reason behind some convictions.

They don’t understand the danger in living out the faith of their parents.

The majority of parents today, don’t bother encouraging their children to search out their own faith.

Let me ask a question to any parents reading this post:

“What’s the reason behind not allowing your children search out their own faith? Is it because you’re afraid they may make the same mistakes you have made in your past? Is it because you’re concerned they will play with the evils of this world? Do you bother telling them why you have instituted certain convictions in your household?”

If the answers to those questions were “yes”, then let me ease your mind and help you understand the mindset of a child.

“Don’t be so quick to withhold the reasons behind certain convictions within your household/family. It makes a difference when you tell your children why you dress a certain way, why they won’t be allowed to ‘date’, why you don’t say certain words. Instead of saying ‘because we said so’ or ‘because that’s what we’ve decided, deal with it’, explain the why behind the convictions. It makes it easier when they start to search out their own faith.Allowing your children to search out their own faith, is the best thing that you (as a parent) can do. As a child who was allowed to search out her own faith, I can say it has truly helped me discover who I am in Christ and as an individual.If you have raised your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, all you have to do is guide, direct, and pray that your children see the Biblical way and the good in how you’ve raised them. They cannot always have training wheels in use, the training wheels need to come off eventually. And with taking the ‘training wheels’ off, comes the fact that you need to be willing to pick them up when they fall. You need to be willing to withhold scolding if they make a fumble. You need to be encouraging in second chances. I wish I could say that your children searching out their own faith, will result in no worldliness coming in. I speak from experience, searching out their own faith will mean that they will try to include some of the world, but make it godly.Not allowing them to search out their own faith may result in your children backsliding, leaving the faith completely, giving up on church, etc. They may take a drastic leap the other direction and start living their life in a way that will be hard for you to accept as a parent. You may find yourself hard to love your own child because of their drastic lifestyle change.However, if you allow them to search out their own faith while they’re living under your protection, they will find that they have a place of refuge when they make a fumble. They will find that they can come to you in regards to differing beliefs and opinions. They will see that you trust them to make their own decisions in life, which will encourage them to step above the ‘standard’ in the “Millennial generation” has set. Instead of hindering them, you’re encouraging them to grow.Don’t hesitate in allowing your children to search and grow in their own faith.”

Why are young people leaving the faith and giving up on church?

My theory is as follows:

“Because young aren’t able to seek out their own faith within the safety of their parents home, they are like a bird trapped in a cage. They are being too sheltered, wanting to spread their wings of faith (and when they do spread, the wings are clipped). They begin to realize that they don’t believe the same way as their parents, but as they continue to hear their parents bash other denominations, they decide to keep quiet. The pastor of their church decides to get the advice from the young people within his church. Advice on how to include young people more, to make church greater, to reach out to the young people within the community, and just to get a fresh perspective. When the advice is given, the pastor pushes it to the wayside, because “they’re only kids”. So they decide that they don’t want any part of church, because they aren’t being looked upon as the decision making young adults they truly are.However, their actions begin to change, because God is growing their faith anyways. Their eyes are being open to the legalism within their own church, within their family, within their friendship circles, etc. So when it comes time to be on their own, they jump at the chance as quickly as possible. Leaving behind what they know faith to be. Why? Because – why be a part of such a legalistic, constricting “faith”? They can do just as great in life with out being constricted, without all the legalism, condemnation, etc. So they leave the faith. Do they give up on church? No of course not, they have to go to church, because they have to be there every time the doors are open, and they are called to not forsake the gathering of believers. So they have not only left the faith, but have also left church. They no longer want religion, and quit reading their Bible, give up on their passionate prayer life, etc. They decide to denounce God and live like a child of the world, and not of God.”

What is wrong with this?

Again, let’s tear this apart and see the flaws within the mindset of all this.

1. The young people weren’t able to seek out their own faith.

- I’ve already discussed the importance of seeking out your own faith (just scroll up a bit and read if you can’t remember)

- The “wings of faith” should never be clipped or constricted. They should be allowed to spread out to their full capacity, full length, ever growing.

- If young people realize that they don’t exactly believe the same way as the denomination that they were raised in, it’s not a hill to die on. We all are called to walk in faith, but everyone’s walk is different. If they aren’t involved in cults, or drastically diverse religions, they are fine. Let God grow them to be who He created them to be.

2. The young people aren’t looked at as the person they truly are.

- It’s a pastor’s job to encourage the young people within his church congregation to be more than they think they are.

- If a pastor wants a fresh perspective, and asks for the advice from young people – then he needs to be willing to listen and use discernment in heeding it.

- The young people need to be encouraged to serve within their church, and it’s the pastor’s job to institute this. If the pastor sees that there are young men that are students of the Word, might he encourage them to preach a sermon? If it’s known that there are young women who are gifted in discipling young women, might he encourage them to start a girl’s Bible study group? It’s the pastor’s job to reach out and encourage the next generation to step above the common standard that the world has set.

Once young people are seen for who God has made them to be, what they’re capable of, and are recognized for their God-given talents/gifts – the young people will feel the urge to stay and serve in the Kingdom.

However, there is one major problem with this specific generation (and I stated it a while back). This generation is very me focused.

You hear today:

“Well I left the church because I didn’t like the fact that the church didn’t do anything for me.”

“I don’t do church because it just wants my money.”

“Church isn’t what I need.”

Okay, I’m going to brutally honest, and just plain blunt.

It’s NOT about you!

It’s not about what church does for you, but what you can do for the church.

Ask yourself the following three questions:

How can you effectively serve within the church, and advance the Kingdom?

How much are you willing to give monetary wise, in order to advance the Kingdom? The poor woman gave everything she had, and she was incredibly blessed! (see Mark 12:42-44)

What if you are what the church needs?

I would like to point out two examples of selfless people that serve the church on a regular basis.

The pastor:

he isn’t (or shouldn’t be) there for himself. He’s there to be the mouth piece for God.

The deacons:

they aren’t there for themselves. They are there to offer spiritual and moral support for the pastor. They help him make church decisions and help keep him accountable.

Yes, they enjoy the position in which they serve and there’s nothing wrong with that. The important thing to remember is this: they are there to serve God, not themselves.

Church isn’t about serving you, but about you serving the church.

With all that said, how can we put an end to this “popular trend”?

As young people within this generation, we need to show the world that we have stepped above the common standard. Yes it will be hard – but think of the rewards.

We will become radical in our faith, not our parent’s.

We will reach the next generation and set a new standard for them.

We will learn to have a servant’s heart, and grow in our God-given talents.

When we make the decision to “debunk” this worldview, we are silently saying:

“We’ve had enough of the inadequacy, and are more than what you claim we are. It’s time to show you who God has made us to be!”

Who’s ready to step above the common standard, set a new standard, and debunk this worldview?

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.

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

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

Let go and let God

As I look out on the horizon, the view is beautiful – a sunset with colors of pink, purple, and gold. As long as I don't look at where I am currently standing … I will be fine … “don't look down Alisha! Don't look down! Don't look down!” I take a deep breath and take in the beauty of what lies ahead of me. Then it happens … I look down! My heart starts beating faster and faster. I feel as if I'm gonna burst out in tears. My hands and legs start to tremble. I need to move back, but I can't … I can't move. If I move, then I will miss the beauty of what is ahead of me.

I'm not one to write a post like this, mainly cuz I can never seem to write it without it sounding like a mumbled jumbled mess. Plus, I've been to ashamed to admit to anyone that I'm not “fine” or “great” or “pretty fantastic”. So bare with me as I try to admit to everyone, how I am truly feeling!

You see, last year if you would have asked me if I was content in where God has me in life, I would answer in a heartbeat “yes I am most definitley!” In fact, after I had finished reading Leslie Ludy's book “Sacred Singleness”, I decided that I need to surrender everything to God. After that, well, I didn't feel discontent. I felt revived / inspired / encouraged / alive / happy … the list could go on.

Then it happened!

God turned my world upside down in November 2014 … He turned it upside down, in a way I never thought He would. But I didn't let this steal my content … I just prayed and kept on living life like nothing had even happened.

Then I noticed something within me start to change. I noticed that my mind kept going back to how God turned my world upside down. But I wasn't about to let the devil steal my content … oh my no! It had taken me 7-8 years to get the point of contement … there was no way it was going to be stolen from me!

Then the end of January 2015 came – and once again God turned my world upside down! And once again, I was shocked at how He went about doing it. Once again, my mind kept going back to how God turned my world upside down both times. Only this time … I noticed that the devil had stolen a part of my contentment. I notice that I don't feel as happy/revived/alive/inspired/encouraged.

Now as we near the end of February 2015 … well, my mind still goes back to how God turned my world upside down those two times, but this time my mind is more focused on the last time. You see, my mind is stuck on the last one cuz it was “physical”. Now … I'm standing on the edge – wondering, “what will come of this?” “Does this mean anything?” “What does 2015 truly have in store for me?”

In the start of my post, I used an example of me standing on the edge of a high cliff, looking out at the beautiful sunset on the horizon. I did that cuz I can use it in my current situation …

Right now, I'm standing on the edge, wondering what will come about with what God is doing. But like in the example, I'm looking ahead … and what Alisha is seeing is absolutley beautiful … what Alisha sees is the future she has always dreamed of and desired. I don't want to take a step back, cuz I might not be able to see what's ahead. I won't be able to see what the future holds when Alisha has let herself take control.

Is what I'm going through all beacause Alisha has taken the reigns again? Absolutley not, I truly believe it's is all God. But now that I can see what might happen, well, let's just say Alisha needs to … in the words of her Dad … “let go and let God!”

Just this past Friday, I had this thought:

What if what I'm currently going through, is God testing me? He knows that I'm not a patient person, and what I'm currently going through does indeed require lots of patience. Yes when God turned my world upside down, it was physical, but will I be able to trust God in the future if it happens again?

Was this thought from God? I dunno … but what I do know is this:

if this is a test … then I am failing miserably!

I hate despise the feeling of failure … always have, always will! So in order for me to “pass the test”, I guess what I need to do take Dad's words and make it go from being head knowledge to heart knowledge.

In order for me to “pass the test” 

I need to be patient and let go and let God!

In HIS grace, Alisha

         xoxoxox