What Do You Long For?

I Corinthians 10:23

“Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.

I recently began a Bible study with an amazing group of sisters in Christ! I get so excited when I see how God places people together by his divine appointments and begins to knit our hearts together for his glory! This study has been on my heart for some time and as God was directing my path into this area of group Bible study, it was amazing to see how he laid every brick in the path to see it come to fruition. We are in our second week and already tremendous growth is taking place.

God’s Word states in I Cor. 10:23 that “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive.

As I began to pray over that verse, the Holy Spirit really began opening my heart to some things in my own life. There are many things in my own life that bring honor to my Lord, but there are also many things in my life that may not be the most beneficial to lead others to see Jesus in the divine glory he deserves. Now, this is not an easy thing to swallow. Looking into the depths of your soul and asking God to bring about the dirt and grime of your life so that he can wipe it clean is somewhat of an unpleasant experience. But looking at it from the perspective of leading others to the throne of Jesus and having sweet fellowship with him, then I welcome his “clean house” approach! Hallelujah!

Daily we are given choices from what we wear, to what we eat, what we say and how we treat others, and the list goes on. Are we giving thought and prayer into what is actually beneficial and constructive for the kingdom of God? From studying God’s Word and experiencing God in my life day in and day out, I know that I was made to crave, or long for him. He is the essence of my being and my heart’s desire is to fan that flame brightly for him!

Psalm 84:1-2 “How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; 
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

When my focus is on him and I participate in that intimate fellowship with him daily, then I will continue to crave his presence and do his will. We crave what we spend time on most, right? Whether that is watching TV, eating, texting, facebooking, or whatever takes up most of our time; that is what we will crave. Though those things in and of themselves are not wrong, if they take up that longing in our hearts that is designed to be occupied by God then those things are not beneficial. I want to be the person God made me to be and crave my glorious Lord. I want my thoughts and my actions to not only be beneficial, but I want them to bring God the magnificent glory that he ultimately deserves!

I challenge you to pray over these verses this week. Read through God’s Word and know how special you are to him and that you were made to crave him! Ask him to bring to your heart the things in your life that are not beneficial to his kingdom’s work and replace them with things that build up the kingdom. Great things will happen in your life dear friends. His Word will dramatically change your life and bring you to that sweet dwelling place where the LORD Almighty resides! There’s no sweeter place to be!

Blessings~

Allison

My Prayer Today

Deuteronomy 30:11-14

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, “Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, “Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?” No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.”

My gracious Heavenly Father,

This morning, I wake up and say, “YES” to you Lord! No matter what the day ahead of me brings, I say with utmost assurance “YES” to you Almighty Lord! Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and I will follow your commands. Thank you Father for your word! Thank you for your guidance and direction in my life. When things are difficult your word brings comfort. When things are going great, your word offers praise. When I don’t know where to go, your word gives me wisdom. Nothing you ask of me is more than I can bear. You give me everything I need to fulfill your purpose for me. Thank you sweet Lord for your leading in my life. This great Book you have given me is a true gift and today I hold it close to my heart and say, “YES” to you!

In your precious name, Amen!

~ A Heart of Praise ~

I wake up today and just can’t help but praise my Lord! He is EVERYTHING to me and he is alive and at work! So much has gone on these last two weeks in my life and to see him orchestrate these events, for his glory, leaves me utterly speechless (yes, it does happen sometimes that I am at a loss for words!) I am a work in progress and he is the sculptor of my life!

I wanted to share some scripture that is on my heart this morning! My post will not be long today because the Word of God speaks for itself. I just want you to know that no matter where you are in your life, God is there for you. He will guide you, direct you, and love you! Surrender your life to him and experience all that he has for you! He is worthy of all our praise! I pray that you read this Psalm in its entirety. Read with a heart of gratitude and then give God a shout of praise for all he is to you!

Psalm 145

I will exalt you, my God the King; 
 I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name forever and ever.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All you have made will praise you, O LORD; your saints will extol you. They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and your dominion endures through all generations.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name forever and ever.

This is my heart of praise today! Thank you sweet Father for your love and guidance in my life! You are everlasting God and your name will be praised forever and ever!

Blessings~

Allison

New Chapter In This Adventure

Growing up I was never much of a reader. I used to dread reading assignments in class because the books never really made much sense to me and really turned me off to reading. It is much different now, as my kids get to pick books they really want to read, that grab their attention. I am so glad for this! All three of them are big fans of reading! Now that I am older (no sarcastic jokes here about my age, haha), I have really become quite the reader! I find myself anticipating what book I am going to read next! There is so much excitement in reading and I imagine myself right in the middle of the story as if I were there! For Christmas, my sweet husband gave me a Nook, which is an electronic device for reading which holds thousands of books right at the click of a button. How awesome is that!?!?

When you are reading a book that you are really engrossed in, you find yourself stuck to the pages just waiting for what happens next. Sometimes those chapters are so exciting that you don’t want to go to the next one because you feel it might ruin the ending you have already built up in your mind. But then there are times when you can’t wait for that chapter to be over so you can turn the page and read the wonderful ending that you envisioned! Ah, reading, what an exciting adventure!

The Book that has really grabbed my attention in recent years is that of God’s Word! All 66 books have such meaning and truth and I find myself just immersed ready to see what there is next. When the Holy Spirit breathed his sweet breath on those words, how could it not catch our attention? Well my dear friends, he has captured me and I am his! I hang on every word of my Lord and long to finish the story!

As I look at my life, it truly is one big storybook. But I praise God that he is the author of my life! He writes the pages and each new chapter is determined by his will for my life. Over the last few weeks, I have been rereading the story of my life to this point. Wow! It is amazing how God orchestrates each chapter to bring together a book that will bring him honor and glory. There have been many chapters that I reread and see the mistakes I made or the hardships I faced, but when I look at the next chapter I see how God took those and brought them together in teachable ways for me to continue his story that is my life. There have also been many chapters that brought such joy rereading and seeing how God used certain situations to add to the storyline. Each and every chapter thus far has not been without purpose. Every word on the pages of my life has such purpose for my sweet Savior’s honor and glory! Every mistake, every success, every hardship, and every victory are for growing me closer to him to bring about a faith that is steadfast and unshakable. If I would put the book of my life into a category, I would say that it would be classified as an adventure. An adventure through life seeking his will, making mistakes along the way, but ultimately learning to be obedient when he speaks.

I am right now in the midst of closing a chapter in my life and beginning a new one. Though it’s hard to see that chapter come to a close, I know its time and I am excited to embark on a new one. God never ceases to amaze me with his clear direction when you ask him to show you. I have been, for several months, in a place of utter surrender and asking God for the strength to be obedient and, trust me; it hasn’t been without some resistance on my part. It has caused others to question my decisions and has left some to talk and make their own conclusions, but all I can say is, when you truly surrender your life to do his will, you can’t worry about what others think or say. God is the author of my life and when he speaks, I listen and obey. Period. I trust my Lord with my life and I know that he wants the very best for me! When he is ready to close a chapter, then it is time to move on to a new one!

Hebrews 12:2 “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I urge you to do the same! God is the author your life too! Let him write the beautiful pages of your life and don’t hinder his work. Don’t worry about what others think or say. This is your story written by the greatest author known and he will sustain you. Though it may not be easy at times, we know that God’s plans are better than anything we could ever fathom.

I look forward to new chapters, I thank God for the previous chapters, and I will cherish each and every word he writes on the pages of my life!

Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Have a blessed and adventure-filled week!

Allison

Different Direction...Same Destination!

I just realized that is has been over a month since my last post! Wow! A lot has gone on during these first several weeks of 2012 and getting my fingers to type all that the Lord has shown me would take many hours if not days. I apologize for not stopping by to say “hi” or share some scripture that God has enlightened my days with but sometimes to be silent is a good thing as well. January sure was a busy month with work, school, basketball, and all other wonderful responsibilities of being a mom of 3 kids, but it was also a month of tremendous growth. I know most of my “teachable moments” that I share with you are all about this growth process that God is taking me through but what I am certain of is that I never want to stop growing. My prayer is, “God grow me more today, take me out of my comfort zone, unsettle me, so that I can be all you desire me to be for your glory, and your glory alone.”

I’ve spent most of my “free” time these past several weeks just immersing myself in God’s Word! Oh, how I love it! Those priceless moments when I’m alone with God, in his Word, reading and soaking in all that he has for me. I crave it, I long to be back there. I carry my Bible with me at all times, so I can steal time away with God whenever those extra moments arise! Sweet, sweet fellowship with my Savior!

It’s been no secret that over the last year, I have been through some really challenging times. I’ve shared that with you on here and I’ve also shared with you the amazing process of surrendering everything you have so that God can fill you up with his love and goodness. It has been a long process and one that has definitely had it’s share of “growing pains” but oh, the wonderful things I have learned, and the incredible times I have experienced by having every fiber of my soul laid out before Almighty God! I am committed to being a woman that says, “yes” to God no matter the cost and that decision comes with great sacrifice but even better, great reward!

Those times when I go to God with hands wide open ready to receive all that he has for me are beautiful moments. But sadly to say, there are times when I go to God lovingly with arms held high, but my fists still are clinched not ready to give up everything. You would think, after all I’ve been through, that this would come as second nature, but I can be stubborn at times and I need a little thump on the head! Lol! I am continuing in that full and utter surrender, as hard as that may be sometimes, because I want to continue in the work God has started. I am excited about what God is doing in my life! Paths that I have been on for years, are starting to change direction and though that can be scary, it also is exhilarating to know that these changes in direction are all leading me closer to the heart of God…right where I long to be!

Proverbs 16:9 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.”

I will continue seeking the heart of God, no matter what direction that takes me because I know that the final destination is glorious! A life surrendered to God is beautiful and I desire to be beautiful for my Lord!

I Cor. 2:9 “However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, 
no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”.

Have a beautiful week of surrender to your Lord!

Allison

The Countdown to 2012

Psalm 145:2 “Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.”

The countdown has begun! With only 3 days left in the year, everyone is already scrambling to make their new year’s resolutions. For some, 2011 will be a year to be fondly remembered and a little sad that it is coming to a close, but for most, 2011 cannot be over quick enough. Just the thought of a brand new year brings hope and a fresh start. I would assume that most everyone reading this would find their selves in the latter. I will admit that 2011 was a very tough year. The year brought forth many challenges for myself and many of those around me. Even now as I type this my heart breaks for those that lost precious loved ones this year and even in recent days, my heart breaks for those that received a harsh medical diagnosis, and my heart breaks for those that have struggled in this tough economy. The year definitely had much heartache.

But the thought that the Lord has placed on my heart so much the last couple of days is, his grace, mercy, and comfort through it all! Praise be to God for his indescribable love and peace! When I look back to my 2011 New Year’s post, the one thing that I wanted in 2011 was to grow more in love with my Lord than ever before. Praise God that has happened! When you ask God to grow you, be prepared to grow! Through all the challenges, through all the pain, through all the struggles, my Lord captured my heart in a new way! You see, he was there through it all! Though my plan was to fall deeper in love with him through joyous times, God’s plan was for me to fall deeper in love with him in those times on my knees through tearful prayers learning more about him. When my soul was bare and broken, he was there! When things didn’t make sense, he did! When things seemed hopeless, he brought such hope! What an amazing God and I’m so in love with him!

So with 3 days left in this year, where will you place your focus? What will you do with Jesus in 2012?

I will give praise to my Lord for his sovereignty! He, alone, is worthy of all praise and glory! He is my comforter, my deliverer! I will continue to give him praise for 2011 and the life changing moments he carried me through! I conclude this year even more in love with my Savior, with my husband, and with my children! God is so good! I look forward to 2012 and all the changes God has placed in my heart! Changes to bring me even closer to the heart of God. I look forward to honoring him more, serving him more, and loving him more! It IS and ALWAYS will be all about HIM!

Psalm 119:35 “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.”

To God be the glory!

Allison

The Anticipation of Christmas

I really love this time of year! I am one of those people who could listen to Christmas music and enjoy the tree lit up all year long! The older I get, I still feel like a child at Christmas! I enjoy the Christmas spirit of those around me and I love spending time with family and friends. I love giving gifts, having “cookie day” with my mom and sisters, and spending hours watching every Christmas movie that was ever made. Yes, I really am a sap for those cheesy, romantic, Christmas movies! I love seeing the joy on my children’s faces as they open their gifts and snuggling with my husband by the beautifully lit tree as we listen to Christmas music. For me, it really is the most wonderful time of year!

But today, I sit here with only two weeks left before Christmas and my mind ponders the question, “What was going on in the minds of Mary and Joseph with only two weeks before the birth of their son, the Savior of the world?” Wow! They didn’t have the comfortable surroundings that most of us have before the births of our children. They were on bumpy, uncomfortable roads traveling 70 miles by donkey to a town to pay taxes. For me, at nine months pregnant, I wasn’t traveling 70 miles anywhere by luxury car much less on a donkey. But here they were, on the roads alone and I wonder what the conversation was like. Were they talking about what color to paint the baby’s room, or where they were going to send him to preschool? These are the questions most of us new parents were discussing, right? Oh, no, I cannot even imagine the conversation. Knowing that they were about to become parents of the Messiah had to be a somewhat overwhelming and humbling experience. Their thoughts were probably making sure that they were following God’s plan. Knowing that they were about to give birth to the One that would eventually die for them and all mankind. What a beautiful lesson in faith and trust. They weren’t concerned with having the perfect gifts for everyone, and that there were enough lights on the Christmas tree, or that they attended every Christmas party they were invited to, no, they were concerned with carrying out the will of God and making sure that the precious Gift to the world had a place to enter and carry out the will of his Father.

I don’t know about you, but this sure puts things in perspective for me! The Messiah made his entrance to this world in a lowly stable surrounded by animals in a non-hygienic manger. He didn’t have the royal entrance that he deserved but he came in humble surroundings and lived a amazing life serving his purpose that ultimately led him to Calvary nailed to a cross dying for you and me. But the best part of this story is that he rose again and is preparing a place for us in Glory with him!

So, I ask you, “With only two weeks till Christmas, where will you put your focus?” For me, making sure everything is perfect is not an option. It is about making sure that Christ is glorified and honored in the way he deserves. It is about remembering what happened that glorious day that Jesus was born and all he did for me following his birth. He came for me, he died for me, and he is coming back for me! Hallelujah! My thoughts are of making sure that I carry out the will of my Father, to have the faith and trust as Mary and Joseph, and that the real meaning of Christmas is shared with those around me!

Luke 2:1-20

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, 
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

The greatest story ever told is right here for us! May we take this beautiful story of love and share with those around us that they may have the hope that we do! This Christmas, make it your heart’s desire to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. That when Jesus came, there was hope and everything changed!

Celebrating HIS birth,

Allison