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

~ A Heart of Thanksgiving ~

Psalm 100

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

I sit here this morning in the quietness of my home praising my God with a heart overflowing with thanksgiving! The turkey is in the oven, the family is still asleep, and I look around my home and thank God for all he has blessed me with. I am not just speaking of material things. I am grateful first of all for my salvation. I cannot even begin to express my thankfulness to my Heavenly Father for taking this wretched sinner and dying for me, marking my life “paid in full”. That is the basis for my life here on this earth. I am here to bring glory and honor to my Savior! In his grace and mercy he has granted me so many blessings.

I am beyond thankful for the precious souls that are still sleeping upstairs right this very minute! Matt is my best friend and love of my life! Almost 20 years into our marriage and he is still (and will always be) the “one”! I praise God that he crossed our paths on that hot summer day at Chick-fil-A on July 21, 1989, when I started my first job. That turned out to be the day I met my husband!

Ben, Callie, and Caleb are the smile on my face and the joy in my heart! Each one is so different but so very special! I look into their beautiful eyes and praise God that he allowed me to be their mom. What a humbling moment! They are wonderful kids that are a joy to raise and I love watching them grow!

I am thankful for my extended family! It is rare that you have a family where everyone gets along, but that is my family! Thank you Lord for these special people in my life!

I am thankful that I can go to work everyday and not only have means for provision, but also to be surrounded by godly women (sisters) who love the Lord and “have my back”! What a treasure each of those women are! Seeing 180 children everyday is also a bonus of my job! Children are a blessing!

I am thankful for Matt’s job! His job is tough and takes him away from home many times, but praise God he is able to work and provide. I am proud of him and his integrity and work ethic! He is a wonderful provider! Thank you Lord!

I am thankful for my church! What a blessing to be able to worship in a church where the Word is preached and worship is raised for our Lord! It is God’s house to grow and learn! I am so blessed by our wonderful pastors and their leadership and our church family!

I am thankful for my home! It is not a mansion with a pool or maid, and to some it may just be a house with four walls just like everyone else, but this is my home filled with love, laughter, and joy! A place where there is safety, warmth, and praise to Almighty God! I love my home and all that dwells here!

I could go on and on in thanksgiving and I know my heart will be overflowing with that all day, but for now I will stop and spend time in prayer to my wonderful Lord for all that he is and all that he will be! I pray that your day is filled with blessings. It has been a difficult year for so many, me included, but when it comes right down to it, the blessings will always out weigh the trials because we serve an awesome God! Give him your praise today! He is so worthy!

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11

Blessings~

Allison

~ The Beautiful Word of God ~

What a beautiful Saturday morning! Cool and crisp and the sun is shining brightly! As soon as I came downstairs this morning with my big comfy robe on, I could already feel that warm cup of coffee in my hand. Does anyone else know that excitement like I do? Can I get an “amen”? Cool mornings, hot coffee and the Word of God! Okay I am about to shout “Hallelujah!” but I am afraid I am going to wake up the family.

I just can’t even explain how exciting the Word of God is! Over the last couple of months, my time in the Word has been more extensive and in-depth than ever before. I find that all I want to do is sit and read more and more but of course I do have other responsibilities like work, children, house cleaning etc, etc. I was sitting at the kitchen table yesterday morning with my sweet Callie and I was reading the scriptures as she sat beside me writing a new story. Verses I was reading, I have read many times in my life, but how they jumped off those pages in a new way! God is so awesome to take these Scriptures and show me something new. I shared with Callie my excitement and how the Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12)! She joined me in my excitement that morning and I told her that I would just love to sit here all day and read more and she just matter-of-factly said, “well, then do it mom.” Oh, how I love that precious girl! She is a girl after my heart! I did have to get to work yesterday but I will say that I couldn’t wait to retreat back to the Word at the next chance I could get!

As I sit here this morning, reading and soaking it in and it occurred to me that there are many out there that don’t take advantage of this beautiful book and all the knowledge and life in there. I was one of those people for a long time in my life. Sure, I would take it to church and do my devotions and Bible study, but never really grasped the value of this book. My dear friends, we have been given direct access to our Heavenly Father through prayer and also his words to us. This precious book is the inspired, infallible Word of God!

Okay, now do I have your attention? This book is the living, breathing, words of Almighty God! I challenge you to go pick it up and begin reading it in a new way. There is much power there to equip us to do his will. We are in tumultuous times, and his word is there for us to overcome the evil one. As children of God, this is our gift! His word lives in us and we have the authority of God to use it against evil! Wow! We need to continue to grow at each point in our lives and his word is our source of growth.

I love how John writes to believers and expresses the growth at all points of life through the word of God in us.

“I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. 
I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. 
I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. 
I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

1 John 2:12-14

I share with you my excitement because I want you to experience God’s word in a new way as I have. When you commit to studying his word, not just reading it, then it infiltrates you to a whole new level! He will show you things in a new way and you will be able to face trials and tribulations armed with the greatest weapon available!

I pray as you finish reading this that you go open your Bible and begin a new commitment to God to dig into his word. I share this with you because I know the mighty, transforming power in this book and there is joy unexplainable! Please share with me the new journey through God’s word that you experience. I would love to hear what God is doing in your life through his magnificent word!

Have a beautiful Saturday and enjoy his Word!

Blessings~

Allison

Happy Birthday Mom!

“Her children arise and call her blessed;” Proverbs 31:28

Today is my mom’s birthday! What a very special day indeed! I have to say that I have the BEST mom in the whole wide world. Yes, Yes, I know I may be a little biased (lol) but she truly is the greatest!

In my 38 years of life (yes, I told my real age!) there have been many people that have had a great impact on my life. Teachers, coaches, Sunday school teachers, pastors, friends, family member, and mentors, but the one person that has had the greatest impact on my life has been my mom! I am the “baby” of the family and as my mom told me one time, I was the “surprise” that came after the four children she already had! Haha! I just keep reminding her that I made the family complete and how much better it became the day I was born! Lol!

As the baby of the family, I had a strong bond with my mom. You could definitely say I was a “momma’s girl”. I was her sidekick fully equipped with the matching outfits she would make for us. A special one that I remember is the green polyester skirts with brown polyester shirts donned with strawberries, oh and lets not forget my white knee socks! It was a fashion statement for sure! We were inseparable and from a very young age, I knew I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! She was beautiful, had the prettiest hands, and was always prepared for a hug just when I needed it. She could cook and clean and make each one of her five children feel so special and loved. She truly was the best!

As I grew and watched my mom, there was something extra special that I noticed about her. She had a joy that was unexplainable. You see she didn’t exactly have the easiest life. She took care of five kids (that she had in 8 years), took care of my dad (which was not easy), worked odd jobs when needed to help pay bills, and was always taking care of others by cooking meals or helping babysit. It was a tough job and there were days when she looked exhausted but there was something about her that gave her joy. I wanted that! I wanted to have that joy that she had. When I would wake up in the mornings, I would see my mom in the living room reading her Bible. That book must have been important if she spent time reading it with her crazy, busy life. I would hear good ol’ southern gospel music playing on Sunday mornings getting ready for church. Singing about God must have been important because she was always singing. We would go to church, so hearing about God must have been important because we were there every time the doors were opened. We would talk about God at home too so he really must be important. Then one day when my sister was talking about how Jesus saves us, I knew deep down in my heart that I didn’t really know this Jesus. My mom was the one who lead me to the Lord right there at home in her bedroom. That was it! My mom had Jesus too and that was the source of her JOY! It all made sense to me! Jesus is JOY! That day began a journey through life learning and growing in my relationship with God and I am so blessed to be able to continue sharing those special moments with my mom!

She lives a life full of glory for Christ that has impacted my life and others in so many ways. She is full of grace and beauty and gives of herself freely for the sole purpose of bringing honor to her God. She always puts Christ first, others second and does so with such joy that is infectious to all those around her. She is a strong woman of character and integrity, and her love for God shines brightly.

You see, when I said that she has impacted my life, I wasn’t kidding. Her testimony and faith in God have made me be a better person, a better wife, a better mother, a better friend, a better sister, and has given me a desire to grow even more in love with my God. Her life says it all…that it is all about GOD! That is what I want!

So today, I honor my mom and this special day that marks her birth. God blessed the world in many ways the day that Toni Sharon Sarver was born November 7, 1944. I thank God for allowing me to be her daughter and giving me a godly example to model. So, yes, the statement is still true; when I grow up I want to be just like my mom!

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:29-30

Happy Birthday, mom, and thank you for all that you are, I love you!

Allison

~ Trust & Believe ~

I can hardly believe that it is November the 1^st already. We can now say that Christmas is next month. Haha! In a lot of ways this year has flown by, but there are many days this year that felt like time was standing still. I don’t know if that makes any sense to you but in my mind (trust me, you don’t want to go there, lol!) it makes perfect sense. I’ve spent a lot of time this last week pondering over the year and I can definitely say that this has been a year I won’t forget. The year has been full of challenges and trials for me but ultimately it has been a year of great faith and trust in God.

I took a look back on the blog I wrote on New Year’s Day just 10 months ago. God had given me such a yearning to know him and seek him more in 2011 than ever before! I didn’t know what God had in store for me, but I did have confidence that he was in control. This is a portion of that blog……

(Happy New Year, by Allison Jordan 1-1-11)

Now as I begin 2011, I enter with such peace that what God has in store, I will trust and have faith! I want to seek my Father’s face even more! I want to grow so much more in love with him this year than ever before! That is why I don’t make “New Year’s Resolutions”. You see for me, every day is a new day to love and follow my Lord! I can wake up every day and have my goals and my plans set, but it is all about him. Every day I will wake up and commit that day to him and commit to do his will. I have to die to myself. I am an old wretched sinner, and daily I have to deny myself and allow the Holy Spirit to fill me to overflowing!

Luke 9:23 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Oh the joy that comes from allowing God to rule your day! With Christ in our lives, every day is a fresh start and daily we need to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow our Master! His ways are perfect and his mercies are new every day!

Lamentations 3:22-24 “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

One of the songs that I sing to my Lord is one that has become my anthem of prayer for 2011. May the words be a prayer to you Lord:

It's all about You, Jesus,

And all this is for You,

For Your glory and Your fame,

It's not about me

As if You should do things my way;

You alone are God and I surrender.. To Your will!

Abba Father, it really is all about YOU! I surrender every fiber of my being to you! May my life reflect the beauty that is you so that others may come to know you and your will be done!

I pray that 2011 is full of blessings for you and your families! We serve an AMAZING God and he loves you so much! No matter what this year holds, we can have faith that HE holds this year in his hands! He is in control! I can’t wait to see the blessings unfold and his glory revealed in every passing day!

What God was burning in me was a passion stronger than ever for him! And praise God the passion is in full flame! My God has taken me through some pretty incredible adventures in 2011. To be perfectly honest, some were not welcomed with open arms but what a time it was to experience the healing power of my Lord. You see, during the trial, God’s presence was such a constant source that I began to enjoy his glory in a new way. God has taken me from “in love” with him to a deeper more satisfying love with him than I ever fathomed before. He has carried me through the valleys and rejoiced with me on the mountaintops and his glory is all that shines! God’s Word has been my strength and his praise has been my song!

So, with two more months left of 2011, what do we do? Give God your all! Dear, precious, friends, I pray that you hear me out. Apart from God, we are nothing. Let me say it again…APART FROM GOD, WE ARE NOTHING! He is the very essence of our being and trusting and believing him to do exactly what he says in scripture is the first thing we need to grab hold of. Believing God in every area of life brings total peace, satisfaction, and a love that is indescribable. When the storms arise, and they will arise, we may not enjoy the storm, but we can learn to enjoy God’s beautiful presence in the midst of the storm. There is comfort there! He loves his children! Give him your trust and total belief in him! From someone that has been tested and tried in these areas this year, please know that he keeps his promises and he is worthy of all we have to offer and so much more!

Enter this season of thanksgiving with a renewed commitment to trust and believe. We have two more months in this year to offer all that we have to him. What better way to say “thank you” to the Giver of Life than you renew your heart to him. Just thinking about my Lord and the tender way he has upheld me this year brings tears of joy to my eyes and an overwhelming sense of comfort to my soul! My daddy has carried me through and will continue! My trust and faith is in him and I give him praise!

With a grateful heart,

Allison

Time With My Lord

So here I am, up again at 4:30 prompted to spend time with my Lord. When God whispers his loving voice in my ear, I count it an honor to get up and spend this time with him!

Do you long to spend time with God? Does your soul thirst for the only thing that can truly satisfy?

Oh, sweet friend, my alone time with God is not a choice, it is a necessity! The more time I spend with him, the more I desire! There are so many things and obstacles that can hinder our time with God but can we really afford to miss those precious opportunities? Being in the presence of God is such a gift! When I am there, I cannot imagine being anywhere else! There is that deep longing to be in his presence and heed his Word! That is where true living is! He is the One that satisfies the soul! He is the One that brings comfort! He is the One that loves like no other! He is the One that offers protection!

David, alone in the Desert of Judah, records this prayer to God recounting his loneliness but also his confirming the One who can truly satisfy.

Psalm 63

“O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; 
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, 
in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, 
my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; 
with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. They who seek my life will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God’s name will praise him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.”

David recognized what truly satisfied his soul! Where are you searching today for satisfaction? No matter what you may be going through, cry out to God and cling to him for comfort. Time with him is priceless and there is peace and comfort in the presence of God! Whether it is at 4:30 in the morning or at 12:00 in the afternoon, He is worthy of all that we have! I thank him for spending time with me and showing me more in his Word! He is amazing God!

My prayer of praise for today is:

Psalm 63:3-4 “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”

Blessings~

Allison

~ Walking in Obedience ~

My post today will be a short one. Yes, I know I can get very lengthy when I speak about my Lord but today, will be short!

I am up early this morning because the Lord whispered sweet promptings in my ear to get up and spend time with him. I am so glad he did! What beautiful time in his Word! Time with him is such a special gift and one that I do not take lightly! My Savior wants to spend one-on-one time with me! How awesome is that? This is time to be quiet and listen, time to give him praise, time to heed his direction, and time to worship Almighty God! Hallelujah!

As he guides and directs our lives are we completely sold out for him? Are we giving in to the “practical” because we fear that people will talk about us or not understand? Or do we really focus on the obedience that God calls us to and only seek approval from our Master? Well, this is not always easy and takes great boldness and courage! When God calls and directs your life in ways that you don’t even understand yet, be bold and say “yes” to him no matter what others may say, no matter how it “looks”. God’s approval is the only thing that matters! When we say, “yes” to God, he works out the details and he is in control! Our lives belong to him to do his will and complete his work!

There are so many people in scripture that chose to obey God even when others questioned their behavior, but they stood firm in God’s calling. Their lives were of great significance because of their obedience to their Lord. Think about Abraham when he was told to sacrifice his own son, but God provided a lamb (Genesis 22), think about Noah when he was told to build an ark and God spared he and his family in the flood (Genesis 6-8). The list could go on and on, but when God speaks, we are to obey no matter the circumstance and have faith that God will complete his work in you!

Genesis 6:22 “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

Genesis 22: 3 “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey…”

Both accounts, they did not question, they did not complain, they OBEDYED even when it did not all make sense, they had faith in their God! Amen!

I want my life to reflect that same obedience to my God! I will obey and look to God for approval, not from man!

Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Okay, so my post was not as short as I had promised, I apologize. Lol! I told you when I start talking about my Lord I can go on and on! He is my LIFE!

My prayer is that we all walk in obedience to God and not be concerned with what others think or say. It’s not about us (or them); it’s all about HIM!

Have a beautiful, obedience filled day!

Allison

Faith & Trust ~ Keeping it Real!

I know it has been a while since my last post but let me say that it has not been from a lack of “teachable moments” that is for sure. The best I can describe this last month is an unprecedented amount of “teachable moments” that, Lord willing, at some point I will share those with you. The one thing I will say about this last month is that I have seen Jesus in a way that I have never experienced before! Over the last couple of years, God has been growing me and shaping me more and more into the woman he desires me to be and at times that has been painful. (Just keeping it real here!) Though painful sometimes, very necessary for me to see the abundant life he has for me and surrendered to his will, is the BEST and most fulfilling place to be. This last month though, has been the real test of faith and trust in him that in my 38 years of life, I have not experienced before. Now before you start wondering what in the world is going on, let me assure you that God is and always has been in control and this journey is one that began months before but really turned a corner this last month and let me say, God is so good my dear friends!

Though my times with God have always been special, these last several weeks, they have taken on new meaning. They have been times of tears, some of sadness and some of joy; times of praise, because he is so worthy; times of healing, because he is the Great Physician, times of quietness, to be still in the presence of my Lord; times of openness, to be laid out completely surrendered to him; and most importantly, times of saying “YES”, because when he says it, I am to obey. When you come to a time in your life when things are out of your control, God makes his presence so known that he is in control and we can choose to trust in that or we can continue in the turmoil that is present in this life.

God’s Word has been my source! His Word is our direction! I don’t expect my children to go to school for a test without first studying their textbook for the answers, and the same is true with our Heavenly Father. He has given us his inspired, infallible Word for the answers to life’s test. If we study and have faith in him, he will carry us through every test!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Coming off of this last month, I am more amazed at my Savior than ever before! Faith and trust are no laughing matter and when faced with the realization that yours is being tested, is gets serious. I have a heart overwhelmed with blessings today! Every day God shows me more of his beautiful face and in ways that I never imagined! I am eternally grateful for the people God has used in my life this last month to help me through a very difficult time physically, emotionally, & spiritually. Though my precious husband had to be everywhere around the globe during this difficult time, he was lifting me up in prayer and supplying Godly encouragement, my dear mother and the “too many to list” ways that she stayed by my side, my amazing kids for pitching in and helping out, my sweet sisters (through blood and at the “Hill”) for surrounding me with Scriptures and prayers, and godly friends for keeping it real in the Word and being quick to pray over me whenever needed. But most importantly to my Awesome Heavenly Father for never leaving me during these trying times and reminding me that He is faithful to fulfill his promises! He is my Strength, my Hope, my Comforter, my Deliverer, and my Healer!

Isaiah 40:28-31 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? 
The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I don’t know what you are going through. Your story may sound similar to mine and your faith and trust may be going through a time of testing as well. You may be physically, emotionally, and spiritually tired and ready for things to lighten up. Dear friend, I know where you are. I have walked and continue to walk in those same steps, but there is Hope and his name is Jesus! He will see you through! Know that his timing is perfect! When the darkness comes, HE is the Light that you cling to! His Word is true and his promises are forever! I am determined to keep it real to you because he already knows your heart and mine. I am a girl that is worth nothing apart from my God and HE is my LIFE! He has carried me through and I am here to testify that God is good! Cling to his Word, get on your face and bare your soul to your Maker. Keep it real, allow God guide you & be your strength, and your life WILL be transformed!

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.”

Blessings for a life changing day~

Allison

~ Time to "Dress Up" ~

I used to love playing dress up when I was a child. Oh, the imaginations we had! We could find just about anything to make ourselves into super heroes. We would use a pillowcase & a clothespin to make a super hero’s cape and aluminum foil to make the very cool and powerful bracelets like “Wonder Woman”. It was so much fun! Now I get to see my kids play dress up. Let me just say for the record, that Ben no longer plays dress up, only Callie and Caleb! But there was a time when Ben was little, that he had some very cool super hero costumes! Lol! Just the other day, Caleb came downstairs with a blanket tied around him for a cape, his blue laundry basket over his head for his helmet, and of course, let’s not forget the neon light up sword that he got in Disney World. He was a super hero armed and ready to fight the “bad guys”.

It really got me thinking about how I go through my day. When we wake up in the morning we usually have our “to-do” list in full steam ahead and are planning for a busy and productive day. We know that in order to be ready for the day, we have to get our shower, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush our teeth, and head out for the day. Not a lot of thought about those things, they are the normal activities that are ingrained in us. But are we armed and ready for what lies ahead? In a super hero movie, you have the brave super hero trying to fight off the evil villain that causes so much harm and they do so using the special powers they were given. In all movies I have seen, good defeats evil every time! Same is true with our Christian lives. Satan is a very real presence and can cause much chaos and turmoil. He is real and he is active, but the great news is we have everything we need to fight him off. We have the power of God and he has given us clear direction in fighting the battle.

Ephesians 6:10-18 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”

I just love my Jesus! During difficult times, and trust me I have had some in the last several months, his word provides my list of armor to help me through. How can I go about my day without putting on the full armor of God? If I want to fight the battle that Satan dishes out I have to be prepared. Notice how it says in verse 13 “when the day of evil comes”, not “if”. So my dear friends those days will come and we have to be prepared. Reading this passage and feasting on it lately has made my perspective so different. I have heard this passage many times in my life, but how urgent it has become. Just look around and see what is going on in the world and it is time to be strong in the Lord and HIS mighty power!

So before my feet hit the floor in the morning, I am arming myself with the full armor of God; belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, footgear to spread the good news, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and using the sword of the Spirit all day long. Prayer and God’s word are what we need more of! I am so grateful for my God and how he equips us to fight this battle. We don’t have to go it alone. I challenge you all to read and feast on this passage as well and see the urgency to be always in the full armor of God. Awesome things will be witnessed as we see God’s people fully armed and ready to stand against the devil’s schemes!

Blessings~

Allison