If I were gone tomorrow...

     We are never promised tomorrow, but I'm sure most of assume or at least plan as if tomorrow will happen inevitably. I don't mean to be morbid. I'm just saying death is never planned. I've realized that more recently than ever. I've personally only had one person super close to me die. That was my Great Grandpa. I've seen death my whole life, but never really experienced the pain. Still haven't really, but lately I've just seen more death than I wanted to. More children dying, which breaks my heart, but one really struck a cord in my soul and I can't get it off my mind.
    I personally didn't even know the young man. He was 19 and got an accident on his way to church. People whom I'm close with knew him well and his life has touched so many. I was awestruck by the amount of people who posted about him and what they posted. Also, the amount of people that attended his viewing and funeral. It was something like 4,000 and a quarter of that at the funeral. The words that were said were nothing, but positive, uplifting, and beautiful. Videos were posted of him singing that just left you in tears, even if you did not know him. I never met him, but my life was touched. They say he wanted to be a preacher, well he preached to thousands, including myself.

Look at the lives he made a difference in. Look how much he was loved.  It got me thinking...

We spend so much time planning for the future we get lost in the now.

I am currently attending school, working 40 hours a week at a job where I'm unappreciated, and I want to do more for God, but opportunity is lacking. I keep telling myself my job is only temporary, I'm almost done with school, one day I'll have a degree, one day I'll be a preacher, one day I'll do this, one day I'll do that, but if I were to pass away today and all of those things never happened, what would my life say. Would it say I was a good friend, and loving wife to my awesome husband? Would it say I was merciful and gracious? Would it say I was a prayer warrior, soul winner, or a faithful servant? Would it say I loved God or would it say I spent to much time on earthly matters? I could have loved more, could have prayed more, could have done more.

I recently watched this movie. It was one of those Christian, low budget ones. You know the ones with horrible acting and great message for the whole family. I couldn't even tell you what the name of the movie was, but the story was about this women who spent her time trying to find happiness in status, building a family, and trying to keep things going as planned, but she found herself unfocused and unappreciated, and with a family and social life that was falling apart. She for years just jumped from one faze to the next faze in her life. She thought getting married would bring her happiness, then having kids, and career, but she found that sometimes just being content in knowing you are a child of God she be enough.

I myself need to learn that lesson. Life will happen, but in the meantime I need to enjoy the life I have and live it to the fullest, because you never know what tomorrow holds.

In God's Eyes...

I am flawed.

Imperfect.

Rough around the edges.

Jeremiah 18 tells a story of man.

He was a potter.

God told Jeremiah to pay him a visit. 

When he did he found him molding a piece of clay on a wheel.

While molding this clay, the clay messed up if you will.

It fell apart in his hands. 

But rather then throw that clay out and start with new, he picked up that same piece of clay and continued molding until he created a masterpiece. 

God told Jeremiah "If this man can do this with a piece of clay, what more I can I do with you? You are but clay in my hands. You just have to be willing."

Now, I've been in church my whole life. 

Like any teenager I had a "rebellious" stage. If you want it to call it that haha

but majority of my life I have lived wholeheartedly for God. 

In that time I have learned that I have much to learn, much to grow.

Just when I think I have it all together I'm reminded I need to work on something else.

From modesty, to loving people I don't like, and even my mouth...go figure haha

If you don't want to admit what you need work on then don't ever pray for God to mold you because He will not hesitate. 

But if you want to be all you can be, go higher, do bigger things allow God to mold you. 

I say all this to say Yes I have things I need to work on, I know that, God knows that, and we all know everyone else knows that and aren't afraid to let you know when you mess up, but God 

Oh but God

He may know your flaws, but He loves you despite them.

Despite your rough edges He sees something beautiful. He sees your potential. He still has great plans for your life. Even when no one else believes you are able. God says " I know your not able, but I am, and I am in you, and through Me all things are possible."

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1a/e5/8d/1ae58d226b0042b152411c5d7ceffb53.jpg

There is a song by Brad Paisley, although not christian, I like to think of it in the words of Jesus. 

It goes like this. 

To the teller down at the bank
You're just another checking account
To the plumber that came today
You're just another house
At the airport ticket counter
You're just another fare
At the beauty shop at the mall
Well you're just another head of hair
Well that's alright, that's ok
If you don't feel important, honey
All I've got to say is

To the world
You may be just another girl
But to me 
you are the world

To the waiter at the restaurant
You're just another tip
To the guy at the ice cream shop
You're just another dip
When you can't get reservations
'Cause you don't have the clout
Or you didn't get an invitation
'Cause somebody left you out
That's alright, that's ok
When you don't feel important honey
All I've got to say is

You think you're one of millions but you're one in a million to me
When you wonder if you matter, look into my eyes
And tell me, can't you see you're everything to me

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/bradpaisley/theworld.html

I am flawed

Imperfect 

Rough around the edges 

But in the Eyes of Jesus 

I have worth beyond measure.

From Rags to Riches

Once upon a time in far away land lived a little girl who loved Jesus. She was always taught to love Jesus, but as time went on she had to find out who he was for herself and decide if she was going to live for Him or for this world. She decided, after many mistakes and wrong paths, that she would live for God and God alone. 

It wasn't always easy. Many people did not approve of her decision, but then again there were many people who were very proud of her. 

She went on to follow after Christ even in her career and attended Bible College, but even there she dealt with the devil and his evil ways. He did everything he could to bring her down in high school and in college, but God had other plans for this young girl. She was a child of the King and destined to do great things. Although she did not know this for sure she believed she was called and held strong and by much prayer and a fasting she did. 

She is not where she is going, but she is far from where she came from.

I AM A PRINCESS

but once upon a time I was just a peasant trying to make it this crazy world.

Little did I know I was a child of the King. 

God has done so much for me in my short 23 years of living. He was there with me growing up. When I had to live for Him by myself- He was there and he kept me.

When I went off to college- He provided for me

Now as an adult- He has blessed me with an amazing, Godly husband, an awesome church, and Pastor and he continually blesses me financially and spiritually. 

I AM BLESSED

But I never want to forget where I came from.

We had a special speaker at church today who made a valid point that I just have to share...

"God will allow our past to be brought up, so we don't soon forget where God has brought us from"

The Israelites continuously forgot where God had brought them from. They complained every day about one thing or another, but little did they know what was coming. 

I HAVE A PROMISE

Just like the Isrealites God has promised us a land full of milk and honey. Lest I forget all he has done for me and all he is going to do. I like to be reminded that I'm not all that.

Being a singer I get complemented often and that can so easily get to my head and instead of my "talent" being used for God's glory, it becomes about me. 

My daily prayer is "Less of me, more of You, Jesus." 

What better way to decrease myself and increase God then by remembering who I used to be and who God has made me. It is only by the grace of God I am who I am today. We must remember to be THANKFUL. 

There is this awesome song a women at my church sings called "Thank You on My Lips." 

The verses talk about such simple things like waking up in the morning, thank you Lord.

Giving me food to eat and putting shoes on my feet, thank you Lord! 

For taking this nobody and making me heavenly royalty, thank you Lord!

I can't help but think of this great story in the bible about this women named Esther. She may have been the queen, but she never forgot who her true King was.

FROM RAGS TO RICHES

but never forget those rags are a part of who we are and that is okay. 

God made us into something beautiful. 

What an awesome God we serve! 

Only He could take something so messed up, worthless, and broken and see the worth in them,

 heal all the broken pieces and make them beautiful. 

To All My Backsliding Friends and Family

I grew up in Belleville, IL.

It's a fairly decent sized town right outside St. Louis.

 Growing up I was raised in a pretty strict religious family. I was raised Apostolic Pentecostal.

 I loved it.

My parents scrapped the bottom of the barrel and sacrificed so much for me and my sisters to attend a private Pentecostal school.

They made sure we were at church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday night.

We prayed before every meal and every night before bed.

My mother and father were Sunday school teachers, my mom was the Ladies Auxiliary leader and my dad led worship and preached.

Our life revolved around God.

Then one day my parents got the bright idea to move to Florida.

All was fine and well for a short while, but slowly they began to abandon the way of the Lord and follow after the things of this world.

 I was 13 when this happened.

From that moment on I tried my best to be a witness to them and continued to pray for them, but they usually didn't want much to do with it.

 I, to this day, continue to pray for them.

Sadly they aren't the only ones in my life I have seen walk away from truth.

In fact now, more so then ever, I have seen a rise in people leaving the church and it breaks my heart.

The bible says that in the final days there will be a great falling out. (1 Timothy 4:1)

And that's just it folks, its the final days.

Here recently a man, by the name Rev. Lee Stoneking, came before the members of the United Nations and proclaimed the gospel. The Bible says that in the end times this Gospel will be preached to all nations. (Matthew 24:14)

Its the end time. That's why my heart is broken.

Because there are too many people I know that are not living for God.

Too many!

The question is why?

Well what I hear almost across the board, sadly, is that they are hurt.

 Someone offended you?

The one place you are supposed to feel loved is where you felt abandoned, used and hated.

Well, you are not alone.

 I've been exactly where you stand. Not just once, not twice, but three times.

I was ostracized, hurt, and taken advantage of.

It doesn't matter what religion you're in, where you go to church, or how high or low you are on the totem pole, you will be hurt.

 Why?

 "It's a church", you say.

"We are Christians", you say.

"Christians are supposed to love like Jesus loves."

 Well they are also people and unfortunately people can be stupid and selfish.

 Even pastors....

 

But here is the thing we aren't supposed to be "Christian" for people.

We are supposed to choose this life for God and God alone.

Believe me, I know from experience, if you live for God and not for people your life will be far less stressful and far more blessed.

People are hypocrites. God is the same yesterday, today and forever.

People hurt you. God heals you.

People offend you. God defends you.

People abandon you. God will never leave your side.

I could go on and on, but one thing I know to be true.

 I would have been gone a longgggg time ago if I had based my walk with God off people and their stupidity, but by the grace and ever faithfulness of God, I am still here.

 Still in His promises.

 Still blessed and highly favored.

Still a child of God and nothing this world has to offer can compare to that!

I apologize on behalf of all the stupid people, but under all that rubble there are people who will love you and there is God who still loves you and whose arms are open wide and are wanting you back. Come back before its too late.

I end with this. You are and will forever be in my prayers.

Much Love,

Ally

Why I am Pentecostal

I recently moved to Arkansas and it has very evidently come to my attention that there are a ton of Christians here. Many of which are Pentecostal, which is awesome. There are also a lot of Church of God people, which I have nothing against, but every time I run into one, which tends to happen more often then you would think, they all seem to question why I would go to one of them Pentecostal churches. They then begin to explain that they believe everything we do minus the standards, which they seem to have strong feelings against. In these situations I'm always drawn a blank even though I know exactly what to say. So here is my refute to that argument.



I've been to both Pentecostal churches and a Church of God. For about a year or so I attended this "Church of God" Church, which at the time I loved. They believed everything my old church believed. Acts 2:38 Repent, be baptized in Jesus Name, and receiving the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues, miracles and healings, they even worshiped sorta like we do.

Why I say sorta?...

Well after going to that church for about a year I had an opportunity to go to my grandparents church, a Pentecostal church and my life was forever changed.

That whole year I thought I had it all figured out. I was certain I was getting everything I needed and I was living in truth and living righteously, but little did I know what I was missing out on.

Now I'm not saying its necessarily because of us women wearing skirts and not cutting our hair, but there is something to that. That day it came to my realization that there is something amazing going on at those Pentecostal churches. Genuine worship, miracles, and a presence of God so thick at times you can't do anything but just fall to your knees and weep!
I never felt anything like that at any other church - and I know this from experience, so don't say "Its like that at my church." You are in denial or you've never set foot in a Pentecostal church.

The bible states in I Corinthians 11:15 that a woman's hair is her glory and in that same chapter it says we have power with the angels because of our hair. Something tells me that's not just a coincidence. Have you ever heard a Pentecostal woman pray? My grandma is a praying woman and its beautiful. I honestly believe as a woman we have a special place in God's heart. The relationship between God and a Godly, holy woman is a force to be reckon with.

On to the skirts. There is a scripture in Deuteronomy the 22nd chapter that talks about woman wearing what pertaineth to a woman and men wear what pertaineth to a man. Now I always get the argument that one, its Old Testament and two, someone always likes to point out that their jeans are from the women's section...

In regards to the Old Testament argument - The Bible stands true... Regardless of when it was written. The only reason we don't follow some things from the Old Testament is because Jesus came and made a way for us. The rest of it stands true today. The Ten Commandments are in Exodus- should we not follow them because they too are in the Old Testament? Case Closed.

In regards to the argument, "My jeans are from the women's section" - I'm going to be blunt and painfully honest so please (if your Pentecostal) don't be offended. The Bible does not read in black and white "Women should wear skirts" basically because they didn't wear those in bible times- they all wore robes. Nevertheless I still believe it is essential and here is why. One, ever see a bathroom stall with the girls symbol wearing pants? No, because that is distinctly women's clothing and if someone is wearing one it is safe to say they are a woman. Two, they are modest if worn correctly. Granted that's not always the case, but that is another blog for another day. Thirdly, I was once given this analogy that has really helped be better understand holiness. Say you have this treasure and you lock it away in a chest inside your house, which also is fenced in a locked gate. All of that seems like reasonable methods of keeping your treasure safe, right? Now say this is your walk with God. Your treasure being your Holy Ghost, which you have tucked away in your heart (the chest), which is in your house (Spirituality-living a Godly lifestyle, making right choices, etc.) The locked gate and fence that surrounds your house is standards (also know as - Holiness). Standards may not be a necessity for salvation, but it does help keep your salvation. Lastly and my favorite reason for standards is everywhere I go without ever saying a word I am a light to this dark world. The Bible says multiple times that our purpose and mission is to tell the world of His greatness. What better way to share that I have something different than what this world has to offer than by dressing in such a way that without even saying a word I can step into a room and people will automatically know there is something different about that girl. Most Christians these days you can't tell them apart form the rest of the world and unless they tell you, you'd never know, but not for us crazy Pentecostal people. We may stick out like sore thumbs, and it may seem "unnecessary" but there is not a day that goes by that I'm not asked " Hey, are you Pentecostal", which is the perfect opportunity to share Gods wonderful word!

That my friends is why I am Pentecostal.

How to Follow Through with Your New Year Resolutions

 

Every Year you say the same thing. This year will be different. This year I will “eat healthier”,

“exercise more”, “spend less money”, “travel more”, “spend more time with family”… etc. etc.

And like clockwork every year you fail about 15 to 20 days into it.

Like all of us hopelessly optimistic Americans, I too found myself making New Year’s resolutions.

Like most individuals I want to shed a few pounds and save a little more money and like most Christians I want to fight the flesh this year and finally read the bible all the way through, but at what point does it become less important and our when do our so eager selves become less eager and really, what I want to know is how to overcome my flesh and actually follow through with my new year’s resolutions?

How do my resolutions become reality?

Well funny you should ask because I found the answer…

The answer to overcoming the flesh is in His Word!

Yes I am dead serious.

 

I know you’ve heard the scriptures.

1 John 4:4 …Greater is He who is in you then he who is the world.

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God…

Matthew 26:41 Keep watching and praying…The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Oh and one of my favorites

Matthew 18:8-9 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off…

There are so many I could sit here all night and list them, but we don’t fail at our goals because of lack of scripture. We fail at our goals because we fail to study the scripture and heed to it.

 

You can hear scripture all day, but unless there is action the scripture is just words filed in a storage bin in the back of your mind.

Proverbs 2:1-5 says, and I’m paraphrasing…

Receive My words, hide My commandments with thee, Incline your ears unto wisdom, and apply your heart unto understanding the Word. If you cry after knowledge and pray for understanding

And my favorite part….” If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hidden treasure; then shall you understand the fear of the lord and find the knowledge of God.

Let me break this last part down really quick because I think it’s rather awesome.

When Solomon (author of Proverbs) starts referring to a “her”, he is not talking about a woman.

He is still talking about the Word of God. Now this is my own opinion so take it as you’d like, but I don’t think it was by any mistake that the wisest man who ever lived referred to the Word of God as a woman.

No, it’s not because women know all. Although we like to think so sometimes.

I think it had something to do with how Solomon saw women.

This is the same man who wrote about the proverbs 31 woman, and the same man who wrote about love in the Song of Solomon. This man held women in high regard. He also states that women are a precious jewel. Now I don’t think he said all this lightly either.

A while ago I wrote about how awesome it is to be a woman. (You should go read it)

In that particular blog I basically said in so many words how being a Godly woman, despite the mood swings, periods, being too complicated for men to understand and being unbearably emotional, is a beautiful thing.

God made us to be motherly, sweet natured, and caring all wrapped up in a beautiful outward appearance as well and without even having to say a word a woman just by being a proverbs 31 woman can reach so many lives.

So I think that when Solomon referred to the Word of God as a woman he was trying to explain how precious, and valuable and beautifully breathtaking the Word of God truly is and just by hiding it in your heart and seeking out understanding and praying for that understanding, you can reach a higher level in God and in life. You will see things in a whole new light and battles you once faced will be battles won.

Now you’re probably thinking, “Ok, but does God really care if I lose 10 pounds are not?”

The answer is yes.

We are talking about your temple. God created that body and he wants it taken care of just as much as you do and His word will give you the strength and wisdom to do so, but only, and if only, you truly seek out understanding and it becomes more than just words in a book but is a precious and beautiful treasure you relish in daily.

 

I challenge you this year to not just read the bible front to back, but to really study it. I want to be your accountability partner and you mine. I will do my best to post something every week about what I’ve read and learned and I hope to hear from y’all as well. I want to hear about your epiphanies, cool facts you learned and also how this is effecting your other resolutions. I’m so excited about this year. I’ve been too content this past year just going through the motions and just trying to get through each day.

 Not this year. This year WILL BE DIFFERENT!