"In essence, I've been trying my best to take things one day at a time because sometimes that's all I can do... I've found that if my main focus is on a future that isn't entirely in my control or the past that I can't rewrite to perfection, I miss out on all that God is doing right here in the present moment. 

I miss out on His gentle voice above all the noise. I miss out on the peace and contentment he invites us to as we trust in His will, His way. I miss out on an opportunity to learn from the past and prepare for the future with God-themed confidence.

And, I don't want to miss out on the wonders of our incredible God. 

So, I'll be here, living in the moment, fighting the good fight, one day at a time. Singing my hallelujahs for all God has done, continues to do, and has yet to reveal."

I wrote the words above about 7 months ago. At the time, I was trying to refocus and realign my mindset in preparation for the next semester of nursing school. Little did I know how meaningful these words would become in a time where taking things one day at a time seems like the only way to remain sane.

I can't say that I know why things have been the way they've been, or what the strategic purpose is for the experiences we are all enduring during this pandemic, this fight for justice and equality, and what seems like widespread chaos, but I do know that even events as drastic as these do not catch God off guard. My heart still breaks for the lives lost, the opportunities missed, the wearying season we're experiencing, and the fear that hasn't quite subsided in our world. Yet, I have still found glimpses of gratitude in this season. This gratitude is accompanied by peace and hope that seem to peek in like the sunshine through the windows in the morning. 

I have found great joy in the mornings of this season. It's a blessing to wake up to a new day and new opportunities. It's an even bigger blessing to wake up at home, surrounded by good company, good food, and grace upon grace.

Beginning these mornings in the Word and in prayer have been so filling, reminding me that God is still here, still speaking, still doing, still teaching, and still being the great God that He is. Miracle-worker, Provider, Healer, Renewer, Peace-Keeper, Abundant Life-Giver - the list goes on, but God is so so good.

From these mornings sprout the afternoons, full of reconnecting at home - conversations and quality time with family, facetime calls and snail mail to keep in touch from a safe distance, learning new recipes and throwing down in the kitchen, walks in the sunshine, and time to rest. 

Some of my favorite moments have been laughing with my brother in all of our goofiness, cooking up new masterpieces with the master chef himself (my dad), and sitting in the living room watching movies (or Family Feud) with my mom. These opportunities to slow down have been so good for the soul.

If I'm being honest, I have had to take a step back to look at this goodness because it's all too easy to become entrapped in the ways of our world currently. Still, something is different.

Usually, I am the one to search for the light, even in the darkness. I believe that a hope that could only be found in the Lord reaches even our darkest and most devastating corners. And, that's a lot like what the world feels like nowadays - dark, heartbreaking, lonely, and broken.

The days sometimes seem to draw together, and you can't run too far before the sorrows of this current state sneak up on you, crippling you yet again.

This is so unusual for me. I haven't lost hope or joy in The Lord, but what many of us are feeling is something we've never experienced quite like this.

It's there when you open any form of social media or news platform. It's there when everyday people make comments in ignorance or lack of knowledge about human beings who are just as loved as they are or about experiences that they could never fully understand. It's there in these moments of being alone. It's there when you try to shut it all out and turn it all off. 

But, we can't. Perhaps these moments are bringing light to situations that have been in the dark for far too long. While this blog post is not the place where I'm going to dive into these issues (please take the time to use the abundance of resources at your fingertips, people with real stories of real hurt [and real hope], and your own advantages to acknowledge, learn, and grow), it's important to note the tremendous role these issues have played over the past few months - how could they not?

This season has been heartbreakingly eye-opening, authentically raw, and full of more emotions than I could put into words. Yet, it has also been a season of the halleulujahs that are not contingent on our ever-changing circumstances. This season has challenged me in more ways than one, and one of the most significant ways is in the 2 words that I felt The Lord placed on my heart for this year 2020: bold hallelujah.

I am still learning what this means and how He will allow it to intertwine and unfold in the purpose He has for me. So far, this bold halleujah has been far from conventional. If I'm being honest, I haven't been feeling bold lately. I've felt unsure, weak, and devastated sometimes. I have struggled to sing my hallelujahs over the pounding sounds of hurt and uncertainty. But, this call to boldness has challenged me and stretched me. It has allowed me to be bold in advocating for justice, have courage to speak up for Truth, and cling to the bold faith I have been called to.

These hallelujahs have looked different, too. They've looked like sitting on the floor with a journal and my Bible as I talk to God. They've looked like intentional prayers that claim victory over sickness, addiction, brokenness, financial burdens, emotional obstacles, and everything else the devil has attempted to stir up and hinder us with. It's looked like praying with my patients and being grateful for the strength and perseverance they display each day. It's looked like tears, the same tears falling down my face as I write this, but entwined in the sorrow is a hope and a fire that I pray never burns out. It has looked like newfound gratitude in life's little blessings - family, health, nature, hope, and stillness.

I am still searching for answers and solutions for the world that so desperately needs an intervention, but as I said in my last post, I believe these answers could only be found in Him - in prayer with the One who is our perfect peace and everlasting hope, in His Word which speaks abundantly on matters of justice and love, and in His presence where we may truly find rest.

I am clinging to the only One who is constant, everlasting, and true - my Heavenly Father. He still holds the whole world in His hands. He still offers us hope in seemingly desolate places. He is still good, even here.

Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the pen

and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord,

I will be joyful in God my Savior.

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 // a hymn of faith

These verses remind us that we can still rejoice in times of suffering and loss because our faith is rooted in God's ability, strength, and goodness. Thank you, Lord.

--

Stay well,

Alyssa

I am black, I am loved, and I am proud of who The Lord made me to be. As I’ve been wrestling with my thoughts on the events taking place in our world, I’ve realized that I don’t have all the answers, only God does. I have a heart that is broken, drained, and unsettled (to say the least) when I look at the injustices that have occurred over the past couple of weeks and over the past hundreds of years. So, I’ve been spending time at the feet of Jesus during these difficult times. I’ve been praying for the hearts of those who failed to love their neighbors the way we’ve been called to. I’ve been contributing to causes that are creating good change. I’ve been having tough, but necessary conversations. And I’ve been crying out to my Heavenly Father, the only one who could truly carry the weight of these burdens. Racism, police brutality, systemic failures, and widespread injustices are happening and have been happening for far too long. I’m grateful that these issues are being seen in the light for what they truly are, and even more grateful to see so many coming together to advocate for change. There is still work to do, and I hope that you, too, will join in advocating for what is right. So, here’s to celebrating the black queens and kings that we are, even as we continue to fight for our equal seat at the table. Here’s to continuing on this journey to justice. Here’s to hope in the goodness of God, even when the world is sometimes cruel. Here’s to backing our words with actions in moving towards positive change. Here's to embracing what’s uncomfortable for what is necessary. Here’s to mercy, that can perhaps exist alongside accountability. Here's to digging deeper, working harder, and doing better. Here’s to love - a love that looks like Jesus, who knew our black lives mattered long before we took our first breaths. Here’s to our hearts breaking for what breaks His, and loving better. This is only the beginning of what I believe is something necessary, overdue, and beautiful. I pray that this is not just a moment of realization but a movement towards better tomorrows for all of us.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

---

There are no words to fully encompass the capacity of what our world is experiencing right now, but it is during times like these that we so desperately need something to cling to. I am choosing to cling to My Heavenly Father who has promised to work ALL things out for good - not some things, not a few things, not the easy things - ALL things. It's easy to remember these Truths when things are going our way. But, as we continue to tread into unknown territory, the promises God spoke in the Bible centuries ago seem more relevant than ever. Here is my prayer for us... 

---

Lord,

I pray for our world.

My heart breaks for the fear and chaos that is sweeping our nation, our world. My heart breaks for the people who are being forced to stay at home in a place where the walls around them feel nothing like home. My heart breaks for the children whose educations are being threatened by a fear of being left behind and whose biggest concern right now is where their next meal will come from if they aren't at school. My heart breaks for the elderly and the sick whose best efforts at avoiding this pandemic also depend on how the rest of us respond. My heart breaks for the healthcare workers working tirelessly and fearlessly to fight a force that they can't even see. My heart breaks for the lives that have already been lost and for the people still fighting this battle. My heart breaks for the athletic seasons that were cut too short, the senior year's that aren't going to end as expected, the investments that won't be returned, and the plans that have been forced into change. My heart breaks for the companies and the people who quite literally can't afford the chaos that is erupting around us.

But, more than anything, my heart breaks for a world that seems to have forgotten that we are Yours.

We are submerged in waters that could bring out our worst angles - anger, fear, panic, selfishness. But, on the other hand, this could be an opportunity in disguise to reconnect with the best of ourselves. We can use this time to genuinely talk to each other without the distractions that we've become so attuned to. We can give to those in need and contribute to the increasing number of organizations that are fighting for each other. We can love each other and pray for one another, like never before.

With the abundance of voices and opinions competing for our attention, it's easy to drown out Your gentle voice that has been here all along, Lord. But, help us to redirect our attention to Our God who is unshakeable, immovable, and ever-almightly. Help us to shift our perspectives to hope. Help us to focus on only You, Lord.

You have saved nations before, even when all odds were stacked against them. You have fed 1000's of people with less than a shopping basket of food. You have performed miracles, even when no one believed you could. You have promised to protect us, provide for us, and cover us in Your majesty - and I know you keep your  promises.

Behind this unimaginable and unexplainable pandemic is a God who is able, faithful, and so good. You make a way, even when we can't see past what's right in front of us. Your plans are not swayed or thwarted by the things of this world. You are our light, our hope, and our peace - even at a time like this. 

Lord, help us to lift each other up and love one another. Don't let this pandemic uproot our hope that is firmly planted in You. Protect us, Lord, and help us to never forget that we are in Your hands.

 ---

Psalm 91

These past few days have been a breath of fresh air.

With more time to slow down and rest in The Lord's gentle grace after an eventful semester, I have found myself with my arms and my heart agape to the Lord's blessings that have gathered abundantly in our little corner of the world. These past several months have been full of moments of realization, discovery, and challenges. But, God's light has managed to shine through the cracks and imperfections, illuminating a hope that I pray we never lose.

 Yet again, the Lord has amazed me with his faithfulness and unfailing love. He has been so good to us.

These words have been on my heart and in my mind as I sit back and thank God for all he has done. Even when everything isn't good, God is. He creates beauty in every situation. His devotion to His beloved is unwavering, unchanging. And with that simple Truth, I know that I have all I could ever need in my Heavenly Father. Thank you, Lord, for your goodness.

--

You have been good,

stretching me to places unknown and uncomfortable

but worth it for my good and the glory of the Kingdom.

You have been good.

You have opened doors and made way for welcoming,

reminding me that my hope is exactly where it should be in you.

You have been good

to those who were not always good

and to those who needed it most.

You have been good.

You have convicted me in the moments I failed to show grace

and encouraged me to love like you do, even when it hurts.

You have been good.

You have taught my heart to break for what breaks yours

and given us resources to mend this world's broken pieces.

You have been good,

making a way when there were no ways

and reminding us that you can do it again.

You have been good

in laughter

and in tears also.

 You have been good, 

placing people and words and joy 

in areas we least expect it yet need it most.

 You have been good.

You have showed me what real love is 

and rekindled the fire within me to love your children in the same way.

You have been good

in moments that didn't feel good

because you were creating something new and beautiful and perfect.

You have been so good, Lord. Thank you.

One of my favorite things is the way God is always revealing His Truths and His goodness to us. I like to think He has a sense of humor, and more importantly, a love that abounds abundantly.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been reflecting on the many revelations, lessons, and laughs the Lord has blessed me with in my 21 years of living. I have so much more to learn, but I am grateful for the many things the Lord continues to open my eyes and my heart to.

Here are 21 of the things The Lord has been showing me:

1. No season is ever wasted. The rains and storms that we endure bring renewal and water the seeds that The Lord planted long before we began to wonder how He'd bring them to fruition. The seasons of drought bring us hope for what is to come and help us to appreciate the abundance that is right around the corner. And, flowers grow where there is love and light and grace, in the presence of our loving Father.

2. Nobody's perfect. May we be willing to give ourselves and others grace often.

3. God is so good. He orchestrates beauty in ways I never could've imagined and far exceeds my expectations every time. Thank you, Lord.

4. Hand-picked. Intricately designed. So incredibly loved - that's you and me. This year has brought a newfound appreciation for the quirks and uniqueness in each of God's children. I am so incredibly loved, and so are each of you.

5. Grace and peace. I can't say I've mastered these two, but we sure have come a long way. I've learned to give myself grace on the days I fall short of expectations that I pursued wholeheartedly because my shortcomings don't diminish my determination, and they don't define me. I've learned to dwell in a spirit of peace because my God is good. I know this to be true. My peace is found in Him.

6. A lot of hate in the world stems from ignorance. May we have the courage to ask questions, expand our understanding, and humble ourselves. There is so much to learn, and these battles can be fought with an open mind and a heart that is willing to love regardless.

7. Changing the world has always been a dream of mine, but each day doesn't have to look like breaking records, nationwide broadcasts, and ginormous acts of bravery. But, I am changing the world in little ways - showing up with the right attitude and the right joy, taking time to love and encourage, and striving to live a life that brings God glory in all things. We can change the world in small acts of goodness as well of grand acts of greatness.

8. In our quests to make moments and situations perfect, I've found that some of the most beautiful memories occur when we allow them to be what they are - messy, unscripted, and far from perfect, but also so incredibly wonderful.

9. It's the little things - the fresh friendships that turn into lifelong pals, working relentlessly in the pursuit of the things that ignite the fire within you, and the simple joy of being seen and heard as we all strive to figure things out. I am grateful for these little blessings.

10. Confrontation can be scary, but even more than that, it is necessary. Healthy relationships need confrontation (through constructive criticism, honesty, and humility) for accountability, growth, and grace. 

11. As I was walking to work the other day, I noticed that my steps weren't as quick as they usually are. This is coming from the girl who is often speed walking from place to place, without fully realizing it. But, what I realized on this slow and steady walk is that we miss a lot of goodness sprinkled along the path when we're in a rush to arrive at our destination. You can't reach the summit without enduring the climb, so may we use these instances as opportunities to slow down, smell the flowers, and open our eyes to what God has in store for us, each (slow and steady) step of the way. Enjoy the journey.

12. ALL things work out for our good and His glory. Not some things. Not most things. All things.

13. People are different, and that can make some situations difficult. We all have a variety of gifts, faults, means of processing information, and responses to life. And, that's okay. Perhaps this is our opportunity, though challenging, to step outside of ourselves and into the shoes of others in order to understand that we're not always right, we don't all think the same, and we can still live harmoniously even after realizing these distinctions. 

14. I have become increasingly mesmerized by the beauty that can be found in the stories of others. Not once have I regretted taking the time to listen to the journeys of others, sharing in their triumphs and challenges, and appreciating how far we've come. Never forget how moving and inspiring your story could be.

15. Words. They're powerful, too. Choose yours carefully; choose words that speak life.

16. Growth is something we can't view all at once. It is a slow and steady process. But, when we look back, we see how far we've come, and that provides hope for all the growing we have yet to experience.

17. It's okay to not always be right. Sometimes I'm so convinced that I've got a situation all figured out, but God has a funny way of humbling us when we fail to peer outside the lines and our own perspectives. It's okay to be wrong, to admit it, and to give yourself grace to grow from it. I'm finding that more often than not, there's more to the situation than we originally anticipate - but what a blessing it is to be inquisitive and creative beings who have plenty of room for learning and growing.

18. Ask. If you don't ask, you won't know. May we be bold but also tender-hearted when we go to others with these questions and concerns.

19. There is a certain point where we all have to stand up, be honest in our areas of weakness, and take the first step towards making things right. You can't make excuses for other people, but you can love them as they figure things out.

20. Be the one. The one who asks how others are doing and stands by their side as they push through life's obstacles. The one who stands up for what is right and speaks up for those who can not. The one who cares, the one who loves, even when you are the only one.

21. Love. It's the reason we are here, small parts of a plan and a purpose much greater than ourselves. It's written all over the stories of our lives; this much I know to be true.

Thank you for taking the time to read a few of the revelations, lessons, and laughs that I felt compelled to share with you all. I am grateful that we serve a God who is always willing to guide our hearts and love them so perfectly. Thank you, Lord.

Blessings and hugs,

Alyssa

Friends and family,

I had an amazing opportunity to share a blog post on my college campus's student blog. For those following along, I wanted to share my words on this platform as well, so here it is! I hope you enjoy!

--

As I began thinking and praying about what I wanted to share within this blog post, my mind raced through a plethora of Truths that I’d love to tell you all. “How can I pick just one?” I asked myself. As I continued praying for guidance in stringing together a series of words that I hope will inspire those who read it, I was reminded of what I believe to be the most important Truth about The Lord, and that is His perfect love.

Love.

It’s difficult to fully comprehend. It can’t be contained in the bounds of our own thoughts and humanly limitations. It is immeasurable, infinite, and increasingly incredible.

I can remember moments in the past where I felt forgotten and alone amongst my peers. There were one too many instances where my voice wasn’t heard, my thoughts were not considered, and my presence seemed insignificant amongst everyone else. I felt like I poured so much into others, but what I found was an unexpected emptiness where that nutrients had not been replenished. I was looking for validation and fulfillment from a world that was never meant to hold such importance in my heart.

The world pushed a little too hard, words from the enemy cut a little too deep, and the void within me seemed to grow a little too wide. Perhaps you can relate to these moments where the enemy’s lies are a little too loud in our ears, moments where our search for contentment in a broken world could never truly satisfy our yearning hearts.

But, that’s where a perfect love, wrapped in hope and sealed with grace came in. It was within these instances of learning of God’s love, that I fell in love all over again with the One who had loved me all along. I began to realize that God’s love was enough, in and of itself, and worth more than anything else. This love knew my name, recklessly pursued my heart, and quenched my thirst for something more. This love called me His. Prior days of feeling less than were replaced with a newfound captivation of The Lord’s devotion to His children, which thankfully includes you and me.

That irreplaceable love of God is something I can’t entirely wrap my mind around, but I am certain that it is present and active and abundant. And, if I had the opportunity to tell every single one of you a message of hope, it would be the story of how unbelievably loved we are by The Lord.

We were loved before we were even born. Psalm 139:13-14 speaks on how God delicately and intricately created each one of His beloved children. He created us with a purpose for our good and His glory.

We see this love in the intricacies of His creation, from the beauty that abounds in nature to the simple quirks in each of us that make us who we are. We are perfectly imperfect humans on a quest to bring God glory in all we do. This goodness is scattered throughout Scripture, but some of my favorite recollections of His creation are in Genesis, reminding us of just how vast and exquisite the love of our God is. The same God who hand-crafted the world around us hand-crafted you and me.

This love is present in the hands that serve and the hearts that strive to share such love with everyone they encounter – building His Kingdom one testimony of love at a time, sharing this love with the least of these (Matthew 25:33-45).

His love is not contingent on perfection, as we often fall short. But even when we fall, and fail, and stray from God’s goodness – He remains.

We see His love in the details – from the way the sun rises every morning, to the moments sprinkled throughout the day that remind us that He is right there with us through every mountain we must climb and every valley we must travel through.

The lives we live will inevitable be accompanied by storms where we may come face-to-face with old battles and new obstacles, but we can rest in the Truth that God has already obtained the victory (John 16:33), all we have to do is look up.

So friends, please never underestimate the power of His love. It is just for you, each and every one of you.

This invitation to be totally consumed by the Creator of The Universe is waiting for you, and I hope you’ll find the courage to say yes to the most perfect love one could ever come across.

This love wipes away tears, takes away pain, and brings unending joy.

This love breaks chains, lifts burdens, and sets us free.

This love fills the voids that we try to hide or even fill elsewhere.

This love was bought with a price, but your debt has already been payed.

This love redeems, renews, and reigns forever.

This love is everlasting. This love is for you and me. This is the love of our God.

Friends, you were created intentionally. You have a purpose. You have a seat at the table. You have the opportunity to live in a joy that is unlike anything else. You are the sons and daughters of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the God of the Universe. You. Are. Loved.

I hope you’ll never forget it.

It is Sunday, August 25 which means that nursing school begins tomorrow!

I can hardly believe that we're already here. It seems like just yesterday we were signing up to for our first semester of undergrad classes, hoping that we'd make it through successfully and be one of the students accepted into the nursing program. Fast forward through 2 years of pre-requisite classes, applications, and an abundance of prayers - and here we are.

This Summer has been an enormous blessing along this journey to becoming a nurse. I had the opportunity to work as a nurse technician at a local hospital in order to gain some experience before nursing school. Little did I know, I would learn more in these 4 months than I anticipated (in both the technicalities of the medical field and the art of caring for others - something a textbook could never fully encompass), overcome fears and become comfortable with the uncomfortable occurrences that you see everyday in the hospital, and be reminded and reassured that this is exactly where I am supposed to be.

Above all else, I've learned that God is here.

He is here at the 5am wake up calls when it's hard to roll out of bed, and the drive home after not wanting to say goodbye to the sweet patients you've been with for the past 12 hours - reminding you that the energy and effort and love exerted throughout the day probably made someone's day.

He is here when you are cleaning up the patients who are unable to help themselves - teaching you more about empathy and dignity in these little moments than you ever expected.

He is here when my speed-walking comes in handy as I'm trying to get everything done while also making sure every patient feels noticed, seen, heard, and cared for - just as He notices, sees, hears, and cares so deeply for each one of us.

He is here when you feel overwhelmed and alone - filling you with the strength and the compassion to persevere and abundantly share the love that he generously gives to us.

He is here with the patients who are ready to give up - offering glimpses of hope in situations that were once void of such optimism.

He is here with the patient who is finally well enough to go home - making a way, even when we failed to see it originally.

He is here in every moment, in every hospital room, in every circumstance - pouring out love and hope and joy - even here.

God is here. 

As I take the next step in this journey, I am grateful for the many ways God showed up right here. I know this next chapter is going to be challenging and unfamiliar, but I also know how great my God is!

Pray for us as we take this next step and begin nursing school.

--

Matthew 25:40

The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Over these last several weeks I have been graciously reflecting on the Lord's generosity and goodness that is evident all around us.

I have had the opportunity to catch up with some old friends who have been a huge part of my childhood, my growth as a young woman, and simply who I am today. These encounters were accompanied by warm embraces, shared stories of hope and joy, and laughter that allowed us to reminisce in the beauty of the good ol’ days.

The simplest car rides and breakfast conversations with my family have created some of the purest and most genuine moments of joy - moments that make you smile to yourself (while also laughing at loud) in the midst of interactions that are effortless, yet incredibly meaningful.

These moments reminded me that no matter where you go, you’ll always have a family, a team, and a community at home. Though distance may create temporary separation, there is truly no place like home and nothing better than reconnecting with the people who have been cheering you on all along.

I have had the opportunity to see firsthand how powerful prayer is and how faithful God is (yet again) – even in the most broken situations. We serve a God who never gives up on His children because He adores us and wants nothing more than for His Beloved to accept His offer of love and grace. He is our Healer, our Redeemer, our Everything.

In less than ideal situations, He is always faithful, and I am constantly amazed by the restoration, healing, and hope that The Lord brings to fruition in the lives of His children.

Dwelling in these new perspectives has shown me how time heals and that love is always the answer – even when it hurts. Through our shortcomings and mistakes, God loves us anyway. He reminded me that I can still love hard, even when that love may be reciprocated differently or perhaps not at all.

Lastly, I have been pleasantly surprised by the impact perspective can have on your day. I am a strong believer that God can create beautiful harvests from the places he plants us – at work, at home, and all over the world. Though the beginning of a season may be strenuous, the harvests that began in the strength of The Lord and are guided by His hands are plentiful and beautiful. When we look back, it is evident that God works in every season of our lives – even the ones that take a little more time. These Truths provide hope for the work He has yet to do – in us, through us, and for us.

I pray that you can take a few moments to sit, reflect, and reminisce in the goodness of our great God - and I'd love to listen as you share these sweet stories of hope, redemption, love, and revelation.

We serve a God who orchestrates incredibly big blessing in our lives. But, we also serve a God who loves us in the small details. I am grateful for these little details and the moments where they unite harmoniously into huge blessings – today and everyday. Thank you, Lord.

--

Psalm 4:7

You have put gladness in my heart,

More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

--

Romans 11:36

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things,

to whom be glory forever.

Amen.

Hello everyone, and welcome to Spread the Word!

I am overjoyed that you have stopped by, and I hope you'll join me on this never-ending journey of pursuing our Heavenly Father!

Before we move forward, I can't help but reminisce in the testimonies of how far The Lord has brought us, cherish the beauty that can be found right where we are now, and pray expectantly for all that the Lord has in store for each and everyone of us.

One thing is for sure - We serve a good God who never fails to show his unconditional love to His beloved children.

--

As August slowly but surely makes its grand appearance, I am reminded of the journey that led us here.

Through highs and lows, obstacles and victories, and moments of confusion (or perhaps chaos), God's faithfulness has not been swayed; His plans have not be thwarted. 

And now, I am at the forefront of a season of newness.

My heart abounds with joy and gratitude - after all, I prayed for moments like these. And, though this season is unfamiliar, my God has already made a way.

There is newness as I embark on the next steps in my career as a nursing student where I will get to live out my passions for healthcare and people every single day.

There is newness as God unfolds relationships and communities that foster love, hope, and togetherness - just like I've always prayed for.

There is newness in opportunities that blossom abundantly when we say yes to His will, His way.

And, there is the never-ending newness that comes with serving and chasing after a God that always has more to show us in the pursuit of our hearts.

This season has brought with it moments of change, uncertainty, fear, and doubt.

But the showers within this season have also watered the roots that the Lord established long before I was ever around.

I have only seen glimpses of the fruit of this harvest, but I am confident and expectant that the harvest will be plentiful and good, just like Jesus says in John 15.

So, here and now, I am abiding in the goodness of my Heavenly Father.

I am choosing joy, even in the midst of uncertainty.

I am covering any fear and doubt in the hope that could only come from The Lord.

I am patiently waiting to walk in obedience when God calls me to move along the path that he has already paved.

I am dwelling in the goodness that God sprinkles in every corner and crevice – conversations that speak life, reminders and revelations of his goodness and faithfulness, beauty in the seemingly ordinary.

I am listening for the gentle but powerful voice of The Lord.

I am striving to spread love the way He has always loved me.

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John 15:1-8

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”