I am sitting here, late at night, writing to you guys because I feel something has been laid on my heart. As I sat in bed, reading the book "Enough" recently published by Grace Valentine, I could not help but feel convicted. So, I am going to be completely honest with you all because I haven't been for a long time. I mess up, and truth be told, I listen to the lies of the enemy more times than I would like to admit. One reason for not being active on my blog anymore is because I don't feel qualified. And though I have heard time and time again, "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called." I STILL listen to the thought planted by the devil. I didn't feel right getting on this page acting as though I have everything together and figured out, when in fact, it is the complete opposite. I have the same questions you guys have. I'm struggling with the same problems you guys are. And I don't know how I am supposed to make others feel content with their situations when I don't feel content with mine.
Grace Valentine writes about a girl who has made mistakes. On the opposite side of those mistakes are judgmental peers. And I feel convicted because I haven't been the girl I want to be, or maybe even sometimes portray myself to be. I've made mistakes, yes, but I have also been judge-mental. A place reserved only for Christ. I have overheard people talking in the hallways, and there is judgement everywhere. If there is any guarantee in life, it's that there is always someone watching, waiting for you to make a mistake. But you see, there is a difference in holding someone accountable, and passing judgement I have learned. When you you belittle, blame, and call other Christians bad names... you no longer have the best interest of your fellow brother or sister in heart. Calling someone you hardly even interact with a "hypocrite" for her mistakes is not called accountability, its called judgement. And its a sin. And we have all been on both sides of sin, so I challenge you to approach your peers with respect and love. Be a safe haven. I don't wanna go into the New Year with the same faults and habits. I want to be a body of Christ. The hands and feet of Him. Vy doing so, I will no longer allow the devil to have a foothold over me. I will no longer let the demons diminish my thoughts. I have learned we must know WHOSE we are. Help me by taking this step with me. 2019 will be my strongest year yet because I have some changes I intend to make. I am working on myself, for myself. Feel free to message me, dm me, call me, text me, snap me, etc. I am always here to listen. Judgement free zone. Love you all, always...ALI
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1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. School starts back next week. The most dreaded part of every student’s year. I wanted to pop in and remind every student, no matter if you’re in high-school, middle school, or even college, please remember... YOU ARE A LIGHT. You are a light in your school, your friendships, your relationships, your household, etc. People are watching you and observing the choices you make. With every choice and decision you make, you’re making a reputation for yourself. Whether that reputation is good or bad, you live with it. Many young people who want to please the Lord get discouraged because they don’t really know their purpose yet and don’t know how they can help out. I believe that you have the greatest platform out of everyone. You have the opportunity to witness to your friends and your classmates. So remember, when you step into the school building next week, you are stepping into an opportunity. You are stepping into a mission field. Set a good example to your peers. Use every opportunity provided because you never know who God has sent your way. Good luck and so much love, Ali b 💞 Hello, blog readers!!! It’s been a hot minute since I last posted on here, and if I am being honest, it’s been a while since I just sat down to write for fun. Life has been busy and I haven’t really felt led to sit and write. I think the last time I posted on here was at the beginning of the year?!!??? 7 months later and a whole lot has changed. Seven months ago, I was a nervous/excited 14 year old, about to walk into a new school with new people and a fresh start. I had no idea what I would be walking into, or how I would adapt. God literally took control of the situation completely, and every door has opened right up ever since. People tend to say, “THRIVING 🤩🤩🤩” quite often. I never understood the true meaning of that until lately. I can now say that I am “THRIVING”, as they all say. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people placed in my life. 7 months ago, as I entered the new year, I had no idea how much I would grow and mature as a person. I didn’t realize that 2018 would be the BEST YEAR YET. I had high hopes for this year, but I didn’t know. I didn’t know this year would be the year of peace and blessings. A year to grow as a person and find who I am. A year to listen to the Lord. And definitely a year to learn to LEAN ON THE LORD. This past month, I have been praying and preparing my heart for Motion Conference (which happens Thursday the 26th. not sure when ill get this post up, but it should be before Motion.) Anyway, as I have been in prayer, I really felt a tug at my heart to get back into writing on this blog!!!! A friend recently asked, “what happened to your blogs?” And as soon as she asked me that, I knew that I had to start back up again. I knew because I had already been feeling like I should start writing again and as soon as my friend asked about it, it was like the Lord speaking through her and that gave me all the reassurance I needed. So, I hope you look forward to the posts that follow this one and hope you keep up with my blogging. Until next time, I hope you have a marvelous week.
HAPPY EASTER !!!!!!
Many of us put on our Easter best and race out that door in a timely manner, while your kids are more concerned with eating the candy from their Easter basket than they are if their shoes are on the right foot or not. You may feel overwhelmed and like you’re the only family that doesn’t have everything together, all while awaiting to hear the same message you hear every Easter service, each and every year. If that is you this morning, I encourage you to keep reading. Even if that is not you, racing in a timely manner to get to church, I still encourage you to keep reading. I feel like Christians are numb to the story of the resurrection because they have heard it so many times. For the ones who aren’t Christians, I get the feeling they are not sure about what to believe. Maybe they are confused. Maybe that is why you are reading this instead of going to church the morning, because you have doubts. Many of you know the story of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. You may already know that their was once a son sent down to take the fall of our sins, although He was flawless and undeserving of the punishment He received.You may already know He suffered death on the cross, bearing the weight of our sins. Therefore, we are forgiven. You may already know that He resurrected from the grave three days later. When told the story, it always goes that He arose on the third day, but have you ever wondered about what went on the second day? Have you ever thought about what went on when there was absolute silence? Jesus’ faithful followers were stricken with grief because the reality of Jesus dying had set in, but they had hope He would rise on the third day. With that being said, would you say you are on the second day? Are you barely holding on to God’s promise, but your head is filled with doubt? Are you stuck in the season of silence, awaiting to hear from God but just not hearing anything? You need to know the difference from silence and absence. Don’t mistaken God’s silence for absence. On that second day, God was silent but not absent. That is how He is with us, maybe silent now, but NOT absent. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have sinned too many times for God and He has left you. He is still with you, though you may not feel Him. I can not prove to you that there is a God in the sky. I don’t believe in God because someone has proven the existence of God. I don’t believe in God because I was raised in church and my parents told me to believe in God. I believe in God because I have experienced the supernatural, first hand, in my life. I believe in God because I have seen Him move in my life and in others. If you are reading this and don’t feel like you have gotten to experience His presence, then I would strongly encourage attending worship services weekly and establishing a routine of prayer. Wherever you feel comfortable doing this is where you should do it, but I find Daystar Church is the best place for me. My prayer for each reader is that you have encountered the spirit of God in some way this weekend and get the sense of joy and peace when told the story of the resurrection. I hope everyone had a relaxing spring beak and a wonderful Easter. So much love from ya gal, Ali. Until next time… 2017 was both the best and worst year of my life.
as we ring in the New Year, we like to think back on the friendships that were made, bonds that were formed, and memories that we reflect on. two thousand seventeen was a wonderful year for a number of people, but it was one of the toughest for others. spiritually, twenty-seventeen has been the best year of my life. this year i have grown as a person, and my relationship with Christ blossomed into a beautiful bond. the Lord has taught me to grow through what i go through, and because of that, it's caused me to lean of Jesus on my darkest days. i have learned the power of community transformation through the LOVE and POWER of Christ Jesus, thanks to my church. i have learned what a Godly woman is, thanks to my mom. i have learned what love looks like, thanks to Jesus. this year, I made a decision early on to be intentional with my relationship with God. Not just saying I'm a Christian, but acting on it. emotionally, this year has been a struggle. i haven't had much motivation to write these blogs, if im being honest. not because i don't love doing them, but because it's hard for me to spread positivity and speak life into anyone else, much less myself. it's been hard for me to write the truth, which I know, but make myself believe what I'm typing. i have faced many challenges, that I didn't expect twenty-seventeen to hold. but I know all of those challenges are shaping me into who i am in this moment, who I will be in a month, and who i will be years from now. i have experienced heartache, heartbreak, and loss. yet, i have also experienced peace, joy, and comfort. i have learned to be content, no matter what circumstance presented to me. i have had many milestones this year and have been so blessed with the people i have gotten to share them with. i believe i have been fortunate to experience life, what it has to offer, and love. in 2018, i want to be bold. I want to put myself out there, and risk failure, disappointment, etc. i hope to be a risk taker and put aside all fears. this life isn't meant to be insured, it's meant to be lived and enjoyed. i intend to put forth the effort into making 2018 my best year yet spiritually, mentally, and physically. I want to go deeper in faith, happier in life, and live a long, healthy life. i believe I'm on the road to achieving all of these things. i have many changes coming up in the year ahead of us. this past year, i have ridden the rollercoaster of life. i pray for many more adventures. i hope you receive the best year of your life. pray for that for you, me, and everyone else. HAPPY NEW YEAR! So much love. Ali. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV “Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, gave this message of the Lord to the people: “I am with you,” declares the Lord.” Haggai 1:13 NIV “May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22 NIV Hello, friends and family! I am sure we are all pretty excited for Christmas. It seems that it is kind of easy to lose sight for the reason of the season. JESUS!!! The most beautiful Savior was born, and He carried out the greatest sacrifice. This Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I will take time to reflect on my greatest blessing, Jesus, as I spend time with my family. I suggest that you all do the same, so that you may find joy and peace during this season. With the New Year vastly approaching, I have decided I will not have any "New Years Resolution", simply because I have a hard time sticking to those. Instead, I will have a proclamation to the Lord. My proclamation is that I will be steadfast for Him and have the most unwavering faith. I will love Him and others like never before. I will make twenty-eighteen the best year ever. I am excited to see what the new year holds for us all. Many blessings to you and your fam jam!! ;) Have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and the Happiest of Holidays!!!!! Xo. Ali <3 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:13-14 KJV What is holding you back from blossoming even more to a bold Christian disciple? For many they will tell you, their qualification. They don't feel that they have enough knowledge or wisdom of God.
I am here to tell you that you don't have to memorize every scripture from the Bible to be a disciple. You don't have to be a sinless person. You don't have to go to seminary school. You don't have to do any of these things to share the love of God to others. What you do have to be is washed by the blood of Christ Jesus. What you do have to be is forgiven. What you do have to have is the love for God. I believe it's upsetting when people think you have to act, look, and think a certain way to be a disciple. You may think you aren't qualified, but God calls you MORE than qualified because you are called by Him. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. And you are called, therefore He will qualify you. So, today, if you believe you honestly aren't qualified to be a follower of God, please know that is not true. Go now, and BE THE LIGHT OF GOD!!!!!! If you don't know Jesus, and you haven't accepted Him into your heart; fill out the contact form and allow me to pray over you. I will not do anything weird with your information. It will not even be given out. I simply want to pray over you and have you acknowledge that God is YOUR Lord and Savior. prayers and love to all! - ali brooke 💞 Instagram: aliburleson When I started thinking about what I wanted to talk about on my next blog post, worship popped into my head and onto my heart. Worshipping is where I feel the most connected with God.
It's when the world fades away, it's just God and me. It's when my problems disappear, it's just God and me. It's where the weight of the world is lifted off my back, it's just God and me. It's where I hear the Lord speak directly to me. It's where I am overwhelmed with joy and peace, and it's also where I am so happy. When asked why I worship, I answer with because He is worthy. He is worthy of the glory and the praise forever. Worshipping is more than a feeling you get when Hillsong plays your favorite song, it's an encounter with God. It's more than a song that lasts a moment. I want to live a life of worship. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for me. He shows compassion, grace, mercy, and love to me every single day. So, I could never praise him enough. I can never fully repay Him. But I will continue to give Him the glory. I will continue to lift His name because He is worthy. I realize this was a rather shorter post, but I felt it was an important one. As always, thank you for reading and you will all be in my thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come. Love to all, xoxo.
the battle within yourself.
something i have struggled with lately: a constant battle within myself. allow me to go further in depth and explain. see, i love to write on the blog about my relationship with God, but I don't have my stuff together. I struggle, daily. Of course, I know what His word tells and promises me, however; knowing and applying are two different things. the enemy wants to attack us in the worst spots and at the worst times. he knows exactly where to hit and make it hurt. i once read something important and very knowledgeable. they said, the enemy lies not in the outside world. it's not money, people, or opportunity that is holding you back. It's you. the devil will tell us things like, "you will never get out of debt. you are stuck and will only continue to sink further." "you aren't lovable. you will never find someone to spend the rest of your life with because no one loves you." Or maybe it's something more like what he tries to tell me. "you are too young to do the good works for the Lord. what can an adolescent do to further expand the Kingdom of God? Nothing." I KNOW that all of these are untrue. But when Satan tells us these things, self doubt creeps in. We can't help but doubt ourselves and where we really stand when we hear doubt creep into our mind; when i start to wonder if I'm too young to make a difference and be a disciple of God, I read myself this verse. "1 Timothy 4:12New International Version (NIV) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithand in purity." I love this verse because it diminishes the lies the devil tries to throw at me. this verse reminds me to set an example. now, i am not about to put out on the internet that i haven't said something I shouldn't of said or done something I should have done. i understand that as teenagers, we have children looking up to us, and i am sure i have failed them many times. by no means am i perfect, i don't always set a good example. not only do i fail people around me, but I fail Him daily. But because God's love was greater than my sin, I'm washed by the blood of Jesus. I know my Redeemer lives and I do not have to live in fear and doubt. I find my truth in God, and not in what the lies the enemy tells me. God shows me grace, love, and mercy EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. and for that, I am absolutely thankful and in awe of His goodness. Have a marvelous day, my dear friends. I love YOU. - xoxo, ali b. :-) Happy Saturday!! I have asked a precious friend to write a blog post on the blog today!! She has her own blog, and she is so talented. I will link her blog at the bottom. Thank you, Kaley. Recently in life I have come face to face with scripture. Scripture has come to meet me in the flesh. I’m sure you’re wondering what exactly I mean by this. Let’s roll back to about a month ago. I was at a church retreat with my small group from my church. The whole topic that weekend was about the Bible. I personally really enjoyed it. I find so much fascination in the bible for so many reasons. Its poetic words flow right from the paper. It’s the life of Jesus breathed into words. It’s the truest of true testimonies. It is the gospel! I think that some people relate the Bible to a history book in a way. Of course, it’s history, but the Bible is alive! Think of it like this: The Bible is like a text message where God is speaking to you in real time. The Lord has spoken, but He is still speaking life into the lives of others. The words of the Bible were written back then, but He is still speaking through them now. Back to the retreat- the first night we were just introduced to the topic. It was basically an introduction to the Bible- what it is (spiritually and historically speaking), how it’s organized, what it has to do with us, and how we should read it, and not only that you should read it, because it’s the Holy Word, but it is a huge factor in your relationship with God. At this point I felt like I was good on my game. I read the Bible. I study the word. I analyze the word. Sounds good? Well, little did I know that that weekend would be a game-changer for me. As we dug deeper into this topic of the Bible and how it’s applicable to our lives, I was convicted by the Lord. If you don’t have something when you need it, it becomes a big deal. That something is the Bible. The Bible is “the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17) The Bible is the mightiest, most powerful weapon above all that exists. The Bible provides protection of your faith and soul! The Lord calls us to his attention to be strong in His holy name. One of the coolest pieces of scripture lies in Ephesians called The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). Something I want to point out that God says hit close to home. He tells us that our struggles are not against anyone in the flesh, but the devil, the evil spirit himself (Ephesians 6:12). This is really kind of frightening, but if you continue to read on there is nothing but joy. He tells us that with the Armor of the Lord we can face fear in the face and hold our ground. You will face temptations where you need a sword. The word of God starts to fight on behalf of your relationship with Him. He has nothing but pure grace for you. He wants to nourish you with love, grace, and peace. So, if you’re in a sword situation and you don’t have one, it’s a problem. We must arm ourselves with the word of the Lord. Some verses in the Bible are seriously worth memorizing! When we start to study, learn, and understand things in the Bible and the Bible itself, it becomes the foundation of your life. It’s like you get to walk in this invisible bubble of God’s love for you! It’s so precious, so gracious. This is something I still struggle with and I’m still working on, but it continues to change my life every day. Big thank you to Ali for featuring me on the blog this week!! I hope that you have an amazing day and that you would walk in the Armor of God with confidence. Spread His love like wildfires. -xoxo Kaley Miller http://kaley-miller.weebly.com/ |
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