For Such A Time As This...

Oh this unplugged session is teaching me much.  Just about an hour ago I got home from Roanoke, VA from the Extraordinary Women Conference.  My heart overflows with joy for what God is doing in this Jesus' Girl's life!

Oh, there've been days recently where I've pondered different circumstances in my life and then God gave me the answer this weekend.  I will never see Esther 4:14 the same again.  God said, "Alicia, these circumstances, places you've been, this is your assignment, this is your "For such a time as this."  Oh how I feel some days like I miss the mark terribly but this weekend He reminded me that He is God and He has a purpose for this season in my life!

Questions!  I've been asking God one question..WHY?  He replied!  He reminded me to keep going, to keep pushing forward in His name, to do it HIS way and not mine.  He who hung the very stars into place, chose to speak ever so clearly to my heart this weekend.  I've got work to do!  He's my everything.   He's the reason I wake every morning to glorify and honor His great Name!

Ann Voskamp spoke.  I was prepared for what God had to say to me through the message He gave her.

Seeing from a different point of view...unplugged day I have no idea!s

When I decided to unplug this time I didn't know what to expect.  It's different than the last experience.  I'm seeing things differently.  For instance I work in he medical field and Everyday  I pass these water fountains on the way into work.  I've noticed their beauty more recently and how they seem to burst forth with life!  The thought of actually packing a picnic lunch next summer and going and having lunch by the fountains has crossed my mind!!!

I'm having conversations with people and when you listen you actually hear.  Imagine that great concept.  Over the past two weeks I've heard stuff that has made me laugh, broken my heart and made me just simply say wow!  My eyes are more focused on truly seeing God's beauty around me! 

So I challenge you to unplug..you never know what you might see and hear!!

Drawing near,
Alicia

Unplugged Day 3

When you let God speak you never know what He will say!!!  I sat down with a friend of mine over breakfast.  We discussed many things including ways to improve at my job.  I always have fun with her because she is funny and I learn something from her almost everyday.

We left the cafeteria and went about our work day!!!   We had a mtg and then got back to work.  We walked in the office to this smell.  It wasn't nice ,but we couldn't figure out what it was.  Somebody decided to try and cover up the stitch and that made it worse..our eyes burned and it kind of left us in a fog...

Kind of like that stench we use different sprays to cover up the stench of our sin.  Here are just a couple:

1.  The spray of busyness.  Hold down the nozzle to create a fog of excuses as to why we don't read God's Word and spend time with him.  Warning:  choking might occur from conviction of  too much time on Facebook, running yourself ragged, and not being tuned into the sweet smelling savor of Jesus!

2.  The spray of disception:  hold down the nozzle and turn around in a circular fashion 3 times and click your heels together all while saying to yourself I can do it tomorrow.  This  spray adorned with a bright glittery can will temporarily aid you in covering up the lies of deception such as I can go to.  Church tomorrow, tell somebody about Jesus tomorrow, etc.Warning:  addiction possible, use with extreme caution.  You are not promised tomorrow.

Just like the awful spray at work, our sin  can't be covered up.  Jesus sees and knows it all.  It still stinks to God no matter  how we try to cover it up.  The only thing to truly take away our sin is the precious atoning blood of Jesus!!!

What sprays do you use????!!!!!

Drawing near
Alicia

Unplugged Day 2...Be Still and Know..

When you take a sabbatical from Facebook to get closer to God the devil knows too.  Trust me, he reared his ugly head multiple times yesterday.  I ended the day confused, frustrated, and exhausted.  The devil had a hay day with me yesterday.  

I heard God whisper on the way to work "Be Still and Know that I am God."  Well, yours truly decided to keep listening to music.  What did He have to say to me?  Well, whatever it was I missed it.  If you know me much at all you know it's hard for me to be still much less be quiet for any amount of time.  I"m a people person who loves people and I like to talk. ..No feedback from the peanut gallery!!!!!

He extends the invitation ....Draw near and Be Still and know that I am God.  He evidently has something to say to me so instead of music this morning there'll be  a quiet car.  He's God and I am not.  In the midst of my crazy home life, work life, church life I am a person who needs rest too.  I"ve heard that much from God.

Rest, something we all need but this Jesus loving girl is in neeed of much rest .   You see it's been a moon or two since I"ve gone to a Wednesday nnight service.  So, I'm praying about how to make that happen close to where I work.. Please pray with me about that.

Unplugging can be so refreshing!  I don't miss the unkind things people say to each other, I don't miss the political stuff...It's technically day 3 and it's easier!  A friend of mine from church is tryng it with me.  She's having a tough time but for every time she looks at facebook she's memorizing a scripture!  That's not bad either!  Hiding God's word in our hearts!  Ahhh!!!!

Your prayers are appreciated for me this day as I work and journey on getting closer to Jesus each and every day unplugged!

***P.S.  Please comment here on the blog because I can't see what you guys are saying on FB for  27 more days!!!!!!  

Drawing Near,

Alicia

Day 1..A verse for this journey

I had been searching for a verse for this journey and couldn't find one until I read this morning's devotion.  Here is what God gave me for the verse:  James 4:8a.  "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
What will God say to me these days?  I"m not sure but He's started off with an invitation to simply draw near to Him.

Just yesterday I attended a church where the pastor presented his congregation with some questions.  He asked them about what kind of Christian they were and could the world see Jesus in them.  Well on this journey I hope to hear from God about what kind of Christian I am, and how I can be the kind of Christian He wants me to be.  On fire for HIm, serving HIm, and renewing our relationship together.

During this journey there will be no facebook.  None.  I will post these blogs to facebook but you won't see me posting at all until about OCtober 12th when I'll be back to share more of what God has taught me.

Until then, enjoy the blog, photos, and verses that God gives me!!!

Drawing Near,
Alicia

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