Chapstick, Adventure, and a Birthday Beauty.

Hey, birthday girl =]

It all started in chapel. Then there were a few texts. Then there was the bone test. Then there was the lab partner switch. Then there was the traffic cone. Then there was the aqua golf escapade. Then there was the day we were both so terribly sick. Then there was life story night. Then there was a trip to the top of the world. Then there was the day we decided to turn on the Wicked soundtrack. Then there was the day I found out you had magical mind-reading powers (Macy's sweatshirt). Then there was the Bieber impression. Then there were car rides. Countless car rides. Then there were tears and conviction. Then there was change. Then there was separation. Then were was restoration. Then there was thankfulness and love. Then there were big decisions. Then there was a move. Then there was game nights. Then there was phone calls. Then there was humor and unstoppable laughter. Then there were road trips. Then there was growth. Then there was a wedding proposal. Then there was joy and excitement. Then there was planning and disappointment. Then there were dreams. Then there were adventures. Always adventures.

and then. There was a birthday.

And here we are =]

What a blessing you have been this past year. It makes me a little sad that saying "this past year" is quickly fading. One year ago will become two years ago, then three, then four. But man oh man, I am SO thankful for you. and the year you spent being 20. I will never, ever forget your 20th year.

I am the person I am today because of several reasons, but a major MAJOR role was played by YOU. You lived out your passion, friend. You mentored, coming beneath an insecure, hurting girl to begin lifting her back onto her feet.

You are brave. and oh so strong. Your courage astounds me. Thank you for being so very true to yourself, not allowing compromises, standing firm and confidently in who God has made you to be.

I know that we are slowly coming to the end of a beautiful season. There is that looming inevitability of things changing greatly. And it's going to be so SO beautiful. Nursing school and a beautiful magnificent wedding. And so, my greatest hope and prayer in these next few months is that your love would abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. That you would sink deep into the knowledge that you are so perfectly loved and the plan God has for your future is without flaw. Let's not hesitate to be adventurous these next few months, ok? Even if the definition of adventure is lazy afternoons, eating buttery popcorn and laughing while watching Lizzie McGuire.

This year, my beautiful friend, I wish you an endless supply of Chapstick, Sleeping Beauty dreams, sparkling surprises, flawless appointments, butterflies in your stomach, time to rest, sunshine on the tip of your nose, sour punch straws, and a breathtaking spread of color on your wings.

There is an episode of One Tree Hill where Peyton is making a video for her precious unborn baby.
"A best friend. OK this one is so important, choose wisely ok? I got really lucky with mine. My best friend is funny, intelligent, creative, beautiful, successful, and very kind. She's also impulsive, frustrating, complicated... but i would not have her any other way. And the best part about Brooke Davis is that she always puts her friends first. So, if you are ever in any kind of trouble now you know who to call."

Replace Brooke Davis with YOU, sweet girl... and you've got my sentiments exactly. What a treasure you are to me.

The birthday is yours, friend. But the gift is all mine :)

I LOVE you!
~Alyssa =]

Out of the mouth the heart speaks.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, “Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

I got a phone call the other day. From one of my favorite 10 year olds on the whole planet. I miss him. He makes my heart so happy, and fills my life with so much joy.

My sweet little friend told me he recently began taking time to read the Bible "very seriously." He wanted to really allow God to speak to Him. I told him to write down his thoughts as he studies. Well this afternoon, I got another call. and he read me his notes. I asked if I could share them on the blog and his response was "um. I don't even know what a blog is... so sure!" hahaha. So great. I think it would be wise for us to listen to Jesus speaking through this little man.

He was reading Isaiah 1, and these are his exact words from the journal.

"If you do not believe in Jesus, your whole head will hurt. That means your soul is not right with God, and so your whole heart is sick. That means your heart doesn't have Him inside. But if you believe in Him, then your heart has Him inside. The ox and the donkey know their owner. That means the ox knows man is its owner. The donkey knows man is its owner too. That means we have to know who is our owner. God is! So we have to follow God like the ox and the donkey follow their owner. We can follow good or evil. God says, "Come this way." and the devil says, "I will lead you down a really cool path." But God says, "I am going to lead you down a path of righteousness." God is calling, but so is Satan. So if Satan is bothering you, just say "I am GOD'S child, not YOUR'S!" You can go sing a worship song or pray. Life with God means living with Him forever and ever in Heaven."

Wisdom of a child whose heart is so beautifully in tune with the Holy Spirit. I can tell you this, Isaiah 1 is not the easiest passage in the world. But his gentle eager yearning to know God more allowed Him to glean truth. He teaches me so much.

It is that simple – daily we have to make a choice – to choose good or evil…from the words we say, to the things we do, to the books we read, the TV shows we watch, the music we listen to, how we treat our family and friends, strangers and anyone we meet, the little ways we compromise and believe we are not sinning against God or those we love.

And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:2-6

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

I sure can't wait to keep learning from the children God has placed in my life. What a huge privilege it is to hear the heart of God exiting their lips.

You are loved,
Lyss

I am aware.

Almost a year ago, my eyes were opened to the horror of human trafficking.

I virtually stepped into a world with pain, suffering, loss, tragedy, sorrow, and anguish.

I will never be able to pretend that I don't know.

Little by little God ensures that I will never, ever forget.

I am aware.

I am aware of how short human time is on earth.

I am aware of how important it is to seek the Way, the Truth, the Life with every breath I take.

I am aware of the danger that young girls and boys are facing every single second.

I am aware that many will be taken advantage of today, tomorrow, and the next day.

I am aware that many will remain living on the streets and never feel the safety I do every single day within a home.

I am aware that millions of children in America are watching/reading/seeing things that are teaching them that it's cool and acceptable to focus on "self", to desire things they are not prepared to handle.

I am aware that the commercialized representation of love is skewed.

I am aware.

I am aware that many claim the name of Christ, yet are not truly walking in the ways of the Master.

I am aware that many are so broken they believe the lie that Jesus couldn't possibly love them.

I am aware that many are deceived by the falsehoods this world whispers into ears.

I am aware that I need to be the voice for the voiceless.
I am aware that I need to be a voice of truth in this lost and dying world.

I am aware.

I am aware that there is absolutely nothing I can do that is worthy of praise. All glory belongs to God.

I am aware that God is LOVE, and He desires to rescue and redeem.

I am aware that my days are numbered. Tomorrow is not promised. Yesterday is gone.

So what will I do with today?

Because I am aware, my eyes and my voice are daily lifted up to the God of the Universe on behalf of those living in slavery. I am reliant on the Word of God to bring peace to my soul. God is God, even when I don't understand the chaos and pain of this world. His control is perfect and without fault. I have seen His power move and shake in my life and in the lives of those I love. I've seen His love soften the hardest of hearts. I have seen His mercy and grace. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is love. I know He desires to see His children come home. I know the gate is narrow, and few will enter it.

I am aware.

That all fall short of the glory of God. That without faith it is impossible to please Him. That through our trials and suffering, we are to pray without ceasing, and rejoice in Him and all that He has done for us.

I am aware.

That there is an ever-present magnificent HOPE for those living in bondage.

That with God anything is possible.

That my joy, peace, and hope of a future for these girls will remain full and steadfast because of Him.

That I will continue to seek after the heart of God on their behalf.

That I will place complete trust in Him no matter what.

That I will obey Him. Even when His calling seems to go against the grain and our cultural norms.

That I will do my best to lay down every care and every burden that I attempt to carry on my own.

I am aware.

That my life is a living testimony of the glory of God. That without Him my story would be completely without purpose. That my purpose is to shine His light so bright and fill this life with His love more and more each day. That I am accountable to a Holy and righteous God who is not asking me to change the world on my own- but to watch Him and glorify Him as He changes it through His Word and His children by His grace. I am aware that I am so desperate for Him. My need for Him grows more and more.

I am aware.

Are you?

You are deeply loved,
Alyssa

I Surrender.

There is generally always some type of music wafting through the speakers in the car. Sometimes it's VeggieTales, sometimes it's Toy Story, and sometimes it's Jesus Culture. More often than not, I find myself singing along with Chris Quilala or Kim Walker. And the general refrain from the boys is, "LYSSA!! STOP!!" or "WHY do we listen to the SAME song over and over again?!" And my answer is generally something like "Because I love praising Jesus."

SO. Today. Today was a really, really beautiful day. I sat in the car with the three handsome red heads and found myself singing along once again to some of my favorite lyrics. "All to You, I surrender. I yield my heart, my whole life. To You and You alone. All I am. All my love. Only You have all I need. Only You can satisfy." And as I sang along, my ears began to hear the most beautiful, precious sound. The boys. Singing.

Softly and sweetly, the four year old hummed through his closed lips, while the older two lifted up words of truth.

"There is no love sweeter than the love Your pour on me.
There is no song sweeter than the song You sing to me.
There is no place that I would rather be.
Than here at Your feet, laying down everything.
All to You, I surrender. Everything, every part of me.
All to you, I surrender. All of my dreams, all of me."

I have no idea if they even realized they were singing. But, I can tell you one thing for sure. It was one of the sweetest sounds in all the earth. Needless to say, my eyes welled up with tears and I found myself driving around in circles for fifteen minutes or so just so it didn't have to end. My voice melted with theirs, and it created a melody of praise and a chorus of hope. I finally realized it was time to go home, and we pulled in the driveway. Doors were unlocked, boys piled out, ready to tackle homework. I helped them in a kind of daze, just thankful. Oh so thankful. I found myself just wanting to just be before the Lord. I just wanted to soak in His presence, without hindrance or distraction.

So I did.

... and I sure do love how Jesus speaks in the quiet. He speaks in the crazy chaotic, too. But it's such a sweet, gentle sound in the stillness. and I love it.

The waves will come crashing in. The wind will howl and blow. The thunder will roll and the lightening will fill the sky. The fog will cover the land. The brisk air will usher in this new season, ready or not. Trees will become bare. Golden light will fill the morning, and dark skies will fill the night.

I watched and listened today, stopping to think upon His goodness and grace.

I was still. So very still.

... and Jesus was right there with me. What a HUGE comfort that is to my soul.

He cares for my every need. He sees me. He hears me. He knows me. He loves me.

I am grateful beyond words for who He is, and how much He desires to draw me closer to Himself. I am thankful that the storms come and go, but He never leaves my side. He carries me and lifts me up out of the storms- always in His right time, and in the perfect way.

Me heart cries out, and He answers. My mind races trying to make sense of it all, but He quiets my thoughts and brings them back to Him.

My body aches, and sleep escapes me, but He strengthens me by His grace and sustains me the next day.

I am holding tight to the promises of God, as He is always faithful to fulfill them. I wait on Him, knowing that when His plan is revealed it will be the most perfect timing. I seek Him, and He always shows me where to find Him. In places and ways I never thought to look. I seek His face, and He shows me His heart.

Stillness. Songs of praise are filling my mind, my soul, my heart.

No matter how big the trial, how hard this life may seem, I will praise Him. He is worthy of ALL praise and glory.

His peace overwhelms me, and joy overflows in me, and love overcomes me.

Stillness. Sitting in His presence. Peace is restored. Joy is restored.

I love having my soul washed and my mind renewed by the power of the God's Words of truth. All because He humbly took the nails in His hands and feet for me. A sinner, who fought against Him, walked my own way, looked for help in the wrong places, disobeyed Him, exhibited ugly pride... and the list goes on.

Yet, He chose to pour His grace out on my life. He granted mercy. Such a gift. Offered without any payment due. Hope restored.

He is my portion. All I need.

Father, I am listening, speak to me and show me all that You have for me to do and learn from this season ahead of me. Grant me wisdom to ensure You receive all the glory and honor and the grace to walk each step You set before me. Help me to speak words of life. Help me to shower those around me with Your mercy, grace, peace, joy, hope and love. Father, I trust in You alone. I believe in You alone. I humble myself before You knowing how desperately I need You. Be my all in all in every way and situation. Thank You Jesus. Thank You. Thank You for helping me to desire Your ways more and more each day. Thank You for helping me to seek things of eternal value. Thank You for keeping me on the path of righteousness. Thank You for choosing to restore my life and not allowing me to have what I wanted, my way. Thank You. Jesus, thank You! It is in Your most holy name I pray. I love you.


"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10.

Hushed and humbled to be walking by faith in His amazing Grace.

You are loved,
Lyss

We are not Forsaken.

I've decided that one of the most tempting aspects of being the creature and not the Creator is that the fact that I'm not omniscient. I can't see into the thoughts of my dearest friends and family. I don't know the end from the beginning. I don't know how the present trial will work together for my good. I just... don't know. All I can do is look back and, in the words of John Piper, "contemplate the growing reservoir of past grace that has flowed through our lives, something we can clearly contemplate as we struggle with believing more grace will come in the future."

The unknown can be a scary place. A really scary place. God, in His divine power, has chosen to expose me to a myriad of trials. They've come in many forms, yet in every single one my amazing God has ordained a way of escape. I will never EVER be able to point at anything in my life and say, "Here is evidence that the Lord will forsake me this time." The entire song of my life proves the exact opposite. Instead, I am able to fight from a place of humble victory... knowing that God has already won the battle. I will never justifiably be able to stand under a shadow of doubt wondering if God is good. He is always, always good. His lovingkindness is marvelous. My God has never left me. Ever. I have had dark nights, but His ever present beautiful light has shined upon the blackness. I have found myself in the middle of ruthless conflicts, but over my head He has held the shield of truth and hope. I have gone through many trials, but never to my detriment, always to my advantage. He has been with me in one trial, He will not forsake me in the second and third. What I have known of my faithful God proves that He will keep me, mold me, carry me to the end.

I watched this video today, and just cried through the whole thing. I echo her words... words of hope, and of truth. My heart is so at the exact same place. I've been listening to her song on repeat the last couple of days.



My desire is to emulate the the open dialogue that David kept with the Lord, especially through trials and tribulation.

We serve a mighty, gracious, miraculous God.

Because of the cross, I do know one thing: I am not forsaken.

and neither are you.

Hallelujah,
Lyss

A Lesson from a Bummer Day.

It turned out to be a really bummer day. Gross head cold which left me only slightly thinking straight, I didn't get a job that I really REALLY was hoping for, and there has been an ever present nagging anxiety in my heart for a couple days that I haven't been able to shake.

YUCK.

It's been one of those days where I found myself berating the boys for berating each other. Such a saddening thing. In trying to teach them how to treat each other, I found myself modeling for them how not to treat each other. And for as much as I've been frustrated with their lack of tenderness for each other, I was so disappointed today when I realized my lack of tenderness towards them.

It was hard for me to swallow. I hate seeing my sin playing a part in someone else's actions. So what do I do about it??

I could continue to keep my eyes fixed on the sin and the struggle, continue to cling to the excuse that "I was just really tired" and "didn't feel good at all."

But nothing will ever change.

I serve the same God that Moses served. The same God that David and Daniel served.

Do I remember that??

If I keep my eyes fixed on the uncrossable sea, the giant in front of me, or the lions on my heels, I will never have victory.

I want to raise my hands like David and claim, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands!" 1 Samuel 17:47.

But more than that, I want to believe it. trust it.

I am loved. I am blessed. and I can do all things through Christ.

I want to live this and breathe this into my family. my friends. the children.

Praying that every interaction would be God-breathed.

I believe that He has beautiful things in store. For His glory, and my good.

Love,
Lyss

"For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust." ~Psalm 71:5

A New Posture.

"Direct my footsteps according to your word.
Let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me…that I may obey your precepts.
Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. "
~ Psalm 119:133-135

Let no sin rule over me. This has been the ever-present refrain in my heart the last few weeks. In so many ways, it's become the song of my life :) I love that God is so graciously calling me to a deep rooted place of humility. As I nanny. As I study. As I love my family and friends. As I prepare for a move, and an exciting new season. As I write. As I speak.

He is molding and changing my mindset. That everything I do would be a deep reflection of HIM and not me. That as I bake, write, and create, my mind would be constantly singing His praises for the abilities and talents He has bestowed on me.

How much more joy is stirred up within me when I write, create, or speak while praying that He would bless the work of my hands- that it would bring glory to Him alone!

I am thankful that God is developing a meekness in me. Not an inability to accept a compliment, but rather the ability and heart to give that compliment whole-heartedly right back to Him. To take that praise and lay it at the feet of Jesus.

For He alone is the One who saved my soul, and allows me to breathe a new breath each day, each second.

Oh, that my mind and heart would be become like the meek man that Tozer speaks of: one "who cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has decided that the esteem of the world isn't worth the effort."

You are loved,
Lyss