Exodus

Well today has been crazy. It started with news of a divorce of a dear friend and mentor that caught everyone off guard. I was at a loss for words in prayer but knew that God was and is the only one who can carry everyone through this difficult time. I am impressed that my first thought was prayer. It reminds me of Moses experiencing the burning bush in the 3rd chapter of Exodus. God is ever present and He calls each of us to a specific mission and it is our challenge to say yes and follow.

Exodus 4:11-12 says this- "Then the Lord asks Moses, "Who makes a person's mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say." "
Wow! The power of God is amazing and He definitely puts things into perspective. He is in control of all things and we need to be more aware of that.

Exodus 14:13 provides comfort in these words- "..."Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today..." " As if the last verses didn't prove God's love, this surely does. God cares so much about us that He will work wonders in times of need. Looking back on the past few weeks, I can see this verse in action. When I was unhappy at my job, I asked the Lord to provide and was granted 4 job offers within a week. I just needed to turn the control to Him and He gave me immeasurably more than I could ever ask for. I have accepted TWO new jobs that will be very low stress!! I accepted the second job TODAY actually at Starbucks. I have met half of my new coworkers and all are very fun and laid back and have created a very positive work environment. Praise the Lord! He knew exactly what I needed. I cannot wait to start next week and see how God uses me.

Exodus 15 shares a song of deliverance and there are a few key verses for me.
1- "...I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously..."
2- "The Lord is my strength and my song; He has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him..."
13- "With your unfailing love you lead the people...In your might, you guide them..."
I don't think that there needs any explanation for any of these verses. I think that anyone can find examples in their life in which these verses apply to as well. But to God be the glory. All praise belongs to him. All things happen through Him.

Exodus 23 provides more words of comfort. "I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions..." (20-21). God really is looking out for us. The challenge is trusting God in all circumstances and knowing that He will provide. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

I challenge myself (and you) to be more aware of God in all situations and letting God be in control. I am a control freak myself so I know that it is not easy to just sit back and wait. But God uses patience as a test of our faith and see if we really trust Him.

In the love of Christ,
AW

Genesis

In the beginning, I am going over all of the necessary background info that this new adventure goes off of. And so it begins through my loving God:

In November 2012, I followed God's call to leave the church I had grown up in and search for a new one that would deepen my relationship with Him. I am blessed beyond belief to have found my new church home at the first one I visited, Adventure Christian. I was immediately reconnected with an old friend who I hadn't talked to for 7 years. Over the past few 5 months, I have gotten to know a lot of awesome people who love Christ first. It is amazing to see true faith in action and lived out daily. God has provided me many great women to help me along this life journey. They are now my friends, second-moms, and sisters in Christ. Of them even had the honor to baptize me on January 6th. 

After working at my job for 2 years, I was very unhappy and stressed out. After hours talking with many of the women from church, I began praying about it constantly- asking God to lead me in the direction I was supposed to and to grant me patience in the waiting period. It is with great joy that I can say I have found a new job and start in one week. I got 4 job offers in one week- which is incredible considering how many people are unemployed. After a rough ending with my last job, I was distraught. These same women carried me through that day and helped me come to terms with it. I thank God that He got me out of that environment when He did though.

I've been working out with a trainer for 15 months now. I made really good progress for the first 6 months and have kind of been in a rut since. I'm lacking the motivation to get in the gym and kick some butt. I did run in the Louisville Triple Crown races and the Derby miniMarathon. I am absolutely insane for signing up. Without motivation to train, I didn't. Thank goodness God provided me the best support system on the day of that mini and it kept me going. My goal was to finish in under 3 hours- if I had to walk a little then so be it. Well, I finished in 2:47:05. Anyways back to where I was. The biggest thing holding me back is my diet and eating habits. As of May 19th, I started the Esselstyn diet- which is a no oil vegan diet. Holy cow! Most vegan foods have oil in them so what am I going to eat? And all the protein is in meat and dairy. Well, after reading a book explaining the diet and numerous grocery trips, I am taking on the challenge. It's definitely not going to be easy but here goes nothing.

I believe that about sums up the basis for this new adventure.

In the love of Christ,
Allison