Changing the way we think......

I use to see people standing on the side of the road holding their cardboard signs and I would think "it's their own fault, there are plenty of resources to help them" But then one day God got a hold of my heart, and I suddenly thought "what if they really don't know about the resources available to them?!" I felt embarrassed that I had just been assuming and judging, I was not acting as a Christian should. Now I understand some people are aware and just want a free hand out, but is it fair to punish and judge everyone standing on the side of the road because of something a few others do? The next time I saw a gentleman standing on the side of the road I bought him some water and bananas, he was shocked and so appreciative! I felt so guilty that I had been saying such unkind things, what a wake up call it was for me! What if we all made up little brochures with information about resources for the homeless and handed them out with enough change for a pay phone, some water and fresh fruit? What a difference we could make with one simple act of kindness!

God Bless, Allicen

Getting closer to God

The beginning of this week, I was so exhausted, I was drained emotionally and very irritable. I felt overwhelmed with house work, even though I started cleaning when I got up between 6-7am and continued until bedtime I felt like I was accomplishing NOTHING! The kids moods and attitudes were sour and whiny most of the time and I was constantly losing my patience with them. On Tuesday, I just couldn't do it anymore I felt like I was falling apart, I just started crying to God, and then for the first time I just really waited and listened for his response. He had a question for me, why do you spend more time cleaning your house than you spend with me? That's when I realized my priorities needed to be changed. I took the entire day off from house work and worry, the only thing I did was spend time reading and listening to his word, praying and spending time with my children, I have now been doing this for 3 days and it has been AMAZING! I finally decided to live by the conviction to only wear skirts and dresses(which I had been ignoring for a few years) and after a lot of reading and prayer I am now also covering my head. I have never felt better! I feel free, like the world has been taken from my shoulders! I have patience with my children again, and they are in good spirits again! And you want to know the funny thing? I am spending a lot more time with the Lord than I spend on house work but my house is actually cleaner :) I cannot wait to draw closer to him still and see what his plans are for my life! 

following my convictions.....

I am having a hard time following my convictions, particularly the one about my clothing. I have been feeling convicted for quit a while to start wearing all skirts and dresses, but have yet to do it. when it comes to my dress my first thought is always what will others think of me? do I look attractive? Those are things that I learned to think as a child by watching my Mom. I don't know why it is so hard for me to let these things go! It's just clothing! I feel ashamed for struggling with something so silly! I am really delving into the Bible and Prayer, seeking strength and wisdom. I think it would help if I could surround myself with other truly supportive Christians, but have no one near me. Well I guess that's it for now!

                               Your's Truly,  Allicen.