Word of the Week: Inventory

As 2017 closes:

I look back to evaluate the Connections of this year.

I look forward to what I hear God speaking for 2018.

And I look around to enjoy the present moment.

Eliana's bouncing curls as she laughs.

Raphael’s grunts and sweet new baby smell.

Daily chats with Spencer and Meesha.

Playing with our granddaughter,

snuggling with our newly born grandson,

reconnecting with our son and daughter-in-love.

Priceless precious moments.

Joy filled connections.

Treasures to ponder!

Life was good this past year,

life promises good for next year,

and life is good in this very moment!

This video is from 2015 and yet the three simple questions are timeless.

I pray that you can use them, as I have,

to take inventory on your year in preparation for 2018!

Word of the Week: Treasure

What do you treasure?

I’ve been thinking about this lately.

Have you ever wandered around a store looking for something to catch your eye? Maybe that's just me!

A few weeks ago I found a treasure box. I wasn't sure what to do with it. So of course I went back to the store and purchased a second one.

I began to use one treasure box to hold some note cards that have different names of God on them that I want to study. It made me think about what other things I treasure. So I started to make a list.

I treasure the word of God. I love quietly reading my Bible and making notes of the treasures I find within its pages.

I treasure jewelry. I have pieces that were handed down. Ones made by local designers. And things that my husband and children have gifted me...each item is priceless in my heart.

I treasure chatting with friends. As iron sharpens iron so one person sharpens another. I love gleaning wisdom and insight from the people in my life.

I treasure music. I love to listen to music and I love to sing it!

I treasure artistic creativity. Artwork in all of its forms amazing me. From jewelry designing to painting and drawing to spoken word, I love it all!

I treasure laughter. My granddaughter’s laughter fills my heart with joy!

I treasure books. I’ve spent many nights up way too late trying to finish one more chapter.

I treasure time spent in quiet. I truly value having extended times of peace and quiet in my day.

I treasure memories of special moments. With each year that passes I value my memories of events, time with family and friends, traveling with my husband. Making memories is one of my greatest treasures!

I can’t put all of those things in the second treasure box. But, I am gathering up some of my favorite things to give away!

Take a look at the video and follow along on Facebook and Instagram to search for clues that could lead to you be a winner of #AlidasTreasure!

Love Where God Lives

Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.

Psalm 26:8 NIV

Where does God live? As a believer He lives in you!

The church is not a building. The church is His people.

Embrace and love the places where His glory lives. Allow the Holy Spirit to have room in your heart. Let Him take over your life. You won’t regret a life lived wholeheartedly for Him.

Live with intention.

Live with vigilance.

Live with hope.

Live with peace.

Live with the knowledge that He lives in you!

I spent years wondering if I looked good enough, if I was smart enough, and if I was strong enough to serve Him. Years wasted being fearful, aimless, and filled with doubt.

I didn’t see myself the way God sees me. I knew He loved me but I didn’t always love me. So I questioned His love for me because I couldn’t see my own worth.

I grew up in the era where we sang hymns about being lowly and was taught not to think too highly of myself.

As I was studying Psalms earlier this year I saw this passage and it finally clicked that the house where God dwells is me!

I need to love how God designed me and utilize each one of the gifts and talents He gave me, all for His glory.

He equips His house, He fills His house, and He makes His house a home.

That is my deep desire for myself and for you! Let God move into His house full time. Not just on Sundays, not just when you feel good, but each and everyday!

And remember He is not just in you but He is in your brothers and sisters in Christ. Respect and love them too!

Value them as you value yourself in God. "Why gaze with envy at the mountain where God chooses to live," like it says in Psalms 68:16.

Encourage those living for Him. Champion them instead of comparing, competing, or criticizing.

May this be our prayer:

Precious Yahweh,

May we remember that we are Your dwelling place. We are Your sanctuary. You live in our praises. You make a home in our hearts. Our bodies are not our own but they are temples dedicated to reflecting Your glory. We trust You to equip us and empower us to serve You. May we begin today to live lives that are worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus. May we live to honor You. And may we love the house where Your glory dwells!

Amen.

Peace is a gift..

Let there be peace on earth.

Such a simple request.

The search for peace can lead people from country to country, to God or away from Him, from one partner to the next.

And yet, peace is a gift. Not the peace the world gives but true peace. (John 14:27). The night Hope was born Love took on flesh and brought Joy into the world to bring us Peace.

Peace comes from Christ. 

The power of stillness is found deep within the soul. Looking around causes confusion which leads us away from peace. Those concerns that cause anxiety and stress need to be turned over to Christ. Wholeheartedly and completely. No hanging on in hopes of trying to work it out yourself. Present your requests to God with thanksgiving and a peace that transcends all understanding is promised to you. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Let go of striving and experience His peace this Christmas!

7 Sparks to Uncover the Treasure Within

Each year during the month of November I give thanks for one thing each day. I write it on a leaf and tie it to a little tree I have in my living room.

I was looking through old photos and found this one from last year.

"uncovering dormant gifts"

I am so grateful to be singing and writing again. The poetry writing that I used to do in my journal as a teen has turned into songwriting as an adult. And singing in the choir has turned into being the worship leader at my church. Listening to the struggles of my friends has turned into counseling victims of abuse and exploitation.

Are there some gifts of yours that you have let hibernate for awhile? Maybe some that you never took the time to let fully develop? It's not too late to start living out your passion. It's always the right time to begin doing what God designed you to do! Here are 7 sparks to help you find your way back to those gifts and talents that you've put on the back burner:

1. Journal your prayers and thoughts daily.

2. Make a list of what you wish you had time to do.

3. Think about what you were doing the last time you lost track of time.

4. Remember the dreams you had as a child. 

5. Ask a close friend or your spouse what they think you should be doing.

6. Make a daily gratitude list.

7. Take some time away from your daily routine and gain some perspective on your life.

Whether it's decorating cakes, leading a Bible Study, or reading to a group of children, we all have skills that can be used to bring Him glory!