Freedom.

Luke 7:36-56

This was such an awesome text for me and God revealed so much to me through it. 

Just to brief you, one of the Pharisees had invited Jesus over for dinner. A sinful woman heard about Him being there and she went there with her alabaster box of perfume. She came in and she was pouring out to Jesus. She was so desperate for a renewal and refreshing. She was at Jesus' feet crying, wiping her tears off with HER HAIR. (She wasn't worried about being cute, she wasn't worried about a fresh flat iron or curls falling.)  She poured her good perfume on His feet. To me that showed surrender. That showed that she was willing to give Him her all and show Him just how serious she was!  When the Pharisee that invited Jesus over to dinner saw this, he was trying to figure out how he was letting this "sinful woman" be all over Him like that.  (Verse 39) The awesome thing about what happened after that showed me that you don't always have to fight your battles. He will intervene for you. You don't have to prove yourself to people looking on the outside. When everyone else writes you off, He comes in and intercedes and comes to your rescue! He shows His power! Let Him fight your battles. Just keep on pressing into Him! Keep on worshipping with all you got! Keep giving your all and watch HIM elevate you, heal you, free you, love you like no other in spite of! 

Jesus gave Simon a straightening. He basically told him that from the moment that woman came to Him, she was showing how desperate she was. She had been at His feet crying and pouring out to Him. She was giving her all. She honored Him. She kissed His feet and poured her perfume on Him. He was like ummmm you didn't do any of that. Jesus gave Simon a good reminder that He came into HIS house on HIS invitation, and he didn't even greet Him that way. 

People will try to bring up all your bad when you're trying to do good! When you're trying to push through and get past all the old things, people will try to remind you and others of WHAT YOU USED TO DO! They will see all your wrong, but won't even be sweeping up their own mess. Don't worry about who's spectating. Stop worrying about and being ashamed of your past. Stop being ashamed of your process. Don't worry about who knows what because if you go to Jesus and sincerely repent and turn away from the old things, YOU ARE FORGIVEN AND FREE!  Don't let people keep you in bondage just because they have a problem with LETTING GO! Honey if you want to keep replaying my past, know it's just that, MY PAST! I'm stepping into something new. Every human is flawed in one way or another. There's NO EXCEPTION. 

JESUS told her "your sins are forgiven." (Verse 48) Then he told her "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." I love how he told her to "go in peace" because He knew there were still going to be people talking. There were still going to be people trying to downtalk, downplay, and discredit her encounter with Him. There were still going to be people that couldn't accept her moving forward. There were going to be times where people and things tried to get her to feel bad about her past. BUT NO! When JESUS freed her, that was it. All that mess was forgiven and she was no longer in bondage. That old person was no longer her. I can't say this enough, DON'T LET PEOPLE KEEP YOU BOUND! Don't let your negative thoughts keep you bound. Rejoice over your past. You know why? Because your past is OVER! 

Instead of feeling bad about the things you've done, say thank you Jesus for opening my eyes and allowing me to see that what I was doing was hindering me and not helping me. Thank You Jesus for loving me unconditionally and seeing how bad I wanted to be free. 

He sees your heart. Even if nobody else sees when you're in your quiet time praying and crying and speaking over your life, He does. When you put your faith into action, He will show up and do His part. 

It doesn't matter if it was just yesterday that you were doing something you know you had no business, if you want that true change, GO TO HIM! Even if the people who you were doing it with try to say "weren't you just out here last night doing such and such with me?" Again, DON'T LET PEOPLE KEEP YOU BOUND!!! Yes it's going to take consistency and dedication, but when you want it, YOU GO GET IT!!! 

I pray that these scriptures encourage you. Let this woman and Jesus' encounter help you to realize that at the end of the day, He sees the heart! Even if not a single soul on this Earth ever believe you're genuine, keep pressing into Him! Keep going to Him with all you have and know that He will meet you right where you are. 

I encourage you to read the text for yourself. The word is so awesome. Let Him take you deeper and give you wisdom and understanding that no man can! 

Get free and stay free. 

Who the son sets free, HE IS FREE INDEED! 

Reminder.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Don't Stop!

Don't stop now. Don't stop fighting now. I know you're overwhelmed. I know you're burned out. I know you're tired. I know it's hard to find that inner motivation at times. I know you're working your butt off and trying to do things the right way. I know you're wondering WHEN? HOW? WHY? I know it seems like nobody truly understands. I know it's seems like you just can't catch a break. I know it's seems like the people that purposely pursue wrong are on the come up. I know it seems like things work out so flawlessly for others. I know it seems like you just always end up getting the short end of the stick. I know you desire more. I know you desire better. I know you want things to just FINALLY WORK OUT! 

Listen. I hear you. I feel you. I get it! BUT! Please don't give up. Please don't keep looking around and comparing because you probably wouldn't want "that" if you knew the real story behind it. Please don't let the words of the enemy's negativity linger. Please don't stop trusting. Stand firm! Lift your head back up! Decide that no matter what it looks like, you're going to KEEP GOING! Remember that God is greater than whatever it is. Remember that there are lessons to be learned. Remember that God can't prune you and build you if you aren't willing to grow and push through the less than ideal situations. This test that you're encountering right now HAS TO BE PASSED! You have to get through this stage to get promoted to the next. 

I know it seems rough right now. Heck, God knows it IS rough, but as long as you're still breathing, please know IT'S NOT OVER! 

So again, keep going! Keep praying! Keep praising. Yes right here in the midst of it all! 

You are more than a conqueror and where you are weak, HE IS STRONG! 

 

 

 

We Need You.

It's not always easy to continue pushing. It's not always easy to reframe your thinking when that fear and doubt creeps up. It's not always easy to think positively when so much negativity surrounds. It's not always easy to be patient. It's not always easy to pray. It's not always easy to have faith. It's not always easy to get up and take action. It's not always easy to have to self motivation. It's not always easy to not let the opinions of others affect us. It's not always easy to not conform to the ways of this world. It's not always easy to be strong. It's not always easy to just let God be God...

BUT GOD! Thank You for replacing your strength with our weaknesses. Thank You for allowing us to freely cast ALL of our cares on You because You care for us. Thank You for providing in big ways and in small ways. Thank You for understanding that we are so imperfect, yet you still LOVE us. Thank You for breathing an extra dose of patience on us when we're at the end of the rope. Thank You for stepping in right on time. Thank You for protecting us even when we don't protect ourselves. Thank You for your wisdom and understanding. You see the bigger picture. Thank You for constantly being a light in such a dark place. Thank You for Your spirit. Thank You for the constant reminders that YOU ARE GOD AND NOTHING OR NO ONE WILL EVER COMPARE. 

Please help us. We need You. Even when we think we have things under control, we still need You. Help us to run to YOU before we run to anything or anyone else. Help us to truly know You for who You are. Give us an understanding that only you can give. When you reveal Yourself, make it crystal clear. Help us to be on alert and not miss You. 

Amen. 

Day 17.

YOU'RE THE JOY NO ONE CAN TAKE AWAY.

YOU'RE THE PEACE INSIDE I CANT EXPLAIN.

Day 12.

Thank You for helping me to reframe my mind. Thank You for constantly bringing me peace when I feel overwhelmed. Thank You for revelation when reading Your word. Thank You for helping me to feel hopeful in a seemingly hopeless situation. Thank You for an extra dose of patience when dealing with the struggles of raising my son on my own. Thank You for the time I'm able to spend with Him. Thank You for completely changing my outlook on his "nagging" and constant need for attention. Thank You for His health. Thank You for everything you've done, everything you're doing, and everything that I have to look forward to. Keep me rooted in You! Keep me focused. Keep me humble. Thank You for the wait. Please don't let me miss the lessons in this all. Thank You for Your strength. Thank You for Your favor.

No matter what, help me to press on! Help me to keep the zeal. Help me to get back up when I fall. Help me to cast down EVERY single thought of negativity. 

Thank You for my life. The good. The bad. And the not so pretty. Just simply...THANK YOU! 

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Day 8.

Keep Fighting 

Today was such a great reminder that although the enemy is definitely real, GOD and His power is SO much more real. 

Instead of Pastor Raley preaching today, there was a little skit presented that emphasized on the scripture that he read. 

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This also just makes me think about the verses 

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6:10-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Sometimes we don't even realize just how the enemy is trying to ruin us. We get so down and don't even want to fight back. I was reminded today that even at your absolute lowest, God is still able to make a complete turn around in that situation. 

Praying that we continue to call on God even when we feel defeated. Even when it looks like we've messed up too badly. The enemy would love for you to stay in a slump. He would love for you to stay down and out. He would love for you to turn from God instead of running to Him. DON'T give into His plan. No matter how many times you fall or make the same mistake over and over, don't allow that to make you feel like you can't go back to God because you've already asked for forgiveness in that area. 

God is so gracious and that's the beautiful thing about His UNCONDITIONAL love! So get back up! Get out of that slump! Get your fighting gloves back on and stop running! With God on your side, YOU ARE NOT DEFEATED!! 

Day Six.

Help me to truly trust you IN SPITE OF.

Day 3

God's wisdom

Today I was reminded in so many ways how awesome and just plain above average that God is. His way of thinking and how He orchestrates things is so not how we in our "logical" human ways would even consider thinking or doing when it comes to certain situations. 

I have Proverbs 3:5-6 taped on my wall and today I read it over and over and got so much MORE revelation on the verse. I thank God for HIS WORD because when we truly are able to grasp the depth of it, gosh it's sooooo life changing. 

Within that verse it says "and lean not to your own understanding"! I'm beginning to realize exactly why we are given this instruction. It takes me back to “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 When you think about it, how many times have you just had to completely be like "okay Lord, I'm trusting YOU in this situation because from what I see and how I'm envisioning this to turn out....ummmm this could be a disaster." It's so awesome to see how He completely turns a situation around. Or how He perfectly orchestrates something in a way that you never would have thought of it happening. 

He's so awesome and I'm learning that He REALLY does have my best interest at heart. He created the Earth. Like come on. We can barely even cook certain things without a recipe. Or put together a certain craft without STEP BY STEP instructions. He was able to just create and speak things into existence. Like wow! Why is it so hard for us to trust such a MIGHTY man? 

I'm praying that we all really start to see his power in ALL that we do and experience. Constantly pray for HIS wisdom because it's far more average than our simple minded and in the box thinking. Praying that we continue to intentionally try and see him in EVERYTHING! Reminders of Him are everywhere. 

I want to share this article with you. Now tell me that this isn't TOTALLY God's design and his wisdom behind this. So amazing. Thank You Lord! 

http://all-natural.com/food-pharmacy/

Day Two.

H O P E.

In spite of your situation, will you still believe? Will you still trust that good can come out of a seemingly bad situation? Will you wait in expectation of GREAT THINGS no matter what? 

I want His way over mine. 

I want His route vs my short cut.

I want His gifts over my material things. 

I want His plans vs my "bright ideas."

"Sometimes in our impatience, we start to take matters into our own hands." 

Lord help us to never lose hope! Help us to trust YOUR WORD in spite of what the natural eye sees. Help us to wait on you and your guidance in good cheer. Give us a sound mind in the midst of all the distractions and chaos. When our physical body grows tired, renew our strength. Help us to continue to burn with passion to always choose your way over ours even if it's completely different from our fleshly desires. 

Whenever we start to believe the lies of the enemy, remind of us your promises and truth. Remind us that we aren't in this alone and that we have YOU rooting for us all the way to the finish line. 

 

Day One.

Today has been pretty swell. I started my morning with 11am service at Calvary. Love that church so much. The message was so on point. I decided that I would go out and find a random place to just walk around and marvel at God's beautiful creations. With so much darkness in the world, often times we forget to see all the beauty and light that surrounds us! I went to Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens in Port Orange. It was so beautiful. Being intentional about finding the beauty, the joy, the peace, the comfort, the love, just the positive things period is something that I'm determined to do. 

I want to be able to see the GOOD in everything. Even in what looks bad in the natural eye. 

Thank you Lord for your beautiful beautiful creations. Such an awesome reminder that you're so AMAZING and that even in the midst of the darkness, there's always a ray of light. 

“O LORD, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭104:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

10.18.15

 Sugar Mill Botanical Gardens

Port Orange, FL. 

His unconditional L O V E.

To truly grasp the concept of how much you truly love me seems so hard to do at times.
No matter how bad I mess up or how hard I fall, you still welcome me back with open arms.
You long for me to spend time with you. You listen no matter what time of the day I call on You.
You protect me even when I neglect the thought of protecting myself.
You guide me into the unknown and stick with me every step of the way.
You comfort me at my lowest and lift me back up.

How could a man like you love such a wretched woman like me?
You're so perfect and I'm such a mess at times, but still you love me flaws and all.

Your unconditional love is amazing. Thank You for loving me and thank you for the promise that NOTHING can ever separate me from Your sweet sweet love.

One step is better than no step at all.

Me: But how God? But when God? From what I see, there's no way all these dreams and visions you've shown me can come into play. I don't have the resources. I don't have the right people surrounding me that can help me plan.  I see the bigger picture, but I don't know how I'm going to get there. I don't see how doing "this" is going to lead to "that." I don't want to let go of my comfortable and familiar things. I can't let go of "him, her them, this, and especially not that." I know if YOUR PLAN A doesn't work out, I must have MY PLAN B. I know you say that you can do this and that, but logically, there's no way it can be done that way. From what I know, it needs to happen like this in order for that to fall into place the right way. I need to get this done by this time, and do it this way because from what I know, it seems like the smartest route to go. 

GOD:“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.

    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.

 

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,

    so my ways are higher than your ways

    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens

    and stay on the ground to water the earth.

They cause the grain to grow,

    producing seed for the farmer

    and bread for the hungry.

 

It is the same with my word.

    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

    and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Isaiah 55:8-11 NLT version

Totally a real conversation between God and I. It's funny how I was going on and on and on about what ALESHA felt and this scripture instantly dropped in my spirit. Ha! Well okay Lord. Checked me and it was so refreshing. 

Just wanted to encourage you to STOP DOUBTING the creator of the entire universe. The one who can make little into plenty. There's SO much proof in His word of what He can do and even in our every day life, yet we still question and go back and forth with Him. In our carnal nature and our wordly knowledge, we can NEVER grasp the concept of God's power. So stop trying to understand every dimension of your life and truly trust that GOD has your best interest at heart.  Take that step he's been telling you to even if YOU don't understand it. He sees far more than you can and may not have even shown you the full vision yet. So stop hindering the process by doubting and GO FOR IT. If he leads you to it, He will lead you through it. 

PRAY! PUSH! && START MOVING! 

Jeremiah 29:11

 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Challenge.

Today I will start my “fruit of the spirit challenge.”

For me, this is to help me to TRULY start exercising these beautiful characteristics in my every day life. Life can be so hectic at times and naturally, we can just become overwhelmed. Work, school, kids, friends, family, husbands/wives, boyfriends/girlfriends….JUST LIFE.

In our carnal nature, when someone or something frustrates us, we may not respond in love or with patience. We don’t always think before we act. We let our fickle emotions control certain situations.

Having an 8 month old son, I have truly seen how impatient I am. I love my son with every thing in me, but anyone who has kids I’m sure can empathize with me and understand when I say that it can be plain HARD at times.

So as I’ve been in my prayer time and one on one with God, I have been praying heavily about just being less emotionally led and more spiritually led. I don’t desire to be that mother that constantly yells and is short tempered with my child. I don’t want to be that woman that can’t control her emotions and seem as though nothing ever satisfies me. I know that I will have to practice these daily with my future husband, so why wait? I can be putting these into actions in my every day life RIGHT NOW. I don’t want to be that negative nancy or that friend that others are hesitant about even talking to me. I know that continuing to ask God to help me exercise HIS fruit is where it will begin. In my on carnal nature, there's no way I'll shine bright. I know that this will only come through Him. So pray for me and JOIN ME as I go on this journey of becoming filled and exuding THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. 

Talk to me.

I'm sitting here and for whatever reason I'm feeling the need to just provide my contact information. So if there's anyone that needs a listening ear about ANYTHING, someone to pray with, someone to just pray for them about something, someone to just vent to, or anyone that just simply wants to say something to me....I'm here. 

I am no longer on twitter and FB, but in due time I know I will eventually get back on those sites. I'll be back making videos as well. I'm taking things day by day and step by step and trying not o go ahead of God's instruction. But in the meantime, you can contact me via email. 

Email:Aleshadw12@gmail.com

P.s. Keep me uplifted in your prayers as well please. 

I'm not driving anymore. I gave God the keys.

This is such a simple instruction, yet so hard to follow. 

As I kept re reading this verse, this scenario came to mind. 

Picture yourself in a car. You're the driver which means you control the wheel, the gas, and the break. 

Now picture yourself as a passenger or backseat rider. You have no control over when the car moves, stops, or which direction it goes. 

These verses make me think of being the passenger rider and God being the driver of my life. If I choose to trust Him with my whole heart, that means He has complete control. I can't jump over and try to take control of the wheel when things aren't moving fast enough. I can't try to control the wheel when I think I should be going a different route to get to a certain destination quicker. 

What if it's not in God's road map for my life for me to go in that route I've been planning for the past week? What if He wants me to take a different route because there's people in the other direction I need to stop and chat with while passing through? What if that other direction I'm trying so hard to avoid is exactly what's going to get me to that beautiful island that I didn't even know existed?

I truly believe that wherever He leads me, He will make sure I'm protected. I would much rather follow His lead and be protected, than go off on my own path and find myself in trouble that I could have avoided. 
We often look at delays and certain road blocks as rejection. When you think about it, when something is blocked off, there's usually some kind of danger or not so safe things that await if you enter. When you see men on the side of the road working and they have the cones blocking the street, it's because they're reconstructing. There's probably potholes and all that they know if anyone runs into wouldn't be the most safe for the driver. So they begin smoothing the roads out or making for a more safe travel experience for anyone that will have to take that route. 

It's like we don't realize that God isn't trying to just be a bully and say I CONTROL YOU. But more so like, Hey...just sit back and chill. I got you in my protection and you're in my care. What are you tensing up for? What are you tripping about that roadbloack for? I can easily get us through that without throwing us off course. We will still make it to the final destination. If you allow ME to do this, YOU'RE GOOD. 

I'm learning to get Alesha's ways and thoughts out of the journey and just sit back and enjoy the ride. I'm learning to slowly but surely release my grip on the wheel. I'm experiencing so much more peace when I'm truly at rest in Him.

I think if we stop looking at surrendering as a scary thing or looking at it as OMG, I have no more control and I don't know what the heck is about to happen, it may be a little easier for us to take our hands off the wheel....Instead reframe your mind and realize that His control is a protection plan. He's like that top notch car insurance on the journey...

The Rock.

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

This verse was something that spoke deeply to me this morning for various reasons. It was an amazing reminder that I can’t find the stability that I’m wanting so badly outside of Christ. The things of this world MIGHT sustain me for a little, but it will always always always fail me. We have to stop placing so much trust and energy into our own “willpower” and even other people and things. When we know better, but don’t do better, we reap the consequences of that. These verses don’t tell me that troubles WON’T come, but it does remind me that if I place my heart, soul, and mind on the right foundation (Christ), I can get through it. I may sway and I may even begin to topple a little, BUT He will be there to catch me before I fall. He’s solid and He’s unmovable. He’s strong where I’m not. It just reminds me that He truly has my back if I allow Him to handle the things that I can’t. Now if I choose to ignore the things I KNOW, it shouldn't be a surprise when I fall flat on my face. He has presented Himself, so it’s up to me to choose to be deeply rooted in HIS foundation. Not my own. Not my friend’s. Not my little boo. Not family. But HIM!

Partial obedience is still disobedience. So we can choose to walk in the truth that we know or continue to sink in the things we know aren't helping us to move forward.

Such a bittersweet reminder.

What/Who is your foundation built on?

My love.

You are my calm in the chaos.

You are that quiet and still voice in all the uproar that surrounds. 

You are that voice of reason when everything else seems so confusing. 

You are the One that gives me hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

You are the One that gives me rest when my mind won't stop running. 

You are the One the that gives me wisdom when I just don't quite understand.

You are the One that heals my open wounds.

You are the One that convicts me in my rebellion.

You are the One that loves me unconditionally when I'm so unlovable. 

You are the One that brings me light in my darkest hours. 

You are the One that accepts me flaws and all.

You are the One that willingly takes on my cares and worries of my everyday life. 

You are....everything I need...AND MORE. 

Humility.

This simple statement below is something that I have to remind myself of DAILY. It’s so easy to begin thinking that just because I’m not doing this or that, it means that I have the upper hand or am better than the next. FALSE. God doesn’t measure sin on a grading scale. Sin is sin. PERIOD. So before I start thinking that my works and my goody too shoe attitude puts me above the next, Lord HUMBLE ME! That’s a continuous prayer I pray. I remember a time when I was so deep in my Word and I was at such an amazing place in my walk with Christ. Although it’s definitely a wise decision to watch the company you keep, that doesn't mean look down on people or ever think you’re better than the next. I remember so clear that I just KNEW I could withstand this particular temptation and sure enough, I walked in head first and FELL flat on my head. WHOA. Not Ms. Perfect. Ha! So I constantly remind myself that I must NEVER become prideful. There’s nothing that I can conquer in my own strength. There’s nothing that comes because I’m some perfect lady in God’s eyes. Even when I’m so undeserving, He still blesses me. That in itself should be enough to humble me. Even when I am a mess, He still accepts me and wants to make me pure. So before I judge or even fix my mouth to down talk the next, I pray God opens my eyes and heart to always remember Without Him, I AM NOTHING.

Vow Renewal.

"I'm not going back. I'm moving ahead. Here to declare to you, my past is over. 

In You, all things are made new. Surrendered my life to Christ, I'm moving....FORWARD!" 

On March 22,2015, at Faith Life International Church in Orange City Florida, I gave my life back to Christ. As I write this, the question that the pastor asked me is ringing in my heart: "Do you understand what you're doing?" 

Whoa. I literally just said GOODBYE to MY plans and said "God, take the wheel of my entire life!" That means that I no longer enjoy or seek the things of this world, but I CHASE and seek God's face. I no longer follow the traditions and the ways of this world, I seek God's direction for my life and  follow HIM. I am no longer broken. I am no longer on an emotional roller coaster. I am no longer the same person because 2 Corinthians tells me that: 

 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT)

I no longer walk with my head held down or shameful of my past because I've been redeemed and forgiven! I no longer allow my past to torment me or let my current situations bring me down because I can place ALL my cares and worries at the feet of Christ. There's nothing that I have to go through alone because I have a God that can and will be with me through everything. Right there with me...pushing me to go further. Right there giving me calm even when chaos surrounds. Right there convicting me of my wrongs and drawing me to true repentance. Not condemning me, but correcting me as a loving Father would. 

I no longer harbor unforgiveness in my heart because I have forgiven in the name of Jesus. All of my negative feelings of jealousy, envy, bitterness, anger, depression, dishonesty,etc. will be replaced with things of God. 

[But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)]

My life is so much bigger than what I can see. I've been blinded for far too long and I want and need clear vision and who better to seek than the creator of my life. I no longer place my trust in man or this world. I no longer give my time, my energy, or my heart to things or people that don't deserve it. I no longer seek to find joy in temporary and material things. 

God is my joy. God is my peace. God is my healer. God is my everything. 

Before I run to man, I run to and cling to Christ. Before I allow my fickle emotions to send me on a whirlwind of emotions, I seek God for my clarity and comfort when I don't understand.  

My name is Alesha Wright and I have renewed my vows with God. 

Frame your mind.

"Father, fill my every spare moment with thoughts of you and your love for me. I want to ponder your Word and your glory in my heart all day long."


This is such a relatable plea. I'm starting to make an intentional goal of purposely dwelling and marveling in the good. It's so easy to constantly replay things that didn't make us feel good. But how much better would we feel if we used the same energy and time to purposely focus on the good? I don't want to live my life being bitter, jealous, spiteful, depressed, isolated, fearful, or unmotivated. 

If only we could take the time to TRULY realize that despite the bad, there's always good. I truly believe that we can make a situation much worse than it actually is. I've definitely been guilty of thinking about a negative situation, then thinking about the "what ifs", and in return becoming more upset about things that COULD have happened. 

I don't want to be the "negative nancy" that everyone tries to stay away from because my negative spirit is so thick and dampens other's moods by just being around me. I want to be filled with the things of Christ so that HIS light shines through me even in dark places. How many times have you been in such a good mood, but then you go around a person and they're upset or just down, and your mood quickly shifts to that gloomy mood? Now think about a time where you were feeling down, but you went around someone that was full of energy and bubbly...didn't it lighten your mood (even if just a little).

I'm done with the negative. My mission is to constantly seek and chase the positive. Life is beautiful. GOD IS AMAZING. Just thinking about who God is and what He's capable of is enough to make me full of joy. If only we can just continuously hold God and His truths in our heart, oh how brightly we would shine....

So join me in this challenge: 
The moment you start thinking about something negative or you feel a situation impacting you in a negative way, CAST DOWN THOSE THOUGHTS and start thinking about God's promises. Fight back. Don't let those fickle emotions or toxic thoughts run you....GOD IS BIGGER THAN IT ALL!!!

&& she shall begin blogging again soon....

When I blog, it's never just because I'm bored or what have you. I vowed that when I first started this blog, that I would ALWAYS let God lead me whenever I posted a blog. Life got crazy, I've slipped and fell, and I completely lost sight, but I'M COMING BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!! 

I'm not sure what my next blog will be about, or even the exact day and/or time I will post it, but God is definitely tugging at my heart to start back. So....

Pressing toward the Goal

Philippians 3:12-16 New Living Translation (NLT)

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.