When Christmas Finally Came

Ever have one of those years when the spirit of Christmas never dwelled within your heart? Or try as you may with gifts and decorations, the season never settled in your home? Well, let's just say that has been my Christmas season this year.

I'm not sure why the disconnect. I guess it could be a number of things:

- first Christmas without my daddy
- first time in a decade I didn't go on a three-day shopping spree after Thanksgiving
- circumstances didn't allow my house to be decorated by Dec. 1st
- my son got engaged and I had to plan a celebration
- or maybe the fact that my daughter spent 4 days in the hospital

Whatever the reason and why Mr. Grinch stole the Christmas spirit from me is still a mystery. But as of December 20th I still had no decorated tree, nor a present in site. But somewhere in these last 4 days  - Christmas happened.

It didn't happen in the form of packages, boxes or bags. It happened in the realm of giving to children, men and women. It didn't happen because my house finally got decorated and the boxes neatly wrapped.  (neither happened) No, it happened when I was out loving on those who wondered if Christmas would even come or if family would even remember them with a note or a call.

Christmas came when my church hosted a children's movie night "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and gave 300+ presents to children from the community. Christmas came in the form of hugs from children, sticky candy on the floor, and smiles as big as Texas from those receiving gifts. Christmas came alright and it came big!

Christmas came as I visited the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility a few days before Christmas and  my church provided 120 meals for the men and women residents there. Christmas came as I led the prayer before the meal for the women. Christmas came when the women cheered that we would be coming every Sunday beginning in January for studies and worship. Christmas came as they hugged me and thanked me with the sincerest of hearts as we left. Christmas came alright and it came big!

Christmas came and it had nothing to do with packages, boxes or bags.
Christmas came and it had nothing to do with me, myself or I.
Christmas came when I was loving on those who needed Christmas love this year.

Oh yes, Christmas finally came and it came big!


Merry Christmas!


Tell me about your Christmas experience this year. When did Christmas finally come to you?

Back to School with GED

It's back to school day. OK, most students have already started. But tonight many of us are headed back to school with our new GED program. Students are antsy and volunteers are panicked, but somewhere between the two there is an amazing thing happening. I was amazed at the need for people to get their GED when we did sign-ups at church. We had over 20 adult students in just a few hours time. Some of them quit school in high-school and some aren't real sure of reading.

Some students signed-up hesitantly. Some signed up cautiously. And yet, some signed-up with such enthusiasm it was contagious. Tonight, I'll get to meet the hesitant, the cautious, and the enthusiastic. I can not wait for the journey that lies ahead for all of us as we introduce ourselves to one another.

See not only are the students emotions running high, but so are the mentors. There are only two certified teachers among our group of volunteers. None of us have ever taught the GED program, nor worked with nor coached those who haven't passed it. So on all fronts, we are all hesitant, cautious, and enthusiastic.

I wish I could capture in words how I am expecting this opportunity to change lives. God didn't care that his volunteers didn't know how to do each step, He just said step out, and take a leap of faith.

I am so proud of my friend and leader of this program, Anna. She is stepping so far out of her comfort zone, but what a joy to see her diligence to this program. You go girl! You've done an amazing job.

Babies on the Streets

I wrote recently about our trip out to the streets to feed and minister to those in need. I had many ask "how I can do that?" or "why do I do what I do?" You can read posts about our ministry and vision HERE, as well as read our ministry leaders post about it HERE.

But for today I want to take you back in time.

Our church had recently partnered with the Salvation Army and a few people had been going out monthly taking food to those on the streets of Corpus Christi. I really didn't feel a need to go UNTIL I met a few people who lived on the streets at church. It was then that God began nudging me to go. I don't know about you, but usually when God nudges me to GO it's to somewhere foreign that I've never been, thus out of my comfort zone.

The nudging got stronger, so I volunteered to help the next month.

We got the food ready. Check.
We packed it all just right. Check.
We put together hygiene bags. Check.
We bagged fruit. Check.
We got extra clothes ready to take. Check.
We all met at 6:30 to head out. Check.
I was ready to help others. Check.

One mile down the street, at the corner of the three crosses, my life was forever changed. I didn't realize God wanted me to GO to change me, I thought I was going to help others.

We pulled up and got our food, clothes, hygiene products, and children's games out. We visited. We prayed. Then out of nowhere some young moms walked up to get something to eat with babies in their arms. Both of these moms had two-month old babies! TWO MONTH OLD babies on the streets. It was a cool night. The babies had wet diapers. TWO MONTH OLD BABIES!

As I backed off in the distance to catch my breath and dry my tears, my heart broke. I had a gazillion questions running through my mind. How were the babies going to survive? What were the moms going to do? Did they have a chance? Where were their families? How can this baby get some formula? Can we get some dry diapers?  on and on . . . 

After collecting my emotions, I visited with the moms. They were such sweet young girls. I looked around and watched a few of the other old moms with children. I watched our youth play games with the elementary age kids. I saw the children hanging on to their prized toys. Yes, I took every moment in.

So you ask, why or how can I go out there, because my life was forever changed the night I saw BABIES ON THE STREETS at the corner of the three crosses.

What I Learned from Dirty Laundry Secrets

Can I reminisce for a moment? It was about this time last year when I was given the opportunity to teach the first study I wrote, Dirty Laundry Secrets, at Bay Area Fellowship Westside Campus the church where I attend. That was an incredible adventure for me. It was really an experience where God challenged me to trust Him.

When I was given the opportunity, I questioned, I doubted, I froze, I prayed, and I argued. It was crazy. Teaching women is tops on my list of passions, but I had never taught in a community like this. I continually was asking myself -- Would I have something to relate to them? Would they trust me? I certainly didn't want to screw it up because souls were on the line.

If it weren't for a dear friend, Marta, I'm not sure how I would have made it through. She prayed with me. She prodded me. She called me before and after class to ensure me God had my back. She attended the class. She encouraged me. She helped open my eyes to my doubt and unbelief. Thank you, friend!

Even though others said "no one would show up for class and that I was crazy for wanting to teach there", I am so thankful I obeyed God's calling. Teaching those eight weeks, I learned so much about myself, that community, and God.

I learned:

1. When God wants to move in a big way He will challenge those leading.
2. Although people come from different cultures and backgrounds, our hearts still break the same.
3. Whether we are jobless, homeless, addicted, abused, or wealthy, God's truth is the only truth that will set us free.
4. When you share your struggles, you open the door for others to do the same.
5. When you show up and follow through with God's call, you create a place where miracles can happen.
6. When you are faced with a situation and speechless, it's then that God will minister in unique ways.
7. Pain is pain, regardless of race, finances, or community.
8. You have to continually show up to earn the trust of others and have a right to speak into their lives.

I could go on and on. I seriously could list the girls individually and tell you what I learned from them. I'll forever be grateful. It is an incredible adventure when you can sit back and watch God work in mysterious ways. There are no words to describe what it's like to see changes in others lives and know maybe you were there when that seed was planted, but that that change is ALL GOD!

What God did those eight weeks:
1. Freed a woman and three children from an abusive relationship. (testimony HERE)
2. Freed another from her drug addiction.
3. Many claimed Jesus as their Savior.
4. More were baptized.
5. He changed lives.

I'm looking back, because I'm looking forward to seeing God move in our next class of Dirty Laundry Secrets beginning this Wednesday.

He Loves Us

Once a month we, Bay Area Fellowship Westside Campus, partner up with the Salvation Army and go out in their truck and deliver food, clothes and hygiene products to those in the shelters and on the streets. It is always a blessing to go and serve in that ministry.

I'm still on such a high from the incredible weekend I experienced. It was a weekend filled with God's presence on every street corner.

This particular evening we had coloring books and suckers for the kids. It was a treat to see our teens loving on these kids, even playing ball with them. Everyone got plenty to eat, as we had another ministry donate tons of BBQ chicken on top of the hot dogs we had brought. God always shows up big. He loves his people so much - He provides in the most incredible ways!

As I was serving, talking to and praying with people I heard someone say, "Alene!" I turned around to be hugged by a women who has attended our church. It was a joy to see her and a greater blessing to hear my name out on the streets. My heart melted as she said "I'll see you tomorrow in church!"


There was a special friend of mine who came with us for the first time this month. She is a friend I met a little over a year ago and she's attended Bible studies with me. She is fighting a good fight to move on with her life and is doing an amazing job. It was a blessing to have her serving with us this night. She knew so many people out there. I loved it when she'd call my name and say "Come meet my friend. I met them in prison (or on the streets or we used to get high together). We've got to pray for her (or him)." I was so thankful for the relationship that my friend and I now had. It took over a year to build that trust. Once again I stood amazed at how much God loves us!

We made a few stops at different parts of downtown that evening. At one of the shelters someone came and got me to go visit with a couple who were really struggling. As I visited with them, my heart cried. The man was broken and devastated by his situation. They had only been in the shelter a few days. He had lost his job, which ended in them being evicted. As we parted ways I was thankful I had met them. I was thankful we had found them a ride to church for the next morning. But my heart was broke. I slid into the dark night crying for that couple and thinking, "There but by the grace of God, go I."

One of the most incredible stories that evening was of a girl who came out and met us at the last stop. As she took a hot dog and some chicken she said, "I came out here tonight to sell my body because I am so hungry. And here you show up on this corner with food." Yes, He loves you that much!

There were so many opportunities that evening to share the story of how God loves us. God loves each one of us so much. No matter if we're rich, poor, homeless, overflowing with blessings, selling our bodies, using, serving, or just wasting our lives away in complacency -- HE LOVES US!

Down the Street Under a Mesquite Tree

I am always amazed when God comes through in the most unlikely of ways and speaks a word to my heart. OK - really, it is more like God thumps  me on the heart and says, "Do you get this, Alene?"

This past weekend I was having the most intriguing conversation with a man who had come to church and then afterwards shared with me a hand-written poem he had penned. The poem was unbelievable - totally God-inspired it seemed. After he bared his soul in this poem we began chatting about life in general.

I quickly learned he had only been in Corpus a few months. He had moved from Houston where he had lived and ministered on the streets. The God stories he told me were incredible. (Yes, I asked if he'd write those down too!) As he shared his life, I was so captivated by the peace he had.

I found myself asking, "Where are you living now?"

"Down the street under a mesquite tree," he answered.

Inwardly I gasped, I hope he didn't hear it. I wanted to shout "No, you need a place to stay. Let me find you a place. Do you have food? Do you need anything? You are too special to be living out on the street!"

The peace that exuded this man was beyond words. How could he be so at peace when he was out on the streets? Didn't he want a home? a job? a family? a hot shower? some nice clothes? transportation?

My mind and heart was racing with questions as our conversation ended.

Last night I returned to church for our weekly prayer night. During our hour together we had a time of quiet worship and prayer. The peace that fell on that building during that moment was, once again, unexplainable. My mind was quickly drawn back to my friend who lives down the street under a mesquite tree.

I wondered as I sat there in this unexplainable peace if this was the peace that this man experienced on the street. No phones, crazy and chaotic schedules or fancy gadgets to rule his life -- just peace and quiet time alone with God.

I am so thankful that I was reminded of this peace that passes all understanding. This peace you and I crave won't be found as we swiftly run through life from one chaotic moment to another. It will instead be found in the stillness and quiet of our hearts as we sit alone with God.

Thank you to my friend who lives down the street and under a mesquite tree!

Pocket Change

In a world where the words billions and trillions are thrown like pocket change, I'm beginning to see more and more value in the purpose of a penny.

The penny, most would consider, something so small, but yet it can stand for something so significant.

I love greeting people at my church and watching as they come in to make themselves feel at home. It wasn't very long ago that I watched a sweet young mom, who had been struggling with finances, walk in and sit down in the entry way of our church. She dug out a plastic baggy filled with change -- pennies, nickels, quarters, and dimes. Then I heard her quietly say, "I'm giving this all to God today."

My heart melted as tears filled my eyes.

I felt as if I was watching, live and in person, the story told of the widow in Mark 12:41-43.

"Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, 'The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all.'"

That day I began to see my pocket change much differently.

A few days later I walked by a penny on the ground. I saw it and stopped. I thought for a bit. You see, before I wouldn't have stooped down to pick it up. Actually, I'm not sure that I even would have noticed it. But that day, I remembered my friend giving her all so I reached down and picked it up.

In a world where we are so blessed, how quickly we take our pocket change for granted. We leave it laying on the ground when there just might be a precious one nearby that needs that change for rent, food, or better yet to give to God.

I'm so thankful today for pocket change and how it has changed me.

A Homeless Story

First off, I have to say thank you to those who emailed me your stories. I am overwhelmed at how God uses each of us and the life He gives us to create the most incredible stories. Of course, each story is His story . . . history!

As for my friend I mentioned yesterday, (CLICK HERE) I can truly say that my heart changed for people on the street when I met this unique man with a story to share. After he told me he'd write me his story, I figured I'd never see him again. Weeks went by and I looked for him every Sunday. My heart saddened at the thought that he thought no one wanted to hear his story.

Then one Friday evening I was at the church and a friend told me he had found a spiral stuffed in the outside doors. He was telling me about it and said he couldn't quite make out what this writing was supposed to be or who it was for. I was curious and asked to take a look at it. After a few minutes of browsing through it, I realized it was my friends story. I couldn't believe it! I was so thankful. I was so overjoyed, but yet saddened.

As I first picked up this spiral and began to thumb through it, one of the first things that caught my eye was a page where he wrote . . .

"I've been homeless on earth, most of my life. Yes, a tramp, maybe even a gypsy -- but NOT a thief." - BB

I lost it. I was bawling like a baby! I realized instantly how judgmental I am and how I've thought of others on the street corners as scammers or thieves as they ask for money.

And this man, who grew up in the most horrible of homes, who served our country during Vietnam, who ended up homeless . . . thought I and others viewed him as a thief. That one written sentence has rocked my heart! Who am I to judge why somebody is on the street? Who am I to judge who is legit and who might be a thief? Who am I to decide who I help or not?

My new friends story is precious. I'm praying about how God wants to use his story to help others. I sit today staring at his handwritten story and I'm tearing up. Maybe his story was to help me!

My new friend came back to church the next Sunday and I was ready for him. I had brought another spiral for him to fill up with more of his story. He's right, he has an incredible story, but as I read I realize there is so much for me to learn from him. While he writes to share his story, he throws in the most awesome pieces of wisdom like . . .

"The getto is not in shacks and ran down areas. The getto is a place in the human heart. A getto can be in a mansion, on a ranch, or by the ocean where there is no love and no belief in God." - BB

Take time to be aware and listen to others, because you just never know what you might learn!

What's Your Story?

There he was . . . A man off the streets, tattered and unkempt. I'm not quite sure how he ended up at church, nor how I ended up in a conversation with him other than God had specifically arranged it.

As we began to visit, he told me some of the circumstances of his childhood. I was smiling as I listened, but on the inside my heart was crying out for all he had been through. My mind was having a hard time comprehending and visualizing what he was telling me. He was a man who seemed to be in his sixties, reflecting back on all the horrific circumstances of his life.

I could quickly see he was gentle. He was kind. He was hurting. He was alone.

As I was hanging on his every word trying to fit the pieces of his life's puzzle together, I was interrupted and needed elsewhere. I apologized for having to cut our visit short. As we parted he said, "I have such a story to tell about what God has done in my life and no one to tell it to."

My heart couldn't take any more as I could feel his loneliness. I was fighting back having a good cry right then and there. How could a man of sixty years not have a soul who he thought would want to hear about him and his life's story?

How could someone feel so uncared for that no one would want to hear about their story?

With tears in my eyes, I looked him square in the eyes and said, "I want to hear your story."

We quickly made arrangements for him to write me out his story.

With that said, I want to hear your story too!

Are there life happenings you are holding on to that you don't feel free to share, but yet you know they are eating away at your soul? Do you feel like my new friend above and think maybe no one cares to hear your story?

What's your story? I'd love to hear it! (email it HERE if you'd like)

Making God Laugh

Well, I just have to say right up front here, that sometimes I crack myself up!! Recently when I found myself laughing at myself, I wondered what God must be thinking.

Was He laughing along with me? Was He tired of my emotional roller-coasters? Or was He just thinking Yep, that's my Alene?

We are in the midst of planning a big women's New Year Kick-Off at church. There are a lot of preparations taking place and a lot of things left to be done. This event will be quite different. I've learned in our area of town that you can't just have the biggest and best event, charge people to come, and pull it off. This community is scraping by and there is no extra money. FREE is what gets them in the door and they can see there is something in it for them.

So we decided to host a free event for our girls and their friends in the community, and we are providing free lunch, haircuts and manicures. I say all this to say, you can see there is a lot of coordinating going on here to provide these free services. I am amazed at how individuals and businesses are stepping up and donating their time, talents, and resources. (If you know me, you know there's also going to be some Truth going on that day as well -- drama, song, dance, testimony -- they are going to love it!)

Feeling a little pressed, I woke up the other day and set out with my to-do list in hand. It was a day I had set aside to get much accomplished, but the strikes were adding up against me. There was one issue after another. After coming within 1 inch of getting broadsided by some car, I found myself crying out to God in a panic. "Please God I don't have time for all this. Pleeeeeeease!!!"

Not more than a minute passes when my phone rings and it was a friend on the other end just calling to say she was thinking of me. She had heard about our event and wanted to donate towards it. As I hung up the phone I was praising God as loudly as I could. "Thank you God! You truly do provide."

And that's when I started cracking up and began wondering what God must think! My mind thought about all the emotions I had just displayed before God in those few minutes. I went from being in the pits crying out for help and then two minutes later dancing on the mountain top.

I think God must get a kick out of watching us go through life. I'm sure some days I make Him laugh and I know there are many days when I make Him cry. However, between the two . . .

I'd rather make God laugh!

All l Want . . .

It's that time of year again when the all too familiar words "All I Want" are heard from young and old alike.

Mommy, all I want for Christmas is . . .
Hubby, all I want is . . .
Santa, all I want . . .

I'm not sure how you are filling in the blank this year, but I have a new perspective for the words "all I want."

A few weeks back the weather here was quite drizzly, cold, and windy. As I was leaving the church building one afternoon, a homeless man who had been visiting us came in out of the cold and we began to visit. In the course of our conversation he said, "All I want . . ."

I'm not sure how you think he might have finished that sentence, but my heart was taken back by his words. "All I want is a tarp to cover what little stuff I have that is now getting ruined by this rain."

Oh friends, while we are thinking of all the things we want to fix up and fill our homes this holiday season, just remember there are some out there just wishing for a tarp so they will have a dry place to lay their head and protect their "stuff".

I am seeing more clearly everyday just how blessed I am and I hope you realize just how blessed you are too. Even in the midst of our struggles and hardships, certainly we can see blessings in our midst.

Lord, amazingly I am so blessed. Help me to bless others.

Lots of Laundry

What a weekend. We focused on baptism and at our Westside campus, we had 15 baptisms on Sunday. Can I get a WOO HOO and a AMEN?

One homeless man said after being baptized, "Now, I am home!" Yes, that is what it is all about.

The only word to describe the event is GLORIOUS! Watching lives change before your very eyes is such an honor. I can't believe God has called me there to witness His miracles.

I have much to share, but for today I better get busy on the laundry. Fifteen baptisms x three towels each + towels for the floor = lots of laundry.

I'll be sharing soon about our first semester of classes at the Westside campus. You guessed it - we learned about laundry from my first study, "Dirty Laundry Secrets."

Hallelujah, God longs to do our laundry. So, let's throw our hurts, habits, and hang-ups in the laundry basket and give it all to Him. He will certainly wash us clean!

Yesterday, many continually said, "I'm not perfect enough to be baptized". If that perhaps is your thinking too, my friend, don't delay any longer. Read through scripture and you will soon recognize Christ never went to the perfect people . . . it was those stained and marred from sin.

Thank you, Jesus, for washing us clean.

Now, I best go get busy on those towels! There is a lot of laundry to do.

Chronological Bible

 

This morning I felt a stirring to crack open the Chronological Bible that a friend (Thanks Mel!) had given me for my birthday. I was saving the Bible to use for my daily Bible reading next year, but something today just spoke to my heart and said, "Get the Chronological Bible out and begin reading in the New Testament". 

As  I opened it and looked for where the New Testament begin, I couldn't believe it when my search ended on September 24th - today! Thanks God, for this confirmation that this is where I'm suppose to be this morning.

Let me back up and ask, have you ever had those seasons where you felt God was silent? You searched and searched, yet no peace of an answer. You might feel Him stirring and moving your heart, but no real clarity comes. Well, such has been the last year of my life. After reading a few books, God really began to do a number through His word in my heart and mind. But no clarity, no real answer came for what seemed forever.

If you want to get messed up with me read these books:

The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne

Interrupted - an Adventure in Relearning the Essentials of Faith by Jen Hatmaker

I've spent countless hours praying, seeking, asking, talking to mentors, and wondering what this all means. Finally part of the answer came when my pastor mentioned our church was going to plant a church on the westside of town. Story Here.

I can tell you today that I'm still unclear. I still am confused. I still seek God daily. I can tell you being prompted to crack open my Bible up today and it being today's date tells me Jesus is still leading so I'm just going to follow.

What was so interesting as I begin reading today's passage is:

1. The New Testament was written after a period of silence. 400 years of silence that is. WHOA!!! Alright, I guess my one year isn't much to be frustrated over.

2. As the story of the New Testament begins to unfold you know something new is happening. Yes, I can sense that in my own life. It's just that it is a new-new . . . something unfamiliar.

3. In the beginning Jesus was there and he created everything to give it life. So during the silence God was still there - moving, speaking, preparing. I also can see this in my life . . . moving, preparing, stirring . . .

So friends, if you are experiencing a period of silence just know God is fixing to do a new and incredible thing. You just have to hold on, stay in His presence, and follow daily where He calls.

That's what I'm going to do. 

God just amazes me. 'Nuff said!!!

p.s. sorry for all the caps - blogger is not cooperating with me today.

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

We’ve all heard those precious little sayings that preschoolers throw out and instantly they warm your heart. But today a precious little six year old I get to see every Sunday threw out a question that took my heart by surprise.

I was close to the front door when this precious little one walked in. She is a cutie that always makes a special effort to give me a big hug and smile every Sunday. We began a conversation about her beginning first grade the next day. Needless to say, she was so excited!

Just a side note -- I love my church. We are in the heart of the city in a community where many need help. At our campus we have a clothes closet where those in need can come and get what they need for free.

As precious little one and I continued in conversation about all the preparations she was making to be ready for school, she all the sudden asks excitedly “Are you going to the Closet today?”

My heart stood still as I replied, “No, I’m not going today but I hope you are.”

She was excited as her family had planned on visiting the Closet to help get them ready for last minute school items. I was so excited for this precious little one. I couldn’t help it as I took in her big life-giving smile.

However, her words “Are you going to the Closet today?” are still ringing in my heart and ears.

What tugs at my heart is that what I deem as something we do and provide this little one looked at as such a special treat. I'm beginning to realize just how special this place is. Our Closet is a very special place for our special guests there in the community.

The other thing that blessed my heart from her comments was that she didn’t see any difference between herself and me. That thought makes my heart sing.

I'm amazed tonight! Out of the mouths of babes and straight to the heart of an ordinary girl who is learning so much from this awesome community of sojourners.

Chain Link Fences

If you have just happened upon this page, please read the first part of this story HERE.

As those words No Trespassing continued to flood my mind, I realized that there were areas of my life that I didn’t want God trespassing through. I wanted to be in control. Yes, He could stand at the chain link fence and talk to me, but how dare He ask me to cut the chains away and fully let him in to reign.

I had just read yesterday morning, “Blessed are those who put their trust in Him.” (Psalm 2:12) I left my quiet time with the Lord thinking I was trusting in Him. WOO HOO Yeah me -- see me patting myself on the back! But after a day of examination I realized I really wasn’t. I was trusting in myself. Lord, forgive me! I was ruling my life. I was the keeper of the chain link fence and the padlock. I was secure in myself.

That kind of thinking doesn’t glorify God. At all! Because the things we can do ourselves aren’t really anything special. Oh we can fool ourselves in thinking they are – we look confident, we look put together, we feel secure.

But . . . the truth is that there is nothing miraculous in the things we can explain!

The scripture didn’t say “Blessed are those who put part of their trust in Him.” Trusting God means trusting Him with everything even those things on the other side of our chain link fences that we don’t want anyone to get to.

What could be on the other side of your chain link fence? Do any of these sound familiar?

Lord, I’m going to trust you with my finances, but don’t ask me to give anything more.

Lord, I give you my heart, but don’t ask me to forgive those who have hurt or abused me.

Lord, I’m going to trust you to make my marriage better, but don’t ask me to change.

Lord, here’s my career and I trust you with it, just don’t ask me to become more responsible.

Lord, I give you my life but let’s not get too personal where you come meddling in my fears, doubts, anger, shame, depression, or addictions.

Lord, I really do want more of you but if you could just love and guide me from behind the chain link fence I’d feel a little more comfortable.

The problem with our chain link fence is that the fence holds back the power of God. He can’t win the battle for you when He is caged behind a fence. And you will not see God as your Overcomer until you let him on the other side of that fence!

God wants so bad to take the dead and smelly things that lie behind our fences and make them new. He wants to prove to us that He can do immeasurably more than what we ask or imagine and that He is able, but first we have to tear down the fence and let Him in – all the way in!

Don’t waiver in your believing and trusting. God will heal and restore your pride, anger, rage, bitterness, addictions, doubt, hurts, shame, and brokenness. Let Him in so you can see that He is able to do what He has promised He’d do. “God will bring the dead back to life and create a new thing out of nothing.” Romans 4:17

Tear down your chain link fence, let God trespass all through you, and watch the unexplained miracles abound.

You’ll be amazed!

No Trespassing

"We are going to take that No Trespassing sign and keep it as a reminder that God can trespass anywhere He wants.”

I had the privilege of greeting at church this Sunday. As I stood at the front doors of our WestSide campus I could feel the hot summer sun beating through the glass. It felt great! But my mind was more captivated with what is directly across the street from our church. It is an old hotel that now rents rooms by the hour. Crazy, I know! But it is the perfect set up for all the pimping, prostituting, and drug dealing that go on in that area.

The only thing that separates our campus from the hotel is a chain link fence. So, as I greet it is easy to see the people come and go, but in my vision and prayers, I continually pray that God will overtake that hotel and give it to us to use for His kingdom and glory. I pray it daily. I see it. And I know one day, in God’s timing, it will come to pass.

Side note: You've got to check out this song, Our God Reigns Here by John Waller. I sing this song, this anthem, and praise our God that He reigns HERE and He will reign over that hotel. Hallelujah, God reigns here, there, and everywhere.

While I stood there at the door greeting and praying for the people at that hotel, I heard our Pastor say to someone, “See that No Trespassing sign. There will be a day when we take it down and keep it as a reminder that God can trespass anywhere He wants.” And of course, I wanted to shout “Amen! Hallelujah!”

Those words “God can trespass anywhere He wants” kept ringing in my ears, heart, mind, and soul all morning. As I was walking to my car after church a woman who has been attending our church and lives in that hotel called out from the hotel parking lot. She wasn’t able to come to church that morning, so I went over to the fence to visit with her. We visited face to face through the chains, and as I turned to leave my eyes were drawn to the sign above us “No Trespassing”.

Driving home my mind kept thinking, “Lord, this is crazy! The only thing that separates Your House from a hotel of ill repute is a chain link fence with the sign No Trespassing on it.”

No Trespassing. No Trespassing. No Trespassing.

My mind was attached to those words all day long.

Late in the evening God spoke a soft word, “Alene, you think that chain link fence is crazy. Well, what about those chain link fences in your own life?”

Hmmmmm. What? Don’t think I have any.

That’s when my vision of that chain link fence separating God’s house from a hotel turned into the chain link fence in my life where I had separated my will from God’s will.

He reminded me that He has given me gifts and abilities to use to honor Him, but I had put a chain link fence around some of those areas. I had said by my actions, “God I’ll give you these gifts (the ones I'm comfortable with, that come naturally) – use them, bless others, grow Your kingdom through them – but these abilities (ones that stretch me and require me to step out of my comfort zone) You are not to trespass over. Lord, I'd prefer if you wouldn't even look through the chain link fence at them, yet alone call me out beyond it. I’m comfortable on my own property, doing things my way – No Trespassing Allowed. Please do not move beyond this fence and invade my space, my will, and my familiar life!”

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.

There certainly are a lot of I's and my's in the paragraph above. I'm so thankful God gently snatches my heart and amazes me moment by moment.

The rest of the story coming tomorrow. Come back because I think you just might realize you have a chain link fence too.

Different Kind of Shoes

"Where are your high heels?"

That was the first thing I heard from a young teen girl as I walked into church. Yep, she knew me. I LOVE heels! I could wear them 24/7. Seriously, I'm not joking.

But this day was different, I was worshiping and serving at our West Side campus and even I didn't think heels were appropriate . . . and I think heels are great for anything! Our West Side campus is awesome. It's an old school building and there is much work to do. . . clearing the yard, painting children's ministry rooms, constructing clothes closets and a food pantry. So, this day I went in flip-flops and was ready to serve the church and God's people.

I never thought about my high heels again, UNTIL I had left the West Side Campus that afternoon. As I headed home I passed by Bay Area Fellowship, our beautiful broadcast campus. As I drove by I felt God urging me to stop and attend the worship service there at 1pm. I was thinking, "Seriously God! I'm hot, sweaty, and plus I've been at church all morning." And of course you guessed, He said go.

As I rounded the corner to turn in the parking lot, I began thinking "Well, this won't be so bad. It's right at 1pm so the service should have started. I can sneak in, sit in the back and no one will see me." Just like going to the grocery store, when you hope you don't see anybody . . . you see everyone you know!


I'm just giggling writing this. When God wants you to take a good hard look at yourself, He will orchestrate the circumstances. As I entered I realized the services were running late. Oh my word! HELP.

Within minutes there were hundreds of people all around me. That's when I heard in the best teenage girl south Texas accent "Where are your high heels?" I felt the need to explain. Excuse the way I look. I've been serving at the West Side today. I'm hot. I'm sweaty. My heels are at home.

As I wanted to explain to everyone why I wasn't wearing heels and why I must look at fright, God gently said "Ssssshhh . . .  it doesn't matter."

I've always said God doesn't care how you come to church . . . just come! And this day God was making sure I could walk my own talk. He made sure I saw the spoiled and vain girl still trying to live by others perceptions. He opened my eyes and WHOA!!!

Who would have ever thought learning to walk in different shoes could be so hard?

Westside Story

Bay Area Fellowship, my home church, just opened up a campus on the Westside of town. The Westside is where the crime, gangs, prostitution, etc. have become so prevalent that it has driven out most all other churches in the area. You might be thinking, “What are y’all doing? It’s dangerous there! Nobody is going to come, let alone want to serve.” 

There are some amazing stories from the Westside already. You've guessed right though, we don't have all the answers. So, it might seem we're a little crazy! But that's just it . . . we're crazy in love for Jesus and His people!

My personal story has been a wild adventure with God. As He began stirring in my heart years ago, it's amazing to know He was preparing me for such a time as this – to attend and serve at the Westside Campus! This Campus is right across the street from a pimping and prostituting hotel. Yes, this is different . . . more on that later, but seriously this is awesomely totally different!

As the attendee’s show up Sunday morning, I love meeting them at the door. Some families are so thankful to have a church they can relate to in their own community. As one new friend said, “This is a church I can actually feel at home in. I can come as me.” I see that as a huge compliment! 

Others are so full of mistrust they won't look you in the eyes. Yes, some show up for free hot-dogs grilling out on the lawn, or for free donuts inside. And of course, it’s Westside, so some come hung-over and awfully sleepy. But no matter how they come – Hallelujah, they come. And come just as they are!

Sssssh – don’t tell anybody, but one of the girls from the community told me that she wanted to come back and serve beside me!That will be a glorious honor to serve Jesus beside her.

It's amazing, these people are not only coming, they are being stirred to be more like Jesus!

Whoop! Whoop! Westside!