Home for the Holidays

Can you remember what it was like before cell phones, computers, internet, and texting? I know some of you reading can't, but I can. There's one vivid memory I have.

It was Christmas. My first Christmas as a wife, a military wife at that. My first Christmas in a foreign country and my first Christmas not to be at home. Although it was all so new and exciting, my heart ached and my soul cried "there's no place like home for the holidays."



Subscribers click here to watch the video. Seriously you have to click and watch. This is the most amazing video! Applause to T-Mobile for this creative video surprising mall-goers at the Chicagoland area Woodfield Mall.

My first Christmas away from home was 30 years ago and way before the techno age. We woke up early that morning. It was freezing cold in Germany and I was disappointed it wasn't a white Christmas. This would be a special Christmas as it was our first as a married couple, but it wasn't the same not being home. We eventually dressed and headed to a friends to place our call home. The phone lines were busy most of the day.

It was $3 a minute to phone Texas from Germany. Finally late in the afternoon, our call went through and then it was the waiting game waiting for the operator to call back with a connection. After hours of waiting, the awaited long distance call finally came.

It was mom and dad's voice. The tears began to flow, but I tried to keep a happy tone in my voice as I told them about our day. We just got deep into conversation when the phone went silent. We had been disconnected. Oh. how. the tears poured then.

We never got reconnected that day. It was the most bittersweet Christmas I had had because there truly is no place like home for the holidays. If you've ever been away from family and friends at Christmas, you know. That reminds me, I'd love to hear your story about being away at Christmas.

I am so thankful for my cell phone, the internet, and all the technology we have. It makes days like Christmas so much easier to connect with loved ones if we can't be home for Christmas.

For the holidays you can't beat home. sweet. home!


This post is sponsored by T-Mobile.


Join me at Five Minute Friday.

What Do You Want to Be . . . . .

It's been an incredible week as we are finishing up the study The Cause Within You by Pastor Matthew Barnett of the LA Dream Center. As we've journeyed through the last eight weeks together God has done an amazing work in all of our hearts. He is definitely opening our hearts to the cause within each of us.

I'm honored to be leading this study and to have the opportunity to hear from so many about how they have been stretched or how their old dreams are coming back to life. It's also been a blessing seeing others see their cause in a new light as they've asked themselves many times "what am I supposed to be."

I am a motivator by nature. I love motivating and stretching people, because when they grow I grow. When they stretch beyond their comfort zone, I stretch. I'm weird I know, but HEY that's the way God wired me. Earlier this week I was motivating and coaching a few people. Loving every minute of it, I might add.

What's your dream?
Where do you want to be?
What's the first step?
What do you want to be?
Let's make a plan.

I felt like we were making steps toward getting focused and moving forward. As I motivated others, I was even getting more focused on my own goals and passions. I crawled into bed late one night with a smile on my face. I was pumped up for so many others. I was hopeful. I was exhausted. Then came the questions -- Am I asking too much of others? Am I pushing too hard? What are we doing? Somewhere amid all the confusion dancing in my head,  I fell asleep.

Around 4am I woke up. It was one of those moments when I knew it wasn't time to roll over and throw the covers over my head; it was time to get up quietly, go straight to my journal and my Bible. Forget the morning routine. Forget the coffee. yikes!

I could feel God nudging, it was time to just sit silent and listen!

I wrote a few words in my journal, "Thank you Lord for these still moments with you and taking me to places I never dreamed of. Help me lay down my agenda and pick up YOURS." Then I went to reading with a quiet mind.

God was stirring in my heart. I wasn't really sure what, but as I dug into 1 Peter 1 it all became so clear when I got to verse 16, "Be holy, for I am holy." Be. Holy. Be. Be. Be. Holy.

It wasn't about doing. It wasn't about what we can accomplish. It wasn't even about what we want to be...because right there God tells us what we should aspire to BE . . . . . HOLY!!!

What if we had that mentality from the time we were children and when someone asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" What if we could have just answered, "I want to be  holy!" WOW what a different world we would live in. How different would our hearts would be?

While it is important to listen to those desires of our heart and pursue them, if we leave God out of the journey we miss out. He gives us big dreams and passions to continually remind us that life is a journey. A journey where we will be refined and become more holy the more we keep our eyes fixed on Him as we strive forward towards our God-given dreams.

So what do you want to be?

I want to be on a journey to the holiness of God.

I just want to BE Holy.

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!

Seriously, All I Have to Do is Jump In

There is nothing like a hot summer in south Texas. Yes, I'm one of the weird ones who love it! I long for the months of May - September where it's warm and the beach and pools beckon me to them.

A few weeks ago my daughter and I stole a couple of hours and hit the pool. We got all situated with our lounge chairs, towels, sun screen and sunglasses. After laying by the pool for what seemed like hours because it was so hot (94 with a heat index of 102 that day) I was dripping sweat. I made a comment to my daughter about the heat and how I hated to sweat. She said, "Mom, all you have to do is jump in."

I made up some excuses why I didn't want to "jump in" at the moment. So, I continued to lay there and sweat, while gazing at the cool, pure, refreshing water in the pool. Yes,  I could have jumped in and put myself out of the misery I was in, but I just didn't feel like it at the moment. Just knowing the cool water was there seemed to be enough at the moment. I'd get to it eventually.

My daughter dove in and seemed to be instantly refreshed. I, however, continued to lay there and sweat. I was comfortable enjoying the scorching sun. While I watched my daughter an image came to me of how Jesus is the one and only true, pure, and living water supply in my life. That thought alone brought refreshment to my soul.

The thought wouldn't leave me. It's as if Jesus wanted me to grasp more about this pool of refreshing water that was just yards in front of me. As I reflected on the scenario I thought Yes, the refreshment is so close. Yes, I am uncomfortably hot. Yes, my daughter suggested I jump in. Yes, I know, I know -- I'm choosing not to.

That's when the picture came into full view. This moment at the pool was a reflection of my spiritual life in many seasons. Those seasons where -- maybe you have them too -- things get out of control. Either a circumstance rattles your world and throws you off course or just the busyness of life creeps in. Before I know it, I'm running with the situation trying to survive and little by little my time diving into the Living Water fades. Before long my life seems chaotic, sometimes even hot and messy. I feel parched and barren. Invariably I'll share my situation with a friend or mentor and they'll ask in one way or another, "How is your quiet time with God" What? Why are they asking that -- didn't they hear my hearts cry through my story. 

However, I think what they are trying to say is (like my daughter did) JUMP IN. But just like me putting off jumping in the pool, I do that with jumping back into God's word for the ultimate refreshment in those times when I'm dry and parched. My thoughts are probably more along the lines of Yeah, yeah -- I know. As soon as I have more time or I can think clearer I will. I'll jump back in later.

Like the cool water of the pool that was right before me and I chose not to jump in, that's what I do when I put off diving into the Living Water that will refresh and wash me free of all those cares that weigh me down.

If you are feeling parched during this season, remember to jump back in to the Living Water. It's right there waiting on you.

Seriously, all you have to do is jump in!

Blessed from the Most Unlikely

Yesterday, I sat out to have a day of fun and sun with my girls and a couple of their friends at the Schlitterbahn water park in New Braunfels. We got off to a late start, but none-the-less we were a bunch of giggling girls traveling down the highway, singing fun songs, and having a good time.

We decided to stop just outside of San Antonio to eat before getting to the water park. We enjoyed our lunch then hopped back in the car all smiles knowing our next stop was Schitterbahn.

Well . . . the car would not start. Nothing would come on! I tried a couple of times . . . NOTHING!!!

Being the mechanic that I am . . . NOT  . . . I just knew it was the battery, so I asked a lady nearby for a jump. She was there with a car full of kids, after she got them situated she came and jumped my car. She was kind, but still NOTHING!!! What? Doesn't this car know we have a water park to conquer and we don't have time for this silliness. Seriously!!!

By this time, I knew I had to call hubby. What were we to do? Just a side note -- I've decided car trouble shuts down my brain. (hubby would agree) We called the auto insurance company so they could hook us up with the appropriate people. Now mind you this was going to mean me leaving the four girls that were there with me at the burger place, while I rode with the towing company to the auto place. (I thought this was a crazy plan, but yet our only plan for a moment.)

This long story is going to be reduced for your sake . . .

Hubby calls back and tells us to walk over to a nearby truck stop and see if anyone can come and take a look at our battery. He felt certain it was our battery too. Two of the girls walked over to the truck stop while the rest of us stayed with the car, hood up, sitting in the hot sun. (no one offers to help us damsels in distress) The girls talked to cops, sheriffs, and men in the truck stop and NO ONE tried to help or even cared. As they turned to walk out of the truck stop feeling defeated my daughter says,

"I guess no one here cares to help us!"

A man coming into the stop overheard her and asked what she needed help with. She explained the situation. The man spoke better Spanish than English, luckily the friend with my daughter spoke Spanish so she became the translator. This man left what he was doing and came to take a look at the car. He too felt certain it was the battery.

He said we needed to jump it. I explained we already did. He said we needed to jump it again, but he didn't have jumper cables with him and he couldn't drive his 18-wheeler over to where we were. So, in his broken English he finds a taxi driver to use his jumper cables and sends me to a woman to ask her to pull her car over so we could jump off of her.

Hallelujah, it was the battery!

When all was said and done and I tried to pay this dear man for helping us he said in his broken English, "I asked God to show me what good thing I could do today. He sent me to you. You are my good thing!"

This man was so sweet that I had tears in my eyes by the time he left. We made it to Schlitterbahn and as I floated around the Lazy River 47 times in my float that afternoon my thoughts kept going back to how we were blessed from the most unlikely person we ran into all day. He didn't have all the right tools or even a language we could understand, but yet he was willing to slow down, step out of his routine, and go out of his way to lend a helping hand.

That man's example made me think of my own life. How many times do I say or think "well, I don't know enough to help out there? or I'm not gifted in that area? or I really don't have time right now? or I don't know enough about your culture to help? or how about I'M TOO BUSY?"

Because that man had asked God to be his hands and feet that day when God presented an opportunity, he easily recognized it and said, "because You say so" I'll help.

Because God says so, may we always be the most unlikely people to step out of our routines and show up to be Jesus' hands and feet when needed.

Graduation Day

In celebration of my daughter graduating and a new season beginning in my life, I will be giving away the SAVOUR eBook devotional in my June newsletter, which will go out the first week of June. Sign up for the newsletter HERE today to receive this FREE six week devotional. If you'd like more information on SAVOUR click here.






Yes, it's certain my baby graduates today! Did you hear that? I said MY BABY graduates today. Can somebody please pass the tissues??

It is hard to believe this year has flown by so quickly.

It seems just yesterday when she turned 16. Recounted here.
Lindsey continually keeps us in stitches with laughter as posted here. 
Lindsey never followed the crowd. Hallelujah! Her Poem here.
However, she's graduating with the best friends ever and always looking for more. Story here.

It's definitely a day that will mark a new season for both my daughter and myself. It's great we have wonderful memories, but I think we both eagerly wait in expectation on what the new season holds for us.

Lindsey - I am so proud of you! I am proud of the young woman you are becoming! I am proud of your boldness and convictions! I am proud to call you my daughter! Love you, Mom

Me, My Camera, and National Security

I'm not sure if I have a blinking red light above my head that I can't see, but yet every law enforcement agent can or if I'm the most ditzy girl around when it comes to national security.

As I sat out with my camera for a senior photo shoot this week, I found myself having flash backs. This precious senior is involved in debate and going to college to study international law and she wanted a creative picture at the courthouse. No problem, I  thought!

As we arrived at our destination we gathered our props -- she had a cart with two big black boxes and I had my camera equipment and backpack. Walking up the sidewalk we sensed these men following us. They eventually call out -- it's security cops.

They want to know what we are doing -- why we are there -- what's in the black boxes -- why do we have a camera -- and many other random questions, questions, questions!

We explained ourselves and what we were doing to which the security cops explain, "No one is allowed to take pictures at the courthouse. Are you sure those black boxes are empty? Ma'am, do you realize we are under a heightened security alert?"

I did know that! Just wasn't thinking of it at the time.

"Ma'am, do you know Bin Laden was killed a couple of days ago?"

All of a sudden, I could see the full picture of what they were seeing. Black boxes, huge backpacks, and both of us dressed in black. As I was cracking up on the inside at my lack of being aware, I apologized and thanked them for doing their job. A job they did amazingly well, actually!

As I walked back to the car, I was pondering what is it with me, my camera, and national security?

I have so many stories, but just to name a few:

     In Paris at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, I wanted a shot of the magnificent ceremony going on so I climbed up on this brick wall. Only to have the Paris police come by and force me down. Come to find out I was on part of the Arc-de-Triomphe, a national monument, and was showing disrespect.

     Traveling to Greece on a military flight, we made a stop at an airbase in Turkey. We were only going to be there for a short layover, but the sights were so stunningly different from anything I'd ever seen. Dusty. Barren. Desert. It was definitely something  to capture on film because I figured I'd never be back. As I'm walking around the base taking pictures, a Turkish police comes and confiscates my camera. Rude!!! Come to find out you couldn't take pictures on that base for national security reasons.

You can just imagine the list of my crazy adventures since I was a military wife for 23 years. However, I must clarify that I'm a huge fan of the RED, WHITE, AND BLUE and would never do anything to jeopardize our country's security, let alone all those that serve.

I guess it's just that I love my camera and my country so I want to capture it all . . .

Guess I need to start thinking a little more before I shoot!

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)

That's My Boy

Happy birthday to our son, Blake!

He is 21 today and that seems unreal.


We are so proud of you, Blake . . .

For being sold out for the Kingdom.

For living your life for God.

For always being yourself. (crazy hair cuts, antics, and all)

For helping others become all they can be.

For leading worship, not only every weekend, but daily in your life. (Romans 12:1-2)

For being an incredibly responsible 21 year old.

For being on the Dean's List in school.

For loving and watching out for your sisters. (Admit it, you love it when they pick on you!)

For respecting your dad and I. (Even when you don't agree - thanks!)

For being so creative. (thank you for using those talents to help me out too)

For writing and singing songs that stir others hearts.  (listen HERE to Fill Me)


Yep, that's our boy! Happy birthday.

We love you for ever and always . . .

I Never Would Have Dreamed

As I sit here looking back over 2010, I am amazed! Seriously, if you would have asked me one year ago where I'd be in one year, I can say without hesitation I would have not even came close to the answer.

I do remember as I begin to prepare for 2010 through study and prayer God was stirring something in my heart. I could feel it was something new, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Do you ever have those moments? You sense God is going to move you in some way, but the clarity is still not there. Well, that's where I was . . . preparing and wondering if I'd EVER get clarity over what was stirring in my heart. (As my friends say, "That's Alene, she's praying that C word again! Clarity.)

The year started off with a bang; speaking, organizing studies, and writing a new devotional. But somewhere in the midst of everything I loved, something felt a little off course.

It wasn't until around February when part of the mystery began to come together. Bay Area Fellowship, my home church, announced they were going to open a campus on the westside of town. An area that is impoverished and saturated with crime. At the first utterance of those words, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that was where God was leading me.

I started going over and painting and helping get children's areas ready. It seemed the more I was over there the more I desired to be there. And what was strange is I had no clue what I was doing . . . I only knew that God was called me there.

I've never lived in an area like this. I've never taught or ministered in an area like this. Basically, I knew nothing about this area, but my heart fell in love with the people from day one.

So although I would have been totally wrong if you asked me what I would be doing last year, I can honestly say I'm so glad God came down and tugged at my heart. Yes! His plans are always magnificent. And always more than I can ever imagine.

I just wonder, if you asked me today what I'll be doing this time next year if I'd get it right.

Probably not, because God's plans are much bigger than anything I could ever come up with! To that I just say, Hallelujah!

A New Fav

For those of you who have been with me for awhile, you might remember that my favorite type of pen was the old original Paper Mate. I wrote a very sad post about having to use my last one HERE.

As I scrolled back, it has been two years to the date that I hung on dearly to that last Paper Mate. Then to my surprise some of you mailed me more. That tickled me pink and I enjoyed them all. But, I have been without my favorite pen for quite sometime now, and I am here today to tell you  . . . I have a New Fav!

It is not a Paper Mate, but a BIC. It is the new Cristal 1.6mm. You've got to try it. It writes big, smooth and steady. The ink flows freely! It is the best.

Ah . . . a new fav!

Adventure - Here We Come

Are you an adventurous person? I like to think that I am, but I have to admit sometimes I struggle with stepping out of my comfort zone.

I was married at the age of 20. Crazy! Married a pilot in the Army. Lucky me! Our first duty assignment weeks after we married was to Frankfurt, Germany. What were my parents thinking?!!

I was full of adventure. This was going to be great. New hubby. New home. New country. Ad. Ven. Ture!!!

Well, loooooong story very short -- after three weeks in Germany when I could't speak the language, couldn't drive a car, didn't know my way around, and was going absolutely crazy I decided to set out. Adventure here we come. I found my way to the tram. But I had no idea where to go, nor how to find my way back. But I was determined!

What I did realize as I set out was a huge tower that bellowed above the city of Frankfurt. That tower could be seen from most everywhere. I knew if I would keep my eyes on the tower and not loose sight then I'd know where I was and how to find my way back to our home.

This is just what God requires as you step out with Him in faith. He beckons you to listen to His call and be daring enough to take the first step. Yes, it will be out of your comfort zone. But as long as you keep your eyes fixed on the Strong Tower, God, you'll be good to go. You'll navigate yourself well with your eyes fixed on Him because an incredible adventure awaits.

And friend, it's worth the risk. Frankfurt was gorgeous when I got beyond my neighborhood. God has a whole world out there waiting for you. He wants to shine his light through you to every neighborhood and country.

Take the risk and step out as you say, "Adventure - Here we come!"

Do You Long to Know Your Purpose?

Do you find yourself continually asking, "What is my purpose? Am I leaving a footprint here on this earth?"

If so, then you do not want to miss this study that I'll be beginning online October 7th. I will help you realize that it is in your every day life that those footprints for eternity are left. Yes, we all know the enemy comes to snatch those precious moments away, but I will give you the tools to realize every moment counts and leaves a footprint in time.


Not only that, but I will help you see your individual strengths, gifts, and talents through special assessments. You will enjoy this journey to knowing yourself and your purpose. So come along!

Seriously, over the years of teaching I have realized that the answer to "What is my purpose?" is a plaguing question for so many. Join this study to hear the simple, but profound answer. You need this information, because the truth is . . .

You have a unique purpose . . . whether you want one or not! Amazing.

For more information and to register visit HERE. Invite your friends and let's have some fun beginning October 7th.

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.

No Disclaimer Clause

I find it totally awesome when God uses your own words to teach you a lesson. My article just came out in WHOA Magazine and as I read it, I realized I STILL had some forgiving to do!

I won't be looking for a disclaimer clause this time. NOPE, I think I'll just begin the process of forgiving.

Read my article, No Disclaimer Clause, in WHOA Magazine HERE.

Jesus did just say "forgive!" There's no ands, ifs, or buts about it....

Life's Punctuation

Simply put, every day, every conversation, every situation, every endeavor -- your career, finances, relationships, each expression of your gifts and talents -- are all an opportunity to be living out your holy calling. ~ For This I Was Born, Brian Houston

Stop by Sanctified Together and check out my article "Dot. Dot. Dot." to learn about the punctuation of your life.

Many of us spend our lifetime trying to "find" the one thing to which God has called us -- in other words, we long to know our purpose. We want to know our purpose (period). We want to claim it and then put a period there. But that limits God and our way of seeing God.

As Brian Houston says above your holy calling is lived out every day, in every situation. There is  no (period). There are only commas to God's holy calling.

Simply put . . . our purpose is to acknowledge and worship Him every day in every situation.

Read my Monday Morning devotional HERE.

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!

Resting is Hard Work

God continues to speak in surround sound. I’m hearing it loud and clear. As a matter of fact, I heard it again this morning . . .

Rest.

Rest.

Rest.

However, I’m just not getting it.

It all started a couple of months ago when my schedule was quite hectic. I was teaching two Bible studies, writing a new study, speaking, and meeting with women. Of course, not to mention keeping up with the family and my photography commitments.

It was very busy and overwhelming on some days, but I just knew if I kept running the race REST was on the way. That is when God began imparting into my heart daily the word REST.

I longed for the commitments to be over. I longed for rest. But the funny thing is as my schedule began to free, I began to question why I needed to rest. First one Bible study was complete and I felt like I could breathe easier. Then another class was over and the weight on my shoulders began to ease. The writing was done and I began thinking, “Why did I think I need to rest? I’m feeling rejuvenated. Yes, I can keep running.”

That is when God began speaking ever so louder REST, REST, REST! It came through His words as I read the Bible, it came through devotionals I receive from others, it came through others speaking those words into my life. REST, REST, REST!

I was hearing it loud and clear. I heard it again today. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 NIV)

Strange though, I don’t feel weary. I don’t feel burdened. So, what is rest?

As I rest and pray for clarity, I don’t think God is saying to curl up in bed and rest. I sense it is a resting in Him, and a testing of my obedience. And I have to tell you, resting is hard for this girl! I like running. I like activity. Yes, I like being busy.

I'm learning that resting is hard work. Hard Work!!

Oh Lord, may I not only hear You say rest, but may I actually obey and REST.