Category Archives: My Crazy Life

Tuesday: When I am Falsely Accused

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV
  

After a hectic day at work, I took my dog for a walk. Ambling around the neighborhood in our usual circle, an irritated voice pulled me out of my thoughts. The voice wasn’t very loud at first, but I sensed it was meant for me. I located the source—a lady yelling down at me from the third story of our neighboring condo building….

 

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(P.S.  Each day this week, I’m sharing a devotion about extending grace at Zookeepers Ministries. Don’t miss a Daily Doses of Encouragement…sign up here to receive Daily Doses straight to your inbox)

Be blessed!

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Filed under Community, Extending Grace, Faith, God, My Crazy Life, Who is God?, Writing

The Month That Was October

October has always been “my” month. It’s my birthday month and my favorite time of the year because of the gorgeous weather, autumn leaves, and excitement about the upcoming holiday season.

Thus, I always get a little selfish during October. I only do the things I really want to do. This year, that did not involve writing. At all. Not a single blog post or article or devotional. Looking back, I think I needed a break from the pressure I often put on myself. I love to write–until it becomes something on my task list instead of something that flows natural from experiencing life.

So, what did I do during October?

* Turned 34 years old; how is that possible? Most days, I feel younger/better now that I did when I was 25.

* Finished my consulting project and gained some much needed downtime.

* Went on a relaxing vacation with my family to Gulf Shores; it was my niece’s first trip to the beach!
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* Chaired an event for Preston Taylor Ministries that turned out beautifully (if I do say so myself!); it was the annual fall dinner banquet to honor PTM volunteers and celebrate joy-filled friendships.

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* Spent time repenting and extracting myself from some commitments that I placed on myself but that God wasn’t calling me to do/continue. There are so many good things that I can do, but I find myself filling up my schedule with these things and ignoring God nudging me in another direction.

* Starting jogging/running. I will pause here to let that sink in (for those of you who know me and wonder who just hijacked this blog post). I have always wanted to run, but never really believed I could do it. I would start a program and give up every time it became difficult (which was always in the first half mile). But someone special in my life convinced me that I could do it. And for some reason, his unwavering belief in me carried me through the tough start. I am now up to 4 miles (and loving it) and I plan to run the Boulevard Bolt on Thanksgiving morning!

Now you are caught up on me, for the most part. How was your October?

Hoping that November brings with it a renewed zeal for writing in my life and lots of time to reflect on our sovereign God.

allisonsign

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Filed under Family, My Crazy Life, Photos, Travel

Do You Trust Me?

I feel myself descending into the pre-birthday funk. Since my 30th birthday a few years ago, I no longer get excited about my birthdays. Instead, I realize that I’m about to be another year older. I take stock of things and recognize that, in many areas of life, I am not where I always thought I would be at this age. Another year has passed and many dreams remain unmet. It weighs on me, and it just seems too late for a lot of things.

As I contemplate all of this while getting ready for church on Sunday, God enters the previously one-sided conversation:

God: Do you trust me?

Me: Well God, of course I trust you. I have believed in you for my entire life. I have entrusted my salvation to you. Duh.

(I know— it’s probably not a great idea to say “duh” to God. Thankfully, he puts up with me.)

Here is the point that God impressed on me in that moment:

Even though I know who God is . . . one who is big enough to forgive all of my sins;

Even though I know what God does . . . that he accepts me with open arms, extends his grace and mercy to me over and over;

Even though I trust God with my eternal salvation . . .

I still have a hard time trusting him with tomorrow.

Sure, I trust him with my salvation. I absolutely believe that he is sovereign, all-powerful, all-knowing, and the one who doesn’t make mistakes. So if I truly believe that, why can’t I rest in the knowledge that all of my tomorrows are safe in his hands?

Years ago, I gave a speech at my high school graduation. I recently found a copy of that speech at my parents’ house. I had not thought about it in a long time, but I used the following well-known quote in my address to our graduating class:

“I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow.”

There is no nice bow to wrap around this post and tie it all together. I just know that God is still teaching me something about faith. Something I thought I had figured out a long time ago.

allisonsign

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Filed under Faith, God, My Crazy Life, Random

Road Warrior

I know, I know. Two weeks without a blog post?

I have logged a lot of miles since my last post. In the past 10 days, I have only spent one night at my home. Here are some photos from my recent travels–from the Windy City to the Home of the Blues.

Fun weekend in Chicago sightseeing, eating, meeting up with friends, shopping, EATING, drinking homemade hot chocolate . . .

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Business trip to Memphis at the famous Peabody Hotel (with some fun thrown in on Beale Street) . . .
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I plan to start blogging regularly again—once I catch up on sleep, bills, laundry, work, and emails.

In the meantime, have you been anywhere fun recently? Blog about it and put a link in the comments for us!

allisonsign

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Filed under My Crazy Life, Photos, Travel