God is with us...

You can probably tell that I'm not the kind of person to erase or start over. I just kind of pour out whatever is going on in my life all over this computer screen and hope and pray someone can relate and be encouraged. Today I debated on whether or not I should erase the beginning and just go straight into the good stuff, but I think that would defeat the whole point of wanting to be transparent...sooo here you will find all that has been on my mind over the last couple days of not writing anything...

 I hate stressing out about having to juggle school (which hasn't even started), worship, quality time with the Lord, and family...I don't even have it that hard.

Life can feel so hard though.

I get so caught up in planning and prioritizing that my focus just gets off of God.

Why is it so hard to just trust that God's got it handled? Why does it feel like I can't let go?

I know I've said all this before. This is one of my biggest challenges. 

Oh Lord, I need a breakthrough! One minute I can feel the freedom of totally depending on you, and the next minute I'm looking down and I realize, wow I'm up high, and I start depending on myself. I need you to breakthrough my doubt. I need you to show me once again how to let go. 

So you may be wondering, where is the happy Ally? Which I apologize for any complaining I've done...

She's here. 

Just in writing this I'm able to feel the presence of the Lord. (Which makes me beyond happy)

God is good, isn't he?

Joshua 1:9 says,

"...Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

He is with me wherever I go...

He is with you wherever you go.

Now that's got to bring a smile to your face.

Thank you God!

I want to encourage anyone who is feeling defeated, worn out, or frightened...whatever it is, remember God is with you wherever you go. Be strong. Be courageous. Remember you're not in this alone. 

I thought I would share with you that tomorrow I will be getting baptized. I've struggled with being baptized over the last few years because I didn't want to do it for the wrong reasons. Baptism is not something to be taken lightly. At this moment I finally feel ready to do it. It's not a matter of pleasing people around me anymore. I'm doing this to show the Lord my dedication to Him. I want to be obedient to His call. I want to be faithful. I want to trust HIM with all of my heart, and love him with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. I want to be changed from the inside out. I want him to use me. Although he already knows that, this is my public declaration of me giving my life over to the one true God! 

Lord, keep my eyes focused on you. You are all I need. Prepare my heart for tomorrow as I take another step out on the water. I'm letting go again. I'm refocusing. Through you I can do this.

I’m letting go again

Don’t want the day to end...like this

No matter how many times a day

I’ll keep giving it away...to you

‘Cause I want you Lord. I need you Jesus.

I can’t let go alone.

So Jesus, come and set me free    

Pour your grace out on me

         

Why does it feel

Like I have to be in control

Am I afraid of knowing, of changing, of growing

Why am I holding back?

Why am I standing still?

Lord you take the lead, oh once again would you take control

‘Cause I want you Lord. I need you Jesus.

I can’t let go alone.

So Jesus, come and set me free    

Pour your grace out on me

come and set me free

I am free

~Letting Go~