Two days ago, the doors of UTC opened for around 200 students to register for their classes. One girl was kinda skeptical about the whole thing. She slowly walked through those doors with one emotion holding her back: fear. She saw the tons of people, and immediately came up with conclusions in her head. However, this voice whispered in her ear: "keep an open mind. listen to what i have to say", so reluctantly she cracked the door of her mind, and unclogged her ears. She began to see the upside as soon as she let things go. She branched out and made 5 bagillion friends, as well as meeting professors and seeing passion in these people she didnt think she would see. She met with the exchange student teacher, and he set a passion in her in which she didn't think was possible...
She found the summer reading includes a book about a boy from Malawi...
Her God continues to take her breath away.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
It is amazing me how much God is providing me in my life right now....
This past Monday, I was privelaged to play a gig at Hotel Indigo with Tori Bigelow and Galen Crew. At the gig, a bunch of opportunities have been opened up, and instead of getting excited about them, i kinda head the opposite direction. I worry because i will be leaving for Chattanooga in a few months... what if i'm leaving something really important behind me?
While i am thinking this, however, i know i can have fun now, and just go off to Chatt and if i'm supposed to do it, then opportunities will be opened...
ah... never thought i'd be confused about this!
This past Monday, I was privelaged to play a gig at Hotel Indigo with Tori Bigelow and Galen Crew. At the gig, a bunch of opportunities have been opened up, and instead of getting excited about them, i kinda head the opposite direction. I worry because i will be leaving for Chattanooga in a few months... what if i'm leaving something really important behind me?
While i am thinking this, however, i know i can have fun now, and just go off to Chatt and if i'm supposed to do it, then opportunities will be opened...
ah... never thought i'd be confused about this!
Friday, May 20, 2011
High School did teach me something!
A few days ago, my high school career came to a close, and i began to reflect on it. I began to think about what i have learned... Did i learn anything? Then i made a list.. and i learned way more than i thought: Some funny, and some serious, and some incredible.
1. Don't judge people- it's not your place.
2. Love each other deeply
3. Don't expect things out of people-they just might surprise you and go the opposite way that you think they would.
4. Dream on- You have your whole life ahead of you, don't limit yourself.
5. Don't care what other people think- if you do this, you will find yourself having less fun. I definitely had to learn this one, and in learning this, i found 2 of the best friends i have ever had.
6. Don't take life too seriously- have fun.
7. People watch and take note of what you do (especially if you're known as a leader).
8. Don't be afraid to shine out of the group. People will take notice and they will admire you for it.
9. Don't be too good for the underclassmen. They need you, and you might could impact them more than you think.
10. Go with the flow! (especially with dating) - if you stress too much it will only create unneccessary drama.
11. Don't cry at school (especially for girls)- you will get swarmed.
12. School counselors aren't good for anything.
13. Dress code is only important the first 9 weeks of school. (especially if you're a senior).
14. Don't hide your talents.
15. Find that one person you can confide in, and make sure to tell someone when you are having a bad day, it makes the bad days a lot less bad.
16. Don't let other people's opinions affect what you do (unless what youre doing is stupid of course)
17. Don't give advice unless asked.
18. 2 or 3 close friends is a lot better than 100 acquantances ... hands down.
19. Be on the attendance lady's good sides.
20. Run away from Mrs. Zartman and Mrs. Mcabee... especially when you're outta dress code..
The number one thing i learned is how fast time flies. On the first day of freshman year, they told us that we would be Seniors before we knew it, and we all just kinda laughed, but it's so true.
Time flies when you're having fun i guess...;)
1. Don't judge people- it's not your place.
2. Love each other deeply
3. Don't expect things out of people-they just might surprise you and go the opposite way that you think they would.
4. Dream on- You have your whole life ahead of you, don't limit yourself.
5. Don't care what other people think- if you do this, you will find yourself having less fun. I definitely had to learn this one, and in learning this, i found 2 of the best friends i have ever had.
6. Don't take life too seriously- have fun.
7. People watch and take note of what you do (especially if you're known as a leader).
8. Don't be afraid to shine out of the group. People will take notice and they will admire you for it.
9. Don't be too good for the underclassmen. They need you, and you might could impact them more than you think.
10. Go with the flow! (especially with dating) - if you stress too much it will only create unneccessary drama.
11. Don't cry at school (especially for girls)- you will get swarmed.
12. School counselors aren't good for anything.
13. Dress code is only important the first 9 weeks of school. (especially if you're a senior).
14. Don't hide your talents.
15. Find that one person you can confide in, and make sure to tell someone when you are having a bad day, it makes the bad days a lot less bad.
16. Don't let other people's opinions affect what you do (unless what youre doing is stupid of course)
17. Don't give advice unless asked.
18. 2 or 3 close friends is a lot better than 100 acquantances ... hands down.
19. Be on the attendance lady's good sides.
20. Run away from Mrs. Zartman and Mrs. Mcabee... especially when you're outta dress code..
The number one thing i learned is how fast time flies. On the first day of freshman year, they told us that we would be Seniors before we knew it, and we all just kinda laughed, but it's so true.
Time flies when you're having fun i guess...;)
Monday, April 11, 2011
A Little Encouragement Please?
As I am getting prepped for my trip to Malawi, there are many things that need to be done!
1) I need a passport.
2) I need $3,500 by mid-may
3) I need to be praying hard for this trip.
4) I need shots.
And there are many more things i need in order to go.
The other day, I was talking to one of my best friends, and Satan picked that opportunity to get under my skin. As I was sharing my heart about how ecstatic I was to go on this trip, but how stressed I was about the money, my friend looked at me and said, "Alyssa, can I ask a question?" of course i told her yes... and she proceeded to say "Well, why don't you save your money for more important things, like college? I just don't understand why you need to go so bad."
I literally looked at her with the most intent look and said "you don't get it at all. God has placed this passion in my heart, and he told me to go, so i am going. I have no idea how the funds are gonna come in, but I believe that my God is big enough to provide that for me..."
She gave me a dumbfounded look, and i walked off, in order to keep from saying anything else.
My God does provide. He sent me about $400 this past week.
Satan, you tried, and you failed. Good luck next time.
1) I need a passport.
2) I need $3,500 by mid-may
3) I need to be praying hard for this trip.
4) I need shots.
And there are many more things i need in order to go.
The other day, I was talking to one of my best friends, and Satan picked that opportunity to get under my skin. As I was sharing my heart about how ecstatic I was to go on this trip, but how stressed I was about the money, my friend looked at me and said, "Alyssa, can I ask a question?" of course i told her yes... and she proceeded to say "Well, why don't you save your money for more important things, like college? I just don't understand why you need to go so bad."
I literally looked at her with the most intent look and said "you don't get it at all. God has placed this passion in my heart, and he told me to go, so i am going. I have no idea how the funds are gonna come in, but I believe that my God is big enough to provide that for me..."
She gave me a dumbfounded look, and i walked off, in order to keep from saying anything else.
My God does provide. He sent me about $400 this past week.
Satan, you tried, and you failed. Good luck next time.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
The past few weeks, I have been doing something that has been very very hard for me: relying on God every morning in order for me to be calm and know everything will be ok.
I am going to Malawi in July and I have to raise over $3,000 dollars in the next month... I am incredibly stressed, but there is a strong voice in the back of my head that is telling me, "Alyssa, I've got this!"
I have heard the stories, from my own sister, in which she got the money right when she needed it, and i am already beginning to see this happening. It is very difficult for me, however, to just "Be still and know".
In the past week, i'm beginning to see many miracles... God is getting my cds, in which i didn't even expect to sell, being sold for $5 a piece. I sold 5 of them yesterday!!! 5!!!! This cd was only supposed to be for my sister who was going to Africa and wanted one!!
Also, i am working a lot and i am making bank. I made enough money yesterday to get my passport.
God continues to whisper, "I got this"
And i continue to wait.
I am going to Malawi in July and I have to raise over $3,000 dollars in the next month... I am incredibly stressed, but there is a strong voice in the back of my head that is telling me, "Alyssa, I've got this!"
I have heard the stories, from my own sister, in which she got the money right when she needed it, and i am already beginning to see this happening. It is very difficult for me, however, to just "Be still and know".
In the past week, i'm beginning to see many miracles... God is getting my cds, in which i didn't even expect to sell, being sold for $5 a piece. I sold 5 of them yesterday!!! 5!!!! This cd was only supposed to be for my sister who was going to Africa and wanted one!!
Also, i am working a lot and i am making bank. I made enough money yesterday to get my passport.
God continues to whisper, "I got this"
And i continue to wait.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Past Few Months
A lot has been happening with me for the past few months, but I haven't really had the chance to write about it until now. God has really been moving in my life in incredible ways and I am so excited to see what is going to come out of all this.
A couple months ago, I was doing a project on the photographer Dorthea Lange. This incredible lady kindled a passion in me.. she said this:
"While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permits us to see."
This kindled a burning desire to show people what they wouldn't normally be able to see through a picture. I want to show culture, passion, desire, and emotions through one single frame. I began to conveniently run into people who have the same heart as I do, and I was deeply encouraged by this. The passion never left.
Finally, one night, I was laying in my bed and I prayed for Christ to give me an opportunity to branch out and to try out this idea He has placed in my mind. I prayed specifically for a mission trip through the church i could go on. Literally the next day, an application to go to Malawi was placed in my hand. I will be obedient.
I believe Christ wants me to go there, but in order for this to occur, I must raise about $3,000 by mid-may. I am only SLIGHTLY freaking out, but the fact is that if i am really supposed to go, God will make a way for me to get there. Please be praying for patience and peace on my part. The lyric "My God is the God who provides" continues to play throughout my head and I just need to continue to believe it!
A couple months ago, I was doing a project on the photographer Dorthea Lange. This incredible lady kindled a passion in me.. she said this:
"While there is perhaps a province in which the photograph can tell us nothing more than what we see with our own eyes, there is another in which it proves to us how little our eyes permits us to see."
This kindled a burning desire to show people what they wouldn't normally be able to see through a picture. I want to show culture, passion, desire, and emotions through one single frame. I began to conveniently run into people who have the same heart as I do, and I was deeply encouraged by this. The passion never left.
Finally, one night, I was laying in my bed and I prayed for Christ to give me an opportunity to branch out and to try out this idea He has placed in my mind. I prayed specifically for a mission trip through the church i could go on. Literally the next day, an application to go to Malawi was placed in my hand. I will be obedient.
I believe Christ wants me to go there, but in order for this to occur, I must raise about $3,000 by mid-may. I am only SLIGHTLY freaking out, but the fact is that if i am really supposed to go, God will make a way for me to get there. Please be praying for patience and peace on my part. The lyric "My God is the God who provides" continues to play throughout my head and I just need to continue to believe it!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Scream
So lately, I have had this strong connection with a certain song I wrote a few years back. I played it with my sister for some friends this weekend, and it was as if something about it tugged on my heart. It was then as if God was saying "Alyssa, remember why you wrote it."
This song, in fact, did not start out as a song at all. It all started as a cry out, a passionate cry to God. Sophomore year, while having a depression relapse, I sat in my room and began to write down everything I was thinking. At first, it started out as just a couplet rhyme, then it turned into a whole poem, or psalm.
This was written on 12/29/08:
I long for you but you are already here.
I search for you when you are standing next to me.
I look through the mountains day-by-day in the hope to be able to get a glimpse of you on the horizon.
When I asked where you were, you say: I created that sunset just for you, daughter.
I search through everything of the world to satisfy.
Even when i know You alone can do that.
I dream of you and ask why i don't actually see it happening.
You say: your heart is open but your mind is unsure.
My heart detests my mind for holding me back from your love.
I wonder EVERYDAY why you love ME?!
You respond: don't ask, just recieve and spread.
I scream all through the night, hoping for an answer.
But you are whispering.
I can't hear you through all my noise.
Those demons whisper that I'm not good enough
They lure me in, and then leave me out to dry.
But you stay and console me when i cry.
You soak me in your glorious rain.
Your rain soaks through all my dry cracks and crevaces,
leaving me to thirst no more.
My heart is longing for more of you, Daddy.
My feet long to walk your path.
However, the world and my mind hold me back from you.
The world showers me with words made of knives.
I try to ignore the knives that are sticking into my back,
but they enable me to stand.
You are the only one who can cause those deep wounds to heal.
You pull out the knives and wipe my scars and bloody heart
You clear the tears from my eyes.
And you hold me
And you comfort me
And I cry out to You.
You cry with me
And put all my burdens I gave to you on YOUR shoulders.
Willingly.
It is amazing when God takes a hold of your pen...
it's amazing where He'll take it.
This song, in fact, did not start out as a song at all. It all started as a cry out, a passionate cry to God. Sophomore year, while having a depression relapse, I sat in my room and began to write down everything I was thinking. At first, it started out as just a couplet rhyme, then it turned into a whole poem, or psalm.
This was written on 12/29/08:
I long for you but you are already here.
I search for you when you are standing next to me.
I look through the mountains day-by-day in the hope to be able to get a glimpse of you on the horizon.
When I asked where you were, you say: I created that sunset just for you, daughter.
I search through everything of the world to satisfy.
Even when i know You alone can do that.
I dream of you and ask why i don't actually see it happening.
You say: your heart is open but your mind is unsure.
My heart detests my mind for holding me back from your love.
I wonder EVERYDAY why you love ME?!
You respond: don't ask, just recieve and spread.
I scream all through the night, hoping for an answer.
But you are whispering.
I can't hear you through all my noise.
Those demons whisper that I'm not good enough
They lure me in, and then leave me out to dry.
But you stay and console me when i cry.
You soak me in your glorious rain.
Your rain soaks through all my dry cracks and crevaces,
leaving me to thirst no more.
My heart is longing for more of you, Daddy.
My feet long to walk your path.
However, the world and my mind hold me back from you.
The world showers me with words made of knives.
I try to ignore the knives that are sticking into my back,
but they enable me to stand.
You are the only one who can cause those deep wounds to heal.
You pull out the knives and wipe my scars and bloody heart
You clear the tears from my eyes.
And you hold me
And you comfort me
And I cry out to You.
You cry with me
And put all my burdens I gave to you on YOUR shoulders.
Willingly.
It is amazing when God takes a hold of your pen...
it's amazing where He'll take it.
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