SPIRITUAL METAMORPHOSIS

Today was my first day back in the gym in maybe a little over two weeks, and it was hard getting back into it, however, I was proud of myself for getting the strength to go back. But when my life started to shift, unfortunately, everything around me began to backslide. That’s the gym, this blog, my entrepreneurial endeavors, appearance, meditating on the word of God, and a slew of other things. After reflecting, I realized that I have a hard time pushing through when life is throwing curve balls at me unexpectantly. It’s not I don’t want to push through per say, but I began to have a laser beam focus on just trying to keep my head above water, and when I feel I am flowing back at a normal pace I resume doing what I essentially abandoned.

I must be honest and say that I have been dealing with some things, and it hasn’t all been easy. I have been trying to do the best I can, given the circumstances. At times I feel overwhelmed, and other times I feel like my back is against the wall and I cannot find a way out. I literally feel the pressure and that is one of the most uncomfortable things, but I couldn’t explain exactly what I was feeling at first. So, through prayer, getting my focus back, and wise counsel I began to see that I am in fact in the process of being MADE by God.

If you aren’t familiar with the word METAMORPHOSIS, it is a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means. Typically, this occurs with insects and amphibians, for example, a butterfly. The butterfly goes through a complete metamorphosis experience that happens in 4 stages. The butterfly itself never starts off being this beautiful insect with pretty colors, it starts off being an egg. When that egg is hatched it goes into the larva stage where it’s a worm. The next stage it enters is the pupa, where the worm will cover itself in a casing called a cocoon to protect itself as it develops into an adult, which can last anywhere from weeks to months, and sometimes years. It is in this stage where radical changes in the insect’s appearance and behavior occur. But catch this, while in this stage, they are most vulnerable to predators and other hazards, so while they lie still to complete their development, the cocoon helps to ensure that it reaches full adulthood unharmed. The last stage it goes through is the emerging process, coming out as a full adult.

What am I trying to say? I am learning how to sit still in uncomfortable times and flow with the developmental process of being made, while keeping my commitment to doing everything that God needs me to do right now in this season, for me to get to the next phase of my life. If I continue to hold on and stay focused on him, I will see every promise that he has for my life.

YOUR WEAKNESS, GOD’S STRENGTH

Recently I felt led to read the book of Judges, and in doing so I was looking for Gideon’s story specifically. Many of you may not know who Gideon was, but he would be in the “Faith Hall of Fame” if there was one, and I highly encourage you all to read up on him.

 In reading about Gideon, I was able to take away 5 pointers which I believe will help every believer especially in this new year.

1.   The mission does not change with God. Quick back story, Gideon started off with 32,000 soldiers and God reduced them down to 300. The goal was to have the battle and win the battle however the method of the victory changed, and God was orchestrating everything the entire time.

2.   God sometimes does BIG things in an unbelievable way. Let me break this down a bit further; Gideon was supposed to have a victory of conquer with only 300 men, and if you look at that from the natural eye, it’s absurd and cannot be done. But what cannot be done by man can be done by God. This was something only God could do and get the glory from.

3.   The battle is the Lord’s and his alone. We get caught up looking at what’s in front of us and we began to try to put things together to solve or fix what has already been taken care of by God. God was with Gideon every step of the way, gave him a plan of action, allowed him to be encouraged during the process, and promised to deliver Israel. Everything he said he would do, he did.

4.   God always accomplishes his plans. God is in absolute control of every circumstance and situation we will ever face. He is the author and finisher, and when he says something will be done, IT WILL BE DONE, and he is a faithful promise keeper.

5.   God wants us to walk in faith as leaders. Modeling trust in God through difficult situations is not easy, however the mission still doesn’t change.

Recognize your WEAKENESS as an opportunity for God to unlock his full strength in your life.

DEAR 2023

Today officially marks day 4 of 365 and I want to make sure we are all on the same page. Last year brought a lot of “it’s giving very much so God where are you” vibes but we are still STANDING!

 If I do say so myself, 2022 was very much needed in more than one way. I was stretched beyond what I thought I could be, I found my voice again and started speaking up for myself, my faith increased more, I learned how to trust God in a new way which still has me mind blown to be honest, I stepped into entrepreneurship, I saw my gifts and talents with a new set of eyes, I got to see what others see in me in a spiritual way, and I learned that I really am THAT GIRL, just to name a few things.

 So, 2022 thank you for a stirring year. It wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but I absolutely needed it, and has prepped me for what I am about to walk into for 2023.

 My prayer is that all of us will reflect and see last year as a catapult for this new year. Use all you have been taught and shown to go after everything that has your name written on it. This journey is strictly unique to you, and that’s all you need to focus on. Don’t look to the left or the right but keep your eyes focused on the Lord.

 Peace and Blessings as always and cheers to 2023.

 IT’S GO TIME!!!!!!

DOES SELF SABOTAGE RING A BELL

I have a feeling that this is going to set some of you all free!

 Self- sabotage is when people do or don’t do things that block them from success, accomplishing goals, receiving healthy relationships, not walking fully into what God is leading you to because you do not feel worth it, and the list can go on.

 I have self-sabotaged so many different things in my life and second-guessed opportunities because either I felt like I wasn’t worthy or I just didn’t do what was necessary to maintain them, or even push myself to get to the next level. I can say that I often found myself once again comparing myself to another individual who had more accolades than I did, or more education when it came to certain jobs, and I would be in my head subconsciously talking myself out of a good thing. To be even more specific a GOD thing. I would ask multiple questions for extra confirmation when it was certain God sent me into a specific place.

 Another example I can give you, is going after the dreams and ideas God placed in my heart to execute. I would spend time brainstorming and drawing out ideas but when it came time to execute them, I would start and stop within a few days. Back then I didn’t know why I would fall into the same pattern, but after reflecting I came to the realization that I feared myself. I was fearful because I knew it would require me to get serious and to get to the next level I was going to have to work hard and push myself. It’s not to say that I wasn’t willing to do the work, but it would be something that was new for me and would have to be done in a new and different way.

 Over the years I have learned to lean into all of who I am as a woman of faith. That’s not to say I am perfect and have everything figured out because I absolutely do not. But I am learning to really trust who God created me to be and the opportunities he blesses me with. Because if he has led me to it and presented it in front of me, I have everything I need already on the inside of me, he trusts me, and he knows I will knock it out the ballpark.

 Consider me as your sister, cheerleader, and encourager right now. It’s time to get out of your own way and walk into these spaces knowing YOU belong there without a shadow of a doubt. Trust yourself and trust what God is showing and doing in your life. We can be our own worst enemies, and the longer you continue to self-sabotage you will always be in your own way!

A WORK OF ART

Someone once said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if that were truly the case why we do we compare and pick apart the very handiwork God created, which was YOU.

 At some point I believe we have all struggled with self-esteem and self-confidence, at least I know I have over the years. As I got older, I started to appreciate myself and the very way I looked because I saw myself in the way God sees me and not what the world deems as beautiful.

 When we view ourselves in the eyes of the world or compare, before you know it, you’ll find yourself in a loophole questioning your whole existence, which is you also not trusting God and diminishing the fact that everything he has made is PERFECT.

 God does not make mistakes. He formed us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb and carefully molded each of us just like a potter who molds clay. Your very make up, is like no other, and you will not find a single sole that is like you, which is a beautiful thing. You are unique and wonderfully made. So, the next time you find yourself comparing your features, or picking apart the small things you see in the mirror that you deem unlovable, I want you to see God in the mirror when you look at yourself.

 You reflect God himself and I need you to walk in that confidence, believing and knowing. You are special in his eyes and will forever be.

EVERY END IS A NEW BEGINNING

If you are reading this, we are coming closely to the final stretch of 2022!

 The year has not been easy, and it has been filled with a lot of ups and downs, but you are so close to making it out. Often, the end of the year brings about a of different emotions for a multitude of different reasons but typically a lot of us feel like we didn’t accomplish enough, or we do not have anything to show. That may not be you of course, but I’ll be honest and say this has been me.

 In the bible it talks about how comparison is the thief of joy, and it’s one of the truest statements. Outside of me being super hard on myself, I’ve found myself comparing my success to another individual’s success resulting in me picking apart who I am and second guessing all the strides I have made this year. And I want to remind you that we all are on different journeys and our paths will not look the same. Just as everyone has a different DNA make up, we all have different stories and paths, and depending on what you are called to do, it will look completely different. A healthy question I had to ask myself is, how do I measure success, and who am I measuring mine to.

 You cannot have an end without a beginning. So, as we transition out of one year into another one, I encourage you to change the narrative and celebrate every big and small win. Do not compare those to anyone else but be PROUD of yourself because you are not where you used to be.

 For some people, this year was a year of takeoff and acceleration, while for others it was a building time, growing time, spiritual elevation, and so much more. All of these, though different helped you achieve your goals in one way or another. Do not lose your momentum right now, keep going and set yourself up for even more with the new beginning headed your way.

 You’ve done a good job this year!

LIFE'S PRIORITIES

Priorities are things that we set in place that take high precedence in our lives such as family, friends, a job, routines, or whatever the case may be. Sometimes we prioritize the things we do daily as more important than others and we let some things fall by the wayside, and often that becomes our relationship with God.

 We get consumed with the many things that are grasping for our immediate attention, and everything else not considered or valued as immediate attention gets put off. But time and time again I have learned that my number one priority should always be God, regardless of what I have going on in my life.

 A life apart from God is something that I absolutely do not want to take part in. The moments where I have fallen off with God and put things before him have done no good for me. The feeling I usually get feels like a fish being out of water, there is no life without it. I need God, day in and day out, as if my life depended on it because it does.

 So, I’m giving you this reminder as I remind myself to get back connected to the life source. When you put him first, he allows all things to fall into place or drop away, which both are essential. Don’t wait or put off another moment you’ve been given to spend time in his presence. He loves you beyond what human words can express and wants to abide in you as you abide in him.

 Stay focused on the things that matter MOST!

DOWN IN THE DUMPS

I had another post written for you all but being over the past few days I’ve been feeling a little discouraged, I thought I’d share my own moment with you all, so you know you’re not alone.

 I was working one evening and felt a wave of different emotions come over me, the general feeling was one of discouragement because I began to feel like I was not doing enough, or I’m not where I want to be in life at this very moment. The thoughts in my head became louder than what I know to be true, so it was a very conflicting moment for me.

 I began to discredit all the work I’ve done this far and the accomplishments I have been able to achieve. My mind was literally in a battlefield, and I had to come against every negative thought with truth that I know about myself. One thing I am learning in this “birthing” season is that what I am birthing will look different compared to the next person, and that is not a bad thing.

 One individual may be birthing businesses, while you on the other hand are birthing the woman inside of you or the man inside of you. You may be birthing patience, consistency, or whatever is specific to you. But just because your birthing looks different, does not mean you aren’t still birthing or evolving. Once I was able to realize that my mind began to shift, and I was able to look at all the things that I am doing right now, that are literally propelling me into the next version of myself.

 I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and I cannot miss this season because it’s giving me everything, I will need for the next level approaching. I also had to remind myself that, what we see portrayed is almost never an accurate depiction of reality. We see the feel-good moments, and glitz and glam, but we don’t see the behind-the-scenes work of another person’s life. So, while I’m second guessing my current destination and comparing myself to another, I must remember that my journey is specific to me, and God trusts me with it. I may not be where I want to be, but I am still making daily progress in going after those desires and dreams.

 So, if you’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed or discouraged, I’m here to tell you to keep going. I know you may not feel like you are not where you are supposed to be, but trust that God is still moving on your behalf, and all these steps you are taking is needed. We cannot afford to miss any steps; your life depends on it.

 Hold your head up high because you are going to WIN!

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR

It’s been a minute but welcome back to Chasing After Zion!! I’ve been on a slight hiatus and while being on that, I had some time to reflect on some things that have occurred in my life. One of thing I’ve been able to reflect on is the prayers I have prayed and the questions I have found myself asking God.

I noticed that while growing up in the church, no one ever gave me a warning on being careful what I prayed and asked God for, and what to do when God starts to answer those prayers. But in my answered prayers I figured it out and I want to share with you all.

For starters, don’t pray big if you do not want God to move in a big way. Because as soon as you open your mouth you better believe he’s going to stir up things in your life. For example, I asked God to help me grow into having a “crazy faith” and then BOOM! When I said that prayer, I was not ready for the things to come that would push me into having to exercise my faith in a crazy way. I know you’re probably thinking in what way Alisa, well I’ll tell you; my car was stolen. I had been praying that prayer to God about increasing my faith for a while but right before my car was stolen, I had been praying about it more fervently.

Obviously in the moment of finding out my car had been stolen, I had so many emotions but after, I was able to quiet my mind and spirit and I began to say okay God, I trust you, and if you allowed this to happen, I know you knew that I would get through it and trust you. My heart posture after became one of thanksgiving and worship because it could’ve been worse but more importantly, I was at peace because I truly believed the words, I said out loud to him and I reminded myself of all the other times he’s kept me and delivered.

I say all of that to say, I believe God wants all of us to see him in bigger ways than what would be considered normal for us. He has so much he wants to show us and do in us and through us, but we must operate from a place of FAITH. If you truly trust him like you say you do, be prepared to stand on that, and allow him to show you just who He is.

Out With the Old, In With the New

If you are reading this, you have graciously made it to the year of 2022, and I’m excited for all of us!

Last year was a year where everyone’s back was pressed up against the wall in some way shape or form, and we all know that it was far from easy. I think it’s safe to say that as a nation we hadn't seen a death toll like what we saw in years. Not only did we see people dying left and right, but people were losing their jobs, became homeless, sick, crime increased, racial discrimination, the true hearts of people were revealed, just to name a few.

So as this new year has quickly ushered in, a lot of us are holding our breath right now expecting some major discord to shake the table again similar to how our bestie 2021 did. And honestly, I don’t blame us for feeling that way because at this point, we all have suffered trauma and are looking for a fresh start, a new beginning, anything that will be different from our last.

I want to let you all know that it’s okay to breathe now. What you thought would break you, did not, and we are STILL here. You’ve come out of the fire stronger and the good book says that righteousness is forged by the fire, its a refining process. So we thank you Lord.

I declare that this will be your best year yet. I speak life into every soul reading this, and my prayer is that you will see God move in a mighty way in your life. Remember to keep God as your focus and do your very best to make all you do count.

As always, God loves you, I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it!

XOXO,

Alisa