Questions/Prayer Requests

I created a Formspring for all of you who would like to contact me with questions/prayer requests/etc. You can do it anonymously if you would like.

http://www.formspring.me/morganalexisc

A Thankful Heart

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
-1 Thessalonians 5:18

It's so easy in our day to day lives to complain--complain about things we don't have, complain about our circumstances, complain about things we can't change. We tire ourselves out rambling on and on, and what good does it do us? None.

This Thanksgiving holds a lot of mixed feelings for me:

Sorrow. There is a lot I have lost in the past year--specifically the biggest being relationships with loved ones. It's been a painful journey, but it has not only made me stronger, but taught me how to put my trust and faith in God. I am currently in the midst of reading the book "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge (if you have not read this book, I HIGHLY recommend it; both men and women). In reading this book, things have started to make more sense to me--for example, how I like to take things into my own hands and be in control. Not in a domineering way, but in a "I'm strong enough to handle this on my own, I'll show you" kind of way. Throughout dealing with the losses in the last year, I have had to learn to get down on my knees and surrender all to Christ--that's all I can do. That's all I'm called to do. 

Relief. Although I have lost relationships in the past year, I have also gained relationships that were lost, and now being restored. To be able to let go of that pain, hatred, bitterness, and holes in my heart has just been one of the most freeing and relieving feelings I've ever experienced. I could not have orchestrated things better myself. This was just even more proof to me that God does always have a plan and He makes beauty from ashes.

Thankfulness. Last but certainly not least. Despite everything that has gone on this past year--good and bad alike--my heart is just genuinely thankful this year. How could it not be? I look at my life and I can see countless blessings and things to be grateful for. God has been ever faithful to me. He has provided, cared for me, pursued me, loved me, and taken care of me. He has made up for where I lack, He has given me grace, He has grown my spirit, He has given me wisdom, He has shaped me to be who I am destined to be.

Although my heart is missing those loved ones that I have lost relationships with this year, I am overflowing with the joy that comes from my thankful heart.

My encouragement to you is to do your best to have a thankful heart, rather than focusing on what you don't have or are lacking. More than likely, there's even more to be thankful for than you realize.

Here's to living the destined life..

Rekindled Friendship

I met Madeline when I was in middle school through a mutual friend. My mentor at the time started a bible study with Madeline and I as well as 2 other girls. We didn't go to the same school or gatherings, but we spent time together in that bible study and whenever we'd all have a girls night or hang out time.

Years have passed after the bible study stopped, and we lost contact. We've been friends on Facebook, but hadn't really "reconnected" until a few weeks ago. After messaging back and forth, we agreed to a coffee date a few weeks back. We sat down at one of my favorite coffee shops (Kodiak Coffee in Forest Lake) and caught each other up on our lives for hours on end.

The more and more we talked, we found out how much we could relate to each other. I mean, really, it was crazy. We both left our parents homes because of unhealthy situations and are now living elsewhere for new beginnings. Our stories lined up so similarly. And even though we didn't have the EXACT same story, we were finishing each others' sentences because we knew what it was like to go through what we've gone through and be where we're at.

As we were realizing how much had happened in each others' lives in the time that had passed, I started to feel a strong bond and an overwhelming sense of God's timing. It kept astonishing me that even though so many time had passed, we were able to relate and rekindle our friendship on such a deep level.

Since that coffee date, we've texted, spent even more time together, and already have plenty of things planned to do together in the upcoming months.

This woman is so strong, so in-tune with herself, so in-touch with the Holy Spirit, and she's an inspiration to me. It's only been a few weeks since that first coffee date, and I already feel I've learned from her, been inspired by her, as well as empowered. It's so awesome how God just knew we could relate to each other and support each other on so many levels now!

Amen to God's timing.

Yesterday Madeline and I went on a little photoshoot adventure and then ended the afternoon sitting in Starbucks (buy one get one free Holiday drinks 2-5 this weekend!!) cuddled up on comfy chairs, sharing stories, laughing, and listening to each other.

Here's some photos from the day:

 

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." 

-John 15:13

Here's to living the destined life..

A True Friend

"The search for reason

Ends at the shore of the known
On the immense expanse beyond
Only the sense of the

Ineffable can glide
It alone knows the route

To that which is remote

From experience and understanding"

Words from a dear and wise friend.

This morning started off like any Thursday morning for me: awake at 6. Pray, roll out of bed, plug in the curling iron, get ready for work, have some yogurt, head out the door, and go to work. As my shift came to an ending, I put my coat on, and headed out to the parking lot where my grandpa was waiting for me in the car. A car alarm started going off the second I walked outside. As I hopped into my grandpa's passenger seat he made a joke, as expected. "Geez, quit making car alarms go off, will ya?!" a little giggle followed.

The second he started driving, he started with "I have some really bad news for you..."
I was thinking maybe we had to reschedule our Thanksgiving plans or something.
"REALLY bad news..." he said.
I braced myself.
"Grandma called this morning..."
My  mind started to race. Did she lose her job? Did something happen to someone in the family?
"...Ira went into the hospital after dealing with some pain and found out he has cancer."

My heart sunk.
Let me explain...

My grandma has worked at the same elementary school since I was born. Through the years, she has built strong relationships with staff, students, parents, etc. One of which was Ira. Ira is the social worker at my grandma's school. I've known him since I was 4. I have been visiting my grandma's school since I was a little one myself. I have so many memories of going to visit Grandma's class. I thought I was so cool; helping out the kids, ordering them what to do, and leading the line to lunch. Every time I went for a visit, I stopped in to see Ira. He always had stories for me and made me laugh--he was always such a goof ball.

As I grew older, we started growing more of a friendship rather than an elder to a child relationship. My grandma kept him updated on how I was doing while I was living out in Colorado. Soon after moving back home to Minnesota, I payed a (highly overdue) visit to my grandma's school. I knew the first thing I had to do was go see Ira. As I approached his office door, I already felt a smile forming on my face. He has this idiotic (I say that in the most admirable way) and humorous photo on the window of his door--filling up the entire space of an image of him and his dog. I knocked on the door as I heard his muffled voice talking to someone on the phone, "Hold on one moment, someone is at the door." He opened the door and a huge astonished grin filled his entire face. "I have to go, can I call you back later?" he replied to the person on the other end of the phone. "Ok, buh-bye now." He embraced me with a huge hug followed by a kiss on each cheek. We then proceeded to talk for an hour catching up on things.

This was the usual for Ira and I. I would surprise him at work. He would always have treats like fresh French press coffee, chocolate covered coffee beans, hummus and veggies, etc. He shared with me countless stories and pictures of his travels--Israel, Jerusalem, France, basically all of Europe. He always sent me home with books encouraging me in my writing and art. "Oh, I have this lovely book that you would just adore," as he would pull one off the shelf. Ira is one of those people who always listens, and he knows how to make you feel like he genuinely cares--and he does. He's invested so much time into me over the years.

"I view you as an equal. Sitting here with you, I view you as someone of the same status as me. I don't look down on you like a child," he told me.

I usually have an issue with being vulnerable. I have a hard time opening up to others because frankly, sometimes I have a hard time even opening up to myself. I love listening to others--I genuinely love it--but other way around, I'm usually not so used to and comfortable with. But Ira was one of the few people I was comfortable with doing that. I felt okay being raw. I felt okay saying whatever came to mind. I had many "ah-ha" moments in his office just spewing out words and putting things together for myself like a puzzle. I always left his office feeling a sense of empowerment and encouragement I hadn't really experienced elsewhere. His office was a safe place. A place to share conversation with a good friend over tea and treats. I've always looked forward to my times with Ira for they are very treasured.

I was planning on going to visit him next Wednesday. We were corresponding through emails back and forth for ongoing weeks since the last time I saw him. This past Monday his first email to me he explained how he was feeling crappy and having "abdominal issues". I didn't really think anything of it--just assumed he had the flu or something. He didn't respond again for a few days...and then I received the news today that he's in the hospital and has cancer.

I'm still letting things soak in. I have been praying since.



This man has taught me so much wisdom. He has invested so much into my heart and life. He has helped push me. He has been a true friend.

My heart goes out to him and his family tonight.
I know he's in His hands.

Here's to living the destined life..

The Wife of Noble Character

^"10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
      She is more precious than rubies.
 ¹¹ Her husband can trust her,
      and she will greatly enrich his life.
 ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
      all the days of her life.
 ¹³ She finds wool and flax
      and busily spins it.
 ¹⁴ She is like a merchant’s ship,
      bringing her food from afar.
 ¹⁵ She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
      and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
 ¹⁶ She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
      with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
 ¹⁷ She is energetic and strong,
      a hard worker.
 ¹⁸ She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
      her lamp burns late into the night.
 ¹⁹ Her hands are busy spinning thread,
      her fingers twisting fiber.
 ²⁰ She extends a helping hand to the poor
      and opens her arms to the needy.
 ²¹ She has no fear of winter for her household,
      for everyone has warm^[c] clothes.
 ²² She makes her own bedspreads.
      She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
 ²³ Her husband is well known at the city gates,
      where he sits with the other civic leaders.
 ²⁴ She makes belted linen garments
      and sashes to sell to the merchants.
 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity,
      and she laughs without fear of the future.
 ²⁶ When she speaks, her words are wise,
      and she gives instructions with kindness.
 ²⁷ She carefully watches everything in her household
      and suffers nothing from laziness.
 ²⁸ Her children stand and bless her.
      Her husband praises her:
 ²⁹ “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
      but you surpass them all!”
 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
      but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
 ³¹ Reward her for all she has done.
      Let her deeds publicly declare her praise."
~Proverbs 31:10-31

I came across this scripture for the first time (that I recall) a few months ago. Immediately, it pierced my heart.

First off, I would like to preface this with the title: The Wife of Noble Character. This is the actual passage's title (it varies in different translations of the bible, but this is specifically the New Living Translation's title) in the bible. I believe this scripture is not just for those whom already have a husband or are about to have a husband, but to women of the Body. I believe through Christ, we are called to be part of the Bridegroom in the Body of Christ. For me personally, I already have looked to apply this scripture to my life even though I do not have a husband yet. And I believe when the day comes that God does bless me with a husband, that this scripture will continue to resonate in my soul--feeding it inspiration and direction.

The first thing I really admired about this scripture is it gave me direction. So often, I feel we as God's people in general, just ask of God--pleading, begging, desperate, hungry, searching. But how often do we really take direction well? In fact most of us, when we feel direction from God, it scares us. Why? Because we paint this "pretty" little picture in our heads of what our life needs to be like in order to get stamped with the seal of perfection in our eyes. And God forbid, it our little picture of perfection doesn't line up with Christ's beautiful picture of destiny. I don't know about you, but I could use some direction!! I could use some words of firm instruction but in a loving and gentle manner. I LOVE this scripture for just even the fact that it directs me. It's Christ telling me how to live my life and who to be--which leads me to my next point.

So often it's easy to get caught up in finding our definition, purpose, and worth in the world. It sounds cliche and a bit "broken record-ish", if you will, but it's so true. Even in the sense of social networking; how many people are "following" our blog, how many friends we're friends with on Facebook, how many people "like" and comment on our status' and pictures. We find ourselves just getting sucked into this tornado of who's who in the food chain of social status and personal worth. Living in a world that it's so easy to be self-advertising and self-obsessed, this scripture was just such a humbling, sweet word for me. I just felt God saying "Strive for this. BE this." and I find myself actually hungering to strive for that; to BE that.

I find myself going back to this scripture every morning before I set my feet to the floor, and every evening before I lay my head to my pillow.

Women, I encourage you to let these sweet words sink into your heart. Accept them as Christ's spoken word over your life. Let this be the definition of your heart, your soul, and your life. Let it reflect through your actions, your words, and even your presence. We are called to be a wife of noble character.

Here's to living the destined life..

Liberating

These past 3 weeks have been some of the best of my life--without sounding too drastic and naive.

I mean, really; never in my life have I felt so liberated, free, and independent.
Finding myself again without any predispositions from anyone of who I am, who I was, or who I am to be.
Finding what I want for my life.
Finding what I need for my life.
Making things happen.
Feeling like you're living and jumping into what you were made for.
I was made for this.
Going along with the current without paddling or hesitating.
I don't owe anyone an explanation or defensiveness.
This is my life.
Not yours.
Not his.
Not hers.
I have something to make of this all--and you better believe I have already started.

I don't know exactly what lies ahead of me, but I have this serene peace about it all.
I'm okay not knowing.
I'm okay taking leaps.
I'm okay.

Finally, I'm okay.

Here's to living the destined life..

Created To Be Extraordinary

This weekend I had the utmost pleasure of visiting Body of Christ Church in Ames, Iowa.

I don't think I will ever forget this experience. The morning had a bit of a chill in the air, and the fog hung in a low hazy way. The streets were pretty bare with a few people here and there wandering to their destinations that Sunday morning. Billy had told me that it was small, but other than that I didn't really know what else to expect. I walked in the doors and could hear the muffled voices of the choir just outside the building. As the doors opened and we entered, this feeling overwhelmed me--authenticity. I looked around and saw roughly 75 people or so all of different races, colors, ages, etc. The choir was on stage--most of them African American. Now, let me interrupt things for a second here and explain something. I was born in Forest Lake, Minnesota. One of the smallest of small towns in Minnesota and the definition of white suburbia. You could say I grew up in a sheltered way concerning diversity--I wasn't really exposed to it. So there I stood; a small town, white suburbia girl (and I mean WHITE), in a church with multiple different races, people dancing, people singing, people shouting, and just genuinely praising God. At first I was a little taken back. You could say it was kind of out of my comfort zone just in the sense that I had never been to a church like that--but within the matter of minutes, it's like my soul melted into the rest of the other hearts of the congregation. Immediately I felt like I was already a part of the church, like I was a part of the Body inside the congregation of that church.

I didn't know the songs at all. I'm used to Hillsong United, David Crowder, Desperation Band, etc. But even though I didn't know the tune, even though I didn't know the words, even though I didn't know a thing about the songs, jumping right into praising God came easy for me there. I felt welcomed, I felt accepted, and I felt like nothing was holding me back.

After worship, the pastor stood up and treached (taught + preached). Pastor Toran Smith, I have been told, works at a UPS store, and felt God laying it on his heart to start this church. When you hear and see him speak, the reason why God had that calling on his life is very apparent. He spoke with such just, authenticity, truth, and a life-giving-focused way. He spoke out of love, out of teaching, out of preaching, and out of being a vessel of Christ. He was stern, yet humble in his strength.

The topic of the message was Extraordinary. The second I picked up the pamphlet that we were to follow along in, and I read that single word "extraordinary" across the top, I knew it wasn't just by chance that I was there for that sermon.

He went into reading Daniel. Talking about how Daniel had an extraordinary spirit and extraordinary wisdom. Inside that, he started speaking about how there are barriers that keep us from being extraordinary. Barriers are something that I have had to deal with (which I'm sure a lot of you can relate to) on a pretty regular basis--especially in the past few years. A barrier can be anything from hate built up in your heart, to rules, to people speaking un-righteous things over our lives. Basically, a barrier is anything that keeps us out and away from living to our extraordinary potential.

I have allowed barriers to surround me. Heck, I've even probably built some of them myself. Within that, I've surrounded myself with them, keeping me back from reaching that extraordinary destiny that Christ fashioned my heart for. Destroying those barriers completely is something I have already immediately started praying and interceding for. I was so encouraged to realize that God can use me for His purpose, for His glory, for His Kingdom, all in extraordinary ways than my mind can even imagine. Over my dead body am I going to let barriers keep me away from that. Over my dead body will I just settle for some mediocre, boring, day-to-day life.

This message just really pierced my heart and I think it was a huge push that my heart needed to hear. I'm really in a transitioning point in my life right now, not knowing exactly what lies ahead of me, but I have such a peace about it. Basically I'm in the river, allowing God to take the current wherever He wants and whatever speed He wants, and I'm just floating along--not paddling, just floating. I'm so thankful for how Christ works--all in His perfect timing and perfect ways.

My encouragement to you is to read through Daniel, let this soak in, think about what your barriers are, and what is having you settle for being ordinary rather than extraordinary.

Here's to living the destined life..