Brianna is a Speaker, Teacher, and Missionary as well as a part-time Writer, full-time Encourager, and a fellow For the Love book launch team member. She currently lives in Middle Tennessee with her husband of 12 years, Jason, busy being Mom to two spicy little boys and Bosa the Boxer. More of her writing can be…… Continue reading Becoming Paul: Guest Post by Brianna
We all have one. It shapes our decisions and perceptions. Our relationship filters include them. Backstory: a narrative providing a history or background context… Without discipline, knowledge of another’s backstory can lead to prejudices, or unwarranted judgments. In selfishness–or self-preservation–we can use another’s backstory to justify our own actions. For example, if you happen to feel…… Continue reading Backstory
It was the intersection of my guilt and the Lord’s prompting. My breathing became shallow and my heart thumped wildly. With everything in me, I didn’t like where this was leading. It’s a moment I won’t soon forget. Jesus was directing me to confess my failure—to Him…and to someone I wronged. Confession. There’s something we…… Continue reading The Liberating Power of Confession
Intimacy frightens me. Being brave–being vulnerable–sharing weakness—no.way. Exposure is scary. Trust is required and I have not been super adept in that department. Beth Moore, in her study Living Free, refers to the “be strong, be independent” philosophy that was authored by satan. The one that sounds like, “no, I’m fine…I can manage this on my own.” Self…… Continue reading Tiptoeing Toward Vulnerability
In the quiet place I recognize my empty hands…my weary heart…my dried up spirit. On my own, separate from the Lord, I have nothing. He substantiates me, redeems me, fills me, graces me and wildly loves me. My independent, stubborn heart likes to believe I have all I need–moreover, that I am all I need.…… Continue reading Five Minute Friday::Nothing
Don’t ask my friends, they will exaggerate. They will tell you it’s 2-3 times per day, but they are wrong! I confess–I do obsess about my floors, and in turn sweep them often. In my defense, dark hardwood floors show EVERYTHING! A few times a week I cave in and clean them. I do. No…… Continue reading A Flooring Confession
When traveling on an airplane with small children, the flight attendant reminds parents to place their own oxygen mask on before helping the children with theirs. They agree, but in reality do they really anticipate a need to follow her instructions? Maybe not. I would listen and agree-when I traveled with my children—but I never…… Continue reading Moving Beyond Martyr
My life is filled with unfinished “projects.” I’ve struggled with a long-standing streak of slothfulness. I blame this awful trait for all the things I’ve desired to finish—things I’ve started with great gusto—but failed to complete. At this very moment-I have potato salad waiting to be finished, a bag of popcorn that has not been finished,…… Continue reading One Completed Task
My first vivid memory of selfish behavior was in first grade. The classroom was dark-we were supposed to be outside playing. I crept into the room and went straight for my teacher’s desk. There I found the small box containing paper boy and girl cut outs. I quickly shuffled the cut outs around until…… Continue reading Umerited Favor
The alarm had been set, but what woke me were his panicked words… “Alyssa, it’s 6:00am. You’re late.” I loathe mornings. Really. My body requires extra time to “warm up”, and my enthusiasm hibernates until sometime after 10am. I was scheduled to meet a friend at 6:15 that morning. There was no way I could look presentable, grab…… Continue reading Wake Up Call to Love
Alyssa DeLosSantos 