Tag: Hope

Hope · Uncategorized

Letting Go and Falling…Forward?

Alyssa DeLosSantos5 Comments

Not long ago, I was invited to speak at a women’s retreat for one of our church campuses.  I wanted to be super spiritual and say I’d pray about it, but mostly my heart and mouth were long past saying yes, without the praying. Let me clarify, I stepped out of my job last year…… Continue reading Letting Go and Falling…Forward?

Hope · Uncategorized

Tongue Tied

Alyssa DeLosSantosAside1 Comment

I love single moms. I have been a single mom. I feel called to remind single mothers that although their family status may have changed, they STILL matter.  I learn all manner of lessons from these courageous women. Just the other week, while sitting in worship, I had a moment of pure joy.  My family… Continue reading Tongue Tied

Hope

Unnecessary Suggestions

Alyssa DeLosSantos4 Comments

We were boarding our second flight.  We had been gone for a week, and while we were greatly blessed by time alone, my husband and I were ready to see the faces we love most in this world, our children.  It was “stupid” early in the morning and I was about to turn my phone…… Continue reading Unnecessary Suggestions

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Capsizing and Crying

Alyssa DeLosSantos6 Comments

John, my husband, took our youngest son kayaking several months ago. Being Andrew’s first experience he was tentative, at best. No sooner than pushing off from the shore, the kayak capsized. Paralyzed with fear, it took an enormous amount of coaxing to get him back in the boat for the remainder of the trip-some two…… Continue reading Capsizing and Crying

Hope

In Need of an Alignment

Alyssa DeLosSantosLeave a comment

Alignment: proper or desirable coordination or relation of components. When your car needs an alignment, it pulls to one side instead of moving forward in a straight trajectory.  Braces are used to achieve proper alignment of teeth.  A level is used to assure pictures are hung with equal distribution-so as not to be catawampus. In…… Continue reading In Need of an Alignment

Hope

through the eyes of the Beholder

Alyssa DeLosSantos4 Comments

Racing heart, wide eyes, and hands clinched, I watched him jump.  It was the first time he had attempted swimming in the deep water.  At a distance, I watched him reluctantly enter the water and swim with all he had.  After reminding myself to breathe, my hands began to clap and I couldn’t help but…… Continue reading through the eyes of the Beholder

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The Presence of Absence

Alyssa DeLosSantos3 Comments

For my daughter because through her pain~I was forced to deal with my own. You cry on Sunday nights while lying in your bed. Sleep invites, but heartache overwhelms you. “Mommy, I need you,” you call from your room. Heavy hearted, I respond to your plea. I come in and sit down on the edge…… Continue reading The Presence of Absence

Hope

Between Pages

Alyssa DeLosSantosLeave a comment

A few weeks ago, I took a study bible off the shelf and a sweet surprise fell out. Years ago, during a stormy season, I enjoyed the words of wisdom found on my desk calendar. It was during the rise of the Prayer of Jabez (1Chronicles 4:10), so I can only assume the author to…… Continue reading Between Pages

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Stood Up

Alyssa DeLosSantosLeave a comment

Two of my three children are in their teenage years. Enough said. Post complete. Right? No. I’ll put some flesh on my thoughts. The most common pattern I see, in this teenage season, is a strong need to retreat. Once home from school, it’s no surprise if I don’t see their faces until I ring…… Continue reading Stood Up

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Her Name Means Forsaken: Her Story Illustrates Redemption

Alyssa DeLosSantos1 Comment

Genesis 16:1-13 and Genesis 21:1-20 bring us face to face with an Old Testament relationship disaster. We get front row seats to watch circumstantial loneliness manifest-and become a platform for poor decision-making. Enter our main character: Hagar. Hagar is an Egyptian slave and Sarah’s rival. She didn’t have a voice as a slave, so she…… Continue reading Her Name Means Forsaken: Her Story Illustrates Redemption