by Allie Walker | Jan 9, 2025 | Featured, Hope, Joy, Life Advice, LO Library |
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE <3
Fireworks! Balloons! Ball drop! Midnight! It’s 2025!
After the excitement of New Year’s Eve winds down, there is another holiday to be celebrated. The first day of the new year. It is a holiday for the hope of what is to come for the new year ahead. Though a new year is filled with possibilities, dreams and goals, it can also be filled with uncertainty.
But what are we putting our hope in this year? Potential success? Our News Year’s resolutions? Anticipation of a new job? New relationship? New season of life that is stirring in us?
Honestly, I’ve always had mixed emotions about “the start of a new year”. Sometimes I feel unsaid pressure that my goals must be laid out, resolutions set, mindset sharp, and somehow, I must feel up to 100% charge when that clock strikes midnight January 1st. And friends, I will be the first to say that is not how I am writing today. I currently have pneumonia and have been recovering from serious spinal surgery with a still, long road of recovery ahead of me. So, whatever you are coming into 2025 with, I want to assure you, you are never alone, and we have somewhere and someone to place our HOPE in. Something that is NOT temporal or uncertain like the unwavering things of this world.
What if 2025 was the year marked by our hope in CHRIST?
Hope in Christ in the New Year
I’ve learned this by a slap of reality one too many times but, unlike hope based on our circumstances, hope in Christ is eternal.
At the start of a new year, naturally, we try to fill ourselves with the hope of telling ourselves things like…
This year will be different. I will finally find success again, finish school, find my spouse, walk 10k steps a day and eat healthy. Not that having goals isn’t amazing, but placing our hope in them is not. Studies show that 62% of people that make a new year’s resolution do it out of pressure and 92% of people do not stick to their resolution.
Our hope cannot be based upon our circumstances because that is an unstable ground that is constantly changing, but we can place out hope on the solid rock that is Jesus, who is never changing.
Jesus explains in Matthew 7:24-25 what life looks like when we build our foundation on Him.
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”
Jesus is the solid rock foundation that keeps our soul strong. No matter the circumstances, those who have been saved through faith in Christ will never crumble.
Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Like I mentioned earlier in the blog, I faced some unexpected challenges towards the end of 2024 that resulted in a very serious spinal surgery. As most unexpected uncertainties have it, it’s been a struggle to manage the rollercoaster of emotions. To keep my eyes on Christ in the twists and turns of circumstances.
On the morning of November 2nd, one of my biggest MRIs, I was texting with one of my best friends and she was telling me…
Kat: “Today is good. I am praying it can bring peace. It is like the second to last piece of a long confusing puzzle.”
Me: “You know I don’t like puzzles; I’ve never really been good at them.”
Kat: “You are going to get through it. You are facing your fears, and it is making you stronger… you don’t have to be good at puzzles to finish them, and people help you through them, too.”
I remember this text bringing me to tears. Sometimes fear can lie to us so much and convince us we must have it all under control. We crave control of our outcomes, when quite honestly, 99% of the time, it is completely out of our control. But God doesn’t leave us alone. He gives us people. He gives us his presence. And He gives us His promise, HE is working to put the pieces of the puzzle together just how he intended it to be for us. What we can do is release, trust and place our hope in the author and perfect our faith.
I’ve also learned that holding onto fear doesn’t change the footsteps of your future. Holding onto fear just creates more of a disconnect between you and the one who has your life in His perfect plans. Jesus promises you everything fear cannot.
Promises of God:
Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”
Isiaha 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Psalm 32:8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 -But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast even more gladly about my weaknesses, so that
Christ’s power may rest on me That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
And SO. MANY. MORE.
The best news is these promises do not change. They do not waver. Just like Jesus and His love for us.
Jeremiah 31:3 – The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
As you walk boldly into 2025, with whatever you are carrying, will carry, or even the moments you feel on top of the world, you can lay it all at the feet of the cross. God has good plans for you. Plans to prosper and protect you, for hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). Each part of our story is more of a testimony to His. Your life is beautiful. Your life is treasured. Have HOPE for this year because of Jesus and who He says and proves to be.
Say this prayer over your new year:
Heavenly Father,
As we enter 2025, we place our trust in Your perfect plan for our lives. Help us to walk in faith, knowing You are working in and through us. We choose to be expectant, believing You will do great things through us this year. Strengthen our hope, guide our steps, and let our lives reflect Your goodness, love and light.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You’ve got this, friend,
AW
by Allie Walker | Jul 2, 2024 | Anxiety, Doubt, Featured, Joy, Wisdom
Who has seen Inside Out 2?!
My teammates and I went the other night and it was awesome! I highly recommend you go and see it if you haven’t!
As most of you know, the main character Riley enters her teenage years in the movie… I know a lot of us have walked through that stage, some of you are entering that and some of you are still currently in the teenage years. All in all, we know what it’s like for some unknown emotions to make their way into our life.
And try to steal our JOY.
*kinda a spoiler*
But in the movie, anxiety comes and takes over Riley’s joy, which Joy had ultimately run her life the past 13 years. Anxiety didn’t come alone though… it also brought envy, embarrassment and boredom. Woah. Nothing too positive or fun.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, I related to a lot of this!
When anxiety takes over, most things seem to crumble. Riley loses her confidence, and pretty much tries to do anything and everything possible to BE ACCEPTED.
Anxiety will make you believe things about yourself that aren’t true.
Anxiety will make you believe you aren’t satisfied or you’re weak… pretty much all things negative.
You have to be ______ to be accepted and liked.
You have to be good at ______ to be cool.
The list goes on!
Anxiety places meaningless “what ifs” on your hopeful future that is already secured by the Almighty!
Today, let’s embrace TRUTHS God has spoken over our lives that we are safe and not defined by anxiety.
You are not alone in your struggle with anxiety. The Lord meets you there and delivers you from all your fears. He can use anything for His glory!
Here are 3 lies anxiety wants us to believe to be true about us… and TRUTH that overcomes it.
#1: Anxiety keeps you in CONTROL
Anxiety promises to prepare us for the worst. If we constantly live through everything that could happen, we’ll be ready if/when it does…right? But that is a a false sense of security. Anxiety doesn’t prepare us for the future; it only robs us of joy in our present life.
Truth: “Who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:27
#2: Anxiety claims your IDENTITY
Anxiety wants you to believe that this is who you are — You are an anxious person and you always will be. But the gospel gives us one TRUE identity: Jesus. When God looks at you, He sees His Son. His righteousness is yours.
Truth: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
#3: Anxiety leads to PEACE
Anxiety promises that if we ponder over the scary “what ifs” or if we constantly relive every past hurt, we will eventually come to some sort of satisfying conclusion. That’s a winless battle.
There are some questions, some “what-if’s,” that we cannot resolve this side of Heaven. Peace comes from looking at our perfect savior, not at our circumstances.
Truth: “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27)
John 15:11 says, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
LOVE,
AW
Allie Walker is an Ambassador for our LO Sister App and this is a sneak peek at the encouragement you’ll find daily in the app. There are countless girls like Allie waiting to pour into you, friend. Join us here to be a part of this amazing community!
by Allie Walker | Jun 13, 2024 | Career & Future, Doubt, Grief, Hope, Life Advice, LO Library, Purpose & Calling, Vision
Plan
plural noun: Plans
- noun: an intention or decision about what one is going to do
- verb: decide on and arrange in advance
I know majority of us are not a stranger to the idea of “plans” or the word in general.
I feel like I hear this word 10+ times a day.
Whether it’s as simple as “What are your plans for the day?” Or as broad as “What are your plans for the future?”
Or even better, when someone asks you “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”
Everything in life seems to have a “plan”.
Planning a schedule, a practice, a race or execution of a game, a hard conversation, a test, a result, a response, a date…etc.
Maybe I’ve turned my ear towards the idea of “plans” in this season of my life more than ever. I’ve never been much of a “planner”
Well, unless it comes to how many hours before I race I need to eat food so I’m not seeing it twice (lol).
But, seriously…
I’m about to start my senior year of college, and last year of collegiate athletics, and the question I’m receiving most is…
“Well, Allie! What are your PLANS for after college?”
And ya know what, to be transparent…
I don’t have one!
Sure, I have hopes and desires on my heart I know the Lord sees (Psalm 37:4). I’d love to put that hard worked degree to use, get married to my love, have a family, and continue to work towards goals.
But I’ve also learned this year (more than I thought I lifetime could teach me) because I’ve seen it unfold in my life…
It is truly GODS PLAN that prevails, not always what we have in our mind.
That does not mean He does not care what we have on our hearts, though.
Proverbs 19:21 —
“Many are the plans in a persons heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
I saw my sister’s life flip upside down this year. A big part of our lives flipped upside down, too.
Just weeks before she was going to be getting engaged to her high school sweetheart of 7 years, God brought him home after a hard fought battle with cancer. I’ve shared about Ben in blogs before. A faithful servant and fearless warrior.
Ben had plans, just like the rest of us. Plans to become a doctor (he was so smart and driven), plans to marry my sister, and many wonderful hopes and dreams most 22 year olds have desired for themselves. And that is good! It is good to have desires and work for things, and plan for the future to an extent. Ben was such a planner, but He was never “unrealistic” and ALWAYS more confident in the plan God had for Him. Never once did He doubt Gods plan for His life. Even in sickness. I want to live more like that. With a confidence like that.
And yes, God had different plans. Do I understand why it had to be this way? Or why the things Ben worked for didn’t come to fruition? Well, most of the time, no.
It is hard some days to sit and wonder what could have been, and in my human thinking, in my eyes, what should have been.
God does have a plan…. But when that road has tragedy it is very hard to go,
“Oh yeah, God has a plan!”
I am sure many of you reading can relate.
This is where faith comes in and is tested. Where hope must stay alive, and confidence in Our Jesus must outweigh the doubts of evil.
Ben is not physically still here with us, but I know Ben is alive, new, healed, and in the paradise of Heaven with Jesus. The safest place to be.
Gods plans are NOT to discourage us. Even when life can be hard and scary to understand sometimes.
We aren’t always going to understand, but we are called to trust. He will provide strength. (Isaiah 41:10)
I believe it will all be revealed to us one day, maybe just not always on this side of Heaven.
We live in a fallen world. Horrible, unjust things happen. Usually, those things don’t fall into our idea of “ideal plans” we picture for our lives.
Romans 8:28 —
“God works ALL things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
It does not say, ALL THINGS ARE GOOD. We can name 1,000+ things that are NOT.
But, even if, He is still good.
Romans 8:18 — Paul writes,
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”
Thankfully, we know from Jesus’ life that there is purpose to our pain we walk through. God doesn’t waste anything, including suffering.
He doesn’t always remove us from trials, because He plans to use them.
- God didn’t rescue Noah by stopping the flood — God kept him safe in the water.
- God didn’t save Daniel from the lion’s den — He protected him from the lions mouth.
2 Timothy 2:11-12 —
“Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him.”
Jesus joins us in the suffering, but we will also rise with Him in victory.
Pain that we endure in our life is not God’s punishment. Jesus Christ paid that price on the cross.
We serve a God of love, grace, truth, protection, and power.
A God who will finish what He started.
What He says He will do, HE DOES.
What He says He can do, HE PROVES.
What He says He can heal, HE TRANSFORMS.
ALL hurt, confusion, damage, distress, doubt, failed plan, and death —
HE CONQUERED ON THE CROSS.
The blood of Jesus Christ covers it all.
EVERYTHING that has left you hurt in this life of sin, will be made right in the throne room of Heaven when we meet face to face with Him.
A game changer perspective God is teaching me is turning my “whys” to TRUST that God is making all things work out for HIS glory and not our own.
Why would I spend my time caught up in the 1,000 “Why’s” of why it didn’t go the way I perfectly pictured?
Ephesians 3:20 —
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
If my Jesus can do IMMEASURABLY MORE than I can EVEN IMAGINE — going beyond what the human brain can bear… why would I doubt the plans God has for me?
Why would you doubt what God has for you?
As Christ followers, if you are currently reading this, you are Earth bound, serving your purpose here for His glory, while ultimately working your way HOME bound.
Where all is made right.
Eternity with Jesus.
There is protection, prosperity and purpose, in every part of Gods plan.
Trust it. Believe it. Receive it. Live it.
I love you, friend!
LOVE, AW
by Allie Walker | Feb 1, 2024 | Life Advice, LO Library, Waiting
I don’t know about you but I am definitely one of the most impatient people ever. I’m the one who leaves for a class 30 minutes early because I can’t stand the thought of being late. When I say “let’s leave at 2:00pm”… I’ll be in the car ready by 1:45pm… just ask my roommates lol. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Atlanta traffic… good thing Michael is one of the most patient people and drivers I know… safe to say he does most of that driving hehe.
My point in exposing my bit of impatience with these things is because it applies to more than traffic or punctuality on small silly things.
I get impatient with those things because I’m WAITING / WANTING to get to a destination.
Ooo read that again.
I get impatient with those things because I’m WAITING / WANTING to get to a destination.
When I’m sitting in traffic and have an event to get to… I’m thinking about getting to that event… not the 1000 cars I gotta get by to get there.
Waiting is a natural part of life. No matter if it’s in traffic, a long line, a test grade to come back, a flight…etc.
Waiting is also a part of FAITH. God continually calls his people to wait for the Spirit to be revealed. In fact, the history of Israel is a history of constant waiting. From Egypt to Exile, the people waited for their redemption, looking forward to the Messiah. And in the new testament came their messiah… Jesus. Now we wait for Christ’s return, and for the full establishment of God’s kingdom upon the earth. What hope we have!
But… like waiting in Atlanta traffic or fill in the blank… waiting for God to reveal purpose in a hard season, or for all of the promises of God He tells us in His word, can be frustrating at times. I don’t know about you but I’ve definitely found myself in seasons (still am) of asking God “Why do I have to wait for the good to come of this?”
Or
You feel like you are doing everything right but still find your feet in a season of waiting and disappointment. Maybe even feeling like He’s forgotten about you. Your dreams. Your desires. The work you have put in.
YOU AREN’T ALONE.
Something the Lord has been teaching me in my recent season, is PRESENCE. Waiting can teach us a number of things but the tug of my heart is “Being present.” Embracing HIS presence. Allowing HIS presence to keep me or lead me to where He wants me.
There’s freedom in that. There’s freedom to surrendering to HIS presence.
The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, crying out for deliverance. God responded by sending Moses to lead them to freedom. (Exodus 1-12)
Jeremiah often faced rejection and persecution for delivering God’s messages. Yet, he remained patient and steadfast. And God provided (Jeremiah)
David had to wait many years and face numerous trials, including persecution by King Saul, before finally becoming the King of Israel. (1&2 Samuel)
God is working in the waiting.
But did these people just sit still in the waiting? No. they didn’t give up on their faith. They kept pursuing the Lord. And He came through. Every. Single. Time.
One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 40:31…
“But those who WAIT on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”
Next time you grow impatient in your waiting, or grow frustrated in your season…
Remember these things:
He sees you. Keep seeking Him.
What God has for you, you can’t speed up, can’t slow down, can’t delay and can’t stop.
But we can control the posture of our hearts. To trust Him. To stay present where He has our feet.
Even when we feel our feet should be somewhere else. We can’t see the big picture he can. He has plans to protect you, teach you, love you, mold you and shape you. He wouldn’t keep you in a season if there was nothing else beneficial from it…
“For we know ALL things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.”
Not all things are good, but God can bring good out of anything.
God can see what you can’t. Trust Him. He’s not letting go of you… so you don’t let go either!
Love,
AW
by Allie Walker | Nov 7, 2023 | Hope, Life Advice
My mom often reminds me of all the times I was younger and would wake up crying in the middle of the night because of how bad my legs hurt. Nine times out of ten (if they didn’t hear me crying yet) I would find myself headed down to my parents’ room at about 3am, asking if one of them could rub my legs and take away the pain.
Growing pains. Legs aren’t the only thing that experience growing pains.
Life has growing pains, too.
If my six-year-old self didn’t grow, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
God created our bodies to grow, flourish, endure pain, encounter wins, accomplish, work, serve…etc.
It’s hard to accept and understand that “growth often means pain or uncertainty”. Paul boldly reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
God is not absent in uncertainty, in fact, I believe that is when He shows Himself the most powerfully. Uncertainty is uncomfortable and scary, but when we face uncertainty, it yields us the opportunity to be solely dependent on the one who knows the outcome. And trust that His plan is greater than ours.
If you look back at the lives of the prophets—from Moses to Elijah to Jonah—their lives were often lived in uncertainty. Much like us.
God nudged them to unknown places—from wildernesses to mountain tops, but He was there each step along the way. God gave them the words to say and the provision they needed.
And just like us, they too had to learn and grow. And even in the uncertainty, God made that happen.
And yes, while knowing what the future would be great, we would miss out on the growth God has for us in the present and reliance on Him being instilled within us.
We can be confident that even through life’s growing pains, the Lord’s strength is our gain.
Think about one of your biggest “growth experiences”… I guarantee it brought some pain, hardship, or heartbreak. I can speak from experience, it 100% has for me.
I am currently navigating through some growing pains, myself. And I’m here to remind you, even through the pain, confusion, plot twists and countless emotions.
He remains. His words remain. His strength remains. His grace is sufficient for you, in every season. Every unknown. Every circumstance.
Just shy of two months ago, I lost someone extremely close to me from their 15-month battle to cancer. I’ve spoken about Ben before, actually in my last blog I wrote for LO a few months back; although, when I shared about Ben back in June, he was in remission, studying hard for his MCAT, applying to Medical schools and just short of proposing to my sister after 7 years of dating. Life seemed back to normal. It felt as if this long year of cancer and uncertainty fell behind us. On August 4th, 2023, Ben was back in Houston at MD Anderson for his regular checkup scans, and they discovered a recurrence of his cancer in the lining of his brain and spinal fluid. Certainly not news we were expecting or prayed so hard for. And just like that, life felt numb again. I was confused, sad, and so uncertain about what the future held, but I also was met with peace and confidence the Lord would heal Ben.
God will always meet you where you feel your fears have taken over. He will turn them into truth, peace and a certainty only He can provide.
Ben never lost hope or quit fighting. We prayed hard for a miracle, we believed in a miracle, we asked for healing over Ben every day… God just showed us He can heal in Heaven too. A safer place. A perfect place. A place where pain has no name.
On September 8th 2023, Ben passed and entered the gates of Heaven, about 5 rounds of chemo in. Ben was the toughest, most faithful soldier I’ve ever known. I have so many texts between the two of us when all he would say is “I just pray my story brings people closer to God”. And it sure did.
In fact, at Ben’s funeral, his three older sisters and my sister all went up there to speak together, and two of his sisters publicly committed to Jesus Christ that day in front of about 400 people, to start living their life for Christ because that is what Ben inspired them to do. How beautiful.
Often, I don’t understand Gods plan. But if I understood it, why would I need faith? Where would the growth take place? Where would our hope be?
It is the promise of God that he can bring good out of anything, even pain, if we trust him. Roman 8:28 is one of the most beloved verses in the Bible, but it’s also one of the most misquoted and misunderstood…
It does not say, “All things that happen to us are good.”
It also does not say, “All things will have a happy ending.”
That too is not reality: not every disease is healed; not every pain is removed on this side of Heaven.
Here is what Paul says and what it truly means:
“And we know …” We don’t have to wonder or doubt. We can be certain.
“In all things …” Our hurt, grief, mistakes, sins, genetics, or even what others do to us.
“God works for the good …” Not everything is good, but God is always working for our good in everything. God can bring good out of evil. He turned a crucifixion into a resurrection.
“Of those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose” The key to our hope is understanding God’s purpose for our lives, including our pain. Only then will we find meaning, benefit, and even joy in our suffering.
Jesus is our anchor in the storm- even when it feels like the ship is going under.
Navigating grief is hard. Navigating LIFE is hard. Navigating growing pains is hard. But God doesn’t leave anything empty.
Having Jesus in your life does not make life perfect or easy, in fact He tells us in John 16:33 that “In this life you will face trouble, but take heart, for I have overcome the world.” Having Jesus in your life assures, you never walk alone.
In Psalm 23 David writes to us,
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
When you find your feet in a season of growing pains, battling confusion, hurt, loss, loneliness or even in your happiest seasons, you are never walking alone. You have a God that is fighting right by your side, loving you, and rejoicing over you every step of the way.
James 1:2 says, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
God is continually teaching me every season, specifically my current season, pain or growth should be counted as joy, because it will change us for the better. Growing pains will draw us closer to God and expose our true need for Him. God takes what the enemy meant for evil and turns it for good.
Every. single. time.
Love,
Allie Walker
