Allie

Today one of my good friends and mentors, Allie is going to be sharing! I am so excited for you all to get the opportunity to hear from her. I can’t begin to explain the incredible impact Allie has had on my faith and my life. She was my bible study leader all four years of high school, and she continues to be such an encourager and friend!

What does life look like and mean to you when you are fully remaining in Jesus? 

Life has a layer of peace and a quiet confidence when I am fully remaining in Him. When I can focus on who God is and trust his plan and process, life always seems to be simpler. That's not to say life isn't hard and painful, the hard is just more bearable. The anxiety around circumstances tends to calm. The pruning has purpose. (Don't get me wrong, the pruning sucks! But, when I am FULLY remaining in Him, I trust what He is doing and try and lean into the work He is doing, instead of resisting at the first sign of discomfort or tension.) For me, fully remaining in Him is a challenge. It's something I work towards everyday. Some days are harder than others. I've found it's very easy to get derailed by distractions and the comparison trap which is why we need to be careful with who we are surrounding ourselves with and what we are filling our minds with.  Remaining in Him requires discipline, intentionality, and a massive amount of grace for ourselves and those around us. 

In what ways do you connect with God on a daily basis?

Typically,  I read the Jesus Calling devotional when I wake up (BEFORE I scroll through Instagram or check my email). Lately, I've been blasting worship music in my home office. It never fails to get me in the right head space. Praying throughout the day is important to me as well. Sometimes it's just a quick prayer in a passing moment, for help or peace or discernment. Before social distancing, it was in serving at my church. On the weekends, I like to drive up Mt. Baldy road and pray along the way. It beautiful and peaceful, and makes me feel closer to God.

What are you currently doing to connect with God in the midst of what’s going on in the world and having to stay at home?

Going outside! I go walking a lot, some days with a podcast or worship playlist in my ears, other times in silence. I find that being in nature really grounds me and clears my head. There's something about getting out of the house, where all you can hear is the ground beneath your feet, your heart beating in your chest, and the power lines buzzing overhead that is good for the soul. I find I have my most honest conversations with God when I'm walking or hiking. No distractions, just Him and I. 

Favorite Bible verse right now

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

Psalm 121:1-4 

♡ Allie

Allie is 30 years old. She loves llamas, jeopardy, and plants (even though she can’t keep them alive). She’s currently playing the song “Graves into Gardens” by Elevation on repeat.

Follow Allie on Instagram @allie_wills