Pre-Marital Counseling- Session 1

Jose and I had our first marriage counseling sesh yesterday! Our pastor PJ and his wife- a great sister to me- Frances will be counseling us through 6 sessions. They both are truly a gift from the Lord. We are VERY thankful for these two and we hope and pray our relationship with them will last throughout our marriage! PJ has been my pastor for around 2 years and has been Jose's pastor a little longer than that. We have built a community of trust, transparency, love, and most of all GRACE with one another so we are absolutely comfortable and willing to share :D

This first conversation was an introduction- a little background for each of us. We covered a multitude of things. The ones that stuck out to me included...

1. Family history, relationship with our moms and dads and also with each other's parents. Expectations of one another because of our parents. 

2. Strenths and weakness of our relationship- we were edified when we heard the strengths and laughed when we heard the weaknesses. We dont laugh so much when we fight but we want to grow!!! We love practicing gospel centered reconciliation.

3. Sexual relationships- this one is hard. This included pornography, sex before marriage, etc...

4. Finances. This one can be tricky and were taking the time to see our hearts that we do not hold on too tightly to the ""American dream"" or both of us working to be comfortable. We want Jose to be able to provide. I, although willing to work, want to be a stay at home mama! 

5. Defining love. Putting the other's preferences above your own IN CHRIST! 

 I knew we would tackle more into these topics in our meetings to come. A really encouraging part of the night was picking out possible scriptures that would be preached at our ceremony. We are so excited for our family and friends to hear the gospel. We are more excited about this than anything else at the wedding! What was really humbling was being reminded that this wedding isnt about being unique or better, or about it being "our day" or "all about jose and myself". It really is about Jesus and also about us becoming one and us joining many many others who are married. It is about celebrating what is common. This good gift of marriage is a wonderful gift from God and we ought to rejoice that we like many others are in a convenant. If Lord willing we get there, we ought to help one another press on in the marriage through joys and trials. 

Farewell Crossview Party!

My church had a fun party on Sunday evening to give thanks to the Lord for our time together as a church. Here are some pictures from the party where we ate el pollo loco, watched a slideshow, played games, photoboothed it up, thanked God specifically for one another, and ate dessert. Its becoming all too real that these people who I adore- I will not see them as often as Id like, and there are icky sticky emotions! But God is sovereign and good always. I was glad to have a celebration like this :)

Your Joy is Mine

Hi:) My name is Alyssa and I have created a new blog for this new season of life!!! im so excited. WELCOME!

I hope this blog reflects my heart and appreciation in life- - the people, creation, experiences, and the gospel. May this reflect me as a sinner given undeserved grace to live a life all for God's glory. Feel free to roam around, take a peek into my memories and thoughts, and be provoked to ask questions or have a conversation with me :) I'd be more than willing.

I am hoping this will help document some of life. This journey will show the manifold blessings of God and help me as I reflect on trials, readings, and recall the wondrous works of God. Let this be a testament of God's faithfulness in all my moments. A warning to you: my writing is definitely not the best... my thoughts are everywhere, and I lack cohesion sometimes. So I hope you are able to follow haha.

My blog name comes from Psalm 16 and John 15 - 16 in the Bible.

Jesus tells us to abide in Him and His love! Apart from Him we can do nothing. Jesus tells us to put our faith in Him so that our JOY MIGHT BE FULL because His joy is in us! The joy of the perfect gracious sovereign beautiful holy good God. WOW! And although there are trials and sufferings in this present world, I hold on to the promise that there will be a day when those who believe will see Jesus again and our hearts will forever rejoice. A great eternal joy in God :) I am so thankful for Christ dying on the cross and raising to life so that He would be glorified and I- like all others who believe in Jesus have been forgiven of all sin and debt. Because God first loved me and gave His Holy Spirit to dwell in me, He continues to help me become more like his Son as I learn to repent, die to my idols, and love God :) I also get to rejoice when others rejoice! Here we go :)

EnJOY!