A Year in Review

A year ago April 13th, I graduated from Mercy Ministries. This program changed my life, from death to life. From victim to victor. From prisoner to freedom. From darkness to light. From hopeless to hope. From anger to joy. From lies to truth. Was defined as a person who would never live free from my addictions before I walked into Mercy BUT as I walked out of Mercy I was a woman full of life, living in freedom.
As I left Mercy I knew it was time for a challenge. It wasn't going to be easy living in freedom outside of Mercy's four walls. One thing I did know: I was up for the challenge. I was ready to face reality. I hadn't worked hard for 6 months to come out and fail. So I was determined to live it out. And I did! Its had its challenges but the challenges ONLY make you a stronger person in the Lord.

A verse I stand on daily:
The enemy came to steal, kill, and destroy. But God came so I could live life and live it abundantly! John 10:10
I love it because the enemy did come to do all of this and he did for many years. Now a year of living life abundantly! Wow I wouldn't change it for ANYTHING!!!! I am grateful for the life I have today. People who have stood by my side, encouraged me, loved me, helped me. Its all about support. God didn't want us doing this life alone.

I had a job within a month of being home. Coming on one year of being there! I work as a case worker or (mental health para-professional) at Arkansas Counseling. How blessed am I to pour into lives each day of hurting people. Loving on kids and helping them each day bring joy into my own life. My life verse that I try to live out each day is:


Isaiah 61
^1-7 The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me.
He sent me to preach good news to the poor, 
   heal the heartbroken,
Announce freedom to all captives, 
   pardon all prisoners.
God sent me to announce the year of his grace— 
   a celebration of God's destruction of our enemies— 
   and to comfort all who mourn,
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, 
   give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom, 
   a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them "Oaks of Righteousness" 
   planted by God to display his glory.
They'll rebuild the old ruins, 
   raise a new city out of the wreckage.
They'll start over on the ruined cities, 
   take the rubble left behind and make it new.

Do you have a scripture that you consider your life? God gave this scripture after Mercy last year. Some friends and I were having a worship night last spring when God revealed new purpose into my life. I am called to be a part of seeing people set free out of bondage. Its exciting to see small pieces of the puzzle coming together in my life. 

A short glimpse of my 25th birthday last year. I was actually able to celebrate and live it in freedom! It was a sweet time with close friends and family. It put a new perspective on life and how you can live life in abundance. 

I had an awesome opportunity to speak with Nancy Alcorn (founder/President of Mercy) Fall 2011. Its really awesome to see all my mess I had been in turn into a message for others. I am blessed to be able to share with others the trials I've been through to help them know there is HOPE for them too. 

It was a privilege to share all God had done in life. My goal is to allow God to use me,to change one life at a time. I love sharing with others, its may first passion in life. Nancy is a woman that inspires me each day to be a better person. She had a passion at age 27 to start a ministry called Mercy. She started off with I believe just 1,000 dollar  to start a program for hurting women and take them in free of charge. With Nancy being faithful 28 years ago to Gods call, I can stand here free from all things. 

March and April 2012 were big months for me. I was interviewed on Nancy's radio show. The theme was "Spring Cleaning" cleaning the negativity out of your mind. How much negativity we get stuck in our minds, in just ONE DAY??? What do you do to combat those negative thoughts? I first go straight to what God says about that negative thought. I combat it with the word of God. Speak it out loud. Speak directly to the enemy and tell him he has NO power over your mind or thoughts. You have a sound mind in Jesus name. The word of God is what keeps you free from all bondage. We  talked on the radio also about surrounding yourself with positive support. A couple of people in your life who will speak truth to you on your good and bad days! The people who will stand with you and fight with you no matter what! 

April 27th I was able to speak in Nashville at the home there. I felt very honored that God would allow me to go back to one of the Mercy homes and encourage the current residents. I walked into the Nashville home and just wanted to encourage each girl and love on each of them. I ate dinner with residents and other people who were there supporting Mercy. When I spoke to these precious girls and others, the passion just resonated within in me to encourage them/show them their is HOPE in all things. It brought much joy to see some of their faces light up. Its my heart to speak into the lives of hurting people. 

Here are a few pictures of my highlight of that night! 

Lara a precious friend who encourages/believes in me/loves me! I am blessed

Nancy's dog Jude at the Nashville house! Finally got to give him some loves!

Amber is a sweet Mercy Sister. She graduated from Lincoln home also. We shared together that evening.Blessed to have met her. 

The next day I ran a half Marathon! This was a huge victory for me to run and be HEALTHY!!!! I had such fun with it. Alot of my race I was thanking God that I was healthy to run a half and running for a cause and that is Mercy Ministries. First off God saved my Life but used Mercy Ministries/Staff there to get me to where I am today! I am eternally thankful for this ministry. Here are a few race pictures!!!      

Anu is a new Mercy sister from Finland. She is an amazing woman of God. She is an INCREDIBLE runner. I ran the first 3 miles with her and said GO FOR IT! Shes awesome! Grateful for her friendship!

The team who supported Mercy in the Marathon! Mercy is blessed by many supporters!

before the race!!!! 

Amy Lentz was super sweet to get up early to pray with us before the race! These women inspire me to run with a purpose!!

My life is a filled with many blessings! I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had! God continues to work and use me through daily things!!!!!