100 Days of Summer

Yesterday, by God's infinite grace and mercy, I hit the 100 day mark of walking with Christ. 

Throughout the day I was actually depressed and down. These 100 days have been some of the hardest of my life. There are constant temptations, struggles, steps backwards- you name it. I probably cried every day for the first month.   

 (At least I don't do that anymore- it really makes wearing makeup difficult!)  

Why is a walk with God still so much of a struggle? 

OK! Way to be negative Alicia! 

A life with God never really gets easier but it does get more meaningful. 

Before CHRIST my life was filled with toxic relationships, a dead end job, addictions, deep seeded depression....basically I was dead. 

Now- I am ALIVE IN CHRIST- I have had 100 days of LIFE! How exciting is that?!  He has blessed me with newfound peace within my family, He gave me a community and love in Circles 3.0 and Rockharbor, He blessed me with a job in the field I am pursuing, He has been freeing me from the bondage of this world.   (Can you tell I'm excited??)

Let me give you a little glimpse into the love and support that has been showered on me 

(I am a blessed daughter of the King!)

Pretext: 

When my brother Matthew and I worked at Yard House our favorite song to sing together was 99 Luftballons 

(When I visited corporate to interview for a better position I even found the lady who did the soundtrack for the restaurants and requested she play it more often... she did... every day for the next month!) 

SO! I was at school thursday and my brother asked me to come home in between classes- when I got home and walked up to my room there was a note that read:

 "Stop there Miss Alicia! You have to knock before you come in!"   

I was confused but knocked as I was instructed to.

 Matt told me I could come in and as I walked in Matt was sitting there playing the song 99 Luftballons and this is what I saw. 

Yup. There were 99 Red Balloons All over my room.  

While I was laughing hysterically Matt videotaped my response and yelled, "Ha! Bet you weren't expecting something on day 99!"

Later that night Maya came home with my favorite ice cream and flowers and one of my best friends came over with a note of encouragement that made me cry, chocolate, and a gift with a ton of symbolism and meaning behind it. 

Day 100 we had a Circles 3.0 party and it was SO much fun! Amber and Matthew surprised me with... well... I'll just show you

Pretty much amazing. 

Then we had an amazing night filled with slices, love, laughter and games. 

They all sang and celebrated 100 days of life with me

And the best part: Ramer and I came to our fellow slices and asked for prayer and help with a struggle we both share. And the group embraced us, laid hands on us, and prayed for us.

The Lord was honored with our gathering and I can not think of a better way to celebrate our Father and thank Him for the gift of salvation. 

I felt so loved, encouraged and supported. 

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with me!!!  

 :)