Tag: value

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Alysha Abrams

Alysha’s Book: * For more information on her book, click the pic above

About the Author

Alysha Brooke Abrams is one of four siblings and her parents have been married for almost five decades. She has spent her entire life in the Pacific Northwest. The trees and the water are where she feels most at home and most connected to God. She was in education for fourteen years before going back to school and pursuing a degree in Organizational and Humanitarian Leadership. She graduated from Northwest University in May of 2023, and plans on pursuing a career in full time ministry. Alysha is a self-proclaimed “huge book nerd” and loves to read. She has also had a deep desire to paint with words for as long as she can remember. Alysha lives with her husband, son, dog, cat, and tortoise. She loves to garden, hike, forest bathe, explore the outdoors, is very involved in her church, and loves to serve others.

First Name Acrostic:

Altruism is my goal

Lover of creation

Yearn to love others

Seattle born and raised

Happiest in nature

All in for Jesus!

Travel Bucket List Items: Visiting all the national parks in the U.S.; Israel; and, swimming with sea turtles.

An Accomplishment She’s Proud Of: Going back to school as an adult to better her future.

Five Favorites:

  1. Trying new coffee shops with her husband
  2. Japanese gardens
  3. Camping with her family
  4. The smell of new rain
  5. Snuggling with her son

“Family Photos”

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Spring

by Andrea M. Elston

I generally love this season…the longer days, the warmer weather, the birds singing, etc! Spring and summer are not without their issues, though, for sure: allergies, taxes, and the one thing I dread the most…the abundance of insects that seem to appear out of thin air and seek to steal my joy! Real insects give me the creeps, but if you make them out of soft, fuzzy material, stuff them with small beads, and give them a name, somehow, they are now not only acceptable, but adorable! If you were part of the Beanie Baby era, you are sure to remember a particularly darling insect: a ladybug named Lucky.

This was my first Beanie Baby in what came to be a small obsession. I stood in line with moms and grandmas who were under the same impression that I was…that these were going to be worth an amazing amount of money someday if you kept them in pristine condition (AKA didn’t enjoy them at all). Well, for the most part, that did not come to pass. You can now find Lucky at a variety of garage sales, thrift shops, and flea markets, and if you’re “lucky” you can buy her for much less than she was originally “worth.”

The value of something is truly in the eye of the beholder. I am so thankful that my worth has nothing to do with what happens in this world. God reminds us in His Word:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~ Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)

Take a moment and reflect on the things in your life that have real value: faith, family, friends, and freedom. Those will never lose their worth and should be protected and held on to at all costs. Be brave and do not let fear (even of insects) steal your joy! “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, and love, and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NAS) There are so many other scriptures that remind us not to fear, but here are a few of my favorites: Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10, 13; Psalm 56:3.

If your child(ren)/students need a lesson in bravery and hanging on to what is really important, read them Bubba and Trixie by Lisa Campbell Ernst. This darling book will be enjoyed by all ages, but really gives kids the boost they may need to grow in their confidence. It’s not a bad reminder for adults either! If you have read this book before, you will understand the recommendation. If you are not familiar with the title, you are in for a treat. I especially love the word choice and find myself laughing out loud at parts. I hope you love it as much as I do and find it helpful! There are so many lessons you can extrapolate from this sweet story! Enjoy!