Tag: fun

Choose To Set Your Mind

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

When you became a Christ lover and believer, everything changed. Even if your feelings and thoughts did not catch up immediately. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3, “Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is.”

That single statement carries the power to reframe your entire life. You are no longer bound by the world’s old patterns, priorities, and thought systems. You have been resurrected into a new way of living and with that comes a new way of thinking.

A Call to Intention

Paul gives two clear commands. We must set our hearts and set our minds on things above. These are not passive statements. The word set implies discipline, direction, and decision. Just as a thermostat does not change the temperature until someone sets it, your thoughts won’t drift toward heaven by accident.

You have to decide what fills your mind. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This is an ongoing process not a one-time event. Every day, we get to reset our focus and renew our thinking through God’s Word.

Setting your heart and mind on things above is an act of worship — it’s saying, “Lord, You have my attention. You direct my thoughts. You lead my desires.”

The Battle for the Mind

Let us be honest it is easy to let our thoughts settle into the dust of earthly thinking: worry, comparison, materialism, fear of man, or self-preservation. The world is loud. Screens, schedules, and headlines constantly shout for our attention.

But our faith will never soar if our thoughts remain tethered to the ground. Scripture calls us upward not into escapism, but into alignment with heaven. Romans 8:6 says, “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

When we think from a heavenly perspective, we do not ignore our responsibilities, but we simply see them differently. Every obstacle becomes an opportunity to reflect Christ. Every conversation becomes a chance to share His love. Every challenge becomes a place for His peace to rule.

A New Way to Live

Romans 6:4 declares, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” That new life is not just about behavior, it is about belief.

We start seeing through God’s lens. We remember that our worth is not tied to performance or appearance but is anchored in being “hidden with Christ in God.” You are not your past, your failure, you are in Christ, and He is your life. Check out Galatians 2:20 too!

That phrase changes everything: “Christ, who is your life.” Jesus is not just part of your life, He is your life. The more that truth roots itself in your heart, the more your mind shifts. You will see yourself through His eyes forgiven, chosen, and loved. And you will begin to see others not as interruptions or irritations, but as image-bearers of God’s grace.

Anchored in the Eternal

When you set your heart and mind on things above, peace begins to settle in. You anchor yourself to what is unchanging, holy, and eternal.

Earthly things, both the blessings and the burdens, are temporary. But things above? Those are forever: Love. Grace. Truth. Holiness. God’s promises.

These are the truths that stabilize your mind and direct your heart.

A Daily Reset

So today, before the world has a chance to fill your mind, you must set it yourself.

Before the worries come, before comparison creeps in, before distractions flood your day choose to lift your thoughts higher.

Let your prayer echo Romans 12:1–2:

“Lord, I offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You. I refuse to conform to this world. Transform me by the renewing of my mind.”

Every time you set your heart and mind on Him, you are aligning with your true identity, the one raised, redeemed, and renewed in Christ.

Ask yourself What’s been setting the temperature of my thoughts lately? The world, or the Word?

Heaven is calling. Set your heart and mind there today. 💗

Obedience Wins Battles

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Obedience is one of those words that makes us all a little uncomfortable. It means surrender, it means trust, and it often means walking forward when the outcome doesn’t make sense. Judges 20 tells a story that is both difficult and powerful. It is one that shows us obedience isn’t always about quick victories, but about faithfulness to God no matter what.

The story in Judges 20 begins with a shocking and tragic event. A woman is abused and killed, and her body is sent in pieces to the twelve tribes of Israel. The people are outraged and unite to confront the sin within the tribe of Benjamin. Israel goes to battle, but here’s the twist: even though God told them to go, they suffer heavy losses. There were 22,000 the first day, and 18,000 the second in losses.
It wasn’t because of hidden sin this time (like Achan at Ai in Joshua 7). We must be obedient regardless of the outcomes. Obedience is about trust. There are times that obedience does not look like an immediate victory. 

It’s easy to obey when you expect things to turn out well. It’s harder when obedience looks like defeat. That’s where faith grows. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood this when they stood before the fiery furnace and declared, “Our God is able to deliver us, but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow” (Daniel 3:17-18). Obedience is not tied to results. It’s tied to love. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience is the proof of our love.

Disobedience clutters our souls. It hides things away, leaving us restless and weak. But obedience clears the conscience, brings peace of mind, and strengthens our hearts. That’s why Samuel told Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul tried to excuse his partial obedience, but God doesn’t bless our compromises. Partial obedience is disobedience. Saul may not have lost his position but he did lose the anointing. A Clear Conscience and a Strong Heart come from walking in Obedience to God’s Word. True obedience guards our hearts and minds. It keeps us aligned with God’s Word even when circumstances scream otherwise.

Obedience is never just about us. Abraham’s obedience to offer Isaac released blessings for generations (Genesis 22:18). Jonathan’s obedience to step out with his armor-bearer inspired a whole army to rise up (1 Samuel 14). (Go listen to my full sermon on this from Wednesday, August 20th at Covenant Church it dives into Jonathan’s story and how your story helps others)

Psalm 25 promises that if we fear the Lord, our soul will prosper and our descendants will inherit the land. Your “yes” to God influences your children, your grandchildren, and even the atmosphere around you. Your obedience today becomes the inheritance of tomorrow. 

So here is the question: Will you keep obeying when the results aren’t what you wanted? Will you get back up after a loss and ask God, “Do I go again?”

That’s what Israel did after two devastating defeats. On the third day, God gave them the victory. Obedience always pays off! If it does not pay off immediately, it will eternally! 

Rebellion says, “I want control.” Faith says, “Jesus, You are Lord.” We obey not because of what God can do for us, but because of who He is. Jesus is our Lord, our King, our Savior.

Don’t withdraw from the battle until the outcome is good. God’s Word is true. His promises are sure. And He is always worth our obedience. Your “yes” is a shout that echoes through eternity.

Fight for each other and not with each other!

Developing forgiveness

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

My greatest dream is to have children that have children that will serve Jesus whole heartedly! And that dream is becoming a reality. I believe forgiveness is a key to that!

The enemy doesn’t care about your convictions as long as you leave the character of Christ to defend it. Your opinion will tell you that you have a right to your wrong beliefs. (If it ain’t what the Word says it is a lie) Father God doesn’t have opinions or suggestions- He is right and has commandments. 🔥 Ephesians 4:28-32!

“So then, brace up and reinvigorate and set right your slackened and weakened and drooping hands and strengthen your feeble and palsied and tottering knees, [Isa. 35:3.] And cut through and make firm and plain and smooth, straight paths for your feet [yes, make them safe and upright and happy paths that go in the right direction], so that the lame and halting [limbs] may not be put out of joint, but rather may be cured. Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord. Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it–”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭15‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Bitterness is undeveloped murder… it is murder in diapers. Bitterness defiles me and everyone under my influence. I don’t think there would be a bitter resentful judgmental person in the universe if we saw how undeserving we are.

I believe God hates whatever interferes with unconditional love. If you eat the meal of judgement, offense, criticism and accusation you will become defiled because of the bitterness. There is no liberty for us outside of forgiving! Philippians 4:8- when I struggle with bad thoughts or accusations or offense I have to proactively attack that by replacing every one of those thoughts with Christ thoughts. I can’t afford of thinking about things that can set up roots inside of me. Bitter thoughts are never okay- they imprison you. Let’s walk in forgiveness! Let’s carry restoration! We cannot afford to be influenced by offense. We are a redemptive army- overcomers. Believing for us to be people that know how to forgive and love unconditionally! If we truly took the time to wash someone’s feet and understand why they walk like they do then we would not be offended but would be moved with compassion. Washing someone else’s feet washes the offense off of you. I am praying for grace that helps us be ministers of restoration- serving and loving others well. Holy Spirit help us in every environment and situation to be an instrument of forgiveness in Jesus name.

Stay thankful!

My granddaughter and me
My son, daughter in love, and granddaughter
My hubby, son in love, daughter, grandsons, and soul sister
My big love with the little grand loves!

Love Encounters

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

God pursues us with His unconditional love! No matter how messed up and lost we are He still chases us! He is love, so that means love is always pursuing you! Not only does He pursue us, He wants us to pursue others with His Love too. He just wants us to be love with Him. It sounds simple, but it’s not easy.

It is the Gospel message. It is why Jesus came. It is our purpose. We were made for relationship and we were created for community. When we encounter His love, it allows us to see who we really are. It allows us to tell others who they really are! We are Loved!

Did you know that Love has a language? It speaks faith! It talks about Jesus! It shares Grace and Hope.

You see, Jesus left heaven just to be with us! We have a Father that loves to be with us. We have Holy Spirit who just wants to interact, and fellowship with us!

Father God is so kind to me and I just want others to encounter His kindness. When I realized that I may be the only Jesus someone ever meets- it shook me! For many years I over complicated loving people like Jesus and stopped trying to figure it out and just started living it out. Being Love In Action!

My Grandma- Lila!
The most amazing woman I know!
She is Love In Action!

One thing about love is it is not afraid of a mess. Miracles are messy. It isn’t fake but it is faith. Father God’s love allows us to be real, be honest, be transparent and be vulnerable.

This love cheers you on when you fall down. It is time to live love in action and truly be faith family.

Here is the most astonishing truth- there is nothing you can do good enough or bad enough to change His love for you! Everyone strikes out just don’t stop swinging. You were created to love and be loved!

And when you see others that have made huge mistakes don’t run from them run to them with Love. You are then being: Just like Father God! Just like Jesus. Just like Holy Spirit. This is really easy to talk about- write about- sing about- read about but takes courage to act out! When you just give someone a kind word, a hug, a smile- you are being love in action- grace on the ground- heaven on earth!

If we only do what is comfortable to us then we never need help from Holy Spirit, our comforter. When you decide to live the God Adventure you can’t play it safe. We should constantly be transforming. Going from faith to faith and glory to glory! Father God designed us for growth!

I am challenging myself to love bigger! Love anyway! Look for opportunities to love!

Pops (my guy) and his Grand loves!

Shout out to Christina for the amazing pics always and JV for being an awesome grammar coach! Love y’all

Let’s Go!

Posted on by Allison Bramlett

Race time! You have to be willing to drop off some things to move forward into God’s plan! Lighten the load so you can run faster and go further. Hebrews 12 says throw off those things. Lay aside every weight and sin. It is not always easy and it is impossible without help from Holy Spirit.

Run your race. You have witnesses cheering you on. Remember this race is not a sprint but a marathon. It will have lots of endurance training. And while running don’t worry about the voice of the spectators. (Spectators have fickle feelings and critical opinions- the should’ve, could’ve and would’ve). There are always tens of thousands of spectators and very few racers. Care about the voice of those that have run before you, witnesses and those running with you now. They are all screaming “let’s go”!

It is in these moments that you may want to give up. I am reminded of Hebrews 6- it is through faith and patience we inherit the promises of God. This word patience also means endurance. Don’t quit! And if you get knocked down- get up again. (Singing now lol) Proverbs 24:16 says a righteous man may fall seven times but he still gets up.

Faith and endurance turn obstacles into opportunities. There is only one way to finish and that is to keep your eyes on Jesus! (Please read Hebrews 12:1-3)

Take a faith and endurance check. Choose to live a life of faith! Choose to endure all things! Choose to press on and not quit! Daddy God is always taking us from faith to faith.

God is trustworthy. He is faithful. He is Love. He has a purpose and plan for just you. The key is don’t give up. You were built for endurance, able to withstand extreme adversity. If you bail out you won’t get the breakthrough. Let’s Go!

Work Daze!

Posted on by Allison Bramlett
Don’t pull your hair out! Just go ahead and laugh out loud!

Don’t pull your hair out! Work days are looking very different and may have you walking around in a daze. Little ones are being dragged into the office environment and stirring up lots of exciting opportunities. Maybe it is your own kids, your coworkers’ kids, your boss’s kids, your grandkids… the list goes on. I know personally that this new season has changed my work atmosphere. Virtual school is happening in the office down the hall, the accounting office is a part time daycare and my office is Gigi’s playground! And while listening to all the pitty patter of little feet I can’t help but smile big. I know that that season will pass much faster than it feels. My mom has always said “days are long but years are short”. I know this to be true as now my children are all grown and I have three beautiful grandchildren and lots of bonus ones on the church hallway too.

So here are a few keys that I have found that make this new God adventure more successful! Making the work daze more of a work dream with kids!

My grandson and one of my coworkers amazing boys!

1. Crayons and paper are still miracle workers🙏🏼. Yes, there are more ways to entertain than the internet. And enjoy a creative moment with them. Laugh at yourself! And it is okay if you get outside the lines.

2. Cell phone breaks. Yes, you can lay your cell phone down and walk away from it. Set a timer and take some technology breaks throughout your day and give others your untechnology undivided attention. Don’t worry it will still be there after the break.

3. Put everyone to work. Let your new smaller office friends become helpers. It is a great way to connect and teach at the same time. Who knew that a 3 year old answering the phone makes people smile on the other end.

You can see who is really running the office!

4. Recess was always one of my favorite classes. That means go outside every few hours and just run around the building. If you can’t run jumping jacks together in public is great for the office moral. 😆

5. Gifts are awesome. Have your crew make gifts for your coworkers/boss/each other. Heartfelt gifts are irresistible. And your kid being quiet and busy is just a bonus.

My grandson, Robert is making sure I get my work done. He is literally staying on top of it!
My granddaughter, Riley reminding us recess is necessary to help us reset. And if it is cold outside we walk the office hallways.
My grandson, Hudson making sure we take our laugh breaks!

6. Laughter is a medicine. Just stop and laugh out loud at least once an hour. Your body doesn’t know the difference between a fake or real laugh. Also, laughter is contagious and it makes for a much more productive work environment. The joy of the Lord is your strength. That means laughter makes you stronger. It is an endurance booster! And your kids will have more fun with you too.

Working parents, grandparents and guardians don’t always have it easy. It can be really hard balancing our work life and family- so I say don’t balance just blend! It is tough achieving work goals and being a super parent but you can do all things through Christ- Philippians 4:13. Let me say I see you- I salute you- I am cheering for you! I hope these few keys help you be more productive and help take some pressure off. Just remember you are not alone and we are better together. And we now keep popsicles in the office freezer at all times!