I am naive, but aren't we all, to the unknown?

There is nothing like a rainstorm and a warm cozy bed. This calls for some writing...

Today was a day of questions. Each and every day I am presented with a new story of another child with special needs, ever since I began my experience with Makenna. Another child that is a miracle, yet in so much pain at times. Another child that I want to cry for. Another child that makes my heart melt without ever having met them. Another special gift from God. But I can't help to ask "why?" at times. Why is it that these children and their families must go through so much darkness and trial? I have to remind myself that we are told in His word that we will face trials and tribulations, but we must not loose faith. We must learn to rely on Him and trust. This can be one of the hardest things in the world to do though, especially when put in the situation.

Today I am saying a prayer for one of these sweet children and her precious family. Her name is Avery Akeman. She is five years old and is unable to play with other children. She must wear a mask when out in public (where she ventures very little), due to the lack of her immune system. She is also hooked up to tubes that feed her throughout the day. She is constantly being fed medicine through a backpack she must wear a majority of the time. I have never met this girl, but I must say she is a trooper. She is a miracle to a set of parents that love her unconditionally.

Sweet Avery has been struggling recently, having a difficult time keeping her temperature under 102. Today she was sent to the hospital to have MRIs done. Please pray for this sweet girl. She needs it!


I pray that one day I get to meet this fighter of a little girl. She is such an inspiration!

"Come on friends get up now, you're not alone at all."



Today has also been a day of graciousness (is that a word? not sure ha!). As I was with my friends this evening, walking around the family Christian book store, I thought to myself, "Thank you Lord!" Thank you for allowing me to have another day. Thank you for giving me this beautiful, precious life that I too often take for granted. I was reminded that my problems, worries, and fears are so minuscule. I began to feel quite silly for all of these things that I fear or worry about. There are children out there that are facing ridiculous life struggles, and here I am concerned about things like my love life, where I am going to school next year, and other things. Now, don't get me wrong...these are important things and I DO care very much about them, but I have realized these things are out of my reach. They are in His hands and He will take care of it in His time. For this, I am grateful.

I challenge you to keep this in mind as you face what you think may be a "challenge". Before you complain or question things, simply sit back and look at all of the beautiful things that surround you. There is SO much beauty to be found, it is incredible. Instead of making a complaint or questioning, say a prayer. Pray for those who need it most. I challenge you to pray for special children, like Avery and Makenna. Don't doubt your level of confidence in your prayers for them or how much meaning they may hold. Trust me, they mean the world to someone, whether you realize it or not.

Also, please continue to pray for epic student ministries with me, as camp approaches.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful day tomorrow! Tomorrow has endless possibilities and is filled with hope. Much love!

~ Allie

a little behind...

Since I have been a little behind on updating these past few weeks, I decided it's about time I do so. They have been a hectic past few weeks, but good ones! I have spent a lot of time with several of my friends that are home for the summer and it has been great! I love having all of my closest friends home. A couple of weeks ago, my best friend, Meghan, and I had an eventful weekend! We went to her cousin, Andrew's, wedding and to the Lady Antebellum/Tim Mcgraw concert!!! We had SO much fun!

I have also spent a lot of time with my sweet Kenna! She was so excited to get back in the swing of school. Although she does come home looking a little tired, she has been in a great mood. Last week we took her and the other 4 MJs to Stonebriar mall to eat lunch, ride the carousel, and shop around. Kenna LOVED the carousel! It was so fun watching her laugh and smile as the horse went up and down. By the end of ride, she would not stop signing more. Although it made Marianne and I a little sick to ride, we loved watching the kids have such a good time. After we left the mall, we tried a new cupcake place in Frisco called the Cupcakery! YUM! Mocha was my favorite out of the ones I tried. Oh how I love the adventures with the Johnsons :)

This past weekend I spent on the couch (so not like me) due to the fact that I was VERY sick! I had a virus a lot like the flu, with all of the symptoms of the flu (chills, fever, achy body, weak, etc.). And on top of that, I found out that my wrist was sprained from something I did in yoga! What a fun weekend huh??? Well, on the positive note, I had my wonderful mother! She was such a blessing and took care of me all weekend! I love her SOOOOO much!! Thank you Momma! And Since I was gone for two days from work, Kenna was VERY happy to see me when I came! She was all smiles and kept giving me a ton of hugs and kisses, so precious!

Speaking of Kenna...her teacher from this past year, Sarah, came over to the house and helped me put together a schedule for Kenna for the summer. She was such a huge help and so inspiring! I can't stop trying to think of more fun things to do with Kenna. I began calling several people across Plano, including places like gyms and dance studios, to see if they offered anything for special needs kids! I wasn't going to take "no" for an answer hahah :)

This coming Sunday I will be leaving for four days to go to camp with Epic (youth group at my church) to lead! I am VERY excited and I feel like something great is going to happen and that lives will be changed! I have been getting a lot closer to me sixth grade girls lately, and I just LOVE all of them! They are precious. I am praying that God can use me in incredible ways, even if it means being uncomfortable at times. I am ready for an adventure and up for a challenge! I am praying that God puts amazing strength, wisdom, knowledge, patience, love, and energy into me this coming week! I am spending a lot of time praying for these students and leaders this week, and I would REALLY appreciate it and love it if you would do the same! Nothing is impossible with HIM! After all, WE are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I feel like there is SO much more to be said and things to update on, but like I said it's been a crazy past couple of weeks. Hopefully I can get back into the swing of posting again! Here are a few pictures from different things these past few weeks:

time well spent

As some of you may know, I have a hard time learning to take time out of my day to sit down and relax. I am just not that type of person, I am go go go. As of today though, I will be taking a yoga class two times a week, two hours each time. Hopefully this will give me some relaxation time and I will learn how to slow down a bit. I can already tell that it will give me more energy as well, because I am forced to wake up early and do more with my day. I have more time to accomplish more things. One of these things being more devotional time. I realize more and more as I get older how important this is and how critical it is. If I want prayer answered and clarity, I need to spend more time devoted to Him, and Him only; no distractions.

This morning Ephesians 2:10 was really on my heart. It says:
For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ever since last week's sermon given at youth, I have had this on my heart. We talked about killing your past and starting new. There were four points addressed; you have to WANT to kill it, you have to give it to Jesus, you have to STOP talking about it, and you have to move on. I think so many times, we as Christians think everything should always be perfect. We think with one prayer all of the bad in our lives will disappear. However, we are mistaken. As Christ-followers, we must give all of our problems and worries to Him and we will be made new in Him. I have given Him my past and am wanting to be made new again. I am His masterpiece and He has good things planned for me, as long as I am seeking His kingdom.

Your Love is Strong! These words are so powerful to me in this song!



Also- just wanted to share an email I got yesterday from a woman that lives in Oklahoma that took part in the OKC Hope Link fundraiser, that I got to partner in with Miracle Makers. This email brought tears to my eyes! As much as we tend to think we live in a world that has little good, we are wrong. There are such wonderful people out there and this woman is one of them. I feel SO incredibly blessed to be doing what I do and I wouldn't trade a second of it. These words inspire me and encourage me to continue chasing after my heart and desires that the Lord has placed in me:

"Hi, I received your card from the bunko fundraiser that Ryan Mclaughlin put together and wanted you to know you inspire me. I appreciate big hearts like yours that gives more than you get. I have a little girl with Downs and I am amazed by people like you that God sends to lighten the load for moms like me. So thank you! I hope to meet you someday. I pray the Lord blows you away with his goodness. Bless you Allie!"

Continued prayers for Marianne please!!!! To hear more about what's going on with her check out http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/makennajohnson

the sweet life

warning: this entry will be long, but well worth it in my opinion

On Friday I went to Makenna's end of the school year party and fell in love all over again. I can't quite put into words the desire I have to work with these children one day...but I will try my best to explain to you what I saw on Friday.

Up until I met Makenna, I was naive about special needs children. I had no understanding of the time and effort that goes into them on a daily basis, especially from their teachers. Makenna's teacher, Sarah, is incredible! I look up to her so much and pray that one day I get to be walking in her shoes, my dream job.

When I first walked into Makenna's classroom, I saw four beautiful, special, loving children. All with a different story in a different walk of life, just like the rest of us are, but different. They each have an innocence about them that melts your heart. Some of them are in pain, some of them have never seen the blue sky, some of them love the sound of music, and some of them are just learning to take their first steps. They are all children with such joy, no matter their state of being. As I sat next to Kenna during circle time, tears almost came to my eyes. I watched a teacher, with such obvious love in her heart for these children, cater to each of their needs. For a blind autistic boy, she would beat her hand against the wall to help him learn to listen to the sound to figure out how to get around. He would listen and then feel for her hand and he knew he was in the right place. The look on his face was priceless, he was so proud. For Makenna, she would make her take steps to get from place to place, she would make Makenna make choices between two things. When these kids accomplish something as little as making a choice between two cds they want to listen to, they feel like they are on top of the world. It is incredible to watch them. I wish each and every one of you could take a walk in this world and I promise you it would change your life in some way, shape or form. I wish I had more words to share with you about my incredible experience, but I am at a loss.

This is my passion. This is my heart. This is who I am and who I want to become. This is what I want to spend the rest of my life doing. I want to make a difference.

eventful week!

I had such a fun weekend, which consisted of a Shane and Shane worship concert at my church, my grandma's 70th birthday, the pool, a Gavin Degraw concert, my best friends, and a fun Memorial Day cookout at the Johnson's!








Please be praying for Makenna Johnson today as she had a small mouth seizure this morning. Also, please pray for her mom Marianne!!!! Tomorrow is surgery day! I know that the Lord will put His healing hands over her and protect her!