Hello!
My name is Alayna and I am the creator of "Lilies Among Thorns." I am attending college and my current major is in Nursing. However, I have made the executive decision to change my major once I return to school this fall. My dream has always been to find a career specializing in writing and the English language, so I will be changing my major to English. In addition to that, I will also be minoring in secondary education so that I can become a high school English teacher, and hopefully teach at the collegiate level someday.
Part of the reason I started this blog is because of the fear of change that has harbored within me ever since I graduated high school. This upcoming academic transition is intimidating and being a teacher in this world and society is ever scarier. However, this fear is what drives me into the arms of the father, and in this blog, I want to share the lessons I will learn and have learned throughout college. I know that God has never forsaken me and never abandoned me. Therefore, I want my viewers to know this fact, as well. I want my audience to understand what it truly means to be a Lily walking among Thorns in this world, especially since we were once thorns, too.
Another important goal I have for the success of this page is to help raise awareness that we often take a lot of the privileges we're given for granted. You will see a button in the Home Bar, at the top of every page, that says "CONTRIBUTE" so that you can click it at any point in time if you feel it in your heart to give. There, you will read of the need for donations, as a very important Missionary pastor who is close to my church is raising funds to expand his church and expand their mission. It is truly a touching story, so please feel free to check it out!
More About Me
I once heard that your background says a lot about who you are. Personally, I believe that to be quite true. I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and as sweet as that sounds, the drama that comes from it is actually insane. It seems like gossip travels 100mph, crashing into everything and everyone with absolutely no regrets. It is difficult to have much, if any, privacy around here. But, despite that, I really wouldn't trade my small town for the world. As much as I would love to travel and see and experience so many things, I know I always have this place to return home to.
Then, there is my family. Every family has their secrets, and maybe someday I can share them with you, but for now, I will share how perfect they are for me. Although we have ups and downs, I love my parents to the moon and beyond. They are so supportive. And my little brother is my absolute best friend. He is my inspiration in so many aspects of life. My brother holds a dear place in my heart and forever will. God definitely gave me the family He knew I needed to help fulfill my anointing.
As I have mentioned earlier, I will be changing my major from Nursing to English. My plans are to get my Bachelor's degree in English and minor in secondary education, then from there, I plan to become a high school English teacher. I am super interested in literature, writing, and all things English. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always felt a higher calling to help people. I prayed and prayed about what career God wanted me to pursue, and one day I felt him call me to nursing. Little did I know that God would use this decision to help me choose my school. I decided to go to a University well known for their Nursing program to get the best possible education. There, I met such amazing people and mentors, and I made connections I never dreamed possible for myself. I have discovered my true passion for emotional connection and curating my life to be an example for younger generations. I am confident that God placed me at this University for a much higher purpose than I had originally planned for myself. Now it is evident that my values have shifted in different directions as I am more wholly and completely living for God, and I find myself moving through life differently. I hear his voice more clearly and I am following the path he has set in motion for me.
If I am going to be completely honest, I used to have such a strong urge to drop nursing and just write. I often found myself wondering, "Am I really cut out for college? Can I really do this?" Then, this shuddering fact arises: No, I absolutely am not. But that is exactly why I need Jesus. There is nothing that we can accomplish on our own. We need Him for everything, especially when things become difficult. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. The whole point of this blog is to share my testimony and walk with God throughout college, while also connecting with others so that you all know that you are not alone in your struggles. Your feelings are valid, and your thoughts matter. Don't forget that the first secret to following God is to change your perspective. However, I know this is much easier said than done. But we will go through these motions and analyze exactly what that means together, so hang in there with me, all right? I have an email set up specifically for people who need someone to talk to. You can always reach out, and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible. Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen - someone we can relate to. Remember that God calls us to confess our sins to one another so that we may be healed (James 5:16 CSB).
Previously, I mentioned that we were all once thorns. There was once a time when we did not know God, and maybe you still don't - maybe that is why you are here. I have to admit that I have not always been as close to God as I am right now. You can see that very evidently in my first blog post, and you will continue to see this as I break down my walls and become more vulnerable with you. It is important to realize where we fall short and have enough self-awareness not to victimize ourselves. The first step to changing the broken and ugly pieces of ourselves is to be aware that they are there, to begin with. We have to face the reality that we are nothing without God, and we must give everything up to him and surrender the shell of our old selves. My challenge for you today is to dig deeper within and become self-aware. Allow God to transform your thorns into beautiful flower petals today, friend. He is the only one who can!
