HAPPY EASTER!!!!

Today is Easter, the day in which we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It is such a joyous day, where we can say Hallelujah. This is one of my favorite day's in the Christian calendar, because it is truly a celebration. I love being able to rejoice in knowing that Jesus was resurrected after atoning for our sins on the cross. I feel like I can be at peace, knowing that I can be an imperfect person and still have God's unconditional love, because of Jesus dying on the cross. I love what John 11:25 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die..." This is such a wonderful scripture verse, and to me sums up the reason Jesus died on the cross. I hope that this Easter day, we can all remember that it is not about dyed eggs, and bunny's (though they are fun), but celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. I hope you enjoy this joyous and blessed occasion with family and/or friends.


Joyful Love
         &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, and this week is Holy Week. As we prepare remembering Jesus's crucifiction and celebration of his resurrection, I am reminded of an old saying that I recently read that says, "I had a debt I could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe." This saying really resonates with me, on how Jesus paid for my sins at Calvary. As I listened to today's sermon, I am reminded of the pain and suffering that Jesus went through for me, so that my sins could be paid for. He died for me, and that makes me really feel how much He loves me. I am always reminded of God's love this time of year. As I think about the pain and suffering that I am going through right now with my illness, I think about all that Jesus went through. I love what John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Throughout the week, and on Easter Sunday, I will have this verse close to my heart. I hope that we can all remember what Jesus went through for us this week, and how his death and ressurection is a symbol of God's everlasting love for us.


Joyful Love
         &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta

Decision Not Yet Made

Yesterday was my appointment in Houston at TCH with Dr. Martinez (the transplant doctor). The appointment went ok, it could have been a lot worse. She has not made a decision yet about whether or not she is going to do the transplant. In this appointment, she wanted to see how I was clinically doing, and repeat all the blood work, because it has been about six months since she last saw me. She said that I definitely had more swelling, redness, and the rash on my face was present. All of this was not visible when she last saw me. She wants to make sure that the transplant will actually benefit me, and that she will not do more harm than good. She and the rest of the team meet every Friday, and once all of the lab work comes in (some could take up to a week), they will formulate a plan. She said that even if she decides not to do a transplant, their will be a plan B, and she will continue to be helping me in anyway she can, and continue working on my case. Though I was disappointed not to have a yes or no answer, it does feel good to know that whatever the decision is, that it will not be made lightly, and that she and the other doctors have really thought hard and long about it. I have another appointment scheduled with her on April 3rd, and at that point we will be given a plan. 

I am trying my best to be patient and to not over analyze things, and think about all the "what-ifs", but it is extremely difficult. I have been praying nearly every day that the doctors will do the BMT, and I know that God knows what I want. I think that I have to continue to really trust, believe, and have faith. I love what Romans 4:18 says, "Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed..." When I read this scripture, it helps me to continue to hope and believe, even if in the natural it seems as though you shouldn't. Until I hear a confirmed no, I am still going to believe that the transplant will happen, and say "when it happens" instead of "if". I can't expect abundance if I speak and act negatively. So as I continue to wait, I am just trying to take it day by day, and be at peace knowing that I'm letting "Jesus Take The Wheel."


Joyful Love
          &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta

Will Wednesday Finally Get Here!!!!

As some of my family and close friends may know, patience is not one of my strongest virtues. This is something that I am trying to work on, and its quite difficult. So as you can imagine, waiting for my appointment to arrive on Wednesday is driving me crazy. I am trying not to think about it, and do things to keep my mind occupied, but its always in the back of my mind. When I talk about the transplant I always say "when" it happens not "if", this makes it sound more positive, and that helps me to not think about all the "what if's." When you speak something out, you're giving life to your faith. As Proverbs 6:2 says, "...you have been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words of your mouth." I really believe that verse. I believe if we speak negativity we can't expect abundance and prosperity.

As Wednesday is approaching I am getting both nervous and excited at the same time. In some ways I'm nervous for them to say yes, because I know what a BMT entails, and how hard it will be on my body. But at the same time I'll be excited when they say yes, because I know it will be a step for me to lead a happy, healthy, and normal life. I am not going to let fear in. When it knocks on my door, I am going to say "go away" (not really of course, but you know what I mean). I feel that if I am anxious and nervous, then I am not really trusting God. By trusting God, I can be at peace, free of all worries, fear, and anxiety. Isaiah  41:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." As I am waiting for my appointment, and even after, I must keep what this scripture says close to my heart. Worrying, and having fear will not help anything, and will cause more negativity. I think I just need to put my trust in the Lord, and have peace and positive thoughts. I know that God will come through for me with this transplant. I have complete faith in him. And at this point that is the only thing that I have control over.


Joyful Love
         &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta

An Appointment Finally

Well we finally have an appointment to meet with the transplant doctor, Dr. Martinez at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) in Houston on Wednesday March 13th at noon. As you can imagine a weight has been lifted off of our shoulders. Everybody (including nurses and friends) believe that having an appointment is an extremely good sign. Why would she have us come all the way down there to tell us no? It would be a waist of both her time and ours. In our correspondence with each other through e-mail she had said she wanted to meet with me and their pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Muscal. We recently found out from our rheumatologist Dr. Carrasco here in Austin, that Dr. Muscal is out of the picture. Apparently the delay had to do with politics between the two departments. This is hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel. I am trying to have only positive thoughts about this, and not think about all the "what-ifs", but its difficult. I am trying to trust and have faith in God, and be patient, but its something that I have to practice and work at. 

I love what scripture says in Psalm 42:8 "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." This verse makes me feel at peace. It helps me to know that He is my "safe-place." He will always guide me on the right path, even if its not on the path that I wanted or envisioned. I believe that when we trust in God, we are letting him take the wheel, like Carrie Underwood says in her song "Jesus Take The Wheel." I know it can be difficult to trust in God, but I think its something that we must do. I encourage all of you trust God and have "Jesus Take The Wheel." It may not be easy, and may require time, diligence and patience. But the rewards will be so amazing, and you will see God's abundant favor and blessings. 


Joyful Love
          &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta

Labyrinth

During Lent this year, our church is going to have a labyrinth in the sanctuary. Unfortunately since I can't walk, I won't be able to walk it, but I have had the opportunity to walk it when we have had it at the church previously, and when I was at Camp Allen with my church youth group. The labyrinth is a type of maze, and when walking it, you can have a time for prayer, meditation, and one on one time with God. When I had the experience of walking the labyrinth, I felt so calm and at peace. I felt like I was able to really talk with God, and clear my mind of all the stress that goes on in life. Since I haven't been able to physically walk the labyrinth, I had the idea when reading about it in our church's weekly word to do a "mental labyrinth" each day during Lent. One of the Lenten disciplines that I would like to have is to really get close to God each day. I pray at least once a day, and try to read my Bible and do devotions daily, but I sometimes wonder if I am really connecting with God the way I did when walking the labyrinth. So I said to myself, by doing the mental labyrinth each day in addition to praying, and reading my Bible, I can have that connection with God. 

I find that meditating and praying really helps me to stay focused and grounded. There is so much stress in my life, and anything that I can do to "de-stress" I will do it. Scripture says in Matthew 14:23 "After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone..." When I read that verse, I think about how the labyrinth (physically or "mentally") allows me to be by myself and pray, just like Jesus did on the mountainside. I think it is important for all of us to find a way to meditate and pray, and to stay grounded and connected to God. Maybe research labyrinth's and find a way to do a "mental labyrinth" each day. I promise that you will feel relaxed and refreshed. 


Joyful Love
          &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta

Happy Valentines Day

Today is Valentines Day. I have mixed feelings about this particular day. In some ways, I love it because it reminds us to tell and show those in our lives how much we love and appreciate them. In other ways, it has become so commercialized in which we are bombarded with advertisements for candy, flowers, stuffed bears, restaurant specials, and greeting cards. It can make those who don't have a significant other feel lonely. But I like to get to the root of what the day is about, love. I have a lot of love in my life, from my family and friends. And though I don't have a boyfriend, I don't feel like my love tank is empty, for me it is overflowing. And frankly, with all that I have going on in my life right now, I don't have time for a boyfriend. I constantly feel loved and appreciated, but for me I enjoy sharing my love with those around me. 

I love what scripture says about love, particularly 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight on evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." I read this verse everyday, and I try to remember that this is the way we should treat our loved ones. As I was reading this verse this morning, I thought about how this is really what the true meaning of Valentines Day is. Its not about the candy, the teddy bears, and the fancy dinners (though they are very nice). We should try and remember to treat our loved ones like its Valentines Day every day, Although you don't have to by them flowers and candy unless you really want to. So show and tell how much you love your friends and family, not just today but everyday. I guarantee you, your love tank will be overflowing. HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!! 


Joyful Love
          &
Blessings In The Lord
Alexandra K. Acosta