WHO AM I? :: The starting point for all relationships

Posted on 4th Oct 2011 by Alison

I have been reading a great book by Kris Vallotton called Sexual Revolution, now renamed Moral Revolution which is described as “the naked truth about sexual purity”. He’s also set up a website devoted to helping people in their journey of sexual purity. The book has been so clear in drawing the connection between our relationships and our values and the virtues we uphold within those relationships. I highly recommend it. You can read the first chapter for free here.

Relationships are ALL about our identity and HOW WE SEE OURSELVES FIRST. Vallotton so wisely wrote:

‘Once we decide WHO we are, then we will naturally work out our actions, attitudes and behaviours to manifest our person. It is vitally important that we answer the question, “WHO AM I?” BEFORE getting into a romantic relationship with someone.’ (Kris Vallotton)

Upon reading this, I was reminded of a season a few years ago where I was faced with some relational possibilities and I was faced with a challenge to my values. There seemed to be quite the WIDE divide between what I thought I wanted and valued, and the reality of the kind of guy that I seemed to keep getting involved with. This gap between values and reality really concerned me and sent me into a season of soul-searching and much writing. I started to write to get to the root of WHY I kept getting involved with guys who didn’t share my values. I came to discover that at the heart of the matter was shame — I was ashamed to admit to others (even to CHRISTIAN guys) that I was a really wholesome, clean-cut girl and that I liked to keep the rules and not push boundaries. I LIKED being “a good girl”. I just didn’t like being a rebel, or a boundary-pusher, and yet I felt that I had to go along with the flow of what others (and other Christians) seemed to think was cool — it seemed that it was cool to live on the fringe of pushing boundaries within the Christian life. Yup, this was the problem. I was trying to be cool because I didn’t want to be accused of being a “prude” (even though, now, you could call me a prude and I’d be fine with it, ‘cos God will call me pure and undefiled and that’s all that matters) Continue reading →

The Last 3 Years….

Posted on 18th Aug 2011 by Alison

Note: I recently sent this email letter to the staff and students of the Ski + Snowboard DTS from 2008. It’s been 3 years since I led that school at the YWAM Oxford NZ base. It was a very special school, and God did miraculous transformation in all of us. One of the students had the brilliant idea of starting an email chain between all the staff and students of that school asking each of us to share what has happened in our lives over the past 3 years since the school ended, so that we can all hear detailed accounts of what we’ve been up to and what God’s done in our lives. I’ve been amazed how almost every single person has written and shared very openly. I just finished writing my email letter and thought I might as well post it on my website, for those of you who want to hear an account of the past 3 years of my life. ~Ali

We all look funny when we stare at computers

This isn’t short, but it’s my heart laid open for all of you. So here we go : )

Time has flown! Has it really been 3 years since SDTS ’08? It’s so hard to believe! But life, as we know it, ticks on and keeps moving. I’m 32 now! Wowee! But I can tell you that my 30′s have held more dignity, grace and flow than my 20′s and 10′s and 0′s. So you all have something to look forward to, truly. Don’t freak out about the big 3-0. Trust me, it’s good.

After SDTS ’08 wrapped up, I had a Kiwi summer Christmas with Gretchen, Olivia, Rosie, myself and the lovely Inch family! We made fancy schmancy designer Christmas trees and desserts. So fun but still haven’t gotten used to a hot Christmas. Santa in stubbies and jandals lounging on the beach? No, that’s just odd. Continue reading →

My Out-of-Body Experience

Posted on 13th Jan 2011 by Alison

On January 12th, 2006 while in Asia, I experienced my first out-of-body experience (or at least that is how I am choosing to call it). Sit down and experience it with me as I share below. ~Alison

Written January 13th, 2006, a day after it all happened:

I just had the most spectacular experience! Holy Schmoley! Continue reading →

100 Things About Me

Posted on 13th Jan 2011 by Alison

The following is a list of 100 things about me. Let’s call it the story of “Alison-in-a-nutshell”. It may get updated from time to time but in general these are timeless facts from my life.

Big brother Brian protecting his lil sis, Alison

1. My name is Alison. Alison means “truthful one” or “teller of truth” or “of sacred fame”

2. This name suits me. I love the truth. I’m not very good at lying! Continue reading →

My Favourite Things

Posted on 13th Jan 2011 by Alison

This is a list of some of my favourite things, whether they are just things that I deem delicious and lovely, or things that just make me uniquely me. Of course, I may tweak the list over time, but chances are, if they made the list, they are loved with quite a significance, so I’m sure they won’t fall off the list anytime soon! ~Alison

1. Being face to face with God. There’s nothing else like it in this world. His eyes have seared me and I cannot look away.

2. Bright shining spirited eyes. I find people’s eyes thrilling when they are alive and dancing. I like to see “life” in the eyes.

3. Hot sauce on anything and everything. End of story. My favourite currently is the New Zealand specialty, Waha Wera Kiwifruit and Habenero Sauce. It’s a gem.