Kathryn AlysonWelcome to my cozy corner of the world and thank you for dropping in.

I invite you to sit with me for a moment and picture an old stone fireplace set in a log cabin in the quiet of giant pines. Out the window, a few big white flakes are falling, but the inside invites you to serenity.

I’d love to have you join me in overstuffed chairs as we sit together in front of a crackling fire, watching the flames of the fire do their dance.  Do you like your hot chocolate with cream on top? That’s my favorite winter treat… cocoa topped with a swirl of whipped cream.

Together we’ll share about the things we’re learning, the heartaches we’re experiencing and the blessings God is mercifully bestowing upon us as we travel this journey of life.

This path we’re on isn’t meant to be walked alone.  It’s meant to be journeyed with friends.  Together we will get to know our Heavenly Father, the One who leads the way.  As we share our experiences, our longings, our “aha moments,” we will grow together and we will grow in awe of our Maker and His Son, Jesus. Join me!

This website is an expression of my life. My story is one of triumphs and heartaches, travailing prayer and the sweet, sweet, blessings of answered prayer from a loving, merciful God.

As a wife and mother of five, I’ve seen God answer many of my prayers over the years – some of which would never have come to be, had I not been engaged in effectual, fervent prayer.  Through the years I’ve had many heartaches, but I’ve chosen to allow those trials to deepen my relationship with my Lord.  I’ve learned much about prevailing prayer – prayer that gets an answer – and I want to share this with you so that you too, can experience answers to your prayers.

As I’ve homeschooled my children, I’ve seen God at work. When they were small, I taught them to look for God’s blessings even in the littlest things.  One of my children keeps a “thankful journal” where he writes down four special gifts and blessings from God, every day.

When we become more conscience of God’s gifts, it helps us to appreciate His love and goodness in our lives which can change our attitude in a positive way.

I believe that children are some of God’s sweetest blessings in our lives. Their purity, trust and sense of wonder remind us of God’s desire for those who follow Him. I am so in love with children that I became a Pregnancy Consultant to help others welcome their own bundle of God’s flesh-wrapped love into their lives.

Over the years, God has given me the special blessing of friends to sit with  and drink cocoa by the fire (figuratively speaking, of course!).

When I had my first two children, I prayed that God would bring a Godly mother who had many children, into my life.  Someone who could mentor me in my relationship with Christ and who could also encourage me in my role as wife and mother.  God heard that prayer and gave me a Christian mother of seven who taught me many things, particularly how to nurture my children in the Lord.

As I grew in my relationship with Christ, I was then given the honor of being an encourager to many special ladies in their quest to be better wives, more attentive mothers, and faithful followers of Jesus.  Ahhh… those “fireside chats” have always been precious to me.

Another answer to my prayers for growth came in the person of  Zac Poonen. His teachings have significantly impacted my relationship with the Lord and God used this humble man to bless our family in a very special, unexpected, way.

God has worked in my life through people that He has allowed me to spend time with, but also through the writings of others. I love studying the life of George Müller.  This man was prompted to start an orphanage, and as that orphanage grew, he prayed and believed God to provide everything he needed to support over 10,000 orphans. By prayer alone, God provided all of his needs for the children and his other ministries.  Mr. Müller never asked a single person for anything. His example of prayer according to God’s will is very inspiring and something I long to experience more and more in my own life.

If there’s one thing that I would share with you today, in the intimacy of this space (remember our fireside chat?), it’s the fact that God loves you as much as He loved Jesus. (John 17:23)  You are as special to Him as His only Son. If you have a child, think about the love you have for him or her.  That is just a hint of how much God loves you.

If you’re thinking, “God hasn’t blessed me very much.” I want to assure you that God IS blessing you with many gifts.  You just need to learn how to see them and I’m going to show you how to recognize those blessings each and every day.

It is my prayer that God will give you a deep desire to love and serve Him with all your heart, in every area of your life.

Please join me on this journey. Together let’s expectantly wait on God, trusting His work in our lives as we bless the lives of those around us.

Before we leave our “fireside chat” I have a special video to share with you.  After you watch it, feel free to leave a comment letting me know you were here.  I promise I’ll read it, my “fireside” friend.