Here is an easy project using a Echo Dot (Alexa) to control my ESP8266. I give it simple commands (Alexa, lights, off) and the command shows on the LCD screen attached to the ESP8266. Actual relays will be the next step to attach.
The project is based on the Adafruit tutorial at https://learn.adafruit.com/easy-alexa-or-echo-control-of-your-esp8266-huzzah/overview with LCD and other modifications made by me. My code is found at https://pastebin.com/NjMcsTRh
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Also see my ESP8266 LCD Project at https://www.instructables.com/id/I2C-LCD-ESP8266/