Friday, March 11, 2011

Sharing His love

Hey everyone!

This will be my first year observing Lent. I did not grow up in church and the churches I attended not really recognize it either. Many people "give up or sacrifice" something they love in honor of Lent. I've decided rather than give something up, I'm going to try and learn to spend my time more wisely. I hope to spend this time in reflection and prayer. (Which after writing this I discovered, this is pretty on track with what Lent is all about.) I hope to begin reading my bible more avidly. I don't want this to be for just a season, but to continue throughout my life.




I think the best example a Christian has is their life. I think sometimes we say too much, we push others away with our words. This can be very true when your words and actions don't match. People see this and think that you are being a hypocrite. I think that more people would be open to what Christians have to say, if we start acting like the teachings we follow. Instead of pushing our "personal" agendas on people---maybe we should think about what Jesus' teachings really said. Many people think of God as a wrathful God, and though this is true---He is also a God of love.

God created us in His image, so maybe we should think about ways to show that love to the people around us. There are so many small things we can do to improve a person's day: You could send a card to a sick friend, smile at a stranger passing by, hold a door open for someone, etc.

This reminds me of a Maya Angelou quote: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you make them feel."
This quote is so true! Many times I find myself thinking about past situations, and my mind always comes back to how I felt in those moments.

Any thoughts?

<3 Anna

22 comments:

  1. I agree, Anna. I think that what you're doing for lent is really awesome! I need to read the Bible more avidly as well. I can't wait to see you again! I had more to say but I can't remember what it is now...:/

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  2. That's kind of like me. I was going to give up Facebook like i did last year, but now that i have Balian, i think Facebook would implode from the lack of cuteness. So i'm trying to be a more positive person during Lent (not posting any negativity, etc).

    I'm still having creative differences with God. I'm not sure i believe in Him, what i believe, etc. I don't think there is a Christian out there that can say that they are in the Word enough. It's something that we have to continually put forth effort in and improve upon. :)

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  3. Hello,
    I am your newest follower. . Please stop by and say hi and follow me too! :)
    Thanks and have a great day!
    Maureen
    Areyouamom.com

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  4. Wow, that is really interesting. I love the quote too. I am a Christian also but none of the churches I have gone to observe Lent. I think I need to look more into it. Thanks for stopping by my blog by the way. I've subscribed to yours as well! :)

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  5. Great thoughts to live by!

    Thanks so much for the follow! I'm following you now too...have a wonderful weekend!

    By the way, if you're interested, I host the Be-Bop-A Blog Hop on Wednesdays. Hope you'll stop by!
    http://www.mommylivingthelifeofriley.com/

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  6. Hiya Anna!

    Following back!

    ♥cyn♥

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  7. Lovely blog! Hope you can follow back!
    http://stylendecordeals.blogspot.com/

    I also have a giveaway at: http://stylendecordeals.blogspot.com/2011/03/cinnamon-burst-cheerios-review-and.html Doesn't represent my blog very well though!

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  8. ohohoh Good luck!

    Returning the follow ;)
    http://slepperymind.blogspot.com

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  9. Happy to be following you back!

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  10. I find myself thinking a lot of the same things!
    Thanks for following. I'm your newest follower!
    I can't wait to read more!

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  11. cute blog too :) thanks for stopping by mine and following at Shaydes of Life! I am following you back!

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  12. Newest follower from the Boost My Blog Friday hop! Would love for you to stop by and follow back! (:

    Amber
    http://beautifullybellafaith.blogspot.com

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  13. Hi! I'm a new follower from the Friday hop! I'd love for you to come visit me over at my blog! Hope you have a great weekend!!
    ~Kortney
    www.kortneyskrazylife.com

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  14. Wow, sweetie...
    I was fated to come across your blog. Really, sometimes these link / hop party things can be a real pain and they don't always result in much. But sometimes, God nudges you gently in a direction and you're not sure why until it becomes perfectly clear. And...what I am eventually getting to...is that I'm very certain that I was meant to nudged towards you.
    This post is exactly something that I would write right now. My heart is filled with gratitude lately and I want to show that more through my actions.
    I'm thinking pretty much the same thing as you. It's not good enough to simply give up one of my many indulgences. I think it's far more powerful to take a gentle grasp of my Christian heart and feed it!

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  15. I've referred to maya's quote many times in life and I believe she was more right than she knew when she said it!
    {tara} from Undeserving Grace

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  16. Thanks for stopping by my blog! I am following you back. Enjoyed reading your post!

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  17. Glad you stopped by my blog. I am following you back :)

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  18. @ Stephanie: Thanks! I miss you too! I hope we can get together soon. :)

    @ Victoria: Being positive really helps. It sounds to me like you still believe in God...but you are questioning things...this is not necessarily a bad thing. I'll be praying for you as always. Love and miss you!

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  19. Thanks to all my new readers! I'll be reading your blogs soon. So look for comments;)

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  20. @ Fabulously Flawed: Your comment really touched my heart. I am very thankful that you decided to check out my blog. I look forward to reading your posts:)

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