She Reads Truth

Hey guys,

This week I started a bible study with a blog I recently discovered. I am just amazed and excited about the things I have been learning and reading this week! The bible study is on the book of Proverbs. Each day we read a chapter in Proverbs and there is a daily post that goes along with it. There is plenty of opportunity for discussion on the blog and fb page. Everyone is super welcoming and encouraging, so if you are like me and have been looking for a way to better discipline yourselves, you might want to check this out. We are currently on Day 5, but this plan is very flexible and easy to catch up.





<3 anna

Encouragement

Yesterday, John and I checked out a service at Christ Church. It is a local non-denominational church and the first church here that we actually would like to visit again. John and I are not big on jumping into churches. We have been hurt in the past and we don't want to repeat history. We are very much ready to find our place though. So it is very exciting to at least find a church that we would like to visit again! 

The sermon was week 4 of their Sync series. (The good thing was this sermon stood well alone and we didn't feel like we missed anything or didn't understand where the pastor was going.) Here are some notes from the service: http://www.youversion.com/events/70428. The part that really stood out for me was Problem 2 Living Bound up. This problem talks about the fact that most of us are living bound up in the anger, disappointment, frustration, etc. of the past. The only way we can move forward is to learn how to live in the freedom God gave us and the only way to do that is by:  

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23

This is something that does not come naturally and has to be something we put into practice daily. You will mess up, but one of the best things about God's love is that it is unconditional and He forgives us despite all of our shortcomings. 

This isn't something new I learned, but sometimes you just need a good reminder. There is so much peace that can be gained, when you realize that you don't have to be perfect and that you can't achieve perfection. It's also wonderful to know that being perfect is pretty over-rated anyway. ;)

Make this week a good one!

<3 Anna

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

Think Right, Live Right

This is my devotion for today, thought I would share.

Today's Truth

"Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected" (Philippians4:8, NCV).

Friend To Friend

I was absolutely pathetic as I moaned and groaned my way up the stairs. My back was killing me! I had just spent four long hours taking down Christmas decorations, packing them in boxes, hauling each box down three flights of stairs to the basement and hoisting every one of those heavy, packed-to-the-brim boxes up on shelves that are taller than I am. Do you get the painful picture?

I was working up a stellar case of self-pity when my husband came home from work and asked what I had been doing all day. "I did two loads of laundry, wrote two devotions, took care of Justus while Danna studied, answered email and then it took me four hours to take down all of the Christmas decorations," I declared in my best "poor me" voice. Dan did not seem impressed. "It really took you that long? I didn't think you had that many decorations out this year. Why didn't you wait until I got home so I could help you? " he asked. I didn't want to wait. I was not happy ... and more than a little upset with him for not being more sympathetic. But my sweet husband was not done.

"Your problem is not in your back, honey. Your problem is in your mind," he patiently explained. I could see the conversation going down the tube fast but managed to muster up just enough self-control that kept me from saying what I really wanted to say. Instead, I sweetly asked, "What do you mean?"

Sidebar: Three months ago, I was in a car wreck that caused some fierce muscle spasms in my back and resulted in several visits to the chiropractor. Two months ago I had a stomach virus that lasted a week followed by the Thanksgiving holidays during which we had our kids and grandkids for a week ... which was incredibly wonderful and deliciously chaotic. The day they left, I went to the doctor with a respiratory infection that turned into bronchitis that soon blossomed into walking pneumonia from which I am still recovering. Do you feel my pain?

"Honey, you have been so sick - not to mention being rear-ended by a car going 70 miles an hour. Why did you feel like you had to decorate the entire house in the first place?" Dan asked. I know. I could not believe it either! "It was Christmas!" I sputtered in frustration. And then I saw it. The problem really is in my mind. I had allowed wrong thinking to dictate wrong priorities.

The mind is a great battlefield. The Bible tells us that we have the mind of Christ because we have a personal relationship with Him, but we still have to allow or choose to "let" the mind of Christ be in control. Every day we are at war for the control of the mind. Who wins that war is up to us and the choices that we make.

Proverbs 23:7 tells us, "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (NASB). In other words, what we think about powerfully influences who and what we will become. Our actions, our attitudes and habits are born in the mind, an offspring of the thought life we entertain.

We can literally change our life by changing how we think - but we cannot do it alone. God's standard and guideline for our thought life is very clear and demanding. In fact, it's completely impossible without God's power at work in our life.

"Think about the things that are good and worthy of praise; think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected" (Philippians 4:8, NCV).

We choose what we watch and read, the conversations we have and the time we spend in the Word. If the mind is not filled with good, trust me, the enemy will fill it with bad. The human mind will always set itself on something. Paul is challenging us to wisely choose that setting, taking charge of our thoughts by inviting the Holy Spirit to empower God's standard for the mind.

My husband often says, "You can't keep a bird from flying over your head but you can keep it from building a nest in your hair." Now stay with me. Impure and wrong thoughts will come but we do not have to entertain them and invite them to "come on in and stay awhile." When we choose to surrender the control of our mind to God, He will honor that choice and give us the strength and power to think right. And when we think right - we will live right.

Let's Pray

Lord, I confess to You that I often struggle with the way I think. I desperately need Your help. Please make me aware of the influences that draw my mind away from You and show me how to avoid each one. Teach me how to fix my thoughts on You and give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word. Today, I surrender the control of my mind to You, Father. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Now it's your Turn

The mind is the control center of your life. How have your thoughts affected your decisions or actions this week? I challenge you to fill your mind with God's Word and watch God work in your life. Read the following questions and record your answers in your journal.
What specific steps do I need to take in order to put more of God's word into my mind?

To honor God with my thought life, what changes do I need to make in the following areas?

Movies ___________________________________________

Television_________________________________________

Music ____________________________________________

Books____________________________________________

Magazines ________________________________________

Internet___________________________________________

Conversations______________________________________

<3 Anna

Just breathe

I'm trying to just breathe today. I can't change the things that have happen. What I can do is pray. I will continue to do this and try to be an encouragement to others.

Lord, give me strength.

Torn

This post will in no way be formal. I've been battling a lot of emotions lately. I've thankfully calmed down since this all begun, which is a good thing. No need for embarrassing blog posts.

Anyway, it is looking very likely that my parents are getting a divorce. This is no shock, since they have been unhappy for years. The shock is, my dad looks like he will be the one doing the leaving. I always thought it would be my mom.

Over the long weekend, I talked with someone about my situation and they explained to me that I have to get to a point where I can let all my anger go. I need to be able to be neutral. I won't lie. I haven't been neutral. I completely took my mom's side without question. My dad's reasons for a divorce are stupid. So why not take my mother's side?

I don't know many people who react logically in situations, such as these. Anger can really take over. The good thing is that I've realized that I can't let my anger take over me. I'm choosing to forgive my dad not only for him, but for me. I'm praying for him and I realize that Satan has a strong foothold on my dad right now. He is using my dad to rip my family apart. So for now all I can do is pray. I know that God will be with all of us and that whatever happens. My Father can do anything.

A beautiful Saturday

Hey everyone!

I'm updating as promised. Saturday was an amazing day! I went to a woman's luncheon at my mom's church. I was a little skeptical about it at first, but was pleasantly surprised:)

I was blessed to meet two of the most amazing women. Darlene Ballard and her friend, Janice. Darlene was the guest speaker and shared her testimony and about her book "Love of A Different Kind." (Which she generously signed and gave me a copy of) Janice also shared her amazing testimony and was there selling some beautiful jewelry. (She gave me 2 beautiful rings and a gorgeous pair of earrings.)

It wasn't that these gifts were free, it was the generosity and God-filled spirit about these two wonderful women. I've never met anyone that showed the love of Christ, like these women. They helped me to see God as very REAL and TANGIBLE. They helped me out of a three month depression that was looming over me and truly killing my spirit. They helped me to feel like God's daughter again, beautiful and precious. All I can say is, thank you God for sending me such wonderful people to help me through the darkness. Also if anyone ever ask about my jewelry, I have a beautiful story, I can share:)

If you would like to learn more about Darlene and her ministry, here's a link: www.darleneballard.com

***Be on the look out for a review on "Love of a Different Kind" COMING SOON to my reviews blog***

<3 Anna

Perfect Reminder!

This song is so beautiful. Thought I would share:)



<3 Anna

Tithing Question(s)

Hello Friends,

I have a question that's been on my mind and been brought up in conversation a lot lately. Where does it say in the Bible to tithe 10%? Where did this come from?

What are your thoughts on tithing? Should money go directly to whatever church you are attending? or Can the money be designated by God to go to some other cause, charity, etc.?

I'm very interested on people's thoughts on this one and if anyone can answer my previous questions.

<3 Anna

Ps. Don't know how accurate this is, but just found this on Wikipedia (I know not the most reliable source)

"A tithe (pronounced /ˈtaɪð/; from Old English teogoþa "tenth") is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a (usually) voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to support a religious organization. Today, tithes (or tithing) are normally voluntary and paid in cash, cheques, or stocks, whereas historically tithes were required to be paid in kind, such as agricultural products (that grown of the land, or fruit of the tree). Several European countries operate a formal process linked to the tax system allowing some churches to assess tithes."

Motivation here I come!

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to give a brief update on what's going on in the life of me;) I'm officially finished with school...yay! I'm now job hunting...not so yay:/ It hasn't been too terrible...but it's definitely a jungle out there, as they say. I just sent out my resume to another company and I'm hoping for the best and also requested information for another job I thought might be a good fit for me.

Anyway, I want to brag for a few minutes...I figure I can do that with this being my blog and all;) This weekend has been so great and helped me to see once again that I have an amazing family and an even more amazing God. I feel that with their backing and encouragement I can do anything I set my mind to and that is such a great feeling to have...however, fleeting it may be...I'm just the type to take it and run with it;)

<3 Anna

Healing

So in my past entries I mentioned my biological dad and wondering about him...well to all my readers out there....lesson learned: Be careful what you ask for. I know, I have briefly mentioned interning with the Sparrows Nest in Athens...anyway, he came in there a few times in the past couple of weeks. I had my suspicions that he was homeless, because of things my mother had told me...I also knew there was a possibility that he could be in Athens...but to come face to face with him and have to keep up a professional demeanor was pretty daunting. I think I handled myself pretty well...but it was very awkward and I did not speak with him. So anyway, I got my answers on that front, and I asked my mother his parent's names---so I have those if I ever decide to track down my ancestry. It was pretty interesting to me how all this came about, but God works in mysterious ways.

Moving right along, the past few weeks for me have been filled with great emotions. I've experienced, I believe some of my more stronger moments as well as my more vulnerable ones. God has felt more alive to me than ever. It's a great thing to experience. I feel that I truly am where I need to be right now, and I haven't found that sort of comfort in a long time.

One final side note: My mom had her cat scan Thursday. The doctor does not think its a tumor, but he wants to see her next month. Right now her ear looks better, pray it continues to heal.

Coffee and Conversation

So I was reading Psalm 63 this morning, while drinking a successful cup of coffee (yeah kind of a big deal for me;) Anyway, it got me thinking---a particular part, got me really thinking---"My soul clings to you." That part may bring comfort to some, but not for me...it kinda left me feeling excited and sad all at the same time...if that makes any sense at all...

It left me feeling sad because, I don't know if I've ever felt that way before. I don't know if I've ever felt that close to God. The good that came from this reading was the excitement I felt, I look forward to a deeper relationship with God. I hope that some day soon I can look forward to the quiet moments with God. I know I need Him...so why is it so easy to brush Him off? *sigh*

My Father and me

This past week has been a rough one for me. I've been angry and agitated and I wasn't really sure why. I'm just now realizing some of the reasons. It's still pretty hazy though.

One thing that became particularly clear for me was that I was mad at God. As I said before not entirely sure why...still searching that out. The reasons that became clear to me were that I was mad because of my current situation, but more than that I felt that God wasn't listening. It was then I realized that I was keeping things from God. I know that you can't really keep anything from God, but I was only coming to Him when I had a specific problem and I never ever said when I felt angry. This is when it became apparent that some of my faults in dealing with other people were coming out in my relationship with God. This was truly a hard realization, but one nonetheless.

I told John about my struggles and he asked me if I had talked to God about them? My reply of course was "Kinda." I had told God I was angry, but didn't really try to go into more depth for fear...I guess. So after a lot of crying and sharing my heart with John, he left to go pick us up some dinner. This is after a few distractions, I decided it was time to talk with God. I told Him everything I could think of and from that point I felt a peace over the situation, nothing was different. He didn't transport me to Ireland or England or anywhere exciting. He didn't fast forward time and allow me to be finished with school. He just gave me a peace, a calming feeling to help me get through those rough moments. It was what I needed. I'm always wanting signs and tangible evidence and God always seems to give me that and yet I ignore it. I very quickly speed through everything, missing the beauty, missing the answers, missing well EVERYTHING!!!

I got an email forward (I most of the time hate those things) but on rare occasions I receive one that means something to me. I got this pic from one.


Oh how often I miss this? Yes, life is hard. If only we could think of it like this picture. God is our Father, so just like an earthly father should, He will protect us from all that He can. There are points in our lives though, when God takes off our training wheels and we have to go ride on our own. It's not that He's leaving us, He knows we are ready and if we take a moment and look next to us we will see Him smiling proudly and walking along with us, always there when we need Him. If we could just remember that, I think life would be a lot easier. It wouldn't make everything perfect, but we would have a much needed comfort and a strong sense of the love, the love Jesus talked about.

Rainy Daze

It feels like a good day to blog:

Yet another rainy day....and I'm sick of them. It pretty much sums up my life right now though. The feelings of being trapped in a place I don't want to be...the need to get out and go on an adventure. This must be what Sophie feels like right now. She hasn't had a walk in a few days now.

I'm often left with this feeling of wonder....where will I be in a few years? What will I make of my life? Will I just sit and wish for the dreams I have?.... or will I do something about them. I would like to think that I would be the type to chase my dreams and go above and beyond them.

Yet there's this nagging fear of being trapped in one place forever...never making it happen. Also what if that' s all I'm meant to have what if I'm suppose to remain here and live my life and keep up this pace...honestly, that scares me. I'm not sure I would be content with that. I'm told in the Bible and encouraged by friends that God knows the desires of my heart, the part that scares me is the prayers we often pray that say "God change my heart make me want what you want." This scares me because what if my deepest yearnings don't match God's. What if all of the hopes and dreams I have are just selfish and need to be swept away?! I know that should leave me as a deeper person...but I'm still afraid.

I've always been like that, afraid of the unknown. I'm not good with change and yet I get excited and ready to jump in at the same time...if that makes any sense at all:/ So anyway, that's just something that's been on my heart lately.