Monday, January 30, 2012
mumford and sons - Roll Away Your Stone
This song is inspiring and one of my favorites. The entire album is great, I highly recommend you buy it. A lot of their songs relate to faith and explore the concept of God and the soul. Also, this video is just for the song; I'm not sure who this random surfer guy is.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Sanctification
God is the potter and we are the clay
At church tonight, I was reminded of a very important message. God molds, transforms, and sanctifies us through out our whole lives. It isn't just a one time thing. I am in a very important sanctification process that continues until the day that I die. Every day is an opportunity to pick up my cross and follow my God! I was almost brutally shaken by the words of the paster, that reminded me I am currently living in sin. I am not perfect just because I have a relationship with Jesus. In fact, my flaws are magnified so that I can ask for forgiveness and turn a new leaf. Every day, pick up my cross. Every, single, day. We are inconsistent creatures by nature, and need to continuously be working on our relationship with Jesus and how he wants us to serve/provide for our community, or whatever he calls us to do. What is my calling? I need to keep asking myself and God this so that eventually, hopefully sooner than later, I'll be able to fulfill the opportunities providing God's will.
Back to the God is a potter and we are the clay statement at the beginning, I know that most of you have heard that a million times. It comes from multiple places in the bible, including Isaiah and Jeremiah. This is so beautiful to me. A potter takes such fond care of his clay; we are his masterpiece. He plans out exactly what he wants us to look like to others and to ourselves. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and so on. God perfectly articulates us in His image. He wants us to live a life connected to him, serving each other and our neighbors as we would ourselves.
“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me:”O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand…” Jeremiah 18:3-6
This has got to be one of my favorite scriptures. Thanks for listening, have an amazing week! I love you all.
At church tonight, I was reminded of a very important message. God molds, transforms, and sanctifies us through out our whole lives. It isn't just a one time thing. I am in a very important sanctification process that continues until the day that I die. Every day is an opportunity to pick up my cross and follow my God! I was almost brutally shaken by the words of the paster, that reminded me I am currently living in sin. I am not perfect just because I have a relationship with Jesus. In fact, my flaws are magnified so that I can ask for forgiveness and turn a new leaf. Every day, pick up my cross. Every, single, day. We are inconsistent creatures by nature, and need to continuously be working on our relationship with Jesus and how he wants us to serve/provide for our community, or whatever he calls us to do. What is my calling? I need to keep asking myself and God this so that eventually, hopefully sooner than later, I'll be able to fulfill the opportunities providing God's will.
Back to the God is a potter and we are the clay statement at the beginning, I know that most of you have heard that a million times. It comes from multiple places in the bible, including Isaiah and Jeremiah. This is so beautiful to me. A potter takes such fond care of his clay; we are his masterpiece. He plans out exactly what he wants us to look like to others and to ourselves. Physically, spiritually, emotionally, and so on. God perfectly articulates us in His image. He wants us to live a life connected to him, serving each other and our neighbors as we would ourselves.
“So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me:”O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand…” Jeremiah 18:3-6
This has got to be one of my favorite scriptures. Thanks for listening, have an amazing week! I love you all.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Incredibly loud and extremely close.
I just got home from seeing probably the most inspiring and fantastically made movie I have ever seen. It is also a book, and it is called "Incredibly Loud and Extremely Close". The description for it on IMBD is as follows: A nine-year-old amateur inventor, Francophile, and pacifist searches New York City for the lock that matches a mysterious key left behind by his father, who died in the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
This is what the internet says, but this movie offers much, much more than what the description online entails. Please go watch it as soon as you have a few open hours.
This movie really spoke to me in terms of perspective. I truly believe that every once in awhile, we must sit down and refresh our outlook on things. Before, I was getting overwhelmed with basic obstacles and challenges in life such as finals week in school, the pressure that comes with being committed to a sports team, sustaining relationships and impressing my parents. It is so easy for me to forget and lose track of the most important things in my life such as my friends, family, and of course, God. The boy in this movie reminded me to be thankful in words but also show my appreciated and love and affection to the ones who mean most to me. Actions have always spoken louder than words, and yet why do we waste our time talking talking talking when we should be acting on our truest emotions? I feel now, that if someone I loved died tomorrow, I'd eternally regret not letting them know how they've effected my life and how much I love them. It is so important to express this love. With all the hatred, chaos, death, destruction, angst, sadness, unjustness, pride, selfishness, among other horrible things in this world, love prevails. 2Corinthians4:8-9 says that, "We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed." And John15:13 says how there is no greater love than the one who will lay down his life for his friends. Jesus already died for us. The battle is already won. We just have to keep fighting for what is just, moral, humane, and Godly. Love prevailing doesn't mean that evil doesn't exist. To me, it simply means that, when I'm in a tough situation, keeping this in mind is what forces me out stronger than before. Knowing that the truest form of love, Jesus, is with me at every second of every day, allows me to tackle situations that otherwise I would not have succeeded in. Yes I know I am ranting a little bit but back to the point, all these thoughts stemmed from seeing this movie tonight.
Thank you, Stephen Daldry, for directing such an excellent and replenishing movie. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but this is my blog and I am allowed to be honest! It's a "free" country.
This is what the internet says, but this movie offers much, much more than what the description online entails. Please go watch it as soon as you have a few open hours.
This movie really spoke to me in terms of perspective. I truly believe that every once in awhile, we must sit down and refresh our outlook on things. Before, I was getting overwhelmed with basic obstacles and challenges in life such as finals week in school, the pressure that comes with being committed to a sports team, sustaining relationships and impressing my parents. It is so easy for me to forget and lose track of the most important things in my life such as my friends, family, and of course, God. The boy in this movie reminded me to be thankful in words but also show my appreciated and love and affection to the ones who mean most to me. Actions have always spoken louder than words, and yet why do we waste our time talking talking talking when we should be acting on our truest emotions? I feel now, that if someone I loved died tomorrow, I'd eternally regret not letting them know how they've effected my life and how much I love them. It is so important to express this love. With all the hatred, chaos, death, destruction, angst, sadness, unjustness, pride, selfishness, among other horrible things in this world, love prevails. 2Corinthians4:8-9 says that, "We are experiencing trouble on every side, but are not crushed; we are perplexed, but not driven to despair; we are persecuted, but not abandoned; we are knocked down, but not destroyed." And John15:13 says how there is no greater love than the one who will lay down his life for his friends. Jesus already died for us. The battle is already won. We just have to keep fighting for what is just, moral, humane, and Godly. Love prevailing doesn't mean that evil doesn't exist. To me, it simply means that, when I'm in a tough situation, keeping this in mind is what forces me out stronger than before. Knowing that the truest form of love, Jesus, is with me at every second of every day, allows me to tackle situations that otherwise I would not have succeeded in. Yes I know I am ranting a little bit but back to the point, all these thoughts stemmed from seeing this movie tonight.
Thank you, Stephen Daldry, for directing such an excellent and replenishing movie. Maybe I'm over thinking it, but this is my blog and I am allowed to be honest! It's a "free" country.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Through these hard times
As I am hastily trying to finish up my homework, projects and studying for the night, I stumbled upon a few very helpful and inspiring verses. Maybe these will help you if, like me, you've been a little in over your head with anxiety and the pressures of the world around you. When things get crazy, freeze! Take a moment to refresh, and put things BACK into perspective. Never lose perspective!!! Anyway, here are the verses.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." (James 1:5-8)
“Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
“If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
HAVE A FANTASTIC NIGHT, I'll try and write about the topics I posted last time soon. Don't lose faith in me! ;)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do." (James 1:5-8)
“Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
“If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me." (Luke 9:23)
HAVE A FANTASTIC NIGHT, I'll try and write about the topics I posted last time soon. Don't lose faith in me! ;)
Monday, January 9, 2012
Also, I'm in love with Oregon
There's something so encouraging about this...
and this
It's been a long time.
To say these past few weeks have been hectic and jam packed would be an unfair understatement. As you can see, I haven't blogged in a very long time. This is a direct correlation to the amount of essays, speeches, worksheets, tedious tasks, Internal Assessments, art projects, clubs and stress that school has dropped at my doorstep. Not to mention having basketball every day and weekend. These factors have led to a very busy and tired Anna. I do not mean to complain, I just want to explain to all who read this the reasons that I have been gone!
Don't get me wrong: I HAD A FANTASTIC BREAK! I spent a lot of it with family and friends, as did most of you. I didn't go on any vacations, as I had basketball all break. (just like every year. next year will be my first, true, winter break!!!) I baked a lot of cupcakes and random delicious treats that I discovered on Pinterst. I hung out with my boyfriend and his family a lot as well which was great. Basically, it was one of the greatest breaks I've ever had. Time well spent.
I feel as if I have too much to write about and don't even know where to start! My mind is full of things that I want to discuss with virtually anyone who will listen. I'll start by writing a list of topics, and then I'll get back to them at a later time.
(Some of these are reoccurring topics, I apologize, but they're updated I swear)
1)Religion vs. Faith
2)The political obsession
3)In regards to witnessing; How far is too far?
4)Women and movies. (progression, that sort of thing. Hey, I'm a feminist. What can I say?)
5)Discussing religion/politics with teachers.
6)Offensive terms we use against women ALL THE TIME
7)My plans for this summer (a more light hearted, exciting discussion)
8)Who decides where I go to college?
9)THE BEGINNING OF COLLEGE ELIMINATIONS
10)Following a practical career/ following an intense, personal interest/passion (that may be less "practical")
OK so this list may bore some of you but I promise I'll make it interesting. Ta ta for now.
Don't get me wrong: I HAD A FANTASTIC BREAK! I spent a lot of it with family and friends, as did most of you. I didn't go on any vacations, as I had basketball all break. (just like every year. next year will be my first, true, winter break!!!) I baked a lot of cupcakes and random delicious treats that I discovered on Pinterst. I hung out with my boyfriend and his family a lot as well which was great. Basically, it was one of the greatest breaks I've ever had. Time well spent.
I feel as if I have too much to write about and don't even know where to start! My mind is full of things that I want to discuss with virtually anyone who will listen. I'll start by writing a list of topics, and then I'll get back to them at a later time.
(Some of these are reoccurring topics, I apologize, but they're updated I swear)
1)Religion vs. Faith
2)The political obsession
3)In regards to witnessing; How far is too far?
4)Women and movies. (progression, that sort of thing. Hey, I'm a feminist. What can I say?)
5)Discussing religion/politics with teachers.
6)Offensive terms we use against women ALL THE TIME
7)My plans for this summer (a more light hearted, exciting discussion)
8)Who decides where I go to college?
9)THE BEGINNING OF COLLEGE ELIMINATIONS
10)Following a practical career/ following an intense, personal interest/passion (that may be less "practical")
OK so this list may bore some of you but I promise I'll make it interesting. Ta ta for now.
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