Merry merry, all you special people.
It seems strange that Christmas is already here and even more so that 2010 is soon to be ending. It has been a year of joy, change, growth, learning, loss, and blessings. The Lord has worked more in my life this past year than I've ever allowed him to and for that I am happy.
As most of us do, I have once again allowed myself to get caught up in the hustle and bustle/gift-giving/shopping/enjoyment of Christmas rather than truly focusing my attention on the gift of Christ that this season celebrates. He is the single most important element of the Christmas season, and I am so grateful for His unending love and grace.
I did get the chance to support a Salvation Army Angel Tree child again this year, which always proves to be a blessing for me. I am grateful for the chance to help a family give their little one an exciting Christmas morning like the ones I have had for the past 20 years. Oh and yes, I said twenty years. I am still a little surprised each time I say that I'm twenty now. I'm no longer a teenager, and it's a bit strange. Anyways...
Sending my love to you all on this Christmas Day along with the challenge of enjoying the greatness of the Lord even more than the greatness of presents. Also, be thankful for the things you have and remember those who are less fortunate or hurting this season. My prayer is for a change of heart and attitude about this wonderful time of year.
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Luke 2: 10
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2: 14
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Joyful
I'm not a writer so I can't technically say I have a case of writer's block, but I will say that I have the non writer's equivalent of it. I have been wanting to write a new post for a while now but just haven't been able to come up with what to write.
So.... Christmas break has been really great so far. Tori, Charlotte, and Daltria all traveled to Tupelo with me on Thursday, and Tori and Daltria stayed until Sunday. It was great to have them here. We were extremely lazy and watched movies for the majority of the time but also went ice skating and to Fenly's birthday party! Ice skating was exciting.. a little painful but definitely worth it. All in all it was a fun few days with wonderful friends!
Anna Kathryn and I have continued in our laziness and have started a Harry Potter movie marathon since we've never seen them. We are still on the first one so we have a long way to go... we will make the sacrifice though ha ha. I love their accents in this movie so much (right, right, right - shout out). If only I could have an awesome British accent. Guess I'll have to settle for my Southern one though.
Side note: If anyone has any good book suggestions, I would be glad to have some!
I am soon to be traveling to Nashville as well. I am so excited! I'll be going to two concerts in three days so I can't complain. We're also going to the Opryland Hotel, which is absolutely beautiful around Christmastime. The decorations are unbelievable.
So.... Christmas break has been really great so far. Tori, Charlotte, and Daltria all traveled to Tupelo with me on Thursday, and Tori and Daltria stayed until Sunday. It was great to have them here. We were extremely lazy and watched movies for the majority of the time but also went ice skating and to Fenly's birthday party! Ice skating was exciting.. a little painful but definitely worth it. All in all it was a fun few days with wonderful friends!
Anna Kathryn and I have continued in our laziness and have started a Harry Potter movie marathon since we've never seen them. We are still on the first one so we have a long way to go... we will make the sacrifice though ha ha. I love their accents in this movie so much (right, right, right - shout out). If only I could have an awesome British accent. Guess I'll have to settle for my Southern one though.
Side note: If anyone has any good book suggestions, I would be glad to have some!
I am soon to be traveling to Nashville as well. I am so excited! I'll be going to two concerts in three days so I can't complain. We're also going to the Opryland Hotel, which is absolutely beautiful around Christmastime. The decorations are unbelievable.
Opryland Hotel
One concert that AK and I are going to is Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors and Dave Barnes. One of my friends introduced me to them, and I love them so much. Can't wait. Go here to see Drew and Ellie :) They're great.
Be joyful -- 'tis the season :)
-Anna
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The truth of Christ
Right now I am completely overwhelmed with a certain organization and a girl led to start it all. Somehow a few weeks ago as I was blog searching/stalking I came across this blog about a girl who had left her Brentwood, TN home to move to Africa after her high school graduation and ended up staying and creating an organization for orphaned children there called Amazima (means "the truth of Christ"). I really encourage you to go to her blog and read the countless stories that brought tears to my eyes. It truly blows me away the way the Lord works and the courageous, passionate people he sends to these places engulfed in hurt, loss, danger, sadness, hopelessness, and hunger.
She ended up adopting fourteen girls as her own, and it is remarkable to read about their lives each day. The stories are mostly devastating but also rejuvenating to be reminded of the fact that God is alive and well and performing miracles every day. I am so stirred by this ministry and feel as if I need to do something but not exactly sure what that is. For now I will just pray for this ministry and this family that has touched and broken my heart and for all the others they are helping and coming into contact with daily.
What a beautiful reminder of the relentless God who loves me despite all the evil in my heart and of the many, many blessings I have been given of which I must ask, Why me? Who am I to live so comfortably with all I could ask for when children are starving and dying everyday? It makes my heart ache.
Please check them out and pray for these precious people miles and miles away from our cozy homes.
Love, Anna
She ended up adopting fourteen girls as her own, and it is remarkable to read about their lives each day. The stories are mostly devastating but also rejuvenating to be reminded of the fact that God is alive and well and performing miracles every day. I am so stirred by this ministry and feel as if I need to do something but not exactly sure what that is. For now I will just pray for this ministry and this family that has touched and broken my heart and for all the others they are helping and coming into contact with daily.
What a beautiful reminder of the relentless God who loves me despite all the evil in my heart and of the many, many blessings I have been given of which I must ask, Why me? Who am I to live so comfortably with all I could ask for when children are starving and dying everyday? It makes my heart ache.
Please check them out and pray for these precious people miles and miles away from our cozy homes.
Love, Anna
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Happy December!
Sorry that it's been a few days... and that I didn't quite finish my week of thanks. I told you I was inconsistent so give me a break! Ha. But my Thanksgiving was great. It was a much needed break, and I definitely took advantage of being lazy every chance I could - no shock there! I'm already planning my Christmas break laziness and movie/book line-up as we speak! I can't wait.
As some may know, a couple of nights ago we had some really bad weather in Starkville, and it turns out that a small tornado occurred. Tori and I were driving around yesterday and the area that got the most damage was a mobile home neighborhood, The Pines. We drove by this area, and it was worse than I thought. Most of the homes looked to have some damage and one of the homes was completely turned over on its side. It was so sad to see everyone out in the fifty degree weather gathering their jumbled up belongings. My heart has been aching for these people ever since. Luckily, they found no one with injuries or anything. Please pray for these individuals and families who may have lost most of their possessions along with their homes.
Well tonight as our friends are off to their fraternity formals, Tori, Charlotte, Katherine and I will be treating ourselves to dinner and a movie. Can't wait. It shall be a fun, relaxing night :)
In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
Kahlil Gibran
Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic. Rosalind Russell
Happy December!
Love, Anna
As some may know, a couple of nights ago we had some really bad weather in Starkville, and it turns out that a small tornado occurred. Tori and I were driving around yesterday and the area that got the most damage was a mobile home neighborhood, The Pines. We drove by this area, and it was worse than I thought. Most of the homes looked to have some damage and one of the homes was completely turned over on its side. It was so sad to see everyone out in the fifty degree weather gathering their jumbled up belongings. My heart has been aching for these people ever since. Luckily, they found no one with injuries or anything. Please pray for these individuals and families who may have lost most of their possessions along with their homes.
Well tonight as our friends are off to their fraternity formals, Tori, Charlotte, Katherine and I will be treating ourselves to dinner and a movie. Can't wait. It shall be a fun, relaxing night :)
In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
Kahlil Gibran
Taking joy in life is a woman's best cosmetic. Rosalind Russell
Happy December!
Love, Anna
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