tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18512462579892591442024-03-05T20:12:59.578-08:00Operation: Micah 6:8He has shown you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justly,
to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God?Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-77272455420000053032012-10-15T11:52:00.003-07:002012-10-15T11:52:53.321-07:00Scrapping My Plans<br />
Hello friends,<br />
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How do you start your days? Do you begin by making a plan? I generally begin with a plan, normally on paper but sometimes just in my head. It has things like: "Wash towels", and "fold laundry", "clean the kitchen", "vacuum living room", "bathe the puppy", "read Bible study book" etc. And then as I accomplish these tasks, I scratch it off my list with satisfaction. I don't always finish my list, my plan for the day and then I tend to feel like I'm a failure and beat myself up. I'm learning to let go, to be okay when I don't get it all down. As long as I know I've been a faithful steward of my time, I know everything is okay. I'm trying to live with open hands. I have a "Plan A", but most of the time, God has a "Plan B". I'm learning to trust in His Plan B when my Plan A has to be scrapped.<br />
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There are times when I can't accomplish everything on my plan because of sinful choices, but instead of succumbing to the temptation to give up the rest of the day because of my laziness or lack of discipline, I am learning to confess my sin and repent, then moving on with my day and starting anew. And when I look back on my day and regret that I couldn't do all I wanted to, I'm learning to see the difference between God's Plan B and my sinfulness. Some weeks are harder than others. Monday morning last week I woke up energized and ready to be faithful with my time. I accomplished much last week. This week? I woke up later than I wanted because I stayed up too late last night and then my day got started slowly. So today I'm choosing to confess my laziness and deny the urge to let my entire day go to pot and use the rest of the time I have wisely.<br />
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So far, the dishes are washed, the bed is made, the rice is cooked for dinner tonight, I've worked out and showered. To go? The floor is covered in leaves and dirt tracked in by the dogs, there is a pile of clean laundry on the bed and piles of dirty clothes in the laundry room. So off I go to use the time God has given me wisely.<br />
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AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-89993880273156618062012-09-24T11:26:00.001-07:002012-09-24T11:26:41.715-07:00May the Mind of Christ My Saviour<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">May the mind of Christ my Saviour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">live in me from day to day,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">Jesus' love and power controlling</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">all I do or say.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">May the word of God dwell richly</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">in my heart from hour to hour,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">so that all may see I triumph</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">only through God's power.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">May the peace of God my Sovereign</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">rule my life in everything,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">that I may be calm to comfort</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">sick and sorrowing.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">May the love of Jesus fill me,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">as the waters fill the sea;</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">Christ exalting, self denying,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">this is victory.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">May I run the race before me,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">strong and brave to face the foe,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">looking only unto Jesus</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">as I onward go.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial, Helvetica;">- Kate Wilkinson</span></div>
Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-67920254425150102792012-09-21T13:42:00.000-07:002012-09-21T13:42:00.581-07:00Link Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrQryjSjw4Bs_7p_wGOiQQShIyIJnhDEl62MnUTTJAp-LirEn08yIkJmp0QQ1JjjIQ-EBCdLp9ZO49dLmelN7c73oJqO62eCptE7FFSeeMIcyEh6eittukh4sgyX17MyWBUF_5EYxVEs1/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrQryjSjw4Bs_7p_wGOiQQShIyIJnhDEl62MnUTTJAp-LirEn08yIkJmp0QQ1JjjIQ-EBCdLp9ZO49dLmelN7c73oJqO62eCptE7FFSeeMIcyEh6eittukh4sgyX17MyWBUF_5EYxVEs1/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Just some good reads lately.<br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2012/09/increasing-the-passion-in-your-homemaking.html">Increasing the Passion in Your Homemaking</a></li>
<li><a href="http://goffstersblog09.blogspot.com/2012/06/excerpt-from-doorposts.html">Teaching our daughters to be Godly wives - now!</a></li>
<li><a href="http://sarahmae.com/2012/04/just-say-no-to-sibling-rivalry/">Just Say No to Sibling Rivalry</a></li>
<li><a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2012/09/live-near-to-jesus.html">Live Near to Jesus</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
Anna</div>
Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-6490731748131440382012-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:002012-09-19T13:29:34.266-07:00Marriage and Motherhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RdN2xBvPvcWBRLiCSqI1Wp2sKuuh9-kk7a1UDU87eTlbMc3c87A8N2dxABiJeN7r7Y8ptYtbWXGDntnbpDcVj0l8oSKhpEPC3l_31GKYa_5kpfnEakTaTEKzjLNTuwhyphenhyphenXZfrlg35V3ca/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RdN2xBvPvcWBRLiCSqI1Wp2sKuuh9-kk7a1UDU87eTlbMc3c87A8N2dxABiJeN7r7Y8ptYtbWXGDntnbpDcVj0l8oSKhpEPC3l_31GKYa_5kpfnEakTaTEKzjLNTuwhyphenhyphenXZfrlg35V3ca/s400/DSC_0040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I get to see this precious little one day in and day out. I am so privileged to be able to be home with her 24/7 and watch her grow. My heart wells up with love for her more and more. I love to go into her room in the morning and see her after being away from her all night. I just love her with all my heart!</div>
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No matter how much I love her though, she is still a sinner. We've only seen slight glimpses yet, but I'm sure we will see it in full force before long. It's important that I respond to her sin in a Christ-like way, not in kind. This is impossible in my own power! I must have the power of the Holy Spirit helping me, and thankfully I do because I have been saved and the Spirit of God lives within me. All the same, I must be putting on Godly responses instead of reacting in my flesh because I am not held in bondage to sin anymore! Everyday I must be filling myself up with His Word so that my thoughts are on God and His ways. I desperately want to be the best mommy I can be to this precious little blue eyed girlie. Notice I said best, not perfect. I don't want to try and be a perfect mom, I want her to see my sin and then see me confess, repent and change. I want to instill the marvelous truths of God and His marvelous plan for the world in her heart and mind and then watch as the Lord opens her little heart to His ways and works. I am so glad He is in control of that and not me because I would be so stressed if it was up to me to convince her to believe in the Gospel! I am content to trust in the Lord on that account. </div>
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Even though most of my days are spent holding, talking to, changing, feeding, dressing, laughing with, teaching, reading to, and watching this little one, I need to remember that my role as wife comes before my role as mother. Am I loving my husband? Am I submitting to him? When Aaron and my marriage take precedence over Brielle, she will feel secure because she knows her mommy and daddy are committed to each other for life. We love our daughter so very much. But not more than we love each other. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Anna</div>
Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-25363916165521902612012-09-15T13:39:00.000-07:002012-09-15T13:39:00.691-07:00Light For The Lost BoyI'm loving Andrew Peterson's new CD.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JvpPStBqH_c" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<br />Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-77170089644810174472012-09-13T11:57:00.002-07:002012-09-13T11:57:31.147-07:00An Update and RamblingsWhere has the time gone? I'm not sure where blogging went in my life. I don't want it to feel like an obligation, but I do like the mental catharsis blogging brings. My life has change drastically since March 6th. I have a precious little 3-month-old baby girl named Brielle Madelyn. How could I spend time online when I just want to stare into her bright blue eyes, watch her giggle and kiss her round baby cheeks? But she is napping so sweetly in her crib at the moment so I decided to sit down and write some thoughts out for my poor abandoned readers.<br />
Brielle was born five days early, June 6 at 3:50pm. I was induced because of preeclampsia, meaning I had high blood pressure. Aside from a scare due to the epidural, she was born without mayhap, small and precious. No words can describe that feeling when she slid out of me and they placed her naked, bloody body on me. This gorgeous little girl was my daughter. One of my favourite things to watch now is Aaron's love for her. It never ceases to fill me with love for my best friend.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9BaEe8YvcowCAJvFbN2Z5V_V-rtBDd6Mh9LETeytdH2piuXKoJ4uoVPArwNsgBIudz8xX_Djgzd6G5wzdu4OjEU3DEw_snxh_xzNyJGL0WG0UdSlqJCP9Gq3NmeU6DRXIq9kBeZjDKJs/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV9BaEe8YvcowCAJvFbN2Z5V_V-rtBDd6Mh9LETeytdH2piuXKoJ4uoVPArwNsgBIudz8xX_Djgzd6G5wzdu4OjEU3DEw_snxh_xzNyJGL0WG0UdSlqJCP9Gq3NmeU6DRXIq9kBeZjDKJs/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture taken by my mom during Brielle's first week.<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She smiles most of the time, this huge, open-mouthed smile that makes us laugh. She talks to us, to our pastor preaching at church, to her mobile, to the phone, to anyone who will listen. We're seeing more and more of her personality every day. We are just so blessed with her little presence!! <div>
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When I think of Brielle getting older, I think of things like reading good literature with her. Books like Les Miserables, The Count of Monte Cristo, Anne of Green Gables, The Phantom Tollbooth, Wuthering Heights, and David Copperfield. I think of listening to good music like Bach and Beethoven. I think of playing music together, teaching her how to play, playing together and all of the good times we will have together as a family. But most of all I think of teaching her about how grand God is, what an amazing God He is, showing her how sinful she is and how desperately she is in need of a Saviour, of praying for her each and every day that she would be saved, of catechizing her in the Scriptures. And when I think of that, I think of how wholeheartedly I need to throw myself in prayer upon Christ for help and guidance in parenting this little lost soul. </div>
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I hope to post here more often. Blogging helps me to think, helps me to organize my wayward thoughts and put them into coherent sentences. I do believe I am back, my blogging friends.</div>
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Anna<br /><div>
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Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-61761002350609435922012-03-06T15:06:00.010-08:002012-03-06T15:06:00.301-08:00Pin of The WeekToday you get <i>two </i>pins! I made these two recipes in the past couple weeks and found them to be absolutely delish so I thought I'd share!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://rita-may-recipes.blogspot.com/2010/11/hersheys-chocolate-cake.html">Perfectly Chocolate Cake</a> </span> (By the way, I made this as cupcakes. They turned out great and made about 24. Even Aaron liked the frosting, which is not normal at all for him.)<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/226376318739460010/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/226376318739459941_5b2v9COd_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://rita-may-recipes.blogspot.com/2010/11/hersheys-chocolate-cake.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">rita-may-recipes.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/anna_nix/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Anna</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<a href="http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2011/10/crispy-cheddar-chicken.html"><span style="font-size: large;">Crispy Cheddar Chicken</span></a><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/226376318739131611/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/226376318739131611_EWBTXczJ_c.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com/2011/10/crispy-cheddar-chicken.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">jamiecooksitup.blogspot.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/anna_nix/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Anna</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Love<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-48818920060889053042012-03-04T14:39:00.000-08:002012-03-04T14:39:40.244-08:00Rejoice Always!: Part One<i>This series is meant to be an encouragement. Please don't come away from this thinking that I have it all figured out! I struggle day in and day out to rejoice always and to be content in all circumstances. In fact, I will share as part of this series how I very recently lost my joy. If you have any questions please leave a comment below!</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"Rejoice always" ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice." ~ Philippians 4: 4</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"in this [your heavenly inheritance] you rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ." ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." ~ Romans 5:1-5</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." ~ Romans 12:12</blockquote>How do we rejoice <i>always</i>? How is that even possible? I think it has everything to do with trust and the sovereignty of God. Let's take a look at some things that the Scripture shows us about who God is and what He does for us.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28</blockquote><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"And He said to His disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouses nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why ar eyou anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the filed today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not see what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom and these things will be added to you." ~ Luke 12:22-31</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, "In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in this city who kept coming to him and saying, "Give me justice against my adversary." For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, "Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming. "" And the Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to His elect who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?"" ~ Luke 18:1-8</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" ~ Matthew 7:7-11</blockquote>So now we've established that 1) God works all things for our good, 2) He is a loving Father who gives us what we need, and 3) that God brings us justice. Let's look at some verses that establish God's sovereignty:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">"A man's steps are from the Lord, how then can man understand his way?" ~ Proverbs 20:24</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that stands." ~ Proverbs 19:21</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil." ~ James 4:13-15</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"[God] works all things to the counsel of His will" ~ Ephesians 1:11</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things." ~ Isaiah 45:7</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Shall we receive good from God and shall we not receive evil?" In all this, Job did not sin with his lips." ~ Job 2:10</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases." ~ Psalm 115:3</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, "What have you done?" ~ Daniel 4:35</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">"Also henceforth I am He; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?" ~ Isaiah 43:13</blockquote>God is sovereign over all situations, good and bad. There are plenty more Scriptures all over the Bible from Genesis to Revelation that make this clear. So when we pair up that God is completely and totally sovereign over every situation, good and bad; and if we put that together with what we laid out earlier, that God is working for our good, then we can fully and completely trust in Him through each and every circumstance that comes our way! Even when we can't see why something might be good for us right now, God has a plan and will make it happen. Nothing can thwart Him! We can rest in that. Truly and completely understanding this is the key and bedrock of rejoicing always.<br />
Not only is our joy rooted in the sovereignty and goodness of God, but also in the hope given to us in salvation. We aren't looking to our circumstances to give us joy. We must look toward a Saviour who has promised us that we have eternal life in Him. We must place our hope in the glory of God rather than the ups and downs of our daily life. That is when we can rejoice always, because our hope and trust have been place in something unshakable and unchangeable, rather than our fickle circumstances. And even within those ever-changing circumstances, God is present! They aren't just happening to us randomly, God has a purpose and He cannot be thwarted!<br />
There's one other piece to rejoicing always, one that is inextricably connected: contentment. When we are completely content with our lot, the circumstances God has sovereignly ordained in our life, we will have joy. Jeremiah Burroughs, who wrote <u>The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment</u> says this, "Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to, and delights in God's wise and Fatherly disposal in every condition." The key to contentment? Knowing what we truly and completely deserve: death and eternal punishment. And once we have that perspective, we realize that anything - <i>anything!</i> - outside death in hell is a blessing! So how can we grumble and complain about inconvenient, difficult or sorrowful circumstances when we realize that this is so much better than we deserve? This is where contentment comes from. The peace of that contentment comes hand in hand along with the rejoicing always in every circumstance.<br />
But what happens when the joy is gone? What does that mean? We'll take a look at that in part 2.<br />
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Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-1073701786175551702012-02-17T13:08:00.000-08:002012-02-17T13:08:29.520-08:00Once Upon a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKMY5OS2jWO0pZPhjbix_wPKYAvtMvNNWiEj88x4hPGSbMZHxy_1Pc_TyCyqpuU8xfC-IaFjRVZJ9a_W4rYy34y6klHFuJk8wZXV-Nwg8DS6eptwdGG8MYIH0L9puhTRVy0sgq8hx7VWk/s1600/Valentine+Roses+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKMY5OS2jWO0pZPhjbix_wPKYAvtMvNNWiEj88x4hPGSbMZHxy_1Pc_TyCyqpuU8xfC-IaFjRVZJ9a_W4rYy34y6klHFuJk8wZXV-Nwg8DS6eptwdGG8MYIH0L9puhTRVy0sgq8hx7VWk/s640/Valentine+Roses+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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Today I'm guest posting at <a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/">Scribbles n'Things</a>. Be sure and check it out!<br />
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Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-66622063468518081852012-02-13T08:29:00.000-08:002012-02-13T17:42:16.608-08:00"Eleven" Post<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was tagged in a little questionnaire about two months ago right as I fell off the blogging bandwagon so to speak, so I'm just now filling it out. Thanks for tagging me, <a href="http://purposelyathome.blogspot.com/">Purposely at Home!</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First the rules:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.) You must post these rules</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.) Each person must post eleven things about them on their blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3.) <span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">11 Things About Me</span></span><br />
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<ol><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I love dangly earrings</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I've never been that into the colour pink, but ever since we found out we're having a girl, I've gone pink crazy! Pink clothes, pink carseat, pink bedding, pink everything!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Many of my friends are online friends. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">My favourite flower is a Gerbera daisy.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I love spicy food and I love to try new foods. I really like Ethiopian food.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Snow absolutely thrills me, so winter happens to be my favourite season. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Growing up, my dad hated cats and I loved them, so I told him when I lived on my own I would have a cat or maybe even several. We would tease each other all the time. Well, then I married a cat-hater. I think one of the very first questions my dad asked Aaron was probably, "Do you hate cats?" and when he found out Aaron did, it was all downhill from there! Oh well, I suppose cats isn't a hill to die on, right? </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I volunteered at a crisis pregnancy center for 2 and 1/2 years and loved it. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">When I was younger, I wanted to live in Venice, Italy.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">When I was very little, I wanted to be a postal delivery person. I knew that from a Richard Scarry video.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Right now, my favourite book is Timothy Keller's The Meaning of Marriage.</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Questions for Me</span></span></div><div><ol><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is your favourite jewelry accessory? Why? </b>I would have to say earrings. And as for the why, well, it's probably because they're the piece of jewelry I actually remember to put on in the morning. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is the best roller coaster you have ever ridden? </b>Oh this one is easy. Aaron and I went to King's Island this fall and we rode several. I really enjoyed the Diamondback.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>How many years have you been a part of blogger? </b>I've been on blogger since fall of 2009. I began using it for school assignments as part of a music class I was taking in college. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>If you have a college degree, what is it in? </b>I'm working on my college degree. I've had a lot of things slow me down like getting married and getting pregnant! I began with a Music major and am now finishing up with a Humanities major.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>How many times have you watched the movie <i>Finding Nemo</i>? </b>I believe three times. Aaron introduced me to the movie and I thought it was adorable. I picked it on my birthday last year as something I wanted to watch. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is your favourite Bible character? Why? </b>I would have to say Anna, not only because she and I share the same name, but mainly because of her devotion to the Lord. There are only a few verses in the Bible that talk about her, but I read them and just desire to be like her.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is your favourite season? </b>Ha! I answered this one above! Winter is my favourite season, cold, snowy winter.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is the most disgusting thing you have ever eaten? </b>Horseradish. Bleh, it's disgusting. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>What is one of your new year resolutions? </b>To get to bed at a decent hour! If I go to bed really late it's hard for me to get up in the morning and then the whole day tends to be lazy and I get nothing done. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>How fast can you say "Peter Piper Picked a Pepper"? </b>I can do it fast about twice without messing up, and then on the third try it all falls apart.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b>Will you pass this award on to other bloggers? </b>Yes I will!</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">My Questions</span></span></div></div><div><ol><li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">When did you become a believer?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">What has been a very influential book in your spiritual walk? How?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">What is your favourite store to shop at?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Do you wear your hair up or down in general?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">What city would you like to live in?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Who is one of your spiritual mentors?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">If someone gave you a large sum of money, what would you do with it?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Are you a night person or a morning person?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Starbucks or Caribou Coffee? Why?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Do you enjoy long trips or dread them, whether in a car or a plane?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">What's your favourite genre of music?</span></span></li>
</ol><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Okay and here are the people I tag:</span></span></div></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://impassionedpurity.blogspot.com/">Impassioned Purity</a></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://alltheleavesarerustling.blogspot.com/">All The Leaves Are Rustling</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://fromthelittlewhitehouse.blogspot.com/">Tales From the Little White House</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/">Scribbles 'N Things</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://hes-my-life.blogspot.com/">Living For Jesus</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://leeandbethany.blogspot.com/">L&B</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://colormylifewithlove.blogspot.com/">Color My Life with Love</a></span><br />
<a href="http://burstsofsunshine93.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bursts of Sunshine</span></a></div>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-46644036335165096842012-02-11T13:00:00.000-08:002012-02-11T13:00:19.907-08:00Link LoveHi, my name is Anna and this is my blog (in case your forgot who I was in my long silence). I hope I'm back, we'll see. If you follow my other blog (<a href="http://www.youngandmarried.net/">Young And Married</a> ) you would know that we found out our baby is a girl, that we bought a house and we're in the process of packing so we can move! That's the gist of the silence. I thought I'd pop on and remind you all I'm still alive with a little link love!<br />
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- Now I'm not going to be a mother of boys, but I thought this was a great post so I thought I'd share. <a href="http://themommyhoodmemos.com/2012/02/raising-boys-to-be-good-men/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheMommyhoodMemos+%28the+mommyhood+memos%29">the world needs more good men.</a><br />
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-<a href="http://impassionedpurity.blogspot.com/2012/02/ill-never-be-same.html">I'll Never Be The Same</a> - Great post from my sister about coming back from St. Petersburg. Those eyes! That child is quite haunting if you ask me.<br />
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-<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/2012/a-letter-to-my-children-about-marriage/">A Letter To My Children About Marriage</a> - This was good regardless of whether you are married or not. I know I needed to read that reminder.<br />
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- <a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2012/02/things-i-want-to-do-with-my-future.html">This</a> sweet post about things Natalie wants to do with her future husband. Also, <a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2012/02/thoughts-on-being-lady.html">this</a> one on being a lady, <a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2012/02/couple-of-thoughts-on-guarding-your.html">this</a> one on guarding your heart and <a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2012/02/for-guys-who-cant-get-girl.html">this</a> funny video. (I agree with Natalie about Twilight though.)<br />
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- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uwY3sjqYX0">This rather hilarious video</a> about singing at the drive thru. And <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUybMMYmpxo">this sad and funny video</a> about the state of our universities and the lack of education.<br />
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- Natalie again! <a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2012/01/i-want-to-marry-man.html">I Want To Marry a Man Who....</a><br />
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- Thought provoking post about media choices - <a href="http://www.throughcloudedglass.com/2012/01/glee-and-other-media-choices.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ThroughCloudedGlass+%28Through+Clouded+Glass%29">Glee and Other Media Choices</a><br />
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- <a href="http://bubblinglikebrooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/who-will-swaddle-me.html">Who Will Swaddle Me?</a> - sweet post. I can't help but smile at that baby!<br />
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- And last a silly video about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP7Lcen5yEA">homeschooling your baby.</a><br />
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Enjoy! Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-2740432037574090562012-01-21T20:11:00.000-08:002012-01-21T20:11:02.600-08:00The Three Deadliest Words in the World<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ISme5-9orR0" width="560"></iframe>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-29720435444593938382012-01-05T09:51:00.000-08:002012-01-05T09:51:34.369-08:00Christian OptimismMy brother John has begun writing his own blog! I'm very excited about this because John is a very wise and mature young man. I know I benefit from his thoughts and I'm excited now that others can benefit as well. Please be sure to check out his blog<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://christianoptimists.blogspot.com/">Surprised by Optimism</a> </span><br />
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</span><br />
I thought while I was sharing John's blog, I would share the other blogs written by my family members:<br />
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My sister Lissie writes here at <a href="http://impassionedpurity.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Impassioned Purity</span></a>. She and John are twins and she also is a very wise person. She has steeped herself in God's Word and as a result, her lifestyle and walk reflect someone who wants to honour her Saviour.<br />
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My mom writes her thoughts over at <a href="http://barrennomore-denise.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">A Deep Breath of Hope</span></a>. That's truly what reading her thoughts are like: a huge gulp of fresh air. She's very honest and vulnerable about her struggles as a mom. I want to be a mom like her someday, she shares so much wisdom and she certainly has had a lot of experience! She's been a mom for 21 years and she has 12 children.<br />
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My family has a blog where they share daily happenings and pictures. I love going there to see what they're doing and see how they're all growing and changing. You can find that here:<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://untohimwelive.blogspot.com/">Unto Him We Live</a></span><br />
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This little blog has been pretty silent lately and I'm going to be changing that here soon, so don't worry that I fell off the face of the earth!<br />
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Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-82538873226276057862011-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:002011-12-23T21:12:20.631-08:00God With Us<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/32459389?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/32459389">Advent: God With Us</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/village">The Village Church</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Are you waiting and ready for this Saviour? What a beautiful way to express the Gospel. Enjoy and carry this message with you into Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Praise Jesus Christ the Son and God the Father for their magnificent plan of redemption!<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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Thank you, <a href="http://colormylifewithlove.blogspot.com/">Ruthiey</a> for this beautiful recommendation. Love you girl!Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-39325411852369436842011-12-22T10:49:00.000-08:002011-12-22T10:49:28.914-08:00The Real Christmas<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/2549637?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/2549637">That's Christmas (Short Film) HD</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sthelens">St Helen’s Church</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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What do you think of when you think of Christmas?<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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via <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/">Justin Taylor @ the Gospel Coalition</a>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-83058091273847330692011-12-21T11:07:00.000-08:002011-12-21T11:07:24.390-08:00Sugar Plum Fairy<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QdoTdG_VNV4?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe><br />
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I thought this was pretty cool to watch. I love Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and this is a pretty innovative way to play that piece!<br />
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Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-84587805563799696202011-12-08T12:41:00.000-08:002011-12-08T12:41:18.996-08:00Handel's Messiah Flash MobMost of my readers have probably seen this before, as have I, but it's definitely worth a rewatch. I <i>love </i>Handel's Messiah and this video just makes me cry. It's so beautiful! I hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SXh7JR9oKVE" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-710843429521750222011-12-02T10:54:00.000-08:002011-12-02T10:54:45.252-08:00I Am Alive and a C. S. Lewis quote.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVEvjY0wA5iYJCWUbjI7rwykI0-UMZrAim9jCz_FmVYLeK_axIqDfDOT3Ed4z3uesRBmoebSgP8CzIsU0yneDSWdKQ5IhT9MLdzdygBHiItdkdImjDpr6lpJnb7OjGCdcFeoQ3m_wkl0v/s1600/_MG_3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVEvjY0wA5iYJCWUbjI7rwykI0-UMZrAim9jCz_FmVYLeK_axIqDfDOT3Ed4z3uesRBmoebSgP8CzIsU0yneDSWdKQ5IhT9MLdzdygBHiItdkdImjDpr6lpJnb7OjGCdcFeoQ3m_wkl0v/s400/_MG_3362.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wedding day. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, I pretty much fell off the bandwagon for the last half of November. Part of the reason is Aaron and I went to see my family and the place that we were staying had very slow internet, so I didn't even try updating the blog. Well, I made it through the 30 Days of Thankfulness about halfway! Oh well. I was still thankful and definitely thought about something that I was thankful for each day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While we were with my family, my mom and I were talking about how wonderful marriage is and all that I've learned in my 8 months (almost!) wisdom (ha!). During the conversation, this quote came up that I really love and so I thought I'd share it with all of you! I have shared it in the past on my other blog, but I thought I'd put it here this time. </span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“What we call ‘being in love’ is a glorious state, and, in several ways, good for us. It helps to make us generous and courageous, it opens our eyes not only to the beauty of the beloved but to all beauty, and it subordinates (especially at first) our merely animal sexuality; in that sense, love is the great conqueror of lust. No one in his senses would deny that being in love is far better than either common sensuality or cold self-centeredness. But, as I said before, ‘the most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one impulse of our own nature and set it up as the thing you ought to follow at all costs’. Being in love is a good thing, but it is not the best thing. There are many things below it, but there are also things above it. You cannot make it the basis of a whole life. It is a noble feeling, but it is still a feeling. Now no feeling can be relied on to last in its full intensity, or even to last at all. Knowledge can last, principles can last, habits can last; but feelings come and go. And in fact, whatever people say, the state called ‘being in love’ usually does not last. If the old fairy-tale ending ‘They lived happily ever after’ is taken to mean “They felt for the next fifty years exactly as they felt the day before the were married’, then it says what probably never was nor ever would be true, and would be highly undesirable if it were. Who could bear to live in that excitement for even five years? What would become of your work, your appetite, your sleep, your friendships? But, of course, ceasing to be ‘in love’ need not mean ceasing to love. Love in this second sense-love as distinct from ‘being in love’ – is not merely a feeling. It is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by (in Christian marriages) the grace which both partners ask, and receive, from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when the;y do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself. They can retain this love even when each would easily, if they allowed themselves, be ‘in love’ with someone else. ‘Being in love’ first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.”</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~<span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mere Christianity</span>, C.S. Lewis, pages 108-109</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Listening to <a href="http://www.pandora.com/#/song/thumbs-down/S1447796">Pandora radio - Trans-Siberian Orchestra (holiday)</a></span></div>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-37536194318449705922011-11-15T20:01:00.000-08:002011-11-15T20:01:26.075-08:0030 Days of Thankfulness: Day 15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8I7jX0IY2ErJdYIWvTG2TtcGQv0pph7fBJXHXuZvImoXes-ByOD2tmdgrXHws5LNlVUg7AvktAl-Ns-JHd3LsECjL-tTm_HgAmLuCofbUj30VO45PWFtD-jLFcVFOBnTjIUAxgurQXF_-/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8I7jX0IY2ErJdYIWvTG2TtcGQv0pph7fBJXHXuZvImoXes-ByOD2tmdgrXHws5LNlVUg7AvktAl-Ns-JHd3LsECjL-tTm_HgAmLuCofbUj30VO45PWFtD-jLFcVFOBnTjIUAxgurQXF_-/s400/DSC_0031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADISgUIL6MZLTaLSn040Kd_neUzZnVX6afiTAwlWA-wpR8dId3Q2paC4gaZhVUjNE6ohHRRDO6v_xJsd8F5rI5gNk-_dWBcd8dxWoEYkDlOEhyphenhyphenkX45-WiiMK7ryXclelgTfN1QPXN49-M/s1600/IMG_4201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiADISgUIL6MZLTaLSn040Kd_neUzZnVX6afiTAwlWA-wpR8dId3Q2paC4gaZhVUjNE6ohHRRDO6v_xJsd8F5rI5gNk-_dWBcd8dxWoEYkDlOEhyphenhyphenkX45-WiiMK7ryXclelgTfN1QPXN49-M/s400/IMG_4201.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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Today I am thankful for my grandparents. I talked to both sets on the phone today and even though they live thousands of miles away, it helped them to feel closer.<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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</div>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-85658468213723085742011-11-14T17:55:00.000-08:002011-11-14T17:55:19.520-08:0030 Days of Thankfulness: Day 14<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/248659182/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/18647785926614854_Y6prZfHs_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.photographyserved.com/gallery/Arctic-Landscapes/1871793" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">photographyserved.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/jimjams/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jemma</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
Today I'm thankful for cell phones. I'm sure that sounds like a pretty strange thing to be thankful about, but here's why: I can call my mom or any other member of my family any time because of cell phones. What a blessing! I can also stay in contact throughout the day by texting my siblings. That is why I am thankful for cell phones!<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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Listening to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FExIWex_vc">Heartland</a> by Celtic Thunder,Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-53055499301616165602011-11-13T20:28:00.000-08:002011-11-13T20:28:52.128-08:0030 Days of Thankfulness: Day Thirteen<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uOBDeHF6q7YIVMLKALTRx13SPBlY-_gM5R96_sPP96cAJR1jh6vzEn5OswV-08_1li7em5gxNzUSwWdBg9W7UUdohJxWcQ0DRqSJxIuO_BKEIn4NVsfh_eJIodn6a8GYWVJVCy-9cnlZ/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uOBDeHF6q7YIVMLKALTRx13SPBlY-_gM5R96_sPP96cAJR1jh6vzEn5OswV-08_1li7em5gxNzUSwWdBg9W7UUdohJxWcQ0DRqSJxIuO_BKEIn4NVsfh_eJIodn6a8GYWVJVCy-9cnlZ/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daria is on the far left with my sisters Cassandra and Tatiana this last week. (Picture taken by my mom.)</td></tr>
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Today I'm grateful for a beautiful picture of God's grace and the change Christ can work on a heart. My sister, Daria, who at the age of 15 came to the USA from the completely godless culture of Russia has committed to remain pure until God brings her the right man. To read more, go here: <a href="http://untohimwelive.blogspot.com/2011/11/dinner-for-three.html">Dinner for Three</a> .<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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Listening to Trans Siberian Orchestra's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psd19YV8-Ww">Christmas Canon</a>. (I know, I know Christmas music already! After tonight, I shall wait till after Thanksgiving.)Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-44211646820235392242011-11-13T05:01:00.000-08:002011-11-13T05:01:00.351-08:00Link Love<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/511257361/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="672" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/265430971757744910_Wx6HF5kk_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://gypsyvibe.tumblr.com/page/9" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">gypsyvibe.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/misscleo/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Cara</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><div><br />
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</div><ul><li><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2011/11/12/love-notices-wet-hair/">Love Notices Wet Hair</a> - Good article regarding the recent events at Penn State. Also check out: <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/11/10/the-tragic-lessons-of-penn-state-a-call-to-action/">Tragic Lessons from Penn State: A Call to Action</a> . Great perspective.</li>
<li><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/03/27/free-will-a-primer/">Free Will: A Primer</a></li>
<li><a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2011/10/18/what-is-god-sovereign-over/">What Is God Sovereign Over?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://barrennomore-denise.blogspot.com/2011/11/golden-adornment.html">Golden Adornment</a> - My lovely sisters over at my mom's blog. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.kevinandmel.com/2011/11/one-with-age-dilemma.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FapvcF+%28The+Adorkable+Life%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">The One with The Age Dilemma</a> - I could really relate to this article, albeit I am a little younger than the writer! Does anyone else feel this way?</li>
<li><a href="http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/2011/11/your-child-and-sexual-abuse/">Your Child and Sexual Abuse</a> - Even if you aren't a parent yet, or if parenthood is far ahead in your future, this is a great article to star and keep in mind for the future. I definitely am! </li>
<li><a href="http://110surrendered.blogspot.com/2011/11/what-about-woman-that-got-pregnant.html">What About a Woman that Got Pregnant After Rape?</a> - Great thoughtful article.</li>
<li><a href="http://scribblesnthings.blogspot.com/2011/11/called-to-orphan.html">Called To The Orphan</a> - Orphan Sunday was last Sunday, but how can you be obeying the command to care for the orphan today? </li>
</ul><div>Love,</div><div>Anna</div>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-72557126572612780632011-11-12T21:01:00.000-08:002011-11-12T21:01:03.836-08:0030 Days of Thankfulness: Day Twelve<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/187819337/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="333" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/142215300702580546_pNmkArXO_c.jpg" width="366" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=cross+pictures&hl=en&sa=X&tbm=isch&prmd=ivns&tbnid=mMI07CpRqr4twM:&imgrefurl=http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2011/08/23/man-uses-knoxville-priests-cross-to-assault-a-woman&docid=Z8fYsc5n7hCeAM&w=366&h=333&ei=iJ5tTobbJMmtgQfNj7DXBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=897&vpy=65&dur=4992&hovh=214&hovw=235&tx=107&ty=118&page=1&tbnh=150&tbnw=159&start=0&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0&biw=1280&bih=872" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">google.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/carissalm/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Carissa</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
Today I am thankful for God's sovereignty. I can completely trust God because He knows what's good for me and He is working <i>all </i>things for my good. Nothing is outside of His control!<br />
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Love,<br />
AnnaAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-80040076186217577212011-11-11T21:08:00.000-08:002011-11-11T21:10:34.236-08:0030 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjgXZIPEU1PamALYdU6WqdeVkj6MR1mVBf3jd1gZUZEVWgyWDCkom_ZdpAH3xsOZukAbor8BzqO4GA_K6W7d176LWK988gq4P0ZQAVeVB-ZsBYMRNC2odL0g69VlOrL49LHfZiuk7ggAP/s1600/998477-owl-city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjgXZIPEU1PamALYdU6WqdeVkj6MR1mVBf3jd1gZUZEVWgyWDCkom_ZdpAH3xsOZukAbor8BzqO4GA_K6W7d176LWK988gq4P0ZQAVeVB-ZsBYMRNC2odL0g69VlOrL49LHfZiuk7ggAP/s400/998477-owl-city.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?q=owl+city&hl=en&safe=active&biw=1600&bih=799&gbv=2&tbm=isch&tbnid=giKDS1w2MYxt0M:&imgrefurl=http://www.billboard.com/artist/owl-city/998477&docid=QFJYKzJb9mXdRM&imgurl=http://www.billboard.com/photos/artist/998477-owl-city.jpg&w=617&h=409&ei=Hv-9TqT5IqPw0gGHuYjaBA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=362&vpy=158&dur=2763&hovh=183&hovw=276&tx=133&ty=73&sig=105158283919436166859&page=1&tbnh=140&tbnw=181&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0">Credit</a></td></tr>
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Today I am thankful for new friends and old friends. Aaron and I went to an Owl City concert with an old friend and met her two sisters who quickly became new friends. We had a blast with them. (The concert was pretty awesome too!)<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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Listening to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAd1v9xMZGs">Yacht Club by Owl City</a>Aaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851246257989259144.post-55771430018504535852011-11-10T20:08:00.000-08:002011-11-10T20:08:03.063-08:0030 Days of Thankfulness: Day Ten<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/485393052/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/122371314844546904_blpSeOBd_c.jpg" width="512" /></a></div></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://be-the-change.tumblr.com/page/11" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">be-the-change.tumblr.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/nataliegrimm/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Natalie</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Today I am grateful that God is always our Rock. He is the one we can always run to in times of troubles. He never changes and is eternally the same. This is why we should never be anchored in our circumstances, because they will always be changing. Our anchor, our stay, our Rock should always be our God and when trouble comes we will never waver!<br />
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Love,<br />
Anna<br />
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Listening to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=fvwp&v=gloqbD2JaaU">I'll Meet You There</a> by Owl CityAaron and Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09773401930619811637noreply@blogger.com1