Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day 32!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day 29? Sure...
Day 27
Saturday.
Tomorrow is Easter! (Unfortunately I was so busy with my family I didn't have time to take a picture on Easter...)
Days 26-29
So last week was crazy, I was in sweats a lot, but when I did get dressed to go out somewhere, I wore my dress :)
The next few posts will be the outfits I wore last week. I'm hoping to blog either tonight or tomorrow! Hope everyone had a lovely Easter!
The next few posts will be the outfits I wore last week. I'm hoping to blog either tonight or tomorrow! Hope everyone had a lovely Easter!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 21 & 22!
Bible study tonight. And studying Spanish so I do not fail another test... : /
Day 22!
"Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You're not in the driver's seat; I am. Don't run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I'll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?" Matthew 16:24-26 (The Message)
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Day 20!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Day 14
But I'm not afraid to die
To see you, to meet you
To see you last.
To see you last.
~Sufjan Stevens 'In the Devil's Territory'
A very long week ahead of me, but it should be fun :) Sufjan Stevens is definitely my favorite artist for Spring Quarter, you should check him out, his music is great & the lyrics are even better. God Bless, I'm off to study for math...
Day 11, 12, 13, 14....
Bible Study tonight!!!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Anissa- Blog #3 *SPOILER ALERT*
Yes, I know I haven't taken a picture in a long time. But I have basically been wearing the same thing everyday and I have been working so I can't wear my dress there. But I promise that there will be a picture up TODAY!
As Sarah stated, we are reading the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I am almost done with the book and no words can come to describe what it makes me feel. The woman in the book does not know God. But she begins to worship her husband like he is one. He saved her from a past she thought she would never be saved from. He saved her from being treated like a piece of property and began to treat her with the kindness she deserves. She falls in love with his kind heart and his adoration towards life. Coming from a brothel, she has never seen this kind of love. Obviously she gets scared a lot and she starts to run away from the beautiful life that he has promised her. She thinks doesn't deserve it so she leaves because she knows that he is better off. But he always finds her and brings her back home to the love that she left.
It sounds a lot like Christ, huh? We are all SO undeserving of the love He has given us, but He pours it out to us anyway. I know I was definitely scared of the life that I could have. I had done so much to Him but yet He still searches for me and brings me back home in His arms. When I begin to question I get scared and doubtful. I start to say things like "Why me? Why have you chosen to love me? I'm not perfect, God. I mess up a lot. And I've run away from you before. So why do you still love me?" I guess these are questions asked frequently by people who have just started their journey with Christ just like me. But there comes that time where you can't live in the shadows anymore. You have to take that first step but then God will hold your hand through the rest. You have to realize that you may make mistakes but you are still beautiful in God's eyes.
I relate a lot to Angel. Even though, I was never sold into a brothel at a young age, I was still scared of the life that God was going to give me. Now that I am out of the hurt that I once endured, I am always turning my back from the One who has taken me from it. Sometimes, it seems so easy to go back. Because not unknown to us. Looking forward is frightening. There comes a time when one realizes that going back is not an option anymore. Although, the past will always be with you it does not mean that you have to live by it. I've had to learn to throw away my pride and just give all of it up. And although, I never thought I'd be at where I am today, I am so that God gave me the strength to put my pride aside and bring me to Him.
We all just need to realize, like Angel did, that God is here, He's real, and He's waiting on us to start loving Him without all of the 'what-ifs'. <3
As Sarah stated, we are reading the book Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I am almost done with the book and no words can come to describe what it makes me feel. The woman in the book does not know God. But she begins to worship her husband like he is one. He saved her from a past she thought she would never be saved from. He saved her from being treated like a piece of property and began to treat her with the kindness she deserves. She falls in love with his kind heart and his adoration towards life. Coming from a brothel, she has never seen this kind of love. Obviously she gets scared a lot and she starts to run away from the beautiful life that he has promised her. She thinks doesn't deserve it so she leaves because she knows that he is better off. But he always finds her and brings her back home to the love that she left.
It sounds a lot like Christ, huh? We are all SO undeserving of the love He has given us, but He pours it out to us anyway. I know I was definitely scared of the life that I could have. I had done so much to Him but yet He still searches for me and brings me back home in His arms. When I begin to question I get scared and doubtful. I start to say things like "Why me? Why have you chosen to love me? I'm not perfect, God. I mess up a lot. And I've run away from you before. So why do you still love me?" I guess these are questions asked frequently by people who have just started their journey with Christ just like me. But there comes that time where you can't live in the shadows anymore. You have to take that first step but then God will hold your hand through the rest. You have to realize that you may make mistakes but you are still beautiful in God's eyes.
I relate a lot to Angel. Even though, I was never sold into a brothel at a young age, I was still scared of the life that God was going to give me. Now that I am out of the hurt that I once endured, I am always turning my back from the One who has taken me from it. Sometimes, it seems so easy to go back. Because not unknown to us. Looking forward is frightening. There comes a time when one realizes that going back is not an option anymore. Although, the past will always be with you it does not mean that you have to live by it. I've had to learn to throw away my pride and just give all of it up. And although, I never thought I'd be at where I am today, I am so that God gave me the strength to put my pride aside and bring me to Him.
We all just need to realize, like Angel did, that God is here, He's real, and He's waiting on us to start loving Him without all of the 'what-ifs'. <3
Sarah ~ Blog #4 (Day 12)
(no picture of the dress today...however I attached this picture from my senior trip in the Dominican Republic...we saw the sunrise, it was amazing.)
"at her back was darkness still, but before her was light; pale yellow growing brilliant, gold-streaked with red & orange...she had never seen anything so beautiful" -Redeeming Love.
I love this quote, the imagery is so beautiful. Just imagine seeing your first sunrise ever. Experiencing the beauty of the sun rising up out of the darkness of the night and lighting up the entire world... The sun in all of its glory, filling sky, the brightness of it's rays, the warmth spreading onto the dewey earth... It's funny because as amazing as all that sounds and as amazing as it is to experience, it pales in comparison to what it will be like to witness our God for the first time. I can't even imagine what it will be like when that day comes, when I get to see my God and be in His glorious presence for the first time. Not a million sunrises could come close to the beauty of my God.
The symbolism for the girl in this story is so powerful... her past was complete darkness, she never experienced anything even resembling love, not even once. Then this man comes and literally carries her out of the darkness that filled her life and offers her a new life, a life full of love. He brings her to see her first sunrise, and as she stands with him she realizes her darkness is behind her, and for the first time she experiences the sun rising up and drenching her. Her past was behind her, and new life was ahead. Beautiful. It's what Christ has offered everyone of us. New life, and an end to the darkness. That's why I live my life for Him. He saved me from the darkness that had my life at a chokehold for so long. He gave me a reason to live.
I love this quote, the imagery is so beautiful. Just imagine seeing your first sunrise ever. Experiencing the beauty of the sun rising up out of the darkness of the night and lighting up the entire world... The sun in all of its glory, filling sky, the brightness of it's rays, the warmth spreading onto the dewey earth... It's funny because as amazing as all that sounds and as amazing as it is to experience, it pales in comparison to what it will be like to witness our God for the first time. I can't even imagine what it will be like when that day comes, when I get to see my God and be in His glorious presence for the first time. Not a million sunrises could come close to the beauty of my God.
The symbolism for the girl in this story is so powerful... her past was complete darkness, she never experienced anything even resembling love, not even once. Then this man comes and literally carries her out of the darkness that filled her life and offers her a new life, a life full of love. He brings her to see her first sunrise, and as she stands with him she realizes her darkness is behind her, and for the first time she experiences the sun rising up and drenching her. Her past was behind her, and new life was ahead. Beautiful. It's what Christ has offered everyone of us. New life, and an end to the darkness. That's why I live my life for Him. He saved me from the darkness that had my life at a chokehold for so long. He gave me a reason to live.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Day 12
PS Anissa needs to start posting again! I've taken over the page :p
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Day 11
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Day 10
Sarah ~ Blog #3
Crash & Burn.
As if it isn't hard enough as it is to make it through a week of classes & other college commitments, I have to deal with my temperamental heart. Seriously I am so frustrated. I map out my time so carefully, and then, when I least expect it, my heart attacks me and I'm left trapped in a useless body till I recover. I didn't see it coming at all today... I got through all my classes, meetings, I even found time to eat for once and then I came back to my dorm and just crashed. I slept and slept and slept and still feel like sleeping. I can't move, I can hardly focus my eyes, I can't focus my thoughts, all I want to do is cry. But I can't let myself sink to that level. I hate telling people cause no one ever understands. No one thinks this is real. No one will understand so why even bother.
It's been such a test on my faith these past few years. Why would God make me so miserable so much of the time? Why when I'm so on fire for him and doing so well do I get hit with these surprise attacks? How can I be expected to keep up with all my responsibilities when I can't even get out of bed? POTS affects everything. There's not an aspect of living that it doesn't torment. Even worse, it kills my spirit.
I remember my mom telling me about Paul in the Bible and how he dealt with an unknown illness.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of weakness, infirmity. Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
It's amazing to me to think that Paul of all people suffered from such a tolling illness. With all the things he accomplished for God, to think that he had days like this one, days when his body wouldn't let him do what he so desired. Paul believed that God gave him the strength he did possess and that God's power could be seen through his weakness. I believe that God's power is displayed through my weakness as well. I cannot forget how much the Lord has blessed me already. So many POTS patients never leave their bed. They don't attend school or hold a job. Look at how the Lord has blessed me though. I am in school, I hold an on campus job, I'm active in a sorority, I'm a leader of OCF, plus I'm getting involved with the University in more ways than I thought possible. The fact that I get up every morning and am able to do any of these things is amazing.
The Lord has blessed me with so much, and without this 'thorn in my side' I may not remember to thank Him for the simple things He blesses me with everyday. Because of my POTS I have been forced into learning to lean on the Lord and not my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). I cannot go an hour of my day without praying for His strength. This illness has made me into the woman I am today, and I wouldn't change it. Even if I am frustrated, I know God is in control.
Thankful.
As if it isn't hard enough as it is to make it through a week of classes & other college commitments, I have to deal with my temperamental heart. Seriously I am so frustrated. I map out my time so carefully, and then, when I least expect it, my heart attacks me and I'm left trapped in a useless body till I recover. I didn't see it coming at all today... I got through all my classes, meetings, I even found time to eat for once and then I came back to my dorm and just crashed. I slept and slept and slept and still feel like sleeping. I can't move, I can hardly focus my eyes, I can't focus my thoughts, all I want to do is cry. But I can't let myself sink to that level. I hate telling people cause no one ever understands. No one thinks this is real. No one will understand so why even bother.
It's been such a test on my faith these past few years. Why would God make me so miserable so much of the time? Why when I'm so on fire for him and doing so well do I get hit with these surprise attacks? How can I be expected to keep up with all my responsibilities when I can't even get out of bed? POTS affects everything. There's not an aspect of living that it doesn't torment. Even worse, it kills my spirit.
I remember my mom telling me about Paul in the Bible and how he dealt with an unknown illness.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of weakness, infirmity. Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
It's amazing to me to think that Paul of all people suffered from such a tolling illness. With all the things he accomplished for God, to think that he had days like this one, days when his body wouldn't let him do what he so desired. Paul believed that God gave him the strength he did possess and that God's power could be seen through his weakness. I believe that God's power is displayed through my weakness as well. I cannot forget how much the Lord has blessed me already. So many POTS patients never leave their bed. They don't attend school or hold a job. Look at how the Lord has blessed me though. I am in school, I hold an on campus job, I'm active in a sorority, I'm a leader of OCF, plus I'm getting involved with the University in more ways than I thought possible. The fact that I get up every morning and am able to do any of these things is amazing.
The Lord has blessed me with so much, and without this 'thorn in my side' I may not remember to thank Him for the simple things He blesses me with everyday. Because of my POTS I have been forced into learning to lean on the Lord and not my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). I cannot go an hour of my day without praying for His strength. This illness has made me into the woman I am today, and I wouldn't change it. Even if I am frustrated, I know God is in control.
Thankful.
Day 9 & 10!
I know Sarah and I haven't taken a picture together in awhile but we promise we will tomorrow!!!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Anissa- Blog #2
I don't even know where to start about describing this past week. I have not been focused at all on this dress campaign. I've been so caught up in other stresses about myself that I haven't had time to think about the importance of this dress campaign.
Tonight in bible study we focused on Matthew 9:9. It talks about how the pharisees questioned Jesus about helping the sinners and the poor. But Jesus says that He has not called the righteous but the sinners. This made me feel so convicted because of all of these past struggles that I have been dealing with. Actually I haven't been dealing with them at all. I thought I was strong enough to not rely on God, but the truth is I don't have strength at all without Jesus. I need to realize that no matter what I am never going to be righteous, but that doesn't give me an excuse to not try to be righteous. As humans we will always fall short of the glory of God, but we still need to try. I have not been glorifying Him. I've been selfish and I thought I could heal on my own. Life is never going to be perfect, but I need to work harder being the person God wants me to be so perhaps my next life will be perfect.
The truth is, we all need to rely on God. Just like the girls in sex trafficking. They never have any hope besides God's light and really that is the only thing any of us need. All we need is God. All I need is God. And I need to start living like it.
Day 9
BARE FEET TOMORROW!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sarah ~ Blog #2
Sometimes life gets so busy and I find myself stuck only focusing on all the stuff I need to accomplish. Everything else around me doesn't seem to matter, and I focus on me and me only. Today was one of those days... Yesterday I became an active of Sigma Alpha Tau, and up until this point, I put everything aside to be a pledge and to join my sorority. Now, I'm left with a million tasks to complete...just when I thought the chaos was going to be over... I just realized that I have yet to even have a conversation with my roommate, I've been in my own little stressed out world, honestly I've been completely self-centered all day.
It bothers me how easy it is for me to let that happen... Yes, class, registering for classes, switching my major, doing homework, and meetings are all important, but it's no excuse for ignoring the world around me. The way I see it, everything is going to get done if I want it to. Taking 5 minutes to talk to a friend out on campus isn't going to kill me. Grabbing a bite to eat with my roommate or a friend isn't going to set me that far back. Writing this blog and reflecting on my actions isn't going to ruin my night. As I walked back from class in the rain, I took out my ipod and just reflected. I realized how stressed I was and thought about what it was that made me feel so overwhelmed. The actual things I had to do were not hard, it was my mind set.
Instead of focusing on the task at hand, I was always looking forward to what I had to do next. So I stopped and decided I was going to go on a walk around campus and just allow myself to forget about my busy schedule. It was such a great feeling. I prayed and thanked God for the beautiful earth He created and I just admired the serenity of campus when it's raining. No one is out & about...ever. During my little break, I realized how much I had already accomplished, and felt so much better. I just need to stop sweating the little things and remember what's important: loving God & loving people. I know my God has a plan for me and my life. He's already began to unfold that plan for me, and He has effortlessly guided me to where I am now.
Stressing is not honoring God. If I fully trust Him, then I know that there is not one thing I can do wrong for Romans 8:28 says, And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. God has shown this to me so many times just in this past year, and yet I still find myself trying to control everything. God is not going to let me fall, even if I stumble, I know He will be there to help me (Psalm 37:24). Nothing can get in the way of God's purpose for me except myself... so I should probably just stop trying to control everything and let Him take care of that. If I do I know I will be blessed with a wonderful life (Proverbs 5:3). I mean, if I look at where I was this time last year to this time this year, it's like black & white. Putting my faith in Christ saved me and got me to the wonderful place I am today. I truly am blessed, and no amount of work thrown at me is going to change that.
Blessed.
Day 6 & 7 & 8!
But hopefully this week I will have a better chance to share!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Day 5, 6, & 7
I finally have time to blog on a regular basis & will hopefully start back up tonight!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)