Hakuna Matata

Hakuna Matata, it means no worries for the rest of your days. Its a problem free philosophy! Hakuna Matata!! I absolutely love this song from Lion King. Whenever I listen to it or start thinking about what it means, the words relax me. Now this song is actually very true, but there was one major problem with it. You will never have Hakuna Matata without GOD. Think about it, how will you ever let go of your past, fears, or worries without having someone to dump them on.

Sometimes I hang on to my fears or worries because I don't know who to give them to. But often times I hang on to them, because I think my fears will protect me. They will help me not accidentally make a wrong choice or go too far into a situtation. But God is saying, "Let go of those worries and those fears give them to Me because I will carry them and I will protect you. Don't live a life guarding yourself and worrying. Enjoy those little moments, be carefree, and give your burdens to Me." So that's what I'm starting to do, I'm tired of caring around grudges and worries and I am giving them to God. You should try it too! So, Hakuna Matata or "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."- 1 Peter 5:7!!

Tarp Covered Memories

Memories. You remember them every day. Sometimes they haunt you, sometimes you push them into the corners of your brain to collect dust. Sometimes, you throw an old tarp on them to forget. Lately, I've been throwing a lot of tarps around.  It's starting to look like they're closing a museum around here with all of the tarps covering too many painful memories.

Today, I decided to take a new view on things.  I picked up our old family photo book and fliped through the pages. Remembering the days of when I was younger, and reliazing how much I have grown and changed.

God talks a lot in the Bible about remembering what he has brought us from. God loves when you reminisce and think back to all the things He has done in your life. Like it says in Isiah 46:9: "Remember the former things of old for I am God, and there is none else I am God, and there is none like me." When we think back and remember what the Lord has done in our life, our trust builds; and we realize how much he has done for us.

So take time today to look back on the miracles God worked in your life, and don't forgot to thank Him for all that He has done and all that He is going to do. Maybe I'll do a little cleaning around here and get rid of some of these old dusty tarps. I may find out that God has changed me so much that those memories don't need to be covered up any longer.

You are Beautiful

I was talking to God one evening and he revealed to me something really amazing. I have just finished writing my second book, and I was drawing my character for the illustrations. I loved all of my characters and the way they looked. Now my sketches of my characters are not perfect, on purpose. I did not sketch a bunch of beautiful perfect people, but they each are very special in their own way.

Anyways, I was talking to God that night and He said something that really made me think. He said, "Anna, what would you do if Jen (one of my characters from my book), came up to you and asked why you didn't make her more beautiful like Brielle?" I was sorta stunned. "Well, I would tell her that I created her that way because it fit who she was. I mean, I made her with poofy brown hair, and clever green eyes, because that's who she is." Then He said, "Yes, but she isn't as pretty as Brielle or as sweet as Brie." I answered, "Well of course not! She wasn't meant to be sweet and pretty. In my book Jen is supposed to be outgoing and wild, so I wouldn't make her look any different than I already did." Still God persisted, "Okay, but what if Jen started crying and begged you, her creator, why you made her with only one arm and why you had made her with such plain hair?" I suddenly realized where God was getting at, "I made her with only one arm because I wanted my readers to always remember how unique Jen was and how she was different from all my other characters. Plus I knew Jen would come up with cool styles to put her hair in, so I wasn't afraid of making her hair brown and kinda frizzy." Then God responded, "I did the same for you, Anna. I had a special plan and purpose for your life and I made you exactly the way you are because if you looked like anybody else it wouldn't have fit the plan I have for your life. I think you are beautiful in your own special way."

That discussion with God totally changed the way I looked at myself and others. I finally was able to accept who I am and not try to turn myself into somebody else. I also hope this post will encourage you and help you to see yourself in a new way.

Pure Life Day

Hey everyone! Today is a very special holiday. It is Pure Life Day! Now you might be wondering what that is. It is a day of raising awareness to, and celebrating teen purity. This is a day that we focus on saving yourself for your husband. But purity is a lot more than just not having sex, it is a life style. A pure life style, living for God. The woman who started Pure Life Day, wrote a book called, “Pure Love, Pure Life”. I encourage all of you to buy a copy. Also if you are interested here is her website: http://purelovepurelife.com. Today you can go on the website and see the video she streamed about purity. Also on this website is a Pure Life pledge, I strongly suggest that you print off and sign the Pure Life pledge about staying pure. Happy Pure Life Day!

I Believe in Scripture

This was an awesome video I found on a friend's blog. Now I don't want you to just hear what this guy is saying. I really want you to dig deep and listen to every word he says. When you do that you will be inspired and amazed. Enjoy!

Kreativ Award

Kreativ Award 

Rules:

1) Link back to the person who gave you the award

2) Complete the form below

3) Award other blogs, and let them know that they have been awarded

4) Share seven random things about yourself

1) Name your favorite song:
Make a Move by Royal Tailor

2) Name your favorite dessert:
Chocolate Cake

3) What makes you angry:
Slavery (there are 27 million people in bondage right now)

4) When you're upset:
I am quiet and say nasty side remarks.

 5) What's your favorite pet?
Dog

 6) Black or white?
Black (black doesn't stain very easily:D)

 7) Biggest fear?
Being abandoned

8) Everyday attitude? 

Totally depends on how much I slept the night before.

9) What is perfection?

  Jesus

10) Guilty pleasure?
Thinking too much about whether a guy likes me

Seven random things:

I am very outgoing and say the first thing that comes to my mind in public. 

I hate ribbon

I love (and can't live without) my high tops.

I am gluten intolerant.

I have flunked Alegbra twice.

I don't have a friend that I can tell anything too.

I talk to guys easier than I talk to girls.

I WANT TO THANK Ashley at http://godzgirl1.wordpress.com/ FOR NOMINATING ME.  THANKS SO MUCH!

I award:

Amiee at http://allfilledup.wordpress.com/

Katie at http://katieoostman.blogspot.com/

Guys and Shoes.

Here is an awesome little article I found while reading my Susie Magazine (a magazine created for teen Christian girls) about guys. It gave me a chance to really step back and look at the way things really are. I loved the article, so I wanted to make sure to share it with all of my lovely followers (didn't want you gals to miss out :).

Scene: You’re drooling over a really cute pair of shoes and decide they’re exactly what you want.

Problem: The store doesn’t have your size. So you squeeze into a half size smaller than your own shoe size. Uncomfortable, yes. But you really like the way they look.

Bigger problem: You purchase them and wear them to school, but by the end of the day your heels are sporting blisters, and your toes are threatening to fall off.

Solution: You finally take the shoes off and let your feet breathe again. Whew!

Lesson: There’s nothing you can do about your new shoes because they’ll never grow to be the size you need. Now you’re out a wad of cash, and you’re dealing with ugly blisters for the next week.
You’re Not AloneWe’ve all been there. We’ve either considered buying those cute shoes that the store doesn’t have in our size, or we’ve gone ahead and actually purchased them because they were just so cute. We know it’s just not worth it to get something that doesn’t fit. It brings discomfort and eventually pain.

You don’t want to settle for a shoe just because it’s cute. Get the shoe that’s perfect in size. Once you find the right style and size of shoe, you’ll probably even like it better than the other pair—because it feels good. It’s a perfect fit!

Guys are kind of like shoes. Don’t settle for a guy just because he’s cute, or you’ll eventually be disappointed. The relationship might look good at first, but after a while one of you will end up getting hurt. God created you as a unique individual. And guess what! He also created someone who fits you perfectly.

If you wait for the guy God has set aside for you, you’ll find that not only is he the perfect fit, but he’ll probably be much more attractive to you than others you could have dated that weren’t His choice.
How to Know if You’re SettlingHave you ever thought about making a list to describe the guy that you’re trusting God for? A list is a great tool and can save you from a ton of heartache if you let God help you create the list.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen girls who make a list with every intention of sticking with it and then change a few points here and there in order to have it describe a certain cute guy. If you find yourself doing this, you’re settling!

Once you begin cutting and pasting to make your list to fit the guy, you’ll find your list looking almost foreign to you. It’s no longer a list describing the guy whom God has set aside for you, and you end up selling yourself short. See, when you create a list with God’s help, you don’t fit the list to the guy—the guy fits the list or he doesn’t!

This is where Satan loves to toss a couple of lies at you:

You’re unworthy. He’ll try to make you think that you don’t deserve a guy like the one on your list.

You’re imagining things. He’ll also try to make you think that the guy described in your list doesn’t even exist.

Don’t believe the lies! You are worthy of nothing less than the best, and God is preparing someone to be the perfect guy for you. He does exist.
There IS Life Outside of DatingDon’t let your world revolve around dating. Guys really don’t make the world go round, God does. So while you’re waiting for Him to send the right guy into your life, focus on these five things:

Who am I? Great question! Use this time to discover who you really are. What are you passionate about? Start growing in those things you enjoy, because they’ll be useful to you in the future.

Beef up your spiritual muscles. Read the Bible seriously. Begin memorizing Scriptures and relating them to your life. Talk to God on a regular basis. Growing spiritually stronger now will help you become the godly lady your future guy will need.

Become a good student. Spend time studying and keeping your grades on target, and you’ll be better prepared for what God has in store for your future.

Strengthen your friendships. Have you ever noticed that when you begin dating someone, you lose a lot of the closeness you had with some of your friends? Take this time to make fun memories with them!

Participate on a missions trip. If you’ve never been on an international missions trip, I highly recommend you go on at least one. You may find a new passion that you didn’t realize you had. It’s so much easier to spend time away when you aren’t constantly thinking about a particular guy all the time. I can assure you that your life will change from this one trip. If fact, consider going on the SUSIE missions trip to Panama this summer! Get all the information at www.neverthesamemissions.com. Something incredible happens when you invest your life in those less fortunate.

Really important: While you’re waiting for the guy on your list to make an entrance into your life, don’t compromise by dating other guys who don’t even come close. If you can learn to trust God to write your love story, you’ll never be sorry.

Some girls think they’re abnormal or not good enough because they don’t have a boyfriend. They’re buying into more of Satan’s lies. It’s totally OK for you not be dating. God’s timing is perfect. He’s never early … but He’s also never late! So go ahead, girlfriend, and make that list.

-Misty Gatlin

New Year's Resolutions

Here is a list of questions to ask yourself about 2011. My whole family participated in these questions and it was interesting learning about what my family thought of the past year. If you want to you can just ask yourself these questions, or you might enjoy sharing it with your family and friends. What would be even more fun is if you asked yourself these questions every year and keep a binder filled with your answers. I think you would realize how much your have grown over the past years. Enjoy!!

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?
4. What was an unexpected obstacle?
5. Pick three words to describe 2011.
6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).
7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).
8. What were the best books you read this year?
9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?
10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?
12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?
13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?
14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?
15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?
19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?
20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

Who Are You

Hey, I saw this vid and it really inspired me. I hope you are able to take something away from it too.

Bubbles.

Bubbles. Bubbles are such a beautiful creation. I dipped the bubble blower into the clear and glossy liquid. I blew them at my little sister as she squealed, clapping her chubby hands together. She spun in circles laughing as I blew bubbles down on her. How beautiful are theses little clear round circles that seem to be made just by blowing. As I blew them up at the ceiling I noticed that they almost seemed to change colors. The light reflected off of the bubbles causing them to change from purple to pink to green to yellow. Until all of the colors seemed to be dripping around this single circle of air. How beautiful.

But once you think about it, my sister's favorite delight is just some soap mixed with water. Really that's it. No special potion or expensive mineral is put into those little plastic bottles. You don't even have to pay big bucks for bubbles, just $1 for a three pack. Yet they are so beautiful. It caused me to think about amazing people who were in the Bible. I mean look at David. David was just some shepherd boy who had a way with sheep. But God used this kid to kill a giant and become a king of an entire nation. God used a boy that had a love for Him and made something beautiful and great. Just like bubbles made from soap and water.

Breathtaking

I had a breathtaking night! Yes, I would use the word breathtaking. I looked it up in the dictionary and it meant 'thrillingly beautiful, remarkable, astonishing, exciting'. That was exactly how tonight felt. I went to an ice skating rink with my homeschool group and it was the most fun I have had in a long time. The cool air rejuvenated my spirits, and the rsk-rsk of the blades against the ice filled me with joy. The laughs of groups of friends, the whispers of couples, the smell of coffee wafting toward the rink from a near by Starbucks, all added to the breathtaking feeling that was inside of me. Hmmmm.  I am so thankful that I am surrounded by my little group of friends. I see now how God stragetically placed them in my life. I don't think I was ever more thankful for my friends than today. Comment on this post if you had a "breathtaking" event or awesome friends this season or maybe in the past, and take time to thank God for placing those friends into your life.

What Makes You Different?

What makes me different? It's a question I have asked myself a million times. Normally, its when I'm getting dressed in the morning. I look through my clothes I try to find a shirt or shoes that makes me look different than everyone else walking down the street. Like a few days ago it was yellow and purple shoes! But we seem to always be looking for something that tells the world that we aren't like everybody else. I was thinking today, what makes you unique might not have to be your clothes. Maybe its the fact that you can hand out a smile to everyone you see or can cheer up a sad looking person. I think that's what makes the difference. As that funny little Pepsi commercial that was in 80s said, 'It isn't what you wear. It isn't your dance moves. It isn't what you drink.' I know that commercial is really cute, but I think it is so true (except I don't think it really matters if you drink Pepsi or Coke). So instead of rummaging through your dresser looking for something that makes you stands out. Look at your heart and character and show through your actions that you are something special!

Don't You Ever Interrupt Me While I'm Reading a Book!

Okay, here is a funny video that Julian Smith made about interrupting him while he's reading a book. It's a really funny song! But I looked a little deeper than just the outside. I thought about how somedays that is so true for me. I mean, all I can be doing is sitting there reading a book and if my mom calls me to put away the ketchup. I blow up! I just start screaming and freaking out. Maybe, just maybe it wasn't that big of a deal. Maybe I could have calmly got up put away the ketchup and finished reading my book. Often times though I find myself having a temper tantrums over the tiniest things. Just like Julian in this clip, I make a big deal about someone interrupting me even though its not. So next time someone interrupts you while your reading a book don't show them the 'nasty you', but let God's peace come over you.

Liebster Blog

I would like to thank Aimee over at http://allfilledup.wordpress.com/ for nominating me for the Liebster Award. As I understand it, this award is given to recognize and encourage bloggers who have a following of 200 or less.
In order to receive the award, bloggers must follow five rules:
1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
3. Copy & Paste the award to your blog.
4. Nominate 5 blogs to receive the award.
5. Inform them of their nomination by leaving a comment on their blog.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to nominate five worthy bloggers for this award:

1. Katie Oostman at http://katieoostman.blogspot.com/. Katie is constantly sharing her love for photography with the world. She also encourages other Christian girls to be bold about their faith and to accept themselves the way they are. Her posts are fun interesting and a real encouragement.
2. Kelly Oostman at http://kellyoostman.blogspot.com/. Kelly is an awesome Christian teen who finds the deepest meaning in the smallest things in life. She also came with the idea for No Makeup November, to raise awareness for human trafficking. This girl loves to share her heart and her thoughts of God on her blog.
3. Paul A. Daly at http://christaholicthegodaddiction.blogspot.com/. Paul is constantly lifting up God in his blog. He is a strong Christian who looks to God in all things. He blogs a lot about keep going on your walk with God, even though it seems tough.
4. Ashley at http://godsgirlz1.wordpress.com/. Ashley is a Christian girl who feels called to encourage other Christian girls around her. She has just started her blog and has posted fun hairstyles and stories that uplift and encourage others.
5. Sarah Smith at http://theoneinpink.com/. Sarah started blogging just to make people feel more light and optimistic. She sure does a good job at it too. Sarah is often posting fun quotes and cool pics.

Day 25: Shell Roll

Hey! I'm really sorry that this took an extra day, but we had a few mishaps :S. I wasn't able to put it up last night, but I did record it yesterday. But in honor of the last day I have made a video instead of writing a long paragraph. Enjoy!!

Day 24: Decoration

YEA!! It worked! Finally, I can now post a pic and will just copy what I wrote in my comments. Okay here it goes:
Anyways today's style was The Decoration. Its exactly like the European Loop except that you add a flower to the scarf to pin it together. It ended up looking awesome.

Today I am thankful that today is the second to the last day of this challenge. I know it sounds strange but after tomorrow, I will never in my entire life wear a scarf. NEVER! You have no idea how hard it is to post every single solitary, much less take a picture and try to come up with something to be thankful for. So today I am thankful that I had this opportunity to do a 25 day challenge, but I am ever so grateful it will be ending.

Day 23: DIY Infinity

Hi! Today's scarf style is called The DIY Infinity. I know, it looks a lot like the other Infinty that we had for Day 6. But all you change is the kind of scarf you are using. Anyways, its more of a summer style but it still looks nice for the winter.

Today I am thankful for guy friends. Okay, it does sound a little weird, and I am not meaning boyfriends at all. I talking about guys you've none for like forever, but you don't have that boyfriend relationship. They're more like brothers. These guys are super fun to hang with. I mean, you talk and laugh about things that would be kinda of weird for girls to talk about. Tonight I spent a lot of time hanging with those kind of boys. Its really fun for me because these guys are rarely serious and you spend a ton of time laughing. Its fun, you can really see how guys and girls are incredibly different, but you also get to have a look into how guys think. That's why I am thankful to have friends that are guys, because they can be a refreshing break from the little circles of giggling girls, and you have the opportunity to look at things differently.

Day 22: Men's Tie

I know, today's style sounds strange. But it really is actually pretty cool. For me it was simple to do, after watching my brother do his ties :), but if your not used to watching others do it, it might be a bit more difficult. I am feeling well! Yes, finally, I woke up this morning without feeling totally drained. I'm still not eating my regular amounts of food though. (as Isabel put it, in her comment on yesterday's post) I am on the road to good health..... finally.

Today I am thankful for Christmas decorations. Oh, the joy of putting up the Christmas tree and hanging the ornaments. Just looking at others decorations often puts us in a cheerful mood, and starts preparing us for the season. It also gives us a chance to see Jesus on others' lawns and stores, where He is often never seen. I can not even tell you how many nativities I put up. Our family seems to have loads of them! But, still, it is a joy to see all the different types decorations and that reminds us of Jesus' birth. That's what really matters!

Day 21: Hidden Knot

Today's style is called The Hidden Knot. Thankfully you can use a short or long scarf for this style and it is relatively easy. Let me know if you ever want basic instructions for my scarf styles. I would be more than willing to post them. I am feeling pretty good today, actually. A little bit of dizziness, a little bit of sluggishness, but not too bad. Keep praying though.

Today I am thankful for pizza. Hmm, sounds so delicious right now! Crunchy slightly browned crust, under ample amounts of tomato sauce, bubbly and warm cheese. Oh, and don’t forget the pepperoni that contains just a hint of spiciness that pricks your tongue. I can see it now, hot and bubbly coming out of the oven. Today is Saturday and every Saturday my family has pizza. I have been craving it for the past few days and am really looking forward to it. I am so thankful that I have the pleasure and the opportunity to have homemade pizza every weekend. Thank you, Jesus!!

Day 20: Twist and Pull

Today's style is called The Twist and Pull. It is like The Braid, in many ways, but has a completely different look. I enjoyed this style, but didn't get to where it much of the day because it was really hot. Yep, I am not feeling good at all. My entire body seems to throb in unison. Nothing seems to help me. Keep praying.

Today I am thankful for Christmas music. I know, sounds pretty strange, right? Well, because I oppose Christmas music before Thanksgiving, it was a real joy traveling home today and hearing to some of my Christmas favorites. Something about Christmas music fills me with joy! My family was singing Christmas carols yesterday and you could just feel God in the room with us. It was out of this world! I hope today you are listen to Christmas tunes and are enjoying the holiday spirit!