Faith Filled Fridays: Prayer.

I would say that outside of self-forgiveness, prayer is the weakest point in my faith. It's not that I don't understand its importance, it's just something I have never done a lot of. I always operated around the notion that keeping an ongoing dialogue with God in my head was sufficient. I still think that this continuous conversation is something to be cherished, but lately my prayer life has been blossoming.

 

I'm going to get a bit "naked" here. I have some serious anxiety issues. Body shaking, chest aching, uncontrollable crying anxiety issues. As of late they've been worse than usual. The escalating problems essentially left me with two choices: continue to live with this painful (physically and mentally) and debilitating illness day in and day out, or make some changes. While change is scary, and probably has a lot to do with my worsening symptoms, it clearly seemed like the better choice.

 

Enter prayer.

 

Over a year ago now I was at a small gathering and one friend was sharing how she spent more time being intimate with God. She stopped listening to music in her car. She turned off the radio and instead of rocking out she talked with God.

 

I've started banning radio noise during my morning commute, and instead filling that time with prayer. What. A. Difference. Each morning I get up, go to the gym, get ready, do some chores, whatever it takes to make me feel like I am ready to face the day. Then on my way to work I talk with God about whatever is on my heart.

 

It's a perfect solution. I can't by-pass it, I have to drive to work everyday. It's calming. It prepares me.



From She Reads Truth.

Here's the best part: I haven't had an anxiety attack since.
I'm not naïve. I know I will have one again but for the time being, I have some relief, and even more so I am connecting more intimately with God than ever before.

My prayer this week is that each of you find an outlet from your demons. That you would find a way to connect more intimately with God and thus experience freedom and growth. Amen.

Have a super weekend!
xo A

Faith Filled Fridays: Truth.

I often find it interesting to examine all the lies I believe. I posted last month about how I would no longer live to fit a mold that others (I presumed) set for me. Following with that theme, I wanted to look at some of the lies the world (Satan) convinces us are true.

 

The skinnier you are, the happier you'll be.

Being popular is the key to happiness.

Money can buy me whatever I like, and therefore equals happiness.

"Stuff" will fill the void of relationships.

 

The list could go on, and on, and on... you get the just.

 

"He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44

 

It's true that Satan is a liar. What's interesting is that he is also a murderer, and through his lies he makes murderers of us as well.

 

"Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart." 1 John 3:15

 

All the lies that Satan tell us create divides. They breed envy, hate and ultimately murder.

 

The only cure for these insistent lies is truth.

 

"And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances."" Matthew 22:16

 

Notice how all of the lies I listed (and probably any that could be thought of) are in someway related to someone's opinion or appearance? The truth is that these things are earthly, not heavenly. They aren't worth striving for. They're counter productive in the pursuit of living a Godly life. God is the truth, and clinging to that truth will result in happiness. 

 

My prayer for you this week is that you will cling to the truth of God. That lies would be evident to you, and that you would see them for what they are. Remember that you are loved, and you don't need to wear a certain size, or drive a certain car to be worthy of that. Amen.

 

Have a splendid and blessed weekend. Happy Independence day to my American friends!

 

xo, A.

Lesson's Learned: June.

June was a hectic month, but it taught me a lot, and it's sparked a new series. Lesson's Learned.

 

Here are my top realizations from the last 30 days:

 

1. When you speak to others, it's more often about how they perceive it than what you intended.

2. Relationships can be ruined, or repaired, in a matter of moments.

3. It's ok to give up.

4. Worldly speaking, my husband comes first. (This was something I obviously knew, but it has really sunk in, and made a huge difference, in the last couple of weeks).




My favourite guy and I.

 

 

What things have you been learning this last month? Year? Season? Leave me a note in the comments!

 

xo, A

The Challenge: A Year in Hair.

Yesterday I had an absolutely crazy idea.

 

Ok, it honestly might not seem that crazy to some (and others may argue that I should be locked up in a strappy white jacket...), but it will be a challenge!

 

I'm not setting foot in a hair salon for 365 days.

 

Three hundred, sixty five days.

 

Twelve months.

 

One.

Whole.

Year.

 

I've never been one for maintaining hair styles, 4 weeks just seems too often to visit my stylist. But every 8 weeks has always been doable for me.

 

I'm also sporadic with my hair colour. It's either a level 3 or a level 9, and no where in between. When I really start to think about it, I'm lucky to have any hair at all.

 

With out further ado, let's get to it.

 

Why?

 

Because I think it's a little bit funny. I also want to see how much growth I can get in a single year, and see my natural hair colour again (it's been 12 years). I'm also in the growing out phase currently, here's a photo of my inverted bob from March.

March 2014.

 

It was cute, but too high maintenance. I don't use much in the way of heat tools so damage should remain minimal.

 

When?

 

My last hair cut was May 13, 2014. That means I am currently 44 days in and have 321 to go. My next trip to the hair salon will be May 13, 2015 (or later).

 

Day 1.



The rules.

 

1. No cutting my hair, by professional or otherwise, for one year.

2. No chemical treatments of any kind, by professional or otherwise, for one year.

Day 44.

 

Day 44.

 

 

I will be doing monthly updates on my adventure, so stay tuned!

 

xo, A

Faith Filled Fridays: Giving up.

I'm really not one for giving up. I'm all for giving it the "college try," or "giving it your all." Occasionally, taking the later a little too literally. Lately, I've really been noticing the toll that "giving everything I've got" is taking on me. Mentally, emotionally, relationally, you name it, it's suffering. I constantly find myself trying to be everything to everyone.

 

I am trying to be what I think everyone else expects me to be. Wait, what?

 

And then I realized that isn't even an expectation; it's a false belief that I've conjured up based (certainly incorrectly) on what I believe others think in relation to my actions. In other words, Satan.

 

I don't know about you, but when it's dark I turn on the lights. So it only makes sense that when I recognize the devil, I turn to God.

 

"Do not run until your feet are bare and your throat is dry. But you said, ‘It’s no use! I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.’" Jeremiah 2:25

In choosing to relentlessly pursue these earthly endeavors, I'm not only "running my feet bare," but also creating and worshiping false gods. Just like God doesn't require anything from us in exchange for His love, he also doesn't require us to work ourselves to our last breath to keep it.

 

Today I'm giving up. I'm no longer giving my whole self to anything but the pursuit of Christ. My prayer for you, is that you too, would find the courage to just give up. Amen.

 

Have a blessed and happy weekend friends!

 

xo, A

What I'm Loving: Blogs.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm going to start sharing more about myself, what I love, what I'm interested in, etc.. Eventually I plan to do a post all about me, but for now: the blogs I'm currently loving.

 

Home Décor/DIY:

 

A Beautiful Mess 

This blog is AWESOME. It's filled with all things DIY - from lamps to planters to cupcakes.
The reason I'm in love: The indie nature of the blog is what left me head-over-heels.

 

Beauty/Fashion:

 

Peppermint Tea 

This girl is totally adorable, both in cyberspace and in real life. She provides her take on the current fashion and beauty trends, as well as helpful advice and personal stories.
The reason I'm in love: The added touch of personalization makes me feel more comfortable with the writer, and thus, more likely to take her advice!

 

Faith:

 

Jennifer's Life Between 

This blog was my biggest inspiration for starting my own! Jennifer shares her own walk with the Lord through her struggles, her triumphs and her family. This blog constantly provides me with "ah-ha" moments and the "warm and fuzzies."
The reason I'm in love: I can really relate to many of the things the author writes about. Not only that, her vulnerability is incredibly humbling and inviting.

 

 

Check out these awesome blogs and let me (and them) know what you think!

 

Be blessed!

 

xo, A

Season’s change, and so do I.

With the season’s (finally) changing from spring to summer, I’ve decided also to adapt some changes of my own. While I am going to continue with Faith Filled Friday’s, I’m also going to start to add some other elements to the blog. You’ll be getting to know me a little more, what I’m up to, what I’m making, what I’m loving and who is currently inspiring me!

With that said, here’s a look at the month (or so) ahead!

HelloMorning’s is starting its next series on Acts! The study runs from June 16^th to July 27^th and you can sign up with a group here.

The Williams Lake Stampede is coming up July Long weekend (June 27^th – 30^th). With this being my first years as a director I am both excited and anxious for the big event! If you’re still looking for something to do with your family and friends for the July Long weekend, head on up to Williams Lake and take in the festivities!

Wedding season is upon us! I have two weddings this summer that I’m absolutely overjoyed to be able to attend! Two of my dearest friends are marrying kind, strong and God-loving men and I couldn’t be happier for them! In addition to that, I get to celebrate my first year of marriage with my own incredible husband!

My focus for this season is to share my heart more. Mark 12:30-31 says “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” What greater way to love than to share what is in my own heart, both with God and with my neighbours?

Be blessed friends!

xo, A