Alright, I'm sure you all noticed it's been....awhile since I've written. Well, life has just been crazy and then I got lazy. Well, today I've been doing nothing and realized my laziness and how I should just go out with a bang and write one last blog. It may be really long or really short, depending on how I feel. So let's get started!
To be honest, I'm not sure where I left off, so if I repeat, I'm sorry. I'll start from now and go backwards. Right now, I'm sitting in my apartment connected to the internet via ethernet. It's what came before wifi. It's rather odd and I'm sure many people haven't heard of it, but that's what's going down right now. Our internet is just awful right now. Went a whole week without internet and now it's working, but with no wifi. It's a pain for sure. We've been just singing all day and even had fajita's for lunch/dinner. Very delicious! This is how the past few days have been, just hanging in the living room singing obnoxiously to music.
Last night was a little different. Some of us roomies decided to have a card night, so we did. First we played crazy 8, then we decided to play ring of fire, but instead of drinking, we would have to do dares. It was insane! I shall go through how the dares progressed throughout the night. First dare, ding dong ditch our dentist neighbor. They aren't there, so it was ok. Second dare, sing happy birthday into the fan. Really lame, but very exciting! Third dare, throw an egg out the window into the courtyard.... Fourth dare, put our roommates underwear onto the christmas tree. Fifth dare, Anna had to write a secret love note to her professor. Sixth, draw a mustache on face. Seven, take a triple shot of a mixture of soy sauce and fanta. I had to do this one. It was super nasty! Ok, I'm not sure of the order any more, but some other dares were to put bra into the freezer, draw in face with eye liner, prank call Isaac Schmidt, who was a very good sport about it. He talked to us for 20 minutes, all while having no idea who we were. It was the best prank call ever. Thanks man. Next was put ice cube in bra, then another roommate ate said ice cube. I had to also crawl on the floor and act like a dog with another roommate. It was just overall a good night, and we learned a lot about each other which was fun. Good bonding time.
Lets see, the past couple of weeks have been quite interesting. There was one point where I was just in a lot of pain and feeling just really low about it, thinking who would understand, and I just heard God tell me "I understand". It was just really comforting hearing that, knowing that He get's it and was there with me. That was a really wonderful moment for me.
Alright. moving on. Well, God is for sure teaching me that I can do without certain luxuries in my life, such as taking showers daily and shaving... A few weekends ago, some of us went to this beautiful villa out in the country and got to stay there for free. It had a wonderful fireplace and was just all around amazing, except we had no hot water because the propane tank went empty...so I went a full 3 days without showering. Oh, I know I looked attractive! As for shaving, our apartment doesn't have a lot of hot water, so we have to take short showers in order to save enough for the next person, so I've forgone shaving. I don't think I've shaved my legs in over a month now. It's been real great. Really doesn't bother me at all. But I will be shaving as soon as I get home.
Oh, we've met a lot of really great girls at our church and actually have gotten to hang out with them quite a bit. Some of them come to connection group with us, and the others we go out to eat with or something. We've gotten gelato and one night, went out for Indian food with our friend Jess! It was so stinking delicious! Much better than my Indian cooking.... I'm trying, it's just really difficult to do.
PAUSE
Ok, if you saw this post before it was finished, sorry, I ended up taking a break and having another movie night with some of the roomies! We quite enjoyed ourselves immensely. Today we went to church for the last time which was sad, but afterwords there was a huge feast for lunch, so it was like a going away party for us tehe. We met up with our church friends and all of us are going out for dinner tomorrow night which is exciting! It's been such a huge blessing to meet these amazing girls this semester and be able to form such amazing friendships with them. A few of them live in Minneapolis, so guess who we're going to visit when we get back?!?!? WOOO.
So yes, to continue going backwards in life... Well, none of us are perfect, and as much as we all love each other, there have been times that we've struggled with unity and being able to be around each other haha. Of course we've gotten through it, but I would be lying if I said that never happened.
I did finally get to go to the Vatican and see all the stuffers in there. Dang, pictures just don't compare, just saying. I went by myself so I got to just go at my own pace and it was rather enjoyable.
Well, I did also get to go to Pisa last weekend which was fun. It's quite a small city, and dang, the tower is so puny! I was shocked it was that small, but it was still cool to see. Went with some graphic girls which was fun. Time to mix it up a little bit.
Ok, let's talk about Valencia time for Thanksgiving. It was such a blast! Everything went quite smoothly as far as planes go, they were just delayed both times which was a pain. The city was just beautiful. It's much quieter and relaxing. We got massages and ate so much food! I have the pictures all posted on facebook, so you will see there were a few times we ate too much food. But it was so good. We actually met this Australian guy David at our hostel and he ended up hanging out with us a few times. I met him in the morning once and that night, we had a movie night in the joint community room and he joined us for that all 3 times we did that. Actually, the third night we did it, he was just so adorable in his flannel pajamas. This old english guy came in and was actually being rather obnoxious and you could just tell that David was getting quite irritated (we all were). His foot was just bouncing all over the place. It was hilarious. One night, The second night we were there, a friend of ours suggested this really nice dance club so we decided to go. David thankfully came with us and was just like a big brother the whole night. We ended up leaving our hostel at about 12:30, thinking that was late enough to get there, and so we get there at about 1, and the guy at the door said it's not open until 2! Man, these Italians are insane, but they do take a nap in the middle of the day (we did also, just to prepare), just so that they can go out super late. We ended up just walking around and even got to witness a Ferrari exhibition go up. These were some majorly nice Ferrari's, right out of the factory. Then we found this indoor/outdoor mall that we were able to walk through. It was a really pretty mall. Too bad the shops were all closed. After goofing off for awhile, we finally went back at 2:30 and finally the club was hopping. It was really expensive to get in, but we got a free drink and just danced for the next 2 hours. The club was just really nice and clean. No guys were hitting on us and I didn't see anyone grinding up on each other which was a nice change compared to the States. Americans, you have the party scene all wrong fyi. Europeans know what's up. We finally got home and went to bed at about 5 in the morning. It was a long day, but so worth it. Other than that, we just strolled around the city and even rented a big bike thing for half an hour. It was a very much needed vacation and I'm glad we went.
I'm really glad that I got to come here to Italy and get to know so many people, including the Lord. He's taught me more about who He is, but I know that I still have a long way to go, and also that I'll never fully understand who He is. It's been a very well rounded semester, but I'm quite ready to be home and see all of my friends and family! Only one more week everyone!
I will call people once I get back and settled in and I hope to see you all very soon!
Much love!
Ciao
Anna
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Food is so weird sometimes
Well, it's been awhile, and there are many stories for which I want to talk about, but it would make this blog post extremely long, so I'll give you the titles, and you can ask about them later.
Mission: Find a dryer
Operation Charlie
Fall Rome Fashion Show
Painting Disaster with Brian
Party Hardy with Morgan
Last night of baking
Connection Group Connections
Shopping time with my roomie
I think that is all...I'll probably end up adding more but that's the gist. Now let's move on to the Venice/Milan trip I just got back from. It was a 5 day trip, 2 nights in Milan, 2 nights in Venice. We started in Milan, and it was a nice city. Full of bustling people everywhere who were dressed quite well. We went on some tours and visited many lighting showrooms (our project this semester is a lighting showroom...). It was a long 2 days and as much as I liked the city, probably won't go back. Just a lot of very expensive shopping there. We did get to go to an Opera though called Carmen. Overall, it was a good show, and thankfully where I was sitting, there were translators, but the bad thing? Our seats were all the way on top, in the back, on the very side of the stage. Translation: we had to stand and completely lean over the people in front of us in order to see anything. There was even a bar above us to hold on to. Needless to say, in the end, after 4 acts, I just sat and read the subtitles, imagining my own opera in my head. Very poor design. I would love to go see another opera some day, I just hope I don't have to stand for the whole thing.
When we traveled to Venice, that was a lot of fun. It's a city completely on and surrounded by water. They have no cars, everything is boat transportation. Made it much less loud and obnoxious. It was just a very pretty city overall. But, the first museum we went to almost literally made me sick. Full of basically pornographic "Art". I won't go into further detail, the images are seared into my mind. The rest of the the places we went to were pretty sweet. Got to go to an exhibition where there was this dark room with strobe lights, and in the center were hoses hanging from the ceiling, whipping water around. You were able to run through the center so, of course, I did. Best thing ever! I ran through with my roommate Katelyn right after our professor went through. One of the coolest rooms there. The next day, we went to an exhibition where different countries were representing their interpretations of design. The coolest places were Canada, that had these hanging creature things that would move and make noise, Hungry with this forest of hanging pencils (we got yelled at for touching them...), Czechoslovakia with this place full of wood...stuff. It was just awesome. The last place was Australia. It was like walking through a lazer tag arena. Pretty awesome. Want to know about the United States? It sucked. Totally disappointed.
The last night in Venice, we had a big group dinner, and it was quite interesting... Appetizer: A kind of corn puree thing with little shrimps on top. That was amazing. Second Appetizer......Shrimp (with the whole body with it), Octopus (the whole body...including brains), Crawfish, calamari, scallops, and...snails, still in the shell. Well, I decided to try everything, and it really wasn't all that bad. The octopus was rather fun, just had a weird aftertaste. Chewy tentacles but still fun to eat. I liked the scallops and everything else, but the snails were so weird. You had to use a stick in order to pull them out. I was very aware that I was eating snails. Tasted fine.......just weird. Probably won't eat it again.
But want to know something? That wasn't the weirdest thing I ate....The weirdest thing was during this venetian glass tour we went on. They showed us how they make blown glass which was awesome...then the guy blew up some glass like a bubble until it popped! The glass was so thin. The woman working there passed some around...so my roomies and i decided to possibly eat some of it...just to say we've eaten glass! HAHA! Yes, we did eat a little bit. Be jealous!
Well, for some more stories, here are some more titles:
Finding a Grocery store that is open
Taco Night!
Love Drama
That's it for now haha. I hope you are all doing amazingly!! I miss you all but will be seeing you shortlyish...haha
Mission: Find a dryer
Operation Charlie
Fall Rome Fashion Show
Painting Disaster with Brian
Party Hardy with Morgan
Last night of baking
Connection Group Connections
Shopping time with my roomie
I think that is all...I'll probably end up adding more but that's the gist. Now let's move on to the Venice/Milan trip I just got back from. It was a 5 day trip, 2 nights in Milan, 2 nights in Venice. We started in Milan, and it was a nice city. Full of bustling people everywhere who were dressed quite well. We went on some tours and visited many lighting showrooms (our project this semester is a lighting showroom...). It was a long 2 days and as much as I liked the city, probably won't go back. Just a lot of very expensive shopping there. We did get to go to an Opera though called Carmen. Overall, it was a good show, and thankfully where I was sitting, there were translators, but the bad thing? Our seats were all the way on top, in the back, on the very side of the stage. Translation: we had to stand and completely lean over the people in front of us in order to see anything. There was even a bar above us to hold on to. Needless to say, in the end, after 4 acts, I just sat and read the subtitles, imagining my own opera in my head. Very poor design. I would love to go see another opera some day, I just hope I don't have to stand for the whole thing.
When we traveled to Venice, that was a lot of fun. It's a city completely on and surrounded by water. They have no cars, everything is boat transportation. Made it much less loud and obnoxious. It was just a very pretty city overall. But, the first museum we went to almost literally made me sick. Full of basically pornographic "Art". I won't go into further detail, the images are seared into my mind. The rest of the the places we went to were pretty sweet. Got to go to an exhibition where there was this dark room with strobe lights, and in the center were hoses hanging from the ceiling, whipping water around. You were able to run through the center so, of course, I did. Best thing ever! I ran through with my roommate Katelyn right after our professor went through. One of the coolest rooms there. The next day, we went to an exhibition where different countries were representing their interpretations of design. The coolest places were Canada, that had these hanging creature things that would move and make noise, Hungry with this forest of hanging pencils (we got yelled at for touching them...), Czechoslovakia with this place full of wood...stuff. It was just awesome. The last place was Australia. It was like walking through a lazer tag arena. Pretty awesome. Want to know about the United States? It sucked. Totally disappointed.
The last night in Venice, we had a big group dinner, and it was quite interesting... Appetizer: A kind of corn puree thing with little shrimps on top. That was amazing. Second Appetizer......Shrimp (with the whole body with it), Octopus (the whole body...including brains), Crawfish, calamari, scallops, and...snails, still in the shell. Well, I decided to try everything, and it really wasn't all that bad. The octopus was rather fun, just had a weird aftertaste. Chewy tentacles but still fun to eat. I liked the scallops and everything else, but the snails were so weird. You had to use a stick in order to pull them out. I was very aware that I was eating snails. Tasted fine.......just weird. Probably won't eat it again.
But want to know something? That wasn't the weirdest thing I ate....The weirdest thing was during this venetian glass tour we went on. They showed us how they make blown glass which was awesome...then the guy blew up some glass like a bubble until it popped! The glass was so thin. The woman working there passed some around...so my roomies and i decided to possibly eat some of it...just to say we've eaten glass! HAHA! Yes, we did eat a little bit. Be jealous!
Well, for some more stories, here are some more titles:
Finding a Grocery store that is open
Taco Night!
Love Drama
That's it for now haha. I hope you are all doing amazingly!! I miss you all but will be seeing you shortlyish...haha
Ciao
Anna
Monday, October 25, 2010
Church Time
Well, there's a lot that's happened, but it's just way to much to write it all down, so I'll just have to go with the most recent. The other night, I met a new friends from America, Pat who is Catholic. After a few things, I got him to agree to go to church with me on Sunday! We went and he actually had a good time which was awesome! During the service, people who are new always have to stand and introduce themselves and this week, a couple from IOWA stood up! After the service, we talked with them and they ended up taking us all out to lunch! As in, they took all 5 of us kids out and payed for us! They were so wonderful, God is so clearly in their lives. This church is just attracting so many people who are just in love with God and I LOVE IT! Everyone we meet are eager to know God, love him, and some girls there want to join our connection group!
But yes, we all exchanged contact information and I do hope to visit them when we get back to the states! That would be such a wonderful treat!
After we bought them gelato and said our goodbyes, the 5 of us got back on the tram to head home. During this time, I got to talk with Pat about his beliefs and the differences between Catholicism and Christianity. We had a good conversation and we got to talking about how he personally thinks that all religions all lead to the same God, just in a different way, or that they must all be right, and I'm just like no! There was only one way we were created, only one way our world/universe came to be, so there is only one right answer for after we die. Just because we believe in something, doesn't make it right! I can believe I will fly....but I wont.....I wish! I just told him that after researching into it a little and studying, everything points to Christianity and to God and his son Jesus! All of the answers are right there! Then he goes and says that the God he believes in wouldn't condemn 80% of the population to hell. Well...God is who he is, not who you think he is, so in order to know God, you must read his word and understand that he gave us the choice! We choose not to follow him, and for those who have never heard the good news of Jesus, God still wrote the law into their hearts so they know the difference between right and wrong. It was a pretty intense conversation and he was getting pretty frustrated with me at the end. I've been trying to dig into the Bible and find some answers so that if I'm ever asked those questions again, I have direct scripture to give to them. I only pray that what I said to him was the truth and that it will weigh on him and make him seek answers.
But if you ever run into this situation, there are some amazing verses (BTW, just read Galations, it's awesome for this)
"But the scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin, so the only way to receive God's promise is to believe in Jesus Christ." Galatians 3:22
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life."
John 3:16
Another issue we talked about is he just feels that as long as people are good people in general, then they will be fine, which is another lie being fed to him! Thankfully I knew this a little, that it is only through Christ that we will be saved, not by our good deeds! I found some other amazing scripture for this as well!
"I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith."
Philippians 3:9
For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It's not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift so that no one can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"Well then, is there a conflict between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could have given us new life, we could have been made right with God by obeying it."
Galatians 3:21
After this, I'm sure many people would question the reason for the law! Would say we don't have to follow it if all it takes is faith. Well, like I said before, Galatians is an awesome chapter/letter written by Paul, where he answers this.
"Well then why was the law given? It was given to show people how guilty they are."
Galatians 3:19A
The reason for the law was so that God would show us that we can't be perfect and holy on our own, but that we needed him and had to have complete trust and faith! I feel like I've talked about this before, but it's so important! And just very wonderful at the same time!
Well, I think that's about where I'm at on this subject and be sure that I will continue learning about it, but I encourage you all to learn more about it as well, even if you think you know it all, because I bet you don't! Even after a lifetime of study, it's not possible for us to fully understand the will of God, so you're only fooling yourselves if you think you do!
Well, I was going to put up pictures...but then I realized that they're still on my camera,...in my backpack... the good ones anyway...so I got lazy and didn't get it out. Next time! :-D
HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU ALL!!
But yes, we all exchanged contact information and I do hope to visit them when we get back to the states! That would be such a wonderful treat!
After we bought them gelato and said our goodbyes, the 5 of us got back on the tram to head home. During this time, I got to talk with Pat about his beliefs and the differences between Catholicism and Christianity. We had a good conversation and we got to talking about how he personally thinks that all religions all lead to the same God, just in a different way, or that they must all be right, and I'm just like no! There was only one way we were created, only one way our world/universe came to be, so there is only one right answer for after we die. Just because we believe in something, doesn't make it right! I can believe I will fly....but I wont.....I wish! I just told him that after researching into it a little and studying, everything points to Christianity and to God and his son Jesus! All of the answers are right there! Then he goes and says that the God he believes in wouldn't condemn 80% of the population to hell. Well...God is who he is, not who you think he is, so in order to know God, you must read his word and understand that he gave us the choice! We choose not to follow him, and for those who have never heard the good news of Jesus, God still wrote the law into their hearts so they know the difference between right and wrong. It was a pretty intense conversation and he was getting pretty frustrated with me at the end. I've been trying to dig into the Bible and find some answers so that if I'm ever asked those questions again, I have direct scripture to give to them. I only pray that what I said to him was the truth and that it will weigh on him and make him seek answers.
But if you ever run into this situation, there are some amazing verses (BTW, just read Galations, it's awesome for this)
"But the scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin, so the only way to receive God's promise is to believe in Jesus Christ." Galatians 3:22
"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."
John 14:6
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but have eternal life."
John 3:16
Another issue we talked about is he just feels that as long as people are good people in general, then they will be fine, which is another lie being fed to him! Thankfully I knew this a little, that it is only through Christ that we will be saved, not by our good deeds! I found some other amazing scripture for this as well!
"I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith."
Philippians 3:9
For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It's not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift so that no one can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"Well then, is there a conflict between God's law and God's promises? Absolutely not! If the law could have given us new life, we could have been made right with God by obeying it."
Galatians 3:21
After this, I'm sure many people would question the reason for the law! Would say we don't have to follow it if all it takes is faith. Well, like I said before, Galatians is an awesome chapter/letter written by Paul, where he answers this.
"Well then why was the law given? It was given to show people how guilty they are."
Galatians 3:19A
The reason for the law was so that God would show us that we can't be perfect and holy on our own, but that we needed him and had to have complete trust and faith! I feel like I've talked about this before, but it's so important! And just very wonderful at the same time!
Well, I think that's about where I'm at on this subject and be sure that I will continue learning about it, but I encourage you all to learn more about it as well, even if you think you know it all, because I bet you don't! Even after a lifetime of study, it's not possible for us to fully understand the will of God, so you're only fooling yourselves if you think you do!
Well, I was going to put up pictures...but then I realized that they're still on my camera,...in my backpack... the good ones anyway...so I got lazy and didn't get it out. Next time! :-D
HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU ALL!!
Ciao!
Anna
Friday, October 22, 2010
I love Jesus
So, as I said in my last blog, I've just been having a lot of things weighing on me and it was becoming a struggle to let them go. I finally talked to my roommate about it and it was really helpful. I've also continued having a chat with Jesus and it's just been wonderful. Just know that prayers are being answered and I for sure love it.
Last night, we once again had connection group, and my goodness, we had questions flying everywhere and so many amazing things were said. Lot's of truth up in there. In case you want to know what we are studying, we're going through the book of Romans and last night was chapter 3! So, basically, from my understanding, God gave us the law because he knew we would be imperfect, and he knew that we would fail to hit his standard. He made us NEED him in order to be saved because obviously, we couldn't do it ourselves. All along, it was about having faith in God and trusting in him completely that we would be saved. This is why David was saved, and all the other people in the Old Testament. Yes, we must still follow the law, but if we have our hearts fully invested in Jesus, then following the law will just become part of our life. We will be walking in Jesus' footsteps, and he did NOT sin! Yes, we will stumble, but Jesus is right there to pick us back up which is so amazing.
I just love that Jesus fully forgives us for all of our past sins, no matter what we've done. I knew this, but man, it's always just so good to hear and to learn again. I am pure in God's eyes because of what Jesus did for me. What he did for US!
Also, another topic that came up was marriage. Of course us girls want to get married! But it was a topic of how the love between a man and a woman of God who join together, is completely selfless and pure. It's a beautiful joining of two people in love with each other, and in love with God. It just made me reflect back on a previous relationship, and helped me come to terms with it better. I know that there is better for me, and there is someone special if it is in God's will! So right now, we all need to remain pure to our future husbands and wives, because even if we do something now with someone else, that is disrespectful to whoever we will marry in the future, and also to the other person's future spouse. Right now, until it is in God's will for us to meet that certain someone and marry them, we need to be growing in our love and our faith. It's difficult, I realize this, but it is so worth it.
Well, who wants a recipe? Too bad, I can't think of one right now...haha
If you would, could you just pray that God will continue working on my brother's heart and showing him truth? It's still something I constantly pray about and so the more the better!
Ciao!
Anna
Last night, we once again had connection group, and my goodness, we had questions flying everywhere and so many amazing things were said. Lot's of truth up in there. In case you want to know what we are studying, we're going through the book of Romans and last night was chapter 3! So, basically, from my understanding, God gave us the law because he knew we would be imperfect, and he knew that we would fail to hit his standard. He made us NEED him in order to be saved because obviously, we couldn't do it ourselves. All along, it was about having faith in God and trusting in him completely that we would be saved. This is why David was saved, and all the other people in the Old Testament. Yes, we must still follow the law, but if we have our hearts fully invested in Jesus, then following the law will just become part of our life. We will be walking in Jesus' footsteps, and he did NOT sin! Yes, we will stumble, but Jesus is right there to pick us back up which is so amazing.
I just love that Jesus fully forgives us for all of our past sins, no matter what we've done. I knew this, but man, it's always just so good to hear and to learn again. I am pure in God's eyes because of what Jesus did for me. What he did for US!
Also, another topic that came up was marriage. Of course us girls want to get married! But it was a topic of how the love between a man and a woman of God who join together, is completely selfless and pure. It's a beautiful joining of two people in love with each other, and in love with God. It just made me reflect back on a previous relationship, and helped me come to terms with it better. I know that there is better for me, and there is someone special if it is in God's will! So right now, we all need to remain pure to our future husbands and wives, because even if we do something now with someone else, that is disrespectful to whoever we will marry in the future, and also to the other person's future spouse. Right now, until it is in God's will for us to meet that certain someone and marry them, we need to be growing in our love and our faith. It's difficult, I realize this, but it is so worth it.
Well, who wants a recipe? Too bad, I can't think of one right now...haha
If you would, could you just pray that God will continue working on my brother's heart and showing him truth? It's still something I constantly pray about and so the more the better!
Ciao!
Anna
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Cream puffs!
Be excited, another recipe at the end of the blog!
Well. One cool thing that I've come to notice about being over seas away from most comforts...it doesn't really bother me at all. After reflecting, all the time's I've been away from home, especially on my own, I've never been home sick or had any type of withdrawals. Yes on occasion I may miss my friends and certain things, but it's very easy for me to adapt to my environment. Normally, I'm very resistant to change, but once I get over that small instance, it's not an issue. I feel like this is something God has put into my heart and it's rather exciting. It's helping me be more comfortable with where God is leading me. For awhile, I was getting really anxious about my future and where I'll end up, but after having a few talks with people and with God, I just need to set that aside, because we're not supposed to be worrying anyway, and give all my trust to God. Letting go completely and being fully in the will of God is difficult but something that God is really teaching me to do. I really encourage everyone to strive for this and to let go of your worries and anxiety about the future. If we think too far ahead, we will miss what God has laid out right in front of us.
I guess I still have some things that are still weighing on my heart, but it's a difficult issue to discuss. Nothing I could say in a few sentences but have to have a full conversation about. It's something I continuously pray to God about and I know He hears my prayers and will answer them, it's just the waiting is rather difficult sometimes. This is just my time to really connect with our Father and grow in my relationship with Him so that all other ones become secondary compared to Him. Yeah.
Well, on a lighter note, recipe time!!!!!!!!!!!
Fried Cream puffs:
Dough:
Flour - 1 cup
sugar - 1 tbs or to your liking
salt - pinch
touch of cinnamon
water - 1/2 cupish...
mix all ingredients together and add water. mix together with your HAND! If too dry, add more water, if too wet, add more flour. It should be a perfect dough consistency. Not sticky!
Insides:
Cream cheese - 1/2 cup
sugar - 4 tbs
cinnamon - 1 tbs
mix together!
Roll out little 1/2 inch balls and roll them VERY flat with a rolling pin. Slab a little of the cream in the center, and put another rolled out piece on top. Pinch together very well! (make sure you roll them in a circle)
You should heat up some oil by the way...enough that you can have these be submerged!
Now submerge your treat one at a time until golden brown. Then pull it out and sprinkle a little sugar on top! TADA!
Good with some jam, chocolate or some other kind of sauce on top.
(FYI, I just made up the ingredient amounts...just go with what looks right, cooking isn't a science it's an art!)
Well. One cool thing that I've come to notice about being over seas away from most comforts...it doesn't really bother me at all. After reflecting, all the time's I've been away from home, especially on my own, I've never been home sick or had any type of withdrawals. Yes on occasion I may miss my friends and certain things, but it's very easy for me to adapt to my environment. Normally, I'm very resistant to change, but once I get over that small instance, it's not an issue. I feel like this is something God has put into my heart and it's rather exciting. It's helping me be more comfortable with where God is leading me. For awhile, I was getting really anxious about my future and where I'll end up, but after having a few talks with people and with God, I just need to set that aside, because we're not supposed to be worrying anyway, and give all my trust to God. Letting go completely and being fully in the will of God is difficult but something that God is really teaching me to do. I really encourage everyone to strive for this and to let go of your worries and anxiety about the future. If we think too far ahead, we will miss what God has laid out right in front of us.
I guess I still have some things that are still weighing on my heart, but it's a difficult issue to discuss. Nothing I could say in a few sentences but have to have a full conversation about. It's something I continuously pray to God about and I know He hears my prayers and will answer them, it's just the waiting is rather difficult sometimes. This is just my time to really connect with our Father and grow in my relationship with Him so that all other ones become secondary compared to Him. Yeah.
Well, on a lighter note, recipe time!!!!!!!!!!!
Fried Cream puffs:
Dough:
Flour - 1 cup
sugar - 1 tbs or to your liking
salt - pinch
touch of cinnamon
water - 1/2 cupish...
mix all ingredients together and add water. mix together with your HAND! If too dry, add more water, if too wet, add more flour. It should be a perfect dough consistency. Not sticky!
Insides:
Cream cheese - 1/2 cup
sugar - 4 tbs
cinnamon - 1 tbs
mix together!
Roll out little 1/2 inch balls and roll them VERY flat with a rolling pin. Slab a little of the cream in the center, and put another rolled out piece on top. Pinch together very well! (make sure you roll them in a circle)
You should heat up some oil by the way...enough that you can have these be submerged!
Now submerge your treat one at a time until golden brown. Then pull it out and sprinkle a little sugar on top! TADA!
Good with some jam, chocolate or some other kind of sauce on top.
(FYI, I just made up the ingredient amounts...just go with what looks right, cooking isn't a science it's an art!)
Love you all sooo much!
Ciao
Anna
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Questions, oh questions
Well, lately I've been having a lot of questions. Not necessarily doubts, just questions about how God works. One of my roomies said she doesn't like to ask them because she's afraid it's a sign of doubt, but I think we should because if we ask them, it means we want to know who God really is and we want to grow in our love and knowledge of Him.
Questions were as follows:
Why is David considered such an awesome guy after God when he murdered so many people?
Why did God allow polygamy when it's pretty clear that He only wanted one man with one woman?
How can we have free will if God is all knowing and we are within His will? If it's His will, how is it mine?
Starting with the first question, I came to the conclusion after much research and prayer that David was seen in such a great light because he followed the Lord with all his heart. No matter what God asked him to do, he trusted in Him and did it without question! What a truly faithful servant he was! Even I don't think I could go out and murder someone, even if God commanded it from me. We should all strive to be like David, following God everywhere He directs us and doing all He commands of us.
For polygamy, just like today, way back when the ratio of men to women wasn't exactly even... There were way more women than men. It was an issue that God had willed/allowed to happen, so he also allowed for husbands to marry more than one wife in order to solve this problem. Back then, the women were unable to provide for themselves since we weren't workers or hunters. If a woman was unmarried, she could either be a slave, become a prostitute or starve to death. Since God loved his children, he allowed polygamy to protect his precious daughters, but now that we're more capable of providing for ourselves (thanks all to God), he wants us to be back to his original plan, being one man and one women, coming together as one.
Now that moves us into free will and God's will. As I mentioned before, when God allowed for polygamy, that was His will, He was letting it happen and He knew that it would! But He also had a plan to move away from polygamy which is where we're at now! Now, let's focus! An awesome friend told me to think of free will and God's will like this: God is outside of time. Time is like this "bubble" and God is outside of it. Everything that happens is the will of God, whether it be something He allows, or something He controls. We were given the ability to choose. We were the ones who let sin into the world, and now we have the choice to either live in sin which leads to hell, or we can choose to live with God, in his love. God want's us to choose him from our own free will so he gave us that ability. So what does that mean about the rest of our choices? Since God knows what we're going to do, then how is it our choice if he already knows? Well remember, he's outside of time! He knows what we've done, what we're doing and what we're going to do. He let's us decide what choice we are going to make and we have to live with that decision because it is His will/allowance that we make that choice. He either allows us to do something, or He comes in and directs us along His path for us. We just have to listen and follow that path.
Here's another picture. For many of us, we were living in sin, not knowing God, and God ALLOWED this to happen. Since it was our decision, He let us make it. BUT, for some of us, He CHOSE us and lifted us OUT of that sin and darkness so that we can be with Him and serve Him. So, I could have continued living in sin, and God would have let me, but because He loves me, God lifted me from where I was and brought me to His kingdom, even though I in no right deserved it. God gave me a new chance at life and man, you have no idea how much I love it! If you are living in darkness, God want's you so badly. He is so much better and so much more fulfilling. I've never been so happy in my entire life. Let Him into your heart! Let him change you.
Change of topic. After my extreme joy in my knowledge that God CHOSE me!, I remembered that there are still sooo many people who live in darkness and are destined to spend an eternity in hell. Coworkers, friends, FAMILY! I've been praying that God would give me a heart for those people because I just always felt like I have a dis-connect with them and didn't really care when I should! Well, after really realizing that I was pulled out, I know what it's like to be in that hole and I remembered how it felt. I just got this overwhelming sadness for everyone who is still there and I just cried and cried. I want to help them and I pray that God will give me opportunities and boldness to drag them out. I did get the chance to talk to my brother over facebook about it (we're not much for phone chats...sad I know) and man, it did not go well. His heart was just so against what I was saying and it was so hard for me to accept that now isn't his time to really accept Jesus into his life. I know that I can't change his heart which was just really hard to deal with but I'm just going to really pray that God will open his heart and that I at least planted the seed within him. I feel like a slight failure but I guess sometimes you do get shot down but you just have to get back up and keep on going. Jesus experienced that many a time, but it didn't stop him!
This was really long...sorry haha!
Prayer Requests: Pray that God will work on my brothers heart and that He will choose Evan (brother) to be one of His children. I love him and don't want to spend eternity without him.
I will continue to work on my parents as well.
I love you all so much and thank you to those who have been helping me with answers and guidance!
Ciao,
Questions were as follows:
Why is David considered such an awesome guy after God when he murdered so many people?
Why did God allow polygamy when it's pretty clear that He only wanted one man with one woman?
How can we have free will if God is all knowing and we are within His will? If it's His will, how is it mine?
Starting with the first question, I came to the conclusion after much research and prayer that David was seen in such a great light because he followed the Lord with all his heart. No matter what God asked him to do, he trusted in Him and did it without question! What a truly faithful servant he was! Even I don't think I could go out and murder someone, even if God commanded it from me. We should all strive to be like David, following God everywhere He directs us and doing all He commands of us.
For polygamy, just like today, way back when the ratio of men to women wasn't exactly even... There were way more women than men. It was an issue that God had willed/allowed to happen, so he also allowed for husbands to marry more than one wife in order to solve this problem. Back then, the women were unable to provide for themselves since we weren't workers or hunters. If a woman was unmarried, she could either be a slave, become a prostitute or starve to death. Since God loved his children, he allowed polygamy to protect his precious daughters, but now that we're more capable of providing for ourselves (thanks all to God), he wants us to be back to his original plan, being one man and one women, coming together as one.
Now that moves us into free will and God's will. As I mentioned before, when God allowed for polygamy, that was His will, He was letting it happen and He knew that it would! But He also had a plan to move away from polygamy which is where we're at now! Now, let's focus! An awesome friend told me to think of free will and God's will like this: God is outside of time. Time is like this "bubble" and God is outside of it. Everything that happens is the will of God, whether it be something He allows, or something He controls. We were given the ability to choose. We were the ones who let sin into the world, and now we have the choice to either live in sin which leads to hell, or we can choose to live with God, in his love. God want's us to choose him from our own free will so he gave us that ability. So what does that mean about the rest of our choices? Since God knows what we're going to do, then how is it our choice if he already knows? Well remember, he's outside of time! He knows what we've done, what we're doing and what we're going to do. He let's us decide what choice we are going to make and we have to live with that decision because it is His will/allowance that we make that choice. He either allows us to do something, or He comes in and directs us along His path for us. We just have to listen and follow that path.
Here's another picture. For many of us, we were living in sin, not knowing God, and God ALLOWED this to happen. Since it was our decision, He let us make it. BUT, for some of us, He CHOSE us and lifted us OUT of that sin and darkness so that we can be with Him and serve Him. So, I could have continued living in sin, and God would have let me, but because He loves me, God lifted me from where I was and brought me to His kingdom, even though I in no right deserved it. God gave me a new chance at life and man, you have no idea how much I love it! If you are living in darkness, God want's you so badly. He is so much better and so much more fulfilling. I've never been so happy in my entire life. Let Him into your heart! Let him change you.
Change of topic. After my extreme joy in my knowledge that God CHOSE me!, I remembered that there are still sooo many people who live in darkness and are destined to spend an eternity in hell. Coworkers, friends, FAMILY! I've been praying that God would give me a heart for those people because I just always felt like I have a dis-connect with them and didn't really care when I should! Well, after really realizing that I was pulled out, I know what it's like to be in that hole and I remembered how it felt. I just got this overwhelming sadness for everyone who is still there and I just cried and cried. I want to help them and I pray that God will give me opportunities and boldness to drag them out. I did get the chance to talk to my brother over facebook about it (we're not much for phone chats...sad I know) and man, it did not go well. His heart was just so against what I was saying and it was so hard for me to accept that now isn't his time to really accept Jesus into his life. I know that I can't change his heart which was just really hard to deal with but I'm just going to really pray that God will open his heart and that I at least planted the seed within him. I feel like a slight failure but I guess sometimes you do get shot down but you just have to get back up and keep on going. Jesus experienced that many a time, but it didn't stop him!
This was really long...sorry haha!
Prayer Requests: Pray that God will work on my brothers heart and that He will choose Evan (brother) to be one of His children. I love him and don't want to spend eternity without him.
I will continue to work on my parents as well.
I love you all so much and thank you to those who have been helping me with answers and guidance!
Ciao,
Anna
Monday, October 11, 2010
You know it's Autumn!
Well. I think God has for sure been answering my prayers with my roommates. Being with them has been such a great sisterhood! It's nice to be able to share with one another and just have the conversation be fully about God. Nothing is more satisfying than He is! But it's also a good time to hang out with some random new friends!
Yesterday, in order to remember the Sabath, we decided to be lazy and just revel in God. We went to church in the morning and met up with one of our friends from studio! She was so happy to be with us! After church, we went back out our apartment, sans our friend from studio, and just hung out, doing a little bit of reading and researching. After awhile, we decided to pack a little snack/lunch (oranges....and LOTS of CHOCOLATE!) and a blanket. Then, we hopped on the tram and went to this huge park near our place. We sat down on the GRASS (there is virtually NONE in Rome) and just relaxed. After awhile, this group of guys came in front of us and started playing FOOTBALL! Not soccer, legit football. It was so hilarious, never have we seen a group of guys, our age, who couldn't even throw the ball! Obnoxious. After awhile, they started playing a mini game and we got to watch them be obnoxious. Then, Katelyn ran and grabbed the ball when it landed by us and asked to play so eventually, all three of us jut got up and played with them. It was quite a lot of fun, especially since these guys were only about playing, and not about trying to get something else! There english was very nice so we could communicate.
After awhile, they had to take a smoke break and it was getting late, so we packed up and went home. Once we got home. We decided to do a reading for class. Then, we got bored so we took a break and made popcorn balls! (recipe will be at the end!) We gave one to each of our roomies, then pulled our beds together and watched Prince of Egypt! It was quite a wonderful night! I think God just wanted us to revel in our sisterhood and in Him.
God has also been helping me a lot with my patience with others, and it's been so wonderful, knowing he is there when a situation is getting tense or stressful because I can just lean on Him and know that everything is going to be OK.
If you want to know an extra interesting story, ask me about the dream I had. It is rather odd and I'm still not quite sure of the significance of the whole thing, but I liked it!
RECIPE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As usual, you must make the popcorn from scratch.
Heat up the oil (1/2 cup)
put the seeds in the bottom. (I/4 cupish...)
Be sure to stir the whole time. Once they start to pop, put a lid on and shake it, alternating between putting the pot on the heat and shaking until all the seeds are popped!
Put in a bowl and let it cool.
Now, heat up some butter and marshmallows.
I would say....like 2 TBS butter
A whole pack or marshmallows?
Chocolate Powder (2TBS)
Once thoroughly heated, quickly add the chocolate powder and mix with a pinch of salt. Stir together and take off the heat (it should have been medium heat). Slowly add in the popcorn and stir it together like you would with rice crispies. Once it's all mixed, pull off some globs and roll into balls! If you want, mix in some M&M's or nuts or sprinkles or chocolate chips whatever you fancy! Enjoy and happy early Halloween!
Yesterday, in order to remember the Sabath, we decided to be lazy and just revel in God. We went to church in the morning and met up with one of our friends from studio! She was so happy to be with us! After church, we went back out our apartment, sans our friend from studio, and just hung out, doing a little bit of reading and researching. After awhile, we decided to pack a little snack/lunch (oranges....and LOTS of CHOCOLATE!) and a blanket. Then, we hopped on the tram and went to this huge park near our place. We sat down on the GRASS (there is virtually NONE in Rome) and just relaxed. After awhile, this group of guys came in front of us and started playing FOOTBALL! Not soccer, legit football. It was so hilarious, never have we seen a group of guys, our age, who couldn't even throw the ball! Obnoxious. After awhile, they started playing a mini game and we got to watch them be obnoxious. Then, Katelyn ran and grabbed the ball when it landed by us and asked to play so eventually, all three of us jut got up and played with them. It was quite a lot of fun, especially since these guys were only about playing, and not about trying to get something else! There english was very nice so we could communicate.
After awhile, they had to take a smoke break and it was getting late, so we packed up and went home. Once we got home. We decided to do a reading for class. Then, we got bored so we took a break and made popcorn balls! (recipe will be at the end!) We gave one to each of our roomies, then pulled our beds together and watched Prince of Egypt! It was quite a wonderful night! I think God just wanted us to revel in our sisterhood and in Him.
God has also been helping me a lot with my patience with others, and it's been so wonderful, knowing he is there when a situation is getting tense or stressful because I can just lean on Him and know that everything is going to be OK.
If you want to know an extra interesting story, ask me about the dream I had. It is rather odd and I'm still not quite sure of the significance of the whole thing, but I liked it!
RECIPE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As usual, you must make the popcorn from scratch.
Heat up the oil (1/2 cup)
put the seeds in the bottom. (I/4 cupish...)
Be sure to stir the whole time. Once they start to pop, put a lid on and shake it, alternating between putting the pot on the heat and shaking until all the seeds are popped!
Put in a bowl and let it cool.
Now, heat up some butter and marshmallows.
I would say....like 2 TBS butter
A whole pack or marshmallows?
Chocolate Powder (2TBS)
Once thoroughly heated, quickly add the chocolate powder and mix with a pinch of salt. Stir together and take off the heat (it should have been medium heat). Slowly add in the popcorn and stir it together like you would with rice crispies. Once it's all mixed, pull off some globs and roll into balls! If you want, mix in some M&M's or nuts or sprinkles or chocolate chips whatever you fancy! Enjoy and happy early Halloween!
Love you all!
Ciao,
Anna
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Gazing in Awe
You know. So precious are the little things that God gives us. We don't deserve it at all, but he constantly is pouring gifts upon us. This weekend in Florence was just wonderful! Everything seemed to go so well and I knew it was God directing me and giving me patience and peace. There were times where I could have just flipped out or been running around with my head cut off but it would have been unnecessary for the situation and would have only made matters worse. God just told me to be patient and wait and He just made everything work so well! We almost missed our only bus into town and one of my roommates just kept barking at us, telling us to hurry up but the rest of us (Anna and Katelyn) were very calm with the situation and were praying that God would work it out. The woman who worked at the desk ended up taking us to the stop by cramming the 5 of us into her little car and driving us there! We made the bus because it was running late! Praise Jesus it was such an amazing moment!
But, you must know about our night beforehand! We were all walking this little town where our hostel was and decided to go get some Gelato! All the places were closed...so Anna, Katelyn and I bought a big tub from a convenience store and ate it on our way back. Then, we found this terrace pretty close to our room and sat on a swing out there. The swing had this obnoxious bar that was preventing us from getting a good view of the stars, so Anna looks at us and says "we should get our mattress's and bring them out" so we all ran back to our room, grabbed two mattresses from it with some blankets and pillows. We laid them out on the ground and just looked up at the stars, admiring God's creation. We prayed over our day and sang his praise. It was such an amazing experience. We saw so many shooting stars. I do believe I shall always remember that night!
God is still teaching me and helping me grow so I can only hope that when I come back, it will be evident that God has been working on my heart. I pray you all are well and I miss you!
Much love!
Ciao,But, you must know about our night beforehand! We were all walking this little town where our hostel was and decided to go get some Gelato! All the places were closed...so Anna, Katelyn and I bought a big tub from a convenience store and ate it on our way back. Then, we found this terrace pretty close to our room and sat on a swing out there. The swing had this obnoxious bar that was preventing us from getting a good view of the stars, so Anna looks at us and says "we should get our mattress's and bring them out" so we all ran back to our room, grabbed two mattresses from it with some blankets and pillows. We laid them out on the ground and just looked up at the stars, admiring God's creation. We prayed over our day and sang his praise. It was such an amazing experience. We saw so many shooting stars. I do believe I shall always remember that night!
God is still teaching me and helping me grow so I can only hope that when I come back, it will be evident that God has been working on my heart. I pray you all are well and I miss you!
Much love!
Anna
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
You ready for this?
Alright, it's been a few days, and sooooo much has happened!
Get ready, there are 3 stories coming your way!
First, this last week we went on a field trip for class. At one point, we were standing at the train station waiting for the train. We knew that it's about an hour ride so we needed to get on quickly to grab seats. Well, when the first train pulls up, I grab a friend of mine and we shove our way on and grab seats for ourselves, as well as Anna and Katelyn. We sit down and laugh about how glad we were that we managed to get seats. Then, this guy sitting across the isle looks at us and says "No Sorrento" (we were going to Sorrento...haha) and Katelyn looks and him and says "Si, Sorrento" and again he said "No Sorrento" We then realize that the train we were on wasn't going where we needed to go and we jump up and realize everyone else was getting off as well! We manage to get off just in time. Then we all look at each other and realize that NO ONE had said a THING about going to Sorrento! Somehow, this guy just knew that's where we wanted to go and he warned us to get off the train! Total God moment. He sent an angel to us to get us off that train before we got lost (Side note, 3 girls got stuck on that train and it took awhile for one of our professors to find them). It was such an amazing moment. We knew that was a gift from God.
Alright, ready for the second? It's quite wonderful!
On the train ride back from Naples (we went from Sorrento to Capri to Naples) Anna and I sat by this couple. The wife, (I shall call her Rosie) was so adorable and after talking for awhile, I was given the chance to start talking to her and telling her about God and his son Jesus. Anna was there too and the two of us were able to talk with her and answer her questions. I feel she just really needed someone to talk to about all of it and we were able to be there. God for sure put us there to be with her. We even got her email address and will be able to hang out with her soon! She was very excited to see us again!
Now, drum roll please! This story just happened to me today and was just such an answer to my prayers, it was amazing!
Well, today after my Italian test, I was getting ready to leave and ran into one of the guys in my studio. He asked me what I was doing and I said going home. He told me he was going to go get a cappuccino and tiramisu. Then, as we were walking out of studio, I asked him if he was going by himself and he said yes. Inside me, I got this feeling and heard "go with him, and talk to him about Me". Immediately after that, he asked me if I wanted to join him. I heard God say that sentence to me again so I said sure! Well, after getting our stuff, we sat down and just started talking. Things lead to marriage with him and his girlfriend and we talked about love, where I was able to talk about the love of God, because God is love! I asked him about his beliefs and he said he is Buddhist. I then started talking to him about this differences between religions and how Christianity is the right answer. The Bible is the only book to claim to be written by God with his word. All other religious books are written by man. I also talked about the Gospel and how all the prophecies about Jesus came true. We talked about the differences with Buddhism and how there are so many gaps with it. He had many questions and I just felt the Holy Spirit within me, helping me answer. Then, out of no where, he looked at me and said "Anna, sometimes when I'm in bed, I feel fear, because I don't know what will happen after I die" So I told him about heaven and hell, and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I talked about the 10 commandments and that only through Jesus will we be saved and be able to go to heaven to be with our Creator, our Father God. He was so open to what I had to say, and what made the conversation so worthwhile was what he said at the end. He looked at me and said "Anna, I think God is talking through you to me", "I think this is my first step towards Christianity", and "I want to be with you in heaven." I was just so filled with joy and couldn't stop smiling. At the end, he told me that he wants to talk like that again soon, so I'm going to bring my Bible and we are just going to have a good time talking about God and Jesus. Please, please pray that the Truth will weigh on his heart and that he will be open to it and come to God. Today was so beautiful and I want for him to continue to grow.
God is so wonderful. I pray for you all back home, and may God be with you there. Just keep opening your hearts and growing.
"For the Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you""
Psalm 32:8
"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened."
Mathew 7:7
Much love!!!
CiaoGet ready, there are 3 stories coming your way!
First, this last week we went on a field trip for class. At one point, we were standing at the train station waiting for the train. We knew that it's about an hour ride so we needed to get on quickly to grab seats. Well, when the first train pulls up, I grab a friend of mine and we shove our way on and grab seats for ourselves, as well as Anna and Katelyn. We sit down and laugh about how glad we were that we managed to get seats. Then, this guy sitting across the isle looks at us and says "No Sorrento" (we were going to Sorrento...haha) and Katelyn looks and him and says "Si, Sorrento" and again he said "No Sorrento" We then realize that the train we were on wasn't going where we needed to go and we jump up and realize everyone else was getting off as well! We manage to get off just in time. Then we all look at each other and realize that NO ONE had said a THING about going to Sorrento! Somehow, this guy just knew that's where we wanted to go and he warned us to get off the train! Total God moment. He sent an angel to us to get us off that train before we got lost (Side note, 3 girls got stuck on that train and it took awhile for one of our professors to find them). It was such an amazing moment. We knew that was a gift from God.
Alright, ready for the second? It's quite wonderful!
On the train ride back from Naples (we went from Sorrento to Capri to Naples) Anna and I sat by this couple. The wife, (I shall call her Rosie) was so adorable and after talking for awhile, I was given the chance to start talking to her and telling her about God and his son Jesus. Anna was there too and the two of us were able to talk with her and answer her questions. I feel she just really needed someone to talk to about all of it and we were able to be there. God for sure put us there to be with her. We even got her email address and will be able to hang out with her soon! She was very excited to see us again!
Now, drum roll please! This story just happened to me today and was just such an answer to my prayers, it was amazing!
Well, today after my Italian test, I was getting ready to leave and ran into one of the guys in my studio. He asked me what I was doing and I said going home. He told me he was going to go get a cappuccino and tiramisu. Then, as we were walking out of studio, I asked him if he was going by himself and he said yes. Inside me, I got this feeling and heard "go with him, and talk to him about Me". Immediately after that, he asked me if I wanted to join him. I heard God say that sentence to me again so I said sure! Well, after getting our stuff, we sat down and just started talking. Things lead to marriage with him and his girlfriend and we talked about love, where I was able to talk about the love of God, because God is love! I asked him about his beliefs and he said he is Buddhist. I then started talking to him about this differences between religions and how Christianity is the right answer. The Bible is the only book to claim to be written by God with his word. All other religious books are written by man. I also talked about the Gospel and how all the prophecies about Jesus came true. We talked about the differences with Buddhism and how there are so many gaps with it. He had many questions and I just felt the Holy Spirit within me, helping me answer. Then, out of no where, he looked at me and said "Anna, sometimes when I'm in bed, I feel fear, because I don't know what will happen after I die" So I told him about heaven and hell, and the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I talked about the 10 commandments and that only through Jesus will we be saved and be able to go to heaven to be with our Creator, our Father God. He was so open to what I had to say, and what made the conversation so worthwhile was what he said at the end. He looked at me and said "Anna, I think God is talking through you to me", "I think this is my first step towards Christianity", and "I want to be with you in heaven." I was just so filled with joy and couldn't stop smiling. At the end, he told me that he wants to talk like that again soon, so I'm going to bring my Bible and we are just going to have a good time talking about God and Jesus. Please, please pray that the Truth will weigh on his heart and that he will be open to it and come to God. Today was so beautiful and I want for him to continue to grow.
God is so wonderful. I pray for you all back home, and may God be with you there. Just keep opening your hearts and growing.
"For the Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you""
Psalm 32:8
"Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened."
Mathew 7:7
Much love!!!
Anna
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Time for Miracles
This post is going to have two stories in it which is rather thrilling so be excited!
First story requires a little bit of background. There are a few of you who know but maybe a few who don't, but a week before I left for Rome, I had to go to the emergency room. I ended up having an ovarian cyst that ruptured and let's say it wasn't a fun situation. I once again want to thank the amazing people who were there with me that night and stuck through and prayed for me. I love you all and am eternally thankful. I fully healed before I left so yay!
Ok. Story time. After that experience, obviously I'm a little more aware of my body and a few nights ago, I noticed this pain in my right armpit but I just brushed it off, assuming I would sleep it off and went to bed. Well...the next morning, I wake up and it's still there. More, it's even more painful and when I feel it, it's swollen and there's a lump. Naturally, I go online and do a little research. Well, there was a possibility it was either another cyst, a cancerous lump or just some kind of infection. I prayed about it and talked to Anna's mom who is a nurse practitioner. She just told me to wait it out and see if it get's any worse. So that night, as some of us ladies were getting ready to go out to the Colosseum (more stories with that, just check facebook at some point), Anna just prayed over me and asked that Jesus would just take whatever it was away and just heal me. (Interesting side story, after the Colosseum, we had to walk back for an hour home because the trains stopped running at midnight...and we were out late. Did I mention I did this whole walk back barefoot without complaint?)
Well, this morning, I wake up and most of the pain is gone! As the day goes on, it's less and less until I just realized not too long ago it's completely gone! The pain and everything else!! So for sure, praise Jesus on this one.
Alright, second story. Today, we went to the international food store, which was amazing. Afterwords, we went to a restaurant for dinner where the waitress was just truly awful. She just didn't care about us at all, was not helpful and in the end, charged us an extra 8 Euro for a sit down fee and a service fee!! We just payed it and left. Well, we have this favorite gelatoria where the workers there know us and like to give us free desserts whenever we go in. We call this place Enzo's because the store owner is named Enzo.
So after this obnoxious experience, we decided to treat ourselves. We all got the big bowls of gelato and after sitting there for awhile, one of the girls sneaks up behind us and gives us another (this is the 5th one I believe) free dessert and it was delicious, as normal. (we are seriously going to be FAT when we get back...that was soooo much dessert) We talked to the girls who work there (one's name is Emma, we forgot to ask the other girl) and told them about what happened to us and that we just really appreciate them for all they do and that we love them. They just smiled (Emma speaks english well) and chatted. Emma told us she was sorry it happened and to just come and see them all the time. It was just a really nice treat after such a crappy dinner. We are so thankful that God introduced us to these amazing people and I'm excited to get to know them better!
I may have already written this but I really like it for today: "For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them." Isaiah 30:18B
First story requires a little bit of background. There are a few of you who know but maybe a few who don't, but a week before I left for Rome, I had to go to the emergency room. I ended up having an ovarian cyst that ruptured and let's say it wasn't a fun situation. I once again want to thank the amazing people who were there with me that night and stuck through and prayed for me. I love you all and am eternally thankful. I fully healed before I left so yay!
Ok. Story time. After that experience, obviously I'm a little more aware of my body and a few nights ago, I noticed this pain in my right armpit but I just brushed it off, assuming I would sleep it off and went to bed. Well...the next morning, I wake up and it's still there. More, it's even more painful and when I feel it, it's swollen and there's a lump. Naturally, I go online and do a little research. Well, there was a possibility it was either another cyst, a cancerous lump or just some kind of infection. I prayed about it and talked to Anna's mom who is a nurse practitioner. She just told me to wait it out and see if it get's any worse. So that night, as some of us ladies were getting ready to go out to the Colosseum (more stories with that, just check facebook at some point), Anna just prayed over me and asked that Jesus would just take whatever it was away and just heal me. (Interesting side story, after the Colosseum, we had to walk back for an hour home because the trains stopped running at midnight...and we were out late. Did I mention I did this whole walk back barefoot without complaint?)
Well, this morning, I wake up and most of the pain is gone! As the day goes on, it's less and less until I just realized not too long ago it's completely gone! The pain and everything else!! So for sure, praise Jesus on this one.
Alright, second story. Today, we went to the international food store, which was amazing. Afterwords, we went to a restaurant for dinner where the waitress was just truly awful. She just didn't care about us at all, was not helpful and in the end, charged us an extra 8 Euro for a sit down fee and a service fee!! We just payed it and left. Well, we have this favorite gelatoria where the workers there know us and like to give us free desserts whenever we go in. We call this place Enzo's because the store owner is named Enzo.
So after this obnoxious experience, we decided to treat ourselves. We all got the big bowls of gelato and after sitting there for awhile, one of the girls sneaks up behind us and gives us another (this is the 5th one I believe) free dessert and it was delicious, as normal. (we are seriously going to be FAT when we get back...that was soooo much dessert) We talked to the girls who work there (one's name is Emma, we forgot to ask the other girl) and told them about what happened to us and that we just really appreciate them for all they do and that we love them. They just smiled (Emma speaks english well) and chatted. Emma told us she was sorry it happened and to just come and see them all the time. It was just a really nice treat after such a crappy dinner. We are so thankful that God introduced us to these amazing people and I'm excited to get to know them better!
I may have already written this but I really like it for today: "For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them." Isaiah 30:18B
I love you all, keep on glorifying God!
Ciao,
Anna
Saturday, September 18, 2010
The Jesus Shield
Well, we went to Assisi today. It was about a two hour bus ride and when we got there, we got to just walk around the city (gorgeous by the way) and even went to St. Francis Church. I traveled around with Anna M. the whole time and we were actually really disappointed with the church...sad I know. Afterwords, we were getting hungry and had stopped by a restaurant that was a little more expensive, but had an AMAZING view over the city in the valley below us sooooo, we decided to treat ourselves and ate there. It looked like it was going to rain and the restaurant owner was like "as soon as it starts to rain, we go inside" so we were like ok.
Well, we sat down, had lunch (pasta with wine and then a tirimasu for dessert) but the whole time, there was a weird kind of sprinkle going on so we just sat there and prayed to Jesus, asking him to just hold off the rain until we were finished. Then I said "Jesus, show us your love and your power and hold off the rain until after we eat and leave the restaruant, then let it downpour so we know you did it just for us".
Well, we sat down, had lunch (pasta with wine and then a tirimasu for dessert) but the whole time, there was a weird kind of sprinkle going on so we just sat there and prayed to Jesus, asking him to just hold off the rain until we were finished. Then I said "Jesus, show us your love and your power and hold off the rain until after we eat and leave the restaruant, then let it downpour so we know you did it just for us".
So then, we start watching the valley and slowly see the entire valley being encircled with the rain, but we're in this little dome of protection, not getting hit at all. It was like Jesus was right there with us, holding back the rain. Once we finished eating, we went inside to pay, hit up the bathroom, and when we get outside, BAM it's pouring rain! It was so amazing. Probably the best experience ever.
When we got on the bus and left, I was sitting there, listening to some music (Anthem thank you very much :-D) as well as some sermons when there was this beautiful sight. The sun was behind some clouds and was at the perfect angle where there were rays all around the clouds and that beautiful golden lining. I just prayed to God that everyone on the bus would see it and that some people would look at it and start to wonder where such beauty could come from. Then I look around and there were many people staring at it, and some were taking pictures so I do home that God has answered my prayers in that. Woot!
So, something to pray about. Please pray that my roomies and I can find some balance. We are doing very well I promise, but you know how it can get, spending every moment with the same people...sometimes it can get a little intense haha. So please pray for that!
I miss you all and pray for you :-D
Ciao,
Anna
Friday, September 17, 2010
Unknown title
Well, I'm coming to learn that as much as I want to be a peaceful person, whenever I'm in a situation where I'm just tired, and bored, and hungry, and just really do NOT want to be in class, I get really testy and moody. I get to the point to where it seems like I'm just mad at everyone and I didn't realize it until one of my roommates told me about it. I do think God wants me to learn from this and to really get away from it. It's one thing I'm praying hard core about right now so I know God will come through, it's just going to take some time.
So, last night we had our first bible study! It was quite a good time. We learned each others God stories and one of the girls has been going through a hard time with God so we got to pray over her and try to help her through it. It's tough for me to see because I love this girl and I KNOW what she's going through since I've been there, but all I can do right now to help is pray for her and just be there for her. I do hope that she will open up to God again and let him come in and help her.
I've been memorizing some verses and I want to share a few.
Commit all you do to the Lord. Trust in him and he will help you. He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:5-6
For the Lord is a Faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.
Isaiah 30:18B
He has torn us in pieces and now he will heal us. He has injured us and now he will bandage our wounds. In a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. Oh how we might know the Lord.
Hosea 6:1-2
All of these have been helping me in some way, whether with a current situation or with solving the past. I would encourage everyone to really dive into the scripture and memorize it, so that you have the truth solid in your heart.
Ok, time for a new recipe! Carmel/kettle corn!!
Pour some oil into a pan, maybe like...a couple TBS.
Next, add in some sugar that is brown (not brown sugar that is that sticky stuff). I
f you have none, then maybe do the brown sugar or just regular sugar. You will want like...a lot. 1/4 a cup? In case you haven't noticed, we don't have measuring stuff, so everything is by guessing.
Now let that heat up and add in some kernels and stir constantly. Once they start popping, put a lid on and shake it. Put back on heat for a few seconds, then shake. Repeat this until it's all popped or mostly popped. Add some salt, either now or if you want, when you add the sugar, and enjoy! Beware, the bottom will be black...but it's ok!
Love you all and I pray things are going well with you :-D
Ciao,So, last night we had our first bible study! It was quite a good time. We learned each others God stories and one of the girls has been going through a hard time with God so we got to pray over her and try to help her through it. It's tough for me to see because I love this girl and I KNOW what she's going through since I've been there, but all I can do right now to help is pray for her and just be there for her. I do hope that she will open up to God again and let him come in and help her.
I've been memorizing some verses and I want to share a few.
Commit all you do to the Lord. Trust in him and he will help you. He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:5-6
For the Lord is a Faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them.
Isaiah 30:18B
He has torn us in pieces and now he will heal us. He has injured us and now he will bandage our wounds. In a short time, he will restore us so we can live in his presence. Oh how we might know the Lord.
Hosea 6:1-2
All of these have been helping me in some way, whether with a current situation or with solving the past. I would encourage everyone to really dive into the scripture and memorize it, so that you have the truth solid in your heart.
Ok, time for a new recipe! Carmel/kettle corn!!
Pour some oil into a pan, maybe like...a couple TBS.
Next, add in some sugar that is brown (not brown sugar that is that sticky stuff). I
f you have none, then maybe do the brown sugar or just regular sugar. You will want like...a lot. 1/4 a cup? In case you haven't noticed, we don't have measuring stuff, so everything is by guessing.
Now let that heat up and add in some kernels and stir constantly. Once they start popping, put a lid on and shake it. Put back on heat for a few seconds, then shake. Repeat this until it's all popped or mostly popped. Add some salt, either now or if you want, when you add the sugar, and enjoy! Beware, the bottom will be black...but it's ok!
Love you all and I pray things are going well with you :-D
Anna
Monday, September 13, 2010
Understanding
Pane raffermo sorpresa,
This will be described later.
It's hard to forgive someone when the refuse to accept it. I'm learning that I just have to forgive those and then let go and pray that they come around.
God is just showing me that his path is the best path. I can't lose focus on it and so today, I was given the opportunity to share with a classmate of mine during our painting class. We hung out twice today and had a couple good conversations. Sadly, right now I know he's not open to anything so I just pray that all I said that is the truth will stick and the seed will be planted.
Trust is another issue. Ive talked about it with my roommates and we all agree and struggle with it. The main issue is trusting that God will provide, mainly in the husband department. I know if I could choose, I know who he would be but if he's who God wants me to be with, who knows! I think God would make it known to him and he would do something about it so I just need to chill out! I feel a lot of girls struggle with this because it's hard!
I have found myself delving into His word more and more and just being so excited to do so. It's such a great feeling and a great way to learn. The roomies and I are writing scripture to memorize on and putting it on our walls by our beds which is nice to look at and wake up to in the morning. I hope to be able to recite scripture for different situations because wouldn't that just be handy? Much better than searching through the Bible when you're in a hurry and having a good conversation.
Overall, even though it's been a few weeks, God has been so present and I'm so excited to grow in Him.
Ok, what you've all been waiting for...Pane raffermo sorpresa!!!
I'm an expert chef now, along with my roommates help. So, we were organizing the kitchen and found someones bread loaf that got shoved to the back...and it was hard as a rock. We wanted to do something with it so we decided to try to make a bread pudding! With no recipe! We grabbed 3 eggs, beat them with a fork, added maybe 1/2 a cup of milk and like a cup of sugar. 1/4 cup of both orange and pinapple juice and poured it over the chopped up bread in a baking pan and put marshmallows on top. Bake for maybe 20 minutes at 350 degrees. It's magical. Everyone, go do it. Tell me how you like it.
This will be described later.
It's hard to forgive someone when the refuse to accept it. I'm learning that I just have to forgive those and then let go and pray that they come around.
God is just showing me that his path is the best path. I can't lose focus on it and so today, I was given the opportunity to share with a classmate of mine during our painting class. We hung out twice today and had a couple good conversations. Sadly, right now I know he's not open to anything so I just pray that all I said that is the truth will stick and the seed will be planted.
Trust is another issue. Ive talked about it with my roommates and we all agree and struggle with it. The main issue is trusting that God will provide, mainly in the husband department. I know if I could choose, I know who he would be but if he's who God wants me to be with, who knows! I think God would make it known to him and he would do something about it so I just need to chill out! I feel a lot of girls struggle with this because it's hard!
I have found myself delving into His word more and more and just being so excited to do so. It's such a great feeling and a great way to learn. The roomies and I are writing scripture to memorize on and putting it on our walls by our beds which is nice to look at and wake up to in the morning. I hope to be able to recite scripture for different situations because wouldn't that just be handy? Much better than searching through the Bible when you're in a hurry and having a good conversation.
Overall, even though it's been a few weeks, God has been so present and I'm so excited to grow in Him.
Ok, what you've all been waiting for...Pane raffermo sorpresa!!!
I'm an expert chef now, along with my roommates help. So, we were organizing the kitchen and found someones bread loaf that got shoved to the back...and it was hard as a rock. We wanted to do something with it so we decided to try to make a bread pudding! With no recipe! We grabbed 3 eggs, beat them with a fork, added maybe 1/2 a cup of milk and like a cup of sugar. 1/4 cup of both orange and pinapple juice and poured it over the chopped up bread in a baking pan and put marshmallows on top. Bake for maybe 20 minutes at 350 degrees. It's magical. Everyone, go do it. Tell me how you like it.
This is our angel food because we know for sure Jesus had a hand in helping us make it. We prayed over it and He for sure blessed it! This is His gift to us, and now our gift to you!
Next time, I'll teach you how to make carmel/kettle corn from scratch!
Love you all!
Ciao
Anna
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Humility
What have I learned thus far?
Well, it sure is a challenge to live with 6 other girls, especially since 2 of them are non-believers. I'm having the hardest time with them, as much as I like them. God is really teaching me to be patient with them. It's very easy to get frustrated with the decisions they make and what they talk about but I just need to pray for them.
Another thing, I'm realizing I am SOO glad to be single right now. It's nice to be free and not accountable for anyone else. Many of you know my story with Andrew. Well, the two roommates who are non-believers are both in serious relationships and constantly talk to their boyfriends. I see my old self in them a lot and it makes me hurt, knowing what they're going through and also makes me glad that I'm not like that anymore. It's a weird feeling.
After talking with my two sleepmates Anna and Katelyn a lot about future husbands and the like, we just keep going back to how we need to trust in God and He knows best for us so we don't need to worry about our looks. This is another lesson: becoming more humble. We talked about how we all can have poor self images and that constant need to be accepted and desired by others. Well, God has been trying to shove it in my face that there is so much more than that and He is the only one who matters, so don't worry about what other people think.
I know so far I've learned a lot and I'm still in the process of learning those thing (and I also realize I'm sure a lot of my posts don't make much sense, I just write what's on my mind and it doesn't always come out in a coherent way, so sorry!) but my goals for the end of this semester is to be more at peace with myself and have this calm, gently serenity about myself, among other goals. So look out everyone!
I'm loving Jesus right now (as I do every day...) and man, life is just so good. Just keep praying for me and especially pray that God gives me a big helping of Patience Pie because it's getting a little rough in this house hold....
Well, it sure is a challenge to live with 6 other girls, especially since 2 of them are non-believers. I'm having the hardest time with them, as much as I like them. God is really teaching me to be patient with them. It's very easy to get frustrated with the decisions they make and what they talk about but I just need to pray for them.
Another thing, I'm realizing I am SOO glad to be single right now. It's nice to be free and not accountable for anyone else. Many of you know my story with Andrew. Well, the two roommates who are non-believers are both in serious relationships and constantly talk to their boyfriends. I see my old self in them a lot and it makes me hurt, knowing what they're going through and also makes me glad that I'm not like that anymore. It's a weird feeling.
After talking with my two sleepmates Anna and Katelyn a lot about future husbands and the like, we just keep going back to how we need to trust in God and He knows best for us so we don't need to worry about our looks. This is another lesson: becoming more humble. We talked about how we all can have poor self images and that constant need to be accepted and desired by others. Well, God has been trying to shove it in my face that there is so much more than that and He is the only one who matters, so don't worry about what other people think.
I know so far I've learned a lot and I'm still in the process of learning those thing (and I also realize I'm sure a lot of my posts don't make much sense, I just write what's on my mind and it doesn't always come out in a coherent way, so sorry!) but my goals for the end of this semester is to be more at peace with myself and have this calm, gently serenity about myself, among other goals. So look out everyone!
I'm loving Jesus right now (as I do every day...) and man, life is just so good. Just keep praying for me and especially pray that God gives me a big helping of Patience Pie because it's getting a little rough in this house hold....
Love you all!
Ciao
Anna
Monday, September 6, 2010
Reaching out
Well, for awhile now, I've been praying that I could get to the point in my faith where people could come to me for help and ask me questions about it. Well, the other day, a girl in my studio who I'm good friends with did just that.
She told me that she needed to talk and she did something wrong/bad so I got up and was like OK, let's do this. We had a really good discussion and in the end, I think she was able to see some light at the end of the tunnel so I just hope God continues to work on her heart. She is a Christ follower, but she has fallen off the path a little and just needs to get back on with all of her heart and not just when it's convenient for her!
I'm still loving Rome immensly and I wish you all were here with me to see what's going on! I'm praying for you all and I'm sure God is working his miracles with you like He is here with me!
Ciao!
Anna
She told me that she needed to talk and she did something wrong/bad so I got up and was like OK, let's do this. We had a really good discussion and in the end, I think she was able to see some light at the end of the tunnel so I just hope God continues to work on her heart. She is a Christ follower, but she has fallen off the path a little and just needs to get back on with all of her heart and not just when it's convenient for her!
I'm still loving Rome immensly and I wish you all were here with me to see what's going on! I'm praying for you all and I'm sure God is working his miracles with you like He is here with me!
Ciao!
Anna
Saturday, September 4, 2010
A new doorway
Many of you may not know this, but my relationship with my mother has always been a strained one. We can get along for a few hours, but that's about it. Well, she's been in Europe for almost two weeks now (she left before me) and ventured her way down from Scotland to where I'm at so she could see me. I was quite apprehensive about it due to our past but decided to go along with hanging out with her for awhile.
Originally, I had planned on only having lunch with her but something told me to just spend the whole day with my mom, so I did. We had quite the adventure. First, I showed her how to use the bus/tram system and we took it up to a pizzaria I really enjoy. Before we got there, as we were walking, we run across this guy selling pretty jewelry he made from twisted wire. We spent time with him, talking, buying jewelry when he made me a free, special pair of earrings and later after we had eaten, he caught my mom as we walked by and made her a ring.
Afterwords, she didn't have another ticket for the tram/bus so we went out looking to buy some but all of the shops were closed so we had to hope I could find some on a tram because some of them have machines where you can buy them. Thankfully, the first tram that pulled up had one but I had to stay on there and get off at the next stop since it takes awhile to buy them from the machine. It was quite the adventure we had together.
Then, we went to a grocery store, bought some vegetables, went back to my apartment and cooked dinner together. We had a real good, adult conversation for once and it was really nice. As she was leaving, she came in for a hug and for the first time in my life, I didn't pull away or shrug it off. I felt this need to just hug her with everything I had. We did this a second time as she walked out the door. After closing the door, I just cried. It was so good, that after praying about it endlessly, my relationship with my mom is starting to heal, thanks to the Lord our God. He has shown me that through time, He will heal all with his love. Even thinking about it now I'm brought to tears.
It was a very good experience and an awesome day. If any of you have problems with your own parents, please, pray to God to fix it because He will. And you will be so grateful for it.
Originally, I had planned on only having lunch with her but something told me to just spend the whole day with my mom, so I did. We had quite the adventure. First, I showed her how to use the bus/tram system and we took it up to a pizzaria I really enjoy. Before we got there, as we were walking, we run across this guy selling pretty jewelry he made from twisted wire. We spent time with him, talking, buying jewelry when he made me a free, special pair of earrings and later after we had eaten, he caught my mom as we walked by and made her a ring.
Afterwords, she didn't have another ticket for the tram/bus so we went out looking to buy some but all of the shops were closed so we had to hope I could find some on a tram because some of them have machines where you can buy them. Thankfully, the first tram that pulled up had one but I had to stay on there and get off at the next stop since it takes awhile to buy them from the machine. It was quite the adventure we had together.
Then, we went to a grocery store, bought some vegetables, went back to my apartment and cooked dinner together. We had a real good, adult conversation for once and it was really nice. As she was leaving, she came in for a hug and for the first time in my life, I didn't pull away or shrug it off. I felt this need to just hug her with everything I had. We did this a second time as she walked out the door. After closing the door, I just cried. It was so good, that after praying about it endlessly, my relationship with my mom is starting to heal, thanks to the Lord our God. He has shown me that through time, He will heal all with his love. Even thinking about it now I'm brought to tears.
It was a very good experience and an awesome day. If any of you have problems with your own parents, please, pray to God to fix it because He will. And you will be so grateful for it.
Love you all!
Ciao,
Anna
Friday, September 3, 2010
Mmmm, yes please
Tonight, it was beautiful.
We finally had a little house meeting with my roommates and afterwords, I was sitting there with Katelyn and two other roommates who are non-believers and I was able to start a conversation about my beliefs and God. We had this amazing talk where I was able to share my views and they were able to talk and share where they have come from. Now is not the time for them I know but God has planted the seed so that Jesus can help me cultivate it throughout the semester so that it will grow.
I know that one girl, B. is very willing to listen and just doesn't know who God is so please pray that God will open her heart and she will listen to what the Holy Spirit says through me and she will become a sister. She is a dear girl and I already love her to death!
I'm so thankful for all that's happened so far and it's only been 3 days! Please keep praying because they are working!
I love you all and I hope I have some people reading these...haha
Ciao,
Anna
We finally had a little house meeting with my roommates and afterwords, I was sitting there with Katelyn and two other roommates who are non-believers and I was able to start a conversation about my beliefs and God. We had this amazing talk where I was able to share my views and they were able to talk and share where they have come from. Now is not the time for them I know but God has planted the seed so that Jesus can help me cultivate it throughout the semester so that it will grow.
I know that one girl, B. is very willing to listen and just doesn't know who God is so please pray that God will open her heart and she will listen to what the Holy Spirit says through me and she will become a sister. She is a dear girl and I already love her to death!
I'm so thankful for all that's happened so far and it's only been 3 days! Please keep praying because they are working!
I love you all and I hope I have some people reading these...haha
Ciao,
Anna
Thursday, September 2, 2010
All the small things
If you commit suicide, do you go to hell?
Last night, I stayed up until about 2am talking with my roomies Katelyn and Anna M.. We had the most glorifying talk and even came to a conclusion about a few things so let's see what you think about it all.
Grace: The forgiveness and love of God without our earning it.
Example: At a sermon I went to, the pastor told a little boy if he could bowl 10 strikes on the Wii game he has set up for the service, then he would get a free shirt. The boy tried but failed. The pastor still have him the shirt, because that's the grace of God.
So even though we sin and don't follow the Lord's wishes, he still forgives us because of that love and grace.
Beautiful no?
We started the conversation with do people who commit suicide go to hell? We thought yes, because then you're taking away that one gift God gave you and then you're unable to repent for that sin.
BUT, because of the grace of God, he knows your heart, and you are still forgiven.
(this is all granted that you've given your life to Christ)
If you have any other thoughts or ideas, please share them!
Last night, I stayed up until about 2am talking with my roomies Katelyn and Anna M.. We had the most glorifying talk and even came to a conclusion about a few things so let's see what you think about it all.
Grace: The forgiveness and love of God without our earning it.
Example: At a sermon I went to, the pastor told a little boy if he could bowl 10 strikes on the Wii game he has set up for the service, then he would get a free shirt. The boy tried but failed. The pastor still have him the shirt, because that's the grace of God.
So even though we sin and don't follow the Lord's wishes, he still forgives us because of that love and grace.
Beautiful no?
We started the conversation with do people who commit suicide go to hell? We thought yes, because then you're taking away that one gift God gave you and then you're unable to repent for that sin.
BUT, because of the grace of God, he knows your heart, and you are still forgiven.
(this is all granted that you've given your life to Christ)
If you have any other thoughts or ideas, please share them!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I'm HERE!
Well, I've finally reached Rome and it's beautiful! The buildings are just amazing and everyone here is really nice! We've gone to a few different Caffe's and Pizzaria's as well as the grocery store and everyone has tried helping us as best they could.
Today, some roomies and I, along with Charlie, went to this little Bar (Caffe) and the girl working there was the best! If any of you watch NCIS, she looks just like Abby. Well, she was quite helpful and when we were able to communicate successfully, she got very excited and it was beautiful. Then, when we were leaving, Charlie asked how to make a cappuccino and so she brought him back and showed him, then spoon fed him the milk foam. It was hilarious. We also all got a picture behind the counter with her so that'll be coming soon!
Let's see. So far I've learned that things for sure don't go as expected. God has definitely shown me that with a few things but I need to just be patient and wait and eventually he will provide. Right now, the comfy shoes I brought to wear and for sure not good to walk in on cobblestone and my bed is all springs but I just need to wait and God will provide! Also, God has blessed me with the best room mates ever (let's see if I'm still saying that in a few months haha). I'm excited to see what all we do this semester together!
Well, that's all for now, I'll have more interesting stuff to talk about soon!
Ciao
Today, some roomies and I, along with Charlie, went to this little Bar (Caffe) and the girl working there was the best! If any of you watch NCIS, she looks just like Abby. Well, she was quite helpful and when we were able to communicate successfully, she got very excited and it was beautiful. Then, when we were leaving, Charlie asked how to make a cappuccino and so she brought him back and showed him, then spoon fed him the milk foam. It was hilarious. We also all got a picture behind the counter with her so that'll be coming soon!
Let's see. So far I've learned that things for sure don't go as expected. God has definitely shown me that with a few things but I need to just be patient and wait and eventually he will provide. Right now, the comfy shoes I brought to wear and for sure not good to walk in on cobblestone and my bed is all springs but I just need to wait and God will provide! Also, God has blessed me with the best room mates ever (let's see if I'm still saying that in a few months haha). I'm excited to see what all we do this semester together!
Well, that's all for now, I'll have more interesting stuff to talk about soon!
Ciao
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Preparing
One thing that I want to do is also delve myself in the word of God and so I've been doing so with fervor, trying to see what the Lord wants me to learn. If you want to follow along, I encourage you to read through what I've read, then see what you get out of it before looking at my thoughts.
Last night, I read through Mathew 1-12. There were a lot of good things all throughout but one thing I want to focus on was when Jesus said we should love our enemies. I've heard this a few times but have never sat down and thought about it. That means, that I need to love all of those people who have hurt me, done me wrong in some way. For some people I can do that pretty easily, but for a few others, now that's a challenge.
That means I have to love someone, who with all I have I want to hate, but as the great Yoda says, "fear leads go anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to the dark side". Even though this is from the movie series Star Wars, it's still a good quote because it's true; hate leads to Satan. I think we all need to take a look at this. Who has hurt you? Who makes you feel like you're nothing? Instead of turning on them in anger and spite, we need to follow our Lord Jesus and instead show them kindness. Be merciful for they don't know the love the Lord has given us. I know it's hard because we are human so therefor we are not perfect, but that's not an excuse. Stand up today and forgive those who have hurt you.
Don't worry, if you're like me, there are still those select few, or that select one, who you still have a hard time doing that with, so now you need to trust in God. Ask him for help, for he will listen, and he will help.
May the Lord help you will all your struggles.
Ciao
Last night, I read through Mathew 1-12. There were a lot of good things all throughout but one thing I want to focus on was when Jesus said we should love our enemies. I've heard this a few times but have never sat down and thought about it. That means, that I need to love all of those people who have hurt me, done me wrong in some way. For some people I can do that pretty easily, but for a few others, now that's a challenge.
That means I have to love someone, who with all I have I want to hate, but as the great Yoda says, "fear leads go anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to the dark side". Even though this is from the movie series Star Wars, it's still a good quote because it's true; hate leads to Satan. I think we all need to take a look at this. Who has hurt you? Who makes you feel like you're nothing? Instead of turning on them in anger and spite, we need to follow our Lord Jesus and instead show them kindness. Be merciful for they don't know the love the Lord has given us. I know it's hard because we are human so therefor we are not perfect, but that's not an excuse. Stand up today and forgive those who have hurt you.
Don't worry, if you're like me, there are still those select few, or that select one, who you still have a hard time doing that with, so now you need to trust in God. Ask him for help, for he will listen, and he will help.
May the Lord help you will all your struggles.
Ciao
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Packing!
Well, I think I should start getting used to the idea of typing up what's going on so I guess I should get started with that! I've finally started getting ready for Rome and packed most of my stuff today! I came to realize it's a lot harder than I thought it would be. There were a few things I ended up taking out because I realized everything is not going to fit! I already have an entire box filled up with different stuff like shampoo, soap and my art supplies because no way would I have gotten that to fit as well! After getting most of what I want into my suitcase, I weighed it and it's only 35 lbs and the max is 44lbs so I'm doing good! I just hope that I don't forget to bring anything. Already I've been told to pack my peanut butter and a coloring book so if anyone else has any suggestions, tell me please!
I'm so excited to go and I can't believe it's only a few more days!
Ciao
I'm so excited to go and I can't believe it's only a few more days!
Ciao
Monday, August 23, 2010
The main purpose
God is all around us, but there are many who either don't know Him and His amazing grace and love for us, or they refuse to see it. Rome is a place full of those who do not believe anymore so it is my goal to spread the Good News to all those I meet there. I want that to be my main focus, so please pray that I can accomplish this and that I'm able to glorify God in all that I do. So take a seat and enjoy this journey with me!
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