Not mine, but His

The past week has been going really well. Scratch that, it's been going pretty great! In a Bible study last night, I was reminded that everything in my life is never mine, but God's. In this society, we have this Individualism idea that everything that comes our way, is because WE did it, or because WE aren't doing anything about it. In my Social Stratification class, we were discussing the issue of homelessness. We sometimes look at a homeless person and think to ourselves that they are on the street because they are doing nothing to improve their situation. Why don't they go get a job? Why don't they take a shower? Why don't they stop using the money people give them for drugs? You get the idea. We like to blame the person themselves, completely ignorning any medical conditions, social problems, and situations that that person has gone through that lead them to the streets.

Opposite of that, in society we also believe that everything  we own, the job we work at, the promotion we got, or the girl/guy we got is completely because of us. I sometimes get this puffed up attitude that everything good in my life is because I did it but then I remember that all the good things in my life come from above (James 1:17). And looking back at all the HUGE blessings that I have been blessed with, I can say with an honest heart that I definitely did not get all those things simply because of what I have done. The job I have, the school I'm at, the house I live in, and everything under the sun is from above and it is important for us to always remember just as fast as we received those things, it can be taken from us. Here are a few things in which I've completely gave God the reigns to because Lord KNOWS if I was in charge, I would mess things up in 2.5 seconds:

• My job. I was offered another year with the DOL after months of saying there was no budget and they would not be able to afford us.
• My grades. Okay, for real....how do you EXPLAIN getting an A on a test you didn't study for?! That has Jesus and a whoooole lot of prayer written on it.
• My family. I've seen changes that we as humans can't explain, but we can simply know that God knows the plan even when we don't have the slightest clue.
• My finances. My financial responsibilites in my life has significantly increased over the last year. The Lord knew that the job I had at Citrus, as much as I loved it would not be sufficient to provide for my family and I. Because of that, He blessed me with a paid internship with the Government that made double what I made and worked really great with my school schedule.

These are just a few, but the most important things in my life that I have allowed God to completely own. Giving God power over things in our life is never a bad thing. Who better than to completely take hold of all your fears, concerns, joy, happiness, and even sadness than the One who made us? He will satisfy every need and desire you have, so give God the reigns and enjoy the blessings along the way :)

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Phil 4:19

Why I need you (ALL) in my life

 Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him" 

       As much as I love working with people, groups, and even studying groups (Sociology major, duh!), I will be the first to admit, I sometimes get this idea that I can do things a LOT better (on my own). I've been let down by people so sometimes, every now and then, and kinda sorta like everyday...I struggle with this. I struggle with the idea of it's-not-me-but-you syndrome and friends, this needs to stop. ASAP! 

      The first thing God said was that man should not be alone. Not just romantically, but emotionally, spiritually, and physically. God knows that we burn out quick when we try to do things on our own, which is why He commands that we help each other in life. We are called to encourage those who are down, weep with those weeping, rejoice with those rejoicing, comfort those in sadness, and continually inspire each other to pursue our calling in life. But when my Donald Duck devil on my right shoulder is telling me "not to listen to others because, in reality...what do they know..I mean look at them?!", I instantly remember that God never ever made me better than someone, nor anyone better than me. But rather, He made US (you+me+everyone else in the world) equal. Not greater, not less than...but equal. 

     So this is where friends come into play. This is where my accountability totally sets in and dome checks me when I put up walls in fear of being let down by others. I need you in my life, not only because I want you all here...but because I am called by the Head Hancho upstairs to have you in my life because He knows that 2 is better than 1, and the words of a friend are better than the words of a "friend"...get me??? 

     I desire to do big things in my life. I want to somehow change the lives of others. I want to someway travel around the world and leave an everlasting impression on people, not because of who I am, but because of who shines His light through me. I want to be apart of something amazing, but most importantly, I don't want to do it alone. I want friends with me, every step of the way. Because it's not good for man to be alone, and especially women because we get all emotional like that. So be my friend on this new step in my life. Inspire me and let me please inspire you. Pray for me as I pray for you. Encourage me and I will always encourage you. 

Your friend who will always listen, take advice, and accept that my idea is NOT (always ;)) the brightest crayon in the box,

Anneliese :)

"As iron sharpens iron, so a wo(man) sharpens the countenance of his friend" Proverbs 27:17

    

Bruno Mars...

Yes, the title of this post is Bruno Mars. His music is way pop-ish and to be honest, I don't really dig too much of the music on today's radio. I've got more of an old school ear...like some Warren G. Now THAT is what I like. But after seeing Bruno Mars music video for "Lazy Song" or whatever it is called...I've realized a few things.
1. What's with the monkeys? Reminds me of a modern version of Wizard of Oz...or Power Rangers. Either way, it's weird.
2. The lyrics are lame and are a complete reflection of today's music. At one point he just says "ya" for about 10 seconds. Was there really no other words you could have used? Singing ya ya ya ya ya ya ya ya ya ya really describes what you wanted to say and how you feel? Bruno Mars, get yo' self a book and start expanding that vocabulary of yours ;)
3. A song about being lazy. How about a song about busting your butt and working hard? You let me know when you got that one recorded.
4. What's with him dropping his pants and pelvic thrusting like there is not tomorrow?? Can you say awkwwwward when that part came on WHILE I was watching tv with my Mom?! Keep it behind closed doors BM.
5. Lastly...the only good thing about that video is his face. I would have never guessed that's what Bruno Mars looked like. Now that I think about it, I have NO idea what these new singers look like these days. But his face...yes...I will accept that. The OG glasses and that hair..I dig it.

If only he could say something intelligent rather than how he is gonna do nothing all day except dance with some monkeys.

To shop or not to shop....

My name is Anneliese and I am a shopaholic. Well actually, not really. It's not like I am losing my home because of it buuuut I do love to shop till I drop. The cute shoes, colorful scarves, and oh so fabulous make up...oh if you only knew how happy these things made me. But I am learning to not buy everything in sight. Keyword: LEAAARNING. Well in reality, I've actually been doing pretty good. (Coming from the girl who bought the same exact shirt...TWICE not too long ago). I've saved up a quite a bit of money that really makes me feel a whole lot better than any floral dress for only $15 at Old Navy :) I don't know if it's  because I've really been able to see how much hard work pays off, or the feeling of being adultish and stuff because I've saved up money, either way...I love it.

So this is my new game plan world. I seriously do NOT need anything. No more clothes, or purses, or shoes...(makeup is a must though..have you seen my face in the morning?! Oh DANG! ;)) No joke, I have so many clothes...I don't even need hangers...my blouses sorta kinda are so tight in my closet, they hold each other up. Sad right?!? I will no longer (gulp) by useless material items that will only hog up for closet space than it should. I will save (more) money than I have been, and will learn to live on a budget. Like a real, budget...not an optional budget. Rather than spending my money on 3 different kinds of shirt in teal because they're all so different, I vow to spend it on something/someone more important. Whether it's a donation, groceries around the house, or simply treating a friend to a lunch date, I will spend my money wisely. Today, I vow to no longer spend money on material things and always remember Proverbs 16:16 (Better to be wise and sensible than rich)

(Does anyone have any bets on how long this is gonna last?) ;)

In the meantime, these are the excuses I use to justify my shopping. If you hear these words out of my mouth, you have permission to slap me and take my debit card away. Enjoy!

"It's the LAST thing I buy! Promise!"
"You know what, I really did good on that homework assignment so I will treat myself to some shopping"
"Eh, I get paid tomorrow, might as well blow my money tonight"
"Instead of buying fast food, I'll just spend money shopping. In reality, I'm doing myself a favor"
"But that (fill in the blank with item) is so pretty"
"They're on sale!! I can't pass that up!"
"I can totally mix and match that shirt with everything and anything"

Shopaholic fo' lyfe,
<3 Anneliese


 Okay, so these are the heels I bought a few weeks ago at Macy's that were originally over $100 BUT I got them on sale. AND yes I just used one of my excuses ;) Last thing I buy...PROMISE! ;)