My Walk - Jesus Saves

I feel the need to share a little something about myself that some may or may not know. I came to Alabama, primarily Samford University on faith.  I felt the Lord calling me out of Atlanta to pursue His calling in my life. 
For months prior to this calling, I had been talking with my father quite frequently about some of the things that I felt God was doing in my life.  In many ways, it felt like a deep anointing, one that I knew was going to be life changing.  As I continued to seek God's will and pray and study God's word, I felt in September 2010 that I was to go to Samford.  So, I contacted the school and made a trip.  I was accepted and started in January of 2011. 
Prior to my moving, the Holy Spirit was really active in my life, letting me know that despite the huge changes I was making, it was all for the Lord.  That was what I wanted.  I wanted nothing more (and I still want this) than for the Lord to be glorified in my life.  The life I was leading, the church I was at did not exemplify the true word of God, rather man-made beliefs. 
As I moved to Birmingham and began to settle into the routine of University life, I began to drown in self-doubt.  I was totally alone, or so it felt.  I had no family and was fairly friendless.  I began to suffer from serious anxiety and one day, on a whim, I went and purchased a sketch book.  Now, I am no artist, but I really wanted to draw and color.  So, I began to fill the pages of this sketch book.  I noticed that all I ever drew were crosses, and gifts for the Lord.  I found comfort and peace drawing for Him.  The drawing then manifested into painting and for Christmas, I was able to paint each one of my family members a painting depicting a Bible verse, I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to.
Since being in Birmingham, God has made the calling in my life really known - Missions - full-time.  I remember being about 12 and feeling that was what God wanted me to do, but never did pursue that due to fleshy desires.
I am thankful that God has truly changed me.  I wanted the change and was willing to find His truth rather than to be filled with lies. 
I am now preparing for my first trip to Alaska to spread the Word of God, the Love of God and my testimony to a small godless village.  I have felt Alaska for a long time, and believe that is where I will be moving to when I graduate.  I have a heart for these people.  There are approximately 710,000 people that live in Alaska and roughly 100,000 of them live in the Interior Region (Fairbanks is located there).  The Interior Region is where I feel called.  The little village I will be visiting in March is in this region and is truly in need of the Holy Spirit.  I pray that the group I go with can see the harvest of sown seeds in the lives of these people.  I pray and ask the Lord to open even more doors for me as I go so that I may find a mission organization or group to join for when I do go up there.  He is already led me to a Missionary that lives and works in Alaska, and maybe his ministry is where I will be.  I don't know.  I just thank God for changing me, for loving me, for redeeming me, for dying for me. 
If you are reading this and do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, all you have to do is pray to Him.  Tell Him you believe He is the Son of God, that He came and died for you and me, and is now sitting at the right side of God.  Ask Him to forgive you for your sins.  The Holy Spirit will come and dwell inside of your heart.  I am here.  I will pray with you and encourage you as you walk with the Lord.  He will always be with you. 
The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. 
I will be that other person for you. 
I love you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.  For all things are possible through Christ (Philippians 4:13). 
In Christ's Name,
Anna

Alaska!

I have not been great at blogging because I do most of my writing in a journal.  However, it has come time for a mission trip, and want to ensure that all who are interested in following me on God's plan will have a way of keeping in touch.
In October, I was introduced to a Missionary in Anchorage, Alaska.  As some of you know, I have for the longest time (maybe 5 years) have felt called to Alaska.  People have asked me, "why Alaska?" and I can honestly say, "It is all God."
God has changed my life drastically, in a way, I would call it an about face.  I use to live a life that was sinful to the Lord that many tried to make me believe was ok.  I am thankful that I sought after the truth, and once I was open to receiving the truth, AMEN - the TRUTH HAS SET ME FREE!!!  Thank you Lord!!!!  God is so good!!!

Anyway, Alaska.  I am excited to announce, that I will be going on my first mission trip to Alaska this March.  As I continue to get better at blogging, I will keep you abreast of what is to come.  I am to be arriving in Anchorage on March 17th and will be taking a 8 hour van ride to the Interior Region to a small village (at this time, the village will remain nameless.)
I pray that God can use me and the group I am going with to share God's love, to minister to them about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the freedom we find in His salvation.
Pray with me for the hearts of these wonderful people that He loves.  Love them with me.

God Bless you my sweet brothers and sisters in Christ.  To God be the GLORY!

Staying Strong

I stepped out on faith.  I trusted when I didn't even know what I was doing.  I was willing because He said go.
I have lived in Birmingham, AL for about 4 months now.  The move was one of the smoothest moves I have ever experienced in my life.  I know all about moving - I think I have moved about a dozen + times in my life.  Since being in Birmingham, my faith in God has been tested.  A test that at times has been easy to surpass because of the strength I find in the Lord, and at other times, it has been one of the biggest struggles.  I continue to seek the Lord despite the struggles.
I live alone with the exception of my amazing pet - Kody Bear.  I am so thankful that God gave him to me, because at times, he is the only tangible friend I have.  Don't get me wrong, I love where I am, and so incredibly thankful for where I am.  I asked for this.  I didn't ask to be alone, but I asked to be filled, embraced, immersed in the word.  I am soaking it up.  Day in and day out, I find myself in the word, whether it be at church or in school.  I asked to be put in a place where I would learn, to be in a place that would feed me and fulfill the hunger and thirst I had and still have today.  I hunger and thirst in a different way these days.  My life is changing.  I know that it is not me who is working but it is God working in me.
God has blessed with me with a roof over my head and food on my plate.  Clothes to keep me warm and a car to drive me to and from school and church.  There are so many things that God has provided me with.
I have always - or so it seems - been surrounded by others.  A group of friends, a family gathering, but these days, I spend a lot of time alone.  I hope that this does sound not like complaining, its just a moment of truth.  I seek Him more and more each day.  I pray that I can feel His warm embrace.  I seek His will for my life. 
No matter the darkness that sits upon our life, the dew that seems to keep us from moving forward, seeking Him in the moments of weakness will only strengthen us when we are standing firm and strong with Him in strength.  I am not weak, I am strong.  I am only strong because of Him.  He deserves my praise no matter how I feel.  He deserves my praise even when I have a hard time uttering His name - JESUS!!!  He is here, he is carrying me - he is carrying you - stay strong in your love, stay strong in your faith.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.