The End?

Life is pretty hectic right now--the blog team just might take a few months off on break...


Thank you so much, God, for truly blessing me--fill me over with the Joy of Your Salvation!

Hope you have enjoyed reading!
In Christ,
Anna
*If you'd like to keep up with me, I'll be (probably frequently) posting my artwork here, my thoughts here, and hopefully our moving adventure here. Blessings!

Royal Wedding: Prince William and Catherine

Sarah reminded me that today was the Prince William and Catherine Middleton's wedding.
I was eager to see what Kate Middleton's bridal gown would look like and found myself pulled into the Royal Wedding vacuum. It was so beautiful to watch--the dresses, the ceremony, the exchange of vows, and the priestly blessing were all so elegant and perfect.
Watch the Royal Wedding Live!
The Royal Wedding Page
William and Catherine become Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Earl and Countess of Strathearn, and Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus
'First Kiss' on Balcony of Buckingham Palace
Royal Wedding Hats
Duchess Catherine's Dress:

"Workers washed their hands every 30 minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine, and the needles were renewed every three hours, to keep them sharp and clean."

It was a Fairy Tale Wedding...like stepping between the pages of the Cinderella in the Brother's Grimm.
But it made me so excited...
For the wonderful gift of salvation He has given me:

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."~61:10

I also thought it interesting that Kate Middleton is not nobility, yet she married Prince William and can be Queen Catherine the Sixth.
It reminded me that, although I am not of royal blood, the Son has chosen me for his Bride and His Father has adopted me as an heir to his eternal blessings.
What a blessing it is to be called an heir and child of God:

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!' So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God."~Galatians 4:4-7

Frantic Friday: Broken Relationships and Grace that Mends Broken Hearts

I know, I just added the title and I kind of like it.

It definitely fits the way I jump out of bed (or want to roll over with a pillow over my eyes) on Fridays. The last weekday is usually hectic for me.

Starting the morning with blogging, I have to catch a shower after slouching over the computer for way too long, make myself look as presentable as possible for my day to be Maid! Yeah, I'm the “housekeeper” for our family.
It might not sound too bad—as it really isn't so difficult—but I've always been a procrastinator.

And I have definitely procrastinated in the last few years of my life.

As a result I was not ready when this year came around.

When I was little I didn't get along with my older brother. I was mean to him and blamed him for all of our disagreements. I lived in anger towards him for many years. I blamed my discontent and our lack of friendship and love on him. As I grew in my teen years, I realized with bitterness that he had changed greatly into a humble, Godly man. And I—in my self-absorbed world—had not.

I was rude, rebellious, disobedient, and ashamed of myself.
Then, about a year or two ago, God opened my eyes and I finally understood what true Grace was. He began to change my heart and now I know it's only by His grace that I now have a true love for my brother. And I do love him. And he teases me and I try to laugh instead of getting angry. It's still a struggle, but now that God has changed my heart, I have no excuse.

I have never felt more bitterness and utter shame for anything I've done than what I did to my relationship with my brother. Yet there is not a more glorious feeling than knowing that God's Grace has saved me—an unworthy daughter, sister, and friend.
2010 brought many changes to our household, leaving my oldest brother in a neighboring state and my other brother across the country. My sister is also out of the house very often because of work, and this fall I'll be taking classes full-time. Our family is entering a new stage in life. But more than feeling sad and forlorn, I greatly praise God that He gave me such Grace in my relationship with my brother—and in all my relationships—before our family spread apart.
My whole point in this post is that you never know about life. You never know if next year the brother that's “so annoying...it's all his fault we can't get along...” or “he’s too little to be my friend…” will suddenly be grown up and leave home to start a new life. Or leave this earth for heaven. Now that God has opened my eyes I watch with pain as I see broken relationships in families.
God put us on this earth to glorify Him and if we're in a family where there is no brotherly or parental love we are failing to honor where He has placed us in life.
I'm not saying this as a person who has conquered...but as one who is daily praying for the Grace to win the battle. Just as Jesus told His disciples,

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?” Luke 9:23-25

And now may the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
In Christ,
Anna