It Doesn't Change God // It Changes Me

I kicked off 2013 with a commitment to prayer. Every year, I like to choose one word that I want to work on - to make a priority - and prayer came to my mind. ((you can read that here))

I wanted to make my prayer life stronger - for it to be without ceasing - for praise to outpour. Last night on my run (training for my half began, grr), I was listening to Rend Collective Experiment. When Alabaster came on, my feet stopped and I began to worship. And this quote came to mind: 

I need to posture my heart daily. To see life clearly so I can lift Him high and not myself. I can make this life all about myself. I am not perfect - I make mistakes daily - and I am thankful that God doesn't keep tally of my mistakes, but sends me His grace! That I am found in Him.

I didn't write this today to tell you about my life progress - but to share what I am learning and struggling with hoping that you will feel encouraged and inspired.

Before I go: Did you listen to Alabaster?? Do it and tell me what you think!

with joy,
Aneta Nina

sometimes I just need a clear answer

Saturday morning, like 7 a.m. morning, I sat across one of my dearest friends and we chatted about our lives, our art, our passions, our families, our pains, our joys...I realized that I'm in Denver for this conversation right now, but "God what's your plan with Steve and I...?" was the question left in my heart unanswered.

After breakfast, I sat in my quiet living room (Steve likes to sleep-in) asking God, "Why Denver? Why are we here? What's your plan for us here? Sometimes, all I need a clear answer..." And on Sunday morning during the sermon, the pastor spoke these words, "You are all sitting here because God wants to use you in reviving this city: your neighbors." And in that moment, I truly felt it in my heart that God was talking to me. It was an overwhelming feeling combined with peace knowing that God gave me a clear answer. He knew that I needed a little boost, a little motivation because life can beat up on you.

Whether you have a faith foundation or not, I do hope it stirs something within you. I know that after God answered my question/doubt and it left me desiring more of Him : Here are the thoughts that I am processing this week,

1. What do I do with God's confirmation? I need to trust that He has equipped us to be ambassadors of His love, compassion and mercy. And how will I pursue this...?
2. Conviction to examine how I love others. Do I love my "neighbors" the way I love myself? I show myself a lot of grace, room for mistakes, and I make sure I am comfortable. Do I do the same for my neighbors - the people Jesus died for? YIKES, I'm not sure I do!! 

// Isaiah 61 // 

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, instead of a spirit of despair.

with joy,

Aneta Nina

The prayer that changed everything

I'm sharing my testimony - the moment when my life was changed on Raechel's blog - Ferrever. It's the last of series on prayer.

To celebrate the series on prayer, we wanted you to enjoy a free printable! It's 8.5x11. Print it, hang it up and be reminded that our God is able!

God is able - free printable by Aneta Nina

Guest Post: Praying for one another

Hello again, dear ones! Thanks for checking in. Raechel from Ferrever is here with us talking about prayer! So, grab some coffee and be encouraged.

how many times have you said to a friend after she just poured out her heart to you about a struggle or painful experience she's going through, "I'll be praying for you!" ?? and then a few days go by, you see her again & think to yourself, "blast! i forgot to pray for her!"

okay, before you start feeling too guilty, remember you're not the only one who's done that.

i recently heard some very wise advice from an older lady who said that one of the best things we can do when someone is grieving is pray with them right then & there. i don't know if you ever struggle with what to say to someone when they've just lost a loved one, or are going through a rough boyfriend break-up. i know i do. every. time. i mean, you don't want to just be chatty & try to get their mind off it, because that would seem insensitive. you also don't want to start preaching every scripture you can remember about pain & suffering. so what could possibly be the best thing to do in a potentially awkward moment?

 pray for them.

pray with them.

pray right there.

a little hug. a little silence. and a little prayer could possibly be exactly what your friend needs in that moment of grief. i challenge you to pray with one another.

 i sure am going to ask God to help me be diligent in doing the same!

love,

raechel