Just Like That

"The Heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Psalm 19:1

And just like that, it's February. Here in Oklahoma, we have been spoiled by the weather. It hit 60 this weekend and it was glorious! It's supposed to be in the 60's again today which is going to make this a very tough Monday to be inside, working.

"The older you get, the faster time flies." This is a quote I have heard most of my life and it is so true! I feel like quite often I am rushing through life when really I should be enjoying it and taking each moment as it comes. Warm weather tends to remind me of this, probably because I want it to last forever! This morning I witnessed this beautiful sunrise. I get so caught up in life and work that I don't take enough time to pause and just be. This masterpiece by God reminded me to not just do just that.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Is Able

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)

This verse became my theme verse four years ago as I was raising support to move back to China. This verse gave me hope when I didn't believe there was any way that the money would come in. This verse gave me strength when I was so very weak. This verse became so much more than just a verse that related to my finances, it was a verse that kept me going in the two years I lived overseas. During those hard and lonely days, it breathed life into my spirit. This verse is what inspired the name of of my blog, but it became so much more to me, than that.

One thing I love about studying scripture is how you may read a verse one day and then months or even years later, you read it in a whole new way (a lot of that depends on your current life circumstances). Perhaps words stand out that maybe didn't before. For the longest time for me, it was the two words "immeasurably more." I knew that God would provide what I needed financially, physically, and emotionally. And He came through time and time again. But the other day, as I was contemplating dusting off the old blog and writing a post, I stared a my computer screen and kept reading this verse again and again. But this time, two other words jumped off the screen at me: "is able." He is able to not only do immeasurably more but He can do the impossible no matter what that might mean in your life.

As I focused on those words, I asked myself: "Do I really believe this?" When I look back on my life, it should be a no brainer "yes." He is able to move mountains and He has, my life is living proof. If that's the case, then why oh why, do I still tend to doubt Him in other areas of my life? Why don't I pray boldly if I know that He can do it because He is able?

My Church did a sermon series on prayer a few months back and it was amazing. Pray big and pray specific were themes that kept coming back over and over again. This is something I have continually been working on: praying specific and praying big, bold prayers.

 

We can do that because Is Able. He hears. He answers. I don't have to fear, because He can and He will. It just may not be exactly how I may want it or when I want it. I think sometimes He is waiting for me to come to Him boldly before He is going to answer.

"Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21-22)

The Latest News

"God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day."

Psalm 46:5

(A verse the Lord laid on my heart a few months ago)

I know I have been pretty silent these last few weeks. On October 22nd, I asked for prayers for some big, upcoming decisions I might have to make, and I did indeed, have to make them.

I arrived back in the United States on July 19th. It has been about 3 1/2 months since I have been back on US soil. When people ask me if there was a specific reason why I left China, the only answer I can give is that "it was time." It was. I loved what I did, I still miss the children and the staff, and yes, I even miss China (mainly the food!) from time to time. But, never once in the last 3 1/2 months, have I yearned to be back. And that means, that it really was time for me to leave.

Since arriving back in the states, I have been praying and seeking direction as to what the Lord has for me next. And I loved my two years in China and I know that those are memories and experiences that will stay with me forever. But I also knew that those two years were not going to be the highlight of my life. Yes, they are up there alright, but I know that just because I have left China doesn't mean that the Lord is going to stop using me. And so these last few months have been spent praying for the new ministry, the new journey the Lord has me. This summer and fall, doors have opened. I interviewed for several positions all over the country, and time and time again, those doors closed. All along I have been praying for the Lord to make it very clear to me, when the right door opens.

I will share the entire story lately (I'm working on it!) but to make a long story short, this one particular door opened in early October. And stayed open. Many of you already know this news if you are friends with me on FB or follow me on Instagram, but for those of you who don't know, I wanted to share. On October 23rd, I was offered a job and on October 27th, I accepted it. I have been hired in the adoption department at Dillon International adoption agency in Tulsa, Oklahoma! After spending 2 years in China, loving on precious orphans, I now get to play a role in bringing them home to their forever families! Is God good or what? I couldn't be more excited (or scared!) for the next journey the Lord has me on. I will be moving to Tulsa the first week of December. Right now I am researching apartments and trying to find one from 16 1/2 hours away (which is a little difficult although not too horrible with google earth and other internet resources).

Although it is exciting, it's hard too. I'm  moving away from my family and friends, again. And even though it's not as far as China, it's still far. But it just feels so right and so I am walking in faith and know that the Lord will see me through. Won't you join me in prayer as I move again in a month and adjust to my new home in Tulsa?

"We live by faith, not by sight."

2 Corinthians 5:7

How Majestic

Sometimes there are no words to say except,

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

Psalm 8:9

I can't help but stand in awe of His creation. 

That is all I have to say....

{Wordless Wednesday} The Beauty of His Creation

Reminder

"Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!"

Psalm 8:9

This verse kept coming to mind over and over last evening as I kept gazing at the gorgeous sky. The Lord has always spoken to my heart through sunsets (and sunrises when I'm up!). There is just something powerful about a gorgeously painted sky and being reminded of how majestic and powerful our Lord God truly is.

In this season of waiting and yearning for His direction and guidance, I felt Him place on my heart:

"Anneli, I am always with you, I know what I am doing."

I know that in my head, I just need to start believing it in my heart. As I try to hear His voice and know what way I should turn, He knows what He is doing through it all. Sometimes, He just wants us to be still and wait on Him. There is so much we can learn during the "being still" seasons in our lives and right now that is right where I am. 

"Be still and know that I Am God."

Psalm 46:10

A song that has been on my heart a lot lately I have been listening to over and over again is "I Am Not Alone" by Kari Jobe. Here are a few of the lyrics:

"I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me"

by: Kari Jobe

Wordless Wednesday: Sweet Moments

Valentine's Day Thoughts

"We love because He first loved us."

I John 4:19

Valentine's Day. Also lovingly referred to as "Single's Awareness Day." The day of love. The day of spending time with that special someone in your life. Or, for those of us who don't have a special someone, a day to feel sorry for ourselves. Or is it? Why does it have to be like that? 

I will admit, I used to be one of those girls. The one who was all depressed when February 14th would come and go. "Where was my special someone and why in the world was he taking so long to find me?" I would be lying if I said that those thoughts don't still cross my mind every once in a while. But I was not going to let it ruin my Valentine's Day or where the Lord has be today. This is a day that is about love. But it doesn't just have to be the romantic kind. I think about the love I have for other people and for me especially, the love I have for the precious children in my life at this moment. I also think about the love Christ has for me and for you.

"But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

Now that, my friends, is love. So why, as a single female, do I need to get all sad and depressed on February 14th? There is absolutely no need! The God of the universe loves me and I am cherished by Him. What more could I ask for? I am loved so much by Him that I can't even comprehend it.

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filed to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Ephesians 3:16-19

This is a day about love. Spending time with those you love. And remembering the God who made you, knows you, loves you, and has such an incredible plan for your life and mine. It's not a day of sadness, but one of joy.

"Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love."

I John 4:8

So today I encourage you to love, laugh, and eat a cookie or two. This a day to love those incredible people around us who the Lord has placed in our path for a purpose.

My heart breaks for young girls and women (and men as I don't want to stereotype!) who struggle with self-worth and insecurity. We all struggle with this, me included. But the Lord has taught me so much in the last few years about who He has created me to be and how He doesn't make mistakes. He has a plan and has a purpose for each of our lives. No, it may not be falling into place exactly how I pictured it, but I do know that when God says "no" or "not now" to one thing, it's because He has an even greater plan.

I first heard this song on Veggie Tales (funny, right?) and it stuck with me. This Valentine's Day, remember you are loved and cherished. Love those that the Lord has placed in your path and love them with everything you have. Oh yeah, and eat some cookies or chocolate or both!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to proper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Day 20 of Thankfulness: Opportunities

I am thankful for opportunities.

The Lord places many opportunities in our lives. The question is, whether we take them or not. I think of the opportunities I have had in my life. The opportunity to go on a mission trip to Mexico the summer of 2001 and how that trip is when God first opened my heart to the orphans. I think of the opportunity I had to go to college and earn an education. I think of the opportunity I have had to live in China. When I think of opportunities that I have taken, I also think of the ones I have missed. Most importantly, the opportunities that a person who does not know the Lord was placed in my path, and I didn't share my faith. Or the opportunities I had of people who I didn't love when they really needed it. 

The real question is, not to dwell on the opportunities I didn't take advantage of, but to not miss the future opportunities the Lord will place in my life. I pray that my heart will become more and more like Christ's. And that I will see people, the way He see's them. I pray that I will take each opportunity the Lord places in my life and use it for His glory.

Day 19 of Thankfulness: Trials

I am thankful for trials.

This one is a little more difficult to write about. I don't know many people who can honestly say that they enjoy going through trials and difficult times. One thing the Lord talks about time and time again, is how important trials are. How they test our faith and allow it to grow. If we didn't go through a hard time or two, we wouldn't need God. We would be able to handle life on our own, without His help. Trials allow our faith to grow and for us to truly see the character of God. To see how He is with us each step of the way. He will "never leave us nor forsake us." He loves us that much. 

Looking back on my life, each trial I have gone through I can see the Lord's fingerprints all over them. No, maybe I didn't always feel Him near while I was going through it, but looking back now, I see how He was always there, never leaving my side. I have reached a point where I am thankful for trials. Do I enjoy going through them? Absolutely not. But I can see how they were and are necessary. If I am going to strengthen my faith walk and continue to grow, then going through trials are a necessary part of that process. I am thankful for the trials the Lord has brought my way. And more importantly, how He has seen me through each and every one. 

Day 17 of Thankfulness: Church

I am thankful for Church.

Attending Church each Sunday is something that I have always taken for granted. Until, I live in a place (like now) where I am not able to be a part of a Church family. I am thankful for the internet and technology (see my Day 16 of Thankfulness post) which allows me to listen to my home Church's sermons online. However, I miss the fellowship of meeting with other believers once a week, small groups, and other get togethers. I especially miss worship. Singing and praise God together with other believers. There is nothing quite like it. We do not have an English speaking fellowship in my city and in order to attend the English speaking foreigner Church, we have to take several buses and a taxi which takes several hours each way. It's just not something I am able to do each Sunday. When I do make the trip though, it is so refreshing to my soul to be united with other believers. 

I am very excited that next Sunday, I WILL be attending Church. My home Church in the U.S. Oh how I can't wait to be home.

Abundantly More

I like to control things. I like to play it safe, know what is going to happen, and what is going on. When there is a problem, I like to have it fixed right then. When things don't go my way (or how I think they should), I become very anxious. God has been revealing this more and more in my life and teaching me how to rely on Him through these periods of anxiety. He reminds me that I do not NEED to know what is going to happen, even if I think I do. Our true faith is tested when a curve ball is thrown our way. How will we react? Will we trust Him through it? What continues to amaze me is that even when I become upset, stressed, anxious, and try to figure it out on my own, He is STILL faithful and blesses me abundantly.

Even when I am not faithful, He is.

Last Saturday, I received an email from Travelocity letting me know that my flight time had been changed and I did not have sufficient time to make my connecting flights. My brother, Thad, also received this same email since he is taking the same flight path home after he visits me in January.How did I react? At first, I had a really good attitude about it. I would call Travelocity, get this all straightened out and we would be good to go. Of course when I called, found out they had to call the airline and of course, the airline office was closed since it is located in California. *Sigh* Since it was Saturday and they weren't open until Monday, I had to wait until late Monday night or early Tuesday morning to try again. Okay, fine. Decided to "get it over with" and stayed up Monday night and tried calling at Midnight (9 a.m. on the west coast). I was put on a hold for a very long time and then got disconnected (got to love China internet). Tried calling back... same thing. Put on hold, then while they were "checking with the airline," I got cut off. At this point it had been over an hour, it was almost 1:30 a.m. and I was frustrated and exhausted. Yes, time to call it a night. Wednesday morning, I got up early and tried again. Finally got a very nice lady who helped me out. Turns out, I'll need to fly out the afternoon before, spend the night in Beijing (that the airline will cover) and then catch my original flight to NYC then on to Buffalo the following day. The amazing thing about this all? I am actually saving money. I had originally planned on staying in a hotel in Guangzhou the night before since my flight was at 8:30 a.m. Now, I don't fly out until 1:30 p.m. and can just take the airport bus that morning AND the airline is paying for my hotel. Yes, He is faithful, even when I am not. When I am stressed and upset, He comes through. And comes through in a big way.

I continue to be blown away at His goodness, at His grace. Is it the most ideal situation for my brother? Not necessarily. It'll definitely be a learning experience for him when he is flying back by himself but I know that God will be with him. He alone is faithful. He alone is good.

Side-note: Won't you please be lifting my brother up? He has been on my heart a lot lately. I would appreciate your prayers for him!

Consider it Joy

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

James 1:2-4, 12

This was a passage the Lord placed firmly on my heart about 2 1/2 years ago. It was a time of utter confusion, sadness, and heartbreak. A time when I had no idea what God was doing or how He was going to bring good from this situation. But more importantly than all of that, how was I going to ever heal? 

Fast forward 10 months... I was hopping on a plane, moving to China for a few years. How did I manage to muster enough energy and strength to raise support and prepare my heart to go? That is a very good question. My answer? By His strength alone. And now, 18 months later, I can't help but look back at all that has taken place since that awful May day in 2011 and stand in awe. Yesterday morning, I felt a strong urge to read that passage in James 1 once again and reflect. As I read God's Word, I was brought to tears. God is so very, very good. Do I know the "good" He has brought out of this situation yet? Not necessarily but I do know that He has taught me so much about His goodness and faithfulness. 

And I have learned that He DOES heal and restore. And that the testing of faith does produce perseverance. Praise be to God. 

His Strength Alone

There are times in my life when I can feel the Lord's presence so near. This last week has been one of those times. After the initial shock over the death of my Grandfather, I have continued to feel sadness but more than that.... I have felt an incredible amount of peace. A peace that can only come from the One above, my Lord and Savior.

This past week I have been filled with memories. Good, sweet memories. Memories of my Grandpa that will make me laugh no matter where I am or what I am doing. Yes, it may cause people to stare at me "wondering why is this girl breaking into laughter in the middle of a bus?" Of course, since they stare at me anyways, it doesn't bother me one bit.

This past week has also been filled with an incredible number of blessings. Yes, I am sad that I wasn't able to be home with my family during this time but I was able to be a part of all that went on. I was even up at 2:30 a.m. yesterday morning to "watch" my Grandpa's funeral service via Skype. And the best part? God allowed for the internet connection to be perfect. I was able to watch the whole service with crystal clear picture for over an hour. I got to laugh and cry with my family and friends in attendance. I even got to watch as my Mom read a little something that I wrote for my Grandpa and listen to my older brother as he shared what an amazing man my Grandpa was. Yes, I got to be a part of it. I texted my Mom about it after the service was over and she said, "she really was here." 

I have also gotten to call several times over the last few days and one again? You got it, perfect connection. Yes, God has been allowing me to be part of what is going on 8,000 miles away. I even talked to my Grandma this morning and she said "it sounds like you are right next door!" Yes, blessings indeed.

It has been by His strength and His strength alone that I have found such joy and peace over the last week. That I can smile and be filled with His presence during this time. Yes, there are still tears. Yes, it'll be especially hard in November when I am back home and my Grandpa is not there. That is probably when it will actually hit me. But I am so thankful that I will be home for the holidays with my family and especially my Grandma. Yes, God has this all figured out and His timing is perfect. I have seen His hand in my life in the past valley's I have walked through and I know that He is with me now.

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts, prayers, emails, messages, and phone calls. You have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you.

You Are God Alone

This has been one of my favorite songs for the last few months. And each time I hear it, I am brought to tears. Maybe it's because I used this song for a slideshow for the Foster Home when I was speaking at Church's this past spring. The lyrics are so very powerful. In the middle of tragedy or confusion, I so often try to rely on human hands, on myself, rather than on Him. When things go wrong and we don't understand? He is STILL God and He is STILL on the throne. 

"You Are God Alone" - Phillips, Craig, and Dean

You are not a god
Created by human hands
You are not a god
Dependent on any mortal man
You are not a god
In need of anything we can give
By Your plan, that's just the way it is

You are God alone
From before time began
You were on Your throne
Your are God alone
And right now
In the good times and bad
You are on Your throne
You are God alone

You're the only God
Whose power none can contend
You're the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You're the only God
Who's worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that's just the way it is

Unchangeable
Unshakable
Unstoppable
That's what You are

Protector & Strength

Last night I had quite the adventure. My night started out like a normal night here. I got out of work at the foster home around 5 and decided to head straight to the store to do some grocery shopping, pick up some dinner on the way home, and then have a relaxing night in. I debated walking to the store (it's about a mile away) but decided I wasn't feeling up for the walk since a light rain was falling. The bus stop right outside my gate has two buses. Or so I thought. One looks like a tour bus and the other (bus #3) like a typical city bus. Both of them would take me to the store so I was planning to hop on whichever one came first. After waiting for about 10 minutes, the bus that "looked" exactly like bus #3 came up and so I waved it down and climbed on. As we started going, I realized that we turned which is NOT the way this bus normally goes. As I look towards the front of the bus, I see that I am not on bus #3 after all... I'm on bus #73. Apparently since being gone, a new bus line started in my part of town. After over a year of the buses never changing, who would have thought? We kept going and going and going. In fact, we were not headed towards the store (I thought perhaps it would loop around) at all but into an area that I have never seen before. We went through village after village and eventually stopped in a shopping district that I have never been too. At this point I was getting a bit nervous since I was not recognizing anything, but knew enough of the city that where there is a bus stop going one direction, there usually is a stop going the opposite direction. So I got off searching for the stop on the "other side" of the road and would simply wait for the return bus #73. Of course I was on a one way street so I had to walk a block to find the opposite street. I soon found the bus stop but bus #73 was not listed. I thought maybe it was a new line and therefore wasn't on the sign yet (a common occurrence in China). I waited and waited and then decided that maybe I was not at the correct stop after all. I decided to walk down the street a little to see if there was another. Keep in mind, I still knew where my initial stop was and could get back to it if I wanted (thankfully I do have a good sense of direction!). I ran into some Americans on my way to the second bus stop and asked them if they knew where the bus stop for #73 was to get back to Kaiyin (the area I live in). They said that they were not familiar with this area but after asking their Chinese friend, he said that the stop was just ahead. I thanked them and went on my way. Found the stop and waited. And waited. And Waited. Once again bus #73 was not listed on this sign but since the Chinese man said it was here, I believed him that it was indeed here.  Bad decision. I'm not quite sure how long I waited but it felt like hours. It was drizzling and starting to get dark. Wherever I go in China I am stared at. Normally it doesn't bother me too much but being in an unfamiliar area and uneasy as it was, it made me even more nervous. Yes, I sent them a few glares to STOP LOOKING (not that it helped of cours. Bus after bus stopped but none of them were #73. I was beginning to wonder if there WAS a bus #73 that stopped here. As darkness was approaching quickly and I had absolutely no idea where I was, I decided that if the next bus was not the right one, I would bite the bullet and just take a taxi home (a taxi is about 35 RMB compared to the bus of 2 RMB). Another bus came and went and I hailed a taxi.  THANKFULLY I know how to tell the taxi driver where I live and about $5 later, I was home. Of course I was back to my original destination and still had not been to the store and was also starved. I quickly grabbed some noodles from my favorite noodle restaurant and then finally took the CORRECT bus to the store. A total of 3 hours later, I made it home. 

The whole time I was "lost," I was praying. Praying for guidance and direction (literally!). I was a female, by myself, in an area I didn't know. Plus it was getting dark. I have never been nervous in China, but this situation made me very nervous. I just kept looking to Him to remain calm and knew that He would get me home. Thankfully I did take the taxi home because I learned today that bus #73 would have never come to that stop as it makes a "loop." Therefore if I had stayed on the bus originally, I would have eventually made it home. 

What lesson did I learn? To pay attention to the bus number and not just assume that you are on the right bus. And that He was my Protector and my Strength. 

All the time.