"Abandoning Entitlement"

As I read a chapter of Jennie Allen's Anything on Monday, I felt extremely challenged in how I am living. But not only that. I felt my desires, my dreams, my aspirations being challenged as well. The chapter was called, "Normal Drug: Abandoning Entitlement." Honestly though, just about every chapter in this book so far has challenged or spoke to me in some way. I read it, then I spend hours with one of the best girls I know discussing God, the book, and our lives. This week though, I felt inspired to blog about what it spoke to my heart. So here it goes.

Luxuries.

I truly believe that there is nothing wrong with wanting nice things. I am a twenty year old girl. Of course I dream about getting married, having kiddos, my future career, decorating, clothes, the list goes on and on. But Jennie Allen asked me this week, "[Have] our hearts become demanding?" If God does not give us these things is he holding out on us? Then, even better: "Money and a good latte protect us from a lot of things." Kind of rough, right? Like, OKAY GOD, I GET IT. That's what I thought anyway. But hey, Jennie didn't leave me with just that. God certainly would not leave me with just that. (Point proven. See that entitlement?)

Entitlement.

This is an especially tricky topic, because the feeling of entitlement can be hard to surrender. First off, who wants to admit that they feel entitled? Uh, no one, that's who. "I deserve a nice life in a nice house with a nice family that looks good in Facebook pictures. I should also be able to buy all the scarves and shoes I see on Pinterest, and if not, you bet I'm going to wish I could," thinks my subconscious every time I see something I want, but I sure don't like admitting that. 

Secondly, surrendering is hard. It's a process, and sometimes it feels like things would just be a lot easier if we didn't deal with the tough stuff. What are we setting ourselves up for though, if we don't begin this process? Where are our lives headed if we don't surrender the false idols we are clinging onto so tightly?

"Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love." (Jonah 2:8)

This is what God has been showing me this week:

The Lord does not promise us a picture perfect family and a nice SUV in the driveway. He does, however, promise us salvation and life eternal through our acceptance of His son. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is life eternal in Jesus Christ our Lord," says Romans 6:23. That's pretty stinking amazing if you ask me. 

He desires to truly know us, for us have an intimate relationship with Him. He calls us to worship Him and Him only.

If we trust that Jesus is our savior, we don't need these other things. We can have things, but we don't NEED them.

The Lord knows as well as anyone that this is not an easy subject for me. I'm materialistic and I want more than I can have, always. But here's a step in this process of surrender. I yearn to be in closer relationship with the God of the universe, my Heavenly Father, and I believe it's going to take some prioritizing to get there.

Here's to the journey, folks!


-Anna

Two Decades.

This post's purpose is to thank everyone who took part in my birthday celebration. Here it goes.

First, to my awesome parents. You guys rock, and if it weren't for you, I would not be here. So thank you. Thank you for conceiving me and then putting so much time and effort into raising me. 

To my friends who surprised me just after midnight with awesome cake and the best mini party I could have ever been apart of. Katie, Morgan, Mandy, Julia, Tori, and especially Brooke, you guys are amazing.

To Tyler, for making sure I made it to my surprise party, even if that meant sacrificing himself and my feelings toward him to get me there. (Our curfew is 1, so I was a little upset that he was taking me home early... on my birthday.) And also for being an awesome gift giver. I have a lot to live up to.

To my ice skating buddies. I know you guys just wanted to go ice skating, but I felt honored to do it on my birthday, regardless :). Thank you guys for celebrating with me.

And to all the other various people, family and friends who wished me a happy birthday via facebook or in real life. It is truly appreciated.

I feel super blessed to have so many amazing people in my life. You all truly made it a birthday to remember. 

Have a good week lovelies!

Anna
annaswift.vsco.co

Snow Daze.

I am enjoying today.

I normally work at 7am on Tuesdays. We're closed, so I slept until 10.

I woke up to Brooke and Katie in our kitchen making breakfast. They served me. It was glorious.

I spent the rest of the morning drinking coffee on the couch with Morgan and Katie.

I bundled up and Katie, Brooke and I began our endeavor into the downtown district of big Columbia, MO. 

We got stuck driving on Stadium. Two cops pulled over and helped us get unstuck. That was nice.

We were hungry again, so we ate lunch.

We are currently sitting in Uprise Bakery spending our afternoon reading, journaling, [blogging], and doing homework. 

Today, I am thankful for seasons,
for time with friends,
for the reminder to enjoy every single day.

Today, I am thankful for rest.

How are you getting rest on your snow day?

Check out my snow day pictures, and really just my life here.