tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6832933848803991692024-03-13T23:34:27.858-07:00.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-44092957503636020542013-06-14T16:01:00.002-07:002013-06-14T16:01:29.504-07:00Dad Fathers' Day. Just the thought of the holiday can conjure a multitude of emotions. This day can make you feel burdened by the thought of daylong festivities and expectations, joyous at the promise of being celebrated, grieved while missing a father who has passed, or even angry at the absence of a father who you felt owed you his presence.<br />
For most of my life, my experience was this last emotion. My father and I, while close when I was very young, only seemed to grow apart as I neared the end of elementary school. I could never quite figure out why, only knowing that as time went on, his role and interest seemed to lessen in my life. Once discovering his withdrawal from our family had to do with alcohol abuse, our indifference for one another became hostility- we only communicated in selfish spouts of emotion, never possibly considering what the other may have been feeling.<br />
My perspective first changed towards my father once I learned that God desires us to view Him as a father. I wasn't sure how to do that, but the intimacy and trust described in this relationship made me desire not only to understand it with God, but also my own father. God really gave me a compassion for my dad at this point, and I felt ready to choose this compassion instead of anger.<br />
Our relationship didnt change right away, but my approach had. I was no longer interested in vindictive arguments that demanding apologies for the past. Instead, I apologized for my part in the disfunction and asked if we could start over. Of course, it wasn't that easy right away.<br />
My dad went through my mom and I moving out, two rounds of alcohol detox and seizures before he said yes to recovery. Watching someone detox from alcohol in their system is wildly different from sobering up, and pretty scary actually. It wasn't until I saw my dad in this withdrawal state that I realized how serious a problem it had been.<br />
After detox, my dad went to a Christian recovery center, where we wouldn't hear from him for the first three months of his stay. Since I had chosen to become Christian, my dad had not shown much interest in the topic, and I wondered how he would do in a Christian facility. I knew my dad, a fairly stubborn and methodical man, but God told me to be faithful.<br />
A week before my birthday, I received the first call from my dad- informing me he not only had remained sober and in recovery, but he had decided to begin a relationship with God, and had even been baptized to symbolize this new life he had begun. This amazingly epic news, the best birthday gift I have ever received, was a chance for a new start with my dad.<br />
That was seven years ago. Today, my dad is someone I can't wait to see, love spending time with, and miss often. Of course we're still human, we bicker and get annoyed with each other on occasion, but I ask myself what I have possibly done to deserve this much healing in my family.<br />
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<i>"God has saved us and called us to a holy life- not because of anything we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace." 2 Timothy 1:9</i></div>
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I am so thankful for this reconciliation. To have an amazing relationship with my dad is something I never really thought about or pictured happening. But the only reason I even have it is because of God, who filled in the role of father when my dad didn't. As much as my dad and I work to make time for one another now, we can't take any credit for this new season we enjoy. We both know that the generosity of God is why we have what we have today.</div>
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I don't dread Fathers Day anymore, but I know a lot of people who still do. My heart is sensitive to those who feel their situation is painful, undeserved and unfair. I share this story not to grieve those who have experienced estrangement like mine (or worse), but to show that hope and fulfillment in God is possible, no matter what our circumstances.</div>
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Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-68012074655078433912012-03-01T00:23:00.005-08:002012-03-01T00:56:11.966-08:00Time to Build<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "> I have experienced a huge amount of change in my life in a very short period of time, which has left me feeling uncomfortable, confused and at times very alone. Some of it has come from my own choice, but some has been completely out of my control. While there is always promise of fresh, new beginnings during seasons of change, I could care less.</span><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; ">Until now.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "> I had been very reluctant to spring into this season of newness because quite frankly, it was stretching the crap out of me. I was being asked by God to enter into new, uncomfortable territory and leave behind my familiar routine, and I wasn't ready. It wasn't fair, I wasn't happy and I wanted to have control over my world and all the things in it.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "> I knew logically that things in life need to grow and change; when we are comfortable it is easy to become complacent, and that's just not what God has in mind for me. Or anyone, really. I also knew it was stupid to stubbornly resist moving on from the past, yet continued to cling to my attitude of feeling "wronged" and that life was "unfair".</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "> But then I saw something. Words from people younger than me, but so much more jaded. I don't know everything they've been through of course, but one thing was clear from their words- they had given up a little. Maybe not forever, and maybe not on everything, but their serious lack of faith that things could get better really scared me.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><br /></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "> Because I don't want to be like that. While there are a million things in our world to grieve your heart, there are a million more that bring redemption. I'm not Pollyanna-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ing</span> you, sometimes life is really hard and horrible and sad. But that isn't the end of it, and certainly not where God ends the story.</div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span ><i>"...A time to tear down and a time to build, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span ><i>a time to weep and a time to laugh...</i>"</span></div><div style="text-align: right; font-size: 100%; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><span ><b>Ecclesiastes 3:3-4</b></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: right; "><span style="text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="text-align: left; "><span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">I'm done focusing on the things that suck, and I'm gonna be focusing now on dealing with my issues, and growing in the process. I plan on seeking the purpose God has for me, and joyfully so. Not because I am ignoring the hard things in life or because I'm faking it, but because my time of mourning is done, and it's time to heal, mature and begin celebrating the amazing blessings in life</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; text-align: left; ">. Because there are so, so many of them.</span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto; "><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; text-align: left; "><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-align: left; "><span><br /></span></div>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-24121734570092182882011-04-24T11:52:00.000-07:002011-04-28T12:06:01.758-07:00Peter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqawLadnSSIHuzfusKVsnDFxZHmqgFwGlpFtRVANWvQVb46ivS6Y_rq5VCsQMZgjB1fgFNzTRkiV7o3mn6K7INGJ2PFFqE2qLdCsU1YLHKlcgxg5OZIa-t2c_wCED-5W_bL-K2oPDYoA/s1600/tempytemp"></a> <br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6kaazWThjg1uSu8PzpPU5u1BpCVrvCGB-8A2dNRBb0mXG_47M1wbHkTtscUQSugUgfk0RQgNyhdvhaols7X8YrOqQohNos3dSC5AraTq6PxoUtuRzFNmQMjtIDysdp7LwO19ML7gwQ4/s1600/tempytemp"></a><br /><div><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqP6Su9eValcOeprYdpSaKCSQK9mHW2vsijPCkzDzo_khCgUJQRJcBI87bFnzy1seyI_PpX8__EFKM_gbuTjrp_v2xW6InnzMLuoue91qFp-rk9ZNordE-lKPSDSHlWvIKN_Wd6fsYdg/s1600/tempytemp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 166px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599227430667394418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqP6Su9eValcOeprYdpSaKCSQK9mHW2vsijPCkzDzo_khCgUJQRJcBI87bFnzy1seyI_PpX8__EFKM_gbuTjrp_v2xW6InnzMLuoue91qFp-rk9ZNordE-lKPSDSHlWvIKN_Wd6fsYdg/s200/tempytemp" /></a> <br /><div>Easter morning, there have been the usual traditions- plenty of candy, balloons and a potluck brunch. </div><br /><div>There were new traditions created, including an Easter egg hunt for the kids (complete with Resurrection Eggs to tell Jesus' story), Easter napping, and Mae Leah, Heather and I tying tying balloons to friends' cars (you're welcome). We also offered a balloon to an elderly stranger, to which he obliged and happily strolled away.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The less traditional event that happened for me this year was a message that really moved me. I feel like sometimes churches expect a lot of people who don't regularly attend church (true), so the sermon ends up being vague rather than powerful. But, to be fair, I also haven't attended our sunrise service in a few years, so I could have very well missed out on some excellent messages from Tim.</div><br /><div>This year though, I did attend the sunrise service, and Tim spoke about the Resurrection through the disciple Peter's eyes. Peter was kind of a mess. He loved Jesus passionately and full-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">heartedly</span>, but still had trouble when it came to understanding restraint and fearless devotion on occasion. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Over identify</span> much? I sure did.</div><br /><div>The best thing though was that even though Peter denied Christ and want to brawl on occasion, his shortcomings were not the point of the sermon, nor the point of his life's story. The theme that is underscored throughout Peter's life is the grace and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">never ending</span> love Jesus had for Him. Peter made plenty of mistakes (as we all do), but each time he screwed up, Jesus saw not his mistakes but his earnest and apologetic heart.</div><br /><div>This is such an encouragement to know that someone like me, like Peter, can have confidence that how God loves us has absolutely nothing to do with what we do (or don't do).</div></div></div></div>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-53517786335947834742011-04-21T19:04:00.000-07:002011-04-21T19:57:17.990-07:00DarkGrowing up, I was thoroughly obsessed with superheroes. Power Rangers, X-Men, Batman, Star Wars. If I'm honest, even to this day there's just something I love about movies based on superheroes.<br /><br />All personal <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">dorkiness</span> aside, I think there's a real draw to superheroes for a lot of people. We love stories, and we love seeing good triumph over evil in those stories. There's something so satisfying about watching a noble character fight tireless for the cause of good.<br /><br />God has given me a huge passion for justice, a desire to see those oppressed liberated and those doing wrong convicted. Because of this (and because designing a costume and learning to leap from rooftop to rooftop is too involved), I am pursuing a career in criminal justice. <br /><br />Here's the problem. God always gave me a soft, mushy heart. The kind of heart that weeps through Toy Story 3 and ridiculously cheesy marriage proposals in movies. While in those scenarios it's laughable, there are others where it's not so funny.<br /><br />The darkest parts of the human condition and the things people are capable of leave me horrified and depressed. Afraid of what could happen to me, or people I love. Heartbroken for families who go through such horrible events. Disgusted by the extremes people will go to and unable to comprehend why. I want so badly to be brave and pursue justice, but often feel myself shrink away in despair any time news of a child abduction or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">senseless</span> murder is heard.<br /><br />My fear of the evil committed in our world sometimes makes me ask myself a hard question- if I can hardly handle hearing the news of such acts committed, how can I handle it's detailed case file? Or the family that have had to endure such acts?<br /><br />I was sort of down about this last night, wondering how I could operate in a job with such <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">heart wrenching</span> subjects, and God brought this verse to me: "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but one of power, love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)<br /><br />Our world is very, very lost. And the capacity people have to hurt one another is truly horrifying. But, I know when I'm experiencing that fear, it's not from God. Fear is crippling and disabling- the exact opposite of God's desire for me. And the exact desire the Enemy has for my life.<br /><br />I want to live with a spirit of power and confidence in God. Not so I can feel heroic or righteous, but so I can follow where God calls me completely unhindered by fear or doubt.<br />I'm not totally there yet. And even once God conquers my fear, I'll still have a sensitive heart. But as much as I hate it sometimes, I think God uses how easily I can be affected by things in our world. As much as I would love to have a thicker skin sometimes, I know I don't ever want to become <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">desensitized</span> or used to certain things we hear <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">about</span> every day.<br /><br />I've gone back forth feeling called to a job in such a dark field, but then, I read this:<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; not does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">lamp stand</span> and it gives light to all who are in the house."</em> (Matthew 5:14-16)</div>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-1460563690487931462011-03-01T12:45:00.000-08:002011-03-01T12:55:41.243-08:00March is Madness<div>I enjoy lists. and more than lists, I really enjoy a good <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">number</span> breakdown. It is not in any w<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">ay</span> creative or original but, because I am weird like that, here is my March in some fun (most of them) numerals:</div><div> </div><div>954. Miles I will travel this month for various fun-having.</div><div> </div><div>60. The math level I will be grumbling my way through.</div><div> </div><div>30. Days I will need maximum levels of caffeine.</div><div> </div><div>13. Birthdays of people I love (at least, that F<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">acebook</span> has made me privy to)</div><div> </div><div>10. On a scale of one to ten, my excitement level about Ashley visiting from Portland.</div><div> </div><div>5. Guys I am fortunate enough to lead worship with at Hume Lake.</div><div> </div><div>3. Number of Jurassic Park movies I hope to watch with said guys.</div><div> </div><div>3.Conferences I get to attend that will help me grow in leadership and my relationship with Jesus.</div><div> </div><div>1. Best friend getting married! Congrats, Nicole :)</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>March is exciting! And so it begins...</div>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-33764251175388149932011-01-02T23:08:00.001-08:002011-04-28T12:10:33.474-07:00Eleven for '11I proudly told Paul I wasn't going to make any New Year's resolutions. I said it shouldn't take a new year for someone to make a change, and we should always try to be motivated enough to grow and so on, so forth... See, I've got this all figured out.<br /><br />Then Paul pointed out most people need a catalyst. "Is it easier to say you'll keep your home clean when you've already lived there for eight months, or right when you move in?" he asked, totally proving my point useless- and thereby inspiring me to actually make some New Years' resolutions.<br /><br />Ha. I love my husband, he's quite wise. So in light of this (and my cousins' post about her resolutions, which I am copying), I have decided to list some goals (accountability). Don't worry, this won't be a bucket list repeat. Okay, here we go 2011!:<br /><br />-Get my moneys worth from my gym membership<br />-Make more time to read<br />-Finish decorating our home<br />-Pass Math 60 on the first try<br />-Strengthen my prayer life and spend more time in the Bible<br />-Carry out God's vision in my job and children's ministry<br />-Find an artistic outlet to utilize more often (painting, music, crafts, etc)<br />-Learn to play guitar<br />-Change my last name (I <em>know</em>, I know.)<br />-Start saving money for a trip to Paris<br />-Become so confident in who God sees me as, that I fear nothing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline.</em></div><br /><div align="center">2 Timothy 1:7</div>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-37712873356473724192010-10-11T14:33:00.000-07:002011-04-28T12:09:58.665-07:00Cens*rship?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdggW2FfQdDTDHZyyY6wv7m3RwepmUryoPvf78v4YNg25dATHU5b8OOsbuIyUAzMItmh85mCtUU7tYCdDjyVHVnMrpF13wot414jz0LKTbuiKw8oYjeKeutkRMdJB32WX68JvVbI6Me4/s1600/temp.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526914553377836626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdggW2FfQdDTDHZyyY6wv7m3RwepmUryoPvf78v4YNg25dATHU5b8OOsbuIyUAzMItmh85mCtUU7tYCdDjyVHVnMrpF13wot414jz0LKTbuiKw8oYjeKeutkRMdJB32WX68JvVbI6Me4/s200/temp.png" /></a><br /><br /><div>I'm watching a really facisnating documentary about the MPAA and how they have used extremely nonuniform practices to censor films. <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>While I neither condone nor enjoy gratuitous violence or sexuality in films, I do realize filmmakers are given the right to express themselves through free speech. Yet, the methods used to brand a film R vs. NC-17 are quite open for interpretation.<br /></div><br /><div>As this documentary was released four years ago, there may have been changes since in the method of rating films. Yet, I think we all have had an experience where an R rated movie has been significantly less explicit or offensive than a PG-13 rated movie. I feel that PG-13 movies will often push the envelope in every raunchy sense, while another movie exploring serious thematic elements involving war or abuse may receive an R rating (on that note, I recommend Screen It [<a href="http://www.screenit.com/all_titles.html">http://www.screenit.com/all_titles.html</a>], which breaks down a rating easily for you in numerous catagories).</div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Some kind of rating system must remain in place for those of us who do want to keep certain images far from our eyes and minds, and such rating system should be fair and completely objective. Numerous board members in positions to rate and view re-edited films appealing for new ratings were found to be film buyers, studio executives and even Catholic religious leaders- not "everyday American parents" as a representitive previously stated.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZqmonwlTj9zUkd6UhceE8RWrZoSgpRrVwlZYqaSWKJuM0LYTabT5Av6AaA6wk7SlIEKu5CcRQTxHw1fsMDmFSqvOH5V91xKZVds_nKMVud_Za3UZRCBZCLM9ICvO7KE65BxA8ftj-uQ/s1600/temp.jpg"></a></div><br /><br /><div>As much as I avoid films containing excessive violence and sex, I do want to know these films are being rated for informing the general public, not covertly as some kind of power play in Hollywood.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-31615502749766973182010-10-07T02:06:00.001-07:002010-10-09T16:09:18.105-07:00Idiot Box (Spelled, T-V)In the spirit of frivilous blog posts, I'm deciding to make a list (I love lists).<br /><br />I very much enjoy acting, and in this also enjoy the fine art of film acting (okay, getting hooked on silly TV shows). However, silly as they may be, sometimes you love a show only for it to be cancelled two weeks after you heard about it. Or worse, your love turns to horror as a once good show drones on for another three seasons. Remember, you're here by choice- you don't have to read this! :)<br /><br /><strong>Too Young to Die</strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBDUWT1rBS9mkzmRN9pyvEs3Txd897SUwAvcs-RvdWPqszxtdNWWFJNqEK3hbvPeX-1iY0UGJ0xWjFZUz2VS8hPEZIGlAza0xnPqqCtMW9DLcOb40xckadikWfP40iIxCxYRBmoUCzBY/s1600/temp.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 112px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525243899066605202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBDUWT1rBS9mkzmRN9pyvEs3Txd897SUwAvcs-RvdWPqszxtdNWWFJNqEK3hbvPeX-1iY0UGJ0xWjFZUz2VS8hPEZIGlAza0xnPqqCtMW9DLcOb40xckadikWfP40iIxCxYRBmoUCzBY/s200/temp.jpg" /></a><br /><em>Arrested Development</em>- Some of the wittiest TV writing I've ever come across, they stooped to shameless and funny lows to promote viewing ("Tell your friends to watch this show.")<br /><em>Roswell-</em> Any time I hear aliens, I automatically think cheesy. Luckily, they mixed in some good stuff with the cheese.<br /><em>Studio 60-</em> What can I say, I wanna see Matthew Perry succeed after Friends!<br /><em>Veronica Mars-</em> Though a close second to Buffy in my book, who doesn't love mystery solving by a strong female lead? ...No, only me?<br /><br /><strong>Jumped the Shark... and Kept Going</strong><br /><em>24</em>- I could have done without the last season. And season 5. And Wayne Palmer. Enough said.<br /><em>Alias- </em>Enough with the double identities! Don't any of these agencies do background checks? Or recognize Jennifer Garner in wigs and heavy eyeliner?<br /><em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>- Even a die-hard fan can admit it got weird, lame, raunchy, raunchier, then finally gave us a half-decent final season after three years of misery.<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525242411738457986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjkSsWO-IqKXxfPpK7sS3CLOM3GFd66lpHE7zIEqi1P-id0c8Aj7Ukpdysekm9EBT-gtdvNq8y8bnQC4MjdayyBALoMz7JwLqFit3fjbN8l1eS_Uxa3EmXe0ZciJKvTLK1_yH32VHV_TQ/s200/temp.jpg" /> <em>Scrubs-</em> The majority of it was great, but with the multiple "endings", I got very confused. Then there were a bunch of new doctors who weren't funny. Then Elliot was pregnant. Then it went away. Finally.<br /><em>Smallville-</em> WB/CW show. Ten seasons. Case and point.<br /><br /><strong>Circling the Drain</strong><br /><em>American Idol-</em> The numbers speak for themselves, the winners aren't really making much in numbers or pop culture influence, unlike previous winners from decades past (wait, how long has this show been on?)<br /><em>The Bachelor/Bachelorette- </em>This actually goes in the "Never Should Have Happened" catagory. <em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQroYDdsdpscszGZpPv2_lfvliSlr_Dy66gNkZF3VzxfNeNwb_kKijnVb4eKeopvKTc5aQUy01G1JSwjHGcjXEW6dUPQzAUNpBhIsprsUZPQmRcP-T5hUNFPcjtTgM1lXsaPB_HR-A8DA/s1600/temp.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525244919794554530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQroYDdsdpscszGZpPv2_lfvliSlr_Dy66gNkZF3VzxfNeNwb_kKijnVb4eKeopvKTc5aQUy01G1JSwjHGcjXEW6dUPQzAUNpBhIsprsUZPQmRcP-T5hUNFPcjtTgM1lXsaPB_HR-A8DA/s200/temp.jpg" /></a></em></p><p><em>The Office</em>- Don't look at me that way. After third season, there have been few breaks from the soapy and often morally sketchy escapades of the employees. Steve Carell is leaving, and so should NBC.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p align="center"><br />Okay, my geeking out is finished.</p>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-41627314497468691142010-09-17T15:41:00.000-07:002010-09-17T16:35:58.979-07:00SelfLESSI am a very trusting person. Too trusting. And in a world where people disappoint, focus on self, and aren't perfect, this sucks sometimes.<br /><br />I don't want to become one of those people who is super bitter and doesn't trust anyone, but I also don't want to continually give the benefit of the doubt to the point of idiocy.<br /><br />What a pickle.<br />* * *<br />As I wrote this, sarcastically joking about pickles, I had every intention to go home and fully engage in a pity party -tears and all- about how alone I felt. Then, the reality of God's presence hit me.<br /><br />His constant state of patience, stability and unending love, while I decide to push Him down on my priority list for a little while. His repeated forgiveness and hope in me when I let him down, focusing on my own selfish "needs" that are really wants; wants that will never really satisfy me.<br /><br />All this to say, I am going through a time where I am more isolated that I have been in the past. And it's hard to feel like this, and to feel like sometimes people don't really notice. But then, I'm reminded on my own nature- self focused, very unperfect and and sometimes disappointing.<br /><br />Colassians 3:13 says, "bear with each other, and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." If I have ever felt overlooked or alone, I know there has probably been a time someone I loved felt overlooked or unsupported by me. And just as I most likely had no idea, I know if I were more prone to share my heart with people I love, they would absolutely be supportive and attentive.<br /><br />It seems our problem always comes back to be so focused on ourselves, and not relying on God fully for our comfort. While I complained in my heart about feeling overlooked by people too concerned with their own lives, I was modeling all too well the manner of being self-centered. Instead of resting in God's love for me, I was focusing on the lack of pursuit I felt from people in my life.<br /><br />To value one's life and it's aspects certainly is not wrong, nor is it to enjoy relationship with friends. But when we begin to only see our problems, our circumstances, ourselves- this isn't right. When we place the burden of feeling loved and valued solely on family, spouses or friends- this isn't right.<br /><br />"Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to Him than they are?" (Matthew 6:26) We read Jesus' words here and think, 'Of <em>course</em> God cares more for me than birds,' yet we so often take our lives into our own hands, as if God doesn't know how to care for them. He values our lives so much, and wants to guide us and provide a way, if we will only trust Him to do so.<br /><br />Galatians 6:2 tells us, "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." If we starting trusting God will provide for us and stop worrying about our provisions, it will be so much easier to start loving and supporting each other.<br /><br />But of course, people aren't perfect. We will let each other down, be hurt by others, and then not talk about it, stuffing hurt down (saving it all for the pity parties). But, I know if I make my goal to find fulfillment in God first, then it'll be so much easier to stop obsessing over my own needs and to show the people in my life love the way they deserve it.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-79310263858259494132010-06-02T23:51:00.000-07:002010-10-11T15:16:31.451-07:00My Bucket ListI'm a huge procrastinator, so maybe writing down my bucket list will actually cause some of these things to happen. In no particular order, here is my bucket list of things I'd love to do in my life (so far):<br /><br />-Go back to Africa<br /><br />-Ride a motorcycle (not as a passenger)<br /><br />-Try <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glassblowing">glassblowing</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyxKDskWPWcE6qaFv4N1FmGyN6g7whkSpQ0STfQ2LEK56Q8j1wnF8B5Y92xIf07ExNnqVKpLZ5rg2-UUwYJvVEpLXXIpsF5HVrQFbAPx2aQiyjjS8xy_w6jjCrWcy_KihIJYz63pXZbQ/s1600-h/gb.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 139px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 135px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423903463700305922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyxKDskWPWcE6qaFv4N1FmGyN6g7whkSpQ0STfQ2LEK56Q8j1wnF8B5Y92xIf07ExNnqVKpLZ5rg2-UUwYJvVEpLXXIpsF5HVrQFbAPx2aQiyjjS8xy_w6jjCrWcy_KihIJYz63pXZbQ/s200/gb.jpg" /></a> -Skydive <p>-Conquer my fear of spiders</p><p>-Own a dog</p><p>-Scubadive</p><p>-Learn to play piano</p><p>-Learn to play guitar</p><p>-Compose my own music</p><p>-Try fencing</p><p>-Graduate college</p><p>-Dust off my French and master it</p><p>-Go to Paris</p><p>-Take a surfing lesson</p><p>-Read and understand (as much as humanly possible) all of Revelation</p><p>-See the Aurora Borealis</p><p>-Be in the audience for a Saturday Night Live taping</p><p>-Become sufficient at any sport (seriously, I'll take anything)</p><p>-Go fishing</p><p>-Be involved in a food fight</p><p>-See Antarctica (and hopefully penguins)</p><p>-Try archery</p>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-65616715521510414702010-05-12T09:10:00.000-07:002010-05-12T09:44:16.003-07:00ExpectationsExpectations are really difficult not to have in many situations. We all have them, whether they come from past examples, experience, or even our culture. The bad thing that can come with holding onto our expectations is that nine times out of ten, when real life shows up, we all end up confused or disappointed.<br /><br />I prayed a LOT for God to help me release expectations I had somehow formed about marriage, and yet my human self still held on a little bit. I thought I knew a lot about relationships and Paul (and our relationship), and was probably a little overconfident. Luckily, God is so very loving and merciful, and He showed me quickly how much my expectations and reality differ.<br /><br />Do not get me wrong, I <strong>LOVE</strong> being married to Paul so much (the week and a half I have experienced so far!), and the model of Christs' relationship with the church could not be better expressed through husband and wife. However, being human means we aren't gonna get it right on our own, and we can get hurt if we aren't careful where and on whom we place our expectations on. I am so thankful to have Jesus to show me His plans and desires, because I know when I hope and expect in Him, instead of myself and my circumstances, I'll never be disappointed.<br /><br />If you are a single guy or girl, I really encourage you to talk with someone you know who is married (Paul and I are of course open and willing to chat with you!). We are certainly not experts, but even in our brief time together, we already have much to share that God has helped us see. We are also so glad for the married friends we have had help prepare us for married life (and life in general).<br /><br />Obviously, you won't be able to have it all figured out before getting married, or in any situation for that matter. And for that reason I know Jesus tells us, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." (Matthew 6:34)<br /><br />We can't know everything or even expect ourselves to be prepared for everything, but asking God to provide the way ensures we won't be let down.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-91145625747791884682010-01-16T01:01:00.000-08:002010-01-16T01:12:51.978-08:00BoldI asked God recently to give me boldness in Him and what He can accomplish through me- to be honest and direct with others in a loving way, and not fear what may come of that. I asked Him to help me focus on His plans, and not concern myself with people pleasing or walking on eggshells.<br /> <br /> God never disappoints, and He's bringing it on right now. He's providing the situations where I know what I should do and say, and the only thing in the way is my fear of being judged or disliked. I'm a little apprehensive, but also hopeful that God will help me grow in this.<br /><br /> "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love an discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-24194417595233837982009-12-21T01:37:00.000-08:002009-12-21T01:48:49.223-08:00Armor of God"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12<br /><br />I'm feeling this. Thankfully, this follows:<br /><br />"Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground..." Ephesians 6:13 (through 18)<br /><br />God's been showing me so much lately than in order to handle the hard and heavy stuff that comes up, I need to prepare myself. I can't just turn to God in moments of need or desparation, but I need to ask Him daily to provide what I need.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-76175158112378140462009-12-09T16:27:00.000-08:002009-12-14T17:51:17.054-08:00Promoted to FianceƩ<p align="right"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmclwT9E8T-kUvd0iX3_inkSfQ06dXv2qGmgbOQDLNuCi2FrI3ywa3eZGyZXAE19TlxUiwhdRYIPsr90wlDXJcIPL-jFCJvYhDJ71XUO2yhQ6i93NcYRwTiDtdAvaF-PdnYt-iNXTXlcE/s1600-h/IMG_2356.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415273567335856866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmclwT9E8T-kUvd0iX3_inkSfQ06dXv2qGmgbOQDLNuCi2FrI3ywa3eZGyZXAE19TlxUiwhdRYIPsr90wlDXJcIPL-jFCJvYhDJ71XUO2yhQ6i93NcYRwTiDtdAvaF-PdnYt-iNXTXlcE/s400/IMG_2356.JPG" /></a></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415273558201107138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDgf8gqLuAsBfvSNUIPpnodVirB0coqoGAKlPiI9NQMYGqtI5gB0rBCQ6AtrSwTswtGE350EtAF1iyI63g2jQW_wv1VnSThRkXEbQGkBmLiPUCXnKc7QuPj8lOvVMqTGwddxk4qEVKuc/s400/IMG_2339.JPG" /><br />I am engaged, if you hadn't already heard (I know I've told the story several hundred times). I never spent my teen years (or even before) planning out an extravagant fairytale wedding because, honestly, I never wanted to get married. My perception of marriage and relationships was not the best, and so I never gave a wedding much thought.<br />Now, here I am, 5 years later after God has totally healed and changed my heart, and I'm (trying) to plan a wedding. Don't get me wrong, I am totally pumped on marriage, Paul being my husband forever and even learning how to cook. But planning a wedding? Yikes. I feel so very unfemale in this process. We'll see how it goes.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-6438028113776630822009-06-02T15:53:00.000-07:002009-06-02T17:16:03.972-07:00My Contrite HeartOur culture isn't huge on exhibiting or encouraging grace. Though forgiving in moderation, our society tells us there is usually a breaking point, where there aren't any more chances, and enough is enough. I'm not encouraging any type of consistently unhealthy relationship, but I am certain that if God were to have this attitude, we'd <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> be out of luck.<br /> We have a God who loves us endlessly, in spite of our consistent short comings. The Bible tells us "His mercies are new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22), and also, when we confess our sins and turn from them, that "as far as the east is from the west, so far has [God] removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12).<br /> This was the hardest thing for me to understand. My tendency is to want justice for those who do wrong, so when I wrong my God? The last thing I think is that His mercy is new for me every morning. All I can think is "I've screwed up in the same way I've done for the last half of my life. Why would God want anything to do with me right now?" With certain struggles, all it takes is one occurrence, one slip up, and any steps of progress I've made feel like they've been wiped away. I don't feel like I deserve His help.<br /> So often, I've felt I have to clean myself up, get a few more good days under my belt, then approach Jesus. This is not true. God has recently shown me that it takes a genuine decision in my heart to change, and He's already there, ready to make the trip with me. When all I had to do was, in the midst of my struggle, choose God's desire instead of my own selfish desire.<br /> But God's grace isn't my free pass to do whatever I want. The key is choosing <span style="font-style: italic;">His</span> will. If I constantly choose my own desires, ignoring what God's Word says, then I come back when I'm done and ask His forgiveness- it doesn't mean anything.<br /> Psalm 51:17 says, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." I love this verse so much because it reminds me that I must first bring my heart to God. It takes me coming before Him, repentant and ready to change. And once I do approach, I can have confidence in His reply.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-23173280015608031372009-01-31T01:24:00.000-08:002009-01-31T02:17:36.217-08:00OverflowI would not say I am a good steward of my time. The perfect demonstration of it is me, sitting here blogging about it instead of sleeping. I have so much to do, and yet so little time to fit it all in. I think this is because I am not a natural planner. Sure, I am straight-jacketed by our societies love for planning (maybe you feel the same?)- but it's not my preference! I love setting up dinner or coffee dates here and there, but ultimately, I love not knowing what I'm gonna do. I enjoy spontaneity, and the older I get, the less there seems to be.<br /> I know I'm not the only person that feels this way, we all have insanely busy lives. I enjoy the things I do for the most part (math class, not so much), it just feels like every second is crammed with <span style="font-style: italic;">something</span>.<br /> I feel bad about this too because it often means nothing gets my full energy or attention. I've come to find that spreading myself so thin has covered a lot of areas, but leaves me pretty exhausted. I try to cover all my bases, and keep everyone satisfied with what I have to offer.<br /> The thing that has become ineffective in this is that an empty pitcher can't keep pouring out water. I've dedicated to so much and so many people, I'm not spending enough time with the One who can give endlessly to me! Not only is He my Savior, Lord and Friend, He is (quite literally) my life giver! The One who can fill me up with the energy and love to overflow into my day.<br /> "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart." -Luke 6:45.<br /> Lately, I have been trying too hard to juggle everything in my life, without first asking God to fill me up with His love, His ability, His power. So the overflow of my heart has been frustration, irritability and exhaustion. Instead of spending my time with Jesus and allowing Him to show me where He wants me, I've been busy making my own plans of how well I can serve everyone else.<br /> Constantly, we plow through our routines without a thought or a prayer. It's not easy, but I've been cutting back on my commitments. I've been asking God where He wants me, not where I think I should be. Praying about what I do to serve Him, not what can I do to please others. Taking the time to ask God to fill me up, so I'm not trying to do everything alone, but through the power of His Spirit.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-69585398894754245202009-01-20T23:59:00.000-08:002009-01-21T00:15:42.198-08:00It's Not About MeI was talking with a friend today about handling tough situations, and learned something I had kind of already "learned" (Some things take a couple tries, I guess). Nobody really has it all together. I know this logically, but I still catch myself thinking, "Gosh, so-and-so must know how to deal with this, they must know exactly what to do." Yet, then God gives me a reality check and shows me they are just as human as I am.<br /> I don't know why it's so easy to focus on how well others are doing, yet nitpick about the little things you may have done that aren't perfect. I'm not really a worrier, but these thoughts do cross my mind. They don't stay there too long, but they still pop up. I find myself wondering why I can't say the right thing or do they right thing at the right time.<br /> Then, it hits me how much those sentences contain I, I, I.<br /> Our high school group at my church introduced a cool theme over the summer "I am 3". Meaning first comes God, then comes your neighbors, then yourself. It's a God-honoring, Biblical way to live.I'm not talking about being or doormat or letting people use you, but being a servant. First, to our Heavenly Father, seeking what will glorify Him. Second, asking God to fill us up with His Spirit and love, so we can in turn fill up others with love and encouragement.<br /> God has given me opportunities lately to step out of my comfort zone, and to stop worrying about ME doing the right thing. Instead of thinking about how a situation makes me feel, asking God to show me how I can bring Him glory. How I can show comfort to another person, regardless of how I may be nervous or apprehensive. We get so caught up in our own feelings and thoughts, everything else sort of slips away and becomes unimportant.<br /> But when we can just focus on Jesus, He is so good at sending away our anxieties and fears! Praise God that He is so gracious to give us numerous opportunities to do this.<br /><br />Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-13186847393201076322008-12-24T00:20:00.000-08:002008-12-24T01:02:44.963-08:00AngerSo, I unfortunately have a pretty short fuse. Like most girls, I do cry in confrontations or arguments. But my first response is usually anger.<br /> I don't necessarily hold grudges, or stay angry very long though because I'm a huge resolver. I don't hold much back, and if a situation is uneasy or awkward, I want to make it right. But sometimes, the other party is unwilling to do this. That's when I usually go back to angry.<br /> Yet, I have no doubt in my mind about how God feels about this. No matter how I may try to justify my anger, the response I always get is "be quick to listen, slow to anger, and slow to speak."(James 1:19). My first impulse is obviously the reverse. This is a flaw I am all too aware of, and I have been praying for God to change my heart, to help me grow into a more patient and understanding person.<br /> This has proved to be easier with some than others. Some relationships are extremely hard for me to be an example of God's grace. And I know that it's the opposite of what I should do, or what the Lord wants of me, but I just feel like shutting down. My selfish desire is to avoid that person, let them know that I am angry with how they treated me. Send the message, "I already tried to make things right, and you didn't let it happen. So here we are. And it's your fault."<br /> But while I'm stewing in this anger, God is always there next to me, waiting for me to calm down enough to see His desires. And as frustrating and hurtful as it can be, I have to thank Him for these relationships that are so hard. Not that it is God's desire that I hurt, but it is His desire for me to seek growth in these rough situations, instead of just feeling sorry for myself.<br /> It's not exactly second nature to be joyful in my trials, yet there is something so comforting about giving my heart over completely to God in those times. It may not fix the situation immediately, but it changes my perspective hugely. God helps me take the focus off of me, and back onto Him and His Will for me.<br /> "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." James 1:2-3.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-26368489980556259022008-12-07T14:59:00.000-08:002010-01-06T23:52:01.048-08:00House of Blues<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgu2X6S46RGM0-7gHarc3hy4QKdgal2LvN-qEPvzPgblIjlGIr4oT12yaMX16Vc7q5qK63ascwrKYNbtvaMr-K48RtAAjF76rGDZSR1OJtSTKWHWNYuxfUh5vvg1Qb295OoWeGwzterc/s1600-h/gospel.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 111px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277188833116122738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgu2X6S46RGM0-7gHarc3hy4QKdgal2LvN-qEPvzPgblIjlGIr4oT12yaMX16Vc7q5qK63ascwrKYNbtvaMr-K48RtAAjF76rGDZSR1OJtSTKWHWNYuxfUh5vvg1Qb295OoWeGwzterc/s400/gospel.gif" /></a><br />So, this morning I accompanied my mom to her work Christmas party at the House of Blues. For those of you who haven't been, House of Blues is a pretty cool concert venue downtown with different levels, a little restaurant area, and some pretty weird/funky decor. I've been there for several concerts, but never to their Gospel Brunch the have on Sundays. I figured they chose the name because it so happens to be on Sunday morning, and most people church it up on Sundays.<br />Yet, I was wonderfully mistaken. After we had been eating for a while, a group of vocalists and musicians took the stage and started singing. Rather, worshiping. They sang (all with the vocal stylings of Aretha Franklin) some superbly awesome songs, all songs of praise to the Lord. Then the lead female vocalist started to share about Jesus. Not God, or a Higher Power, but specifically Jesus.<br />It was so amazing to see someone speak such bold truth to an audience that was probably neither expecting it nor aware of such a need in their lives. The majority came for the food, or they worked with my mom and were there for a free breakfast on their employer. "But I believe in Divine appointments," this woman on stage said. "I'm not here to push Jesus on you, but I am here to tell you that you need Him." She went on for a bit longer, and then they sang more worship songs, and I just sat there, so in awe of how huge God is. I went with my mom this morning knowing I'd miss church this Sunday, but I ended up getting to praise the Lord anyways! And moreover, I got to see how He can influence hearts to glorify Him without even truly realizing it. What a blessing I wasn't even prepared to experience!<br />The huge "Unity in Diversity: All Are One" sign over the HOB stage combined with various different religious symbols doesn't exactly encourage Biblical truth or the gospel of Jesus. Yet God has chosen this place to be used to glorify Him and have a mostly non-believing crowd be exposed to His existence and truth. God IS everywhere, even in the places we least expect Him to be.Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-683293384880399169.post-89883048076020414682008-12-03T19:23:00.000-08:002008-12-04T00:07:54.818-08:00It's Official- I'm a Blogging Blogger<span style="font-family: verdana;"> I'm a person of many words. And many opinions. If you've had a conversation with me, you know it's true. And though I have some great people to talk to in my life, I'm sure a break here and there is appreciated :). Hence, this blog.<br /><br /> God has been teaching me a lot about growing lately. It's so easy for me to get used to a routine- whether it's work, school, church or even ministry- that sometimes I don't realize it's become a rut. God's desire is not for us to grow complacent or stagnant, but to be in a constant state of growing. And lately, God has made it clear to me I'm not really trying. I've had moments, but generally, I've become complacent. I haven't been pursuing Him full-heartedly.<br /><br /> Yet God is so good, and when He speaks the truth, He does it in love. He has revealed many things to my heart that I need to change. But I know He has promised to be there along side me to see these things through: "... He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1: 6) . I also know that when I am weak, He is at His strongest. "...My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12: 9).<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> What amazing encouragement God gives! To know that through the changes and seasons of my life, He will be there, refining my heart- so long as I willingly give it.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> That's why I'm calling my blog Renovations. I want to be actively seeking God and the power He has to renew and renovate my heart for His glory.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>Alison Anderberghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15608741907056883889noreply@blogger.com2