Do for 1 What You Wish You Could Do for 100

"Who You Become is Determined by How You PRAY."-Circle Maker

So I need to take back the words I said in an earlier post... Now I wasn't telling a story when I said "Life is HECTIC" but I had no idea how non-hectic my life was, compared to TODAY! 

Ever feel like your To-Do List keeps growing faster than you can check things off the list?

BAMM.. That's where I am today.

Boy, I had NO IDEA how many details there are to pulling off a wedding!

In the midst of feeling overwhelmed, I've become so extremely grateful for my family and the company of good friends who remind me of the importance of this union. It's not about the flower arrangements, the color scheme, or the weather that day...

September 20th, 2014 - (Yeah that's right.. WE SET THE DATE!) is about only one thing. Proclaiming the love of God to everyone we know, by promising with all our hearts: to care and support one another till the end of our days... To love one another selflessly, lifting the other up to stay strong in our faith.

Gosh, I'm so overwhelmed (in an VERY good way!) by just HOW GOOD God is... That He would make someone so wonderful, for someone like me.

I'm reading several books simultaneously right now, on top of the mountain of other things going on, that are helping me build a more solid foundation as I prepare my heart for this next year:

1. "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas 

This book is centered around this one question : "What if God designed Marriage to make us Holy more than to make us Happy?" Sometimes we get swept up in the whole "Romantical" part of being married that we get a blurred depiction of the real reason God gave us marriage.. I'm only two chapters in, but I can already this book is going to be GOOD!

2. "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson

This book is helping me to understand the importance of intentional prayer. I started this post off with just one of the MANY awesome quotes from this book.. "Who You Become is Determined by How You Pray." 

What a convicting message! 

How do you pray? I know personally I kind of use the sandwich system when praying.. 

I say thanks for things going on in my life right now, I talk with God about my concerns, I pray for Jordan and then I sandwich the whole thing by saying either "I love you Lord & help me do what you want me to do today" or "help me get some rest and get ready for what's in store for tomorrow". 

While there really isn't anything wrong with this prayer style, its not INTENTIONAL... I'm not being BOLD with my prayers. 

Another awesome quote from this book:

"Bold prayers Honor God, and God Honors BOLD prayers."

There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles and fulfilling DREAMS.

God is for you, not against you. Let me say that again.. 

God is FOR YOU, NOT against You!

Let's plan on working on two things next week:

1. Share with God your Thanksgivings AND your Biggest Dreams. 

Tell Him your heart's desires and ASK for them to come about..not for your glory but for His. That you can turn around and share that Good News with others, "Hey look what's happening in my life! I asked God for this to come about and He DID IT!" 

2. Define the Foundation on which You are Building Your Relationships.

Are you making the most of the time with you friends and family? Are you telling those you love just HOW MUCH you love them, and as often as you can? Guys, life is short and there isn't time to lose. Set aside the To-Do Lists and pick up the phone and tell someone that you might not have told in awhile how much you appreciate them in your life. Get in your car and drive to meet a loved one that you may have lost connection with for whatever reason and tell them how much they mean to you.. that you're ready to break down the barrier and start something new.

I know that I've not been so intentional these past few years with my time with friends and loved ones. I've let life and all the hectic-ness that comes with it get in the way. I'm making that a personal goal to not let the stresses of life, wedding planning, To-Do lists get in the way of telling someone on a daily basis how much I need them in my life, how much I want them in my life, how much I love them.

How uplifted would our spirits be if we just took those couple of minutes every day to send that message of love and support to someone else? And think about the impact it would make on their life as well.

Christ showed us the greatest example of love the world has ever known by enduring the cross. He laid down His life for the sake of all. 

This quote has really impacted me this week and might be something good to remember and keep on your heart:

"Do for 1, what you wish you could do for 100." 

That number may be 100, or 1000, or one million..

Make a difference in one life what you wish you could do for so many!

Father, Help us to be intentional with our time in this life. Help us to not take for granted the time we have to share love with friends, family and even strangers. It is through love that we can truly become closer to You because we know Father, that You ARE Love. Thank you for our many blessings and help us to not be fearful of sharing our hearts desires and biggest dreams with You. We sometimes forget just how mighty You are Lord, and how so desperately You want a relationship with us. Let us be BOLD with our prayers and the relationships we have here on Earth. We love you Lord. -Amen

Start praying BOLD prayers and keep on doing good, friends.

Until next time,

#futuremrsbell :)

We Are Sponsoring A Child!!!

"He said Freely, Freely, You Have Received. Freely, Freely Give.. Go in Thy Name and Because you Believe, Others Will Know That I LIVE!" 
-Lyrics from "Freely, Freely"

First order of business. HAPPY FRIDAY!! I don't know about y'all, but I get even more excited about the weekends after working a full week. 

Knowing that I have some hours of free time to be with my man AND being able to work on all things WEDDING gets this girl excited :)

Second order of business. I've got the MOST exciting new to tell you..

Jordan and I want to introduce you to the PRECIOUS new addition to our lives. I've been praying about this for some time now. Back in my unemployment days, I made a pack with God..

 'If you supply with me a job and the monetary means, I will take any extra funds I have to give back for Your glory.'

He supplied and I haven't forgotten.

Meet UDESH! 

He is our precious baby from Sri Lanka that we have decided to support and love on through World Vision.. an INCREDIBLE organization that internationally helps children in need and the communities that they live in!

We honestly can't wait to see how God is going to move between the two of us.

Just like the song I mentioned earlier.. We have been given the ULTIMATE gift of eternal life for FREE. Our Father only asks that we ACCEPT Jesus as our Lord and Savior, allowing Him to come into our hearts...making us die of our old sinful ways.. And become new in Him! Then GIVE that same blessing to someone else.

Luke 6:38 NLT "Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full [...] The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

I don't know about you, but that verse sent me into conviction overload. 
I honestly can't even remember the last time I genuinely gave back to another human being without asking anything in return. 

What better time than now to shake off my self-centered ways?! 

I mean, after next year I'm no longer going to be just Anna Ellingburg. I'm going to join with Jordan in one of the most beautiful gifts God gives to His children. 

Two sinners, dying to themselves to become ONE.

Nope.. no room for selfish, self-centeredness there. 

GOSH, I've got chill bumps just thinking about it!!!! YAYY!!!

Jordan and I spent some time looking through all the precious children (and by "all" I mean there are A LOT of babies needing love) that the LifeWay Christian Bookstore had available at the counter, but this little guy stood out to us. 

He immediately tugged at our heart strings.. 

You might even say it was "love at first sight"!

Udesh is 1 years old right now... But you can see we don't have too long to go before we get to celebrate his 2nd birthday with him! He doesn't have any brothers or sisters, and like I was saying earlier, lives in Sri Lanka. 

Still not sure exactly where he lives in Sri Lanka yet, but we'll be getting a FULL Welcome Kit in the mail very soon learning more about our little boy!

The awesome thing about sponsoring a child through World Vision is that we get to interact with Udesh as much as we want.. letters, pictures, lightweight gifts.. we can do it all!! We just give the gift of $35 dollars a month.. $35 dollars to help feed and support him and his community!! 

Part of our money gets tied in with all the other families/people out there that are supporting a child in/near his town in Sri Lanka and the other part goes right to him!

They do everything from giving him the necessary health and hygiene support he needs, to getting him in school, to sharing the hope and joy of Jesus with him and his family!

Can you tell just how THRILLED we are?!

GOD IS GOOD. 

Can I get an Amen?! haha.

Just had to share the awesome news. Be praying for our special little one, that the Lord may help us reach out to him and give him the guidance he needs to one day understand just how much his Heavenly Father loves him.

Thank you Father for providing us with the monetary means to help this sweet sweet child. Lord, you always provide whatever we need, all in Your timing. Help us to not fall short in providing little Udesh the love and support he needs, from all the way across the world, to know You more! Continue to be with us as we get our hearts and minds ready for all the exciting changes to come in this next year and may all the glory and honor be yours! -Amen

If you feel like this might be on your heart, to help a child in need, I totally encourage you to pray about it and make sure this is a commitment you are ready for. And as always, reach out to me with any questions you may have or prayer requests.. ae.ellingburg@gmail.com

Until next time :)

- #futuremrsbell

LONG OVERDUE!

Psalms 30:11-12 "You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!"

What truth is in this scripture! I CANNOT be silent!

Friends, this post is LONG overdue! SO very much has been going on in these past two weeks and I can't believe it has taken me this long to sit down and share it all with you.

The last time we talked was during my first few days of work! Gosh how things have changed..

What an exciting/scary time my first week was...

 I was overwhelmed by the fear of change, but the Lord always provides y'all. He put me in the company and comfort of good friends who gave me guidance and courage! And ironically that fear also gave me the opportunity to encourage a friend with her fears of starting a new job.

Totally God working in our lives, bringing us back together again after several years of being apart! Glory to Him!

AND THEN..... 

In the midst of all this change and nervousness of a new job... BAMM!!! 

Jordan PROPOSED Y'ALL!!!!

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!!

The love of my life created this ring just for me! 

He took time to design the intricate details,

to choose the perfect cut diamond, to engrave his words of love on the inside..

All for ME!

I've got big ole HAPPY crocodile tears in my eyes as I'm typing this. 

God is SOOO GOOD!

If I've learned anything from this past season of walking and listening to Him, it is to TRUST wholeheartedly in His timing!!! He is such a loving Father who wants nothing more than for us to love Him and be happy! He'll give you the desires of your heart ALL IN HIS TIME.

I can't wait to spill my guts and talk ALL about the proposal.. Currently making a video of the proposal, engagement dinner and, what we called our, "Mini Moon"!! 

"Mini Moon" Definition: **He ROMANTICALLY whisked me away to a Celebration Vacation with his family to Destin! (ahhhhhh!! still screaming like a little girl...) 

Details to come ;)

Oh yeah...AND I'm creating our wedding website! So much to do!

In the mean time... Here are a few pictures until I get on the ball...

LET THE WEDDING FESTIVITIES BEGIN!!

Flowers Before my Prince Charming
Picked me Up!

At Dinner with My Ring!

Posing at Jessica & Jeff's GORGEOUS wedding in Natchez, MS!
First time I was introduced as his Fiancé.. Loving the sound of that!

I'm telling you I could not quit staring at it!
Ahhh! Jordan Did Good!!

The Love of My Life!
Song of Solomon 3:4 I have found the one whom my soul loves.

Father, Thank you for this joyous time in my life! You've given me the clearest picture of how perfect your timing is Lord, and I am so thankful you made this incredible man just for me! I pray that you prepare our hearts for all the special moments to come and that You be at the very center of our union. Father, please help those who don't understand Your timing by giving them peace and understanding. Help us to be a friend to those who are hurting and love one another just as You love us! We thank you for all our many, many blessings! -Amen.

Until next time :)

#futuremrsbell

A Little More Like Home

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For EVERYTHING there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

So after many weeks of unemployment, discouragement, frustration and so on.. I'm so happy to bring you good news that this girl... HAS A JOB!

And not just any job.. I'm working with a cutting-edge company who helps businesses successfully bring their creative vision, for a website and brand, to life through technology.


Propane Media is a digital marketing and advertising agency that started in Memphis in the 90s, helping companies to create or enhance their digital footprint.

Simply put, for my not so tech savvy friends... they help companies build websites/ mobile apps/ create facebook and google advertisements etc. to reach more people and build their organization.

And I'M working for this forward-thinking company!!!

I can't tell you how grateful I am for this opportunity, even if I had to wait for what feels like an eternity, to find it.

I believe wholeheartedly that there is truth in today's verse.. there IS a season for EVERYTHING and God has plans to work in you during each of those seasons... whether you be at the peak of the mountain or in the lowest valley.. never think for a minute that any part of your life is without purpose.

Now you must see my little "cube"as I like to call it..


No judgement on the decor please! It is, after all, only my second day of employment.


It has already started to feel "a little more like home" with just these few little touches!

I just think it needs a bit more red and blue, though..
Don't my Rebel friends agree?! Hotty Toddy!

You can learn more about Propane Media on their website and if you have a Facebook or Twitter account, please take a minute to follow us!

My responsibilities as Interactive Coordinator (that's my title y'all..ahhh!) include the upkeep of social media for the Memphis branch, we are also in Destin, FL too! (Pause while I scream like a little girl ha).. I'll also be working with new clients/agencies, being somewhat of a liaison between them and the programmers in house who create their websites, coordinating luncheons and meetings etc. etc.

I'll even be doing a little traveling between Memphis, Nashville (where a few clients are) and Destin!! HAPPY DAY!

It's my first week people so I'm still learning all this stuff. But thus far.. I'M ECSTATIC!!

But friends, I must be completely honest.
Once I laid my head down last night, I had a very real moment of fear consume me.

The realization hit me that life as I knew it... backpacks and school supplies, breaks between classes and meeting up with friends for lunch in the cafeteria, naps and pulling all-nighters, constantly on the look-out for a job...

ALL of that.. that which is comfortable, is not going be there anymore.

And the little person inside of me FREAKED.

But my better half and my jiminy cricket of a mother both told me the same thing (which obviously was God telling me) that it's ok that that season is now over. I'm moving on and growing up. But most importantly...

God will bless me in this season, just as he did in the last.

I'm putting on the armor of God today and nothing, not even fear, is going to keep me from experiencing God's richest blessings!

Father, please forgive us when we allow fear to plant roots within us. Help us to give all our anxieties to you, so that we may be able to see all the many blessings around us... Blessings that can only come from you! Thank you for being a Father who loves His children so very much! Help us put on your armor as we head to the workplace, to our classrooms, to our communities.. so that the concerns of this world won't seem as big as we sometimes make them out to be. -Amen

Until next time :)
-A, the EMPLOYED girl

Life is Spelled H-E-C-T-I-C

Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

Gosh..where has the time gone?!
I wake up...it's Monday. I go to bed.. it's Sunday. 

Ever feel like you just can't get things to slow down? Literally it's all you can do to keep your head above water? 

We get swept up in our daily plans of this, that and the other, that we MUST get accomplished today...and we forget that this day has already been planned for us! Our Father knows the chaos, the confusion, the stress, the burdens, the fear... (the list goes on and on..) that we'll be facing today but we must remember it all comes with purpose.

So back to how incredibly sorry I am for being in such a BUSY season right now AND let's hit the highlights of these past few days and get back on the same page together!

1. My baby sister is a SENIOR y'all!! 

WHAT?!?! Give me a second while I catch my breath.. I'm having a harder time than I thought, coming to the realization that she is no longer the "baby Abby" that I called my own... 

With the juiciest baby cheeks and static hair that stood up for days..

The happy baby I pulled around in our little red wagon through the front yard, searching for daffodils.

The beautiful little girl who would melt your heart with her laughter... 

The bowl-cut beauty who the other children flocked to because of her nurturing heart... 

The painter, the cupcake maker, the first base star, the chef, the star student.. 

This girl has 

GOT. IT. ALL.

And she is GRADUATING!!

 (cue the tears...)

These are just some of the senior pictures I took of her! Isn't she just gorgeous!! So proud. Can't you tell?!

2. Abby had her 18th birthday last week.
Mom and I have been planning it for nearly two weeks prior and boy did it turn out to be exciting!! We planned a scavenger hunt for her, starting right as she got out from school, with notes leading her to all these different places around town. She got her ears pierced, got her hair and make up done, got a new outfit, the whole nine yards!!

I think it's safe to say, she was SHOCKED. 

Her biggest surprise was that she thought none of her friends were going to either be in town or get to see her after school (I called them all & told them to tell her that) and after she got home from her afternoon of surprises.. Her last surprise came in the form of all her friends piled in a truck coming up the driveway to take her to dinner!! 


Can't believe we were able to time everything right and actually pull it all off. Abby was Happy, Happy, Happy :)

3. I GOT A JOB!
Yes you heard right, after a season of complete trust in the Lord and patience like I've never experienced, I found the right job for me!! I've found a place where I can constantly put my creative juices to work, I'm always writing (which I LOVE to do) and I'm interacting with all kinds of people on a daily basis! I'm beyond excited to share the news with you and as soon as I complete my first day on the job, this coming Monday 9/16.. I promise you'll hear ALL about it!!

So I've pretty much summed up what my days have consisted of and why I've been away in three bullets. These things have consumed my time, but I've been loving every minute of it.

You don't need me to tell you, life gets hectic. 
We all have those experiences in common.

But by putting our COMPLETE trust in the Lord, from the moment we wake up, rubs our tired eyes, hit the alarm clock and put our feet on the floor, we've already started our day off right!

Memorize this verse today and write it on your heart, Proverbs 16:9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. Trust in our Creator's ultimate plan and he will guide you through whatever season you're going through. I know, because He has shown that to ME!!!

A few short months ago, I felt like I had no direction, no car, no job, no money, no plan.. none of the earthly things we place so much importance on.

But it was in the moments that I felt I had nothing, I discovered that I have EVERYTHING. The Lord FILLS our cup. He GIVES US the desires of our heart. He is a LOVING, CARING Father who wants nothing more than to have a relationship with YOU.

You can try and make your own plans, but not until you give those plans over to the Lord will we ever understand fulfillment, and joy beyond measure!

Thank you Father for being a caring God who loves His children unconditionally. We ask for help, because we live in a world that pressures us to live selfishly and to place importance on earthly things, things that are not everlasting. Lord, forgive us for falling into these temptations and change our hearts to let go of things that we cannot control. Thank you for the seasons that aren't the easiest, because without them we wouldn't appreciate and know true joy! Thank you Lord for our many blessings and help us to show others your love.-Amen

Until next time :)
-A

Write It On Your Heart

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths."

I remember being in Sunday School and my teacher would have us memorize verses just like this one.

How awesome it is to come back to this same verse, (that didn't mean a whole lot to me then) and now that many seasons have passed, means more to me than I could even begin tell you!!

I just started reading the book of Proverbs and over the years I've highlighted verses here and there, but I've never gone through the entire thing... so what better time than than now to get started?!

Breaking this verse down a bit: author of Proverbs, Solomon, tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart."

If you're human, you go through difficult times that cause you to doubt.
I talked a little bit about doubting in my last post.

But friends, I've been struggling with doubt myself. I'm going through a season of unemployment and, more times than not, I have been discouraged as I venture out on my own to find the right job for me. If you've ever gone through or are going through this particular season, you know all too well how easy it is to get weighed down by the weight of disappointment and rejection.

It seems like every time I turn around, another rejection email comes in...

"You've got many great qualities 

and while you would shine at any organization, 

we have decided to take a different route

...yadda yadda...

thanks for your time."

Rough stuff I tell you.

But even when the going gets rough, and the doubt starts to creep in, we have to remember to trust in the Lord. Not just a little bit.. but with all of our hearts!

Here's the part that has just hit me over the head like a ton of bricks... 

I can't do this on my own.

That's right, you heard me... I need to seek the counsel of others to get through this time. I can't rely on my own understanding to lift this weight I'm carrying around with me. I have to seek out my Christian friends and mentors for encouragement and listen to their advice.

Now be wary of what advice you take to heart. Solomon also talks about writing these commands 3:3 "deep within your heart" and listen to avoid those who speak lies and not the truth.

How can we tell the difference?

We need to dust off our Bibles and dive right into God's love story to US!!! And it's His counsel that is the most important of all! Solomon goes on to say in 2:3 "we need to cry out for insight and understanding" and 1:7 "fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline."

It wasn't until I sought out the guidance of other friends who delight in the Lord's promises and heard encouragement from them and from these verses in Proverbs, that I began to feel at peace about where I am in my life.

The Lord is going to direct my path. That I know for sure because it's already predetermined. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Since before you and I were knitted together in our mother's womb, God knew that we would be in each of our current seasons and only He knows where we'll be 5 days... 5 weeks... 5 years from now.

Thank the Lord for this promise! He just asks that we give it all to Him and let Him take it from there.

Together, lets trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean on good friends that will help us live out our lives for Christ, no matter the season.

Thank you Father for knowing everything there is to know about us. Help us to truly give our fears and worries to you and never doubt in your plans for our lives. Help us to be a friend for those who need friendship and love, and also help us to go to others when we need guidance ourselves. We love you Lord and thank you for all our many blessings! -Amen.

Until next time :)
-A

God Is Always Available to Take Your Call

John 3:7-8 "So don't be surprised at my statement that you must be born again. Just as you hear the wind but you can't tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit."

Do you remember this conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a very respected Jewish teacher in Israel, late one night on the Mount of Olives? Maybe this is the first time you've heard this scripture. Maybe you've heard it several times before. No matter which applies to you, it's always good to just dig deeper.

Side note: This is the view of the western slopes of the Mount of Olives.
Gah..gorgeous! I've already made up my mind, I'm going one day!
 Click here for more pics!

I've been thinking a lot about the Holy Spirit and how incredibly important it is that I take some time to learn more about this sweet, sweet gift. But more importantly, how to "carry the Spirit with me" through all the many seasons of life.

Back to the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus was one of the members of the Sanhedrin, a council that acts like the supreme court for all Jewish disputes. So you can imagine how secretive this meeting must have been between this well-known Jewish leader and Jesus of Nazareth, viewed by the Sanhedrin as a false prophet stirring up trouble. 

Jesus is foreshadowing the days to come, after His death, in the conversation you read above. Jesus is telling Nicodemus that the Holy Spirit will give him new life once God's will has been carried out. 

Now Nicodemus is a man who knows the scripture very well and he isn't sure of this Spirit that Jesus speaks of. So like the human in all of us, he doubts. 

You see, God is three persons in one- the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God became a man, in the form of Jesus, to live on earth under the same temptations we go through today, to ultimately die for our sins and conquer death! Jesus ascended into heaven, but promised to send the Holy Spirit so that His spiritual presence could still be with us! Look at Luke 24:49 where Jesus promises to the disciples that the Holy Spirit will come.

So back to Nicodemus' doubting. It's a natural thing for us to doubt and wonder about things we don't understand. It impossible for us to fathom how truly incredible God is... that He would come down to His creation, Earth, and take on the form of a man (when He absolutely did not have to) is beyond words. That He would endure the brutality of beatings and the cross, because He loved us, THAT MUCH. 

Our minds can't possibly wrap around this idea.

So we doubt.

But Jesus says this in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me."

So how can we receive the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

We must believe.

I'm not forgetting Nicodemus here, but I'm going to fast forward to after Jesus' death. The disciples are frightened and doubtful that they will live to see another day without suffering the same fate as Jesus from the Sanhedrin and the Romans, because they publicly followed their Rabbi, or teacher.

So they hide themselves in an upper room, away from their many persecutors. Can you imagine their fear? They hear every sound from the busy street below...people yelling, children crying, Roman soldiers and their horses clopping down the cobblestone streets.

Yet in their most fearful moment, they pray. 

They come together in unison and pray for the Holy Spirit to come to them as Jesus promised.

The disciples begin saying a prayer that Jesus taught them (in Matthew 6:9-13) that is still used today called "The Lord's Prayer" and it goes like this:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

 And forgive Us our trespasses,

As We forgive Those who trespass against Us. 

Lead Us not into temptation, but deliver Us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power,

 and the Glory forever. 

Amen.

And while saying this prayer in unison, the Holy Spirit came upon them. 

Just like the wind Nicodemus did not see, but he felt. 

They all suddenly began to speak in different languages they didn't know. Not permanently. But the Holy Spirit was preparing the disciples to be able to speak to all the nations of all the earth, sharing God's infinite love for every one of us, baptizing the new believers in the name of Jesus, so that they can be born again to conquer death, just as Jesus did, and meet our Father in heaven.

You can read all about how the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples from Luke, in the second chapter of Acts, or here in this link if you do not have a Bible. 

Gosh what an awesome feeling! I'm just in awe of how AMAZING our Father is. He loves us more than we could EVER imagine and He so desperately wants to have a close relationship with you!!! 

I'm learning first hand how wonderful this relationship is!! 

It consumes my every thought, every day. And I'm so thankful for that! Because it allows me to immediately give all of life's worries to Him and He hears my every word, EVERY SINGLE TIME WE TALK!

He tells us to pray without ceasing. Think of the Holy Spirit as our direct line to the Father. He offers this free long-distance call to all who believe in Him and want a relationship with him! Make that call TODAY friends!

Father, thank you so much for Your loving sacrifice. We need Your presence now more than ever. The world we live in causes us to doubt and fear constantly, but we know that if we earnestly call on Your name, You will provide us with peace and the assurance we need through whatever trials we may be going through. Lord, thank you for giving us a direct line to You, that we can call upon You at any time in our life and You will answer! Lord, let us be filled with Your spirit and share this knowledge that we now know, with all those we know, and let us not be afraid to do so. We love You Father and thank you for all our many blessings! -Amen.

As always, if I can help/pray for you, please let me know! ae.ellingburg@gmail.com

Until next time :)
-A

I Am Redeemed.

"Seems like all I could see was the struggle. Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past. Bound up in shackles of all my failures. Wondering how long is this gonna last. Then You look at this prisoner and say to me 'Son, stop fighting this fight, it's already been won'." 

If you haven't heard this song, Redeemed, by Big Daddy Weave (you heard me right ha.) then stop reading for just a minute and go listen to it here. Seriously, go NOW. (and then come back of course haha.)

It's so awesome how a song can uplift your spirit, change your attitude, and bring joy to a hardened heart. That's exactly what this song does for me. It reminds me of one word: grace.

To be completely honest, it wasn't until recently that I began to even scratch the surface on what grace means and what this word can offer to those who accept it.

Webster defines grace merely as: a virtue coming from God, among a list of other things. Lets break this down even further, what is a virtue: a beneficial quality.

So according to Webster, grace is: a beneficial quality, coming from God. Sounds simple enough for the average mind to comprehend, but how far Webster is from accurately defining this beautiful word.

How ashamed I am to say that for the majority of my life, I have accepted the word grace to mean just what is defined in our dictionary. Never taking the time to soak in and learn how life-changing this word can be for those who long to understand it.

So Grace. 
How do we ever begin to seek the beauty in this five-letter word. 

Ironically, I had to face the ugliness of my sins to comprehend the true beauty of grace. I've carried the weight of my sinful nature for so long. Constantly reminded of every ugly thought, every harsh and hurtful word, every evil act deliberately done, disobeying our heavenly Father and living for the world. 

I stored these thoughts in the tiniest little box in the farthest corner of my mind. Doing my best to forget these ugly things and yet still carrying this weight of knowing I had done them. It's strange how our minds will allow us to do this...to block out the things we're most afraid of and attempt to erase them from our memory. But no matter how hard I would try to forget, I still felt this weight.

That weight kept me from experiencing Jesus and all His glory. 

I always felt not good enough to receive God's love and kindness and really believed that I needed to work harder to win my Father's affection and admiration because of how sinful and ugly I was.

Friends, I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG!!!

Grace is not something to be earned, but instead is freely given to all who will receive it from Christ who died for our sins.

Neither you nor I have to work for this amazing gift. But I've come to realize that we must accept our weaknesses, come face-to-face with our sins and sinful ways, giving them over fully to God, to experience this gift like you could never even DREAM of!

2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

We must confess our weaknesses to the Lord and let Him work in us. Once you give all that weight to Jesus, you look at His suffering on the cross in such a different light. The weight that I have carried around as baggage with me all these years, all that self pity and shame, was diminishing the significance of the cross and all the glory it represents.

If you're carrying around a weight or maybe like me, you've been carrying a weight with you for some time... of negativity, self pity, and shame for whatever it is that has happened in your life, know at this very moment, there IS a way to have that weight taken off your heart and your mind!

If this song is describing your life right now: Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past. Bound up in shackles of all my failures. Wondering how long is this gonna last. 

Just know this to be TRUE: "Stop fighting this fight, it's already been won."

I can't even begin to describe the incredible feeling of giving 100% of my weaknesses and sin to Jesus. I feel a spirit inside of me that is so much more energetic and excited for life! Something I haven't felt in a long time and I can't help but share it with you. 

You see that's what happens when Jesus fills your cup to overflowing. You can't help but share the news of how His grace has changed your life forever!!

Won't you experience this incredible feeling with me? 

Father, thank you for your infinite love for us. We come to you with humble hearts, knowing that we have sinned, living for the world and not for You. We ask you Father to take this burden we've been carrying for far to long, knowing that You were always there to take it, but just waiting for us to ask for Your help. We need you now more than ever and we just pray that you come into our lives and transform us like we've never felt before. Fill us up with your presence and be with us, in every word that we speak, every thought that we think, and every action that we pursue. Lord thank you for Your grace that You so freely give to us. Let us show that grace to others in our daily walk with You.- Amen.

If I can pray for you or help you experience this gift that God wants so desperately to give to you, please leave me a comment or email me at: ae.ellingburg@gmail.com. I would consider it a blessing to help in any way that I can.

Use this picture as a reminder throughout the weekend that "He himself bore our sins" in His body on the cross, so that we may die to sins and live for righteousness, "by His wounds, we are healed." 1 Peter 2:24

Have a great weekend!
Until next time :)
-A

An Obedient Heart

It's funny how we all have that pet that you'll never forget. One that has grown up with us in more ways than one. That has given us entertainment and companionship beyond measure. Testing our patience and tugging at our heart strings, all in the same moment.

Trust me, there are life lessons to be learned from our furry friends.

Cue "Layla girl".

This beautiful pup right here has taught me so much in these last two years. So much that I felt it near impossible to narrow down 5 key things that she has shared with me, to ultimately change my heart, for the better. 

Here goes Layla. I hope I do you justice with this post:

 1. Give everyone you meet a warm welcome. 

Layla is always there to greet me on the edge of the couch with the slobberiest of greetings. She makes me feel like I'm the most important person in the world and devotes all her attention and affection towards me from the moment I step foot through the front door. 

How different life would be if everyone greeted one another just as dogs do us. 

In a non-slobbery way of course..

 2. Forgive and immediately forget. 

I get so upset when she uses the bathroom in the house or tears up the new toy I just bought her the day before from Petco. I'll raise my voice, look her straight in the eye and say "that was very bad, Layla. Bad girl." 

Her ears tuck back, eyes grow slightly larger in size and a tear will well up in the corner of one of them. She knows she's been bad and that time out is inevitable. But once that kennel door opens up five minutes later, she breaks free and is like a whole new pup.

Holding a grudge against someone will not make whatever happened go away. Take it from Layla, just ask for forgiveness or forgive, and immediately forget. Life's a lot easier when you don't carry those burdens around with you.

 3. Be loyal. 

Layla is loyal with a capital "L". After my wreck she never left my side. She has been my constant companion and loving to the core. That is exactly how we ought to be to everyone. We need to wear name tags that say 

"Hi, I'm _____, and I'm true to my word, faithful and dependable." 

And mean it.

4. Live life to the fullest. 

Just watch or imagine your pet as they go through the day. Layla acts like every scent is totally new and exciting, every visitor might as well be the President, and every morsel is the most delicious thing she's ever eaten. 

That's how we should live our lives. If you feel like every day is the same old thing, start changing up your routine and find a new way of doing things.

5. Have an Obedient Heart. 

Layla learned the basic tricks as a little squirt growing up. She makes me so proud when she sits and shakes my hand for a "treat-treat". She follows my commands not just when I have bacon in my hand, but purely out of instinct. Out of obedience for her master. I can see it in her eyes how desperately she wants to make me proud.

This is the big one folks, Layla has taught me the joy of having an obedient heart. Our Father wants more than anything to have our hearts completely, and for us to be obedient to His will. 

John 14:23 "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them and we will come to them and make our home with them."

I'm so uplifted by these words!! Our Lord will fill our hearts to overflowing if we just follow Him, listen to His voice (not with our ears, but with our hearts) and OBEY.

Father, forgive us for not being obedient and not listening to Your call. We get so overwhelmed with the things going on around us that we forget to live for each day, like the furry companions You have created for us. Thank you Lord for these daily reminders to have an obedient heart and love others as You love us. -Amen

This week seek an obedient heart. 

Give the Lord this opportunity to make a home in your heart, TODAY!

Until next time :)

-A