<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505</id><updated>2011-07-07T20:03:11.515-05:00</updated><title type='text'>In the Life of Anna Rae...</title><subtitle type='html'>"I was not born to be free--I was born to adore and obey." - C.S.Lewis</subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>13</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-6835687134669304012</id><published>2009-09-10T17:13:00.003-05:00</published><updated>2009-09-10T17:16:20.062-05:00</updated><title type='text'>New Website!</title><content type='html'>Hello all! I have just created a new website, and I will be using that to update you fine people instead!&lt;br /&gt;http://web.me.com/annarpollock&lt;br /&gt;I hope you all have a fine day!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-6835687134669304012?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/6835687134669304012/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=6835687134669304012' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/6835687134669304012'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/6835687134669304012'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-website.html' title='New Website!'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-3495872261778770585</id><published>2009-09-02T16:38:00.002-05:00</published><updated>2009-09-02T16:54:03.898-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Remember...</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Sp5rGBatLRI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ySiEMRLX-eE/s1600-h/IMG_8127.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Sp5rGBatLRI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ySiEMRLX-eE/s400/IMG_8127.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376852756330786066" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I tied this bit of white thread from my scarf to remember the important things. Not like doing laundry, go to the store on time, figure out the routine of life in this new place; those are all things that are important on some scale and must be done, but those are not things I wish to remember when I glance at this string. &lt;br /&gt;I need to remember...&lt;br /&gt;~to settle down. Everything doesn't have to be done today, right this instant. I have time to figure out the rhythm of life without the risk of getting burned out. &lt;br /&gt;~that sweet fellowship with my Lord will always come before today's "To Do" list. &lt;br /&gt;~that I'm in Scotland! That it is a blessing just to be here around new faces, people who have the same mindset and are chasing after God alongside me. &lt;br /&gt;~that I am &lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;redeemed&lt;/span&gt;. Redeemed. Redeemed. My sweet Jesus is in the business of redeeming his children. That my sins cannot follow me around and define me, for I have given them to God, and he has thrown them over his shoulder, forgiven, forgotten. He is my identity, not my sin. &lt;br /&gt;~that comparison is dangerous and from the enemy. I am beautifully and wonderfully made, in the image of the God of the universe. &lt;br /&gt;~that I am to love god with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all my strength, and love others as myself. Not only in verse form, when I can recite the verse and even explain to you what it means, but to live it out intentionally in every action and every word. Every breath I take is for the glory of God, to love him and to let him shine through me. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I know there are many more, but these are just a few. I feel as if I have been putting so much pressure on myself since I got here, craving an itinerary so I can check off things and feel as if i am getting things done in a very tangible way. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but I am putting pressure on myself, because if I do not accomplish a certain amount, those around me and those at home will start to wonder why I am here, I will start to wonder why I am here. I am here for a reason, God has me here, in this moment in this place, for a reason. I am to be an open vessel, heart postured towards him, serving him, waiting on him, loving him and others just as he commanded us and just as he created us to. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So, little string, remember that.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-3495872261778770585?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/3495872261778770585/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=3495872261778770585' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/3495872261778770585'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/3495872261778770585'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/09/remember.html' title='Remember...'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Sp5rGBatLRI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ySiEMRLX-eE/s72-c/IMG_8127.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-4250281344804401179</id><published>2009-08-31T07:35:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2009-08-31T08:55:52.319-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Scotland!</title><content type='html'>I have a left a friend and beautiful country for another just north. It is still chilly, windy, and cloudy, and there are still friendly faces about, warm with the promise of life-long friendship. This morning I woke up at 4:15, gathered my things, and drove to the airport with Becky and her father. I waited in the EasyJet que (line), sleepy-eyed and tail very much still in a restful state (as opposed to bright-eyed and bushy-tailed). After checking in, I boarded the plane and thought; I thought some about how quickly life changes, and I also thought about my gratefulness that there was a Starbucks after the security checkpoint (four shot espresso with an inch of soya for the sleepy American, please). As we rose above the clouds, I was much appreciative for the sunny day that awaited me. I could bask in the sun through the airplane window for the time being, before we descended and I was once again blanketed by clouds; clouds that provide wonderful, rainy, contemplative days, but clouds nonetheless. I landed, gathered my luggage with no hitch, walked outside, and 30 seconds later Tim (YWAM staffer) was there to pick me up. Seamless pick-up in an international airport, thank you Lord. We drove only 10 minutes back to the base, and we pulled up to a large stone house-the Stanely House, my new home. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvIbeoPg6I/AAAAAAAAADw/GbNb2lDmUXs/s1600-h/n519523988_2364058_7245857.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvIbeoPg6I/AAAAAAAAADw/GbNb2lDmUXs/s400/n519523988_2364058_7245857.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376110954600694690" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Gorgeous! I was greeted by some of the staff and interns, and was given a house tour by my new friend Danielle. I love it! It is so great-so beautiful. I am in the staff wing, and I share the hall with two lovely people named Theo and Tim. And surprise! I have my own little room! It is really adorable. I was told that, since I am living here for two years, I can paint it and decorate it how I wish. Very exciting! I am hoping I can bike into Paisley and possibly Glasgow to some thrift stores there and find some sweet vintage decorations, something to make it look it more like my home, my own precious little hovel. ;) &lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvSl8qwABI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XtUquW8xouQ/s1600-h/IMG_8105.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvSl8qwABI/AAAAAAAAAD4/XtUquW8xouQ/s400/IMG_8105.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376122129579245586" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;My room&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvTKwNQZKI/AAAAAAAAAEA/O7Y7C00iAw4/s1600-h/IMG_8117.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvTKwNQZKI/AAAAAAAAAEA/O7Y7C00iAw4/s400/IMG_8117.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376122761889473698" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;My precious desk (complete with glasses collection) ;)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvTxLjI3NI/AAAAAAAAAEI/g048J4zSlAE/s1600-h/IMG_8115.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvTxLjI3NI/AAAAAAAAAEI/g048J4zSlAE/s400/IMG_8115.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376123422064041170" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;Yay! I am so excited to be here... at last!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I have the rest of the week to settle in and get used to being here, getting to know people and getting to know the base. There are a few activities and outreaches I can plug into if I like. The DTS is here now, but they are leaving next week to go sailing. That will be a glance at what the base looks like normally, with not a lot going on. I am excited for this time to take initiative to  figure out what I wish to be involved in! There is one other intern here already, and there is another that arrives in two weeks. When we are all here, I will get more of an outline of what we will be doing. I am excited! (I feel as if I cannot say that enough!)  With it being cold here, and with the upcoming winter and the few hours of daylight that we will have, it will be easy to want to stay inside and become unmotivated, so I will be praying against that! Especially as I can feel the chill starting to creep into my socks AND slippers and through my sweater, I will need motivation more than ever to keep moving, and keep available and open to what God wants me to do. I want to have an open ear and open heart to what He wants to do in and through me, and how that can be lived out here on the base and in the community. I will try my best to be disciplined and keep you lovely people updated! It will depend on the day, I'm sure; some days I cannot say enough, some there are no words. Thank you all for your support! Until next time...&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-4250281344804401179?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/4250281344804401179/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=4250281344804401179' title='5 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/4250281344804401179'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/4250281344804401179'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/08/scotland.html' title='Scotland!'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpvIbeoPg6I/AAAAAAAAADw/GbNb2lDmUXs/s72-c/n519523988_2364058_7245857.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>5</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-5261572848689989063</id><published>2009-08-30T19:03:00.006-05:00</published><updated>2009-08-30T22:21:18.481-05:00</updated><title type='text'>England, in photo form.</title><content type='html'>Here are a few pictures from the lovely adventures I've had in England so far! It was only a short trip here, but hopefully I get the opportunity to come back and visit more!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsW-sKgO7I/AAAAAAAAADo/n8WGaOHYiBs/s1600-h/IMG_8029.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsW-sKgO7I/AAAAAAAAADo/n8WGaOHYiBs/s400/IMG_8029.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375915846459734962" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Classic telephone booth. It had to be done. :)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsV2h4_XjI/AAAAAAAAADg/rhYzxoNxVR0/s1600-h/IMG_7995.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsV2h4_XjI/AAAAAAAAADg/rhYzxoNxVR0/s400/IMG_7995.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375914606751342130" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My first punting experience (standing on the back of a boat, pushing along the bottom the river to move it along)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsU-3xgTrI/AAAAAAAAADY/hiJ7CDJpei8/s1600-h/IMG_7985.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsU-3xgTrI/AAAAAAAAADY/hiJ7CDJpei8/s400/IMG_7985.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375913650552852146" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Becky and I after a day of golfing&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsUXFIxMhI/AAAAAAAAADQ/NGpzqsIfqAI/s1600-h/IMG_7974.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsUXFIxMhI/AAAAAAAAADQ/NGpzqsIfqAI/s400/IMG_7974.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375912966945321490" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The Circle in Bath&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-5261572848689989063?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/5261572848689989063/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=5261572848689989063' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/5261572848689989063'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/5261572848689989063'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/08/england-in-photo-form.html' title='England, in photo form.'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SpsW-sKgO7I/AAAAAAAAADo/n8WGaOHYiBs/s72-c/IMG_8029.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-8163913925589886040</id><published>2009-08-28T16:57:00.003-05:00</published><updated>2009-08-28T17:39:51.967-05:00</updated><title type='text'>England...and then some.</title><content type='html'>I never wrote much when I was home in Springfield. Not that things weren't happening, but I felt as if the small, mundane things that entertained me weren't worth putting on the internet, because I was the only one that found pleasure in them. However, I am no longer in Springfield, I am in England. Portishead, to be exact. And it's very wonderful! Definitely something to write about. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Tuesday was my last day in Springfield. I had my last breakfast with my family, at none other than the oh-so-wonderful Gailey's Breakfast Cafe...&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphUsS1T_TI/AAAAAAAAACo/DBaqrwY5qnM/s1600-h/IMG_7939.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphUsS1T_TI/AAAAAAAAACo/DBaqrwY5qnM/s320/IMG_7939.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375139275213110578" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;... then went home to pack. I checked my email, got a message that said my flight was cancelled and they were putting me on a different flight, meaning that my connecting flight from Springfield was moved to an earlier time and to Chicago rather than Dallas. So that took a bit of rushing around to organize final luggage and details of that nature! But we made it there with time to spare, and time to hang out with the parents before the flight. It was a bittersweet goodbye. Bitter because I am going to be across an ocean from these two people that I love dearly, yet sweet because I am following God's leading on my life, as well as going to an exciting new place! (It was hard leaving all my family and friends, but at that moment it was hard leaving them because they were at the airport with me when I left. ;) So I love you all, no worries!) I flew to Chicago, booked it across the airport to the international terminal, and caught my flight just as it was boarding. I then had seven hours to settle in and mull over my life as of late-the leaving friends and family behind, what I was able to do before I left, the things that I didn't get to say, all those things that you never get around to or think about at the proper time, just came crashing down on me. I found no other solice but through pen to paper, some Jon Foreman, and a good cry. So lots of thinking and no sleep-it was a very sweet time.  So I made it to the London/Heathrow airport around seven the next morning, only to see my dear sweet Becky waiting for me there! It was a sweet reunion-I've missed her very much. We came back to her house to have a snack of mincemeat slice and to rest. I kept falling asleep, so I was allowed a nap, but not too long, because I didn't want to suffer jet lag. So after a good nap, I felt great, and we then proceeded to drive to town to grab a cup of coffee and to walk around Portishead, while Becky was able to show me the shops and the "what's-what" in England, all the while quizzing me on my vocabulary. As we approached the marina, it started to drizzle, so we decided to turn around for the car, when it started to down pour! (During our outreach, one of the guys always said when it was raining, it was God telling us, "I love you THIS much!") So we were pleased with the unexpected shower. We returned home wet and drippy, so we changed into sweats and watched some TV, ate some dinner, and went to bed. The next day/Thursday/yesterday, we drove to Bath. We were going to go to the Jane Austen museum, but it was seven quid, which was decided was too steep for two kids on a missions salary. ;) So we walked around the shops and the town, Becky laughing at me for being the in-awe tourist with a camera in her hand. I tried not to be that person, but it was so beautiful I couldn't help it! And I have very adamant parents and supporters who want some pictures of England, so I was indulging them. ;) At one point we went to a large roundabout that was all grass and trees in the middle, called the Circus, and ate an afternoon snack of fruit. It was an absolutely gorgeous, sunny day, and I was appreciative to have the wind slightly chill my skin whilst the sun warmed it. It was a very "I can't believe I'm doing this at this very moment," sort of thing. We then came home, had some late dinner and some TV, then called it a night. Today, we went to play golf! It was an adventure for me, because the closest I've ever gotten to golfing is the Fun Acre putt-putt in Springfield, that is $2 to get in, and you have to putt it through windmills and alligators and such. None of the real sort of stuff. So when I had trouble actually hitting the ball, I was slightly embarrassed, but not at all surprised. I would swing and hit nothing, then swing and send grass clumps everywhere, then hit the actual ball, only to have it take off in only 10 feet in the wrong direction. It took me awhile, but I think I got the hang of it towards the end of the course. I will try it again, because Scotland is the home of golf, and you can't exactly live there without having to play it on occasion, right? And at least trying to be moderately good at it? We will see what the future holds as far as my golfing career goes. Look out Tiger? Not likely. Unless he is on the green somewhere, because I would hate to hit him. ;)  It was a very windy day, with only patches of sun, but still very beautiful! &lt;br /&gt;We came home, rested and ate, and watched part of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy." All fell asleep except this American, who is still apparently running on a bit of jet lag, which is why I am still awake updating you fine people and not sleeping. However, this might be an opportune time to sign off. I appreciate your taking the time to read this.  I wish all of you a happy, inspired day, and I will surely keep you posted on life from this point out. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;n His Love, &lt;br /&gt;Anna Rae&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-8163913925589886040?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/8163913925589886040/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=8163913925589886040' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/8163913925589886040'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/8163913925589886040'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/08/englandand-then-some.html' title='England...and then some.'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphUsS1T_TI/AAAAAAAAACo/DBaqrwY5qnM/s72-c/IMG_7939.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-3585474092054235659</id><published>2009-06-04T13:28:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2009-06-04T14:30:38.724-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Redemption Song</title><content type='html'>I never realized exactly how terrible I was a updating my blog, until I realized it had been over a month since my last post. I will do better. &lt;br /&gt;Right now, it is so beautiful outside! I have been consistently blown away with the weather, just how gorgeous God's creation is. The evidence of spring is everywhere with the lush gardens and the vibrantly green trees and rolling hills. Combine that with the intense summer sun, and you have a breathtaking, glorious day. A day when music seems the seep from the crevices of creation, and you can't smiling and singing. I am in the midst of such a day right now. I woke up and drove to a beautiful neighborhood where the trees shade the sidewalks and the houses more often than not have children's toys strewn about he front lawn. I then proceeded to run with a friend for a while. I have never liked running:growing up, in high school, even last year-it was always something I thought of and had a bad taste in my mouth. However, lately I have been trying to be more disciplined, and have tried to run on a regular basis. My body now lets me know when I have not run for a bit, because it starts craving it. I don't understand-all I am doing is running for an extended period of time (little "Anchorman" joke for you there). My body can feel it, but more so than that, my mind craves it. It craves that portion of time that I do nothing but listening to music and push myself. I can think. I can roll around the thoughts of the day, week, the problems and concerns, and joys and the things I am grateful for, the dreams that I have, my future, and how to get there with my present, and on rare occasion, I think of absolutely nothing, which then promptly weirds me out and I start thinking about 6 things to make up for the time that I wasted thinking about nothing. Whatever i think about, at the end of my run is always the promise of clarity and a rejuvenated spirit. So, in short, I have taken a liking to running. ;) The rest of my day? Came home, cleaned, ate an apple, and right now I am outside in the sunshine, attempting to gain more sun kisses/freckles before the day's end.&lt;br /&gt;I have been doing lots of thinking about the past six months since I have returned home, about how I was changed during my SBFM, and about my mindset when I first returned home. How easily we can slip away and forget-not forget, simply store in the corners of our minds-what we have learned, what our purpose in life is, and where we are going. During the year 2008, my life has changed so much. I completed my DTS which rocked my views, my passion for Jesus, and my identity as a daughter of the King. During that summer, God gave me a heart for the community of Springfield that I never had before. I was able to spend a week of 24/7 prayer with other believers-my fire for intercession only continued to burn brighter and harder during that week. During my SBFM, My mind was molded and shaped in so many way; my world view was changed, my knowledge of God only deepened to make me realize how much more I had to learn.  I came home at the end of that school, my mind still craving learning and reading everything I could get my hands on, reading 3 books at once, alternating between them. I came to a point when I decided to slow down, for fear of burning out, i told myself. I busied myself with other things, working out, finding a job, spending time with friends. I am not saying that these things are bad, or that they are unimportant. Jobs are necessary, taking care of your self is a good habit, and we are built to be in relationship with one another. However, here I six months later, wondering how I got to the place I am, where the fire is not as strong and God's voice is not so prevalent? I am not about to say that God has left me or abandoned me-I know better than that. That is against His character, against His nature. However, it is in my nature as a sinful human to leave, to make wrong decisions, to not chase after my Beloved everyday with all me heart. Something one of our speakers during SBFM said was, "How dare you do anything without permission form your Father?" I have not been seeking Him in everything I do. It is so easy for me to think of this stage of my life as an in-between stage. I am in between SBFM in Maui and the Peregrinati Way internship in Scotland. I have nine months here-work, friends, not much else can be done but wait right? So very wrong. When we turn our eyes towards God, when we posture ourselves in a way that we throw our arms open towards Him, and we can be on our knees in worship and adoration, we can say, "God, here I am. What wold you like to do in and through me today?" That is our purpose. We are here to love Him with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength,and we are to love others as we love ourselves. That is what we are called to do, that is what we are made for. &lt;br /&gt;So this is my confession:I have not been the woman of God that He created me to be. I take heart in the fact that God is in the business of redemption-He loves redeeming His children! I know there will be times when I will fall, and I am confident that God will never leave me. This is the path that is marked out for us-I think I may just have found part of the trail.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-3585474092054235659?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/3585474092054235659/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=3585474092054235659' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/3585474092054235659'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/3585474092054235659'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/06/redemption-song.html' title='Redemption Song'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-3654853740889139899</id><published>2009-05-02T18:20:00.004-05:00</published><updated>2009-05-02T18:29:22.581-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Decision</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SfzWp0RXRAI/AAAAAAAAACA/G8pLGY4GlQ4/s1600-h/treeoflifecombo.jpg"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SfzWp0RXRAI/AAAAAAAAACA/G8pLGY4GlQ4/s320/treeoflifecombo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331372072794276866" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, &lt;br /&gt;       to proclaim freedom for the captives &lt;br /&gt;       and release from darkness for the prisoners" &lt;br /&gt;               Isaiah 61:1&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Brother come on open up you eyes&lt;br /&gt;Quit believing all those lies&lt;br /&gt;That the devils been telling you&lt;br /&gt;Sister I know that it happened again&lt;br /&gt;But girl you that you’ve got a friend&lt;br /&gt;I’ve been there too&lt;br /&gt;Brother you can take of that mask you wear&lt;br /&gt;Quit acting like you don’t care&lt;br /&gt;About the things that are killing you&lt;br /&gt;Sister don’t go that way no more&lt;br /&gt;You’ve been down that road before&lt;br /&gt;I’m in love with you&lt;br /&gt;Everyone says that it’s alright&lt;br /&gt;Living in darkness every night&lt;br /&gt;But I think it’s time, Lord it’s time&lt;br /&gt;I’m ready to give up all my sin&lt;br /&gt;But I don’t know where to begin&lt;br /&gt;But I think it’s time to find out&lt;br /&gt;And make that change&lt;br /&gt;I’ve been lonely too&lt;br /&gt;Many days pass by, what’s done is done&lt;br /&gt;I give up my life&lt;br /&gt;I’ve been running through the night&lt;br /&gt;Towards the light, of the sun&lt;br /&gt;Now I’m free&lt;br /&gt;Bring a little love for me&lt;br /&gt;Sweet love of mine&lt;br /&gt;It’s the morning of a new day&lt;br /&gt;I thank you Lord for everything&lt;br /&gt;That you’ve done&lt;br /&gt;In me&lt;br /&gt;I will meet you there&lt;br /&gt;In the end of time&lt;br /&gt;Come together as one&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;     -Josh Garrels&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-3654853740889139899?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/3654853740889139899/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=3654853740889139899' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/3654853740889139899'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/3654853740889139899'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/05/decision.html' title='Decision'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SfzWp0RXRAI/AAAAAAAAACA/G8pLGY4GlQ4/s72-c/treeoflifecombo.jpg' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-8113722987332746736</id><published>2009-04-28T12:24:00.005-05:00</published><updated>2009-04-28T18:48:09.956-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Cranberry Pomegranate Green Tea, and another day off...</title><content type='html'>The bleak, cloud-filled sky is showing no signs of leaving any time soon, and I am quite alright with that. In fact, I prefer that right now. What better excuse to sleep in on your day off, and have a morning/noon filled with nothing but hot tea, a late breakfast (eggs and fruit-yummy), and updating the world on my life in the Midwest. &lt;br /&gt;     Sunday after church we had a baptism and potluck. On the land right outside the church we filled a huge feeding trough with water, and used it for the baptism. One of my friends that I have grown up with got baptized, rededicating his outward commitment to live for Christ. There were also a few kids that got baptized, but instead of our pastor baptizing them, their fathers did. It brought me back to when I was a small girl of 5 or 6 years old, getting baptized by my dad at a campground pool in the country. It was neat to think about these fathers-they are several years older than I, but not by many. They have taught their kids what it is to become a Christian, and what it means to make that public declaration. In a world when the meaning of family is deteriorating, parenting is getting your kids to the nanny on time, and children are considered more of a burden than a blessing from God, it was very encouraging to see parents who have taught their what the Christian life is and how it is lived out. &lt;br /&gt;     This past week I have noticed more and more how much our God is into beauty. Creation all around us screams of His creativity: a rich pink and orange sun rise that fades into layers, like a poured drink; the seeds of a dandelion blown about into miniature tornados; the laughter of close friends enjoying each other's company. Each of these are things that are not absolutely necessary for life, but God created them for our pleasure. It is His gift to us, evidence of His intense love for His children. More incredible every time I think about it. &lt;br /&gt;     This Tuesday is almost my -I have had my three days off, and tomorrow it is back to work, bright and early. I get to enjoy yet another breath taking sunrise, meet new faces, and enjoy my friends. It will be a good day. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"This is Love when I give my heart to everyone but you,&lt;br /&gt;This is Love when I have turned my back away from you,&lt;br /&gt;This is Love when I have left you for the selfish things I do,&lt;br /&gt;This is Love that you would still love me, &lt;br /&gt;In spite of me."&lt;br /&gt;-The Autumn Film&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-8113722987332746736?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/8113722987332746736/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=8113722987332746736' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/8113722987332746736'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/8113722987332746736'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/04/cranberry-pomegranate-green-tea-and.html' title='Cranberry Pomegranate Green Tea, and another day off...'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-780638383750080379</id><published>2009-04-20T15:25:00.008-05:00</published><updated>2009-04-20T19:45:19.787-05:00</updated><title type='text'>You Spin Me Right Round...</title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Se0UrojW1eI/AAAAAAAAABw/OuP02U4KigA/s1600-h/IMG_7080.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Se0UrojW1eI/AAAAAAAAABw/OuP02U4KigA/s320/IMG_7080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326936674101810658" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;Driving to Kansas City with my amazing friends for a Royals vs. Yankees game...GO YANKEES!!!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Se0VuGCektI/AAAAAAAAAB4/hFQvvB_icsQ/s1600-h/IMG_7095.JPG"&gt;&lt;img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Se0VuGCektI/AAAAAAAAAB4/hFQvvB_icsQ/s320/IMG_7095.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326937815888335570" /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span style="font-style:italic;"&gt;Derek Jeter up to bat&lt;br /&gt;They won the game 6 to 1. ;) &lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Springtime! Goodness life changes fast-I feel like I can never say that enough. My last post was November; to those who actually read this blog, I am sincerely sorry. Here is a brief run down of what has happened the past few months...&lt;br /&gt;-I finished the school I was attending in Maui, the School of Biblical Foundations and Missions. I learned an incredible amount of information during that time; not just facts, but truths that shape my thoughts, who I am, and the way that I think. I never realized before how much the cultures that we live in shape and mold us to be a direct product of that culture. During that time I studied different religions, such as Islam, Hinduism, Secular Humanism, Buddism, Marxism, and New Age. I learned about the nature of Truth, Cross-cultural communication, and many other topics, most of which blew my mind! It will never cease to amaze me that the more you learn, the less you realize you actually know. The smartest men are the ones that realize that they know nothing. Incredible ;) &lt;br /&gt;-After SBFM was finished, I returned home to the rolling hills of the Ozarks, otherwise know as the great Springfield, MO. However, the only ones that were aware of this return home were my sister, her husband, and myself. I had omitted that little detail when I spoke to my parents and friends back home. SURPRISE! ;)&lt;br /&gt;     I have been living at home since I returned in mid-December. I am currently working as a shift manager at a wonderful little coffee shop called Fog City Coffee. I have always wanted to be a barista, so this little opportunity works out wonderfully! I am planning on starting an internship this coming September in Paisley, Scotland at their YWAM base. The internship is called Pereginati Way, which means to set out from home without agenda. I have no agenda of my own, only what God wants to do in and through me. During this internship I will be in staff training, leadership training, and be working in the base and around that community of Paisley. I will have chances to pioneer ministries according to my giftings, and I will be able to plug into ministries that are already going on at the base. There will also be opportunities to travel to Romania and possibly to Africa to work with the people there. I am very excited to see what God has for me during that season of my life!&lt;br /&gt;     As excited as I am to move to Scotland, I am also really blessed and content living here in Springfield at this time. I have learned so much and been changed so much this past year, and this time is amazing for soaking in what God has done in me and being open and ready for what else he wants to teach me about His character and nature, as well as about myself.&lt;br /&gt;     I will be sure to keep everyone updated on what my life looks like, and what crazy things God is showing me. Have a grand spring day!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-780638383750080379?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/780638383750080379/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=780638383750080379' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/780638383750080379'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/780638383750080379'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2009/04/you-spin-me-right-round.html' title='You Spin Me Right Round...'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/Se0UrojW1eI/AAAAAAAAABw/OuP02U4KigA/s72-c/IMG_7080.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-8950389731248312709</id><published>2008-11-22T04:44:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2008-11-22T05:39:53.527-06:00</updated><title type='text'>How Should We Then Live?</title><content type='html'>This is question that I have beeen asking myself all week. Our lecture this week was a video series by Francis Shaeffer, titled "How Should We Then Live?" Although it is set in the early 80s, and the setting reminds me very much of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," the content is outstanding. When you can see past the things that could very well be distracting and listen to what Schaeffer is saying, it blows you away. He teaches about How the world has come to have the mindset that we do, and the views that we hold regarding the world, universe, and God (or god, or non-god). He talks about our government, and the mindset behind the socialistic views that we hold and that we are moving towards, which is basically a Marxist view of life nad how life should "be run." Although it may sound good, giving to the poorer of our nation, where is our goverment getting its money? If they are going to cut the taxes of the "working man" so to speak, then who will they charge to kep up spending like they are? The wealthy, the money makers, the job creators of our nation. Stealing from the rich to give to the poor. Sounds good, like Robin Hood ya? No. If the wealthy have less, they will not have as many opportunities to create jobs and places for the 'working man' to work, therefore making them poorer, and even more dependent on the wealthier. so the government will have to take care of them, but where will they get the money? The government doesn't have any money! It will be taken from the rich, creative job creators. Where did this socialistic mindsest come from? Where will it lead? What sort of ideas helped fuel the fire for this cause? Can we see where this mindset has led in the past inother countries? Think about it...one person's idea has a consequence, whether we want to believe it or not. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So then, what do we do? How should we then live? What can we do to prevent this happening in our country, can we even do anything that will help in any way? What does God want us to do, where does he want us to go to make known that this is the state in which we are living our lives, even though most are ignorant about it and blindly accepting whatever the goverment and media feeds them? Be a megaphone for the information that most are turning a blind eye about. Influence whatever area or areas you can, because if you don't go out and inform people, who will?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;John 16:33. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. but take heart! I have over come the world." &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;"Jesus already won this war..."-Cool Hand Luke&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-8950389731248312709?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/8950389731248312709/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=8950389731248312709' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/8950389731248312709'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/8950389731248312709'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-should-we-then-live.html' title='How Should We Then Live?'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-4395604297749485585</id><published>2008-11-17T23:29:00.000-06:00</published><updated>2008-11-18T00:19:56.031-06:00</updated><title type='text'>A Moment to Breath...</title><content type='html'>Oh my goodness! The school has been so crazy. I have been so busy with reading, lectures, projects, and learning about what God. Oh he is so good! I have recently done a Worldview project, an essay and a presentation, with two other girls, and we just finished last week. Our presentation was about the New Age Movement, and what it looks like in society today. It was a really fun project, and I learned so much! All week I learned about the different worldviews that people in our world have, and how different they are from the worldview that I grew up with. It is so easy to think that everyone else thinks the same you do, when in reality, everyone is brought up in drastically different environments, and where and who we are born around help shape who we are going to be in our lives. Learning where people come from, what they were taught helps us understand them as people, knowing why they have the thoughts they do, which ultimately produce the actions that they take. This week we are studying a video series by Francis Schaeffer called, "How Shall We Then Live?" Even after the first day, it has been great! I am learning so much, and God is really working on my heart and stretching my mind. I am stoked about what else he has to teach me!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I was reading "Celebration of Disciple" by Richard Foster today, and he was talking about the spiritual discipline of worship. "To worship is to experience Reality, to touch Life. It is to know, to feel, to experience the resurrected Christ in the midst of the gathered community. It is a breathtaking into the Shekinah of God, or better yet, being invaded by the Shekinah of God.*&lt;br /&gt;* "Shekinah" means the glory or the radiance of God dwelling  in the midst  of his people. It denotes the immediate Presence of God as opposed to a God who is abstract or aloof." To be invaded by the glory and presence of God...nothing could be better!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-4395604297749485585?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/4395604297749485585/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=4395604297749485585' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/4395604297749485585'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/4395604297749485585'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2008/11/moment-to-breath.html' title='A Moment to Breath...'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-871092285056296479</id><published>2008-10-18T07:01:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2008-10-18T07:23:13.174-05:00</updated><title type='text'>As of This Moment...</title><content type='html'>Life is crazy, and our God is crazier! I am sitting in my living room floor in my house that is named Fehr's in the lovely town of Paia, Maui. This School of Biblical Foundations is blowing my mind with how amazing our God is and how much the devil has influenced the world. From the way our country is run, to the education of our children, our future generation, to our skewed view of relationships, Satan has managed to infiltrate these realms and plant seeds. These seeds have grown into ideas that shape our culture and society, and they are slowly but surely destructing it before our eyes. The worldview behind these actions are what set these things in motion, yet we only see the fruit, and we are asking how these things have come about. Knowing what the Truth is, who our God is, and why we believe what we believe is so important! I'm realizing this more and more everyday. When we know who we serve and why we are here today, we have a different sense of purpose; we can influence the world in such a radical and positive way! As I said before, God is rocking my world in such a phenomenal way. I hope to keep you all posted more often on what my life here on island is like. Love you all, and mahalo for your influence in my life!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-871092285056296479?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/871092285056296479/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=871092285056296479' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/871092285056296479'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/871092285056296479'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2008/10/as-of-this-moment.html' title='As of This Moment...'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-700399902248744505.post-1152096830884644446</id><published>2008-07-30T16:35:00.000-05:00</published><updated>2008-07-30T16:40:24.705-05:00</updated><title type='text'>Since I've Been Gone...</title><content type='html'>I just wanted to give you an update of what the Lord has been doing in my life the past six months! During my stay on Maui, I studied several topics, such as the character of God, my identity in Christ, His lovesickness for us and His intense love, and how to share this with others that do not know about Him. &lt;br /&gt; At the end of March, our school left for Bangkok, Thailand for 10 days. There we had the opportunity to minister to the university. We would start conversations with the few English-speaking students, and invite them to go to a campus ministry that we were working with. The girls in our school got to travel to the red light district and minister to the women in prostitution, telling them about God’s love for them and the life they could live. It was heartbreaking to look into the eyes of these women and see emptying and brokenness, and knowing some of them would never be able to escape. &lt;br /&gt; When we left Thailand, my team of eleven flew to the island of Borneo, to the country of Indonesia. We stayed in Pontianak at the YWAM base, helping out with the orphanage and speaking in the local church. We then started our travels to the villages. Even though 88% of the Indonesian population is Muslim, most of the villages we traveled to were primarily Christian. Even though they claimed to be Christian, many of the villagers didn’t know what that meant. They were aware there was a God, and that if they prayed to Him, He might bless their rubber and rice crops. Some of them didn’t know what a relationship with Christ meant. Our objective was to go to these villages and share who God is and what He has done in our lives. We were to encourage the villagers that otherwise don’t have many means of discipleship and encouragement from fellow Christians.&lt;br /&gt;  We traveled to twenty-five villages, and had many different types of ministry. We had the opportunity to go into people’s homes, talk to them and pray for them. We also got to have children’s ministry, when we planned an interactive Bible story for the kids and played games with them. We got to plan sports ministry when we spent the afternoon playing volleyball or soccer with many of the people of the village. Almost every night, we would hold a church service in the local church. Most of the villagers would attend, because they rarely, if ever, saw foreign white people. There we would have worship, a drama, and a message. We saw many people’s lives changed! It was really encouraging to know that we are making a difference in the lives of these people that they will always remember. &lt;br /&gt; God did so much on this outreach, It would take pages upon pages to write about! He did so much in the lives of the villagers there, but also in the hearts of my teammates and in my own heart. He taught me how He is a God of many cultures, and just how creative He is. The people, the scenery, everything was beautiful, all because my God is so creative and because He loves us so much! All of creation is a story, an act of love that we have been swept up in by our Savior. He is so amazing!&lt;br /&gt; I feel it on my heart that God has called me back to missions. In mid-September, I will be moving back to Maui for a secondary schooling, the School of Biblical Foundations and Missions (SBFM). It is a three-month school that has an additional three month optional outreach. I will be intensely studying Bible doctrine, apologetics, personal formation and skills formation. Right after that school is finished, I am going onto staff at the YWAM Maui base. I would appreciate your prayer support during this step in my life. Also, if you feel led, your financial support would be greatly appreciated as well. The SBFM is approximately $3,400 for the three-month lecture phase, and if I attend the outreach, it will be approximately another $3,000. To be on staff it is about $350 a month to cover housing costs, food costs, etc. But more than anything your prayers are needed-God hears and answers a fervent heart who is seeking His will! Thank you again for your prayers and your time. God bless!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/700399902248744505-1152096830884644446?l=annarpollock.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/feeds/1152096830884644446/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=700399902248744505&amp;postID=1152096830884644446' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/1152096830884644446'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/700399902248744505/posts/default/1152096830884644446'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://annarpollock.blogspot.com/2008/07/since-ive-been-gone.html' title='Since I&apos;ve Been Gone...'/><author><name>Anna Rae</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/13514046885754296031</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='24' height='32' src='http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_QppeEuqza3s/SphkTA8CznI/AAAAAAAAACw/osttnlYaGTI/S220/IMG_7741.jpg'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
