Christian Upgrade

CHRISTIAN UPGRADE BLOG

  • Miracles: Preparing Our Hearts for the Unexpected

    This morning, as I was reading my Bible, I stumbled across something that stopped me in my tracks. I realized I had never really paid attention to the miracle of the 4000. Yep, you read that right—not the Feeding of the 5000, but the 4000 (check out Matthew 15:32-39 and Mark 8:1-10).

    Like most people, I’ve always heard about the miracle of the 5000—two fish, five loaves, and a crowd that left with full bellies. But what surprised me was that just a little later, there’s a similar miracle with the 4000. Different numbers, slightly different details, but another incredible display of God’s provision.

    I won’t dive into the comparison here (I’ll let you explore that for yourself—trust me, it’s worth it). Instead, I want to share what hit me after reflecting on these two events. It didn’t fully click until I was in the shower later that morning (isn’t it funny how clarity often comes at the oddest times?).

    I had been looking at these miracles from the outcome—how everything turned out at the end. But the Holy Spirit nudged me to consider things from the disciples’ perspective.

    The Disciples’ Faith Journey

    By the time Jesus fed the 5000, the disciples had already witnessed an amazing number of miracles. They had seen Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and even provide for practical needs like wine at a wedding. They weren’t strangers to the supernatural.

    But when the Feeding of the 4000 came around—just a little while after the Feeding of the 5000—they still needed a reminder to trust God. Can you imagine? After seeing all those miracles, they still wrestled with doubt.

    Jesus didn’t let it slide, though. He called them out. And honestly, I couldn’t help but feel a little called out myself.

    A Pattern We All Recognize

    How often do we do the same thing? God shows up in our lives—He answers prayers, provides solutions, and even works miracles—and yet, the next time a challenge pops up, we’re back at square one. We forget what He’s already done.

    It’s a little like someone winning the lottery, blowing all the money, and then ending up right where they started, wondering what went wrong. We go round and round in circles, asking God for help but never allowing those miracles to truly transform us.

    The disciples had the same struggle. Despite having already seen the 5000 fed, they came into the 4000 with the same level of faith (or lack thereof). Less people, more loaves—yet still, they doubted. Jesus’ response was clear: He wanted them to grow, to trust, and to shift their perspective.

    The Heart of the Problem

    Here’s the truth: miracles aren’t just about fixing our problems or meeting our needs. They’re also about transforming us—our hearts, our minds, and our faith.

    When we ask God for a miracle, we’re often focused on the outcome. But what if we shifted our prayer? Instead of just asking for a solution, we could ask for a heart that’s ready to receive it. A heart that’s humble. A mind that’s renewed. A faith that’s strong enough to trust God, no matter what.

    Because here’s the thing: no amount of provision or problem-solving will truly change us unless we allow God to work on our hearts first.

    Preparing for the Miracle

    Now, don’t get me wrong—we can’t force a miracle to happen. God’s timing and power are His alone. But what we can do is prepare our hearts and minds so that when God moves, we’re ready to grow from it.

    It’s about shifting our perspective. Instead of asking, “God, can you fix this?” we can ask, “God, what are You teaching me? How can I trust You more?”

    Faith and Expectancy

    At the crossroads of every miracle is a moment of faith. It’s where we decide whether to trust God or rely on our own reasoning. It’s where we let go of excuses, surrender to His plan, and let Him do what He does best.

    And the best part? God is so gracious. He doesn’t condemn us for our doubts, but He does lovingly challenge us to grow. It’s what the Bible calls a healthy rebuke—a reminder to lean in closer and trust Him more deeply.

    Closing Thoughts

    So, before we start asking for miracles, let’s ask for transformation. Let’s pray for hearts that are humble, minds that are renewed, and faith that’s ready to embrace whatever God has planned.

    Because when faith grows and expectancy matures, miracles follow.

    “Faith is the key, expectancy the door,
    Through them, miracles will always pour.”

    Thanks for reading!
    – Anns

  • Aligning with His [God’s] standards

    When it comes to aligning with God’s standards, many people tend to picture Christianity as a rigid rulebook. Honestly, that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Think about it—whenever we buy a new appliance, assemble furniture, or head to a destination we’ve never been to, we rely on some kind of guide, right? Whether it’s a manual, a set of instructions, or even GPS directions, we use these tools to ensure everything works as it should. Life isn’t so different. And the Bible? It’s not just a collection of rules but a life manual—a foundation for living well, thriving, and being spiritually sound.

    When you look at it this way, aligning with God’s standards isn’t about following a checklist. It’s about living in agreement with His character and purpose. It’s about growing, being transformed, and leaning into His grace every step of the way. So, how do we do that? Let’s break it down…

    First and foremost, everything starts with Jesus. A real relationship with Him is the foundation. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When we acknowledge our need for Him, repent of our mistakes, and commit to following Him, we’re stepping into the life God designed for us.

    Next, there’s the Bible. It’s not just a book—it’s God’s Word, meant to guide, teach, and inspire us. Spending time in Scripture helps us understand what God values and how we can align our lives with those values. As Psalm 119:105 puts it, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” It’s like having a flashlight on a dark trail, showing us where to go.

    But here’s the thing: it’s not just about what we do outwardly; it’s about changing the way we think. Romans 12:2 encourages us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This means filtering our thoughts, habits, and decisions through God’s truth rather than the patterns of the world. It’s a shift in perspective, focusing on what’s good, pure, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).

    Of course, none of this is possible without the Holy Spirit. He’s like the engine powering our journey, helping us walk in step with God’s desires. Galatians 5:16 puts it plainly: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” By relying on the Spirit, we gain the strength to live out God’s standards authentically.

    At the core of everything is love and holiness. God calls us to reflect His love in our relationships and pursue a life that honors Him. Jesus summarized it perfectly when He said to love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Living this way brings joy and meaning not just to us but to those around us.

    And let’s not forget humility. We all stumble, but God’s grace is big enough to cover our shortcomings. Admitting when we’re wrong and seeking forgiveness keeps us grounded and aligned with His will. As 1 John 1:9 reminds us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.”

    As we align with God’s standards, we also learn to trust His plans over our own. Life isn’t always easy, and trials will come, but those moments refine us and make us stronger. James 1:2-4 even tells us to consider trials as opportunities for growth. Hard as it may be, trusting God during tough times helps us become more like Him.

    Finally, we can’t do this journey alone. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community—a church, a small group, or even just a few godly friends—keeps us encouraged and accountable. Proverbs 27:17 puts it beautifully: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

    In the end, aligning with God’s standards isn’t about being perfect. It’s about a daily surrender to His love and guidance. It’s about learning, growing, and relying on His strength to live a life that reflects Him. And when we do, we discover a life filled with purpose, peace, and fulfillment.

    I’m here for that ride. Are you?

    Thanks for reading.

    Anns

  • Understanding Spirit, Soul, and Body: A Faith Perspective

    Every day this year, I’ve been trying to learn something new. During one of my devotional times with God, I stumbled across something fascinating about acacia wood. Ever heard of chatoyance? I hadn’t either, but it turns out to be this incredible property in wood that grows under stress. It creates an effect where the wood seems to shift colors and shine differently depending on the light and angle, almost like it has hidden layers of beauty. When polished or darkened, it becomes even more striking.

    That got me thinking. What about us? When we grow through stress, could the light of God shining on us reveal something just as beautiful—something multidimensional and intricate, like the way He designed us to reflect His image?

    The Bible gives us a clue about our structure. In 1 Thessalonians 5:23, it says:

    “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

    It’s clear we’re made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. Let’s unpack what that means.

    The spirit is like the core of who we are. It’s the part of us that connects directly with God. Think about it: God breathed life into Adam, and that same breath, His Spirit, lives in us (Genesis 2:7). When we die, our spirit goes back to Him (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Living with that awareness isn’t some mystical idea; it’s how we’re designed. Keeping God at the center of our lives—worshipping Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24)—is what keeps that connection alive.

    Then there’s the soul. This is where your personality, thoughts, emotions, and decisions all come together. It’s the part of you that makes choices, loves deeply, and feels the highs and lows of life. God calls us to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). But just like any relationship, our soul needs care. It’s why David says in Psalm 23:3, “He restores my soul.” Let God do that work in you, renewing and strengthening this part of your being.

    And finally, we have the body. This is the physical side of us, the way we interact with the world around us. But it’s not just a shell—it’s a temple for the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). That’s a big deal! Taking care of your body isn’t just about health; it’s about honoring God with what He’s given you. Whether it’s watching your thoughts, actions, or habits, how you treat your body reflects your gratitude to Him.

    When you put it all together—spirit, soul, and body—it’s like seeing the full picture of who God created us to be. Just like the acacia wood under stress, our lives can reflect a unique beauty when God’s light shines on us. He made us for a purpose: to glorify Him, care for His creation, and build relationships with Him and others.

    So, how’s your “operating system” doing? Are you taking care of your spirit, soul, and body? Maybe today is a good day to pause and check in with yourself.

    Start small. Take five minutes to pray or reflect. Go for a walk or do something kind for your body. Write down one thing you’re grateful for or open your Bible and read a Psalm. These little steps can make a big difference.

    God designed you with so much care and intention. Let’s lean into that, grow through the stress, and let His light bring out the beauty He’s placed in us.

    Looking forward to continuing this conversation with you in the next blog!

    Blessings,
    Anns

  • 5 Ways to Get Quicker at Doing Things

    Do you find yourself taking too long to finish tasks? I’ve been there too! Let me share a couple of stories that taught me how to speed up and why it’s worth it.

    Recently, I helped my sister prepare food for a party. My task? Assemble 50 fruit kebab sticks. Simple, right? Wrong! I meticulously washed, cut, scooped, and assembled melon balls, blueberries, and strawberries. By the time I finished, four hours had flown by. Sure, the kebabs looked fancy, but in a professional kitchen, that prep time would have been laughable.

    The kicker? Food gets devoured so much faster than it’s prepared. While I love seeing people enjoy what I make, I realized I needed to work smarter, not harder.

    Fast forward to another event: I was singing at a concert and was asked to help make over 100 sandwiches for the orchestra and choir. With just 15 minutes on the clock, a team effort turned what seemed impossible into a success. When I told my sister, she was shocked. Why? Because I’m not naturally the fastest person. But under pressure, I learned a few tricks to get things done quickly—here’s my tips:

    1. Master the Art of Prioritization

    Keep the main thing the main thing (as my sister likes to say). Focus on the most important tasks first to avoid being overwhelmed. It’s like eating an ice cream cone—you start with the ice cream before it melts. Don’t nibble on the cone while the good stuff drips away.

    2. Batch Similar Tasks Together

    Treat tasks like a game of Connect Four—group similar activities to minimize switching between them. For instance, answer all your emails, then make your phone calls, instead of bouncing back and forth. It’s like sorting laundry—keep your whites and colors separate!

    3. Use the Two-Minute Rule

    If something takes less than two minutes, do it right away. Clearing these small tasks creates mental space and lets you focus on bigger challenges.

    4. Leverage Tools and Technology

    Use apps, timers, or shortcuts to streamline repetitive processes. For example, set a timer to give yourself a deadline or use a checklist app for satisfaction when you tick items off. Small wins build momentum for bigger successes.

    5. Practice Makes Speedy

    The more you repeat a task, the quicker you’ll become. It’s like building IKEA furniture—by the 10th shelf, you’ll feel like a pro.

    Why It Matters

    Getting quicker at tasks means you’ll have more time for what you truly love and feel called to do, or as I like to say, your ‘God-purpose’. Many people tick boxes all day but don’t make time for what’s in their hearts. Speeding up the mundane tasks frees you to focus on your passions.

    But here’s the catch: don’t just fill that extra time with more tasks. Reward yourself by doing what makes you happy. Whether it’s finally booking that long-overdue hair appointment, seeing a concert, calling a friend, or finishing a book, make space for the things that bring you joy.

    Productivity and efficiency aren’t just about getting more done; they’re about creating room for your passions. And if you haven’t discovered your passion yet, speeding up your routine might just give you the time to find it.

    Try It Out

    Challenge yourself to complete a regular task faster and see how accomplished you feel. You might even feel reinvigorated to take better care of yourself.

    Let me know how it goes!

    — Anns

  • 5 Essential Steps to Recover from Mistakes

    So, I was helping my sister cook for a 50th birthday party in our kitchen. I’ll be honest, I am not the greatest cook but I am good at following step by step instructions. My sister had designed a delectable dessert menu for a friends party and my whole job was to basically cut and prepare various fruits for some yummy food she was putting together. Sounds simple, right? Well, a lesson I learned today was that a lot can go wrong even with the simplest of things. For instance, one task was just to pit a bag full of cherries. All I had to do was use the pitting tool and pop the seed out of each cherry. By the time I had gotten through the bag, my dining table looked like a homicide scene from CSI. The cherry juice was everywhere including all over me! Don’t get me started on me scooping the watermelon balls for the fruit kebab sticks!

    You might not see the error of my ways, but across the day, there were plenty of mistakes made. Life happens, and sometimes, we make mistakes. But it got me thinking about how we respond that makes all the difference. I could have got frustrated and chucked a tantrum at my lack of skills or at the mess I had made. Instead, I decided to turn on my favourite Spotify playlist, stand up and dance to some tunes as I made more mess.

    Although, that approach is not really helpful outside of the home, it did teach me a few things about how to correct things when you’ve messed up (that doesn’t necessarily involve cooking). Here’s my thoughts:

    1. Acknowledge the Mistake Honestly

    Denying or justifying mistakes only delays healing. Start by admitting what went wrong. It’s a sign of maturity and integrity to say, “I messed up, and I take responsibility.”
    💡 Example: If you forgot a loved one’s birthday, own it instead of making excuses.
    📖 Bible Verse: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

    2. Apologize with Sincerity

    There’s nothing worse than when someone apologies for the sake of it or without genuine empathy. A sincere apology shows you care about the relationship, not just clearing your conscience. Use empathetic language that reflects understanding of the hurt or frustration you may have caused.
    💡 Example: Saying, “I’m truly sorry I hurt you by not keeping my promise,” is far more meaningful than a simple “Sorry.”
    📖 Bible Verse: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” — Proverbs 15:1

    3. Make Things Right

    Action speaks louder than words. Ask, “How can I make this right?” and follow through with tangible steps to fix the issue.
    💡 Example: If you missed a work deadline, offer to stay late or work extra hours to complete the project.
    📖 Bible Verse: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4

    4. Learn the Lesson

    Every mistake carries a lesson. Reflect on what went wrong and implement changes to avoid repeating it. Growth transforms failure into a stepping stone.
    💡 Example: If you overspent on your budget, create a financial plan to track expenses moving forward.
    📖 Bible Verse: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

    5. Extend Grace to Yourself

    Beating yourself up won’t help you or anyone else. Accept God’s grace and move forward. Mistakes don’t define you; how you recover does.
    💡 Example: After an argument, pray for wisdom and peace to approach the person again with love and understanding.
    📖 Bible Verse: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9


    Just because you’ve messed up, doesn’t mean your life is over. Yes, there might be consequences to your mistake. But mistakes are opportunities for growth, not the end of the story. With honesty, humility, and God’s guidance, you can turn any setback into a comeback.

    Take care, Anns

  • Day 2: Five Free Ways to Stop Living a Boring Life

    As a thirty-something, it’s easy to fall into the routine of daily life: get up, eat, work or take care of the kids, eat again, sleep, and repeat. But life doesn’t have to be monotonous. Let me share how I started making life more interesting—and how you can too.

    This year, my sister and I challenged ourselves to embrace more adventure. While I wouldn’t say my life was boring, I had become too accustomed to ending my days by binge-watching shows that didn’t add much value to my life. My sister, who’s always wanted to explore more of our home country, suggested we embark on small weekend adventures. I love to drive, so we decided to give it a try.

    Our first trip took us just over an hour south to Minnamurra Beach. Although we had visited Minnamurra Forest before, the beach was new to us. At 3:30 a.m., we set off in the dark to catch the sunrise and enjoy breakfast by the sea.

    The serene image of a beachside breakfast might sound idyllic, but it took effort to make it happen. Before this spontaneous road trip, we had to plan, research, and shop for portable gear like a butane gas stove and a small table. While prepping food and packing the car felt like a lot of work, the experience was worth every moment. Even getting lost along the way added to the adventure.

    Not everyone can take an early morning road trip, whether for financial, physical, or other reasons. But if you find yourself stuck in a mundane routine and want to add more color to your life, here are five free (or super cheap) ways to make life more exciting:

    1. Write Encouraging Notes or Messages

    Take a few moments to send handwritten letters, emails, or texts to friends, family, or acquaintances. Share a Bible verse, a prayer, or a simple message of encouragement. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Small acts of kindness like this can brighten someone’s day—and yours, too. When you sow seeds of encouragement, you may find that blessings multiply in your own life.

    2. Explore Your Local Area

    Step away from the screens and explore your neighborhood on foot or by bike. If you’re used to taking the same route, try a different one and see what new sights you discover. For nature lovers, this is a great time to reflect, pray, or express gratitude for the simple blessings in life, like the breath in your lungs. Spending time outdoors is not only refreshing but also a great way to connect with God’s creation.

    3. Learn Something New Online

    Instead of scrolling mindlessly through social media, use free resources like YouTube, online courses, or eBooks to learn a new skill or explore a topic you’re curious about. Recently, I watched a 15-minute lecture by an Oxford professor about C.S. Lewis’ life. I discovered that Lewis initially wanted to be a philosopher, not a professor of literature, and that he lost his faith before becoming one of the greatest Christian apologists of our time. Learning something new can bring fresh meaning and inspiration to your life.

    4. Invest in Relationships

    Call or visit a friend, family member, or church member. Building meaningful relationships doesn’t require money and often brings unexpected joy. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times.” Consistency and showing up are key to deepening friendships. If you feel lonely or lack close connections, this is a perfect time to make new friends. Join community groups, churches, or walking clubs. It might take 20 seconds of courage to step out, but it could lead to lifelong friendships.

    5. Host a Game or Story Night

    Invite friends or family over for a simple game or story night. Everyone can bring their favorite games or share personal stories. This cost-free activity fosters laughter, bonding, and meaningful connections, making your home a hub of joy.

    Embrace the Life You’ve Been Given

    There’s nothing wrong with having downtime or living a quieter life, but remember that every breath you take is an opportunity to fulfill a greater purpose. Your life wasn’t meant to be mundane—it was meant to multiply, love, and give. Step out of your comfort zone, try something new, and watch your life transform.

    Keep growing in God.

    Anns

  • How to embrace new challenges

    Starting something new can feel intimidating. Whether it’s a fresh goal, a career shift, or personal growth, new challenges often come with uncertainty. Recently, my sister and I decided to explore more of Australia. We prepared by buying camping gear, researching locations, and setting a date. On our first outing, we got a bit lost but discovered stunning coastal views—and still made it to our destination. This adventure reminded me that starting something new requires preparation, perseverance, and the right mindset. Jesus’ ministry in Matthew 3 and 4 offers timeless lessons to help us tackle new beginnings with confidence and faith.

    1. Know Your Identity

    Before Jesus began His ministry, God affirmed Him at His baptism: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).

    Your identity matters. Knowing who you are in Christ gives you confidence to face new challenges. Your worth isn’t tied to success—it’s rooted in being a child of God.

    Handy Tip: Write down affirmations like “I am loved” or “I am chosen.” Repeat them daily to ground yourself in truth.

    2. Change Your Mindset

    Before Jesus was baptised ahead of his ministry, John the Baptist called people to “repent” (Matthew 3:2) wasn’t just about sin. It meant a shift in perspective.

    When starting something new, negative self-talk can creep in. Replace limiting beliefs with God’s promises. A mindset rooted in faith opens doors to possibilities.

    Handy Tip: Identify one negative belief and replace it with a faith-filled statement, like “I can do all things through Christ” (Philippians 4:13).

    3. Start with Prayer

    Jesus prepared for His ministry by fasting and praying in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2). Prayer is a powerful tool for clarity and direction.

    Prayer connects you to God’s strength and equips you for the journey ahead.

    Handy Tip: Set aside quiet time to pray before starting a new venture. Seek God’s wisdom, peace, and provision.

    4. Align with God’s Will

    In the wilderness, Jesus resisted temptation by staying aligned with God’s Word. He declared, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

    New endeavors should align with God’s purpose, not just personal ambition. This ensures your foundation is firm.

    Handy Tip: Read Scripture regularly to align your goals with God’s plan. Let His Word shape your actions.

    5. Take Bold Action

    After His time of preparation, Jesus began His ministry by preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17). He didn’t hesitate.

    Action turns intentions into reality. Bold steps build momentum and help you move forward.

    Handy Tip: Identify one action you can take today toward your goal. Then, take it.

    6. Choose Supportive People

    Jesus called His disciples early in His ministry (Matthew 4:18-22). He surrounded Himself with people who shared His mission.

    The company you keep shapes your journey. Supportive relationships encourage growth and resilience.

    Handy Tip: Evaluate your circle of influence. Seek mentors and friends who uplift and inspire you.

    7. Stay Focused on Your Mission

    Jesus remained committed to His purpose: teaching, preaching, and healing (Matthew 4:23). He didn’t let distractions pull Him away.

    Focus is key to finishing well. Keep your eyes on the goal and avoid unnecessary detours.

    Handy Tip: Write a mission statement for your new endeavor. Keep it visible to remind yourself of your purpose.

    In ending…

    Starting something new isn’t always easy, but these lessons from Jesus’ ministry can help you out. Start by getting to know who’s you are – aka, your identity, change your mindset, pray, align with God’s will, take action, choose the right people, and stay focused. Trust that God will equip you every step of the way. With faith and determination, you can embrace new challenges and achieve your goals in 2025 and beyond. You’ve got this!

  • The 40 Day “Fast-Swap”

    I woke up this morning wayyyyy to early for a Friday and decided to finish a documentary I have been watching over the last couple of weeks. Now, before you judge me, know that I had every intention of finishing this documentary. I find that watching real stories requires a certain element of patience…I want to take in all the hard work that goes into the filming but also, embody what the subject of the story might be feeling. In this case, the documentary in question was The Alpinist (2021) which follows the story of an amazing mountainist called Marc-Andre Leclere. This 23-year old kid was relatively unknown minus the enthusiasts that followed his journey of climbing on social media and accomplished a few feats the greatest climbers had never done.

    As you sit there watching the documentary, you can’t help but start to question how you are taking leaps of your own to accomplish what is on your heart to accomplish. Rather that ruin the documentary for those who might be keen to watch it, all I will say is, don’t let someone else’s story just be a story to you…let it be not just a motivation or inspiration but an interrogation of your heart that creates an impetus to do something. Hence the reason for writing this blog.

    Today, I didn’t wake up with any particular motivation to write or to do anything for that matter. I have had a pretty long week in the office and am thankful for being able to work from home today. But I have been reflecting over the past couple of days of things that I need to audit in my life and as I have been reading the bible, thinking a lot about the idea of fasting a resurrection for some reason.

    I will share more about it another time, but I early this year, I spent 30 days fasting in expectation for what the Lord wanted to do for the year. Now I don’t share that fact to gloat, but to genuinely say that it physically, spiritually and mentally changed my life. The story surrounding that is for another time, but I will say this, there is something about “putting to bed” an area of your life for a while only for other things to be resurrected as a result of it. Do I have all the reasons surrounding why that happens? Nope! But I figure, anything that has been tested by others and is biblical has to have some merit behind it…it’s stood the test of time, let alone it was tested by God which gives me a lot of grace to work from.

    All that to say, is that there is an area of my life that I really want to see change in. And in true fashion of my relationship with God, I felt the prompting to fast and to allow God to resurrect something in my heart as I surrender to Him.

    Now those who know me, know that I am terrible with fasting food. I did do it in January and it was difficult to do the fast I did. But this time around, I felt a the need to fast something different. I am doing a fast-swap. By that I mean I am swapping out things in my life for more meaningful things for 40 days straight that I wouldn’t usually do. So whether that be mindless scrolling for writing (which is day 1) or walking for sitting or playing the piano instead of TV. I am swapping things to focus more on the Lord and less on myself.

    You might think I am just replacing habits with other habits. Yes, that may look the case, however, the effort to do those things requires my spirit and physical nature to come into an alignment, much like letting go of food. The discipline is what is motivating me. And in the process, I will be believing for and praying for God to resurrection things in my heart and spirit that is going to propel and accelerate me forward.

    So here is to day ONE of Fast-swapping. Writing a blog instead of mindless scrolling. Come on this journey with me as we lay some things down for God to fill us back up.

    I am not sure what will be at the end of this journey but I have an expectation God will refresh me at the least and speak to me.

    So thanks for reading, even if it is just myself for now.

    Love

    Anns

  • The Little Buggy Man

    So this morning, I had some things on my mind that were chewing up some serious space unnecessarily so I decided to go for a walk. I find that walks help clear the brain of some clutter and just get that ticker of mine beating regularly again when it sometimes goes into dub step mode.

    In an effort to make my exercise legit, I decided to get my gear on – the full exercise kit and caboodle and put my tunes on my head and walk my frustrations out.

    As I am walking along the footpath for about half an hour, I could see a little man coming towards me on his electrical motor buggy in the opposite direction. Realising that we probably both wouldn’t fit on the footpath, I decided to stand aside and wait till he went past. Not thinking too much of it, the little buggy man stopped right in front of me and started saying something that depicted a thank you that I didn’t pick up until I took off my big head phones from my ears. To add to the thank you, he wished me a belated Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a blessed year! Love that.

    I was pretty pumped to receive a blessing from a stranger, but it wasn’t until my little buggy man started leaving that I noticed something hilarious that made me laugh and inspired a blog.

    At the front of the mans buggy was attached the Learners plates and provisional plates for NSW learner drivers on the front of his basket. Clearly he didn’t require the plates for legal purposes, so my only thought was this 80-something year old had a great sense of humour!

    I walked in the opposite direction chuckling to myself and realising I could learn something from the stranger I had just met (even unintentionally).

    You are never too old to keep learning!

    I am sure that gentleman had a story to tell and probably had been driving most of his life. But I loved his attitude…he may have been some what disabled but he isn’t unable to keep learning even with a disability or age.

    People with disabilities are a close thing to my heart in this season for more reasons than one. But even I got a kick in the pants to realise that having a disability doesn’t exempt you or disqualify you from keeping on going or keeping on learning.

    Don’t be ashamed of putting your L plates and your P plates on this year no matter what the season. Everyone needs to learn and so what if you thought you should have learnt something years ago! Stuff it! Get on and learn what you can when you can and who knows, you might just be the inspiration to someone who needs you!

    Needless to say, I will be walking more often in 2017. Watch this space! lol

    An x

  • Fixer Upper

    I just finished reading The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines (with Mark Dagostino). If you haven’t heard of them, check them out on the interweb…they seem like a real cool couple.

    One of the things they are known for is ‘flipping’ houses…aka renovating old run down houses to sell them off at a profit. Without spoiling their story for other people, Chip and Jo have gone on to create a highly successful business and an even more successful TV show called Fixer Upper because of their vision and determination to make good of a disaster when it’s staring them in the face. But I am not here to write a book review (as good as the book was to read).

    As the new year has rolls around, it dawned upon me that every year, most of us want to ‘fixer upper’ something about our lives just like Chip and Jo do with houses. It might be the finances, the ever protruding waistline. Maybe even the relationship status on Facebook. Why is it that a date in the calendar causes us to want to fix something that may have been crying out to be fixed all year?

    I couldn’t give you an exact answer to that question other than to say that if that is the only time you seek to change something in your life, better that one time than never at all!

    You see, we are all guilty of letting life pass us by…getting used to the comfortable or the easy or lets just be real, being lazy. I am the first person to put my hand up there.

    Lots of guru’s will give you all the tools under the sun to achieve your dreams, stick to your goals, pursue your calling. But at the end of the day, those tools are only useful when there is a change in heart in YOU. There has to be something that shifts inside of your core being that says “enough is enough”. As someone else out there said “nothing changes unless something changes”.

    A fixer upper has two letters in it that made me chuckle when I thought about this blog – the letter’s ER. The dictionary defines these two letters side by side as ‘expressing hesitation’. In every fixer upper, there will be moments of hesitation.

    Can I do this?
    What will happen if I fail (again)?
    Will I disappoint someone?
    What will it cost me?

    Welcome to the beginning of something amazing…it’s called CHANGE!

    Whenever you embark upon fixing something or changing something up, there will always be an element of hesitation. Now that you know that, take that as a sign that your moments of doubt, your trepidation and sweat glands swelling a bit is only normal.

    In 2017, let the ER’s (the moment’s of hesitation) be the catalyst for you accepting the grace that is afforded to you when we stuff up but also the catalyst for you overcoming the thing that you need to FIX so you can go UP!

    Cheering you on from the sidelines peeps! You can do it in 2017!

    Anna x