Advent: A Season of Preparation...and how to Celebrate!

Growing up I associated Christmas with what most children do....Santa, presents, yummy food, and Jesus. My parents did an awesome job at explaining that Christmas was Jesus' birth, but we never had Advent calendars, celebrated feast days, and I never knew that Advent was considered "mini Lent" until a couple of years ago.

Advent, just like Lent, is a time of preparation and getting excited for the coming of our Lord! It's a time to fast, pray, and grow closer to God. I've always loved Lent and so last Advent I committed myself to growing closer to Jesus during that time and absolutely enjoyed it. In this post, I want to share some of my favorite ideas to help celebrate and prepare for the birth of Jesus this Advent.

Advent Calendar
This is such a cool way to celebrate every single day. Write Bible verses on each card, write fun things to do on each one that show an act of service or humility, write the names of your loved ones and offer up that day for them...the possibilities are endless! Here are some crafty ideas on how to make one:

Advent Wreath
Growing up, we did have an Advent wreath, but I never understood the meaning of the candles until I was older. What I've always loved about the Catholic faith is the deep meaning and tradition of everything. Everything we do has such a beautiful story! If you don't know the meaning, this picture is awesome! I encourage everyone to create their own Advent wreath for your home!

Acts of Service
This can be incorporated into your Advent Calendar, but I know I've been slacking in giving back to the community. As a missionary, my life was consumed by service, but now I'm finding it more difficult and I'm more selfish with my weekends and evenings. Check out your local food banks, soup lines, donation sites, hospitals, nursing homes, Convents, and other areas who could use a helping hand this Advent season!

Make a Nativity Scene

Get crafty and make a nativity scene. While you're at it, only include parts of it as your read through your scripture verses (in your Advent Calendar)! 

Celebrate Day by Day

This can also be included on your Advent Calendar, but here are some fun dates to look forward to during Advent:

• December 1-24th: Start a Christmas Count-down candle
• Buy one here or make your own!
• December 8th: The Immaculate Conception
• Mary is given the gift of Jesus and is freed from the effects of Original Sin!
• On this day, honor your mother and what a gift she's been to you!
• For the last couple of years I've also made it a point to wear blue. :)
• December 12th: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 
• Patronnes of the Americas! Go to midnight Mass and participate in the celebration! Many churches have a play in which children act out the meeting between Juan Diego and Mary, plus free food, and watch the Guadalupanas perform!
• December 13th: Feast day of St. Lucy
• Her name means light. To celebrate, have a night in and only use candles. In Sweden, girls dress in white gowns with red sashes and adorn crowns with 7-9 burning candles. So cool!
• December 16th: Start the Novena of the Holy Child 

• When does Advent start?
• November 30th!!! 
• Traditionally it falls on the closest Sunday to St. Andrew the Apostle who's Feast day is November 30th, so this year it falls on it.

I'm sure that I forgot some dates or fun traditions, but Advent is a beautiful time to reflect, pray, and await our Lord! Join with me in getting excited for such a beautiful time of year. What will you be doing this Advent?

In Jesus, Anna

UPDATE: Here's our Advent Calendar!

 The frame was something I found at a Thrift store for $7. We used it at our wedding and it was the perfect thing to hang the gift tags I found at Target ($1 for 6 in the dollar section). Each day I included a daily Scripture reading, Feast day (if there was one), prayer(s), or a challenge for us to complete that day! It was so fun to make and I hope it inspires you to make your own. :)

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What it Means to be Human: A Catholic Response to Brittany Maynard

Today I am choosing to write about a controversial topic. I don’t often do this and I’m asking that you keep an open mind. 

Many of you have heard about Brittany Maynard who has a brain tumor and is choosing to end her life on November 1st by taking medication provided under Oregon’s death for dignity law. If you have not, please read her story. 

 I have no idea what kind-of pain Brittany is in right now. To know that she is dying at 29 is tragic, but with that being said, I do not agree with her decision. Many are saying that she is brave and honorable for taking control of her life. They are saying she’s kind and thoughtful for not putting her friends and family through the sadness of watching her die a slow and painful death. While all of this is very sad, I’d like to share a story of pain and suffering, but one also of immense joy. 

Blessed Chiara Badano died at age 19 after a two year battle with osteogenic sarconma, one of the most painful forms of bone cancer. When the doctors would go to treat her cancer, she would refuse any medicine to dull the pain. She welcomed the suffering and wanted to be fully aware of the pain because it brought her closer to Jesus’ suffering. Through difficult times, she would focus on the foresaken Christ.“It’s for you, Jesus; if you want it, I want it, too." When her hair fell out she’d say,“For you, Jesus." When she could no longer walk,“If I had to choose between walking again and going to heaven, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would choose heaven." When she was dying,“Don’t shed any tears for me. I’m going to Jesus. At my funeral, I don’t want people crying, but singing with all their hearts." For her funeral she wanted it to be her wedding:“When you’re getting me ready, Mum, you have to keep saying to yourself, ‘Chiara Luce is now seeing Jesus.’’ Friends and doctors of Chiara write of the joy she gave the world. They say she never stopped smiling through all the pain. 

The media is saying Brittany is brave, but I think she is a coward. True bravery is facing your problems, difficulties, and tragedies with joy, like Chiara. Joy that can only be found in Jesus Himself. I know that many non Christians and many Christians will disagree because it is difficult for our human nature to understand suffering and pain....and therefore, even accept it. Some say: “Why would Jesus want us to suffer?” He doesn’t, but He allows it to happen for us to achieve a greater union with Him.  ^"Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 16:24-25 To be human is to experience suffering.

The word human is not a noun. It’s actually an adjective and this is a huge misunderstanding people have. As an adjective, it describes something. 

Some descriptions of a human could be: 

• happy
• sad
• suffering
• joyful

These descriptions are what MAKES us human. As a human, we are made up of these emotions, but it is how we handle these emotions that truly define who we are. If we refuse to accept suffering, we are always looking for the “quick fix” to take it away. By Brittany not embracing the human struggle, she is choosing not to be human anymore...through death. “What will make me happy now?” It’s a huge problem in our culture. True happiness is holiness...it’s not rooted in our emotions or feelings. Choose joy. Choose the light. 

Please join me in prayer for Brittany in her family. I know in her heart she believes she is making the right decision, but pray she rises above the temptation of an easy way out. I pray she joyfully accepts her suffering and pain for a greater good. Blessed Chiara Badano, join us in prayer and guide our prayers to our Lord. Amen.

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13 Books that Changed My Life

Reading is something I really enjoy. My mom has always said that she's worldly not because of how many places she's traveled, but by the type of books she's read. I have always loved this about my mom. I know that I can't afford to travel the world, but I can afford to buy books (many of these you can find at thrift stores for $1-$3).

Too many blogs/critics choice columns are recommending books that I have frankly really disliked. When I read, I want the book to be unique, funny, and one that makes me want to be a better person. I have decided to compose my very own list! Take it or leave it, but I love these books. I've left off many classics because I feel as if they are obviously good (To Kill a Mockingbird, The Great Gatsby, Farenheight 451, Wuthering Heights, etc), so definitely read them.

My Top Books (in no particular order):

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
2. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
3. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
4. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
5. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
6. The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
7. I Believe in Love by Jean C. J. d'Elbee
8. Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn
9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
10. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
11. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
12. The Giver by Laurel Leaf
13. The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Walker

All of these books hold a special place in my heart and you honestly can't go wrong with any of them. I've re-read them many times and have learned many life lessons. One of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given is to always be reading. Always read something for pure enjoyment. It may be tough because you're in college or have children, but there is so much joy to be found in doing something to better yourself. 

Let me know what you think,

Anna

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Seeking Affirmation

Now that I'm married I have received these three questions the most:

1. Are you going to get a puppy?
2. Are you pregnant?
3. Have you gotten your wedding pictures back yet?

The answers to these questions are:

1. Absolutely not.
2. Nope.
3. Yes!

I kind-of find all three of these questions funny, but in particular the last one. It's just not a question I was expecting. Everyone's follow-up question has been: "When are you going to post them on....(fill in the blank with any social media site)?!" The more people kept asking me, the more anxious I became. To be honest, I have been guilty of stalking people's wedding photos...some of which I don't even know (i.e. Pinterest)! I found myself getting excited to hear how perfect everything was, how beautiful I looked, and how I totally nailed my theme of vintage elegance. Ha. 

Everyone seeks affirmation, but are we in the right way? Why has the selfie become so popular? Why do people feel the need to take a picture of themselves and post it on social media? AFFIRMATION. We want to be told how awesome our hair, outfit, face, or whatever looks....constantly. We have to let the whole world know that we think we look good, but we want someone to say, "yes, I agree." WHY?! Why has our world turned our way of thinking that our worth is determined by other people's opinions? 

This is something I really struggle with. I refuse to post a selfie (although, I think I'm guilty of 2); however, I still seek affirmation through social media. I was so shallowly telling my friend that it hurt my feelings that I'm never in anyone's profile picture or that no one ever comments on my pictures, but just "likes" them. Lame, I know, but it's true! Why would I ever let my feelings of self-esteem be rooted in something as dumb as Facebook?!

Humility is something that I personally have to work on, so I am choosing to not post my wedding pictures. I know my wedding was beautiful. It is a Sacrament, so duh...it was gorgeous. I know I looked good because my husband told me and I loved my wedding dress, so who cares what you think?! I am choosing to be confident and happy without receiving affirmation. 

We live in a world where we're not seeking affirmation from above....from God. My prayer is to be little and small. For the world to forget about me, so that my relationship with Jesus will only be stronger (I'm failing, but trying). I'm simply writing this because I know that I'm not the only one who thinks this way (even though the evil one wants me to). If seeking affirmation is something that you struggle with, please repost this IF you think it will help someone, if not, then don't. :)

*Note: All affirmation isn't bad...some you truly deserve! I'm simply saying that I tend to seek affirmation in the wrong way and I want to share my journey.

Love in Jesus through Mary,
Anna Timberlake! :) 

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New Life

First off, Happy Easter! Hooray! Jesus is Risen! Here is a little something I wrote on Good Friday about Lent...

Lent is quite possibly one of my favorite times of the year. It is so beautiful because we spend 40 days deeply uniting ourselves to Jesus Christ! Too often I only come to the Cross when I'm nailing Jesus to it, but this Lent it was my personal goal to come to the Cross daily in some sort of sacrifice. Not because I had to, but because I deeply wanted to. 

Jesus gave His life for us. What an amazing gift that I know I can never top. As a missionary I hear A LOT of things on campus. Many people see Jesus' sacrifice as irrelevant, unimportant, or stupid. Many people think giving up something for Lent or not eating meat on Friday is pointless. I've even heard, "Well, it's not like I'm going to hell for eating meat on Friday." If you're wondering, yes, that statement is true, but that's also not what Lent is about. Lent is about wanting and desiring to become more like Jesus. To unite ourselves in His suffering to more fully understand the beauty of His sacrifice and to have new life in Him.

By Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross, we may have eternal Salvation....a new life with Jesus Christ! My life is so blessed and in many ways I feel spoiled! Here are some of my Lenten blessings:

Maggie has been such a blessing with wedding stuff! She helped me make all of my wedding invitations! Love her!

Stephanie and I on campus!

We handed out Easter eggs with candy and information on Easter festivities!

I had a wedding shower in OK and NE!

Newman threw James and I a surprise wedding shower!

So blessed.

I've grown closer to this pretty lady... Annie brings me so much joy!

A baseball game with the team.

Prepping for the mega Bible study I led on our Mom, Mary. :)

Students at Newman!

James and I on Easter Sunday.

Newman has also gained over 5 new Student Missionaries this Lent! So amazing.

Easter brings new life and boy, do I feel like there's a lot of new things happening in mine. James and I will start our new life together on May 31st, only 43 days away! We also just found a place to live and I accepted a K-5 PE teaching job! So many changes this Lent (see what I mean about getting spoiled?!).

I pray you have the most grace filled Easter, Anna

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Praying over Pinning

I'm a huge fan of Pinterest...especially now that I'm engaged. I gave up Facebook on my phone for Lent, so naturally I use Pinterest more now (sorry God...I know this defeats the purpose). Anyway, as much as I pin, I find it difficult not to pin for the future and in so many cases keep reality in check. I could pin the "How to cook a 10 course meal," but lets be real people, I will NEVER do that, yet, I pin it anyway.

So when does "pinning" go too far? When can what we pin on Pinterest cause us to loose our grasp on reality?  Are we too busy pinning for babies we don't have, parties that don't yet exist, weddings without relationships, dream houses when we can't afford lunch, the perfect date...without the mate, or the perfect beach waves when we rock a pixie cut?!

I creeped on some of my friends Pinterest boards to see what I could find and here are some of the goods. Disclaimer: I love all these people. I also pin absurd things and have weird boards, I'm just trying to shed light and make it light.

I know for a fact that this friend is not pregnant...or even married; yet, 158 pins are dedicated to sweet little babies.

This made me literally laugh out loud...wedding with a question mark (417 pins).

This is great. Don't workout to feel better or stronger, but so you get hot and for the approval of others. Yep, good job Pinterest.

I covered emotional chastity in Bible study and how pinning for our future weddings can really mess with our heart. This is one of my Bible study girl's boards. ;) ha...I love you!

Oh my indeed! That's one sultry man.... and cute kitten.

I'm the proud pinner of this pin. Don't ask me why I was looking at house plans...James and I can barely afford an apartment.

Here's another great "fitness" board...gettin' skinny. 

Why are we as women so obsessed with our future everything? Our future house, job, husband, baby, outfit, or date? I spend a lot of time on Pinterest and sadly, I've realized it. 

Here are some of my more recent pins:

God knows the overarching plan for us. He's already created our "boards" and gives us the "pins" we need.  We don't have to do it. He will provide the perfect man (if that's your vocation), he will give you the most beautiful babies you could ever hope for, He will give you a life full of love and joy, and He will honor you by you honoring Him.

I never pinned a single wedding pin until James and I started shopping for an engagement ring. I knew that my heart couldn't handle it and I wanted to remain fully open to Him. Sometimes we think we'll marry the cute hipster, but end up with the cute/goofy bodybuilder. 

Example: What I thought he'd look like and my happy reality. God is too good to me.

Alter your life to mirror God's life. I challenge you to set aside your plans and instead of pinning or planning, pray. Spend that time with God.

Happy praying, Anna.

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My Last.

This is my last semester as a missionary and last semester being unmarried. The other day I was telling my mom how grown-up I felt, and her response was: "Anna, you're almost 25. You ARE a grown-up." 

Sometimes time goes by so fast, but also so slow at the same time. My year and a half (I can't believe it's my LAST semester!) of being a missionary has been a blessing and gift from God that I will probably never be able to express my appreciation for. 

Here's some of the graces I've received so far and I'm sure there's many more to come:

1. First and most importantly, I found my Vocation! Hooray! As a missionary, we commit to a one year dating fast and it honestly never scared me. I also never thought my future husband would come in the form of James, but hey, God is great and He surprises you/rewards you for giving yourself over to Him! You should try it. ;)
2. Some of the women I've met at ASU, have become some of my favorite people/best friends! I wasn't prepared for the beautiful friendships I would form while being a missionary. I knew that it could happen, but guys, these women are phenomenal and inspire me daily.
3. My knowledge of the Bible has improved by 100%. I honestly felt like I knew nothing at one point in my life, but now I realize that I will never know everything, but I have a yearning to try. Then eventually, I'll die, hopefully make it to Heaven, and have all the mysteries of the world revealed! CAN'T WAIT.
4. I've realized how nothing is truly mine. My money isn't mine. My time isn't mine. My happiness isn't mine. My life isn't mine. It's the Lord's. Everything belongs to God and I desire to give as much as I can to Him.
5. Life is meant to be joyful. I used to say that my biggest fear was not being happy, but that's impossible if you put Jesus in front of everything in your life. With Him, you will receive joy in your sufferings.

None of these would have been revealed to me without me saying "yes" to being a FOCUS missionary. I am so thankful.

Here's some of the blessings in the form of pictures:

Erin and I country dancing! We're a little sweaty. lol

Lesley and Katie
My roomies and friends.

Erin, Maggie, Me, Oliva at FOCUS' student
leadership summit

The best way to describe my relationship with Olivia
She's great.

ASU! Fork Em' Sundevils

Shots to being in TEXAS! 

My BEST friend Megan!

Birthday Celebration

Monica is going to Spain!
Miss her already.

DeAnna, she will always be the first...to serenade me!

Megan and I on campus promoting Catholic Devils week!

Picnics on campus with my favs are perfection.

If you want to serve God in a radical way, apply to be a missionary at: http://apply.focus.org/

In the Mantle of her grace, Anna

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An Engaged/24 year old/Catholic's Response to 23 Things

Many of you have probably noticed the article floating around on Facebook called, “23 things to do instead of getting engaged before you’re 23.” If you haven’t, here it is:

http://wanderonwards.com/2013/12/30/23-things-to-do-instead-of-getting-engaged-before-youre-23/ 

You may have also seen a rebuttal by a married women of 25, if not,

http://kbeauregard.wordpress.com/2013/12/31/my-first-blog-the-result-of-a-close-minded-23-year-old/.  The first article disturbed me in many ways, but the second one did too! The second blog had good points, but as she entered into her list, I disagreed just as I had with the first one. You won’t fully get what I’m saying if you have not at least read the first blog.

First off, I am not married...yet. I am 24 years old and engaged to the most perfect man to complete me and lead me to Heaven. As a Catholic, I firmly stand behind Vocations. For me, there are two options in my life: 1. Become a Sister or a Nun 2. Get Married. To find your Vocation is the most important thing in your life!!! Why?! Because through your Vocation, you come closer to God. The closer you get to God, the more you become like Him. Do I want to be like God? Yes, very much so. Do I fail? Everyday. Will I fail when I am married? Yes, absolutely. Would I fail as a Nun? Yes. I am human, but I desire greatness. I can achieve greatness only through my Vocation. 

What am I getting at? Well, being single is wonderful. I took my time. I discovered myself and who I wanted to be. I explored, became a missionary, and loved on myself for awhile. I was incredibly happy. Life was beautiful and a great adventure! In college, I discerned religious life. I visited Convents and my Aunt is a Nun, so I grew up visiting. Through that exploration, two Nuns (who didn’t know each other) told me I wasn’t a good fit. Ha. So I decided to start praying for my future husband. If you know me, I’m stubborn, a perfectionist, and always busy (not good qualities, I know). I prayed to God to bless the poor guy that ended up with me. I wasn’t looking, but everyday I’d offer up a short prayer. Well, God gave me James. He’s equally as stubborn and a perfectionist, but in the most perfect way for me. He challenges me, brings me closer to God, and makes me happier than ever because I have someone to SHARE EVERYTHING WITH. I’m sure this will grow even more when we become married. 

Here is my list of 23 things to do married and some unmarried, to make you closer to God and a better person (it mirrors the 2nd blog):

1. I choose not to have safe sex because I’m not having sex. I’m waiting until I’m married and can completely give myself over to my spouse. That’s a beautiful concept.
2. I do have a passport and I would love to go to the Vatican with my future husband.
3. I get cold easily, so I probably won’t be running around my house naked, but I’m sure my future husband wouldn’t mind.
4. James has a tattoo. It’s the Chi Rho symbol, which means Christ. It’s great for Evangelization because no one knows what it is. I don’t want a tattoo. 
5. Go visit different Convents with your best friend. Help discern your Vocation...together. Shout out to Sister Gabriella!
6. Go to Mass together.
7. Start a family....DON’T wait (if you’re married). Marriage is to procreate. If you’re able and not creating, you’re limiting God’s plan. 
8. Kiss your husband and tell him that you love him.
9. I can’t see James really liking Pinterest projects, but go thrifting together and get creative without Pinterest. 
10. Consecrate yourselves to Jesus through Mary together. “Things are more fun with your best friend.”
11. James would never do CrossFit, but we do like to workout together. Let’s be real, working out is one of James’ favorite things.
12. Being glutenous is not on my list of things to do. Eating a whole pint of ice cream will just make me sick. I’ll just make James a protein shake.
13. I like the build a future, but with God at the center.
14. I will try not to disappoint my husband, but yes, I’m sure it will happen; however, make-up sex is not my answer. Instead, I’d like to pray with my husband and thank God for the opportunity to grow and to help make me stronger through it.
15. Cook or bake TOGETHER. You’re married, you’re a team...duh.
16. I like starting traditions together. Especially ones like visiting the Vatican every couple of years, Baptizing our children, going to Mass several times a week as a family, and other holy things like that.
17. Travel the United States and visit our missionary friends, visit shrines, go to Mass in different Catholic Churches, and pray hiking Rosaries.
18. I like having a sleepover with my husband every night...duh. I’m not married yet, but I’m sure it will be great....especially when there’s kiddos around too.
19. Have fun and share in that fun with others.
20. Adopt a child (if you're married). 
21. James and I have started a small business called JMJ Nutrition. It’s a diet, supplement, and protein company. If you don’t know, JMJ stands for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Pretty cool and holy huh?!
22. I’ve had a blog for awhile and James loves to read it and gives me advice, but my blogs typically focus on my mission work.
23. I am in total favor of befriending other married couples, in fact, James and I are talking about leading a married couples Bible study around August. We’ll be married in May.

There is no “right” age to find your Vocation. It’s whenever God shows it to you, you’re willing to take time for it, and when you’re willing to accept it and follow Him. Many of our great Saints are young and they experienced the most amazing lives! Some have been dead for hundreds of years and we are still reading about their lives because of how exciting they are! When you are in union with God through your Vocation, your whole life changes. 

Bottom line is it doesn’t matter if you’re married before age 23 or after. What matters is if God is at the center of you life and you will do anything in the world to come to know Him more fully. I am blessed to have found my Vocation. I cannot wait to marry James and to be a strong Catholic couple together. “Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And look, I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.” Matthew 28:19-20

In Jesus, Anna

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