What's Next?

What's next? That is a question that I have been asking myself over and over again. As I try to begin to process all that happened over the past few months, the only thing that I know for sure is that we serve an awesome God!

Trying to do what we did with the Back to Life Movement without God would be nearly impossible! I believe that He gave each and every one of the team members supernatural strength. Yes, there were many days that we were exhausted at the end of the day, but we would wake up refreshed and ready to walk the next day. Our God is a God who protects! Not only from the tornado, but from major injuries within the team. I never had any blister or foot problem. (Yes, my feet were sore at the end of the day...but that just comes with walking 12-15 miles a day.)

As for me, I don't know what is next in my life...I graduate from high school in just a few weeks and have nothing planned in the future, but I know that I serve an awesome God who has some plan in mind for me, even if I don't know all the details yet :)

As for the near future, I will be traveling to Washington, DC to pray in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. The reason? The court will be ruling on the ObamaCare Heathcare bill sometime soon and that bill, if passed, would skyrocket the number of abortions in the United States. Out of the nine justices, four are pro-life and four are pro-abortion. One, Justice Kennedy, is the sway vote. We are praying that Justice Kennedy would see the value of LIFE and make the right vote.

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. James 5:16

Lord, we are asking that Your justice would reign supreme in our country, that rightness would be the law that governs our land, and that we would return to You.

(Used with permission.  Bound4Life/LaSandra Spears)

Psalm 91

Every morning before we started walking for the Back to Life Movement Walk, we would read Psalm 91 and pray for protection over the team.  We were saved from propane leaks in the motor home, tornados, severe heat, sever weather in general and no major injuries!! We serve a GREAT God!  The Lord really protected the 39 walks, staff and media team :) 

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

³ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
¹⁰ no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
¹² On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
¹³ You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

¹⁴ “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
¹⁵ When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

I did not take this photo,
got it off of a local news website.
This is the tornado that was less then a mile away...
Talk about protection!

Justice Journey: Update

Even though this segment of the Back to Life Movement journey has just ended, the Lord is birthing something new in me. During the 250 mile walk, a spiritual leader gave the team a word that each of the 39 women were going to birth a movement; that the walk was only the beginning of what God was going to do in our lives. 


When I was praying about what the Lord wanted me to do, He reminded me of a dream I had a few years ago...  

In this dream, I was driving up to the top of this hill in a city and on top of the hill was a white church.  I went inside and saw that it resembled more of a courthouse on the inside, or an old church.   

Along the wall on the right, an art display was set up. There were lots of people in the church--some were chatting, some were looking at the art, some were just standing or sitting .

There were three sections of pews: right, center and left.  The middle section was filled with children, all different sizes and color.  My adopted siblings were front and center. In the front of the church were pink and blue boxes with lids and each box had a blanket coming out of one corner.  

On the front stage was a judge with a gavel in his hand.  I tried asking some of the people who were standing around what was going on, but no one would answer me; it was like I didn't exist or they would just change the subject.  I knew that something wasn't right, I could feel it in my spirit, an uneasiness and fear. I finally got so fed up with the people that I stormed out of the church.

I drove down the hill and the Lord said to me, "Where do you think you're going? Turn around and tell my people (the Church) to wake up!"  I pulled into a McDonald’s (which means, "world ruler") parking lot and did a u-turn and drove back up the hill.  


I parked, ran up the steps of the church, grabbed the two huge doors, yanked them open and yelled inside, "WAKE UP!"  The dream ended and I woke up.
 

What I feel like the dream means:


I feel like the art display represented that the church is too occupied with the world, with the arts (as in Hollywood/movies) and has lost its first love (God).  

The middle section of children represents the foster care system/adoption and the boxes represent unborn babies/abortion.

I felt like the Lord said that the Church would rather sweep the thousands of waiting children under the carpet and have someone (the government) worry about them.  Also, few pastors will speak up about adoption or abortion.  The Bible commands us to take care of orphans and those in distress and be a voice for the voiceless. (Isaiah 58).  

The people who were in the church are Christians who are complacent, who would rather stay in their American dream bubble.  The judge I feel is God, who is standing, ready to judge the American Church for her sins of not really caring for the fatherless and those in distress.  

God is looking for a generation that will stand in the gap and pray for the ending of abortion and care for the orphans.  America will be judged according to how we did or didn’t stand up for those who have no voice.

I want to be on the right side of history and am praying that my voice will be heard!   


"For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise... from another place... And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14 ESV)  

Update: March 9th

Today I went to go see Dr. Seuss film, The Lorax, which is all about saving the trees, but I can see it as a pro-life movement, just like Horton Hears a Who- "A persons a person, no matter how small".   


At the end of the film, a quote came up on the screen that caught my attention... 

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." (Dr. Seuss, The Lorax)

This quote speaks to me- unless I do something in combating abortion, nothing is going to change in my generation.   Because if everyone says someone else will do something, then nothing will change.   Unless we act and pray and fast, about 4,000 babies will die a day (Ok, to put that number into perspective.  On a super duper clear night, you can only see about 2,000 stars with your naked eye.  Now double that number and you get the amount of babies murdered, in one day!)  We must combine action with our words.  Gone are the days of being on the fence.  You are either pro-life or pro-abortion.  

At one point, the Lorax says, “I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues.” (Dr. Seuss)

How easily I can change the wording... "I am Anna, I speak for the unborn.  I speak for the babies who have no voice"  Just like the Lorax was sadden by the death of the trees, we should be the ones crying out and saying "enough!" over the death of 54 million babies in our nation!

Now... Some of you might be thinking I'm going a little over the top about abortion, but innocent blood shed is one thing the Lord hates.

"There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:

¹⁷

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

¹⁸ 

a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil,

¹⁹ 

a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." - Proverbs 6:16-19

Jesus I pled Your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation.  God end abortion and send revival!

Update: March 8th

Last night at sunset started Purim, which goes through tonight (the 8th).  I have never really celebrated Jewish holidays, but with this one being connected with Esther, I wanted to :) 


For those of you that don't know what Purim is- go read the Book of Esther :)  Ok, I'll give you a short version :)

From movie, "One Night with the King"

Esther, a poor Jewish orphan, is made queen of all of Susa, but keeps hidden her Jewish identity.  I few years pass and Haman, an Agagite (his ancestors were all suppose to be killed by the King of Israel, but the King disobeyed God and didn't kill the king and queen.  The queen, who was pregnant, escaped and vowed that one of her decedents would kill the Jews...)  So, Haman hated the Jewish people.   He made up a sneaky way to tell King Xerxes to 'get rid of' a people that 'caused problems'.   The King gave Haman power to do what he wanted.  When the annihilation of the Jews came to Mordecai's attentions (Mordecai is Esther's uncle, who took her in when she became orphaned), he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes and wept and went through the city.  He went as far as the Kings gate (no one was allowed past the gate in sackcloth).   Esther heard about him and sent him a message, he responded after he told her what had happened, "...Do not think to yourself that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him."

                 If you want to watch a great movie about 
            Esther, "One Night with the King" is amazing!!

(Esther 4:13-17)

As you know, Esther went before the King, asked him and Haman to a banquet, twice; then spoke her request.  Haman was hung and the Jewish people were saved!  So, to remember for generations to come, how God had used a poor Jewish orphan, who became queen for such a time and saved the whole Jewish people! 


Praise and Prayer:

• Jesus is worth it all!
• The Lord has provided so much for me!  I received $500 in the mail yesterday!
• A friend paid for me airfare home! 
• One week away from leaving for Houston!  I don't quite feel ready...
• Physical health and healing; my knee isn't feeling 100%

Thank you for all your prayers!  I can't believe that I am only a week away from travel!!!

Training Update: March 2-5

Hey All-

The past week has been a whirlwind, with the death of a dear friend, it has been a rough week... We had a memorial service on Saturday, on Sunday it was hard being at church, where she was so involved.... Doing better now :)

As for training, I've been walking everyday.  In the past few days, I've done over 25 miles, mostly alone (with my faithful dog :) and a few with Jamie, Mom, Dad or a sibling :)

We are only a few days away from the Back to Life Walk!  I leave in 10 days to fly to beautiful, sunny Texas! (I'm excited to see sun!)

God has continued to come through with finances, I have been able to pay for my ground fees ($1500) and my airfare down to TX and someone has offered to buying my airfare back from TX this week!  I have a few miscellaneous items I need to buy still... God is so faithful in providing my needs!

(reposting from www.Bound4Life.com)

Washington State Moves Closer to Forced Abortion Coverage

By Susan Michelle • February 29, 2012 04:12 PM

On Monday the National Abortion Federation praised a lack of choice. It tweeted this:

AWESOME! #Wash. could be first to #require #abortion coverage http://bit.ly/wGms4U #prochoice #trustwomen #fem2 #reprorights

You read that right—requiring abortion coverage is “awesome” even though it displays no choice.

The story the tweet references is found here. It says in part:

At a time when many states are making it harder for women to get abortions, Washington state appears headed in the opposite direction.

Fifteen states have passed laws restricting insurers from covering abortions and 12 others are considering similar measures. By contrast, a bill that has passed Washington's House and is working its way through the Senate would make the state the first to require all health insurance plans under its jurisdiction - except those claiming a conscience-based exemption - to include abortion coverage.

The measure, HB 2330, would do so by requiring insurers who cover maternity care, which Washington insurers are mandated to provide, to also pay for abortions. New York is the only other state considering similar rules, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks women's health-related legislation.

The NAF is proving what we’ve known for a long time: the only choice they care about is their own. The very idea that they would rejoice that pro-lifers’ choices would be disregarded, that our medical coverage would require abortions, and that this should be celebratory instead of disgraceful is a disgrace in itself which proves the perverted nature of the industry that calls itself a proponent of choice.  Local residents aren’t rejoicing either. Few ask what the pro-lifers think in such legislation.

Our local chapter leader Michelle Butler, notes that Washington is often known of as one of the least religious states in the nation and says:

More than ever we need Gideon's army to rise up during this crisis. We are at a crossroads and I believe Heaven is asking, where are my people, where are those who will stand in the gap?  I am petitioning Washington residents to fast and pray regarding this issue. As the battle for the unborn continues to rage you can be assured that there is a remnant of people fighting for justice for the unborn. We will not rest until the womb is once again the safest place for a baby.

A local pro-lifer adds:

I think it is reprehensible that the people in my state who are forced to pay for insurance through their jobs, will in effect be paying for someone to murder children through abortion, and there will be nothing to do about it should this law pass. Furthermore I find it appalling that so many thousands of people called and emailed Governor Gregoire ‘s  office that the phone lines were jammed for days asking her and her assistants to PLEASE not sign the bill. It did not make one bit of difference to them what we all thought, or wanted. Apparently we have no say in how anything gets done in our own state. -Cheryl Rector

Even pro-choice people should, if they are true to the value of choice, be alarmed by this legislation. This isn’t about choice in the slightest; it's about forced abortion coverage. It’s bad enough our nation is currently trying to force abortive birth control, so much so that states are filing lawsuits against the nation. In the middle of this mess, the state of Washington turns around and decided that wasn’t enough and it must force abortion coverage on everyone? The escapists comment is “don’t use it if you don’t need it,” but that’s not good enough.

Let me make this clear: I will not be the person who stands before Jesus one day and says “well, I know I ended up paying for 4.3 abortions, but the government made me.”

Please use this link to take you directly to a web page from the governor’s office and tell her that pro-choice means everyone has a choice.  Here’s more contact information from Bound4LIFE Spokane.

Tell your state legislators to oppose HB 2330 which will allow abortion coverage. Go to http://www.leg.wa.gov/pages/home.aspx or call 800-562-6000 and let your voice be heard for the unborn.

Choice for one must mean choice for all. Even if you’re pro-choice, this may be a right you value next when you let government usurp the will of the people in this manner. Please contact the Washington state governor and legislature and remind them that residents have the constitutional right to not pay for someone else's abortion.

To learn more about Bound4Life visit their website

Training Day 35: February 25

So... I DID 14 MILES TODAY!!!!!!!! Woot woot!! (can you tell I am a little excited?!?!)

I have now reached phase three of my training program for the Back to Life Walk. I will be walking 8-14 miles every day! (before I was doing core/strengthening/dance twice a week and walking the other days with a rest day) So I will be waking more each day, to prepare for the big walk!

Today as I walked (mostly alone, the first and last few miles I had my dad and sister) I listen to a Matt Lockett (www.bound4life.com) webiner, where he had spoken to us walkers, it was so encouraging to listen to his teaching again! One thing he said, that really struck me was, "Intercession is our supreme vocation, because history belongs to the intercessors." If an intercessors like Esther could change the course of history, then so can we! It's that encouraging?

Oh!!! And we are only 20 day away from starting!!! (I leave in 18 days!!!) wow, I really can't believe how fast time has flown! Jesus, you are so good!

Why I am Pro-Life

(Sorry for the poor video quality... Not sure why it isn't better...)

Training Day 36-39: February 16-19

I know, I know... I haven't posted in a few days....   Sorry y'all....

Since going back to the doctor on Wednesday and getting another round of antibiotics, I've been feeling a lot better!  I've been able to keep training and dancing.

We have had a lot of rain here in the NW Washington area!  The past few days I have come home soaked!  But I love walking in the rain, there is just something about it.....

On Friday, Britt, one of the girl's I nanny wanted to walk with me! So we did a shorter walk, but the rain and wind picked up near the end and in the last 20 minutes of the walk, we were soaked to the bone!  But we had fun :)



As usual, Jamie and I walked yesterday (Saturday) we ran out of time, so weren't able to do a long walk, we just did 6 miles (When I first started training, the first time we did six miles, we were so proud of ourselves!  Now we're like, "that was a short walk!").  She is such an awesome friend, to walk all these miles with me and lots of the time in the wind or rain!  You rock Jamie!

I am less then a month away from embarking on this walk, I'm so excited!! Yikes!!!! But... I still need your help to get me there, if you want to donate to help me on this walk, contact me.

Book Review

The Mantle of Esther:

Discovering the Power of Intercession 

By Larry Christenson

The Mantle of Esther is a compelling look into intercession, through the biblical book of Esther.  Author Larry Christenson takes his readers through a dramatic adventure, unveiling some of the hidden secrets to the life of an intercessor and challenges us to look deep into our own prayer life. 

Going through each chapter of Esther, Christenson helps us to understand what lies behind this incredible story and reveals secrets to being an intercessor -  one who understands their place in the Kingdom and knows how to approach the King and seek Him for answers.  Esther didn’t feel confident to go before King Xerses to ask for a reversal of the death decree over her people.  Her relative Mordecai challenged her, “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place... And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

Christenson writes, “The call to intercession presents a daunting challenge.  When the call comes, we may feel inadequate, unready.  But this is no reason to draw back.  It is in fact central to our preparation that we situate no trust in ourselves, but only in the presence, guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.”

I have sometimes wondered, when I have prayed for someone, why they don’t get healed or why my prayer wasn’t answered.  I now see that my approach at prayer could be strengthened.  In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (vs 9-13 ESV)

         Does this not give us an example of how to approach the throne-room of heaven?   It is also the same strategy that Esther used.  First, she went before the King boldly, next, she honored him repeatedly.  After the second banquet, she said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.” (Esther 7:3)  In his book, Larry Christenson states, “Before presenting petitions, the intercessor looks for a time of communion, praise, adoration; a time for intimate fellowship with the Lord.  This is a necessary prelude to presenting petitions”.

The Mantle of Esther has made me think more about how I pray.  Do I pray just to be heard?  Or, do I approach the King, first exulting, honoring and thanking Him, then presenting my request?  I think most times, I pray, “Jesus, I need this...” or, “Heavenly Father, help me do this...” How many of us are on a ‘need’ or ‘want’ prayer basis?   I want to be able to pray and have the kind of favor that can save a people from death. 

Three main take-aways:

- I know more about intercession and how to pray effectively. 

- I now understand of the story of Esther in a deeper way. 

- Each time I go to the throne room, I can’t presume my position, but want to approach with humility, honor and gratitude.  (Esther 8:3)

Order the Mantle of Esther on Amazon here

Training Days 32-33: February 12-13

The past two days have been filled to overflowing!

Angela, one of the 39 walkers, flew out to the Seattle area to spend some time with my family!  It's been fun having someone to walk with  (though we haven't walked to many miles :)

We have been working on a top-secret film project (shhh... I didn't say anything :)  and I will share more about this documentary when we launch the website- so stay tuned!

Please keep praying for my right eye infection, I went to the doctor last Wednesday, got on antibiotics and was doing good for a few days.  I finished my antibiotics and my eye has started throbbing again :(  Last night it was almost unbearable!  I really don't want to have to go to the doctor again....

I went back to dance last night, after being off dance from almost two weeks (first because of my knee, then my eye).  I had really missed my awesome dance studio!  I was so glad to be back and start to learn some new dances!

Training days 27-29: February 7-9 

 Sorry for the lack of post- I've been sick :/

 Well... I was in bed most of Monday with a terrible throbbing eye and headache. Tuesday I felt a little better, I was able to be up and about and did a few miles with my friend Katherine :) I also did a little school and work.

 Wednesday morning I woke up to a swollen eye and it hurt so bad! I had a few coffee meetings with friends in the morning and had to take my younger sister (Tatsi) to an ortadontis appointment. By the time I got home, the pain was almost unbearable. I laid down and rested for a little while, had some prayer and it felt a little better. Mom decided to take me into have my eye looked at. We waiting for almost three hours to see a doctor, who told me I had an eye infection :( so she prescribed me some antibiotics. After a goodnights sleep and those antibiotics, I'm feeling much better!

Thank you Jesus for doctors and antibiotics! Will try to walk some today, but don't want to do much. It's raining :) Good thing I live in Washington, because I love the rain :)

 Training Day 21: January 31


Today I woke up with a stiff and sore knee :( argh! Really?!?!  So I spent the day relaxing by a pool and sipping iced tea... Oh wait... that's where I wanted to be :)  I spent the day icing my knee, working in the office with dad and making some meals for this amazing (and large!) family of mine :)


I had a super-duper surprise (well, I knew ahead of time) of seeing one of my really good friends, who lives down south.  Katherine came to hang out, drink coffee, sit by the fire and work of a film project with me :)  Love you Katherine!


Please keep praying for my knee and lower back, both are really sore :(  Well, I'm off to bed... so long till tomorrow!

 Training Day 20: January 30

Today when I walked about four miles, up a few hills, nothing much, but my knee stated to hurt a little near the end.  I finished my walk and forgot about the pain.  Later, during my second hour of dance/Pointe, my knee started to bother me again :(  So I took it easy, or so I thought.  A little later, I was doing a long jump combination and it really started to hurt, so I had to sit out for the remainder of class.   All that to say, I am icing my knee and laying low... Not sure if I will be able to walk tomorrow....  Please keep me in your prayers, for a quick and complete healing, for my knee and lower back!

 Training Day 19: January 29

Today was Sunday.  Every Sunday, I get to work with 20-50 children in KidChurch.  I usually teach the K-2 grade children, but for the past few weeks, the K-2 have stayed with the 'older' kids :)  I love watching the kids worship the Lord (some more animated then others :)


Today was my rest day for training, so I didn't walk....