so, my brain is fried. i did my taxes a few months ago but refused to file them until today. the verdict? i owe $1165. how nice that i am also getting a rebate for $1200. so i feel like i wasted a few hours for nothing! :) 35 bucks though. that’s almost a tank of gas for my sweet little fuel-efficient jetta!
anyway, chris and i had coffee last night with a new friend of ours from oklahoma city. he’s guest blogged here before…and most of you know him as the youtube pastor that accidentally said “pinch his t*ts” instead of “pitch his tents.” clueless? go here and watch for yourself.
well, our friend said something along the lines of, “since coming back from africa, you have obviously changed. and it’s all over your blog, too.”
for some reason that kind of surprised me! i know i have blogged more about sponsoring kids and stuff, but i dunno. you guys read this thing. do you think it’s changed?
i’d love to hear your thoughts.
oh, and bonus…later today i will be posting some cover art for mad church disease to get your thoughts!
You have definitely changed and always for the fantastic BEST! I couldn’t figure how you could be better, but to me, you just spill LOVE for everyone! I thank God for your true (very very relevant…what’s going on TODAY) in the world of Ministry! Honestly, Anne, how could we thank you enough for all your knowledge and insight(s)!
You can’t help but change after a trip like that.
What I see that’s different on your blog is that your thinking is more outside of yourself. Not that you were so me-focused before, just that you have more of a global perspective.
It’s that “brokenness” thing…..can’t help but change you…and it’s good!
Your heart has deepened. So yes, it’s noticeable.
I’m glad it’s noticeable. If not, then I’d be concerned.
http://www.vagabondrunn.wordpress.com
i can’t say that i’ve noticed a change? but i didn’t jump into the conversation, until a week or two before you left on the trip…you were already dealing with it and God was already working in your life through it…?
if you have changed is that bad? i don’t see where it is?
i’ve noticed the change and that is GREAT. it would be a huge shame to experience that and keep it tucked away as a memoir and that’s it.
i think many of us (myself included) have had monumental experiences that we unfortunately didn’t allow to change us for good.
that seems right…topics have tended more toward the contemplative and theological.
works for me!
just don’t abondon the purely random – a la leg shaving. :)
You seem to speak with more conviction and like Robin said, you are more broken. You have always been a great writer, but it seems like there is more vulnerability and heart (not to say there wasn’t before though). BTW- we still need to meet in person :)
I have noticed a change…but it is not bad.
It is your heart. it is about your heart. and that is why i like to read. you are real with what you are going through and right now the process that you are going through is Uganda, africa, children who dont have hope….
i dont mind.
not changed…just more focused.
sound tax advice for this year:
have/adopt/make up a kid
Went from owing $1500 last year to getting $500 this year! Kudos to The Boy!
I do love me some of those friends you went out with! He just can’t get away from the video can he! HA! I about wet my pants the first time I saw that. I try not to bring it up every time we’re together. Na, I’ve got some other funnies with him now! :)
I think you show more of how you’ve been grounded in the reality of what happened there. It just opened a world up for you I guess.
oh, and sorry about having to give the government MORE money.
annr – if the kid thing doesn’t work for you try this – withold more – duh!
Yes, there is a change, the kind of change that occurs after a God experience. You are writing with more passion and conviction, almost a desperation to see others touched and cared for.
Leonard Ravenhill said, “He [or she] whom God uses greatly, He wounds deeply.” I think you came back from Africa with a God wound.
It’s a good thing. It’s a God thing.
Anne, I was reading BooMama just yesterday and she was getting the same response from her readers. You should check it out. I didn’t read anyone’s blog before Uganda, so I can’t comment, but I love what I read now! :)
I think we all promote things we believe in. And from you’re Africa experience, you are now a big believer in Compassion. I think it’s great. Everyone should experience a trip like that.
I leave today to discuss and dream about incredible short-term mission trips with a missions organization called Book of Hope. I posted it here.
Everyone should experience a trip like yours. These trips do change our lives.
Crystal took my words. I say the same, not changed so much as focused. Obviously that will bring about change as you begin to talk less about other things—though they may still interest you.
Still good stuff. In fact, I’ve participated in the discussions since the “change” more than before.
Go, go fellow Volkswagen owner!
for what it’s worth: you’ve always blogged about what you’re passionate about. that hasn’t changed. what has changed is the depth of what you’re passionate about. Africa will do that to a person; increase depth and bring clarity.
In a way. You seem to think more globally and while you were always a deep thinker, you have a more “focused” (that word again)intensity. Definitely a good thing.
Anne…I guess that settles it. You’re jacked up…for all the right reasons. Thanks for your kind words…I had a blast hanging with you and your man.
yeah, you’d better be changed after a trip like that…
I only found you since you have been back so I can’t testify to the change – but ya can’t go to Africa and not come back a changed person.
So that’s good to hear. I really like your writing…