The blog

It has been a minute since I last wrote a blog. I sat down a week ago to write, but I was simply stumped. Nothing came to mind. I had absolutely zero clue what I wanted to blog about. I thought to myself, “Nothing interesting has happened. All I have done is go to class and study.”

Anyways. I decided that I will postpone blogging until I had something interesting to write about, but then I remembered the promise I made to myself when I started this blog.

I plan to write at least once a week. Even if I’m not in the mood or life is just too much for me to sit down and write something “catchy” or “entertaining,” I want to put my most real, VULNERABLE self out there for you guys.

Bring your dirty laundry written by Me, Anna Takle

I laugh at myself when I read “for you guys.” I act like I’m some hot-shot social media influencer. I crack myself up.

The point is that everyone always has something worth sharing whether they are in a chaotic, interesting season of life or just a mundane, routined season. Every season is worth talking about.

So, what’s new? Well, I sought out a counselor to help guide me through my struggle with confidence. We met for the first time this week, and might I say, therapy is in fact very therapeutic.

I signed up to take piano lessons through UGA’s community music program.

I am realizing that “broke college student” is a very fitting stereotype that I am not exempt from.

I did not do that well on my first college test. That is all I will say on the matter.

I have branched out from Bolton’s pasta, cookies and Diet Coke.

I went to Fresh Market for the first time on Monday. The rumors are true. It is very expensive, but it is heaven.

I started watching Gilmore Girls. I understand the hype.

I got to see my older brother John who just moved back home from Arizona.

I accidentally took an Athens Transit bus instead of a UGA campus bus. I realized I had made a mistake when we had crossed a bridge, entered onto a highway, passed a strip mall, and weaved our way through developing neighborhoods. I got off at a bus stop next to apartments that were roughly 5 miles from campus. I was in the boondocks of Athens, GA. Needless to say, I will not be utilizing anymore public transportation.

My blog got read out loud by the lead pastor at Athens Church this past Sunday. I sat there in complete shock and excitement. I also found an intense level of joy sitting in a room full of people that had no idea that I was the one being quoted. I could hear 8 year old me saying “I’m Radio Rebel.”

That same Sunday, Jasper and I got spontaneously baptized. I have had the passive and recurring thought for the last year or so of getting baptized again, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. At the most recent college night, I heard God say to me “Anna, you have not fully opened up your heart to me. It is time to stop holding back and let me come into your life. Not just part of your life, but all of it.”

At first, I felt a little disappointed. I thought I had such a deep, intimate, and personal relationship with God. I thought that although I struggled opening up to people, I never struggled coming to the Father.

I realized that my hesitations towards vulnerability with people translated into how I communicated with God. I would talk to Him, but I wouldn’t give Him full control over a situation. I didn’t let these thoughts weigh me down, however. Instead, I realized that I am coming to a place in my life where I am learning the joy and freedom in surrendering every part of my life to God. I am giving Him full reign in my heart, and I am watching Him perform miracles.

I just cried as I heard God speak to me so gently. He spoke to me in a way where there was no shame for ignoring the thought of getting re-baptized, but rather a confirmation that He is backing my desire. He assured me everything was happening according to His timing.

So, when I heard Sean say last Sunday that anyone is welcomed to get baptized, I took that as the perfect opportunity to let God have all of me, not just part of me.

I think Jasper could tell I was a little hesitant to go by myself, so he turned to me and asked, “Do you wanna go together?”

Ugh. He’s the best.

I have never been more excited to do something in my life. As I went under the water, I felt an old skin shed off. The old version of myself that told me I was too much for people, not good enough for God, and too prideful to grow has been washed off. I came out new and ready to be transformed by the Creator. I came out with a heart fully open to God. I came out lighter, like I have a fresh start. What better feeling is there?

If I can leave you with anything, it is this: that the God you might be unsure or hesitant of is the God who wants all the messy and complicated parts of you. He wants all your anger, fears, struggles, insecurities, shame…He wants all of it, because He wants all of YOU.

The good stuff is always lurking at the core of the thing you are most scared to confront. There are little miracles hiding behind the corner of every fear and guilt you’re holding on to. The great thing is that God is the one who will bring the “good out of every situation.” He really does all the work. All you have to do is give Him your heart.

May you learn to give your whole heart over to the One who made it. May you let go of whatever is keeping you from experiencing all the riches that Heaven has to offer you. May you have the courage to take one step further in trusting that your steps are ordered. May you see the good in you again.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV

I hope you have a great rest of your week, that you branch out from your routine, and that you get on the right bus.

Until next time 🙂