Annie L.

September 17, 2022 by Gabriela YarelizProfiles, Uncategorized

Today, Annie speaks to us about child-like wonder, God’s restoration and her story of resilience.

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I grew up in a non-christian home. My parents were pretty strict. I wasn’t allowed to speak English at home, watch English TV or listen to English music, which explains why I was born and raised in Canada and went to ESL for five years. I was made fun of a lot when I was a kid. Although I was made fun of a lot, I don’t remember ever feeling victimized or feeling sorry for myself, rather God gave me a very forgiving heart. In my highschool days, my family broke apart, and life was never the same. I lived rebelliously for 10 years, and then came to know the Lord at 36 years old after being married with kids for six years. Thank God for His mercy.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Shortly after coming to know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, I had a huge fight with my husband about it. He was very very resentful. After crying and pleading in prayer. I fell asleep and in a dream God gave me: Isaiah 58:9-11: “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ “If you take away the yoke from your midst, The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, If you extend your soul to the hungry And satisfy the afflicted soul, Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, And your darkness shall be as the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually, And satisfy your soul in drought, And strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” Little did I know, God already out of His mercy and grace, told me what I was supposed to do with my marriage, with the community, and with my life.

Profession/Mission: I am a public servant during the day. My mission is to serve wherever God wants me to serve. Also to share the hope of the Gospel with as many people as God allows me.

I read somewhere on your page that skincare is your therapy. What is your hero product? Oh! I’m kind of a junkie lol. There is no way I can pick only one product. But if I had to pick my top 3. They would be my essence from Prevage, Night advanced repair serum from Estee Lauder and 10% Glycolic Treatment from Beauty Counter

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? Live like a Child.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? Six years ago, through a career development opportunity, my work setting completely changed. I met a girl that was maybe 8 years younger and she started ministering to me. There were a lot of questions and discussions and she always encouraged me to read the Bible myself. After several weeks of talking with her, one night I just decided to do it. I skipped the geneology at the beginning of Matthew, and started reading the Sermon on the Mount. It was that night through that sermon I encountered God in a way I cannot describe. It was like God was speaking to me through what I was reading. Tears drenched the pages. A while later, I shared with my co-worker that I had always felt a disconnect with who I felt the world wanted me to be, and who I really feel like I am inside; a kid trapped inside an adult body. She started reading to me, Matthew 18:3 – “And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” It was that moment, an epiphany. I knew I was His.

How would you describe Jesus? The Way, the Truth, and The Life. He is Living Water, Bread of Life, Light of the World, Prince of Peace and Wonderful Counsellor. Jesus is Lord and God. Jesus is my Savior.

I also saw that you sell active and athelisure wear. What is your favorite way to stay well? Eat well, everything in moderation. Keep moving.

Do you have a favorite thing to wear? A good sportsbra and good quality no roll leggings. Breathable and sweatwicking is non-negotiable. Pockets are a bonus.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? There were two “times” in my life so far that were very very dark. (1) When my siblings and I were abandoned. I was 17, my sister was 15, and my brother was 11. During that time, I kept on hearing a voice in my head telling me that this time is going to pass, everything will be all right. There was this peace that I felt in the midst of that chaos. (2) Fast forward to my mid 20’s, a time where I felt super ashamed of a decision I made and all the consequences it had brought onto my life at that point. It was that same voice that told me, “Everything will be put into its place. Do you trust me?” – After that moment, I felt the same peace from before. Now putting the puzzle pieces all together, I see that God’s hand was over my life ever since I was 6 years old. A teacher of mine had told me about Adam and Eve and that there was a Heavenly Father, I believed as a child. Though I clearly did not foster that relationship, though I left Him, He has never left me. He is my Abba Father.

“During that time, I kept on hearing a voice in my head telling me that this time is going to pass, everything will be all right.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? If you haven’t heard of BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) Go check it out. It has helped me grow tremendously. It is an in-depth interactive Bible Study with others, where you can find sound teaching of God’s Word, clarity, and encouragement, all to glorify God’s name and mature His people.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Ephesians – What does it mean to be a Christ follower? This powerful book has the answers.

Top three essentials: Humility, Prayer, and the Holy Spirit ( I think that’s what you meant by essentials right? 😉 )

How did God speak to you recently? God the majority of the time will speak to me through His Word. Last time that was distinctively obvious was when I was so consumed with starting up my business that the Holy Spirit asked me, “Am I ready to see Him?” – Matthew 24:43

Hobby: Singing, writing.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: (1) Prayer is the oxygen of your spiritual life (2) Read your Bible (3) Fellowship with other believers.

Favorite person in Scripture? That would be Jesus, but if that doesn’t count (LOL I get this question a lot, and they always say God doesn’t count) so then next fave person has got to be either Joseph or Peter.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? God’s love through me.

How do you engage with your community? Humbly and authentically, with truth and grace.

Favorite holiday? Christmas. Every year this time is a powerful reminder of God’s humility. – I also love buying gifts for people I love.

A goal you have? To be more knowledgeable with the Bible.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We love going on road trips! We make it a ‘thing’ every summer, by God’s grace.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? So many! But one for sure is Matthew 27:52-53 – What exactly happened there?

Thing you want to raise awareness about: A united church is a powerful church. Unity in the body of Christ is important to Jesus.

What does your morning routine consist of? Snoozing my alarm at least once, pray, get ready for work.

What is on your nightstand? My phone, good cream, kleenex, hair ties, facial hydrating mist.

Define Christianity in a sentence: An intimate relationship with the Almighty God in which you were created by God the Father, born with a sin nature, redeemed by God the Son, and santified by God the Holy Spirit.