March 2023 Butter Babe: Annette Oden
What a treasure Annette Oden is! She is one of those people that lights up every room she enters with her smile, laugh and inviting personality! I met her over a decade ago when she was the Children’s Pastor at the church I was attending and I remember her being the kindest person to me then and she remains so! Take a moment to be inspired by her infectious personality and uplifting responses!
1. What is the best way to start the day?
I pray before I get out of bed every morning. There’s something about the peace and quiet of that sacred space before I start doing all the things that bring a serenity to my day.
2. What advice would you give to other women who are wanting to live life well?
In the late 90’s, I had the privilege of meeting a beautiful Ugandan woman named Patience who was in her early 20’s. Her job was to care for the children of Watoto Children’s Choir as they toured in America to raise funds for the children’s homes in Uganda. These children and Patience had all been orphaned by civil war and the AIDS epidemic in their country. I asked her about the joy I saw on every face and heard in every song and that’s when she said it, “Auntie Annette, I tell the children, ‘thankfulness will take you a long, long way…” I can still hear that lilting, gorgeous accent, I still feel the weightiness of her faith and of her settled peace and joy. My goal is to live thankful and to share the blessings of thankfulness everywhere I go and with everyone I meet. It’s why I smile so often and laugh so easily. If you want to live well, I recommend the advice of this precious young woman; thankfulness will take you a long, long way.
3. What is something you have always dreamed of doing?
I want to see the Aurora Borealis! I want to sing there, worship there, experience the magnificence of this created world! God is the most incredible artist.
4. What gives you hope?
PEOPLE! God gives me hope through my tribe and through some of the most incredible people in this world. There are “normal” people who inspire me though I’m not sure they’re always aware. There are famous people who inspire me, too. There’s inspiration & hope out there and we’ll see it if that’s what we’re looking for. Of course, if we’re looking to reinforce the point that everything is hopeless, we’ll find that, too. #js ☺
5. What risks are worth taking?
(1) Living real, being yourself is the best thing in the world but it often feels like SUCH a risk. I’m aware that living real and transparently comes with a cost but I just don’t care anymore. Being what other people need or want you to be is such a sad way to live. I just won’t do it anymore.
(2) Loving people right where you find them and giving them room to grow.
(3) That thing you think about all the time but are scared to jump in and give it a go? THAT is worth the risk. Whether it’s a career change, a new hobby or becoming the friend you need, you’re worth the risk! Go for it.
6. What book has impacted you?
Most recently I’ve read two books I loved, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink.