I've been worried about making enough money for this trip to georgia these last few weeks, because I was going to have to borrow a lot from my parents for it all. Then pay them back after my birthday at the end of January.
I've been praying that God somehow would provide work for me before this trip. I've had two babysitting jobs in the last two weeks which has brought in a little over $100, and I have two more this coming week, which last time I babysat for this family for the same amount of time they payed me $60 I believe. Im babysitting for them tomorrow, and Wednesday, for that amount of time, so Im thinking I'll get payed that much.
God is so good! My dad will most likely be getting some business here soon (I work for him as well), and so that will help a lot too.
My faith has grown so much lately, and I feel like my joy is finally coming back, my heart is full again. Doesnt feel empty. God's been so good with taking care of me, and it's reminded me that he is here with me, and that he will take care of me no matter what happens
13 days until I leave! So excited!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
I've been really trying to learn to be joyful about everything, and to not complain. I'm in a homeschool choir in my area, and it's a really good choir, and I have some good friends in it. But I dont like it as good as I did in years past, we have a new director which has taken a while to get used to, my really close friends all graduated so they're not in it. And I havent really enjoyed the music we've been doing. I've been complaining about it a lot these last few weeks of rehearsals, and we had our first performance this afternoon. The very first song opens up with saying "the God who gave us life, gave us liberty" How beautiful is that? That is also a part of the ending of our last song. I've realized lately, that even if you dont like what you're doing, you need to do it with a good attitude and for God's glory, not your own.
Why do I get to complain? When I have a house over my head, food to eat whenever I want, cars, restaurants, clothes, a bed, my own room. When people elsewhere dont have any of this stuff. How is it that a little kid in africa can be so happy with nothing, and us not be joyful, and thankful for what we have. We get upset if our parents get us the wrong kind of ipod, when these kids in these poverty stricken places cant even fathom something like that.
This is something thats really been laid on my heart today. Even though Im not that big of a fan of the music, or not the greatest friends with the people in the choir, even though I hate the uniforms, and the shoes hurt my feet, I should be thankful I can do that. Because when Im doing that with a joyful heart, Im really bringing honor to God. Which is what I want to live for.
Why do I get to complain? When I have a house over my head, food to eat whenever I want, cars, restaurants, clothes, a bed, my own room. When people elsewhere dont have any of this stuff. How is it that a little kid in africa can be so happy with nothing, and us not be joyful, and thankful for what we have. We get upset if our parents get us the wrong kind of ipod, when these kids in these poverty stricken places cant even fathom something like that.
This is something thats really been laid on my heart today. Even though Im not that big of a fan of the music, or not the greatest friends with the people in the choir, even though I hate the uniforms, and the shoes hurt my feet, I should be thankful I can do that. Because when Im doing that with a joyful heart, Im really bringing honor to God. Which is what I want to live for.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Starry night
Here's the lyrics to the song I wrote...no one better steal them! lol. I love it, best song I've ever written I think. And most depressing. Hope you enjoy
Starry Night:
When I look at a starry night,
I think about you and I so high
laying on the dew damp grass
watching as the world passed.
Remembering us wishing on the stars
that flew by so fast
just like the summer past.
Laying in your arms so tight
wishing that, we'd never fight
My heart broke when I went back
to the place we had our starry night
To find you there with her so bright
having your own starry night
wishing on the stars that flew by so fast
just like our summer past
When I look at a starry night,
I think about you and I so high
Remembering us wishing on the stars
that flew by so fast
just like the summer past.
I think about you and I so hight
laying on the dew damp grass
watching the world pass.
Starry Night:
When I look at a starry night,
I think about you and I so high
laying on the dew damp grass
watching as the world passed.
Remembering us wishing on the stars
that flew by so fast
just like the summer past.
Laying in your arms so tight
wishing that, we'd never fight
My heart broke when I went back
to the place we had our starry night
To find you there with her so bright
having your own starry night
wishing on the stars that flew by so fast
just like our summer past
When I look at a starry night,
I think about you and I so high
Remembering us wishing on the stars
that flew by so fast
just like the summer past.
I think about you and I so hight
laying on the dew damp grass
watching the world pass.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Suffering and Joy
The last few weeks at the church I've been going to on Wednesday nights they have been talking about suffering. We're doing a series on 1st Peter. In this book, Peter is writing to Christians that are being persecuted. Hints the suffering.
We're only three weeks in the series and we finished 1st Peter 1:9 last night. Last time this church had service (two weeks ago due to Thanksgiving last week), I left with a heavy heart and some questions. I emailed the pastor, Marc, the next day asking him about Joy and where it came from. I had told him I had lost a lot of my joy, and I am suffering, so where does that joy come from in the suffering, because I need to find that again.
Last night, he put a lot more of where joy came from through suffering in the sermon. It really hit me hard. The passage last night was 1st Peter 1:6-9 and it says " In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Here's kind of what Marc talked about with this passage, and how he broke it down. This is in my words, but it's pretty much what he had said.
In verse 6 it says that "in this you rejoice," what it's saying there is that when you suffer, when you face trials, you rejoice. It goes on to say "though now for a little while" saying that we do suffer for a little while, but the time of eternity there is not much suffering. "If necessary" is saying that if it is God's will, if it is part of God's plan you will suffer. And it goes on to say "You have been grieved by various trials" Just talking about the trials that we all go through
Now going on to verse 7, it says "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
Im going to try to get this right with what Marc said. He said that when we suffer it's like the refining process of Gold, and this passage is kind of talking about that. When you melt gold the pure gold stays to the bottom and the impurities float to the top, which thats called Dross, whenever the dross comes to the top, someone comes along and scrapes it off, leaving the purest gold. Thats kind of how it works with us and God. Whenever we suffer, we grow in our faith, and get the "dross" scrapped away from our lives.
The next verse goes on to say "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory"
Marc said something on the lines of that we always seem to try to muster up joy instead of actually being joyful. And that we feel like since we're a christian we have to have this smile on our face and just act like we have joy. He said the ONLY place we can find true joy is from Jesus Christ. In the Teaching Journal they give out every week Marc said "Peter desires his readers to not rest in their own capabilities of "mustering" up joy during suffering, but rather be reminded of their salvation and the hope of a returning Christ." Thing is we cannot be joyful if we dont understand that the only way to be truly joyful is with Christ, and obeying his commands.
The last verse says "obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." So, kind of attaching what I said in the last part and this, since they're a big sentence; in the end you rejoice because you have received salvation. And that should be the source of your joy.
There's this weekly bible reading plan thats always on the teaching journal and today's passage was 2nd Corinthians 7. This passage is amazing! It talks about grief, and joy, and repentance. It's so amazing! I totally suggest reading it.
Also here's the other passages I will be reading this week that are in the teaching journal.
12/4 Phillipians 2:1-11
12/5 Colossians 1:3-14
12/6 Luke 15
12/7 Psalm 43
12/8 Proverbs 10
Marc's message really hit me hard because of that email I sent him. I really needed to find out how to find joy in suffering, because I could not find it. I feel a comfort now. and Im asking God to take away my sin that is keeping me from being joyful. Marc had said that we needed to take a good look in the mirror and just plead with God to take away the sin that is holding us back from joy, and showing God that we love him, that way that "dross" in our life can be scrapped away and we can look more and more like his son. I knew exactly what that was as soon as he said it. And I felt really convicted of it, more than I ever had been, and Im repenting, and going to turn from it.
Man the last few weeks, I've just been so depressed, and down in the dumps because of everything. And that I had lost my joy. Last night reminded me of where my joy should be coming from. Not all this worldly things. Because in the end, God wins, and there will be no more suffering.
With that all said, Im going to go, spend some time with God, and plead that he keeps me from temptation, and that he will help me become more joyful. It has been a tough long journey, but with God, I can get through anything, and be joyful in the process.
In Christ,
Hannah
PS I can release the name of my new pastor now. His name is Ron Smith from Fellowship of San Diego. His church in San Diego was the host church for the guys this summer. Amazing guy! Cannot wait for his first sunday on January 3rd :)
We're only three weeks in the series and we finished 1st Peter 1:9 last night. Last time this church had service (two weeks ago due to Thanksgiving last week), I left with a heavy heart and some questions. I emailed the pastor, Marc, the next day asking him about Joy and where it came from. I had told him I had lost a lot of my joy, and I am suffering, so where does that joy come from in the suffering, because I need to find that again.
Last night, he put a lot more of where joy came from through suffering in the sermon. It really hit me hard. The passage last night was 1st Peter 1:6-9 and it says " In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Here's kind of what Marc talked about with this passage, and how he broke it down. This is in my words, but it's pretty much what he had said.
In verse 6 it says that "in this you rejoice," what it's saying there is that when you suffer, when you face trials, you rejoice. It goes on to say "though now for a little while" saying that we do suffer for a little while, but the time of eternity there is not much suffering. "If necessary" is saying that if it is God's will, if it is part of God's plan you will suffer. And it goes on to say "You have been grieved by various trials" Just talking about the trials that we all go through
Now going on to verse 7, it says "so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"
Im going to try to get this right with what Marc said. He said that when we suffer it's like the refining process of Gold, and this passage is kind of talking about that. When you melt gold the pure gold stays to the bottom and the impurities float to the top, which thats called Dross, whenever the dross comes to the top, someone comes along and scrapes it off, leaving the purest gold. Thats kind of how it works with us and God. Whenever we suffer, we grow in our faith, and get the "dross" scrapped away from our lives.
The next verse goes on to say "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory"
Marc said something on the lines of that we always seem to try to muster up joy instead of actually being joyful. And that we feel like since we're a christian we have to have this smile on our face and just act like we have joy. He said the ONLY place we can find true joy is from Jesus Christ. In the Teaching Journal they give out every week Marc said "Peter desires his readers to not rest in their own capabilities of "mustering" up joy during suffering, but rather be reminded of their salvation and the hope of a returning Christ." Thing is we cannot be joyful if we dont understand that the only way to be truly joyful is with Christ, and obeying his commands.
The last verse says "obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." So, kind of attaching what I said in the last part and this, since they're a big sentence; in the end you rejoice because you have received salvation. And that should be the source of your joy.
There's this weekly bible reading plan thats always on the teaching journal and today's passage was 2nd Corinthians 7. This passage is amazing! It talks about grief, and joy, and repentance. It's so amazing! I totally suggest reading it.
Also here's the other passages I will be reading this week that are in the teaching journal.
12/4 Phillipians 2:1-11
12/5 Colossians 1:3-14
12/6 Luke 15
12/7 Psalm 43
12/8 Proverbs 10
Marc's message really hit me hard because of that email I sent him. I really needed to find out how to find joy in suffering, because I could not find it. I feel a comfort now. and Im asking God to take away my sin that is keeping me from being joyful. Marc had said that we needed to take a good look in the mirror and just plead with God to take away the sin that is holding us back from joy, and showing God that we love him, that way that "dross" in our life can be scrapped away and we can look more and more like his son. I knew exactly what that was as soon as he said it. And I felt really convicted of it, more than I ever had been, and Im repenting, and going to turn from it.
Man the last few weeks, I've just been so depressed, and down in the dumps because of everything. And that I had lost my joy. Last night reminded me of where my joy should be coming from. Not all this worldly things. Because in the end, God wins, and there will be no more suffering.
With that all said, Im going to go, spend some time with God, and plead that he keeps me from temptation, and that he will help me become more joyful. It has been a tough long journey, but with God, I can get through anything, and be joyful in the process.
In Christ,
Hannah
PS I can release the name of my new pastor now. His name is Ron Smith from Fellowship of San Diego. His church in San Diego was the host church for the guys this summer. Amazing guy! Cannot wait for his first sunday on January 3rd :)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Im really excited because I get to go to Georgia the week after christmas. There's a big reunion with people from the summer in San Diego. I'm going to leave the day after christmas and go to Kentucky where my friend Kelsey lives, and drive to Atlanta with her uncle, from there we're going to stay at someones house, most likely Taylors, and stay through new years, and fly back on the 1st. This is something i really feel like I need to do. Just get away with my best friends for a week in a city that I've never been in before.
Thanksgiving last week was great, I really needed that. I went to my grandparents house, and just chilled with my family and ate amazing food! I had been really depressed and that was exactly what I needed to help me with my mood.
Tonight I have church, and im really excited to hear about what God has to teach me. These last few months have been a really tough journey, and I have a feeling they're going to get even harder in the coming months. But Im looking forward to what God will do through all of this and how he will take care of my family.
Im trying to get back into my quiet times, but those are really hard to stay constant in. Especially when you're babysitting 3 times in a week, and have other commitments to hold up. But then again, God should always come first. I guess I just need to try to hold myself accountable with it.
Thats all thats really going on, Im praying for God's guidance, and that he will teach me through this hard time. Im sure you'll hear from me soon, especially if God shows himself to me in some amazing ways tonight at church.
~Hannah
Thanksgiving last week was great, I really needed that. I went to my grandparents house, and just chilled with my family and ate amazing food! I had been really depressed and that was exactly what I needed to help me with my mood.
Tonight I have church, and im really excited to hear about what God has to teach me. These last few months have been a really tough journey, and I have a feeling they're going to get even harder in the coming months. But Im looking forward to what God will do through all of this and how he will take care of my family.
Im trying to get back into my quiet times, but those are really hard to stay constant in. Especially when you're babysitting 3 times in a week, and have other commitments to hold up. But then again, God should always come first. I guess I just need to try to hold myself accountable with it.
Thats all thats really going on, Im praying for God's guidance, and that he will teach me through this hard time. Im sure you'll hear from me soon, especially if God shows himself to me in some amazing ways tonight at church.
~Hannah
Sunday, November 15, 2009
So we officially have a new pastor. I am not aloud to release his name yet because he has yet to tell his church that he was looking into moving to a different church, so we have to be careful on what we say while he goes back home to tell his church that he is now going to be the pastor at mine.
I had the pleasure of meeting him a few months ago, really great guy, with a really great family! I'm really excited about him becoming the pastor of my church.
I have been considering switching churches, but now i think i am going to stay a while longer which just tells you how much I love this guy and his family.
His first sunday is January 3rd. Giving his family and himself time to find a place to live, and to break the news to his church. Im super excited about this!! lol just thought I'd share the news :)
~Hannah
I had the pleasure of meeting him a few months ago, really great guy, with a really great family! I'm really excited about him becoming the pastor of my church.
I have been considering switching churches, but now i think i am going to stay a while longer which just tells you how much I love this guy and his family.
His first sunday is January 3rd. Giving his family and himself time to find a place to live, and to break the news to his church. Im super excited about this!! lol just thought I'd share the news :)
~Hannah
Friday, November 13, 2009
My life it seems is constantly falling apart now. But after turning off my phone, computer, and music and just spending an hour just praying, reading the bible, and worshiping God today, I realize that he knows what best, and sometimes it takes us to get to the very bottom before things get better.
I've been struggling with a lot of stuff lately with my family and friends. But I realize now that if it's God's will, then there is some type of good in it, and it will be worth it in the end.
I've also realized that I need to stop hating so much. God loves us so much that he let his son die for us. Why is it so hard for me to love some people because they are difficult? I dont know, I just dont think I've had my eyes set on the right things lately, and i really need to turn my focus to God because of that.
Things have been really hard lately, but Im going to try to handle them to the best of my ability.
Here's what my prayer was today in my quiet time and will be for a long time "father, daddy, abba, savior, this is really hard for me to take an hour and just focus completely on you. Especially right now with everything going on. I've been not wanting to give everything over to you father because it seems like every time I do so, everything gets worse. But now I realize that I wasn't fully relying on you father. I was letting other things be the comfort that I really need you to be. Father please show me what you want me to do, and show me what you want me to read. I want to give this all over to you father, and I want you to be in control of my life. Speak to me in this time. Help me to be completely focused on you through all of this"
God is an amazing God, and he will help you through whatever tough time you're having. This is the hardest time in my life right now. There was a time three years ago when I thought that was the hardest time in my life, but i was wrong. That was nothing compared to everything right now. Please be praying for me, as I am trying to seek God through this trial. It is amazing what God can do, and i know he will bring me through this and I that i will be a stronger person because of it.
In Christ,
Hannah
I've been struggling with a lot of stuff lately with my family and friends. But I realize now that if it's God's will, then there is some type of good in it, and it will be worth it in the end.
I've also realized that I need to stop hating so much. God loves us so much that he let his son die for us. Why is it so hard for me to love some people because they are difficult? I dont know, I just dont think I've had my eyes set on the right things lately, and i really need to turn my focus to God because of that.
Things have been really hard lately, but Im going to try to handle them to the best of my ability.
Here's what my prayer was today in my quiet time and will be for a long time "father, daddy, abba, savior, this is really hard for me to take an hour and just focus completely on you. Especially right now with everything going on. I've been not wanting to give everything over to you father because it seems like every time I do so, everything gets worse. But now I realize that I wasn't fully relying on you father. I was letting other things be the comfort that I really need you to be. Father please show me what you want me to do, and show me what you want me to read. I want to give this all over to you father, and I want you to be in control of my life. Speak to me in this time. Help me to be completely focused on you through all of this"
God is an amazing God, and he will help you through whatever tough time you're having. This is the hardest time in my life right now. There was a time three years ago when I thought that was the hardest time in my life, but i was wrong. That was nothing compared to everything right now. Please be praying for me, as I am trying to seek God through this trial. It is amazing what God can do, and i know he will bring me through this and I that i will be a stronger person because of it.
In Christ,
Hannah
Friday, October 30, 2009
Baggage and Cards we've been dealt
If you have not heard of the amazing christian comedy duo of Tommy Woodard and Eddie James, also known as the Skit Guys, you need to check them out. They have an amazing way of making students laugh, and have fun, but they get them to think about life and the big things it has to offer.
One of their skits is called Baggage. The summary that they have on their sight says this "We’ve all got it and it’s really hard to let it go. In this skit, Tommy and Eddie give us a window into a young man’s life who seems to be dealt one blow after another and becomes weighed down with so much baggage. Can he let go and let God take control?" Here's the link to the video http://www.skitguys.com/store/detail/247/
I had seen this video multiple times before, but it never hit me like it did just a few days ago. You see, I've been going through a really hard time these last few months, and I've been holding on to everything. There's been some not so good stuff that I've been holding on to, and not wanting to let go. There's been a few times lately when I've just snapped at my parents, or my brothers for random stupid things. I've realized now that it is because of this baggage that I am holding onto. I've decided to try to give it all over to God instead of holding onto it. No matter how much I want to hold onto it I know I need to just give it all up, and not try to pick it up again.
Another video they did, which is new is a video called Cards You've Been Dealt. The summary of this one says "In our lives we are dealt a hand of cards, some representing great moments and some that are filled with crisis. When you are dealt your hand, how will you respond? In this thought-provoking video, Eddie talks about God’s perfect plan which is far more than just a random shuffle of the deck."
Man, when I watched this, I almost cried, just because its so true, in my life, and many other peoples lives. I know there are cards in my life right now i want to give up more than anything. But God gave them to me for a reason, and Im going to play them til the end.
I love the skit guys because they're these amazing christian men, who make people laugh and think. These two videos are more on their serious side, but they have videos skits like "Good Vs. Great" which talks about conferences, and the differences between them, and its really funny! And they always end on a serious note that gets you thinking.
Most teenagers these days will not pay attention to a speaker, but if they're funny, and entertaining, they'll capture their audience, of any age really. The Skit Guys are good at getting teenagers (and adults) to listen, and to laugh, that way they want to see what they are going to say next, and then they hit you right between the eyes with something serious, and I love it!
I've had the pleasure to meet the skit guys last October (2008) and talk to them for a while. Not only are they funny, and super nice, they're also concerned about you and what you are currently going through. I remember emailing them before I left for the conference I met them at, and when I introduced myself, they knew exactly who I was, and they engaged me in conversation, and getting to know me, and finding out what they could do to help me. It was truly amazing!
Anyways, I wanted to share that with you guys. The Skit Guys have changed my life for the better, and i know they could change your life for the better too. Maybe you're hurting and need a laugh, well these guys will get you to laugh for sure!
~Hannah
One of their skits is called Baggage. The summary that they have on their sight says this "We’ve all got it and it’s really hard to let it go. In this skit, Tommy and Eddie give us a window into a young man’s life who seems to be dealt one blow after another and becomes weighed down with so much baggage. Can he let go and let God take control?" Here's the link to the video http://www.skitguys.com/store/detail/247/
I had seen this video multiple times before, but it never hit me like it did just a few days ago. You see, I've been going through a really hard time these last few months, and I've been holding on to everything. There's been some not so good stuff that I've been holding on to, and not wanting to let go. There's been a few times lately when I've just snapped at my parents, or my brothers for random stupid things. I've realized now that it is because of this baggage that I am holding onto. I've decided to try to give it all over to God instead of holding onto it. No matter how much I want to hold onto it I know I need to just give it all up, and not try to pick it up again.
Another video they did, which is new is a video called Cards You've Been Dealt. The summary of this one says "In our lives we are dealt a hand of cards, some representing great moments and some that are filled with crisis. When you are dealt your hand, how will you respond? In this thought-provoking video, Eddie talks about God’s perfect plan which is far more than just a random shuffle of the deck."
Man, when I watched this, I almost cried, just because its so true, in my life, and many other peoples lives. I know there are cards in my life right now i want to give up more than anything. But God gave them to me for a reason, and Im going to play them til the end.
I love the skit guys because they're these amazing christian men, who make people laugh and think. These two videos are more on their serious side, but they have videos skits like "Good Vs. Great" which talks about conferences, and the differences between them, and its really funny! And they always end on a serious note that gets you thinking.
Most teenagers these days will not pay attention to a speaker, but if they're funny, and entertaining, they'll capture their audience, of any age really. The Skit Guys are good at getting teenagers (and adults) to listen, and to laugh, that way they want to see what they are going to say next, and then they hit you right between the eyes with something serious, and I love it!
I've had the pleasure to meet the skit guys last October (2008) and talk to them for a while. Not only are they funny, and super nice, they're also concerned about you and what you are currently going through. I remember emailing them before I left for the conference I met them at, and when I introduced myself, they knew exactly who I was, and they engaged me in conversation, and getting to know me, and finding out what they could do to help me. It was truly amazing!
Anyways, I wanted to share that with you guys. The Skit Guys have changed my life for the better, and i know they could change your life for the better too. Maybe you're hurting and need a laugh, well these guys will get you to laugh for sure!
~Hannah
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Man, oh man!
I just had to write something about tonight, before I forget it. I've been going to a new church on Wednesday nights. A church that I love, a church that loves their church, a church that loves the community, a church that loves lost people, a church that LOVES!
The pastor there, is one of the best pastors I have ever heard. He's one of my favorite speakers, and ALWAYS learn something from him.
I've been so caught up lately with working in communities that are not around me, I have been so caught up in finding places outside of this state to do missions. I havent loved this community. You see, I've grown up here pretty much. The only other place I have lived was Alabama where I was born, and I only lived there until I was two. Since i have grown up here, I have not loved this place like I should. I have not loved the people here like I should. I could leave here tomorrow, and not miss it at all.
I spent two months in San Diego this summer. I love that city, and those people more than I have EVER loved this city and the people here. We NEED to love this city! It needs love just as much as any other city! Yes there are over three million people in San Diego ALONE, and less than three percent CLAIM to be christians, and they need that SO badly! But people need christ here too! If we go else where for a week, a month, two months, maybe even a year, you cant build that relationship that you need to build with a person, like you can if you live there. If we talk to people in our community, we can build a relationship with them, and we can learn to love them, and we can show them what a real christian is like!
Tonight challenged me to LOVE my community, not just be like "yeah I love my community, its a cool place" but really LOVE it. And to LOVE the people here. When I was in San Diego, it was a lot easier for me to talk to people I didnt know, and it was so easy for me to just try to build relationships with them. But here, in my home town, its hard. Its really hard! Because we know if we're 1000 miles away from home, we most likely wont ever see that person again, but here at home, there is that chance that you will see them again. WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN?? They dont talk to you? The reject the gospel? Let me tell you this, if they reject what you are saying, they are NOT rejecting YOU, they are rejecting GOD. Its not your fault because they reject what God is saying, it is just because they are not ready for that relationship with God. But if you keep that relationship with them, and keep bringing it up with them (but not shoving it in their faces) eventually they might come around. Their hearts just need to be in the right place, God needs to be the one to move their hearts, not you. Let God move through you, dont let your words speak, let God's word speak.
Im challenging myself, along with whoever else reads this to witness to at least one person every two weeks. Maybe even every week. I dont get to go to starbucks, or the mall, or wherever, every week, which is why I said every two weeks, cause I know we all at least go somewhere every two week. We can do this guys! There is a revival that is waiting to happen! We NEED to get out there and start this revival! Its not going to start by itself! We need good strong christians to help start this revival that is just waiting to heppen! It's not only a challenge for you, its a challenge for me. I have not done my part with this. I have not loved my community, I have not wanted to witness to my community. But it must be done! If you are a christian, you are called to be a missionary! You might not be very good at talking, but God will use you in amazing ways. God will talk through you if you let him. I know this for a fact. I am not good at striking up conversations with people I do not know, I stumble over my words, I ask stupid questions, BUT if you ask God to give you words, he will. Every time this summer I was about to talk to someone, I would ask God to not let my words get in the way of His, and to let him speak through me. If you're in college, away from home, you can do this too, you can build relationships with the people you will be spending the next four years with. The relationships you build in college, are some that will last forever if you let then. They're the people that you live with, you take classes with, you pass by on campus every day, what better way to witness to people than on your college campus!! I am so excited about this, I am going to be stepping out of my comfort zone a LOT for this, but I am excited to see what God does with it. You never know who might need to hear what you have to say, you never know who needs to hear what God has done in your life, you never know who need to hear the Gospel, so go for it! Share! "If you believe in Heaven and Hell, how much do you have to hate someone to not tell them how to get to Heaven?" -Penn Jillette. If you dont know who he is, then that's pretty crazy haha. Penn is an athiest, he said that in a video where he was talking about someone who gave him a Bible. Amazing, and SO true! Here's another challenge, do to the mall sit on a bench where you can watch people walk by and look at them and picture with them having "condemned to Hell" written on their forhead. See how you feel after that. It will break your heart.
I know who I am going to witness to. It's going to be hard, but I am going to try to do it. His name is Jake, he works at journeys. I've talked to him a lot while I've been in there shopping, super great guy, but not a christian. Every time I talk to him I can tell he's looking for something more. I want to talk to him about what he believes and why he believes it. Be praying for me as I am doing that, be praying for me as I am taking on this challenge to love my community, and to witness to someone every two weeks. I will be praying for you that you will love your community, I will be praying that you take this challenge, and that you will see this revival that is waiting to happen. I will be praying for you as you go out into the world and you make disciples! Im so excited about this, and I hope and pray you are too!
In Christ,
Hannah
I just had to write something about tonight, before I forget it. I've been going to a new church on Wednesday nights. A church that I love, a church that loves their church, a church that loves the community, a church that loves lost people, a church that LOVES!
The pastor there, is one of the best pastors I have ever heard. He's one of my favorite speakers, and ALWAYS learn something from him.
I've been so caught up lately with working in communities that are not around me, I have been so caught up in finding places outside of this state to do missions. I havent loved this community. You see, I've grown up here pretty much. The only other place I have lived was Alabama where I was born, and I only lived there until I was two. Since i have grown up here, I have not loved this place like I should. I have not loved the people here like I should. I could leave here tomorrow, and not miss it at all.
I spent two months in San Diego this summer. I love that city, and those people more than I have EVER loved this city and the people here. We NEED to love this city! It needs love just as much as any other city! Yes there are over three million people in San Diego ALONE, and less than three percent CLAIM to be christians, and they need that SO badly! But people need christ here too! If we go else where for a week, a month, two months, maybe even a year, you cant build that relationship that you need to build with a person, like you can if you live there. If we talk to people in our community, we can build a relationship with them, and we can learn to love them, and we can show them what a real christian is like!
Tonight challenged me to LOVE my community, not just be like "yeah I love my community, its a cool place" but really LOVE it. And to LOVE the people here. When I was in San Diego, it was a lot easier for me to talk to people I didnt know, and it was so easy for me to just try to build relationships with them. But here, in my home town, its hard. Its really hard! Because we know if we're 1000 miles away from home, we most likely wont ever see that person again, but here at home, there is that chance that you will see them again. WHAT'S THE WORST THAT COULD HAPPEN?? They dont talk to you? The reject the gospel? Let me tell you this, if they reject what you are saying, they are NOT rejecting YOU, they are rejecting GOD. Its not your fault because they reject what God is saying, it is just because they are not ready for that relationship with God. But if you keep that relationship with them, and keep bringing it up with them (but not shoving it in their faces) eventually they might come around. Their hearts just need to be in the right place, God needs to be the one to move their hearts, not you. Let God move through you, dont let your words speak, let God's word speak.
Im challenging myself, along with whoever else reads this to witness to at least one person every two weeks. Maybe even every week. I dont get to go to starbucks, or the mall, or wherever, every week, which is why I said every two weeks, cause I know we all at least go somewhere every two week. We can do this guys! There is a revival that is waiting to happen! We NEED to get out there and start this revival! Its not going to start by itself! We need good strong christians to help start this revival that is just waiting to heppen! It's not only a challenge for you, its a challenge for me. I have not done my part with this. I have not loved my community, I have not wanted to witness to my community. But it must be done! If you are a christian, you are called to be a missionary! You might not be very good at talking, but God will use you in amazing ways. God will talk through you if you let him. I know this for a fact. I am not good at striking up conversations with people I do not know, I stumble over my words, I ask stupid questions, BUT if you ask God to give you words, he will. Every time this summer I was about to talk to someone, I would ask God to not let my words get in the way of His, and to let him speak through me. If you're in college, away from home, you can do this too, you can build relationships with the people you will be spending the next four years with. The relationships you build in college, are some that will last forever if you let then. They're the people that you live with, you take classes with, you pass by on campus every day, what better way to witness to people than on your college campus!! I am so excited about this, I am going to be stepping out of my comfort zone a LOT for this, but I am excited to see what God does with it. You never know who might need to hear what you have to say, you never know who needs to hear what God has done in your life, you never know who need to hear the Gospel, so go for it! Share! "If you believe in Heaven and Hell, how much do you have to hate someone to not tell them how to get to Heaven?" -Penn Jillette. If you dont know who he is, then that's pretty crazy haha. Penn is an athiest, he said that in a video where he was talking about someone who gave him a Bible. Amazing, and SO true! Here's another challenge, do to the mall sit on a bench where you can watch people walk by and look at them and picture with them having "condemned to Hell" written on their forhead. See how you feel after that. It will break your heart.
I know who I am going to witness to. It's going to be hard, but I am going to try to do it. His name is Jake, he works at journeys. I've talked to him a lot while I've been in there shopping, super great guy, but not a christian. Every time I talk to him I can tell he's looking for something more. I want to talk to him about what he believes and why he believes it. Be praying for me as I am doing that, be praying for me as I am taking on this challenge to love my community, and to witness to someone every two weeks. I will be praying for you that you will love your community, I will be praying that you take this challenge, and that you will see this revival that is waiting to happen. I will be praying for you as you go out into the world and you make disciples! Im so excited about this, and I hope and pray you are too!
In Christ,
Hannah
Monday, October 5, 2009
End times?
Wow, as I am watching the news today, I realized how many natural disasters have been happening. It makes me wonder if the end times are coming. I have a weird fascination with Revelation in the Bible. It talks about increase in natural disasters, the war between Israel and Palestine will end, and then the temple in Jerusalem will be rebuilt then Christ will come back and call all of his believers up to Heaven with him. After that, it gets a little shady as to what order everything goes in, and I dont know everything about Revelation so I wont be telling you about my opinion on what order everything goes in.
Anyways, as I am seeing all these natural disasters such as the tsunami's, forest fired, earth quakes, hurricanes, dust storms, and everything else like that it makes me wonder, and it makes me excited!!
Ever since I started studying Revelation I have wanted to live during end times, and seeing all these natural disasters makes me excited because it makes me think that maybe it will happen while I am still alive. It will be scary when it happens because you will see the people you thought were christians not coming up with you, and running around like crazy wondering what will happen.
Have you ever wondered what will happen when a bunch of people are driving down the road and then they just disappear because they were a christian and Christ came back to bring them up to Heaven with him? Or when the pilot is a christian and the plane crashes when Christ comes back? Its going to be really scary and a lot of BAD stuff is going to happen, but when that happens, and people have heard about Christ coming back, they will KNOW what happened. I'm not saying everyone will repent and know that God is real and that after the 7 years, they will go to Heaven, Im saying those people who grew up in church and heard it, but never accepted Christ will know what happened, and will turn their life over to Christ.
Im so excited about this you have no idea! I love talking to my friends about end times. But what I think i am most excited about is the new heaven and the new earth.
God will destroy this earth and the heaven that he is in right now. He will make a new Heaven and a new Earth that is perfect without sin. We will all have bodies like we do now, but we will be without sin. God will be walking with us in this new earth, in his own flesh and we will be able to go from Heaven to Earth because we are all perfect. There will be no Hell, God will throw Satan and his Demons, and all of Hell into a burning sulfer where they will burn forever. Here's what it says in Revelation 20:7-10 "7When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
No more pain, no more suffering, NO MORE SIN! Why arent we all excited about that?! People are scared about end times, yes it is scary, but if you're a believer in Jesus Christ you do not have to be scared! When all of the really horrible stuff starts happening we will be in Heaven with Jesus Christ just watching it all. Im really excited to see what happens exactly, and when it happens. Be praying for revival so that there are millions of people going to Heaven when Christ returns. We dont know when it will happen, so we have to be ready! Talk to those around you about Christ so that they will be saved from Hell!!
Anyways, as I am seeing all these natural disasters such as the tsunami's, forest fired, earth quakes, hurricanes, dust storms, and everything else like that it makes me wonder, and it makes me excited!!
Ever since I started studying Revelation I have wanted to live during end times, and seeing all these natural disasters makes me excited because it makes me think that maybe it will happen while I am still alive. It will be scary when it happens because you will see the people you thought were christians not coming up with you, and running around like crazy wondering what will happen.
Have you ever wondered what will happen when a bunch of people are driving down the road and then they just disappear because they were a christian and Christ came back to bring them up to Heaven with him? Or when the pilot is a christian and the plane crashes when Christ comes back? Its going to be really scary and a lot of BAD stuff is going to happen, but when that happens, and people have heard about Christ coming back, they will KNOW what happened. I'm not saying everyone will repent and know that God is real and that after the 7 years, they will go to Heaven, Im saying those people who grew up in church and heard it, but never accepted Christ will know what happened, and will turn their life over to Christ.
Im so excited about this you have no idea! I love talking to my friends about end times. But what I think i am most excited about is the new heaven and the new earth.
God will destroy this earth and the heaven that he is in right now. He will make a new Heaven and a new Earth that is perfect without sin. We will all have bodies like we do now, but we will be without sin. God will be walking with us in this new earth, in his own flesh and we will be able to go from Heaven to Earth because we are all perfect. There will be no Hell, God will throw Satan and his Demons, and all of Hell into a burning sulfer where they will burn forever. Here's what it says in Revelation 20:7-10 "7When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever."
No more pain, no more suffering, NO MORE SIN! Why arent we all excited about that?! People are scared about end times, yes it is scary, but if you're a believer in Jesus Christ you do not have to be scared! When all of the really horrible stuff starts happening we will be in Heaven with Jesus Christ just watching it all. Im really excited to see what happens exactly, and when it happens. Be praying for revival so that there are millions of people going to Heaven when Christ returns. We dont know when it will happen, so we have to be ready! Talk to those around you about Christ so that they will be saved from Hell!!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wow God is amazing!
Today was a very interesting day when it came to church services. This morning whenever I was in service, the transitional pastor was speaking (our pastor retired), and at the end he was talking about not losing sight of your faith, and holding on even through the hard time. Then tonight, this other guy did the same thing. It was amazing how God made both the sermons fit together perfectly. Tonight he was talking about how we all go through struggles and how we cant lose sight of out faith because that will make it so much harder for us to get through it. And he talked about how we sometimes feel like God is not there for us and that we cannot feel him working in our lives even though he is. It was amazing. It really hit me. The guy that talked tonight (I dont know his name by the way haha), also had everyone bow their heads and close their eyes and asked who is going through a hard time in their life right now or is struggling with something to raise their hand, so I did, because I almost walked away from my faith earlier this week because of everything that had been going on. It was exactly what I needed to hear today, and it made me almost cry.
Now it's time to go write letters to friends :) goodnight all!
~Hannah
Now it's time to go write letters to friends :) goodnight all!
~Hannah
Friday, September 25, 2009
I've come really close to just giving up on my faith these last few days. Im not going to go into detail, but there has been a bunch of stuff going on with my family the last two weeks, that has really hit me hard.
I just kind of feel like that whenever I start to get better, and when I start to not be depressed anymore (I used to have depression), something attacks me and I fall down and dont know how to get back up for along time.
On Wednesday night I went to an awesome church in my area that I am thinking about switching to. What the pastor said really helped me. I dont even really remember what he was talking about that really hit me, but something did and it made me realize that God is there, and that even though I cant see what he's doing right now, I know that he does everything for good. Then last night at a bible study I go to, we talked about attitudes and how we need to have good attitudes through everything.
Man has God been teaching me some lessons! Im so tired of working for everything, im tired of trying to please everyone around me, and helping everyone else when I really need to be helping myself right now. I let people talk to me about their problems, and I take their burdens onto myself. When in reality, right now, I cant really even handle my own burdens right now.
I was hoping my trials as a teen would be over. My dad lost his job 3 years ago, a bunch of stuff after that started happening, and I became extremely depressed. It took me over a year and a half to get over it on my own, and even after that I struggled with it a lot. Just about a year ago I started to get better from it, and now I feel like Im right back where I started. I need God right now more than I have in a long time. I need him to show himself to me, to reassure to me that he is here and he is real. I need him to show me that everything will be alright in the end. It might be a tough journey, but in the end, all will be alright.
I also need to figure out what I am going to do for college. I know Im going to go to the community college for a while, but I dont know after that. I want to go to Oklahoma to be closer to my niece and nephew, go to Tennessee just because I love it there, or San Diego because it is the most beautiful place I have ever been in my entire life, and people there need to know christ so badly! But I dont know where God wants me to go. Im thinking about going to a secular college and going to seminary after that, but I dont know what to major or anything.
I have been having a lot of problems with my hip and my ankle the last year. I got my third shot in my hip for something called Prolo Therapy where it inflames the joint causing it to heal. I also got my first session in my ankle, and he gave me two shots in that. So I've been in a lot of pain these last few days. I could use some prayer right now. Just for my family and that my hip and ankle heal well. Tomorrow is my nieces birthday and it's almost midnight so I need to head to bed.
~Hannah
I just kind of feel like that whenever I start to get better, and when I start to not be depressed anymore (I used to have depression), something attacks me and I fall down and dont know how to get back up for along time.
On Wednesday night I went to an awesome church in my area that I am thinking about switching to. What the pastor said really helped me. I dont even really remember what he was talking about that really hit me, but something did and it made me realize that God is there, and that even though I cant see what he's doing right now, I know that he does everything for good. Then last night at a bible study I go to, we talked about attitudes and how we need to have good attitudes through everything.
Man has God been teaching me some lessons! Im so tired of working for everything, im tired of trying to please everyone around me, and helping everyone else when I really need to be helping myself right now. I let people talk to me about their problems, and I take their burdens onto myself. When in reality, right now, I cant really even handle my own burdens right now.
I was hoping my trials as a teen would be over. My dad lost his job 3 years ago, a bunch of stuff after that started happening, and I became extremely depressed. It took me over a year and a half to get over it on my own, and even after that I struggled with it a lot. Just about a year ago I started to get better from it, and now I feel like Im right back where I started. I need God right now more than I have in a long time. I need him to show himself to me, to reassure to me that he is here and he is real. I need him to show me that everything will be alright in the end. It might be a tough journey, but in the end, all will be alright.
I also need to figure out what I am going to do for college. I know Im going to go to the community college for a while, but I dont know after that. I want to go to Oklahoma to be closer to my niece and nephew, go to Tennessee just because I love it there, or San Diego because it is the most beautiful place I have ever been in my entire life, and people there need to know christ so badly! But I dont know where God wants me to go. Im thinking about going to a secular college and going to seminary after that, but I dont know what to major or anything.
I have been having a lot of problems with my hip and my ankle the last year. I got my third shot in my hip for something called Prolo Therapy where it inflames the joint causing it to heal. I also got my first session in my ankle, and he gave me two shots in that. So I've been in a lot of pain these last few days. I could use some prayer right now. Just for my family and that my hip and ankle heal well. Tomorrow is my nieces birthday and it's almost midnight so I need to head to bed.
~Hannah
Friday, September 11, 2009
My thoughts on God and Life; Intoduction
Some of you may have read my mom's blog http://www.iwilllearntofly.blogspot.com/
Which that is about my families struggles the last 3 years with my dad's job loss in 2006.
My name is Hannah. I am a 16 year old, senior in highschool, who loves God with all her heart, and just wants to honor Him in everything she does.
Let me give you a bit of my background and why I decided to start this Blog.
I've grown up in a christian family. It's all I've ever known. I accepted Christ when I was 7, and have grown in my faith ever since. There has been really hard times (2006 my dad lost his job) where I have started to walk away, but through those hard times I have realized I can't get through anything without Christ.
In the summer of 2005, I felt like God had called me into youth ministry. I have pursued that ever since. As I am now. Although, I know a little more clearly (but a little less clearly at the same time) as to what exactly he wants me to do. More on that later...
I'll get ideas of something to write about to talk to my youth group about. I'll post it on facebook instead of asking my youth pastor if I may speak. You see, I hate speaking in front of groups. It's just scares me. But I am learning to be more comfortable with it. I am more comfortable being on stage, with my guitar in hand and a mic in front of me. Why? I have no idea. But as the famous quote goes "God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called." I know that if it is what God wants me to do, he will find a way for me to do it. So I am writing this blog so I can put my thoughts on what God has been teaching me lately, and how I am getting through struggles in life. Because I feel like facebook isn't a big enough website to really get out how I feel about God, and life.
Right now, God is taking all my plans, tearing them up, and throwing them away. My plans were to graduate in the spring, go to the community college to get my gen. ed. out of the way, then go to Cedarville University in Ohio (amazing college!), and study youth ministry with a minor in music.
I went on a two month mission trip this summer to San Diego, I'll probably write a few blogs about that in the next coming months. Once I got home, God started changing EVERYTHING. Now I have no idea what I am doing. It's scary, but exciting at the same time! Im letting God take me wherever he wants me to go. Which will be hard to do, but I know it'll all be worth it in the end!
I hope you guys continue to read my blog, and that it encourages you in everything you do.
I'll be posting again here in the next few days, of something I have written recently about quiet times, why I feel they're important, and how to have a successful quiet time. Hope you guys enjoy!
~Hannah
Which that is about my families struggles the last 3 years with my dad's job loss in 2006.
My name is Hannah. I am a 16 year old, senior in highschool, who loves God with all her heart, and just wants to honor Him in everything she does.
Let me give you a bit of my background and why I decided to start this Blog.
I've grown up in a christian family. It's all I've ever known. I accepted Christ when I was 7, and have grown in my faith ever since. There has been really hard times (2006 my dad lost his job) where I have started to walk away, but through those hard times I have realized I can't get through anything without Christ.
In the summer of 2005, I felt like God had called me into youth ministry. I have pursued that ever since. As I am now. Although, I know a little more clearly (but a little less clearly at the same time) as to what exactly he wants me to do. More on that later...
I'll get ideas of something to write about to talk to my youth group about. I'll post it on facebook instead of asking my youth pastor if I may speak. You see, I hate speaking in front of groups. It's just scares me. But I am learning to be more comfortable with it. I am more comfortable being on stage, with my guitar in hand and a mic in front of me. Why? I have no idea. But as the famous quote goes "God does not call the qualified, he qualifies the called." I know that if it is what God wants me to do, he will find a way for me to do it. So I am writing this blog so I can put my thoughts on what God has been teaching me lately, and how I am getting through struggles in life. Because I feel like facebook isn't a big enough website to really get out how I feel about God, and life.
Right now, God is taking all my plans, tearing them up, and throwing them away. My plans were to graduate in the spring, go to the community college to get my gen. ed. out of the way, then go to Cedarville University in Ohio (amazing college!), and study youth ministry with a minor in music.
I went on a two month mission trip this summer to San Diego, I'll probably write a few blogs about that in the next coming months. Once I got home, God started changing EVERYTHING. Now I have no idea what I am doing. It's scary, but exciting at the same time! Im letting God take me wherever he wants me to go. Which will be hard to do, but I know it'll all be worth it in the end!
I hope you guys continue to read my blog, and that it encourages you in everything you do.
I'll be posting again here in the next few days, of something I have written recently about quiet times, why I feel they're important, and how to have a successful quiet time. Hope you guys enjoy!
~Hannah
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