Im sure by reading the title you can guess what I have been up to the past 12 hours. We embarked on our Christmas trip to GA today, at 1 pm. Well, if things had gone as planned, we would have left at 11 am and gotten to Greenville at like 4 or 5. But as usual, they didnt. Oh well.
We arrived to the wet, rainy, and very trafficky Greenville at 8ish. Thankfully, we just get to chill in the hotel until tomorrow when we make the rest of our trip to GA.
Usually we get up at 4 in the morning and travel to GA all in one day. But this year, because we have Charlene (our foreign exchange student) we decided to split it up, due to all of our sanity. But for some reason, the DOT decided to re-route all traffic around Charlotte and we ended up in bumper to bumper traffic, off and on, for a good 5ish hours. Fun stuff, right? Not.
But as we were slowly creeping our way along I-85, I realized how much time car rides give one time to think... I mean seriously. You have to sit in one spot for hours upon end. And although I have my Ipod on shuffle, with the occasional skip of songs that I forgot were on my Ipod, you start day dreaming and wondering off into space until someone or something snaps you back into reality.
I hope I am not the only one who experiences these events when in a car.
So if you ever are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic, in the rain, with music you forgot was on your Ipod... never fear, day dreaming is always there.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Approaching the Birth
So we all know it's December. But honestly, it doesn't feel that way to me. haha! It just now started to get cold. So my body is thinking it's November. I mean seriously, 70 degree weather and December just don't mix. But I guess in NC they do.
At church, my pastor and youth pastor have been very good at reminding all of us what Christmas is really about. Not the gifts and such, but the birth of our Saviour and what He ultimately came to do. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary, Did You Know." There is one particular verse that gets me thinking everytime I hear it.
"This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you."
Imagine what Mary was thinking. She was probably my age, about 16 years old. I know if I had been approached with this situation, I would be confused and maybe even scared. But she was going to give birth to a baby boy who would give her new life. I marvel at how amazing God is, and how every little detail of His Son's birth was planned.
So this Christmas season, focus on the fact that the baby in the manger would be hung on a tree to give us the ultimate gift... eternal life.
At church, my pastor and youth pastor have been very good at reminding all of us what Christmas is really about. Not the gifts and such, but the birth of our Saviour and what He ultimately came to do. One of my favorite Christmas songs is "Mary, Did You Know." There is one particular verse that gets me thinking everytime I hear it.
"This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you."
Imagine what Mary was thinking. She was probably my age, about 16 years old. I know if I had been approached with this situation, I would be confused and maybe even scared. But she was going to give birth to a baby boy who would give her new life. I marvel at how amazing God is, and how every little detail of His Son's birth was planned.
So this Christmas season, focus on the fact that the baby in the manger would be hung on a tree to give us the ultimate gift... eternal life.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Your Great Name
A few weeks ago during a church service, Jeremy and his wife sang a song that I couldn't get out of my head for the rest of the day. I later googled the lyrics and found it.
Your Great Name By: Natalie Grant
I listened to it over and over again for days. I couldn't get enough of it's powerful message. I thought I'd share the lyrics with you...
Your Great Name By: Natalie Grant
I listened to it over and over again for days. I couldn't get enough of it's powerful message. I thought I'd share the lyrics with you...
"Lost are saved, find their way
At the sound of Your great name.
All condemned feel no shame
At the sound of Your great name.
Every fear has no place
At the sound of Your great name.
The enemy, he has to leave
At the sound of Your great name.
(Chorus)
Jesus, worthy is the Lamb
that was slain for us
Son of God and man
You are high and lifted up
And all the world will praise
Your great name.
All the weak find their strength
At the sound of Your great name
Hungry souls receive grace
At the sound of Your great name
The fatherless find their place
At the sound of Your great name
The sick are healed, the dead are raised
At the sound of Your great name
(Bridge)
Redeemer, My Healer, Lord Almighty
Sustainer, Defender, You are my king.
Amazing portrayal of the deity and power of God.
"that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth. And every tongue confess, that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:10-11
Thoughts.
It's been way to long since I last blogged. Oops. I'll try to get better.
I've had some things on my mind lately that I thought I would share. About 3 weeks ago, I de-activated my Facebook. Yes, you read correctly. Hannah de-activated her facebook. Was this an easy decision? Oh not at all. However, it was sudden. Very Sudden. But I have an explanation.
Ever since I got a Facebook, I have been on it almost every day. I loved the fact I could see what other people were doing, and that I could keep up with those that lived in other states and even countries. It took me 3-ish years to figure out that what I was really doing was majorly comparing myself to other people and their lives. It was causing me to get jealous, frustrated, and sometimes even angry for no apparent reason. It's like it fed a never-ceasing fire that was consuming all of me. It was causing useless drama to be blown out of porportion and so much more. As cheesy as it sounds, I felt the Holy Spirit seriously telling me to get a hold of myself.
I was walking down some very very unstable roads, and straying away from God in the process. I was too worried about what was going on in a friends life, and seeing if mine was better or if mine was worse. I was not being thankful for what God had provided me in my life already and I wasn't recognizing the fact that He had His hand extended to pull me out of this consuming fire.
The best way I saw to grab hold of Him, was to de-activate my facebook. Yes, it hasn't been easy. I have lost contact with quite a bit of people. But I have had TONS of time to spend with my Lord and to realize what is really important in life. I am incredibly blessed in my life. And drama is just plain pointless.
I made a 180 on this road called life, and I am slowly making my way back to my Saviour one step at a time.
I've had some things on my mind lately that I thought I would share. About 3 weeks ago, I de-activated my Facebook. Yes, you read correctly. Hannah de-activated her facebook. Was this an easy decision? Oh not at all. However, it was sudden. Very Sudden. But I have an explanation.
Ever since I got a Facebook, I have been on it almost every day. I loved the fact I could see what other people were doing, and that I could keep up with those that lived in other states and even countries. It took me 3-ish years to figure out that what I was really doing was majorly comparing myself to other people and their lives. It was causing me to get jealous, frustrated, and sometimes even angry for no apparent reason. It's like it fed a never-ceasing fire that was consuming all of me. It was causing useless drama to be blown out of porportion and so much more. As cheesy as it sounds, I felt the Holy Spirit seriously telling me to get a hold of myself.
I was walking down some very very unstable roads, and straying away from God in the process. I was too worried about what was going on in a friends life, and seeing if mine was better or if mine was worse. I was not being thankful for what God had provided me in my life already and I wasn't recognizing the fact that He had His hand extended to pull me out of this consuming fire.
The best way I saw to grab hold of Him, was to de-activate my facebook. Yes, it hasn't been easy. I have lost contact with quite a bit of people. But I have had TONS of time to spend with my Lord and to realize what is really important in life. I am incredibly blessed in my life. And drama is just plain pointless.
I made a 180 on this road called life, and I am slowly making my way back to my Saviour one step at a time.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Oops
So, today was my last day of school and I finally found time to come write a post. haha! A lot has happened since I last wrote. Let's see...
Costa Rica things are going great. We are about 2 months away from the trip and all of us couldn't be more excited! Workdays are coming and going, funds are being generously filled, and the team is growing stronger and stronger! I love it!
My best friend deployed to Afghanistan about 3 weeks ago. He is a PFC Marine. I have been able to talk to him a few times which is always a comfort because the first thing he ever tells me is that he is safe. This situation however has taught me to trust in God so much more. Because he is in a war, and I cant talk to him a lot, I don't positively know if he is safe. That is a scary feeling sometimes. But God has really taught me to trust in Him and Him alone to keep Brad safe. And I know with all my heart that He will bring Brad home to us in December or if it is His will, bring in home to Heaven. I have been able to find that peace and it is amazing.
Another big lesson I have learned is that I can't control things. And it is always better to keep your mouth shut and nose out of other people business. As a high schooler this is no where near easy. But God is showing His unconditional love and through the help of some of His servants (aka parents and youth leaders) I am learning.
Well that is really all for now! Since it is summer, I will try to post more often!
In Him, Hannah :)
Costa Rica things are going great. We are about 2 months away from the trip and all of us couldn't be more excited! Workdays are coming and going, funds are being generously filled, and the team is growing stronger and stronger! I love it!
My best friend deployed to Afghanistan about 3 weeks ago. He is a PFC Marine. I have been able to talk to him a few times which is always a comfort because the first thing he ever tells me is that he is safe. This situation however has taught me to trust in God so much more. Because he is in a war, and I cant talk to him a lot, I don't positively know if he is safe. That is a scary feeling sometimes. But God has really taught me to trust in Him and Him alone to keep Brad safe. And I know with all my heart that He will bring Brad home to us in December or if it is His will, bring in home to Heaven. I have been able to find that peace and it is amazing.
Another big lesson I have learned is that I can't control things. And it is always better to keep your mouth shut and nose out of other people business. As a high schooler this is no where near easy. But God is showing His unconditional love and through the help of some of His servants (aka parents and youth leaders) I am learning.
Well that is really all for now! Since it is summer, I will try to post more often!
In Him, Hannah :)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
3 months!!
Wow, its been a while since I last posted! Lots has happened! We had our third meeting and I am loving my team more and more each time! I cant believe that in about three months I will be leaving for Costa Rica!!
We had DNOW this past weekend at church. And what an experience it was! We focused on The Way: Jesus Christ. Such an eye opening weekend. My God is amazing!
Well, I know this was short, but I will post more often! Things are kind of slow right now, but as the last few months approach, things will start speeding up!
Hannah :)
We had DNOW this past weekend at church. And what an experience it was! We focused on The Way: Jesus Christ. Such an eye opening weekend. My God is amazing!
Well, I know this was short, but I will post more often! Things are kind of slow right now, but as the last few months approach, things will start speeding up!
Hannah :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Testimony and Prayer
Lots has happened since I last posted! We had another workday and team meeting! The workday was actually a lot of fun! We helped a couple in our church clean up/out their back yard! We shredded trees into mulch, pulled weeds, and fellow-shipped! It was lots of fun! Even if my sinuses feel like they are going to explode now... ;)
Then on Sunday we had another team meeting. The two things we went over were Prayer and Testimony. Throughout the next few months it is crucial that our team starts praying for one another. We are all going to experience some hard times these next few months and even when we are in Costa Rica, so prayer is something all of us need to be committed to. Then there was testimony. This is one of the most important things of your spiritual walk. Your testimony shows how you came to know Christ and how you are walking with Him. Definitely a wake up call. If we are going to be sharing the gospel abroad, we also need to be sharing it in our community. I mean, let's face it, we don't need to be acting any different here than we do there when it comes to sharing the gospel.
These were the two biggest things we discussed! :) Thank you to all those who are keeping up with this adventure!
Hannah
1 Sam. 16:7
Matt. 28: 18-20
Then on Sunday we had another team meeting. The two things we went over were Prayer and Testimony. Throughout the next few months it is crucial that our team starts praying for one another. We are all going to experience some hard times these next few months and even when we are in Costa Rica, so prayer is something all of us need to be committed to. Then there was testimony. This is one of the most important things of your spiritual walk. Your testimony shows how you came to know Christ and how you are walking with Him. Definitely a wake up call. If we are going to be sharing the gospel abroad, we also need to be sharing it in our community. I mean, let's face it, we don't need to be acting any different here than we do there when it comes to sharing the gospel.
These were the two biggest things we discussed! :) Thank you to all those who are keeping up with this adventure!
Hannah
1 Sam. 16:7
Matt. 28: 18-20
Monday, February 28, 2011
Lessons Learned
I went to the Health Department today to get all my foreign vaccination information and stuff this morning. And oh was that an experience. I learned some lessons in this short amount of time.
1. Dont Judge.
2. Pray for the lost
The first lesson I learned right when I walked in the door. There are soooo many people there. And some less fortunate than others. I struggle with judging. There I said it. But God worked in my heart this morning. Seeing all those people there who were lost, and yes, who were less fortunate than I, taught me not to judge, and to be thankful for what I have. That was the first lesson.
The second lesson, pray for the lost, was a whole-nother story. My name gets called to go back. This really nice RN brought me into her little room and we started talking. Just about where I was going and what I was supposed to get. We simply looked at my vaccination record and she plainly asked me where I went to school. And I answered, "North Raleigh Christian Academy". It was almost like a light-bulb went off in her mind. Oh, this is for a mission trip. And for some reason, I felt like this lady was giving me a cold shoulder. It isn't easy to describe, but it was almost as if she categorized me. As Jesus says, His followers will be persecuted. I wouldn't say this was harsh persecution, but I didn't feel comfortable after that. She was nice, but very assertive. I understand that is her job, but I just felt it could have been handled differently. As we finished and I was walking out to the car, the only thing that was pressing upon my heart was to pray. Pray for this nurse. That she will be presented the gospel by another. I didn't outright share it with her, I could have, but everything was going so quick, as if she wasn't interested. But that doesn't mean it will never happen. I don't even remember this lady's name, but I know that I can still pray for her. God is putting people in my life throughout this journey that are teaching me so many lessons. I am thankful that this happened today.
I ask those of you who are reading my blog, to pray with me for this nurse. Pray that she will be open to Christ. Pray that if I were to ever cross her path again, I would share the best news with her.
Hannah :)
1. Dont Judge.
2. Pray for the lost
The first lesson I learned right when I walked in the door. There are soooo many people there. And some less fortunate than others. I struggle with judging. There I said it. But God worked in my heart this morning. Seeing all those people there who were lost, and yes, who were less fortunate than I, taught me not to judge, and to be thankful for what I have. That was the first lesson.
The second lesson, pray for the lost, was a whole-nother story. My name gets called to go back. This really nice RN brought me into her little room and we started talking. Just about where I was going and what I was supposed to get. We simply looked at my vaccination record and she plainly asked me where I went to school. And I answered, "North Raleigh Christian Academy". It was almost like a light-bulb went off in her mind. Oh, this is for a mission trip. And for some reason, I felt like this lady was giving me a cold shoulder. It isn't easy to describe, but it was almost as if she categorized me. As Jesus says, His followers will be persecuted. I wouldn't say this was harsh persecution, but I didn't feel comfortable after that. She was nice, but very assertive. I understand that is her job, but I just felt it could have been handled differently. As we finished and I was walking out to the car, the only thing that was pressing upon my heart was to pray. Pray for this nurse. That she will be presented the gospel by another. I didn't outright share it with her, I could have, but everything was going so quick, as if she wasn't interested. But that doesn't mean it will never happen. I don't even remember this lady's name, but I know that I can still pray for her. God is putting people in my life throughout this journey that are teaching me so many lessons. I am thankful that this happened today.
I ask those of you who are reading my blog, to pray with me for this nurse. Pray that she will be open to Christ. Pray that if I were to ever cross her path again, I would share the best news with her.
Hannah :)
Friday, February 25, 2011
New Blogger!
So, this is my first blog post ever! Thank you to all who have come here to read through my journey to Costa Rica! :)
First, let me explain the title of my blog. I chose "In Christ Alone" because these next few months of preparing for Costa Rica are solely going to be done In Christ Alone. That is my prayer. These are going to be some stressful months but the reward will be totally worth it!
Second, let me bring you to date on all that has happened already in the process of this trip!
About 2-3 months ago, Chris (my amazing youth pastor) approached us with the possibility of an international mission trip. If I recall correctly I started jumping up and down. I have felt the call to go on a mission trip for quite sometime and the opportunity came! So I jumped right on it! I approached my parents with my desire to go. A few weeks later we had the first informational meeting where we found out we would be going to San Jose, Costa Rica. My parents and I prayed about this for the next 1 1/2- 2 months and in January we put my name down. I am so incredibly excited! Then everything started rolling! We had our first team meeting about 2 weeks ago, where for the first time, we saw who everyone on our team was! And let me be the first to say, what a great team it is! There are four girls and nine boys. Our team leader is the amazing Chris Woods, who is also our youth pastor. I am so thankful God put this man over our youth group! During this meeting we got all of our general information for this trip. And wow, is it a lot! I have to get shots, medicines, passports, etc! But I know that it is all in God's hands!
Last week we had our first team workday! We went to a local elementary school in our area, and refreshed their landscaping. I say refreshed because last April, during D-NOW, our youth group actually totally redid the landscaping. This workday was a blast! It felt so great to work as a team for the first time! And let me tell you, the difference was amazing!! I wish I had had a camera! I will try to add pictures when I can of the team and what we accomplish through God's help!
Sorry this was a long post! I hope you will continue reading this and go on this incredible journey to San Jose with me!
~Hannah
1 Samuel 16:7
First, let me explain the title of my blog. I chose "In Christ Alone" because these next few months of preparing for Costa Rica are solely going to be done In Christ Alone. That is my prayer. These are going to be some stressful months but the reward will be totally worth it!
Second, let me bring you to date on all that has happened already in the process of this trip!
About 2-3 months ago, Chris (my amazing youth pastor) approached us with the possibility of an international mission trip. If I recall correctly I started jumping up and down. I have felt the call to go on a mission trip for quite sometime and the opportunity came! So I jumped right on it! I approached my parents with my desire to go. A few weeks later we had the first informational meeting where we found out we would be going to San Jose, Costa Rica. My parents and I prayed about this for the next 1 1/2- 2 months and in January we put my name down. I am so incredibly excited! Then everything started rolling! We had our first team meeting about 2 weeks ago, where for the first time, we saw who everyone on our team was! And let me be the first to say, what a great team it is! There are four girls and nine boys. Our team leader is the amazing Chris Woods, who is also our youth pastor. I am so thankful God put this man over our youth group! During this meeting we got all of our general information for this trip. And wow, is it a lot! I have to get shots, medicines, passports, etc! But I know that it is all in God's hands!
Last week we had our first team workday! We went to a local elementary school in our area, and refreshed their landscaping. I say refreshed because last April, during D-NOW, our youth group actually totally redid the landscaping. This workday was a blast! It felt so great to work as a team for the first time! And let me tell you, the difference was amazing!! I wish I had had a camera! I will try to add pictures when I can of the team and what we accomplish through God's help!
Sorry this was a long post! I hope you will continue reading this and go on this incredible journey to San Jose with me!
~Hannah
1 Samuel 16:7
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