A New Outlook

Today, it is one year since my grandmother's passing. I think that my poor husband has been worried about me all day. I'm a crier, so I think he has been walking on egg shells in case.... well.... frankly in case I lose it. But for the past month or so, I have been praying. Sure, I've prayed my whole life. But this past month I've been REALLY praying. The long, actually assign a time, bring me to tears type of praying. And I've realized something.

I've been looking at this all wrong.

Now, before I continue I want to emphasize. Mourning is a part of life. It is healthy. But... we need to make sure it doesn't consume us.

I heard something the other day that stopped me dead in my tracks. I was at dinner with Evan, and he was talking about...um... ok I honestly don't remember. BECAUSE the cutest little five-ish girl was talking to her grandma about her dog. Her grandma asked her how she was doing, and the little girl replied "I'm ok. I'm sad that she died. But she was really sick, and Heaven was the only way she could get better."

From the mouths of babes, huh?

I wanted to go up and hug that little girl. She gave me a gift of insight I could never have expected. My grandmother was sick. And now she is not. Now, she is happy and healthy and gets to be in the presence of Jesus. That is great, wonderful news!! And yes, we miss her down here. More than anything.  But I can't wish her back. Because Heaven is where is supposed to be.

Because of this thought, I have peace. The kind of peace that let's me know that everything will be ok.

If you have lost someone, my encouragement to you is this. Remember that this earth is not the end-all. I know we have been told this over and again, but think of it this way. Heaven is the end result. If you were to watch your best friend run a race, you wouldn't be sad she got to the end. You wouldn't cry because her race was over. You would rejoice because she finished! She reached her end goal.

Heaven is the goal. My grandmother got there, and I am so happy for her.

So LIVE. Be happy. Encourage people on this earth. Laugh. Love. I would not want Memaw to look down on me and see me not living my life because of my sadness. There will be times when you are sad. But the not sad times should outweigh the sad times. God gave us the gift of life and we should not waste it! There are so many good, and wonderful things to see and do and experience in this life.

So please, please, please-- live your life with joy. Because a life lived without joy is a waste.

Be salt and light,
Hannah

An Overlooked Need

Before I start this post, I want to emphasize.

I do not practice what I preach.

As much as I would like to believe that what I am about to say is the exact thing I practice, I can't lie to you. I want to be better, I do. I am working on it. However, it is a very hard thing to start living out.

What is that thing you may ask?

Well, what I am talking about is service. A specific type of service. I think there is a lot of good in doing something like building a house or church in Mexico. It is something you can talk about as well without sounding like you're bragging. “Well, this summer I went on vacation with my family and then went to Mexico to build a church with my church”. Now don't hear me wrong. There is something noble and something honorable about going to Mexico or another foreign country to build a church or a home or a hospital. Building a building in Mexico is not easy work. It is hot. It is hard labor. It is HOT.

But.

There is another type of service that I believe gets overlooked more often that not. It is not a glamorous type of service and it's not something that you normally hear people talking about. However, it is a service that has really been on my heart lately after some encounters and conversations with friends. That service is to the homeless population. Now, I can hear the questions already.

“Aren't a lot of them drug addicts/former drug addicts?”

“What if they're a con man who doesn't really need help?”

“Couldn't they get out of their situation if they really wanted to?”

I am ashamed to say that I myself have asked some of these questions to justify just walking on by. But a question I have started asking myself is- does it really matter? Wouldn't you rather help someone who didn't need help than NOT help someone who needed help? I realize I may be stepping on some people's toes by this post. But something I think we need to keep in mind is that a lot of people out there have had hard, rough lives. Some of them due to themselves, but some due to circumstances out of their control. There are people out there that are hurting. Possibly the same thing that happened to someone is homeless happened to you and you recovered and continued with your life. And that is GREAT! However, some people were not that lucky.

I know that there is a lot of discussion out there about giving money, but you don't have to give money to help people. There a lot of ways. And what would that mean for you? Buying them a sandwich? A hot drink? A blanket? As initially ridiculous this may sound, just giving someone a sandwich could save their life. For a person who has time and again been knocked down, ignored, abandoned- whatever the case may be- just knowing there is someone on earth that cares enough to buy them a sandwich or a drink, start a conversation with them or even just make eye contact, could be enough to completely change their way of thinking. Something so little for us could change someone's life. So what if they're a con man? That's a risk you take helping people. And if they are, what's the worst that happened? You gave a man a sandwich who didn't really need it.

Some people that are homeless are homeless because they made choices to be that way. Some are continuing to make those choices. Some could improve their situation but don't and some just choose to live that life. However, almost all of them need some form of help or encouragement. We all do. When the Bible talks about service, it does not say “help those that only ask for it” or “help those that you judge for yourself deserve your help”. Service is not about what people deserve or earn anymore than salvation through Christ is something we deserve or earn. 1 Peter 4:10 states “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms”. God's grace is not something that we only show people who deserve it. Can you imagine if God's grace was only given to people who “deserved it”? I'll let you in on a secret- no one would be a recipient of that. Thankfully, it is a gift. A gift that we should share with anyone we come in contact with.

No matter their race.

No matter their background.

No matter their social class.

No matter their job.

No matter their faith.

No matter their situation in life.

The list goes on. My encouragement to you is this. And I'm warning you now- it's the hardest thing yet. Actively look for people that need God's grace. Sometimes the people hardest to give it to are the people that need it the most. Look for them, whether they be the mean person at work, the homeless man you pass every morning, or the neighbor who's always yelling at the neighborhood kids. Look for them. And once you find them- love them. Serve them. Whatever it takes. It may not be outwardly rewarding. You may get shut down, rejected, or ridiculed. I promise though, a lifetime of service will never leave you with regrets.

Be salt and light!

~Hannah~ 

What Have You "Made It"?

One of my favorite songs from my days in the youth group at my home church was "Heart of Worship"  by Matt Redman. It sounded beautiful when sung and I liked the words. I was recently reminded of the words when we sang it at a singing service I attended. The chorus of this song is "I'm coming back to the heart of worship where it's all about you. It's all about you Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it when it's all about you- it's all about you Jesus."

It got me thinking. What have I "made it"? "It" being church, worship, my Christian life, etc. Well...


It has become a social event. A place where I can go and know that I can see friends and connect with people. I have made it an escape. A place at the beginning of the week where I don't have to think about homework or school or life- I can just relax. I've made it a concert-where I can just listen to the song leader and the people around me sing pretty songs. And I've made it a way to feel better about myself. When there is a pointed lesson I can listen to it and think "Well hey, I haven't had an affair, so I'm good!"

What I'm forgetting when I do that though is that this week I gossiped about someone in my class. I lied and said I was busy when someone asked me to hang out because really...I just didn't want to do something with that person. I made fun of someone in my head for asking a dumb question in class. I let my anger get the best of me and snapped at my best friend. When this realization started pouring over me this week, I realized I've got "it" all wrong.

Church and worship isn't a social event. It's not an escape- at least in the way I've been viewing it. It's not a concert and it is definitely not a way to feel better about myself. It is a way to be challenged. It is a place to connect with others on a deep, intimate level- not just saying hey to my friends and catching up on the week's news. It's a place where I can be free to pour out my heart to God in worship, and be humbled by the message the preacher brings. It's a place where no matter my sins or my hurt, or other's sins and hurt, I can be me and come into the embrace of other's that love God passionately and without abandon.

My challenge to you is this week, make a list. What have you "made it"? Write it down. You don't have to show it to anyone, but there is something powerful about being completely honest with yourself and with God. And then think of ways to change your list. Instead of making it an escape from the craziness of life-thinking of it as the one day a week you can just sit and have your kids be quiet and not have to pay bills or cook a meal or do homework-  make it a refuge where you can feel the peace of God surround you. Instead of thinking of it as a concert, think of it as a place where you can completely let yourself go, and let the words and the music wash over you and encourage you, lift you up, raise your spirits. Instead of a place where you feel better about yourself, try to think of a challenge from every lesson that the preacher brings. I promise you- if you look for an area of improvement you will find it.

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, where it's all about you. It's all about you, Jesus. I'm sorry Lord for the things I've made it when it's all about you- it's all about you Jesus."

Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~

The Proposal Story (ah!!)

Here is the promised proposal story. Enjoy! 

I went to Atlanta, Georgia for a mission trip with the youth group I was the youth intern for, and Evan decided to take a week off from his internship in Springfield, Missouri and go home to Georgia. He had e-mailed the youth minister I was working for (Matthew) and told him that he was going to propose, and asked if I could have a night off. Matthew, being the awesome, understanding boss that he was of course said yes. Now, I should have known something was up when I was talking to Matthew and Evan, because both of them kept absolutely insisting that I take Wednesday night off. Well, on Wednesday of that week Evan picked me up from the place I was staying with the youth group and took me to his house. I  thought that we were just cooking dinner for his parents, and then hanging out with everyone. However, when we started to cook dinner his parents disappeared upstairs. Before we had started dating, Evan had taught me how to play chess. He had led me to believe that I was pretty good by letting me win several of the games. Apparently, he was just being nice. He suggested that the person that won the next game got to decide the next activity we did. I was pretty sure of myself, so I agreed. ....I lost in about 5 moves. HIs suggestion was that we go on our first official date. At Evan's house on the night of the proposal, he had bought a new chess set. He suggested we play a game while dinner was cooking. After he beat me (he always wins), he came to sit by me on the couch and said that he had thought of a good analogy for life that involves a chessboard. He said that a lot of times in life, things will happen and you will lose "pieces", like in a chess game. He said that while some pieces may go out of your life, sometimes you are lucky enough that God sends you just the right person that will always have your back and will do anything to protect you, like the queen piece in chess. He said that he was so lucky, because God had sent him that person, and that it was me. He got down on one knee, pulled out a ring, and said "I am so lucky that God sent me you. I know that you will always have my back, always do anything to protect me. And for the rest of my life, I want to be that person for you. Hannah Wren Stone, will you marry me?" I, of course, said yes.

Sorry it's been so long coming. I've had a lot going on, some of which I will address in my next few blog posts. I hope all of you have had a marvelous start to your new year. 

Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~

It's the Little Things

I guess you could say that this is a combination “devotional” post and “bride to be” post. Last week was such an extremely stressful week. Monday, especially, was the most exhausting. I had class at 8 am, went to babysit from 9-1, went to class from 1-2, then babysat again from 2-5. At one point, I was alone with twelve 2 to 9 year olds on a playground. Needless to say, I was absolutely exhausted. I was also not in the best mood. I knew that Tuesday was going to be even more busy and Wednesday would be crazy as well. On top of classes, I had my speech client this week, a ton of work to do, and extra homework and quizzes. Knowing that my week was just beginning was almost too much to handle. When I got out of babysitting, Evan called me to tell me to meet him behind the student center. He had picked me up one of our favorite meals. When we were done eating, he took me to the student center, bought me ice cream (comfort food works miracles) and watched a couple tv shows with me, even though he had a lot to do that night. To add to this, earlier that day, I had asked him to turn in these postcards I had filled out for work. All I thought he had to do was turn them into the office. Well, turns out they had to be stamped. There were approximately 75 of these postcards. Now, I would definitely not have blamed him if he had just texted me explaining that, and then given them back to me. But that sweet guy stamped all of them and turned them in for me. Not only that, he sat in my chapel seat so that I wouldn't be counted absent (he knows I'm running a tad low on chapel skips).

Now, all of these things are not that big of a deal. They weren't some huge, monumental actions that forever changed my life. They were just little things. What made them special though was the thought that went into them. It's the fact that he made an effort to show me that he cared and that he would do anything to make my day better. 

Besides being reminded yet again that I am incredibly blessed to be engaged to/best friends with this guy, I started thinking about how many times I had missed opportunities to do “little things” for people. Think about your own life for a second. How many times have the “little things” made a huge impact on your day? If a stranger compliments you on your shirt, doesn't that make you feel good? Or if they hold the door open for you are carrying your books, doesn't it help you out so much?

One more story. Whenever we are checking out at a store, or getting our cards swiped to get into the caf, or come in contact with anyone who has a fairly monotonous job, Evan always goes “Hi, how is your day going?” Usually, they answer “fine”. But I've noticed that the people he does this to regularly recognize him now. They smile as soon as he comes up, and some have even talked to a little longer. One time, one of the workers in the cafeteria that everyone thinks is a bit mean seemed particularly sad. Evan asked her if she was ok, and she said “Well, I have back problems and because I've been standing up all day my back really hurts. It's been really hurting lately.” Well no wonder she looked mad all the time-if I was in constant pain, I would be mad too! Evan replied “I'm sorry to hear that, I'll be praying for you!” And walked off. You should have seen her face light up. By Evan just asking her what was wrong, he improved her day tremendously. This was just another reminder that it really does not take much to turn someone's day around.

So this is my challenge to you. As you go through this week, try and do little things for people. Smile at them. Ask them how their day is going. Compliment them on their hair or their shirt or the presentation they did in class. Focus on doing little things for others, and try to recognize the little things people are doing for you. I promise, you'll smile a lot more when you realize that people are going out of their way to be nice to you. And remember that it's the little things you do that may make the biggest impact.

Who by Worrying....

Last night, one of my best friends, Nicole, surprised me by coming up to Harding for a visit. I don't know how Evan kept it a secret, but he did. It had been an extremely long week. I had work, clinic, tests in two of my major classes, and a ton of assignments due. I was so incredibly stressed that multiple times this week I just wanted to break down.. But now I'm sitting here, outside of a coffee shop with two of my best friends. Today, we are all hanging out and then later today, I am going over to Kelsey's and cooking dinner and going to the football game. There is a slight breeze and the weather is the perfect temperature.  I can hear kids giggling and playing in the open area next to this coffee shop, my coffee was made just right, and I have nothing I need to do any time soon. And I'm realizing something.

Being stressed did not help me any.

If I hadn't let myself be stressed- If I had just relaxed, taken a few deep breaths, and not worried so much, I would still be in the same boat. I would still be sitting here on this perfect day with people that are so dear to me. The weather would still be perfect, I would still be going to the game tonight, and I would still be smiling so much my cheeks hurt. But I wouldn't have wasted so much of last week being tired and stressed and worried. I could have had even more time like the time I'm experiencing right now.

Realizing that has let me know that I shouldn't stress as much. Stressing doesn't do anything. I know that I will still be stressed, I'm not fooling myself. But hopefully, this was the wake-up call I needed to try and tone it down. The next time I get stressed out and tired, I will be able to think about this day and remember that it will all be ok, and an awesome, stress-free day will be just around the corner.

So my challenge to you is to just take a few deep breaths. Relax. Enjoy the day. Spend some time outside. And don't worry. Whatever is going on, it will all work out.

Be salt and light!!

Smile

Today's blog post is short. I have been thinking about something profound I could write, something that would cut to someone's soul and completely change their life. And I'm stumped. So I don't have that this week (but you should check back next week- I may have some profound epiphany by then). I just have a little advice.

Smile. Smile smile smile. There is so much to be happy about. I realized that this week, though it has been a stressful one already, has given me so much to smile about. And think about how you feel when someone just smiles at you. A full on, all-teeth-showing smile. I know for me at least it brightens my day. That person's cheerful mood cheers me up. A smile can turn your day around, and your smile can turn someone else's day around. Yes, I realize that sounds extremely corny. And yes, I realize that bad things happen. There may be a day where your car breaks down, your phone breaks, you break up with your boyfriend or you made a grade on a test that was so bad your teacher didn't even bother to put a grade on it (if that last one sounds oddly specific...there is a reason....woops.) You may be thinking right now that there is nothing to smile about. But you know what?

You are a child of God.

What more could you possibly need? If you can't think of a single thing to be happy about, then focus on the fact that you are an heir to the one who created the universe. Really, really think about it. Cool, huh?

So smile. Make someone's day better. Just choose to be happy and choose to focus on the good. Once you start focusing on the good, it will become a habit and pretty soon it will be a way of life for you.

Have a wonderful week, be salt and light!

My Own Fairytale... pt. 1

So, as you can probably guess by the title this is going to be one of my "bride to be" blog posts. I have had several people as where/how we met, how Evan proposed, etc... So here we go! Here is the story.
It's actually kind of amazing how I even got to where I could know who Evan was. Our paths don't cross at all- different majors, we started at different churches, different sets of friends...if it hadn't been for a random chance we might not have met. Going into my freshman year of college, I didn't know my roommate or my three suitemates. One of my suitemates, Victoria, asked me if I wanted to go to sonic with her and some of her friends one night in October. I still didn't know that many people, so I said sure. Evan was one of the three guys that we met there.  Now we didn't really talk much to each other. Actually, I didn't talk much at all to anyone because as it turns out, I had 103 degree fever that night. The only thing I really remember from that night was him offering me his sweater because apparently, I was shivering and looked awful. It was a fun night of talking though.
Fast forward to Spring semester.
I had been going to church a lot by myself my first semester at Harding, and Victoria asked if I wanted to start going to Highway Church of Christ with her and some of her friends. Well, Evan was included in that. I remember calling my mom to catch up that Sunday after church, and said "They were all really nice! And one of Victoria's friends complimented every girl and said that she looked beautiful". Well, that was Evan. I noticed him talking to each girl individually and telling them each that they looked nice that day.  It was refreshing because you could tell he genuinely meant the things he was saying.
About a week later, my youth minister from back home asked if I knew of any guys who would be interested in applying for the youth internship at our church. Other than the occasional word or two, I hadn't really talked to Evan, but I knew that he was a good guy, extremely spiritual, and...well, that's basically all I knew about him. So I gave his contact info to my youth minister. We started talking more after that, just randomly when we saw each other at church or in the cafeteria. One day out of the blue, he texted me and asked me if I had ever heard of this song before, because he knew I liked music and so he thought I would appreciate this song. I met him for coffee and we ended up talking for about 2 hours. Over the next few weeks we would occasionally meet for coffee and talk. He found out I didn't know how to play chess so he taught me how to play chess. We talked about everything under the sun, and he had mentioned a couple times that he was going to Africa in the fall so he wasn't looking to date. It wasn't in a rude way, just a fact. We asked get to know you questions. His were deep "Where do you see yourself spiritually? What's a metaphor to describe your life?, etc" Mine were a lot of "What's your favorite color?" I'm not that creative.
(We're in the home stretch now!)  Well, after a few weeks of this, he suggested we play chess again. We had been playing many times since he taught me, and I had actually been winning quite a bit. He decided to add stakes to this game, though. He said that the person who won got to ask one question, anything they wanted, and the other person had to answer. I was pretty confident that I would win because I had been winning so much. Well, he beat me in about three moves. Turns out he had just been letting me win. Lame, I know. Anyway, his one question was....would I go on a date with him.

So, that's the story. There's a lot more but this was already pretty long, so I cut it "short". I know people say that they didn't work out because the timing was wrong. I don't agree with us. The timing was not right for me and Evan, at all. He was going to Africa in the fall and that distance is tough on anyone, even if they've been dating a long time. But when he asked me on our first date, I knew that it was going to be something special. He makes me a better person. He makes me laugh even when I'm mad. He is goofy enough to bring me out of my shell. I am completely myself around him, and miraculously enough he still loves me. He pushes me more spiritually than anyone ever has in my life, and I have grown so much more in my faith because of him. And I am so grateful for that.

Well, I'll probably do the proposal story in the next couple of weeks...and I promise it's a good one. So, this is part of the story of my own little fairy tale. I have several devotional thoughts for the next couple of weeks, and more bride-to-be posts. So, check back in!

Have a wonderful week, be salt and light!
~Hannah~

Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!!

It is sad to say, but the title of this blog is how I live my life basically 24-7. I am always rushing from one thing to another, hurrying along because the NEXT thing I am going to is so important. Now, before you cast your judgement upon me and tell me to slow down, smell the roses, all that jazz...think about yourself. If you go to school, how many times do you look at a clock during a single class, wondering how it is that you've been in that class for six hours and yet the minute hand on your watch has only moved five minutes? How many times do you find yourself impatient at a red light, tapping your fingers just waiting for the light to turn green? When you're in a grocery store, do you leisurely walk through the aisles, or are you planning in your head the fastest way to get out of the store? I am guilty of all of these on a regular basis. Now, I realize there are people that don't struggle with this. So, if you are one of those people you can stop reading now. But, if you are like me and find yourself constantly rushing and hurrying, I may have some thoughts that can change your mind about this.

I didn't realize that this was a problem until very recently. The first wake up call I had happened the other day at Wal-Mart. It was very crowded that day, and the aisle that Evan and I were shopping in was crammed with people. He left to get something farther down the aisle because my cart couldn't fit through everyone. I realized an older lady was waiting to get an item my cart was blocking. As I start to apologize and attempt to move my cart, she reached out her hand to stop me and said "Honey, it is fine. I am in absolutely no hurry at all."

Those 12 simple words struck me silent.

If I could find this lady and thank her for her words, I would. She probably doesn't remember saying them, but they have left a profound impact on me. She has it figured out. At that moment, I didn't need to be rushing. There was nothing else I had to do that day. How often have I been stressed and trying to hurry to do something, when it didn't need to be done in a hurry?

The second thing that happened was something that I read on Evan's mom's facbeook wall. She always posts such positive stories, updates, etc. They always encourage me, but this one challenged me in a way that equaled the lady in Wal-Mart. Please please PLEASE take the time to read this. I realize it's long, but hopefully it will have the same impact on you that it did on me. This is the story that she posted-

 A NYC Taxi driver wrote:

I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.

After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard
box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'

'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired.Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut.It was the sound of the closing of a life..

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.


~~~~~~~~~~
Wow. When I read this, I realized that something in my life needed to change. I was saddened by the thought of how many beautiful, wonderful moments I may have missed because I was rushing from place to place.

My encouragement to you is this. It is easy on the surface, but much more difficult to execute.

Walk slower. Talk to strangers in the store. Stop looking at your watch in class (how many would jump at the opportunity to be in the classes that we are in, yet we take it for granted). Relax. Read a book. Drink some tea on your porch. Remind yourself that life is not a race, but a series of beautiful moments that can easily be missed if the time is not taken to look for them.

I hope that you have been challenged by this. I wish you all a wonderful, wonderful weekend.

Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~

New Beginnings

Well, it has been quite a while since I regularly posted on this blog. I've made a few half-hearted attempts, but it has been difficult to keep up with it with everything going on. Several things recently however have made me want to start blogging again.

Reason Number 1: It is my SENIOR year at Harding. I can not BELIEVE I am about to graduate and go and get a grown-up job. (que scary music) It's intimidating, but I am also so excited.

Reason Number 2: I had an AWESOME job this summer, and I learned so much from it that I want to share with people.

Reason Number 3 (and probably my favorite): I got ENGAGED this summer! I am so excited about this new stage in my and Evan's relationship, so I decided to share it with all of you. I will be blogging about wedding stuff a lot as well, so I'm excited about that. I am so excited to get back into writing, and thanks in advance for reading my ramblings (great alliteration, right?) and I'm excited to tell you all about life as I see it. Be salt and light! ~Hannah~

So sorry it has been so long since my last blog post! It's been a crazy school year with work, tough classes, and several other obligations. Because of that, I've had to spend less time than I'd like writing. But on this rainy, yucky day, it makes me appreciate even more the ability to just sit back, relax, and write. I've recently become obsessed with a song called “Jesus, Fiend of Sinners”by Casting Crowns. See lyrics below.

Jesus, friend of sinners
We have strayed so far away
We cut down people in Your name
But the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners
The truth’s become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You
But they’re tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up
I’m so double minded
A plank-eyed saint with dirty hands
And a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world
At the end our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Break our hearts for what breaks Yours
Jesus, friend of sinners
The One whose writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away
And the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember
We are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy
Bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we’re for
Only what we’re against
When we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs
Crossed over the lines
And loved like You did
You love every lost cause
You reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame
They’re the reason that You came
Lord, I was that lost cause
And I was the outcast
But You died for sinners just like me
A grateful leper at Your feet
‘Cause You are good
You are good
And Your love endures forever
And I was the lost cause
And I was the outcast
You died for sinners just like me
A grateful leper at Your feet

These lyrics have really touched me lately. It makes me think of how many times a day I unrightly judge people based on appearances, attitudes, etc. Who am I, to think that I have any right to point fingers? Another good point that this song makes that really got me thinking, do people trip over me when they are trying to get to God? Sometimes, I feel like to get people to believe in God, I have to stand right in front of them and tell them what to do, how to act, etc. What if I just got out of the way? God is so much more powerful than anything I could ever do or say. It was a very humbling realization when I finally saw that I needed to get out of the way and just let God take control of everything. The prayer that I would encourage you to pray today is for God to break your heart for what breaks His.

Be salt and light, and hopefully it won't be as long before my next blog post!
~Hannah~

If You're Struggling

Today, I don't want to do a long blog post. I have seen a lot of hurt this week, and while I may not know what to say, this song is one of the most encouraging I've ever heard. So, if you are struggling, be it with friends, relationships, family issues, schoolwork, stress, etc- big or small, listen to this song and "let go, and let God."

Wishing you all many blessings on your week.



Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~

An "Attractional" Church...an "Incarnational" Church...or both?

Today in my “Planting Churches Cross-Culturally” class with Dr. Bill Richardson, we discussed an “attractional” church verses a “incarnational” church. An attractional church is one that has people come to it. A church that tries to get the lighting right, the seats comfortable, the youth minister “hip” enough, the powerpoint presentation interesting and eye-catching, a great VBS, etc. An incarnational church is one that reaches out, that goes into the world to reach people. An example was given of a church that doesn't have a building, they just go to the inner city and reach out to people every Sunday. They don't expect people to just come to them, they go to people. To be honest, I was really struggling with class today. The book we are reading seemed to be implying that the best way, the only way, was to be a strictly incarnational church. I had trouble with this- the church holds great importance in the New Testament. The gathering of believers was held in high regard and instruction was given on orderly worship. So how could be a strictly incarnational church, yet still hold to the biblical importance of the gathering of believers and the method of worship outlined in the first century?

If you know me at all, you've heard me talk about the Burleson Church of Christ. This is my home congregation. No matter where I go in the world, Burleson will always be my home, and it was when I started thinking about Burleson Church of Christ that I realized- we can be both! We can be an incarnational AND attractional church. There is a happy medium. Burleson does a wonderful job of this. We have a great staff of elders, deacons, ministers that go into the world and minister to those that need it. It is not, however, just limited to the staff. The great thing about Burleson is that “going out into the world” is given such great importance. We have things that make us an attractional church. We have guest speakers and VBS and seminars that we advertise, we have a “hip” (I put it in air quotes because of the silly word, not because Mark isn't cool) youth minister, an awesome worship leader, a great college minister and comfortable seating, and that brings people into our doors. But we also have wonderful outreach programs. These are not just limited to the adults, either. In the summer the kids have something once a week where they come up to church and do a service project. The youth has “Servant Saturdays” in which they go into the community and help others, or “Uplift Tour” where they sing for different members of our church. The church, young and old, gets together at Thanksgiving and again at Christmas to get together baskets for people in Burleson that need help for the holidays. If they can't come pick it up, we take it to them. I could go on and on about the wonderful job that Burleson does of reaching out to the community. But if we just did service projects every Sunday instead of going to church, then where could people go for support from fellow Christians, or where could we bring the people who like what we are showing them and want to learn more? This is why the meeting together is so important. We must go show people the love of Jesus, and that can and will change their lives. But once they realize they need a change, they will need support. And we have that. We can show them “Look, you have a family here that loves you and supports you and cares deeply about you. We can pray for you, we can sit with you, we can help you.” This is why we need a body of believers to gather. To be uplifted, to uplift others, and to be with their family.

I'm not saying Burleson is perfect, no church is. I just know that, growing up in Burleson, service and reaching out is something that was ingrained in me from a very young age. And whether you are a a member of Burleson or another congregation, I would encourage everyone to take a good look at the ministry of your life. Are you reaching out to people? Is your light bright enough that people notice a difference..and want that difference? I know, it's definitely easier said than done. But we need to make sure we don't become so comfortable in our pews, with our dim lights and cool powerpoint slides, that we forget that while we're sitting inside, there are people out there hungry and desperate for the love and power and change that comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus. This week- reach out. It's as simple and difficult as that.

Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~

What if...

"....'What' and 'If' are two words as non-threatening as words can be. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life." -Letters to Juliet


I love this quote. Granted, it is a movie as corny as all get-out and if you know me you've probably heard me make fun of it at least once. The above quote though is one of my favorites from any movie, because it is so true. When thinking about this quote and what I wanted to write on tonight, I thought of the song "The Motions" by Matthew West. If you haven't heard it, I would recommend listening to it before I continue.



This is such a powerful song. Matthew West says that he will do anything to avoid asking "What if" in regards to his faith. I think this is a passion that we should all seek to have. In our relationship with God and in our relationship with others, we shouldn't ever have to ask ourselves "What if". I know something that I have been thinking a lot about lately is the question "Am I doing everything in my power to show everyone around me the love of God?" This is a difficult and condemning question. I am ashamed to admit that there are people that I see hurting in my daily life that I pass by. Sometimes without thinking about it, but sometimes I just think that there's nothing I can do for that person. But...what if? What if I stopped and talked to that person? What if I sent them a text message just to let them know I was praying for them? What if all they needed was a hug to lift their spirits? I am trying to live every day to where, at the end of the day, I don't have to ask "what if". I don't want to doubt that I gave everything that day because of my commitment to God and to doing His will.

"Just ok is not enough, help me fight through the nothingness of this life. I don't want to go through the motions, I don't want to go one more day without Your all-consuming passion inside of me. I don't want to spend my whole life asking 'What if I had given everything?' instead of going through the motions." My challenge to you this week is to do everything you possibly can to show God to those around you. It's as simple and as difficult as that. Try and see people through the eyes of Jesus, and I promise you that you will bless so many people because of that.

Be salt and light!!
Hannah

Service In It's Best Form

I have been so blessed in many ways. One of these ways is by having good, solid friendships with people who challenge me in my faith. Sometimes these challenges can be hard to swallow, but they are always needed. The most recent challenge that got me thinking came to me in an e-mail. Many of you know Evan, and if you have ever been around him you know that faith challenges come from all directions from him. He asked me the question, "What has been your biggest "light bulb" moment from God?" I had never been asked this before, and I'm sad to say I was stumped for a little bit! I was trying to think of a single moment in time when I just knew that God was telling me something, and I realized there had been many, many of them. But then a time came to me, and I knew what moment was my biggest "light bulb moment" from God. It wasn't a single event though, it was a series of events that drew me closer to God than anything has since.

If you have spent any time around me, ever, then I have probably told you about the mission trip my church youth group took to Piedras Negras, Mexico. They were building a church by hand, and we had gone down to help them. We had to dig 6 feet deep, 4 feet across holes for the support pillars to go into, and we soon found out a lot of where we were digging was solid rock. So people would use a jack hammer to break up some of the ground, then others would go in and scoop out the rock with shovels, and the process would begin again. I actually got to use a jack hammer, it was pretty awesome! This trip was so special to me, because it drew me closer to the friends I already had and even helped me make some of the most important friendships of my life. What changed me, however, was someone who lived there. The second day of working, me and my friend Jessica were working on one of the holes when a man approached us and in Spanish said he and another guy were needing a couple people to help them lay the bricks, and asked if we would want to help. We said sure and went over to help them. Now, in later reflection, I realize they probably just wanted to get us away from the power tools, but I guess we'll never really know. They introduced themselves- the man who approached us was named Ronnie and the man with him was named Bennie. Now Ronnie was speaking only Spanish to us, but Bennie was trying to learn English so he would ask us what different words were in English. That day as we worked Ronnie and Bennie asked us questions and showed us how we were going to lay the bricks and get them to be even. Me and Jess absolutely LOVE to sing, and turns out so did these guys. The problem was, we didn't know the songs in Spanish and they didn't know them in English. We actually both learned songs in the opposite language, which was cool. But we came up with a solution- we would sing songs that had different parts and just sing them in our respective languages. Our favorite song got to be "Someday". If you haven't heard it I would recommend looking it up- it's beautiful. As we were singing it I got to thinking about how cool it was that we were from different cultures, had trouble communicating, and yet we all worshiped the same God and found a way to worship together.

All week, I had been struggling to understand/talk to Ronnie. I was talking to a girl from the church there (she spoke fluent English) a few nights into our trip, and communicated my frustration over the difficulty to her. She looked confused and said, "Ronnie is one of the best English speakers we have here." I was shocked! The next day I went up to him and told him his ruse was up, and asked why he hadn't told me. He chuckled and said "Well, me hermana, I know both English and Spanish. So, it will help you talk to others more here if I speak in Spanish to you." He then, of course, resumed to talking only in Spanish to me. But I got to thinking about it, and he had been teaching me so much and that he was right.

Another thing I noticed about Ronnie was that he was the first person there in the morning, and the last one to leave at night. He was also one of the most cheerful people out there working. He would joke around with me and Jessica about how strong we were going to get and would make fun of the stuff we would say. No matter how tough the work got or how rainy it was, nothing could get him down. I was so impressed by his dedication to making the building the best it could be. I asked someone from the church towards the end of the trip if Ronnie was a deacon or preacher there or just one of the members. They told me that Ronnie actually wasn't a member there. They told me he went to a church in another town. This blew me away. One of the hardest, most cheerful workers there didn't even go to that church.

That, my friends, is being the hands and feet of Jesus. Ronnie saw a need, and he filled it with a glad and sincere heart. All that week he had been teaching me and Jess words in spanish, but it wasn't until later that I realized that he had taught us so, so much more. He had taught us the true meaning of service. He worked his hardest and expected absolutely nothing in return.

The last night we were there we were saying goodbye and crying. Ronnie hugged us and quoted us a line that we had been singing all week- "Peace and joy and happiness, no more sorrow- someday." He said "Someday soon we will see each other again. No need to cry, it is happy." At the time, I was thinking very literally. Next year we were scheduled to go back to Piedras Negras, and so I'd get to see him them. Since then, the unrest in Mexico has caused our church to be unable to go back. As I am writing this, I am fighting tears because I realize what Ronnie meant. We many not see each other in this world. But someday we will get to see Ronnie again.

Because of Ronnie, I see the world differently. Because of that week and the impact he had on me, I want to be a servant that expects absolutely nothing in return. I know that Jesus is going to accept Ronnie and say "Well done, my good and faithful servant." And because of Ronnie, I am striving to be another one that Jesus greets with that same phrase.

My challenge to you this week is this- be a servant. Our time on earth is short, and we should all remember that we are working towards a greater goal than anything this earth can offer. Find five people this week, and do something nice for them that they cannot repay you for. Send a note of encouragement, send them anonymous flowers to let them know that you appreciate them and the impact they have on you, or give someone a call that you have been holding something against, and say those freeing words "I forgive you."

Someday, Someday, Someday, Someday

Peace and joy and happiness, no more sorrow...someday.

Gotta be ready when He calls my name, I gotta be ready when He calls my name, I gotta be ready when he calls my name...someday.

The trumpet will sound and all the dead will rise, we'll walk the streets of gold...someday.

Be salt and light!
~Hannah~

Re-framing- Even to the point of silliness

Re-framing is a term I first heard my sophomore year of high school in Leadership class. We discussed how we should re-frame situations to make them seem better than they really were. Now, a couple times since them I have re-framed a few things here and there, but I haven't ever really committed to what I will now call "Living a Re-Framed Life".

This year I have gotten very close to an wonderful, dear person- my friend Nicole. Today we had the opportunity to talk about how God is working in our lives and it is amazing to watch how He is working through her to not only change me, but everyone around her. This has been such a blessing in my life. One thing in particular that Nicole and I have discussed recently is the very issue of re-framing. I don't remember how it started, but we realized maybe we were complaining a tad too much about things. So we decided to try and think of an alternative for it. There are the obvious and easy ones- someone cuts you off in traffic, and you can say "oh, they didn't see me!" or maybe someone doesn't hold the door open for you and you think "they must be running really late for something". Some, however, are not so easy. Some take creativity. For example, the other day I was in line to buy coffee and this girl cut DIRECTLY in front of me. It was very obvious I was there and that she saw me. I didn't say anything, and later when talking to Nicole I joked "Maybe she was so dehydrated that if she didn't get coffee THAT MINUTE she was going to pass out." Another example is if you trip, you can think "Well, I wouldn't have gotten to feel how soft the ground was if I hadn't tripped!" or if you drop your chocolate cake before you get a chance to eat it (always a tragedy) you can think "Well, I didn't really need the extra calories anyway."

Now, I realize some of these examples are a little extreme and most of the "re-frames" are pretty silly. But I've noticed it really does help me keep a brighter perspective on life. Because even if there is zero chance of the re-framing being accurate (the coffee line cutter) it can make you laugh and then you feel better. It also becomes habit, so when someone is rude to you it becomes almost second nature to think "Maybe they just weren't having the best day today".

I think that we should all try and live "A Re-Framed Life". I am no where near where I want to be on this, but if you try and be aware that we never know the full circumstances surrounding a person and their actions, then it becomes easier to cut people some slack. And I think that we need to cut people some slack. We live in an ever increasing "One strike you're out" world, and I believe that needs to change. We are all humans. We make mistakes. Recently I have become very aware that we can not, as Christians, give people just one or two chances and then kick them to the curb. We are told to forgive...and forgive...and forgive some more. We are also told to be encouragers, not people that bring others down. By re-framing, it makes it easier to forgive others and to encourage those. Instead of getting angry at someone when they are short with you, remember that maybe we don't know the full story, and a little encouragement to that person can go a long way.

My challenge to you this week is to re-frame, re-frame, re-frame. Even if you have to be silly and come up with extreme examples, still try and re-frame the situation and put it in a more positive light. From my experience, the world will seem a little brighter if you do so.

Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~

Just His Presence

I have wanted to be a missionary for...well it feels like forever. But lately, doubts started popping up in my mind.

Doubts like...

"What if people don't like me or want to listen to me?"

"What if I can't make a difference?"

"What if I'm not a good enough speaker?

"What if I don't know enough?"

These questions, and more, have been plaguing me for a while now. It's been quite the downer, because this is what I wanted to do with my future. I wanted to minister to people, whether I went to a foreign land or showed Jesus to someone just down the street. But how can I do that with all my shortcomings? Needless to say, I was definitely stressing out about my future.

And then a speaker at Downtown Church of Christ's Sunday night singing service (wow, try saying "Sunday Night Singing Service" five times fast) really touched my heart and got me to thinking. So this post will be a compilation of my thoughts throughout the week.

When God appeared to Moses, Moses had reasons as to why he could not go to Egypt. In the same way, when God appeared to Gideon, Gideon also had his list of shortcomings ready to recite to God. Both of these men, like me, had reasons as to why they did not think they were fit to minister to those that God was calling them to minister to. The next part of these men's stories, though, is what made me realize how silly I had been.

God doesn't say "No, no Moses! You're the best public speaker out there! You're going to do great, because you have such a talent for negotiation. I need your gift." God also doesn't say to Gideon, "No, you're definitely old enough! You are going to do great. I mean, look at how great you are at talking to people and getting people to listen!"

No, there was no reassurance of their talents. Not once did God say, "With your talents, you can do this."

What's my point?

My point is that we need to be focusing on what God DOES promise them. He doesn't reassure them and tell them that THEY can do it. God instead promises that He will be with them. That's it. It has nothing to do with the people and everything to do with God and His mighty power.

Once I realized that, my whole view began to change. I had been so wrapped up in worrying if my talents were developed enough to change people's lives and if my talents were good enough to make a difference. This isn't about me. This is about God doing amazing, wonderful works. This is about God touching people's hearts. He doesn't need me, He doesn't need us. And yet, He allows us to play a part in making people's lives better. If we help Him in His works, it's a gift that He has given us, not a requirement for His plans to succeed.

My encouragement to you this week would be to remember that His presence is what He promises us, and that His presence in our lives is so much more than enough for all of us. And when you get discouraged because of your shortcomings, remember that God was never relying on us. It is us that needs to learn to fully rely on Him, and that no matter how unworthy or ungifted you think you are, it's never about you and your abilities. So don't worry if you think you're not good enough to help someone, because God can work through anyone, wherever they are and use whatever abilities they have to glorify Him.

Be salt and light!!

~Hannah~

My Own Little World

I have recently been amazed by one of my friends. Everyday he does something that just shows me the love he has for Christ. One thing fairly recently that showed me this was that he wanted to take sandwiches to the homeless in the town we were in. Now, he didn't really tell people he was doing this (He's as humble as they come). When he got there he was told it was dangerous to hand out the sandwiches and that it would be foolish to do so. I was worried and obviously asked him not to, and he ended up not. He took the sandwiches he had spent hours making to a homeless shelter where they would be put to good use. He was so upset because he couldn't do more to help. It wasn't because he wanted the credit for himself, it was because he genuinely was upset that there wasn't more that he could do to help the people he encountered.

This was amazing to me. The passion he has for helping people astounds me everyday. He is the kind of person I aspire to be. I recently heard (and sub sequentially, became obsessed with) a song called My Own Little World by Matthew West. I would encourage you to listen to the song and really think about what it's saying.

It's so easy to write off people and say "well, it's THEIR fault they are in that situation, so I don't need to do anything" or "well, someone else will help them"...and the list goes on. But we are called to be that person that helps others.



My challenge to you is to look outside "your own little world" and help someone that needs it.

Be salt and light!
~Hannah~

True Beauty

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years. "
— Audrey Hepburn

I recently re-ran across this quote and again fell in love with it. I know this is probably the most overstated phrase, but in today's day and age people spend so much time focused on what people look like that I feel like we miss out on a lot of the actual person. Now don't get me wrong, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look your best sometimes. It's fun to get all dressed up and put on your make-up and do your hair (boys, in case you are wondering I'm mainly focusing on the girls here. When I say "hair and makeup" just imagine I'm saying your favorite polo and your best cologne!). But always looking perfect shouldn't be our main focus. I always really took it for granted, but I didn't realize how much I appreciated my friends that loved me in my best dress or in sweats and a t-shirt. I have been so blessed with some of the best friends anyone could ask for.

I want to brag on my guy friends for a second. I think guys have more of a pressure to look for the outward appearance of a girl in today's world. This may be wrong, but that's what I see. I have friends that would tell me everyday that I looked beautiful, no matter how I really looked. One of the first things I noticed about a guy I met at Harding was that he would tell every girl he talked to, every Sunday when he saw them, that they looked beautiful. I asked him about it one time and his response was so incredible. He said "You girls look beautiful all the time. You have beauty that shines from the inside and that makes you girls beautiful, always".

Wow. I mean, how wonderfully refreshing is that? But part of me is sad that this mentality is "unique" and "refreshing". I feel like it should be so commonplace that you don't even notice it anymore. But, I don't see this happening. I do, however, believe that every girl deserves a guy like this. A guy who will love you when you're dressed up at a fancy restaurant, and when you're sick and have to cancel a date out, and instead go and watch a movie in sweats.

And don't get me wrong. Girls also tend to look at the outward appearance of guys. I'm not just ragging on guys here. It's just because I'm a girl it's much easier to look at it from the girl's point of view.

So this is my challenge to you (from a girl's perspective). Guys- don't be the man in the verse "For man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart". Look at the heart of a girl first. Because that, not her looks, defines who she is. And girls- hold out for a guy that looks at your heart. That thinks you're beautiful no matter what because you deserve nothing less.

Be salt and light!!

~Hannah~

New Format- Hopefully!

I recently realized that if I am going to have any hopes of blogging regularly, I will need a schedule. Because I forget. Or get busy (which has been the case the past few weeks!). So here is my plan! I'm going to attempt to blog a minimum of three times a week, with at least one "song or quote" blog. I'm really excited because I'm started keeping a journal, so a lot of my posts will probably be from the journal entries I've written. I have a lot of new ideas too, so that will be great fun. Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful week. Church this morning and this evening was very challenging but also uplifting. I absolutely love my church. I miss the kids that went on mission trip though. REALLY wish I coulda snuck on the bus and gotten away with it. Oh well, they're going to do awesome work and I can't wait to hear all about it! Have a great week!

Be salt and light!

~Hannah~