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~
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
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~
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~
Sunday, August 26, 2012
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~
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~
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
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~
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~
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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~
Wishing you all many blessings on your week.
Be salt and light!!
~Hannah~
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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~
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~
Monday, October 24, 2011
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
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
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