tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61119995059341545122023-11-16T02:17:51.196-08:00A Small Measure of Coolness"All I want is peace, love, understanding, and a chocolate bar bigger than my head."Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-14800809773500897762014-04-25T19:10:00.002-07:002014-04-25T19:10:53.883-07:00Short StoryThis is just a really short sketch I wrote up, based off of John 21. It's titled "Peter" (so original, right?)<br />
<br />
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sun is just
beginning to peep over the horizon, lighting the sky with soft pastels to
awaken the world to a fresh new day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
what do I care?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All night we worked,
waiting and watching, hoping for at least a small catch; yet nothing; nothing
to prove for the nights work and no food to eat or to trade.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body is sleeked with sweat, despite the
chill of morning, and my stomach growls, ready for a good meal, although where
we’ll get food, I don’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my companions
row to shore, I watch the water passing by, bitter thoughts crossing my mind:
frustration, confusion, bitterness…shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I look to shore and see a man there, the rising sun behind him making it
impossible to distinguish his features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He calls out in a clear voice to us, “children, do you have any
fish?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who is he? A trades man? A beggar
looking for someone with a large enough catch that they will spare? He won’t
find that here. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“No” I growl at
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doubt he can see at this distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Cast the net on
the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this man know nothing of fishing, yet he
has the audacity to tell us what to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is it not obvious that we have been working all night and yet caught
nothing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the same, I look towards my
companions, catching John’s eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
simply shrugs and follows this man’s instructions; he will humor him.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aggravated, I
turn my back to both my companions and the man at shore, facing out to look
over the sea, across its seemingly endless breadth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hear a cry from my companions and turn
around to see them struggling to hold onto the net which is now teaming with a
multitude of fish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It is the Lord!”
cries John as he gazes in wonder at the catch. Stunned, I look again towards
shore and can now make out the man’s features as he has moved closer to the
water.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Rabi” I breathe,
frustration and annoyance replaced by wonder and awe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without hesitation or thought, I tear off my outer
garment and jump into the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My body
embraces the cold yet refreshing bath and my muscles kick into gear, my whole
mind and will set on reaching the shore where Jesus is. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reaching the
bank, I walk towards him, soaked and dripping, breathing heavily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has made a fire and a place for us to rest
and eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The others are just pulling the
boat onto land, the net still full of the catch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not looking up from the flames, Jesus says
“Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting aboard, I grab the large net and with
all my strength bring it onto shore and we count them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>153. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One hundred and
fifty three fish we caught, with just one toss and not one tear in the
net.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazed, we stand there, unable to
take in what has just happened in front of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Come and have
breakfast” Jesus says, lifting his eyes and looking at us, as if daring us to
question his identity or power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joining
him on the sand, we eat the bread and fish he has prepared for us, savoring its
delicious taste and enjoying the soft warmth the rising sun brings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we have
finished, we begin to talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so
many questions to ask, so many things that are beginning to make sense and
things to plan and prepare for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really, truly is back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although this is the third time we’ve seen
him, it is as if our minds are unable to grasp the truth and reality of this
miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is back. Jerusalem shall be
restored, all shall be made well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
excitement around the fire seems to heighten and I see the gleam in my
companion’s eyes as we talk about things we hope and dream for.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then his eyes are
piercing into mine, and it’s as if he is looking deep into my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I flinch back, startled by the fear I find in
my own mind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Simon, son of
John” he says softly to me, although everyone is looking at us now. “Do you
love me more than these?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Lord; you
know that I love you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My reply is
immediate and automatic, although I know it is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Feed my
lambs.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His look is intense, purposeful
and certain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His lambs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What lambs does he mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what does he mean by ‘more than these’?
More than what? The food we are eating? These friends of mine who have been by
my side for these past two years now, following and listening to Jesus? As the
conversation picks up again and I hear their laughter, it seems as if I am far
away, outside of my body and mind, lost in memories. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember the
moment I first encountered him, where he told me to leave everything I knew and
loved, my whole life, and told me to come be a fisher of men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember when he asked us, his disciples,
who we thought he was and the sureness I felt when I said he was the Messiah,
the savior of Israel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also remember
the look in his eyes as he rebuked me, telling me to get behind him and stop
hindering him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or around the table when
he said in front of everyone that I would deny him three times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that final moment, after having just
denied him, when he looked right into my eyes, right into my very soul, seeing
it bare and laid before him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That look
of anguish and loss will never leave my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But what scared me most in that moment was the love I saw in his eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Behind the hurt and pain, I saw the depth of
his love he had for me; and that…that was truly unbearable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was that look that had haunted and
tortured me, day and night, unable to get it out of my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now, with him before me, even now when
he was asking for that love in return.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Simon, son of
John” comes his voice, interrupting my thoughts again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Startled, I look at him, wondering if maybe
he had heard those thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
it seems as if he could read people’s minds. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Lord?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Do you love me?”
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Yes, Lord; you
know that I love you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Tend my sheep.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sheep?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus often speaks in parables and riddles,
but this truly makes no sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
sheep am I to tend? What lambs are there to feed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And why does he seem so uncertain about my
love for him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can he not understand the
pain and regret I have been carrying around since that evil night?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does he not see this utter self-loathing and
hatred that has consumed my mind and heart, taking me to places of darkness
that I have never experienced before?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Does he not realize that seeing his broken, bleeding and bruised body
upon that cross brought me to such a level of unthinkable shame and regret that
for the next three days I could not even sleep or eat, but was awake, those
memories burned into my mind, unable to stop myself from replaying them over
and over?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does he not understand that
since we heard from Mary that the grave was open my heart has been in such a
state of fragile hope that at any moment that hope could vanish?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I saw that
empty grave, saw the linen that should be covering the body, it was as if a
small light sparked in my soul and was awoken, giving me just the tiniest hope
to keep going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when he appeared to
us as we were gathered around the table, the feeling of longing consumed my very
heart and mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was as if the life
line had been thrown to me from the boat, but my hands were unable to take
hold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, try as I might, the
memories of that night I am unable to escape from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The memory of denying my Lord, rejecting the
friendship and relationship that has been my very life for two years, those
memories bring so much shame, it’s as if I will never again find fullness in
this life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Simon, son of
John, do you love me?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A third time this
question is spoken into my ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this
time I cannot answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he truly is the
Christ, does he not see the pain and anguish he is bringing to me? Can he not
see my shame, my weakness and my disbelief? Panicked, I look at him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His eyes are steady and deep; deeper than any
other eyes I have seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
desperation I cry, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pauses,
touches my hand and speaks softly, “feed my sheep.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feed them, tend
them, nurture them, as if they are young lambs, unable to care for themselves;
his sheep, his children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just what he
said when he called to us from the shore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wanted <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me</i> to take care of
them, he was trusting me with this task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I, Simeon Peter, who had denied him three times on the night he was
tortured and killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This love, it can’t
be real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This trust and adoration, why
is it directed to me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did he ask me
three times whether I loved him, not because he doubted, but to show me that I
am more than my mistakes? Yes, I denied him three times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I also assured him of my love three
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing up, Jesus
once more looks me in the eyes and says, “follow me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rising also, I
meet his gaze and am ready to follow my Lord. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-35538622745671011122014-03-24T18:59:00.003-07:002014-03-24T18:59:47.831-07:00DepressionI should probably do more work on this one too....<br />
<br />
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<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">depression.</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
what is this feeling?</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
why is it breaking into my mind</div>
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destroying the joy,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
inking the light?</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
it’s like an all consuming</div>
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pit of horror</div>
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that grabs me in its arms</div>
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and doesn’t ever let go.</div>
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this darkness,</div>
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this hatred,</div>
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this loathing and anger</div>
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has an ability of gripping the soul</div>
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and squeezing it dry.</div>
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it takes the joy</div>
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and the love,</div>
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and instead leaves</div>
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scars,</div>
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hardened and dried.</div>
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it’s as if it has talons</div>
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that bite into my <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very flesh,</div>
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cutting deeper than knives;</div>
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leaving the wounds bare</div>
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and bleeding,</div>
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prone to infection</div>
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and lies.</div>
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this terror of the night,</div>
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of loneliness</div>
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and self-hate,</div>
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makes me choke in on myself</div>
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only to be repulsed</div>
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by what’s inside.</div>
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building up walls</div>
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from the people who</div>
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will love,</div>
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who will comfort and care;</div>
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but I tell them</div>
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that I’m really just fine.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
it’s okay,</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
I’m alright,</div>
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but when really</div>
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I can’t breathe.</div>
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it’s like I’m choking</div>
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on this darkness,</div>
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scared,</div>
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alone,</div>
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but not willing</div>
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to share.</div>
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unable to open</div>
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to let them hold it,</div>
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to let myself cry.</div>
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instead, I’ll choke it back,</div>
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because if I were</div>
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to let it out</div>
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I might die.</div>
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but as I let it sit,</div>
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it becomes deeper</div>
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and more real;</div>
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this creature of darkness,</div>
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this tormentor,</div>
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this fiend.</div>
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it soon becomes me,</div>
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in all its ugly and greed,</div>
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and I’m stuck underneath it</div>
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unable to breath.</div>
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I can’t see the light,</div>
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I can’t get it off,</div>
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it just sits there and sucks,</div>
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draining out my very life.</div>
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now<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve created this
beast,</div>
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and the cage that it’s in,</div>
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that surrounds me</div>
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and presses tight</div>
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as if with all its might.</div>
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so why try to fight,</div>
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why bother getting rid</div>
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of it at all?</div>
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even though I created</div>
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this pit that I’m in,</div>
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its unbreakable,</div>
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unbeatable;</div>
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I think I’m stuck here for life.</div>
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‘cause no matter how hard I try,</div>
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or how many good days I have,</div>
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it always comes back,</div>
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always haunts,</div>
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always fights,</div>
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beating down the joy,</div>
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beating down the good,</div>
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till it has got me</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
once more.</div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-58043205802202244312014-02-22T16:23:00.002-08:002014-02-22T16:23:10.468-08:00WonderStill a rough draft, but I really like how this one's shaping up.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Black ice,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
clear skies,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
biting wind,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and my
beating heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My hands are
numb</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
but my mind
is alive,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
as I sit
here</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
on this
freezing pavement,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The stars
shine</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
bright,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
adoring the
earth;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
adoring</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the created.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
And I sit
here,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
adoring the
Creator. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
New friends,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
with stories
as colorful</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
as the cars
I see around me;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
as different
and unique </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
as the words
spoken</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in different
languages.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
You might
not fully</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
understand</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the meaning
and depth</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
behind the
words,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
but hearing
them strung </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
together</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
makes a
unified whole,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
like the
yarn</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in my
sweater that</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
is thick
enough to</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
keep me warm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
but big
enough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
to make me
feel skinny.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
These
feelings and thought</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
envelope my
mind</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and my heart;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
capturing,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in just
small glimpses</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and
fragmented</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
phrases, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and genius</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that is
behind </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
all that I
see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The night
sky.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The cars.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The dorm
rooms behind me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The people</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that walk
these paths.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The breath</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I see in
front of me,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
frozen</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
once it’s
left</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the heat and
comfort</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of my body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Warm and
alive</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
when in the
embrace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of my King.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Frozen and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
useless</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
when drawn
out</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and
vulnerable to </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
the elements
of the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A powerful
word.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
One that
makes the soul</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
sing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
when it
knows of the beauty</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and awe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that wonder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
can bring. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
That
embodiment </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of the stars,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of the
planets and</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of the
flowers that</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
grace the
trees,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
if even for
only</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
a week</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
in the start
of spring.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This feeling
of emptiness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Not of
loneliness,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
but of the
expectation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of fullness </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
to come. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Knowing who
I am;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
not what I
was</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
or am to be,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
but who I am</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
throughout
eternity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
His.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lacking the
knowledge</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of the
fullness</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The feeling
of awe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
when the
realization</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of his grace</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that is
sufficient for you</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
becomes a
reality.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
This feeling
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of living
beneath the stars,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
of feeling
the air</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
upon my bare
hands,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
and knowing
it is</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
his very
breath of life</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
that keeps
this heart</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
beating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Wonder. </div>
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-79664478706518489422014-02-18T20:24:00.000-08:002014-02-18T20:24:27.939-08:00Words Fail I'm really not a poet or a writer, but one of my goals for the semester is to write more and improve the small skills I have now. So over the next scattered months I plan on posting some of the things that have been coming out of my mind onto paper. I have no intention of making this publicly known to anyone so if by some odd chance you stumble upon this blog, or are an old friend reminiscing lost things (aka, this blog) then I hope you enjoy what will be posted, and if you have any feed back I would love to hear. Some of the works will be ones I've heavily revised, others might be first drafts. Enjoy :)<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Words
fail</b></div>
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They’ll never catch the serenity of music,</div>
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the beauty of love,</div>
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or the pain of death.</div>
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Try as we might,</div>
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even those words</div>
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that took us hours on hours</div>
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to revise and edit,</div>
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to shape and form</div>
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so as to best describe</div>
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these feelings inside:</div>
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they will always</div>
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be lacking,</div>
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they will only ever</div>
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describe the outside.</div>
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So why bother?</div>
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Why even try?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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What’s the point</div>
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of writing,</div>
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if it only shows a shadow?</div>
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Because</div>
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that’s just the thing,</div>
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that’s the beauty of words:</div>
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it gives you a description,</div>
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a picture</div>
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of what is seen</div>
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in the mind.</div>
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Although it doesn’t capture the life,</div>
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or the true meaning</div>
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of those thoughts,</div>
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words get as close as they can,</div>
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and sometimes</div>
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there’s enough power</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
to change our lives.</div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-7865843475785010552013-08-24T19:25:00.001-07:002013-08-24T19:28:25.586-07:00Somebody I used to know......Yeah, I'm that somebody you used to know. It's been awhile. What have I been up to? Well...seeing I haven't posted in the past 6 months, that's a loaded question. Where to even begin?<br />
Things happen, memories are made, jokes are laughed over, you encounter and overcome struggles and hardships, choices have to be made for better or worse, a single day can change everything...all these things and so much more have happened. And yet life goes on. You can't just dwell in one day, memory or season of your life. You live the experiences, learn, grow and live some more. It's how it works.<br />
In February I had the amazing privilege of meeting my nephew: Charles Philip Robblee. He is the love of my life and he has shown me and taught me, even if just in a very small way, the depth of God's love for me. Because when I hold him and kiss him I can't even imagine loving someone more then I love him...so how much more can our Heavenly Father love me? <br />
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This summer I had the amazing opportunity to work at <a href="http://www.pinesprings.org/">Pine Springs Camp</a> as a counselor. It was a summer of trial and error, love, laughter, living selflessly and learning what it means to truly live as Christ calls us to live. There were so, so many lessons learned. I lived in one of the most beautiful groups I could ever ask or imagine. These were people who were willing to give up their summer to work for very little pay, 22 hours a day, 6 days a week. They were full of Christ's love, compassion, beauty and peace. They taught me so much as to what it means to really live a Christian life that shines clear and bright. They showed me what it means to be a small part of something big instead of trying to be big myself. They taught me to forgive and accept. They taught me the importance of accountability and vulnerability. There is so much this group taught me, and so much that the campers taught me, it can't even be put into words. <br />
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I am now back at Eastern University where I have just, somewhat successfully, lived through a week and a half of training so that I am now a Residence Assistant (RA). I have been amazingly blessed with a wonderful, inspiring and encouraging staff that dream big, live richly and play hard.<br />
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Freshman and transfers moved in today and it was so awesome and humbling to help them. All day I kept thinking back to this time last year when I was the nervous, excited and already homesick first year. So much has happened in the past year, so much has changed, and I have been stretched and have grown in so many ways...it is amazing to see how God has worked and I am in awe and humbled by the fact that he is in continual pursuit of me and my love.<br />
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Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-84998749015566870972013-02-14T20:03:00.002-08:002013-02-14T20:03:50.643-08:00Valentines day Valentines day. Some people love it, others hate it. It makes couples more annoying and singles more depressed. But personally, I think people miss the point. Yes, valentines day is a day to treat that special someone out. Yes, it is a good day to take your chances and ask that girl out that you've had your eye on for awhile...but Valentines day is so much more. Valentines day is the celebration of love. It is recognizing and celebrating the love that we have for those around us.Valentines day is a day where you can ignore those awkward social boundaries and just give someone a hug and let them know how much they mean to you.<br />
I personally have always loved Valentines day because it happens to be a very special day for my family. Lydia Joy, my youngest sister, was born that day back in '04. She's the baby of the family, and she truly is a Joy to us. So Valentines day has always been a day where we make a lot of cheesy cards, eat a lot of cake and chocolate, and celebrate life and love. We give a lot of kisses, distribute a lot of hugs, maybe sing a song or two that fit the mood, and over all have a jolly good time. <br />
This year, however, was different...not being home, I wasn't able to experience that. I missed being able to scoop little Lydia up in my arms, shout happy birthday at the top of my lungs, and ask all my siblings if they would be my valentine. It was very different, and a little saddening to miss out on that (especially the cupcakes...) But I also got a new look on Valentines day here at school. I saw roses being given, hugs, smiles, kisses, and laughter being exchanged between friends, couples, professors, and co-workers. It was like we all were real for a day and allowed ourselves to express our love without feeling like we would be judged or misunderstood. It was simple, yet beautiful. I saw people going out of their way to make others feel loved and special. I saw others giving a helping hand, a smile, a word of encouragement and a friendly compliment more often then most days. I saw people smiling at such a simple thing as a rose, laugh over awkward valentine greetings and eat a little too much chocolate. Over all, it was a day of joy and celebration here at campus. Classes were a little more light-hearted, the food was a little bit better, and everyone seemed to take the time to simply enjoy life and to love abundantly. <br />
Love is true. Love is genuine. Love is life changing. Love is something every soul thirst for. So don't withhold it. Give abundantly. Love truly. Love deeply. You don't need a special day, although it is wonderful when we all take a day to recognize and celebrate the aspect of humanity that makes this life bearable. But don't let it stop there. "...faith, hope and love abide; but the greatest of these is love." <br />
<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-12149847585790675952013-01-21T16:57:00.001-08:002013-01-21T16:57:38.061-08:00Welcome baby blueberry!On January 19th, early in the morning, Charles Philip Robblee entered the world.<br />
I am now a very proud aunt of such a wonderful, and muchly loved little boy.<br />
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He's already perfecting his silly faces...the Ege side is coming out. </div>
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Welcome Charlie...We all love you so much and can't wait to meet you!! </div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-6823965477536341982013-01-15T11:13:00.002-08:002013-01-15T11:13:54.657-08:00Freshmen year, part 2Oh hey there. I'm back. Break was fantastic. It was filled with lots of awesome things, such as: watching movies with the family, eating delicious food, reading cheap fiction (because I actually had time to do so!), lots and lots of naps, coffee dates with friends, late night talks, Christmas and New Years celebration, Downton Abbey, tea, discussions about deep and important things, picture taking, loving on the cat, knitting, getting some sweet gifts and giving some cool ones in return, thinking, writing, dreaming, scheming...and much, much more. Over all, it was a fantastic break. Very restful, very productive, very regenerating and energizing. I wish it had been a week longer.<br />
But, I am back now. It's only been two days and I already feel like I've lived a week. So much has already happened in the past two days. Talks with friends, debates, classes, meeting new professors, meeting new classmates, working, going to the gym, orchestra, buying ice cream...all the fun (and not so fun) parts of college life. However, now that I'm here and finding my groove, I am so excited for this semester. It's going to be an awesome one. <br />
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SO! To all you lovely people. This is what I need in all those care packages I know you're waiting to send me. Tea. I've decided I need to stop my coffee addiction. Haha! Yeah right. How about, I need to not be so dependent on coffee. Never will I stop it fully. So yes. Tea.<br />
Nuts. They're my new favorite snack food.<br />
And lots of letters. 'Cause I like letters. And I'll write you back. Promise :)<br />
<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-86646261634910428092012-12-12T06:35:00.000-08:002012-12-12T06:35:45.835-08:00I'm coming back home I'm done.<br />
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The semester is over.<br />
Right now I am sitting in the Philly train station waiting for my train home. I'm going home! As much as I love Eastern, I've been counting down the hours for the past few days. I can't wait to get home; to see my family and friends, celebrate Christmas, go to bed early, eat good, homemade food, and just relax. It will be wonderful. <br />
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Finals week went rather well. I only had one "real" test final, and I studied a lot for it and felt like I knew the material very well, so I think I'll get a good grade on it. It's amazing what a difference studying can do to increase one's knowledge. Wish I had done more of it in high school. <br />
Other then that, all my other finals were hand in finals, and I was very good and kept on track so they were all handed in on time. I think overall I did a good job, put effort into my classes and will hopefully see good results. <br />
So, what were the highs and lows of the semester?<br />
Highs: I made some really good friends. I was not expecting this at all. Friends, yes. But actually making <i>really</i> good friends. Not expected. It was a pleasant surprise :)<br />
Lows: I don't think I put as much effort into my classes as I could have. Why is this? Several reasons. It took me a good while to figure out this whole "studying/homework" thing. Managing my time was pretty easy...I just have a tendency of thinking I can get things done in 24 hours or less. But after a few rushed essays and panic attacks, I think I've got it and will be more ready for next semester.<br />
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Over all, it was a wonderful first semester. I'm glad it's over, but I was blessed with fantastic classes and professors that I loved, and for that I am very thankful. <br />
Now, time to get on the train and go home! Merry Christmas everyone! Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-54722857059882343212012-12-06T21:58:00.001-08:002012-12-06T21:58:49.222-08:00A little about me... Okay, I never do these kinds of things anymore. But when Quincy nominated me and I read her post, she did such a good job that I was inspired to do it. Plus, it looks like fun!! However, I'm going to be a total poop and not nominate 5 other bloggers or ask new questions. I know, totally selfish. But hey, let's face it. No one read's this blog anyways and I'm totally doing this because I'm tired of homework.<br />
So, here we go. 11 questions that Quincy asked me. (By the way, go check out her blog. It's pretty awesome! http://themovinggirlguide.blogspot.com/) <br />
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1. Are there any new years resolution you've intended to keep throughout the years but fail?</div>
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I make it a habit to <i>never</i> make new years resolutions. I simply make suggestions for myself. Which I generally forget the next week anyways. </div>
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2. Is there something you wear on an almost-daily basis? Depends on the season. These days, my north face. Gotta love it. So cozy and warm and goes with almost anything.</div>
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3. What book has made you cry the most? </div>
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Is it sad that I only remember crying in only one book? And that was Uncle Toms Cabin. I can't cry when I want to. I think about crying in a lot of books though...does that count?</div>
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4. For what accomplishment are you most proud of?</div>
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I have to say I'm really proud of my musical abilities. Although they are no where close to what I want them to be, I put so much effort and time into both viola and piano during highschool and I'm pretty happy with how far I got in both of them. </div>
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5. Opinion on headbands? Ballet flats?</div>
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Like them both, but don't look good in either.</div>
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6. If salary did not hold you back (and perhaps it doesn't and you're a
better person than I am), what would you do with your life?</div>
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What I'm going to do anyways, but with a lot less of a fight and struggle. </div>
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7. When was the last time you had that, "wow, I love life and everything is perfect" moment?</div>
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I actually have those a lot these days. Last Thursday I got to go serve in a half-way house that I've been to a couple times so far this semester, but that night was especially special and moving. It really made me feel so grateful and humble for everything I have. </div>
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8. What qualities do you admire most in a person?</div>
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Genuineness and selflessness </div>
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9. Is fair a true synonym for equal?</div>
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Good question. No it is not. They are too different things. I could go off more on it, but I'll spare you. </div>
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10. If you're from africa, why are you white? <i>…totally kidding.</i> Do you keep a journal? Bahahah! Yes, yes I do keep a journal. I haven't done a good job of writing in it of late however.</div>
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11. Quick! yellow or pink? Why? Yellow all the way. Not a pink girl at all and yellow makes me smile. </div>
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And now, I have to list 11 facts about myself. (Why is everything in 11 on this thing? Sheesh. Such a weird number.)</div>
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1. I love to sleep. Sleep is probably my favorite state of mind. Every time I wake up I want to cry because I want to sleep forever. This is not even a joke. I usually get over it within an hour of being awake though...life isn't too bad. </div>
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2. I love to think, and I like to be challenged and stimulated by thought provoking things. I hate how ignorant I am of a lot of things and it's frustrating that it takes a lot of time to become knowledgeable. </div>
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3. I love food. So much. 'Nough said.</div>
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4. I think laughing is my favorite workout. And don't tell me it isn't one, because I'm sure the only reason I have any kind of abs is because I laugh a lot.</div>
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5. As inconvenient as it can be, I love being short. </div>
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6. God has given me an amazing vision and goal that I can't wait to see accomplished. It's been an amazing adventure so far to live it out. </div>
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7. I truly believe life is beautiful. Dang hard at times, and sometimes really dark, but beautiful all the same. </div>
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8. I think friendship and community are the greatest gifts that God gave us.</div>
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9. I may or may not have a slight obsession with chocolate...and I may or may not have written a persuasive essay on the benefits of chocolate as my final project in one of my classes. Yes, I will give out autographed copies if you are interested. </div>
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10. I have weird quirks that I can't even explain. For example, I will always close cabinet doors and drawers. It bugs me when they're half open.</div>
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11. Hugs are truly amazing. Unless they're awkward. Then they're just awkward. </div>
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That's all folks! Thanks for reading! </div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-82363014168685400052012-10-14T11:49:00.000-07:002012-10-14T11:49:45.695-07:00"Dance as if no one is watching..." Yeah, I sure <i>hope</i> no one was watching. Heh heh, I kid. Well...not really. Nevermind.<br />
This weekend was homecoming! Woot! Which, here at Eastern, means that we have lots of cool things going on. It technically started on Wednesday when we had Alumni run chapel, which was pretty dang sweet. Then all Saturday there were games going on (yay Eastern soccer!!), different booths for all the student led activities as they tried to raise money, a birthday party for the waterwheel (it's 100 years old!) and, the most exciting thing, a Homecoming dance. Now people, this is my first ever semi-formal school dance that I've been too. I've been to dances before, but not school related and/or formal. Let's just say, they're over rated. Fun, but over rated. I wasn't too surprised to find that out though.<br />
Here are some pictures of me and the "Lounge Crew" (aka, all my weird friends that live in my dorm. They're pretty awesome.)<br />
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All the guys</div>
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All the girls</div>
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Everyone!!</div>
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And then these two pictures 'cause they're cute and funny: </div>
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So there you have it folks. These are my friends. We partied it up and had fun :) </div>
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Now, we're all trying to get our homework done. 4 more days till I come home!! </div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-9649337625809793272012-10-07T13:55:00.001-07:002012-10-07T13:55:02.448-07:00Another fantastic weekend So, I must say, I have some amazing relatives. Jodie and Hector came once more and treated me out for a lovely afternoon. Filled with Panera, a Walmart shopping trip, the worlds most amazing ice cream, and a trip to the lovely garden <a href="http://www.chanticleergarden.org/">Chanticleer</a>...it was a much needed break from the overwhelming homework load, and a nice treat to eat some real food.<br />
Here are a few pictures of Chanticleer. If you ever come and visit me, and if I really like you enough to spend the money, I'll take you here. 'Cause it's pretty stinking awesome, especially if you're an outdoor type person. <br />
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There were tons of chairs and benches scattered around the park. </div>
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Some old ruins. I don't think they were actual legit ruins, but they were cool anyways.</div>
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This would be one of the best hills to sled down.</div>
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And now, because I'm such a flower person and love taking pictures of them, I'm gonna post some pictures of flowers...'cause...yeah. They're awesome ^.^</div>
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Okay, yeah. I think you get the gist. I love flowers. Overall, it was a fantastic afternoon! Now, back to homework...<br />
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<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-50599441436339745282012-09-21T16:35:00.001-07:002012-09-21T16:35:20.203-07:00The highs of college life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, I know it's been a while since I last posted...but hey, we had no expectations in the beginning of this blog anyways, right? So it's okay if I go two weeks without posting. </div>
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Here are a few highlights that have happened within the past two weeks that I think are very important to share because the people who made these highlights happen are super awesome. ^.^ </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXvLfTYIp9RrFBLsd0IcGQI_mI2aUQ8VCHsD23ncb3zjsSN3hyphenhyphenoXXr6LZSt_j8HXwfNSe9Ma-JAHIVYcm1p_bpg1XpJMcq6-pPDe9EymuYTDOzPVLai54syWQJtjeiX5bOM7pxdcRFUf9/s1600/IMG_1533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXvLfTYIp9RrFBLsd0IcGQI_mI2aUQ8VCHsD23ncb3zjsSN3hyphenhyphenoXXr6LZSt_j8HXwfNSe9Ma-JAHIVYcm1p_bpg1XpJMcq6-pPDe9EymuYTDOzPVLai54syWQJtjeiX5bOM7pxdcRFUf9/s320/IMG_1533.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
First off, I got my first care package ever! Happiest day I've had so far! This package seriously made my week (last week). It was filled with tea, chocolate, letters from my family, andddd...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpwOJCcM87jflVHAt_lpfDmnQ0AGAPX2pyejhuPTntS5-M6YaZvQ3Npa0IqUJJolpnyC8TVWp1OoY260Q0vTuDMQTjdWK_E-KMqfxsyH-YV0VG0DMWwsLFPh7wp0sR86GAAurxTOlsTzR/s1600/IMG_1535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpwOJCcM87jflVHAt_lpfDmnQ0AGAPX2pyejhuPTntS5-M6YaZvQ3Npa0IqUJJolpnyC8TVWp1OoY260Q0vTuDMQTjdWK_E-KMqfxsyH-YV0VG0DMWwsLFPh7wp0sR86GAAurxTOlsTzR/s320/IMG_1535.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
...that's right. My very own (and first!) pair of rain boots. Naturally it had been raining all week, until I finally got the boots. And then it decided to be amazing weather for the next week. However, this past Tuesday it rained all day, so I was able to wear them a lot. And it was happy. Very, very happy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycZUOj_tAb7hGosj235Bbl2w1M4t2D0RXXhnZEtlXN2O2KFl2j6Cd7FYBbyyyvtMUiS8nXaA-KGZ1gvqsb4QgC6LdoyZakuluVyYVBLf267n55RxYy60QXebn1VvmEUxxGEVv7Q8bthXO/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycZUOj_tAb7hGosj235Bbl2w1M4t2D0RXXhnZEtlXN2O2KFl2j6Cd7FYBbyyyvtMUiS8nXaA-KGZ1gvqsb4QgC6LdoyZakuluVyYVBLf267n55RxYy60QXebn1VvmEUxxGEVv7Q8bthXO/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Last Sunday I got to hang out with these awesome people here. Hector and Jodie. They're my...cousins. Once removed. Or maybe my second cousins. We're not really sure. But it doesn't matter. They're awesome, and they took me out to eat (real food! Woot!) and we did some window shopping. It was a lovely afternoon. <br />
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I also got to (finally) meet their daughter, Lexie, which was also nice because I've heard a lot of her, and now I can say I've actually met her. <br />
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There have been several trips to the amazing land of fro-yo (also known as "So Fun! Frozen Yogurt") and those have been lovely, and delicious excursions. <br />
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Then, today, my day was made yet again by my lovely Gramma who sent me a box filled with chocolate. It was truly a miracle because the night before me and Britt had just finished my chocolate stash, which I knew would be a huge crisis within the next 12 hours. But hey! God knows our needs, right? And always fulfills them. Living proof right here. I don't think I'll be having a "lack of chocolate" crisis anytime soon.<br />
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Also today I recieved two lovely letters and a postcard from friends and family back home. Thank you guys so much. They meant so much to me. It really makes my day to hear from people back home.<br />
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And last, but not least, this was what one of the Dove Dark Chocolate (my absolute fave for anyone who might be considering sending me a care package *cough*) wrapper...and yeah. It's true. We'll just leave it at that. <br /><br />
<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-38385419669555936652012-09-12T10:09:00.002-07:002012-09-12T10:09:26.407-07:00I'm in love Yeah, I just put that title simply to get your attention again. <br />
Nah, I kid. I really am in love. With school and life here. It's awesome. I have some amazing and thought provoking classes with highly educated and yet encouraging professors. The homework load really isn't that bad (although everyone complains about it all the time, myself included) and I have had some interesting papers to write. Which makes it fun :)<br />
I love the environment of Eastern. It is very welcoming and is also a really tight community. At the same time though it's also very diverse. Lots of people from all different backgrounds, beliefs, countries, hometowns...although, now that I say that, I realize it's not entirely true. Probably 85% of the people here are from PA or NJ so they all go home on the weekends. But the rest of us are from farther away, some even foreign exchange students (most of them Asian.) However, it's really cool to see and hear about the places people come from, their different stories and different interests.<br />
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Suffice to say, I love it here. I know this is where I should be right now, and it's so exciting to see how God is working. However, it isn't home. There's no annoying yet awesome siblings to play with. No crazy car rides with friends and sisters as we blare Disney princess at top volume. No home made cookies every other day. No mother to hug me when I've had a bad day. <br />
It's sad. 5 more weeks and then I'll come home for the weekend...woot! Can't wait! Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-89187106361973606332012-09-02T10:17:00.001-07:002012-09-02T10:17:47.963-07:00The Simple Way Please don't be mad. I didn't get a picture, and I hardly even talked to him. But...it.was.amazing.<br />
<br /> For those of you who might be confused; Shane Claiborne came and spoke at chapel this morning. He's an author of a couple books, he has a program that he runs in downtown Philly called "the Simple Way" (check it out at http://www.thesimpleway.org/), he's a speaker, and he's an awesome dude with dread locks and is a very big inspiration to me. He started his talk off with a crazy college student story (oh yeah, he went to Eastern.) and it was hilarious. But he went on and talked about community and unity. It was very good. I loved it because he honestly didn't have "power points" or any kind of application type thing at the end. It was just him speaking from his heart, telling stories about himself, The Simple Way, other people who have touched his life, and giving us advice on how we can best live in community here at Eastern. He was so laid back, funny, passionate, and very much in love with God. His talk definitely was very applicable and inspiring, as well as challenging.<br />
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I know I said this in the last post, but it's worth saying again; if you haven't read any of his stuff, I would highly encourage you to do so. I've only read "The Irresistible Revolution" (although right now I am working on his "Jesus for President") but it was so encouraging to me, for many reasons, and also challenging and made me really think. So yeah, check his stuff out.<br />
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Anyways, on a cool side note; I bought my own copy of his "Irresistible Revolution" because they were selling it, and I got him to sign it after introducing myself and telling him that I really admire what he does. And it was awesome :) Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-39286095931278231272012-09-01T09:04:00.001-07:002012-09-01T09:04:29.751-07:00Hello three day weekend Good morning :)<br />
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Oh wait...is it really almost 12? Whoops. Must have slept in. Yay for the easy college life. I literally do nothing. I go to class, I come back to my dorm and get on the computer and waste a couple hours, then I go to class again, then I go to the caff and eat whether I'm hungry or not, then I come back and do nothing, and then I go to bed. It's blissful. <br />
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Okay, so yeah. I'm exaggerating again. It's not quite as bad as that. I have homework I do (although not a lot...I'm sure that will change quick.) And a few friends that I hang out with (working on getting more...I forgot how long the process is of making friends. So much effort, sheesh.) And me and Brit find ways of entertaining ourselves while having down time in the dorm. Like yesterday, I spent about two hours drawing up a poster of Psalms 19:7-11 which is probably some of my favorite verses in the Bible. Here's the results:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECOKHj1phbZT99LrLCoIUKyJR7kDsL_PNeb75SrpnCtPXpqE8btowyxAMLwUvkGqTX7UzJdcfxVeS1Qbg_KIRPpwokrDFgYKUh5BvlN0-UigOVkEhmIVB6QFHT90YH8QK9T7yFaV-JgKA/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECOKHj1phbZT99LrLCoIUKyJR7kDsL_PNeb75SrpnCtPXpqE8btowyxAMLwUvkGqTX7UzJdcfxVeS1Qbg_KIRPpwokrDFgYKUh5BvlN0-UigOVkEhmIVB6QFHT90YH8QK9T7yFaV-JgKA/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm not done. I'm gonna add/color in/I'm-not-really-sure some more to it. But by the time I had done all this I had inhaled so much sharpie scent that I had a pretty bad headache and I figured it'd be best to get some fresh air. So...I'll probably work some more on that today, and we'll see how it turns out. <br />
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Most people love three day weekends. So do I. Most of the time. I'm not so sure about now though. I don't have a car, I have a limited amount of friends (and most of them are going back home for the weekend anyways) and a limited amount of money that I can blow, and homework that I'll have done by this evening. So I'm interested in how I'll fare over the next three days. I'll probably be either banging my head against the wall crying for classes to start again, or I'll be having a blast and have a bunch of new friends. We'll see.<br />
There are some pretty cool things planned though. First, Shane Claiborne is coming tomorrow and is going to speak during chapel. So stoked for this. (And my apologize to anyone who I told that he was coming Wednesday. I really thought he was. But, apparently, I was wrong. He's coming tomorrow.) If you don't know who he is...well, don't worry. I didn't know who he was a month ago either. And then I read one of his books, "Irresistible Revolution" and my life was changed. Not quite. But sorta...I really admire him though. He is very passionate about a lot of the things that I am, and he's a great inspiration to me. I'd highly recommend reading some of his stuff. <br />
The second cool thing is on Monday, when the rest of you will be having barbecues and watching cute little kids walk down the street in your town parade, I'm gonna be at an amusement park. I forget the name of it, but supposedly it's the Six Flags of PA. So that should be fun.<br />
Anyways, I've rambled enough. Sorry if I sent you back to bed. Although not really, you can't go wrong with going back to bed on a Saturday.<br />
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Hope you have a fantastic three day weekend :) <br />
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-30819299421554888212012-08-29T15:38:00.002-07:002012-08-29T15:38:50.511-07:00A look at Eastern Today was my first day of classes! It was so cool to be walking around campus with a backpack and a classroom as my destination. Made me feel like a real college student! I guess I can't truthfully say "I love going to class" because these first classes are just getting to know your classmates and an overview of what we'll be learning throughout the year along with your syllabus. But most of my professors seem pretty cool, as well as my classmates. I'm really excited for this semester! I think I'm going to enjoy it.<br />
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I know I promised you some pictures, so here are some to give you just a glimpse of the beautiful campus I get to walk all over each day.<br />
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This is the theme for the year; "cannot be Shaken." </div>
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I think a Hobbit lives in this house...but I haven't caught a glimpse of him yet.</div>
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(That's our waterwheel, just by the way.)</div>
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This is my favorite building (not just because it's the caff) because it's so beautiful. This pictures doesn't do it justice. It's like a castle, it's so awesome. </div>
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There's lots of little bridges all over the campus, but this one's the cutest. </div>
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So there you have it. A small snippet of what I see everyday. You should come see for yourself though, 'cause there's lots more then what these pictures show. </div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-29646336229196775382012-08-28T08:01:00.001-07:002012-08-28T08:01:06.166-07:00Orientation Hello. My name is Hannah Ege. I am a poor, sick, hungry, homesick, and very tired college kid. And I haven't even started classes. <br />
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Okay, yeah...maybe it's not bad as all that. I am a little sick, a little tired from lack of sleep (due to sickness...not due to staying up late. Me and my roommate are out by 10:30 most nights, heh.) I am a little hungry come night time due to not having many snacks in my room yet, but you learn to live with that. Plus, that can be quickly changed with a short trip to the grocery store. Thankfully I have tea (thanks Mom!) which has helped muchly with the being sick part.<br />
Overall I am really enjoying myself. Making friends, trying out the different food in the caff, learning the campus, having downtime with my roommate (Brittany, for any of you who don't know yet...) that it hasn't left much time for homesickness. Not that I don't miss my family and friends, I'm just not swimming in a puddle of tears each night like I expected. But that's good. I'm realizing that making new friends isn't as hard as I expected. And keeping in touch with the old one's isn't as hard as I expected either. So it's working out.<br />
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A couple things that might be interesting to you; me and Brittany have a HUGE cork board in our room that was there when we first came. And I filled not even half of it with pictures and posters and stuff...so we've decided to post a scripture verse up on an index card each day. It's pretty cool. So if we see a verse that encourages or inspires us throughout the day, we write it up and it's our verse for the day. Hopefully by the end of the year it will be filled. If you wanna share one, that'd be awesome :)<br />
Uhm. Okay, so that was only one interesting thing. Oh well. I'll come up with more later. I'll also probably be posting some pictures of the campus later, 'cause it's pretty stinking beautiful. However, if you're interested, here's the <a href="http://www.eastern.edu/centers/communications/projects/campus_map/index.html">link to a map of campus.</a> #4 is my dorm. #19 and #17 are where all my classes will be. And #22 is the where the caff is.<br />
So yes...there you have it. The ramblings of a college student who is pretty bored at the moment. Now to go get some tea and a book.<br />
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Classes start tomorrow...Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-65951662536460162312012-08-26T06:07:00.001-07:002012-08-26T06:07:13.372-07:00 So here I am. A college student, moved into her dorm, missing her family and friends, and yet having a blast and thinking this might be fun after all....Hello freshmen year. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-34775228609538038362012-08-24T18:28:00.000-07:002012-08-24T18:28:01.128-07:00Here we go...<div style="text-align: center;">
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.<br /> He makes me lie down in green pastures.<br /> He leads me beside still waters.<br /> He restores my soul.<br /> He leads me in paths of righteousness<br /> for his name's sake.<br /> Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,<br /> I will fear no evil,<br /> for you are with me;<br /> your rod and your staff,<br /> they comfort me.<br /> You prepare a table before me<br /> in the presence of my enemies;<br /> you anoint my head with oil;<br /> my cup overflows.<br /> Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me<br /> all the days of my life,<br /> and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD<br /> forever.<br />(Psalm 23 ESV)</div>
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This psalm has kept coming to mind this weekend. God is so good. Moving off to college has been a really emotional process for me...and I'm not a very emotional person. But I've come to realize that I'm just not that good with change. Because I don't like the unknown. It's hard to leave your friends that you've known your whole life, or at least all through highschool, and not know if you'll still be friends by the end of college. It's hard to go to a school knowing no one, not knowing the area, not really knowing how to study or do homework, and having no idea if it's worth all the money you are spending. I'm sure every college-bond kid has these doubts to some degree or another. I know I'm not the only one. But that isn't much comfort. </div>
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God, however, is a huge comfort. Because I know He's always there. I know He's leading me through these next five years. I know He's going to give me friendships and experiences that I could never have guessed at. I know He's going to draw me closer and closer to Himself through these years. And that gets me so excited. </div>
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Today, I read the verse of the day off my iPhone bible app. (I only use it when I don't have my real Bible on hand, and for the verse of the day. I would never replace a real Bible with an app...so lame.)</div>
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Isaiah 41:10: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."</div>
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One of my favorite verses, and it always happens to turn up when I most need it. God is good. </div>
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So tomorrow we're going to be up bright and early, head over to the school, unpack, meet my roommate, and a million other things. Then I will sadly have to say goodbye to my family, and the next three days will be filled with orientation and then we tuck down Wednesday and get to business (aka, classes start.) I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm scared out of my mind. I can't wait for it to start. So many emotions. So many thoughts. But who cares? God is steady, unchanging, comforting, and all together just plain ol' good. </div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-6344595259423137062012-08-23T17:21:00.000-07:002012-08-23T17:21:16.040-07:00Our Philly adventure... So here we are. In West Chester, Penn. staying with some relatives of ours. We left Wednesday morning and have been having a fun time with Jodie and Hector (said relatives that we're staying with.) Today however, we went into downtown Philly and did some of the historical things...liberty bell, Independence hall, and Ben Franklins post office, and printing press. It was pretty cool. I've never even been in Philly so it was really cool to see it, and seeing the Liberty Bell was really neat! It's so cool to see a part of our countries history, real and live like that!<br />
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Independence Hall </div>
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This is the wall where Ben Gates finds Benjamin Franklins glasses in National Treasure. It was so cool seeing all the places that are in the movie! </div>
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An old fashion printing press.</div>
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Oh yes, I'll take two please. </div>
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Got to have my first philly cheese steak from Philly! It was soooo good! </div>
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And last but not least, I made this on the car ride down. It's for my niece/nephew who will be arriving in January! (It's nickname is Blueberry, thus the need for a blueberry hat.) I'm so excited to be an aunt!! </div>
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Moving in on Saturday...eeks! </div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-65109762662450568282012-08-17T08:03:00.002-07:002012-08-17T08:03:32.879-07:00New Beginnings Welcome back to my blog! Yes, I've started it up again. I'm off to college where there will be a whole bunch of new beginnings...making new friends, learning new things in school, learning how to live (somewhat) on my own. All that fun jazz. So I figured, might as well give my blog a new start also. That way all my darling friends have an easy way of keeping up with me, new people will hopefully stumble upon it and find something of interest or maybe even worth to read on here, and it will keep me a little entertained. I'm not promising anything, like a post a day, or even once a week...I'll just post whenever I have something worth saying and hopefully that will be often enough to keep some readers.<br />
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So, now for the boring stuff so we're all on the same page. I'm off to <a href="http://www.eastern.edu/">Eastern University in St.Davids, PA.</a> So far it seems like a pretty awesome school, but I'll know more about when I get there. It's located 20 minutes (south? west? east? Who knows) of Philly, which is super cool. I've never been in Philly but I've heard lots of good things about it and I mean, common! It's the home of Philly cheese steak grinders! Can't go wrong with that, in my opinion. So I'm super excited to be so near the city...I think there will be much time spent in it. <br />
I'll be majoring in Early Childhood Education and hopefully in five years be graduating with my Masters and a job in sight. I am so excited for this amazing opportunity that I have! As I've been packing up, ordering textbooks, buying dorm stuff, figuring out the last few financial things, I've been realizing how very, very blessed and privileged I am to have this opportunity to go away and study for five years. Education is something we take for granted in the US (or at least in suburbs of America) and even growing up I always just thought of college as what you do after highschool, no questions asked. (Although...funny story. When I was 10 I told my mom that I wanted to homeschool through college too. What that meant in my little 10-year-old mind was I just got a Horizon book with a big 13 on the front. Yeah, you're a homeschooler if you got that.)<br />
So here I am. An 18-year-old almost-college-student who is trying to pack up all her personal belongings, say some very hard goodbyes (thank God they're not forever), trying to prepare herself for a new way of life, and who is very, very excited to have this amazing opportunity to go learn, grow and make my way in this life.<br />
So. Whether I know you or not; join me. Watch me as I go on this journey. Laugh over my funny stories, hear all my depressing homesickness posts, and pray for me as I follow God's path that He's given me. I'm excited to show you small glimpses of what He'll be teaching me. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-82367824785677480472011-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:002011-07-04T19:56:28.309-07:00God's Word This post is going to be about the importance of reading God's word and why I think we often don't read it. However, I wrote it out, and then I realized that it might just be taken the wrong way. So I want to make a few key points before I start.<br />
First, I'm <i>not </i>trying to say that if you don't read the Word every day that you therefore have no relationship with God. I think reading the Bible is very important, but I also know that a lot of other things contribute to your relationship. Such as prayer (which in my opinion is more important then reading the Bible daily), personal experiences, reading other peoples experiences (like devo books, and other works like that). So don't think I'm trying to say that your relationship is entirely dependent on how much of the Bible you read. <br />
And then also I guess what I'm really trying to get at from this post is, how are we approaching Bible reading? I think why we often <i>don't </i>read is because we're coming with the wrong attitude.<br />
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Ok, hopefully that'll clear stuff up.<br />
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Here we go...<br />
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The other day I was texting with a friend who is going through a lot and who hasn't been feeling God's presence in her life lately. As we texted I encouraged her to read her Bible daily because earlier she had mentioned how she hasn't been of late. She then replied as to how she didn't want to read or pray, because it felt like no one was there. No one to hear her. I replied to her with this:<br />
<blockquote>"Think of it this way; when you say to yourself "I'm not going to read my Bible today because I really don't want to", tell yourself "and Jesus isn't going to forgive my sins today 'cause he really doesn't want to be nailed to the cross." Sometimes we've got to do something we really don't want to for love. We love God. Even though sometimes it feels like we don't. But because we're human, we're selfish. And we forget that God asks us to be like Jesus. I bet you Jesus wanted nothing to do with the cross. Nothing. He even asked God to take it away in his prayer. But God put him through it anyway. So even if you're thinking "I don't want seek God today because he isn't there", think of Jesus. God wasn't at the cross either. He turned his back on his <i>own son </i>so that <b>you</b> might be forgiven. Don't ever think Jesus doesn't know what you're feeling. He understands the most."</blockquote><br />
Yes, that was all one text. If you've ever had a real convo with me over text you know I can go on forever haha!<br />
Anyways, I'm really not sure how I thought of that. But yet, it's so true. What if Jesus decieded he wasn't going to die for our sins today. Now, before you get off on a debate of "well, Jesus died for our sins over 2,000 years ago, so it doesn't matter how he feels today because it's in the past blah, blah, blah..." That's not my point. So be quiet. God works out of our time and space. Just get use to it. This is also just an example.<br />
We often make excuses for ourselves for not reading the Bible or spending time in prayer. "I'm to tired","I have homework to do", "I'm to busy", "I'm with friends", "God isn't there", "God's to busy fixing Obama to spend time with me", "I'm sick". It goes on and on. Couldn't Jesus have said the same things, the same excuses, so as not to have died? I'm not trying to say we should do a guilt trip every time we read our Bibles. That shouldn't be our motive. But I think we need to put it in perspective. This isn't about being the perfect Christian. This isn't about doing evey thing right so God will bless you. <br />
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This is about love.<br />
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This is about your relationship with God.<br />
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He understands you more then you probably realize. And he <i>wants</i> that time with you. The more you immerse yourself in the Word, the more knowledge you gain from studying righteous things, the more time you spend <i>with </i>God... the more you will be intune to Him, and the more you will hear Him in every area of your life. <br />
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If you claim to be a Christian right now, and you say you have a relationship with God, are you holding up your end of the relatioship? It takes both sides to make it work. And believe me, God's doing his part.<br />
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Are you?Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-42420270824654996642011-07-04T09:06:00.000-07:002011-07-04T09:06:29.124-07:00Freedom <br />
<blockquote>"So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him,<span class="woj"> "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,</span> <span class="woj">and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."</span> They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"<br />
Jesus answered them, <span class="woj">"<b>Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave<sup> </sup>to sin.</b></span><b> <span class="woj">The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever.</span> </b><span class="woj"><b>So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.</b>" (John 8:31-36)</span></blockquote><br />
I don't care if you live in America or not, are you free today? <br />
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Hope you all have an awesome 4th of July!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111999505934154512.post-88306836348121233782011-07-01T19:40:00.000-07:002011-07-01T19:40:35.668-07:00The Hartford Project 2011<blockquote>"You're the God of this City/You're the King of these people/You're the Lord of this nation/You are/ You're the Light in this darkness/You're the Hope to the hopeless/You're the Peace to the restless/You are/There is no one like our God/There is no one like our God<br />
For greater things have yet to come/And greater things are still to be done in this City/Greater thing have yet to come/And greater things are still to be done in this City" </blockquote> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk">"God of this City" by Chris Tomlin</a><br />
Amazing song, and definitely the theme song of my past week. We have a local mission trip each year into our state capitol, Hartford. It's called The Hartford Project (THP), and it's amazing.<br />
First, a little bit of a background, for those of you who may not know. CT is one of the richest states in the US, and yet Hartford is one of the top 10 poorest cities. It has a very high violence rate, and it has a lot of brokenness in it. However, Hartford has not always been like that. It was originally founded by Thomas Hooker and a bunch of pilgrims, who dedicated it to the Lord praying that it would be "a city on a hill and a light to the nations." Hartford is anything but that...Thus, the Hartford Project. Started back in....oh boy...2004...I think. (Sorry if this is messed up a little, I'm trying my best :P) And the hopes of it was to first off, bring God's love into the city, connect the churches in Hartford, and give teens a better look at the city and mission work. Pretty much it's four days of living in the city, and doing volunteer projects with local churches, and for local communities. <br />
Over the years though, THP has grown a lot. The first year I went (I have now gone these past three years), I think there was probably only 100 kids. This year there was over 300. And every time I have seen amazing things happen and God has taught me some life changing things.<br />
The first year probably had the biggest impact on me. It was pretty much the first time that I realized what it looked like to live a Christian life on a day to day biases, and not just on Sundays. To actually <b>live</b> for Christ. Every moment, every choice, every word. To live for Him. I was already saved...but I think that's when I really started putting my faith into action. It was also the first time I felt God calling me into missions work.<br />
The next summer I had a chance to go to the Dominican Republic (DR) for a short term mission work, and also once again to THP. This time I knew that this is what God wanted me to do. At least through high school and college.<br />
Also, the past two years I've had a lot of really neat experiences in the city. Praying for people, seeing people come to Christ...stuff like that.<br />
This year...not so much. Which was kind of disappointing. But God did teach me a lot. First off, I got a really good look at the city. I realized what a really, and I mean really, beautiful city it is. One of the days we went up to the top of this really high tower/building thingy and you can see all of Hartford (and much more.) It was sooo cool, but it made me realize just how pretty the city is. And how much it could be. I also came to realize how much Hartford does have already. Even in it's state of poverty and brokenness, it has a lot to offer those who look. Which makes me wonder just how amazing it would be if it did become 'a city on a hill.'<br />
The other really big thing I got out of it was, once again, how much I want to do mission work. And I'm starting to believe even after college. I don't know what that would look like for me...Whether it would mean moving back to CT and doing it right here in Hartford. Or maybe going to a totally different country. Or maybe to some random state. I don't know. But I'm realizing how much I want to live my life dedicated to Christ. Spreading his word, his love, his mercy and his grace. He has given me so much, how can I not want to share it with others?<br />
It's really kinda scary when I start thinking about it...but yet I'm excited. I don't know what God has in store, but I know it's gonna be awesome. And it's going to bring him glory. And that's what I want. Is for people to see Him, and come to know Him.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00210524052670954185noreply@blogger.com2