Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day! I'm at work today, but hope everyone celebrates love that comes from the Creator of Love- GOD! I'm not a huge Valentine's Day fan- I personally think it's over done- too much red and pink. LOL. But some people love it! I do try to look at it from a different angle now. Last year, my dear friend and now future-sister-in-law-to-be, Bridgett (http://hoosierstamper.blogspot.com) shared a wonderful message for me to put in a church newsletter for Valentine's Day.
JOHN 3:16
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM, SHALL NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.

What the perfect Valentine! The true meaning is just that- God loved us enough to send us His ONLY SON- so that we may each someday live for eternity with Him. I don't see how an atheist could celebrate Valentine's Day- considering love- true, pure, unconditional, uncompromising, glorifying love comes from GOD.
I hope everyone has a wonderful day, as we celebrate the love that we have in Jesus that can never be separated from us- SEE ROMANS CHAPTER 8. :)
GOD IS LOVE!

This week has been eventful. My parents left for their trip Saturday evening, and the 4 siblings have been in my care since. It has been fun and eventful! I've enjoyed being off work this long, that's for sure. Makes me miss being at home like I used to. I love my job, but love being at home too. Since they've left, we've been in our usual routine of things. We went out to dinner last night and have watched some movies. It was really warm out yesterday, so everyone was outside most of the day. Today, it was been raining and cooler, so it has been schoolwork for most of the day.
I'm still doing my 40 day challenge and am loving it. Day 7 really spoke to me and taught me a lot- today I am on day 9, but wanted to share day 7 with you.

THE REASON FOR EVERYTHING

POINT TO PONDER: IT'S ALL FOR HIM

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: HOW IN MY DAILY ROUTINE COULD I BECOME MORE AWARE OF GOD'S GLORY AROUND ME?

POWER/MEMORY VERSE: FOR EVERYTHING COMES FROM GOD ALONE. EVERYTHING LIVES BY HIS POWER AND EVERYTHING IS FOR HIS GLORY. ROMANS 11:36 LB

The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. It is the reason for everything that exists, including you. God made it ALL for His glory. Living for God's glory is the greatest achievement you can accomplish with your life. God says, "They are My own people, and I created them to bring Me glory" Isaiah 43:7 TEV, so it ought to be the supreme goal of our lives. Jesus honored God by fulfilling His purpose on earth. We bring glory to God the same way. There are many ways to bring glory to God but they can be summarized in God's five purposes for your life.

We bring God glory by worshiping Him.

We bring God glory by loving other believers.

We bring God glory by becoming like Christ.

We bring God glory by serving others with our gifts.

We bring God glory by telling others about Him.

There are three secrets about the glory of God that most people miss.

First,

when you trust Christ with your life, God puts His glory in YOU!

The second secret is,

that the more you focus on living for God's glory, the more you will be filled with joy!

The third secret is,

that if you've committed your life to Jesus, one day you're going to share in God's glory!

God repeatedly promises that if we live for His glory on earth, we'll share His glory for eternity!

Will you live for your own goals, comfort, and pleasure, or will you live the rest of your life for God's glory, knowing that He's promised eternal rewards? You may hesitate, wondering if you'll have enough strength to live for God. Don't worry. Jesus will give you everything you need to live for Him if you'll just make the choice to do it.

"Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One Who invited us to God."

2 Peter 1:3 MSG

Wonderful God, it is my deepest desire to bring You glory. Help me to see Your glory all around me today. Nothing would exist without You. It's all for Your glory!

Day 2- You're not an accident

I'm still doing the 40 day challenge! I'm at day 5. LOL. Day 2 was - YOU'RE NOT AN ACCIDENT. This was a chapter I think a lot of people should read. A lot of people get down in the dumps wondering why they're even here, what their purpose is and if they shouldn't be here. This chapter was amazing- telling how God knew the exact time we'd be born and die, down to our eye color- He took the time to make us- just the way He wante us! Wow! What an awesome God! He could have just made us all the same (funny- how most people try to look like everyone else?!) , but no, He took time with each of us and made us in His perfect way.

DAY 2- YOU'RE NOT AN ACCIDENT.

POINT TO PONDER: I AM NOT AN ACCIDENT.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: KNOWING THAT GOD CREATED ME FOR A PURPOSE, WHAT AREAS OF MY PERSONALITY, BACKGROUND AND APPEARANCE DO I NEE TO ACCEPT?

Long before you were conceived by your parents you were conceived in the MIND OF GOD. It is not fate, nor chance, nor luck, nor coincidence, that you are breathing at this very moment. You are alive because God wanted to create you!

LORD, YOU SAW ME BEFORE I WAS BORN AND SCHEDULED EACH DAY OF MY LIFE BEFORE I BEGAN TO BREATHE. EVERY DAY WAS RECORDED IN YOUR BOOK!

PSALM 139:16 LB

God made you to love you and you are His special creation. God was thinking of you even BEFORE He made the world! In fact, that's why He created it! God designed this planet's environment just so we could live in it. We are the focus of His love, and the most valuable of His creation. If there was no God, then we'd all be "accidents," the result of astronomical random chance in the universe. But there IS a God, He made you for a reason, and your life has profound meaning! We discover that meaning and purpose ONLY when we made God the reference point in our lives.

POWER VERSE: I AM YOUR CREATOR. YOU WERE IN MY CARE EVEN BEFORE YOU WERE BORN," SAYS THE LORD.

GOD,

YOUR PLAN IS AMAZING. THANK YOU THAT I WAS CUSTOM-MADE FOR A REASON. HELP ME TO TRUST YOUR WISDOM IN CHOOSING MY PARENTS, RACE, BACKGROUND, GIFTS AND APPEARANCE.

IN YOUR AMAZNG LOVE, AMEN.

Purpose Driven Life/40 Day Challenge

I've commited to do the 40 day Challenge of The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren. I have read bits and pieces of this book over the years, but never have read it through thoroughly. A lot of people I know have highly recommended this book and doing the 40 day challenge. It's a book I've been wanting to read for a long time, but just never made the time to. I read A LOT at a time, but for some reason, never seemed to squeeze this one in there. But I want this book to be different, not just something I read. I want to make it a daily assignment and need for me. I did day 1 last night and was immediately hooked. I've read the 1st chapter before, but never did the assignments with it. It's very basic too. I just read the chapter, then have a power/memory verse and I also have a journal that goes along with it, to write down my thoughts referring to the chapter I just read.

The 1st Day was amazing! The 1st sentence was- IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. I love that! I love anything from t-shirts to billboards that say that. Day one really hit me that this life is not about us and ourselves- it's not about what WE want to do with OUR lives, where WE want to live or go, or be, it's about GOD. He is the Creator of Life and we are only here because of Him. It's really hard to remember that living in a world where everything is aimed at ourselves, our desires and our rights. It makes you wonder, if everyone stepped back and looked at the big picture, how different things would be. We live in a very selfish world and it's hard sometimes to remember that it's not about us- but God and His purpose- we are only here because of Him and for His purpose only. Every day or every few days- when I can- I'll type out a brief outline of my daily readings and what I've learned. Pray for me as I do this challenge. Pray that I stay focused and motivated. I hope you are Blessed and inspired as I take this 40 day challenge!

My power/memory verse for day 1 was-

For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible...everything got started in Him and finds its purspose in Him. COLOSSIANS 1:16 MSG

POINT TO PONDER: IT'S NOT ABOUT ME.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER: HOW CAN I REMIND MYSELF TODAY THAT LIFE IS REALLY ABOUT LIVING FOR GOD, NOT MYSELF?

THE PURPOSE OF YOUR LIFE IS FAR GREATER THAN YOUR OWN PERSONAL FULFILLMENT, YOUR PEACE OF MIND, OR EVEN YOUR HAPPINESS. IT'S FAR GREATER THAN YOUR FAMILY, YOUR CAREER, OR EVEN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS AND AMBITIONS. THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SPECULATION ABOUT THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE. ITS REVELATION. WE CAN TURN TO WHAT GOD HAS REVEALED ABOUT LIFE IN HIS WORD. IT EASIEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE PURPOSE OF AN INVITATION IS TO ASK THE CREATOR OF IT. THE SAME IS TRUE FOR DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE. ASK GOD.

GOD'S WISDOM...GOES DEEP INTO THE INTERIOR OF HIS PURPOSES. IT'S NOT THE LATEST MESSAGE, BUT MORE LIKE THE OLDEST-WHAT GOD DETERMINED AS THE WAY TO BRING OUT HIS BEST IN US.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:7 MSG

Father,

AS I BEGIN MY JOURNEY, HELP ME TO REALIZE THAT BUILDING MY LIFE AROUND MYSELF INSTEAD OF YOU WILL ONLY LEAD TO EMPTINESS AND MEANINGLESSNESS. I WAS MADE BY YOU AND FOR YOU, AND I WANT TO DISCOVER MY PURPOSE IN YOU.

IN YOUR HOLY NAME, AMEN

Tribute to Pauline

Yesterday I sad some sad news. A dear friend of mine went home to her Lord yesterday. She was an elderly lady at church. I had only known her a few years, but in the short time I did, she Blessed, encouraged and inspired me so much. Pauline was so fired up for God! In every conversation we ever had together, whether it was at church, on the phone or during a visit, she'd have something to say about Jesus. She was the sweetest lady! She always wanted to know what all was going on with you and she'd always have something straight from God to tell you. My Mom and sisters loved her dearly. My little sisters loved to draw her pictures often and Pauline would hang them up on her fridge. I told Rosie she can still draw her pictures, even though she's with Jesus. Pauline was so excited about meeting Him. So even though I miss her terribly already- I have to celebrate with her- cause I know she's where she belongs- in our Savior's arms. I found out yesterday morning while I was at work. My sister called and told me. I sat there just crying at the desk and probably scared some kids that wanted a computer. But I couldn't help it. I emailed my future sister-in-law and asked her to pray for me. She emailed me some of the most encouraing words about Pauline laying her hands into His scarred hands and her knowing that all of her life, trials, ups and downs were worth it all.
Pauline- I love you dearly, darling. You will be so missed, but always remembered. Thank you for your joy- it was contagious. :) You have inspired me always to be more outgoing in my faith and to be more joyous about Jesus. You certainly had the right thing going on and in mind and you never let a chance pass by to tell someone the joy Jesus gives. You were a true disciple and I will forever be honored to have had you as a friend. I promise that your joy will remain! Thank you dear friend, and we are celebrating with you as you walk through the Home with your loving Savior! You go girl! ;)

Fireproof on DVD

If you didn't get a chance to see, "Fireproof," in theatres last September 26th, I hope you can buy it or rent it on DVD. It was released this past Tuesday. Due to to snow and ice storm we had, I didn't get to get it till yesterday. My sweet fiancee went and got it for me and we got to watch it last night with a few of my siblings and my mom. I just love this movie! Alex and Stephen Kendrick are brothers and the makers of this film. They had finished their last movie, FACING THE GIANTS, which is an amazing movie and they were trying to think of another movie plot and were seeking the Lord's will in this. God spoke to them one day and they knew their next movie would be about marriage. I was so excited when I heard about this movie! Arnold and I had gotten engaged and what a wonderful movie to go see when you're engaged! It was our first time to the theatre together too. We had to go to Bloomington, cause Bedford wasn't showing it. !!!!! The theatre was so crowded, but I sure wasn't unhappy about that. At the end of the movie, a wonderful verse from Romans appeared- and the whole audience was screaming in joy. LOL. Wow! The does not happen very often in a theatre. Arnold loved the movie- he's a big fan of Kirk Cameron. I cried and cried through the whole thing of course. LOL. We were certainly Blessed from it! It is a requirement for ALL singles, couples, engaged and married people. You will be Blessed and inspired! Also be sure to watch the other Kendrick Brothers/Sherwood Films:

FLYWHEEL- Arnold ordered this last fall and we watched it together. This was the first movie Alex and Stephen Kendrick put together. Alex Kendrick actually plays the lead role in this film. He's has his own car lot, business and everything seems to be going his way. He starts heading into financial trouble, then marriage trouble, parenting trouble and soon realizes that he's done everything his way and that's why his life has turned out this way. He finally comes to God, hands Him is troubles and lets Him have his business and things start to turn around for him. It's a big movie on FAITH and TRUST in God.

FACING THE GIANTS- This movie was the first Kendrick Brothers movie I watched. My brother and I rented it at the library one day, thinking it was just a football movie. Wrong!!!! Football and GOD! My Dad treasures this movie and he's not at all a sports fan. This movie is again about FAITH and TRUST in God and His powers and abilities and the main focus is WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE! The main character is a football coach (Alex Kendrick) of a small, Christian high school. He's a strong Christian and has a great life with his wife. His career starts to go down hill and him and his wife are tested strongly when they find out that they're unable to have children. Coming to his lowest point, He gives God his worries, hopes, and dreams and everything turns around. This movie is amazing! Psalm 18 is read in this and just makes me cry everytime.

Be sure to see these movies. They are so wonderful, funny, and amazing!

Holy, Holy is our God Almighty!

What a busy week last week and busy weekend! My family and I had been hit with the flu. Ugh! We seem to always catch that at least twice through the year. Certainly pauses our busy life and everything piles up. But everyone seems to be better, thankfully. This weekend, we all managed to get caught up on our rest. Thank you, Lord, for those restful Sundays!
Last night, my fiance and I went to an evening service at the Assembly of God in Bedford. What a big church! I used to go to a small, country church, with about 50 people. This place was enormous! The sanctuary alone was probably the size of my old church or bigger. I had went to a Wednesday night service at this church last summer with my soon to be sister-in-law and her children and loved it. I loved it even more last night. The worship was amazing! They had an awesome praise team, although the songs they sang were familiar, stuff I hear on K-LOVE everyday, and you could sing along with them, so it wasn't just them doing the praising and us listening. We were actually praising with them. The message was great- we talked about Fruit of the Spirit from Galations 5 and discussed peace with God, peace of God and peace on earth and I learned a lot and took a lot of notes of course. My favorite part was the end- not because it was over, but how they ended it- cause they didn't formally end it- the pastor prayed and then the praise team began singing some amazing praises and you could stay and worship and pray and then leave when you want to. Some people went up to the altar, some bowed in their pew and some stood and prayed and some stayed in their pews. How incredible! Arnold and I prayed and then just sat and worshipped the Lord together. It was so encouraging to go to a church with such joyful praise and worship! I have missed that so much! Even though I've always gone to church, our praise and worship just didn't seem to be right, sad to say. I believe that the Lord deserves and wants our best in all areas, especially with how we praise and worship Him. I would sometimes do my main praising in the car on the way to work or somewhere- I'd turn on 91.5 or 97.3 -K-LOVE and start singing along and sometimes end up with my hands raised in worship, then the car would swerve, so I'd have to take them down, but my heart was sure there! I remember one night, my sister Katie, and I were coming home from town together and we had a FAST and POWERFUL Newsboys song BLARING in the car- and boy, were we praising. Katie is so energetic and she uses her energy for the Lord and she inspires me to be more alive and upbeat when I praise God. She's not afraid to go into a church, raise her hands, jump up and down for the Lord. :) Praise and worship is so important and SO good for the soul! I aim to do so much more of it!
HOLY, HOLY, IS OUR GOD ALMIGHTY
HOLY, HOLY IS HIS NAME ALONE!!!

Divine Design Bible Challenge 2009

I recently joined my future sister-in-law, Bridgett, the Divine Design Bible Challenge. Bridgett was the one that told me about it and I checked out the lady's blog and read about it and immediately wanted to join. You get together once a month to make a card or craft with a Bible verse according to that month's particular theme, example- FAITH, HOPE, LOVE, TRUST, OBEDIENCE, ETC. Bridgett and I love to craft, so I know we'll be all into it. And for those of you who don't papercraft or rubber stamp, this is still something great you could do. Take that month to reflect on the month's theme. This month is FAITH, so I am definitely reflecting on faith and growing in faith and finding some wonderful scriptures on faith and you all know there are so many. But you can get together, share verses with each other that speak to you and relate to this month's theme, share testimonies, have some prayer together and praise in some Christian contemporary hits and of course have some yummy snacks. Have some fellowship! Bridgett and I and hopefully some others are hoping to all meet once a month and do this and make some cards. Hopefully I can get mine posted on here to show and inspire. I am really excited and hope I can stay on this cause I think it will definitely keep me focused on the WORD that I need daily and help me grow spiritually and have some great fellowship with some wonderful Christian women. Fellowship with Christian women is so important, uplifting and encouraing. I wish I had more time in the month to do that, but through emails and occasional phone calls with my fellow Christian women friends, that does help a lot. Some groups I've done with other women have been great- I did a lot of Beth Moore studies with some friends from church. We studied DANIEL, JESUS THE ONE AND ONLY AND STEPPING UP/PSALMS. They were great!!! I even got to accompany 4 great women to Louisville last August to a Beth Moore convention for 2 days. What an amazing trip and we learned so much! Stuff like this is so important, whether it's a weekend trip with some gal friends to a convention or concert or an evening in one's livingroom sharing each other's stories, laughter and tears and holding hands in prayer. Fellowship is encouraged!!!

Keep on learning!

Whew, what a busy week it has been! I've worked everyday this week, so my evenings have been packed full and everything has been a big blurr.
Last night I went and brought dinner home to my mom, cause somehow I knew none of us wanted to cook. LOL. So Chinese it was! My Mom had been busy running her errands day that-Thursdays are her running day-bank, groceries, etc.- so I offered to do some schoolwork with the children that evening. I usually help them two days a week if possible, but haven't since before Christmas due to my work schedule and them being off for Christmas. What fun we had! I am so passionate about Christian home schooling and absolutely love to help my siblings with their studies when I can. It's so enjoyable! And they're all in different grades, learning new and different things, so there's definitely a variety of learning going on. Katlin is in9th grade, Seth is in 4th, Rosie is in 2nd and Tula is in 1st. Rosie is soaring through reading and Tula is learning. Tula is awesome at grammar or "glamour" as she calls it. LOL. She isn't fond of math like me. LOL. Rosie is amazing at math and doesn't like grammar, although she LOVES reading. She's finishing up some good series that I HIGHLY recommend for all children- home schooled or not:

Magic Tree House Series- by Mary Pope Osborne books or audio books- the audio books are GREAT for kids before bedtime or while they're cleaning their rooms, etc.

Betsy-Tacy- Rosie just read this book and LOVED it! I'm trying to see if we can order more at the library, cause we only have one. But she was hooked, so I'm sure this is an awesome book for young girls.

Junie B. Jones- Rosie likes this series a lot. I'm not a huge fan- that Junie can sure be sassy. LOL.

Piper Reed Navy Brat- Rosie also likes this series and another sassy girl, also note the name- brat- that can't be good. LOL. I'm sure they're good books and fun, but sometimes I hear their tones on the audio book from the other room and am like, "What?!!" LOL!

Little House Series- OK, these are the BEST books for girls and boys!!! I grew up reading these. They were part of my cirriculum. And what better than Little House! I did the book- The Prairie Primer. It was amazing! It covered all the Little House books. My siblings are doing the lst one now- Little House in the Big Woods. Rosie loves to listen to them on audio from time to time. But these are truly 100% the best and most nuturing series you could have your children read! Why else did my Mom call Rosie- Rosie? From Laura Ingalls Wilder's daughter- Rose of course! She's a rare as a prairie rose!

American Girl Series- Good series!!! I am on a big search for the audio books in this series, cause my sisters would flip. These are very positive and historical books and almost all girls love them.

Ok, I'd better stop there- or I'll just keeping going. There's tons of good series and I so encourage all to have their kids, siblings, etc. read!!!

My point of this post was that I am so Blessed to have the privilege of witnessing my siblings learning and working hard at their studies. Best of all, they get to have Jesus right in the middle of it! My years, especially elementary years of home schooling were the best and I cherish those years dearly, especially with my Mother. My 2nd grade year- my first year of home schooling was a very special year for my Mom and I. I am so grateful that she has given up so much of her time for us, so we could be taught at home- under her supervision with God as the main Instructor. It certainly is witnessing God when I see my little sisters- read their first sentences and words. Rosie's first sentence she ever read was- SEE THE SUN-GOD MADE THE SUN- WOW!!! I remember I was almost in tears when she read that and smiled. Of all the things she'll read in her life and sadly some things she'll have to read- headlines of terrible things- she starts out by reading of God and one of His glorious creations. How GREAT is our God!!!
Keep learning, cause it never ends!
Be Blessed,
Hannah

Goals in 2009!

Hello all! What a beautiful, snowy day we're having here! A light, soft-falling snow and let's hope it remains that way. :)
Well, I've already talked about New Year's Resolutions and something else I like to do is to make a list of goals for this year. I like to try and keep a journal or something like a "control" journal is what I need. My future sister-in-law, Bridgett, keeps one and it's amazing. She's inspired me to want to do the same. I'll have to have her make me one, since she's the craft queen in the family LOL. ;) Gotta have a PRETTY control journal!
My goals for this year that I hope to accomplish are: NOTE- These aren't in any priority order- except for number 1 of course! ;)

Give more of my time to God-this is something I definitely MUST do, not just want to do. Each day must begin in Him, go through with Him and end with Him!!!

Find a church-I really, really want to find a church. I haven't been to my old one in months, but have such an urge to find a new one. I really hope to find one that's big, alive, uplifting and somewhere where I can come to begin my new week praising God, laying down all my past week's stress and be renewed and refreshed. Basically a place to get some spiritual fuel for the week ahead. :) I mainly just want something for Sunday mornings, cause I'm usually working Wednesday nights.

Do more Bible study with Arnold- Arnold and I used to get together once a week if our schedule's allowed it and do some Bible study together. It was so enjoyable and encouraging and it really made us closer to God and each other. We would read scriptures together, discuss them, and also share scriptures we've read that week or some of our favorites. I recommend this for ALL couples courting and engaged and of course married couples. It's the best! We haven't been able to do it in awhile, cause it's hard to take the time through the week. We do however, pray together at the end of our evenings together and share scriptures through email and sometimes I'll read some verses while he's driving. I hope we can do more of it together, even once a month! :)

Plan and organize my weeks better-Every Sunday evening, my Mom and I sit down a look at the week ahead schedule. I see what days I'm working and not and what she and the family have going on, etc. It's hard sometimes combining each other's schedules and activities, but we somehow do it. I really want to keep it better organized and stay focused, cause there's a lot to get done through the week and I hate to leave it all for the weekend.

Craft more with my future sister-in-law, Bridgett-Bridgett and I love to craft together! We usually make cards and have so much fun doing it. She'll sometimes find an extra project to make and we'll attempt it together. We haven't done much of it since last spring, cause we're both so busy. She has two young children and a home to tend to and a husband and I'm the busy and blessed librarian. LOL. But I would love to try and craft with her maybe once a month for an evening.

Eat, drink and live healthier- I'm not a health fanatic, but I like to stay healthy and I don't mean skinny. I mean eating healthy foods and drinking healthy drinks, getting enough sleep, keeping the house clean, taking walks, etc. I do feel soooo much better and active if I eat better foods and eat junk food not as often and drink healthier drinks like tea, green tea and water and drink a pop when I go out or something. And when I stay on a better sleeping schedule. And taking a walk daily of possible, even a short quick one. Doing these things always makes me feel so much better, healthier, active and even beautiful. Trust me gals! It works! ;)

Staying in better touch with friends and pen pals- I have a few pen pals out of state. Some I've met and some I haven't. They're all great Christian women and we love emailing and sending letters. I however, I haven't stayed on top of that and really want to this year.

Be outdoors more- I love being outside, although I don't want to roll in mud. I'm a girl. LOL. But I live on 3 beautiful acres and really want to be in them more this year. I love taking walks in the woods, so I hope to do that this year. I like doing outdoor work too, like mowing, raking, etc. So I hope I can get outside and do it!!!

Well, I have sooo many goals- but these are some big ones, I'd love to accomplish. My main goal is to serve God, to give Him more of my time, be a better daughter, sister, friend, fiance and person. And to show God's amazing love in all that I do.

ALSO-COMING SOON- PICTURES!!!! A small goal I want to do SOON is to post some pics on here of my family, our home, my fiance and I, activities going on, crafts, etc. Check back in!!!
Be Blessed,
Hannah

Happy Birthday Rosie!

I'd like to say HAPPY 8th birthday to my dear sister, Elizabeth Claire who everyone calls, Rosie! :) Rosie is such a Blessing and has been stuck to me from day 1. :) She's the girliest girl in the family and everything is PINK in her eyes. LOL. She's very bossy like me and looks just like our sister, Katie. She's got the prettiest ocean blue eyes and pinkest lips. Rosie loves everything girlie and trendy and is a bookworm. Rosie suffered from a serious heart problem the day after she was born. Come to find out, she had an extra piece of tissue in her heart which causes her heart rate to go way too high at times. She did fine and when she was a year old, she almost suffered a heart attack. She was taken to Riley Hospital by ambulance and was brought home a week later. We almost lost her, even though she belongs to the Lord and we are instructed and privelaged to take care of her right now. Rosie has remain healthy, taking medicine twice a day. She gets a yearly check up at Riley. Hopefully she will outgrow this or else they'll eventually do a very delicate surgery and remove the tissue. So keep her in your prayers! But it's a beautiful day, cause 8 years ago, a little blue-eyed, pink-cheeked girl came into the world and has been a joy since. Happy Birthday, my dear Rosie!!! I love you so!

New Year's Resolutions

Wow- it's 2009! Hard to believe! I hope everyone had a great New Year's. I got to spend mine with my fiance! We went out to eat and talked and laughed, then went over to his sister's house and played some board games with her and the kids. Fun!
Now that it's 2009, everyone is starting their New Year's resolutions-which, are diets- trying to lose the holiday weight. Even Wal-Mart has been packed with exercise clothes, bottled water and 100 calorie snacks on sale. I go to look for some jeans and find myself only seeing jogging pants!!!?? LOL. :) I guess I'm weird! LOL.
Well- in my opinion, the best New Year's resolution is to give God more of our time. I don't give Him near enough. Somewhere- I can't remember if it was a book, Bible study, or someone told me, but it was very catchy and made you think. It said- if you gave God as much time as you give the mirror- you'd be amazed. Wow! It also said you keep track of how many minutes per day you give the mirror- then give that to God. Wow! That's probably a lot of minutes for most women. I don't give God near enough time and He deserves it. My goal this year is to give Him more of my time- DAILY. I need to begin each day IN HIM and end each day WITH HIM. Believe me, I'm talking to Him all day- griping to Him a lot- but to spend quality time in prayer and quiet with Him is something I so need to do. Friday morning- I woke up way earlier than needed- cause I didn't leave for work till 8:15, but for some odd reason, I couldn't sleep. I finally arose and got my shower, dressed, hair done, make up, etc. and actually had an hour to kill before work- which is unusual for me- cause I'm usually running out the door at 8:30 in a big hurry and flying to work. I turned on some Christian hits and just sat on my room floor and read some of Psalms, then did some hard core praying. I got really caught up with God and it was so wonderful. I was still, still for Him and all His glorious promises that I cling to do dearly were with me. Such as- Come to Me all ye who are weary and I will give you rest.-MATTHEW. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? PSALMS. No mind can comprehend what God has in store for those who love Him- CORINTHIANS. Nothing can conquer the love that is in Jesus. ROMANS. All things work for the good of those who love Him. ROMANS. The Lord is my strength and my shield, the horn of my salvation, I will call unto the Lord Who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be safe from my enemies. PSALMS. Too many to say! But they were there and so was God and His peace. I must start out each day with Him! The amazing thing is- that day was so nuts- at work especially- busy and busy and many rude people- I needed God and his peace so much that day. Any moment I felt as if I was going to lose it all- I'd pray- I'd talk to Him- I'd ask for His love to surround me and He did. Whether I was praying in the bathroom or even at the desk, or behind bookshelves- I'd pray and He would answer. God is so truly good! I hope everyone starts this new year with their number one resolution to spend more time with God!!! Nothing is worth more and nothing compares to the promises we have in Him!