He's Always Been Faithful to Me...

How is it that the Lord remains so faithful to us? I mean really...I can't even comprehend His goodness at times. Have you ever felt that?
I often struggle with being joyful in all circumstances, especially when I'm faced with trials. I know I often question the faithfulness of God or even his nearness when things aren't going the way I want. However, it is so encouraging to remember that the Lord is hearing my prayers, and He is aware of my needs. I don't know how many of you were able to hear the message on Sunday, but Mr. Shank did an outstanding job reminding us of this truth. I came away provoked and encouraged to keep praying despite my fears or my doubts.
Real faith is trusting that the Lord is acting even though we can't always see the whole picture. If you're anything like me, I like to know when and where things are and I want to always be informed about any new developments. The Lord is revealing to me though, that even though I can't always see the end of the race, it's still there. Even if I don't feel great because of something I'm going through, that doesn't change God's feelings for me. He loves me unconditionally.
Anyways, let's all take encouragement in that truth today. No matter what you are going through, whether it be some family issues, some discouraging news from the doctor, or even just facing condemnation for "blowing it" yet again, remember He is faithful to you. He will never leave you. He is forever running alongside of you, yelling encouragement into your ear and He is there to carry you if you fall.
Praise the Lord for His mercy and kindness! Amen?
Pressing onward,
Hannah

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord!
The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."

Exodus 34:6

(Don't forget to click on the title of this post to follow the link!)

New Beginings...

Hello everybody!
At the encouragement of one of my dear friends, I've decided to start blogging again. :)
Over the school year, I used this as a means of filling you all in with details and stories about how Great Bridge was going. However, I have a strong sense that my blog is supposed to take a turn in its "mission". Rather than babble about how I'm doing or all the boring activities in my day, I want to use this as a way to receive and provide encouragement to and from you all.
The ways I plan to do this are:

1. Continually referencing scripture to keep us all reminded of the Lord
2. Having all of us share specific prayer requests and then telling about how the Lord answers them.
3. Giving any insight or word that you feel the Lord wants to encourage us with, either from the Bible or some other source.

My desire is for my life and everything in it (including my blog!) to reflect the glory of God. As of this moment, this seems like a wonderful way for us to somewhat stay in touch with one another and to constantly be building each other up in brotherly love. If this is something you guys are at all interested in, please leave a comment and let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts!

May the Lord bless and keep all of you!
Pressing onward,
Hannah

"Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." Eph. 5:19

Singing is such a splendid shield against the fiery darts of the devil because it helps us to forget him, and he cannot endure being forgotten. He likes us to be occupied with him, with what he is doing (our temptations), with his victories (our falls), and with anything but our glorious Lord. So sing! Never be afraid of singing too much. We are much more likely to sing too little. May God make us a singing company! ~Edges of His Ways

Update!

Hi everyone!
Wow...I've been so busy, I haven't had alot of time to sit down and post! What a crazy week this has been! Everything from SOLS to final exams has been on my plate. This Lord is so kind to me though! I really believe He is showing me great favor.
I have really been noticing a change in the way I am relating with the kids at school latley . I really think the ice is beginning to break! So many more kids are greeting me in the hallways and talking to me. I am so happy! I know this girl named Rachel Sunday who is is my orchestra. She is such a wild thing....so bubbly and vivacious. Anyway, she has really taken an interest in me and I think is attracted to the love of the Lord that must make me stand out from other girls she has met. She is so sweet. Twice today, she came up and gave me a big hug, telling me she loved me. OK Lord! I am so encouraged.
The end of Chemistry is in sight! I scored advanced placement on my Sol. I couldn't believe it:)
We have one more week and then my final is on Friday! Today we got to make homemade ice cream in class...oh my goodness was it amazing! Good thing I'm getting ready to go run! =)

Orchestra is going well. I now have the tickets for the Spaghetti Dinner. They are $8.00 each. It's going to be on February 7th from 4-7:30. Obviously it won't take you 3 1/2 hours to eat dinner, but there will also be some other fun things going on. We will be having a bake sale, silent auction and our Pops orchestra will be performing. Let me know if you are interested in donating anything to the silent auction. And just to give you all a heads up...we are not going to be able to make the trip this year, so this will probably be the biggest thing, fundraiser-wise. There is a contest to see who can sell the most tickets! :) Our deadline is January 31st, so if you could let me know how many tickets you would like before then, that would help me tremendously!

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for you all. Have a wonderful evening!
Love,
Hannah

I'm Letting Go

While running on the treadmill today, this song started playing on my ipod. It's one of my favorites, but as I listened to the lyrics closely, I realized how personal it really is for me...it's almost like it was written about my journey to public school! If you have time, I think you should read the lyrics while listening. It's really good! Hope you enjoy :)


I'm Letting Go


My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

Chorus
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
Losing control
Of my destiny
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me

So it Begins....

Hi all!
This is just a fly by post. I'm going back to school this morning from Christmas Break. The Lord met me in so many ways the past few days...it has been wonderful to see how He works. He used some very special people to pray for me and encourage me and once again I feel refreshed to do His work. Please pray for me, that as the semester comes to a close and the work starts heaping up, that I would keep my eyes lifted to the Lord and would constantly keep looking to Him for my strength. I know how much I depend on him, and in his faithfulness, He has never once left me.
I pray that you all will also be strengthened in Him as you get back into the swing of things as well. May His joy and peace abound in each of your homes as you invite His presence into your daily routines. I love you all so much! Remember...there is so much joy to be found this day!
Hannah

Everything Video

Oh my goodness...this is amazing! I cry every time I see it. Enjoy!

My New Favorite Quote

We must never think, because the particular work we have in hand seems to be insignificant, that therefore we cannot do it, or should not do it, thoroughly well. We need Divine help to preach aright to a congregation of one. If a thing is worth doing at all, it is worth doing well. If you had to sweep a crossing, it were well to sweep it better than anybody else. Know your work, and bend over it, throwing your heart and soul into it; for, be it great or small, you will have to praise God to all eternity if you are found faithful in it.

~Charles Spurgeon