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Showing posts from 2013

Lydia

blue eyes, shockingly blond hair, and chunky cheeks. A bundle of joy lay in my arms, cozy, warm, and cute. A miracle from heaven, And a blessing from God, That's what you are to me. So tiny and small. Such a wee little lass. I wanted to hold you forever. Nine years pass, And you can no longer lay in my arms Yet you still bring joy to every heart. To hear your laughter, Makes me laugh, too, Even when millions of miles away from you. The funny things you say, The silly things you do. The smile on your face, And twinkle of mischief in your eyes. The girl who sits beside the one who is sick, Bringing comfort and joy to the weary soul. Your little servant hands and feet, Eagerly running to bring mom a glass of fresh water, Or dancing about the room with glee. Your mind so eager to learn, You read book after book, But your favorite, the Bible, God's holy word. Lydia, my Sugar, my nine year old sister, I love you.  

Imagination, Dolls, Cherry Pits, and Pudding! Oh my!

So think about me is that I have a very vivid imagination and if I am left to myself than that already very vivid imagination becomes even more vivid in an attempt to entertain myself. I'll give you a few examples for your enjoyment. When I was a little girl I had a great dislike for baby dolls. One of the reasons for this dislike was that baby dolls are soooooooooo cold. In fact, I sometimes tried to put my doll up to the fire place in the winter in hopes that it would warm up and be cozy. But, no, it still remained as cold as death. Therefore, I have thought of a solution. One should make a business of selling dolls that have rice, corn kernels, or cherry pits in them, so it can be heated up in the microwave and then become nice and cozy warm. And while I am on the topic of warmth. I thought of a great idea for a warm and very cozy blanket for all my friends of Minnesota. A blanket could made full of, once again, our beloved cherry pits, corn kernels, or rice and then just h

Because there is Joy in Pain

I see you in my mind, As I stare at the walls, Its been eight years. How I have grown. Tears still come. My life will never be the same. There's always gonna be pain. Life goes on. I laugh and smile, Because there is joy in tears. You'll always be missed, But in my heart you're still very near. As I stare at the walls, Its been eight years. For eight short years, You've been dancing before his throne. You worship at his footstool. Eight amazing years, And yet its the blink of an eye. Some day I'm coming. I'll join you around his throne. We'll dance and will worship, Christ on his throne. He chose us to be his, So we can worship him forever at his throne. Some day we'll join hands, And worship at his throne. I'm here, I keep pushing on. For the prize. For the goal. You're home, At his throne. And completely whole, And healed. You've reached the goal, You've got the prize. God had a plan for y

The Contemplations of a Single Woman

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Today has been a rather quiet day. I sit in the house alone, because all my roommates have gone to visit their family over Thanksgiving break. My home being too far away, I stay here. The house is very still; no one to talk to except myself and I am not  one who talks aloud to myself very often, thus, quietness reigns. Many thoughts have gone through my head in the tranquility of it all. Every woman dreams of getting married some day. I can't say that I have not done my share of the same. In fact, being alone some times makes me want to get married all the more, for there is one thing that I hate and that is being in a house all alone. It makes me sad; no one to talk to; no one to listen to; just no one except myself. Some people would love it; they like the quiet; they don't care to talk; they don't want to hear the nonsense of others; they just want a book and a quiet nook. Yet me, I can't hardly even read a book if I am by myself, because its just to lonely.

The Streets of the Forest

Tramping through the woods on a blistery cold morning, gently sweeping her feet through the leaves, smiling into the glorious sunshine, Laughing with the wind. Standing by the creek, Watching as it giggles and gurgles past, She dips her foot into the chilling water, And makes a rippley splash. Sunshine on her cheeks, Wind in her hair, A glow on her face, As she smiles into the wintery air. Crunchy leaves beneath her feet, Pale blue sky above, Surrounded by an army of hickory and oak, walking through the streets of the forest . ~Hannah~  

The Idols of a Christian Girl

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit a Hindu temple with my class. It brought things into reality for me. I knew people worshiped inanimate idols and gods, for I had seen it in movies, read about it in books, and looked at pictures of people bowing down and worshiping these things. But to actually go to a temple and listen to someone talk about these gods that he is thoroughly devoted to and watching people bow down and give donations to these objects made things so much more real to me. It seems foolishness to me! Why would someone want to devote their life to this wooden image that a man created; an object that can't move, can't think, can't even breath, yet so many people are willing to worship and live their whole life in devotion to these gods. It is sad and heart breaking, yet there is something that is almost sadder. As I was pondering how anyone could find satisfaction and true happiness in worshiping these wooden objects made by the hands of men, something s

God's Continued Grace in a New Place

Hello friends, I know it has been a super long time since I last wrote, but after a bit of encouragement from family and friends to write again I have decided to take this lovely night to write what's on my mind. Much has happened since I last posted. At the time of the last post I was living in North Carolina with my family. At that time I was pondering the fact that soon I would be leaving my comfortable home in NC to what seemed to be the foreign land of Minnesota. I contemplated how I would be leaving everything that I loved so much; my family, friends, job, co-workers (who weren't just co-workers, but real friends), customers, the land and forest that surrounded me, and so much more. I cried many tears about leaving, and yet I knew it was God's will for me to. I didn't know how I could do it and the truth is I couldn't; not on my own. I know I have already devoted whole posts to the testifying of God's grace, but once again I must say it is all by God&#

The People in My Life

      It is not every day that I have a grateful heart, yet I know that I am one truly blessed girl. Recently I have been reminded once again of how blessed I am for all the people and friends in my life. I sometimes grumble in my heart or even out loud that I have no friends at all, but all I must do is look around me and I see my life is full of wonderful people and friends who really love me. I may not have a lot of friends, but the friends I do have are the best kind of friend that a girl could ever have. They encourage me to do the difficult things that arise in life. They don't let me give up even when things get really hard. When I fail I am only encouraged to try again. They try their best to teach me new things or an improved way of doing something even when it takes great pains to teach me. When it is time for me to take wings and fly away to a new adventure in my life, they are there to back me up and encourage me. They love me just the way I am and are going to miss me

The Evil New knife

What could be wrong with this new white handled knife, she thought to herself, as she gingerly took and held it in her hands. I only plan to cut lemons with it and it should cut very smoothly. In fact I am quite certain it will make life much easier. If only she had seen the evil grin on the face of that “innocent” white handle of the new knife. She calmly walked up to the cutting board, so sure of herself and the beautiful new knife. She was quite certain that today was going to be quite a lovely day. All seemed well, until the knife slipped on the lemon and sliced her finger. Ouch! The blood that is supposed to stay underneath your epidermis was already oozing out. No, she thought to herself, this was not supposed to happen. She quietly walks to the back and reveals to her friend the wound on her hand. What would she have done without this kind friend who so calmly bandaged her finger? But by this point the blood had gotten to her vivid imagination and her stomach was doing gymnast

Summer Pictures

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So I don't normally post a bunch of pictures, but I just thought these were some nice pictures and decided to share them with ya'll. Hope you enjoy! ;) Elisabeth picking blackberries. Blackberries are not quite ripe yet. Lydia in a bush. Beautiful Elisabeth Hannah and Lydia My pretty sock that  I have had since I was probably six years old! ;) I hope you have an outstanding day filled with the joy of the Lord!

Summer in the Country

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Summer is finally here and I am one happy girl! Summer is one of my favorite seasons of the year (not to mention the fact that is when my birthday is) and it makes it all the better that we live way out in the country. I love running through the woods with bare feet or battling through blackberry brambles just to get that one luscious blackberry that happens to be in the middle of the patch of briers. Then I emerge from the brambles triumphantly holding that one blackberry and a million new little scratches all over my arms and legs. I love to hear the hooting of owls at night or else discovering a raccoon home in a tree near by. Oh the fun that my sisters and I have jumping on the trampoline and laughing just because. Or the pleasure we take from the hard work of building a new fort. I love to feel the hot sun against my cheeks and feel the breeze tickle through my hair. Sisters and a little imagination is all it takes to march though the woods on an adventure you never would ha

To Be Like Jesus

God only gave me a certain amount of days to live on this earth, so I want to live every minute of my time here for His glory, because that is what makes life really worth it. I want to enjoy all of His creation while I can, because He made it for us to enjoy. I want to love unconditionally the people that He has put in my life, because He loved me while I was still dead in my sin. I want to be a light to everyone I meet, because Christ lives in me and He is the Light of the world. I want to make the most of my day, by making a difference in the lives of others.  To make one person smile is worth every second of my time. To make someone laugh is worth more to me than gold. To show someone they are loved just the way they are makes my heart glad. To show kindness to those who hate me is beautiful. To be a friend to the friendless is a friend indeed.

When I was Just a Little Lass!

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Hello Friends! I know I haven't posted in ages, (of which you were probably very happy about) but guess what I'm back (and everyone groans). I didn't forget about my blog, it's just that I have had a very busy life and little time to write. Rather, I have little time to write about stuff that others might be interested in. I did recently write a paper, but it is very controversial, so I'm not sure that anybody will really want to read it, but if you are one of those strange people that likes controversial papers, then maybe I'll post it just for you because YOU are special. ;) I actually don't have anything really significant to write about today, as you have probably figured out by now. Just a bunch of random ramblings from a rambler. We were looking through some very old pictures recently and I thought I would share a couple of really cute pics with you. Me feeding my older brother, Gabriel. mmmmmmmmm! Good food! I hope those pictures make

LOVE

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Sweet adorableness!

On a Mission for God's Kingdom

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Hola! I know I haven't written in a long time, but here is a post about my time in the D.R. I hope you are blessed! Traveling went very well and we arrived in the D.R. safely and with little trouble. Upon arriving at the complex (Score International’s hotel), we were welcomed warmly and refreshed with delicious punch and cheesecake. Day 2 we were able to go to a poor church in a little village and hand out bags of food. We also spent some time worshiping with them and then praying for them. I was very blessed to be among fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, even though we could not always understand what they said. We also went to a nursing home that day and were able to sing with and minister to the elderly people there. I was blessed by there joy and gratitude even though they had so little and were living in such poverty. Day 3 was Sunday, and I had a wonderful refreshing time worshiping with the believers there. Day 4 was our first of four medical days. Each of t

Radiant Grace!

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She saw it written across the sky in radiant colors of purple orange and red. She could hear it whispered in the wind. She could feel its kiss from the warmth of the sun. She could touch it in the tiny fingers of a baby as it curls its fingers around her own. Grace! Grace so amazing! Grace so free! Beautiful grace! When she falls down grace lifts her up again. Even through the tears, grace is there. Laughter would come in the morning! Abounding grace! New grace for each day! Fresh grace! She looked at herself and saw dirty rags! Sin! She looked at the cross! Grace! Grace that abounded so much more! She was covered in grace! She smiled! She laughed! She danced in God’s amazing grace! Through tears! Through years! She rested in God’s immeasurable grace!                                                                                                 Resting in His Grace,                                                                      

My First Missions Trip

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Hello, Friends! I just got home this past Saturday from my first missions trip to the Dominican Republic. I had an amazing time and immediately fell in love with the people there. The children were a particular delight to me! I wanted to adopted them all and take them home with me. They were so sweet and fun! I hope to share more about my time there as the weeks go by, but for right now I will leave you with this picture. ;)  This sweet little girl was fascinated with my glass. Have you ever been on a missions trip before? Where did you go for your first missions trip?

The Handsome Three

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My three handsome brothers ! I love them so much! I am so blessed to have them as my brothers. God has blessed me richly! I am one very blessed girl.

Elisabeth's Art

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My sister, Elisabeth, is a really good artist!  Elisabeth did this drawing of me for my birthday last year. Here is her self portrait. If you would like to see more of her art, check it out here:  http://leakes.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/art/#comments I hope you are having a lovely day! Smile fore Jesus!

I Love Those Moments When...

I love those moments when no one is watching (or maybe I just think no one is watching) and I start dancing and singing (not at the top of my lungs, lest someone hear). I love those moments when I get chased around the house by my sister because I got marker on her face. She started it by getting marker on my hands. ;) I love those moments when I start laughing hysterically because someone said something that probably wasn't really that funny. Or those moments when I start laughing again a while later about the same thing. ;) I love those moments when I give a surprise gift to my little sister and watch her face brighten up with delight and gratitude. I love those moments when mom randomly walks into the room where I am rapidly typing, stops, and waits for me to look at her. When I finally look, I discover to my great amusement that she is modeling for me, some of her old clothes. ;) I love those moments of sipping on hot tea on cold windy days. I love those moments w

Rain, Rain, Rain!

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Rain, rain rain! That's all the weather has been doing the past couple days! Dreary rainy days can often mean dreary grumpy people! But guess what? I ain't goin' to be one of them peoples! No sirree, Bob! No sirree, Bob! I have purposed in my heart that I will live for Jesus in rain or shine by God's grace! Therefore, if it is a rainy day then that means that I must be a spot of sunshine in the rain. ;) So how have I been able to remain cheery in these rainy days. Well, lets take a peek and see. Tuesday I went bowling with most of my family. I do not have any skill in that game, whatsoever, but I was able to enjoy myself quite well and it was a good activity to play since we had to be inside. Not to mention the fun and laughter we had together and a wonderful memory we made that day. That day will be remembered as a fun day with my family rather than a gloomy rainy day. Yesterday while at work (a little restaurant) I tried to make sure that every customer that c

The Last Page

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What do I write on the last page of my journal?  I feel like it should be something extra unique or memorable.  Maybe I should have some extraordinary quote written in beautiful calligraphy.  Maybe I should write out my favorite verse. Ir seems that there should be something special about that last page.  I think there is!  Yet, why is it special?  How do I make it special?  What should be written there?  My thought upon reaching the last page of a journal is usually the sense of urgency that it is time to buy a new one. I have put it off to the very last moment and can put it off no longer. Another journal has come to its end! Another tale has been spun! Another story has just begun! ~From Hannah's Heart~

Sweeter than Honey

Good morning, friends! I was reading in Ephesians this morning and was blessed by these verses. I think I might have shared them before, but I will share it again because God's word is so good and sweet. I can read it over and over again and not get tired of the sweet pureness of His Word. ( " How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" Psalm 119:103) "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,  may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--  to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:17-21 Soak in God's word today and be blessed! Shi

Run For the Goal!

Hello Friend, Today was one of those lovely stay-at-home days. I didn't have to go to work and I had no where to go, therefore, I spent a delightfully relaxing day at home. Some who know me know that I like to run! Now I don't like to run simple because it is fun to run, although, if you have the right attitude about it then maybe it is. Nevertheless, I generally run for the exercise and because I know that I will feel better when I am done (although you should not do things simply because it feels good, but rather because it is right and glorifying to God). The problem is I have been so busy lately that I probably haven't gone out to run in about a week. Therefore, today, considering I would have a whole day to be at home I knew I had to run. When I got outside, I knew I was in for a cold run, therefore, I quickly grabbed my jacket and decided to face it and get this job over with as soon as possible. My thoughts as I begin my run, "Three miles seems to be abou