Graced with Grace

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?

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.

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 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! 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...

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~

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...