The Path, in these Changing Seasons

With the seasons changing, and summer in the past, the seasons in weather and my life have been changing once again... Back to school, finishing up that, busy with things on the farm, this fall has been pretty crazy for me and my family... With all the beautiful weather we have had, I have been able to reflect on how powerful and glorious out Lord God is. All around us is proof of His beauty and perfect creation... From the changing leaves, to the birds flying South, He has made everything so perfect, so whole and complete.
Seasons have been changing in my own life, the Lord has been doing, and teaching me many things. Situations with friends or family going through things...the Lord has been my peace and strength through it all. Psalm 16:11 has been a huge encouragement for me. It says, "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." (~Psalm 16:11). Just the truth in that verse makes me praise the Lord even more! The fact that He leads me down the path, and there is so much joy and fullness in a relationship with Christ! Love it. I Love my Lord and Savior more each day.
Guess that's all for now... :)

HJH

A blessing in disguise....

Last Wednesday evening, I was tucked away in bed, fast asleep when Leif wakes me up. "Hannah," he says "family meeting downstairs..." My first thought was "come on, it's 10:30 pm! I need to sleep! But as soon as I got down to the living room, I was wide awake, and focused. Apparently papa had gotten a call from uncle Paul or one of the other family members, with news that grandma was not feeling good.... After some discussion, it was decided that I would drive out to grandma's house that night, and be there for her. So, I threw some clothes in my backpack, grabbed my Bible, headed out the door and was down the road in 10 minutes. When I arrived at grandma's she was sound asleep (looked like she fell asleep while doing something on her iPad....) so I tucked her into bed and then hit the hay myself. The next day we went to the clinic in Ashland and found out from the doctor that she had food poisoning, and a small bladder infection.... Not fun. :( the past few days I have been hanging out here at the cabin grandma, helping her get back to normal... I thought about it....as much as this has been hard on both of us, we have had a wonderful time together! It had been way too long since grandma and I just had some time to ourselves... So even through these trials and tribulations, The Lord still shows His blessings.... :) I am still praying for grandma's health and strength, and would appreciate it if you could keep her in your prayers, too.....

Trail Ridge Bible Camp 2013

 Me, Ethne, and Courtney (Courtney by the way memorized 130 Bible verses that week!!! Way to go girl!)

 Miss Mariah (one of the other counselors) :)

 The AWESOME slip-n-slide!!!

 After skit night. Yes, I had to dump makeup on because we had a funny skit. Haha! Oh my...

 Walking to the sports center...

 Hailey and I.

 Annie and I in the go-carts on Friday.

 Me and Eppie (Ethne) going around the track.

Chilling at the lake after all the kids left on Saturday....  Joshmo (Joshua, one of the other counselors), Esther (In the far far left), Miss Laura from SD, and Big Josh (on the far right).

 Big Josh and Seth....

 Eating at Subway! Big Josh (in the camo), Seth, Leif and Joshmo.

Last week me and my brothers had the amazing opportunity of volunteering at Trail Ridge Bible Camp in Hillsboro, Wisconsin (in the Tomah area, South of Eau Clair....).

Seth and Leif were on the grounds crew, while I was a counselor for the week. What a wonderful experience!

I had 8 girls in my cabin, with the help of one other counselor, Miss Esther. Our girls (ages 7-9) Nichole, Kyra, Aleksa, Annie, Ethne, Hailey, Carisma and Emily were all amazing girls in their own way! Throughout the week, I learned to love each of these girls so much. Of course, we did have struggles with a couple of them, but thankfully the Lord gave my patience to deal with the problems that arose in the week.

Throughout the week we went swimming at the pool, played games with Mr. Keith a couple times a day, attended Chapel, sang fun songs, ate Chef Bob's food, played at the snack and game shop, and even went canoeing at the lake on Wednesday. Cabin devotionals was a really good experience as well. Most of the girls in my cabin had never heard, or done devotionals before..... there were good questions and fun discussions.We also had Talent Night on Wednesday, and Skit Night on Thursday. Both were lots of fun, and I even played a duet with Mr. Vick on the piano, and him on the organ (it was SO much fun!!!!). On Friday night we had the most powerful chapel service; explaining about how Christ died on the cross and rose again to pay the price for our sins. Afterward, us counselors went into the auditorium, and campers that wanted prayer, or had questions could come and talk with us.... Carisma, who was my most difficult camper through the week, came in wanting to know more, and at the end of the night, asked Christ into her heart. Immediately, she went to all the other girls in our cabin and asked for forgiveness for the things she did to them throughout the week. There was a change in her; I didn't have to ask twice to get up, and she did things willingly. Since she is so young, I am just praying that the Lord will continue to teach her, and have her grow closer to Him. That very same night, the whole camp had a bonfire at the bottom of the hill, and kids were able to tell what they loved about camp, or favorite things that happened during the week. My girls almost had me in tears because of all the sweet things they said. It's one of those things, where I would strive to be a good example to all the campers around, and pray that they notice a difference, and even when I think nobody sees it, they really do notice it. The kids feedback just encouraged me to keep striving forward, walking in the Lord's path, and being a good witness of His son Jesus Christ.

To sum up the whole week: It was AMAZING. Seeing how God worked through each and everyone of the staffers, the joy in the kid's face, and all the lessons learned and memories made.

Most of the staffers spent the weekend together, and went out to Subway on Saturday night. Later that evening, we had a bonfire, and went down to the old farm house to explore. It was a nice time to relax, and just be together. On Sunday morning, we packed up our things, went to church with the whole staff, and Seth, Leif and I made our way back home to little Oulu Wisconsin. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I got in the vehicle, and slept the whole 5 hours home.....

I would like to thank everyone for your love and prayers throughout last week, all of us staffers at camp needed, and appreciated it. I am going to go to Bluewater Covenant Bible Camp in August to be  a Lifeguard for a week, so I would appreciate if you would pray for me in advance to that....

Thank you. Much Love, Hannah Jo

Just live!

After being cooped up in my bed for quite a few days this week with a head cold, today was my first day that I could enjoy being outside! After doing my evening chores, I decided to go for a walk to our back field with Tassy (our dog). As I strolled along, with awe of all the beautiful pine trees, snow, and sunshine I was so overwhelmed at how blessed I am to live in such a wonderful place, and for all of God's creation!
Tassy and I were on our way home, and just before walking down the large hill, I saw a HUGE snowdrift, and couldn't help but run and jump into it!!!! I laughed as Tassy and I just sat there for a moment.... For a second I felt like a little kid again; carefree, enjoying the moment, and just living! It was such a pleasant time for me. I know this isn't really any big news or a super interesting story, but it was an amazing way to end my evening, and I thought I would share it.
Take some time to not worry about anything (just rest it in the Lord's hands!), think of life when you were a child, and just live.

H.H

Living For Jesus

Call it a conviction, call it God getting his point across to me, call it anything you want.... lately, God has really been teaching me that this life on earth is worthless without Jesus Christ in your life. I've been a Christian, and grew up in a Christian family, so I guess Christ has always been a part of my life. Maybe I'm just too used to the routine of things now, but God has been continuously showing me every day that I need to LIVE FOR JESUS, in everything I do, everywhere I am. 

I've thinking and praying a lot about applying to work at a Bible camp this summer, and as I began to fill out the staff application, the questions "How have you shared or lived for Jesus?" stuck out on the page. Wow. I have lived for Jesus in many ways; My music, trying to be a good whiteness and role model to other kids, having Jesus shine through my life and actions, and even sharing His love but I've really come to the point where I know I haven't gone ALL OUT for Jesus, and the foolish part of it all, is that that's why I am here on this earth, to love, live and glorify His Holy and precious name! 

God has really shown me the past few days that He wants all of my time. Not %99, He wants %100, and that's what I am going to do. LIVE FOR JESUS. Please pray for me, as I continue to learn and grow closer to the Lord, and that I will always be serving and glorifying Him.

Hannah

A Bitter Cold Winter

A couple of days ago, we heard a weather report saying that it was going to get VERY cold! So, of course we started getting things set up for lots of  wind, and cold weather (Extra hay for the animals, and things tied down nice and tight....). On Saturday we started getting very high winds, but the temperature was not unbearable. Sunday morning though, we could all feel it! It was -11 with a -20 degree windshield factor! Crazzzzy freezing cold! On top of that, the motor to our pump was acting up, so it was a really stressful day. Thankfully, the Lord worked everything out, and our pump is working once again.

Woke up again today and it was still really cold! Dropped to -16 but less wind.
As I went out to do the chores, I was just praying that the Lord would continue to protect and keep our animals healthy, and our house safe and sound.
Stay warm everyone!

H.H

Highs and Lows of 2012

Here we are, December 31st, 2012. It's hard to believe that a whole year has gone by already. Another year older, another year full of joys, sorrows, and many lessons learned. I praise the Lord most of all for the lessons I have learned, even if they were difficult to see at the time that they were happening.
Our family usually gathers at the cabin this time of year, but because (and understandably) of busy lives, it's just my family, and Grandma this New Year's Eve. In the past, when our whole family does gather at the cabin, we would eat a meal, then share what our highs and lows of the year were. I thought I would share a bit of my highs and lows with y'all on my blog, some of which you may already know. 

I have a few highlights from 2012, so I will go ahead and say all of them.... hope you don't mind.
The first is probably the fact that I was baptized with my father, and two brothers in June, it was indeed a blessing that I had been praying for a long time!
The second highlight was being given the opportunity to go to Bluewater Covenant Bible Camp with my dear friends McKenzie and Sophie. The Lord really taught me a lot that week at camp, and the friendships I made were a blessing as well.
The third highlight was from a recent event; taking my lifeguard and first responder course at the YMCA in Duluth. It was a week full of new things to learn, fighting off sickness, swimming in the pool for hours on end, and just striving for the outcome of passing the two written exams, and in-the pool test. The outcome was passing with flying colors! I was so relieved, and thankful that I made it through the week, and for all of the prayers that I would stay healthy through it all.

As of right now I can't really think of any Lows of 2012. Not saying that I haven't had difficult times, because believe me, I have, but nothing comes to mind that was extremely hard for me. I've just realized how blessed I am. The Lord is truly wonderful! To have a wonderful family, good health, and Jesus Christ in my life is so awesome!
As we enter a new year, my prayer is for health and strength, for God's love and wisdom, and for our country, as hard times are sure to come. I also pray that people will come to know Jesus Christ, and the fullness of His Love. 

Love, Hannah Jo

Praising the Lord, all the days of my life.....

Well well well, look who hasn't been blogging enough! It seems like every time I start a new post, someone says "Hannah, I need help with this!" or "We have to go do something outside." then before you know it, I forget to finish the post. But, not today! Since I have finished all that has to be done outside for the evening, and I  have some time before supper, I decided I needed to get back on here. 
Updates, updates....... 

Our whole family has been very busy this fall: 
Papa and the boys have had a couple of small jobs here and there, and quite a few of roofing projects, (and we all know how much Leif loves roofing.... no really, he doesn't....). We are very thankful that papa has work here and there, even if it just gives us enough to get by. 
Seth has planted a few winter crops, and hallelujah! They are coming up GREAT! Just yesterday, seth picked all of our corn field, with his new corn picker. 
Leif is busy doing school, working with papa sometimes, and assisting anyone that needs help. 
Mama's doing a wonderful job being a mother, and wife. She has tried out a few recipe's this fall, and most of them are delicious, but there have been a few meals that there's been "enough food for leftovers tomorrow!". We love her joy to try new things.... 
Me: 
I've been busy with school, my advanced piano lesson each week, baby sitting, riding, and I have even taken up running this fall! Lots of baby animals here on the farm keeps me busy as well.... The Lord has been teaching me a lot lately, patience for my future that He has planned for me, reading my Bible and praying a lot more, and being content with where I am at in life right now. I think it's natural in your late teens to be restless, and that's one thing that I have learned the most, is that He DOES have everything worked out, if I'm going to the Torchbearer's school in Austria, if I do go to college, where I will end up living, so on and so forth... :) I'm SO thankful to have a Savior that loves me so much, that I don't have to worry, because He has me safely in the palm of His hand. I am at peace with all that the future has in store for me, because I know that His way, is the only way. 

Camp!!!!

On June 18-22nd I attended Bluewater Covenant Bible camp in Grand Rapids, MN. It was my second time going to this Bible camp, and I was with my two best friends, McKenzie and Sophie Larson. 
I was soooo blessed by the whole week! Everything about it was amazing! The theme was "Transformation",  Romans 12:2  "Do not conform to the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." was the main verse for the week. 
Hearing the speaker talk about the subject of not following the world really impacted me, because so many times I fall short and follow what the world has to say, but then the verse in Romans comes to mind, and the Lord always brings me back to Him. I can't possibly type everything that I learned from the speaker. Another thing that blessed me during the week was hearing a testimony every morning from one of the staff members, and hearing mission work that some of the staff had been on. Luke (a counselor) gave a testimony that was so moving, hearing how God pulled him back to the Lord in his darkest hour, and how he just knew he had to surrender to Him. TJ (one of the staff members) spoke on how even if you don't go far away to another country, you can still be a missionary in your community, and spread the word of Jesus Christ. This really impacted me, it was so good to be reminded that I can spread Jesus' love to so many people in my daily life! It's still pretty tough, but the Lord will always bring up the right opportunity to share about Him. 
It rained two days out of the week, which you would think it was a bummer, but we all had THE BEST time ever! Playing games in the mud, mud fights, lots of board games, and coloring inside by the fire place of the dining hall. 
Our counselor's name was Molly, and she was the crazziest, most fun counselor ever! 
To sum up the whole week: I was so blessed. By all of the speakers, the fellowship with other campers,  talking to the staff, and everything else we did!  
I could go on and on and on about how much camp really strengthened me as a Christian.... If anyone would like to hear more about it, or have any questions, just pop me an e-mail or give me a call.... I love talking (most of you probably know that....). 
Enjoy the pictures! 


Love in Christ, Hannah

Kenzie and our crazy counselor Molly!

My bunk bed.

Kenzie and I.

Sophie's ready to start the week!

Cassie and Alex at the craft hall.....

Playing carpetball.

Janzyn knitting!

Cassie, me, Kenzie, and Sophie at the Look Out platform.

Me climbing the rock wall! I did the medium difficulty in 30 seconds! :D

This is what our cabin looked like after we were pranked!

They put two park benches, two funyaks, and ALL of the life jackets in our cabin!

Alex and I.

We played a super fun game called nine realms! It was kinda like 4 square, but much more fun! 

A view of the cafeteria.

Me and Janzyn (a girl in my cabin)

Me and my friend Kole on the last day of camp. 

Me and McKenzie and Sophie's cousin Jared Espe.

Haha! Janzyn stole my camera for a little while once...

While I was at camp, I found out that Luke Christianson (Above) went to North Park University, and knows my cousin Pete Anderson, Pete's wife Anne, and is best friends with Anne's brother! Small world! 

There were three boys (Zack, Cameron, and Dossin) who called them selves the Three Musketeers. They all lived at camp because their parents worked there... 

 This is Jared, and one of his campers on the last day when they were saying goodbye. Nick (in the shorts) played the Ukalalee (sorry if I spelled that wrong!) for us while it was raining. 

PRAISE THE LORD!

A couple of weeks ago, my whole family was going to the Quarterly church meeting that we attend. (I believe I have blogged about it before...). We were not planning anything whatsoever, just going to hear the Lord's word preached, and have some great fellowship with friends. Ok, now back up with me to December, 2011. We were driving home after a very moving sermon, and I felt the Lord convicting me to be baptized, so I told my parents, and they were so happy for me! I knew I would probably wait until summer for all this to happen, and was just going to let the Lord take care of everything. Alright, now fast-forward to June 2012. After a really good sermon on baptism, a girl was going to be baptized, when the pastor looked up and said "would anyone else like to be baptized?" both me, and two brothers, Seth and Leif, and my dad all were baptized together! It was all so spur-of-the moment, and so wonderful! I was so thankful that the Lord took care of everything... Praise the Lord! I thought I would share that with all of you. Please keep praying for me, and for what the Lord has planned for the rest of my life. 

With Love,

Hannah

I found this picture the other day, and as I was looking at it, I just realized how blessed I am to have such an amazing family. Yes, my brothers drive me crazy, dad is crazy, and mom.... well, she's mom. I'm kidding. But yes, I am so thankful that God has given me wonderful parents, and brothers. 

In March, we (my whole family and I) went to Thunder Bay Canada for the weekend. We had a great time spending time with good friends, and heard some really good preaching. Such a blessing!!
Here are some pictures from our time there....

 Little Daniel

 Seth in his cap from Grandma

 Leif being silly!

 Uh-oh! He's going to be squished!

 Don't fall!

 Levi and Daniel

 Ben, Leif and Seth

 All of us, and the Bailey's!

 There was a beautiful wood stove that papa loved, and hopes to build someday!

 Anna and her camera

Little Daniel and I.