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