Perspective.

Recently, I have been feeling a little stressed. I'm planning on living in Hamilton this summer to work, and have been blessed to find a pretty cheap house to sublet for the summer. My biggest concern, remains, finding a job so I can finance school this upcoming fall. Last week, I was having one of those stressin' days, and was eating lunch with my friend Joel in the caf. I was venting about how I didn't have a job, and I had no clue where/when I would ever hear back from any of the companies I had given a resume to. Joel, who is also looking for a job, completely changed my perspective by calmly saying," Hannah, if you never had to worry about anything, and if you always had everything you needed....why would you ever have to rely on God? Sometimes these things happen, so we HAVE to rely and trust in God...." My pride was shot....in a good way. Sometimes, I'm so positive that I can do everything all by myself, that I forget how often God reminds us in His word, that when we are weak, HE is strong. Sure, people could get by without relying on God.... it's completely possible and happens everyday, but then....where is humility in that? Where is submission, and weakness? The world we live in, does not condone weakness and submission as something to be admired.... but the God I serve sure does. His Bible exemplifies it, in SO many ways.... but yet, I ALWAYS forget time after time. 

Yesterday, I once again, was going crazy from my high stress level and anxiety. At work, Deanna and I were both talking about how we still didn't have a job, and how negatively that was affecting our peace of mind. I left work completely fixated on my own problems. Later that day, I was walking to Spanish class, and Deanna came walking down the hall. She started telling me about the human trafficking seminar she had just come from. She told me, "After hearing all that's going on in the sex trade, and how there are THOUSANDS of innocent children being sold as sex slaves....worrying about a job seems absolutely ridiculous." Once again, my perspective was modified. God wants us to come to him with everything that we're bogged down by, and we're also called to carry each others' burdens. I've been learning a lot of things this week, and knowing myself...I know I'm bound to keep worrying about lots of things, but I really am hoping it'll hit me soon that God wants to help....and I just need to remember to let Him. 

"Your Love is Strong" by Jon Foreman

Heavenly Father 
You always amaze me
Let your kingdom come 
In my world and in my life
You give me the food I need 
To live through the day
And forgive me as I forgive 
The people that wronged me
Lead me far from temptation
Deliver me from the evil one

I look out the window 
The birds are composing
Not a note is out of tune 
Or out of place
I look at the meadow 
And stare at the flowers
Better dressed than any girl 
On her wedding day

So why do I worry?
Why do I freak out?
God knows what I need
You know what I need

Chorus (3x):
Your love is
Your love is
Your love is strong

The kingdom of the heavens 
Is now advancing
Invade my heart 
Invade this broken town
The kingdom of the heavens 
Is buried treasure
Will you sell yourself 
To buy the one you've found?

Two things you told me
That you are strong
And you love me
Yes, you love me

(Chorus 3x)

Our God in heaven
Hallowed be
Thy name above all names
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us today our daily bread
Forgive us wicked sinners
Lead us far away from our vices
And deliver us from these prisons

Thankfulness.

It's crazy how long it's been since I've blogged. I've thought about blogging numerous times in these past three months, but as soon as I've sat down to write, something comes up and I end up forgetting. ANYWAYS. Today is the day, that I will write a blog. Just because. 

I've been feeling very thankful lately. Though I've been stressed about not being able to find a job in Ontario for May&June....I've came to the point where I am applying to as many places as I can and leaving the rest in God's hands. Easier said than done, but over-stressing and worrying about the situation is just not worth it. I've seen God provide in incredible ways in the past, and I know He can do it again :) Nothing is impossible with Jesus- that's why He is AMAZING. 

Anyways, I was talking to my friend Megan Alkema today about life, and people we're thankful for in our lives. I wanted to write this blog entry as a way to thank some of the friends in my life who have been such an incredible support and encouragement to me this past semester. Beginning with Megan....my inspiration :) 

Megan Alkema: Megan is my "new" friend. haha. I've known her since last year, but we didn't truly become "great" friends, until our trip to Amsterdam. From the very beginning, we hit it off like nobody's business. We have somewhat similar personalities, and we love doing the same things (wandering around Amsterdam with no real plan, going to cafes & the grocery store, a shared love for the prime minister of Holland (hahaha), an excitement in meeting new people and having fun, and a desire to live life 100%). Megan was a HUGE encouragement to me during the trip, and she truly made it extra special. Megan is the type of person who is ALWAYS down for an adventure, and she has such a happy-go-lucky positive outlook on life that it is extremely contagious. I'm so thankful for her friendship ! I can't wait to be fellow RA's next year :) :)

Myles Gardner: (my boyfriend) Myles, has been an incredible blessing to my life since the day that I met him. I have always admired his genuine care and interest in the people around him, and also his desire to take the time to do "little things" without gaining recognition for his actions.  The thought that comes to my mind time and time again, when I think about Myles, is thankfulness, and how I am so grateful that God has placed him in my life. His heart is so big, and filled with compassion and thoughtfulness. I know that God is going to do great thing with his life ! I'm excited to continue growing in our relationship with each other, and with God :) 

My dorm (33) : These girls have taught me SO much about myself this year, as well as what it is like to live in a community with a bunch of college aged girls. Each of them are so unique and special, and it is amazing to see how all of our relationships have changed for the positive since the time we first arrived in September until now. I am genuinely sad to part ways with them at the end of April, but I know that even though we won't be living in the same place, we will continue to grow our friendships in the years to come. VERY exciting :) 

Sam, Hilary, & Bre (my old Capernwray roommates) : Girls, I can't even begin to describe how thankful I am for each of you. Even though we are scattered in places all around the world....we have still managed to keep in touch and support each other. So many things (hard and good) have happened over this past year, and it has been amazing how much we have been able to be there for each other. I know that whenever I see you girls next, it'll be JUST like old times. Some things never change, and I love that our friendship has endured because God is at the centre of it. THAT is ONE HUGGGGE thing that I have learned: deep friendships centred on God are the ones that last, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. 

There are so many other people who have been a huge blessing in my life this year, and I sincerely thank each of you. Life is all about relationship; relationship with God and relationship with friends, families, and people we might not even know that well. Being able to encourage one another and carry each others' burdens, is so incredibly important, and a thing I want to continue to grow at and learn every day of my life.  :)