Lessons Learned

First day of Junior year

First official day of summer finished. Just have quiet time left to do before I head off to bed. I am finished with my junior year though!  This year has been an amazing year. So many changes took place, but they all were for the better. I started the year sure that I had the idea of how everything was going to play out. I was comfortable in my settings. God decided to change up the scenery.
 I have become more confident in who I am. I am learning to stand up for myself and what I believe in regardless of what happens. Having God at my side this entire school year has made more bearable because I know that someone has my back 24/7 who will never ever let me down. I learned that people make decisions who do affect the people that surround them. I was taught that God can take someone at any moment. Love who you have around you because they can be taken whenever God calls them. There are people in the world who accept you for you no matter who you are or what you have done.
I have made new decisions this year. I have been forced out of my comfort zone. I have made new friends. I have challenged myself. I cried this year. I laughed.  I had people close to me move away. I learned to move on. I learned to accept myself and realize that it does not work to be anyone else. I learned that family can be there for you anytime. I am so thankful for my cousins and aunts and uncles. I grew closer to my Grandparents. They have so much to say. I learned to trust. I learned to be open. I learned that being open with my faith is important. I learned to keep your word. I learned to dig deep into emotions. I learned to forgive. I learned procrastination is not smart. I learned telliing the truth is always the right thing to do. I learned to pray about everything. I have learned that I am never finished discovering or figuring out God. I am never finished learning or growing. I learned to take chances. I have learned it is okay to get angry and cry. I have learned it is ok to have my own opinion.
Some of these lessons I am still in the process of learning, but I am enjoying the time. I learned so much outside and inside of school. This year has been a turning point. I am so thankful for everyone who has been involved in my life somehow.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

With love,
Hannah Louise

Sitting Next To Me

It is exam week. Also known as the worst week. It is about summer time. Just a few days away, but we still have to take these tests. Every year I fight against myself in the want for summer and knowing that the exams are important. It is the worst. Sitting in a room with the outside beckoning me-is torture.
Last night I was up late studying for my first exams. I was tired and stressed to all levels. I had fallen behind in math. I was trying to the makeup work, as well as study. Most of it was finished, but it was already midnight.
I still had to study for Economics as well. I was not as worried about that one. Thankfully, that subject was easy for me.
About 12:30 I was fighting to keep my eyes open. This entire past week I had also been up to the late hours of the night finishing all these projects that classes had due.
I was tired. Stressed. About in tears. I was praying, but felt no peace what so ever. I felt like God had 100% disappeared.
I got on facebook and was talking to my friend Gessica.. I mentioned how I was feeling about studying. She said the normal "God is there." Ya, ya, I knew that. I know he is. I was frustrated that I wasn't feeling anything.
Next morning. My alarm didn't go off at the time it was supposed too. SO FRUSTRATED. I had no idea how I was going to tackle my math exam.
I parked my car. Bowed my head, and just prayed for the 10 minutes I had.
I felt a peace. God had it under control, I wasn't sure how, but he did.
I explained to my teacher about my night.
I was told to just start my exam and finish it next week.
WHAT?! Hold up. YAY GOD! My mind was blown. That never happens. As I went through my exam I kept looking next to me like someone was there. I realized later. Only God. He was sitting next to me during my exams. He kept my company. He knew that I would not have to finish my math. He knew that he was going to help me remember everything I needed to know for my econ exam.
I love when God does that(: It sure got my attention and reminded me that God really is near me all the time.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


With love,
Hannah Louise