My dear friend Molly came to visit me. I was so excited to see her once again! She ran out with a huge smile on her face. Her happiness was contagious. Getting to spend the afternoon with her was just the medicine needed to make me feel completely better. She is full of stories that make me laugh really hard. I learned lots of camp songs as well(: Molly also made me a rose out of duck tape! A hot pink rose!!! I was pretty pumped.
Sunday:
One year ago, was the Friday that I sat in the prayer tower and gave my life back to Christ. It was crazy looking back on the last year and seeing all that God has done.
Andrew and my dad were in Grand Rapids so I got to go out to lunch with Caleb, Grace and my mom. Excellent. My siblings never fail to entertain me.
After teens some staff went to McDonalds...that was just an experience in itself. Now why would high school students and college aged people go to Meijer? DUH. To buy Nerf guns. I did not buy one at the time, but I am planning on going back to get one. I was the photographer for the group. It was intense, and I did not even stay for the actual war. There was a surprise party-well, it was an attempted surprise party for Collin-who is on the music team here at Maranatha, but sadly he found out about it.
Monday:
Monday was a great day(: I got to spend the day going into Grand Rapids with Kendra to pick up shirts that she had designed (which looked fantastic). We stopped at Taco Bell for lunch because that is just the way we roll. Getting to know her this summer has been so fantastic. We are so different, but we do understand each other on some levels which is such a huge blessing. I have learned a lot from her. God has made her into such a strong and beautiful woman. I am glad we have become friends. She and I went into the mall. We may have spent over 30 minutes trying on headbands...I love shopping with her...
She is also my dance partner whenever we have dance parties. We sing and dance with each other, and it is great.
Tuesday:
I had the chance to hear Fay speak in teens! She talked about Owning your Faith. The thing that struck me the most is that God has called me in life to do his plan, but I still have the choice on whether or not I want to accept it.
I had the chance to grasp the idea a little more of what pursuing is. I knew that I deserve to have my heart pursued by a guy. It was awesome to be able to hear Jon's perspective. I do want to be chased. I am not going to settle for any guy. God has made every girl beautiful in their own way. Our hearts deserved to be sought after and won. I am going to protect my heart and chase God for now. I am pursuing Christ. I want to be single right now. I have been reading Captivating (totally recommend it) and it has really opened my eyes to how much God wants me to love him, and how much he wants to love me.
After the service at night, friends and I went over to a park across the channel from Maranatha. It was my first time going over there. I got to see the lake from a different side. There was no one else there which was a nice get away. I sat there staring at the lake as the waves crashed on the shore. People were really vulnerable about what they were going through.
Wednesday:
Gary Chapman is out at Maranatha this week. He is the author of The 5 Love Languages. He came in and talked to the teens. He talked about things that he wish he would have known before he got married. He has written a book about it which I am really excited to dig into! He is a great speaker. Learning your love language is a huge help in relationships of all kinds. If you are interested there are different quizzes to choose from on this webpage.
I took some senior pictures(: I had the best hair stylist and make artist ever! (Thanks Auty).
The topic in girl's night at teens was dating. Most of it I had heard before, but there was one thing that I was reminded of. No matter how much I want to pursue a guy-DO NOT. If I do then I will always be looking for confirmation that they really do care for me.
Fay and I went down to the beach after teens and spent about an hour sitting on the swings chatting.
Thursday:
Jon spoke in teens about fear. The focus was on Mark 4:35-41 where Jesus calms the storm. We all wrote down our biggest fears. There was a prayer that we prayed to help us with those fears. I learned that simple prayers are ok. I get so caught up in trying t make my prayers "great" that I forget that I am praying to a God that hears me and is listening to me. All He wants is to hear my heart.
I love Meijer! And Kendra. So getting to hangout with Kendra and go to Meijer was fantastic! But first we went to the bank to drop off checks. The ATMs have gotten really advanced. We were amazed at the way the pictures of the checks flashed across the screen. Yes, I am entertained easily. Meijer also makes me happy! Kendra has gotten me addicted to nail polish!!! AH!
Cody came to visit! He worked out at Maranatha and was a big influence in my life. I was really excited to see him! I also had the chance to meet Emily who also attends UC with a lot of the staff. I was so excited to have them there all weekend!
Friday:
Prayer tower once again(: I had the opportunity to pray with some friends which was a really awesome experience and I am thankful that God gave me the chance too! I am learning to just let go and remember that God is the one I am talking too.
For lunch I went with friends to get pretzels for lunch. I am not a fan of pretzels, but these were fantastic. I also got a pint of Chocolate Milk!
Sarah and I had the chance to hangout! It was so hot outside so we were just sitting in the air conditioning.
My family was all gone for the weekend to Ohio! It was just Andrew and I left! hehe! It was exciting not having to check in with anyone. I just got to float around on my own time. So, for dinner I went with Kendra, Fay, Sarah, and Emily to Culvers for dinner. My mom had figured out meals for all of the days, but forgetting Friday night!
I had the opportunity to share my testimony at teens again. It does get easier the more I share it. Later, I had a chance to talk with a girl whom I love a lot. I have known her quite a few years, but we were able to connect on a whole new level. She is beautiful and God is working in her. I am thankful that I was able to just talk to her for a while.
BEACH at night. Ah, one of my favorite things. People just hung out, but I was able to have some time alone just sitting with my feet in the water. God just keeps reminding me with how much he has blessed me and it never fails to get me.
Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
With Love,
Hannah Louise
