Adopted by God

A year ago I was at Maranatha. I was at the prayer tower with the teen program. We had gone through the stations for the prayer walk. I sat in the prayer tower as communion was taken, as cardboard testimonies were shared, and as voices rang out singing praises.
That morning when I walked though the prayer walk God was only the person I knew about my whole life. Never much more than that.
By the time I left the prayer tower, He was the one who loved me and the one I gave up everything for.
Something changed. Something had been changing in me all summer.
God was trying to catch me. He was pursing me. He wanted me as his own.
Every situation that had happened in my life was all leading up to this.
God just kept talking to me.
He was shutting out the lies that I had heard all my life.
Me running my life trying to make everything go right was not working out so well. I am an in-perfect human. I was born a sinner and always will be. Yet, I have this God who loves me beyond all. He sent his son to die for me. All my sins are washed away.
Praying that prayer gave me the feeling being clean. It as if I could feel the past just being washed away.
For the first time in my life, I felt complete and utter Peace. I was filled with joy. Joy comes from Christ. Happiness is just a temporary feeling that is on earth. No more constantly wondering when I would be happy again. God was in control. It took so much weight of my shoulders.
I was so happy. I felt like a little girl who just wanted to twirl under the sun all day. I did not have a care in the world. All I knew was Jesus loved me.
I was that NEW CREATION!
My life verse that still holds the promise for me. I have it posted in multiple places that I see every day.

2 Corinthians 5:17
       Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has GONE, the new has COME.

God is not finished with me. He is just getting started. I am being healed more and more every single day.
I would not trade this past year for anything. God has taught me so much. I wish that I could sit here and explain everything, but there is so much. I just know that I am never going to be finished rediscovering how much God loves me.
Time after time I mess up, but God is there to catch me.
As I look back on this past year-I see God everywhere. I love that. All I want is for Christ to shine through every part of my life. He is my first love. He is the only thing I want and need. The song Everything by Life House just captures this.
                               
                               Jesus came and found me.
                                              I am His.
                      I am a daughter of the King of Kings.
           I have been adopted into the best family in the world.
      Best of all. I am always going to be loved. Just the way I am.

Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

With Love,
Hannah Louise

Week Five

Saturday:
     Kendra, Fay, Susan, Sarah and I all went to the Whippi Dip for lunch. My lunch consisted of french fries and an Oreo Cheese Cake flurry. Fantastic! There is a huge play ground set there, so we climbed up and ate there. We shared a lot of laughs and great conversation! On the way down we all went down the slides. Yes, I was hanging out with college girls! YAY!
     Once we got back Fay and I went and had a quiet time on the deck of my cottage. Man, it was hot out!
     Lex Ann, Mallory, and I went to the mall! These girls are so awesome! We went crazy in the stores. I watched them try on some of the most interesting outfits that I had ever seen! I found dresses for my senior pictures! Mallory and I ended up buying matching dresses! Lex Ann and I had never hung out, so I loved it! She is crazy and so much fun! We tried on matching dresses and goofed off in the dressing rooms. All of us got locked out of our dressing rooms numerous times. I am sure, driving the workers there crazy. It happened so often we started just sliding under our doors! I learned quite a lot from Lex Ann that afternoon! She is very wise. Even though she is the most entertaining shopper that I had ever met!

     My parents and brothers were gone for the day in Detroit for the Tigers game! My sister hung out with friends all day, but I was responsible for getting her dinner. We went out for dinner. I had not driven in over a month so that was a funny feeling being in control of a car again! It was great bonding time with my sister.
     Some of the staff had a bonfire again that night. We sat around talking. I am so thankful for the staff this summer! God brought them all here for a reason this summer! God was really evident that night. I was able to face a fear of mine. Only by God though. God is really just bringing me more and more friends whom are all teaching me things. I am really blessed with the lessons. It may be hard at the time, but I have learned some of the most important lessons of my life this summer! 

Sunday:
     My mother and I spent the day shopping! I had a lot of fun with her. She even ended up liking my "teen stores" so much that she bought the same dress as me (in a different color of course).
     Susan and I had a movie time again finishing the wedding planner. Of course we had our ice cream.

Monday:
     Fay, Sarah and Anna came over for lunch. It was a lot of fun hanging out with them!
     My afternoon was spent napping at Anna's house with her. I told her to wake me up at 3, but I guess I did not feel like getting up then. The sleep felt so good! I missed going to the teen slip 'n slide, but I did end up going in the lake which felt amazing! The waves were some of the biggest I had seen all summer!
      I realized something that night...or day. I trust Fay 100%. I do not trust people fast, and even having her as my mentor I still doubted most of what she said. That has changed. I now go to her because I know that she will remind me of the truth. Being able to trust is one of the best feelings in the world. I love my sister <3

      Susan and I went down on the beach to hangout at night. I say this all the time, but the beach is really my favorite place in the world. I may have been to exotic beaches, but Maranatha beach with Lake Michigan is my favorite. Nothing beats having the waves hit the shore. I just see God there! We ended up telling each other our testimonies which was a really awesome experience to share! 
    
Tuesday:
     Missionary speaker spoke in teens. He works with bringing Muslims to Christ. Just really reaching out to them. It was awesome to see how God makes every person with a purpose to do his will! No matter what a person does it is all a part of creating God's kingdom.
     Date night with Fay! We worked out for a while, then sat outside and talked. Since beauty is such a big part of the world today it is great! The world and Christ have such a different view. Fay wrote all about it in her blog. I would suggest taking the time to read her blog!

Wednesday:
     My afternoon was spent babysitting at the Renkema's. This family is one that I love like my own. I have been babysitting them since I was ten years old. Six children all separately holding a place in my heart! I stay with the youngest two while they nap so the mom can take the oldest four to the beach and have an afternoon in the sun! It is relaxing for me. It allows me to have a time set aside just for Hannah time which is needed. I had the chance to talk to Bekah who used to work out at Maranatha! It was great to be able to have a little time to catch up with her. It is so fun to look back and see how much we have grown up in these last few years! I do miss her out here! I also had the chance to talk to Rachel Breuker! Man, I miss my best friends! That is the only thing that I would change about summer, is having my best friends out here.

      Bible study was all about 2 Kings 4:1-7. I really enjoyed it. I was amazed at how the woman just trusted and went to get the jars. She didn't ask questions. I know I would have been asking a mountain load of questions. Getting jars has nothing to do with helping the lady get her sons out of slavery! But of course God used it for good(: Enough oil!

Rain was pouring down that night. I was reminded of how great the power of the Lord is. He is the one who creates the storms. I am a fan of the rain, but storms on the beach are my favorite type. There is something so powerful when a storm is over the lake. The lightning, rain, and thunder just make me stop and remember the God that I am fully in love with did all of that!

Thursday:

     I slept in which was so needed! I went to teens late. They were watching How Great is Our God. I have seen that video numerous times, but it never fails to teach me something new. I am so small. I walk around this earth like it is all about me. It is so not. Yet, even though I am so small, God still knows me and loves me. He takes the time to know everything about me!

     I had been asked to share my testimony in the teen program that night. I met with Fay to go over what I would be saying. I was really nervous. Speaking in front of a group of people is not on my list of favorites. I knew that God has been preparing me for this. I was not going to let fear stop me from sharing what God had done in my life. God wrote my story. He is the one that has made me into the girl I am today. Telling Fay was pretty simple because I am so comfortable around her. I needed to practice on someone that I did not know that well. Ryan, one of the teen leaders sat and listened to me. It went pretty well. I felt that peace come over me. I was ready. God was in control of this. Not me. That night I went down in to the teen room. Fay prayed and I started talking. It went so well. All my fear disappeared once I started talking. God is so good! I am willing to share when ever God asks me again!

     That night I could not shake the feeling that was someone that I needed to be talking too. I had never felt this before, so I knew it was real. I ended up talking to my friend Presley. That was the one(: I miss her so very much, and being her friend is such a huge gift. Thanks God for giving me that! I miss you girl. I am always here for you. Do not ever doubt that!

Friday:

     This day was not what I had planned. I had planned on going on the prayer walk and going to GR with Kendra. That was not what happened. I woke up around 3 in the morning. Shoot, I was sick:/ Being sick is not something that I like. I am rarely sick in the summer, and that was even worse. I was stuck in the house all day. My mom did bring me a slushie which made me really happy! Finally I was feeling better, so my mom let me out of the house!!! Being out of the house had never made me so happy! I missed people a little to much!!!

Overall:

     Being honest and open is what is important. Doing what is hardest is worth it.                                         
     I am Beautiful. No matter what the world tells me. That truth has been pounded in to me. I stopped wearing makeup. My life is so much easier. I just get up and go. But, more than just cutting time I have also learned that makeup is just a cover up. God made me the way I am. I have every single right to be confident in who that is.
     Community and love is not measured by distance. Yes, some of my favorite people in the world may not live by me, but they still love me.
      I was able to let go of a part of my past, which was such a freeing experience! Only by God is all of this possible!

     I learned that anger is not always a bad thing. It is how the emotion is handled.

John 16:33
             I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

With love,
Hannah Louise

 

Week Four

Saturday:
     SHELBYE AND HANNAH WERE VISITING! Ah, I was excited. They are two of the teen leaders who worked here last summer. They came back to visit for one weekend. I spent the afternoon with all of the staff at the beach. It brought back so many memories!
After work at night we all got ice cream and headed down to the beach for the sunset. We ended up staying down there after the sunset. Hannah had brought her guitar so that we could worship. Being surrounded by people whom all share the same love for our Lord was amazing. We were able to have a time of laughing and goofing off, but also a time of praising God. Sitting in a circle with the beach as our backdrop, we all just let go. As soon as a song was finishing I heard the waves crashing on the shore, and I felt the wind blow through my hair. The Holy Spirit was so evident that night! God spoke that night. He spoke to me and I was reminded of his great power. There is so much in this world that I fear. It is not worth it. God is all powerful. He will take care of everything. I was also reminded of the fact that
                                               God loves me just the way I am.

Sunday:
     I had the opportunity to work in the upper-el room this week. This is the group of 4th-6th graders. I think I fell in love with it! The kids are crazy, but seeing them worship the Lord at such a young age is priceless.
     Hannah, Shelbye, and the rest of the people from UC left that afternoon. It was hard letting that happen. I missed having them around. But I am so blessed by the short weekend that I was able to share with them.

Monday:
     I spent the day on the beach with Susan, Kendra, Sarah, Josh and Jon! Everyone but Susan and I left. So she and I went on a walk down the beach. I am not sure how far we walked, but it was beautiful out. The sun was out, but the heat was not overwhelming.
     Fay and I had a date today(: We painted our nails. Which means glitter!
     I had one of the best quiet times as well. I spent an hour and a half reading Matthew 6, 7, the book of James, and a chapter of Captivating. It never fails to amaze me that though the Bible was written so long ago, it still is relevant today. I still learn from it.

Tuesday:
     I had the morning off from work which meant that I could go to teens! The speaker that morning was the missionary from RBC. We were all handed note cards and told to start folding them. It could be in anyway. The point was to show us that God bends every person in a different way with a different purpose. That stands for the talents that he gives us.
     I was surprised by Austin Stech today! He is a friend that goes to Grandville high school. I never see him, but he and his youth group showed up at Maranatha which was a great surprise!
     I spent the afternoon at the pool. As I was walking back to my cottage, I was thinking about how Andrea Luurtsema had texted me that morning and how I had not texted her back. I saw a girl a little way down the beach that reminded me of her. But wait...I froze. I took off my sunglasses. I could have sworn that I was seeing things. Suddenly I had a girl running at me full force. ANDREA! It really was her. That was the best hug ever! One of the best surprises ever when I was thinking I had to wait a whole year to see her again!
     Susan and I had been friends for two weeks! We went on a celebration date. At first we had no idea what to do. We went on a nice walk just talking. Afterwards we went back to Lebanon and made a frozen pizza! Wow, my friends are great cooks :p

Wednesday:
     Pizza buffet for lunch with Susan! I do like me some pizza. Spending time with Susan is not so bad either. Afterwards I went to Meijer with Susan and Collin. Now I am not sure why, but I love going to Meijer in the summer. It is one of my favorite places ever. Going with them, was a whole new adventure in itself. I do not think that I have ever laughed so much at Meijer!
     Kendra, who is one of the teen leaders this summer, and I got to hangout! We started out at the beach, but the flies were biting like crazy so we headed up to the prayer tower. On Maranatha that is one of my favorite places to be. We sat there just talking. She is a beautiful woman on the inside and out! Having the chance to get to know her has been great! We dove right into great conversation. We connected on lots of levels!
     Wednesday night was spent at staff Bible study where we focused on Luke 4 learning how to go through a chapter in the Bible!

Thursday:
     Batman came out....whelp. That means nothing to me. I have never seen any of those movies. So going to the midnight premiere had zero interest to me. Susan did not end up going either. We made ice cream floats and shakes. We were both a little slap happy...and I had never seen Susan like that. I was doing all I could not to lose it. Our night was spent watching the Wedding Planner! Ah, chick flicks! Never fail to get me!

Friday:
      Prayer tower in the morning. My favorite day of the week. I skipped going through the stations with the teens. I just went to the prayer tower to have some quiet time before everyone came up. God really does listen to me! Fay and I had a great talk. She gets me.That is one of the best feelings in the world when someone gets you and fully understands.
     I got a headache in the afternoon and ended up crashing before work that night. Since I was working in a different department that week, it meant that I would be at the Friday night program. Every Friday the children go up front and sing for the parents. When I was younger I hated singing up front. I would stand up there glaring, refusing to sing. Yet, I was back up there. I enjoyed it this time, even smiling. Thankfully my parents did not hold true to their threats of taking pictures. There was a bonfire after singing for the children. For every child that says their memory verses, they got to chose a counselor of their choice to pie. When I was yunger I always said my verses...now I was on the otherside. Caleb, my brother learned all of his memory verses...
of course, who did he chose to pie? ME. Oh joy.
      Once I was showered I went to meet Fay for another date! I am learning so much from her and I hold every moment that we have together as a treasure!
     The staff went out and bought energy drinks...me being super smart drank some of one at 11 at night. They had never affected me before. Of course it did that night! I was so tired, but so full of energy. I could not sleep at all that night. That is never happening again!

 Overall:
     I am becoming more aware of the community that God is forming around me. I am making friendships that I never could have imagined. God just never fails to provide me with friends that I need! From the new friends that I am getting to know, to the old friendships that are continuing to grow-so blessed.
      I faced fears this week. God took those away. I am being reminded that God's plan is always the best. God has everything under control. I fear because God's plan may not be my plan. So crazy. God's plan is always better.
     Working in upper-el was like God was speaking to me confirming that I was supposed to pursue teaching. I loved it oh, so much. Working with children makes me so happy!

Luke 4:1-13
     Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,  where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 
      The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
  Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.' The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world.   And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. ⁷ If you worship me, it will all be yours.” Jesus answered, “It is written:
‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. 
 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 
For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

  Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

With love,
Hannah Louise

Week Three

Week three was super different for me this year. People that used to come are growing up, so my friend group for the week was shrinking. There are sisters Alaina and Paige who usually come. They are spending six months in Germany as nannies. I missed them so much. There were nights I still turned around thinking that I heard them calling my name. I am so excited that they will be back next summer!

Saturday:
Coffee with Melissa! She has been in my life since I was 10. This summer she and her husband, Austin, are leading teens. Having the chance to have her again as one of my counselors has been fantastic! We had the chance to really get to know each other at a new level. We told our testimonies! God really has been blessing our friendship letting me love her more and more. She has taught me so much this summer through Christ! I am so thankful that she is back this summer! From the first summer till now, I am still learning and getting to know her!

Sunday:
    Greg Speck is the speaker for this week! He is my FAVORITE speaker in the world. His mission is working with children. No matter what he says I find something to connect with! His topic for the week was Living for Jesus! It is based off his book Living For Jesus Beyond the Spiritual High. I recommend that book. Buy it here. The Message I heard was all about connecting with Jesus. The theme verse for the week was 2 Corinthians 5:15.
       I hung out with Susan, and we made some imaginary friends! I do love making new friends! I also learned or attempted to learn to play tennis. I am pretty sure that was the first time I have ever tried to play. Same goes for Susan. Every other sport was being played out on the court except for tennis. It soon became my mission to hit the ball over the fence. I did have fun and may actually learn how to play sometime.

Monday:
    Work was the highlight of my day. We talked about baby names (funny how that came up considering I work in a nursery). It was fun to toss around ideas and to see where meanings come from!

Tuesday:
     Greg Speck spoke again, this time the topic was Hope. It was the reminder that no matter what I am never alone. God is always there.
     Fay and I had a date again(: We just sat out in a grassy area feeling the warmth of the sun! She and I understand each other. It never fails to amaze me that God decided to bring some one in to my life that totally understands me. She challenges me all the time, pushing me more out of my comfort zone.
    
Wednesday:
     Teen activity of rubber band wars...well I showed up. I have this problem. I cannot shoot a rubber band if my life depended on it. I always end up just hurting myself. It was pretty entertaining to watch. Kids pile up chairs as guard so they do not get hit. The room is dark, which makes it more fun I guess. To me, that is just dangerous. I did however, learn how to shoot a rubber band! Fay and I hid behind a counter and just talked while avoiding being hit by rubber bands.

Thursday:
      Greg Speck talked about dating...
And I enjoyed it. Christian speakers usually tell us kids not to date, and all the evils that come with it, but oh no. Greg had other plans. He laid it out in a very good way.

• Stressed how important it is to want to marry your best friend.
• Just because I am attracted to someone does not mean that I should date them.
• I do not need a boy in my life to validate myself
• To date, only do it with purpose.
• Guilt is good. It is a temporary feeling to help me turn my life around.
• Sex does not show maturity. Saying no does.

When I do date: It needs to pursue righteousness, putting God first. Have faith, peace, and be full of love.
Most importantly I learned; Wait on the Lord.

My cousins came from Arizona! Boy, I had missed them! It had been about two years since I had seen them! Having them visit was great because I was able to catch up. As I walked around with them I got asked if they were my sisters. People said that we looked more alike than my actual sisters! We went to the climbing wall. The pool. And had a hair party. Along with lots of icecream(:

Friday:
      RACHEL BREUKER CAME TO SEE ME!!! Ah, I was so excited to have her show up! It had been just over a month since I had seen her which seemed like forever. I had to contain myself from screaming when her truck pulled in to the parking lot. She and I went to hear Greg Speck. We had lunch in the sweetshop. Then spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach just talking and hanging out. The lake was freezing, but we both adapted pretty quick once we started splashing eachother.
       Greg talked about hanging on to Jesus. He used Zephaniah 3:17 as the basis for his message.
1. The Lord God is with me.
2. He is mighty to save.
3. He will take great delight in me.
4. He will quiet me ith his love.
5. He will rejoice in me with singing.
                            God's love is not conditional!
                            My faith is not a performance.
                            He doesn't love me because I do something special. He loves me  because I am  HIS daughter.

Overall: I have been learning how my actions do affect other people. I want everything I do to glorify God, so watching everything that comes out of my mouth, or the actions I preform is important!

God is also teaching me about how precious my heart really is. I am special. God keeps reminding me that daily(:

Zephaniah 3:17

The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” 

With Love,

Hannah Louise <3

Week Two

My first official week at Maranatha! My week began with my dear friend Allison's arrival.
The thing about Maranatha is you only get to see friends for one week, after waiting one entire year. I was excited. I COULD SEE HER RUNNING AT ME! I screamed very loudly and ran. She was here. I could not have been happier.

 I was so excited for Maranatha church. The pastor was Paul Nyguist from Moody Bible. His message was about not being hesitant when the Lord speaks to you. God is our judge and when he speaks to us we need to respond.
The biggest thing that hit me was that God does not have to use us, he just chooses too. I am so thankful that he does. God can use anybody and everybody if we open up our hearts to him. I am learning that ignoring God does not work so well. This message made me laugh because it was like God was tapping me on the shoulder reminding me that he does know what I need.

Monday, I went to the teen activity. There was a game of kitty pool kick ball. I was not planning on playing. Until, Ryan, who is one of the leaders convinced me to play. Not without a deal though. I was wearing hot pink running shorts. If  I played, then he would wear those shorts.

Anna Browne and I also had bonding time while shopping. It is so cool to see how God is taking our friendship that has been there since birth and taking it to an adult level. I trust this girl. She makes me think. Our conversations are never boring.
Teen swim was the best! I got to play the dunking/guessing game with another leader named Sarah. I just enjoy that game because I get to dunk her underwater(:

Tuesday: It was mission day in teens. There was a video shown about the Karen people in Burma. Most people have not even heard of the situation there. This cannot be ignored. The United States has not done much because of how involved the Chinese are. It is a complicated situation. Here is the website where the video is shown for free. It is so worth the time! http://roadofresistance.com/the-road/
I also hung out with some younger girls whom I love dearly. These girls are full of life and I love being able to share in their lives.
I met Susan. This was the day we offically became friends. Who knew that a dance party would bring people together?(: I am ok with that!!

Late at night a bunch of us staff went swimming. Nothing beats a cold swim in the lake!

Wednesday:
I had the morning off, so I went to teens. The topic was talking about God as your father. It was a reminder to me of how much God really does love me. He is out there doing all that he can for me. He is my leader, provider/protector, and he is perfection.
Sarah and I went on a date. We were both craving pie, but Grand Traverse Pie Company was closed. Instead we both enjoyed delicious vegan burgers from Red Robin (YUM!). I enjoyed our conversation. I have known her a year and I am thankful that she is back again this summer. Nothing beats good conversation and unlimited fries!
To celebrate the fourth of July we (staff) was going to go to Grand Haven to enjoy the fire works. Fay and I went down there early in the afternoon to save a spot. We brought a tarp along lay down. The wind was a little strong so we needed rocks to hold it down. We walked down the boardwalk to get some rocks. We looked a little ridiculous carrying rocks in the hot sun. The fireworks ended up being fantastic!!!
It was also girl/guy night in teens. In girl's night we had a chance to hear the leaders talk about struggles in their lives. Afterwards us girls had the chance to go a little deeper in our fears, then look up Bible verses, and encourage each other to keep moving.

Thursday: I just spent this day on the beach(:

Friday: Friday morning is the prayer walk. God really challenged me to open up that day. During cardboard testimonies I was able to share and become really venerable. Feeling the freedom that I felt once I did that was unexplainable. It is the best feeling in the world. God makes beautiful things out of every single situation. I am going to let God use my story for his glory!

Over all: The lessons I am learned during this past week are numerous. God is speaking to me! I am continuing to go out of my comfort zone. I am starting to enjoy it. I do not want to be stuck where I am comfortable anymore. God is showing me that when I leave my comfort zone and I am uncomfortable; that is the time that He is able to teach me the most.
I am being healed by Christ, but that is painful, yet so rewarding.
I have also had the oppurtunity to make great new friends. So many brothers and sisters in Christ. Being able to get to know each and every one of them is amazing. I am learning how to be loved by them and accept it.

This summer my mentor Fay is out at Maranatha working on the teen staff. That is such a huge blessing from the Lord being able to have her here in person. We were blessed to have our first hangout session of the summer. Being in person is so much better than from a distance. She is able to pour in to me. She understands me and reads me like an open book. All through Christ we have a friendship full of so much love. I am so excited for the summer with her, and to see how the Lord works in us.

I also had the opportunity to make a new friend. Her name is Molly. She is one of the most beautiful people that I know. I am so blessed to have been able to meet her and just learn about her. She taught me so much. She changed so much in one week. The person I saw leave at the end of the week was not the same girl I met Monday night. I am so excited for her to come back this summer!

Through out the week Allison and I were together quite a lot. We kept the tradition of ordering our strawberry milkshakes and swimming in the lake with our clothes on. The talks we had were fantastic. We shared so many memories of last summer. We talked about what God has done in our lives leading us back to where we are now. I love hearing the things that the Lord has done-the little and the big. As I look back I am able to see how his plan is perfectly woven together.


Allison, oh dear goodness. I love my week with you and it is always a treasure being able to talk with you. We can go from being goofy and crazy to just crying of happiness. I loved being able to listen to you this week and have you do the same for me. You have taught me so much. The most important is to pray. Your stories have stuck in my mind. When something is not going right I just need to bow my head and talk to the one who can do something about it. Watching you rededicate your life a year ago, then seeing where you are today is beautiful. You indeed are a new creation of the Lord. You have a light that shines. Never let that light go out. The way you give yourself is awesome. The Lord is working through you. He has huge plans for you girlfriend. I am so thankful for the encouragement that you bring into my life. I love you!

I also had the chance to get to know Isaac which also happens to be Allison's little brother. I adopted him as my little brother which was a cool opportunity. Being younger than me he still taught me lessons in life and living for Christ.

Isaac, keep going in life. DO NOT LET fear ever stop you little bro. You have an awesome older sister and parents who love you unconditionally. Your heavenly father does as well. You grew and learned a lot during the week. Do not let it stop. Let God open you, and use you. He has plans for you! Big ones. As you enter high school remember that your identity is in Christ. No one can tell you what you are worth. Let high school change you, but for the better. I loved being a part of your life this week. Keep God number 1!

                                                                        John 16:33

                           I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.

              In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

With Love,
Hannah Louise

One Day with Week One

I will be having a post about Africa. No worries. That is just a post that takes more time to put together.

I got back from Africa very early in the morning on June 29. I could not sleep what so ever. My mom was exhausted. I just wanted to be out at Maranatha. I convinced her to leave at 7:30 in the morning. It was only 3:30 AM. The time seemed to be creeping by slowly.
7:20 I rushed into my mom's room ready to go. I had thrown what little I had left at home into the van. There was nothing left to do. I was ready to be out there.

I could barely sit in my seat the entire ride. Each minute took me just a little bit closer to being home. I COULD SEE THE SIGN. IT WAS MARANATHA. I unlocked the car before my mom had completely stopped the car and I ran. I WAS HOME.

That meant that I had one day with my friends that were here for week one. I wanted every moment that I could have. Jill knew that I was close. I could see her walking towards me, but I just slowed down enjoying the fact that she did not see me yet.
Then,
she saw me(: I could not take it any longer.
It was JILL! I ran. She ran. It was basically like a movie scene. I just could not get to her fast enough.

This girl has been in my life since, well we are not even sure of the exact year. There is a fact of about 10 years. Her sister happened (this was planned to capture us hugging and seeing each other for the first time) to have the camera. She jumped in to my arms. I could not just stop smiling. Jill just kept repeating over and over, "I love you, I love you."

Nothing is better than coming home to your friends.

Jill still had not eaten. While she ate I went walking past to where Lexi was staying. The past year I had done the exact same thing that I was about to do. Once I got to her cottage, I called her. She answered. I just kept talking. I mentioned that I was outside of her cottage. I love seeing her!!!  On our way back we picked up Jilly and we were on our way to teens. I was so excited to be able to go to teens. I had still not been hit that I was actually back at Maranatha, so this just seemed like an awesome dream. Just a few minutes after walking in I was reunited with Anna Browne whom I love very much. Finally, Allison, Andrea and Amanda. All amazing, beautiful sisters.

The prayer walk was that morning! That is my favorite day of the week. As I started going through the stations I was hit with how God has a plan, that he orchestrates. I am learning that God never ever fails. I ask him to prove something and he will.Nothing will ever beat having quiet time with God. Being in Africa I never really had a moment to myself. I was given that chance, and it was fantastic. So relaxing to be able to remember that.  The stations were all based on the 7 prayers that God loves to answer.

Once in the prayer tower there was the opportunity to take communion. Cardboard testimonies were also shared. Being able to watch teens be open about their brokenness is powerful. To see that no one is alone. No one is perfect. We are all just longing to be loved and to be filled with joy.

I had the opportunity to pray with Sarah (one of the teen leaders) and to talk with her. I love her a lot. I am so thankful that she is back this summer.

Jill is beautiful. I am SO thankful that God has blessed me with her as my friend. I would not be able to trade her for anything. I tell this girl my heart. We cry, and laugh together. Her heart is so open and kind. Her love for Christ and to do what is right is such an example of how a person should be. I can call her anytime of any day, she will be there to talk to me. I would not have made it through the year without her. I want her to never forget that God is there for her. He loves her. Everything happens for a reason. She is so strong. I have seen her make it through so much. I would move mountains for you. I AM ALWAYS here for you. Take everything that God gives you. I am excited to be reunited with you, to hear all about what the Lord has done for you. I pray for you constantly. Thank you for holding my hand. Thank you for being a sister in Christ. I love you baby girl <3

Allison, you my dear, are fantastic. I loved meeting you and your sister last summer on the last day. Being able to watch you grow this past year has been so exciting. You have always been able to make my day without even being aware of it. I love hearing the crazy stories that you would tell me. After every time that we would have a conversation I would end up laughing. The maturity that you hold is way beyond your years. But, slow down. Do not grow up to fast. Remember that you are a treasure that is so loved. God created you beautiful. He created you unique. You were made just the way that you are supposed to be. NEVER FORGET THAT. Call me anytime and I will gladly tell you that. Continue to update me on life please because I love that. I love being able to give you advice which I will continue doing whenever you need. Next summer we are having like 200000000 dates. Just so you are aware I love youuu!

Andrea, well heyy there. I only got to spend just a few moments with you this summer which is not what I longed for. Next summer we will take the chance to be able to talk and get to know each other. You have a smile that can light up a room. Your hugs are fantastic. Please give them to me a lot. I would love to see you and your sisters when you go to Grand Valley. Do not forget to tell me. I want you to always get in contact with me if you need me. I am here for you. Me loves you!!



Amanda!!! I am so glad that we had more of a chance to get to know each other for the one day that I got to see you! Being able to pray with you and share our hearts with each other made me so happy. I want you to not forget what you got out of Maranatha this summer. God loves you. You are HIS. You deserve the best that you can get. I do not want you to ever settle in whatever that is. I am praying for you. Call me or text me if you ever need someone to talk to or just to listen. I can be that for you, I LOVE having you around. Please, be around all the time. I like it oh so very much. I will see you this winter, Lord willing. I love you very much.

Lexi! I love your count downs so very much! Nothing beats being able to see those pop up on my wall. I was finally able to hug you again! AND I MAY GET TO SEE YOU AGAIN THIS SUMMER. In case you were not sure that makes me happy. You are beautiful. Please stop growing up so fast. Enjoy your freshman year. Do not wish to be my age. Not now, not ever, Stay little. I like you that way. I do love that I am able to talk to you as if you are my age. I trust you. Never let anyone tell you that you are not anything less than a princess of Christ. I am proud of you for sharing your testimony. Stay open to what the Lord has for you <3 Love yewww.

This was my first official day at Maranatha and I believe that God planned the perfect day. I would not have changed anything. I am so thankful for these ladies. These are friends that will last a life time.

Psalm 118:24

"The Lord has done it this very day;

    let us rejoice today and be glad.  "

With love,
Hannah Louise