Seasons.

~just a few thoughts from earlier this year… 

For everything, under the realm of heaven and earth, beneath the stars and sun, there is a season, and there is a time… 

Time is constant. Apart from the few times throughout the year when we bump our clocks up or back, or when we travel into a different “zone,” time remains the same. Three o’clock is the same today just as it will be the same tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. 

Time is purposeful. Dates are set, invitations addressed, meetings scheduled, and watches set for certain times. There are reasons that only God the Father can reveal about the heavenly purpose of time. Babies are born, couples are married, people are killed. Time is never without a purpose. 

Seasons remain the same. Summer, followed by fall, becoming winter, which eventually turns to spring, bringing us back to summer. The same order. The same schedule. The same. Football season has its certain time, just as baseball, basketball, and soccer. Seasons, they stay the same. Leaves turn from green to yellow to orange. Rain becomes ice and snow. School lets out, then comes back in. Christmas presents are opened, then bathing suits and sun screen are bought. The cycle is effortless and consistent. No matter how long or hard we wish for a certain season to extend or be over with, we have no control. 

I believe that before we are born, God, our Father, has fashioned in red the seasons we will experience during our lifetime.  There is a time and purpose for each event and situation you experience. Nothing is coincidence. Your seasons are divinely “coincidented” by Him who loves you. Don’t limit yourself by doubting the importance, or relevance of the experiences you have. Don’t limit God by doubting the importance or relevance of the experiences you have. Nothing that you’ve been through happened by accident. I believe that even right now in this very second, you are securely placed within your season. 

Just like the four seasons we share throughout the year, divine seasons look, smell, and feel differently. Some bring happiness, followed by intoxicating joy, while others may lead you into a wilderness of self-doubt, and sadness. No matter the feeling, your Mighty God is with you every step of the way. He is in control of your season. No matter how hard or long we wish for our certain season to extend or be over with, we have no control. There have been times, and I know there will CONTINUE to be times where I feel like the only season I get the luxury to experience just rains regret, guilt and shame. This season thunders with disappointment. It strikes with depression. There are times when I’ve felt like it wont ever stop raining. There are so many times when I feel like I can’t hear over the thunder. When it feels like the wind not only took my breath, but my walk, as well. But, I think what is the worst of all is when we don’t recognize what season we’re in. Even better… when we don’t recognize we are in a season at all. 

When doubts filled my mind,
Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer. Ps. 94:19

My soul aches when I think about how many times I haven’t realized the magnitude, or even the very existence of my season. There have been so many times that I’ve doubted the beauty within my suffering. SO many times in my life where I just thought it wouldn’t ever change-where I’ve thought it was my fault. That I am the cause of the feelings that I feel. But, praise HIS mighty Name that I am not to blame! My friends, we serve a loving God. One who is your Redeemer. The One who reveals. 

I believe that our Papa God does some of His best work when our seasons are revealed. I know He enjoys telling us good things-His word tells me so! The purpose of your season is never too complex, or unimportant for the God of Mercy & Wisdom to open up and reveal to you. You have been given the right to approach the God of the Heavens-the King who will forever reign-you have the authority to approach Him in BOLDNESS and CONFIDENCE. Ask Him. :) He enjoys telling secrets to His favored ones. 

Believe with me, resist the enemy, and say, “Whether it’s a time to rejoice, a time to wait, a time to enjoy, or a time to learn; there is power & purpose in MY season.” 

You experience seasons for GOOD reasons. 

Your God is a God of confidence. He doesn’t move by accident or chance. His purpose for your life is definite. His will is undeniably set. 

Be thankful for your seasons. Be patient while you learn. Be wise in your wilderness. Be ready to receive your purpose. Be loving to your God. 

HRC

"It's all good."

I don’t know what it is about being so far away from home that makes me appreciate the experiences I’ve had, the ones I’ve loved, the places I’ve been, the memories I’ve made, the chances I’ve taken, the lessons I’ve learned and the never disappointing grace I’ve received. Jesus has been such a friend to me, and what an incredible friend He is, indeed! 

I don’t know what it is about living out of my house for the first time that makes me appreciate the 19 years I’ve spent with my family in Alabama. My parents guided me in ways they thought best, loved me unconditionally, and taught me to love Jesus. My brother terrorized the heck out of me--now he just steals my car. My sisters wanted to dress up in my clothes and heels, while using my mirror to check their hair, my room as their stage, and my perfume and a microphone. 

I don’t know what it is about being 24 hours away from home that has made me realize how much of a “saver” I am. Ten year old pen pal notes, journals, old awards, birthday cards, love letters, hate mail, old pictures and plenty of previously colored coloring book pages now fill up the third drawer of my plastic shelving unit. Anything that has made a difference in my life, big or little, has its own place in my drawer. Don’t get me wrong, my drawer is a mess; but, it’s a beautiful mess. Full of memories and good times. 

I don’t know what it is about living 10 states away from my home that has made me realize my need for and dependence on technology. I am currently taking my college classes online; therefore, having Internet access is imperative. I am never without my cell phone... well, moving away didn’t make this happen... Anyways, I am never without my cell phone! Always checking facebook, reading email, attempting to “tweet” (i quit), uploading pictures, listening to music.. Always, Always, ALWAYS! I’ve recently learned how to Skype, but I think my family enjoys it more than I do, so that doesn’t really count... :)

I don’t know what it is about only knowing less than a handful of people in a strange town that has made me learn so much about myself. Good things and bad. I have been reminded on numerous occasions that I am terrible at remembering names. Seriously. It’s not that I refuse to pay attention...actually, I just really don't know what it is! I have learned that I am good at first impressions, but not so good at handshakes. I find “shaking hands” terribly awkward and have decided that boys should only shake hands with other boys, not girls. I’ve also learned that I enjoy being by myself as much as I enjoy being around other people. A little “me time” never hurt anyone! I’ve also learned that my face will tell you stories. Which means, not only do I know I very, very expressive with my emotions, I now know that stressful events give me stressful breakouts on certain areas of my face. “Nuff” said, huh? 

I don’t know what it is about being surrounded by “new” that has made me so open to different experiences and activities. For example, I went hiking in the wilderness. Yes, I, Hannah Rebecca “Hate the outdoors” Chatham went on a two mile hike... and survived! Actually, I enjoyed most of it. I’ve also started playing around with the idea of getting in shape and working out. My first attempt started by waking up at 5:30 AM and ended with throwing up in the women’s bathroom and being "flashed" by two or three... healthy women. Please withhold all judgement. Although my first trip to Crossroad Fitness was a big time, FAIL... My next was a complete success. Yes, I have only been twice. Again, judgement isn't needed. 

I don’t know what it is about living in a different time zone that has made me become more aware of how much I used to rely on my “schedule.” Back home, I would have a list set of goals/accomplishment for each day. Classes would be scheduled, woke up at the same time each day, early bed time, library time, etc. If there was an activity on my horizon, it was accounted for. But being here has made me forget about wanting time, lack of time, or too much time. Now, I just want to live. And live, well. Although I still know the exact amount of time it takes me to get ready in the morning (1 hour & 3 minutes--if I wash my hair), and how long my normal showers are (12-15 minutes), I have become a lot more relaxed.

~Although there are many things that I don’t know about why I respond or react to situations involved with being in CO, I do know one thing to be certain: God is faithful and He is present. 

I don’t know if you’re like me and like to confidently believe that you “got it.” You know what I’m saying.. we GOT it. We’re good. “It’s all good!” Have you ever said that sentence before? Well, most of the time when people say it (myself completely included) they really mean the opposite. “You know, it’s really not good at all” --that’s normally what your heart means when your mouth says the opposite. Am I right? If you’re like me, then you are finally starting to fully appreciate the times when life isn’t “all good.” If you are like me, you wake up in the mornings and say, “Good morning, Lord! I am a helpless mess! But I know you love me anyway!” See, living as a helpless mess is so much better than having it all together. But if you are anything like me, you are constantly reminded that you don’t have it all together. You make mistakes. You say hurtful things. Don’t manage your finances, well. You just... don’t “got it.” But my friends, if you are anything like me, you take extreme delight and rejoice in knowing that the Jesus you serve HAS it. And will continue to have it, always. Pretty cool huh?

I don’t know if you’re like me and sometimes forget to have “quiet time” each day with the Lord. You know what happens, right as you are drifting into “almost asleep” you remember you forgot to pray. “awwwww man! Now I gotta pray.” So what do we normally do? Mutter a few halfhearted sentences apologizing for forgetting to pray and thank you fo............. yep, then we’re gone. Completely drifted into “totally asleep.” Thankfully, the Jesus that I love smiles at me when I fall asleep mid-prayer. He kisses me goodnight, and sweetly tucks me in whether I ask Him to, or not. :) Isn’t that sweet? 

I don’t know if you are like me and find yourself worrying about what your “someday” will look like. Yeah, yeah, yeah... THAT someday. The day when you skip to chapel and say, “I do!” The day when you pick out your first maternity outfit (not on my list of “things to look forward to”). The day you can’t pay the light bill, so you and “yours” eat PB&J in the dark. Yes- that someday. If you are anything like me you find yourself wondering if you’ll even get a “someday” and if you do, are you doing everything according to plan? I mean, you’re a sophomore in college, should you be married by now? Or at least found “yours” and are on your way... But if you are anything like me, 

You are learning to appreciate, "today." You have faith in, "tomorrow." You believe in, "someday."

I’m not promised tomorrow. And sorry to burst your bubble, but neither are you. 

We need to desire to live... well. 

Instead of focusing on writing your “bucket list,” focus on completing it. Yes, I am currently preaching to the choir.  

~I don’t know what it is about being in the place that I am that has made me hunger and thirst for more of Him, but I do. 

Am I saying I’m perfect? Heck no. Those that know me well will agree straight up that I am far from it. I still fall asleep mid-prayer! But, I’m learning :) Learning to lean into, onto, fully and deeply on Him. 

I take comfort in knowing that He has my back. (Romans 8)

I can rejoice in knowing that He cannot fail me. (Psalm 13)

I have joy in knowing that He has my today and someday. (Matthew 6)

He is so good. He is so merciful and mighty. He is always present. He is still. He is good. He is kind. He is thoughtful :) 

I don’t know what it is about being in Colorado for three months, or what it will look like in a year from now, but I believe in, not believing in coincidence. 

He has a purpose, will and  way. 

He sees you, knows you and believes in you. 

He cares for, loves on and rejoices over you. 

He will quiet, correct, and prepare you. 

. . .

He wants to be your everything.

He’ll never let go.

He is the God of your city.

He is more beautiful than anyone, ever!

He will take your hand into the promise land.

He will call your name.

He can be your best friend.

He is my savior, everyday.

He’s got it all.

He is captivating.

He can’t take his eyes off of you.

He is everything that you ever wanted and everything you’ll need.

In the stillness, He is there. 

He wants your today, has your tomorrow and planned your someday.

Believe with me!

-Hannah

Sticks and Stones.

Please, come if You can ... You say, “I am.”

We are a people of questions. 

We are a people that judge and are judged based on our answers.

We are a people seeking answers, glimpses, truths untold.

On a day to day basis, questions fill our minds. Some, full of innocence: 

“What should I wear? 

“Will my new black pumps match my sweatshirt and jeans”

“Toast and jelly? Or eggs and bacon?”

Simple daily questions, which for the most part, we answer ourselves. Some aren’t complicated. Some don’t require a battle. Some are easily answered...

“Yes, I will have fries with that!” 

Or...

“No, I don’t want to sign up for a Kohl’s charge card”

Too bad questions and answers couldn’t always come this easily. Too bad we can’t answer each question ourselves. Too bad some questions are more complicated than others. Too bad our friends can’t always answer our questions. Too bad we sometimes hear the wrong answer. And, too bad all of our questions aren’t all completely innocent:

“Why am I never good enough?”

“Why can’t my thighs be as small as hers?”

“Why can’t I afford to upgrade to ‘first class’ like they can?” 

“Why does He never answer my prayer?”

“Why am I always left out?”

“Why doesn’t he love me anymore”

“Why wont he fight for me?”

“Why am I not enough?”

Questions. 

Sometimes, unanswered.

Other times, answered. 

Often times, we are answered. . . . 

Twice.

Two voices. Each different in its sound. Each different in its motive. Each different in its power. . . Yes, I know we have all heard it time and time again, but receive this verse. Understand the meaning. 

“The enemy comes to steal, to kill, and to destroy”

John 10:10

“you are NOT good enough, and never will be”

“why should he fight for you?”

“your body is incapable of looking as good as hers”

“He doesn’t answer your prayer because He doesn’t have time for you”

“your problems are too big, or too small for His attention”

“why keep trying? - give up”

“Satan is the father of lies”

John 8:44

The father of lies whispers to you constantly. You know the times I am talking about. When you feel the pit of your stomach drop because you “hear” the words. The curses. The death. You feel the pain of the answers. Not only in your ear, but also in your heart. 

Whoever decided that“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”obviously never had curses spoken to them, or they might have reworded that statement because. . . 

Words, hurt. 

Words, kill. 

Words, steal. 

Words, destroy. 

If the power of your speech didn’t matter, then why did God move James to talk so much about “taming the tongue?” Why are there verses after verses, chapters after chapter, book after book about speaking kindness, love, and grace to one another? Because. Words hurt. 

Words hurt, leave wounds, and later, scars. 

If you’ve been wounded by words in the past, then you felt you heart do a skip when you read the last sentence. The scars from words spoken are real. They make a difference. They matter. They DO hurt you, just like those sticks and stones. 

Let’s take for instance, the woman caught in adultery. . . 

A crowd soon gathered, and Jesus sat down and taught them. 
As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees
 brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. 
They put her in front of the crowd.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 

The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him,
 but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger.  
They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again 

and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”  

Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, 

until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 

Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, 

“Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”  

“No, Lord,” she said.

And then Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more” {John 8}.

What does John refer to the Pharisees as? 

Accusers.

Not, rock throwers and stick casters. 

They are accusers. They beat her with their words. Instead of using rocks and other weapons, they used the strongest weapon of them all. . . 

The tongue. 

Now, was this women guilty? Probably so. John writes that she was “caught” in the “act” of adultery. She is red-handed. Hand in the cookie jar, kind of “caught.” According to the “law,” she deserved to be stoned. They were “supposed” to throw sticks and stones. It is what she deserved. 

I dislike that word. There are different words in the english language that I don’t like to use. And “deserved” happens to be one of them. Deserved. Entitled to. Worthy of. 

I don’t like to think about what I deserve, or am entitled to. I believe that without Jesus, we deserve eternal punishment, which is Hell. 

Deserve.  

She deserved the words spoken. At least, the Pharisees thought so. Little did they know how wrong they were. . . 

“If any of you haven’t sinned, go ahead and throw one at her.” 

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

Terrified, I imagine the girl dropped to her knees, covering her head, bracing herself for the pain she knew she would endure. I imagine she clenched her fists, closing her eyes, hoping for a chance of mercy. . . I imagine she hesitated before opening her eyes to look for her punishment. I imagine she might have slowly opened one eye, before completely standing up. I imagine she looked at Jesus being very confused. I imagine she looked at Him. Into His eyes. I imagine her heart melted when she heard these words. This question.

“Where are your accusers? 

Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 

Where’d they go? Did you see them leave? Didn’t even one stay? Not even one? 

Knowing that He is Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King overall, we know and believe that He knows all. Sees all. Decides all. . . right?

So that means that Jesus knew the answer to His question. He knew. 

I love the next part!

"No, Lord,” she said.

...

Jesus said, “Neither do I.”

I do not condemn you. 

My words will not harm you.

I speak kindness over you.

I won’t curse you. 

Wow. Jesus understands that words hurt more than sticks and way more than stones. He understands. 

He knows. He’s been there, done that, and got twelve tshirts from it. 

So you have a choice. Which voice will you choose to believe? The one who curses the day you were born? Or rejoices over your existence, daily? 

Questions.

Answers. 

Words. 

My Jesus, who is always yours, too.. He wants to bless you with His words. He will cover you with kindness. Rejoice over you with singing. Refuse to curse you. Love you, greatly. He has a lot to say, more than you, nor I can understand. 

His thoughts about you are endless. Timeless. Always occurring. 

Softly, sweetly, tenderly He speaks to you. . . 

Favorite, Will you pick me? 

Beloved, will you believe your answer? 

Redeemed, will you receive your answer? 

Will you choose to believe in His response? He likes it when we talk to Him, I promise. He loves it when we choose to seek Him, and ask Him with all of our heart. . . 

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

Jerm. 29:13

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” 

Matt. 7:7

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

 Matt. 21:22

My friends, He wants to be found. 

It is NO secret that your Jesus doesn’t like playing “hide and seek.” In fact. . . 

He isn’t very good at the game. You know how it goes, one person counts to twenty and you go run and hide. The game that used to be fun in middle school. Especially when you got to play with a big group, which had cute boys. You know what I mean, everyone picks their partner and you just so happen to get paired with the cute boy? Yeah, that wasn’t allowed at my church. . . Little did they know ----- Ok, back to what I was saying. . . 

Jesus isn’t a good hider. 

Now, He would be the BEST seeker. I mean, you can’t really hide from the Lord, right? I think a boy named Jonah tried that. . . He ended up covered in fish guts, so I wouldn’t recommend it. 

Playing hide and seek with Jesus might come out something like this. . . .

You are the seeker, the counter, whatever.

Jesus is the one you are seeking. 

The one who is supposed to “hide.”

.... 

Here we go! . . . You turn around, put your hands over your eyes. He reminds you, “no peeking!” You begin to count saying, 

1, 2, 3----------------------- 

before you can even finish your next number, an all too familiar smiling face is standing right in front of you. Right next to “base” saying, 

                      HERE I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Good Job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You found me!!!!!!!!!!

Next time, don’t take so long!!!!!!!!!

:) He isn’t a very good hider. He likes to be found. 

In fact,

It’s His favorite.

Seek and find.

Ask and receive. 

Believe and trust. 

He is always listening,

always answering,

and never hiding.

~Hannah