Differences

It dawned on me today. Today is the first day I have really realized and thought about it. But I am sure glad that I did. 

The older we get, the less our differences seem to matter. Its true.

When you're a child, differences matter almost more than life itself. If you don't play with the same toys, or watch the same videos, or know the same songs, its hard to relate. Many people tend to flock toward those that are similar to them in regards to age, interests, politics, religion, etc. This is true for children as well as for adults. But I just realized that differences don't seem as 'bad' anymore. They almost seem like a treasure. Like a breath of fresh air. 

 

Granted, differences are the cause of many arguments and tension, but variety is also the spice of life. Once I got past my pride, and engaged in conversation with people I would normally avoid, I realized just how fun they are, and what used to come off as an annoyance I could now see as a treasure. You begin to see the unique things that individuals have to offer, you begin to appreciate their eccentric qualities and realize their worth. It is how its supposed to be.

I love the realities and revelations that come with time. Grudges, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings get peeled away, and we see the treasure of a person that we had been missing the whole time! I feel as though it is a tiny glimpse into the joy and unity we can and should have as the body.

The illustration of the human body is perfect. The hand works with the fingers to grasp things. The torso works with the hip bones to enable us to twist. And so on. That is exactly the same with the spiritual body. We are all different, but all equal. 

How beautiful when we can see past differences, and instead, find joy in the things that make each other unique! 

Societies take: "Dream Big"

There are so many things that I want to be. Society tells us to 'dream big.' And I commend that statement, but what if my 'big dream' is different than what people tell me it should be? What if my big dreams aren't to climb Mt. Everest, or to become a millionaire, or to star in a movie? What if my big dreams are mediocre dreams to someone else? Weren't we all made with different hearts, passions and goals for a reason? 

We cannot all be CEO's or 'stars.' But we can all strive for something, and work ceaselessly toward that goal. The thing is, 'dream big,' is such a vague statement. What does that mean? Do we ever define it for our children? It is kind of unspoken, but we all know what it means. Strive for excellence and do something great in your life. 

It seems to me, while it is a worthy goal to 'dream big,' we need to change our philosophy of what that means. My big dreams are not the same as many. But they are no less relevant. I dream for so many things, but none of them are to become famous, or to be the best cook or anything of that nature. Mine may seem simple to some. But to me, they are everything.

We were wired to dream, to plan and to achieve and conquer. But we were not wired to be clones of one another. Our dreams are placed inside of each of us for a specific purpose. If everyone were amazing musicians, where would our doctors be? If everyone were teachers, where would our mailmen be? What if our dream is something that many achieve in life? What if it isn't all that 'unique?' Each dream, each profession, each calling is unique and special. We NEED mothers and fathers, we need teachers, lawyers, engineers, scientists, doctors, policemen and business men and women. And we need so much more.

My dream is not better or worse than yours. It may be different, it may be unique, but it is the dream that was placed inside of me. It is the one that I hope to fulfill. In my tiny little corner of the universe, I hope to make a difference. And making a difference doesn't always require riches, or fame, or material possessions. Its just a willing heart, and determined soul. 

Dream YOUR dream, and dream it big!

excited??!

Its been a while since I have written on my blog. This may be for many reasons. But I felt like it was time to update it. Summer is blissful. I love it, but I am so excited for school to start back up pretty soon. There are so many new things that I am looking forward to this year.

I am going to a different campus of the same college,  and will be able to be involved in more things, and be a part of the college life a bit more. I am really, really excited for that! I have always wanted to be able to be involved in different groups, and activities on campus, and I finally get my chance! And there are a lot more classes offered, because its the biggest branch of the school, so scheduling classes was a breeze. Thank God. Usually it is a nightmare.

Anyhow, I am enjoying this last bit of summer, looking forward to visiting with friends, but really looking forward to fall term. Its weird to say, but I am excited for school, social life, work and everything! I'm telling you, this is the life. :)

I know with the changes taking place this year, there will also be heart changes as well. I am  hoping to be involved in Campus Crusade. I really think that will be an awesome experience. My hope is that I will enjoy my year, grow and thrive. But most of all, that I will learn more of who He is, and learn how to serve Him more faithfully.

Looking ahead joyfully,
Hannah

my job...

My blog looks a tad bit boring in my opinion. I don't like boring things. But alas, I must settle because it is not a big enough deal to fret myself over. 

This week has been incredibly busy so far, filled with family, friends, camping and lots of sunshine! It has truly been a great blessing! I have so many things I want to share... what a fantastic week its been! Its so funny too, because I feel like nearly every second of everyday this week has been filled. And I feel exhausted, but in a good way... 

Every time I look at my life I realize more and more just how blessed I am. I could write a book about it, but it would probably bore everyone. I just know that these blessings don't come by chance, they are indeed a gift.

In the busyness of life I stopped today to think of what is my job, my role on a day to day basis, and what are my goals? Well... my job is to be a loving example of our incredible Father. 

To speak kindness when I want to speak harsh words,

To see beauty where it might be hard to,

To love just a little more,

To be patient when its hardest,

and to forgive others when they hurt me, because I have been forgiven.

Those are hard things to live by, and not something that can be perfected on this side of heaven, but it seems like if we only remembered how important other people are, and how fleeting this life is, then we might live with more purpose. That is my prayer, that each of us live with a great purpose each day. Because we were bought and paid for at such a high price, how can we live any other way??

On that note, I'll leave you with a few shots from my great week so far!

Live, love, laugh.

My blog...

is in sad shape. It just takes me a long time to figure out how to make these things look good! And I am so tired right now... I will fix it soon, I just don't have the time or brain energy right now. But please excuse the look.

Can't get enough...

I love to read. I do it everyday, as often as I can. Mostly I read 'devotionals' of sorts, but I love many kinds of literature. I am kind of a nerd and also enjoy biographies. I love literature that gets me thinking and challenges me in some way. I like things that are inspirational and funny, deep and witty. 

I have become a little obsessed with books written by Donald Miller lately. I can't put them down. He writes with a passion and honesty that is not often seen among Christian authors. But he doesn't beat around the bush, or use the cliche language that is so prevalent in Christian literature today. I like that he is different. The way that he says things just resonates with me. I get it, and a little light bulb goes on, the wheels start to turn, and by the end of the chapter I am in awe at the new way of thinking about whatever it is he may be saying.

Honestly, I have read A LOT of devotionals, daily reflections etc. about the Christian life, but none have stuck out to me quite so much as Donald Miller books. Maybe it is because I feel like I can relate to him. Its hard to explain. But I love the truths presented in his books. 

 'Searching for God Knows what' is the current one that I am reading. It is about how many people view God and how that view is often skewed. The previous one that I read was 'Blue Like Jazz,' also an excellent book. It was basically his thoughts on Christian Spirituality. Anyhow, I have gone on long enough. You get the picture. Check out one of these books, they're incredible!

Disclaimer:

** I am by no means saying that we should stop reading the Bible and start reading Don Miller books. The Bible is the absolute inspired, irreplaceable word of God. I truly believe that. But I also believe that God speaks through people, and sometimes the way that they say things just makes sense, and we see things through it in a new way. That is what I am trying to convey. But I am not saying that it is a replacement for God's Holy word.

I will leave you with a quote from 'Blue Like Jazz': 

"I am learning to believe better things. I am learning to believe that other people exist, that fashion is not truth; rather, Jesus is the most important figure in history, and the gospel is the most powerful force in the universe. I am learning not to be passionate about empty things, but to cultivate passion for Justice, grace, truth and communicate the idea that Jesus likes  people and even loves them."

photography