tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28340655196119228792024-03-14T10:36:29.457+03:00being bananasHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-39480839867666323362017-09-19T11:47:00.001+03:002017-09-19T11:47:56.323+03:00Resettling in Paris<p dir="ltr">Being a third culture kid and having grown up in England, Morocco and Sweden, I am <u>used</u> to moving around and enjoy starting afresh in a new place, meeting new people and adapting to a new culture. I recently decided to leave London and move to Paris and spent this past summer working as an aupair for a family in France. I got to discover new places in France, taste things for the first time and I loved it! I am currently settling in Paris and am enjoying getting used to a new city, language and a different way of life even though leaving good friends behind is always hard.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Uprooting has its challenges and like most third culture kids I have had to wrestle with questions of identity and belonging throughout my life. Who we are as individuels is often linked to where we come from, which country we call home and which culture we are shaped by but these are not always easy to pin point. I personally do not identify myself with one country or people group in particular but see myself as a mix. I am shaped by the places I have lived in and the people I have met and this is a process that continues. At times this can feel unsettling and I wish that I had a place to belong to and a culture to call my own and to feel proud of but at other times it is freeing. I am not bound to behave according to a certain culture but have been privileged to experience several different ones and to be influenced by a variety of ways of thinking. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Having grown up as a Christian, my faith in Jesus has been the most consistent aspect of my life and is a great source of security to me. In each place that I have lived God has been the same even if I have changed. As people have come and gone in my life, I at times regret not having many longterm friendships or people who have known me in different stages of my life but God has always been there and he knows me inside out. I believe that I belong to God as this child and that the Christians in my life are called to be my family wherever they might be in the world. My identity can be secure in that belief that wherever I go my life is in God's hands and that it is to his culture that I am primarily called to adapt myself and to belong to. </p>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-76476288447510835472016-11-14T20:02:00.000+03:002016-11-14T20:02:33.927+03:00The Confessions of Augustine<div id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478418622708_2393" style="background-color: white; color: black;">
<div dir="ltr" id="yiv3890892061yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478351038048_4902">
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Although I had heard a lot
of great things about the theological giant, Saint Augustine, it took an
essay task for me to actually read his Confessions. When I did, I was
completely blown away by the beauty and honesty of his writings, (as my
classmates soon discovered by my need to comment at every chance I was given in
class). Although he is writing in Latin in the late 4th century,
Augustine's account of how he came to know peace with God has a way of
being relevant even today. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Augustine grew up in the town of
Thagaste, in what is today known as Algeria, with a pagan father and a Catholic
mother by the name of Monica. He was an intelligent boy, good at expressing
himself through spoken word and had a hunger for the wisdom of the
philosophers. Augustine never doubted the existence of God but was more
intrigued by the teachings of philosophy than the words of the Bible that
appeared immoral and contradictory to him. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It was to Manichaeism that he first
turned in search of answers to his tormenting questions about the existence of
evil. Here he was taught that the judgmental God of the Old Testament was to be
rejected as a malevolent demon at war with the loving God of the New Testament.
It was the mind and spirit of man that was good, a separate entity from the
evil nature of the human body. This belief allowed Augustine to push away the
increasing feelings of guilt that were building up inside of him over the
thoughts and actions he knew to be wrong but from which he could not escape. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br />
He eventually turned away from the teachings of Manichaeism, explored
Platonism and encountered the influential bishop Ambrose during his
time teaching in Milan. Ambrose's rational and allegorical sermons made a big
impact on Augustine as did the Platonists' view of a distant and unknown God,
but despite all his gained knowledge, Augustine's soul remained restless.
Knowledge puffed up his own pride but did not draw him closer to knowing God.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">As Augustine came to yearn for the
presence of God he was also made more aware of another desire within him – that
of rebellion and disobedience towards God. In recollection of his boyhood,
Augustine tells the story of when him and some friends stole pears from a
neighbour’s garden and threw them to the pigs for no other reason than their
own need for adventure and the desire to impress one another. The deed in
itself was insignificant but revealed a deeper problem inside - the
inherited state of sin that man cannot escape from.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> As a young man, he battled lust
and pride and could not bring himself to let go of them despite the burden of
his own conscience. He took a concubine and lived with her for many years, but
knew that this was not in accordance with God’s laws for marriage. Later, when
his mother arranged for him a young Catholic bride, he was forced to send the
concubine he had come to love away and was heartbroken. However, not even
whilst waiting for his bride to come of age, could he control his sexual
desires and instead took for himself another concubine. He had not yet tasted
the sweetness of God and was therefore held captive to the beauty of worldly
things. "The enemy had control of my will, he writes, and from that had
made a chain to bind me fast". </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">It was the doctrine of Jesus,
God in flesh, that Augustine struggled the most to come to terms
with. Yet as he read the letters of Saint Paul, he came to understand the need
for a mediator to reconcile sinful man with the holy God through his perfect
sacrifice on the cross. God made himself humble, lowly and weak in order to
become accessible to man but in order for Augustine to receive the freedom
offered to him, he too had to lay down his own pride and will. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Augustine's journey
towards finding rest for his soul was long and full of battles but
eventually God met with him as he cried out in desperate prayer under
a fig tree in his garden. He heard the voice of a child calling him to open and
read so he opened the letters of Paul and read the first passage his eyes fell
on – Romans 13:13. It was a call to give up the life of sin and clothe oneself
with Christ and Augustine took this message to heart, deciding then and
there to give his life to God. Although he continued to battle with the
temptations of sin, he was captivated by a beauty richer and more satisfying
than that of the world and this empowered him to serve God
in the Church.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">What
I find most inspiring about Augustine's writings is his honesty about the
struggles he faced and his passionate and genuine response to God. He wrestled
with God and he questioned God but then he fell so in love with God that
he wanted nothing more than to be transformed by him and to share him with the
world. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">"Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new: late have I loved
you. And see, you were within and I was in the external world and sought you
there, and in my unlovely state I plunged into those lovely created things
which you made. You were with me, and I was not with you. The lovely things
kept me far from you, though if they did not have their existence in you, they
had no existence at all. You called and cried out loud and shattered my
deafness. You were radiant and resplendent, you put to flight my blindness. You
were fragrant, and I drew in my breath and now pant after you. I tasted you,
and I feel but hunger and thirst for you. You touched me, and I am set on fire
to attain the peace which is yours."</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; margin: 0px;">Augustine's Confessions, Book 10:xxvii </span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
</div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-69784309426395782692016-06-20T12:54:00.000+03:002016-06-20T12:55:27.106+03:00Abu Fadi's storyI've recently started reading "I am n", a collection of stories, put together by The Voice of the Martyrs, from the lives of Christians facing Islamic extremists around the world today. It aims to bring to light the suffering of so many Christians across the world who will not compromise their faith even when faced with severe persecution. <br />
<br />
One chapter tells the story of Abu Fadi, a Christian living outside Mosul, Iraq at the time when ISIS took over the city in June 2014. He had received a phone call from a friend warning him that the terrors they had heard about in other cities was now on their own doorstep and he feared for his family who lived inside Mosul. As ISIS troops entered the city, chaos and gunfire broke out with prisoners being freed and the cross on the Syriac Orthodox Cathedral of Mar being torn down. Christians packed up their belongings and fled but Abu's disabled mother and sister were unable to do so. Their house was marked with the Arabic letter 'n', symbolising that here lived Christians, known as 'Nazarenes' and they were told that they must leave immediately or else they would be converted to Islam at gunpoint.<br />
<br />
Eventually, the two women were able to reach Abu through the help of a Muslim friend who drove them out of the city. From there they began their journey to the relatively safe city of Erbil along with almost forty thousand others also fleeing from the surrounding areas. They were stopped at an ISIS checkpoint along the way and Abu was questioned, answering truthfully that they were Christians and were not permitted to remain in their homes. The guards refused to let them leave, giving them instead the choice of converting to Islam or being killed. After much discussion and pleading, Abu was forced to his knees and given a final chance to denounce his faith in Jesus which he refused, praying instead for strength, wisdom and courage. Just as he was waiting for the sword to come down on him, another ISIS official arrived and, inquiring on the situation, ordered that they be left to continue on their way with the message that ISIS would be victorious throughout the whole world. <br />
<br />
After being stopped several times along the way and having most of their valuables taken away from them, Abu and his family were finally able to reach Erbil. Despite the poor conditions and lack of food and water to go around amidst all the refugees, they thanked God for his protection and presence. <br />
<br />
I find stories like these inspiring and challenging. For many people in the world, what they believe in defines the rest of their lives; what opportunities they will have, how they will be treated by their societies and in some cases, whether they live or die. Yet, for Abu and many others like him, the cost of following Jesus is worth it. His hope in Jesus as his saviour for eternity was more real to him than the threat of death for himself and his family and he was willing to prove it. The stories of these courageous Christians who stand for their beliefs in the midst of suffering, responding with humility and forgiveness, must be heard. With this blog, I hope to contribute to making the plight of some of these many unsung heroes of faith known. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-76512515817687098112014-08-25T13:38:00.002+04:002014-08-25T13:38:37.421+04:00Above life itself
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<span lang="EN-US">As we are seeing more and more of the violence
happening in the Middle East, with stories of beheadings, mass murder and
terror, we are reminded of the frailty of life. People in Iraq have been killed
in great numbers and been forced to flee their homes because of their faith, many
being Christians or other minority groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had I been there at that time the same thing would have
happened to me. It’s humbling that we as human beings are so vulnerable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">At the same time, there is great strength
in the dedication these people have shown. As they face the choice of
conversion, death or fleeing their homes, many have held firm to their faith, showing
the world that there is something they value more than their lives here on
earth. They place their trust in God, not because of what he guarantees to do
for them but because they believe him to be true and worthy of all glory. They
believe God to be good even when he doesn’t step in to rescue them but allows
them to suffer and even die because they choose not to deny him. That is a
faith that goes deep and despite the tragedy and horror of it all, I believe they
have won a great victory. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Their courage challenges me to ask how
genuine my own faith is and what requirements I have of God for him to be
praised. Is Jesus Lord in my life because he is giving me what I want or simply
because he is worthy to be Lord?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As the struggle for these people continue,
we have a chance to show our support and concern by doing what we can. The
Christians in Iraq are asking people all around the world to pray for their
protection and provision. At the moment, the town of Amerli in Northern Iraq is
in desperate need as they fear being massacred like other towns before them.
They have been surrounded by Isis for 8 weeks, holding off the forces with
women and children joining the men in arms, but are now critically low on food
and water. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When faced with such a powerful threat like
Isis, I believe the best thing we can do is to call on the Almighty God and ask
him to step in with his strength and mercy. Starting from today, Christians
over the world are joining together for five days of prayer and fasting for
Iraq. Not only will this have an impact on the world but I believe it will also
do something in our hearts as we are prepared to give up a little of our own
comfort out of compassion for others. </span></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-85663453267722190202014-08-19T12:47:00.000+04:002014-08-19T12:47:04.934+04:00one body, one mind, one heart
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">There
are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of
them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God
works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in us.</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">But
our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part where he wants it. How
strange a body would be if it only had one part! Yes, there are many parts but
only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you”. The head
can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you”. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">This
makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each
other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is
honored, all the parts are glad. All of you together are Christ’s body, and
each of you is a part of it. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US">1
Corinthians 12</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There is something fresh and alive about
the way the Holy Spirit moves and shapes a church, equipping individuals with
unique gifts and strengths, then fitting them together to become one body. It’s
a powerful picture! A limb on its own, disconnected from the rest of the body,
is lifeless and can do nothing. But when it finds its rightful place, it is a
valuable asset, designed for a unique purpose. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">When one part of the body is hurting, the
rest of the body is affected and hurts with it. It’s the same in a healthy
church, as people are knitted so closely together, that your pain becomes my
pain and your gain becomes my gain. Where one part is weak, the other parts
will step in with their strength. When one part is moving forward, the rest
celebrate and move with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
not individuals, competing against one another but we are one body, working together
towards the same goal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As living bodies need to be connected to a
mind for them to function, so we, as a church body, are meant to come together
under one head and authority. Jesus calls us to be his hands and feet. We are
not the brains making the calls, we are the ones responding to his signals and
putting them into action. We are not called to create our own mission but to
hear God’s word and obey. As the same Holy Spirit leads each individual, we
find ourselves living in unity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">I believe that, as God fits the different
parts together as one body, connected to one head, he wants one heart to be at
the centre. His. In the same way that our physical hearts pump blood to every
part of our bodies, so the heartbeat of God should reach each one of us. What
breaks the heart of God should break the heart of his church. What angers him,
should also anger us. What pleases him should please us. We each have hearts as
individuals that beat for unique causes but as one body, they come under
submission to God’s greater will. Our selfish desires are exchanged for his
desires. No longer is it all about us, but we find our place in the bigger
picture. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We no longer live for our
own profit; we have died to ourselves and now live for Christ.</span></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-83254085114180505452014-06-14T15:06:00.000+04:002014-06-14T15:06:01.440+04:00thoughts on truth
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">“The
truth is rarely pure and never simple.” I can’t remember who said that but I
read it once in a book of quotes and it has stuck with me ever since.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">What
does truth mean to us today and how much value do we place on it? Do we value
it enough to want it in its pure form even when it isn’t simple, or
do we seek a truth that matches our own reasoning for what we hope
is true? Does the concept of one absolute truth even exist in our culture
or have we accepted the idea that we can each have our personal
version of truth, tailored to fit our personality and needs?</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">What
if truth takes seeking to find? What if it comes at a price? What if finding
the truth would change everything you thought you knew, turning your world
upside down – would it be worth it?</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">I
finally got round to watching the Matrix a while ago and was fascinated by the
scene of Neo being presented with the two different pills. He was faced with
the choice of having reality revealed to him which would shatter illusion of
life as he knew it or forgetting it all and going back to living in the
comfortable lie. He chose to know the truth but it came at a high cost. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">What
if the illusion of life is far more attractive than the reality, seeming
easier, simpler and more comfortable? How many of us would choose to ignore
truth and remain in ignorance for as long as we can?</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">It
seems we live in a culture that values other things above truth. Happiness,
comfort and tolerance are more important to us. We would rather all get
along than struggle through the hard questions until we find an
answer.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">And
yet, what is anything worth if it is not true? </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">An
apple can look delicious, but is inedible if it is made of plastic. A roof
can seem strong and waterproof but will not keep out the rain if it is made of
cardboard. A promise can bring great hope but is of no worth unless it is kept.
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt;">What
when one final answer is demanded and all we’ve done is agree to get along and
avoid the question? </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-65740242972861893882014-02-10T15:25:00.001+04:002014-02-10T15:41:34.546+04:00Ecclesiastes<style>
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<span lang="EN-US">One of my favourite books in the Bible is
the book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon. Although he was the richest
and wisest man to have lived, he could see no meaning in his wealth or wisdom.
He decided to try out different paths of life and find what was of real value
and purpose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Looking into wisdom and knowledge, he found
that this only leads to more grief. Pleasure and happiness are good while they
last but what value do they have in the long run? Success, money and power can
be snatched away in a moment. We work hard to do good and to change things
around us but what truly makes a difference? In the end we will all end up in
the same way. What can we take with us when we die? What do we leave behind
that has any value to those who remain? </span><br />
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">His questions are almost depressing and so
are many of his answers. Everything is completely meaningless he concludes.
Nothing in this life is certain, nothing of this world will ever fulfill you,
not a single person on this earth is always good.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Reading the newspaper on my commute home,
it seems there are constantly disasters happening in every corner of the world.
Somehow I have been spared from so much pain and injustice and it’s not because
of anything I have done. Good things happen to bad people and bad things to good
people. Some things we deserve and other things happen to us for no reason. It’s
easy to feel strong when all is going well but reality is that life is fragile
and can be snatched away without warning. After finding that every path leads
to a dead end, Solomon turns his focus to God.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">“Accept the way God does things for who can
straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity while you can but when
hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is
certain in this life.” Ecclesiastes 7:13-14.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Enjoy your life while you can he says, but
remember where it came from. Fear God and honour him with your life because
this is ultimately what matters. I love this book is because of its honesty and
bluntness. It leaves you with more questions than before but challenges you to
seek out the answers for yourself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US">“If you find within yourself longings that
nothing in this world can satisfy, it can only mean you were made for another
world.” C. S. Lewis. </span></div>
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-4558321607065199552013-08-21T20:07:00.000+04:002013-09-07T00:23:57.296+04:00Keith GreenI remember as a kid, my mum playing Keith Green at home and telling us how great he was. I didn't get what was so great about him and thought his music was old fashioned. Recently though I started listening to him again and the lyrics of his songs blew me away!<br />
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Keith always had a love for music and grew up singing and playing the guitar and piano. Despite his obvious talent, he never had the breakthrough he was hoping for and at the age of 15 he ran away from home in search for truth and purpose. He explored drugs, music, eastern mysticism and free love but nothing left him satisfied. At the age of 21 he finally found the truth he was looking for in Jesus and was never the same again. As he and his wife, Melody, learnt more about Jesus, they felt the urge to open their home to all those around them in need. Although they didn't have much money themselves they shared what they had with others.<br />
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Keith had been writing and playing songs about his search for truth but now all his songs became about his new found love for God, shocking and upsetting many in his audience. Becoming a star no longer mattered to him, he just wanted to serve God and tell the World about this new life he had found. This guy was intense and would often challenge Christians to repent and take their faith seriously.<br />
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What inspires me most about this man was his humility and honesty. Though he was radical in his messages he was constantly asking the Holy Spirit to change him and show him his own sin so he could repent and be more like Jesus. As he continued to write songs and became famous the thought of earning money from his ministry greatly disturbed him. Instead he decided to let people buy his music for whatever they could afford to pay and put on concerts for free where thousands of people came and gave their lives to God. <br />
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In one of his songs, Oh lord, you're beautiful, he writes;<br />
<br />
I want to take your word and shine it all around,<br />
but first help me just to live it, Lord<br />
and when I'm doing well help me to never seek a crown<br />
for my reward is giving glory to you<br />
<br />
Oh Lord, please light the fire,<br />
that once burned bright and clear<br />
replace the lamp of my first love<br />
that burns with holy fear.<br />
<br />
God continued to use him for great things until he died at the age of 28 in a plane crash. Though his life on Earth was short he had discovered the beauty of Jesus and knew what really matters, living his life with conviction, completely sold out for God. This is a man worth listening to!<br />
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<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-9644639255543002802013-06-07T00:22:00.000+04:002013-06-07T00:22:19.267+04:00The benefits of being singleIn a culture that pushes towards being in a relationship its easy to miss out on all the great things about being single. It can be a great season! Here are some reasons why:<br />
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1. Firstly, you get to really pursue God for yourself and spend time getting to Him better. This is the most amazing and important relationship we will ever have and what better time to seek it than now? You can find out more of who he is, what he likes, learn to recognize his voice and get as close to Him as you dare. If God isn't number 1 when there's just you, why would he be when there's two of you?<br />
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2. You have the time and freedom to find out what you want to live for, what you enjoy doing and dream about before you need to match it with someone else's life. <br />
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3. There are so many people to get to know and learn from, friendships to invest in and cafes to try out!<br />
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4. The single season is a great time to work on yourself and become the person you want to be. You can build on your character and get rid of the habits and attitudes you don't want before someone else points them out to you. You can try a hobby, give it up and try another one. <br />
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5. Now is your chance to find out what you're really looking for in a future spouse and how you want your marriage to be. You can study other people and learn from their experiences and mistakes so you are better prepared to get it right.<br />
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6. Lastly, theres also less pressure to look good and be sensible. You've only got your own reputation to look out for so why not be a bit silly if you want to?<br />
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Theres a reason for the season and this one right here will never be back so embrace it and enjoy it!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-89103692110556640842013-05-20T16:12:00.000+04:002013-05-20T16:12:54.453+04:00I love the random, everyday conversations with customers that come into the cafe! One of my regulars is a sweet, elderly lady who comes in each day to have a sandwich, a cup of tea and a read in the paper. She loves chatting about the latest news or the tennis and the other day we started talking about Margaret Thatcher. According to her, Maggie was great leader, inspiring many women to make something of themselves. I don't know enough about her to have much of an opinion but pointed out that many people clearly didn't like her. Here she looked at me and said "Remember this, an insecure man will be intimidated by a succesful woman but a secure man will be impressed. You don't want the insecure ones around you anyway." <br />
It got me thinking how it can be hard to be around successful people and encourage them without starting to compare their lives with our own. Life easily becomes a competition where its all about us getting ahead and where others become a threat. Making somebody else look good might just mean they get the recognition that we should of had. Helping somebody else get ahead might mean that we fall behind and get forgotten.<br />
<br />
The more I read in the Bible, the more I find that everything seems to be for God and His glory. Creation is for His glory, miracles are for His glory and the very details of my life are designed to be for His glory. God wants to be the one lifted up and in control in our lives. <br />
At first thought this can seem restricting. Why should I submit to some higher being who might not want the same things for my life as I want? Shouldn't I have the right and the freedom to live life the way I want to?But then again, this is God we are talking about. If the creator of all actually cares enough about me to want to have his way in my life, why would I deny myself that privilege? If God in all His power and wisdom would bother to navigate my life, why would I want to try alone? The fact that I don't understand it all or see exactly where my life is going no longer matters. If God is in control, then I longer have to be.<br />
Its exciting to see the way God works in people, creating something unique out of there gifts, dreams and experiences. Each story is different and becomes something beautiful as it fits into the bigger picture. Our lives can be significant! If I know there is a place for me and an awesome plan for my life then why compare with anyone elses? <br />
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-86706349273725465492013-01-30T16:36:00.000+04:002013-01-30T16:36:04.363+04:00toasted bagelsYesterday on my daily commute across London, I was reading a book called ”beautiful outlaw” by John Eldredge. It’s a great book, all about Jesus and the sides of his personality that we tend to forget like his playfulness and humor. And of course Jesus would be funny! I mean, there are so many hilarious people on Earth, where else would their sense of humor come from? <br />
The author of the book shares how Jesus would remind him of his love by showing him hearts in random places that he passed in his everyday life. I loved that thought so I decided to try it for myself and told Jesus I wanted to see a heart too. So, in the Café that morning, toasting a ham and cheese bagel for one of the customers, I lifted the grill lid to find the hole in the middle of the bagel in the shape of a real cute heart. How awesome is that?! That made me smile! <br />I pointed out the heart to the customer but she wasn’t quite as excited as I was and probably didn’t see it as a sign from Jesus but oh well. Try it for yourself! I reckon God is waiting to make us smile and laugh.<br />
<br />Later that day an elderly lady I hadn’t seen before came into the café for a coffee and sandwich. She told me she had just come over from South Africa. Hearing that, one of our regulars (a woman who comes in every single day for a very hot, skinny cappuccino with as much froth on as will balance in the mug) started chatting to her and asking her about her life. After a couple of minutes the South African was close to tears as she explained how she had recently become a widow and lost her son and had now moved to London. A short time later, these two women were laughing and joking around, talking politics, travels and books as if they had been friends for ages. This regular talks to just about anyone and is often seen by others as pretty annoying and a little bit mad but I thought it was beautiful to see how she showed interest in the other person’s life and got to hear her story. There are all these interesting people around us with so much to share if we have the time to listen and be interested. That was my thought of the day…Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-58086659745859941212012-10-15T14:33:00.001+04:002012-10-15T14:33:50.457+04:00DecisionsPottering around in my bookshop café or watching people on the tube, I get plenty of time to think.<br />
Lately I've been inspired by the thought of all I can decide and shape in my own life. Even the simple choices I make are part of defining who I am and the type of life I live. Its easy to complain about life being too busy or too boring but thinking back its often the choices I've made earier that have formed the life I live today.<br />
<br />
I decide what I spend my time on, what I say "yes" to and what I say "no" to. There is no end to the things I could get involved with but I decide what I commit to and prioritize and what to let go of.<br />
<br />
I decide who I spend my time with and allow close to me. I don't have to wait around for people to contact me but I can make a move myself and try to get to know the people I want in my life. <br />
Out of the people in my world, I decide who has most influence over me, who's advice I take and who's opinion matters.<br />
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What qualities do I want to be known for? I can decide to develope them in my life by choosing what I focus on, read, watch and listen to. <br />
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I decide how well I take care of myself by choosing what I eat and how I exercise. I decide what I wear, how I treat people and in what direction my life is heading. <br />
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I know life is rarely straightforward, fair or easy. Stuff happens, but I still believe we decide how we react to life and what we make out of what we have.<br />
The thought of how much responsibility I have to shape my life is almost scary, but exciting as well!<br />
Who do I want to be? What am I doing to become that person?Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-30179435817078860432012-09-11T02:02:00.000+04:002012-09-11T02:02:59.624+04:00God is good, no honestly, He is sooo good! <br />
So much has been happening and changing recently that I've almost forgotten the things He has worked out for me. I have a new place to live with the most awesome room mate in a totally new part of London that I've yet to explore. I'm part of an amazingly, exciting church, surrounded by great, inspiring people. Recently I got a new job in a book shop café where I get to be around coffee, books and chilled out people. Loving it!<br />
The only thing is that it takes me an hour on the tube to get to work but the tube is an experience in itself and a great place for people watching. We all just stand around looking at each other in silence most of the time. The other day, however, a chinese woman broke the mold and actually started a conversation with me. She said she is a doctor, that she thinks I have nice teeth and just before I got off she wrote down her phone nr and handed it to me. I don't know why she did it but it made my day! <br />
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God is good! I find He is always trying to teach us new things about life. Lately its been all about persistency, character and doing the right thing even when it seems to be insignificant, boring and pointless. Its about doing the right thing when noone is watching, when those watching don't approve and when it doesn't seem to be leading anywhere.<br />
Thats about all the wisdom I can get out from my brain right now, time for bed, but wanted to share a bit of whats new in my life. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-44735315707539775662012-05-27T00:05:00.000+04:002012-05-27T00:05:38.733+04:00Sunshine and integrity<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Summer has come and I’m loving it (my arms are red and sore to prove it)! London is like a different place with people crowding the parks, bright coloured, flowery dresses, sunglasses, sweaty armpits and big smiles. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yesterday I went out to the park for an hour to lie in the grass and ponder on the word integrity. Integrity is one of the coolest words I know! It easily gets forgotten and overshadowed by words like charisma, talent and passion but they wouldn’t be worth much without integrity at the foundation. Looking it up in the dictionary, (ok I googled it), I found that the word means wholeness, steadfast, being honest and undivided. A person of integrity can be trusted because what you see is what you get. They are the same person at home as on stage, on a good day as on a bad day. Their thoughts, words and actions line up. You know where they stand and won’t get any nasty surprises. A person of integrity can fail and mess up but keep people’s respect because they are honest about it and quick to own up. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Passion, talent, charisma, big dreams, exciting words, great plans and goals are all good but without integrity they fall through. Character on the other hand, cannot be taken away from you and is what will keep you on track. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Skimming through the awesome book of Proverbs, integrity, honesty and character kept popping up, like in these cool verses:</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“God can’t stand deceivers but oh how he relishes integrity.” Prov 11:20</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Prov 20:28</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love and truth are the essence of God. I went back feeling challenged to build integrity into my everyday life, not trying to be what I’m not but being real to the core, full of love and truth. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later that day, we took the children to an outdoor pool and spent the afternoon splashing around and enjoying the sunshine. You just have to love summer!</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today has been another glorious day! I started by going out for a short jog. It wasn’t far but I’m proud of myself for actually getting out there despite all my lame excuses. Then I was off to Borough market to pick up a great baguette, piece of cheese and latte and enjoy it with a good friend. Markets are simply great - the smell of food, the bustle of people and all the free tasters! I can’t help but thinking that just maybe the meaning of life is this simple. Maybe we are here on Earth simply to live in relationship with God, love and do life with the people around us and simply enjoy living. It works for me!</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had some awesome conversations, sharing the things we are learning in life right now. I know that life isn’t always sunshine, good friends and food and that it can feel impossible to enjoy at times but somehow God works through that as well and brings us through wiser and closer to Him if we let Him. He is enough for us and the one thing in life that we can count on. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A big group of us spent the afternoon in Hyde Park, having a picnic, soaking up the sun and playing football. Great fun but the football got just a bit too violent and I took the game a little too seriously… </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, tomorrow is church day and the best day of the week. If you’re around in London then you should come to one of Hillsong’s sevices. Even if you don’t believe in anything spoken from the stage, all the lovely people you can connect with make it well worth your time. I’m getting ready tonight by drinking loads of water and nursing my sun burns. When will I learn to use sun cream?</span></span></span></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-52462337506564223292012-05-22T00:59:00.001+04:002012-05-22T00:59:11.829+04:00Smile everyone, its monday! <br />
Its been a different, spontanious and pretty cool weekend, doing things I don't usually do and hanging out with some people I don't usually hang out with. Variety keeps life fresh!<br />
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On Friday night thousands of people from different churches in London came together for an amazing Pentecost service in Earls court. The three hosting churches have different styles and ways of doing things but we could all come together and be united because we are all serving the same God. Church isn't a competition, we are all on the same team with the same goal. Seeing how many we are when we come together was really exciting!<br />
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Saturday started off with a great cup of coffee with a great girl from my connect group at a great café (Grind) in Putney. I ended up going with her for lunch at a friend's place. This turned out to be a top class, eight course dinner made by a super cook who did an amazing job of hosting! Eating delicious food and hanging out with cool people - whats not to love? <br />
Next stop was Louis Vuitton on New Bond Street for a pair of men's shoes. I was on an errand for a friend and felt so out of place in the shop but it was a pretty amusing experince being treated like a super rich woman who shops men shoes at Loius Vuitton. Clenching the bag tightly I went for a drink with my inspiring and wise norwegian friend before heading to a pub for the football final. I wasn't able to see the screen but watching the people who were watching the game was just as fun. So much focus, excitement and frustration in their faces! Thankfully Chelsea won so most of them were in a good mood for dancing all night. Good times!<br />
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Despite not getting much sleep, I really enjoyed Sunday at Church! Its surprising how many awesome people there are in the world and how each one you meet brings something unique. One of the things that was said from the stage was about not worrying but trusting God to provide. I love that! Don't worry, be happy. I'm pretty sure it's a choice we make and something that really honours God. <br />
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Anyway, I need to sleep right now. Live loving - love livingHannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-75056071310463409812012-05-17T17:14:00.001+04:002012-05-17T17:14:08.989+04:00Hey soul sister...<br />
You know when you hear a song you used to listen to alot but haven't heard for ages and its such a joy to hear it again even though you were so tired of it last time you heard it? At a childrens birthday party this week they played Train's "hey soul sister" and I almost started singing along in front of all the children and parents. I managed to contain myself though and am listening to it now instead. What am I trying to say with this? Absolutely no idea...<br />
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Any way, talking about love songs, Rich Wilkersson came to Hillsong's Young adults night last friday and shared a great message for all us single people. Being in a relationship has become such a big thing today and its as if most of us are waiting for that perfect partner to come so we can start living life for real. We tend to think that person will somehow show us who we are, complete us and open the doors to endless happiness and good times. Thankfully Rich burst that bubble for us... <br />
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Rich spoke about watering our own grass instead of thinking how green everyone elses is. Go for your dreams! Live your life now, enjoying this season whatever its like, learning and being faithful with what you have. Its so cool how God works things out for the best when we do the best with what he's already given us. He knows us, what we desire and what we need better than we do. We can basically chill out and enjoy each step of the way, trusting God to show us the next step when we need it (at least thats what I think and its worked for me so far). I don't mean that we should be lazy and not plan ahead but that we can relax in just doing our bit and trusting God to do the rest. <br />
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Rich challenged us to keep on the right path doing the right thing even when the crowd is going in a complete different direction. Its not always easy but its right and even if noone else sees, God does.<br />
Its beautiful to see how God brings people together to complement and build each other up but only Jesus can complete us, make us whole and give us a purpose for living. If all else was to fail, He will still be more than enough for us.<br />
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By the way, I quickly grew tired of "Hey soul sister" again, maybe I'll try listening to it in another year or so...<br />
Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-4906340692864538072012-05-09T01:24:00.003+04:002012-05-09T01:24:40.351+04:00back from Malmö<br />
Hey!<br />
This weekend I've been back to Malmö, my home town, to visit. Technically its a city but, coming from London, it suddenly seems like a small town. Either way, its where the people who know me best live and it was great to be back. <br />
Not much has changed there these past 5 months but I saw Malmö with different eyes this time. I was surprised by the empty underground station, the wide cycle paths, the great amount of trees and the calmness of Friday night in the centre. My parents came to meet me from the train with my lovely bike that I've really missed travelling around on. It was so nice to spend time with them and my sister, telling them everything I could think of telling them about these past 5 months, my everyday life, the awesome people I know and all the things I love about London.<br />
Over the weekend I cycled everywhere admiring the decorative buildings, the diversity of cultures and people and my favourite market. Has Malmö always been this beautiful? I met some of my closest friends over chilled out coffees, ice-cream in the sunshine, waffles and a picnic by the docks. Of all the things to be admired about Malmö, its the people that make it the most special. Each one is different and makes my life richer and more blessed in a different way. I loved not having any obligations but just time to enjoy company and catching up. <br />
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Sunday afternoon was spent at my church, United, with great worship, teaching and friendly faces (most familiar but plenty of new ones too). I love the party atmosphere there that is all about celebrating and enjoying life together in all its seasons but also reaching out to the world around.<br />
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On Monday morning after my family had left for work and school, I packed my bag and cycled into town for the last time for now. I met a lovely friend from church at one of my favourite cafés and tried to convince her to move to London with me. After that I met Baloo, my leader, mentor, role model and close friend. She's been there for me the past few years encouraging me, challenging me and helping me make sense of my life. <br />
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I spent the last hours having a picnic with Mum, Dad and my little sis out on the grass before taking the train to Denmark and then flying to London. Sitting on the tube for the last bit of the journey I felt happy to be back in the big city. This is where I want to be right now and I'm excited to see what God has in store for me here. Each season is different but he is always the same and his love for us will never change.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-92116054822004601572012-05-01T13:54:00.000+04:002012-05-01T13:54:19.225+04:00Colour your worldI was blessed with time off work this thursday and friday to go to Hillsong's annual Colour conference, just for ladies. Wemberly arena, powerful speakers, the presence of God and about 6000 women all standing together. It was awesome, loud and lots of fun! What I loved about the conference is that I didn't leave feeling sad that it was over but equipped and inspired to get back into everyday life again, together with God and the people around me. Here are some of the messages that really spoke to me:<br />
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<strong><em>Flourish, baby, flourish!</em></strong> We can so easily get overwhelmed by all the suffering in the world and all that needs to be done that we get bogged down and discouraged or worn out trying to make everything right in our own strength. Bobbie Houston encouraged us to go home, learn to take responsibility for our own lives and flourish where we are planted right now, letting God take care of the rest. When we flourish we help others flourish too. Love that!<br />
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<strong><em>A revolution of peace</em></strong>. This world is a mess but Jesus is our peace. We are here to bring his peace with us to a world that desperately needs it, because no matter what is going on around us, we are safe in Him.<br />
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<strong><em>God wants to go home with us</em></strong>. Its not just about spending time with God at a Conference or at church on a Sunday but God actually wants to be a part of our everyday lives, move into our neighbourhood and invade all that we are. Priscilla Shirer was saying that its when we invite Jesus to become really close to us that he reveals things to us and life gets exciting.<br />
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<strong><em>Sisterhood - she is one, she is many</em></strong>. There were so many of us women, gathering together with the same desire to be the change in this world. I find myself wanting to be the one to make a difference by myself but if we all instead go in the same direction, supporting something great together we can accomplish so much more than all of us by ourselves. I was challenged to grow up, quit being selfish and start being a great support to what is already happening.<br />
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<strong><em>There is only one love language - DIE. </em></strong>Christine Caine said it straight out like she always does. The kingdom of God is not all about me and how I best can shine and use my talents. Its about God. We don't need to promote ourselves, God knows exactly where we are and what we are good at. Sometimes we just need to a gap fillers and do whatever is needed for the big picture.<br />
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It was amazing to see all thats going on in the world and hear stories about everything God is doing! Even more amazing is that God is the same everywhere and that he actually lives in us and has the same power to work things out for the best in our everyday lives! Don't forget to include him because he is a gentleman (like all the guys serving at colour, walking with umbrellas, opening doors, welcoming us girls...) and doesn't just barge in on us. <br />
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Have an awesome day!<br />Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-4281367510018962302012-04-24T17:11:00.001+04:002012-04-24T17:11:23.515+04:00Good afternoon!<br />
I'm sitting in my room, listening to Jack Johnson, thinking about how much I like avocadoes (as one does) and writing my blog. <br />
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Yesterday Waitrose came by with the shopping delivery. The two year old had just done a big poo on her potty (as one does) which she proudly showed the Waitrose man exclaiming "I done a poo!". He was a bit taken aback but probably felt more motivated to keep going at his job. Waitrose in, waitrose out, thats what its all about. <br />
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Its great how children don't seem to be embarrased by the things we adults are. Why should we anyway? None of us are perfect, even if we pretend to be, and we all do poos. Don't hide it, just flush it!<br />
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Thats about how deep I am right now. Life is good. Enjoy it and share it! The good and the bad, we all need each other and God to keep us on track.Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-30908776103177096602012-04-24T00:23:00.000+04:002012-04-24T00:23:17.540+04:00Hi everyone! Its been a while since I blogged but I want to keep it up and after a bit of encouragement from a good friend I'm finally getting round to writing again. <br />
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I am often surprised at how many cool people there are in the world. Some people seem pretty ordinary at first but then the more you get to know them the cooler they become and the more you just want to spend time with them. London has a lot of awesome people that I feel blessed to have met. I love how we all are different and bring out different sides of each other but at the same time we all are surprisingly similar with the same basic needs. People can cause us so much trouble but just about everything we do is for and because of people. Amazingly I think God is all about us people and that just about everything he does is for and because of us. Don't ask me why!<br />
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This week I've been to two goodbye parties for friends leaving London. I've only known these girls four months but we've had great times together and I'm going to miss these awesome people! Its sad to say goodbye but exciting to see how the seasons change and we all keep moving forward with the best ahead. Without change we would never grow. <br />
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There's something about giving 100% in every season and just going all in that I think God loves. Its so easy to hold back, waiting for some time in the future to be all we can be, but we really only have the moment now. I love the idea of living life to the max everyday, taking risks and stepping out because thats usually when God steps in and surprises us with something great. When we do life together with Him we are living for something so much bigger than what we can see. I don't always remember that but when I do it changes everything.<br />
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This week I'm especially looking forward to Hillsong's Colour Conference which is starting on Thursday with great teaching just for us girls. There are some power women preaching and I want to learn as much as I can!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-27583114793254736362012-03-15T02:17:00.000+04:002012-03-15T02:17:37.960+04:00Someone once said that the wiser he became the more he realised how little he knew. I love that!<br />
On Saturday a great, new friend of mine and I sat in a café with our journals and Bibles reading, writing and sharing thoughts. It was great having time to slow down and hear from God. I often try to do so much but all in my own strength and just end up getting exhausted without much result. After spending some time with God though I usually realise how small I am, how little I know and how meaningless it is for me to try and do life by myself. God is so big and way too great for me to even begin to understand and the fact that he loves me and that I can somehow connect with Him in my everyday life is amazing! Seeing that makes it seem so stupid for me to even try living without him. I mean, who do I think I am?!<br />
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Last night the young adults from Hillsong met for a team meeting and I came along for the first time. It was great to feel a part of things and hear leaders sharing their thoughts and challenging us to really put Jesus first in our everyday lives. It can be hard to prioritize time for Him when everything else around us fights for our attention but it really is so important if we want to grow in our relationship with Him. We become like the people we spend most time with and we decide who those people are. <br />
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There is freedom in feeling small when you are part of something so much bigger than yourself. <br />
There is freedom in letting go of the control when you know someone so much more capable is taking over. There is no longer any need to worry, just sit back and enjoy the journey. Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-10766273507293380372012-03-04T01:39:00.000+04:002012-03-04T01:39:10.840+04:00sunshine!Spring has come to London! I'm loving the sunshine and how it makes everything more beautiful, everyone happier and every moment more enjoyable. <br />
Today two french friends and I went to Richmond and had a full English breakfast with bacon, eggs, baked beans, toast, sausages and half a tomato. Not what I usually start the day with but being in England it seems only right to have eaten it at least once. I was in Richmond for the first time and was surprised at how beautiful it is. Walking by the Thames in the sunshine with good company, pretty houses, blossoming, pink trees everywhere, and time to spend was lovely. I'm so looking forward to more days of sun and warmth!<br />
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Later in the afternoon we went to Green Park for a while, joined by my favourite Bulgarian person and then to Starbucks for a drink (although mostly to use their loo). I wanted to spice up my hazelnut latte with a sprinkling of vanilla sugar but the whole lid came off the vanilla and splashed into my cup giving me a very sweet latte and a lid to fish out. It ended up tasting alot more like vanilla than hazelnut but it gave us something to laugh about. <br />
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We talked quite a bit about food and the great things there are to eat and enjoy, especially living in london, a city bursting with different flavours. Having lived 21 years I've come to the conclusion that strict, complicated diets are not for me. If I were to create a diet it would be full of fruit, vegetables and lovely healthy things but with the chance to enjoy the cakes and treats you love just not too often and without stressing out about it.<br />
I get to experiment with making some great sallads for lunch each day and I love when the veggies, fruits and cheeses end up getting along so well with each other and tasting great. Goat's cheese with pear and sweet potato has got to be my favorite so far (I haven't tried banana in a lunch sallad yet but I don't think its going to work, unfortunately). <br />
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Last weekend was spent with my beautiful little sister, showing her some of my favorite parts of London and introducing her to some of the people I spend most time with. I loved having her around and catching up. We saw Big Ben, Trafalgar square, Camden market and Brick Lane, had some great food, met some lovely people and talked a lot. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg2ceZFwJWc/T1KKFwUl5WI/AAAAAAAAAEc/LkBIaP3wKJk/s1600/feb12+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lg2ceZFwJWc/T1KKFwUl5WI/AAAAAAAAAEc/LkBIaP3wKJk/s320/feb12+044.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyxvoqUoHZA/T1KL4ZmW6mI/AAAAAAAAAE8/SLVwZWxrBgg/s1600/feb12+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nyxvoqUoHZA/T1KL4ZmW6mI/AAAAAAAAAE8/SLVwZWxrBgg/s320/feb12+130.JPG" uda="true" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've had a great week and can't help thinking how rich my life is. Its all about loving God, loving life and loving people... oh and loving lattes too of course</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-84419314462803146482012-02-19T16:18:00.000+04:002012-02-19T16:18:17.406+04:00Sunday morning, listening to music, drinking coffee out of a mug that says "Mr Happy" and thinking about all the great things about my life right now in London.<br />
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There are so many great, inspiring people that I get to spend time with! Every person has had different experiences and each one has interesting things to pass on. Yesterday I had coffee with a lovely girl from Finland and then got to spend the afternoon with my beautiful French friend shopping, eating french crepes and talking (I tried out my French but soon got stuck). We pondered on how life can be made so busy and complicated yet its the simple things we appreciate and remember the most.<br />
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Last night was girls' night with girl talk (mostly about boys), yummy snacks (I of course brought bananas and chocolate), nail polish and a whole mix of nationalities. We were together in London representing England, Germany, France, Colombia, HongKong, Holland, Bulgaria and a bit of Sweden. How cool is that?! <br />
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Last Friday I spent the night at my awesome American friend's place. She made scrummy apple pancakes for breakfast the next morning and we talked about God and small glimpses we have had of who He is. Its so amazing when we get to see even a tiny bit of how great and full of love He is. Its like another reality, so much deeper and more beautiful than the world we can see. Everything else around fades in comparison. She really inspired me to keep seeking out God and listening for His voice in my everyday life. Its not always easy but it is so worth it!<br />
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I love staying in a beautiful room so close to the busy city but still in a calm, family area. I love all the new places I get to see and the new things I get to experience. We spent a few days out in the country and had mussels for supper one night which I tried for the first time. Delicious! I also love the fact that the sunshine is back! Hopefully this means spring is here to stay.<br />
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What really makes me smile right now is the fact that my darling little sister is coming to visit me next weekend! She is one of my favourite people in the WORLD and I get to show her some of the best parts of London (Starbucks, Hillsong and Brick lane). Whatever we end up doing I'm just looking forward to spending some quality time with her. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoE7xAoFIGY/T0DoU294xbI/AAAAAAAAAEU/0ed8EFrr4Tk/s1600/images%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoE7xAoFIGY/T0DoU294xbI/AAAAAAAAAEU/0ed8EFrr4Tk/s1600/images%5B1%5D.jpg" yda="true" /></a></div>I love the fact that I have so much to be thankful for right here, right now!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-31374043010555618912012-02-07T19:59:00.001+04:002012-02-19T16:26:42.993+04:00More from meHi everyone! Long time you no hear from me, so I have lots to tell you from the exciting life of being an au-pair. Well, you know, hopefully its interesting for you too. <br />
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On Friday afternoon we all got packed and bundled into the family's Range Rover for a weekend out in the country visiting relatives. We arrived at the house two and a half hours later and were met by the friendly butler. Seeing how a country house like that is kept was a new expereince for me. After leaving your bedroom in the morning, you can expect the bed to be nicely made for you on your return, the meals were all delicious, made by a talented chef, and everything was done just right and almost always by someone else.<br />
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I got to hang out with the two year old a lot this weekend who is such a sweet girl and fun company. We were bumping down the stairs on our bottoms, discussing what dolly was having for lunch and forever asking "do you need to do one on the loo yet?". I call her "Bumblebee" and she calls me "Hannah Panna".<br />
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Sunday morning we woke to a beautiful blanket of snow and I have to admit I was just as excited as the kids at the sight. We all had a disco in the 7 year old cousin's bedroom, breakdancing and spinning around at ten o'clock in the morning to Snoop dog and Rihanna. After another delicious lunch, finished off with a treacle tart , we packed everyone and everything into the car and headed back to London.<br />
Yesterday was a pretty good Monday. Waiting for a friend at the tube station, I started talking to this guy from Texas who was also waiting for someone. We didn't say much before he found his friends and left. Then I had a nice lunch with two girls from YWAM that I know from Sweden and we caught up on all our news.<br />
So today during my morning break I really felt like some alone time with my diary, a good book and a large decaf latte at Starbucks just to recharge and think some smart, deap thoughts. Who walks in? The Texas tube station guy from yesterday with a group of friends. We started talking again and turns out him and his friends are visiting from a Bible school in America and are connected with YWAM. I postponed my deap-thinking-alone time and joined in their conversations instead. It seems the world is a small place, either that or God just really enjoys connecting people for fun. <br />
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Been reading "The Screwtape letters" by C. S. Lewis lately, a great book written as letters from a demon to another about how to ruin people's lives. Sounds a bit strange I know but it is well worth reading. I just want to share a part I thought was really good;<br />
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"The man who truly and disinterestedly enjoys any one thing in the world, for its own sake, and without caring two-pence what other people say about it, is by that very fact forearmed against some of our subtlest modes of attack. You should always try to make the patient abandon the people or food or books he really likes in favour of the 'best' people, the 'right' food, the 'important' books. I have known a human defended from strong tempations to social ambition by a still stronger taste for tripe and onions."<br />
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What he is basically saying is to enjoy the things in life that you enjoy whenever you can. I like that. So now I'm leaving my computer to enjoy the rest of my afternoon off in sunny London. Cya!Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2834065519611922879.post-37479545028045738542012-01-31T02:04:00.000+04:002012-01-31T02:04:09.052+04:00There is something amazing about BIG groups of people all getting together for the same cause, all saying the same thing. <br />
Yesterday in church we were so privileged to have Israel Houghton as a guest. He's a world famous worship leader who really knows how to get his groove on whilst pointing to how good God is. The Dominion was packed at the 3 o'clock service! Standing amongst all these people lifting their hands and singing "Jesus, be the centre of my life" for all they're worth was a pretty cool experience. Imagine all those people really meaning those words and allowing Jesus to be the centre and boss of their everyday lives. It's an army of world changers!<br />
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I love the great teaching and worship at Hillsong but what's impressed me the most are the people and their way of welcoming others into their fellowship. Each Sunday I leave with some new contacts on my phone. Yesterday I went to church with Kristina, my really cool Norwegian friend who I first met last Sunday. She introduced me to two of her friends Lucie and Dori who immediately made me feel welcome and a part of their group. Relationships are such an important part of church! Its all about people in everything we do. Being new once in a while can be good. It reminds you of what its like being a visitor and how much you appreciate people seeing you and stopping to talk.<br />
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Today's been a good take-it-easy day. I've been working, reading, writing, drinking coffee, thinking (not too much mind you) and enjoying the company of the people around me.<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Todays tips:</strong></span><br />
Book: The screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis, Lioness Awakening by Lisa Bevere<br />
Music: Bon Iver, Mumm-Ra's "She's got you high"<br />
Film: 500 days of Summer, Shadowlands <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbuQasV-FCY/TycSyRfYwFI/AAAAAAAAAEM/XQbfFVHOde8/s1600/winter+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbuQasV-FCY/TycSyRfYwFI/AAAAAAAAAEM/XQbfFVHOde8/s320/winter+018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Hannahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05361778064499933645noreply@blogger.com0