Wednesday February 4th, 2015: Sometimes Life, and Most Times I, Feel Just Like A Sailboat.

Devotions

Happy Wednesday! I hope everyone is having a good week so far. If you read my blog often you’ll know that I like to write posts inspired by songs and today is one of those posts. I wanted to talk about something that I struggle with constantly. And honestly if you’re a human being, you do to. Sometimes I feel like I’m just walking around aimlessly with no end in sight. No matter how hard I try there seems to be no direction. Ben Rector’s song Sailboat captures this feeling perfectly.

I feel just like a sailboat
I don’t know where I’m headed
But you can’t make the wind blow
From a sailboat

I have seen the sun
Felt the rain on my skin
I’ve been lost and found
But mostly I’ve been waiting

Oh I’m out in the waves
I’m hoping and praying
Please let this wind blow me home
Night after night there’s an empty horizon
And my God do I feel so alone
Sometimes life, most times I, feel just like a sailboat

I’m pretty sure I’m heard
At least I know I’m speaking
But I feel like a fool
Cause I can’t hear you listening

But I’m not giving up
Oh I will move on forward
I’m gonna raise my sail
God knows what I’m headed towards

The only change I see
Lost or found, let’s see
The only difference is believing I’ll make it in

Sometimes I just feel like a sailboat. I don’t know where I’m exactly headed. I try to figure it out in my own human strength but I can’t figure everything out perfectly (hello I’m not perfect so how could I orchestrate something to be perfect… that’s for another post!). I’m out in the waves of life hoping to be saved, feeling alone. It’s not because I’m a depressed person. It’s not always because of any particular reason. It’s sometimes just life.

“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.” Matthew 11:30-32 NLT

Do you act like Peter when you see the waves? Do you start to sink? Well the good news is, Jesus reaches out to grab you. You have to have faith though. If you can’t trust God in the storm you might just sink!

“Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” Isaiah 40:21-26 NLT

He may seem far off in the distance laughing at you while you suffer, but He is right by your side. He knows your name. He knows your situation. He hasn’t lost you like a mom loses her child in Walmart (y’all know what I’m talking about.) He sees your troubles, hears your cries and it not scared by them. He understands you. He has not forgotten about you.

“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.” Ezekiel 34:11-12 NLT

If you feel like me sometimes, aimlessly walking around with no end in sight, don’t worry! There is an end in sight, it’s called Heaven! (can I get an Amen to that!) Don’t feel like a sailboat without hope. You’ve got the greatest hope and His name is Jesus!

Always,

Hannah

Prayer requests can always be sent to thatotherhannahblog@gmail.com

You can download Sailboat here and watch a music video here! 🙂

Tuesday February 3rd, 2015

Fashion

Today I wearing a really cozy cape. I had been looking for a cape but didn’t want to spend over twenty dollars so I waited and like always, Kohl’s came to the rescue. I LOVE Kohl’s. I can always count on Kohl’s to have the best prices and sales. I refuse to ever buy something there full priced. This cape cost like $17.99. You can’t beat that! The pattern is fun without being too busy, which is what I like to wear! Check those sale racks this time of year for awesome scarfs, capes, hats, and gloves on major sale! Happy Tuesday. 🙂

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Photography: Rachel Gracy

Cape: Kohl’s / Black Undershirt: Upscale / Jeans: Topshop for Nordstorm / Boots: Hunter / Necklaces: Express and Kelly’s Treasures / Watch: Michele / Lipstick: NARS in “Schiap”

Monday February 2nd, 2015: I’m Back!

Devotions

Hello! I am so glad to be back after a little hiatus. 🙂 I don’t know about you but my soul needs a break from social media every once in a while. It’s so easy to get caught up in the world of social media… But anyways! It’s about to get real so hold your britches’ (as we like to say in Texas.) 😉

This year has been off to a pretty rocky start. Actually it’s sucked (stay with me, there’s a good ending!) January 2nd my grandma fell and broke her femur. The hardest bone to break in the body, fyi. So to fix that, they inserted a plate and screws to repair the break. Two weeks later she went in for a check up and they discovered her body literally rejected the plate and 8 screws, which the surgeon had never seen. Then they find out, her leg is infected, with Staph nonetheless… So we had two options. Take out her knee, part of her femur, and part of her tibia, then place this cement ‘spacer’ in until her infection clears up OR amputation. So on January 23rd she went in for the removal of her knee, part of her femur and tibia. In surgery they found out the infection was worse than first thought. So the next step is clearing up the infection then we can move on to a total joint replacement. But if her infection doesn’t clear up our only option is amputation.

It’s almost laughable. I mean she came in with a broken femur and now we’re talking about possible amputation?? How did it get this far? How did we get here? This wasn’t our plan.

I was listening to the City Church Podcast (one of my favorites) the other day and Pastor Judah was preaching a message called The Problem With Hope. The message is essentially saying without Jesus there is no hope. Without Jesus I have to reason to be positive. Without Jesus life sucks.

The point is that without Jesus as my rock I wouldn’t be able to make it through all this. Without Jesus in the waiting rooms with me I would be a mess. Without Jesus to put my trust in, I’ll be stressed out of mind worrying about what could happen. Unbelievers can try to be all positive or optimistic but let’s be honest; apart from Jesus there is no hope for a better tomorrow. Whenever I meet an unbeliever I wonder how they make it through the day. Seriously. Hebrews 6:16-20 says this,

“People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Because of God’s nature, He cannot lie. It’s impossible for Him. And because He can’t lie we know that when He sent Jesus, the hope of the world, He wouldn’t leave us without hope! Jesus is the anchor for our soul that is firm and secure.

I share this because even if you don’t believe in Jesus, you may be a “positive person,” but that isn’t enough. You NEED an anchor for your soul. You can be a “good person” but you NEED an anchor for your soul. You NEED a firm and secure HOPE. Being positive is a bi-product of a relationship with Jesus.

As I sat in the waiting room while my grandma was in surgery I started to think about this. I would be a mess without hope in Jesus. He calms my storm (Psalm 107:29.) He brings peace that surpasses ALL understanding (Philippians 4:7.) What are God!

 If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus and have any questions email me at thatotherhannahblog@gmail.com. Also if you have any prayer requests email me at thatotherhannahblog@gmail.com. Happy Monday!

Always,

Hannah

More verses about hope:

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.” Psalm 3:2-6 NIV

“Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.” Romans 5:2-7 NIV

Monday January 5th, 2015

Fashion

Happy Monday! I’ve been on Christmas break for a few weeks and any free time I have I spend it curled up in my bed watching Gossip Girl (I. Can’t. Stop.)… My sister jokingly said, you need to an outfit post on what you’ve really been wearing on Christmas break. So I decided to take her advice and do a little casual outfit post! Just a little side note… The slippers I’m wearing are my absolute favorite! They are like fuzzy socks but better.

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Photography: Rachel Gracy

Shirt: New York Dream Center / Leggings: Lululemon / Sweater: Old Navy / Slippers: Snoozies / Lipstick: NARS in ‘Schiap’ / Lipgloss: Smashbox in ‘Pout’ / Coffee Cup: Anthropologie / Chairs: Weir’s / Throw: T.J. Maxx / Ottoman: Target / Rug: Tuesday Morning / Candle: Yankee Candle in ‘Christmas Cookie’ -one of my favorites

Wednesday December 31st, 2014

Fashion

Today I’m wearing a look I wore to my family Christmas. I’ve really been into black lately. Lol. This dress is wayyyyy too short so I’ve been looking for a lace slip that will make it longer and I finally found one at a boutique in Richardson! I also recently realized how. pale. I. am… My family thought I had white tights on. No joke. They kept calling me Casper. 😦

But you’ll also see my Christmas present on my wrist… (I literally cried when I opened it). Here’s to the last post of 2014… 🙂

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Sweater: H&M / Dress: Nordstorm / Lace Slip: a boutique in Richardson, TX / Booties: BCBG / Necklaces: Kelly’s Treasures and Express / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Rings: H&M and Neiman Marcus / Watch: Michelle / Lipstick: NARS in ‘Roman Holiday’ / Lipgloss: Smashbox in ‘Pout’

Here’s a few pictures from Christmas: 🙂

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(I was trying to nap but clearly my family wouldn’t let that happen.)

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and has a happy New Year!

Always,

Hannah

Tuesday December 30st, 2014: Here’s to 2015

Devotions

I can’t believe 2014 is almost over… Wow! I’m going to share a few of my favorite memories from 2014 and one huge goal for next year…

Feburary 2014… I took a trip to Mexico and it was magical.

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March-December 2014… I found the meaning of true friendship.

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April 2014… I finally came to the realization that I’m a diva… No denying it. LOL.

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May 2014… I was reunited with my sister & she graduated from college.

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June 2014… I posted this picture and had no idea what was going to take place the next few months… And oh this still rings true!

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June 2014… I fell in LOVE with New York (again.)

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July 2014… I began dreaming and took a huge leap. 🙂

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August 2014… I started my senior year.

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August 2014… I was still dreaming of New York (still haven’t stopped.)

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October 2014… I had my senior homecoming. Here in Texas it’s kinda a big deal. 🙂

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November 2014… I turned 18 (I still feel 12, y’all.)

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August-November 2014… I drove all over North Texas watching my best friends play football (it was so worth it). This is the game before the state game.

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November 2014… I watched my best friends win state 86-62.

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December 2014… I got to see Fleetwood Mac live. It was a dream.

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December 2014… I was reunited with my sister (again) and spent a whole lot of time with my family. 🙂

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This year has been full of love, grace, laughs, cries, and everything in between. I’ve never been more convinced of God’s grace and love for me than in 2014. He is TOO good!!

The football coach at my school is one of the wisest man of God I’ve ever met. Any time you ask him how’s he doing he simply says, “Blessed and highly favored.” So here’s to the year of believing that! I’m not one to make new years resolutions but this year I’m making a huge resolution… I’m going to talk to someone about Jesus every single day. I’m not saying just saying, “God is good,” I’m saying asking them what Jesus means to them. I’m excited to see the divine appointments God sets up. I’m nervous but exhilarated to start this journey! So bring on 2015. I can’t wait to see what you hold!

Hannah

Monday December 29th, 2014:

Fashion

I feels just like yesterday that this year was starting and now… it’s over. Time goes by so past! The older I get, the faster time goes. I just want to press pause. It feels just like yesterday I was a chubby 5th grader and now I’m half way through my senior year. WHAT IN THE WORLD! Ya’ll hold on to every season of your life because you’ll never ever be able to get the time back. Okay now on to todays post. LOL. I’m wearing one of my favorite winter pieces! Who doesn’t love a good faux fur vest? And it’s PINK! Ahhh. Well happy Monday 🙂

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Photography: Abbey Burge Photography

Vest: Forever 21 / Shirt: Nordstrom Rack / Jeans: Topshop x Nordstorm / Shoes: Kohl’s / Necklaces: Initial Necklace- Kelly’s Treasures & Dogearred ‘Karma’ / Earrings: Kendra Scott in ‘Pearl’ / Lipstick: MAC in ‘Coral Bliss’ & Gloss: Smashbox in ‘Pout’

P.S. I’m LOVING the lipstick combo above! The perfect nude lip. 🙂

Saturday December 27th, 2014: Blessed Assurance

Devotions

Today I’m sharing a post that was inspired by one of my favorite songs, Blessed Assurance. As I started to do some research on this song and just what the Bible says about this topic I found some interesting articles and passages in the Word!

This article I found really made it click,

“Even though the heavenly Father disciplines us for our good, that we might share His holiness, He does it out of love (Heb. 12:6, 10). He wants us, as His children, to be assured of His great love for us. John begins chapter 3 by exclaiming (3:1), “See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” God wants His children to feel His arms of love around them, even when they go through difficult trials.”

Hebrews 12:6, 10 says: 6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.” 10 For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness.”

The holidays can be difficult for some people… Maybe it’s feelings of loneliness or regret or shame. A few months ago my boyfriend, of two years, and I broke up. I’m not going to lie and say that I haven’t been feeling a little lonely… Don’t worry though… I’ve had plenty of chocolate to make up for it. 😉 (totally kidding!!) The reason I’m sharing this is because without the blessed assurance I’m promised in John 3, I wouldn’t be able to move on and have joy in my life! After spending two years with someone it’s a huge change to not have them in your every day life.

Without God’s love wrapping me up, I wouldn’t have been able to move on.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight:
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

The reason I love this song is because no matter where you are, it promises you that God is with you! His love is everlasting and endless. Because we are assured that God will NEVER leave us or forsake us, and because of this we should be praising His name! This should be our story AND our song!

I pray that whoever is reading this knows just how much their Heavenly Father loves them! Perfect love that was purchased by the King of ALL Kings is for you and your very imperfect life! So don’t worry that you don’t have it all together… You don’t need to be perfect! Don’t worry if you’re the worst person you know… God still loves you! Come to Him and get filled with His goodness so you can get lost in His love! He loves you so much!

Always, Hannah

(Sidenote: My ex-boyfriend and I had a great relationship and broke up on good terms. We both had some things going on in our life that we needed to work on separately with God and decided to be friends. He is an awesome man of God and I’m so thankful for the two years we had together!)

The article I got the passage above from was awesome and worth a read! https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-17-blessed-assurance-1-john-319-24

Wednesday December 24th, 2014

Fashion

Happy Wednesday! I’m so excited that Christmas is tomorrow. I love this time of year.. Each year I grow more and more thankful for my Dear Saviors Birth! Today I’m wearing one of my favorite winter dresses! I bought this dress at Forever 21 a few months back and I’m so glad I did! It’s actually sleeve-less so I threw on this sweater with it to keep me warm. Paired with some tights and my favorite booties.. Perfect! Happy Wednesday! 🙂

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Photography: Abbey Burge Photography

Dress: Forever 21 / Sweater: Forever 21 / Tights: Target / Booties: BCBG / Wrap Bracelet: Tory Burch / Earrings: Vintage / Ring: Neiman Marcus / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators 58mm

Monday December 22nd, 2014

Fashion

Happy Monday! Today I’m wearing my go-to outfit these days! I love a good chunky sweater. Funny story about this scarf… My mom called me and told me she got a scarf and vest from Van Heusen.. Like the store your grandma shops at. I laughed at her, but to my surprise it was actually cute (like moms usually are). So I’ll be rocking this Van Heusen scarf for winter 😉

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Sweater: Forever 21 / Jeans: Topshop x Nordstrom / Scarf: Van Heusen / Shoes: Tj Maxx / Watch: Michael Kors / Earrings: Kendra Scott in ‘Pearl’ / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators 58 mm