Tuesday May 26th, 2015: Intently

Devotions

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a good weekend and enjoyed their memorial day. 🙂 I went to Playa Carrizalillo on Sunday with my sister (insert heart-eyes emoji.) It was so beautiful. The crystal clear water, breeze, perfect sand, and blazing sun were a perfect combo. The only negative part of this little adventure was since I’m terrible at putting on sunscreen and I have THE WORST splotchy sunburn. I look so goofy. 😦 BUT here’s a few pictures from our weekend adventures. 🙂

Fruit smoothies before the Rock Walk

Beautiful views from the Rock Walk

I’m not coming home

Playa Carrizalillo

So I can add sunscreen fail to the long list of things I’ve leaned in Mexico. Since I’ve been in Mexico, and I don’t have a international cell phone plan, I’ve had to learn how to not rely on my phone so much. I only have Internet when I’m on wifi (which isn’t very often). So there is a lot of time during the day that I’m without my phone. Because of this I’ve noticed just how much time I’ve had to have meaningful conversations. I’ve noticed how much I truly listen to what people are saying to me. So it’s got me thinking about how good of a listener I think I am (key word think.)

I would consider myself a good listener; I mean most of us would. But as I began to think about past conversations I’ve had they usually include many, “What,” “Say that again,” “What did you say.”

When you read about Jesus’ life one of the most noticeable things about Him, was his ability to be engaged with people. I mean He knew everything that people were thinking but it never stopped Him from slowing down to listen to their needs.

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.” Mark 10: 27 NLT

Focus on “Jesus looked at them intently and said.”

How often do we complain that we don’t have enough time to spend extra time with that girl God has put on your heart to mentor? How often do we say, “I’m so busy,” “I’ve just been so busy,” “No one understands how busy I’ve been.” And y’all, I’m right there with you! I’m in the busiest season of my life. I get it! Heck, I’ve said all those phrases at least three times a day for like 6 months. But it’s not okay.

The next statement I’m about to make may offend some, it offends me, but it’s true. We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but how well do we steward that time? Do we spend countless hours watching YouTube videos, trolling Facebook, liking endless photos on Instagram, or watching mindless TV? I know for a fact that 100% of the time, I do not steward my time well. This causes me to try to do multiple things at once. I rarely turn off my phone and unplug to simply lend an ear to someone.

Intently means: with earnest and eager attention.

Jesus was a very busy guy. His time was short. He knew it, but he always made time for people. He always made time to stop to listen, heal, weep, and have community. Just because we are busy people who are addicted to our cell phones, does not mean we can neglect this vital aspect of the Christian life. We just can’t.

So to close this I want to challenge you to unplug. Please intently listen to people. Jesus never let a “lack of time” get in the way of this. You may miss a few pictures but I promise those deep conversations will have more of an impact on your life than thousands of mindless hours on the Internet.

In Christ,

Hannah

“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Also, here is an interesting BuzzFeed Video about a few people who give up their phone for a week.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Friday May 22nd, 2014: Psalm 20:4

Favorite Fridays

Happy Friday! I’m really excited to explore more of Puerto Escondido this weekend! Rachel said we are going to do some rock walk… I’m not sure all she said is it is really pretty and we’re going to want to take a lot of pictures. Lol that’s all the info I needed! 🙂 Today is a really beautiful day. The weather is actually manageable… Aka I’m not sweating a gallon of sweat, yet.

So on to today’s post! I’m sharing one of my favorite verses. Since I’m transitioning into a new season of my life I feel like this verse is so encouraging. I pray that everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend!

“May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4 NIV

image via Pinterest

Always, Hannah

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 NIV

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat to see all my Mexico Adventures!

Instagram: @thatotherhannah

Twitter: @thatotherhan

Snapchat: @hannahhmooree

Thursday May 21st, 2015: Mexico Adventures & Lessons Part I

Devotions

I’m so excited to be in Mexico! My sister, Rachel, has lived in Puerto Escondido since August and I’m so glad I finally get to meet all the people she has met here, see the beautiful town, and see what God is doing in the ministry she is working with!

We left Dallas Monday morning and when we got to Mexico City we learned our flight had been delayed (even though the board read on time). In case anyone was wondering, the Mexico City Airport isn’t very functional and the communication isn’t the greatest. Then when we finally got to our destination, I learned that they lost my bag… I was super bummed. I’ve never had issues while flying. Ever. I guess my luck just ran out. But don’t worry, the airline people were really nice and knew pretty good English so it all got worked out. I was supposed to get my bag on Tuesday but then it got pushed back to Wednesday (in typical Mexico fashion.)

I am so used to America that this situation made no sense to me. In America, when you lose your bag you file a report and there’s a procedure to be followed. In Mexico when you loose your bag you get the airline attendants number and work it out (literally.)

The common idea that’s been popping up is this: This place is so much different than what I’m used to.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1: 2-4 NLT

I’m ~~kinda~~ a diva (I’ve just come to accept this) and Mexico does not accept Divas. Okay well maybe they do, just not this diva. I’ve been trying VERY hard to adjust my attitude since I’ve been here. I’m trying to put away all my expectations of how I live back home. I’m trying to remind myself that roaches aren’t that gross (this ones hard). I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t NEED air condition. I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t need to fix my hair and do my makeup every morning. It’s hard, but when you’re forced to just accept all these things, ya kinda have to, or else you won’t have fun and embrace all that God has to offer for you.

I am a very type A person. I love organization, order, and schedule. Dirty, messy, and chaos are not adjectives that describe me. I realize that while those traits can be great, they often hinder me from not only having more fun but more importantly, following God’s will for my life.

As a Christian, God wants us to have fun! His will comes first, but who says following God can’t be fun? So today remember to HAVE FUN! Go with the flow! Following God is the furthest thing from boring.

My challenge for you today is to take what you would normally consider “troubles” and turn them into joy. Turn your test of faith, into a chance to grow. But most importantly just have fun! Live in the moment. Trust God.

Have some fun!

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” Ecclesiastes 8:15 NLT

I’ll be sharing more about my experiences in Mexico so stay tuned!

To see behind the scenes of my Mexico adventures, follow me on Snapchat at hannahhmooree 🙂

Always, Hannah

^“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Wednesday February 11th, 2015

Fashion

Happy Wednesday! I’m wearing one of my favorite sweaters. It’s so versatile. I can wear it by itself, with a collared shirt layered under it, or like this with with a lace undershirt. Having a sweater like this is in your closet is key! Hope everyone is having a great week. 🙂

Photography: Abbey Burge Photography

Sweater: Forever 21 / Lace Undershirt: a boutique in downtown Wylie / Shoes: Forever 21 / Watch: Michele / Purse: Celine / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators 58 mm

Tuesday February 10hth, 2015: Full Of Joy

Devotional

Happy Tuesday, friends! I wanted to share a short post today. I’m sharing one of my favorite verses because its something I can turn to almost everyday!

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4: 4-7 NLT

I love this verse because it’s so comforting! Be joyful, considerate, stop worrying, pray more, thank God, you’ll get some peace, and He’s watching out for you. Wow!

Simply thank God for today. Thank Him that you woke up this morning. Thank Him for your breakfast or car or bed (I’m really thankful for that!). Now stop worrying! Give it to God. Tell Him what you’re worried about and you’ll experience His peace, which is far more than ANYTHING we can understand. Have a great Tuesday! 🙂

Always,

Hannah

Thursday February 5th, 2015

Fashion

Happy Thursday! Today I’m wearing a sweater that is a little crazy… My cousin Bailee bought this sweater over a year ago at Canton Trade Day’s and never wore it. So the other day she offered it to me. I probably would’ve never bought this sweater but I love it! It just goes to show that sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone to try new things! Cream and sweaters are two of my favorite things! Perfect combo.

Also, if you live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth Area you need to check out my amazing hair stylist Bailee! She always keeps my hair looking great. Call Shelton’s Salon in Fort Worth to schedule an appointment with Bailee. 🙂

Photography: Abbey Burge Photography

Sweater: Canton Trade Days- can’t remember the shop name / Jeans: Topshop x Nordstorm / Shoes: Steve Madden / Purse: Celine / Watch: Michele / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Aviators 58mm / Lipstick: NARS in ‘Roman Holiday’ -my new favorite lipstick! / Lipgloss: Bobbi Brown in ‘Petal’ -my new favorite lipgloss!

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! 🙂

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 2^nd 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 23^rd 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