Hank

To a boy who looks just like his mother, who's a sister to her brother who sings this song with that boy from far away

I am young but you are younger so you speak more words then mumble.

You have to lend an ear to everything I say.

So be kind and love your mother and your father, though sometimes they seem to bother, come my age, and you'll know

There the ones who'll always love you and support you, they prayed for you before you stepped foot into this world.

That's one thing that I've learned.

I remember you were walking, in a month I'll hear you talking.

There's a million things I'd love to say to you.

Though your parents, they are wiser and will be better advisers, maybe hearing these things twice will get them through.

Go and find a girl for whom your love is selfless, someone who makes you helpless, to change the way you feel.

But stay away from girls who always look so pretty, who's hearts just aren't fitting for the man in you I see.

Would you remember that for me?

Would you remember that for me? Oh..

Would you remember all these things?

When you find yourself alone in times of trouble, reach inside you and above you, there's nothing

He can't heal.

And if it is you do not end up with a brother, just call your older uncle, I can always lend an ear.

Would you remember that for me?

Would you remember that for me? 

Ben Rector - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d-i2lhj_rnM

Some Things About Hannah

There are some things you should know about me.

·         I’m slightly claustrophobic. Which may explain my irrational fear of being tickled. You know you’re trapped when you’re being tickled. You can’t escape!

·         Peanut M’nMs are my favourite.

·         I love it when the good guy wins in a movie, or the lovers finally kiss and have a happy ending or someone finally puts that one absolutely innerving character in their place and the entire theatre breaks out in applause and cheering. It’s like all these strangers you can’t even see in a dark theatre are united in love for the characters and when they win, it makes us feel like we’ve accomplished something in life, just by knowing their story.

·         The only soda that can compete with Dr. Pepper is L&P, and I can’t have it unless I’m in New Zealand.

·         I love New Zealand.

·         I love Franklin, TN.

·         If wearing a tiara every day, everywhere was socially acceptable, I would do it.

·         Sometimes I wish I was born a Southern Belle, like a less bratty version of Scarlet O’Hara.

·         My favorite color is purple

·         Though I do enjoy a well-blended mocha, I will always prefer a cup of steaming green tea.

·         I used to think I loved chess. Then I actually tried playing it. No.

·         I tried on my very first pair of skinny jeans when I was almost 17 years old.

·         I love sunflowers more than any of the other flowers. And I will always prefer a messy bouquet of wildflowers to roses.

·         I love oatmeal crème pies.

·         I’m nearly twenty years old and I still have the pizza-faced complexion of a 13 year old.

·         Taylor Swift is my guilty pleasure.

·         I love to sing.

·         I hate regimented exercise.

·         But I love long walks anywhere and spontaneous bike rides.

·         I have three sisters and lots of nieces.

·         Any stringed instrument is the most beautiful music to my ears.

·         I have a scar on my right knee in a nearly perfect circle from where I had this nasty wart and my dermatologist froze it 9 times.

·         My favourite movies are The Sound of Music and Pride and Prejudice.

·         I’m a klutz. And not in the cute-oops-I-tripped-please-catch-me way. As in I fall very ungracefully down stairs, up stairs, over air, hit by car doors, ambushed by gnarly tree branches, legs-over-head-complete-mess klutz.

·         I only write in cursive.

·         I love Jesus more than anything.

Broadcasting

My baby’s got a place she goes that she broadcasts

My baby’s got a place she says it’s not half bad
 

But it’s not where she’s going, no it’s not where she’s going that’s so bad, so bad

It’s not where she’s going but where she could be going

 

My baby’s got a place she goes when she’s so sad

She says she wants to leave her home and be a nomad

 

But it’s not where she’s going, no it’s not where she’s going that’s so bad, so bad

It’s not where she’s going but where she could be going

She knows that

Knows that
 

She’s going to London, she’s going to France,

She’s going to New York, she’s going to japan

She’s going round the world, round the world, round the world
 

But it’s not where she’s going, no it’s not where she’s going that’s so bad, so bad

It’s not where she’s going but where she could be going

She knows that

Know that

But it’s not where she’s going, no it’s not where she’s going that’s so bad, so bad

It’s not where she’s going but where she could be going

 

 

 

David Vertesi - http://www.myspace.com/davidvertesimusic/music/songs/broadcasting-81100815

Crowd Control

In two days, I’ll have been home for a month.

Wow.

Really, how time does fly.

It’s off to think back on the past and remember that at one time, it was my present and this was my past, but now I’m back in my “past”, so to speak, here in Franklin, TN, and it’s my present. But the biggest thing to remember is, it’s not the past! I’m moving forward, not backward! I came forward home, and when I go to New Zealand again, I’ll be going forward to New Zealand, not back. What a mindset!

I’ve been so blessed to see so many of my dear friends in the past month and I can’t wait to see the rest of them soon! Skype is such a blessing, I love being able to still chat with my friends from YWAM – man they are all so beautiful and I can’t believe I took them all for granted at one time!

Work is really good – I love the Franklin Theatre so much. Literally, I feel so at home there. My co-workers are so positive and uplifting, the atmosphere is so fun and relaxed and I actually enjoy going to work! Believe it or not, I don’t count down the hours until I get to leave the building! Haha, Monday was a pretty funny day. No concessions, not too much cleaning. Nope, my job was crowd control. But not just any crowd control. Middle school crowd control.

I know I loved field trips as a kid, but seriously, whoever thought that those things were a good idea? I’m surprised our teachers didn’t murder us in middle school.

On the bright side, I got a super official walky-talky and I think everyone looks more intimidating, more in-charge, more “I know what I’m doing” when they have a walky-talky. I want to wear a walky-talky every shift!

 

I love being a daughter of Christ. Oh gosh, I just feel His love everywhere I go. I think the way spring awakens the earth makes me awaken to the glory of His presence, the wonder of His love. Although the ground is still brittle and brown, trees are beginning to bloom, ever so tenderly, and there are hints of life everywhere. I feel as if I, too, am replying to the sun’s warmth, ready to show my beauty to the one who calls it out of me.

I love life, and though, sometimes, I feel ever so dry and ever so stale, I know it’s only a season and I just have to keep pushing through to see the full glory God has in the next one!

Peace out girl scout.

Yes You Have

Every tree and every stone

Every rushing wind that moans

They sing Your praise

My God, they sing Your praise

Every star and open sky

Tell of Your glory divine

They shout Your praise

They shout Your praise, yeah

You've stolen my heart Yes, You have

You've stolen my heart Yes, You have

You've wiped away the stains

And broke away the chains Yes, You have

With Your love You set me free

Three nails gave me liberty

So I'll sing Your praise

My God, I'll sing Your praise

Oh, with Your love You forgave my sin

Forgot my past And brought me back again

So I'll sing Your praise

I'll sing Your praise, yeah

 

You've stolen my heart Yes, You have

You've stolen my heart Yes, You have

You've wiped away the stains

And broke away the chains Yes, You have

If I ascend into the sky

Or hide behind the night I can't outrun Your love is chasing me

If I fall into the sea Your hand will rescue me

No one will take Your place

Because

This is all for You

Yes, this is all for You

You're the King of the world

You're the King of the world

 

You've stolen my heart Yes, You have

You've stolen my heart Yes, You have

You've wiped away the stains

And broke away the chains Yes, You have

 

 

 

- Leeland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iQ02tF-Peg

New Job!

So, God is so good and I have one job already, with another small job on the side! I love working at the theatre. Tonight was my first night, and I love the people and the work and the atmosphere. On nights like tonight, where we’re just showing movies, it’s mostly cleaning, which is good. I love spending the down time we have, standing by the window and waving and smiling at people as they pass by on their evening walks in downtown Franklin. I’ve missed the South, where people always wave and smile, no matter what. I love it.

Besides trying to get a job and catching up with people I love here at home, life has been rather slow. Our family did take a trip out to the farm on Saturday so I could see where we buried Dakota, my precious puppy of nearly 18 years who died when I was gone. it was good to get out there - I feel like i always meet God easier outside.

God is so good, still revealing His heart to me in so many ways. Right now, He’s just telling me over and over how I don’t have to work to win His heart, how I don’t have to work or strive for His affection. He loves me regardless. I don’t lose His love when I miss quiet time with Him or listen to secular music – though He wants me to long for that time with Him, there’s nothing I can do to turn Him away from me, nothing I can do to make Him adore me less than He already does! I don’t have to work for His love! Wow. Such a simple love, such a simple concept that I’m learning more and more everyday. And knowing His love just makes me want to know Him more. He meets me in the funniest places, whispering secrets in my ear at the most unexpected places – proof that He is everywhere. Not just in my room during quiet time, or in the car when I’m listening to worship music. He doesn’t leave the passenger seat when I change the radio station or leave my house when I’m reading something other than the Bible. He’s here, in everyday. And that makes me smile.

I’m so blessed to be back just in time for all my friends’ spring breaks! Most of them get to come home for a week, and I get to see them! Oh my friends, I’ve missed you.

Peace out girl scout.

You Can Close Your Eyes

Well the sun is surely sinking down
But the moon is slowly rising
So this old world must still be spinning 'round
And I still love you

So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's all right
I don't know no love songs
And I can't sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song
When I'm gone

It won't be long before another day
We gonna have a good time
And no one's gonna take that time away
You can stay as long as you like
 

So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it's all right
I don't know no love songs

And I can't sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song
When I'm gone

James Taylor ft. Carly Simon - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhNyadtwCyI

OR

Brooke Fraser ft. William Fitzsimmons - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SdiKAB0rT4

Home Time

So I’m home, been home for a week now, and it’s been a crazy ride already. First, I had the most wonderful group of people waiting for me in the airport. My dad got to wait at the gate since he has his security clearance badge, and he almost didn’t recognize me when I walked out of the terminal –not until I tackled him, that is.

And then all the lovely people were waiting with signs and shakers and squeals and I couldn’t help but burst into a run to hug all of their necks. Thank you, Mom, Rebeka, Kaley, Jessica, Rachel, Mary Kate, Hadley, Bart and Levi, for making my welcome home so special. And to those of you who wanted to be there, but couldn’t, thank you for wanting to be there. J It does mean a lot.

So began my time at home.

I am so blessed, here in Franklin, there is some kind of worship service or Bible study almost every night for young adults – there’s always something to get involved in to stay connected. And I’m so blessed I have so much time in the day to spend with my Maker. And it’s beautiful to see Him moving here in Nashville – going to worship services with my high school friends and seeing them so moved and in love with God and adoring Him in worship just fills me with so much joy.

 

This weekend was fun – but I’m not gonna lie, it wore me out! I’m just now dealing with this whole jet lag thing. And seeing people again is exhausting. Don’t get me wrong – I love my friends more than the world and spending time with them is so sweet – especially since so many came out of their way to see me! But it is a tad overwhelming. Imagine that! I’ve become a socially awkward missionary kid who can’t small talk to save her life!

So my dear friend Louise was in town for spring break, and Mary Kate goes to Lipscomb in Nashville, so we had a lovely coffee date on Thursday!

 

And then Molly and EP came to town!

What beautiful friends!

Louise, Molly, Elizabeth, and I spent Friday night together, talking, driving into Nashville for ice cream, and more talking. I unfortunately, crashed in molly’s bed long before any of the girls had a wink of sleep.

And it snowed! Just a little, though.

And Saturday was my open house – so graciously hosted by my sister!

People came and went, and I had a blast.

 

But I must say, the highlight of my night was when we were all huddled on the floor around one of our friends, praying and interceding and prophesying over him. Rebeka, Jessica, Rachel, Kari, and Madeline – you girls blow me away with your passion and love for Jesus Christ and how you long to do His will no matter what. Your maturity and faith blows me away and I am so proud of you, so proud of how much you all have grown and I can’t wait to see what God is going to continue to do with your lives and love.

 

Sunday, I said goodbye to my college friends and prepared for Kari’s tea party! And what a lovely affair it was! I had so much fun, even though I did crash on her bed for an hour or so during the party. Whoops.

 

Yesterday I went to Dotson’s with my mommy and daddy.

mmmmm. Grits n’ fried chicken.

 

And today.

I shall job search.

Peace out Girl Scout.