A Random Collaboration of Things

I'm just going to dive right in: have you ever wanted something so much, yet did not know if you should have it, or if you knew that you should, how to even go about attaining it? I certainly have. Sometimes it seems like the thing which we want the most is often that which brings us the greatest sorrow or pain. Pain isn't always a bad thing; it can shape us and define us to become more than we currently are. On the other hand, however, it can cut us to the wick and destroy us, body and soul. Pain is a cruel master, so I strive to find the good in a situation. It's easy to look at something and see only the negative aspects. It is much harder to look and see the sacrifice behind an action or to see the love behind a choice. Sometimes what is best for us is what hurts the most. We can't run from the pain; we can't shirk it, hoping that it will go away. Pain is real. Pain is deep. It is a teacher, but we can choose to live without it mastering us. I have known so many people who have felt pain and lived as though their life where over - it was because they let it be. I have also met people who have let the pain teach them and then have moved on. They don't abide in the pain because they choose to move past it. Often, this means forgiveness. To the saying, "I'm sorry", we often reply, "It's okay." That has got to be the most messed us statement in history. You are seriously telling them that the pain that they caused you is excuseable and OKAY. Do you really think that it is okay for someone to hurt you? Responding this way is like offering them the option to do it again! I find this really bizarre. A much better respone is "I forgive you." These words are not often spoken in our life today, because we choose to live in bitterness. By saying "I forgive you", you are not saying that the action was right, but are saying that you recognize that Jesus has already died for the action that they did wrongly. It is choosing to live in freedom. Don't place blame on others, because it will hurt you both. Forgive when it would be easier to walk away. Deal with the issues that you would rather push behind you into a corner and ignore forever. If you do this, then you will be able to live life much more fully. I want that for each and every one of you. Now, onto a lighter topic: the promised wedding pictures! I don't have very many pictures, there wasn't time to take them; but here are what I have.

We had fabulous rooms at the Homewood Suites. I would recommend this hotel to anyone!

They are about to cut the cake!

I love it when couples feed each other the cake and don't smash it in each other's face. =)

Here was my dress for the evening. I decided to go classic in black.

My sister did a fabulous job on my hair. I loved the way that it turned out!

Well, there you have it: my "insightful" post and the wedding pictures that you all requested. I hope that you enjoyed the pictures, although few! Blessings, Hannah

Texas, Life, and Words

Good afternoon Everyone! I'm sorry that it has taken me so long to post... =( I was busy traveling on Saturday, went to the rehersal, and then to the wedding yesterday. I love weddings. My cousin's wedding was one of the most beautiful weddings that I have ever been to. The bride was simply radiant. Texas is a lovely state. The people are friendly; the weather is fabulously hot; I have family here. If you haven't been to Texas before, you should go sometime.

So, have you ever noticed how beautiful life truly is? I love life. Life is a gloriously fabulous thing (I despise the word "thing", though I could not find another word for it). Every sunrise is a gift. Every sunset is unique. The sound of wind rustling in the trees in refreshing. The falling of rain is renewing. Life is a gift, and I hope that you learn to appreciate it fully.

I received a few comments on my first post regarding my "list of words". Here are a few more of my favorites:

Red flowers. Psychology. Texas. Weddings. Trampolines. Energy. Meaningful conversations. Caring. Psalms. The color of champagne. Crystals. Radiance. Maps. Seeing family. Finding things that are lost. My necklace. Carmel macchiato creamer. Brunches. Elegant decor. Cousins. The end of long car rides.

Sorry that this is such a short post! I will try to post a few wedding pictures soon! I am off to spend some more time with my rarely-seen family...

Blessings,
Hannah