Dumbfounded.

What do you do?

You see hurt, you see pain. But it seems that you cannot do anything about it.

I have been reminded that we are in a World dripping in injustice, sin and sorrow. People are in situations that they cannot run away from. They are too young, not listened to, not respected or totally lost. 

It pains me to accept these things, and I have no reason to accept these things at all. However, it still pains me to acknowledge their reality. You can look across a sea of people and know that the majority of those people are in, or know of a situation, that they wish was not so. 

I am left not knowing what to do. Not knowing what to say. What would be best? Would would cause further pain? 

I am reminded of this verse when I think about various sufferings going on around me:

Romans 5:3-5

"More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love have been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

But how does that help someone that doesn't believe in God? The simple answer is that is doesn't.

How does one help someone that does not believe in God without scripture? The simple answer would be to look at the life of Jesus and act as he did.

I ask you, brothers and sisters in Christ:

Philippians 2:4

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Come alongside those you know who are in need. Help them. Talk to them. Cry with them. Have them round for dinner. Whatever you can do, do it.

What good is it if we watch suffering happen? What good is it if we pat them on the back and say 'there there'? What good is it if we judge others for their actions? None of these are acceptable. 

We are called to LOVE each other as Christ loved the Church - that's the people of God! So I call to you, LOVE your neighbour as you love yourself. If you do not love yourself, then know this; you are valued, you are loved, you are amazing, and someone does care!

Battle (Poem)

Two steps forward,

One step back,

The never ending pattern.

A greater revelation, a sense of peace,

You retire, weary and dull.

Amazed at what you have learnt,

Puzzled as to why there is so much more.

Another book,

Another ology,

Confusion across the board.

What for?

A time or space?

Or simply carrying on just because.

But yet you follow,

Drawn by fulfilment.

Joy, pure joy,

Yes, I know,

To understand that you may never understand,

Is more than enough,

For you to strive on.

The vast capacity,

The smallest degree,

Knowing that you are held by One.

One will protect,

One will guide.

Safety provided,

There is no fear,

You will go on to fight the fight.

In peace you will go,

With joy in your heart.

A four letter word that always causes something...

The word is LOVE... some so "urgh", some go "yay", some even say it does't exist.... fortunately, i'm not one of those people! So here are my thoughts on love...

Love is natural, however it causes what appear to be unnatural things.
Love is open and generous, it does not come out of guilt.
Love comes freely and cannot be forced.
Love is not about enjoyment, but wanting to share your enjoyment along with many other emotions.
Love is not expectant, but causes you to serve.
Love is not just a feeling, but a lifestyle choice.
Love is not always pretty, but going through many things because it makes you stronger.
Love is joyful and kind.
Love is surprising and unexpected.
Love is forgiving, no matter what the circumstance is.
Love is beautiful.
Love is effort, because it is always worth it.
Love is crazy, even when others think its too crazy.
Love is a blessing that should not be taken for granted.
We Love because we were loved first.

Choices...

In life we have many choices. What career to follow? Which television show to watch? Which take away to have? It's the 21st Century for goodness sake- why not do it all? Well here's why...

Sometimes you physically cant do everything you want due to financial reasons. Sometimes it's because of personal or psychological reasons. And sometimes, its due to the fact that we are human- and despite what we say - most of the time- we cannot do two things at once. So, which do we give up? The immediate answer, for many people, may be to give up the things that you don't like doing, after all, life is short- make the most of it.

Most of us, by now have been (and if you haven't you soon will be) introduced to the concept of giving  up something you want to do or have, for the sake of something in the future, e.g. not buying so many sweets because you are saving up for a new bike. However, when this concept is introduced to life changing decisions- if freaks people out!

Meanwhile I would like to introduce (or maybe re-introduce) another concept- taking something up. Many people take up a new hobby- I have taken up writing this blog, but I want to challenge people to take up something life changing. I took this challenge at the age of  twelve, however I do not believe that I full grasped the real concept until I was 16/17 years old. I challenge you to take up your cross. (Insert confused faces here!)

What I really mean is, chose to accept Jesus and what he has done for you (if you don't know- google it!). Accepting Jesus isn't about giving up the way you always dreamed your life would be, or giving up  your whole life because thats what it requires. When you know jesus in your heart truly, you have gained something. Something so awesome. Something so vast that it changes your life. I do not deny that this won't mean any changes to your life, but those changes will come out of a heart of love and gratitude to our Creator God.

Most importantly, this is a choice. Take it wholeheartedly or leave it. But, I guarantee that if you decide to take it, it will be the best choice you have ever made- even if everything doesn't seem like it will at first. Through growth and relationship with the one true God, you will be as thankful as I for Jesus Christ your saviour. Saviour of the entire world.

Nearly a new story...

As my friends and family will notice, I am not Hannah Kendell, not just yet. However, it made sense to set this account up in my future name as we are not far from that special date! On the 24th August this year, my Fiancee Sam and I shall become husband and wife.

We may look young in this picture for a couple about to get married... but that's because we are young! When we wed, we shall both be 20.

Our story began when we both arrived at Moorlands College where we are both still studying Applied Christian Theology. I came to college not knowing where I was heading in life and Sam... well he was quite the opposite! Sam came to college never wanting to date anyone un till he had finished his degree and I never wanted to date un till at least after my first year. However, even before the first term had finished, God was already telling us we needed to walk another road, or to let go and let God. After nights praying, nights crying, walks talking and awkward conversations, we became like best friends. Then best friends lead to dating (not before christmas as the college rules state)! Straight after the Christmas holidays we started dating and over time as we started to walk together in life, we became aware pretty quickly that this was no ordinary relationship, this was a relationship ordained by God. After just 9 months of "going out" we were engaged.

This story may read like a fairytale, however there were many rough patches. One of the most difficult times that we have already faced together was the death of my brothers wife. They had only been married 2 years, but she had already become a sister to me. It was one of those events in life that not only do you never think of them happening, but it never even crosses your mind. I fell apart at this stage and all that I felt was an empty shell of a person that used to be me.

Not to dwell on these sad events, I can say that God has pulled us all through. Without the grace and peace of God, and the knowledge that my sister-in-law is with our saviour now, I am sure all our lives would have a different story for the current time.

My brother is now working with Bless in Bethanie and really growing in character and strength each day, he has become a great role model of mine- a fighter, a humble servant of the Lord and a straight talker. I am pretty sure that none of this would be so without the work of God in his life.

I also am even more than myself again, I have been through one of the refiners fires in life. Guided by God, helped by Sam.

Today, Sam and I look forward to starting a new life together, united in the eyes of God, knowing that we shall face harder times than we have ever before, willing to face them and follow God's next instruction. As of the 24th August, I shall become a Kendell. Sam and I shall become 1. And, God shall continue to guide us.

We shall use our past experiences to grant wisdom and help others. More importantly we shall continue to try to let go and let God.

Why am I doing this?

I call myself a reflector, because I believe that in every situation, every engagement and every person, there is opportunity to learn something. Whether that be an opportunity to refine yourself, be more open minded or to finally decide on what you have been in question about, I don't know, but what I do know is that no one is perfect.

I believe in the creator God, he is my challenger, my encourager and my lantern. Even if you do not believe in God, I encourage you to read my blog anyway as I will hopefully give you insight into becoming the person you want to be, help you find beauty in the ordinary or in the nasty or I could just offer an interesting alternative to your reading time.