When Life Goes Wrong

My semester has had a rocky start. From struggling to find parking at school, to realizing that a class was going to take way more work than anticipated, to a fender bender in a parking deck, it's been rough. 

When life goes wrong, God calls us to trust Him more. Life won't always be fantastic. Everything won't work out perfectly. I'm struggling to lean completely on Him. If you know anything about me, I'm extremely independent. I like doing things by myself. Sometimes I have to be told to allow others to help me. God's trying to change my thinking to depend on Him and His righteousness every second of every day.

Two summers ago, I went to Chicago with my youthgroup. My parents were in Port St. Joe, Florida, and had little cell reception. Contacting them was hard, but I wasn't super worried. (again, I'm independent and stubborn.) Everything went great until the last couple days. And... that's where everything went wrong. At some point, I noticed a large "bug bite" on the back of my leg. It was swollen and red. Showing it to the nurse, I thought, "We'll just put some anti itch stuff on and it'll be fine." Little did I know that I had a staff infection in the back of my leg. It would put me in urgent care for antibiotics. After taking two pills, I was in the hospital because of an allergic reaction to the medicine. This wasn't part of my plan. In fact, I hate unexpected problems that arise. But that's were God comes in.

God has been calling me to depend on Him for strength and wisdom, and not to trust in myself. I can't save myself or trust in my strength. It won't get me far. But when problems occur, I can't be afraid. 

Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

I've struggled with anxiety for years. I get worried about completely pointless problems. Because of my fear, I fight God's plan for my life. I often don't believe that God has my life under control, so I try to control it myself. It's all fear. When my life goes wrong, I become afraid that I've somehow made a tragic mistake that will forever change my life. But what would happen if I actually believed that Christ was in control and that my mistakes could shape me into being more like Him? My life would change. I would have peace and rest. My challenge for myself this year is that I would rest in God, that I would not fight His plan or worry about my mistakes, but that I would allow God to reshape my life into a story about Him and not about me. Because my life is not about me, it's about God. 

Have Courage and Be Kind, 
Hannah 

An Impactful Moment

Pediatric cancer is diagnosed in one out of three hundred children and is the number one cause of childhood disease related mortality. Because there are twelve major types of cancer and one hundred subtypes, pediatric cancer is a major scientific problem, with thousands of researchers working around the United States to find cures. My dream is to become a researcher - and one person in particular influenced my thinking. His death tremendously impacted my life.

Several years ago, I had the chance to volunteer as a host family with a non-profit organization called Blue Skies, a ministry that provides families with pediatric cancer a chance to enjoy a no-cost week at the beach. Pediatric cancer causes many families a multitude of problems including divorce and debt. When guest families arrive at the retreat center, their emotional walls are up. They don’t really want to talk and are extremely cautious. The children are exhausted and it appears like the parents are afraid to smile. Blue Skies matches volunteer families together with guest families in order to encourage bonding and fellowship. Part of a host family’s job is to help them have fun - and break down those walls. By the end of the week, the guest children are playing with the host children. It’s a blessing for all who are there. Blue Skies gives those families a hope for the future. They look for happier skies ahead.

Our family was paired with the Davidson family. Their oldest son, Drew, was a year older than me and had two younger sisters. Drew had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and was in remission when I met him. Over the course of the week, we got to swim in a massive pool and build sand castles on the beach. We had water gun fights and played manhunt. We played cards and went fishing. Our families enjoyed special themed dinners like Hoola by the Poola and Nautical Night. We opened each day by reading our Bibles together and talking about God. It was one of the best weeks of my life. Cesare Pavese, an Italian poet, once said, “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” I remember laughing and talking with Drew over the course of the week that I was with him. I remember seeing his smile light up the room. He was a joy to everyone around him. Even after the trip, I stayed connected with his family.

Sadly, Drew’s tumor came back this past year. In December, I heard that Drew had passed away after almost six years of fighting the disease. This was a turning point for me. Talking to his sisters, I saw their grief - and felt their deep sorrow. But I didn’t know what to do about it. For a long time, I’ve been interested in medical research and I’ve thought about diabetes, alzheimer's, ebola, anthrax and cancer research. But I had no idea which one to pursue. After Drew’s passing, I knew that cancer research is the right place. It is the right field for me. His death impacted my life, because at that moment, I felt a sense of direction and purpose.

I had always thought that I could not make a difference. Why would I find any answers to problems that hundreds of scientists are studying? I won’t find a cure, and I can’t change anything. But recently, I’ve felt like I could. Norman Vincent Peale once said, “Change your thoughts and you can change your world.” After Drew’s passing, my mindset was changed. I was no longer afraid of my dreams, or what I needed to do to get where I wanted to go. Since then, I’ve been focused on achieving my dreams in science. I’ve researched current progress in cancer and comprehensive cancer centers around the United States. Knowing Drew showed me how to help the world. Because of Drew, I’m hoping to do scientific research with professors as an undergrad. I’d like to do a summer internship at a cancer lab in college. I’m working through high school to save money for college - so that I can afford a good school. He pushed me to follow my dreams and work my way up. It may take me a long time to get involved in cancer research but I will never give up. Pediatric cancer may have caused Drew’s death, but it changed my life.

A Letter to Myself

Written on 2/21/15 and Edited on 11/8/15

Dear Hannah,
Praying that as you continue your daily life, you will strive to become a godly leader. Be a "Paul" to those younger than you. Be a hero to the younger students. Show them how to be a leader by using your words to edify and not to distract them from God. Don't drag them down or be controlling. Kindly show them how to do their job well. Be an encourager to those around you, young or old. Great leaders aren't afraid of opinions and use their words to set others free. Always edify others.
Leaders have fallen apart. The difference between a leader and a great leader is that great leaders ask God for help in getting out of the mire. Knowing that God is always your refuge will help you fight the good fight.

Don't be afraid of silence. Silence can be God's way of working. Pray at all times. God works through continuous prayer. Thank God for the trials and the issues, and praise Him for who He is.

Philippians 4:6
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Don't be afraid of failure or making mistakes. God has worked through many people who have messed up. Think of Rahab, David, and Paul. All three of these people messed up, but God still used them. Your toil is not in vain-- keep trying, but realize your role in everything. You don't always have to be in charge or be in the spotlight to be a leader or to influence the lives of the people around you. 

1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."

Take time to relax. Having fun is important, but maintaining focus is crucial. Use academics not to show off, but to help others learn. Remember, not everyone understands everything.  Show the gospel to everyone you meet and use your words wisely. You have an impact on people around you.  Your mission is to share God's love to others. Be confident in who He has created you to be and shine His love to others. Strive to love God in the open every single day. Be bold for the Gospel.

Respect mom and dad. They love you so much and although sometimes it may feel like they push too hard, realize that they only do that because they love you. Work hard, not to please them, but to glorify God.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."

I can not say this enough. Watch your words. They can either make or break your relationships. Desire to speak wise words. Wise words lead to healing, harsh words can lead to heartbreak. Satan wants to use your words to destroy your life. Be careful.

James 4:6
"And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquities; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of our life and is set on fire by hell."

Above all else, Follow God. He sometimes calls you to make hard decisions. Trust Him and His plan. Pray for wisdom and follow Him. Follow his calling. There are many things that you could do well at in life-- the goal is to find God's calling for you and pursue it.


Esther 4: 14
"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?"


As life continues, remember to strive to reflect God's image through everything. You reflect His image -- follow Him.

Have Courage,
Hannah Newbold

T-5 Days to Senior Retreat...Who is Praying?

Next week I leave for my third senior retreat with Living Science. I'm excited that I've been with this school for 4 years, and I can't wait for my third Senior Retreat. I get the opportunity to be on the worship band, hang out with my best friends, play games (y'all know that's my favorite), learn science, learn more about the Bible, and grow closer to God.

As I started packing my bags, I've continued to pray for this trip.

I'm praying for the D's as they make the journey. Mrs. D just had surgery and I'm praying that there are no complications during the week.

I'm praying for the students going. I would love it if we all got closer to God on this trip and got to know Him better. The week is filled with learning about science and God and connecting the two together.

I'm praying for the chaperones. It's hard dealing with lots of high school students. At some point, we all get cranky and that makes us hard to work with. Please pray for patience and grace as well as for the chaps to have fun!

I'm praying for the house captains and co-captains. I haven't experienced the amount of work they put into leading a house, but I know it's a lot of work. They also do a fantastic job and I know that they love doing it! Pray for safety and strength. 

I'm praying for Advance Team. They leave on Friday morning to make the journey to "Mars." I'm praying they make it safe and get everything set up with no difficulties. They set up everything before the students arrive on Sunday afternoon.

I'm praying for health as I make this trip. Last year, I fell the first night and sprained my ankle. I learned a lot about myself during that trip. I had to be patient with myself and with the people around me.

I'm praying for grace to accept the things I can not change. Whatever happens, is in God's hands. I can't change that. However, I can do my best to serve others and make it the best trip Living Science Students have ever been on.

Please join me in praying for God to bless this trip and give us strength, peace, and grace to learn more about Him!

Have Courage,
Hannah Newbold

Living Where I Am

Life is hard. My parents have told me that it doesn't get much easier. But hard is good.
Life is hectic. It hasn't slowed down much. But it is always fun.
Life is full of disappointment. But there is always something to be happy about.

I'm learning to live where I am. This semester has had great days and terrible days, success and failure. And I'm ok with that. Sometimes you have to learn to let things go and move on.

I've had my share of success. I've gotten some "A" grades, played in the school worship band, lost some weight, and worked two jobs. (So far, I'm still vertical and breathing.) However, I've also messed up on a few things, gotten a few grades I didn't like, didn't score as high as I wanted on my SAT, lost control of my organization and my sanity for a few days.

But God is good. And with Him, it's gonna be ok.

It took me a long time to get this point, but I'm ok with making mistakes now. I still strive for perfection, but I've recognized that I'm not always going to be the best person out there. It's impossible. If I was the best, Jesus would not have had to die for me. I've come to accept life being hard as a reality. If life was easy, we wouldn't need Jesus.

I'm learning to live where I am. I'm happy with what I'm doing, and it doesn't matter what others think about me. God has me where He wants me. And I love it.

Following God means making hard decisions. It means choosing to serve Him above people. And that is HARD. I've always been a people-pleaser. I hate it when I can't help everyone or please everyone. I've had to say "no. I can't do that." to people this semester. If I said yes to everything, I probably would be dead by now. And I hate saying no. I can't stand it. But you have to, because that's part of being an adult.

But God is good. And with Him, everything is accomplished.

I'm learning to live where I am. I've stopped pushing others away from me. I have always had a hard time making friends. I've kinda pushed people that were my age away from me for the past few years. I felt like I didn't fit in. But I've stopped. And I've had more fun this year than I've had in years. I've gone out to eat with people, gone to small group with my girlfriends, and made new friends in college.

God is good. And I am happy because I'm living where I am. Not constantly pushing forward, but slowing down and enjoying where I am. And it has been fantastic.

Have Courage,
Hannah Newbold

Water Is Falling

I have officially hiked 12 miles. Y'all should be proud! And I didn't hurt myself. Although my youth pastor Josh was very concerned about the possibility of me getting injured. He had a good reason to be worried.  Last summer, I ended up in the hospital in Chicago, on a mission trip, after getting a spider bite. It wasn't good. And then I had an allergic reaction to the meds they gave me. Let's just say that I am extremely careful now with what I do.

It was beautiful. It had a gorgeous waterfall and the water was cold. The hike back was shorter than the hike there. I had a wonderful time and really enjoyed the water.

Have Courage and Be Kind!

xxx
Hannah Newbold

See The Beauty (A Cinderella story)

I have just finished my sophomore year of high school. And it's been smashing. I've loved every second of  school and music. I kinda do a lot of school, more than most 16 year olds. My dream is to be a marine biologist. I want to study whales and live in New Zealand. Okay, maybe Australia. In reality though, I'll probably teach biology to high school students and get married. Not that that's bad, at all.

To get back off the bunny trail and slowly trekking back onto the mountain, my favorite subject this year was Biology. In a few weeks, I'm going to take the Biology CLEP test and get out of taking the first biology class at college. :) It's so exciting, mitosis and all.

Anyway, I love kids and today I got to babysit two little kiddos. Charlie Parker, 8, and Henry, 6, are possibly the cutest kids I've ever met. They bicker and tease each other. They say the funniest random things and crack jokes that aren't even funny.

Today, we were watching the Incredibles and this is the conversation during the previews:

Me: I love watching Cinderella
CP: I can't stand Cinderella. It's so romantic and all.
H: You have to see the beauty in handsome romance.

The SIX year old is telling the eight year old about romance. I've officially seen it all. Not even kidding.

Oh. And I also got a haircut today. I would post a picture, but I don't have any good ones yet. :) I will soon though.

Tomorrow I'm going on a hike with the youth group. It'll be fun and then we are going to the lake!!! I'll post pictures of wake boarding. 

Have courage and be kind.

xxx - Hannah
 

I'm so sorry!

Hey everyone!
I'm so sorry that I haven't been able to post in a long time. Honestly, I just forgot about my blog. I'm going to get back into the swing of posting. I'm going to post tomorrow! Miss you guys! Comment if you have anything you'd like me to talk about?

Hannah Newbold

50's Tea party

Dessert Table :-)

Last night was two of my dearest friends tea parties.At my school, Living Science, when a guy or girl turns 16, we have a tea party or a mugging. The girls have tea parties and dress up and enjoy a special night with best friends. Macey Hurst and Caitlin Trimble are both turning 16!There tea party theme was the 50s. I wore a poodle skirt and we all dressed up in 50's style! Happy birthday to both of you! You are some of my dearest friends! Here are some pictures from the night. I had such a good time and I love both of you dearly. My tea party is in October and I can't wait! I've been planning it with Abbie Montes. I'll post some pictures of how my planning is going in the next few weeks. XD

Chairs of Honor

Back tables

Food line

Journal: September 23, 2014

Today, I had Classical conversations. (This is a hybrid program) My favorite subjects there are science and Latin. I'm in Latin 2 and I have an amazing Latin teacher. I'm also taking Biology. Biology is my best subject. Today, in class, Scotty and Brendan saw this slug like thing on the slide. It was actually moving around. We all looked at it and it was pretty slimy looking. But it was still super cool. It's amazing the detail God puts into creation.

After finishing our classes, we went to the park. Mom had a meeting for Haley's (my sister) class. I laid out a picnic blanket and finished a lot of geometry work. We've started on proofs in geometry, so I've had to spend a lot more time figuring the problems out.

When, I got home, I started on my piano practice and did some more geometry. I'm learning some new contemporary Christian songs. Alive by Natalie Grant is my favorite. I really enjoy singing and playing music.

I've been learning so much this year. It's been a great year so far, and I hope that it continues.

The psalm for the day is Psalm 38.
The coolest verse from this psalm is verse 15.
It says,
"For in you, O LORD, I hope.
You will hear, O LORD, my God."

Have a blessed tomorrow!

Hannah N

Faithfully, by Eric and Leslie Ludy

Love this song. Just read their book, When God writes your love story, Amazing and a new post coming son about this book!

Hannah

Yes, I believe in God ---Rebecca St. James

Playing this song a lot recently. Yes, I believe in God.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuvtrcsQol8

A Dependency on the Father

In John 7 and 8, Jesus continuously refers back to His Father as being the one who teaches Him, and gives Him life. Jesus is taught by and is dependent on the Father. He also gives glory to the Father for helping Him and speaking through Him. If my goal is to be like Jesus in everything, then I need to be constantly depending on the Father for everything.

1. Jesus is taught by the Father 
2. Jesus gives glory to the Father 
3. Jesus is dependent on the Father for everything

My father is a constant encouragement to me. He is always trying to help me learn something. I believe that our heavenly father is just the same way. He is always trying to help us learn more about Him. Jesus said that His Father taught Him and spoke through Him.   It is my goal to be always taught by the Father and to speak His will. 

To give glory to the Father is to attribute everything that you do to the Father's name. Jesus never says, " I did this, or This was my doing only." He praised the Father for helping Him to be who He is.  My goal is to bring God glory, by always praising Him for who He is.

 To be dependent on the Father is to constantly turn to Him for help. I wish I could say I am perfect at this, but sadly, I always fail. God is teaching me to lean upon him and let Him be my guide. I am learning to pray over other believers when they need a verbal prayer. Sometimes verbally praying over someone can show them that you really care.

All praise to the Lamb who sits on the throne!
Hannah N

Unto the LAMB

I can see Jesus, high and exalted
My eyes are fixed upon His face
It shines like the sun
I can see Jesus, clothed in glory
He is high and lifted up
And His train fills the temple

[Pre-Chorus]
And all of the angels cry Holy
All the saints cry Holy
All creation cries Holy
Holy is the Lamb

[Chorus]
All praise unto the Lamb Who sits on the throne
Honor and power, dominion and praise
Unto the Lamb
Who was and is
And is to come

[Bridge]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah

All Praise unto the Lamb Who sits on the throne
Honor and power
Dominion and praise
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah


~This song has been stuck in my head for about 5 days now. Listen to it for it praises the LORD ALMIGHTY! He is worthy of praise!

Hannah Newbold

Thought of the Day

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

Collaboration is something I have been thinking a lot about lately. Collaboration is working together with friends, partners, and/ or family. It seems to me, like God wants us to have friends and partners. Which makes sense, if you think about it. One of my main leaders has a lot of side guides, wise guides, and surprise guides. Let me explain what those are.

Side guides--friends about your age who come along and help you through things
Wise guides--older men and women who act as your mentor through life
Surprise guides--younger children who help you by giving advice and/ or praying for you.

This is very important to have, because mentors guide you through life, younger friends help you laugh and make sense, and peers make you stronger as a group.

With my thought of the day,
Hannah Newbold

Bowl Game Update!!!!!

I am a complete foot ball fan so this is an IMPORTANT update. South Carolina is behind michigan by 1 point. There is 17 seconds left and (Breaking News: South Carolina just got a touchdown!) 11 seconds left. 
33-28
South Carolina is going for a 2 point conversion because if they get it and Michigan gets a touchdown then it will be tied. Smart move. They missed it and a penalty was placed on South Carolina for offensive pass something...South Carolina kicking off to Michigan. 11 seconds left. Michigan's first play is tipped. Falls uncomplete. Game is over!!! South Carolina's game is over. S.C. coach is talking about the game.

New Year Resolutions:

New Blog!

By the title, I hope you have seen that I have started a new blog. I began a new blog, but will still continue posting on this one. The blog's name is truth that sets free and will deal with present problems in the world as well as showing the truth that God brings.

Please look at my new blog! I'm still working on formatting and editing it some, but soon it will be great looking!

The Address is www.knowingandsettingfree.blogspot.com

Thanks,
Hannah

Trip Day 2

I am doing yesterday's and today's posts during the same day. Today we went to see Monticello, pronounced in the Italian as Montichello. I saw some amazing things, including a phonograph(copies letters) think modern day photo copiers,  and a clock with balls that go into the ceiling and some amazing gardens.

Monticello is the home of Thomas Jefferson, our third president. He was elected after Washington and Adams. Jefferson lives only a few miles away from James Monroe, another president. Monticello holds a thousand feet of garden, Jefferson's grave and many other features.

Well, that's all for now!
I've gotta go and study some homework!
-Hannah

Trip Day 1

On our trip, we went through the blue ridge parkway, and I experienced severl interesting things.

1.  the sound of you ears really popping
2. the experieice of wishing you were on solid ground (scary one)
3. wishing the turns would stop winding
4. carsickness

Overall, the scenic was beautiful, and at some point, my ears stopped popping.
I've gotta go pack up, we are changing hotels.