In the Beginning was The Word

"In the beginning was the Word, and the word was with God and the Word was God." John 1:1

The Word.

Out of all the ways John could have started his gospel, this is certainly one of the more unique ways. He passes over the typical genealogical or cultural stage setting and reaches back to the beginning, the Very Beginning, invoking a Genesis-type intro to the last of the Gospels.

The Word. The Word.

In the beginning was the Word.

What does that mean and why did John choose those words to open his beautiful and unique Gospel?

In the HCSB version of John 1:1, the footnote says "The Word (In the Greek: Logos) is a title for Jesus as the communication and the revealer of God the Father."

Communication and revealer. I love that. My spirit literally went "Aha!"

Sure I have memorized this scripture, but I don't think I've ever really let the gravity of these words saturate my soul. Jesus communicated and revealed to us who God is through His time here on earth, as the written word (The Bible) continues to do so across the centuries.

I don't remember a time where I wasn't surrounded by words. My parents and grandparents read to me constantly as a kid and I was reading on my own by the end of kindergarten. I have always had tons of books and my eyes hungrily search for words as I eat or do other activities. I like word-decorated items, word games, play on words and word humor.

Words are my JAM.

God is leading me into a season of life where (prayerfully) words are going to play a bigger part. I have found myself asking myself why writing is important to me or why it's a big deal at all. There are so many books, blogs and magazines out there already. How are more words going to even matter?

He then brought John 1:1 to my mind.

Words matter. Words have power. Jesus himself is the Word.

As a Christian, God has called me to use my words (His words) to communicate and reveal who Jesus is. That's it. That's my job. We all have this responsibility by being his witnesses, but for me, this specifically applies to writing.

It doesn't matter (really) what direction my writing takes, what does matter is that I walk in obedience to the calling He has placed in my life.

O Holy Night, Glad Tidings Part 3

Sure it was messy. Most definitely it was stinky and noisy. Lowly? Yes. Undignified? Probably.

But I'd like to think there was a small moment the night Jesus was born that took Mary and Joseph's breath away. That held the shepherds captive for a few seconds. The even the animals ceased from eating, from moo-ing and from shuffling in their stalls- just for a moment.

The hushed awe. The reverence. The holiness...it had to be tangible.

"O holy night..."

There is much about Christmas that can be noisy. The crowds swarm, the ads never stop, even other songs have more clamorous lyrics:

"O how they pound, raising their sound!"

"Jingle all the way!"

"Ding dong merrily on high!"

But this song bids us to still our tongues and quiet our hearts. It bids us to come to a position of reverence and to simply listen and worship.

"Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices..."

In small ways throughout the season, we can quiet our hearts to worship and to listen for the angel voices. Being humble and listening are not necessarily qualities our society elevates. It's all about making sure your voice is heard and that everyone knows you are the greatest.

But maybe that can be laid aside. Maybe, just maybe, a different approach can be taken.

By humbling bowing, the shepherds declared that Christ is Lord. May our lives reflect the same this Christmas season.

*I hope you have enjoyed my Glad Tidings series! These are some of my favorite songs and little nuggets I felt the Lord spoke to my heart this Christmas season. They are not meant in anyway to be deep theological discussions or exhaustive expositions of the lyrics. I do not own any rights to the music: lyrics or otherwise. The songs were found via YouTube.*

O Come, O Come, Glad Tidings Part 2

"O come, o come, Emmanuel..."

The nation of Israel was hungrily looking for the coming of their Savior, for that would signal their rescue, the coming of their redeemer. 

Generation after generation had passed since the Messiah was prophesied. As sons grew up to be fathers and into grandfathers, but no sign yet of the promised one, how their anticipation must have been growing. Aging eyes eagerly hunting for any signs...

"O come, o come..."

Those simple, pleading lyrics of one of my favorite Christmas carols struck a deeper note with me this year, for it echoes longings we can still identify with today.

Awaiting.
Expecting.
Hoping.

In our chapter of the story, Jesus has indeed come, but we wait for His second final coming. We too anticipate meeting our Savior face to face.

On a simpler, daily level- we are all awaiting events and seasons of life it seems, maybe even waiting on something God has promised.

May you take heart anew this Christmas season that waiting is not bad. As Christians, we don't wait alone. The One we look to is indeed present with us now.

"O come, o come Emmanuel..."

Emmanuel- the God who is with us; or more precisely "The With Us God."

I don't know about you, but I need a "With Us God." This name...the intimacy and love it conveys overwhelms me.

Emmanuel is not a far-off thought.
He is not a statue.
He is not dead.

He is with us, cares for us and desires to have a relationship with us.

He has come, and He will come again.

Miss Glad Tidings Part 1? Check it out here!

*I hope you are enjoying my Glad Tidings series! These are some of my favorite songs and little nuggets I felt the Lord spoke to my heart this Christmas season. They are not meant in anyway to be deep theological discussions or exhaustive expositions of the lyrics. I do not own any rights to the music: lyrics or otherwise. The songs were found via YouTube.*

With Tireless Hope, Glad Tidings Part 1

Usually, I'm the person who is TEAM NO CHRISTMAS UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING.

This year, it wasn't even November 15th and I was cranking out decorations, playing Christmas music and stockpiling supplies for holiday goodies. Who is this person?!

After the past 11 months, my soul has definitely needed a reason to celebrate and share gifts with those in my life.

I have needed an outlet for creativity and for thoughtfulness.

I have needed some sparkle, some light.

Life can be awfully dark and cruel at times. But Christmas truly is a season of peace and light, if we let it be.

I discovered the artist Sleeping at Last a couple of months ago and the quiet hope threaded through many of the songs resonates deep within.

Their song "Snow" captured me immediately. Haunting, yet joyful. Thoughtful and a little melancholy. But overall: hopeful.

"Welcome December with tireless hope..."

Whether you're facing Christmas with less people around the table than the year before, or your burden seems to weigh a little heavier, or maybe you just need to be reminded of what's truly precious, this song is for you.

Let God breathe new life into your family this Christmas with new traditions, a fresh sense of His presence, and a reawakened awe at the greatest gift of all: Jesus.

Check out Glad Tidings Part 2 here!

*I hope you are enjoying my Glad Tidings series! These are some of my favorite songs and little nuggets I felt the Lord spoke to my heart this Christmas season. They are not meant in anyway to be deep theological discussions or exhaustive expositions of the lyrics. I do not own any rights to the music: lyrics or otherwise. The songs were found via YouTube.*

Florida Anniversary Weekend Getaway

We got to spend a few days on the glittering beaches of NW Florida and it was spectacular! Our condo was right on the beach; the living room window was full of ocean and the sound of the waves was awe inspiring.

If you can't tell I'm an Okie girl by that description, I don't know how else to convince you. We don't see much water around here and what we do see is dirt red. Sandy white beaches and sapphire water...a sight for sore eyes indeed!

First morning on the beach: quite chilly. Quite, quite chilly.

Yes, I had checked the weather before I packed. But it didn't help somehow...

Headin' to a weddin'!

Outside our condo

Brave birdie

He let me get so close!

Sunset in Seaside

Happy Anniversary to us!

Year 2

I started drafting a few posts like last year to share some of the lessons Kurtis and I have learned over our second year of marriage. There were some clever lines, a few cute pictures, but it wasn't gelling.

I've even read back through last year's posts and thought "Wow, I thought I was being so cute and original..." But really, it feels like I know nothing at times!

A lot of events have transpired this year (as I know they have for many families), even more so in the last couple of weeks. And while there were some incredibly painful moments, they have helped to crystallize who we are in the Lord and who we want to be as a couple.

Everybody, I would hope, has that moment. Not unsimilar to the moment when you make your faith your own, you have to OWN your marriage at some point.

2004 was the year I really made my walk with the Lord MY walk. I was a freshman in high school, and in that school year, my dad lost his job, my great-grandfather died and both my grandmas moved. That year indeed marked the end of a chapter in our family, but the beginning to so many others. I learned to sink my roots deep into God that year.

Via Google

So here I am 10 years later learning in a new way how to sink my roots even deeper into God, deeper into marriage with the most amazing man.

At a concert at church a couple of weeks ago, the lead singer made this comment in regards to his walk with the Lord, "I haven't arrived yet, but I've certainly left."

Amen to that.

Arrived? No. Further on the journey from where we started? Yes.

I could type up lots of words about random stories from this past year, but frankly, that's not what's on my heart and mind.

What I do want to say is that heading into year 3, I am more excited than ever to roll up my sleeves and dig into life with Kurtis W. Hanni. I am more than excited to focus on being, than doing.

And as our heart has been from the beginning of our relationship, to the song at our wedding, to today: may we daily choose to put Christ at the center of our lives.

Via Google

Love, 

The Hannis

Click here for more pics from our trip!

Easter Gift

We had to say goodbye to our family dog April on Thursday, October 16. She was God's Easter gift to us on Easter 2001. A little stray puppy who wandered into our yard and never left. She filled our home with love and doggy smiles for 13 years. The dog of 1000 nicknames, April. You will be missed!

Fall Projects

Below are some pics of my fall decorating and projects. Greatly inspired this month by "The Nesting Place" by Myquillyn Smith.

Coffee and Canvas at CHBC, 10.10.14

My "Faith, Hope and Love" display at my office.

Book wreaths...I now understand why they cost so much! Materials: cheap. Labor: not so much.

Materials cost me around $5, but took 3 hours to make!

New bedside arrangement.

I love Sharpies.

Love my Mackenzie Childs platter. So versatile for serving and decorating!

Hiking in the Wichitas: Ode to Oklahoma

I am a 5th generation, Okie girl to the core and I LOVE getting to explore our great state. It doesn't have the history the East coast does, the scenery of the West Coast or the beaches of the South.

But what it does have are pockets lined deep with treasure, like unexpected mountains and stunning sunsets. The BEST people anywhere and...sweet tea.

Thankful to get to explore the Wichitas with our youth group!

Pinterest find, not my own work.

Kudos

I got on Facebook the other morning and in my inbox was unexpected surprise- a former coworker had included Note to Self in her "Most Inspirational" blog round of awards! 

Didn't even know there was such a thing! The award is given in the spirit of honoring friends and keeping the blogosphere a pleasant place to be.

I'm honored, Racheal!

In the spirit of passing the award on, here are a few blogs I enjoy following or gain inspiration from:

High Heels and High Notes- Lael Ewing

Hush Fashion- Emily Canavesio

Liz Marie blog

Something Simple- Hilary Garza

Summer Faves

It's summer and I like making lists so this post features some of my latest faves. They range from yogurt to nail products so enjoy!

Jamberry Nails

Maybe you've heard of them or not. They are a heat-activiated nail wrap that you trim to fit your nail. They come in oodles of fun prints and colors and truly do last upwards of two weeks. I have had 3 different sets on and my first pair lasted 3 weeks. Below is the set I have on now. Check 'em out on their website!

Jo Malone Cologne

Who doesn't like smelling good?! My awesome Mom shared some Jo Malone samples with me and I have enjoyed the fresh summery scents! I don't think I'll be investing in the full-size bottle, but I get bored with scents anyway so a sample is perfect for me. I have tried the Wild Bluebell (below) and the Orange Blossom scent as well. Both are yummy.

Melanie Shankle

If you haven't read Sparkly Green Earrings, you need to. It makes for a quick read because well, you can't put it down in between laughing and/or crying. I just finished her other book The Antelope in the Living Room a couple of weekends ago and it was just delightful!

Soul Keeping

I read this book while on the way to Mexico and it is honestlly one of the more moving, dynamic books I've read on your walk with God. Check it out!

Chia Yogurt

I have been shopping at Sprouts lately and came across this tasty yogurt. I have tried the peach and strawberry- peach is my fave by far. I am definitely a breakfast person and need something good to get me going in the morning. Chia has lots of benefits for your body which I am not qualified to discuss, so check it out on your own. The difference it has made for me is that it really does fill me up and I don't feel hungry by like 10:30.

Leopard tank

Lastly, I picked up this blouse from Walmart of all places at the end of April. I find myself reaching for it a least a couple of times a week. I love the versatility of it- I can wear it to work with the skirt (shown here) or cropped slacks. Or I can wear it with my skinny black jeans. It is split in the back so its fun to wear a bright tank underneath. Anyway, I am all about the pieces that pull double duty- work and out and about.

Stay cool friends!

I Dance

the art.

the freedom.

grande jeté.

take flight.

bodies.

porte de bras.

breathless.

spinning.

pirouette.

to glide.

to sway.

balancé.

precision.

perfection.

combinations.

formations.

preparations.

stages.

faces.

sweat.

music.

adrenaline.

heart-piercing.

awe-inspiring.

Jesus praising.

Soul.

Liberating.

that is why I dance.

                                         

http://youtu.be/CeMVoC2yRLo

Pencil Planning

I can't get away from my paper planner. I know there are all kinds of fancy planners I can get on my phone or iPad, and I have duitfully tried them, but I just have to have a paper planner and something to write with. But as I got a new planner to start this month, I thought maybe I should start using a pencil to write in monthly and weekly plans.

For me, it was a symbolic gesture that I could make plans, but that God ultimately determines my steps. (Proverbs 16:9) Yes there has already been some erasing, but it's a visual reminder about who is in control. I've needed that. 

                                                             

April 17th, 1994

April 1994. I had just turned 4. It was around Easter and I had some questions.

Questions that would lead to the single-most life-defining decision.

While watching an Easter play on TV with my mom, I started asking,

 "Why are they doing that to Jesus?" "What is it for?" 

As my mom explained why Jesus died on the cross- to take away my sins so I could live with him forever, I asked very simply,

"Can I have that?"

From that moment on, I became another person that had never existed before.

Because the penalty of death is levied against us based not on what we've done, but because of who we are, our nature, my young self was in just as much need of Christ's blood as the thief on the cross, and God used that moment while I was watching the play to reveal Himself to me.

He gave me a new nature and called me to follow Him, patterning my life after His word, not the world.

And that is what I've done- with mistakes, yes, but my feet have stayed on the path, my hand in His hand.

My walk with the Lord begin at the age of 4 and I have walked closely, unashamedly with Christ ever since. I do not remember a time without Him, and because of that, the Lord recently had me to think about where I would be without Him in my life. Below are my thoughts on that very subject, and please understand that they are only my musings on my own personal life, and not a judgment on anyone else's choices.

Without Christ...I most likely would've experienced dysfunctional views of marriage and family life. How would I know that to live as man and wife is to get a glimpse of Christ's relationship with the Church? Of intimacy that was birthed in the divine? That it is a forever kind of love? That you learn to find freedom and joy in laying down self?

Without Christ...and knowing my own weaknesses, I probably would've become vain, self-involved and judgmental, fearful, not caring about those around me. How would I know any other way? How would I know to love my neighbor as myself, to know that I should combat evil with good? To know that I've been forgiven, so I must extend the same forgiveness?

Without Christ...My involvement in the fine arts would've looked drastically different. The fine arts/entertainment world, as manipulated by Satan, is a dark arena that can turn humans with a genuine gift into self-focused, competitive shadows with the goal of seeking prestige for themselves, while harming others and themselves in that pursuit. How would I know that the glory of earthly success reflecting back on me (instead of God) would actually burn me, not illuminate me?

With Christ, however, I get to experience a love and peace that isn't defined by changing circumstances and guides me no matter what.

So on this April 17th, as I look back over the past 20 years and gaze toward the next 20, I remember lessons learned.
I thank God for triumphs, small and large.
I thank Him even more for times in the valley...

Jesus didn't have to die a horrific death 2,000 years ago. He didn't have to provide a way for me to have a relationship with him. But he did. And he rose again, on that Easter morning so long ago.

He doesn't owe me anything, but He has freely given me everything.
And I owe Him my life.

"What this God has brought me, 
What this God has taught me- 
Passion and grace, how to stand in one's space 
Laughing at lilies, what truly fulfills me 
Death on a cross, it was I that was lost 
Oh this God has been life to these bones 
Oh this God has been life to my bones..."

---Kendall Payne, "On My Bones"