Excitement !!!

Jordan is home...Seth is 17 today, the littles are excited for Christmas and Jordan being home for a bit, Brandon is smiling I am sure, and I LOVE my husband & family....
This momma's heart is full ♥

Ready? Not yet!

Getting ready....to get ready!

Be glad and REJOICE with me ~ Philippians 2:18

Counting the Days

~ I ask for Prayers of SAFE TRAVEL for Jordan & his friend Brant as he is taking a road trip to San Luis Obispo for a couple of days, and then on to San Diego for Thanksgiving with Brant's family. May they have safety, fun, and that God show him AMAZING things!

Football Season has come to an end.


But this guy just got inducted into the NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY! We are so very proud of Seth and how hard he worked to get to where he is. He is also such a fun person to hang out with...I LOVE being his mom!









And this guy will be home in less than a month for Christmas & lots of hugs & kisses from this very proud momma! So pretty soon, we will look like this again, except...picking him up from the airport!
Although...I hope the "Little's" are good in the airport this time....no running off from "little helper boy"...and that the "Princess" realizes that she MUST keep her clothes on!

Counting the days with a happy heart and knowing that this guy...is laughing and cheering us on all the way!

Day of Rememberance

AI DuPont's "Day of Remembrance" was on Sunday, October 24th. This is the second year that we decided not to attend, but as always I did submit something on behalf of Brandon. The following is what was published in their Memory Booklet. I hope it speaks to your hearts, and honors Brandon in the way that we continually desire.

Love,
Steve, Dawn, Jordan, Seth & the Little's ~ I kind of think Brandon would say..."thanks mom" and then flash that smile!

We continue to see how Brandon Michael Wagamon Hastings legacy is still reaching lives and changing them today. We are so very proud to be the parents, and brothers of the ATMOSPHERE CHANGERS that are Brandon, Jordan & Seth!

Over these last six years since Brandon went to his “REAL HOME ~ HEAVEN”, God has used music to heal our hearts and continue to give us inspiration. Brandon lived his faith in a very big way, and we know that he surely heard…”Well done, my good and FAITHFUL servant”. Music was also a very big part of Brandon’s life, and we can only imagine what it must be like now. We look forward with excitement for that day! This song really speaks to our hearts, not only in Brandon’s legacy, but what we all have the opportunity to do….LEAVE A LEGACY.

We Love you Brandon, you are just that heartbeat away!
Love,
Dad, Mom, Jordan, & Seth

LEGACY ~ NICOLE NORDEMAN

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough?
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

Supernatural Release PLEASE :-)

So yeah...praying for some very SPECIFIC things, and some SUPERNATURAL RELEASE on things....so many that make my head swirl (and not like the ice cream, although that would be good). But I am hanging on that in the middle of this swirl...I can be comfortable...that GOD has got it all. He knows the end from the beginning...he has given me the authority to pull that end into the NOW..(thanks Laurie).

But in that swirl...I can also be soooo impatient (sure none of you have that problem). That is yet again, another area to give to God, let him still my soul & calm my thoughts....and just rest in his arms. Yeah...that's where I want to be!

You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household ~ Ephesians 2:19

So that means if I am a member of God's household...he is my daddy....what he has, I have access to right! Yes & Amen to THAT!

Changes & More Of The Same

The wrap up of summer ended with a fun camping trip to Chincoteague. It was so much fun spending time with family, seeing the wild ponies, eating roasted marshmallows, being outside...& just chillin!

Then it was the start of new seasons...Seth started his junior year in High School...yes I cried (I always do the first day)
Jordan left for California (cried too ~ but soooo happy for him), "helper boy" started Pre-K, and the "Princess" started with her toddler class.



As seasons change, it can be so hard for me to move into them. Both naturally, and the seasons of life. I am trying to enjoy each moment (thought I would have learned by now), and embrace the change. Expected and Unexpected. Trying to be STILL in the moment that God has me in. Trusting, pressing in, & like Brandon...NEVER GIVING UP. Sometimes I "get it"...most times, I don't. But non-the-less...I KNOW I am called to keep going, keep reaching for it, and always always always...Trusting and Loving the one who Loves me Most...after all...I am HIS FAVORITE! :-)

This SON!!!

22 years ago today, God supremely blessed me with another wonderful son...JORDAN! He has always quite literally marched to the beat of his own drum, and we are so proud of that. He is so much fun to hang out with, and I am enjoying and soaking up these moments before he is off to his next adventure in California! I love that while he may be a little anxious...he hears God calling him, and is always willing for that "next adventure". He has had his ups and downs, and has had to deal with things that I never had to at his age. But through it all (the good and bad), he has survived, thrived, and desired to make and enjoy his life! Jordan, your dad & I love you so very much and we are so proud of you. And yes like I have told you...I am VERY JEALOUS of this new adventure in California...but then again...YOU are going to be able to impart into me what God is pouring out into you! Thank you so much for listening to that "still quiet voice of the one who loves your heart and soul". We are proud, Seth is proud, the Little's are proud, and Brandon is REJOICING with you!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!! xxooxxooxxoo
And like your mama always reminds you....JORDAN, can do ALL THINGS through CHRIST who STRENGTHENS him!

This Guy!!!

I LOVE him so very much! I love how hard he works for our family, how he wisely budgets our money, how he desires to be the man God called him to be, how he "puts up with my moods", how he loves our children. But most of all today...how when I was in such a "twisted up" mood, and feeling angry....he listend and then said..."do you want me to pray for you". WOW! He changed my atmosphere immediately, and spoke JOY into my heart, and PEACE into my life! I LOVE YOU STEVE, and THANK YOU GOD for my TREASURE!

Following.....

So why is my blog named... "The Hastings are Following Up That Hill"? Funny you should ask...(smile). Back before I even started to think about a "blog"...but was using Brandon's site as my emotional outlet, I heard a song from Bebo Norman titled..."Yes I Will". It struck such a chord in my head and heart (big thing when that happens) that I would listen to it over and over again. Worshipping, healing, and gleaning from the very words he was singing. So it was at that point, the name of my blog was born. I feel that it was so fitting on that day, and still today. And to be honest, I will still be following Jesus up any hill all the days of my life. I love you Jesus so much for making the way, and for holding my hand as we walk up that hill!

In the passion of Your sacrifice
I saw the prophecy fulfilled
The Healer of the world, the wounded Christ
I heard You say, come follow me
So I will, yes I will

Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
I will follow you
Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
To the cross where the river runs
Crimson even still, yes I will
Follow You Lord. Follow you, I will Yes I will

On the sacred path, You bled for us
Scorned and broken, up that hill
How terrible the cross, how glorious
I heard You say, come follow me
So I will, So I will, yes I will, yes I will
Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
I will follow you

Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
To the cross where the river runs
Crimson even still, yes I will
Follow You Lord. Follow you, I will Yes I will

Will I stumble in the darkness?
In my weakness, when I feel afraid
Hear me Jesus, Hear me Jesus, when I call Your name
Oh help me Lord, won't You help me Lord
Please help me Lord
Would you help me Lord

Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
I will follow you
Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
To the cross where the river runs
Crimson even still, yes I will
Follow You Lord. Follow you, I will

Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
I will follow you
Follow You Jesus, all the way up that hill
To the cross where the river runs
Crimson even still, yes I will
Follow You Lord. Follow you, I will
I will, I will, yes I will, yes I will

Help me Jesus, when I feel afraid

Beautiful!!!!

Beautiful One Conference!!! ♥.....thank you to my Mighty Man of God Steve for taking on the business of our home, especially with the two littles, for honoring me with this time, and for learning to do a little girls hair! You are awesome & I LOVE LOVE LOVE You!
My family is good!

6 Years

Oh I miss Brandon so very much....but my head knows that he is not at all missing out on the things of this world. I do however believe that he is waiting with great anticipation for "our day". Today as we
CELEBRATE BRANDON....I am praying for some specific hugs from God. Any and all that he will shower upon us. I am also praying for my heart to "know" the things my head does.


I would so love it if you let me know you were here and leave a sweet word (smile)

Just Pics....but would like prayer please...thank you!

Brandon's Birthday!!!

Brandon would be 25 today..BUT he is happy healed and abundantly well with his Saviour...and oh yeah...just waiting for us....I can just hear him say.."I told you I would see you in a little bit...come check this out"....aaaah, just a heartbeat away ♥






I wonder what days are like in Heaven....I would suppose it is a MASSIVE CELEBRATION and AWESOME WORSHIP at all times.



I long for that day, but I have also come to realize that I CAN have that here in the "waiting" also.






I believe that it is even more vital to remember that on those days that are so very hard. That this "veil between here and Heaven", is so very thin...and that if we just "press in" we can hear, feel, and smell Heaven, and most importantly feel the very presence and Love of the one who loves us most, and who knew what road we would be called to walk. I believe that God desires for us to just hold onto him so tightly that the "dark places" get pushed farther and farther away. But even in our "human condition"...he is still there holding us tightly, and for me...whispering..."come on...hang on just a little longer, I have so much for you to do, you are more than capable, and all is MORE than okay with your son. The son I gave you, and you him".I love when God whispers in my ear and touches my heart...especially the hard days. And I can always count on him to make himself so very real to me. Thank you God for giving me one of my precious children 25 years ago today....I know he is having fun, and making people laugh...and I will continue to press on, smile, and wait.

~ One of Brandon's FAVORITE Scriptures ~ Philippians 1:21
For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better

Today

Jordan is home, for now, but back to Cali it will be :-), Seth is almost finished with school...YAAY SUMMER....Little Helper Boy is all better from raging ear infection...the Princess is 2 TODAY!!! Brandon is healed and happy in HEAVEN...waiting for us...And I LOVE MY HUSBAND...All is well in my heart and world TODAY!

STILL Walking By Faith

Yep, still walking this journey of faith, grief, missing, loving, wishing, accepting, and always coming back to FAITH. This journey can be quite exhausting at times and then at other times...smooth sailing. Never did I ever think that was possible...(but then again...God created ME and created ME to be the mom to the children he gave me, and the husband I choose). I guess when those calm waters are flowing, it makes those trigger blind side moments sometimes hard to breathe through. But breathe, cry, gasp, and sob I do. And eventually after that rough ride....the calm waters return.

God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction
Psalm 23:1-3 ~ The Message

I absolutely know that the rest of my earthly life, it will be this way. How can it not? How would one just "move on" from this tear in the fabric of their life and family and NOT have it affect them? I mean sure...the fabric can be mended and stitched back together...but the evidence of the tear is always there. That is when I can also be thankful for these emotions that can be so up and down. God created them, and they serve a great purpose in our lives. Even when those emotions do not feel good, or make you feel like you just can't breathe. But this same heart and soul that has those hard emotions, also has wonderful happy FAITH FILLED emotions. Just the kind that I KNOW Brandon has everyday of his new life.

So while he is COMPLETELY there...I still walk towards that direction. And although there may be days that I am very close...I know that I won't truly be THERE until I get to my ETERNAL HOME with my SAVIOUR who made it all possible. The journey, the healing, the promise, and his LOVE! So I'll just keep walking, or swimming, or climbing...but always moving towards that direction! :-)

Thank you so much for creating, knowing and LOVING me God!
Love,
Dawn