A List of "firsts"

  "I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, 

Do not stir up nor awaken love 

Until it pleases."  

Songs of Solomon 8:4

I don't know about you but it helps me to write down certain things I'd like to remember.  A couple of days ago I wrote down a list that contained all the "firsts" I'd like to happen between only me and my husband, if the Lord has one for me.  Below are some things that I wrote down:

~ *My first kiss.*  This is definitely a priority.  I want this to be a special gift we give to each other.  Ideally he would have saved his first kiss for me as well!  (Please read "The Princess and the Kiss" if you haven't already!)

~All physical intimacy.  The Lord created certain things for marriage and marriage only!  I want to save ALL I can for my future spouse!!   

~My first dance with another man outside my family.  Dancing is a very intimate action that I would love to save for my wedding night!

~My first bouquet from a man.  I desire to save all romantic actions for just me and my future husband!

~My first ring.  I made a commitment to not wear any ring unless given to me by my future spouse (wedding ring, engagement ring, etc.).  Please understand this is something I felt led to do and I certainly do not expect you to do the same!  I know some of you have purity rings, college rings, etc. and I don't think there's anything wrong with them!  I just think that receiving my first ring from my husband will make it that much more special to me!!

Those are just a couple of examples!  There are plenty more "firsts" I could name off.  You may be asking, "Why have "firsts"?  What's so special about it?"  I think they're very important and so does the Bible!  The first born sons, first fruits, and basically the first of anything in the Scriptures has always taken on significance.  Both my parents can testify that their pre-marriage relationships with the opposite sex did not improve their quality of marriage but rather caused a certain amount of tension.  Instead of appreciating everything they had to offer to each other they began comparing each other to their former relationships.  As an example, if mom got flowers from her boyfriend before dad then she almost unconsciously compares dad's flowers he gets for her to the other flowers from her earlier boyfriend.  You tend to be unsatisfied with your spouse and ungrateful for all that he/she is.  I want everything in my future marriage to be new and beautiful.  Each day better than the last.  Every gift received and given to be fully appreciated and compared to nothing else, as there is nothing else ;).

This post is obviously with the expectation of marriage in mind.  Even if the Lord's will is not for me to marry I still desire to stay as physically and emotionally pure for Him, for He is my first beloved.  My first and primary goal in life to, "...love the LORD my God with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength, and with all my mind,’ and ‘my neighbor as myself.’”"  Luke 10:27 [personal pronouns I changed]
Nothing else, nobody else will ever take His seat as first in my life!

So write down a list of "firsts".  Pray and ask the Lord to help you keep all you can for your one and only husband.  
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

A Poem

Lessons by the Death Bed

Sitting by her bedside,

Holding tight her hand,

Thinking of the Spirit inside

Who's fleeing for Christ's land.

Wondering what it feels like,

Hoping she's not in pain,

Praying that through her Savior's might

She'll reap the heavenly gain.

Wanting to go with her,

Knowing it's not my time,

Trying to keep my life so pure

While waiting for what's mine.

Living for Jesus all of my life

Regretting none of my days,

Keeping in tune to my Savior's voice,

Until I'm in heavenly rays.

Inspired by my Great-Grandma who went to be with Jesus last Wednesday.

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

Priorities

My adorable 9 month old brother, Judah!

I think it is hard for us young people to grasp the reality that life is short!  I attended the homeschool convention Friday and the keynote speaker, Dr. Richard Swenson, urged the necessity of having the right priorities.  When someone is dying the priorities that really matter in life suddenly jump into full view...the Lord, family, friends......... people.  But when they've recovered those priorities are quickly blocked by the meaningless "stuff" that surrounds them.  Are we the same way?  Do you and I allow the things we're surrounded by to dictate to us what should be a priority?  As Christians, our very first priority is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever"!  I believe if He's first in everything that the things which should be a priority will become one.  I frequently forget how important it is that I invest in the lives of my younger siblings!  I only have a short time with them and then I'll be in the next phase of the life the Lord has for me.

My sweet youngest sister, Lydia!

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;  whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.  Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”" 
James 4:13-15

It says here that our lives are but a vapor.  May our prayer always be, "Lord, use this vapor to reach as many people as you see fit!"  If our eyes are fixed on Jesus it's hard to stray down the slippery path of mixed priorities.

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah     

Book Review: Tortured for Christ

"Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth."

"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12

A little over one year ago we received the book "Tortured for Christ".  I've read it twice and have been much affected by the godly example of the late Pastor Richard Wurmbrand.  Pastor Wurmbrand endured a total of 14 years in Romanian Communist prisons for his faith and love in Jesus Christ.  He was eventually able to leave his country and settle in America where he soon printed this book.  Inside you will find his amazing testimony from Communist turned Christian, his steadfast love for Jesus Christ, and his undying commitment to preaching the gospel to all who would hear.  Challenging and convicting, he shares not only his own story but also the story of other brave Christians who stood up and continue to stand for Christ, no matter the cost.  He also encourages Christians in the West to be aware of the sufferings of their fellow believers in other countries.  Gently he sends a much needed rebuke to the spiritually sleeping saints of America.  "Wake up!" he says, "Be aware of the trials and tribulations of your fellow believers, and see what you can do to help them!"  Another message he sends is that of love.  Story after story he shares, showing the amazing power of the love that can only be manifest if you have a living relationship with Jesus Christ.  Oftentimes the persecutors were won by the love of the persecuted.  Beaten and near death, they continued to pray for the salvation of their guards, executioners, and commanders.  The Lord often answered these prayers and lives were changed...all because one person was willing to "take up his cross and follow Him."

This book encourages, rebukes, and teaches.  If you can, read it, see what the Lord wants to do with you through it.         

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah