The end.....2012

"Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

 Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee."

Author: Frances R. Havergal
Composer: Samuel Wesley

This hymn has been playing in my head for the last week and a half.  I love the words!  They sum up my desires for this coming year and the years to come.  I don't know what the Lord has in store for me in 2013 but I know that He is good and that I can trust Him no matter what!  

2012 was a year of changes.  Some happy and some sad.  In June I graduated from high school and officially became an adult.  I think real life hit me harder than I expected but I am slowly learning to trust in the Lord especially during this in between stage of life.  It's been difficult for me not being able to see my future clearly but then I learned that if I simply put my hand into the the Lord's He will lead me on the right path.  He's knows my future and in His time He will reveal it to me, step by step.  All I have to do is keep my flesh out of the way and follow :). 
In September a beloved aunt and sister-in-Christ when home to be with the Lord after a long battle with cancer.  It has been inspiring to me to watch my uncle and cousins trust the Lord's decision in taking their wife and mother home "early".
So many other things happened this year, things that strengthened me spiritually and physically, but you can just read all the posts from this past year to find out more about them :).

In closing, here are the verses I felt led to dedicate to in this coming year:
"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13:20-21

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah     

The Sunshine Award

Many thanks to sweet Jaime for awarding me once again on her blog Diligently Waiting. 
Here are the rules:
Answer the 11 questions, then award 8 others.

What is your favorite Christmas/holiday movie?

It's A Wonderful Life

What is your favorite flower?

Rose

What is your favorite drink?

Seltzer water or Sparkling Grape Juice

What is your passion?

Using every second of every day for the glory of God.  

 

What is your favorite time of the year?

Christmas time and/or spring time.

What is your favorite time of day?

After dinner when I get to relax, play some piano, read a book, or play a game with my wonderful family!

What is your favorite physical activity?

Basketball or jumping on the trampoline with my cousins. 

 

What is your favorite vacation?

Going to the beach every year with my extended family!  Every year is my new favorite vacation! :)

And I award:

MadaLee

Hannah Joy

Rachel Nichole

Sarah

The Grove Family

Emp

AH

Bianca

I hope you all have a very wonderful Christmas (if I don't get on here again before then :).

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

Day 22: Favorite City

Well I haven't been to a whole lot of cities and I'm not very fond of any of them.  Country life is so much better!  I'll let you know if I ever find my "favorite city". :)

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 21: Picture of Myself

 

Me and Sandy, the newest addition to our farm!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

Day 20: Nicknames

Hmm...
~ Hannah Banana (or just Banana)
~ Hannah Bear
~Nana (as my little siblings call me)

I believe that's it.
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 19: Something I Miss

Camp Wakefield!  Every summer at our old church we would participate in this 5 day long kids camp.  We had a blast!  We even brought a few of my cousins along.  We had different activities (pool, snack time, art, recreation, nature, and bible) going on during the day and "chapel time" every morning and evening.  Some of our favorite memories are those that occurred in our dorm after our busy days (we had 10 people sleeping in one room once...memorable :)).  Our room counselor would read us a book every night before we fell asleep (and Kimber and I always managed to be the only ones still awake after she finished reading) and we would run out of warm water after the first 4 showers (the dorm held about 40-50 girls but there were only 2 showers) and we even stuck gum drops through a hole in the wall so that nobody in the adjacent room could look in, and so many more!  I have an old picture but for some reason it won't save on this post...oh well.

 I had a blast every year and I'm grateful for the many friendships I made.  Many of which are still present today!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

Day 18: Something I Regret

Something I regret....wasted time!

"Your life is but a vapor that is for but a little while than vanishes away."  James 4
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 17: Something I'm Looking Forward To

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only girl who has this in mind.... :)....

My wedding day, Lord willing! :)
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

The Love of God

People who claim that the God of the Bible (especially in the Old Testament) was a cruel, judging god don't know what they're talking about.  Time and time again I am overwhelmed by the amazing love of God so frequently portrayed in the Scriptures.  Just today I was reading Psalm 81 and was once again reminded of this fact.

"I [God speaking] removed his shoulder from the burden;
his hands were freed from the baskets. 
You called in trouble, and I delivered you;
I answered you in the secret place of thunder;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah. 
Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! 
O Israel, if you will listen to Me! 
There shall be no foreign god among you;
nor shall you worship any foreign god. 
I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 
But My people would not heed my voice, and Israel would have none of Me. "

The rest of this psalm is God pleading with His people to follow Him, to listen to His voice, to walk in His ways.  We hear similar pleads from God in Isaiah 44:21-22, Jeremiah 11:7-8, Hosea 11 and 14, Joel 2:12-13, Micah 6:3-4, and so many other places!  The whole Scripture is a love letter from God to His creation.  He wants us not just to obey Him but to love Him back. 
There are now two questions we must ask ourselves:
1. Do I love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength because He is worthy?
2. Do I show the love that God has for me to those all around me?

We must ponder these things every day and hide them in our heart as Mary did.  Our goal at the end of every day should be to look more like Christ than at the beginning of the day.  Thankfully we're not alone in this endevour for Jesus has sent us the Helper (Holy Spirit) to encourage, strengthen, and guide us on the narrow way. 

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praisworthy- meditate of these things."
Philippians 4:8

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 16: My Dream House

Hello Everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are busy preparing for Christmas!  I love this time of year!

My dream house...hmm.  My dream house has more to do with the people living within the house rather than the house itself.  My dream house would be a place where people can come when they're in need, where my husband and children (Lord willing) feel at peace, and where Jesus is obvious in all that we do and say.  The people living in a house is what makes a house so special (not how big it is, how nice it looks, or how well kept it appears).

"Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; 

Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain."

Psalm 127:1

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 15: A Bible Verse

"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks!
For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near."
Psalm 75:1

I found this verse during my quiet time and I thought it was appropriate for this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving.  May we never forget to Whom all thanks should be given!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 14: A Picture I Love

Rainbows over the ocean!  Taken by my sister Kimber.

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)

Day 13: Goals

Goals I made for this year (starting in June 2012):

~ Start a B.R.I.G.H.T. Lights group (this goal is getting closer to becoming reality!).
~ Visit Colombia (see this post for more info)
~ Be bold in my love for Jesus (this a challenge every day).
~ Be someone who changes the course of this nation (like Josiah did).
~ Draw closer to my parents and siblings (not sure how long I have with them, you know).
~ Be a better servant (like Jesus was).
~ Get to know Jesus more through prayer.
~ Learn more about herbs, essential oils, and nutrition.
~ Study midwifery.
~ Become fluent in Spanish (wishful thinking :).
~ Finish memorizing certain portions of Scripture.

To be continued in the following months and years :).
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Sermon

If any of your busy folks could take out 45 minutes of your day and listen to this message preached by my pastor yesterday I think you would be blessed.  It is encouraging, it is convicting, is relevant to this day and age!

Please take time to listen, learn, and live!
Yesterday's Message: Helping Wickedness in Jesus' Name
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)

Day 12: What I Believe

I believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God.
I believe that He died and rose again so that all might be saved.
I believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and that there are no faults within it.
I believe God created the heavens and the earth in 6 literal days and that He rested on the seventh.
I believe children are a blessing from God.
I believe we are in the last days and that the Lord's return is near.
I believe we will be raptured before the tribulation.
I believe in keeping myself physically and emotionally pure for the one the Lord has for me.
I believe marriage is for life.
I believe parents have the right to teach their children at home.
I believe that the Lord is the head of the husband, the husband is the head of the wife, and the wife is supposed to be her husband's helpmeet.
I believe a woman's place is in the home.
I believe it is important to hide God's Word in my heart.
I believe that brothers and sisters should be best friends.
I believe exercise is good for your body and your mind.
I believe this list could go on forever but I've decided to stop. :) :)

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 11: Favorite T.V. Shows

Well, this is a hard one to answer since we don't have cable television.  We only use our T.V. for D.V.D's we can watch as a family.  However if I'm going to watch something on T.V. it would probably be the Duggars or the Bates.

"Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name."
Psalm 63:5

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 10: Something I'm afraid of

 
 HEIGHTS!!!!  EEK!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 9: A Picture of Your Friends

My siblings and cousins make up the main portion of my friends but I also have a couple that are not related.  I've posted pictures of all three.

2 cousins and 2 sisters after our "make-overs" :)

Family and close friends that live way too far away!

My best friend from childhood and me at graduation

I am blessed to have many other friends.  Three families that are not pictured (but are just as close) are the Jackson family, the Panchision family, and the Bowers family.

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 8: Favorite Movies

Every Sunday night my family squeezes together on our sectional sofa with tons of home made popcorn and watch a movie together.  It's probably my favorite time of the week!  It is so nice to be able to sit back and relax together.  Below are just a few of my favorites.

Fun Movies I enjoy:
* The Ten Commandments (the 4 hour long one :)
* Ben Hur
* Fiddler on the Roof
* Amazing Grace
* Fireproof
* Courageous
* Finding Nemo :)
* Sound of Music
* Tangled

Educational Movies I enjoy:
* Return of the Daughters
* Agenda
* Anything on modern day prophecy

Hmm...I'm sure there are more but that's all for today! :)
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 7: A Place I've Traveled To

Is it illegal to skip this one and wait a couple of months (I'll be going to Colombia soon...oh, well)? :)
Hmmm....probably the most memorable place I've traveled to is Disney World down in FL.  My kind grandparents treated our whole family with a week in Disney World.  It was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm glad we did it.  It was busy, big, and by the end of the week, exhausting!  We even got to ride a train all the way down to Florida and back, instead of driving.  That was so much fun!!  It is always great making memories with family!  We're very blessed to be close to both sides of our family.  God is so good!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

Day 6: A picture of something that makes me happy

 

 :) :) :) :) :) ICE-CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!  :) :) :) :) :)

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Day 5: My siblings

I am so blessed to have the siblings I have!  Each one of them is a gift!!  Below is a picture of each one and a short discription.

Kimber

My 16 (almost 17) year old sister is a gifted photographer and my 2012 fellow graduate.  While naturally quiet she has a tough, stubborn side that few people get to see.  Right now she enjoys working down at a horse barn every day and helping with chores around the house (when she's not busy taking pictures :).  She is diligent in studying the Scriptures and hopes to be on the mission field some day.

Alexis

My 15 year old sister is gifted in many different areas.  She's gets along with everyone and has no problem going up to people and starting a conversation.  A budding artist and musician, she spends a good amount of time working on new songs and pictures.  In her 10th year of homeschool she is eagerly awaiting the day she is released from school and studies.  Watch out world, here she comes! :)

Caleb

My 13 year old brother takes a mature view of the world but smiles easily.  An excellent servant (especially to his sisters and mother) he is helpful in and out of the house.  He enjoys working quite frequently with my dad and can't wait to finish his schoolwork so he can join him full time.  When he has free time you will frequently find him playing either his guitar or banjo, reading a book, or prepping his gun to go hunting.

Seth

My 11 year old brother has a tender heart and spirit.  He has an engineering and mechanical mind and enjoys making new inventions and drawing them.  For the past year he has been diligently working on playing the bagpipe and he's quite good!  He enjoys making noise and wrestling with his brothers and dad.  He is good in the kitchen and can't wait to expand his cooking knowledge.

Eden

My 9 year old sister is quite a busy one.  She's very good with babies and enjoys doting on her youngest siblings.  She is always quick to give hugs and her smile brightens the day frequently.  An excellent student, she's always quick in finishing her allotted school work.  Running around with her siblings, playing house, reading and coloring are some of her favorite pastimes.

Josiah

My 7 year old brother is a tough boy with a gentle side.  He has won the award at being to the hospital the most (RSV when a baby, split lip, and a broken femur)!  He also enjoys helping daddy whenever he can and getting loves from mommy.  Driving the mower is a new skill and something he really enjoys.  When not busy doing school you'll frequently find him and Lydia doing something together.  He's a great big brother!

Lydia

My 4 year old sister is a live wire!  She talks constantly and half the time it's hard to understand her :).  She's quite active and enjoys playing horsey, coloring, and loving on animals.  Every night she crawls into my bed and gives me a kiss and hug while saying "Goodnight, Hannah.  I love you.".  She's a sweetheart!

Judah

My 2 year old brother is busy trying to catch up with everyone else.  He is probably the most talkative two year old we've had yet.  He's a definite boy and always seems to get into messes.  He loves his family and his smile is a constant blessing!  We all love him bunches (maybe a little bit spoiled :).

To be continued....
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah            

Day 4: My Parents

Wow, what can I say?!  I know you would all argue that you have the best parents in the world but I'm pretty sure that I have them :).  The Lord was gracious in saving my parents before I was born and I've had the awesome privilege to be raised in a God-fearing household from day 1.  Not only have they taught me the Scriptures from my youth but they have exemplified it in their daily actions.  A child notices hypocrisy very quickly but I never noticed it in my parents.  They lived what they taught day in and day out. 

20 years ago!

 My parents have always been very good at making sure they had their children's hearts.  While our home did have certain rules and regulations, we knew that if we had a question about any of them we were free to ask them.  We were protected but not in a stifling, destructive sort of way, but in a loving, fruitful way.  My mamma obeyed the gentle voice of the Lord and left the "normal" to teach me and my other siblings at home.  She sacrificed what people thought of her for what God was telling her to do.  My father is the most selfless person I know.  He was at one time working 3 different jobs to provide for our growing family.  To this day he frequently burns the midnight oil working hard for us. 

Today :)

 Despite the busyness of raising a family my parents have always been sure to spend one on one time with each one of us.  They take the time to find out what our dreams and aspirations are and do the best they can to help them become reality.  Their godly counsel and advice has guided me along the narrow way and continues to push me to go deeper in my walk with the Lord. 
The older I get the more I realize how blessed I am to have the parents I have!

I love you Daddy and Mamma!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

Day 3: My First Love

I distinctly remember the days when carving your initials and the initials of someone you "loved" inside a heart were cool.  One day, when I was somewhere between 9 and 10, I came to my mom with a picture of a heart with two sets of initials inside.  One set of initials were mine, HW, and then the other set belonged to an unknown persons with the initials JC.  My mom glanced at it briefly and then with a serious expression on her face asked who the other Person was.  Quickly I responded, "Jesus Christ!". :)

Ever since I can remember my parents have been diligent in instilling a desire in me to know Jesus more.  I can honestly say that Jesus is and always will be my first love.  The stories of the Bible were not just fairy tales to me they were real.  Thanks to my parents' godly example I grew up seeing the reality of Jesus in action in their lives and soon began to seek Him for myself.  How true are the Scriptures which say, "If you seek Him you will find Him, if you search with all your heart."
I thank my Lord and Savior for His goodness and grace towards me!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah    

Day 2: Meaning of my blog name

One of my all time favorite verses is Psalm 37:4, "Delight thyself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart."  As a young lady speaking to other young ladies I felt it was important to stress our relationship with the Lord.  When our relationship with Him is right, when we delight in Him in our daily lives, our relationship with others is right (especially in regards to relationships with young men).  As my pastor likes to say "We must have the proper "uplook" if we're going to have the proper outlook".  Growing up this verse was ironically on several journals and cards given to me.  I felt the Lord really grab hold of my heart with this verse in particular when I was young so I wanted this to be a constant reminder as I grew older.

Well, there you have it :).
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

30 Day Blog Challenge

I just logged into my blogger account and was considering what to write about when I saw a friend's recent post.  I believe I'm going to join her on this 30 day blogging challenge!  Let's see who finishes first, Maddie :).
Here are what the next 30 posts will be about:

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3-Your first love

Day 4-Your parents

Day 5-Your siblings

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7-Favorite movies

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

Day 9-A picture of your friends

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-A picture you love

Day 15-Bible verse

Day 16-Dream house

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

Day 18-Something you regret

Day 19-Something you miss

Day 20-Nicknames

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 22-Favorite city

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Day 24-Something you've learned

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Day 29-3 Wishes

Day 30-A picture 

So, Day 1; introduction, recent picture, and 15 interesting facts
Intro: I think most of you already know a little bit about me from my Who Am I page but here's a little more.
Recent picture:

Me at the beach 2 months ago enjoying lunch!

15 interesting facts:
1. Right now I'm sitting in a T-shirt, jammie pants, and with my hair down all natural (which in other words means I look pretty close to a hippie :)!
2. I love all forms of chocolate (dark especially).
3. I do not like Tapioca...any takers? :)
4. I've had a pen-pal for 5 1/2 years who lives in Idaho. 
5. The latest movie I watched was about 30 minutes of "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" on Friday night with some of my sibilings.
6. My parents just got back from a 6 day cruise to the Bahamas.  During their time there I was in charge of the rest of the crew.  We had tons of fun (although we did miss mamma and daddy greatly)!
7. I went to Vision Forum's Father Daughter Retreat in 2007 (highly recommend this for anyone...it is definitely worth the money).  That is where I met my pen-pal and another good friend.
8. We've finally finished our new kitchen addition and bathroom.  It looks amazing!
9. I'm a blessed attender of Calvary Chapel Mechanicsville.  If you want the Word powerfully and effectively preached and you live in the area definitely check it out!
10. I love playing the piano.  That is how I relieve myself if I feel anxious, frustrated, or worried.
11. Singing is also a favorite past-time (especially with my family).
12. I have two great sets of grandparents that know how to effectively spoil us all!! :)
13. We're all waiting for our cow, Halle, to calve.  Should be any day!
14. We recently dispatched a fox that was harassing (eating) or chickens. Grrrrr. Hopefully it doesn't have a mate or babies!
15. My mamma is expecting a baby in April and I can't wait!!

Have a blessed week!
I leave you with a verse from this morning's sermon.

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;"
Philippians 1:6

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah
  

A Shadow

I have a shadow.  Actually I have many shadows but I'm only focusing on one today. :)

I know we all have one if we stand just right in the sun but my shadow is real.  It is living and posseses a spirit which must be raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  My shadow has not yet reached the full potential God has prepared for him but is currently learning from me!  Whoa, that's scary!!  What I say and how I act is what he will think is okay to say and to act, for but a little while.  I can only take my little shadow as close to God as I am.  One day this shadow will grow too big to stay under me and will start following God's ways not mine and then he too will have a shadow (or shadows).  Until then I have a responsibility to my shadow.  Am I being influencial to my shadow for good or evil?  Is he developing a relationship with God even at this age or do I insist he's too young to really understand?

 c

 My shadow is my blonde-haired, blue-eyed little brother and it's quite an assignment!

 

Do you have a shadow?

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

Verses from this week

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered."
Psalm 32:1

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Psalm 30:5

"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you."
Hosea 10:13

"An in this I give advice; It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a  year ago; but now you also much complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have."
2 Corinthians 8:10-11

"And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord, it shall rejoice in His salvation, I will give you thanks in the great assembly; I will praise you among many people.  and my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all the day long."
Psalm 35:9,18,28

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

What to be

Over the years I have made a list of the things a godly man would want to see in a godly woman.  Far too often I think we place higher standards on the young men we desire to marry than on ourselves.  If we desire a godly man then we must know that he too will be desiring a godly woman.  Below are a couple of attributes and virtues that I wrote down and desire to fulfill in my life.

~ A deep personal relationship with Jesus Christ
"Let no one despise your youth but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity."  1 Timothy 4:12
~ Wisdom
"Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore get wisdom..."  Proverbs 4:7a
~ Patience
"Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen you heart; wait, I say, on the Lord."  Psalm 27:14
~ A woman of prayer
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation..."  Matthew 26:41a
~ Joy
"Rejoice in the Lord always.  Again I will say, rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4
~ Good relationships with parents and siblings
"Honor you father and mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be long and that i may be well with you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you."  Deuteronomy 5:16
~ Knowledge (and application) of the Word
"...in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."  Acts 17:11b
~ Diligence
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  2 Timothy 2:15
~ Submissiveness
"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders.  Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.""  2 Peter 5:5
~ Purity (physical, emotional, and spiritual)
"He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully."  Psalm 24:4
~ Beauty in the heart
"Do not let your adornment be merely outward...rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."  1 Peter 3:3a-4

There are many more but I don't want to give them all away ;).  The main point of it all is to look like Jesus.  If our desire to live for, please, and honor Him we can't go wrong.  Following Jesus is easy...all you have to do is follow :)!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

A Little Study on Worship

What is worship?  Is it a frame of mind or a flow of emotions?  Below is a little bit of what I found in the Scriptures about worship.  :)

1. Worship is giving praise to the One Who is Worthy!

"Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!  For praise from the upright is beautiful."
Psalm 33:1
"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."
Revelation 4:11

2. Worship is a form of declaration!

"The Lord lives!  Blessed by my Rock!  Let God be exalted, the Rock of my salvation!."
2 Samuel 22:47
"And Thomas answered and said to Him, "My Lord and my God!""
John 20:28

3. Worship is realizing who I am in the presence of a Holy God!

"But I am a worm, and no man;"
Psalm 22:6a
"So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone!  Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.""
Isaiah 6:5
"When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.""
Luke 5:8

Sadly, I think that a large amount of Gods' people in America don't really understand true worship.  Even I'm not sure if I really understand the way God wants to be worshiped.  Far too often we find "entertainment" more appealing.  The question I asked myself today is "do I worship God in the way He desires me to?".  "Why does it matter?" some may ask.  It matters to me because I know that I was created for Him and I want to please Him!  Just like I love my earthly father and desires to please him in my actions/words.  Worship comes in many different forms (music, sacrifice, obedience, our lives, etc.) but they are all equal in purpose- to glorify and honor the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords!

May He find our lives in a constant form of worship!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah   

Life

This life is a race.  It's hard, it's fast, and then it's over.  The Scripture says that our life is "a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4:14)  The question I have been asking myself frequently is am I using this life and the time given to me by God, wisely?  If I could look back at the end of my life and see all of my "successes" would they be to the glory of God or for the furtherance of my own personal goals?  No one knows the day or the hour in which they'll be called home.  That is why Paul urged the believers in Colosse to do everything heartily, as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).  I know for me it is hard to remember that verse during the business of every day.  But God is merciful and remembers that I am but dust.  Although He does not lower His standard I am comforted with the knowledge that He is indeed here, walking beside me and assisting me along the way.

I leave us with one last question:  If we knew we only had a year to live would the way we live our lives look different?

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Waiting

Last Wednesday a kind lady at church came up and gave me a gift bag after service.  She said that she tried to give every high school graduate this devotional book (Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman) and she hoped I would enjoy it.  Later I read the devotional for that day and it brought tears to my eyes.  It just seemed to speak to the place where I am right now in my life.  Below is the poem that was at the end of the devotion.  I hope it blesses one of you today as much as it blessed me!

"I longed to walk along an easy road,
And leave behind the dull routine of home,
Thinking in other fields to serve my God;
But Jesus said, "My time has not yet come."

I longed to sow the seed in other soil,
To be unshackled in the work, and free,
To join with other laborers in their toil;
But Jesus said, "It's not My choice for thee."

I longed to leave the desert, and be led
To work where souls were sunk in sin and shame,
that I might win them; but the Master said,
"I have not called you, publish here My name."

I longed to fight the battles of my King,
Lift high His standards in the thickest strife;
But my great Captain had me wait and sing
Songs of His conquests in my quiet life.

I longed to leave the hard and difficult sphere,
Where all alone I seemed to stand and wait,
To feel I had some human helper near,
But Jesus had me guard one lonely gate.

I longed to leave the common daily toil,
Where no one seemed to understand or care;
But Jesus said, "I choose for you this soil,
That you might raise for Me some blossoms rare."

And now I have no longing but to do
At home, or far away, His blessed will,
To work amid the many or the few;
Thus, "choosing not to choose," my heart is still.

Pilgrim's Progress 

What a sweet, convicting reminder!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

Book Review: "It's (not that) Complicated"

I'm sure most of you have heard of Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin's new book, "It's (not that) Complicated".  I wasn't certain if I would like it or not.  Their previous book had been difficult to read (not that the writing was bad but the content was overwhelming, in my opinion) although I did learn a lot.  I was pleasantly surprised by the simple truths and everyday examples given in their newest book.  It is easy to read, easy to understand, and more down to earth.
It's (not that) Complicated tackles the important subjects that every girl needs to have an opinion on.  The Botkin sisters do a very good job of addressing the underlying issues in many relationships in today's society.  The simple truths they share from the Scripture will open your eyes to a whole new way of looking at the "tough" relationships.  Instead of always being led by your emotions and allowing your heart to lead you, they challenge you to lead your heart.  While the rest of the world either goes searching for a guy or sits waiting for a guy, you are encouraged to simply follow God.  When your heart is in the right place then your thoughts will be in the right place and then your actions will be right.  They're all linked together.  The biggest thing I took away from this book was that if my relationship with God is right then my relationship with everyone else will be right.  I don't need to follow a list of rules and regulations in order to make sure I "stay pure".  If I am anxious to please, honor, and glorify my King in everything I do (including relationships) then His Spirit will lead me in the ways in which I should walk.
Some of the topics covered in this book are:
~ How to be a better sister to your brothers
~ How important it is that you have a good relationship with your parents
~ How you can prepare to be the wife a godly man would want
~ How to interact and communicate effectively to young men (in all purity)
~ What to do until he comes
And so much more!  One thing I really liked about this book was it's inside tips and explanations from everyday young men.  It really helped me to understand what men think about girls and how they think in general.

I highly encourage every young woman to read this book.  It will be challenging, it will be convicting, and hopefully it will be life-changing.
May the Lord bless you all this week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

"They see the works of the LORD, And His wonders in the deep."

Psalm 107:24

I will not be posting my normal weekly post as I will be enjoying the beauty of the ocean with my family!  Every year I am privileged to spend a whole week in an oceanfront beach house with my mom's side of the family.  The total people count, in one house mind you, is thirty-five!  Yep.  Never a boring moment!  May you enjoy the beauty God has you in this week!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

P.S.- Just thought I'd share how excited I am to be a big sister once again!!  Can't wait for the new little one in April!!

The fruit of the Spirit is...

I love little ones!  My sister and I had the privilege of teaching a whole group of five and six year-olds at church today.  My lesson was on the first fruit of the spirit- love.  As I sat in my chair facing the youngsters I asked them if any of them knew any of the fruits of the spirit.  Several confident voices rang out.  "An apple" one said.  "No, a pineapple" another exclaimed.  "Well, how about a pear or a strawberry?" several questioned. :)  I then continued to explain to them the fruits of the Spirit.  I read to them the famous story told by Jesus when a young lawyer questioned Him- the story of the good Samaritan.  I outlined the three things the Samaritan did to show love to the wounded man.

1. He carried the man on his own donkey
2. He took him to an inn and took care of him.
3. He paid for his treatment and promised more money when he returned to check up on him.

Now, granted we do not ever generally find wounded people lying on the side of the road :) but there are other ways to show love to family member, friends, and strangers.  Just like an apple or pear have seeds that are spread over the ground, so we should spread the seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, etc. wherever we go.  Do people notice our love after just meeting us?  Is there evidence that the Spirit lives in me?

May I never get so caught up in this busy live that the fruits of Spirit are forgotten!  May we live each day like it's our last and spread the fruits of Spirit constantly!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah   

Health and Medicine: Part 2

Well, hello everyone.  This week I will continue our study on vitamins and herbal remedies.

First we have Zinc.  Zinc is a mineral that you do not need very much of in order for it to be effective.  It not only supports the immune system but also fights acne and other skin problems.  We don't generally take it daily (although many health books recommend you do) but when we're sick we take no more than 50 mg a day.  Some of us avoid it as it seems to upset our stomachs so be careful.  Take it after you've eaten and maybe take it in smaller amounts throughout the day.

The second one on our list is Colloidal Silver.  What??  How can silver be healthy for me?  Colloidal Silver tastes and looks like water with a slight aftertaste.  It actually has very small particles of silver which go throughout your body, latch on to harmful bacterias and such, and dispose of them.   Drink a couple of tablespoons occasionally throughout the day when you're not feeling well.  It is also helpful to squirt it up your nose if you have sinus problems or drop into your ear during earaches.  We have a colloidal silver manufacturing machine (we go though it :) and have found the investment well worth it.  Research it and make the best decision for your family .

The last one I want to talk about today is Vitamin A.  This vitamin also assists the immune system when sick.  Some food sources where vitamin A occurs naturally includes fish liver oil (can anyone say yum...), dark green leafy vegetables, yellow fruits and vegetables, butter, and egg yolks.  When sick feel free to add up to 35,000 mg of vitamin A to your daily diet (by capsule).  It is also fine to take up to 10,000 mg daily (just to keep your immune system fighting).

Thank you, ladies for once again reading this post and taking control of your health so that one day you can direct your family's (Lord willing).
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

P.S. Most the info above I received from "What the Bible says about Healthy Living" by Rex Russell and "Smart Medicine for Healthier Living" by Janet Zand, Allan Spreen, and James LaValle.  And once again I am not a doctor nor are the suggestions above meant to replace his/her recommendations. :)    

Health and Medicine: Part 1

Hello Everyone,


I think it is very important that we, as young ladies preparing to (hopefully) be wives and mothers, should have a good grasp on natural and homeopathic approaches to medicine.  As our family has grown larger and larger mamma has not been as quick to go to the doctor for every little thing, rather she has searched for ways to heal the common sicknesses at home.  Thanks to her research and dedication we've grown up with this mindset: dr's are good (and necessary) for major illness (and we're very thankful for them), but the majority of sicknesses can be easily cured, over time, at home.

The Lord has created our bodies with miraculous immune systems.  I think sometimes we forget exactly how complex the immune system is and how much it does to protect us from foreign invaders.  The more you study this body of ours the more you realize just how complex and incredibly intelligent our Creator is.

Earlier last week about half of our family came down with some cold/flu-like symptoms.  I'd like to share with you some things we did to treat it along with other illnesses.

~ We began taking Echinacea.  Here is a quote from Dr. Daniel B. Mowrey in The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine that explains the use of this herb: "Laboratory studies how that the herb increases the ability of white cells to surround and destroy bacterial and viral invaders in the blood.  It stimulates the lymphatic system to clean up waste material and toxins, and it has definite antimicrobial activity."  Now Echinacea can be toxic if taken too long or overdosed.  We generally only take it if we feel like we're coming down with something or are already ill.

~ We eat tons of garlic!  "It is a powerful antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial herb." Beyond Antibiotics   It is best if you can eat this herb whole but many (including us) just can't stomach it :).  Instead we swallow garlic capsules or add it to soups and stir-fries.  I've read of putting a whole garlic clove in the outside portion of your ear to help ear infections but I've never actually done this.  Let me know if it works ;).

~We immediately increased our intake of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is not poisonous to humans in large quantities (although it can cause lower tract issues (if you know what I mean :) when taken in excess) and is actually quite helpful in maintaining good health and assisting your immune system during illness.  I generally take 1,000 mg daily in my orange juice (using a vitamin packet called Emergen-C) but when I'm feeling down I take at least another 1,000 mg.

We'll learn about Zinc, Colloidal Silver, and Vitamin A next week in Part 2!

"Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

It will be health to your flesh,

And strength to your bones."

Proverbs 3: 7-8

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah  

P.S.- I am not a doctor and these suggestions are not intended to replace your primary care doctor and or his/her recommendations. :) 

The Trip

"How beautiful upon the mountains 

Are the feet of him who brings good news,
Who proclaims peace,
Who brings glad tidings of good things,
Who proclaims salvation,
Who says to Zion,
“Your God reigns!”"

Isaiah 52:7

We're there!

Comments: Wow!  I don't know where to start!  This week has definitely been a week I will forever remember.  My sister and I are already planning on going back next year.  I so appreciate the prayers...I could feel them the whole week!  I had the privilege of working on a huge deck for an elderly man with a whole crew of people I fell in love with!  I can't explain the unity and love we all experienced that week.  You could definitely feel the Holy Spirit all around us and flowing through us.  What a blessing!  I went to Kentucky hoping to bless someone and I returned blessed- only our God could do that!

The beginning of Day 1

The finished product of Day 1

The finished product of Day 2- the floorboards are down!

 The Work: Now, anyone who knows me closely knows I'm not much of a handy woman, especially when it comes to tools and power equipment.  But I can assure you that at the end of this week I felt that I could effectively drill in a screw in my sleep :).  With the help of my sister and a friend we drilled in at least 2,000 screws into this deck.  My sister even tried to drill my finger but thankfully I was too quick :) (but seriously she did drill just a little bit of my thumb...ow!).  Besides the fact that I was able to assist in filling a need for an old man, I also learned skills that may be useful to me in the future.  Maybe my husband and I will build our first house (FYI, I do not have that husband yet and neither does he appear to be anywhere on the horizon...not that I'm waiting or anything ;)).  Maybe he'll be a construction worker.  Maybe I will be able to assist someone else in need.  Who knows; I look forward to learning more skills next year.

The finished product of Day 3: railings, spindles and steps done!  Unfortnately I don't have a picture of Day 4 but we finished the railings on the stairs and put up half of the rafters for the roof.

The Things I learned:  Every morning or evening we would have a devotion led by someone in our group.  I learned so much from their lessons and the discussions afterwards.  Two things that really stood out to me was to be bold in
proclaiming Christ (as we don't know how much time we have left on this earth) and to always be aware of God's grace in our lives.  Without the knowledge of God's grace in our lives we can easily become prideful.  But God's grace does not just fall on special people- it's for everyone.  Understanding that enables us to be bold in proclaiming to lost people their need for the grace of God in their lives.  Another thing I learned was that I must never allow fear to stop me from doing God's will.  Even though I may not feel like I can do, He gives me the strength in due season.

Group devotions and praise time one night.

The verse at that top of this post was one the Lord impressed upon me as we drove through the mountains on the way there.  I felt like that was my whole mission for the week.  Through God's grace it was accomplished.

The homeowner, Mr. Teague and his girlfriend (apparently A.T.V's and lawn mowers were the cars around there :).

Me and a sister-in-Christ, Amber!

To find out more about the ministry we partnered with (Christian Appalachian Project) and how you can be used there click HERE!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah



  

A Journey

"It is God to whom and with whom we travel, and while He is the end of our journey, He is also at every stopping place."

 Elisabeth Elliot

Tomorrow my sister and I leave on a journey.  This is something new, a journey we've never taken, and yet one that I know the Lord is present.  Early in the morning we leave for Kentucky for a couple days of ministering to and serving the people in the Appalachian Mountains.  Would you mind praying for us that we would be used by the Lord to touch lives for His glory this week?  Thanks so much and I hope to have an update for you all late next week!

"Now may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness."

2 Corinthians 9:10 

This is my prayer for this week; that the seeds we sow will grow and become useful to the King.  I pray that many of those I meet this week I will have the privilege of spending eternity with too!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah       

Recipe: Yogurt Biscuits

This recipe is light, simple, and tasty.  We've been enjoying all the fresh summer fruits in this breakfast bread.  Enjoy!

Yogurt Biscuits

3 cups freshly milled soft white flour
2 t. baking powder
2 t. baking soda
1/2t. salt
1 T. cinnamon
3 T. dark sucanat
6 T. cold butter

Combine above dry ingredients and cut into the butter.  Then combine...
1 1/4 cups yogurt
1 egg
1 T. vanilla extract
...and add to the butter and dry ingredients.  Stir well then gently fold in your favorite berry (blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, etc.) or chocolate chips.  Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.  Enjoy!

Serving suggestion:
Great served with freshly scrambled eggs or omelets :)!

"In the year King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord..."
Isaiah 6:1a
Have we seen the Lord today?

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

An Award....again :)

I've been blessed by Jaime at Diligently Waiting with the Beautiful Blogger Award!

Here are the rules for receiving it:
#1. Thank the person who nominated you and give the link.  Many thanks Jaime!  You're one awesome piano student!
#2 Tell us how the idea of having a blog popped up and why you continue it.  Well, I had desired for a long time to encourage girls.  My sister had started a blog and I thought it was a great way to reach out to young people.   I also wanted a place where I could sharpen my writing skills and my faith.
#3 Describe a usual day of your life.  In the summer my life varies from day to day but is usually very busy harvesting, washing, cutting, canning, etc.  Here's a preview:  wake up at 6 am, do quiet time, run, finish quiet time, play the piano for family worship, breakfast, chores, 1 hour of science (still trying to finish that up :), gardening/canning/washing/peeling/making butter/etc., help make lunch, check email/blogs (throughout the day), make bread, help make dinner, play with siblings, read, eat dinner, clean-up, eat ice-cream with the family, good-night prayers, bed!  Phew!  Mamma does a very good job at keeping us busy but she balances our work time and free time excellently! 
#4 The best collaboration with a blogger?  Um, I'm not sure I have one.  Does my sister count ;)?
#5 The worst collaboration with a blogger?  Sorry, no answer for that one either.
#6 Explain what having this blog means to you.  It means that, through the technological advances of the internet, I have the ability to share Christ and encourage girls across the world!  Not only am I reaching my community but people I might never meet.  What a privilege! 
#7 Now nominate 5 bloggers for this award.

Bianca!
Sarah Jane!
Erin! 
Madalee!
Kimber!

I leave you all with a verse:

"Be strong, be courageous; for the Lord your God He is the one who is with you.  He will not leave you nor forsake you."
Deuteronomy 32:6

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Which fear do we have?

"You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because 

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

1 John 4:4 

Don't you just love it when the Lord's been teaching you something and the pastor at your church just happened to preach on the same thing?!  It is such a confirmation to me of what I need to be working on.

Lately I've been struggling with fear.  Now, there are several different types of fear.  Here are two definitions of fear in the Websters 1828 Dictionary:

1. To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.
2. The worship of God.

The first type of fear weakens you and leaves you useless to the King.  I've been learning that the devil tries very hard to control people with this one.  If we're so afraid we're no longer a threat to him and his plans.  After honestly searching my heart I discovered that the root of my fear was self.  I've been so worried about me, what's going to happen to me, how this will work out for me that I've lost sight of my mission.  My mission is not to make a lot of money, be famous, or even be successful in the world's eyes.  My mission is to be a witness for Jesus; to serve Him and no other.  The Bible frequently encourages us to not be controlled by this fear (see this post).  He wants us to overcome and He wants to use us if we allow Him.

In today's sermon I learned that the second type of fear, the fear of the Lord, is the antidote for the wrong type of fear.  If I'm so focused on the Lord and the vision He has for me {and He does have one for me it just hasn't been revealed yet.... :)} then I will not be scared away by silly little things.  If we're focused on the eternal and not the present, the spiritual and not the physical we will find the fears of yesterday disappear!  Wow!  How freeing, how incredible simple yet so hard to practice.  What do we do when the fears start bombarding us on every side?  Well, what did Jesus do when He was tempted by the devil?  He responded with Scripture.  This is one reason why it is so important to hide God's Word in our hearts!  Now that I know that fear is an issue for me I should be diligently memorizing verses that combat fear.  I need to be ready, armed, prepared for battle.  Ultimately we have nothing to fear when Jesus is on our side!

There's a little peek of what I've been struggling with and learning in my spiritual life.
I'm interested to know what the Lord has been teaching you.

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)       

Compassion International

In my previous post I mentioned how my sister and I are going to Colombia to visit our compassion children sometime this fall.  Daddy gave me the idea to write a little bit more about Compassion International.

My little girl, Jennifer!

Founded in 1952, Compassion gives Christians an opportunity to tangibly effect the lives of young children in poorer countries who do not have the privileges of education and religion as we do, through a small monthly fee.  This fee pays for the child's education, health-care needs, and assists them in rising above poverty and being effective for the Kingdom.  You have the ability to write letters to them and encourage them in their studies and their walk with the Lord.  Unlike other such organizations, Compassion is distinct in it's Christian approach to everything and encourages you to pray not only for you child but also for his/her country.  They frequently send updates in the mail regarding your child and the country he/she lives.  These updates will open your eyes to the world they live in and the small way in which you are helping them to be overcomers, regardless of their circumstances.

Jennifer is 10 years old as of April 7th and I have been writing to her for the past 3-4 years.  I can't wait to know more about her in person; her personality, the way she receives love, and the way she shows love.

We have participated in Compassion International for over 10 years and have been exceedingly blessed by the relationships we have made with our "children".  Kimber and I look forward to actually visiting them in person and experiencing their world.  If you would, please pray for safety and that God would use us to encourage and bless them.  Also, that we would learn from this new experience.

I highly recommend for you to check it out!  Please go HERE!!  

May the Lord bless you all this week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah