In the "Summer" of Your Life

"He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame." 

Proverbs 10:5

Yesterday morning I read this verse during my quiet time.  I thought I'd share with you what the Lord briefly showed me.

I am young and I'm relatively free to do as I like (within the limits of the Scripture, of course)!  Right now is the summer time of my life, now is the time of harvest.  Am I gathering right now in the "summer" or am I wasting it by sleeping, although the Lord's calling?  Am I searching diligently for His will or am I using my time unwisely?  Am I bringing in treasure to be stored up in heaven, or hording wealth which will rust and pass away?  I think these are questions we have to ask ourselves constantly.  I desire to be a wise daughter, to bring my parents glory and honor and most importantly to point others to my loving Savior and Friend.

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

A Daddy's girl

Have you noticed how the daddy/daughter relationship has drastically weakened in the past 1/2 a century?!  Everywhere I look daddies are dishonored by the way their daughters act, the way they dress, and the way they talk.  Fathers are the God-given protectors of us, the "weaker vessels".

"Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." 

1 Peter 3:7

Now the feminists would want you to think that what I just said is "degrading".  Why?  They believe that girls need "independence", "freedom" from the "oppression" of men.  Oppression?  Lets look at the difference between oppression and protection.

In the Websters 1828 Dictionary it defines oppression/oppressive as: "...the state of being oppressed or overburdened; misery...heavy; overpowering; overwhelming; tyrannical..."

Now here is the definition of protection: "...defense; shelter from evil; preservation from loss, injury or annoyance...that which protects or preserves from injury."

Wow!  Those words are radically different!  The feminists would have us think that our daddies are being oppressive, they're taking away our freedom, our opportunity to distinguish ourselves.  In reality our daddies are protecting us from the wolves out there (little puppets for the Wolf who "roars...seeking whom he may devour"- the Devil) who would love to devour young ladies, Gentile or Jew.


Women were naturally made to desire to be loved, cherished, and protected.  The Lord made us that way because He wanted us to portray a different side of Himself.  We portray the love, compassion, and gentleness of the Lord Jesus; the men portray the strength, leadership, and protective side of the Lord.  Each are equal in value yet different in position.  You and I will not find true peace and happiness unless we are fulfilling the role the Lord designed for us!

When we reject our daddy's protection, love, and guidance we are rejecting the design created by the Lord.  Do you ever ask your daddy what he thinks about how you act?  What about how you dress?  Do you seek his guidance before making a decision?  Do I?

Many times in the Scripture you'll read about the Lord being the father for the fatherless.  Since these children have no human father they have no protector, provider, priest, or leader...but the Lord promises to watch over them.  If we are blessed to have a father alive and well on this earth, we should value the protection that he affords, not try to get away from it!

My sisters and I with our wonderful father!

I am eternally grateful to have a wonderful father who I'm proud to have as a spiritual leader, protector, and friend.  Having multiple daughters, my father has searched the Scripture, read books, and prayed about how to train us up to be godly women in this oppressive, feministic world.  Beginning at a young age my daddy taught us the Scriptures.  He taught us how to pray, how to ask for forgiveness, how to search the Word to find answers to your important life decisions.  Not only has he taught us but he has portrayed it for us.  Having his protection is the best thing in the world!  It is so freeing, so wonderful, so sweet!

Oh girls, if you have a godly daddy, don't fall for the world's lies that "men are stupid" or "you need to get out from under you father's 'oppression'"...when you follow the Lord's design you will find yourself more free, more joyful, and more grateful to your Heavenly Father and earthly!  One day he may be taken from you and you will wish you had been more obedient.  Only when the gift is taken away will you realize what a treasure you've lost!  Build your relationship with your father right here and right now!!  You won't regret it!

"And he will turn  

The hearts of the fathers to the children,
And the hearts of the children to their fathers,
Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse." 

Malachi 4:6

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Book Review: Through Gates of Splendor

Kimber received this wonderful book for Christmas last year.  Surprisingly she's been too busy to read it yet so I previewed it for her ;-)!  Written by Elisabeth Elliot, this book tells the amazing story of Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Pete Fleming, Roger Youderian, and Ed McCully, in their attempt to reach the isolated savage tribe, the Aucus (now known as the Waodani tribe).  I'm pretty sure most of you have heard of Jim Elliot and perhaps some of you adults have seen or heard of the documentary  Beyond the Gates of Splendor (2004) which is based on this book.  If you have heard of the story but have never known the details than I highly recommend this inspirational book!  Beginning with Jim Elliot, Elisabeth shares the backgrounds of each of the men involved in Operation Auca and how the Lord brought them all together to reach this heathen tribe.  Enjoy tidbits of their personal journals, notes, and prayers before their attempt to reach the Aucas.  You will find out the excitement that each one had to simply share the salvation of Jesus with this lost people.  You'll learn how the wives stood by and assisted the men in their mission, even though they knew the danger involved.  You'll be encouraged to place your ALL in the sovereign hands of the Master, knowing that He will use you in the best way He sees fit!  I highly recommend this book to anyone who is desiring to go deeper in their walk with Christ, be encouraged in their faith, or just to know the story of modern faithful martyrs.  May you be blessed as you read, just as I was!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah       

The Simplicity of the Gospel

A beautiful sunset by Photography for Jesus

Last night my two sisters, parents, and I were blessed by a amazing testimony.  We watched "Escape From Darkness" by Daniel Shayesteh.  Mr. Shayesteh was a co-founder of Hezbollah in Iran before the revolution.  Able to recite the entire Quaran in Arabic (a language he did not understand) by the age of 9, he was a model of devotion to other Muslim boys.  As he grew older he quickly became a radical Muslim and began training young boys and girls to be ready for Jihad (or Holy War) against the infidels (Jews, Christians, and especially Americans).  When the new government of Iran was established he was kidnapped because Ayatollah, the new "president", didn't like his political agenda.  Tortured and sentenced to death, he was remarkably able to make his escape to Turkey.  While there he began attending a Christian church.  Unable to understand the Christians' genuine love, care, and compassion, he was driven to the Scriptures.  Coming from a religion where hate and anger was the god, he was amazed by the simplicity and love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   He now travels widely, sharing his testimony from dark to light.  His love for Jesus and his passion for what he had been saved from, shines through his face as he speaks.  He especially stresses the need for just the simplicity of the gospel in America.  That is what saves.  Not the religion but the relationship.

Dear friends, do we hold to the simplicity of Christ and His Word? Do I? That is what causes us to be attractive to the ungodly.  Do we seriously "walk the walk" and not just "talk the talk"?  People are watching us!  In America our biggest blessing (material wealth) is also our biggest curse.  We sometimes forget that we have a Savior who is ever ready to have a deeper, more personal relationship with us, because we're constantly surrounded by "worldly things".         

Will you join me in trying to live in the simplicity of Christ so we may be a light to the world?

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden."  Matthew 5:14

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Waiting; Failing; Getting back up

"Be still, and know that I am God;..." Psalm 46:10a

Picture by Photography For Jesus

Be Still

Given by the Holy Spirit from Ps. 46:10a  8-5-10

Be still, my child, wait and see

For the Lord thy God will deliver thee

And lead thee and guide thee until the end

So watch and wait until I send

Be still, my daughter, and do not fear

For I thy God am always near

I know the plans I have for thee

Plans of life, hope, and victory

Be still, my child, and you will see

The things fulfilled that I promised thee

And then you’ll trust and know I’m He

Who’s always watching over thee.

I wrote this attempt at a poem about 6 months ago and yet how quickly I forget the things the Lord has shown me.  Just this past week I got "into the flesh" as Pastor Rick would say.  I was confused, worried, and altogether not trusting the Lord and what His plans are for my future.  Thankfully He, my ever patient Teacher, showed me where I was wrong and how He is still here watching over me.  Do you ever find yourself wandering from your true focus, Jesus Christ?  You're not alone!  Every Christian has and will at some point in their walk.  The important thing is that you catch yourself quickly, pick yourself up out of your rut of self pity, and get your eyes back on Jesus!!  It is so hard but Jesus is ever ready to help us up if we'll just accept His hand. 

Thank You, Lord for being so patient with me, even when I loose my focus.   How great You are to always be there to help me up!  What a Savior...I love you, Jesus!!  Help me to wait on You just like You wait for me.

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

What is a daughter to do after High School?

This question has been coming back to me again and again.  "Lord, what am I to do after High School?", has been my silent prayer for about 6 months.  Just this week I decided to research the roles of all the daughters in the Bible by looking up "daughters" in the dictionary and concordance.  Here's what I've found:

The first daughter that was significant to what I was researching about, was Rebekah.

Genesis 24:15-22, " And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder.  Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold... and she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up.  And the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher.” So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink.  And when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.”  Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.  And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not."

Why is this significant to me?  Rebekah was single but she was serving diligently under her father's roof.  Not only was she a servant to her family, but also to others as the above verses show.   

Here's another example:

Genesis 29:9, "Now while he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess."

Here's Rachel, also a single young lady, being useful and busy in her home.  She helped her father in his business in preparation for helping her husband in his.

Here's another:

Nehemiah 3:12, "And next to him was Shallum the son of Hallohesh, leader of half the district of Jerusalem; he and his daughters made repairs."  

Shallum got a special little side note in his description, his daughters were helping him!

So, what am I getting at?  I've been convicted by the Lord that after high school, while I'm yet unmarried, I'm to be...

#1- Serving Him with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength....and....

#2- Serving my father and helping him, in his business and visions, just like the daughters in the Bible illustrated.  This is in preparation for serving my future spouse and being a blessing to him, if the Lord sees to fit to bring that dream into fruition.  But until then, why would I want to work for someone else and push forward his visions when I could be doing that for my own father?

I can hear someone saying now, "But that was their culture back then, the Lord doesn't mean that for this day and age!"  I disagree.  The Bible is completely relevant to this time in history, just like it was when Jesus walked on the earth, when the disciples preached to all nations, when the martyrs through the ages died for the sake of God's Word!  That's what makes the Bible so amazing and distinct from any other book on earth!!   

I can hear another person saying, "What about college,"?  

Well, what about it?  Just because I may choose not to go to a college does not mean that I'm to stop learning!  No, rather I would have the freedom to pursue my own passions to the highest levels...whether that be through a college degree or not, only the Lord knows right now.  I'm not pursuing a college education currently, but the Lord could change my course within the next year!  I'm not opposed to college education but I am opposed to our current culture which thinks that you can not be "successful" without a degree.  What is successful in their eyes?  What should successful be in ours, according to Christ?

I'm still unsure as to where the Lord wants me to be within the next year, but I trust He's leading me and when the time's right, He'll show me!

We have a very special post in our families...the Bible compares us to pillars gracefully adorning a palace (Psalms 144:12).  Are you and I being pillars in our families, supporting our fathers in our words and actions, and not breaking our house down?  May the Lord help all of us to be a graceful, joyful pillars in our homes, for His glory!!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

P.S.- The above post is my views as to what a woman should be doing while unmarried not men(as this is a blog to girls). 

Patience

Patience:
"The act or power of calmly or contentedly waiting for something due or hoped for; forbearance." The Websters 1828 Dictionary

I don't know about the rest of you but I struggle with patience.  Unfortunately to the flesh, this seems to be what the Lord likes to work on the most in me.  Have you ever noticed how often in the Psalms and Proverbs the Lord says "wait"?  Waiting is an important part of the Christian life.  It's always bad when we humans take things into our own hands or take a step before we get clear direction from the Lord.  The way I see our walk of life is a narrow road with deep ditches on either side and Jesus in front.  Sometimes it's going to get foggy, dark, and cold but we just have to make sure we're keeping a firm grip on Jesus.  He knows the BEST way and we have to have faith in that....even if what's happening doesn't make sense.  This is what we're learning in our study of Job on Wednesday nights.

Okay, I've strayed a little bit from my point.  In the past 2 years or so the Lord has caused little things to happen which have tested my patience and revealed how greatly I need this attribute.  My personality is one of "go get it done FAST no matter what".  The Lord has showed me how very important patience is, especially regarding my relationship with Him.  One time when I was really struggling with being patient in something, my wise mama pointed out that the Lord may be preparing me for something even bigger that I'll need to be patient in in the future!  Talk about a major paradigm shift!  Currently my patience is being tested in several ways.  I'm waiting for my license, direction of where to go next in my life, where the Lord wants me to serve, etc.  Trust me, several times I've lost my patience but my Master's so good to get my focus back on Him and off of myself.  So will you join me in waiting and learning at the Master's feet about this important virtue?  Who knows, maybe the Lord will use our example of waiting and patience to bring someone to Himself!

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah

A verse to think over today

"Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine." 

Ezekiel 47:12

I've been meditating on this verse for about a week or so now.  I just randomly flipped open to Ezekiel 47 and was particularly drawn to verses 9-12...definitely read it if you can!  Verse 12 specifically spoke to me as I've been praying about what the Lord wanted me to do with my "After high school; before marriage (if the Lord wills)" life.  I saw this verse to mean that I was to be a fruitful tree for the Lord and also one that could be used for medicine for those in need while in my youth.  I have the most freedom right now while unmarried to be used in ministry for the Lord.  If you read a couple verses up you'll see that these trees were watered by a pure river that flowed from the sanctuary of God.  I too am "watered", strengthened, enabled to bring forth fruit by the true River of Life, Jesus Christ.  If I don't have Him my life is meaningless!!  I would be a dry, useless tree if it weren't for His life giving salvation.  Do you have this salvation?  For those of us who do have Him, are we being as fruitful as we can for the Lord right now?  Are we striving to delight in what He wants us to do with this life He's given us?  It's a constant struggles but if we press forward towards the goal we will bring forth much fruit.  I pray often that the Lord will do with me what He wants...but sometimes I take my life in my own hands...that never ends well :-)!  We have to constantly surrender our life, our will, our desires to Him!  I've definitely not learned all about surrender to Him but He's a patient teacher thankfully!!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

Book Review: Joyfully At Home

The book as seen at Vision Forum About 3 years ago I received a DVD for Christmas, "Return of the Daughters", and through it I was introduced to Jasmine Baucham.  Shortly thereafter my sisters and I began following her blog and just last year found out she was writing a book based on her blog.  I immediately wrote the book down on my Christmas wish-list and guess what??!!...I got it!!  If anybody knows me well they know I love to read!  I just finished the book, Joyfully at Home, last Tuesday (I would have finished it before but....just look at my book list :-) and thought now would be a great time to write up a review. Inside the pages of this well written, humorous book you'll find tips on how to have a joyful life while at home, how to increase your relationship with your siblings and parents, and ideas on how to minister for the Lord during your single years.  You'll be encouraged to consider using your single years to further your father's vision rather than pursuing a career outside the home; minister to those around you while waiting for the one the Lord has for you (if He has one ;-); and to pursue higher education from your home (see Collage Plus for more info).  I enjoyed this book most because it encouraged me in my convictions, which I see very few people playing out, and helped me know how to answer the "So what are you going to do after high school" questions (there may be a post coming soon about that if the Lord leads).  I highly recommend this book for those wondering if there's another option out there other than the 21st century route of collage away from home with huge boarding fees and student loans.  Also, if you just want to be encouraged as to your role while under your fathers roof, your role as an older sister and helper to your mother, or what to do after high school.....this is for you!  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Learning to delight in Jesus, Hannah

Complete Surrender

Well, COMPLETE SURRENDER has been on my heart lately.  It keeps popping up in sermons, books I've read, and my own personal devotion time.  I thought I'd write down a little bit of what I studied this morning regarding complete surrender to Jesus.
Here are the definitions of "complete" and "surrender" from the Websters 1828 dictionary:

Complete- Having no deficiency; perfect
Surrender- to yield; to give up one's self into the power of another  

Most of us know the song "I Surrender All"...but do we?  Do I?  Have I surrendered ALL my hopes, ALL my dreams, ALL my life, to Jesus?
In John 6:38 it says, "For I have come down from heaven, not to My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me."  If Jesus said this as to why He was here, then what can we say about why we're here?  I think the Westminster Catechism sums it up rather nicely...we're here to "Glorify God and enjoy Him forever."  Jesus is the perfect example of what a life surrendered to God looks like.  Notice how He had "nowhere to lay His head". Our Lord was constantly walking from place to place surrounded by people who just wanted to touch Him,  then He died a slow, torturous death on the cross for you and I, and suffered enumerable other things while diligently following His Fathers will.  Life is not easy, especially a life devoted to Jesus.  It says in John 17:14-15, "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one."  You see, Jesus prayed for us, that we would have the strength to be in complete surrender to Him no matter what...and I believe we can do it, but only through Him!
Can anyone think of another person in the Bible who was in complete surrender to his Master?  What about Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian church.  Listen to what the Bible says about him:
"And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit...and Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.  And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel." Acts 6:5b,8,10, & 15
Wow!  That's high praise coming from the Lord!!  Can people say that about you and I?  I know I still have tons to work on!!  But let us see what happened to Stephen, a man surrendered COMPLETELY to Jesus....
"and they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down  and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin."  And when he has said this, he fell asleep." Acts 7:59-60 
He died, faithfully still surrendering his all to Jesus!  Not only that but also praying for his persecutors...Lord Jesus, give me that faith, that strength to love the unlovable, those who persecute me!!
What about Paul, all the disciples, William Borden, Amy Carmichael, Lottie Moon, and other past and present Christians?  We have plenty of biographies of people who have surrendered their all and seen what the Lord has done with them.
Dwight L. Moody once made this statement, "The world has yet to see what God can do with a fully consecrated man [or woman]."  
Will you join me as a vessel  used by God to show the world what Christ can do through those in complete surrender to Him?!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah