Help me to know

Help me to know how much it cost
For You to die upon that cross,
To take my sins and cast them away
So that I might with You forever stay!


Help me to know the depth of Your love,
Give me the passion to proclaim why You came from above;
That others might know and experience such joy,
Old or young, girl or boy.


Help me to know what Your will is for me
To carry it out so You are honored and pleased;
To rely on You and Your strength alone
Knowing I'm but dust whom only You could atone.

A poem the Lord gave me recently!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Friendship With God

"Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?"

Genesis 18:17

"This chapter brings out the delight of real friendship with God as compared with occasional feelings of His presence in prayer.  To be so much in contact with God that you never need to ask Him to show you His will, is to be nearing the final stage of your discipline in the life of faith.  When you are rightly related to God, it is a life of freedom and liberty and delight, you are God's will, and all your common-sense decisions are His will for you unless He checks.  You decide things in perfect delightful friendship with God, knowing that if your decision are wrong He will always check; when He checks, stop at once.

Why did Abraham stop praying when He did?  He was not intimate enough yet to go boldly on until God granted his desire, there was something yet to be desired in  his relationship God.  Whenever we stop short in prayer and say- "Well, I don't know; perhaps it is not God's will," there is still another stage to go.  We are not so intimately acquainted with God as Jesus was, and as He wants us to be- "That they may be one even as we are one."  Think of the last thing your prayed about- were you devoted to your desire or to God?  Determined to get some gift of the Spirit or to get at God?  "Your Heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him."  The point of asking is that you may get to know God better.  "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."  Keep praying in order to get a perfect understanding of God Himself."

by Oswald Chamber in "My Utmost for His Highest"

This devotional for today challenged me as I search for God's will for my life.  I realized that I shouldn't be searching for His will but for Him.  Am I more devoted to serving Him or knowing Him?  Which is more important in the long run?  I have so much more to learn about Him and His Word.  I should not be content with just scratching the surface.  Will you dig deeper with me?

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

Blooming?

"I went down to the garden of nuts to see the verdure of the valley, to see whether the vine had budded And the pomegranates had bloomed."

Song of Songs 6:11

Have you ever heard of the phrase "bloom where you are planted"?  Jesus has been teaching me, through this phrase, that I should be all I can for Him right where He's placed me.  Lately I've been struggling with being all I can for Him in the little things, in the monotonous things, in the everyday things.  Life is normal.  I haven't had any sky-parting revelations of late or clear directions from the Lord.  I feel like I've been waiting for Him to speak for a long time.  But these things do not give me an excuse for pouring myself wholeheartedly into everything.  During this time of stillness I should be diligently applying the Scriptures and digging deeper into His Word.  Am I?

Photography for Jesus

Another thing I've been asking myself is "am I blooming or am I just growing?".  Growing is good, don't get me wrong, but if a plant just grows it never accomplishes its true purpose...to bloom.  When a plant blooms it proves that it has reached full maturity.  It's beauty is admired by all passer-by's or perhaps it is plucked and given away to one deserving of it.  Am I blooming right here, right now or am I content with just growing?  Am I being used where I'm planted or am I "saving" my service for something worth-while?  Is not every place of service worth-while if it is for Jesus?  These are thoughts that have been on my head of late.  What are some of yours?

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah      

Marriage

One of the greatest gifts is to have the opportunity to watch two wonderful, godly people join together in holy matrimony!  I enjoyed such a blessing earlier today! 
The Lord has instituted marriage to be a holy union between a man and a woman for several purposes.  I'd like to list a few that I've learned below.

1) One of the Lord's goals for marriage is to bring forth godly seed.
"But did He not make them one, having a remnant of the Spirit?  And why one?  He seeks godly offspring.  Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth."
Malachi 2:15
Children are the next generation's pastors, missionaries, doctors, evangelists, teachers, mothers, fathers, etc.  If we didn't have godly children being taught by godly parents the world would be drastically different.  They are the ones picking up the torch and carrying it on for the gospel's sake.  The Bible clearly states that children are a blessing.  I'm so thankful that my parents embraced this truth.  They are already beginning to reap the fruit that they've sown.

2) Another of the Lord's goals for marriage to accurately represent Christ and His church.  Wow, what a responsibility!
"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing,but that she would be holy and without blemish."
Ephesians 5:25-27
There should be a stark contrast between a couple who loves the Lord and is trying to honor Him in their lives and those who are just trying to make it work.  People are always watching you...may we never forget that!

3) A third thing was for fellowship and encouragement.  See what Solomon says in his book Ecclesiastes.
"Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."  Ecc. 4:12

Or what about what God said at the very beginning...
"And the Lord God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.""
Genesis 2:18
It is always easier to finish a race with someone you know beside you.  They encourage, strengthen, and challenge you.  That is what I believe God calls a husband and wife to be to each other.

Although I have not yet embarked into this part of life.   I look forward to the day the Lord gives me a man than I can serve, encourage, and finish the race with.  But if that is not where He wants me to serve Him then I must trust that He has plans far better, beyond what I could ever ask, think, or imagine.  I strive, with the Lord's help, to accomplish this verse while single (however long that may be ;)....
"There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.  The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit."
1 Corinthians 7:34 
Perhaps I'll do a post about singles next.... :)

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Recipe: Au Gratin Potatoes

It is currently 8:30 pm and I still haven't written up a weekly post!  Oh well, I guess you'll have to settle with a quick recipe :).  This recipe is great as a side dish with hamburgers, tuna, or chicken.  Enjoy!


Au Gratin Potatoes

9 potatoes, sliced thin
1-2 onions, chopped
1 stick butter
Little over 1/2 cup flour
3 1/2 cups milk
3 1/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Saute onions and butter.  Once onions are soft add flour as you stir.  Then slowly add milk, salt, and pepper.  Turn up to medium heat until mixture begins to bubble.  Add as much milk/flour as needed until you reach the right consistency.  Add cheese and stir.  Pour over thinly sliced potatoes.  Cook covered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 1/2 hours.

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My mom, some siblings, and I competed in our first 5K this morning.  It was exhilerating!  I am not, repeat NOT, a gifted runner but I kept saying this verse to myself throughout the morning:
"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
Although I definitely did not fly (I was hoping I would sprout wings or something ;-) the Lord still taught me that sometimes His strength is not given in exactly the way I want.  His ways are not our ways...they are so much higher!  What a great God we have!!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

 

Book Review: Bonhoeffer

First off, this book was a challenge for even an avid book worm like me to complete in one month!  With over 530 pages you get a very detailed account of the beginning, middle, and end of Pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  I received this book for Christmas and have enjoyed learning about this fellow believer who gave his life to try and save Germany from the crash course it was on.

Born on February 6th, 1906, Dietrich was the 6th of 8 children in a well-to-do German family.  His father, a psychiatrist and neurologist, while not a religious man did not mind his wife's faith and allowed her to teach the children.  With such an illustrious father along with one older brother who was a lawyer and another brother who was a scientist, it was quite surprising to the Bonhoeffer family when Dietrich informed them that he had a chosen a profession in theology; he was 14.  When he was 17 he entered Berlin University, earning his doctorate by age 21.  During his time there he continued to have a ""free, critical and independent" theological thinking".  After college he traveled to many countries including Spain, America, and England.  Frequently he compared the different theological differences in each country and eloquently explained his view and why.  His conviction that the Bible and the Bible alone was enough to answer all questions put him at odds with many professors and theologians all over the world.  As Hitler began to infiltrate the German church, Bonhoeffer, according to God's calling, set out to try and separate the church from the world.  Although many believed and followed him, the church was too far gone to completely turn around.  Finally, Pastor Bonhoeffer with several other pastors and teachers separated from the church of Germany and called themselves the "Confessing Church".  As Germany became more hostile to Christians and Jews Bonhoeffer, with the help of foreign friends, decided to leave for America before the borders were closed.  Although he made it safely to the US he was never content.  After much prayer and indecisiveness he felt the Lord leading him back to his home country.  He knew that hostility, persecution, and possibly death awaited him but where the Lord led he followed.  Not too long after his return Dietrich joined the Abwehr (similar to the CIA or FBI here in the USA) and personally began to assist in the plot(s) against Hitler.  Eventually the Gestapo arrested the most prominent members of the Abwehr because of some vague suspicions.  After the failed Stauffenberg Plot (arranged and carried out by members of the Abwehr) Hitler had all those involved, even remotely, executed.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer was transferred to several different Nazi concentration camps before he was executed at Flossenburg; 2 weeks before Hitlers suicide.

Bonhoeffer fought to save Germany and then fought to save the world.  He was considered a passifist to some degree but when the monster of a ruler was about to take over the whole world, he felt that it was his duty to do all he could to save it.  In this case it meant getting rid of the monster - Hitler.   In order to understand more of this complicated subject you must read this book!  I don't really know what I would've done if I had been in this situation.  I lean more towards the command "Thou shalt not murder", but would it have been murder or justice?  Hmm...
Although long it was very informative and I learned many new things about World War II, Germany, and Hitler.

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah                  

Dancing?

"Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me:

It is good for a man not to touch a woman."

1 Corinthians 7:1

Dancing...is it a bad thing?  Could it be tempting perhaps even misleading if you dance with another man outside of a close relative?  That's what I'd like to write about today.

First I do not believe dancing is a sin or even a bad thing.  But I do believe it is a situation you should avoid, for purity's sake.  As a young lady I know how hard it is to keep your thoughts and actions pure when interacting with brothers-in-Christ.  Personally I try not to put myself in situations where I may be tempted to give on my convictions of purity.  All touching for me, by a young man, is off limits.  The reason is quite simple; I don't want any guy to love me in an altered state of mind.  Touch is one of God's greatest gifts to humans and much of it is to be kept until marriage.  My hope is to have my first dance with my husband.  How special would that be?!     

Now I know many people are saying "Just because someone dances with you doesn't mean they're serious about getting to know you.  It is just for fun."  I know, but purity matters that much to me that I don't want to do anything that might threaten it!

Please understand that this is my conviction.  Ask the Lord to help you have an open mind to the possible validity and just maybe He'll show you His will for you in this area!

Take all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.

Learning to delight in Jesus,

Hannah  

Home, Sweet Home

I love my home!  Recently my family and I enjoyed a 4 day vacation to a mountain resort.  By the end of the 3rd day I was longing for my home, my bed, my sweet country water, and fresh air.  As we traveled home I welcomed the familiar deep blue sky, soft green fields planted with winter rye, and tall pines as sweet reminders of our anticipated return.  While gazing at the beauty surrounding my home my thoughts drifted to my true home...the heavenly one prepared for me by my awesome Savior and Friend.  Do I long for my heavenly abode as I do my earthly home after a vacation?  Do I eagerly await the day I'm called upwards to be by the side of Jesus?  Most importantly do I constantly desire to see Him face to face?

"O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You 
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water....
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life.
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my  hands in Your name."

Psalm 63:1, 3-4

Far too often I find myself distracted by everything else in the world.  Television, computer, and books frequently keep me from constantly dwelling on Jesus and the place He's gone to prepare for me (and you too!).  May this not be so!  May we strive to keep our minds and heart always on our Lord and our home, sweet home!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

An Award

Many thanks to Miss Sarah for blessing me with this award!

The Rules:

1. Post these Rules

2. Write seven random facts about yourself

3. Award ten other people

4. Leave a comment on their blog to let them know you awarded them


Seven random facts about myself:
~ I am a bookworm!
~ I am training for a 5K in March (1st one ever :)!!
~ I am a piano teacher to 10 students...and counting!
~ I am a 2012 homeschool graduate - Woo-hoo!
~ I enjoy playing the piano and singing at my church.
~ I love babies (and pregnant mama's :)!
~ I enjoy watching movies with my family while eating popcorn or enjoying a bowl of ice-cream!

Thank you very much, Sarah!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

These biscuits  complete a breakfast of Daddy's scrumptious only-he-can-cook-them eggs very nicely.  Maybe they'll become your favorite too!  Enjoy!

Plain Buttermilk Biscuits

Combine:
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 T. Mayonnaise

Mix together the following dry ingredients:
-3 1/2 cups of freshly ground whole wheat flour
-2 T. baking powder
-1 t. baking soda
-1/2 t. salt

Set out 2/3 cup of butter and let soften.  When soft, pour the dry ingredients in with the butter and cut together until the butter is pea sized.  Then pour in the buttermilk mixture.  Add flour if it looks too wet until it is able to hold its shape on your spoon.  Drop by tablespoon onto a greased pan (we use a stone).  Cook at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.

To add a different flavor, sprinkle some with cinnamon and sugar before cooking.
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah