Saved

I was in a pit, all dirty and bruised
And nothing I did could bring me to You.
No method of mine or work of my own,
Could bring me before Your holy throne.

I thought I was stuck, condemned for life
Until I saw Your sacrifice.
You jumped in beside me and said with a smile,
"Can I help you up, my little child?"

With a prayer and a nod You hoisted me up.
Now I was no longer stuck in that muck!
Through my tears I could see my new heavenly home,
In the midst of which dwelt Your holy throne.

I was clothed with a gown as white as snow,
And given a crown so that all would know;
That I had been saved from a life of sin,
By He who had come to dwell with men.

Now I am free, not stuck anymore.
And what can I say but "Thank You, Lord!"
For without Your help I would still be there
All stuck in the muck, with none who care.

This freedom's for all who simply ask
For none but God can accomplish this task;
To save and rescue sinners who are damned,
And present them faultless before the Great I AM!

"For when we were still without strength,
in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
Romans 5:6

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)

The 4th of July

I picked up a "new" book on our bookshelf last week called "American History Stories" by Mara Pratt.  I thought it might be rather boring but it was actually incredibly factual and interesting.  There were several things that I didn't know about the American Revolution that I discovered in this book. One thing I discovered was this poem which celebrates when the Liberty Bell was rung for the very first time.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did!

There was tumult in the city,
In the quaint old Quaker town,
And the streets were rife with people,
Pacing restless up and down;
People gathering at corners,
Where they whispered each to each,
And the sweat stood on their temples,
With the earnestness of speech.

"Will they do it?"  "Dare they do it?"
"Who is speaking?"  "What's the news?"
"What of Adams?"  "What of Sherman?"
"Oh, God grant they won't refuse!"
"Make some way there!"  "Let me nearer!"
"I am stifling!"  "Stifle then!
When a nation's life's at hazard,
We've not time to think of men!"

So they beat against the portal,
Man and woman, maid and child;
And the July sun in heaven 
On the scene looked down and smiled,
The same sun that saw the Spartan
Shed his patriot blood in vain,
Now beheld the soul of freedom
All unconquer'd rise again.

See!  See!  The dense crowd quivers
Through all its lengthy line,
As the boy beside the portal
Looks forth to give the sign!
With his small hands upward lifted,
Breezes dallying with his hair,
Hark! with deep, clear intonation,
Breaks his young voice on the air.

Hushed the people's swelling murmur,
List, the boy's exultant cry!
"Ring!" he shouts, "Ring, Grandpa,
Ring, O, ring for Liberty!"
And straightway at the signal,
The old bellman lifts his hand,
And sends the good news, making
Iron music through the land.

How they shouted!  What rejoicing!
How the old bell shook the air,
'Till the clang of freedom ruffled
The calm gliding Delaware!
How the bonfires and the torches
Illumed the night's repose,
And from the flames like fabled Phoenix,
Our glorious Liberty arose!

That old bell now is silent,
And hushed its iron tongue,
But the spirit it awakened,
Still lives- forever young.
And when we greet the smiling sunlight,
On the fourth of each July,
We'll ne'er forget the bellman,
Who, betwixt the earth and sky,
Rang out Our Independence,
Which, please God, shall never die!

Amen!  This poem brings tears to my eyes.  We've strayed so far from the liberty our forefathers gave their lives for.  Only after reading something like this can we truly appreciate what we are now trying to preserve...our liberty.

May your 4th be blessed and during the festivities of the day may we remember the true meaning behind the what we celebrate.  "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!"

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Ministry

*Once again a little preview of last night's Bright Lights lesson*

As we grow in our walks with the Lord we will desire to serve Him as an outflow of this love we have for Him.  This is ministry.

"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."
John 15:8

When we hear the word ministry what do we usually think of?  I know some of my first thoughts include helping orphans, being a pastor in a church, evangelizing in foreign countries, etc.  But in reality ministry begins in the heart.  As we draw closer to Jesus and He becomes a reality in our life, we naturally want others to draw close to Him too.

So, how do we find a ministry to be involved in?  Actually, I firmly believe that God will bring a ministry to us.  Each of us have unique talents and gifts so each of the ministries God calls us to will be different.  But there is one area of ministering that we all can be involved in and that is our families.  Now, this ministry may not be viewed by others as a valid ministry, but I don't think they're right.  When the world sees brothers and sisters loving each other or children honoring and obeying their parents you are being ministers to them.  I would say the the home is the training ground for future ministry opportunities.  Home is where character is developed and where the attitudes of our hearts are truly revealed.  It is the proving ground so-to-speak.

It is important to remember that no ministry that the Lord calls you to is big or small compared to what someone else is involved in.  

"Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one?  I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.  So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.  For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 3:5-11

What a good reminder from Paul (or rather, from the Lord)!  A ministry must have Jesus Christ as the foundation.  If He is not there then we're simply building a house on sand.  We must ask God to show us the ministry He wants us involved in.

One last thing to remember is that we cannot properly minister for God in our own strength.  He gives us a ministry and He gives us the strength to minister.

"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.  And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Galatians 6:8-10 

If we do become weary while doing good I think we should check our hearts and see if possibly we've taken the reigns from God (it is so easy to do that, you know...sometimes it happens without realizing it).  It truly is simple- simply sit back and relax while He guides us along the narrow way-it is just difficult to allow Him to have access to all of us/me!

Have a great week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Thoughts

I've had plenty of thoughts floating around my head lately.  I'll do my best to express them clearly on this blog for both my records and for your entertainment ;).

Thought #1:  My brothers;  they're not little boys anymore.  In fact one of them is already taller than me and the other is closing in.  But I'm learning how to have a relationship with brothers who now are maturing and growing in their manhood.  I truly admire my brothers.  No longer are they my little nuisances (although sometimes they do cause quite a commotion :), but their my fellow laborers, my brothers-in-Christ, and my role models.  I see them daily increasing in the virtues and character qualities that I hope to one day see in my husband.  I do love them very much (:!

Thought #2:  Serving at the PRC.  It is both rewarding and difficult.  I love being there and it sure challenges  me in all areas of my walk with Christ.  The counseling room is an amazing opportunity to present the gospel to those who really are at a crisis in life but it can also be intimidating.  The one fear I have is that I'll miss an opportunity to preach Christ or that my words will not be what they should be.  The staff at the PRC have done their best to prepare me for every situation but in the end, the Lord is the only one with me in that room.  I pray constantly that He'll work through me and keep ME out of the way!

Thought #3:  The homeschool convention.  I love attending HEAV's convention every year.  It lifts me up and encourages me even though I'm no longer a student or a homeschool mom.  The many topics they cover, such as courtship/dating, having a biblical worldview, and learning from those who have graduated, speak to all people in all areas of life.  My sister and I even had a chance to volunteer in preparing food for the 300+ speakers and their families on Saturday morning.  That was a blessing!  I enjoy meeting new people who have a heart for the Lord, a heart for children, and a heart for serving.

Thought #4:  This country.  It seems like every day I hear of something new that wants to undermine and destroy our faith and freedom.  We are so blessed to live in this nation but I'm frequently reminded that freedom isn't free.  We must stand and defend that which our forefathers stood for and defended in this nation.  What my role is in all this....... I'm not so sure but when I know I'll let you know.

Thought #5:  B.R.I.G.H.T. Lights.  I love each and every one of the girls the Lord has brought to these meetings.  I have grown in my walk with the Lord and have been so encouraged to see these young ladies truly desire to honor and serve the Lord right now in their youth.  I'm so grateful for my family, especially my sisters, who help me lead this group.  They help with prep, music, and clean-up afterwards.  Thank you girls, I couldn't do it without you!

Thought #6:  Sin.  How I hate it!  It's a constant struggle to gain the upper-hand and if I start to relax for a second, let my guard down for an instant, it attacks again with a vengeance.  Thankfully I don't have to fight this battle alone...if I only I remember my weapons during the attack!

Thought #7:  It's been officially one year since I've graduated.  I look back at a year ago and I remember the feelings and emotions surrounding graduation and I'm so thankful for where the Lord has brought me now.  Although I didn't see the path He truly did lead me and I pray He continues to do so!

Okay, I think that's all for now!
I leave you with a verse from this past week.
"Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today."
Deuteronomy 8:11

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)

Thank you!

Thank you for giving your youth for me,
Thank you for living your life selflessly.
Thank you for showing what sacrifice means.
Thank you for doing what you do daily.

Thank you for standing for freedom today
Thank you for being so strong and so brave.
Thank you for demonstrating what Jesus gave
His life so the world He could save!

Indeed today is a day to say "thanks" to all those who are sacrificing or have sacrificed life and limb so I could be free.  I am so blessed to live in this beautiful country.  May God's grace be upon us!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Heaven

 

What is like when we first get to heaven?  I mean I know that I will see the streets of gold and the crystal sea, the angels and saints of old; but will there be a greeting line to say "hello" to Jesus or will I be able to finally run into His arms and hear those coveted words (well done, good and faithful servant)?  Will I remember what happened here on earth or will the memory be lost when surrounded by such grandeur?

Perhaps unlike most people, death does not scare me.  I know that I'm but a pilgrim on this earth and I'm simply passing through on my way to the home prepared for me by my Savior (John 14:3).  This body really is just a shell used to hold the spirit and soul of someone.  Once someone goes home we wonder why we spend so much wasted time taking care of this, our outward appearance, which is quickly fading away.  Now please, don't think I'm saying you shouldn't take care of this body.  Our body is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) and as such we should try to keep it in the best shape possible so as to be of use to our King for as long as we can.  But if the time we spend taking care of this body is longer then the time we devote to checking the inside (by Scripture reading, church, and prayer) we should check our hearts.

Friends, don't let the business of life trick you into thinking this is all there is (I know from personal experience how hard this is).  Eternity is at stake here!  Those of us who are Christians long for the day when we'll be called home to see Jesus face to face.  Every day brings us closer to that moment.  But although we may have friends and relatives up there awaiting our arrival, we are still here for a reason.  God is not done with us yet.  We must stay focused on the mission so that we can "finish our race with joy, and the ministry we have received from the Lord" Acts 20:24.

Those of you who do not yet know the Savior and have a personal relationship with Him, we are praying for you.  God created you for a purpose and He wants to have a relationship with you if only you would open your heart to Him.  This life is not all there is.  Are you prepared for the next?

Those are some of the thoughts floating around in my head this week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)

Health and Medicine: Essential Oils Part 1

For Christmas my mom and dad blessed me with the book "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy" as well as $25 to buy my first essential oils.  I've enjoyed learning about this new way to health and healing very much and wanted to share some of the things I've learned with you all.  The biggest thing I've learned is that a little bit of essential oil goes a long way!  Essentials oils are also most effective through topical application or smelling, not by taking it internally.  So, here we go :).

Peppermint EO: 
Daily Use: Peppermint is a cooling oils which is great to spray (diluted) around your house during the summer time, not to mention it smells amazing!
Around the House: Peppermint is a good natural method to get rid of ants and other obnoxious pests (like mice).  Simply place a couple of drops along your counter and you'll find them disappear overnight (they hate the smell).
For Your Health: Peppermint EO is proven very effective is turning a posterior baby.  Simply add a couple of drops to 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or some other base oil) and apply it to the lower back.  I've also heard that it can be used to turn breech babies but I've never actually tested it.

Lavendar EO:
Daily Use: Lavender EO smells sweet and is anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and a natural antidepressant, antiseptic, and antibiotic.  That's a pretty long list!  It's very soothing and relaxing.  Simply place a couple of drops in a bath after a hard days work or if a little one is not feeling well (or having trouble sleeping).
Around the House:  This EO can be placed directly on burns which will aid in the healing process, protect it from infection, and prevent blistering or scarring.
For Your Health:  Lavender essential oil is a great oil to add to some base and rub all over your body after a shower.  It is also very effective through steam inhalation (either through a vaporizer or diffuser).

Thyme EO and Rosemary EO:

Both of these oils are great to use when your sick but they must be used with great care.  Thyme is not recommended for young children and Rosemary should be used sparingly.  They are both very effective is helping to fight the cold, flu, and coughs.  Soak in a bath with these oils (only 4 drops per bath), rub all over after a shower with them (make sure they're in a base oil), or diffuse throughout the sick room.

Sinuse Rub:
I looked up "sinus relief with essential oils" on the internet and I found this blend.  It works very well (I rubbed some on Lydia, my 5 year old sister, when she had a sinus infection and it cleared up in record time... about 24 hours later!) and feels and smells wonderful.  Let me know how you like it!

1 t. olive oil
1 drop Lemon EO
2 drops Eucalyptus EO
3 drops Rosemary EO
2 drops Peppermint EO

I hope to be able to post some more updates on what I'm learning about essential oils as I study them more.
Have a blessed rest of the week!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah

Life is a vapor!

**I'm preparing this lesson for my Bright Lights group tomorrow and I thought I would share some of the things the Lord has been showing me with you!  Enjoy!**

It's hard to imagine life being short when you're young.  I still have a hard time grasping this concept.  But time and time again the Bible warns us that our time on earth is short.  Why is it so important to realize how short life is?

"So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom."
Psalm 90:12

We must have the right perspective on time so that we'll search for wisdom in this area.  Why is it so important to gain a heart of wisdom?

"See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,  redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:15-17

It is so important that we make wise decisions because of the days we live in.  Redeeming the time means (according the Websters 1828 Dictionary) "...to use more diligence in the improvement of it; to be diligent and active in duty and preparation."
James 4:14 says that life is vapor.  Here today and gone tomorrow.  In the span of eternity we really are just a dot on a number line.  So how can we use our life, which is passing away, wisely for the King's glory?

First, we must give our time to the Lord.  This is yet another area in our lives that I'm realizing must be surrendered to Him.  We can trust Him because, after all, He's the one who created us and knows us better then we know ourselves.  The Lord is the giver of life and He's the One who numbers our days.  I think He knows how to best use our time for His purposes :)!

Second, we must do everything as unto the Lord!
"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
I found this quote by Charles Spurgeon that I thought was very appropriate for this topic.  He said, 
"Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit, and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time, fill them up with holy service."
That sounds like doing "everything as unto the Lord" to me :)!

Lastly, we must try to always keep a heavenly perspective.
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
Colossians 3:1-2 
When our mind is in the right place, then our heart will be in the right place, and then our actions will be right.
Quite frequently in Scripture we see the Lord telling us that He is coming soon.  In this day and age it really could be any second!  With this knowledge we should be all the more eager to use our time wisely for His glory (because He deserves it!).  
I think of the story of the 5 wise virgins and the 5 foolish virgins who were waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom.  While they waited the 5 wise virgins prepared their lamps and used their time wisely anticipating the soon arrival of their master.  Unfortunately the 5 foolish did not spend their time wisely and when the bridegroom finally did arrive they had to go out and buy oil for their lamps before they could join him.  Finally prepared, the 5 foolish virgins knocked eagerly on the door of the house where the bridegroom was celebrating asking to be admitted.  And what did the Bridegroom say to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.'  Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."  Matthew 25:13
Don't let that be you!

Are you ready for the arrival of the King of Kings?  Are we being wise or foolish in the way we spend our time before He comes?  Will we hear the words "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.   For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah 

 

Every Life is Beautiful!

Have you ever truly meditated on the beauty and amazing design of life?!  In only a short 9 months a human being goes from being non-existent, to being a perfectly formed, beautiful baby!  Did you know that in only 3 short weeks after conception a baby's heart beat is noticeable?  When a child is born it is born with the ability to reason, to think, to act, to love, to speak, to learn, to understand, etc.  No other created being has these abilities!  And not only that but we were also the only ones created in God's marvelous image and brought to life by the very breath of the Living God...what a privilege!

Every child is blessing- even the ones considered in the world's eyes to be "imperfect" (according to God's Word we are all imperfect.  "...There is none who does good.  No not one." Psalm 14:3b).  The Bible has plenty to say in regards to children.  In Psalms 127 and 128 He repeatedly states that children are a blessing from above and the "fruit of the womb is His reward."  Do we realize the blessing we're missing out on when we shut up the womb?  While I have not yet received the wonderful gift of children I look forward to that day, Lord willing.  Every baby is a blessing and every life truly is beautiful!

Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah   

Update on Me

Hello All,

I apologize for my lack in posting lately!  Things have been busy and I've had other things grabbing my moments of spare time lately.

I would like to give you all a brief update on what is happening in my life currently.  Since graduating high school last June I have found that the Lord's ways are indeed so much higher then ours and His thoughts beyond anything we could ask, think, or imagine.  I am so grateful for the freedom I have currently to truly follow the Lord wherever He leads.
 
Currently the job part of my life is taking care of a little girl at my church who has Downs Syndrome.  She's precious and has opened my heart for children with special needs.  I go to her house 2-3 times per week and enjoy watching her play, cleaning up her messes :), feeding her, and doing general housework.  It is a job made in heaven just for me! :)  I'm also busy teaching piano to 7 consistent students every Friday.

After much prayer and silent interest, I stepped out in January and began training to serve as a volunteer counselor at our local Pregnancy Resource Center.  I go once a week for my training and I've learned so much already.  I am eager to begin ministering to young ladies who truly just need to know Jesus.  I love everything about babies and I love young women so it seemed like a perfect fit!

Also in January I finally did what the Lord had been leading me to do for about 8 months...I started a B.R.I.G.H.T. Lights group for some local girls!  We meet twice a month and I've been thoroughly enjoying it. I encourage any of you who have thought and prayed about starting one to take that first step.  It will bless and challenge you in more ways then you can imagine.  This is definitely not to be taken lightly, but if God is calling let Him lead and you won't go wrong!

I'm also staying pretty busy at home and am enjoying spending time with my siblings when I can!  Mamma is only 2 weeks away from her due-date and I'm so excited to meet this new little blessing from heaven!
I've been studying essential oils and am thoroughly enjoying my research in this other natural healing method.  It's amazing to me how the Lord has hidden everything we need to live life to the fullest in His awesome creation!  What an amazing God we serve!

Well, I think that about sums it up.  I will continue to attempt to post at least once a week or every two weeks.
May you all be blessed in this new week!
Learning to delight in Jesus,
Hannah :)