A Precious Jewel To Me

The ladies of our local congregation just had a tea party to celebrate and share about the lives of some amazing women in history.  Some of the ladies of interest were: Sarah Edwards, Fanny Crosby, Corrie Ten Boom, Amy Carmichael and Priscilla Mullins.  These are all well known women in Christian history and worthy to be remembered and honored, yet there are some women that will never be famous as these are. Women like my Granny.  

My great-grandmother, Granny, recently went home to be with our Lord, and has been on all of our minds a great deal lately.  She, as well, is a woman worthy to be honored and remembered. She served the Lord diligently from the time of her conversion at age 16, to the time of her death at age 98.  And over the course of her 82 years of Christian service touched and ministered to countless lives. Hers was a life of self-sacrifice. At her funeral there was a great deal of rejoicing, and there was a great deal of remembering. Most of the memories had a common theme: "Granny loved me. Granny prayed for me. Granny showed me how to live for Christ". 

Granny and me in 2009. She was 95.

Granny was always reaching out to people. You could not come into her home without her trying to feed you physically and feed you spiritually. If you sat down to her table, you were going to enjoy some delicious food and hear about the one true God who provided it. Whenever Granny would share her personal testimonies of what the Lord had done for her--that was my favorite way to learn about the Lord from her.  Sitting at the kitchen table, twisting a napkin all the while, she would tell me and everyone else stories of how the Lord had performed miracles in her life, given her peace or dropped a verse on her heart for her to meditate upon.

And if you needed prayer, she was the first one you went to. She would pray for you immediately, wherever she was. Many times friends would call her and have her pray with them right then over the phone. She never doubted that the Lord was listening to her, and she never doubted that He would answer. She was the kind of prayer warrior that I want to become.  

Granny loved the Lord. She loved hearing praises sung to Him. She loved being with His people. She loved telling other people about His goodness. She loved quoting His word to you.  She loved talking to Him. She loved the life that He had given her and she loved that one day she would be with Him forever.  

We loved her, and she caused us to love Him more.  

I want to be like my Granny. I want to be someone who is hospitable, caring, always sharing the love of Christ, always seeking His face in prayer, always telling of His goodness, never living a day without thanking Him. I want my life to be a life lived for Christ.

Do you?

Granny's verses: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God". Colossians 3:3

It is Finished!

The complete and revised book list. This is going to be a challenging and amazing experience!

Hannah’s 52 Books of 2012

 

Systematic Theology Vol. I- RJ Rushdoony


Systematic Theology Vol. II- RJ Rushdoony


Institutes of Biblical Law Vol. I- RJ Rushdoony


Institutes of Biblical Law Vol. II- RJ Rushdoony


Institutes of Biblical Law Vol. III- RJ Rushdoony


Sovereignty- RJ Rushdoony


God’s Plan For Victory- RJ Rushdoony


The Messianic Character of American Education- RJ Rushdoony


To Be As God- RJ Rushdoony


Law and Liberty- RJ Rushdoony


Tithing and Dominion- RJ Rushdoony


Thy Kingdom Come- RJ Rushdoony


Queen of the Home- Jennifer McBride


Loving The Little Years- Rachel Jankovic


Missionary Patriarch: John G. Paton


Adventures in Missionary Heroism


The Beauty of Modesty- David and Diane Vaughan


Be Fruitful and Multiply- Nancy and Colin Campbell


The Sovereignty of God- A.W. Pink


How God Wants Us To Worship Him- Dr. Joe Morecraft


A Hunger for God- John Piper


Aunt Jane’s Hero- Elizabeth Prentiss


A Bride Goes West- Nanny Alderson


The Little Boy Down the Road- Douglas Phillips


Ten P’s In A Pod- Arnold Pent


Idols of the Heart- Elyse Fitzpatrick


Elsie Dinsmore- Martha Finley


Beloved Bride- Bill Potter


Created for Work- Bob Schultz


So Help Me God- Judge Roy Moore


The Revolution- Ron Paul


Dominion Covenant- Gary North


Large Family Logistics- Kim Brenneman


The Second Mayflower- Kevin Swanson


Homemaking- J.R. Miller


God and Government- John Weaver


War Between the States Vol. I- Alexander Stevens


War Between the States Vol. II- Alexander Stevens


Institutes of Christian Religion- John Calvin


American History- Alexander Stevens


Bound For Glory- R.C. Sproul Jr.


Tithing and the Church- Gary North


Last Days Madness- Gary DeMar


Theonomy in Christian Ethics- Greg Bahnsen


Always Ready: Directions for Defending the Faith- Greg Bahnsen


By This Standard- Greg Bahnsen


Economics In One Lesson- Henry Hazzlit


The Great Christian Revolution- Otto Scott


1776- David McCullough


The Genesis Flood- John C. Whitcomb and Henry Morris


Foxe’s Book of Martyrs- John Foxe


Refuting Evolution- Ken Ham

 

2012 Book List

"Are you gonna do the 52 book challenge next year?"

My brother and sister casually asked me this question. I had no idea what they were talking about. So, they explained that Doug Phillips (founder of Vision Forum) had challenged his church to read 1 book a week for the entire year of 2012. I was reluctant at first, but now I'm so excited!!! I really think that this will help me to focus my spare moments in gaining more wisdom rather than wasting it idling about. 

That said, here is the beginning of my tenative book list for the upcoming year. I more than welcome any suggestions.

52 Books of 2012

1. Institutes of Biblical Law- Vol. III
2. The Messianic Character of American Education
3. Missionary Patriarch: John G. Paton
4. The Beauty of Modesty
5. Ten Ps In A Pod
6. The Little Boy Down the Road
7. Idols of the Heart
8. Beautiful in God's Eyes
9. The Seasons of Motherhood
10. Large Family Logistics
11. Be Fruitful and Multiply
12. Dominion Covenant
13. Created for Work
14. Tithing and Dominion
15. The Sovereignty of God
16. A Hunger For God
17. To Be As God
18. Law and Liberty
19. How God Wants Us To Worship Him
20. The Revolution
21. So Help Me God
22. Thy Kingdom Come

I haven't yet filled the remaining 30 slots. Any recommendations?

 

 



What Are You Thinking When You're Talking To a Guy?

I've had a mini-revelation lately that I think might help some of you too, so I'm going to share it.

I was thinking about how we relate to guys and how we are supposed to treat them as brothers in Christ. That's always confused me a little. I'm definitely not going to treat them as close as I treat my brothers, so how exactly do you treat a brother in Christ!?!? I do not have the answer. BUT! I have an idea. Or rather a question and then an answer.

Q: What are you thinking when you are talking to a guy?

A: You should be thinking about how to glorify God the most in your conversation.

Now, let me try to clarify my jumbled thoughts just a bit.

I've realized that most of the time when I'm talking to a guy I worry about what he thinks of me. I want him to think I'm intelligent, kind, funny and all around great, right?

For example: I have a bad habit of replaying conversations I have with people over and over again (not just guys, but everybody) and thinking about what made me look kinda goofy and immature, and wishing I could take it back. The root of this is pride. I am more worried with what people think of me than what God thinks of me. Harsh, but true.

Do I ever replay conversations and think, "I wonder if what I said was as pleasing to God as it possibly could've been"? NO! But, that is my goal from now on.

I want my motive behind every conversation I have to be: I want to please and bring glory to God in the fullest way possible. And not: I want to make me look really good.

I hope that this helped you gain a fresh perspective on pleasing God with your words.

The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom, but the froward tongue shall be cut out. Prov. 10:31

Photo credit: 123rf.com

Mirage

I wish I were as nice as people think I am.

You know how when you first meet someone they don't know any of your bad quirks, moods or habits yet? Wouldn't it be great IF there was nothing for them to find out?! IF your family and closest friends said that you were as sweet as your acquaintances say you are? IF you were only nice, accommodating, selfless, helpful and loving all the time? If, if, if, if, if. Yes. Indeed, it would be wonderful, but perfection is not exactly feasible since we are fallen creatures. What is our goal then? It should be to try to prevent those mess-ups that will happen, and to repent quickly when they do happen.

Sometimes I do get depressed with how plain awful I am though. Do you? I think about all the mean things I've said, all the time I've wasted, all the laziness, all the sin, and think I'll never get it right. But! I know that there is still hope. Here's some inspiration for you and me:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov. 3:5-6

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Gal. 6:9

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matt. 6:33

So, just for a little recap. We will make mistakes, but it is not hopeless. When we do fail we should look to the Lord for guidance and try to learn from our mistakes. Learn why we made that mistake, so we can keep from making the same one twice. Like they say, "If you fail the test, you'll have to take it again." Let's try to pass the test the first time, so we don't have to keep taking it over and over again.

P.S. Sorry that I haven't done a real post in a while. Forgive me?

Life Goes On

I am a terrible blogger. Sorry. I really don't have much I want to say. It's been extremely busy lately. With weddings, camp, visitors, and everything else under the sun, we're just now settling into normal life again. Normal without Ben and James, that is. Strangely, it's not that weird without them here. The house is quieter, there is way less laundry, and we cook half as much. But they were already gone a lot before they got married, so it was a pretty easy transition from here sometimes to gone. Don't get me wrong. I miss them, but I'm quite satisfied with how life is moving on.

Today is my grandmother's birthday. It's been three years since we lost her. I miss you, Toots.

(I stole the picture from my aunt. Thanks Aunt Eve ;)

Bittersweet days

The rehearsal was last night. The preparing is this morning. My brother is getting married today.

Just me and the snowman now.

Fireflies

Last night I saw lightening bugs for the very first time this summer. And guess what I did. I actually squealed with delight. Naturally, my brother and I went out to catch some and put them in a Mason jar. Brought back great memories of when I was little. *happy sigh*

Sorry

I have not posted anything in forever. Sorry. The thing is, I don't really have anything to say. My brother is getting married in 6 days and things are pretty busy right now. So..............I'll just post a picture. Here is the bride and groom to be.

Thunderstorm

Thursday night or rather, early Friday morning a big thunderstorm came to visit me. Thunder, rain, lightning, hail............the works. Of course this storm blew through just a couple of hours after I had drifted off to sleep (with plans to get up early the next day). To cut to the chase, I didn't rest well that night. Now, anyone in my family knows that when I lose sleep I tend to get grumpy. So, the next day my mother got the brunt of my grouchiness. Everything anyone said was wrong, ridiculous, crazy...................basically anything but the right thing was said (at least that's what it sounded like to me) and my mother got the most of my wonderful attitude. All of this simply to say...................................I AM WICKED! I have a deceitful and desperately wicked heart. Just because I lost a little bit of sleep I turned into godzilla. Is that how a Christian young woman should act? No! She should do her best to be kind and patient, no matter what the circumstances. This is one of my goals now: To not let myself be rude and selfish just because everything is not going my way. Okay, I got that off of my chest now. Sorry for venting.

Cherish the Moments

If you or any of your siblings have moved out, you know what I am beginning to feel. Time together is precious. Two of my brothers are getting ready to move out and start their own families..........I'm getting ready to let them go. I know now that our days in the same house are coming to an end, and that makes me sad. But, I can be glad for all the time we've had together and excited for them starting new families! Now they will have children (Lord willing) to grow up together and love one another like we got to do before them. So, I guess my thought is this: love every moment you have together because there may not be many more. Don't spend your time together being selfish or spiteful. Be selfless and encouraging. Show them you love them and don't have any regrets. Life is but a vapor.

Sorry this was such a rambling post.

Oh! My friend is having an awesome giveaway. Head on over to her blog to read about it. The prize is sure to be awesome!!! http://euphorichappyniess.blogspot.com/2010/02/extra-terrific-tuesday.html

Wonderful Day

Saturday was GLORIOUS! Beautiful weather, yummy fruit, my goodie-good friend and my sister, hay loft, pictures, reading, horsie, SUN................it was good. It made me want summer even more, and yet made me content to know that summer WILL come. I was beginning to doubt :).

Was y'alls Saturday beautiful too???

Kinda Funny

Okay. James has been working a lot on my laptop these last couple of weeks, taking practice tests and the like for his insurance license. Well, today he set my laptop up in front of Mum's old desktop computer, with the old keyboard out. I was on my laptop earlier trying to name a file I wanted to save and it would NOT type!!!!! I kept clicking on it with my mouse and then trying to type again, but it just wasn't working. Anyways.......as you have probably already guessed, I was using the old desktop keyboard and trying to figure out why in the world it wouldn't show up on my laptop screen!!! When I did FINALLY figure it out, I felt extremely stupid. However; later today I realized it was pretty funny, and so I am over my embarrassment and have pushed the keyboard in, so I won't try to use it again. Do y'all have any embarrassing stories to share?

Present Happenings

Last night I went to a Jason Crabb concert and had a great time. God has truly gifted the Crabb family with musical talents. Jason's voice is truly like no other I've ever heard AND he's a wonderful guitarist. He was accompanied by his brother, Adam, who has an amazing voice also (not to mention he can TEAR UP a harmonica). Their father was there also, and is a great songwriter (he wrote most of the songs that were sung last night).

Today, we've been busy getting ready for Grandma's birthday party, cleaning, and I'm about to get all the clothes ironed for church.

Tomorrow night we are going to hear Bro. Voddie Baucham preach. I'm always encouraged by Bro. Baucham and am very excited about going tomorrow night.

This coming week we will be practicing hospitality (one of the things on my goals list) by housing Bro. and Sis. Weaver at our house while he preaches at our church. Bro. Weaver will be speaking on church government at the Church of the Living God this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday night. I love listening to Bro. Weaver preach the word of God and can't wait to hear him. All of you are welcome to come.

Well, that's what's going on in my life right now. Hope you all have a wonderful night!

Grandma

Today my grandmother is 80 years old.

I'm so thankful that the Lord has let her make it to this milestone,

especially since she's had so many health problems this last year.

I am about to go spend some time with Grandma

since I've been gone all day.

I need to show her more often how much I love and appreciate her,

and what better time to start then on her birthday!

Happy birthday, Grandma!!!