Hail to the Chief (Response in light of the 2012 Elections)

To say that the state of our nation saddens and burdens my heart is an understatement. I understand very well where we, as a nation, may be heading over the next four years. That thought is a scary one, indeed!

However, I am also somewhat appalled at the overwhelming amount of slander and despair I have seen expressed on social networking sites especially by fellow Christ-followers. As proclaimers of the truth, we do have a responsibility to express fact - but in a loving way. As humans, we also have full rights to have strong emotional reactions when things that effect our lives do not turn out as expected. This, however, should not override our trust in a Sovereign God and His plan for us or our nation!

I did my civic duty yesterday, and I pray that many of my brothers and sisters are not overwhelmed by a spirit of regret today as they realize their lack of activism was actually passivism at work. But at the same time, I realize the election is now over, and what's done is done.

In my time with God this morning, I sought out what my response should be in light of the results at the polls. I was encouraged as I was reminded once again that we may try to direct the course of history, but God is the ultimate one who holds the editor's pen to this story.

Proverbs 16:33 - The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.
and
Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
and
Proverbs 15:3 - The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

The fact that President Obama was re-elected did not slip past our Father - this was not an oops. And God is still in control.

Proverbs 21:1 - The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.

I was also reminded that my place is not to slander my authorities nor to condemn the results of the election.

Proverbs 24:21-22 - My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not join with those who do otherwise, for disaster will arise suddenly from them, and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

Romans 13:1-7 states that we are to be subject to the governing authorities for every authority is established and instituted by God; It is our responsibility to respect and honor those that God have set in authority above us both for the sake of honoring God as well as for the sake of conscience. Just as Jesus tells the Pharisees in Matthew 22, Pay to Cesar what is Cesar's, we are reminded here to, "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Finally, as a believer, I am not supposed to just sit idly by while the world around me gets fed to the dogs. I have a responsibility as a follower of Christ to be proactive in mind, body, and spirit.

Timothy exhorts us: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Do you realize that President Obama, First Lady Michele, Malia, and Sasha were each handcrafted in the image of God? And God's heart for each one of them is that they come to a saving knowledge of God as their personal Savior! He loves them with an everlasting Love! Shouldn't our response be the same?

What if President Obama is just the guy God wants in office right now in order to move believers to their knees for our country. Far be it from me to assume the purposes of our Father, but what if the destitute state of our Nation is what He wants to use to bring the Church back to Himself!

I raise a challenge for you over the next four years...

1 - Trust God's heart and Plan
2 - Choose to honor and submit, choose to avoid foolish talk and slander
3 - Rise to the moment, and fall to your knees!!!

Here are some specific ways you can be praying:
- Pray for President Obama and our other national leaders - for their Salvation
- Pray that they will have hearts of Servant Leaders
- Pray that they will Stand up for truth
- Pray that the Spirit of the Lord would move in our Nation!

May God be glorified in me, in my fellow believers, in our nation!



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If Not You, Then Who?

This morning, I started my seeking time by asking God why I felt like my time with Him had been so dry recently. The richness has faded, the passion no longer what it used to be. I found myself asking Him to search my heart, to know it, to show me if there be any wicked way in me...

His reply, "Hannah, take your eyes off yourself."

God revealed to me a heart of selfishness in my prayer life recently. "God I need...I'm weary...I want...meet me...help me...use me..." My intercession for those around me has been severely lacking. I confessed this to my Father, and I spent my time this morning just lifting up those in my family - my husband, my boys, my parents, my siblings, their spouses, my in-laws, my friends, my pastors, and our national leaders.

Here's a quick visual of what God showed me this morning.... if my eyes/prayers remain solely on myself, here's the potential of my impact...

However, if I take the time, energy, and effort to get on my knees just for my family, here's the potential of the impact that they, their families, and their communities could have in the process of revival in this nation...

 

 

Can you imagine if more that one person started calling out to God for revival not only in their own life, but in the lives of their families....what would our nation look like over the next 12 months? What kind of impact could your family have?

Would you join me in calling out to God for revival not only in your own life, but in the lives of your family members...look at what God could do with just one willing generation!

 



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Praying Like My Father Taught Me

 

 

I know I briefly posted this on facebook last week, but it has been so powerful in my prayer life I thought I would expound a bit more here....

 

A while back, I was trying to figure out how to fill my prayer time, and I was constantly finding myself caught up in asking for my needs and feeling like a portion of the richness that should be there was missing. So one morning I asked God about it, and he lead me to where the disciples asked him the same question...

 

"Lord, teach us to pray,"

 

So he gave us a perfect example of a template for prayer.Most of you, I'm sure, are familiar with the Lord's prayer.

 

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name,

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever,

Amen.

 



 Instead of reciting the prayer word for word, I decided to break it down and make it more personal. As I have made a practice of this, my prayer life has been greatly enriched as I learn more of the heart of my Father.

 

Do you want to pray as our Father taught? Here's what I suggest...

 

Our - (or my) Thank God for the fact that he possesses you and you posses His Holy Spirit. There is a genuine personal aspect to the God we serve. He chose you in Him before the creation of the world.

 

Father - Not only is the relationship personal, we have an intimate connection with God as our Father! Praise him for this!

 

Who art in Heaven - His ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and he has full right to reign as God. Proclaim His Lordship, His Highness, His Power and Right to rule.

 

Hallowed be - His holiness no one can fathom. Praise Him for His holiness, and His grace to see past our sin and clothe us in His righteousness.

 

Thy Name - Proclaim the name of our Lord and Savior. He is Jehovah Shalom - our peace, Jehovah Jirah - our provider, Jehovah Rophe - our healer, Jehovah Tiskinu - our righteousness, Jehovah Nissi - our banner, the Prince of Peace, the Lamb of God, the Great I AM. Praise Him for who He is!

 

Thy Kingdom come - (not mine) Admit Christ right and Lordship over the earth and the heavens. Pray that all kingdoms (yours and any other unrightful kingdom) will be overcome by His power and rule.

 

Thy will be done - (not mine) Lay down your will at the foot of the cross. Open your hands and your heart to the heart of God. Search scripture, and pray God's will back to him. (He is willing that none should perish but that all should come to repentance....)

 

On earth as it is in heaven - Pray that God's will would be carried out in your life, in the life of your family, in your church, in your city, in this nation, and in our world.

 

Give us this day - God knows what you need in this moment, in this day.Praise Him for that. He tells us not to worry about tomorrow. Confess any anxiety you may be feeling regarding today or the future.

 

Our Daily bread - Ask God what it is that you need today and ask Him to meet those needs.

 

Forgive us our debts - Ask God to search your heart and know you, and see if there is any wicked way within you. (give Him time, and listen closely) Confess anything that He may bring to mind. Thank Him for His grace and forgiveness. Resolve to make right anything that may be between you and another individual.

 

As we forgive our debtors - Ask God to search you once again to see if there is any offense you are holding onto. Release the prisoner, forgive, and follow Christ's example of grace, choosing no longer to hold the hurt against the offender.

 

And lead us - Give God the steering wheel today. Ask Him to be your guide through each decision, in each moment, with each person.

 

Not into temptation - Realize temptation will come (especially if you are following Close to Christ - the devil doesn't like this). God always provides a way of escape. Ask that your eyes may be open to the way out and that you might have the boldness to take the way out.

 

But deliver us from evil - Evil exists, it's real, and it hates good. Take time to put on the full armor of Christ today before you face the battles ahead. (Helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the spirit, belt of truth, feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel) Then ask Christ to be your rear guard.

 

For Thine is the Kingdom - (not my kingdom) Confess once again that Christ has the right to rule and reign. Pray that His rule would be evident and your kingdom would be subject to His.

 

And the Power - (not in my own strength) Confess that you have no power apart from Him. Pray that His power would be evident in your life and in the lives of those around you.

 

And the Glory - (not for my own glory) Pray that your life would be lived for the purpose of magnifying the Father and not yourself. Pray that His fame would spread as a result of how you live your life.

 

Forever and Ever - pray that this would be true not just today, but in every moment of every day that you live.

 

Amen - and Amen!

 

Do you feel like your prayer life has been lacking recently? I challenge you to try praying like Jesus taught and see what it can do for you!

 

Seek Him, Delight in Him, Know Him and be known!!!



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Escaping the Monster

I felt like no matter where I turned or how fast I ran, the monster was always chasing me. I was trying so hard to live in my new found freedom, but somehow these imprints of my past kept breaking loose of their chains, and though not catching me, would still make me feel like all my work was failing.

From my point of view, my actions had matched the "standards of holiness," yet, every time I turned around someone else was assuming that in the midst of that stressful situation, I would resort to former patterns: snapping at them, blaming, or getting angry. Before I even had a chance to respond in a new way, my old habits were slapped back on my chest like a scarlet letter I carried around. I couldn't escape it.

How do you escape the monsters of your past? The sin that has held you in condemnation for so long? The patterns and habits that everyone assumes are "just you." Or the feeling that you could never rise above failures so deep?

I was praying through this the other morning after a really tough day, and this is where I was lead....

- Take the road of humility. Confess. Maybe my life wasn't living up to all the standards I had assumed it was. Maybe these people saw something in me that I was blind to. My spirit and my actions may not have matched (though I was "doing the right thing," maybe my heart wasn't in it, and the heart is what really counts) So I searched my heart. Lord, show me the reality of what you see. He did! And some of it was ugly. 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. So I confessed. I got on my knees and got my heart right before God. Then I returned to these people, and got my heart right before them.

- Realize you are incapable. The book of Romans clearly states that all have sinned and there is no one who seeks God. I, in my humanness, have no bent to seek God, no power to pursue holiness, and no desire to see revival. When I come to this realization, I must daily, moment by moment, cry out, "GOD I NEED YOU!" It's when we acknowledge our reliance on Him that He comes. God loves to hear His people admit their need of Him. What I don't want to do is live in pride. If I think my pursuit of God relies on me, that's when I will fall!

- Rejoice that you are not condemned. There is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1. In Christ's eyes, we are washed under His blood and clothed in His holiness. The sins of our past are washed away as far as the east is from the west. He chooses to remember them no more and will not condemn those who stand right before Him. The sins of the past, whether one time or reoccurring, have been removed from your record once they have been laid before the cross of Christ. Even my former patterns of stress, striving, anger, assuming, and blaming no longer bind me. I am not held in the chains of my past! Praise the Lord.

If your heart is right before God, do not let the condemnation of others mark you. You are FREE!

That's how I escaped the monsters of my past...

Tomorrow, I will once again spend extended time seeking His face in my own life, in the lives of my family, friends, church, community and nation. I've been praying that God will raise up a group of believers who will also Seek Him Passionately and Wholeheartedly. WILL YOU JOIN ME?

By His strength, seeking Him. By His grace, pursuing His holiness. By His strength, desiring revival.
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What do You do When You Feel Like You've Failed as a Catalyst of Revival?

Yesterday morning I got up, I sought God, and I had a very sweet time! I went into my day walking in His Spirit. Feeling lead by His presence, I saw my husband, my boys, and my household duties in a new light.

But as the sun rose in the sky, so did the edge of my emotions. Several small things happened that were little thorns in my flesh - nuances, per se', but irritating nonetheless. My emotions wanted to react quickly that things were not going as planned, and I wanted the world to know it. Thankfully, still being early in the day, I cried out for God's grace and strength, gave Him these frustrations, and let them go.

We spent some time as a family in the afternoon, and by 3:30pm, both of my boys were done. They were crabby, whiny, and had an extremely hard time listening and obeying. My buttons were being pushed again. I wanted to get them down for naps as quickly as possible, but as you know, kids have a way of taking their sweet time when you most want them to hurry up. My reaction was so sudden that I didn't even notice it before it was on my tongue. I snapped at my husband and treated my boys more harshly than I should. Immediately, I was embarrassed at the steam coming out of my ears and my rapid response. I bit my tongue, not believing what I had just allowed to escape. Where was my consciousness of God's Spirit at that moment?

I sought forgiveness from those I had offended and laid down for a nap, crying myself to sleep and hoping that some rest might help clear my Spirit's vision. On waking, I felt more edgy than before. I felt wasted, exhausted, like I had given everything I was. I felt selfish. I wanted some personal time. I needed some time. I deserved some time. Hadn't I given enough for one day?

As soon as the thoughts arose, so did the guilt. How could I even be thinking these things? I want to see revival in my life...in the lives of my family. I want to seek to be like Christ. I want to glorify Him and see Him lifted up at the center of all I do. How could I even consider my own needs? Yet, despite the guilt, my desire for my own way was growing and spiraling out of control. I felt overwhelmed with how strong these desires were. I knew I couldn't control them. I felt weak, and once again I called out for God's strength to be made perfect in me at that moment. But for some reason, I didn't get an immediate empowering. Nothing miraculous happened.

My husband caught me in this moment of weakness, and received a helping of my rapidly growing emotions. Once again the guilt grew. I was failing miserably. How could this happen after such a wonderful time with God that morning. It was like a switch was flipped. I felt in sorts like Jekyll and Hyde. I composed myself just enough to let my husband know I needed a few moments, and I fled to my corner. (I have a chair, fountain, and items of comfort set around in the corner of my bedroom. It becomes my place to seek God - my prayer closet of sorts).

On arriving, I fell to my knees. My body shook as I couldn't hold back the sobs. I was trying so hard, God. I desperately want to walk with you - to have you meet me on a moment by moment basis. But then I fail so miserably! How could you ever use a weak vessel like me?

What do I do when I feel like I've failed as a catalyst of Revival?

God's Spirit met with me in that sweet time and lead my to Lamentations.

Lam. 3:21-25, 40-41
But this I call to mind, and therefore, I have hope. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to and end. They are new every morning. Great is they faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul. Therefore I will hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him...Let us test and examine our ways and return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven.

And this is what He said:

1) Remember: You serve a merciful God. He does not reject me as a useful vessel because I don't get it right the first time. vs. 22-23

2) Be Willing: It's not up to you to be perfect, but it is up to you to be willing... a vessel that his perfection can shine through. (The Lord is my portion...hope in Him) vs. 24

3) Wait: He waits and longs for you to seek Him. And He desires to bless those that wait for Him. vs. 25-26

4) Return: I must continue to seek Him for personal revival. (Let us test and examine our ways and return.) vs. 40-41

Do you feel like you have failed? Do you feel unusable? Unfit? Weak? GREAT! God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things, and the despised things, and the things that are not to nullify the things that are so that no one can boast before Him! He's not through with you!

Join me in pursuing God. Run to Him. Ask Him to seek and know your heart. Confess that which may be brought to mind, and go and live in His Freedom and Forgiveness!

*If you'd like to read about the commitment that I have made and why, please see the previous post. Let me know if you are joining with me on this Road to Revival! I'd love to hear from you!

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Let it Begin in Me

I returned from True Woman '12 nearly one week ago, now. It has taken me this long to really process all of what I have been learning and that which God is working on my heart.

I guess growing up in Life Action Ministries, I had always been surrounded by the thought of national revival, and it many ways, I grew numb and complacent to the whole idea. Why did God need me to call on Him anyway? He was God...He could move anytime he wanted - whether I was asking him to or not. Having been out of the ministry "officially" now for 5 or so years, the idea of praying for revival was a bygone one, and when I saw the One Cry video again at True Woman, I subconsciously rolled my eyes and waited for Byron and Bill to get up and share. What I didn't expect is what happened next: God pricked my heart. "Hannah, what if you are the one I am waiting on to call out to me?"

For so long, I had bought into the lie that "I am only one." The truth is, I AM ONE, and God wants this one calling out to him for personal and corporate revival.

Now, when I say revival, I don't mean the emotional high of a spirit lead worship service then everyone going back to their own lives. I'm talking repentance, getting right with God, right relationships, renewal, passion, vigor, evangelism, ministry, service to our neighbors and strangers, caring for the poor, the invalids, the weak....being the face of Jesus to those we see every moment and every day. And that doesn't just happen overnight.  And that doesn't ever happen in our own strength. We need a supernatural visitation from our Supernatural God!

So I came home, I got back into life. I kept crying out to God for a change in my own life - and I'm seeing change - change in how I relate to my husband, change in how I treat my boys, change in how I view my God, change in how I see those I encounter at the store and on the street. I thought that was it. I obeyed, right?

Sure, but God was ready for me to take it a step further. Guess what? I still had an argument....God, I can't commit to a weekly Bible study. I cannot even regularly have people over to my home to pray because our family lives a rotational schedule. How am I supposed to ever be involved in seeking you with others?

"TECHNOLOGY and MY SPIRIT." That's what he said. Think of all the current avenues we have to communicate and encourage one another - even sharing personal testimony. Our God is an omnipresent God, and His Spirit that Unites us sees and knows our hearts.

What if I'm not the only one He wants calling out to Him on a regular basis? What if He wants you?

So here's what I'm committing to do. Every Saturday until the end of the year (and probably longer, but I needed a time frame) I will be seeking God for revival in my own heart, in the heart of my family, of my extended family, my church, my community, my state, my nation and ultimately our world for one hour in the morning before my boys wake up.

For me, this will be 6am-7am, and I would love to have as many of you join me as are willing! For some of you, this time may not work due to other commitments or work or family, etc. I understand, and so does God. But I encourage you to find a consistent time. Join with me. Join with others in ONE CRY for God's presence to be poured out once again.

LET IT BEGIN IN ME!

ps - please let me know if you will join me in this commitment and how you would like to stay in touch. I will try to post regular updates here, and maybe eventually start a conversational forum for whoever is interested. Blessings on you!

For More information, visit www.onecry.com

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East of Eden

East of Eden,
this weary land
we've traveled far
it's hard to stand
we wander on
as best we can
East of Eden,
this weary land.

East of Eden
the curse came down.
Our own remorse:
this barren ground
where peace eludes,
no rest is found.
East of Eden
the curse came down.

East of Eden
we watch and wait.
No rain to come
by plan or fate.
Our still parched souls
are oft berate
as East of Eden
we watch and wait.

East of Eden
the Christ child came
to break the curse
His own to claim.
Our just wages
He took the blame.
East of Eden
the Christ child came.

East of Eden
new life is found,
but all our pride
we must lay down.
Amidst the dirt,
fall to the ground
East of Eden
new life is found.

East of Eden
a heart can grow.
For Christ resides
your soul to know.
He lifts up high
those bended low.
East of Eden
a heart can grow.

-Hannah Norton 2012
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To risk? To Dance Again?

I found them in the corner hidden in the darkness, covered by the uniforms that have defined my life over the past several years. I pulled them out and held them up to the light trying to remember their former glory. I inhale deeply, coughing as I choke on the dust. I blow swiftly across them - a tornado of powdered dirt swirls in the wake of my breath.

They were blush pink at one point, weren't they? The silky ribbon laces no longer hold the gleam they once did. The light now absorbed from neglect rather than reflected. Finding a rag, I pick it up and start rubbing vigorously - a desperation of sort has overtaken me! In my haste, dust fills the room, burns my eyes; I glance away. It's hard to breathe, and I am tempted to forget the whole thing.

As the dust settles, I catch a glimpse of the side I was cleaning . . . soft, pink, satin fabric is now evident. I turn it over in my hand noting the pointed shape, the hard toe, the leather soul. I continue about my work, more carefully this time out of consideration for both my own sanity as well as the fragility of the fabric I'm working with.

As I carefully wipe off each ribbon, I look inside and memories come back unbidden. The blisters, oh, the blisters! And how many times I had fallen. No, grace was not natural for me. My toes bled, my muscles ached, and I was insecure before others as I walked around on pointe'.

I'm half tempted to pretend I never even found them - to shove them back in their deep corner with the cob webs. But then a light in my mind started just a s a glimmer then grew akin to daylight - Amidst the pain, I was alive, alive and free! I was who I was created to be. I lifted my treasure up and held them to the light. Was I brave enough? Was it worth the risk? Would I tie on my ballet slippers once again?

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I'm Giving Up

I loved the sensation of gaining speed down the runway then feeling my heart jump into my throat as the front wheels of the plane left the ground. I was floating. No, I was flying. I was actually doing it! I saw the airport below growing smaller as the nose of my plane pointed toward the open sky. Freedom filled my soul as doubts scurried away. Wow, flying really was possible! I was enthralled: "Tower, I'm doing it! I'm actually flying!"

My thoughts and excitement faded as quickly as they had arrived as I suddenly found myself in the middle of a thick thunder head. Darkness surrounded and encompassed. I could see nothing. I could hear nothing but the thunder that occasionally shook the plane. Tower had not responded. I looked down at my instruments which appeared to be holding steady - though that was no consolation as I still didn't completely understand each of their functions.

My heart raced, and panic began to set in. I feared I may have made a poor decision. Maybe the hanger was the better option - at least it would have been safer. My palms were sweaty, my breath was rapid, my eyes darted around the cocpit for the manual. Where was that book when I needed it? Alright, I thought, I'm going to have to figure this out on my own.

I played with the different switches and levers attempting to gain some sort of control over this monserous beast I was supposed to be flying. The planed jerked, rumbled, rolled, swiftly swung to the left side, and I saw a lightning bolt illuminate the darkness for a moment. I blinked, trying to readjust my eyes to the lack of light.

I am in control. No, I reconsidered that thought. I'm completely out of control! I have so much to do that I don't even know how to do! What was I thining? I'm all alone! The stress began to grow to a point of fear and the fear to a point of insanity. The plane is going to crash. I am going to die! I considered just accepting my fate, closing my eyes. Giving up.

I groped for the dome light so maybe I could see things better. There it is; I flipped it on. Light now filled the cockpit. There was the manual, right next to me all the time. I looked up to meet the eyes of my co-pilot. You could have picked my jaw up off the floor. "Wh...What? Why didn't you say anything? Let me know you were there? Something?" Now I was angry.

The Spirit looked at me with gentle eyes. "You didn't ask."

So many times I get caught up in striving and stress. My pride makes me think that I have too much to do. I am in control. I am all alone. Inevetably, I push God and others away - I don't ask for help. It's MY responsibility, right? So I get overwhelmed when I can't seem to get things right. The outcome doesn't go as expected - or I cannot see the end in sight. I want to give up! And that's exactly what the enemy wants - me giving up, growing complacent, never living the fruitful life for which I was created.

Ironically, that's the same thing God wants...me to give up. Give up trying to do it on my own. Give up the lies that I have accepted. Give up control to him and watch what he does to help me bear fruit - fruit that will last!

So either way, I surrender....the question is to whom!
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Lessons Learned from Lightning McQueen

Disney movies - who would have ever thought deep life lessons could be learned from such? Nonetheless, it happened....and to me, no less.

The other afternoon, my 2-year-old was enjoying himself while watching Cars and enjoying a snack. I was preoccupied with my 9-month-old and the laundry. Suddenly, something caught my ear. I turned to pay attention. The music had gotten serious and quieted. The little girl blue car, Sally had taken Lightening on a ride to the top of the gorge. Lightning's voice was filled with awe and reverence as he exclaimed how beautiful everything was below. He turned to glance back over his shoulder and posed a question to Sally: How come all those cars (referring to the ones flying by on the freeway) don't travel through radiator springs?

Sally sighed, and with a sad look, replied that there didn't used to be an interstate. When they decided to put it in, they cut through the landscape rather than rolling with its ebb and flow. Unfortunately, most of their perspective is on of making great time rather than having great time.

That's all I heart, and my brain started spinning: How many times do I go into efficiency mode - always looking for the quickest way to get something done. I cut through the landscape of life (whether it be mine or that of my husband's or sons') rather than enjoying the hills and valleys of the ride. Most times, my goal is to make great time rather than have a great time.

So I ask myself now, what might I be missing if I continue to bypass all of the little "towns" on this journey?

Lord, rescue me from my impatience and focus on the accomplishment rather than the process. Give me a heart and a love for the moment!
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Been There, Done That

What if you can't do it? What if it's not worth it? What if you crash?

What if...?

It's my turn to take the runway. But now, I'm not so sure I can do this. "Um, tower? This looks hard. I don't know if I want to do this any more. Maybe I should just turn around and be satisfied to park my plane in the hanger. Over." "But, Child, you can do this. I created you to do this, and I know you're going to do just fine. I've been there."

I shake my head. He just doesn't understand. Sure, he may have been in this pilot seat before and may have even experienced fear (He did become flesh just like me), but that's just not a fair comparison. I dare to speak my next thoughts out loud. "It's not the same. You had direct connection to the Chief Pilot. My goodness! You were his Son! Of course YOU could do it."

"Child," this time His response tender, words spoken direct and slow. "everything I had access to, you do as well."

That's the Holy Spirit. When Jesus returned to the Father, he left us the gift of the Counselor - His Spirit. So that we could always have direct access to Him just as He did to the Father. Christ, himself, was tempted to give up on the journey (See Luke 4). And we have been given the very same tools - Direct Access and the Manual.

So it's up to you. It's up to me. Will we choose to go forward? Or give into temptation to quit and be satisfied to sit in our chair in a dark hanger never experiencing the abundance of life Christ desires us to?

I'm game! Are you?



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Childlike in thought - in more ways than one.

This morning, my 7 month old was crying as he lay on the floor surrounded by toys of different shapes, sizes and colors. I had to get my 2-year-old some breakfast and get something to drink myself before picking him up to nurse him. I accomplished what I needed to and made my way over to him. Looking down at his pitiful face, I calmly stated. "Honey, I know your needs, and I WILL meet them."

As these words came out of my mouth, I started thinking . . . how many times does Christ speak through his Holy Spirit. "I know your needs. I WILL meet them." Yet I keep on just like my little boy, kicking, screaming, and wondering if He even knows I exist.

Then, the other day, our family was out in the snow for quite a while when my 2-year-old emphatically stated that he was cold and wanted to go home. My husband got down on his level and told him that we were going home. He just needed to trust Mommy and Daddy. What my son didn't realize was that we still had a three block walk to get back to the car. In his mind, we were keeping him out in the cold longer. In reality, we were heading back to our vehicle as quickly as possible to get out of the wind and get him home to get warm.

How many times do I keep whining when Christ is answering my request as I speak, but I don't trust him. I think, "Well, we're not home yet, so I guess he doesn't care to get me out of the cold."

This kind of trust - the trust that we long for our kids to have in us....that we love them, we know their needs, and we will meet them just as we promised.... is the same kind of "Childlike Trust" God wants us to have in Him.

That's why He has given us the Holy Spirit in the first place - to meet each of those needs. Luke Chapter 11 says that even you, though you are evil, give good gifts to your children. Will not God much more give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask?

Lord, I want to live and walk in your Holy Spirit today. Give me that childlike trust in you that you will do that which you've promised.

*Pictures of the day will only occasionally be posted here now - All are posted on my facebook page : )
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I reacted

It's been a long weekend. One that has, no less, been just as challenging as it has been lengthy. In the midst of it all, I have continued to learn and attempt to put into practice new lessons.


I got home from work Friday night to the announcement that my washing machine was broken. Immediately, my emotions flared as I realized how far behind I would be on laundry by Monday and the fact that both time and money were lacking in replacing the washer as quickly as I may wish. I rapidly entered a self-pity and blaming attitude and my husband was the recipient of the rush of words. Just a few minutes later, I heard that still small voice - the thin silence of the Spirit.


Hannah, you just reacted in the flesh to a circumstance in life. But I have empowered you to respond in My Spirit by letting My peace reign in your heart even in the midst of chaos. When you don't understand, trust that I do. I'm still in control.


In that moment, I realized that a dynamic difference exist between reacting and responding. When my eyes are focused on myself and the chaos and storms around me, my temper flares, I claim rights, walk in pride, stiff arm God, and alienate relationships around me. However, if I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus (the author and perfecter of my faith), I will be given the grace in that moment of need to respond in his Spirit.


Note: this doesn't mean that I walk on "cloud nine" 24-7 pretending that life is fine and dandy amidst terrible things that happen. Life happens; life hurts. But by taking that hurt, my questions, and my emotions to God, I am given the ability to take that next step with the Spirit and see the fruit of Him working in my life - resulting in greater Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.


The Fruit is possible! I just have to remember that fruitfulness doesn't come from my own pursuit but by allowing Christ's Spirit to live in me.


My husband and I worked things out, and I got things right with God as well. Lord, thank you for forgiveness and grace to start again. Help me keep my eyes fixed on you and allow your Spirit to continue its work in my heart and life.



Picture of the Day

Yes, I continued taking pictures over the weekend, but didn't have time to post them - here they are...

Day 6: This is Elijah - He pressed his face to the window to show me his piggy nose :)

Day 7: Noticed this hand print on the mirror of my wardrobe. I was half tempted to clean it off, but then decided to capture it - realizing these little "nuisances" will be gone all too soon!

Day 8: My best friends today after only getting 4 hours of sleep!

Day 9: Some of a mother's most useful tools during the infant period! I use these multiple times a day.

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It's Kind of Like Amazing Race...

I have a lot on my heart today. Not a lot to say - but a lot on my heart.

I think I caught my son's puky bug. But it hit me in an emotional sense as I emotionally vomited all over my husband today. And this time it didn't miss. It was messy. He helped me clean it up, and I'm feeling a little better, but I'm still a little heart sick.

I've been attempting to discover the route of this expedition, and I'm starting to realize it's going to be more like Amazing Race than I first thought as each "clue" doesn't reveal the final destination, but just the next step. Sometimes, I wish I had a full course map, detours and all - but I guess that would take the element of trust away. Luke 12:12 puts it this way, "The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say." (emphasis mine)

So I guess that's how I'll have to expect this journey to go - step by step.

Lord, help me stay in tune and in step with you, trusting that you know the final destination and you will lead me there in your time.

*I work this weekend - so I won't be blogging much. Look forward to talking to you in a few days!

Picture of the Day



Self portrait #1. One of my favorite companions to my study = my coffee!

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Clean Up On Row 7, Please!

4:45 AM - I'm awakened suddenly by a screaming child who twenty minutes later proceeded to projectile vomit all over me and my bed, narrowly missing my husband. And we're not talking a trickle - we're talking a geyser! (Sorry if that's too much information for some of you.)

Pass the barf bags - clean up on row seven, please!

Needless to say, this is not the way I anticipated my morning going. With this ill-planned interruption to my precious sleep, I did not get up at the planned time, and therefore, my whole morning was thrown off kilter. Ahhh! What a way to knock me back into stress mode - I mean, how am I supposed to learn to fly if I don't even have time to read the manual?

Where is the flight attendant? Co-pilot? Anyone? Ick!

I proceed to get cleaned up and move on with my day, rearranging priorities and reorganizing plans. This is not my day. As I sat down to do some Bible reading, I was feeling sorry for myself. I began to read in Luke 11. Jesus asks, "Which one of you, if your son ask for a fish will give him a scorpion? Or if he asks for bread will give him a stone?" In the same way, your father in heaven knows what you need before you ask him. (good, because I was needing something this morning) How much more will your Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask......Wait a minute - Rewind......I've always heard that passage paraphrased as "If you as parents give your kids good gifts, you know your heavenly father gives you good gifts too."

Apparently, this good gift is the greatest giver - that of the Holy Spirit. Wow! What a realization!

Lord, help me to be more focused on the giver then the gifts!

And by his grace, this "puky" day was turned around for His Glory!

Picture of the Day



New Recipe Wednesday! Tortellini with Gorgonzola and walnut sauce. (Thank you, Rachael Ray!)

1 pkg 12-16oz family size tortellini (prepare according to package directions)

1 Cup Chicken Broth

8 oz. Gorgonzola cheese

Dash of salt and pepper

1 Cup chopped toasted walnuts

While tortellini is cooking, heat chicken broth, cheese, salt and pepper over medium heat. Simmer until cheese melted - about 2 minutes. Toss sauce, tortellini, and walnuts together - serve hot! 

I used spinach tortellini instead of the classic...Jared said it was a keeper!

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Um, Tower? I think I'll Hide now. Over.

1 Kings 19:11-13

And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord." And behold the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. [also translated "thin silence"] And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him, and he said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

This fascinated me the other day as I continued to study about how Elijah learned to listen to the spirit. God very specifically told him to go out and stand on the mountain. I can only assume that Elijah obeyed - and all of the sudden chaos erupted - literally. Near the end of this passage, when he finally recognized the spirit, it states he went out....... Wait a minute! I thought he was already out of the cave and on the mountain - apparently, at some point, he returned to hiding. Was he scared? Was he failing to believe the promise of God? I only wish I had the answer.

How many times do I seek the voice of God only to be distracted and frightened by the interfering chaos that sounds me and is so prevalent in this world? How many times do the winds of change (change in laws, in policy, in my church, my work, my family) change my entire outlook on life? How many times does an earthquake of struggle hit, and my beliefs are shaken from their foundations? How many times does a fiery trial of tragedy devastate and devour all that I hold dear? I look to the wind, the quake, the fire...where are you now, God? And somewhere in the midst of it all, I run. I hide.

Little do I realize, God has been there the whole time - the Tower watching over this feeble pilot. Maybe what He wanted me to see all along is that he's still there, standing strong, even after the dust settles.

Lord, give me the boldness to come out of the galley and return to the seat trusting that you are there amidst the storms!

Picture of the Day

This is a picture of the fountain that Jared made me for Mother's day three years ago. I love sitting near it in the morning when I'm studying!



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Um, Tower? Come in. Over.

I can only hear broken pieces of words surround the static as I frantically compress the talk button and summon my commander once again. "Tower, Come in. Over." The static takes over the line as I make out, "Ta....nd...ff the....utton." I still can't make out what they're saying. "Tower. I cannot read you. I repeat, I cannot read you! Over." My anxiety level grows as I realize that if I cannot hear from Tower, I'll never get these wings off the ground - and I'll never start my expedition, much less complete it.

I look around the cockpit at all the flashing lights, levers, and buttons. I don't have a clue what I'm doing here. How am I supposed to fly this thing?

I adjust the gain and the frequency of my radio and try again. "Tower! I need some imput here. Over." I slouch back in my chair and drop my hands into my lap. The silence broke with a loud commanding voice, and I had to cover my ears at the sheer volume. I adjusted it down to a more tollerable level just in time to clearly hear. "Take your hand off the button. Over."

My mouth dropped. I was so preoccupied with aquiring Tower's attention that I had scarcely released the talk button long enough to even hear a responce. I sat back, placed my hands in my lap, and listened.

Lessons learned from Elijah - 1 Kings 19. Stay tuned for more of what I've learned from my conversations with Tower.

Picture of the Day

Yes, my Christmas tree is still up. For some reason, I don't think the rememberance of our Savior's birth and the celebration of such should be limited just to the end of the year - why not carry it through the new year and start things off with the right perspective! : )



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Why Are We Still Taxiing?

As I continued to read this morning, it struck me that though I have been given clearance for takeoff, I continue to taxi down the same runway looking for the right direction to start my journey.

I, in my sinful, fleshly self have been crucified with Christ. My sin nature no longer has power over me. Romans 6:6-7 states it very clearly. "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin - because anyone who has died has been freed from sin." Once freed through Christ, we no longer live in subjection to our sin nature. It is gone - done away with! So why do I keep living in a state of constant struggle? Why does it seem like I've seen this scenery before?

Colossians chapter two addresses this question: Vs. 20 - "Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:"? Paul continues, in Colossians chapter 3, to address this matter by saying that since we died with Christ, and our lives are now hidden with Christ, we should make a practice of continuing to put to death the things that belong to our earthly nature (immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, idolotry). Since our old self is gone, we have access fully, freely, and completely to the new self (created to be like God)!!! We have the wings, the jets, the fuel for the full journey!

So it seems to me that I get stuck on the first step of the process. I've been crucified with Christ and set free from sin! Yippee! Now what? It doesn't end there. Passage after passage of scripture speaks of a continual process of putting to death, doing away with, considering rubbish that which belonged to our earthly nature or flesh. Instead, I continue to subject myself to the laws of gravity, taxiing around the runway forgetting that I have been equipped with everything I need for the flight!

Lord, give me the boldness to leave the ground!

Picture of the Day



These are two very special items right now. God blessed me with this pair of boots a few weeks ago - which is wonderful as my other pair of dress boots were coming apart at the seams. Behind is is an antique wardrobe that my grandmother passed on to me! Lord, Thank you for your blessings today!

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