The Roaster's Daughter

7:30 am // failure

2012-02-16T23:36:00.000-08:00

By the time I'd finished my Valentine's post in the o'dark hundred hours of Valentine's Day I had such aspirations for the day. Namely, loving the family of God. Things always seem so possible early in the morning.

7:30 am came, and I was on a roll of failure after failure. We were supposed to be out of the house by 7:00am to help with the wedding prep, and there we were at 7:30 still running around like chickens with our heads cut off--oh wait, that was just me. I was losing my patience with everyone, no one was going as fast as they should have been etc., Then it popped into my head:

And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:21

How could it be that in only the span of a few hours I had lost my resolve? I felt like such a hypocrite! There I was encouraging others to "love and good works", and not living up to it myself! At that point I started to confess my sins and cry out to God; I haven't asked anyone if they noticed the change, but I felt slowly and surely that the Lord measured patience into my words and attitude. He always does, and yet why am I so hesitant to trust in Him? Why do I wait until I fail and feel it so severely?

I don't have a set in stone, 'sure fire solution', but this is what my plan of attack is next time I start to replace loving words with impatience, rudeness, disrespect, and all the words that are opposite to love, because I know there will be a 'next time':

1. Call out to the Lord

Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication. In the day of my trouble I call on you, for you will answer me.

- Psalms 86:1-7

“Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:6-9

2. Meditate on God's Word. These are the verses that, although most are already committed to memory, I sometimes, altogether too often, neglect to meditate on them:

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.Matt. 6:32-34

3. Seek Godly Accountability
Usually this means going to my mom and asking for her help. Help with prayer, help with time frames, help with encouragement....sadly this is probably the most often neglected point in my list. But I'm sure point 1, prayer, will help in that area.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

Last, but certainly not least:

4. Ask for Forgiveness

When I'm running around harried, I hurt those around me, it's just a terrible fact. I don't notice those who really need help, and I say so many things with out even the slightest thought to their effect on someone else. In the moment I can usually justify whatever it is I may say or do, even if I know that there is no such justification. When all has calmed down, it all comes back to me, and I know it is time to start asking for other's forgiveness. The verse for Point 3 applies itself to this point as well.

I hope you don't think that I'm writing this post to school anyone, but rather, I feel my blog is sort of a journal of thoughts and transparencies that I don't have the time to write out by hand in my journal. So please forgive my rambling.

The wedding was wonderful by the way and the bride and groom are the cutest couple on earth, in my opinion. We have loads of pictures, and hopefully I'll post a few in the coming days; but you know me pretty well by now, and a couple days might turn into weeks, months, never...oh well. It's late, and if I don't go now, this post might never get rid of me.

Love,

Hannah

2012-02-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

source: the graphics fairy

Happy Valentine's Day!

{Isn't this heart just the epitome of happiness and all lovely thoughts!? I sure think so...}

So, what is this love all about anyways?

Today, at least at this time in my life, I am blessed to spend Valentine's Day as a day to reflect on God's love...(unclouded by all that mushy stuff:)...and to really focus on what love is and what it looks like. I'm young, so I certainly do not have all the answers, or any answers, and I know that I do not exhibit godly love as I should, but I do know where to look for the answers. The WORD of GOD.

And of all the chapters and verses that speak about love, (1 Corinthians 13; John 3:16 etc,) one of the clearest ones for me is 1 John 4:7-21.

Please read it slowly, reflect your way through it.

God Is Love

1 John 4:7-21

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and rhis love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him:whoever loves God must also love his brother.

Now that you've read about HIS love, watch this youtube clip.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

sung by Fernando Ortega

Wherever you find yourself today, I hope that you'll take the time to ponder love, and what it means to a believer. I know that I'll be thinking about it, and by God's grace, applying it by loving those around me.

And... for some fantastically, exciting news, I'll be spending my day at the wedding of my uncle and soon-to-be aunt,{she's such a sweet heart} and I'll get my fill of all that mushy-good stuff....a WEDDING! *happy dance* I am eagerly looking forward to what the future holds for these two...man, I wish that I had a picture- they are too cute for words!

Please, if you're single,

{I really think that term is lacking-I mean, who is honestly single? Single=alone in my book} do not spend your "V" Day like this; but, enjoy this clip anyways-gotta love homeschoolers with humor:)

Remember, Love is from God, and it's about loving the body of Christ, and really, we should be doing that everyday, right? We shouldn't need a holiday to remind us of that.

And in the words of my mortal father, "Happy Channukah"!!!

Love,

Hannah

Re Post "Know a Christian Who Seems to Love Movies More Than Jesus?"

2012-01-17T13:42:00.000-08:00

This post was extremely helpful, and convicting for me this week. Sometimes I am the Christian who seems to love the things of this world more than I love Jesus. Soemtimes I encounter others who seem to love the things of this world more than Jesus. Whatever camp you're in now, or even if you're in neither one, this post is a worthy read.

Thanks to Pastor Piper for putting this into perspective. Please take the time to read this post-its only 9 paragraphs long...you have time for that don't you?

Alas, if you don't have the time, here's the article in a nutshell:

"Here’s my suggestion. Instead of dampening their enthusiasm for movies, clothing, apps, and events, let that go as an expression of God-given personality. Instead, model expressive joy in Jesus. Over time, if there is no resonance from their heart with your joy, query them humbly:

"I love your enthusiasm for the things you get excited about. You’re so free and expressive about good movies and nice clothes and cool apps. It seems odd to me that you don’t seem to be as expressive about the way you feel about Jesus and what he’s done for us. Have you thought about why that might be?"
The point of this query is to help them see that the problem is not joyfully loving good created things. The problem is the apparent absence of similar affections for Christ."

John Piper

Know a Christian Who Seems to Love Movies More Than Jesus?

True Christian Liberty

2012-01-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

Another excellent article from Dr. MacArthur:

Beer, Bohemianism, and True Christian Liberty

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

~Ephesians 5:18-20

Love,

Hannah

Another Year Has Dawned

2012-01-02T00:48:00.000-08:00

2012. How new and strange that sounds in my ears.

Almost a completely blank canvas. What will the painting be, I wonder.

One thing for sure is that the Master knows. Amen.

In a way I was sad to say good-bye to 2011.

And yet, terribly eager to embrace what lies ahead.

Quite a lot transpired in 2011.

Instead of a detailed event by event list,

I'll just say that it was a remarkable, challenging, growing, learning day-by-day how to trust in the LORD kind of year.

Another year is dawning:

Dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven,

Another year for Thee.

Frances Ridley Havergal

Teach us to number our days, that we might gain a heart of wisdom...Oh satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
Psalm 90:12&14

*I had intended to write this and post it on New Year's Eve, or New Year's Day, but do to unforeseen circumstances, foreseen circumstances, and downright poor time management, the wee small hours of January 2nd, will have to do...late but in earnest?

Meditations

2011-11-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

I will extol You, my God and King,

And bless Your name forever

and ever.

Every day I will bless You

And praise Your name

forever and ever.

Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised,

And His greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall commend Your

works to another,

and shall declare Your mighty acts.

On the glorious splendor of Your majesty,

And on Your wondrous works,

I will meditate.

They shall speak the might of Your awesome deeds,

And I will declare Your greatness.

They shall pour forth the fame of Your

abundant goodness

And sing aloud of Your

righteousness.

Psalm 145:1-7

love,

Hannah

P.S. I took these pictures in October, and this passage of the Psalms seemed to fit.

Isn't God's splendor glorious and abundant?

Captivated

2011-11-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a preview of our friend's documentary. We can hardly wait for it to be finished!

"Captivated" Official Trailer from Media Talk 101 on Vimeo.

Longing to Be Like Jesus

2011-10-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

This one sentence sums it all up for me:

I wish not so much to do as to be, and I long to be like Jesus;

If Thou dost make me right I shall be right;

Lord, I belong to Thee, make me worthy of Thyself.

The Valley of Vision

I long to be like Jesus. That is the reason why I deleted my last post. It just wasn't edifying. Maybe soon I'll republish the edited version, but for now I'll just go back to posting the random quotes:).

Isn't the fall weather just lovely!?! I wish that I could just capture the sights, and smells, and the brisk breezes, and put them all in a bottle!

Have a lovely-wonderful-fall-running-and-jumping-in-a-big-pile- of- leaves-kind of day!

Love,
Hannah

Watch This!

2011-10-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

Watch this. It will change your life.

If you only do one thing today (other than read your Bible) ,

WATCH THIS!

*There is a warning though; holocaust pictures, and a picture of an aborted baby.

How Do I Love Thee...

2011-10-07T15:40:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy: Emily

Now you know why I've been so busy...

this girl! My sister!

Boy, I love her to bits!

2011-08-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

As for us, we cast anchor in the haven of the word of God. Here is our peace, our strength, our life, our motive, our hope, our happiness. God's word is our ultimatum. Here we have it. Our understanding cries, "I have found it;" our conscience asserts that here is the truth; and our heart finds here a support to which all her affections can cling; and hence we rest content.

~Charles Spurgeon~

2011-08-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

" Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be lowly is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to have everything, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive. Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy joy in my sorrow, thy grace in my sin, thy riches in my poverty, thy glory in my valley, thy life in my death."

~An Ancient Saint~

2011-08-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

I beseech you to let your Bibles be everything to you. Carry this matchless treasure with you continually, and read it, and read it, and read it again and again. Turn to its pages by day and by night. Let its narratives mingle with your dreams; let its precepts color your lives; let its promises cheer your darkness, let its divine illumination make glad your life. As you love God, love this Book which is the book of God, and the God of books, as it has rightly been called; and may God make this book to be your comfort when you pass through the valley of death-shade, and may you in heaven have for ever to praise him who revealed himself to you through the page of this blessed Book!

~Charles Spurgeon~

2011-08-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the dearest, sweetest Mama a girl could ask for!!!

I love you with all my heart, and I am so grateful for you!

May the LORD bless you and keep you this year and forever!

2011-08-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Colossians 3:12-15

The Boy is Eleven

2011-07-07T07:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Henry!

From the very beginning you have always been an old-fashioned boy

A boy who protects the home and the family
(Even if your rifle has an orange tip)
Whose courage is undaunted as you face life's every foe

A boy who isn't afraid of loving others
and caring for them as they grow

A boy who always seems to have a smile on your face
(Just looking at this picture puts a smile on mine too)

A boy who has grown to become a good sportsman.
Who tries his hardest, and faces winning and defeat
with God-given grace
laughing with your team, be it the kids in the dugout,
or with your family at home
Sometimes having to pick yourself up after a loss
always finding something to be glad about
and thanking God for the opportunity to learn more

A boy who is always ready to follow the footprints at the waters edge
and stop to notice the small things that I often overlook

A boy who loves taking big steps and exploring

(Your love for dirt always amazes me)

Henry, you mean the world to me. Honest.

I am so blessed to be your sister.

I pray that the LORD would guide you

this year "...so that you might {continue to} follow in His steps..."

May you always find the courage to stand strong for what

you believe in.

You are so mature for your age.

I love talking "big" with you, as you share

with me some of the knowledge that the LORD has given you.

You have taught me so much.

Always remember to keep the Lord Jesus Christ as the head

the Leader of every expedition

the One to whom you turn to first with every question.

May He be your first thought in the morning

and your last thought at night.

"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example

in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

The world needs more old-fashioned boys.

Thank you for being one.

I love you. For now and for always.

Love,

Hannah

In Honor of D-Day

2011-06-06T17:09:00.000-07:00

Rocks

2011-06-03T00:47:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I found myself sitting on top of a rock gazing out to the ocean becoming caught up in the ebb and flow of the tide. The rock I was sitting on has stood along the California coastline for as long as I can recall. I've climbed to its top and pondered since I was a little girl.

I have grown taller, and yet the rock seems to have stayed the same. Why is that?

As I was sitting there I heard a refrain from a song in the back of my mind and before I knew it I was singing to myself these words, " My faith has found a resting place-not in device nor creed: I trust the Everliving One-His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me"... and then for some reason I always add on to that "On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand." While I was singing I couldn't help but be moved to tears at the thought of Christ being the Solid Rock. When we build our houses, meaning our lives and everything in them, on Christ, the winds can blow and the rains and floods may come, but we will never be moved!

That old rock, part of God's creation, has weathered hundreds of years of sea, rain, wind; sometimes even being more than half way under water, and yet it hasn't moved. Again, how much more, with our faith being built on the Rosh Pina, the Cornerstone-Jesus Christ, will we be unmoved in this life, and prepared for the next!?!

Is your life built on the Solid Rock? Or are you sinking in the sand of empty philosophies? Please consider your Creator. The same God who fashioned the rocks, and the ocean, the sun, moon, and stars; wants to have a personal relationship with you. He loves you so much that He sent His only, perfect, sinless son, to die on a cross for our sins. Jesus died so that we may have life and have it abundantly! "As it is said, ' Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." (Hebrews 3:15)

(My Faith Has Found a Resting Place Lidie H. Edmunds; The Solid Rock -Edward Mote)

Sweet Mother O' Mine

2011-05-08T01:46:00.000-07:00


Mother and Baby (at the Alamo 2010)

" And suddenly theories and speculation ended, and she knew. She knew that faithful, self-forgetting service, and the love that spends itself over and over, only to be renewed again and again, are the secret of happiness. For another world, perhaps leisure and beauty and luxury-but in this one, "Whosoever loses his life shall gain it." Margaret knew that her mother was not only the truest, the finest, the most generous woman she had ever known, but the happiest as well."

~~Mother by Kathleen Norris ~~

Dear Mama,
Sweet mother o' mine,

Today when I read this I thought of you. All these years the thoughts that I have been trying to put into words were already there for me. You are the truest, the finest, and the most generous woman that I know; only I would add to that list the fact that you are a godly woman.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates."

Proverbs 31:28-31

Mama, I love you.

I pray that the LORD will cause me to be like you someday.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Love,

Hannah

The Importance of Being a Sister

2011-01-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

There is such a beauty in treasuring the little moments of a little boys life.

For one day he will no longer be that little brother who ran around, climbed trees, and defended "the homestead", and "his girls" from the wilds of the unknown, unseen enemies; he'll be a man. Perhaps a husband and a father, perhaps a great statesman, an orator, a business owner, or an author. Prayerfully, he'll be a man of God.

While we don't know exactly who our little men will turn out to be, what they'll do, how they'll advance the Kingdom, we do know that every day the little things said, done, and modeled will shape him, and affect the way he looks at our Father's world.

It is no small thing to be a little boy.

Sisters, take advantage of the years when there are little boys, and girls in your parents home to encourage them after righteousness. To help cultivate in them a desire to love the LORD with all of their hearts, and to be joyful helpers, as we model being joyful helpers. (It is a blessed position to be an older sister, but my siblings aren't to be lorded over by me, and thankfully since I watch my attitude with helpful hints from my parents, they are my three best friends.)

Treat your siblings today like friends, let them be your confidantes, your advisers. And be their confidantes and advisers. Pray with them when they encounter trials of many kinds. Encourage them to take everything to the LORD in prayer. (As a side note I am not suggsting that you usurp your parents in these areas; encourage your siblings to go to your parents for prayer, to confide in your parents. You should do the same too, and lead by example.)

Be open to the little moments when you can observe them growing in the fear and admonition of the LORD. (This takes actual time spent with them and looking out for them.) Listen to them. Pray for them. And encourage them to be little men, and little women who live for the Kings glory.

Pray for your parents, help your parents, respect your parents, serve your parents, obey your parents. How I have come to regret my back talk, and selfish ways, at times, as it did not set a good example for my younger siblings.

Everyone learns by example. I do. They do.

Help your mother with the everyday tasks so that she can have more time to cherish her little ones, to disciple them, to read to them and to care for their needs as only mothers can, and to make memories with them as my mama made with Henry, by teaching him to write, as our forefathers did, with ink and quill.

Finally, and most importantly, pray that the LORD will guide you as you love your siblings. He can teach us in so many ways, just be willing to accept His teaching.

I fail every day, but God is faithful and just to forgive us. And it is never too late to redeem the days.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

{Gal. 6:9}

Love,

Hannah

2010-11-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as

He alone knows to be best.

~George Washington~

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

Enough is Enough!

2010-11-24T22:30:00.001-08:00

Again Ron Paul has hit the nail on the head.
The time is now, fellow Americans, to say "Enough is enough". While our government parades around boasting in their un-constitutional strength, let's find other means of travel. Let's show those brats at TSA that we still have some of the founding father's blood in our veins; that there is no way we will submit to unnecessary pat-downs, gropings, and nude body scans; that we will not sit idle while they steal our freedoms and wreak havoc with the Constitution! If this video doesn't kindle in you a quest for independence from oppression I don't know what will.
Tomorrow as we ponder what we're thankful for, may we remember what others in the past have gone through and sacrificed for us, so we won't be apathetic in watching our America turn into a police state. Let's stop being cattle!

On a lighter note, Happy Birthday to Pastor Little Bear Wheeler, and Grandpa Jesse!!!

By the way, don't forget to pause my music:).

First stop: Calvinism

2010-11-20T14:30:00.000-08:00

"Because man is so full of misery and ever since the Fall has exhibited such a catalogue of blatant sin, everyone who is stung by the awareness of his own unhappiness gains at least some knowledge of God."

~John Calvin

Doesn't that quote ring true for most of you? It does for me. Knowledge of God comes about when we have a knowledge of our own unhappiness. If I was to only ever be happy in myself and in my circumstances I know I wouldn't feel the need for God. But, oh how deeply I need God!!! As you can probably tell, I've started reading The Institutes of Christian Religion by John Calvin. Whew, it's pretty deep. I'm only in the second chapter, and it is an abridged version, but I already see how Calvin and his doctrines affect much of modern day western thought.

I have been encouraged over the past few weeks to really dig into the reformation and the doctrines of the fathers of reformation before I align myself either way, Arminianism or Calvinism or other... it is not easy to decide where to stand, and I, by no means, am going to say I'm a Calvinist without knowing what that means and how to aptly defend my stance. So, I'm heading out of port from the city Unconcerned, on the vessel Where the Lord Leads; I have my Bible clutched tight with both hands and the Jesus Christ as the helmsman. I don't know how long I'll be gone, and what treasures I'll fill my heart with, but I do know that when come back I won't be the same. I plan to keep my blog close at hand to record the miles and what they'll hold. Don't worry, I won't become a hyper-typer, I'll still have leaves of absence, and I'll still post about other random things that are going on in my life, and maybe I'll even post pictures. Speaking of absence and pictures....

We just arrived home from our trip to the wedding of Taylor and Blair Tsantles. What an awesome thing it was to see two godly, committed people join their lives together to serve Christ wholeheartedly, no matter the cost, no matter the odds. To see such a godly young man as Taylor share from the Word the parallels of his wedding and the heavenly wedding, calling any unsaved in attendance to accept Christ as the only way there. To see beautiful Blair say her vows, including the words of Ruth...where you go I will go, where you lodge I will lodge. To see them joined as man and wife and to hear the prayers for their future from Mr. Brown, Mr. Dohm, Mr. Horn and Mr. Tsantles. I have never in my life seen such a testimony of a marriage ceremony under the headship of Christ. I can hardly wait to see how God uses them and their future family. I don't have any pictures of the wedding to post, but one girl Lauren, in particular, took some amazing shots, so I'll direct you to her blog.

I probably should post this before I turn it into a book.

Good bye for now.

Love,

Hannah

The Joy of the LORD is Our Strength

2010-07-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

If the..." joy of the LORD is our strength" (Neh. 8:10), then why are there so many Christians who revel in misanthropy (a very popular buzzword these days) , anger, gloom...? Now, before you get on my case, notice I said "revel", the above mentioned states I have been in, and I have even reveled in them. But that doesn't make it right. Although I do understand. So now I'll lay it on the line. We as Christians are not supposed to walk in darkness, we are supposed to have the joy of the LORD, our Savior is the Light of the world.(John 1:4-5) My life is nowhere near perfect, in fact no one's life is. Even our Redeemer's life isn't what we would deem perfect, the world at the time of His earthly ministry wasn't perfect. He was 'judged' by others for loving the lost, for coming to save the lost, He was mocked, scorned, abused and crucified....and He was, and is, perfect. But HE never reveled in darkness, HE was not overcome by it. Light has no communion with darkness. (2 Cor.6:14)

Heroes of the faith have had bouts of spiritual depression, anger, gloom. I have yet to read of a saint who was a misanthrope though, but I am not saying there wasn't at least one. Paul had a thorn in his flesh, (2 Cor.12:7) Martin Luther "wrestled with demons" the list goes on, But have you ever heard of a true, God-fearing, God-honoring saint who justified it other than to say that it was the fire to burn away the chaff? If you have, please let me know.

I am of the belief that you cannot lose your salvation due to seasons of sin. I have felt that I hated all people, (well, almost all) I have battled anger; anger in the sense that I am angry at those who misuse Scripture; angry at those who contemptuously speak of Christ, but all the while I am called to love them.(Matthew 5:43-48) So yes, I battle anger, I battle it every day. And to have, like I have had, the feeling of power over others due to sin is not right. To me there has been a certain "pleasure" in the thought of hating people. But Christ is very clear when He says that hate is murder. (Matthew 5:21) If I would never murder, then I should never hate someone.

I will be the first to say that the world is a dark and sad and sick place. But am I to use that as a cop-out for sin. No, I am to be the 'salt and light' (Matt.5:13-16) in this dark world. Will my writing this post free me from ever battling these things again? By no means.

I have friends and loved ones who have turned from the light, embracing darkness. Am I to embrace it with them? Or am I to be there for them, holding my candle, (Luke 11:36, Matt.5:13-16) living a life that can only be lived through Christ?

I am not a sheltered homeschooler, I am a protected homeschooler. I have been in dark places. I have seen and heard dark things. I have shed tears. I've felt agoraphobic. I've wanted to go to Heaven and leave this world. But Christ leads me through no darker roads then He went through before. He didn't stay there, in those dark places, He went through them. And He will lead you too. (Ps. 30:5) Before you think that I am judging you, that I am self-righteous, know that I do not judge you. I am not righteous. I am very much a sinner, there is no doubt about that.(Just ask my family) I am only writing this to encourage you unto righteousness, and dear sisters, because I love you.

I know that a lot of Christians dwell in the crucifixion, and seem to wholly forget about the resurrection. They live as though Christ is still in the grave, and mourn accordingly.

Christ died for our sins, His blood is the propitiation for our sins, (Romans 3:25) His resurrection is the proof of His power, His holiness, His love for us, and His victory over the grave. And that we too must die to sin to be raised to LIFE.

I know that this post consists of deep thoughts, that may come across as rambling. I pray that the meaning of this post will come through to you though; Live as one who serves a risen Savior. Do not mourn for He is risen indeed. Cry for the lost, but speak to them of how deep the Father's love for us is. Don't discourage them by your lack of faith. But rather show them by your words and actions what true joy is, and where to find it.

This post was a long time in coming. It is my prayer that I encouraged you and did not discourage you. That something I said spoke to you, but not down to you.

May God bless you this week as you continue to seek Him first.

If I have offended anyone, if I have struck a chord-a nerve, please let me know. If I have failed to quote Scripture that speaks to the other side and discounts this post let me know. Because ultimately I want glorify Jesus and use this blog for Him. I would really love your feedback.

Love in Christ,

Hannah

Soli Deo Gloria

Verses for further study:
Psalm 5:11; Psalm 16:11; Psalm 19:8; Psalm 21:6; Psalm 30:5; Psalm 30:11; Psalm 33:1

Voila! A New Background

2010-07-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

So, something is new at The Roaster's Daughter. Can you guess what it is? You can't? Well then I'll tell you,...it's a new background! I signed in to my blog today, and to my shock and dismay my previous background had vanished! I haven't the foggiest idea of how it happened, but it does give room to allow me to experiment with new and beautiful backgrounds.

Thankfully, losing my background has gotten me back on my blog. It has been far too long. Has anyone missed me? I sure hope not. I hope that you all have been having such a fantastic Summer that you simply have had no time to check up on blogs, written by bloggers who never post:). But, I am back. So you had better find time to stop by every now and then....just joking.

Are you all enjoying Summer-time? I sure am! Summer started off with The National Center for Family Integrated Churches (N.C.F.I.C.), "Reforming Church and Family Road Trip" held for us Californians, in Oakhurst Ca.. It was so encouraging to hear Scott Brown, his wife Deborah, their three daughters, daughter-in-law and son-in-law share with us how we are, as Christians, going to reform the Church. Family by family, from the inside out. Another blessing of the day was meeting and fellow-shipping with God-honoring families.

Our trip to Oakhurst was followed by a 2+- week stay in a small coast town with our great-grandmother.Since we've been home, we threw a birthday party for Henry. His tenth, can you believe that?!? We've had a house guest, colds, and our annual homeschool conference.

I do have pictures of all these events, though I'm not going to promise to post them, I've broken my promises far too many times regarding the issue of posting pictures....oh brother.

I am going to end my post now, because it is better, I've been told, to be less wordy, and to post more often.

You are all in my prayers, whether you are my family, my closest friends, blog acquaintances, or total strangers.

Love in Christ,
Hannah

2010-05-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

"The true test of civilization is

not the census, nor the size of

the cities, nor the crops --- no,

but the kind of man the

country turns out."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Love,

Hannah

All I Can

2010-05-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

"Do all the good you can

By all the means you can

In all the ways you can

In all the places you can

To all the people you can

As long as ever you can"

~~ John Wesley

Love,

Hannah

2010-05-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Sisters,
Let us not forget that true beauty does not come from our outward adornment; such as fine clothing, expensive jewelry and elaborate hair styles.

"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4

"For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, see the good in all people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For poise, walk with the knowledge that you will never walk alone, for the LORD is always by your side.

Remember, if you are ever in need of a helping hand, you will find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will understand that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

~ Godey's Lady's Book, 1856 (selected)

Love,
Hannah

2010-04-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful, hilarious, witty sister-biologically and in Christ!!!

I am so blessed to have been able to spend every day these last fifteen years with you!!!

I thank God for your joyful heart, and your godly advice.

Thanks a mil for being my partner in crime and for growing with me this past year.

Some of my favorite memories of this past year include, but are not limited to...ROASTING, San Francisco last May, drafting patterns for skirts with Dot, Popcorn, Farmer's Market, re-doing our room, your learning how to SURF, The Father/Daughter Retreat, The Varsity, all the pictures that you took of Atlanta:),

The SCAA, The USBC,....I could go on and on and on and on......but I digress:).

Thank you for being such an amazing sister!!!

Love You

2010-04-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure that He should send His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss. The Father turns His face away, as wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.

Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon His shoulders. Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished; His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything: no gifts, now pow'r, no wisdom. But I will boast in Jesus Christ: His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer. But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom. -Stuart Townend

May you all have a blessed, reflective Resurrection Day!

Love, In Christ,

Hannah

Our Dear, Funny Siblings

2010-03-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

There once was a three year old little boy, who was slightly overdue for his yearly check-up.

Every week he would go with his daddy and mommy and two older sisters to his daddy's weekly choir practice. After practice one week his mommy was talking to one of his daddy's fellow choir members who also happened to be a pediatrician. The little boy's mommy asked Dr.Geoff if he could give the little boy a quick physical then and there. Dr. Geoff willingly obliged, and sat down next to the Little Boy and started to check his eyes, ears, reflexes etc. Then he said "now I'm going to check your kidneys." The Little Boy turned to face him and said with a mixture of question, curiosity and quite a bit of disbelief at his utter stupidity, "those aren't my kidneys, THESE are my kid-knees!" As he pointed to his little boy knees. Needless to say all of those around Dr. Geoff and The Little Boy erupted in laughter. Dr. Geoff said that he had heard many humorous things out of his little patients mouths, but this, by far, had to be the funniest.

By this time, have you guessed that The Little Boy is Henry, my brother?

What funny anecdotes do you have of your siblings? Would you mind sharing them with me?

Until next time, whenever that may be,

I remain,

your friend,

Hannah

Highland Henry 2007

A Random Quote for the Day

2010-03-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

"Unless we form a habit of going to the Bible in bright moments as well as in trouble, we cannot fully respond to its consolation because we lack equilibrium between light and darkness. ~Helen Keller

My Blog is a Year Old!

2010-03-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today is the one year 'birthday' of my blog. When I started blogging I had ideas of grandeur, I would blog every day, my posts would be witty and insightful, etc. But for all you fellow bloggers you know that sometimes the well can run dry, ideas for posts may be few and far between, and when you finally publish a post, it may be long and over-drawn, lacking the tone that you would want a post of yours to have. Nonetheless, before it starts to sound like I am complaining, let me state that blogging has been one of the best experiences of my life. First, I have learned SO much about the computer. Let me encourage those of you who read blogs, but haven't started out on the adventure of blogging yourself, it is NOT as hard as it may seem! I have met so many wonderful Christian young ladies, and I have been able to share my thoughts on the trials and blessings that come my way. In the months and years ahead I pray that I will use, or better said, God will use my blog as a testimony to Himself. Thank you, to all my readers, your kindness and patience, is an encouragement, and bastien of hope in these dark days.

Some of you I hope to meet in person this year at Vision Forum's Father Daughter Retreat. To the rest of you, I would love to sit and talk to you in person, perhaps at my family's coffee house. We would discuss how good God is to us, filling our lives with so many blessings, all the while drinking a cappachino, latte or macchiato. That's an open invitation. Y'all come now!!!

Until my next post, keep your eyes trained on The Authour and Perfector of our faith.

Lovingly,

Hannah

Galatians 3:26-29

Lord, What Will You Have Me to Do?

2010-02-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

A castle that has been long besieged and is ready to be taken will deliver up on any terms to save their lives. He whose heart has been a garrison for the devil and has held out long in opposition against Christ, when once God has brought him to poverty of spirit and he sees himself damned without Christ, let God propound what articles He may, he will readily subscribe to them. "Lord, what will you have me to do? — Thomas Watson

Repentance

2010-02-25T12:43:00.000-08:00

Conviction of sin is one of the rarest things that ever strikes a man. It is the threshold of an understanding of God. Jesus Christ said that when the Holy Spirit came He would convict of sin, and when the Holy Spirit rouses a man's conscience and brings him into the presence of God, it is not his relationship with men that bothers him, but his relationship with God—"against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight." Conviction of sin, the marvel of forgiveness, and holiness are so interwoven that it is only the forgiven man who is the holy man, he proves he is forgiven by being the opposite to what he was, by God's grace. Repentance always brings a man to this point: I have sinned. The surest sign that God is at work is when a man says that and means it. Anything less than this is remorse for having made blunders, the reflex action of disgust at himself.

The entrance into the Kingdom is through the panging pains of repentance crashing into a man's respectable goodness; then the Holy Ghost, Who produces these agonies, begins the formation of the Son of God in the life. The new life will manifest itself in conscious repentance and unconscious holiness, never the other way about. The bedrock of Christianity is repentance. Strictly speaking, a man cannot repent when he chooses; repentance is a gift of God. The old Puritans used to pray for the gift of tears. If ever you cease to know the virtue of repentance, you are in darkness. Examine yourself and see if you have forgotten how to be sorry.

— Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, December 7th devotional

2010-01-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and the Worlds Longest Post

2010-01-05T19:42:00.000-08:00

Wow! 2009 was one of the best, busiest, most interesting years of my very short life:).

I could do a month by month recap, though I think that it would bore you all to death:). (What is it with Hannah and all these smiley faces?) So, I'll just do a brief overview of the most wonderful, equally challenging things....

In February we went on a 5 day trip with our Aunt and Grandparents in a Cruise America motor home. We went to two California Missions; San Antonio de Padua

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountain range, on a military base, that at the moment I cannot remember. It was beautiful, even during the heavy rains of February.

Then in Sonoma, we went to Mission San Francisco de Solano

It was really quaint, sitting right in the middle of downtown Sonoma. I learned so much, and the California History Course that I took four+ years ago really came alive for me again.

In March I turned 16, which seems so young now:). But, the best thing that happened in March, was that I found out Mom was pregnant!!! I have a lengthy post to coincide with that, but that post will just have to wait.

In April my sweet kid sister turned 14! Dad made her a beautiful hopechest.

May was busy, on Mother's Day, Mom and Dad told Henry that he was going to have a baby brother or sister. Was he excited or what! I don't quite think excited is the best word, he was more than excited:)!

June was spent "grandma-sitting" our great-grandma at her house in a small town up the coast. Some very dear homeschool friends of ours live in the same town, and we were able to fellowship with them. It was wonderful! As a side note, I made my first pattern, and subsequent skirt.

In July my brother Henry and my dad had birthdays. We were still at our grandma's house at the time. Then came our annual homeschool conference- Voddie Baucham was the key note speaker--I learned so much, and enjoyed his presentations immensely! Then Emily, Cassie and I took a week long class with other homeschoolers, taught by Katherine Dang of the Principle Approach. We did a literary analysis on "Evangeline" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. "....This is the forest primeval..." As well as learning more about the origins and influences of our U.S. Constitution. The last weekend of July we spent up in Oakhurst, California. "Gateway to Yosemite." My great-great uncle (g-g-u) and his wife live there. G-g-u Jim is a WWII vet, and a strong Christian. This year he really opened up and talked about his time in the military and God's Providence through it all.

August brought Mom's birthday, and a six day camping trip at El Capitan state beach. With Cassie and her family along with other friends, including our Pastors god-daughter, Anna from Germany, who quickly became a very dear friend.

September we installed a new pastor at our church, after long months of prayer that God would bring us the man meant for our congregation. It turns out that the pastor God sent is a friend of ours, a homeschool dad, and the pastor of a local home church prior to becoming the pastor at our church. There are always adjustments, and it has been three long months of adjustment, but God is using this time to teach us.

October was spent getting our house ready for Baby. And helping to lead worship with my dad and sister. The most memerable day, next to Baby's birth in November, was the day my brother Henry was baptized. He has loved Jesus since he was little, but to see him follow the Lord in baptism, was a beautiful thing. Our friend, and a mentor/grandfather in Christ to Henry ( and the rest of us) Little Bear Wheeler and his wife Marilyn were flown in by my parents for Henry's baptism. Henry was baptized on the same day as his best bud Connor, who has also been mentored by Little Bear. While Little Bear was here he gave a re-enactment/sermon on the life of William Wallace and the Scottish covenentors, at our church. It was wonderful! For those of you who do not know about Little Bear Wheeler I suggest that you check out his ministry. He has been an invalueable part of our family's journey, and we are so blessed by his ministry and friendship!

November, the biggest, most eventful month of our year. The first two weeks were spent close to home, as we waited for the baby and prepared ourselves, knowing full well that our lives would never be the same. On November 14th, at 3:31 in the afternoon Elizabeth entered our lives! She is a beautiful little girl, who has, to use a colloquialism, stolen all the hearts around her. She has brought so many lessons, along with so much joy, that I cannot help but thank God for her beautiful life! I only hope that I can be an example of God's love to her, and as she grows, I pray that I will always be pointing her upwards, telling of the Savior who already loves her so much!

The end of November thru December have really just been one big blur. The hardest lesson that I have had to learn about myself is that I am inherently sinful. I knew that I was, and am, but sometimes my self- righteous self allowed my "good deeds" to cloud the fact that I was not living like the Christian I claimed to be. All that I thought I was I now see that I am not. I am so undeserving that in tears I marvel at how a sinless perfect Savior could suffer the worst imaginable pain to let sinners like me go free! Even with all of my sins, God used me, He used me for good. And as I turn to Him for all things I know that He will use me even more!

So as I look into this new year, I wonder how God will use me, how He will grow me, what I will do to further His kingdom? How will I live for Him and serve Him?

One of my New Year's resolutions is to blog at least once a week. So to borrow from my sister and her most recent post, berate me if I skip just one week. I need a little kick in the pants ever so often to keep me on my toes:). Thank you all for following me on my journey this past year, and for being patient with my infrequent ramblings.

Oops, it seems that I did wind up doing a month by month recap. Sorry.

To end what seems to be the longest post on record, I'll copy out a section from "The Valley Vision".

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed
   in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides, sustains
   sanctifies, aids every hour,
   that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
   but may rely on Thy Spirit
   to supply every thought,
   speak in every word,
   direct every step,
   prosper every work,
   build up every mote of faith,
   and give me a desire
   to show forth Thy praise,
   testify Thy love,
   advance Thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year,
   with Thee, O Father, as my harbour,
   Thee, O Son, at my helm
   Thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
   my lamp burning,
   my ear open to Thy calls,
   my heart full of love,
   my soul free.
Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
   Thy comforts to cheer,
   Thy wisdom to teach,
   Thy right hand to guide,
   Thy counsel to instruct,
   Thy law to judge,
   Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear be my awe,
   Thy triumphs my joy.

Happy New Year dear friends!

Love,

Hannah

God's Cause from The Valley of Vision

2009-10-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

SOVEREIGN GOD,

Thy cause not my own, engages my heart,

and I appeal to thee with greatest freedom

to set up Thy kingdom in every place where Satan reigns;

Glorify Thyself and I shall rejoice;

for to bring honour to Thy name is my sole desire.

I adore Thee that Thou art God,

and long that others should know it, feel it,

and rejoice in it.

O that all men might love and praise Thee,

that Thou mightest have all glory from the intelligent world!

Let sinners be brought to Thee for Thy dear name!

To the eye of reason everything respecting the conversion of others

is as dark as midnight,

But Thou canst accomplish great things;

the cause is Thine,

and it is to Thy glory that men should be saved.

Lord, use me as Thy wilt,

do with me what Thou wilt;

but, O, promote Thy cause,

let Thy kingdom come,

let Thy blessed interest be advanced in this world!

O do Thou bring in great numbers to Jesus!

let me see that glorious day,

and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;

let me be willing to die to that end;

and while I live let me labour for Thee

to the utmost of my strength,

spending time profitably in this work,

both in health and in weakness.

It is Thy cause and kingdom I long for, not my own.

O, answer Thou my request!

-The Valley of Vision

Patriots Day:Blessed Are the Persecuted

2009-09-11T09:11:00.000-07:00

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5: 10-12

In 2008 persecution of Christians in China was higher than it had been it 35 years. Yet the number of Chinese converts yearly is enormous. The number of Christians in China is estimated to be somewhere around 100 million plus, where the number of members in the Communist Party is only 73 million.
What could it be that is causing so many men, women and children to forsake all, even life itself? Could it be the overwhelming truth of The Gospel, the person of Christ calling to each individual heart? It can only be. What else are so many willing to die for?
Last year the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) reported that in 17 Chinese provinces, 764 Protestant leaders and house church members were arrested. The number of Protestants and underground Catholics arrested last year may be in the thousands. Yet China is not the only country. Israeli Christians, Messianic Jews namely, have been feeling an intense amount of persecution from Islamic Extremists and certain Ultra Orthodox organizations.
In Iran Christians are imprisoned and tortured brutally for their faith, it is often worse for women who accept Christ.
Burma. Who's military has been trying for the last two years to wipe out Christianity in their small southeast Asian country.
Nepal. Chiapas. North Korea. Guatemala. India. The list goes on.
This barely touches on world wide persecution of those who have found their freedom in Christ, but my point is to remind you, my fellow patriots to rejoice and be glad in the freedom we still have in these United States. To boldly and lovingly share the freedom one can only find in Christ. That freedom isn't free. There's a war going on that may or may not be won, but we can each do our part here at home by taking every thought captive and not returning to the sin that entangles our minds.
The joy of the LORD is our strength. Let us profess and suffer joyfully til the end.
Hannah

Lessons from Literature: Moby Dick

2009-09-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

"What of it if some old hunk of a sea-captain orders me to get a broom and sweep down the decks? What does that indignity amount to, weigh, I mean, in the scales of the New Testament?
Do you think the archangel Gabriel thinks anything the less of me because I promptly and respectfully obey that old hunk in that particular instance? Who ain't a slave? Tell me that. Well, then, however the old sea-captains may order me about, I have the satisfaction of knowing that it is all right; that everybody else is one way or other served in much the same way-either in a physical or metaphysical point of view, that is; and so the universal thump is passed round, and all the hands should rub each other's shoulder blades, and be content."

-Herman Melville's "Moby Dick"

This has been a favorite quote of mine for some time, and while I don't always obey the principle of it, it does help to keep in mind. Especially now. We are quite busy now in the process of getting ready for a baby. Yes, for those of you who I haven't told yet Mom is pregnant, and due early November. We are all very excited! But getting ready for a baby is a big job.
The other night Mom was getting us into action deep cleaning and I was in a pretty awful mood. Then when I was putting away a school book I came across this quote that I had copied out into a notebook. Not that I am equating Mom to an old hunk of a sea captain, but I need to promptly and respectfully obey anyone who asks me to do a job for them, or a job that I am required to do.

I need to obey Mom when she asks me to sort laundry, and take correction for not fully completing the job. I need to promptly listen to Emily when she asks me to sweep up the dust pile that I made when sweeping the living room. (I have no aversion to sweeping, but I always forget to sweep up the dust pile, then Emily has to come ask me to sweep it up. Though often I take my sweet time getting around to it. )

So while we are preparing for Baby, and I start to become lazy I just need to remember that quote and after I am done with my share of the work, to go help someone else.
So let us all rub each others shoulder blades and be content.

For His Glory,

Hannah

Florence Nightingale Quote

2009-09-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

"I would earnestly ask my sisters to keep clear of both the jargons now current everywhere (for they are equally jargons); of the jargon, namely, about the "rights" of women, which urges women to do all that men do, including the medical and other professions, merely because men do it, and without regard to whether this is the best that women can do; and of the jargon which urges women to do nothing that men do, merely because they are women, and should be "recalled to a sense of their duty as women," and because "this is women's work," and "that is men's," and "these are things which women should not do," which is all assertion and nothing more. Surely women should bring the best she has, whatever that is, to the work of God's world, without attending to either of these cries. For what they are, both of them, the one just as much as the other, but listening to the " what will people say," to opinion, to the "voices from without?" And as a wise man has said, no one has ever done anything great or useful by listening to the voices from without.

You do not want the effect of your good things to be, "How wonderful for a woman!" Nor would you be deterred from good things, by hearing it said, "Yes, but she ought not to have done this, because it is not suitable for a woman." But you want to do the thing that is good,whether it is "suitable for a woman"or not.

It does not make a thing good, that it is remarkable that a woman should have been able to do it. Neither does it make a thing bad, which would have been good had a man done it, that it has been done by a woman. Oh, leave these jargons, and go your way straight to God's work, in simplicity and singleness of heart"

End note form "Notes on Nursing" by Florence Nightingale

Blessings,

Hannah

Tagged!

2009-07-27T16:48:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged! Thank you Connor!

What time is it?

4:47 PM

What was the last out door activity you did?

Went on a brief walk with my siblings and some dear little friends.

Do you have an email address?

No.

How many followers do you have?

10

How long have you been on the computer today?

30 minutes.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone with?

I don't even remember! I am assuming that it was Dad.

Are you happy right now?

Yes

Do you want a horse someday?

That's a tough question. But I think that the answer would have to be yes.

How many pets do you have?

None.

Do you have a playlist?

Yes

Are you having a fun summer?

Yes!

What book are you reading now?

'Ester Reid Yet Speaking'

What is the most advanced book you read?

I only read advanced books:).

Do you like your blog?

What kind of question is that? I am content with my blog, although I wish that I posted more often.

How many tags have you gotten?

3, I think.

What is the most recent award you've gotten?

None

What is the first award you've gotten?

None

Who gave you your first tag? Cassie

Who gave you this tag? Connor

Do you have a three column template?

No

What are you doing tomorrow?

Packing for a trip.

How long have you been on blogger for?

4 months (I think)

How many times have you changed your profile picture?

I haven't changed it (yet:).

What did you do for your last post?

A post about embarrassment.

What is the most comments you've ever gotten on your blog? (not including any from you)

4

Are you having fun with this tag?

Yes

What is one thing you want right now?

A clean room.

Is your profile name your real name?

Yes

What is your favorite animal?

I really am not an animal person *gasp*

What is your favorite movie?

Mr. Deeds Goes To Town

Have you seen the new Star Trek?

No, and I have no desire to.

Who is your favorite fictional character? Yes you may say more than one for this :)

From a movie: Longfellow Deeds from Mr. Deeds Goes to Town

From a book: Ester Reid, Flossy Roberts and sooo many more!

Are you hungry?

Quite the opposite!

Should you probably get off the computer right now?

Most definitely.

Who are you tagging now?

Emily and Tori

For Him,

Hannah

Embarrassment.

2009-07-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

Embarrassment. What a funny word. Webster's 1828 dictionary sums it up like this:

"To perplex; to render intricate; to entangle. We say, public affairs are embarrassed; the state of our accounts

is embarrassed; want of order tends to embarrass business.

To perplex, as the mind or intellectual faculties; to confuse. Our ideas are sometimes embarrassed.

To perplex, as with debts, or demands, beyond the means of payment; applied to a person or his affairs. In mercantile language, a man or his business is embarrassed , when he cannot meet his pecuniary

engagements.

To perplex; to confuse; to disconcert; to abash. An abrupt address may embarrass a young lady. A young man may be too much embarrassed to utter a word."

After reading that, one might not be so sure that we (I) use it in all it's nuances, or even correctly. I usually use it to mean the last, to abash mostly. When I mean abashed I do not mean taken back, I mean confused and with shame. If you do not already know where I am going with this let me enlighten you. I am going to tell an embarrassing story, not embarrassing in the sense that it will embarrass you, the reader, more in the sense that it was embarrassing for me at the time.

At the Chea convention on Saturday we bumped into a Pastor and his wife, the Pastor had preached twice at our church last year when we were in the need of a fill in.

The Pastor obviously remembered Dad and Mom's names, but I was really shocked to hear that he remembered the names of my sister and I! I have gotten used to meeting people, adding them to my prayer list, remembering who they are etc. but then when we see them again they either forget my name or don't remember me at all. So, I was so shocked that I said "Wow! You remembered our names!" He looked at me blankly, paused, then continued to talk to Mom and Dad. As we walked to the car to get our cooler at lunch time, Dad kindly told me, that instead of remembering Emily and my name's, he just read our name tags! Good Grief! Mom said the reason why he didn't say anything when I said 'wow!' was that he was being nice not telling that he didn't remember our names. I felt like such a dork! But I knew that I would have to post about it. In that way I have grown so much! A year and a half ago I would have cried due to my embarrassment, now I just smile and try to move on. I have not perfected the art of taking my mistakes in stride, I still get embarrassed far too often, but at least in my embarrassment I can control my emotions. Perhaps I'll grow even more, losing these terrible outward manifestations of pride. Because that is what it really is. Pride. Everyone says, thinks or does really dorky things at one point or another, or perhaps they're like me, doing dorky, potentially embarrassing things 99.9% of the time. Why do I think that I am above reproach or even being embarrassed? Because I am not. So if I do anything that embarrasses you, please reproach me, let me know my faults. There are many. Oh, but please be kind:).

Love,

Hannah

Chea Convention 2009

2009-07-13T19:40:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was, in my opinion the best weekend of my year. The annual Chea Convention. (Christian Home Educators of America Convention)

This year was by far the best when it came to the speakers: Voddie Baucham and Todd Wilson were the key notes. If I didn't think so before, I now know that Voddie Baucham is my favorite speaker! He spoke of things that we always held as truth, but it sure helped to know that our ideas are mainstreaming in the Christian homeschool movement. He speaks in a clear engaging manner, but I am convinced that even if he was the driest speaker the truth of his message would triumph.

One of his lectures was about the fundamental flaw(s) of the educational system in America today. Did you know that the dept. of education is unconstitutional?!? I didn't know that before this weekend. (You are going to have to forgive me for not having all the arguments straight in my head tonight, I have toooooo much information swirling around. ) I do not have my notes with me right now so I'll refrain from outlining all the lectures, but look forward to some of my thoughts on the subject.

Stan John from Focus on the Family was a key note as well, and he conducted a course on how to lead a group in The Truth Project. Mom and Dad and various pastors have raised us on apologetics, however we found this an excellent tool for those who were not. So, if you live in the LA area and would like to learn the truly fundamental aspects of our faith and how to defend them, we will be, Lord willing, hosting a group Spring 2010. One of the questions from tour one was "Do you really believe that what you really believe is real?". Do I really believe? Yes, I do, but I do think that there must be something lacking in my belief that is the cause for my fear of men, and not my complete fear of God.

We actually saw one of the pastors who was instrumental in our quest for apologetics, Pastor Matt Jones and his wife Erica at the convention. We had not seen them in at least six years. Since the last time we had seen them they have had three kids! I was shocked at how fast time flies! I was able to hold their precious little four (?) month old girl! That really was the icing on the cake. So Pastor Matt, if you read this, thank you for teaching us (me) so many things. You taught an amazing Sunday school class! And Erica, you always were (are) an inspiration as a homeschooler, turned wife and mother!

It was a wonderful weekend! I don't have any pictures, but my friend Cassie does on her blog, check it out.

I definitely feel that I have grown spiritually and hopefully have matured on my walk with my Savior! I learned so much!

I hope to write soon.

Praise HIS Name Forever!!!!

Hannah

In Case You Were Wondering....I'm Still Alive

2009-07-13T17:37:00.000-07:00

I 'm back!

Did any of you wonder where on earth I had drifted off to? Well, whether you wondered or not, I intend to tell you!

I had been staying at my great-grandmother's house in a b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l coastal town. We were up there from the 20Th of June until the 8Th of July.

My great-grandmother does not have Internet access so all the exciting things that I did while I was gone had to wait until I got home to be posted! Before you start feelin' all sorry for me just know that I had a wonderful, Wonderful WONDERFUL time, free from the distractions of the Internet. Whew! It was lovely! I have tons of pictures to put on here, and I intend to do so, but I just wanted to let you know that I am still alive...Barely though, but that explanation is just going to have to wait.

I will try to post later on today.

Please for your own sake STAY COOL! That includes drinking plenty of water as these HOT and HUMID, or HOT and DRY summer days really can dehydrate a body!

Hannah

Tagged!

2009-05-30T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is my first tag. YAY!

Thank you Cassie!

5 Things that make you smile:

1. Little children.

2. My siblings.

3. A clean house.

4. When I get a genuine smile from someone.

5. Seeing people that I haven't seen in a long time.

5 Things That You'd Like to be Able/Capable to Do:

1. Whip up a nutritious meal with the ingredients on hand.

2. Sew a dress/skirt from a pattern all by myself.

3. Know how to get through to children with disabilities.

4. To be a piano accompanist at church.

5. Share the Gospel regularly, and without fear.

5 Things That Relax You:

1. Holding a baby

2. Listening to Fernando Ortega

3. Sitting down with a cup of tea on a stormy afternoon

4. Going out to tea with good friends

5. Sitting on/walking along the beach

5 Things That You Enjoy Doing:

1. Reading the Bible

2. Talking!!!

3. Knitting

4. Reading histories and 19Th century Christian literature

5. Throwing parties and family get togethers

5 Books That Are Your Favorites:

1. The whole Bible

2. The book of James

3. Female Piety by John Angell James

4. Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally

5. Hinds Feet on High Places and Mountains of Spice by Hannah Hurnard

5 Foods That Are Your Favorites:

1. Tamales

2. BBQ chicken

3. Butter wafer cookies

4. Satsuma imo potatoes

5. Salad!

5 Things That You Spend Much of Your Time Doing:

1. Playing piano

2. Washing dishes ( our dishwasher is broken, and we generate lots of dishes)

3. Learning

4. Miscellaneous chores

5. Knitting

5 Things That You'd Like to Do Someday:

1. Get married

2. Raise godly children

3. Scrapbook all my pictures

4. Go on a short or long term mission trip

5. Learn to roast coffee from my dad

5 Things That You Collect:

1. Denim skirts:)

2. Sheet music

3. I used to collect dolls, so now I have a ton of them

4. Things for my hope chest to furnish my future home

5. JUNK

5 Songs That Are My Favorite

1. Cathedral Made of People by Downhere

2. O' Church Arise by Keith and Kristyn Getty

3. Beneath the Cross of Jesus byKeith and Kristyn Getty

4. The Church's One Foundation

5. A Christian Home

5 Movies That Are Your Favorite:

1. All the Homestead Blessings by the West Ladies

2. Fiddler on the Roof

3. Fireproof

4. Persuasion

5. Toy Story

5 Things That You Did Today:

1. Got up at 6 am to go to the Coffee House with our dad.

2. Read the Bible on my own, and again as a family.

3. Went to Henry's last baseball game. (BTW, Henry's team tied 16-16! I screamed myself

hoarse:) GO DODGERS!!!!!)

4. Ate breakfast

5. Ate lunch

5 Things That You Did Yesterday:

1. Emergency helped out my dad at the Coffee House because two employees called in sick.

2. Meal planned and grocery shopped for a health meeting that we held at our house.

3. Visited with, and were encouraged by a family headed for Korea.

4. Cleaned the house and prepared for our meeting.

5. Observed and partially baby-sat two little Autistic boys.

5 Things To Do Tomorrow:

1. Go to Church

2. Read the Bible

3. REST! We have had a very busy week!

4. Knit

5. Go and see UP! with another family from Henry's 5-pitch team.

Well, I really don't have enough followers to tag five people, so, if you are reading this consider yourself tagged! Please just leave a comment to let me know that you are using the form!

Have a worshipful, restful Sabbath!

In His Care,

Hannah

Looking Forward to My Old House

2009-05-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Our Grandma just gave us a whole stack of This Old House magazine. I think that I'm addicted. I read each issue cover to cover, especially delighting in the detailed accounts of the renovation of old homes, and drooling over the 'save this old house' section in the back. Sure those old houses need a lot of help, sure you may even need to cut them in half and transport them elsewhere, but hey, turning a beautiful historic house into a modern day charmer is a tantalizing thought indeed. I daydream about tearing down walls, ripping out rotten flooring, and eventually putting the finishing touches on my dream home. Then the thoughts of blood, splinters, midnight trips to the ER cloud my daydreams, and I must make a concerted effort to shove them to the very back of my brain where they may keep company with my recently overcome fear of heights, spiders, germs, dentists and asthma attacks. There is still much to learn and to overcome, but nothing can fully dampen the excitement that I have in looking to the day when I refurbish 'my old house'. Perhaps I can practice here while I am still at home, helping Dad and Mom replace the kitchen counters, refinish the hardwood floors, repaint the door jambs,....etc,etc,etc.

Maybe I'm just weird to want to do all of this, but the fact that there is a whole magazine devoted to renovation makes me think that I am not the only one.

Hopefully this weekend we will be putting in new wardrobes in the girls room, maybe I'll post before and after photos--I am so excited to get started!

It is late, I just wanted to do a really short post to let y'all know that I am still alive.

Thank you for the comments on my last post!

May you have a most memorable Memorial Day!

In His Constant Care,

Hannah

Old Girl

2009-05-05T16:29:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious! I found the idea over on Rose's blog. Thank you Rose:).

The way it works is that you put your iPod, or playlist on shuffle, and answer the question with each progressive song title. The results can be abstract or very amusing--try it for yourself!

Here is mine:

If someone says this is okay what do you say: chickashay gal (why, I don't know, but the song does have a catchy tune:).

What would best describe your personality: O' For a Glance of Heavenly Day (well, I do look forward to my first glance of heaven, but I don't know if it would describe my personality)

What do I look for in a guy?: wintersong (1. someone not affected by SAD 2. who has a song in his heart even on the darkest days, or in the bleakest circumstances--really, I don't know)

What is your life's purpose?: Laendler (well, I would like to learn the dance, although I cannot say that it is my life's purpose)

What is your motto?: O' Sacred Head Now Wounded ( My family thinks that this is so funny, because every time that there is tension I can be found singing this song )

What do your friends think of you?: How Firm A Foundation ( I'm not so sure, but I wouldn't mind if they did)

What do you think about very often?: My God Permit Me Not to Be (Honest, I do, I always think that when I see characteristics in others that I do not desire to see in myself:)

What is 2+2?: Nobody Knows, Nobody Cares ( ha,ha,ha my Mom says that I would have said that verbatim when I was younger, okay, I admit, I have never had an affinity for sums, and I really was a troubled child:)

What do you think of your best friend?: So Long, Farewell (No, not really)

What is your life story?: Virginia Rose

What do you want to be when you grow-up?: Up Above My Head ( now that doesn't really fit)

What do your parents think of you?: Back In the Saddle Again ( hmm, do they really I wonder)

What will you dance to at your wedding?: Climb Ev'ry Mountain ( How would one dance to that, perhaps a pre choreographed interpretive dance-not worth it in my opinion)

What will they play at your funeral?: Stardust (very poetic, though I can't say theologically sound:)

What is your hobby?: Ride, Ranger, Ride (no comment)

What is your biggest secret?: As Time Goes By (...perhaps I'll tell you..)

What do you think of your friends?: Do-Re-Mi ( musical, classic.... one can't be too sure when they're trying to to turn melodies into words, or can they?)

Worst thing that could happen?: Beyond the Sky ( I am going to interpret that as meaning, being shot of in a space ship, I could honestly say that that would be one of the worst things that could happen to me. Forgive me, I have never held claustrophobia, heights, lack of every -day-take-for-granted amenities very high on my to do list. Though when I was three-ish I did want to marry an astronaut:)

How will you die?: Are You Washed In the Blood? (No, I would not like to die covered in blood, thank you very much! I'd prefer to die at a ripe old age of 120!)

What do you regret?: Press Thou On (yes, I press on, daily trying to forget all that I have done that is wrong, which seems like fighting a losing battle, but, I Press On!)

What makes you laugh?: My Favorite Things ( that couldn't be more true if I planned for that answer!)

What makes you cry?: Morning Hymn and Alleluia ( no, that does not make me cry)

Will you ever get married?: Maria ("hey, a nun ditching her habit for a guy in the military-nothing wrong with that."Yes, so I couldn't think of anything original-sorry, that's a direct quote from 'The Pacifier')

What scares you most?: Nothing But the Blood (yes, blood makes me practically pass out even at the thought!)

What would I change if I could go back in time?: I've Got a Feelin' (yes, I do have a feelin' that there is plenty that I would change if I could go back)

What hurts now?: Blue Prairie ( it hurts that I do not live on a blue prairie, maybe one could say I live in a blue city-but sadly not a blue prairie:( )

What do you usually exclaim?: This Train (well, maybe I should start using that as an exclamation!)

What would you say as a baby?: Precious Memories (obviously that is a far too complex statement for even me to have uttered as a wee one)

What would you name a pet?: Empty Saddles (well, possibly it could be a funny name for a horse, that never carried a rider,... possibly:)

What is your favorite sight to see?: How Much I Owe ( yes, when I become self centered I like to look to the cross to remember how much I owe)

What makes you gag?: A Kiss to Build a Dream On ( yes, I still am not comfortable seeing people kiss, and I do have to fight the urge to gag--honest!!)

What are you best at?: Were You There? (telling an over abundance of family stories usually beginning with 'were you there"... :)

What would you name a book?: Jesus On the Main Line ( that's a great name for a self help book--don't ya think? Keep an eye out for it, it's on it's way:)

What did you wish for last?: King of Glory ( I don't wish for anything, but I do pray for, and anxiously await the day that I see the King of Glory!)

What would you name a super hero?: All Bow Down ( I guess that it could work, but it does not flow off the tongue very swiftly, 'it's a bird, it's a plane, it's All Bow Down!!!)

Where are you sitting?: Shout to the Lord ( I am sitting at the dining table, but I could use the line from the song 'forever I'll stand' :)

What do I hate most?: When I Fall in Love ( this was my parents wedding song, and one of my absolute favorites, so I definitely NOT even close to a hate!!!)

What do I love most?: Edelweiss ( maybe not most, but they are cheerful little flowers:)

What do I not care about?: 16 Going On 17 (Don't I know it, that is where I am now)

What is my secret name?: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands ( what a long exhausting, secret name:)

What will I post this as?: Old Girl (see, I used it as my post header!)

Well, see I need a rough outline to express myself in words, sorry for the lack of posts, prayerfully my talent and ability to type will increase... as time goes by.....

Psalm Friday

2009-04-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

Psalm 119

Part 1

1 "Blessed are those whose ways are

blameless,

who walk according to the law

the Lord.

2 Blessed are they who keep His

statutes

and seek Him with all their

heart.

3 They do nothing wrong;

they walk in His ways.

4 You have laid down precepts

that are to be fully obeyed.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast

in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to

shame

when I consider all your

commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright

heart

as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;

do not utterly forsake me."

~~Psalm 119:1-8~~

This is No Paradise...

2009-04-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

Hello,

I am so sorry for taking such a long break from updating my blog! My computer crashed two weeks ago, so I became a little intimidated by the prospect of possibly crashing the family computer. *ick*
I am also suffering from a lack of inspiration, or possibly too much inspiration. I have so many ideas but my brain works too fast, jumping from one thing to the next.(ADHD anyone?) Then I lose that one important thought and I get discouraged. Alright, enough of my pithy complaints.

Dad brought home some pre-roasted coffee for us to try last night, a Kona roasted by Paradiso that placed 1st in Hawaii and 11th in the world at the 2008 SCAA world Cupping Competition. It had a warm cherry nut flavor. But, it had a bitter aftertaste. Dad is going to sample roast the green beans that he bought, maybe it will taste better. The bag did have some interesting facts on it though:
" Coffee has a rich history dating back more than a thousand years. During the early 1800's, coffee plants were first imported to Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Today there are ten different species of coffee that are commercially harvested there. Of them, Coffee Arabica is considered to have the best quality. Growing along the slopes of Mauna Loa, nestled in the region of Ka'u, it grows vigorously under some of the worlds most perfect conditions." Well, there is your history lesson for the day-Natural learning as mama calls it.

Tomorrow we are going to a Boston like 'Tea Party' to protest taxation without proper representation, at Dockweiler Beach. Hopefully the citizens voices will be heard for once by the liberally controlled media.
I will tell you how it goes later on in the week.
I will try to write later on this week, but no promises as this week will be very busy!
What would y'all like to hear about?
Grace and Peace,
Hannah

A Girl With a Missing Pearl Earring

2009-03-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
~~ Luke 15: 8-10
Now I can say that I have been in the place of the the woman in the above text. I lost one of my pearl stud earrings last night. It was late when we got home from St. Patrick's day dinner at Grandparents. I completely forgot to take out my earrings before bed as I have made a habit in the past years. I guess my mind finally caught up with me, I remember, in a dream, taking out my left earring to show someone. I woke up around four-thirty, and felt that I only had one earring in my ear. 'Oh no, that was more than just a dream!' Even though I was more than three quarters asleep I knew that I would have to find it. I felt around for about ten minutes in the absolute dark. Nope, couldn't find it. I knew that if I turned the light on I would wake up sister Emily. I tiptoed into the kitchen, groping around in the dark for a flashlight, I found one, tiptoed back into my room. I lit the lamp, aka the flashlight, and looked around for another five minutes. Eureka! There it was halfway down the bed, completely lost in the mass of bedding.I found it! Praise the LORD!
As I put the flashlight back in the kitchen, mama called 'Hannah, are you okay?' 'Yes, mama, I'm fine!' I then told her about the earring. She said 'What a sweet story'. Then the Biblical parallel struck me. The woman who had ten silver coins, drachmas in the Greek. Each worth about a days wages. A days wages! That is enough to search the house for! By the time I got back into bed my head was swimming with ideas for today's post. I even considered writing it then.
The passage of Scripture goes on to parallel the womans joy of finding her coin that she calls together her friends to tell them, and they also rejoice, to the angels in heaven who rejoice over one sinner who repents!
If the heavenly host rejoice over that one sinner who repents, maybe an old person on their death bed, or a businessman who finds a Bible on the table next to him in a hotel room, who turns the pages of the Holy book, only to see just how much he needs Jesus, and gives his life to HIM, how much should we rejoice? How hard should we pray for those dying without the Savior? Why aren't we, after reading that passage,going out into this world telling people about Jesus? This was one of the earliest parables that I grew to love, but I only ever thought of the angels rejoicing, which is a beautiful thought to be sure, but how about my part in the bringing of lost souls to the foot of the cross. I always find an excuse for not reaching out to that crying woman, or just approaching someone with the Good News. 'I'm too young' or how about 'I don't have the words to say' But if I come up with these petty excuses, what is my point of studying God's word if I do not hold it with the HIGHEST authority?...Today, as I was out enjoying a pre-birthday lunch with my grandparents...I'll tell you tomorrow how I wish I was bold enough to share the Light with a crying woman.
Until then, keep your flashlight at hand.
In His Constant Care,
Hannah

Tea Time in Henry's Fort

2009-03-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today's post will not be about coffee, but about tea, and family fellowship.
This afternoon Mama, Emily, Henry and I had
tea out in Henry's backyard fort.
Dad was up sample roasting at the coffee house.
It was such a sweet time of fellowship!
My sister Emily

My brother Henry. The fort builder.
A rather 'noisy' picture of my tea cup.
Our beloved tea pot My beautiful Mama Goofy, over caffeinated Emily
Emily and I
Henry and Emily We finished off our afternoon by singing hymns.
It was such a blessed Sabbath!
I am so thankful for my family, for tea and
especially for being able to sing praises unto the LORD!!
Hopefully, I will post again soon!
In His Constant Care,
Hannah

Day One: Father

2009-03-04T22:07:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Well, this is my first post. I have wanted a blog for quite some time, and here it is...an answer to prayer. This blog is dedicated to the Father of prayer, for that is what I want to share with you, and encourage you to do whenever, and wherever you get the chance.

I chose the title of my blog because it seems to embody not only the truth, but embraces my story book side, somewhat like a God honoring version of the Miller's Daughter before we meet her. You may be thinking of a chicken roaster, or perhaps a nut roaster, as in 'chestnuts roasting on an open fire', but I am a daughter of the roaster of (take a deep breath) the species Coffea arabica of the sub-genus Eucoffea, of the genus Coffea, of the family Rubiaceae, of the order Rubiales,of the sub-class Sympetalae or Metachlamydeae, of the class Dicotyledoneae, of the sub-kingdom Angiospermae, of the kingdom Vegetable, that is to say, a coffee roasters daughter. I wonder how God classifies it. A blessing I have a tendency to overlook in my busy life, even though it takes up a large chunk of it. "The Roaster's Daughter" describes my relation to my father, but in this blog as in the miller's daughter, I will address some of the challenges life holds as I take life's piles of straw, 'trials', and spin them with my Father's help into Gold. Like dross refined. And perhaps with my entries offer to whomever comes this way some words aptly spoken so they may shine like apples of gold in settings of silver, as my mama always encourages me. We own a coffee house in Southern California, my Dad is the roastmaster, although he prefers just to be called a roaster, and head barista. I have grown up around coffee, and I think that I have inherited my dad's love for the profession. I love the smell of the coffee beans roasting to their various degrees in the roaster, that some of the children have affectionately named 'Mr. Smiley'. I always thought that it resembled Mr. Big from 'Robots' though. The aroma of the the fresh ground coffee, getting the espresso grind just right with Dad's help, and the feeling of brushing the grounds off the filter before tamping, pouring velvety milk into the crema, and watching the art rise to the surface. The one thing that I am sorry about is that the beverage makes me feel slightly ill. A straight shot is fine, but I think that it is all the milk, and black coffee is just too much. Somewhat like M.F.K. Fisher writes about in the opening to James Norwood Pratt's book, "Tea Lover's Treasury". She knew so much about tea, yet it made her 'drunk as a skunk'! The people watching is great!

I have prayed for my guitar strummin' coffee roastin' father ever since Mama taught me to pray. First by example. His walk from wayward to upwards has been one of his greatest gifts to me. He is not a perfect father, but he has tried harder than any other father I know to encourage this strong willed daughter to live true, to find my place and thus my peace with the Creator of the universe. I love to think legacy wise, knowing that my actions of today affect the children of tomorrow. I've observed this, and learned from this first hand. As I learn to run with the baton, and spin straw into gold, or swirl lattes into art, I know my Father will be right beside me, even when my busy earthly father can't, helping me finish strong.

More tomorrow, today is all used up. I really feel like singing a rousing chorus of 'Getting to Know You'....

Maybe tomorrow over coffee, tea or hot chocolate will you join me?

In His Constant Care,

Hannah