That's Real with Hannah Lynn

We are starting a series called, "Celebrating Jesus' Life". Jesus' life not only shows us the character of our God, but also how He desires us to live.There are three aspects of Jesus' life that we are going to take a look at during the Christmas season. This week let's look at who Jesus notices. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is a child of God? This is a great question. This topic may be helpful for presenting the gospel with your friend. You may even be surprised how this topic might help you understand who you are. There are five characteristics from Romans 8:12-18 that define a child of God. We are going to take a look at those five characteristics with Hannah this week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I am spiritual — not religious". Have you heard this phrase? 30% of millinnials do not subscribe to a religion. So what are we? Are we spiritual or religious? That's the question we are going to answer in this week's episode of That's Real. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is gratitude? Good question. Let's take a look at gratitude and start in the Psalms. David's practice of gratitude might surprise you. It's much more than a journal and happy wishes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you feel lost, do this one thing. Finding purpose and direction can be found when you start doing this one thing that Christ lived for. He came to do one thing according to Matthew 20:28. We are going to talk about it during this episode.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remember when Instagram first came out? Those filters were so cool. Well, you need a life filter. We are going to spend some time looking through the filter of Philippians 4. Watch how your perspective will change! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are in a dating relationship and need some wisdom, this week's episode is for you. We are looking at Proverbs 17:24. Stop dating for the next best thing and start doing this one thing. It may change your dating life around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hebrews 12 talks about building endurance and the role discipline has in our life. The author starts off talking about one thing that launches the believer towards endurance and staying in the race. Listen to this week's episode to find out what that is because building endurance is hard. Building spiritual endurance is even harder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can build good habits in your life using great tools like reading books on the topic, buying a planner, finding an accountability partner — But as a Christian you have something in your life that is so much more powerful than all of those tools. This week we are talking about what that is and how we can break bad habits and build good habits with a plan and a strategy.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you someone who loves to keep busy? Then this episode is for you. We are going to learn from Martha and Mary. Two sisters who value different things. Jesus has a few things to say about it. He might want and desire you to sit still for a change.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God's Word is wonderful. Experience God's word through Psalm 119 this week on That's Real Radio. Hannah shares about a time when she doubted her faith. By going back to God's Word, her faith was strengthened. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you watch the Olympics this summer? We can be encouraged by an Olympic Gold Medalist to do everything for Christ. Let's take a look at what Colossians 3:23-24 means for our lives. You may not be running in the Olympics, but you can be running for a different reward. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can be really scary to invite a friend to church. What will they think?! This week I will share with you a few stats that will inspire you. We are also going to be reminded about what and who church is for. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we are walking through what it looks like to repay evil with good. What a hard and challenging phrase. We find this phrase throughout the Bible — in the Old Testament along with the New. This means we should pay attention. Hannah is using a popular TV series as an example of what we find in Proverbs, Romans 12, 1 Peter 3 and 1 Thessalonians 5:15. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self reflection is often used in counseling practice. This week on That's Real Radio we are going to look at how we practice self reflection that is Biblical and essential to spiritual growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us may experience discrimination, isoclation, or even persecution for knowing and following Christ. It could be as small as not having friends or maybe as traumatic as your life being threatened for knowing Christ. This week on That's Real Radio listen to a story that will give us comfort when facing persecution for knowing Jesus.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do you look for in a friend? Psalm 119:63 says, "I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts." Do we look for friends like that? Think of the person in your life who just loves God's Word. I can picture a few. I just want to sit in their presence. Those kinds of people are treasures and one of a kind. I want those kinds of people to be my friends. I also want you to notice that the Psalmist says ALL. They are a companion of ALL who fear God and live according to God's Word. That means people of different music taste, cultures, political aisles, classes, continents... You get it. Let's be companions with ALL who fear God and keep His Words.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are feeling alone in your faith today you have to listen to this week's episode. We are looking at Psalm 119:61. The Psalmist in 119 vs 61 says, "though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law." If you are the only one who knows Christ in your work, school or family cling to God's Word. Take it as a challenge. Study God's Word. Really take God at His Word. When you look back you will be able to see how much God taught you about Himself.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you heard the phrase "You Are Enough"? It's all over Pinterest. I am not going to lie... I don't hate it. It comes from a good place. But I would argue that it doesn't work. Take a look at our Psalm 119:59 verse this week: Psalm 119: 59, "When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies." The Psalmist looked at their ways and found themselves lacking. They turned their steps towards His Word. Let's look at God's Word and see what it says.  Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12:9, "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Those verses are just a few examples in God's Word. He is enough. You don't have to be. He will guide you — just turn your feet towards His Word. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are continuing our series of Psalm 119:57-64. What does the word "portion" mean in Psalm 119:57? A friend of mine told me they thought it meant a piece of something, like a piece of cake. If we look at the context it is so much more! The word refers to spoils of war. David would have seen this in his years of fighting battles. Many would have called out “my portion” in victory. When we talk about “portion” we are talking about sustaining provision. Often we don't think of land as provision because I don't remember the last time I grew something edible in my apartment. Home - That is where they would have built their homes or put their tent up. Refuge - This is where David would have felt safe. Inheritance - This is what their children's children would live off of. So the psalmist is saying God is my portion — my everything. Not just a piece of cake.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode is my testimony. Listen to my simple story of Christ saving me. I am so humbled by my story. It had to only be the Holy Spirit. Here's a spoiler: I don't have a drugs to Jesus story. I actually was embarrassed about my story. However, I am here today to tell you not to wait when following Jesus. I don't regret it for a second! Psalm 119:60 says, "I hasten and do not delay to keep Your commandments". Don't wait! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don't have a huge turn around salvation story. It is not a big drugs to Jesus testimony. However, I can testify that it is truly a blessing to know Jesus at a young age. I don't regret it. I can see how much he has grown me and is growing me and he has spared me from a lot of pain. Psalm 119:60 says, "I hasten and do not delay to follow your commandments." When you know something is good for you, you don't wait. And my testimony is that walking with Jesus from a young age on is so good! Don't wait a second longer! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

a Christian without the Holy Spirit is like a photographer without a camera. It isn't a thing. Because the Holy Spirit is given to the Christian at the point of salvation and continues to grow the Christian in the fruits of the spirit. Take a listen to this week's episode where we look at a few verses that shows us how we should relate to those who don't know Jesus.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I don't like following recipes. Recently my husband and I started following a blogger who does all the work for us. She plans out daily meals, a grocery list, the budget... and because of this we are learning to cook really good food. This is how God's law is. God has a recipe for life and for some reason we don't like to follow it. But when we do we find that the directions he's given us really is good! Psalm 119:103 says “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” His law really is good.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over three in ten 18-35 year olds said they often felt sad or depressed or lonely according to a recent study done through Barna. I can give you tons of mental health tips, but today let's pray against anxiety and depression. See, it's important to remember that we are spiritual beings. We are body and soul. I think it is amazing that we have an entire book full of prayers, songs, and yes, emotions. I'm talking about Psalms. “I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” - Psalm 40:1-3 Here's a few takeaways from Psalm 40:1-3: Wait for God  Cry out to God Believe that He will put a new song in your mouth.  And tell them that GOd does answer prayers about anxiety and depression.  You can find more mental health tips on Hannah's Blog HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know the Bible tells us to sing new songs? The Israelites celebrated the good things the Lord did for them through festivals, memorials and through songs. That's why in Psalm 98:1 we read “sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things”. Or in Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.” Psalm 96:1-13 talks about singing a new song and declaring what God has done to the entire world. Just talking about this gets me excited! New songs was a way for the Isrealites to capture what God did for them in a memory. Like a journal or poetry. Today, this doesn't mean we should throw out our hymnals, but it does create a good question: If the Bible says that God has made us new according to Ephesians 4:24 and is continually doing a new thing Rev 21:5… Are we singing about it? Do we have a new song in our heart? Are we growing closer to Jesus and learning new things? What new thing is God doing in you that you just can't help but sing about? Tell me about it on social media @thatsrealradio.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I had someone ask me this question: Why is marriage easier as a Christian? Listen, loneliness is a struggle for those in relationships or those who are single. When you know Jesus, you know that loneliness is a longing for a relationship that only God can satisfy. That loneliness feeling won't go away when you're married or when you move closer to family…That loneliness feeling is a reminder that God is the only relationship that can give you wholeness. We are all created for a relationship with our creator God. And Romans 3:23 tells us that sin separated us from God and our relationship with others. We will experience wholeness again in Heaven through Jesus Christ. If we don't know that no human can fill us, we start placing unnecessary expectations on our spouses that no human was created to satisfy. That's my answer to why marriage is easier as a Christian. It takes the pressure off of your spouse to fulfill your loneliness void that only a relationship with God when we are in heaven can fill. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you define success? Is it the car someone drives, is it how young someone looks? Is it how well their kids turned out? the Bible talks about success in terms that we would define it as. Success is a desired outcome. However, God is more concerned about our heart than physical success. Let's look at David's life. He had people fighting wars for him. He was favored in God's eyes and he was a hero to his people. That's when success turned into pride. The outcome was destruction on his family. But look at Joseph's story. Genesis 39:2-4 says, The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man… his master saw that the Lord was with Him… So Joseph's success pointed back to God. That kind of success can only happen by humbly submitting our plans and our lives to God. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your work to the lord and your plans will be established.” Success through pride - destructive. Success through humility - inspiring. Let's commit our life to the Lord first and stay humble even if we do receive some kind of success on this earth. Always remember that God is with you through the ups and downs.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I learned so much about marriage when I was single because of this one reason. I had married friends. Now, this isn't the only reason a single person should have married friends. Not everyone is called to married. However, I am so so so thankful that I got to watch my married friends go through their first two years of marriage. I learned so much from watching what they learned and processed in the beginning. Again, this isn't how everyone's marriages are, however, a good amount start out hard because of how much of an adjustment it is. I am thankful for how my married friends didn't shut me out of their lives because I “wouldn't get it”. I am thankful I was in a small group where there were all ages and life stages. We need each other. We need to see how God answers prayers in each life stage as we go through this faith journey. Bring people along for the ride — God might just use your faith in a specific life stage to encourage another friend to trust Him too.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you give grace to difficult people? That’s Real and I am Hannah Lynn. The Bible mentions Grace 131 times. Grace is an important place in the Gospel message. Romans 3:24 says,  “We are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Grace is a good thing we don’t deserve.So how do you give grace to difficult people? Remember your story. God knows your entire story and still has extended his grace towards you. Take some time to ask the other person a few questions. Get to know them. Listen to their story. Hearing a person’s story will give you understanding of where they’ve come from and connect you to their life.  Give grace just like Christ gave to you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently watched the Guardian and although the ending is tragic, something pulls at your heart. There’s something about stories about sacrifice. Randall, the main character, is a U.S. marine. When you watch the opening scene he is diving in to save a couple who’s in the middle of the ocean with only life jackets. Randall doesn’t just watch from the helicopter. He has to dive into the water, attach each person to a cable to be pulled up into the helicopter to their rescue. It isn’t until after both are safe that Randall is pulled back up to the helicopter. See, the rescuer has to enter into the same danger or peril as those who need rescuing. Firefighters do the same thing. They don’t just stay on the ground with a hose. They have to enter into a burning building to rescue those trapped inside. We needed rescue, because the Bible tells us that all have sinned in Romans 3:23. All of us. We are all in need of a rescue. Sin impacts our relationships, our communities, our nations, our world. Because of this, God had to become a man in order to rescue us. That’s why we believe that Jesus is fully God and fully man. He is 100% man and 100% God. He is the only sinless human. He can rescue us. This is another aspect of our faith that sets us apart from other religions. No “prophet” actually claimed to be God himself. That is why the Romans and the religious leaders at the time Jesus lived hated Jesus and his followers. Jesus claimed to be God and human. We needed a rescuer and God came down to get close enough to us to pull us out. And just like Randall in the 2006 movie, The Gaurdian, Jesus sacrificially died so that we could be rescued. More Faith Essentials on Hannah's Blog See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the Bible is true then I have to change my whole life and the way I live. That was how I saw things when I was really exploring my faith for myself. The Bible is Truth. Just saying that feels jarring. This is only because our culture is so against truth and all for relativity. The Bible’s truth has a lot to do with how we live. And I am not just talking about moralism — I am talking about a life change that includes total surrender. That’s what the Bible talks about. In John 17:17 Jesus says, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth”. The language during the time of the New Testament was written was perfect for communicating philosophical thinking like “truth”. The word for “truth” found in this verse means “truth itself”. Because Jesus states that God’s Words are truth itself and the Bible is a form of God’s Words in written form, we believe that the Bible is truth. I want you to know that the best way to find out if the Bible is True is to live what the Bible says. Just try it out. If the Bible is truly God’s Words, and Jesus’ life communicates to us God’s character, what do you have to lose? Find all faith essentials on Hannah's Blog.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the canon of the scriptures? The canon is the list of books that belong in the Bible. The Bible was written over hundreds of years by multiple authors. The canon consists of the Old Testament, books before Jesus and the New Testament, books during and after Jesus’ lifetime. The Old Testament ends with the promise and hope of the Messiah coming, who we believe to be Jesus. And The New Testament is filled with Jesus pointing back to the Old Testament and referring to it as divinely authoritative. Jesus himself tells His disciples that when He goes the Spirit will come and will guide them to truth and declare things that are to come (John 16:13-14). This is why we believe the Holy Spirit has a big part to play in the power of the Bible. If you doubt the truth of the words in the Bible, read it! You will be blown away that so many authors over so many years all point to the same message, to the same Truth, to the personhood of Jesus Christ.  More Faith Essentials HERE:  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know the exact face my mom makes when my siblings and I are not getting along.  And when I have kids I will probably make the same face. She still does it when we are not getting along as adults. It’s a face of “really? I am tired. Please stop. You are making me sad” all in one. Can you picture it? God is the same way. I always say this and I will say it until I die — God is so relational. He loves it when His kids get along. He also says that the world will know us through our love for one another. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  I think about that everytime I visit a new church when I am out of town. This happened to me this spring. I saw a few believers I went to college with at a church and it felt so encouraging to see them. Not because I knew them well but because we know Jesus and are together in His house worshipping Him. I can’t really explain the joy it gives me. It has to be the Holy Spirit. That’s why I think God is so grieved when His kids don’t get along. I think it makes His heart really sad.  From two friends splitting ways over a conflict to a church who splits because of worship style, a leader failing or over cultural divides.  Both hurt God’s heart. Take a moment to ask yourself, “Do I take joy when there’s unity with God’s kids? Or am I a part of the division?”. This can be in so many areas. Take joy, my friend, when God’s kids, like you and I, have Holy Spirit love for eachother. It is such a beautiful thing and it speaks loudly to a world who is desperate for the Love we know.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that there’s three forms of God’s Word? The Bible, the character of Christ and the audible voice of God. God has communicated to us through His audible words only a few times in the Old testament. For instance God literally spoke the world into existence His words (Gen 3). This is also how the Israelites received the ten commandments according to Ex. 20:1-3. God didn’t speak audibly often. Which leads us to the written form of God’s Word ——— the Bible. The Bible is the written form of God’s Word. Moses and Joshua wrote a majority of the Old Testament and the New Testament was written by the Apostles. After the New Testament was written we believe that God’s Words came to completion, because of Jesus who is also a form of God’s word. John 1:1 also refers to Jesus as the Word of God. For more faith essentials click HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Doctrine of the Trinity is just an example of how our God is not easily explained and I am ok with that. We can try to illustrate this concept with analogies like water, steam and ice or a triangle… but all will fail. God is unexplainable, mysterious, and beyond my own understanding.  The Faith Essential to be learned here is:   God is three persons  Each person in the trinity is fully God  There is One God.   Read more faith essentials here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One crucial belief in Christianity is that there is one, true God. This same idea can be found in the Jewish and Muslim religions. Other major world religions such as Hinduism, Universalism or Budism would not claim this belief. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." James 2:19 says, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” Knowing that God is one is only half of understanding the one true God, because the key part to knowing that the God of the Bible is the one true God has to do with Jesus. So, if you're claiming to be a Christian and think that all religions end up leading to the same place, the Bible says you actually know less than the demons.   What sets the God of the Bible apart? The answer is Jesus. Read More HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let’s start at the beginning. The beginning, as John 1 states, starts with God. Do you ever doubt the existence of God? I struggled with the existence of God at a point in my life. I remember staring at the mountains in Colorado and struggling to believe that a God created what I saw. I read through the book of Psalms that year and started to see what David saw. God is revealed through nature. Romans 1:19-20 says, “What can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them . . . in the things that have been made”. Study science. Look at what scientists don’t know. Things like our brains, how much of the ocean is undiscovered, space… Then you will start to think, there has to be a God. God’s creation is truly His way of saying “Hey, I am here”. I believe that’s another reason why studies have proven that being in nature lowers anxiety. You get a hug from God. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 It comes down to faith at some point. Taking that jump and saying, “God, if you are real tell me about yourself. Show me you are real.” God shows himself through light and life that can be undeniable in our lives. He brings people out of dark places. The first Faith Essential I want you to grab hold of today is that there is a God.  Read all of the Faith Essentials HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our God is personal. Aren’t you glad that’s true? Mary Magdalene is the first person to see Jesus after the resurrection. What a contrast to the story of Rehab, a complete stranger who helped strangers. Esther whose husband know her identity or family background. Or look at Ruth’s story. Another stranger who had to seek out a family redeemer to be able to eat. And then there's Mary Magdalene who is one of three Marys in Jesus’ life and he calls her by name so personally that she knows right away it is her Jesus. He comes to her in person. He says look what I did for you. Now we have a mediator who goes right to the Father for us and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us. We are no longer left alone, but fully loved and fully known.   Read More See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

...And everyone did what was right in their own eyes. No, surprisingly, I am not talking about today. I am quoting a phrase that is said over and over again in Judges. Judges is a very dark and violent book. It is split up in four chapters. The first three are about the leaders and how evil they are and the last chapter shares about the evil everywhere. That’s where we learn about Deborah. The only woman Judge mentioned in the Bible. And surprisingly she is one of the only ones who is not morally compromised. You can find her story in the first chapters of Judges. Her life illustrates how much the judges failed at rescuing the Israelites. Next, the Israelites will look to kings for their rescue, which we know doesn’t work either. We were not meant to only do what is right in our own eyes. Jesus came to save us from ourselves. Read about women in the Bible who point to God's redemption story on Hannah's blog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loyalty is rewarded. Next in the events of the Bible, I want to cover Ruth. The book of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges and is a continuation of the story of Rahab the prostitute. Ruth decided to take care of her mother in-law Naomi even after her father in law and husband died. She followed Naomi to Israel and found herself alone, broke and unable to get work because she was foreigner. At that time the Torah taught to let immigrants pick up left over grain from their fields. Ruth was bold and found herself in a field picking up wheat from a field of an earnest farmer, Boaz. Who was the son of Rahab, our character last week. After Boaz learned that her Family Redeemer rejected her because she was a moabite he decided to be loyal to her. The book is written so that the beginning tragedy is redeemed by the ending and Ruth’s loyalty is parallel to Boaz’s loyalty to her. Although this story is to tell and point to our ultimate Redeemer, we also see that loyalty is rewarded. Who can you be loyal to today?  Read about women in the Bible who point to God's redemption story on Hannah's blog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When I learned the chronological history of the Bible I found it easier to remember the events through the lives of the women we find in the Bible. The first person to start with is Eve, obviously. The next woman I point to after Sarah, Abraham's wife, is Rahab. Rahab was living in a city that was the last city the Israelites needed to enter into the promise land again. She believed in God, saved two Israelite spies and asked to be spared when her city comes to destruction. Her story is told to us in Joshua 2 & 6. We also find her mentioned in the New Testament book, Hebrews 11:31. The biggest take away from the life of Rahab is that we shouldn't put faith in our back ground, culture, family, or the identity we build for ourselves, but in the God of the heavens and earth. Read about other women in the Bible who point to God's redemption story on Hannah's Blog.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I haven’t been able to stop talking about Jesus since I came to a saving faith in the 90s. I am even more passionate about sharing the Gospel today. Especially since 1 Timothy 2:1-6 tells us that God’s goal is for all people be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. 1 Peter 3:15-16 tells us three ways to share our faith to those who either don’t believe or haven’t heard the message yet. Be prepared to have an answer when someone asks about the hope that is in you. Have a good conscious so that  when you are slandered there will be nothing to any of the accusations.  Do it with gentleness and respect. I think that last one is key. Respect just means treating the other person as an equal with you. No matter what share the Gospel with gentleness and respect.  Read More HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have an area of your life you need victory over?  In 1 Peter 4 with the theme of suffering for what is good as our background we find another option. Sever with sin and start serving… serve the body of Christ for the glory of God.  We can do this because Christ is the Original OG and paid the price for our sins, sacrificed and suffered for us.  “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies — in order that in everything God may be glorified thought Jesus Christ” — 1 Peter 4 Do you need victory over sin in your life? Serve others and trust that Christ paid the price, suffered and sacrificed for that sin.  More on Hannah's blog See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What should you look for in a friend? Let’s look at what Peter says. Over and over again in chapters 2-4… this phrase is repeated: It is better to suffer for what is good than to suffer for doing evil. Doing what is right is so hard. Doing what is right is actually going against what feels natural. So in a sense, you suffer when you do what is right by denying yourself and doing what is unnatural. In verse 4 of 1 peter chapter 4 we read that our friends who are not walking with Jesus will be surprised when you do not join them in sin, because it is unnatural for us not too.“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin as to live for the rest of time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:1   Find friends who won’t be surprised but who will suffer with you for doing what is right.   Read more about relationship resets on Hannah's blog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calling all the married ladies! This one is for you. Your husband has a hard calling. He is called to love you sacrificially like Christ died for the church. What do you do when he falls short of that calling? 1 Peter 3 talks directly to women who’s husbands either didn’t know Jesus or wasn’t following God’s Words. Peter uses Sarah and Abraham’s story as an example. Abraham is considered to be righteous, but he also made some poor decisions out of fear that negatively affected Sarah. Just read Genesis 12 Peter’s advice is so practical, do what you can control which is how you respond: with gentleness, with respect, trusting the God who protected Sarah and will protect you too. Easier said then done, but watch how God will use this in your relationship. More relationship resets on Hannah's blog.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

​During the month of February I want to take a look at 1 Peter. Peter is writing to a church that was separated because of persecution. He writes to this church about all of the relationships Christ followers experience and calls for a reset. Do you need reset after this heightened political season? I know I do. Let's take a look at what God's Word says about our relationship with authority. More on Hannah's Blog. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since I am an accomplished plant mom, I am using a plant analogy to show you how planning with advisors will help your PALNTS — I means PLANS succeed this year. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers the succeed.”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it ok to pray for God to grant you your heart’s desires and fulfill all your plans?David did. I looked back on my 2020 planner and so many events and goals just didn’t happen I am a little hesitant to move forward and make plans in this next year. I don’t think that’s what God wants for His kids. Psalm 20 is a song about God’s name YAHWEH. YAHWEH is translated THE LORD. David is talking about the LORD who will provide deliverance and victory physically and spiritually. I’ll read Psalm 20:4 for you: “May He grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans.” So, yes, I think you can ask God for those things — because the LORD, YAHWEH can.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do you do what you do? I love asking that question. When I meet someone with an interesting career choice or an unusual amount of passion for what they do I love asking that individual’s why. There’s always a story. Why do you do what you do? Where does your passion come from? Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily or from the soul, as for the Lord and not for men,  … the verse goes on to echo what Colossians chapter 3 is all about: we know that the Lord is sovereign. Lasting soul motivation comes from knowing that the Lord is sovereign and that we get to serve Him. Do you want soulish passion for your job, what you’re studying, how you serve your family? Do it for the Lord.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I was looking online for a new 2021 planner. I came across an article written by a therapist. She talked about how she plans her schedule according to her clients and the unique challenges the pandemic brought to her practice. She shared she was crippled with anxiety. This is something many of us faced during this past year. Yes, therapists get anxious too. She suggested if you feel overwhelmed by planning for this next year, don't use a weekly or monthly planner, but a daily one. Isn’t that interesting? Sounds familiar to me… Right after Jesus is talking about how much God cares for the birds and the flowers He says in Matthew 6 how much more does God care for us… verse 34 says, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." You can take one day at a time because your heavenly Father knows what you need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.