My Interview with Beverly

I've been selected by my sister in Christ, Beverly, of Perpetual Grace, to be interviewed!

Here are the rules:

1. Leave me a comment saying "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with a post containing your answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

1. I know that you worship God outside of a traditional church setting, but I also know that you DO worship God. Can you share with us what the phrase "worshiping God" looks like in your life?

Great question Beverly. I can best describe the way I worship with 1 Thess.5:15-22"

"Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil"

Outside of Bible studies and prayers with my husband and children, the above scripture is what I (not of my own power, but by the Holy Spirit) do. Especially "Pray without ceasing". If I find myself "despising prophesyings" or being uncaring about the "appearance of evil", constant dialogue with the Father is something I DO make every effort to do! To be in constant contact with Him is no doubt how I survive this crazy, upside down world!


2. We recently learned of your talent for singing and making up silly songs to amuse your children? What silly songs do you usually sing and can you make one up for us on the spur of the moment? LOL (We just want to share in the laughter)

Somehow, I knew that one was coming! Well, when I make up silly songs and dances, it's usually inspired by a specific situation I'm trying to relay to the children. For example: Ezra (my oldest son, 4 1/2) asked if he could have some sausages I was cooking for breakfast. I explained to him that he couldn't have any until it was done cooking. I started singing: "I love patience, God loves patience, when you wait, you'll be blessed!" *repeats with claps and shaking of hips* :)

I do have a "good morning" song that I sing to the children. They all love it including my 13 year old. :)

Today is a new day!
Today is a new day!
Today is a new day that the Lord has made!
So let's fill our hearts with faith in Jesus.
Let's fold our hands and worship Him.
Let us rejoice with songs and praises!
Today is a new day that the Lord has made! (This is done with rhythmic clapping!)


3. Hannah, I know that you are truly devoted to studying the Word of God. I also know that you have a hearing impairment. Do you feel those two points of your life are related? What do you wish we would learn from your experiences?

Oh they are most certainly related! There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord has blessed me with my hearing impairment if only for His glory! Being African-American, female, and hard of hearing, I've been endowed with a triple whammy! Naturally, many have treated me as such throughout my life. But, there is a scripture I identify with in regards to who He has made me to be:

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are" -- 1 Corinthians 1:27-28

I do realize I'm not the typical picture of God-fearing woman, by society's standards. I guess if there is one thing I would like to see people glean from my life experience, it would be to stay open-minded to just what the Lord can do for you.

4. I know many times my children (especially the boy-child) would opt to stay home instead of attending church if given the choice. Have you ever faced the reverse problem with one of your children wishing to attend traditional church services? If so, were you open to it or, if it did occur, would you be open to it?
(For clarification, I am just curious. I would allow my children to skip church service if I believe they were spending the time at home glorifying God instead of simply avoiding the alarm clock) :)

Another great question! My in-laws used to take my children to church with them once a month. (They, my in-laws, have since stopped attending) My children were only interested in church for the simple fact that "Grandma and Grandpa" were there. Now that my in-laws are no longer church attendees, they haven't expressed an interest in traditional church service. We are a very close-knit family, and pretty much are "church" for the children. My thirteen year-old has accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. She loves the Lord and reads the Bible every now and then. I'm pretty protective of what my children learn, so I would be concerned about the content of what is being taught at a particular church service. I would "research" a church before letting my children attend. However, I must add that my children's spiritual health is quite robust :). The biblical principles that I (not of my own power, but by the Holy Spirit) live by is the "rule of thumb" at my house. :)

5. What is the least favorite thing you are expected to do or you expect yourself to do and why?

The easiest question of this interview! Clean the bathroom! :):):)