Meet the Blogger

So you’re wondering, “Who is this woman Hester?”

First, Hester is not my real name. For the sake of protecting my family’s privacy, it seemed good to me to use a false moniker, a pseudonym.

I recently celebrated my 50th birthday. When I say celebrate, I do not use the term lightly; after fighting a deadly illness, my family is very glad that I am still around to see my 50th birthday. So am I!

My husband of almost 30 years must be the most wonderful husband in the world. The Lord has blessed us with several children, all still living at home. All but one are walking with the Lord and all are a delight. We are currently praying for the salvation of our youngest, an early grade-schooler.

Ever since our eldest child was born, twenty-some years ago, I have been a stay-at-home wife and mother. This has required sacrifice on the part of the whole family, but I wouldn’t trade that privilege for a world full of shiny new cars, mod clothing, or Better Homes and Gardens’ houses. We have always home educated our children; we believe it is the best way to disciple them in the ways of our Creator. While I’ve made many wifely, parenting and educational mistakes, and while life has been far from smooth, I have found a full measure of satisfaction and fulfillment in the Biblical role of wife, mother/teacher that I never met while working in the secular world. To be honest, what I’m doing now is what I always wanted to do when I was growing up and even in high school. I am living my dream, and loving it.

Our family has experienced severe trials and we have been blessed by the Lord God Omnipotent, His Word and His people during those times. I want to comfort others, even as I have been comforted.

I have been a committed Christian for more than 20 years. If you asked what my doctrinal stance is, I’d be hard pressed to tell you. I don’t think I fit any pigeon hole. I was brought up Arminian, but have Reformed leanings; but I wouldn’t classify myself as “Reformed.” I prefer to simply call myself a Christian and follow God’s Word and not man’s systems. That does not mean I have tossed aside any of man’s teachings, for I enjoy good sermons and books by men who are committed to the authority of the Scriptures, who think highly of the Word of the Lord and who understand man’s depravity, who call sin “sin.” I am no theologian; I am a serious Bible student, and love God’s Word. I am trying to commit portions of it to memory. (That’s a little more difficult when you’re older!) My goal is to study the Word to know the whole counsel of God and to hide it in my heart so I won’t sin against Him; and secondarily, to help others come to know and do the same, Titus Two-style. My husband is also a serious Bible student and gives me wonderful guidance and insights. (His marvelous example of servanthood and humility prod me to be two things that are difficult for me!)

I’m trying to live by the principle that my first commitment is to glorify the Lord God Almighty, who created everything and reigns supreme over His creation. As a result, I find I certainly enjoy Him and life. He alone is worthy of our worship. I hope to point you to Him, and to other things that would fall under the Philippians 4:8 category of things upon which we are to think continually:

“…whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble,

whatever things are just,

whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely,

whatever things are of good report,

if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy –

meditate on these things.”

Please understand up front, I am a fallible human being. I tremble when I think of the responsibility I take on with this blog. “Let not many of you become teachers, for they shall receive the greater judgment.” The reason I do it is because I seem compelled to reach out to others. I am not an authority on anything, except sewing. (Been doin’ that since I was 9 years old.) I have my faults, some of which I am aware, and others – I am certain – to which I am blind. I need my family and friends to help me know what those are. I struggle with sin habits. Doubts often assail me and I have regular faith crises. I am just now learning to walk victoriously in the midst of life’s inevitable challenges. One major area of temptation in my life has been the improper use of my tongue. Within the last 7-8 years, I have been severely chastised and disciplined by my Heavenly Father about my sin in that area. As a result, I determined to do Bible studies on the tongue and speech that glorifies the Lord, and then to obey what I found. What you read on this blog is an outworking of my attempts – with the help of my Lord and Saviour – to use my tongue and pen to glorify Him, and not to shame Him or my husband, my family or my friends, as I have often done in the past.

Really, that’s enough about me, because this blog is not about “Hester,” but about words, and how we use them; it’s also about heartening the ladies who read it.

My commitment with regard to this blog is to build up my readers. I plan to post four times a week. This will include encouraging words, and pointing readers to higher things. It will also include a bit of prodding for the reader to examine herself and make changes. Expect me to say things that might be hard to hear. True friends speak the truth lovingly to the ones about whom they care. Sometimes that means saying things that might seem unpleasant at the moment. I don’t wish to offend anyone. However, if you are offended, please remember, this is my blog. You aren’t obligated to read it. But, I do hope you will be blessed and spurred on to love and good works – to higher and nobler things. I have been encouraged, and I am driven to encourage others.

Please tell your female friends about this blog. And please leave comments. I’ll do my best to answer them promptly.

Yours for love and good works,

Hester