Unexpected with Hannah Love

Latest Episodes:

Episode 43: Choosing to See- with Mary Beth Chapman Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

In this special episode, I sit down to visit with a woman I love and admire. With a gift for storytelling and a vulnerability that draws you in, you’ll be left full of hope and encouragement. Today, it is my honor to introduce Mary Beth Chapman. Mary Beth Chapman is the Co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Show Hope, a nationally recognized nonprofit in adoption advocacy and orphan care that she and her husband, Steven Curtis Chapman, founded. She is a speaker and a “New York Times” best-selling author. . In this conversation, Mary Beth shares pieces of her story and much of her heart. Tune in and be encouraged as truth shines through her words… Thank you to our sponsor, Awana! Visit TalkAboutDiscipleship.com and subscribe with code HANNAH to get your first month of family faith content for FREE.

Episode 42: Counterfeit Faith Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever been to New York? I’ve only been three or four times. But one thing I’d always heard about was that NY was a place where you could knock-off bags on the street side! I’d never seen one, though, until a trip made around New Years one trip. I was pretty surprised, actually. Not just by the number of places up and down the street selling, but also surprised by the number of products available. And the craziest part of all to me was that they were selling these things in plain sight! Crowds gathered to look. I was no exception. I wanted to take a look at some of these treasures. There were bags and belts and duffels and totes. Mens and women’s. We walked around and observed. We never bought anything, but the draw of it had been exciting. Even I couldn’t deny that. But I still couldn’t help but wonder how in the world these illegal counterfeits could be on display for the whole world to see, though!

The memory of this came back to me this week as I kept feeling God speak to me about the counterfeit things in life. In my spirit, I heard, “If you don’t know what’s genuine, you’ll buy any knock-off.” That’s a true statement if I’ve ever heard one. And the sad truth of it is.. sometimes people know what’s genuine and STILL buy the knock-off!

And that is exactly what I felt like God was saying. If you aren’t familiar with God.. you’ll run to anything else or anyone else. Any idol. The Bible is full of these warnings and reminders. Many of the idols in Biblical times were carved from stone, shaved from wood, or molded from metal. Every culture introduced gods of their own for every little thing. Sounds silly to think of people offering up sacrifices and burning offerings to inanimate objects, doesn’t it? But then again… What those people were really doing was choosing to give their time, energy, and worship to something that wasn’t God. Once something replaces your dependency on God, that becomes an idol. And if we are being honest, that’s what most of culture looks like today isn’t it?

I love this quote from John Bevere: He says, “A believer is drawn into idolatry when he allows his heart to be stirred with discontentment and looks for satisfaction outside of obedience to God. This satisfaction could be a person, possession, or activity.”

So let this be our lesson to us today. The Price of obedience may be expensive. It may cost your time and your energy. It may even look like denying yourself every day..choosing God’s will over your own feelings. Dying to self. But it will always beat the cheap imitations of ‘happiness’ offered by the world. The convenience may be luring in the beginning, but the gratification will be short lived.. And last but not least, remember this: Compromise can cancel the promises God has for you. Not just the promises, but the purposes He has for you, too. And to be honest, guys? It’s just not worth it. A genuine relationship with God is irreplaceable. And if you really know Him… you won’t buy all the knock-offs. If you have have Him in your heart and have really tasted His goodness in your life… You won’t even be tempted to search anywhere else. Today, I pray you’ll look at you’ll invest in the real deal. I pray the counterfeits of this world show themselves lacking. I pray you’ll recognize them for what they are. A shiny imitation of what God really has for you. The truth is, God has peace, purpose, and fulfillment waiting on the other side of a life invested in knowing Him..

Thank you to our sponsor Awana: Visit TalkAboutDiscipleship.com and subscribe with code HANNAH to get your first month of family faith content for FREE.

A Story from Pastor Jeff Simmons Apr 07, 2023

Show notes

Holy Week

Jeff Simmons first felt a call to ministry at church camp in ninth grade, when he made a commitment to God to follow all his life. “I remember saying, ‘I’ll do whatever you call me to do. Whatever it is, I’m yours.’ Looking back, that was my call to ministry, that was complete surrender.” It’s this ability to surrender to God that has made him who he is today.

Jeff studied finance at Baylor University, and with multiple job offers in the business world, he made the decision to enter full-time ministry. His educational background gives him a unique sense for business and innovation. This, mixed with a passionate heart for missions and reaching God’s people abroad make Simmons the perfect fit for his role as Founder and Lead Pastor of Rolling Hills Community Church and also, his other full-time job as the President of Justice & Mercy International.

As a pastor, nonprofit director, father and husband, the “How do you do it?” question certainly applies to Jeff Simmons. In reply, he points to Ephesians 4: “He gave the apostles and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Our job isn’t to do everything. It is to prepare God’s people for works of service.” Considering the fruit of his labor, the growth of the church, and the work that JMI has accomplished, it’s clear Jeff is surrounded by amazing people, and he serves an awesome God!

Seeds of Faith Apr 06, 2023

Show notes

Seeds. The Bible says so much about them. About how we are, in many ways, like seeds ourselves. It also talks about how we sow seeds. About how they grow or don’t grow, multiply or wither. About seed, as in children and descendants. And maybe most often, seeds of faith. So, I thought that may be a great place to start today. In the book of Mark, Jesus tells the parable of the farmer scattering seed. Afterward, when Jesus was alone with his disciples, they asked him what the parables meant. He says (Mark 4:14) - “The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” He goes on to explain fully… “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”” (Mark 4:15-20 NLT) And then… in John (12:24) Jesus says this: “Let me make this clear. A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.” Today, I wanted to share this verse and this reminder as we near Easter. Jesus was the ultimate seed. He himself said…“The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others.” And that is exactly what God did. God (the farmer) planted His seed, Jesus… ultimately bringing the word to others. And isn’t it extraordinary? Jesus IS the Word. John 1:1 tells us “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” God planted His son, His seed… to reap a harvest. To redeem and save. He was buried and placed in a tomb. And then, He arose. He overcame death. And the fruit was and forever will be eternal life with Christ. At the end of this series, my hope is that you’ll be challenged to reflect on just what kind of seed you are. What kind of seeds you sow. To whom you sow and where… Is your seed taking the Word to the world? May it be so in my own life.. God, I thank You for the gift of your son today. For the seed sown and the gift given. May our seed be good. And may it yield a harvest multiplied..

Tiny Seeds and Great Sequoias Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

There’s a beautiful revelation I’ve come to over the years and it’s this: Creation parallels God’s word. If you look closely enough, there is symbolism in everything. From the highest mountain to the tiniest of seeds. In fact, the Bible Mark 4:30, “Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.” Biologically, to be considered a seed, there must be an embryo (or life) inside. There’s no way of looking at a seed and knowing exactly what’s going to come out. It must first be buried. Many times, we may feel the same. Buried under life.. under wounds, brokenness, or fear. Isolated. Buried and in the dark. At some point the seed breaks open. Like our own hearts must crack open to allow God inside. Once He is invited into the broken place, new growth takes place. Like a sprout. Small at first. Maybe even still buried. Until the time is right. The Son/Sun will draw it out. Eventually… it will mature. It will produce. It will provide shelter or nutrition or beauty. And you really never know by the size of the seed, just what’s going to come out. In studying up on seeds this week I went to go read up on great sequoia trees. Mostly, I was just curious to see what their seeds looked like. We’ve likely all seen photos of these ancient trees. Able to grow for thousands of years, hundreds of feet high and roughly 30 feet in diameter.. I wanted to see just how impressive they were in seed form. I was totally surprised by what I discovered. The seeds came from pinecone looking cases. The cones themselves were modest but the seeds inside were so small. They looked very much like a single rolled oat. Seriously… I’m blown away how God creation to speak to us. How many of us have felt like we are too small or insignificant to make a difference? Like our contribution is so small it’s not even worth offering to the world? If we’re being honest, we’ve probably all felt that way or still feel that way. But. Don’t you know God can multiply anything we offer? No matter how small. Plant your seeds in faith and let Him do the rest. Let Him break you open and come into the areas of your life needing restoration. Let His Son, Jesus, call you up out of the place you felt buried. Watch, as your seed grows. Your testimony shared. Your obedience offered up. God continues to water and tend. And slowly…there’s growth. Not overnight, but steadily. Have you ever planted a young tree and a few years later actually notice it? Like it’s a full grown tree that came up while you were busy going about your work? That’s how our spiritual lives can look. Like a steady growth. One that will one day produce fruit. And so goes it is with the Kingdom of God. A modest beginning. Buried under the world but surrendered to God. Coming forth as the Son calls. Growing in obedience. Small beginnings are God’s specialty. Remember…David was a Shepherd boy, Esther was an orphan, Nehemiah was a cup-bearer, Gideon was hiding in the wine press, Daniel was an exile, Paul was a Murderer, and Ruth was a foreigner and a widow. Today, I’m praying for every person hearing this. Take your seed. As tiny as it may feel… Take it, and put it in the ground. Be intentional about planting. God will see to the growth. If only you respond in obedience. Heart surrendered. One day, by God’s grace, those tiny seeds have the potential to become great. Like the sequoias..whose heights are known around the world. Your life, too, can stand tall among the giants who live to serve His kingdom.

Planting Seeds In A Dark World Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

I’m speaking these words just days after our community faced the unthinkable. A shooting at one of our Private Christian schools… An elementary school. Just babies. I spent the day weeping with a broken heart. Broken for the families who lost their children and loved ones. Broken for the world we live in.. And broken because we must somehow find the courage to raise our own little ones with the threat of darkness all around. The school was just a couple of miles from our home. We have friends whose children attend. The weight of it is staggering. We just so happened to have a parent teacher meeting the following morning for Asher. And as we sat, with teary eyes and a solemn undercurrent of tragedy, we spoke of the little boy God made Asher to be. We reviewed his academics and all of his charts. We saw where he excelled and discussed areas of improvement… But at the end, his teachers looked at us and just said something that spoke to the heart of any parent. They told us what a joy… a delight, and a light our little boy was. They told us just how they have seen him look at people and really see them and know them. How everywhere he goes, people know him and love him. And finally, they left us with the encouragement that our little boy was a testament to who we were as his parents. I don’t say any of this as if to say we do it better than anyone else. No, indeed. We are just as flawed as any others. But I will say… It was a rare moment of the outside world looking at our child… our precious fruit… and saying, “you’re doing a good job”. As I prepared for this series, I knew I wanted to speak to the seeds we plant as parents. So this meeting seemed to have been a timely reminder. When you plant seeds in the hearts of your children…they will take root. When you speak life over them, when you remind them of whose they are… and when you remind them of what God says is true over what the world says. Those are things that take root. Not to say it was all done perfectly. And not to say we did or will ever do all of the right things for our kids. But. What I do know is that we have asked God to lead us in our parenting. I know God gave us these babies to steward over. To pour into and love on. To guide and to remind. But mostly… God gave us these babies with the responsibility of setting an example. May we show them every day how to look to God first and always. Over the last few years, God has challenged Shay and I to work on our own selves. He has asked to step into places that need His healing. He has asked us to be vulnerable. And He has asked us to be obedient…no matter the price. The fact of the matter is.. Our children will never be healthy and whole unless we, ourselves, show them where to find their healing and wholeness. As someone once said, “You teach what you know, but you reproduce who you are.” And I’ll spend my entire life committed to that. To reproducing in our children what God has reproduced in us. So today, my prayer is that you’ll plant seeds of faith in your own children or the lives of children you impact. I pray you’ll do the work. The fruit will often look like little ones who bring joy to dark places. Thank you, Jesus for the chance we have to multiply Your goodness. Thank you, God that we get to hold them and love them and continue sowing.

Seeds of Friendship Apr 03, 2023

Show notes

A while back, we bought some wildflower seeds. I let the boys pick little packets of different varieties. The one I chose, however, was a larger bag of assorted seeds. Asher was excited to get started sewing them. As my firstborn, he has a very definite sense of order so he began opening packets and sorting them into little styrofoam cups. I winced a little when I saw this because I knew the chances were pretty high that we would drop or spill these cups before we ever got them outside. But, he was proud of his work. So I dutifully admired it. And as I glanced down the row of neatly ordered cups, I began peaking into them. Each cup for its own seeds. Until I got to the assorted cup. Asher asked me why they all looked different and I explained they will all make different kinds of flowers. It’s a beautiful visual, really. And I couldn’t help but smile because I had already been thinking about doing a series on ‘Seeds’, so this felt like a God-wink of affirmation. Aren’t we so like those mixed up seeds in the assorted cup? And aren’t we, too, planting and sowing different types of seeds in this life? It may take different forms… the produce won’t be the same and the process won’t be the same, either. But nonetheless, something grows from our lives. As fruit grows from seeds. And just like anything else, you’ll reap exactly what you sow. Galatians 5:22 says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” If these are the fruits, you’ll have to sow these very things to see your return. You can plant seeds anywhere. In your home and family, at your work, amongst your friends, community, and truthfully, the world. If that’s too overwhelming for you, I’ll start a little closer to home. How about friendship? As a mother you can’t help but look at the innocence before you and think about their future. Who will their friends be? Will they be surrounded by good hearts that pour into them? Will they be encouraged and inspired? Will they be loved? Shown kindness? Experience humility and patience and grace through the sweetness of friendship? And then I think, “Will HE be that friend?” - Lord, I pray they will. I pray they are surrounded by them and that they are them. Good hearts. It’s an earnest prayer. But there’s a big piece in it we play a part in. We have to sow good seeds ourselves. We have to invest in time and be intentional about the friends we have and allow into the lives of our kids. We must call out moments of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We have to exemplify these things. How do we do that? By having an active and intimate relationship with Christ. By being in the word. By modeling our relationship with God so it can overflow into our relationships with friends. Friendships are so important in life.. They grow us and sustain us in every season. I pray today these are the things our children see and know. I pray that one day, they will have their own. And above anything else, I pray they have this because we sowed good seed into our friendships and into their futures. Thank you to our sponsor TalkAbout from Awana: Visit TalkAboutDiscipleship.com and subscribe with code HANNAH to get your first month of family faith content for FREE.

Episode 41: A Light In The Dark (Daniel’s Story) Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

If you know much about my story, you’ll have heard me mention how hard the first few years of marriage were for Shay and I. I actually go into a lot of detail about it in my interview with Shay from the first season if you haven’t listened… Anyway, it wasn’t exactly an easy time. I felt like I had somehow been thrown into a city and a life I never asked for. Coupled with a husband who was gone over 250 days the first year and a newborn… I was doing all I could to keep my head above water and just survive. Marriage, in the early years, is its own transition.. You’re learning the deepest parts of your spouse. Seeing them from every side; the good, the bad, and the ugly. You’re trying to figure out how to live together. How to communicate with each other. And honestly, sometimes you’re wondering who the heck you just signed up to spend the rest of your life with! If you’re married.. you probably remember.. and if you aren’t married yet, just remember that its a growing season. Anyway, part of the struggle I lived with was this: What am I doing here? I remember long walks on the phone with my sister-in-law, Erica. She was so patient as I spent minutes reflecting on my circumstances and my feelings. I had a LOT of time to think. A lot of time to consider this foreign new place I found myself in. And that’s really how it felt to me..foreign. At some point I stopped talking long enough for Erica to say something I’ll never forget. She told me, “Maybe you’re there to be a light in the dark”. The fact of the matter is… I knew that’s exactly how God worked (at least in the Bible). Through the unexpected. With unexpected people. Of course, this was well before I had begun studying the Bible and seeing its relevance to my own life. So, when she said this, I couldn’t exactly argue with her. I knew she could be right. But, to me, it felt highly unlikely. Or, I should say. God using ME felt highly unlikely. It took years and a lot of maturing to adjust my perspective. I remember having a conversation one day with a dear friend who used to be a singer in the industry. God had called her out of it for a time… and, though it broke her heart, she obeyed. As we talked about how God works in mysterious ways… she would reference Shay and how much of an opportunity he had to be a light in the dark. Trust me when I tell you, there’s a lot of dark in the music/ entertainment industries. Not to say that it’s all bad. Not at all. But, there’s definitely a lot of places that could use the love and light of Jesus. I began reflecting on this and..my heart began to change. I stopped feeling sad that Shay wasn’t out there singing gospel music. After all, God gave him his voice. And God could use him anywhere he went with that voice. Into the darkest cities and the darkest environments. A light in the dark. Like Daniel in the Bible. So, after reading in Daniel, I wanted to share this revelation. You may feel exiled. You may feel as though you’re living in a foreign land. You may feel alone and unqualified to do anything more than just survive day to day. But I have a word for you. God may have placed you there for this exact purpose. YOU can be a light in the dark. Your presence may be the thing that changes everything. If you let God’s light and His truths shine through you and your life. More years have gone by…since I moved to this town. And I have since stopped asking “why am I here?”. Instead… I choose to ask: “Now that I’m here…how can you use me, God?”. And I have a feeling that little question can change the course of your life.. Thank you to our partners! TalkAbout: Go to talkaboutdiscipleship.com to download your free Holy Week Family Guide and talk faith with your family this spring! Change Your Brain: Today is the day to start changing the trajectory of your life, one tiny step at a time. Visit changeyourbrainbook.com to learn more.

Episode 40: Treasures In Dark Places; A Conversation With Tara Dickson Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

Tara Dickson is a speaker, author, podcaster, mother of four…and a widow. In this conversation, Tara vulnerably shares her story of unexpected loss. But. With God’s Grace and wisdom, she speaks beautifully of the perspective God gave her throughout her journey. Now, in her own words, Tara’s prayer is to help others find hope in hard places. Grab a tissue and mayyybe even a pen to scribble down a note or two. This episode is full of wisdom, beauty, and unexpected joy! Thank you to our sponsors! Talk About: Go to talkaboutdiscipleship.com to download your free Holy Week Family Guide and talk faith with your family this spring! Change Your Brain: Visit changeyourbrainbook.com to learn more!

Episode 39: Worship Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

Did you know….depending on the version of the Bible you read, and its translation, there is scripture pointing to Satan having the gift of music? In the book of Ezekiel there is a description of the beauty and power of satan while he was still an angel in heaven.. Oh yes, satan used to be beautiful and high ranking in Heaven. Ezekiel 28:13 (NKJV) says this about him: “The workmanship of your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.” Timbrels are like a tambourine. And pipes could be all number of musical instruments through which wind is blown. This points to the likelihood that he was a remarkably gifted musician. If God specifically prepared these talents for him on the day he was created, it would also stand to reason that his job in heaven was to lead worship. So. If you think about it with this perspective, Satan may have lead all the angels in heaven in their worship of God. Singing praises day and night to the Holy one. Ultimately, though, pride overtook him, becoming his downfall. He went around Heaven trying to persuade the other angels to rebel against God. Eventually, he and 1/3rd of the angels were kicked out for their rebellion. You may be wondering why I’m sharing all this. Trust me, I do have a point! Keeping all of this in mind.. it makes me think about worship differently. At least, in relation to its effect on Satan. Because he HATES it. I play worship music on our smart devices in our house 24/7…day and night. See, I’m a firm believer that worship music sets the atmosphere. It prepares the heart to receive God’s presence. And like I said, Satan HATES it. Think about it…He got fired. Kicked out. And lost any right he would ever have to lead worship. To sing praises and to create music. It must enrage him to even hear the notes of music for God’s glory. It’s something available to us all. Songs of praise. A joyful noise unto the Lord. And it’s a weapon, in many ways, against darkness. Especially when the words are taken directly from Scripture. It is a declaration of God’s promises. A reminder of His faithfulness. And a beautiful testament to the hope we have in Him. Worship truly sets the atmosphere. It reminds our hearts of God’s goodness and lifts our spirit in a way only music can. It dispels darkness. . So play it in your home. Play it in your car, or as you walk or workout. Play it in the background of whatever you’re doing through the day. Let the words of truth fill the atmosphere, displacing darkness. It has a way of seeping into you. Thank you to our sponsor, Talk About from Awana. Go to talkaboutdiscipleship.com to download your free Holy Week Family Guide and talk faith with your family this spring!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Unexpected with Hannah Love

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected