Hey friends! It's been crazy around here since I last posted. My computer got a virus, a bad virus. I took it to a place (shall remain nameless) that fixes sick computers and they wanted to charge me $170 to fix it. Seriously? At Christmas time? No, thanks, I'll try to figure something else out. My brother in law came over and tried to help, but, alas, it's December! I have other things to do this month!
Then, I went to out of town last week with my daughter's school. Steve didn't have time to fix the computer, but did talk to a guy who recommended a guy to fix it, reportedly for less than $100. Well, since it's been over a week since the stinking thing went down, we caved and took it to the guy. $75 flat fee! Blessed news, indeed. It's still in the repair shop (I'm on my niece's laptop) but soon, very soon, I'll be back in business again.
I've realized how dependent on the computer I've become. I've also realized how much I can get done in a day without the computer calling me for interruptions. Amazing. I've gone through some withdrawal symptoms, but I think it's getting out of my system. As with most things in life, I'm going to have to be purposeful about my computer time in the future. Success rarely comes through accident.
On a related note, have you seen the Living Proof Blog on Beth Moore's website? She will be starting scripture memory again in 2011. I will be doing it again, as well. I would love it if you'd join us. The best way to fight the enemy's lies is with the truth of the Word in your hearts & minds. We must be equipped to fight, friends!
The verses that have spoken to me recently are from Romans, chapters 7 & 8. In dealing with regret and guilt, I have found a lot of comfort from Paul's words in verses 7 - 25. I don't do what I want to do. I am a prisoner of the law of sin. What a wretched being I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?
Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!
I wanted to do a nice Christmas verse from Luke. End the year with fuzzy warm feelings. But my reality is a little more complicated than that. I am in constant and desperate need of a Savior. I am a wreck without Him. Jesus came to be that Savior. That is what Christmas is to me this year. So here are the last verses for the year 2010:
Romans 8:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
What does the Christ of Christmas mean to you this year? Let's be purposeful in our celebrating. Remember to leave your verse in the comments.
Showing posts with label 1st and 15th. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1st and 15th. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Vacation & SMV #23
I've had much to tell you since we've been home from our travels. But I had to conquer Mt. Laundry, restock food supplies, cyber shop on Monday (I missed black Friday, much to my chagrin) and re-enter reality. It's been rough.
Our vacation last week was great. We went to visit Steve's sister and family in Charleston, South Carolina. The weather was warm, there were still leaves on the trees and we got to see the Atlantic Ocean. Here's a brief recap:
We took a tour boat to Caper's Island where we walked on Boneyard Beach. All the dead trees on the beach looked like huge dinosaur bones, thus the name. There were lots of shells, which the kids loved. We were allowed to bring a couple home.
We saw 5 dolphins on our way to Caper's Island. So beautiful!
We toured a plantation. This is the Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation. Mr. Boone planted live oaks along 3/4 mile of his driveway. It is stunning!
This is sunset on the beach on Thanksgiving day. We were at Isle of Palms, just 10 minutes from my in-laws home. It was a gorgeous day.
We visited the aquarium in Charleston. Here's a sea turtle. We also saw an albino alligator, sharks, pelicans, starfish, jelly fish and so many amazing creatures.
Here are my three favorite people at Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston. We had such a great week together.
It is good to be home again. Although the temperatures are about 45 degrees colder here. In fact, today is a snow day from school! Only about the third one in my kid's school life! Here's what we woke up to this morning:
That building in the background is my son's elementary school. It started snowing yesterday afternoon and it's still coming down. Big, beautiful flakes. I'd say we've got about 8 inches in our backyard. It drifted a lot last evening and night, so it's a little hard to tell exactly how much is there. The kids are planning fort building, snowman making and possibly sledding. I love free days like this. I think I'll make some Christmas cookies and finish decorating the house for the holiday.
I've been playing Christmas music this week. The one CD I keep playing over and over is Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest. This is a must-buy if you don't have it. One of my favorites is "My soul magnifies the Lord", though it's hard to pick favorites on this CD. This song inspired my memory verse from Luke 2:46-47&49:
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name."
Indeed, He has done great things for me. And for you.
Thank you for stopping by today. I so appreciate your support!
Our vacation last week was great. We went to visit Steve's sister and family in Charleston, South Carolina. The weather was warm, there were still leaves on the trees and we got to see the Atlantic Ocean. Here's a brief recap:
We took a tour boat to Caper's Island where we walked on Boneyard Beach. All the dead trees on the beach looked like huge dinosaur bones, thus the name. There were lots of shells, which the kids loved. We were allowed to bring a couple home.
We saw 5 dolphins on our way to Caper's Island. So beautiful!
We toured a plantation. This is the Avenue of Oaks at Boone Hall Plantation. Mr. Boone planted live oaks along 3/4 mile of his driveway. It is stunning!
This is sunset on the beach on Thanksgiving day. We were at Isle of Palms, just 10 minutes from my in-laws home. It was a gorgeous day.
We visited the aquarium in Charleston. Here's a sea turtle. We also saw an albino alligator, sharks, pelicans, starfish, jelly fish and so many amazing creatures.
Here are my three favorite people at Waterfront Park in downtown Charleston. We had such a great week together.
It is good to be home again. Although the temperatures are about 45 degrees colder here. In fact, today is a snow day from school! Only about the third one in my kid's school life! Here's what we woke up to this morning:
That building in the background is my son's elementary school. It started snowing yesterday afternoon and it's still coming down. Big, beautiful flakes. I'd say we've got about 8 inches in our backyard. It drifted a lot last evening and night, so it's a little hard to tell exactly how much is there. The kids are planning fort building, snowman making and possibly sledding. I love free days like this. I think I'll make some Christmas cookies and finish decorating the house for the holiday.I've been playing Christmas music this week. The one CD I keep playing over and over is Chris Tomlin's Glory in the Highest. This is a must-buy if you don't have it. One of my favorites is "My soul magnifies the Lord", though it's hard to pick favorites on this CD. This song inspired my memory verse from Luke 2:46-47&49:
And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for the Mighty One has done great things for me -- holy is his name."
Indeed, He has done great things for me. And for you.
Thank you for stopping by today. I so appreciate your support!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #20
Isn't it cool how God continues to reveal himself through his word? I wish I knew a more profound word than "cool" because He needs a more profound word than that. But I don't, sadly. I'll work on finding one. In the meantime, this is what I've learned this week:
God put a priority on relationship with man, with us. From the very beginning, in the garden of Eden He asked questions of Adam and Eve that he clearly knew the answers to. Chapter 3 of Genesis, verse 9: The Lord God called to Adam, 'Where are you?' Do you think He couldn't see them? We are studying Abraham in Bible Study. In Genesis 18:17-33, God and Abraham are having a discussion about Sodom and Gomorrah. Why would God, creator of the universe, need to have a discussion with anyone? I'd suggest that He wanted to dialogue with man. He wanted to have a relationship with man. He put in us a need for Himself and is waiting patiently for us to discover that He is the ONLY one who can fill that need. I am overwhelmed with the thought that God wants to be in relationship with me. "What is man that you are mindful of me?" I am overwhelmed and so very, very grateful. He is so good.
So, if I carry that thought out further, I can say that relationships should be a priority for me. Not my to-do list, not my activities, not my goals, but people. This often gets lost in our world. And, frankly, relationships are hard work. It is only through the Holy Spirit that I can make this my priority too. Daily surrendering to Him and asking to be filled with his love and great affection for people in my life. This has been my prayer this week and it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how different I "feel" today compared to Monday towards my family. It is only Him. He is the only reason I am not living in a pit of sin and He gets all the glory. I wish I could tell you how many times a day He has worked in me this week alone. I've lost count. He is so amazing.
So my memory verse for this time is to remind me not only to prioritize people, but to love them or it means nothing. From 1Corinthians 13:3 (NLT): If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. (I love to read familiar verses in a new version, gives a whole new twist, don't ya think?) I could be doing great things, but if I'm not loving people, what is the point? The gospels are full of this concept. 1John is full of this command. In fact, I think it's safe to say, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation, love is the theme of the Bible. After all, God is love.
I pray love abounds in your life this weekend. I appreciate you and your support. Remember to leave your verse in the comments. Thanks!
God put a priority on relationship with man, with us. From the very beginning, in the garden of Eden He asked questions of Adam and Eve that he clearly knew the answers to. Chapter 3 of Genesis, verse 9: The Lord God called to Adam, 'Where are you?' Do you think He couldn't see them? We are studying Abraham in Bible Study. In Genesis 18:17-33, God and Abraham are having a discussion about Sodom and Gomorrah. Why would God, creator of the universe, need to have a discussion with anyone? I'd suggest that He wanted to dialogue with man. He wanted to have a relationship with man. He put in us a need for Himself and is waiting patiently for us to discover that He is the ONLY one who can fill that need. I am overwhelmed with the thought that God wants to be in relationship with me. "What is man that you are mindful of me?" I am overwhelmed and so very, very grateful. He is so good.
So, if I carry that thought out further, I can say that relationships should be a priority for me. Not my to-do list, not my activities, not my goals, but people. This often gets lost in our world. And, frankly, relationships are hard work. It is only through the Holy Spirit that I can make this my priority too. Daily surrendering to Him and asking to be filled with his love and great affection for people in my life. This has been my prayer this week and it brings tears to my eyes when I think of how different I "feel" today compared to Monday towards my family. It is only Him. He is the only reason I am not living in a pit of sin and He gets all the glory. I wish I could tell you how many times a day He has worked in me this week alone. I've lost count. He is so amazing.
So my memory verse for this time is to remind me not only to prioritize people, but to love them or it means nothing. From 1Corinthians 13:3 (NLT): If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would be of no value whatsoever. (I love to read familiar verses in a new version, gives a whole new twist, don't ya think?) I could be doing great things, but if I'm not loving people, what is the point? The gospels are full of this concept. 1John is full of this command. In fact, I think it's safe to say, cover to cover, Genesis to Revelation, love is the theme of the Bible. After all, God is love.
I pray love abounds in your life this weekend. I appreciate you and your support. Remember to leave your verse in the comments. Thanks!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #19
I never meant to go so long without writing. I've written about 15 posts in my head but they never actually made it to the keyboard.
Here's the randomness of our lives the last two weeks:
1. Volleyball is over as of Monday. They were 5-5. My girl misses it already. She's thinking of playing basketball which starts in one week. Last night we went to watch the high school voleyball team play and that was fun. Sad to say, the home team could not jump for some reason. They could block okay, but hitting was such a feeble attempt in regards to jumping. The visitors had one girl who was 6 feet tall. She could jump and it was fun to watch her. My girl only has two inches until she matches that height. Do I wish it on her? I always wanted to be one inch taller than I am. 5'10" is such a nice round number, don't ya think? I know, I'm weird.
2. Football is still going on for my son. They are 1-1-1. Last week's game was exciting as they won. They had an interception and a safety (tackling in the end zone). I've learned quite a bit with my son playing. For instance, did you know that blocking and tackling are two different functions? Blocking is what the offensive line does and tackling is for defense. It is illegal to use your hands in blocking, you can use your arms, but not your hands. I learned this because my boy plays offense and I told him to tackle hard at practice. Duh, mom. I've learned what blitz and quarterback sneak and reverse play means. My son rolls his eyes at me but I figure that's standard for a tween, right?
3. BSU Football has begun and we have season tickets. For all of our Oregon family, sorry for your loss. :) Weekends are crazy with football at our house.
4. Bible study started this week and I'm so excited! I am taking Beth Moore's The Patriarchs and it promises to be a great study, as usual. Are you involved with Bible study? What are you studying?
5. I've been baking this week because fall is here on the calendar. Not outside our doors yet. But I tried a new dinner roll recipe this week and received thumbs up all around the dinner table. I tried Pioneer Woman's flat apple pie and it was yummy. I tweaked it a bit, though. I left out the lemon juice (what's that doing in apple pie?) and added cinnamon (why wasn't it there to begin with?). I wanted to share with you a secret I learned when making pie crust. My recipe is this:
For a two-crust pie: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2/3 cup butter flavor Crisco shortening & 1/4 cup cold water. Stir together the flour and salt and then cut in the Crisco with a pastry blender or fork. Keep blending until all the white of the flour is gone (this is one secret for flaky crust). Sprinkle water over the mixture and mix. Sometimes I have to add a tiny bit more water as it's too dry. Form a ball of dough with your hands. Here's the secret: place half of the dough on clear plastic wrap, flatten with your hands and put another piece of clear plastic wrap on top. Roll the dough out in between the plastic wrap. You will need to take the wrap off occasionally and reposition it as the dough can stick to it. Don't add any flour! Take off the top plastic wrap and pick up the pie dough by sliding your hand under the bottom plastic wrap. You can then flip the dough into your pie pan and if you need to reposition it you can flip it back over and do so. Here's what rolling out looks like:
This makes clean up a breeze! Plus, no dried out crust from too much flour. Practically perfect every time.
Today, I'm making this: http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/amish-cinnamon-rolls-with-caramel-frosting/. Because, hello? Cinnamon rolls - what is better in life than that? I'll take pictures.
6. Memory verse: I'm still working on the one from last time from 1Chronicles 29:11-13. They were longer verses and I'm working on the second half. But, please leave your verse in the comments. Can you believe we are 3/4 of the way through our goal? You, my friends, are doing awesome! Keep going!
7. Many other things have been going on around here, but I'll save that for another day. I've made this as random as is humanly possible, I think. Sports, baking, bible. Thank you so much for following. I appreciate you.
Have a great weekend!
Here's the randomness of our lives the last two weeks:
1. Volleyball is over as of Monday. They were 5-5. My girl misses it already. She's thinking of playing basketball which starts in one week. Last night we went to watch the high school voleyball team play and that was fun. Sad to say, the home team could not jump for some reason. They could block okay, but hitting was such a feeble attempt in regards to jumping. The visitors had one girl who was 6 feet tall. She could jump and it was fun to watch her. My girl only has two inches until she matches that height. Do I wish it on her? I always wanted to be one inch taller than I am. 5'10" is such a nice round number, don't ya think? I know, I'm weird.
2. Football is still going on for my son. They are 1-1-1. Last week's game was exciting as they won. They had an interception and a safety (tackling in the end zone). I've learned quite a bit with my son playing. For instance, did you know that blocking and tackling are two different functions? Blocking is what the offensive line does and tackling is for defense. It is illegal to use your hands in blocking, you can use your arms, but not your hands. I learned this because my boy plays offense and I told him to tackle hard at practice. Duh, mom. I've learned what blitz and quarterback sneak and reverse play means. My son rolls his eyes at me but I figure that's standard for a tween, right?
3. BSU Football has begun and we have season tickets. For all of our Oregon family, sorry for your loss. :) Weekends are crazy with football at our house.
4. Bible study started this week and I'm so excited! I am taking Beth Moore's The Patriarchs and it promises to be a great study, as usual. Are you involved with Bible study? What are you studying?
5. I've been baking this week because fall is here on the calendar. Not outside our doors yet. But I tried a new dinner roll recipe this week and received thumbs up all around the dinner table. I tried Pioneer Woman's flat apple pie and it was yummy. I tweaked it a bit, though. I left out the lemon juice (what's that doing in apple pie?) and added cinnamon (why wasn't it there to begin with?). I wanted to share with you a secret I learned when making pie crust. My recipe is this:
For a two-crust pie: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2/3 cup butter flavor Crisco shortening & 1/4 cup cold water. Stir together the flour and salt and then cut in the Crisco with a pastry blender or fork. Keep blending until all the white of the flour is gone (this is one secret for flaky crust). Sprinkle water over the mixture and mix. Sometimes I have to add a tiny bit more water as it's too dry. Form a ball of dough with your hands. Here's the secret: place half of the dough on clear plastic wrap, flatten with your hands and put another piece of clear plastic wrap on top. Roll the dough out in between the plastic wrap. You will need to take the wrap off occasionally and reposition it as the dough can stick to it. Don't add any flour! Take off the top plastic wrap and pick up the pie dough by sliding your hand under the bottom plastic wrap. You can then flip the dough into your pie pan and if you need to reposition it you can flip it back over and do so. Here's what rolling out looks like:
This makes clean up a breeze! Plus, no dried out crust from too much flour. Practically perfect every time.
Today, I'm making this: http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/breads/amish-cinnamon-rolls-with-caramel-frosting/. Because, hello? Cinnamon rolls - what is better in life than that? I'll take pictures.
6. Memory verse: I'm still working on the one from last time from 1Chronicles 29:11-13. They were longer verses and I'm working on the second half. But, please leave your verse in the comments. Can you believe we are 3/4 of the way through our goal? You, my friends, are doing awesome! Keep going!
7. Many other things have been going on around here, but I'll save that for another day. I've made this as random as is humanly possible, I think. Sports, baking, bible. Thank you so much for following. I appreciate you.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #18
I think I will let the words speak for themselves today. Go ahead and leave your verse in the comments. Thanks for stopping by. I love ya.
1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NIV
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NIV
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from you;
you are the ruler of all things.
In your hands are strength and power
to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give you thanks,
and praise your glorious name.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #17
Hang on tight, folks, September is here. Next thing you know, it'll be 2011. We are almost 3/4 of the way through the year. How do these things happen? How can the year go so fast when some of the days are so long???
My verses this time are from Zephaniah 3:17 NIV:
The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
I need to really take those in during this season of my life. I have been under some spiritual warfare lately and the enemy does not want me to believe God period. That is when I need to take up my shield of faith and be strong.
Honestly, somedays are easier than others. I spend too many days in defeat and it's making me angry. The Word of God is full of not only His love for me and you, but also, reminders of His power within us to live victoriously. I need to claim that. But on the days I live in the flesh and not in the spirit, I need to know He loves me and wants me to come back to Him. That's why I picked these verses today. I want to know in the marrow of my bones that He takes great delight in me.
Thank you Father. Thank you.
Leave your verse in the comments. Know He is with you today.
My verses this time are from Zephaniah 3:17 NIV:
The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.
I need to really take those in during this season of my life. I have been under some spiritual warfare lately and the enemy does not want me to believe God period. That is when I need to take up my shield of faith and be strong.
Honestly, somedays are easier than others. I spend too many days in defeat and it's making me angry. The Word of God is full of not only His love for me and you, but also, reminders of His power within us to live victoriously. I need to claim that. But on the days I live in the flesh and not in the spirit, I need to know He loves me and wants me to come back to Him. That's why I picked these verses today. I want to know in the marrow of my bones that He takes great delight in me.
Thank you Father. Thank you.
Leave your verse in the comments. Know He is with you today.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #16
Well I was hoping for a quiet, calm, relaxing last week before school started again. Didn't happen. School starts Wednesday and this week will be busy, too. Fall sports start as well: volleyball for my girl and football for my son. This will be a fun busy and I look forward to their games.
My niece, Brittney, is living with us for awhile. She will be 21 next month and will be doing an internship here in our valley. Brit has brought a lot of fun, smiles and joy to our home these last two weeks. She is also a great and eager worker. It is hard to be miles away from your family and friends but she is being a good sport and is willing to get involved. I pray one day she will look back on her time with us as a great memory and a place where God revealed more of Himself to her.
As I think about how much change we are involved in, it can get overwhelming to me. I don't like to be stagnant, but constant change is stressful. Through it all, though, I know this:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb 13:8 NIV
He is the same and always will be. His love for us doesn't change, his message doesn't change, his desire for relationship with us remains his priority and always will. It could be easy to take that for granted and go on day to day doing my own thing. There is great peace, strength, stability and assurance in that verse. That is what I want to focus on these next two weeks. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Praise His Name.
What are you thinking about this week? Thanks for being faithful on your memorization. You will be so blessed, I hope you've felt so already this year. Remember, leave your verse in the comments.
My niece, Brittney, is living with us for awhile. She will be 21 next month and will be doing an internship here in our valley. Brit has brought a lot of fun, smiles and joy to our home these last two weeks. She is also a great and eager worker. It is hard to be miles away from your family and friends but she is being a good sport and is willing to get involved. I pray one day she will look back on her time with us as a great memory and a place where God revealed more of Himself to her.
As I think about how much change we are involved in, it can get overwhelming to me. I don't like to be stagnant, but constant change is stressful. Through it all, though, I know this:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Heb 13:8 NIV
He is the same and always will be. His love for us doesn't change, his message doesn't change, his desire for relationship with us remains his priority and always will. It could be easy to take that for granted and go on day to day doing my own thing. There is great peace, strength, stability and assurance in that verse. That is what I want to focus on these next two weeks. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Praise His Name.
What are you thinking about this week? Thanks for being faithful on your memorization. You will be so blessed, I hope you've felt so already this year. Remember, leave your verse in the comments.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #15
Lately I've been hearing about bad things that have happened to good people. I have been overwhelmed with the evil in this world. In my efforts to transform my mind, these circumstances can be too much for my thoughts. I keep going back to this verse from Philippians 4:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (vs 8)
I've been wanting to commit this verse to memory for quite some time and this is the time. When evil, discouragement, criticism, or any bad thing threatens to overwhelm me, I am to refocus my mind on what is true, lovely, pure, admirable, etc. It has helped me immensely this past week when those horrible stories want to replay in my mind. Focus on what is good, what is truth. He is good. He is truth. Praise His name.
Share your verse in the comments. Come back in a day or two for pictures from our family week!
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. (vs 8)
I've been wanting to commit this verse to memory for quite some time and this is the time. When evil, discouragement, criticism, or any bad thing threatens to overwhelm me, I am to refocus my mind on what is true, lovely, pure, admirable, etc. It has helped me immensely this past week when those horrible stories want to replay in my mind. Focus on what is good, what is truth. He is good. He is truth. Praise His name.
Share your verse in the comments. Come back in a day or two for pictures from our family week!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #14
Okay, friends, based on the response from the last post it seems I am closer to crazy than I realized. lol. I will carry on anyway. :)
The enemy has been throwing my insecurities up in front of my face a little more recently. He can be very subtle and truthfully, I make it pretty easy for him to do so. When I get so focused on my to-do list or my kids (not that there's anything wrong with either of those unless they are out of order on my priority list), I put off getting into the Word or spending time with the Lord. A couple days go by and I feel discouraged quicker or I play the comparison game or I am grouchy to my family. Thankfully, I am recognizing this pattern quicker than I used to. So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore has been instrumental in this. I highly recommend this book if you haven't read it.
One day this week when I was searching for my next verse, these popped out to me:
Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
My footnotes explain it this way: "this should be a picture of our trust - trading all our fears for faith in him, no matter how intense our fears. To do this we must "dwell" and "rest" with him. By entrusting ourselves to his protection and pledging our daily devotion to him, we will be kept safe." The part that stood out to me was pledging our daily devotion to him. It is only when I daily go to the throne to meet with Him that I can be secure. Yesterday's visit won't give me what I need today. It's like taking vitamins. You don't take 7 pills on Sunday morning and say you're good for the week. It's most beneficial to take one pill every day for optimal health. It's most beneficial to take time every day with the Lord for optimal spiritual health.
To dwell means to inhabit or be present in. I dwell in my house every day. I am present here every day. I miss my home when I'm gone for any length of time. I want to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I want to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Have you thought about how His shadow doesn't shift? It is constant. I seek the shade in my yard these hot summer days. I have to keep moving the chair to accommodate the shifting shade. We do not have to move our chairs when we are resting in His shadow. Isn't that glorious?
When I am trusting in Him and claiming my strength and dignity (Prov 31:25), my insecurities don't rise up and loom in front of my eyes. It's hard to see clearly when our vision is blocked. I know that's an obvious statement. But have you checked your vision lately? Are you looking through the filter of God's Word or the filter of the enemy's lies?
Stay in the Word, friends. It is the only place where we find what we really need to live this thing out. I'm so honored to walk it with you. Thanks for stopping by. Leave your verse in the comments.
The enemy has been throwing my insecurities up in front of my face a little more recently. He can be very subtle and truthfully, I make it pretty easy for him to do so. When I get so focused on my to-do list or my kids (not that there's anything wrong with either of those unless they are out of order on my priority list), I put off getting into the Word or spending time with the Lord. A couple days go by and I feel discouraged quicker or I play the comparison game or I am grouchy to my family. Thankfully, I am recognizing this pattern quicker than I used to. So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore has been instrumental in this. I highly recommend this book if you haven't read it.
One day this week when I was searching for my next verse, these popped out to me:
Psalm 91:1-2 NIV
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
My footnotes explain it this way: "this should be a picture of our trust - trading all our fears for faith in him, no matter how intense our fears. To do this we must "dwell" and "rest" with him. By entrusting ourselves to his protection and pledging our daily devotion to him, we will be kept safe." The part that stood out to me was pledging our daily devotion to him. It is only when I daily go to the throne to meet with Him that I can be secure. Yesterday's visit won't give me what I need today. It's like taking vitamins. You don't take 7 pills on Sunday morning and say you're good for the week. It's most beneficial to take one pill every day for optimal health. It's most beneficial to take time every day with the Lord for optimal spiritual health.
To dwell means to inhabit or be present in. I dwell in my house every day. I am present here every day. I miss my home when I'm gone for any length of time. I want to dwell in the shelter of the Most High. I want to rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Have you thought about how His shadow doesn't shift? It is constant. I seek the shade in my yard these hot summer days. I have to keep moving the chair to accommodate the shifting shade. We do not have to move our chairs when we are resting in His shadow. Isn't that glorious?
When I am trusting in Him and claiming my strength and dignity (Prov 31:25), my insecurities don't rise up and loom in front of my eyes. It's hard to see clearly when our vision is blocked. I know that's an obvious statement. But have you checked your vision lately? Are you looking through the filter of God's Word or the filter of the enemy's lies?
Stay in the Word, friends. It is the only place where we find what we really need to live this thing out. I'm so honored to walk it with you. Thanks for stopping by. Leave your verse in the comments.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #13
Well, friends, we've passed the half-way mark on the year. I decided that my favorite months are May, June & July. If I could make these months last 6 months of the year, I would. I just love them. The sunshine, warmth, flowers, grass, trees, berries, vegies - it's all good. What's your favorite month(s)?
Two weeks ago we started a summer Bible study, Beth Moore's The Inheritance. It's very good, as I expected. My verse comes from that study:
Psalm 16:6 ESV: The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance.
As we've just begun this study, I don't have the full concept of this verse yet. But I want it in my memory when she does explain what the first part of the verse means. I am beginning to understand the inheritance part and it is exciting. God has made me an heir and a co-heir with Christ (Gal 3:26-4:7). In Bible times, the oldest son received a double portion of his father's estate and any other children divided what was left over. God says I am a co-heir with his first born son which means I, even as a woman (vs 28), get a double portion of my Father's estate. How awesome is that?
Please keep learning your verses friends! We are at that half-way point where we can forget why we're started doing this hard thing and the goal seems a long ways off. Persist. A verse from last year comes to mind right now: 1Cor 8:11 Now, finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it is matched by your completion of it, according to your means. Satan wants to distract you, don't let him win.
Have a great holiday weekend! Leave your verses in the comments.
Two weeks ago we started a summer Bible study, Beth Moore's The Inheritance. It's very good, as I expected. My verse comes from that study:
Psalm 16:6 ESV: The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance.
As we've just begun this study, I don't have the full concept of this verse yet. But I want it in my memory when she does explain what the first part of the verse means. I am beginning to understand the inheritance part and it is exciting. God has made me an heir and a co-heir with Christ (Gal 3:26-4:7). In Bible times, the oldest son received a double portion of his father's estate and any other children divided what was left over. God says I am a co-heir with his first born son which means I, even as a woman (vs 28), get a double portion of my Father's estate. How awesome is that?
Please keep learning your verses friends! We are at that half-way point where we can forget why we're started doing this hard thing and the goal seems a long ways off. Persist. A verse from last year comes to mind right now: 1Cor 8:11 Now, finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it is matched by your completion of it, according to your means. Satan wants to distract you, don't let him win.
Have a great holiday weekend! Leave your verses in the comments.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #12
Hola, amigos! I returned from Mexico this afternoon. I will post pictures and blog about the trip later this week. Today I am soaking up my children. I missed my family more than I can express. They missed me, too. The kiddos keep following me from room to room as if I might disappear if they take their eyes off me. Absence did make our hearts grow fonder.
Because I have a mountain of laundry to do and two children to hug, today's post is short. Here is my verse for the second half of June:
Psalm 145:8 NLT - The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
I hope you've been able to really work on your verses and get them in your brain & heart. Keep going strong! Please leave your verse in the comments.
Because I have a mountain of laundry to do and two children to hug, today's post is short. Here is my verse for the second half of June:
Psalm 145:8 NLT - The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
I hope you've been able to really work on your verses and get them in your brain & heart. Keep going strong! Please leave your verse in the comments.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #11
Friends, it is June 1st! Can you believe it? Are you counting the days until summer vacation? We have this week yet in school, though a lot of friends and family are already finished. It may be harder to believe it's June here in SW Idaho because of the cool, rainy & often windy weather. I will choose to believe hot, dry, & sunny is coming...hopefully by July.
With the end of school in sight, we are taking a big breath. It feels as if we've been running since Spring break in March. We'll take a few days to relax, to catch up on sleep, to just be. All four of us need to breathe deeply and regroup.
As I struggled to find a verse for today, I realized I need to take a deep breath in this area of my life, too. I am not picking a new verse. I am going to focus on the ones I've already chosen this year. They are not as cemented in my mind or spirit as I'd like them to be. So I give you permission today to take a break from a new verse and to review the ones you've already chosen. Get them planted firmly. If you feel you've been doing good on your memorization, then, by all means, choose another verse! I did not intend for this process to become legalistic. It is to get God's word in our hearts & our minds so we can fight the good fight. You are so loved here and you will not be judged here. Do what the Lord is telling you to do. Maybe you'll need a review time later in the year if not now. But, please do stay in His Word. It is life. (Ps 119:92)
This is my prayer for you this week (from a memory verse last year): I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. Eph 3:17
Keep up the good work, friends. Leave a verse if you have one or a comment if you're also reviewing.
With the end of school in sight, we are taking a big breath. It feels as if we've been running since Spring break in March. We'll take a few days to relax, to catch up on sleep, to just be. All four of us need to breathe deeply and regroup.
As I struggled to find a verse for today, I realized I need to take a deep breath in this area of my life, too. I am not picking a new verse. I am going to focus on the ones I've already chosen this year. They are not as cemented in my mind or spirit as I'd like them to be. So I give you permission today to take a break from a new verse and to review the ones you've already chosen. Get them planted firmly. If you feel you've been doing good on your memorization, then, by all means, choose another verse! I did not intend for this process to become legalistic. It is to get God's word in our hearts & our minds so we can fight the good fight. You are so loved here and you will not be judged here. Do what the Lord is telling you to do. Maybe you'll need a review time later in the year if not now. But, please do stay in His Word. It is life. (Ps 119:92)
This is my prayer for you this week (from a memory verse last year): I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. Eph 3:17
Keep up the good work, friends. Leave a verse if you have one or a comment if you're also reviewing.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #10
We are having the best weather this weekend of the year so far and it is hard to be inside. But my to-do list is a least a mile long...sigh. Thankfully, some of those to-do items involve being outside. I hope you are enjoying the sunshine and warm temps, too.
I have been thinking a lot about security, confidence and perseverance lately. About claiming my security in Christ, putting on confidence even when I don't feel it (especially when I don't feel it) and to just keep doing the thing. I've gotten really good at slacking off when I get tired or it gets too hard or there's a blog to read somewhere or well, frankly, there are a thousand distractions to keep me from finishing what I start. I don't like this about myself. I really don't and it's hard to admit. But I've come to the end of my tolerance for pretense and if I start with my own created pretenses and put a stop to them, maybe it will be a step in the right direction. God doesn't like pretense, either, but he can see the heart and knows what's really going on. I want to be free of what's holding me down because it is for freedom that Christ has set us free and I want the abundant life he gives. (Do you see a theme this year??) So when the temptation comes to slack off, these will be my verses to repeat:
Hebrews 10:35 & 36 from the NIV: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Keep doing the thing, friends. Do it with confidence, yielded to the Spirit and with joy. I am who He says I am and I can do all things through Christ. Believe God today.
Have a great weekend!
I have been thinking a lot about security, confidence and perseverance lately. About claiming my security in Christ, putting on confidence even when I don't feel it (especially when I don't feel it) and to just keep doing the thing. I've gotten really good at slacking off when I get tired or it gets too hard or there's a blog to read somewhere or well, frankly, there are a thousand distractions to keep me from finishing what I start. I don't like this about myself. I really don't and it's hard to admit. But I've come to the end of my tolerance for pretense and if I start with my own created pretenses and put a stop to them, maybe it will be a step in the right direction. God doesn't like pretense, either, but he can see the heart and knows what's really going on. I want to be free of what's holding me down because it is for freedom that Christ has set us free and I want the abundant life he gives. (Do you see a theme this year??) So when the temptation comes to slack off, these will be my verses to repeat:
Hebrews 10:35 & 36 from the NIV: So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Keep doing the thing, friends. Do it with confidence, yielded to the Spirit and with joy. I am who He says I am and I can do all things through Christ. Believe God today.
Have a great weekend!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #9
The verses I'm choosing today are from the So Long Insecurity simulcast last weekend. They are from Ephesians 4:22-24:
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put of your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Every day I get dressed on purpose. That means, I make a conscious decision as to what clothes I'm going to wear. These verses can be applied the same way. Every day I need to make a conscious decision to follow the Spirit and to be the new person that I am in Christ. I don't have to continue to do what I've always done. I am clothed in strength and dignity Proverbs 31 says, so I imagine every morning putting those characteristics on as I would a coat. This new self starts in the mind with my attitude and then I am to walk it out daily. I cannot wait until I feel secure to act secure. Heavens knows, I'd never get there if that's what it was dependent upon. This part of the simulcast was a light bulb moment for me. I have a choice here. I don't have to continue being corrupted by my old deceitful desires, I can choose to be a new creation in Christ. That is freedom!
What are you learning about God and his Word right now? There is something for everyone and every situation. All glory to His Name!
Leave your verse in the comment section. Keep up the good work!
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put of your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Every day I get dressed on purpose. That means, I make a conscious decision as to what clothes I'm going to wear. These verses can be applied the same way. Every day I need to make a conscious decision to follow the Spirit and to be the new person that I am in Christ. I don't have to continue to do what I've always done. I am clothed in strength and dignity Proverbs 31 says, so I imagine every morning putting those characteristics on as I would a coat. This new self starts in the mind with my attitude and then I am to walk it out daily. I cannot wait until I feel secure to act secure. Heavens knows, I'd never get there if that's what it was dependent upon. This part of the simulcast was a light bulb moment for me. I have a choice here. I don't have to continue being corrupted by my old deceitful desires, I can choose to be a new creation in Christ. That is freedom!
What are you learning about God and his Word right now? There is something for everyone and every situation. All glory to His Name!
Leave your verse in the comment section. Keep up the good work!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #8
Well, my week is flying by - how about yours? Thank you for your prayers for our busy schedule. Things have gone well so far; the big stuff on my plate are yet to come. I have every confidence that all will go smoothly because of all the prayers. So, thanks again.
My verse today is from Psalm 119, verse 114: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. I really like this one. It sums up how I feel. Refuge is defined as a place providing protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship; haven; something to which one may turn for help, relief or escape. The definition of shield is a means of defense as in protective armor. I love the picture of resting in the covering of his mighty right hand while he is shielding me with his left. I know I am safe and secure there.
Hope means to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment. Putting my hope in His Word is the only true thing. Not in market analysis, forecasts, horoscopes, lucky charms, the Mayan calendar, or even people, including ourselves. The very Word of God is the only sure thing. I'm so glad He left it for us.
Where do you turn when the road gets bumpy? When the news has story after story of bad news and humanity seems bankrupt? Do you believe that He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do? He is the one true God; great, glorious, mighty and He loves you as a bridegroom loves his bride. Put your hope in Him alone.
Thanks friends, for going on this journey with me. Keep up the good work on your verses.
My verse today is from Psalm 119, verse 114: You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. I really like this one. It sums up how I feel. Refuge is defined as a place providing protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship; haven; something to which one may turn for help, relief or escape. The definition of shield is a means of defense as in protective armor. I love the picture of resting in the covering of his mighty right hand while he is shielding me with his left. I know I am safe and secure there.
Hope means to desire something with confident expectation of its fulfillment. Putting my hope in His Word is the only true thing. Not in market analysis, forecasts, horoscopes, lucky charms, the Mayan calendar, or even people, including ourselves. The very Word of God is the only sure thing. I'm so glad He left it for us.
Where do you turn when the road gets bumpy? When the news has story after story of bad news and humanity seems bankrupt? Do you believe that He is who He says He is and that He can do what He says He can do? He is the one true God; great, glorious, mighty and He loves you as a bridegroom loves his bride. Put your hope in Him alone.
Thanks friends, for going on this journey with me. Keep up the good work on your verses.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #7
I have been running behind today. So far behind that I can't find the verse I had picked out for today. HA! But I wanted to get a post up in case you are not as scattered as I am today. I will post my verse later tonight. My sister and family are coming over for supper and to dye eggs. So I gotta run right now. More later, please forgive me! But, please, post your verses!
*******************************
Okay, I'm back. The rule-follower in me HAS to post a verse today, on the 1st. Yes, I know about grace, praise the Lord, I know about grace. But for my own discipline, I'm posting on the 1st. :) I couldn't find the verse I was looking for earlier and because it is Easter weekend, I decided to pick a different verse.
Sometimes I "participate" in the Lenten season, that is, I "give up" something for that time period before Easter on the calendar. In the past I've given up soda (this one has stuck for the past six years), chocolate (very hard to do) and various other items. I wanted to do something this year, I just couldn't decide what would be realistic. I considered sugar, but that is so not do-able right now. Literally the night before Lent was to start I decided I would give up some sleep. I wanted to try the discipline of reading the Word and spending time in prayer. I was nervous as my sleep patterns are not consistent. Would I be able to get up every morning to do this? I did not want to disappoint God by getting lazy half way through. That would be heart wrenching to me. But I decided to try. I am so happy to be able to say I have gotten up early every morning this Lent season and spent time in the Word and in prayer. I have not missed that 45 minutes of sleep one day. There were a couple of nights when I didn't get enough sleep but I was able to get through the day because I was leaning on Him. He has been so faithful in meeting me every morning. It has changed my life in so many ways. I am humbled by it, really. It is a sweet time and so precious to me and I plan to continue after Easter.
I have been reading through the Bible starting in the Old Testament at night time. I've been using a chronological bible for this. I had been doing an OT bible study also, so I was feeling the need for some New Testament reading. So my morning reading has been in those books. I have a book by Tim LaHaye called "How to Study the Bible for Yourself" that I am loosely following. He suggests reading 1John every day for one week (there's only 5 chapters), then move to John and Mark. Read those two times each. If we are to have the mind of Christ, we need to know Christ words and how he acted. These are the two shortest gospels. From there, read the epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Then Read Luke, Acts, Romans. I am up to Luke right now. LaHaye has several different plans for reading through and studying the Bible. I am reading 4 chapters a day. Then I spend time in prayer. Adoring Him; confessing; bringing my concerns; asking to be filled with the Spirit; claiming my forgiveness, purity, peace, & security in Him, remembering His sacrifice and telling Him I love him, too. I don't want my description to become a prescription for everyone. But I can tell you, this has worked for me. Lord willing, I can continue. I want to encourage you to have quiet time with the Lord in his Word and in prayer. That time is never wasted and you will reap benefits ten-fold.
(This is what happens when it's late...I get a long winded.) I have been reminded over and over in the last six weeks just what a sacrifice Christ gave for me, for us. And I have learned that he did that so I could be free, be healed, live in joy and abundance and in relationship with Him. That is what I am celebrating this Easter. That is what calls me to Praise.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV:
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
He is risen! Alleluia!
*******************************
Okay, I'm back. The rule-follower in me HAS to post a verse today, on the 1st. Yes, I know about grace, praise the Lord, I know about grace. But for my own discipline, I'm posting on the 1st. :) I couldn't find the verse I was looking for earlier and because it is Easter weekend, I decided to pick a different verse.
Sometimes I "participate" in the Lenten season, that is, I "give up" something for that time period before Easter on the calendar. In the past I've given up soda (this one has stuck for the past six years), chocolate (very hard to do) and various other items. I wanted to do something this year, I just couldn't decide what would be realistic. I considered sugar, but that is so not do-able right now. Literally the night before Lent was to start I decided I would give up some sleep. I wanted to try the discipline of reading the Word and spending time in prayer. I was nervous as my sleep patterns are not consistent. Would I be able to get up every morning to do this? I did not want to disappoint God by getting lazy half way through. That would be heart wrenching to me. But I decided to try. I am so happy to be able to say I have gotten up early every morning this Lent season and spent time in the Word and in prayer. I have not missed that 45 minutes of sleep one day. There were a couple of nights when I didn't get enough sleep but I was able to get through the day because I was leaning on Him. He has been so faithful in meeting me every morning. It has changed my life in so many ways. I am humbled by it, really. It is a sweet time and so precious to me and I plan to continue after Easter.
I have been reading through the Bible starting in the Old Testament at night time. I've been using a chronological bible for this. I had been doing an OT bible study also, so I was feeling the need for some New Testament reading. So my morning reading has been in those books. I have a book by Tim LaHaye called "How to Study the Bible for Yourself" that I am loosely following. He suggests reading 1John every day for one week (there's only 5 chapters), then move to John and Mark. Read those two times each. If we are to have the mind of Christ, we need to know Christ words and how he acted. These are the two shortest gospels. From there, read the epistles (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon). Then Read Luke, Acts, Romans. I am up to Luke right now. LaHaye has several different plans for reading through and studying the Bible. I am reading 4 chapters a day. Then I spend time in prayer. Adoring Him; confessing; bringing my concerns; asking to be filled with the Spirit; claiming my forgiveness, purity, peace, & security in Him, remembering His sacrifice and telling Him I love him, too. I don't want my description to become a prescription for everyone. But I can tell you, this has worked for me. Lord willing, I can continue. I want to encourage you to have quiet time with the Lord in his Word and in prayer. That time is never wasted and you will reap benefits ten-fold.
(This is what happens when it's late...I get a long winded.) I have been reminded over and over in the last six weeks just what a sacrifice Christ gave for me, for us. And I have learned that he did that so I could be free, be healed, live in joy and abundance and in relationship with Him. That is what I am celebrating this Easter. That is what calls me to Praise.
Isaiah 53:5 NIV:
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
He is risen! Alleluia!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #6
Happy Monday morning! The weather forecast in SW Idaho is bea.u.ti.ful. for the whole week - sunny, upper 50's - it's going to be fabulous! That combined with the extra hour of daylight in the evenings...we will be getting our required daily allotment of vitamin D. woohoo!
I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was good. Saturday was National History Day regional competition. My daughter participated in this through school. She was in a group with two other girls and they made a documentary film. The topic was something along the lines of "innovation and how it changed the world". The girls chose "Sputnik: the beginning of the space race" as their topic. They worked so very hard for two months on this project. They had difficulties with equipment, forgot to save their info before the computers at school crashed and had to re-type, had to re-record the voice-overs several times because they didn't like the way their voice sounded or they were giggling uncontrollably. Truthfully, Steve and I were slightly worried they wouldn't get done in time for the competition. But they did (4:30 Friday afternoon!). There were kids from all over SW Idaho competing in different categories: exhibits, documentaries, performance, websites, written essays. Sputnik/the three girls won first place in their category!!!! They were so excited and we are so proud. Now they go to State competition which is in the middle of April. They have a few adjustments to make as recommended by the judges. I think my daughter is most relieved to just have this project completed.
There are many things in my life that are challenging to me, as this project was for my daughter. Things that push me physically or mentally or emotionally. Things that I feel so inadequate even attempting. Examples? Well, being a mom, for one. In the beginning, moms are required to be present physically. The needs of a baby and young child are great. Most of the time, moms are running on less than adequate sleep. So that's challenging. Now, as my kids are older, they require more of me emotionally and intellectually. Discussing friendships, perseverance when the road gets long, learning life is not fair, pushing the boundaries we've set, etc. It's challenging, too. Another example is leading Bible study. Not something I sought after or feel particularly gifted to do. Even this blog pushes me intellectually. (not always evident by my entries, I know.) But this is what I'm learning: I have the Holy Spirit living in me and if I am yielding to his authority in my life, I am able to do these hard things. He has given me tasks for each day and he will give me what I need to complete those tasks, to his glory. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be servants of that same spirit. I am reminded again that I am nothing without Him. But I do believe I can do all things through Christ.
So my verse for this time is from 2Corinthians 3 verses 5 & 6 (NIV): "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Leave your name, verse and version. Have a great week!
I hope you had a great weekend. Ours was good. Saturday was National History Day regional competition. My daughter participated in this through school. She was in a group with two other girls and they made a documentary film. The topic was something along the lines of "innovation and how it changed the world". The girls chose "Sputnik: the beginning of the space race" as their topic. They worked so very hard for two months on this project. They had difficulties with equipment, forgot to save their info before the computers at school crashed and had to re-type, had to re-record the voice-overs several times because they didn't like the way their voice sounded or they were giggling uncontrollably. Truthfully, Steve and I were slightly worried they wouldn't get done in time for the competition. But they did (4:30 Friday afternoon!). There were kids from all over SW Idaho competing in different categories: exhibits, documentaries, performance, websites, written essays. Sputnik/the three girls won first place in their category!!!! They were so excited and we are so proud. Now they go to State competition which is in the middle of April. They have a few adjustments to make as recommended by the judges. I think my daughter is most relieved to just have this project completed.
There are many things in my life that are challenging to me, as this project was for my daughter. Things that push me physically or mentally or emotionally. Things that I feel so inadequate even attempting. Examples? Well, being a mom, for one. In the beginning, moms are required to be present physically. The needs of a baby and young child are great. Most of the time, moms are running on less than adequate sleep. So that's challenging. Now, as my kids are older, they require more of me emotionally and intellectually. Discussing friendships, perseverance when the road gets long, learning life is not fair, pushing the boundaries we've set, etc. It's challenging, too. Another example is leading Bible study. Not something I sought after or feel particularly gifted to do. Even this blog pushes me intellectually. (not always evident by my entries, I know.) But this is what I'm learning: I have the Holy Spirit living in me and if I am yielding to his authority in my life, I am able to do these hard things. He has given me tasks for each day and he will give me what I need to complete those tasks, to his glory. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to be servants of that same spirit. I am reminded again that I am nothing without Him. But I do believe I can do all things through Christ.
So my verse for this time is from 2Corinthians 3 verses 5 & 6 (NIV): "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."
Leave your name, verse and version. Have a great week!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #5
Can you believe it's March 1st? Wow. How was your weekend? Mine ran the whole gamut of emotions. Our anniversary dinner turned our stomachs inside out later that night and the next day. The conversations, however, were much sweeter so I'll dwell on that and not recommend to you Tucan*'s Brazilian Steakhouse. I'm glad if you've had a good experience there. We did not.
Saturday we spent with extended family in the mountains and that was a fun day. Not much snow to play in, so we stayed in and visited and played games. The kids swam in the heated pool; in fact, I think my son was in the water at least 4 hours. No, he's not growing fins or flippers though I checked.
Sunday was a great service at church. We are working through the minor prophets; right now Amos. Judah was in a time of prosperity and had become callous towards God. This shepherd/fig tree caretaker was given a vision to tell the people and he did. Pastor also worked in a lesson on forgiveness, which turned out prophetic in my immediate life. There was a surprise visitor at church, someone who had dealt me a full basket of pain in the not-so-distant past. She managed to open the wound with one innocent question. Praise be to God that I can come to Him with all my emotions - disappointment, pain, anger, despair - and know it is safe, know that He hears me and yesterday especially He met with me in that place. I know He loves me and is healing me and I give Him all honor, glory and praise.
(I apologize if this post is "too much information". I'm just being real here. That's all I know to do.)
All this leads to my verse. 1John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Have you thought about darkness? In the dark we can feel afraid, depressed, shame, insecure, unhealthy. And I have felt all of them. But that is not God. He is not a God of any of those things in the dark. Those things belong to the prince of darkness. But then I remember that my God is a God of the light, He is the God of pushing back the darkness, even in the corners. I cannot continue to walk in darkness and have fellowship with the God of light without being a liar. The truth will set us free. And the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. We are to walk in the light as He is in the light. Take fear for example. If I am afraid that something bad is going to happen to my children or my husband or even myself and if I live that fear out every day by the thoughts I think, the words I say or the actions I take, I am not walking in the light. He has not given us a spirit of fear 2Timothy says. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind. I'm saying don't let the fear take over. Believe God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. Let His light shine in the darkness of your life and let Him set you free, let Him heal you. That's one of the driving forces behind this scripture memorization. When the truth of His word is in the very core of me, that light will dispel my dark corners and I can live the abundant life he promised in John. Our God is an awesome God! Can I hear an Amen?
Thank you for walking this road with me. I love you. Leave your name, city, verse, & version.
Saturday we spent with extended family in the mountains and that was a fun day. Not much snow to play in, so we stayed in and visited and played games. The kids swam in the heated pool; in fact, I think my son was in the water at least 4 hours. No, he's not growing fins or flippers though I checked.
Sunday was a great service at church. We are working through the minor prophets; right now Amos. Judah was in a time of prosperity and had become callous towards God. This shepherd/fig tree caretaker was given a vision to tell the people and he did. Pastor also worked in a lesson on forgiveness, which turned out prophetic in my immediate life. There was a surprise visitor at church, someone who had dealt me a full basket of pain in the not-so-distant past. She managed to open the wound with one innocent question. Praise be to God that I can come to Him with all my emotions - disappointment, pain, anger, despair - and know it is safe, know that He hears me and yesterday especially He met with me in that place. I know He loves me and is healing me and I give Him all honor, glory and praise.
(I apologize if this post is "too much information". I'm just being real here. That's all I know to do.)
All this leads to my verse. 1John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. Have you thought about darkness? In the dark we can feel afraid, depressed, shame, insecure, unhealthy. And I have felt all of them. But that is not God. He is not a God of any of those things in the dark. Those things belong to the prince of darkness. But then I remember that my God is a God of the light, He is the God of pushing back the darkness, even in the corners. I cannot continue to walk in darkness and have fellowship with the God of light without being a liar. The truth will set us free. And the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin. We are to walk in the light as He is in the light. Take fear for example. If I am afraid that something bad is going to happen to my children or my husband or even myself and if I live that fear out every day by the thoughts I think, the words I say or the actions I take, I am not walking in the light. He has not given us a spirit of fear 2Timothy says. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind. I'm saying don't let the fear take over. Believe God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do. Let His light shine in the darkness of your life and let Him set you free, let Him heal you. That's one of the driving forces behind this scripture memorization. When the truth of His word is in the very core of me, that light will dispel my dark corners and I can live the abundant life he promised in John. Our God is an awesome God! Can I hear an Amen?
Thank you for walking this road with me. I love you. Leave your name, city, verse, & version.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Scripture Memory Verse #4
I apologize for posting this so late in the day. Everyone was home today and it messed up my "normal" schedule. That's the excuse I'm going with anyways. :)
I hope you all had a happy Valentine's weekend. I am still thinking of love so this is my verse: 1John 4:19 NIV - We love because he first loved us. This verse reminds me that the only reason I can love is because of Him. If He hadn't loved me first, I'd have no idea how to love. Because I am a parent I get the understanding behind this verse. And because I am a parent, I can not begin to fathom the depth of His love for me. I have loved my children since before they were born and were even aware of me. Yes, they are returning that love as they get older but it doesn't affect my love for them if they don't. My heart may ache more, but I still love them. Yet I realize my love for my children is but a drop in the bucket compared to God's love for me. He gave up his Son for me. The thought is overwhelming.
This verse also reminds me that without God I am nothing. If He didn't love me, I'd be returned to dust in a nanosecond. I can do nothing to earn his favor and in fact, the harder I try, the more I mess up. It's a good reminder of my humble status.
I'm so proud of you for doing this challenge! Keep up the good work, friends. The reward is so worth the hard work. Leave your name, verse & version.
I hope you all had a happy Valentine's weekend. I am still thinking of love so this is my verse: 1John 4:19 NIV - We love because he first loved us. This verse reminds me that the only reason I can love is because of Him. If He hadn't loved me first, I'd have no idea how to love. Because I am a parent I get the understanding behind this verse. And because I am a parent, I can not begin to fathom the depth of His love for me. I have loved my children since before they were born and were even aware of me. Yes, they are returning that love as they get older but it doesn't affect my love for them if they don't. My heart may ache more, but I still love them. Yet I realize my love for my children is but a drop in the bucket compared to God's love for me. He gave up his Son for me. The thought is overwhelming.
This verse also reminds me that without God I am nothing. If He didn't love me, I'd be returned to dust in a nanosecond. I can do nothing to earn his favor and in fact, the harder I try, the more I mess up. It's a good reminder of my humble status.
I'm so proud of you for doing this challenge! Keep up the good work, friends. The reward is so worth the hard work. Leave your name, verse & version.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Scripture Memory Team Verse 3
This week, I've been troubled by my own humanity. I'm like the children of Israel wandering in the wilderness. One week God performs 10 miracles to get them out of Egypt and literally, the next week, those people are standing in front of the Red Sea with the Egyptian army fast approaching behind them. What is their response? They grumbled to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" Ex 14:11 (That, my friends, is biblical sarcasm.) The Lord parts the sea so they could walk through on dry ground. No mud on their sandals.
Three days later, they are in the Desert of Shur and not finding water. The water they do find is bitter. What is their response? They grumbled. (Ex 15:24) God sweetens the water for them in verse 25. He provides an oasis in the wilderness with twelve springs (one for each tribe, perhaps?) and 70 date palm trees.
Couple weeks later they are wandering in the Desert of Sin with no food. Their response? (Say it with me...) They grumbled. The Lord provided manna every day. Ex 16:4 By the way, have you ever picked up on the verses in Exodus 16 that say the taste of manna was like wafers with honey (vs 31) and in Numbers 11:8 where it says "its taste was as the taste of cakes baked with oil." Author Priscilla Shirer writes "it may have looked somewhat like porridge, but it actually tasted more like Krispy Kreme donuts." Forty years of donuts and their clothes never wore out.
The Lord wanted to test them and see whether they would follow his instructions. Would they obey Him no matter how impossible it looked? He led them to the wilderness, just as He allows a wilderness or two in our journeys today. Our job is to yield to the wilderness and learn that He alone is our portion (Ps 119:57). He is faithful and good and kind to those He loves. If the children of Israel had been purposeful about remembering what God had done for them in the past, perhaps they wouldn't have wandered for forty years. Do you remember what God did for you in the past? How about just last week? I want to start a journal specifically for writing down what God has done for me so that I can remember. I'd encourage you to do something similar, maybe a word file on your computer. Then, when we walk into a wilderness, we can grab that journal, remember His faithfulness to us and lean on Him instead of grumbling.
So these are my verses: Psalm 77:11-12 from the NIV. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Leave your name, city, verse, & version.
Three days later, they are in the Desert of Shur and not finding water. The water they do find is bitter. What is their response? They grumbled. (Ex 15:24) God sweetens the water for them in verse 25. He provides an oasis in the wilderness with twelve springs (one for each tribe, perhaps?) and 70 date palm trees.
Couple weeks later they are wandering in the Desert of Sin with no food. Their response? (Say it with me...) They grumbled. The Lord provided manna every day. Ex 16:4 By the way, have you ever picked up on the verses in Exodus 16 that say the taste of manna was like wafers with honey (vs 31) and in Numbers 11:8 where it says "its taste was as the taste of cakes baked with oil." Author Priscilla Shirer writes "it may have looked somewhat like porridge, but it actually tasted more like Krispy Kreme donuts." Forty years of donuts and their clothes never wore out.
The Lord wanted to test them and see whether they would follow his instructions. Would they obey Him no matter how impossible it looked? He led them to the wilderness, just as He allows a wilderness or two in our journeys today. Our job is to yield to the wilderness and learn that He alone is our portion (Ps 119:57). He is faithful and good and kind to those He loves. If the children of Israel had been purposeful about remembering what God had done for them in the past, perhaps they wouldn't have wandered for forty years. Do you remember what God did for you in the past? How about just last week? I want to start a journal specifically for writing down what God has done for me so that I can remember. I'd encourage you to do something similar, maybe a word file on your computer. Then, when we walk into a wilderness, we can grab that journal, remember His faithfulness to us and lean on Him instead of grumbling.
So these are my verses: Psalm 77:11-12 from the NIV. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
Leave your name, city, verse, & version.
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