November Scripture Memory

WAIT.  Webster says this about the word "Wait"  ... To remain or rest in expectation.

I've been waiting for someone to be healed.  And the wait has gone on and on and on.  The "Wait" has been the hardest trial of my life and it goes on and on and on.  Somewhere along the way I began to do less hoping and expecting.  I started to just cope.  I was starting to accept that it would be this way forever.            

But because of God's wonderful mercy, awesome power, and love for me ... the girl who didn't realize she was coping and not hoping ... a week ago things started to change.

 I went to  "Women of Faith".  CeCe Winan made us sing out loud to her song... the words...

"It Ain't Over"!  

As we sang those words over and over tears started streaming down my singing face.  Through out the weekend the Spirit of God began to remind me that it was time for me to move into a different place in my waiting.  To get back to hoping.  To expecting Him to do a miracle.   To not look at the circumstances in my "situation" but to keep my eyes on Jesus.  That my loved one would "dance again...."                                  

And hope began to rise in me.  

When I came home from my weekend conference, Mark shared with me a message he'd listened to of an awesome preacher we love to hear on line.  I cried.  Then got on the computer to listen...

I was reminded to take my mind off of the obstacle and put my mind on Jesus.  To get my eyes off the clock and get them on Jesus.

How did I stop hoping that things would change?  I worked so hard to accept this trial ... but lost my vision to keep hope in the midst of the acceptance.  Some "waits" are sooo hard.  And it actually hurts to keep hoping.  And it's hard.  But God is gently reminding me to hope and wait on Him in this trial.

I smile with a grin on my face, at my verse.  It says calmly wait.  That's kind of funny to me.  Not only am I to wait.  But do it calmly.  It's right here in scripture.  Thank you Lord that all my hope is in you my loving faithful Father.

My memory verse will be a constant reminder for me .

Psalm 62: 5-8    

"Wait calmly for God alone, my soul,
because my hope comes from him.  

He alone if my rock and my savior- my stronghold.
I cannot be shaken.  

My salvation and my glory depend on God.  

God is the rock of my strength, my refuge.  

Trust him at all times, you people.
Pour out your hearts in his presence." 

Lets Get started again!

   Hi ladies,  I have missed you!  Ready to get started....again?   RE-START.   Begin again.   I always need new fresh starts.  I know we all do. I'm gonna try to make this short.....so you can read....and then post your wonderful verse for the month!!!!!

  I am tempted to sometimes  look back on how things used to be .......and then grieve the loss of the good things of the past that are no longer a part of my present.  Missing old friends, family who are no longer here .....just a plain old.....

                                 "Those were the good old days".....mentality.

I work to push those thoughts out of my mind and heart.  And try to focus on the awesome work of God present in my life.   ........ I know that we all struggle with those thoughts from time to time ( and especially after great loss of some kind.)   We wish it could go back to the way it used to be when,  ....." my health was better,  or I had more free time.....or a that same job ,   before my friends moved....or I moved or when "so and so" was still living."                   And the list goes on.

I have a great verse that reminds me to live in he present....in the moment.....in today.  With lots of Hope for the future. (It's the one I have been trying to learn since school started for Miss Emily and Amy......but now I get to do it with you girls and "get-er-done!!")

                           So my verse.......

                      " Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!
                          Now it springs up: do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness
                            and streams in the wasteland."  Isaiah 43:18-19

Love His promises.......!   So glad I have you to do this with me......to keep me accountable too!  Place your pretty 3x5 cards in your car.....kitchen counter....on your desks and lets let HIS WORD dwell in our hearts!  Don't forget to post your verse!



   

February Scripture Memory Verse #2

Do you  have beautiful feet? 
Today, I took my car in for some repairs, and as the mechanic was on his way to drop me off at church for my meeting I started in on some "small talk".( Actually,  I begged him to stop my hungry tummy  by McDonnalds first. )  Just as we were pulling up to the church curb, He stated that He had a girlfriend and admitted  to me that later in the day , they were going to the courthouse to get papers for their bloodwork for marriage.  He said to me........." No one knows."   What?  I was the first person he told?
 
 I relied on God for my reply .  Though I don't remember exactly what I said....it was something like "I think it is so awesome that God loves us so much that He brings two people together....it's kind of like a miracle that out of all the people in the world you find each other and get to go through life together."

My heart felt such a love for Him.  But it wasn't me......   You see,  I had just started crafting this blog post earlier this morning.......and was feeling sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His leading.  I had written these exact words........"Lord give me your heart of love for people I don't know.  I want them to have what I have.....to know you and to love you." What I shared with this young man was not profound. It wasn't  the plan of salvation.  But I am assured that God directed my feet today....and that in a small way.....I shared the Love of God with him.

When I find myself in a long line ( or a car with an auto mechanic)  I know I am with a "captive audience"   Does The Lord want me to just smile? Share a polite "Hello"? Or strike up a conversation? Sometimes I'm tired or I am thinking about  other things. But when My heart is sensitive to The Holy Spirit , I can be sure that God has guided my steps in that moment.   Maybe I give a smile, or a polite Hello, or maybe its a chance to strike up a conversation or listen or encourage ....or  maybe.....more.

My neighbor , Trishun and I hosted a "Christmas Cookie exchange Brunch" for the women in our neighborhood.  Some of those women who walked in our front door that morning, do not know The Lord.  God has given me a love for these ladies.   We really don't know all that God has in store for us in our "Neighborhood Ministry", but I know that He will guide our steps and it is so exciting being a part of it. I want these women to have what I have......I want them to know and love God.

We have been  called  to "Go make disciples........"  It is not up to the Preacher.  Or the TV Evangelist.  Or the New Church Plants.  Or the Missionaries.  We've all been given the same directive.  Lets pray and ask God to give us HIS love for others......  There is a whole world out there of people who don't know the very One who created them and loves them so.  You may meet them at Target, the auto repair shop,  or they may be right next door.  I know you ladies have beautiful feet........

Here is my verse for February....
 Romans 10:14-15
     " How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

As you post your verse......I'd love to hear a story of how The Lord  has used your beautiful feet...... Have a great month learning your new verse!

January Memory Verse #1

Hi girl friends!  Are you ready ?  I am So happy to have you join us at the start of a new year to commit  together  Scripture memory.  What a great way to start out the new year.  Before my feet hit the ground this morning, I was already thinking about my verse.

Picture a cool winter night.  It's the end of a long day and you are ready to crawl into bed.  The bed is made with crisp cozy, soft  new sheets in your favorite color.  (You have on the cutest pajamas !)   You untuck the new clean smelling covers and slip your slippers off your feet and crawl into bed.  There are lots of pillows fluffed up behind your back . You lean over  to grab your reader glasses.....(.grin ), turn on your cute lamp on your  night stand.  Picking up your Bible you read for a bit, whisper  for  a moment an intimate prayer.  It's a sweet time, just you and your heavenly Father.  You feel His presence.  You love Him so much.  Your focus is so pure and your eyes are on Him.  You lay the Bible and glasses back down, and you scrunch your sleepy body down under the covers to start to fall asleep.  You are so filled up by His Word . His love.  You trust Him fully.  You begin to fall asleep in the arms of your  faithful, loving amazing God. Maybe just before you doze off to sweet slumber, you rehearse your memory verse for the month.

I love this picture.  I am warm, cozy, and at peace, resting in my Fathers arms.  And that to me.....is what walking through this life, with scripture on my mind and in my heart.....does for me.   Though it won't happen exactly like this every night......I do want to strive for it. (  The night stand may get a little messy, and my Bible may be in the other room,  my mind may be full of worries or  my head may hit the pillow with such a tired body that the prayer and Bible reading will be forgotten... )    I know that  the best decision I made last year was choosing to memorize a verse at the start of every month.    And whether I rehearsed it in the morning,  while in the car, or just before falling asleep, the blessing of it is still multiplying.  When I let my memory verse replace the worries, struggles,  or insecurities that can come to my mind..... I am filled with peace and comfort and strength.
     
     My verse to start off the new year is this:
Matthew 4:4  " Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

What verse are you going to choose to start off the new year?  I have loved doing this with you this past year and am looking forward to doing it together in the new year.  I know that it will encourage me every month to see your verses and know that we are doing this together.  Happy New Year friends.  I love you!

December Memory Verse # 11

   When you read these words....." Only 25 days till Christmas".....what comes to your mind?  Do you feel like a child again.....get rosy cheeks, and feel gleeful inside?  Do you anticipate the month before you being full of special activities?  Hoping the "bustle" of it all will help guide you  deeper into the true meaning of Christmas?  Or do you have a couple ounces of "dread"within.....because you have gifts left to buy,  or credit card debt piling up,  or parties yet to plan,  or sorrow cause Christmas may never be the same.......?
      I know every January , as I pack away our beautiful Christmas decorations I pick up the same  devotional and say the words....."there's that Christmas family devotional we never seem to finish!"  And every year  I remind myself of ways I want to do it "better" the next year.
    Four years ago   Our good friends , Pam and Jerry VanRoekle came to spend a few days with our family after the sad loss of my mother.   The morning they were flying back to Iowa we left very early in the morning to get them to their early flight home. At their suggestion,  I pulled up to the curb in front of their airline.  We got the luggage out of the car and tearfully said our good-byes.  But as I watched them walk into the airport I started to feel the need for more. I needed more than our "curb-side" heart felt love.  What to do?   It was cold , and dark, and I had an hours drive to get back home and begin my busy day.  But, I drove away from the curb and headed towards the "short term" parking.   I rolled down the window.......grabbed my meter ticket and found a parking spot as quick as I could.  As I ran into the airport I  spotted my two surprised friends.  We hugged again and exchanged loving words.   My heart was so full!  Although I'd expressed my love to them at the "curb-side", my short term parking had made it worth it all.  I'd had adequate time  to express my love and gratitude to them for coming to be with our family,   They wouldn't have loved me any less had I just said good-bye at the curb.  But I had a beautiful satisfaction in my soul , from having parking in "short term parking".....and walking in to see them.
This Christmas.....when I get busy with "Christmas-ing" and all that entails to make Christmas special for our family and friends, I will not beat myself up if once again we don't finish the family Christmas devotional.  I also will know that The Lord will love me no less when I have "curb-side" moments with him.   But I am going to strive for more "Short-term parking"time with Him.

Matthew 2:11 " They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him.  They opened their gift and gave Him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. "

I do pray that you will have many many moments this season to bow down, and worship Him.   You have all learned 10 verses this year!  What a gift you hold in your hearts.....His Word!   As you leave your verse.....do you want to share one of your favorite Christmas traditions?

NOVEMBER SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE # 10

   
                                                                     
     
 There are these little places within me that often feel discontent.  Or critical.  Or whiney.  And I am beginning to realize that I need to focus way more on being thankful than I do.   It's like a new skill I have to work on.  And practice over and over.

   " The secret to having it all.......is knowing that you already do."

Isn't that a great statement?  I read it on a blog several weeks ago and loved it so much I put it in the notes section of my iphone to remember to share it with you.  I also, am currently in the midst of reading a book called " One Thousand Gifts."  In the book the author says this......,

" Today, when stress mounts, I pray to dismount it with gratitude.  I can only feel one feeling at a time, and I choose to give thanks at all times.  Fight feeling with feeling!"  (Ann Voskamp)

I love that quote too.  Why oh why, do I let complaining sometimes rule a part of my heart?  Or stress dominate my body?  I know that God knew this would be a problem in our hearts, and that's why He tells us to be thankful over and over through the scriptures.   I have a ways  to go on this .
      I have a little book I am reading to my girls every morning at breakfast called " Give Thanks".  It has little prayers for everyday blessings in it,  about all the mundane things in life that we do ( like waking up on a Monday, or taking the trash out, or making your bed, etc.)......and turning those things into a thankful prayer.  I am asking the girls to "stretch" their answers when I ask the question " what are you thankful for?" It's been sweet watching them come up with things other than the usual ( My family, friends, bed etc. ),  like......" books for learning", or "ears to hear and eyes that see".  I am choosing to do my verse from October again this month.  

2 Chronicles 23:30
    "......to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord and likewise at evening......".

  If you could see into my thought life, you'd either relate to me......or gulp,......  be embarrassed for me in the times I am "complainey".  I have so much more growing to do in this area. " Oh Lord, help me to become a thankful girl in the midst of whatever comes my way throughout my day.  Let my heart be full of gratitude that comes from You."  When you post your verse.........want to share some things you are thankful for?  I know I am thankful for you, my girlfirends!

OCTOBER Scripture memory verse #9

     Can you believe fall is here already?  I absolutely .....LOVE..... this  time of year.  It  marks the ....s.l.o.w.i.n.g  d.o.w.n.... of the summer months,  pool activities , BBQ's, and  summer guests ( not that I don't just love hostessing our friends and family!).     I love the windows kept open through out the day, cooler breezes, no more need for air-conditioning ( and no more fainting when you open the electric bills!).    I burn the fall  candle in the morning and enjoy the scent lingering through the house throughout the day.  Soon, we will drive by and watch the crops in the fields around us  being harvested.  The weather always seems just perfect.  Fall....... reminds me of  "relaxing".

      This weekend, I wanted to bring in all of my fall decorations and start putting them up....but never got that done.  Our weekend had so much on the "calendar", that I never got my chores and cleaning done either.  Or much of a chance to do my "fall relaxing"...... I start to get a little sideways about not getting those things done and having enough time for myself.   Sometimes I can be so self-centered.  And "sideways" does not look very pretty on me.  My family doesn't like it much either.   When I get like that eventually God gently nudges my heart....and reminds me that I have so much to be thankful for.    So.....here is my verse for the month.  A very good one for me.

2 Chronicles 23:30

"....to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening...."



What is it in your life that can make you go ...."sideways?".....messy house?  Bills piled High?  Crabby neighbors?  The TV on too loud?

Maybe I should set my alarm on my phone to go off twice a day, as a reminder to stand right where I am and thank and praise Him.  That would be a good idea for me.   ( especially for my "sideways days".)

I'll get my decorations put up next weekend, and the chores and cleaning?.....well....if I HAVE TO......!  ....And I WILL  have a chance to relax and read a book a little.  No need to get sideways....I have so much to stand and thank and praise HIM for.......:-)

So, Jan and Robin, Pam and Nancy( and anyone else who joins us...)...when you leave your memory verse, want to leave one of your favorite things about fall in your comment section?  Can't wait to hear your verses!