Narnia, Romans, & Relearning

I began reading C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” with our boys several weeks ago. I never have read a single book from the series, but we have seen “The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe,” as well as “Prince Caspian,” so I thought the boys would really enjoy the adventure that lay within. We started our journey with “The Magician’s Nephew” since it tells of how Narnia, Aslan and the White Witch came to be. At one part, Aslan gives some of his creation the ability to speak and encourages them to treat the other created animals gently. But there is also a warning: “do not go back to their ways lest you cease to be Talking Beasts.” And the additional warning that that is possible to do so. A few pages later, Lewis points out: “Now the trouble with trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.”


We were created with the wonderful ability to learn, but we can also unlearn those things by neglecting to use/practice them. How many of us rode a bike superbly as children, yet haven’t ridden one for 10+ years and now find the act more than a little daunting? How many times have I thought, “I’ll just let Mom hem these pants for me”? I could do it, I learned how to sew, but because I don’t get the sewing machine out and practice, I would have to relearn some things before I could sew a nice hem. And stupider??? I’m embarrassed to say I have finished watching several movies that I honestly felt stupider by the end.

I mention all this because I began reading Romans today. Verse 28 of chapter 1 tells us:
“Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.”

I must say, this scares me. Often times, I have asked myself {when thinking about the evil of trafficking in the world}, “HOW CAN SOMEONE DO THIS? HOW CAN THEY THINK THIS IS OKAY?” I think this verse helps explain. I cannot comprehend, nor will I ever be able to, the reasons why someone could treat another person harshly. However, Romans 1:28 tell us that when people don’t think God is worthwhile, eventually God will give them over to their own sinful minds, resulting in things that “ought not to be done.”

A scary thought, but here’s some hope. Remember how difficult it was to get back on that bike after years away? It may not have been the most graceful sight the first time, but I’m betting it came back to you rather quickly. That’s how it happened for Craig and me. Time away sets us back, but we CAN relearn. Praise God, He’s not through with us! We may step away, we may turn our back, we may “not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God.” But we CAN come back. Until the day we die, or Jesus comes back for us, we can grow in our knowledge of God and share His good news with those around us. May we do just that this Christmas season, for we have good news to shout about—a Savior has been born to us—He is Christ the Lord!

Scripture Memory Catch-Up

The last few months have been a time of learning--new roads, new area, new friends, LOTS of new names and faces. It's different here. Not better. Not worse. Just different. Our pace of life is different and, I pray, will slow down in just a few weeks. It's hard to realize, yet again, that I am not superwoman, or even supermom. I can't do all the things I think I should be able to do. And God is helping me see that He didn't make me to do all those things, either. Anyway, I thought I'd share the verses I've been working on over the last 6 weeks.

In light of election time, this is what I chose for November 1:

1 Peter 2:13-17 TNIV
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of the foolish. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love your fellow believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
(emphasis mine)

I found this next verse months ago and tucked it in with 'verses I'd like to memorize.' November 15 felt like the right time.

Micah 7:18-19 TNIV
Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

He doesn't have to. He could dust His hands and be finished with us. But He loves us and He's just waiting to separate us from the ick we've got all over us.

On to December 1st...I'ver heard this verse before, but while reading through 2 Timothy last week it struck me. Paul is giving Timothy instructions in being a minister of the Gospel, warning him about false teachers and sharing updates with Timothy about his own ministry. He loves Timothy as a father loves a son and urges him to come visit, then shares this:

2 Timothy 4:7-8 TNIV
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.
(emphasis mine)

That's what I want to be able to say at the end of my life. Not that I get a crown, although that will be wonderful. But that I have fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith. Death makes me think about heaven. I have no real ideas of what heaven will be like--anytime I've tried to imagine it, my imaginations can't measure up to how good I know it will be. But God will be there. Jesus will be there. I can't remember a day in my life when I haven't known Him and He'll be there. That's all that really matters.

15th Scripture Memory

While I allow Psalm 27 to perculate, I'll add this important reminder as well:

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

October...the first half

I seem to completely lose track of time when I see this screen, so between me trying to limit my opportunities for mysterious time disappearance and me just getting busy with daily stuff, I'm a bit late. I've continued working on Psalm 27 and have 10 of the 14 verses locked in. I truly hope you'll give scripture memory a go if you're reading this. I know it makes a difference. I have experienced the real benefits of being ready with scripture, as well as heard countless testimonies from dear friends. The enemy is constantly preparing attacks against us--God's Word is the sword we use to fight back. If we are not under attack, someone we know probably is and a scripture locked in our brain is an immeasurable help when they need encouragement and our Bible is not with us. Even in more calm times, God's Word is a great encouragement--once memorized, don't just set it aside, but continue to refresh your mind by reviewing those verses you've worked on. It's like sword practice...we sharpen our swords (our knowledge and understanding of God's Word) by memorizing, reviewing, muttering God's Word to ourselves, so that when the battle comes our swords are not rusty and too heavy for us. I don't know about you, but this is one warrior princess who wants to be ready.

Here's a bonus picture of our boys as knights just a few years ago:



Happy is he who knows how to use his sword!

15th Scripture Memory

Now that we're packed, moved and unpacked and I've had a little more time to work on my previous verses, I'm ready to start working on Psalm 27. I'll post the entire psalm, although I'm not attempting to get the whole thing in my head within 2 weeks! My goal is to be purposeful in working on memorizing and understanding the psalm and allowing God to cement it in my mind and heart. Here it is in today's new international version:

Psalm 27

Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle I will sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.

13 I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.


"I WILL SEE THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING."

We can see His goodness...are we looking? We have experienced and watched others experience much pain and sadness these past several months. Even amidst the pain, we can see the goodness of the LORD in His provision of comfort, strength, and grace to make it through one more day. May we look around and see the "goodness of the LORD."

1st Scripture Memory

Oh, my! These last several months have been wonderful...challenging...faith-building...overwhelming...and filled with God's faithfulness. I have needed every single scripture that I have been meditating on. God is so good.

I asked God to point me to the next scripture this morning, otherwise I would continue to solidify the ones I've recently been working on. I felt His peace. So for these next several days, I will review and read and speak these verses so I will be ready when I need them again (which will probably be VERY soon) for myself or a fellow sojourner.

15th Scripture Memory

Wow, I'm a little later than usual, but here goes...

Philippians 4:4-9 ESV

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

We have been in a season of waiting and although God has now shown us the church we get the joy of ministering to/with and our new home (as well as a few other things), we are still waiting on our home to sell. Some days we need to remember to rejoice in the Lord, to not be anxious, to let God know what we're thinking and feeling and to be thankful for all He has already done and all He continues to do. I need to know that God's peace will guard my heart and mind when the enemy seeks to overwhelm me with all that needs to be done. I want to keep my chin up through this process and strengthen my trust in our faithful God that has never let us down. Not even once.

Continue Your work in me, Lord. I trust in Your timing

Great News!!!

After literally thousands of prayers over several years, we are feeling God's leading to pastor a church in Rushsylvania, Ohio. We are thrilled and we think they are, too!

August 1st Scripture Memory

Much has happened this summer and I want to update with some pictures, but soon...for now I am going to work on a scripture that has been impressed upon my heart from a Bible study I've been working through this summer. We've been learning about seduction and how much grace should be shown to a truly repentant heart--when someone realizes they've done wrong and turn from it, we must be the body of Christ and embrace them, growing in grace. So here it is...

2 Peter 3:17-18

I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.

I don't want to grow in knowledge only, but in grace, too!

15th Scripture Memory

I had planned on posting early since we were heading out of town...oh, well :) Here's what I began memorizing on the 15th:

1 Thessalonians 5:16-25 (TNIV)

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not put out the Spirit's fire. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject whatever is harmful.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

A few neighborhood friends and I are working through Beth Moore's "When Godly People Do Ungodly Things," and this is one of the scriptures we've focused on. I definitely want to be prepared for whatever test I come to, and I think this scripture is a great place to start! May God bless you as you meditate on His Word!

July's 1st Scripture Memory

I love this verse, but especially enjoy the last part:

Isaiah 40:11 TNIV

"He tends His flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young."

The Hebrew word for "gently leads" is "nahal." It's first definition is: to lead, give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh. It also can mean "to lead or bring to a station or goal" or "to journey by stations or stages."

Being a mother of 2 little rambunctious boys, I definitely need some guidance! The meaning "to journey by stations or stages" reminds me that each portion of time is a stage--with my children as well as myself--and God will lead me, my husband and our boys through each one if we will follow Him. He wants to lead you, too!

15th Scripture Memory

So, I have several other "things" I'd like to throw out on this blog. These last few weeks have flown by, but I'm hoping to have some time in the next week to add some family posts :)

I began thinking yesterday...what verse should I focus on at this point of this year in my life??? Immediately this verse popped in my head:

Philippians 2:5-8 (New International Version)

⁵Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
⁶Who, being in very nature^{a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
⁷but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature^{b]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[b]} of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Or at least the beginning of it. I've heard this verse many times, but have not commit it to memory, so this is the time! I've been quite tired the last few days and my attitude has shown it. I cannot recall how many times I've told our boys, "I know you're tired, but you still can't treat ________ like that." I had to apologize and ask for forgiveness for my behavior yesterday. I hate giving in to the enemy!

So, I will focus on my attitude as I memorize these verses. Jesus was always patient, kind, loving and gentle...even when He had taught, healed and traveled all day. I want to be more like Him.

1st Scripture Memory

It is so easy to go through a day and compare what I am doing and how I am doing it to people I see (and many that I just know of). Without purposely diverting my attention to more worthwhile thoughts, I will fall into the comparison game. Frequently. God has been working in me about this specific issue over the last year or so, but I'm reminded again just how much effort it takes. I must be purposeful about measuring myself only against God's standards. You must be purposeful about measuring yourself only against God's standards. Some may be disappointed in us, some may be offended by us, but if we are living the life of love that God calls us to, then we can't be consumed by what others think--only what God thinks. Hopefully, I haven't terribly confused you.

In light of this "reminding," here is my verse:

Galatians 6:4 NCV

Each person should judge his own actions and not compare himself with others. Then he can be proud for what he himself has done.

And also:

1 Samuel 16:7b ESV

For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.

Not sure if I'll memorize this one, but I wanted to share it:

Lamentations 3:40 ESV

Let us test and examine our ways and return to the LORD!

May you know how much God loves you and may you live freely in His love!

15th Scripture Memory

I'm a bit late again...we're smack dab in the middle of a weekend full of graduation parties, a family reunion, a homeschool curriculum sale, celebrating Isaiah's birthday and having family visit (and stay at our house!!). We are having so much fun!

My passage for this time is out of Lamentations. I cannot remember exactly where I heard it from (the Message version) first, but it is so true.

Lamentations 3:19-24

^19-21I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness,
the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—
the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember,
and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:

^22-24God's loyal love couldn't have run out,
his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning.
How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).
He's all I've got left.

I may finish memorizing this portion for June 1, but we'll see. The LORD makes our minds to comprehend and hold onto His Word in wonderful ways! I'm usually surprised at how much my brain is able to remember and hold onto over just 2 weeks, because though I read over each new scripture many times, then try to say it from memory (I do my part and I try), God always steps in and enables my mind to finish capturing His Word. It is His will for us to hide His Word in our hearts, so we know this is something He will bless immeasurably. After the first two weeks of my passage being new and learning it, I then place it with the rest of my scriptures and I continue to recite/remember/ponder them. One thing I've found helpful for my memory is to review several months of my scriptures each day, for example, Monday I might review the verses from January 1-April 15, 2009; Tuesday I would review May 1-August 15; Wednesday, Sept 1-Dec 15; then review 2010's verses on Thursday. On Friday I would start at the beginning again. It's just one way to continually keep my scriptures before me and on my mind. I feel like my sword becomes a little rusty when I'm not keeping it sharp, so this is what I've found works for me. I pray you are seeing some signs of fruitfulness in your life from your scripture memory. If you don't yet memorize any scripture, I'd love for you to join me!

1st (2nd!) Scripture Memory

I just felt the need to include a few pictures. These are old--both boys are just shy of 3 years old and Isaiah has two pictures since I remembered how darn cute he was sucking on his thumb. That all seems like so long ago!

This little guy will be 6 in just a few weeks!

Ezekiel sure is a cutie!

So, this morning I realized that yesterday was the first and today is the second and I completely forgot to post my new memory verse. We got caught up cheering on many of our friends (and a whole lot more strangers) as they ran a 5K and marathon yesterday. It was so exciting to have the opportunity to encourage them like that! But back to this morning, I flipped through my index cards of verses I love and want to memorize and had one all picked out, then I went to church. As I'm sitting listening to the sermon, I feel God pointing out a verse I've read and heard many times, but never committed to memory. With National Day of Prayer just four days away I knew it was very appropriate. So I looked 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 up at www.biblegateway.com to see how it is translated in other translations. This is what I found:

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (Amplified Bible)

¹³If I shut up heaven so no rain falls, or if I command locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,

¹⁴If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (NIV)

¹³ "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Now this is wonderful and odd for me, but I've decided to memorize one verse in each version. I love how God answers with "When I..." He promises that difficult times are coming, there's not really a way around them, but He does give us a way to get through them. We are to turn to Him, "crave" Him, "require" to see His face. He promises that He will NEVER leave or forsake us. I think sometimes we need to reach the end of ourselves before we reach out for Him, though.

National Day of Prayer is this Thursday, May 6, and I encourage you to be in prayer for our country and our families--not only on this day, but every day.

So, here's what I will be memorizing for this time:

2 Chronicles 7:13 (NIV)

¹³ "When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,

2 Chronicles 7:14 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁴If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

When it rains, it pours...

I finally uploaded videos and pictures, so updates are finally rolling in (plus, the boys have done several creative/fun things lately!)

The boys each love building with their leg0s and in their creativity yesterday this is what they built:

Isaiah built a special gun that shoots honey into people's mouths

You may have guessed, but Ezekiel built a set of headphones

Flying Superheroes

This post is for everyone, but especially for Nana & Papa :)

The boys had a lot of fun flying their superhero parachute kites (on a really windy day) about a week ago!

Ezekiel's Batman Flight

Isaiah's Superman Flight

The Cubs have some new recruits!

Our boys come to the conclusion that we have a lot of Cubs stuff!

(which they like...a lot)

It's baseball season, and our boys are into it full swing, but I'm not sure the Cubs' owner knew he had these recruits!

(you may have to turn the volume up, but by the video quality you can tell this video was completely made by Ezekiel--from basic concept to finished product--he loves to be creative!)

15th Scripture Memory

So, some people have the ability to update their blog daily, or at least a few times a week. Apparently I don't fit in that category! Blogs seem to be addictive to me, so when I hop on to update my blog, I also see the updates from other blogs I follow and they beckon me to come and read. I've kind of been on a computer hiatus except for the necessary check my e-mail once a day and pay the bills. I have to admit, it's been kind of nice. I gently ease back in, but with more control and less abandon :)

On to bigger things...I just realized this morning that today's memory verse marks one third of our challenge! So if you've been memorizing with me, we've been rewiring our minds to be the same as that of Christ Jesus, and this is our 8th verse. I'm so excited!

I chose to wrap two together this time since the first one is so short:

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.

Isaiah 7:9b TNIV

Yet (she) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in (her) faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.

Romans 4:20-21 TNIV

One last thing...if you'd like to look up your verse to see the original Greek/Aramaic/Hebrew words, check out some commentary on your verse, and more, check out

http://www.blueletterbible.org/

It's an excellent free tool!

April 1st Scripture Memory

So after I posted and began working on my last memory verse, I started reading it as though I were saying/praying it to God and here's what it sounded like:

You will sprinkle me with clean water and I will be clean and acceptable to You. You will wash away everything that makes me unclean, and You will remove my disgusting idols. You will take away my stubborn heart and give me a new heart and a desire to be faithful. I will have only pure thoughts, because You will put Your Spirit in me and make me eager to obey Your laws and teachings.
from Isaiah 36:25-27

It seems like such a small change, but it rang over and over in my head as I read this verse not as God speaking to me, but as me speaking to God. The truth about how much of our change is God's doing as we hand ourselves over to Him is unmistakable. See how many times "I will" is mentioned? Only twice, and those two times are a result of something God has already done (sprinkled us with water and put His Spirit in us). This is from the Old Testament, however God wants us all to be clean, to be rid of our idols, to not be stubborn, to be faithful and pure, to obey Him--if we submit ourselves to Him fully, He wants to do this overhaul in each of our lives. And how much of this change truly is His strength performing it in us. I just thought that was pretty cool!


On to the scripture God pointed me to for this time:

"Our God, Your Name will be praised forever and ever. You are all-powerful, and you know everything. You control human events--You give rulers their power and take it away, and You are the source of wisdom and knowledge. You explain deep mysteries, because even the dark is light to You."
Daniel 2:20-22

You may or may not know this, but we are in a time of transition. And we don't yet know where we are going. But God does and the best things for our minds to be thinking of in times of uncertainty are the unwavering attributes of God. We believe with all our hearts and minds that He is working and moving and preparing us and the place we will be next, but it's like me walking around without my contacts in--it's all really blurry.

I'm praying God's Word is encouraging you and helping you stay focused, too!

15th Scripture Memory

In seeking God's direction for what word should become the next inhabitant of my mental battlefield, He reminded me of a passage from Ezekiel that I found on a fellow siesta's blog. It caught my attention initially because the author is the namesake of our oldest son, then because it speaks of something we all need--to be cleansed from worldliness and clothed with holiness, setting us apart for the work of the kingdom of God.

I included the NIV because that is the version that first piqued my curiosity, but I will memorize it in the CEV.


Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV)

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean;
I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
And I will put my Spirit in you
and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”



Ezekiel 36:25-27 (Contemporary English Version)

I will sprinkle you with clean water, and you will be clean and acceptable to me. I will wash away everything that makes you unclean, and I will remove your disgusting idols. I will take away your stubborn heart and give you a new heart and a desire to be faithful. You will have only pure thoughts, because I will put my Spirit in you and make you eager to obey my laws and teachings.


I pray you have had many opportunities to be encouraged, encourage someone, or help someone know God's love more fully because of the Words you have been planting in your mind and heart. Don't quit! I know the enemy's been trying to slow me down lately, and there have been times when I have been slowed, but I will continue to persevere. If you feel like you've fallen behind or don't feel like you've tried as hard as you wanted to, take that as a lesson to learn from. Begin again, work harder today--don't feel like you need to "catch up," just recommit today. This race is not easy, but we have a God who is mighty to save us and who delights in our choosing Him!

1st Scripture Memory

I'm definitely a few days late--sorry about that! We had a fabulous time with our youth leaders and high schoolers (and our family!) at our Winter Retreat this last weekend. So Monday we recouped and the fact that it was March 1st completely slipped by me. I'm in the middle of two open houses where I'm sharing about my recent trip to Cambodia--one was last night, the other will be tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get a chance in the next week to post some pictures. But until then, here's one pic of our group on our last night :)



In the midst of our busyness, I don't feel like I have a good enough handle on my memory verse from last time, so I'm going to continue working on it. Here it is again:

Matthew 11:28-30 Message

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

This verse sounds good to me, but it also calms my soul. I want to get it, really get it. I'm constantly putting unnecessary pressure on myself, so it may take me a while, but I'm pretty sure it could change my life.

15th Scripture Memory

So, at least I warned that I might be a tad late! We've been super busy and are learning tons of stuff that I want to share as soon as I can make sense of it (and be sound enough to put together a reasonable sentence!).

My scripture today comes from the Message translation and I love it!

Matthew 11:28-30 Message

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me--watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."


Jesus' words are so comforting to me. I've been immersed in a people whose hope is not in Him and although I do see smiles on their faces, I don't sense a peace about their spirit. Oh, how I want to learn the UNFORCED rhythms of grace!!! I try so hard to follow a schedule--it really does help me, so it's not bad. But sometimes I find myself becoming a slave to my schedule. Just a couple of the many reasons why I love this verse.

What are you working on searing on your heart and mind? Do share!

February 1st Scripture Memory

Wow! It hardly seems as if 1/12 of 2010 is already past us, but here we are in February. I have the privilege of traveling very soon, so I am going to work on embedding this lovely scripture in my heart:


Psalm 4:8 TNIV

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.


During turbulent flights & restless nights I will cling to this verse to encourage me of the One who protects us. No. Matter. What. He promises to protect us, to be a shield right by our side, to protect us from all harm, protecting our very life, as well as our coming and going, both now and forever (Psalm 121:5-8). He is good and His mighty love endures forever!!

Because of travel coming up, the February 15th Scripture Memory post may be a little early or late, depending on when I have internet access, but it will come. I pray you are being blessed immeasurably by the dwelling of God's Word in your mind and heart--I know it pleases Him!!

Helping the enemy

"All Satan needs to have momentary victory over a DISCIPLE is for us to have in mind the things of men."

Oh, I wish it weren't so! I wish once we gave our lives over to Christ's saving power and His divine guidance that we wouldn't fall back into our fleshly ways from time to time (or day to day, or even more frequently depending on the day). My desire is never to help the enemy, but when I tear down my brothers or sisters (in word OR thought) or just don't encourage and reach out when I feel God is calling me to, I am allowing Satan to have momentary victory over me. I'm making my thoughts and feelings more important than God's words to me to do good. I think followers of Jesus rarely set out to help the enemy, but unless we set our "minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:2) and purposely seek to keep our mind on the things of God, our minds will naturally rest on earthly things.

This is one reason I need to dwell on and memorize scripture--to get it in my mind. I want all my efforts to go for the kingdom of God!

January 15th Scripture Memory

I'm praying if you're along for this ride that God is already blessing you for thinking more purposefully on His words. I have several verses that I came across over the last 6 months that resonated with me, although I didn't choose to memorize them at the time I saw them. I feel like it is time for this one, however:

Revelation 12:11 TNIV

(She) triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of (her) testimony;
(she) did not love (her) life so much
as to shrink from death.

I will be taking a trip very soon. It will be the longest time I have ever been away from my family. I will be in a dangerous place. I have felt no fear of going on this trip, only God's clear call for me to go. Until the last few days. The enemy is trying to feed me fear, but you know what? I don't have to eat it. I will fight the enemy and feast on God's words. A lesson from Esther...IF ________, THEN GOD. No matter what, He triumphs. Even when we don't understand...when earthquakes come and leave us filled with questions...when we get a diagnosis that leaves us speechless...when the enemy seems to be winning. He is still in control. He is still reigning from His throne. And if we'll let Him, He will continue reigning within each of us so we can be His hands and feet to a hurting world.

...love the most

If we make time for what we love the most, what does that say of how much we love God?

Thought Responsibility

"When the Pharisee who had invited Him (Jesus), he SAID TO HIMSELF, "This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him--she's a sinner" Luke 7:39 (my emphasis added)

My quiet time today had this portion of scripture in it, but then went on to say, "Jesus holds us responsible for the things we say to ourselves." OUCH! It's so easy to think we're okay because we don't SAY mean things, or DO certain things, but what are we thinking? I don't know about you, but I've got plenty to work on. It feels like a good year to get started on it, too.

Robots, Gratefulness, and Cows

Ezekiel & Isaiah were invited to a friend's robot birthday party yesterday, which inspired their creativity today...





We didn't begin creating until this evening, so we will have to finish over the course of the next few days and I'll post the finished product. They're already talking about using them as Halloween costumes! Wow, I don't know that they'll be in very good shape by then, but we can sure try!

During bedtime we read out of either Ezekiel's "Adventure Bible for Early Readers" or Isaiah's "The Jesus Storybook Bible"--2 excellent children's Bibles we would highly recommend! They usually listen well, but tonight they both were asking for another story, then Ezekiel says, "I love reading the Bible! It is so exciting!!" Our job as parents is WAY far from over, but an excitement and love for God's Word is definitely something we want them to have and they are catching it! It's not every day we get reminders that we're on the right track, but thanks for the encouragement tonight, God!

One last thing...I guess there's two. Both boys' prayers are primarily thankful, but sometimes Ezekiel likes to get creative. He'll thank God for chickens, turkeys, pigs, cows, fish...any clue what those have in common?


All things we can eat! So tonight Ezekiel thanked God for the grass (not the first time he's done that, but...) because it feeds the cows and makes them fat so we can eat them. I had to chuckle!!!

Fabulous 2010

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are beginning a strong new year! I wanted to share something with you and offer up a challenge. Last January I began a scripture memory challenge that was issued by Beth Moore on the Living Proof Ministries blog (you can check out her post if you'd like). I've loved God for as long as I can remember, but agreed with Beth, I wanted a Jesus year! I want to learn and NEVER grow stagnant and comfortable with where I am in relation to Christ. I want to love Jesus more tomorrow than I do today. So I accepted the challenge and the accountability that was suggested. On the 1st and 15th of each month in 2009 we were to leave a comment on her post sharing the verse we chose, along with our name and where we were from. I do not know whether she will issue the challenge this year, but I believe God wanted me to see the immense blessing in treasuring His Words in my heart. I can't tell you how many dozens of times my verses would pop into my mind while I was doing something, strengthening me to keep going, or reminding me to keep my mouth shut, or to wait on the LORD, or to remember His greatness and mercy. I thought 24 verses was a small enough number to try to tackle for my first year of scripture memory. God gave me the mental power to put those verses to memory and I am ready to take on another year! God wants His Word to be in our hearts--you may already practice scripture memory--AWESOME! You may have learned powerful scriptures like John 3:16 over the course of your spiritual journey--AWESOME! You may have never memorized a word of scripture in your life--now's the perfect time to start! And to add to your arsenal of weapons to use against the enemy when he tries to knock you down.

I am going to continue memorizing scripture this year because of how powerful it has been in my life in the past year...I'm wondering if you would be game, too? Single verses, sections or chapters broken down into bits. I know if I had not felt accountable to someone, I could have too easily dropped off. If you would like to journey with me this year, I encourage you to leave a comment here sharing your scripture verse with translation and your name. I'll update on the 1st and 15th with my verse and you can choose to memorize mine with me, pick one of your own, or see what others have chosen and pick one of theirs. I can't wait to see where God takes us in 2010!

For January 1st, I'm beginning the year with Psalm 27:4 from the NIV

"One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek Him in His temple."

May you be blessed in this journey!