Anybody else remember the Carol Burnett show? That was some funny tv....
But I'm not here today to talk about vintage television variety shows (Sonny and Cher, Donny and Marie - yes, I was a child of 70's tv). This is our FINAL Scripture memory post of 2010. I've enjoyed this little blogging journey with you all; thanks for hanging in there with me. Back by popular demand, on January 1st, Beth Moore will be starting up the Siesta Scripture Memory Team on her blog (woohoo!). If you are interested in continuing to memorize the Word, and like a little accountability (and who doesn't need that?), you can read about it here.
It's been a good year. I haven't accomplished all I hoped to, but there's been some needed peace and joy this year. God is so good. Better than He has to be, as our BFF Beth often says.
My final verse from last year, 2009, was Psalm 126:5-6 NIV, "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him." There is a load of promise in that verse. I wept a lot in 2009, and needed to prophetically declare that joy was coming.
So here's my final verse for 2010.
Psalm 30: 11-12, NIV, "You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give You thanks forever."
Only He can turn seed to sheaves, sackcloth to joy, wailing to dancing.... Declare it over yourselves today. And, while you're at it, have a Merry Christmas.
Much love to you all,
Andrea
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
You look mahvelous, dahling....and Dec.1st verse (No. 23)
But you feel like crud. It's legit...you've got a cold. Something you ate didn't agree with you. PMS...ugh.
Or, maybe you had a rough day. Someone hurt you. Or, even worse, someone hurt you on purpose. Ick.
You look marvelous; you just don't feel it.
But what's really rotten is when you don't feel marvelous because you messed up. You were rotten and lousy, and it was all you, babe. There is no one else to blame it on.
Bring on the uglies. The "you always", "you messed up", "you're such a loser", the "when will you ever learn?".
I'm so glad God doesn't say those things to us. He says, "You had a less-than-marvelous moment, which is so unlike you, for you look marvelous". (But without the Billy-Crystal-as-Nando-accent.)
I don't know if you needed to be reminded of that today, but HE thinks you're marvelous. As a matter of fact, you're the apple of His eye. His favorite, even!
Psalm 30:8-10, NIV
To You, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."
Have a great week everyone; I'll "see" you on the 15th.
Or, maybe you had a rough day. Someone hurt you. Or, even worse, someone hurt you on purpose. Ick.
You look marvelous; you just don't feel it.
But what's really rotten is when you don't feel marvelous because you messed up. You were rotten and lousy, and it was all you, babe. There is no one else to blame it on.
Bring on the uglies. The "you always", "you messed up", "you're such a loser", the "when will you ever learn?".
I'm so glad God doesn't say those things to us. He says, "You had a less-than-marvelous moment, which is so unlike you, for you look marvelous". (But without the Billy-Crystal-as-Nando-accent.)
I don't know if you needed to be reminded of that today, but HE thinks you're marvelous. As a matter of fact, you're the apple of His eye. His favorite, even!
Psalm 30:8-10, NIV
To You, O LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness? Hear, O LORD, and be merciful to me; O LORD, be my help."
Have a great week everyone; I'll "see" you on the 15th.
Monday, November 15, 2010
All about Martha...no, not the one in the Bible...and verse 22
You know, there's a lot of hard stuff in the world. Your hard stuff probably isn't like my hard stuff...and vice versa. But it's all still hard when you're the one walking in it.
I know, I know. Deep.
I just wanted to throw that out there. I don't want y'all to think that this wee little peek into my corner of the world is all brightness and light and fluff... I mean, my life, for some of its challenges, is pretty darn good, but I don't want anyone to think I take their hardships lightly. Not that you think that. I'm just saying.
PMS, much?
Okay, moving on.... I did say this was all about Martha, right? Maybe we should talk about Christmas table decorations now. How's that for lightening the mood?
We had a lovely ladies' day at church Saturday and as part of the day's events, I was asked, along with three others, to decorate a holiday themed table. (Boy, have I got everyone fooled; they think I've got this decorating thing down pat.) The idea was that the ladies in attendance could view them and get ideas for their holiday tables. Two were Thanksgiving-themed; two were Christmas-themed.
Now, I don't consider myself a great table designer - a decent enough one, I 'spose - but as one who is primarily left-brained, I've got a few rules I've learned over the years and I am happy to share them. They're not particularly earth-shattering insights, but you're welcome to them.
1. Borrow stuff.
You don't have to own everything yourself. (And unless you have unlimited finances and unlimited space, you probably shouldn't. Just a thought from your frugalicious friend.)
My friend, Nay, (who actually IS one of those incredibly gifted decorator types) has some vintage dishes that belonged to her Ma. (That's a grandmother, for those of you who aren't from East Texas.) She was happy to loan them to me and they were part of the inspiration for my theme.
2. Check out decorator blogs and websites.
There are gazillions (really, I counted) of blogs by incredibly talented people with lots of time on their hands, not to mention store websites like Pottery Barn, our friend Martha, Southern Living, etc.
Copy them, y'all.
Okay, seriously. Check them out. Creativity breeds creativity. Their ideas may spur ideas of your own. (Is that the right word? Anyway, you know what I mean.)
3. Translate trends to your table top.
I used a piece of burlap as a table overlay. Burlap is a popular trend right now, at least on some of the blogs I've seen. And nature is a great holiday theme, although not one I've used a lot.
4. Combine textures.
I liked the contrast of burlap with shiny red chargers. Juxtapose (how do you like that fancy word?) opposite textures, finishes, etc. Use a silk overlay, with brown, woven rattan chargers....
5. Create staggered heights and use odd numbers.
Use upside down bowls or a book under a bunched up piece of fabric to create staggered heights. Also, odd numbered groupings tend to work well together. Remember not to make your centerpieces too tall...although I broke that rule for my display table. (Heh,heh...do as I say, not as I do...)
6. Have a Martha Stewart-type Peep.
Now, I realize this one won't apply to everyone, but if at all possible, it is very helpful if one of your Peeps (and in my case, I have access to both Peeps and sisters...I know, I know, how lucky can a girl be?) can give Martha Stewart a run for her money. First, you call her, and during one of your chats, talk about your table ideas. Mention that you found cute little red bird ornaments for a placecard. Conveniently have your stuff out when she comes by so she can see what you're working with, or set up a dry run and email pictures. (Hey, make that technology work for you. This also works when you don't know what outfit to wear for something. But that's a separate post.)
Go when she tells you to meet her at Hobby Lobby. Listen when she tells you that the little bird's nests you found in the floral department are too small and you need the medium size, not the small. Because, really? Does a bird not like a little extra room in her nest? Listen when she says, "You know what would be cute?" And then make the little shepherd's crook out of black wire and stand it up in the bird's nest with a little name tag cut in an oval with cute scalloped scissors hanging from it.
Then, don't forget to act humble when you get "oohs" and "aahs" about how cute the little bird's nests with the name tags hanging on the wee little shepherd's crook are....
So, there you have it. How to decorate a holiday table in six, easy steps. Or not. And, what the heck. If you don't give a hoot and just feel like using paper plates, go for it.
Unless Martha Stewart is coming to dinner, of course.
Well, gosh. I've gotten so distracted talking about decor-related fun, that I just about forgot to add my verse. I'm continuing on with Psalm 30.
Psalm 30:6-7, NIV
When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when You favored me, You made my mountain stand firm; but when You hid your face, I was dismayed.
That's all I've got for now. Talk to you later...I have to go clean up a broken, supposedly enviromentally-friendly, yet mercury-laden lightbulb. The fun, it never stops.
I know, I know. Deep.
I just wanted to throw that out there. I don't want y'all to think that this wee little peek into my corner of the world is all brightness and light and fluff... I mean, my life, for some of its challenges, is pretty darn good, but I don't want anyone to think I take their hardships lightly. Not that you think that. I'm just saying.
PMS, much?
Okay, moving on.... I did say this was all about Martha, right? Maybe we should talk about Christmas table decorations now. How's that for lightening the mood?
We had a lovely ladies' day at church Saturday and as part of the day's events, I was asked, along with three others, to decorate a holiday themed table. (Boy, have I got everyone fooled; they think I've got this decorating thing down pat.) The idea was that the ladies in attendance could view them and get ideas for their holiday tables. Two were Thanksgiving-themed; two were Christmas-themed.
Now, I don't consider myself a great table designer - a decent enough one, I 'spose - but as one who is primarily left-brained, I've got a few rules I've learned over the years and I am happy to share them. They're not particularly earth-shattering insights, but you're welcome to them.
 |
| Not the actual table. I recreated this at home, just so I could take a picture for you. I know, that's love. And excuse the wrinkles, please, they weren't there at the real deal. |
1. Borrow stuff.
You don't have to own everything yourself. (And unless you have unlimited finances and unlimited space, you probably shouldn't. Just a thought from your frugalicious friend.)
My friend, Nay, (who actually IS one of those incredibly gifted decorator types) has some vintage dishes that belonged to her Ma. (That's a grandmother, for those of you who aren't from East Texas.) She was happy to loan them to me and they were part of the inspiration for my theme.
2. Check out decorator blogs and websites.
There are gazillions (really, I counted) of blogs by incredibly talented people with lots of time on their hands, not to mention store websites like Pottery Barn, our friend Martha, Southern Living, etc.
Copy them, y'all.
Okay, seriously. Check them out. Creativity breeds creativity. Their ideas may spur ideas of your own. (Is that the right word? Anyway, you know what I mean.)
3. Translate trends to your table top.
I used a piece of burlap as a table overlay. Burlap is a popular trend right now, at least on some of the blogs I've seen. And nature is a great holiday theme, although not one I've used a lot.
4. Combine textures.
I liked the contrast of burlap with shiny red chargers. Juxtapose (how do you like that fancy word?) opposite textures, finishes, etc. Use a silk overlay, with brown, woven rattan chargers....
5. Create staggered heights and use odd numbers.
Use upside down bowls or a book under a bunched up piece of fabric to create staggered heights. Also, odd numbered groupings tend to work well together. Remember not to make your centerpieces too tall...although I broke that rule for my display table. (Heh,heh...do as I say, not as I do...)
6. Have a Martha Stewart-type Peep.
Now, I realize this one won't apply to everyone, but if at all possible, it is very helpful if one of your Peeps (and in my case, I have access to both Peeps and sisters...I know, I know, how lucky can a girl be?) can give Martha Stewart a run for her money. First, you call her, and during one of your chats, talk about your table ideas. Mention that you found cute little red bird ornaments for a placecard. Conveniently have your stuff out when she comes by so she can see what you're working with, or set up a dry run and email pictures. (Hey, make that technology work for you. This also works when you don't know what outfit to wear for something. But that's a separate post.)
Go when she tells you to meet her at Hobby Lobby. Listen when she tells you that the little bird's nests you found in the floral department are too small and you need the medium size, not the small. Because, really? Does a bird not like a little extra room in her nest? Listen when she says, "You know what would be cute?" And then make the little shepherd's crook out of black wire and stand it up in the bird's nest with a little name tag cut in an oval with cute scalloped scissors hanging from it.
Then, don't forget to act humble when you get "oohs" and "aahs" about how cute the little bird's nests with the name tags hanging on the wee little shepherd's crook are....
So, there you have it. How to decorate a holiday table in six, easy steps. Or not. And, what the heck. If you don't give a hoot and just feel like using paper plates, go for it.
Unless Martha Stewart is coming to dinner, of course.
Well, gosh. I've gotten so distracted talking about decor-related fun, that I just about forgot to add my verse. I'm continuing on with Psalm 30.
Psalm 30:6-7, NIV
When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." O LORD, when You favored me, You made my mountain stand firm; but when You hid your face, I was dismayed.
That's all I've got for now. Talk to you later...I have to go clean up a broken, supposedly enviromentally-friendly, yet mercury-laden lightbulb. The fun, it never stops.
Monday, November 1, 2010
And boy are my arms tired...Nov 1 verse (#21)
We flew home from Spokane, WA last night after a whirlwind weekend. Jack and I left bright and early Friday morning after dropping the boys off at my sister's house the night before. She was the trooper who was willing to add my three boys to her four for a grand total (for those of you who are math challenged) of seven very excited, testosterone-filled bodies.
And why Spokane, you may be wondering? A old friend and roommate was getting married. That's always a fun reason for a trip, right? Although I was born in Seattle, we moved to Texas when I was two and I'd never been to NE Washington before. It was beautiful in spite of being overcast and a little rainy. The weather was cold, which was a nice change from the warmth of the last couple of weeks. (Yes, I know in my last post I commented on the lovely weather, but it was short lived. Hopefully it will return as too much heat can make one cranky. I'm not naming any names though.) And they actually have fall color up there, unlike South Texas where the trees are green until one day all the leaves fall off.
It was a charming, small country wedding (and when I say country, I mean - seriously - out in the country) and the reception was at a darling 100-year-old farmhouse that a couple bought and turned into a restaurant. If you ever find yourself in Colville, WA, you must go to Lovitt.
But let me tell you what else happened! As we were getting on the plane Friday morning, Jack, who was just ahead of me getting on the plane, turned around and said, "I think Beth Moore is in first class." And sure enough, she was. She was headed to Spokane for a Living Proof Live event. (I had noticed on her website weeks before that she had an event there, and the random "wouldn't that be cool if I ran into Beth Moore in Spokane" thought ran through my mind and out the other side, but I didn't seriously think I would....) I leaned over and said "hey" to her as I passed by and we chatted for a very brief moment. I told her I was a Houston siesta who happened to be going to a wedding that weekend. I couldn't believe how nervous I was!
As we landed, Jack was urging me to rush off the plane to get a picture with her, but I was too intimidated. Plus, she was in the front of the plane and we were practically sitting in the rear lavatory, so she got a pretty good head start. We made it off the plane and naturally headed to the first place everyone goes when they get off a plane - the ladies' room. Yet who did I see as I exited the stall and we both headed for the sinks? Yep, you guessed it.
I, of course, was calm, cool, and collected. My normal witty, sophisticated self.
Or not.
Y'all, I was a mess. She was so nice and friendly. Among other barely lucid ramblings, I told her my husband was hounding me about trying to get a picture with her and she was very accommodating.
She hugged me and we parted ways. Until we ran into her again coming out of Starbucks, where I'm sure I said something clever and humorous like, "duh...coffee..." We walked together to the baggage claim, she hugged me again and we went off to get our rental car, lest she begin to think I was stalking her. I have to tell you, it was the coolest thing. I told her I was doing my verses this year. She is too, so we are in good company, y'all.
And so, at that, I'll post my next verse:
Psalm 30:4-5 NIV, "Sing to the LORD, you saints of His; praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
We had so much favor this weekend...from getting seats together on our connecting flight, to getting on the earlier flight coming home, and yes, even meeting Beth Moore.
And now my weekend reminiscenses must cease. My youngest just came in and reported, in case it wasn't obvious to the naked eye, that he cut his hair.
And why Spokane, you may be wondering? A old friend and roommate was getting married. That's always a fun reason for a trip, right? Although I was born in Seattle, we moved to Texas when I was two and I'd never been to NE Washington before. It was beautiful in spite of being overcast and a little rainy. The weather was cold, which was a nice change from the warmth of the last couple of weeks. (Yes, I know in my last post I commented on the lovely weather, but it was short lived. Hopefully it will return as too much heat can make one cranky. I'm not naming any names though.) And they actually have fall color up there, unlike South Texas where the trees are green until one day all the leaves fall off.
 |
| Mary Powers Cole, me and Jack |
It was a charming, small country wedding (and when I say country, I mean - seriously - out in the country) and the reception was at a darling 100-year-old farmhouse that a couple bought and turned into a restaurant. If you ever find yourself in Colville, WA, you must go to Lovitt.
But let me tell you what else happened! As we were getting on the plane Friday morning, Jack, who was just ahead of me getting on the plane, turned around and said, "I think Beth Moore is in first class." And sure enough, she was. She was headed to Spokane for a Living Proof Live event. (I had noticed on her website weeks before that she had an event there, and the random "wouldn't that be cool if I ran into Beth Moore in Spokane" thought ran through my mind and out the other side, but I didn't seriously think I would....) I leaned over and said "hey" to her as I passed by and we chatted for a very brief moment. I told her I was a Houston siesta who happened to be going to a wedding that weekend. I couldn't believe how nervous I was!
As we landed, Jack was urging me to rush off the plane to get a picture with her, but I was too intimidated. Plus, she was in the front of the plane and we were practically sitting in the rear lavatory, so she got a pretty good head start. We made it off the plane and naturally headed to the first place everyone goes when they get off a plane - the ladies' room. Yet who did I see as I exited the stall and we both headed for the sinks? Yep, you guessed it.
I, of course, was calm, cool, and collected. My normal witty, sophisticated self.
Or not.
Y'all, I was a mess. She was so nice and friendly. Among other barely lucid ramblings, I told her my husband was hounding me about trying to get a picture with her and she was very accommodating.
 |
| Take 1 - See, what'd I tell you? Sophisticated, I am.... |
 |
| Take 2 - Me and my BFF, Beth |
She hugged me and we parted ways. Until we ran into her again coming out of Starbucks, where I'm sure I said something clever and humorous like, "duh...coffee..." We walked together to the baggage claim, she hugged me again and we went off to get our rental car, lest she begin to think I was stalking her. I have to tell you, it was the coolest thing. I told her I was doing my verses this year. She is too, so we are in good company, y'all.
And so, at that, I'll post my next verse:
Psalm 30:4-5 NIV, "Sing to the LORD, you saints of His; praise His holy name. For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."
We had so much favor this weekend...from getting seats together on our connecting flight, to getting on the earlier flight coming home, and yes, even meeting Beth Moore.
And now my weekend reminiscenses must cease. My youngest just came in and reported, in case it wasn't obvious to the naked eye, that he cut his hair.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...Oct 15th verse (20)
We've been having the kind of weather that makes people want to move here.
The boys and I either biked or walked to the playground four days this week. (Well, I biked two days and walked the others. While it may be true that one never forgets how to ride a bike, one's posterior may need some readjusting....) Our neighborhood playground is tucked away behind some houses with lots of tall pine trees almost completely shading it. And it is vintage playground. No primary-colored plastic interactive multi-purpose play structures here.
There is a large metal swing set with 6 swings on one side. Another large metal swing set with 6 faded baby/toddler swings on the other. Metal monkey bars. A metal merry-go-round. Are you getting the metal theme? Lots of nice hard surfaces. Old school, I tell ya. And they love it.
And today, just like last Saturday (which I do realize is the 16th and not the 15th and I'm a day late posting my verse), was spent outdoors. Carpentry style. Sam and I drove up to my mom and dad's house so my dad, who is a major handyman-and-fix-it guru, could help Sam with his Boy Scout Carpentry Merit Badge. (My dad took wood shop every year in high school, and was his teacher's favorite. I totally get why.)
Here's a picture of the almost completed project. In case you can't tell, it's a book trough/shelf that will sit at the end of my avid reader/book-a-holic's bed. (Hmmm, wonder where he gets that?) Next week he'll add trim and then paint it. I think it's going to look great and he's done a super job working on it withMacGyver Grandpa. We did let the professional handle the use of the shrieking, saber toothed table saw though.
And in other news, I've been re-infected with the decorating bug. It lurks below the surface, then, usually after I've been in the company of others who are infected (and you know who you are), it rears a "needs-to-be-sanded-primed-and-painted" head. Or a "pull-out-a-hundred-staples-so-you-can-change-that-ugly-red-fabric-seat-cover-to-some-cute-burlap". As shown below.... Thankfully (at least Jack thinks so) it comes and goes.
Psalm 30:1-3 NIV
The boys and I either biked or walked to the playground four days this week. (Well, I biked two days and walked the others. While it may be true that one never forgets how to ride a bike, one's posterior may need some readjusting....) Our neighborhood playground is tucked away behind some houses with lots of tall pine trees almost completely shading it. And it is vintage playground. No primary-colored plastic interactive multi-purpose play structures here.
There is a large metal swing set with 6 swings on one side. Another large metal swing set with 6 faded baby/toddler swings on the other. Metal monkey bars. A metal merry-go-round. Are you getting the metal theme? Lots of nice hard surfaces. Old school, I tell ya. And they love it.
And today, just like last Saturday (which I do realize is the 16th and not the 15th and I'm a day late posting my verse), was spent outdoors. Carpentry style. Sam and I drove up to my mom and dad's house so my dad, who is a major handyman-and-fix-it guru, could help Sam with his Boy Scout Carpentry Merit Badge. (My dad took wood shop every year in high school, and was his teacher's favorite. I totally get why.)
Here's a picture of the almost completed project. In case you can't tell, it's a book trough/shelf that will sit at the end of my avid reader/book-a-holic's bed. (Hmmm, wonder where he gets that?) Next week he'll add trim and then paint it. I think it's going to look great and he's done a super job working on it with
And in other news, I've been re-infected with the decorating bug. It lurks below the surface, then, usually after I've been in the company of others who are infected (and you know who you are), it rears a "needs-to-be-sanded-primed-and-painted" head. Or a "pull-out-a-hundred-staples-so-you-can-change-that-ugly-red-fabric-seat-cover-to-some-cute-burlap". As shown below.... Thankfully (at least Jack thinks so) it comes and goes.
Well, I'm sure I've got lots of other earth-shattering news that's fit to print, but it's getting close to bedtime and I had better help feed the posse and herd them off to dreamland. And I'd also like to collapse on the couch with some Goode Company BBQ and give some serious thought to thanking my lucky stars I'm in Texas. Except it seems like they've gotten a little proud of their BBQ. So next time I might just give some serious thought to thanking my lucky stars that I'm saving a few sawbucks at the BBQ joint down the road.
Without further ado (you're welcome), here's my verse.
Psalm 30:1-3 NIV
I will exalt you, O LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit.
Friday, October 1, 2010
In the wee small hours....(Oct 1st - Verse 19)
when the whole wide world is fast asleep....
Two boys lie awake insisting that they can't go to back to sleep. And I, envisioning the crankiness that is two boys who have been awake since 3 AM, is equally insistent that they must. But now, it is quiet, so hopefully the "just-lay-there-with-your-eyes-closed-and-don't-talk-to-each-other" approach worked.
It did not work for me, however. But, as an adult, I can use the "all the caffeine I can injest" approach to the day. Which hopefully will be especially effective since I haven't had caffeine in about 5 weeks. (But who's keeping track?) (And chocolate doesn't count.) And since since the day involves me leaving the house at noon (at which point one of my fellow escapees will be tapping her toe at my front door) and not returning until Sunday, and I can sleep late all weekend if I want to, I may just do that. Woohoo!
I am so thankful for Jack's willingness to hold down the fort. He is such a good sport to bless me with this time away and I am grateful. For him and the R&R.
I've been cooking like a fiend all week in anticipation of being gone. Because while Jack has many skills, culinary abilities are not among them. If he had his way, everyone would eat Raisin Bran all weekend. Hence, the cooking. So, in a few minutes I'll finish here, hit the shower, and then the kitchen, for my last bit of feeding the brood and prepping before I head out. And again I say...woohoo!
On another, somewhat verse-related note, I've been reminding the boys lately that their words have power. (And I'm sure there's no correlation whatsoever between what I hear from my boys' mouths and what comes out of my own. Uh, uh, no way....) So, we're trying to cut back on the complaining and the "I can'ts", and take seriously the creative power of our words. So for this time, I'll be working on Isaiah 55:11 from the NKJ.
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
So with that I'll say adios, and this is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it! Talk to you in a couple of weeks.
And post a verse!
Two boys lie awake insisting that they can't go to back to sleep. And I, envisioning the crankiness that is two boys who have been awake since 3 AM, is equally insistent that they must. But now, it is quiet, so hopefully the "just-lay-there-with-your-eyes-closed-and-don't-talk-to-each-other" approach worked.
It did not work for me, however. But, as an adult, I can use the "all the caffeine I can injest" approach to the day. Which hopefully will be especially effective since I haven't had caffeine in about 5 weeks. (But who's keeping track?) (And chocolate doesn't count.) And since since the day involves me leaving the house at noon (at which point one of my fellow escapees will be tapping her toe at my front door) and not returning until Sunday, and I can sleep late all weekend if I want to, I may just do that. Woohoo!
I am so thankful for Jack's willingness to hold down the fort. He is such a good sport to bless me with this time away and I am grateful. For him and the R&R.
I've been cooking like a fiend all week in anticipation of being gone. Because while Jack has many skills, culinary abilities are not among them. If he had his way, everyone would eat Raisin Bran all weekend. Hence, the cooking. So, in a few minutes I'll finish here, hit the shower, and then the kitchen, for my last bit of feeding the brood and prepping before I head out. And again I say...woohoo!
On another, somewhat verse-related note, I've been reminding the boys lately that their words have power. (And I'm sure there's no correlation whatsoever between what I hear from my boys' mouths and what comes out of my own. Uh, uh, no way....) So, we're trying to cut back on the complaining and the "I can'ts", and take seriously the creative power of our words. So for this time, I'll be working on Isaiah 55:11 from the NKJ.
"So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
So with that I'll say adios, and this is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it! Talk to you in a couple of weeks.
And post a verse!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Our little secret...Sept 15 verse (No.18)
Good morning. I'm stealing a few (give or take) minutes this morning before the whole feeding people routine kicks into motion. I've got health on the brain today so that's the focus of my verse this time. Not only because, durn it, I still have a a blasted (or should I say, NOT blasted, since apparently the lithotripsy didn't totally work) 4.6 mm kidney stone, but also because I'm so focused on it for one of my kiddos. So, needless to say, diet and nutrition are on the front burners of my mind.
The kiddo's diet and nutrition, I should specify. No one needs to know about the secret stash that only mommy is privy to.... Although, I'm working on changing that. I need my beliefs about health and nutrition to more consistently line up with my actions. Anyone? Anyone?
Proverbs 4:20-22 NASB, "My [daughter], give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body."
And in this morning's "true confessions" (as if the secret stash confession weren't enough), I'd have to say this year has been more of a "meditating on" (some might even go so far as to say "scanning over", but let's not nitpick) than "memorizing" year. I'm not sure, in fact I'm pretty sure, that I couldn't remember this year's verses without significant prompting. (I guess it's a good thing no one's testing me.) Hopefully this verse will be a good reminder and encouragement to me to keep His word ever present and in the midst of my heart.
But isn't that the way it is with good habits? They don't seem to come nearly as easily as the bad ones. (TMZ much?)
Well, my "few" minutes is up and we'd better get to business around here. As I'm sure you can identify, it's far too easy for the day to get away from us, and lo, there are still miles of homeschooling to do before we sleep. Thank you, Robert Frost. (And this is where you're supposed to think I'm really smart and sophisticated because I remembered a poet and one random line from a poem enough to plagiarise it. See? More confessions. Boy, I'd better get off of here before I air all my dirty laundry.)
The kiddo's diet and nutrition, I should specify. No one needs to know about the secret stash that only mommy is privy to.... Although, I'm working on changing that. I need my beliefs about health and nutrition to more consistently line up with my actions. Anyone? Anyone?
Proverbs 4:20-22 NASB, "My [daughter], give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those who find them and health to all their body."
And in this morning's "true confessions" (as if the secret stash confession weren't enough), I'd have to say this year has been more of a "meditating on" (some might even go so far as to say "scanning over", but let's not nitpick) than "memorizing" year. I'm not sure, in fact I'm pretty sure, that I couldn't remember this year's verses without significant prompting. (I guess it's a good thing no one's testing me.) Hopefully this verse will be a good reminder and encouragement to me to keep His word ever present and in the midst of my heart.
But isn't that the way it is with good habits? They don't seem to come nearly as easily as the bad ones. (TMZ much?)
Well, my "few" minutes is up and we'd better get to business around here. As I'm sure you can identify, it's far too easy for the day to get away from us, and lo, there are still miles of homeschooling to do before we sleep. Thank you, Robert Frost. (And this is where you're supposed to think I'm really smart and sophisticated because I remembered a poet and one random line from a poem enough to plagiarise it. See? More confessions. Boy, I'd better get off of here before I air all my dirty laundry.)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Papa was a rolling stone.... and Sept 1st Verse
Well, actually it should read "Mama had a kidney stone...." since that's what's been going on around here for the last week or so. Those of you who either haven't born children yet or had yours under the influence of drugs should know that if you've had a kidney stone, you have indeed felt pain nearly the equivalent of childbirth. And while I am loath to become one of those individuals who is always lamenting her latest ailment, let me just lament for a moment. Ouch. And thank God for hydrocodone. And the sleep-inducing, pain-free state it results in.
And the no-waiting, five-star, spa-like emergency center, with its flat-screen TV, small fridge stocked with a variety of cold drinks, hot beverage machine and basket of snacks wasn't bad either. Too bad I didn't want any in my doubled-over-in-pain-condition. I would've stayed much longer, had they let me. I just hope we continue to have access to such joints when the new health care bill takes full effect.
Seriously though, since that first day I haven't had much pain, for which I am very grateful. It's hard to function on any level on pain meds, so I'm glad to not have had to take them much since the first couple of days.
But enough about my kidney stone; let's talk about my sciatica.
Oh, I KID.
I guess everyone is back to school; at least those of you for whom school is a part of your yearly calendar. For the rest of you, carry on without us. We have waded back into schooling; we're not quite up to a full load yet (although some days it feels like it), but we're getting there. (BTW, do you ever just want to get in a Winnebago and drive and drive and drive....? No? Me neither.)
Well, let's get to the business at hand. In keeping with my "stone" theme, I contemplated a "stone" memory verse, but then thought better of it as they didn't seem applicable to the rest of my life, and really, do I want to memorialize what I hope is a one-time occurrence in life? No, I thought not.
So, here goes. 1 Cor 15:58, NKJ, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Because some days I just need to remember that it's not for nothing....
And the no-waiting, five-star, spa-like emergency center, with its flat-screen TV, small fridge stocked with a variety of cold drinks, hot beverage machine and basket of snacks wasn't bad either. Too bad I didn't want any in my doubled-over-in-pain-condition. I would've stayed much longer, had they let me. I just hope we continue to have access to such joints when the new health care bill takes full effect.
Seriously though, since that first day I haven't had much pain, for which I am very grateful. It's hard to function on any level on pain meds, so I'm glad to not have had to take them much since the first couple of days.
But enough about my kidney stone; let's talk about my sciatica.
Oh, I KID.
I guess everyone is back to school; at least those of you for whom school is a part of your yearly calendar. For the rest of you, carry on without us. We have waded back into schooling; we're not quite up to a full load yet (although some days it feels like it), but we're getting there. (BTW, do you ever just want to get in a Winnebago and drive and drive and drive....? No? Me neither.)
Well, let's get to the business at hand. In keeping with my "stone" theme, I contemplated a "stone" memory verse, but then thought better of it as they didn't seem applicable to the rest of my life, and really, do I want to memorialize what I hope is a one-time occurrence in life? No, I thought not.
So, here goes. 1 Cor 15:58, NKJ, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
Because some days I just need to remember that it's not for nothing....
Sunday, August 15, 2010
It's Sunday afternoon and time for Verse 16
It is hot outside. Really hot. Like get-into-your-car-and-can-barely-take-a-breath-sweltering-hot.
Which makes me all the more grateful for air conditioning.
Speaking of air conditioning, Jack figures electricity is my love language. Maybe because I leave lights on all the time. I really am getting better at turning them off when I'm not using them; I'm making a concerted effort, honest, I am. (Also, they put off heat, and we've already determined that heat = uncomfortable, thereby making it easier to remember to turn them off.)
And we're informally counting the weeks until the first cool front wings its way southward. Now granted, it probably won't be a biggie, but any cool weather will be greatly appreciated.
Alright already, enough about the weather. (That makes me think of that line from the movie Beaches, where Bette Midler says to her friend, "Oh, enough about me. Let's talk about you. What do you think about me?")
So, what's on the agenda for all you out there in blogland? We are easing our way back into school. However, the key is not to ease for too long, so I'm going to have to kick it into higher gear next week, but so far our easing has gone well.
Well, while all the males of the family are enjoying John Wayne in Flying Tigers, I'll get down to business and post my verse before they finish and start asking for their next meal. Who knows, maybe I'll even have time for a rousing game of Spider Solitaire. Yes, I'm that lame.
I'm going to do Ephesians 2:6 NASB this time: "(But God) raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus..."
The concept of "who we are in Christ" is certainly not a new one. We hear it a lot in church circles, and I'm learning more about it - the depth and power of what it really means - lately. My prayer is that it will become revelation to me - not just head knowledge but heartfelt belief.
What verse are you going to work on?
Which makes me all the more grateful for air conditioning.
Speaking of air conditioning, Jack figures electricity is my love language. Maybe because I leave lights on all the time. I really am getting better at turning them off when I'm not using them; I'm making a concerted effort, honest, I am. (Also, they put off heat, and we've already determined that heat = uncomfortable, thereby making it easier to remember to turn them off.)
And we're informally counting the weeks until the first cool front wings its way southward. Now granted, it probably won't be a biggie, but any cool weather will be greatly appreciated.
Alright already, enough about the weather. (That makes me think of that line from the movie Beaches, where Bette Midler says to her friend, "Oh, enough about me. Let's talk about you. What do you think about me?")
So, what's on the agenda for all you out there in blogland? We are easing our way back into school. However, the key is not to ease for too long, so I'm going to have to kick it into higher gear next week, but so far our easing has gone well.
Well, while all the males of the family are enjoying John Wayne in Flying Tigers, I'll get down to business and post my verse before they finish and start asking for their next meal. Who knows, maybe I'll even have time for a rousing game of Spider Solitaire. Yes, I'm that lame.
I'm going to do Ephesians 2:6 NASB this time: "(But God) raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus..."
The concept of "who we are in Christ" is certainly not a new one. We hear it a lot in church circles, and I'm learning more about it - the depth and power of what it really means - lately. My prayer is that it will become revelation to me - not just head knowledge but heartfelt belief.
What verse are you going to work on?
Monday, August 2, 2010
A day late and a dollar short (and your August 1st verse)
I packed hubby and 3 boys off for a day of fun in the sun at Six Flags early this morning, and rather than going back to bed, which sounded like a really good option, I plan on hitting the gym instead. And when I say "hit the gym", I mean "set-the-treadmill-at-a-snail's-pace-and-watch-cable-on-my-individual-tv-screen". We did finally join a local gym on Friday, after thinking about it for eons, so I'm hoping to become a little more active then I've been. In fact, I went to an aerobics class on Saturday. Water aerobics, to be exact. Because I'm a maw-maw. (No offense to maw-maws everywhere.) I could feel a few of my unused muscles gently reminding me of their presence the next morning, so in spite of the fact that working out in the water didn't feel very challenging at the time, apparently I really was using some of them. Either that or it's an indicator of how long it's been since I exercised. Ugh. Scary thought.
On the bright side, I felt really young in that class.
Our summer fun is winding down. Jack and Sam and all the assorted and asundry Scouts survived their week of BSA summer camp in a very hot corner of Oklahoma....where the wind goes sweeping down the plain. Actually it was quite hilly and rocky where they were; no plains to speak of. Jack was kind enough to take a picture of Sam's feet, namely the line of dirt around Sam's ankles, so I could see for myself how dirty he got. Actually I expected worse; at least one of his t-shirts will never be the same and may be relegated to the rag basket. One of the first things Sam told me when he arrived home was, "I didn't brush my teeth all week." Oh, yes, we're all about the good hygiene.
Well, onto our August-1st-on-August-2nd memory verses, and, my, wasn't that a nice, smooth segue?
I don't have one this time. Nothing has jumped out at me and, to be honest, I haven't completely gotten my last couple down, so I'm going to use this two weeks as a review time.
Do you have a verse to share?
On the bright side, I felt really young in that class.
Our summer fun is winding down. Jack and Sam and all the assorted and asundry Scouts survived their week of BSA summer camp in a very hot corner of Oklahoma....where the wind goes sweeping down the plain. Actually it was quite hilly and rocky where they were; no plains to speak of. Jack was kind enough to take a picture of Sam's feet, namely the line of dirt around Sam's ankles, so I could see for myself how dirty he got. Actually I expected worse; at least one of his t-shirts will never be the same and may be relegated to the rag basket. One of the first things Sam told me when he arrived home was, "I didn't brush my teeth all week." Oh, yes, we're all about the good hygiene.
Well, onto our August-1st-on-August-2nd memory verses, and, my, wasn't that a nice, smooth segue?
I don't have one this time. Nothing has jumped out at me and, to be honest, I haven't completely gotten my last couple down, so I'm going to use this two weeks as a review time.
Do you have a verse to share?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Short and sweet, Verse 14 (July 15)
Ugh. Sickness. It has visited us this week. Thankfully we are at the tail end of it and we will prevail.
In the meantime, it's July 15th already and time for another verse, so here goes....
2 Cor. 9: 10 NIV, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."
In the meantime, it's July 15th already and time for another verse, so here goes....
2 Cor. 9: 10 NIV, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."
Thursday, July 1, 2010
July 1st; 13th Verse
I'm sitting here with blogger's block, and since I can't think of anything particularly inspirational, I'll just give you an update on our life.
We just got back from a great doctor's appointment. (Hmmm, those are words one probably doesn't get to say very often!) Sam needed a camp physical before he goes off to Boy Scout camp this summer, so in true procrastinator style, we got it in just under the wire. I really liked the doctor - a fellow home schooler who practices out of their home, and goes to our church as well. How cool is that?
Swim team ended with our End of Season Fajita Feast on Sunday, and while it was a great experience (everyone can swim now!), I'm glad it's over. It was two months of what felt like non-stop activity. I'd like to assume that those families whose kids are in school, soccer, Little League, piano, and other activities ad nauseum were somewhat used to it (I'm sure they would beg to differ); I, on the other hand, have to confess that there are days when we don't go anywhere, and that don't even require me to get out of my pajamas if I don't want to (and let's hear it for staying in our pajamas all day - woohoo!), so being somewhere everyday was a change from our normal routine.
Last night was our final session of the Breaking Free study at church. It was a good one. (But aren't they all?) Next on the agenda is Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy by Kelly Minter. Are y'all in a Bible study this summer? For this one, we were supposed to characterize our current season of life in one word. Boy, talk about a difficult assignment for a group of wordy women (although I challenge you to find me a group of women that aren't); we then shared one specific goal we had for being in Bible study this summer. I find that I, and therefore my overall life, seem to function better in general with the structure that comes from a Bible study format; that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
And I'm done updating. You can wake up now.
Today's rain, courtesy of Hurricane Alex's outer bands, thankfully nothing severe, is preventing any outside activities, so some bickering, the usual complaints of "I'm bored", and repeated requests to watch TV are going on. I'll resist...for a while...and save my TV bullet for a little later in the day. And hopefully today I can catch up on some of the laundry that has piled up, at least enough so that I no longer have to send the boys digging in the nearest basket when they need something to wear. I would also like to do some planning for school...which, also hopefully, will start sooner than later. The boys will be thrilled.
Before I forget, here's my verse:
James 1:22, 25 NIV, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.... The (wo)man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what (s)he has heard, but doing it--(s)he will be blessed in what (s)he does."
Obedience brings blessing.
We just got back from a great doctor's appointment. (Hmmm, those are words one probably doesn't get to say very often!) Sam needed a camp physical before he goes off to Boy Scout camp this summer, so in true procrastinator style, we got it in just under the wire. I really liked the doctor - a fellow home schooler who practices out of their home, and goes to our church as well. How cool is that?
Swim team ended with our End of Season Fajita Feast on Sunday, and while it was a great experience (everyone can swim now!), I'm glad it's over. It was two months of what felt like non-stop activity. I'd like to assume that those families whose kids are in school, soccer, Little League, piano, and other activities ad nauseum were somewhat used to it (I'm sure they would beg to differ); I, on the other hand, have to confess that there are days when we don't go anywhere, and that don't even require me to get out of my pajamas if I don't want to (and let's hear it for staying in our pajamas all day - woohoo!), so being somewhere everyday was a change from our normal routine.
Last night was our final session of the Breaking Free study at church. It was a good one. (But aren't they all?) Next on the agenda is Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy by Kelly Minter. Are y'all in a Bible study this summer? For this one, we were supposed to characterize our current season of life in one word. Boy, talk about a difficult assignment for a group of wordy women (although I challenge you to find me a group of women that aren't); we then shared one specific goal we had for being in Bible study this summer. I find that I, and therefore my overall life, seem to function better in general with the structure that comes from a Bible study format; that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
And I'm done updating. You can wake up now.
Today's rain, courtesy of Hurricane Alex's outer bands, thankfully nothing severe, is preventing any outside activities, so some bickering, the usual complaints of "I'm bored", and repeated requests to watch TV are going on. I'll resist...for a while...and save my TV bullet for a little later in the day. And hopefully today I can catch up on some of the laundry that has piled up, at least enough so that I no longer have to send the boys digging in the nearest basket when they need something to wear. I would also like to do some planning for school...which, also hopefully, will start sooner than later. The boys will be thrilled.
Before I forget, here's my verse:
James 1:22, 25 NIV, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.... The (wo)man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what (s)he has heard, but doing it--(s)he will be blessed in what (s)he does."
Obedience brings blessing.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
I'm tired...and June 15th Verse (#12)
My elaborately planned and thought out post for today consists of the following:
I've tried to convince them that we could reduce our dish and utensil usage by not eating, but they don't seem interested in that option.
Here are my verses:
Isaiah 26:3 NIV, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
Isaiah 54:17 NIV, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD."
Oh, I love those. There is nothing like His Word to fix what ails ya.
- stating how incredibly tired I am tonight,
- posting my verses,
- and did I mention that I'm stinkin' pooped tonight?
I've tried to convince them that we could reduce our dish and utensil usage by not eating, but they don't seem interested in that option.
Here are my verses:
Isaiah 26:3 NIV, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."
Isaiah 54:17 NIV, "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me," declares the LORD."
Oh, I love those. There is nothing like His Word to fix what ails ya.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
11th Verse (June 1st)
The boys and I ventured out to the zoo on Friday. All I can say is...it was haaawwwt. And not in a Paris Hilton-way either. But it was fun to be out with my guys. We're looking forward to going back. In January.
This is our last week of afternoon swim team practice. Next week we'll get to experience the joy that is getting to the swimming pool at 8am. We had a "mock meet" last week, which was really good for swim team newbies like us. And I have to say that Michael was really cute in his "shark" swim cap, complete with little gray fin sticking up on top and grinning teeth along the sides.
It's been good getting to meet some of my neighbors. I guess it's about time I got out of the little hermit hole that is my house and joined my community. And, guess who's one of the moms helping with the concession stand and end-of-the-season party? Do you think they pegged that one or what? Cause y'all know I like to plan me some parties.
I think people underestimate the power of helping out. At its most basic, jobs have to be done or swim teams, Cub Scouts, you-name-it, can't run. But it's also a great way to get to know people and creates a sense of ownership and belonging. Sure, there are seasons in life when that's difficult to do and sometimes we need to just be able to drop off...but I'm learning that community won't come knocking on my door. We have to do our part.
All right - here are my verses...still from the Breaking Free study. We're just over halfway through.
Isaiah 46:9 NIV, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me."
Isaiah 54:10 NIV, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
I'd love to see your verses. Hang in there, you can do this; and if you haven't posted in a while, but would like to, feel free!
This is our last week of afternoon swim team practice. Next week we'll get to experience the joy that is getting to the swimming pool at 8am. We had a "mock meet" last week, which was really good for swim team newbies like us. And I have to say that Michael was really cute in his "shark" swim cap, complete with little gray fin sticking up on top and grinning teeth along the sides.
It's been good getting to meet some of my neighbors. I guess it's about time I got out of the little hermit hole that is my house and joined my community. And, guess who's one of the moms helping with the concession stand and end-of-the-season party? Do you think they pegged that one or what? Cause y'all know I like to plan me some parties.
I think people underestimate the power of helping out. At its most basic, jobs have to be done or swim teams, Cub Scouts, you-name-it, can't run. But it's also a great way to get to know people and creates a sense of ownership and belonging. Sure, there are seasons in life when that's difficult to do and sometimes we need to just be able to drop off...but I'm learning that community won't come knocking on my door. We have to do our part.
All right - here are my verses...still from the Breaking Free study. We're just over halfway through.
Isaiah 46:9 NIV, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me."
Isaiah 54:10 NIV, "Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you."
I'd love to see your verses. Hang in there, you can do this; and if you haven't posted in a while, but would like to, feel free!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I'm bored...and May 15th Verse
I'm not bored, but this is the lament I am currently hearing from an unnamed boy, who, though the floor of his room is covered with more Legos than is imaginable, still cannot find ANYTHING. TO. DO. Another boy, in a sudden onset of musical inspiration, is strolling through the house strumming on a guitar like ye old minstrels of yesteryear.
And happy rainy Saturday to y'all too. Chores, I tell ya...that's what we need...chores!
And suddenly...all is quiet. It's amazing at the stillness that ensues when the "ch" word is mentioned.
So while it's quiet for a minute, and before I go get started on some of my own chores, I'll post my verses for this time. I'm still doing Beth Moore's Breaking Free study so am working my way through the memory verses for that.
Isaiah 61:2-3, "to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor."
Aaaaand they're back. "Is there anything I can do besides work?"
Gee, I wonder how he is at changing water filters.
I hope y'all have a great rest of the month enjoying all the hustle and bustle that is the end of the school year. Don't forget to post your verse!
And happy rainy Saturday to y'all too. Chores, I tell ya...that's what we need...chores!
And suddenly...all is quiet. It's amazing at the stillness that ensues when the "ch" word is mentioned.
So while it's quiet for a minute, and before I go get started on some of my own chores, I'll post my verses for this time. I'm still doing Beth Moore's Breaking Free study so am working my way through the memory verses for that.
Isaiah 61:2-3, "to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor."
Aaaaand they're back. "Is there anything I can do besides work?"
Gee, I wonder how he is at changing water filters.
I hope y'all have a great rest of the month enjoying all the hustle and bustle that is the end of the school year. Don't forget to post your verse!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Oh my goodness, it's May 1st! Verse 9
Well, here I am. Betcha thought I forgot, huh?
You would be right. Sort of. Although it's more of a remembering, forgetting, remembering, forgetting, remembering, running out the door, forgetting, then remembering again thing. (Did you get all that?)
I am still as convinced as ever, and grow more so all the time, that we desperately need to hide the Word of God in our hearts. I had an anxiety-inducing situation arise yesterday and I could sense the Spirit reminding me to fight it with the Word. (Only He said, "DO the Word.") Every time fear or anxiety, worry or doubt creeps in, I need a giant, Word-sized, fear-anxiety-worry-doubt-swatter so I can bat it out of the park, otherwise my (very untrustworthy) emotions can and/or will run away with me. This situation may not be resolved for a little while, so I have an opportunity to exercise my faith.
I was at the dentist the other morning - for the first time in I'm-embarrassed-to-admit-how-long - and while I was there the dental assistant took my blood pressure. (I didn't know they did that at the dentist.) Apparently it was quite good...and low. She made the comment that it was the blood pressure of an athlete, and asked me if I worked out.
Is it rude to snort out loud in the dentist's chair?
Anyway, I'll be working out my faith. It may be easy on the body, but challenging to my spirit.
Here are my verses this time:
Isaiah 64:4 NIV, "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him."
Isaiah 61:4 NIV, "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."
Your turn. Just do it.
(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
You would be right. Sort of. Although it's more of a remembering, forgetting, remembering, forgetting, remembering, running out the door, forgetting, then remembering again thing. (Did you get all that?)
I am still as convinced as ever, and grow more so all the time, that we desperately need to hide the Word of God in our hearts. I had an anxiety-inducing situation arise yesterday and I could sense the Spirit reminding me to fight it with the Word. (Only He said, "DO the Word.") Every time fear or anxiety, worry or doubt creeps in, I need a giant, Word-sized, fear-anxiety-worry-doubt-swatter so I can bat it out of the park, otherwise my (very untrustworthy) emotions can and/or will run away with me. This situation may not be resolved for a little while, so I have an opportunity to exercise my faith.
I was at the dentist the other morning - for the first time in I'm-embarrassed-to-admit-how-long - and while I was there the dental assistant took my blood pressure. (I didn't know they did that at the dentist.) Apparently it was quite good...and low. She made the comment that it was the blood pressure of an athlete, and asked me if I worked out.
Is it rude to snort out loud in the dentist's chair?
Anyway, I'll be working out my faith. It may be easy on the body, but challenging to my spirit.
Here are my verses this time:
Isaiah 64:4 NIV, "Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him."
Isaiah 61:4 NIV, "They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."
Your turn. Just do it.
(Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Happy tax day...and April 15th Verse (the 8th one!)
...or extension day, depending on if you actually file your taxes on April 15th. We (and I use the term "we" loosely, as I have not actually prepared a tax return since my single, 1040 days) are more the extension-filing types. Oh well, however you do it, render unto Caesar and all that.
I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for this post. Alas, today life happened and here it is the late afternoon and I'm just now sitting down to get it done. There is a way to schedule them to post once they're written, but I haven't quite figured out how to make that work yet. Aren't you glad I shared that little bit of tech info with you? Now you can't say you didn't learn anything new today. Sam Houston was also married three times. There, you've learned something else. This blog is a wealth of useful information, I tell ya.
I ran some errands with Michael this morning while the two older boys were otherwise occupied. He kept trying to guess where we were going,
"HEB?"
"No."
"Oh, good. Lowe's?"
"No."
"Costco?"
"No."
"Where are we going?"
"To DSW."
"What's DSW?"
"It's shoe heaven."
"Oh, is that where shoes come to life?"
"Yes, my son, actually...it is." (Okay, I didn't really say that part....)
It's just one more thing about women that I have to teach my boys. That shoe stores are heaven and ladies like chatting.
So anyway, moving on. I started a new Beth Moore study last night; it's the updated edition of Breaking Free. Part of this study is (coincidentally) memorizing scripture, so my verses for the next 10 weeks (5 posts worth) will be from that. And they are actually one a week (plus one from the intro - whew!) so I may be doing more of a "meditation" on the verses, than an actual "memorizing" of them, but I'll give it my best shot.
Galations 5:1 (NIV), "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Isaiah 61:1 (NIV), "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,"
Isaiah 43:10 (NIV), ""You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."
Your turn. Verse on.
I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for this post. Alas, today life happened and here it is the late afternoon and I'm just now sitting down to get it done. There is a way to schedule them to post once they're written, but I haven't quite figured out how to make that work yet. Aren't you glad I shared that little bit of tech info with you? Now you can't say you didn't learn anything new today. Sam Houston was also married three times. There, you've learned something else. This blog is a wealth of useful information, I tell ya.
I ran some errands with Michael this morning while the two older boys were otherwise occupied. He kept trying to guess where we were going,
"HEB?"
"No."
"Oh, good. Lowe's?"
"No."
"Costco?"
"No."
"Where are we going?"
"To DSW."
"What's DSW?"
"It's shoe heaven."
"Oh, is that where shoes come to life?"
"Yes, my son, actually...it is." (Okay, I didn't really say that part....)
It's just one more thing about women that I have to teach my boys. That shoe stores are heaven and ladies like chatting.
So anyway, moving on. I started a new Beth Moore study last night; it's the updated edition of Breaking Free. Part of this study is (coincidentally) memorizing scripture, so my verses for the next 10 weeks (5 posts worth) will be from that. And they are actually one a week (plus one from the intro - whew!) so I may be doing more of a "meditation" on the verses, than an actual "memorizing" of them, but I'll give it my best shot.
Galations 5:1 (NIV), "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
Isaiah 61:1 (NIV), "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,"
Isaiah 43:10 (NIV), ""You are my witnesses," declares the LORD, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me."
Your turn. Verse on.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Fugitive Emissions...and April 1st Verse
Well, Happy April Fool's Day. Huh? What would be the appropriate greeting for this day? Maybe it's just 'gotcha!' And don't we all LOVE being gotten. Or not.
We really aren't big "April Fooler's" around here (I'm sure the boys would get a kick out of it if we were and I've already heard them "April Fooling" each other this morning); growing up we did our share of filling the sugar bowl with salt and vice versa, swapping the salt & pepper, etc. Pretty tame stuff, I admit. These days I guess I don't have the creativity (or energy) to put into coming up with any big stunts. And, to be perfectly honest, I don't really want anything extra to clean up either.
I was stumped for a verse this time so I went back to the March 6th post on the Living Proof blog. Beth had us all post a scripture to encourage us in strength, power and victory and the comments are a treasure trove of potential memory verses. I came across several that I liked, but chose this one. 2 Cor 2:14 (NASB), "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
This may come as a shock to some of you, but I have found myself being slightly attitudinally-challenged lately. Yes, that's an official self-diagnosis. I know (from some of my past experience being attitudinally-challenged) that one powerful prescription for that malady is thankfulness. So what better than a verse that just starts right out with a big ole "thanks be to God"? A little reminder of our triumph in Christ - always - isn't a bad thing either.
Jack had to take some training down at one of the plants a year or so ago and came home with a new phrase that we all found amusing - because we're sophisticated like that. The phrase is "fugitive emissions" - emissions of gases or vapors from pressurized equipment due to leaks and various other unintended or irregular releases of gases. (Thanks, Wikipedia...you said it so much more eloquently than I ever could have.)
We've all smelled it. You're driving near a refinery and all of a sudden...whoa, what died?! Well, there you have it...fugitive emissions. Needless to say, with three boys in the house, this phrase has become a favorite. For obvious reasons that shall remained unstated. Boy howdy, could our house use some aromatic assistance from time to time....
I actually can't think of much that would be better than being a walking diffuser of HIM wherever I go.
We really aren't big "April Fooler's" around here (I'm sure the boys would get a kick out of it if we were and I've already heard them "April Fooling" each other this morning); growing up we did our share of filling the sugar bowl with salt and vice versa, swapping the salt & pepper, etc. Pretty tame stuff, I admit. These days I guess I don't have the creativity (or energy) to put into coming up with any big stunts. And, to be perfectly honest, I don't really want anything extra to clean up either.
I was stumped for a verse this time so I went back to the March 6th post on the Living Proof blog. Beth had us all post a scripture to encourage us in strength, power and victory and the comments are a treasure trove of potential memory verses. I came across several that I liked, but chose this one. 2 Cor 2:14 (NASB), "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place."
This may come as a shock to some of you, but I have found myself being slightly attitudinally-challenged lately. Yes, that's an official self-diagnosis. I know (from some of my past experience being attitudinally-challenged) that one powerful prescription for that malady is thankfulness. So what better than a verse that just starts right out with a big ole "thanks be to God"? A little reminder of our triumph in Christ - always - isn't a bad thing either.
Jack had to take some training down at one of the plants a year or so ago and came home with a new phrase that we all found amusing - because we're sophisticated like that. The phrase is "fugitive emissions" - emissions of gases or vapors from pressurized equipment due to leaks and various other unintended or irregular releases of gases. (Thanks, Wikipedia...you said it so much more eloquently than I ever could have.)
We've all smelled it. You're driving near a refinery and all of a sudden...whoa, what died?! Well, there you have it...fugitive emissions. Needless to say, with three boys in the house, this phrase has become a favorite. For obvious reasons that shall remained unstated. Boy howdy, could our house use some aromatic assistance from time to time....
I actually can't think of much that would be better than being a walking diffuser of HIM wherever I go.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Spring has Sprung...and Verse 6
Well, so far this daylight savings time thing is eating my lunch... Here it is 10:30 and no one has had breakfast yet. (And The Staff is off this week so no breakfast in bed for me.) Oh, well, we'll just eat in a little bit and call it an early lunch.
I've got some exciting stuff planned for spring break, including but not necessarily limited to, the following:
Well, let me share my verse and get on with it. I'm memorizing Phil. 3:12b (NASB), "I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Bob Mumford used this verse in The Agape Road in talking about becoming a Father-pleaser. God had a THAT in mind for each one of us when he formed us, called us, and laid hold of us. Made me think of that scene from City Slickers...you know, the ONE thing. Don't remember it? Why not? It's only a 20 year old movie. What can I say? I don't get out enough.... I'll work on getting some more current movie references. In the meantime, you have a THAT...a destiny and purpose that you are called to fulfill.
And on a similar note, we had this prophet dude in church yesterday who talked a lot about God the Father and intimacy with the Father, which is exactly what The Agape Road is about. I think it's so cool when God repeats in church what we did in class. It's like He's saying, "Can you hear Me now?"
Y'all have a great Spring Break. Can't wait to see your verses.
Andrea
I've got some exciting stuff planned for spring break, including but not necessarily limited to, the following:
- The office closet floor needs to be unearthed from a couple of weeks ago when I told Sam to push a bunch of stuff in there to get it out of the way.
- The parts of the desk that I can see are covered with dust. Aha! There's a reason to not clear off the desktop.
- Weeds. Everywhere. Although according to Jack, a weed is just a plant growing in the wrong place. Is it still the sin of pride if your pride is what actually makes you finally weed your flowerbeds?
- I've never completed the room-switching-over-process from a few weeks ago. We got Sam moved into Michael's room, but never fully got Michael moved into Josh's room, meaning Michael's clothes are in various places all over the upstairs, which is challenging since he is the boy who actually likes to wear clean clothes everyday.
Well, let me share my verse and get on with it. I'm memorizing Phil. 3:12b (NASB), "I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus." Bob Mumford used this verse in The Agape Road in talking about becoming a Father-pleaser. God had a THAT in mind for each one of us when he formed us, called us, and laid hold of us. Made me think of that scene from City Slickers...you know, the ONE thing. Don't remember it? Why not? It's only a 20 year old movie. What can I say? I don't get out enough.... I'll work on getting some more current movie references. In the meantime, you have a THAT...a destiny and purpose that you are called to fulfill.
And on a similar note, we had this prophet dude in church yesterday who talked a lot about God the Father and intimacy with the Father, which is exactly what The Agape Road is about. I think it's so cool when God repeats in church what we did in class. It's like He's saying, "Can you hear Me now?"
Y'all have a great Spring Break. Can't wait to see your verses.
Andrea
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Henceforth and Forevermore to be Known as the Lamest Blog Post Ever AND the March 1st verse
You know, I'm willing to bet this won't actually be my lamest blog post ever - oh goodie! something for you to look forward to - but I couldn't think of another title.
My left ear has been plugged up all day. An earthshattering and deeply spiritual way to begin, I know. I've felt a little lopsided all day and have been walking around saying really intelligent things like, "huh?", "whadjya say?", and "I can't hear you." I even introduced myself to some new people at church, and I fear they thought I was a real dork, since all I could think about while trying to make friendly chitchat was "my ear is plugged up and I feel lopsided."
And I had to get groceries today (Sunday) which doesn't feel particularly Sabbath-restful, ya know? With a 4-year-old in tow, no less. (I know, I know...at least it was only one. But one who conveniently gets hungry the minute we enter a store and insists on walking with me or hanging on the side of the cart.)
And one of my good friends pointed out a couple of weeks ago that the picture I had over my mantle was too big, so all I can think about (besides my ear being plugged up and feeling lopsided) is "what on earth am I going to put up there now?" Gee, great - a decorating dilemna. Oh, the turmoil that is my life.
I'm kidding, of course. Not about the ear or the mantle, but the turmoil. And, btw, my dear friend is going to be getting some digital pictures in her email so she can help me virtually redecorate my mantle. What are talented friends for, right?
So, on to more "spiritual" topics. I hope your verses are going well. I'm really having to work on mine; they aren't "flowing" as well as I'd like. (I blame the ear.) (And the decorating turmoil.)
My verse this time is John 15:4-5 (NKJV), "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
We are doing a video series in our Pursuer Class (Sunday School) called The Agape Road and it's about abiding, intimacy with the Father, etc. It's good stuff, but I find this whole concept of abiding somewhat vague. What does it mean? What exactly does it look like? Do I need to pray for x number of minutes? Read x chapters? Fast? Meditate or something? I need specifics, people! (Can you tell someone is task oriented?) (Hence, the trouble abiding.) (BTW, I like the word hence.)
Well, hang in there, bloggy-memory-verse-friends; we can do this. Any verse, of any length, or portion thereof, entered into your memory bank is - to quote Martha Stewart - a good thing. Now, post your verse!
My left ear has been plugged up all day. An earthshattering and deeply spiritual way to begin, I know. I've felt a little lopsided all day and have been walking around saying really intelligent things like, "huh?", "whadjya say?", and "I can't hear you." I even introduced myself to some new people at church, and I fear they thought I was a real dork, since all I could think about while trying to make friendly chitchat was "my ear is plugged up and I feel lopsided."
And I had to get groceries today (Sunday) which doesn't feel particularly Sabbath-restful, ya know? With a 4-year-old in tow, no less. (I know, I know...at least it was only one. But one who conveniently gets hungry the minute we enter a store and insists on walking with me or hanging on the side of the cart.)
And one of my good friends pointed out a couple of weeks ago that the picture I had over my mantle was too big, so all I can think about (besides my ear being plugged up and feeling lopsided) is "what on earth am I going to put up there now?" Gee, great - a decorating dilemna. Oh, the turmoil that is my life.
I'm kidding, of course. Not about the ear or the mantle, but the turmoil. And, btw, my dear friend is going to be getting some digital pictures in her email so she can help me virtually redecorate my mantle. What are talented friends for, right?
So, on to more "spiritual" topics. I hope your verses are going well. I'm really having to work on mine; they aren't "flowing" as well as I'd like. (I blame the ear.) (And the decorating turmoil.)
My verse this time is John 15:4-5 (NKJV), "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."
We are doing a video series in our Pursuer Class (Sunday School) called The Agape Road and it's about abiding, intimacy with the Father, etc. It's good stuff, but I find this whole concept of abiding somewhat vague. What does it mean? What exactly does it look like? Do I need to pray for x number of minutes? Read x chapters? Fast? Meditate or something? I need specifics, people! (Can you tell someone is task oriented?) (Hence, the trouble abiding.) (BTW, I like the word hence.)
Well, hang in there, bloggy-memory-verse-friends; we can do this. Any verse, of any length, or portion thereof, entered into your memory bank is - to quote Martha Stewart - a good thing. Now, post your verse!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Locked and Loaded...and Feb 1 Verse
I am so enjoying seeing the verses you chose...and some of the respective comments as to why you chose your particular verse crack me up!
It's a great thing to have these verses in our arsenal. That's really what they become in our lives - a storehouse of weapons to draw upon when we wage war in our minds against fears, worries, vain imaginations. Be anxious for nothing, quoted frequently, because it is a necessary reminder that we are to - guess what? - be anxious for nothing.
The weapons we fight with, Paul tells us, are NOT the weapons of this world. And here's the part I really like. ON THE CONTRARY. I mean, it's a good thing to have worldly weapons when you need them. But wait! That's not all! Can't you just see it? It's like he's just getting started, just getting his engines revved up, and here he comes with the "now-look-here-just-you-wait-a-cotton-pickin-minute". (Maybe he was from South Israel.) And I bet there's some serious finger-stabbing-in-the-air going on too. And then, the real kicker...they, these weapons of ours, have DIVINE POWER to demolish strongholds.
He uses some strong words - depending on your translation, words like pulling down, destroying, destruction, demolish, tear down, take captive. (Some of my boys' favorites - both in word and in deed.) Those thoughts that set themselves up against the knowledge of God are not going to go quietly. The enemy doesn't respond to a "pretty please". He pays no attention to a polite, gentle, "if you don't mind please leave me alone" and doesn't just lay down and give up. ON THE CONTRARY. We have to demolish his arguments, tear down thoughts, take captive every high thing that has the audacity to come against what God says is so. Hence, the strong words and the need for powerful arms.
There's a phrase from military circles that means that your weapon has its magazine in place, is ready to fire, and you are ready for action. It's applicable to us as well. We have to be locked and loaded and ready to take some thoughts captive.
Okay, then....so on to my verse. Here's what I'm memorizing this go-round:
Romans 6:5-7 NLT, "Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised as He was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin."
Set free. That's some good stuff there.
I look forward to seeing yours.
It's a great thing to have these verses in our arsenal. That's really what they become in our lives - a storehouse of weapons to draw upon when we wage war in our minds against fears, worries, vain imaginations. Be anxious for nothing, quoted frequently, because it is a necessary reminder that we are to - guess what? - be anxious for nothing.
The weapons we fight with, Paul tells us, are NOT the weapons of this world. And here's the part I really like. ON THE CONTRARY. I mean, it's a good thing to have worldly weapons when you need them. But wait! That's not all! Can't you just see it? It's like he's just getting started, just getting his engines revved up, and here he comes with the "now-look-here-just-you-wait-a-cotton-pickin-minute". (Maybe he was from South Israel.) And I bet there's some serious finger-stabbing-in-the-air going on too. And then, the real kicker...they, these weapons of ours, have DIVINE POWER to demolish strongholds.
He uses some strong words - depending on your translation, words like pulling down, destroying, destruction, demolish, tear down, take captive. (Some of my boys' favorites - both in word and in deed.) Those thoughts that set themselves up against the knowledge of God are not going to go quietly. The enemy doesn't respond to a "pretty please". He pays no attention to a polite, gentle, "if you don't mind please leave me alone" and doesn't just lay down and give up. ON THE CONTRARY. We have to demolish his arguments, tear down thoughts, take captive every high thing that has the audacity to come against what God says is so. Hence, the strong words and the need for powerful arms.
There's a phrase from military circles that means that your weapon has its magazine in place, is ready to fire, and you are ready for action. It's applicable to us as well. We have to be locked and loaded and ready to take some thoughts captive.
Okay, then....so on to my verse. Here's what I'm memorizing this go-round:
Romans 6:5-7 NLT, "Since we have been united with Him in His death, we will also be raised as He was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin."
Set free. That's some good stuff there.
I look forward to seeing yours.
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15th Verse
So many verses; so little time.
It's lame, I know, but choosing my next verse is hard for me. Kind of like going to the Cheesecake Factory - for crying out loud, they have a lot of choices. Although if you go, you really should try the Avocado Eggrolls. But I digress....
There are so many verses I should know as a Christian, some that I need in my daily walk, others that help me know more about who God is and His promises. I don't want one too short (Jesus wept, anyone?). I don't want one too long (read that: challenging). I console myself with the truth that ANY Word is good.
On another note, I got to my favorite part of Job this morning (which is partly my favorite because it makes sense and I find Job to be a somewhat confusing book, but anyhoo) right at the end where God finally speaks up after Job and all his friends have been going on and on. He tells Job to "gird up your loins"; in other words, get ready to take it like a man, cause I'm gonna dish. And then He does. But a couple of verses stuck out to me. In Job 38:22-23 it says, "Have you entered the storehouse of the snow, or seen the armory of the hail, which I reserve for the time of trouble, for the day of war and battle?"
When I was a teenager, just to irritate my sister (which I try not to do anymore), when she would start questioning me about something, I'd calmly say "I've got it under control," (with great superiority in my voice, of course). I think that's what God was saying to Job (and to us). We don't see the whole picture - only what is immediately visible to us. We've got an enemy, an adversary. Sometimes they may even have skin on them. But our God has a whole stash of hail, on hold, in reserve, with that enemy's name on it. He's got your back. He's in control. In the right time, somebody's going down.
Well, enough rambling. I guess I should get to my verse now, although I sure do like that Job one. For this time I'm going to memorize Exodus 34:6-7a, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." NASB
I've enjoyed our Scripture memory adventure so far. On a technical note, if you are commenting anonymously (without a registered login), if you don't mind, would you please include your name in your comments? No pressure - this is a laid back blog, mind you - but it's nice to see who's on this trip with us. If you're continuing on with a verse from the first two weeks, you can just say that too.
Your turn.
It's lame, I know, but choosing my next verse is hard for me. Kind of like going to the Cheesecake Factory - for crying out loud, they have a lot of choices. Although if you go, you really should try the Avocado Eggrolls. But I digress....
There are so many verses I should know as a Christian, some that I need in my daily walk, others that help me know more about who God is and His promises. I don't want one too short (Jesus wept, anyone?). I don't want one too long (read that: challenging). I console myself with the truth that ANY Word is good.
On another note, I got to my favorite part of Job this morning (which is partly my favorite because it makes sense and I find Job to be a somewhat confusing book, but anyhoo) right at the end where God finally speaks up after Job and all his friends have been going on and on. He tells Job to "gird up your loins"; in other words, get ready to take it like a man, cause I'm gonna dish. And then He does. But a couple of verses stuck out to me. In Job 38:22-23 it says, "Have you entered the storehouse of the snow, or seen the armory of the hail, which I reserve for the time of trouble, for the day of war and battle?"
When I was a teenager, just to irritate my sister (which I try not to do anymore), when she would start questioning me about something, I'd calmly say "I've got it under control," (with great superiority in my voice, of course). I think that's what God was saying to Job (and to us). We don't see the whole picture - only what is immediately visible to us. We've got an enemy, an adversary. Sometimes they may even have skin on them. But our God has a whole stash of hail, on hold, in reserve, with that enemy's name on it. He's got your back. He's in control. In the right time, somebody's going down.
Well, enough rambling. I guess I should get to my verse now, although I sure do like that Job one. For this time I'm going to memorize Exodus 34:6-7a, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin." NASB
I've enjoyed our Scripture memory adventure so far. On a technical note, if you are commenting anonymously (without a registered login), if you don't mind, would you please include your name in your comments? No pressure - this is a laid back blog, mind you - but it's nice to see who's on this trip with us. If you're continuing on with a verse from the first two weeks, you can just say that too.
Your turn.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
How Are Your Verses Going?
Have you found your spiral index cards? I found some at Walmart the other day and stocked up. I've even been known to - gasp! - flip it over when I get to the end and use the other sides of the cards. Yeah, I'm frugal that way...or just unprepared and ran out of cards...it all depends on how you look at it.
One thing I usually do is jot down the date for the verse I'm memorizing. There were times looking over last year's verses that the date would jog my memory for that verse ("oh, yeah, that was after the first/second/third doctor's appointment" or "that was when we were praying about ________"). You get the idea, I'm sure.
If you have some tricks or ideas that you use, will you please share them with us in the comments? And you don't have to use the spiral cards either if you find something that works better for you. The index card police will not come after you.
I'm going to link to Beth Moore's blog (look at me, getting all fancy-schmancy with my linking-self) where she gave some memorization tips that you might find helpful.
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/01/scripture-memory-mini-tutorial_08.html
So glad to have y'all along for the ride.
One thing I usually do is jot down the date for the verse I'm memorizing. There were times looking over last year's verses that the date would jog my memory for that verse ("oh, yeah, that was after the first/second/third doctor's appointment" or "that was when we were praying about ________"). You get the idea, I'm sure.
If you have some tricks or ideas that you use, will you please share them with us in the comments? And you don't have to use the spiral cards either if you find something that works better for you. The index card police will not come after you.
I'm going to link to Beth Moore's blog (look at me, getting all fancy-schmancy with my linking-self) where she gave some memorization tips that you might find helpful.
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/01/scripture-memory-mini-tutorial_08.html
So glad to have y'all along for the ride.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Welcome to the Scripture Memorization Blog and January 1st verse
I'm so glad you're here. The effort you invest this year will NOT be in vain. Now, let's jump in with both feet, shall we?
We are going to memorize 24, yes 24, scriptures this year! On the 1st and 15th of each month, I will post an entry and ask each of you participating to post a comment with your scripture. Don't worry - no one is going to analyze your verse and why you chose it or look for underlying messages or agendas. Pick something the Lord is speaking to you in your season, whatever that is. It can be long or short, it's totally up to you - if you want to do a long passage, feel free to spread it out over time.
As some of you know, this original idea came from Beth Moore and the Siesta Scripture Memory that we did last year. It was so good, I thought it needed to be done again, so here we are. She suggests getting a set of spiral bound index cards (check Walmart, office supply stores, etc.) to use for writing your verses on. It is transportable and also easily stands up so you can prop it up wherever you spend the most time - at a desk, at the kitchen sink, etc.
So, just to get us started, I'll share my verse for January 1st. It is Psalm 65:11 from the NET Bible, "You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake."
Now, let's hear yours.
We are going to memorize 24, yes 24, scriptures this year! On the 1st and 15th of each month, I will post an entry and ask each of you participating to post a comment with your scripture. Don't worry - no one is going to analyze your verse and why you chose it or look for underlying messages or agendas. Pick something the Lord is speaking to you in your season, whatever that is. It can be long or short, it's totally up to you - if you want to do a long passage, feel free to spread it out over time.
As some of you know, this original idea came from Beth Moore and the Siesta Scripture Memory that we did last year. It was so good, I thought it needed to be done again, so here we are. She suggests getting a set of spiral bound index cards (check Walmart, office supply stores, etc.) to use for writing your verses on. It is transportable and also easily stands up so you can prop it up wherever you spend the most time - at a desk, at the kitchen sink, etc.
So, just to get us started, I'll share my verse for January 1st. It is Psalm 65:11 from the NET Bible, "You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake."
Now, let's hear yours.
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