Bible Verses for the Year

Participating in the scripture memory challenge has been a wonderful thing for me. I can't believe that I started this almost a year ago. One of the things I did along the way was to make a Keynote presentation of my verses that I used as a screen saver on my office computer. I have turned that into a little movie that I would like to share with my family and friends. I hope you enjoy. I would challenge you to join me as I continue to learn new verses are the 1st and 15th of every month.

Karen's Bible Verses from Karen Milligan on Vimeo.

Siesta Memory Challenge - December 15

It is time again for a new verse. This verse will be the last verse of this year long of memorizing verses. Since it is also the end of the semester, I choose this very familiar verse as a way of praying for my students.

Philippians 1: 3-6
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.



Here are my previous verses. I can't believe that I can actually say these verses. I had really thought that I had lost the ability to memorize things like I used to. At least I can memorize scripture. I know that it is only with the Lord's help.

Philippians 4: 11-13
Psalm 100: 1-5
Colossians 3:15-17
I Chronicles 29:11
Psalm 13: 5-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Siesta Memory Challenge - December 1

I selected this verse because I believe I need to learn to be content. I need to let go of worry and also let go of making sure everything goes OK. I need to learn to be content at work when things get a little hard like they are now. I need to learn to depend on the strength that comes from Christ and not my own strength.

Philippians 4: 11-13
¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


Here are my previous verses. I can't believe that I can actually say these verses. I had really thought that I had lost the ability to memorize things like I used to. At least I can memorize scripture. I know that it is only with the Lord's help.

Psalm 100: 1-5
Colossians 3:15-17
I Chronicles 29:11
Psalm 13: 5-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Good Attitude

It is that time of the semester, hard for everyone. Projects and tests for students, preparing and grading projects and tests for professors. This was in my devotion today and it is perfect reminder for me. It is from Swindoll's "Great Days with Great Lives" book - Week 46, Thursday.

We make a choice every waking moment of our lives. When we awaken in the morning, we choose the attitude that will ultimately guide our thoughts and actions through the day. I'm convinced our best attitudes emerge out of a clear understanding of our own identity, a clear sense of our divine mission, and a deep sense of God's purpose in our lives. That sort of God-honoring attitude encourages us to press on, to focus on the goal, to respond in remarkable ways to life's most extreme circumstances.

Dear Lord, Give me the strength to choose each moment to have a good attitude. Help me to see myself through your eyes, as your beloved child. For this is the only way I can truly understand who I am . Show me in little glimpses the destiny you have for me and the steps that I must take each day to reach that destiny. May I chose to walk toward that destiny with joy and peace that can come only from you.

Siesta Memory Verse for November 15

Since this is the verse before Thanksgiving, I thought I would select some verses from the Psalms about being thankful. I remember one of the first verses that I can remember memorizing as a child. In fact, I decided to use the whole chapter, since it is short and very familiar.

Psalm 100: 1-5

A psalm. For giving grateful praise.

¹ Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.

² Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

³ Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

⁵ For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Here are my previous verses. I can't believe that I can actually say these verses. I had really thought that I had lost the ability to memorize things like I used to. At least I can memorize scripture. I know that it is only with the Lord's help.

Colossians 3:15-17
I Chronicles 29:11
Psalm 13: 5-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Siesta Memory Challenge - November 1

It is time again for another memory verse. This time I didn't have one that I knew that I wanted to memorize, so it took me awhile to decide. I have chosen this passage for several reasons. First it begins by reminding me that I need to let the peace of Christ rule in my heart. This is something that I need to do daily. It also reminds me of the importance of having an attitude of thankfulness for all that Christ has give me. Finally it reminds me that everything I do should be something that is worthy of being done in the name of Christ.


Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Here are my previous verses. I can't believe that I can actually say these verses. I had really thought that I had lost the ability to memorize things like I used to. At least I can memorize scripture. I know that it is only with the Lord's help.

I Chronicles 29:11
Psalm 13: 5-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Green Pastures

We just got back from our fall break camping trip to Fall Creek Falls. While I was there I found this quote by Max Lucado.

"For you to be healthy, you must rest. Slow down, and God will heal you. He will bring rest to your mind, to your body, and most of all to your soul. He will lead you to green pastures. With his own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He tore out the thorny underbrush of condemnation. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place he planted seeds of grade and dug ponds of mercy. And he invites us to rest there."

Thank you for my time of rest. Now may I return to work tomorrow knowing that you will give me the strength I need.

Here are some pictures from this beautiful place.

Siesta Memory Challenge - October 15

<sup>I can't believe it is time for another verse. Time is really moving on. This has been a very busy two weeks. I decided that I need to choose a verse that was in the Old Testament and before Psalms. I ran across this verse in one of my devotion books. It reminded me of the song on Steve Curtis Chapman's last album, "Yours". This verse is from King David's prayer after people gave gifts for the building the temple. Can't you just hear King David rejoicing and praising God as he gave his wealth and led his people to do the same.

Oh Lord you are great and mighty God and I praise you. You have given me so much, may I always give it back to you. May I live every second knowing that everything is Yours. What a joy!

BTW here is the link to the song on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Y_lHevMdpc

I Chronicles 29:11
11</sup> Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is yours.
Yours, LORD, is the kingdom;
you are exalted as head over all.

Psalm 13: 5-6
Philippians 4: 4-7
Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Siesta Memory Challenge - October 1

I chose this verse as a kind of follow up to my last verse. I want to rejoice more, for I have much to rejoice for, my Lord who saves me and my family who love me. The Lord has truly been good to me.

Psalm 13: 5-6
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing the LORD's praise, for he has been good to me.

Philippians 4: 4-7
Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Do you know where your parents are? - A lesson learned

So tonight I needed to check a date with my parents. I started calling and got no answer on home phone or cell phone. I called one of my sisters to ask if she knew where they were. My parents have an RV and often just go somewhere on the spur of the moment. She had been trying to call them all week and hadn't gotten them, but maybe one of my other sisters would know.

I then called sister number 2. She lives the closest to my parents. She didn't know where they were either. She drove by the house and it was all dark and it was clear no one was at home. So I then called sister number 3 and she didn't know either, but at least she had talked to them on Wednesday. By now I had talked to all 3 of my sisters in one evening. . . . and no one knew where they were. So we called my aunt and she didn't know either. They were not in any of their usual places and it was 9:30.

Finally about 9:45 I get this call from Dad who says I hear that the whole family is looking for me. It is the 4th Thursday of the month, Gideon meeting time. We should have known this.

When I hung up I had a good laugh. How silly I was to worry about them, how silly we all were. We were ready to call out the national guard. I remembered this public service announcement when I was in high school that had this phase "Do you know where your children are?' to encourage parents to be a part of their child's life. I also remembered once coming in 10 minutes past curfew and facing my father. It was not a pretty sight, ah poetic justice.

Now there are tears of joy because I have such a wonderful family. We all lead busy lives, even my parents. We just had this wonderful party for my mom's 80th birthday when we were all together at the same time. But even though we are busy and don't talk to each other every day, we are right there for each other the second there is a need. This isn't an accident or luck. I believe it is because my parents (and their parents before them) love Jesus and taught us to love Jesus with all of our lives.

Dear Father, thank you for all the lessons that I learned tonight. . . the value of family and the gift we have of each other. Teach me to trust more, knowing that we all rest in your hands and that you always know where we all are. Thank you for the promise that we will always be with you and together in the home that you have prepared for us. I love you Jesus.

Siesta Memory Challenge - September 15

I chose this verse because I have friends and family who are facing fear right now. I have friends that are facing cancer and other uncertain circumstances. I also liked this verse because of the admonition to let our gentleness be evident to all. I think this is something that I really need to work on. I also need a sense of peace to replace my sense of being overwhelmed.

Philippians 4: 4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


Zephaniah 3: 17
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Siesta Memory Challenge - September 1

Today is opening convocation at my school. One of the things that I like about this is that we will sing our school hymn. It was a hymn written for us. The chorus is based on Zephaniah 3:17. This weekend at the Beth Moore Simulcast she taught about delighting in the Lord and how he also delights in us. I can't remember if she mentioned this verse or if I just remembered it. But as I read it again this morning I am thinking how much I need to know right now that God delights in us. There is nothing here that I have to be good enough to earn. It is all his grace. I need to know that as I begin a new school year.

Zephaniah 3: 17
The LORD your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing."

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Isaiah 50: 4
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

School Starts Today

When I taught middle school I came across a poem that I taped to my desk. It runs through my mind every year at the first of school.

School starts tomorrow, Lord, and I'm nervous.
Ease my anxiety.
Give me confidence,
and let my confidence give the children security.

School starts tomorrow, Lord; make me ready.
You have given me a job to do
and the ability to do it well.
You have given me your promise that you will never leave me.
And you have guided me in all my preparation.
So now let me face tomorrow
eagerly and unafraid
for ultimately my confidence rests in this:
"I am raedy for anything
through the strength of the one who lives in me" Phil. 4:13

While I don't teach children anymore, I still feel some of the same anxiety. Since I have been on sabbatical, I haven't taught in 8 months. I so want this year to be different.

Dear Great Teacher,
Teach me to teach like you, to love like you, to care like you. Let me walk only in your wisdom and knowledge. Give me your strength and wisdom as I face this new day of teaching.

The Knowledge of God

I found these word in the book of Puritan prayers (The Valley of Vision) that my son gave me several years ago. As I have spent much time in preparing for school these words about the knowledge of God were just beautiful to me and reminded me of the most important thing that I teach, the thing that I teach with everything that I do, the knowledge of God.

I am guilty, but pardoned,
lost, but saved,
wandering, but found
sinning, but cleansed.
Give me perpetual broken-heartedness,
Keep me always clinking to thy cross,
Flood me every morning with descending grace,
Open to me the springs of divine knowledge,
sparkling like crystal,
flowing clear and unsullied
through the wilderness of life.

Siesta Memory Challenge - August 15

As school begins I thought that this would make a very good verse to remind me how much I need to listen to him in order to be the kind of teacher that he created me to be.

Isaiah 50: 4
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Titus 2:7-8
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Sunny Skies and Dark Clouds - At the Same Time

The weather has been so strange this summer. Usually in July the temperature is in the high 80's and 90's with the only rain be late afternoon heat thunderstorms. You can usually go 2 weeks without mowing and you have to water your flowers every other day. Well, the rain hasn't seem to stop this summer. We have had to mow every week and I haven't watered the garden but once or twice the entire summer. The skies have been so strange this past week. Bright sun shine with a single dark cloud in one place. so if you are not looking at that part of the sky you think it is a regular sunny summer day - then you feel a drop of rain and see the dark cloud. It just seems to come from nowhere.

Bright, sunny skies and dark clouds - at the same time. My life seems to be like that now. Bright happy times, good relationships, but then there are these dark clouds - worries about family, friends, and work responsibilities. When skies grow dark may I always look to the light that Jesus brings to our lives. Whether rain or shine - bright skies or dark clouds - Jesus always walks with us through our days. He knows where we have been and where we are going. He has gone ahead to prepare a place for us and now He is walking us home - through sunny skies and dark clouds.

Siesta Memory Challenge - August 1

I found a reference to my new verse in a Bible study that I am doing. As this month will be the beginning of a new school year, I chose this verse to help me remember the way I should act as a teacher. While this verse was written to a young man who was to serve as a teacher of the gospel of Christ, I think it provides wisdom for all of us that are teachers of any kind.

Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Romans 11: 33-36
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Crosses In My Office

Our building is going through a much needed renovation. As a part of that renovation I moved to a new office. It is the biggest one that I have ever had and I had a whole blank wall to fill. I wanted to find something special to put there. I have never been one to use crosses to decorate. In some ways it seems wrong to use so holy an object as a decoration. But when I was looking for something to hang I found all these beautiful metal crosses. I was just drawn to each one.


So there are now 9 crosses on my wall. The one in the frame is made of nails and the verse beside it is Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord. Even though this was something very different for me I think that I was drawn to each one. I want my office to be a place that is powered by the love of Christ and the cross is the strongest symbol for that love. As I walk in each day and come back to my office after going to class I want to see this wall and be reminded in a powerful way of Christ' love. I think about how Jesus can take something so horrible, like a cross, and make it something beautiful, like these crosses. I want every student and friend that walks in that office to know that they are loved.

This morning during my prayer time I found this prayer from the Puritan Prayer book that my son gave me.

At the cross that relieves my conscience
let me learn lessons of self-denial, forgiveness, and submission
feel motives to obedience
find resources for all the needs of divine life.

Then let me be what I profess
do as well as teach
live as well as hear religion.

It is amazing how these words written 200 years ago so perfectly express what I feel now. Oh Lord may I always be drawn to your love that was shown through the cross.

Siesta Memory Challenge - July 15

Here is my new verse. I chose this one because it is a familiar one, a beautiful poetic scripture, that I decided that I should be able to quote. It is also about the wisdom of God and as I get ready to start another school year this verse will remind me the source of any knowledge I might try to share.

Romans 11: 33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who had been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay them? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Our Anniversary

Yesterday was our anniversary. We have been married 27 years. Last night the last thing we said to each other was 27 years, can you believe it?

The infatuation and emotion of falling in love has been replaced by a true and strong love, a love that is both head and heart. There are many couples today who walk away from marriage because they say they don't love their partner any more. I think this is because they see love as an emotion or feeling only. True love is a decision as much as an emotion. It is deciding to love someone else more than yourself. It is keeping a promise, a commitment, that you made.

One of my memory verses is Ecc. 4:12, "A cord of 3 strands is not quickly broken." I think that a strong marriage is like that. Each person is a cord, but it takes that third cord, the cord of Jesus' love for us, to make it one that is not quickly broken.

Lord, thank you for the wonderful man that you have given to love me. Thank you for the wonderful 27 years we have had together. Thank you for our children and all they have given to our lives, for adding their cords to our lives. I pray that my children will see that we have woven the cord of Christ's love into our lives and that they will one day weave that cord in their marriages.

Running Ahead of God

1 Kings 20:46
The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

This verse comes after the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel. He had seen God defeat the prophets of Baal. He had prayed and God had sent rain. And now he was outrunning evil King Ahab riding in a chariot. This was a time of great victory. Elijah had been faithful and God had powerfully answered his prayers. He was running with the power of the Lord.

But then Jezebel had sworn to kill him and he was afraid. He left his servant and went alone to the desert. He was running away.

Elijah ran ahead of God, without God telling him where to go. Before he had always gone where and when God had directed. He started running in a good direction toward the Mountain of God, the mountain where God had made his covenant, but he was still running scared. So he ran out of strength and grew discouraged. He asked God for it to just be over. He had had enough.

Still God came to him. He sent an angel to provide him with food and he went forward.

And so Elijah ended up at the mountain of God and hid in a cave. Now God spoke to him and asked "What are you doing here?" The question implies that Elijah had come for his own reasons. His answer was defensive - "I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too."

His answer was focused on himself. Then God passed by, first in a wind, then in an earthquake, then in fire. And finally in a still whisper. God asked the same question, "What are you doing here?" and Elijah gave the same answer. He didn't understand what God was saying for his focus was too much on himself. Elijah had wanted God to call judgment on the people of Israel through wind and fire, God was going to speak to them through a single voice, like he spoke to Elijah at the mountain.

Even though Elijah didn't understand, he still followed the Lord's instructions to go back and appoint Hazel king over Aram and Jehu king over Israel and appoint Elisha to be his successor. Later on these kings would the instrument of God's judgment but through Elisha God would still preserve a remnant who were faithful to him.

Elijah's time of greatest discouragement came after his greatest battle and victory. I wonder what more Elijah would have done, how else God would have used Elijah if he had not run away. Thankfully, he did not run away forever, but walked back to his job. He followed God and again showed great faith and courage in delievering God's message to another king.

Oh, LORD when I don't understand and want only to run away, help me to always listen to you and to faithfully walk where you lead. Help me not to run ahead of you, but walk where you lead in your power. Amen

Siesta Memory Challenge - July 1

Here is my new verse. I chose this one because as I face the coming year I am overwhelmed by the work I still want to do to get ready. This verse tells me that I need not fear for God will equip me with everything I need to do his will.

Hebrews13:20-21, TNIV
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.


Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

What It Means To Trust In God

I found this wonderful teaching in Swindol's devotion book. It is from a book by Dr. Raymond Edman called In Quietness and Confidence. I think it truly sums up what it means to trust God.

When Dr. Edman faced a difficult trial first he was quiet for a while with his Lord and then he wrote these words:

First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, in His time He can bring me out again-how and when He knows.

Happy Birthday to My Daughter

My daughter's 21st birthday was yesterday. And we did what all good mothers and daughters should do on their birthdays - go shopping, even if we did have some male tag alongs. A walk around the mall while the women shop is good exercise.

Thank you Lord for my daughter, for the wonderful woman she has become. Thank you for the fun we have being together and finding not only the perfect dress on sale but how much we are loved as your children. Thank you for your great blessings and love, a perfect love that drives out all fear. (1 John 4: 18). May my daughter continue to grow in your perfect love and share that love with others in the warm and wonderful way she does now. Amen

Siesta Memory Challenge - June 15

Here is my new verse. I chose it now because I am in the middle of planning my courses for next year and I want to help students learn to work together so that they can teach their students how to work together. I see this verse as one reason to teach cooperatively, so I thought it would be good to have it memorized.

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, TNIV
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor;
If they fall down, the can help each other up.
But pity those who have no one to help them up!
Also if two lie down together they can keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of 3 strands is not quickly broken.


Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Confession of Self-Sufficiency

This is a wonderful quote from "The Path of Celtic Prayer," by Calvin Miller from page 147 and 150.

"We can never achieve union with God by clinging to our self-sufficiency. Recognizing and admitting our need in confession creates a heart cry for oneness.

Those who belong to Christ do not have their own agenda. Those who are one with the Savior find their strength not in their own agenda but in that of the Savior. "

This is my greatest battle, my clinging to my own self-sufficiency. Oh Lord set aside my agenda and make your agenda my agenda. Show me your way and give me strength only to walk with you. Amen.

Letting Go

While I was studying and thinking about my new memory verse I realized that to really follow God's leading you have to be obedient. I really want to follow God's every command, but this means I have to let go of things that I think I need to take hold of what he has for me.

I thought about something that happened while we camping at Fall Creek Falls. Thomas and I went on the trail down to Piney Creek. This is a trail that we know really well. We knew where we were going and that the trail wasn't that difficult. After you cross over the suspension bridge you have to climb down a rocky path. It had been rainy a lot the week before so we knew the path would be slick. I went first and there is this tree that you can grab onto to climb down. It has been used so much that the bark is soft and smooth, like a stone in the river. I grabbed the tree and went down. I turned around to see that Thomas hadn't climbed down yet and I asked why he didn't just grab the tree. He said he couldn't reach it. I asked why he couldn't reach it when his arms and reach are longer than mine and I reached it just fine. He said that what I did was to jump just a little ways. That is why I could reach it. I kind of lunged for it. I didn't think about doing this, I just did it.

You see I wasn't afraid. I could see where I was going. I knew that holding on to the tree would keep my from falling. I knew many others had held on to the tree before and I had held on to the tree before. I think this is the way I want to follow Christ. To let go of my safe place and just reach out for Him, knowing that he will be there to keep me from falling. And I want to do this just like I did with the tree, without even thinking about it.

Here is a picture of where we going - Piney Creek above the falls. It is a truly beautiful place, just like where God will always eventually lead us.

Siesta Memory Challenge - June 1

Here is my new verse for June. I found it in my reading of Isaiah. I chose it because I want to be a better listener to God's voice to know the way to walk. According to the notes in my study bible, the word Hebrew form of the word "teachers" can be rendered "Teacher" and can refer to the Lord. This is a great promise.

Isaiah 30:20-21, TNIV
Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. ²¹ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Siesta Memory Challenge - May 15

Siesta Memory Challenge,
Here is my new verse. I had another one picked out, but I decided that it would be nice to memorize something that Jesus said. So after reading several of my favorite passages I decided on this one. In some ways it is Jesus promise of the same thing that God told Jeremiah in my last memory verse.

John 17: 25-26, TNIV
Righteous father, though the world does not know you, I know you and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love that you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Thoughts on Holiness

I have started a new book by Mark Buchanan, The Holy Wild. The chapter that I just finished was about the Holiness of God. I just wanted to share what I have learned, and since no one really reads my blog, this is really more for myself.

In our moments of greatest need our greatest need is to simply see the Lord. "This is our greatest need in times of greatest need: to have our lives redefined for us - ruined and remade- by a terrible, wonderful encounter with the King of glory. To see God as He really is." page 145.

Worship is where we have our lives redefined.

Like Isaiah, before we can rest in the holiness of God we must be undone by his holiness. (Isaiah 6). "That's what God does. The holiness of God at first consumes us, ruins us. But if we submit, it cuts the burden, burns the sin, and sets us free." page 158

Be holy because I am holy.

Happy Mother's Day

I think the best thing about Mother's Day is that it always happens on Sunday. Dr. Wilder's sermon this morning was wonderful. He talked about how it important it is for us to build a foundation for our children. My parents build an unbelievably strong foundation for me. Actually I have a strong foundation back as many generations as I know. I love you, mom.

The scripture for the sermon was from Paul's letter to the Corinthians. It is about the foundation he built for the church at Corinth, but as Dr. Wilder said, I think it also applies to families.

I am grateful for a wonderful husband and I pray that we together have built a strong foundation for our children that they will build on with gold and silver and costly stones rather than wood, or hay, or straw. And to my children, you are both so wonderful and have brought me such indescrible joy.

1 Cor. 3:10-15 - By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. ¹⁴ If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

And here is my benediction for today - 3 John 1: 2-4
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. ³ It gave me great joy to have some believers come and testify to your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Prayer from "The Valley of Vision

Several years ago my son gave me a book for Mother's day called The Valley of Vision. It is a book of puritan prayers. I found these wonderful words today in my quiet time.

My soul is often a chariot without wheels
clogged and hindered in sin's miry clay;
Mount it on eagle's wings and cause it to soar upward to thyself.

May 1 Bible Memory Challenge

Siesta Memory Challenge,

Here is my new memory verse for May 1st. I chose it because I have come to want a heart to know God more and more. I want it to always be my greatest desire. This verse tells us it is God who gives us that desire.

Jeremiah 24:7, TNIV
I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.

Since my verse list is getting long now and I have posted the full text in previous posts, I will just put links to the verses that I am memorizing this year.
Psalm 16:11
2 Peter 1: 5-8
2 Timothy 2:24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Ephesians 5: 19-20
James 4: 7-8
Isaiah 43: 18-19
Philippians 3:12-14

Jethro, Moses and the Burning, Not Burned Up, Bush

Moses was called by God from a burning bush that burned but was not consumed. God is the only one who can burn and not be consumed. In the lesson I read today from Dr. Swindoll I learned that without the advice of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses would have been consumed. The story is in Exodus 18.

After Jethro had heard about Moses' experiences in Egypt, he came to find Moses. He was excited about Moses' work and did not begin with criticism but with excitement and praise. After a good party he watched Moses at work and ask him two questions: What are you doing and Why are you doing it alone? For this is what he noticed "¹⁷ Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. ¹⁸ You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone."

The Hebrew word used for wear yourselves out is one used to mean wither. The first thing that happens to us when we do too much is that we loose our distinction. When we try to add additional elements to our work we weaken what we are best at doing, the gift God gave us to do. This idea is powerful and has made me stop and take a close look at my life. What are the essential elements in my life? What is it that God has gifted me to do?

Another thing about withering away is that you see it in someone's face. You see people fade away. Withering is a gradual thing. Gradually your eyes become dim and you look becomes grim. No one is attracted to an always grim looking individual. I think that I have learned that you can only hide withering away for awhile. So for a teacher you can't build relationships with students if you look is dim and there is no brightness in your eyes. If you are always tired then that look is seen by students as anger and critical judgment. They see you as putting them down and you no longer can be the encourager that you must be as a teacher.

It is the wise man that can see withering away in himself, but it is the even wiser man who asksto his friends and family if they see withering. Moses didn't see it in himself. It was Jethro who saw it. No one is so great or so gifted that he or she can't learning from someone who has their good at heart.

Here is the counsel that Jethro gave to Moses and God gives to us. (And God has given to me through Dr. Swindoll with the Beautiful Music playing on my iPod)

• Separate the essential from the additional - every job has these two elements. The essential are the things that God has called you and gifted you to do. But there are things that are additional. They are good things, things that have to be done. The danger is in adding so many of these that we reach the breaking point. "Our real problems tend to occur not in our essential area, but in those additional areas that we take on and attempt to maintain.
• Restrain yourself more, involve yourself less. " The body needs so much work, so much rest, so much relief, and can handle only so much strain. Disregard that, and something snaps."
• Efficiency increases as we relinquish. Doing more does not guarantee effectiveness.
• When a Jethro shows up in your life, listen to what he has to say. It is hard to say no when you love everything, but if you don't listen to the Jethros in your life you will pay a terrible price.

My God and Loving Father,
Thank you for this wonderful lesson. Thank you for sending a Jethro in my life. Thank you for giving me this sabbatical. Let me keep the lessons I have learned here and always keep times of sabbatical in work. While they won't be a whole semester, teach me to take daily ones. Teach me what is essential in my life and my work. Teach me how to say no to the additional. Keep my from fading away. Restore the light in my eyes. Help me to see when other people are fading and be a Jethro.

Beautiful Music - Twice in the Same Day

Wow! - what a wonderful Lord we have. Twice in the same day he has spoken to me.

Right after I finished my last post, I hurriedly got ready to go to chapel at my school. The Tennessee Baptist Choral was going to be the chapel service. This has been on my calendar for a long time so I have been looking forward to it.

These are things that I learned during the worship.

• We are never alone! The service began with the men quietly singing we are not alone as they entered the sanctuary. We were surrounded by these words. It is like God to wrap us in his presence just like the choir wrapped us in sound. We need to hear those words right now during these very difficult days.
  
• The men in the choir have all given their lives to serve our God. There were old ones - I saw my very first children's choir leader - and young ones - students that have just recently graduated - and ones in the middle like my current minister of music. It was wonderful to see all these faithful ones. I want to be like that, a faithful one who serves my God all my life.
  
• They sang a song that reminded me of the old Baptist tradition of revivals. We don't have them too much any more and some times for some very good reasons. They were not always perfect, but it made be think about my childhood. I thank my wonderful parents for making church a part of my life from my earliest memory. They never made me go to church, we just went, all of us, all the time. It was great fun. I always loved it. You see they didn't go because they had to either, they went because they wanted to. And they gave that to me. They gave me a discipline of being in the Lord's house on a regular basis. So now I go and I love it and it is not ever something that I think about doing. I go and I meet my Lord there and he gives me wonderful gifts. I pray that I have given my children the same thing and they will give the same thing to their children - when they have them. Thank you Lord for parents who taught me about you through everything they did and not just what they said.
• Thank you for the pure joy that I saw in the faces of the choir and in Mary McDonald, the accompanist. It was just fun. There is only one way that we can have that kind of joy - it is your gift. Thank you for the pure joy that you gave me to today.
• Thank you for the reminder that, as my friend Stan says, "In the end it is simple - God wins." Thank you for the hope that one day you will call us home, that You will reign in victory forever.

Amen

Beautiful Music and Another Word from the Lord

I really believe that this music by the Radio Bible Class must have been really prayed over before it while it was being written, created, performed, recorded, and released. I think I must always listen to it while I have my daily quiet time.

I am reading about Moses and the Red Sea. Here are some things God showed me through his Word and through his servant, Dr. Swindoll.

The Hebrews lifestyle at the time was Egyptian to the core. They had never known what it was like to live in the land where they were going.

The Hebrews weren't accidentally at the Red Sea. They had been led there by God with a huge cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. They were following Moses, a man who had learned obedience and knew what the Lord wanted him to do. They were sure they were in the right place. It wasn't a wrong turn, God took them there. He knew they needed the Red Sea to learn something.

When I think back over my latest Red Sea experience, I see the same thing. I was sure that I was supposed to do what I was doing. I was very sure that the Lord was leading me there. He also sent me a Moses, a friend who was also sure that she was following what the Lord wanted her to do. She was listening very closely to him. This is why when I came to the Red Sea I was very surprised. The whole journey God had protected us. So when I came to the Red Sea I did the very things the Hebrews did I cried to God and asked why. so many whys. Why did I have to come to this place? Why couldn't I have just stayed where I was? Why did I have to fail? Why did I have to be betrayed?

You know the Lord never really told the Hebrews why. He only said, "Don't fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent." Exodus 14. So the Lord told them to do 4 things that he also tells us:

1. Fear not
2. Stand Still
3. Watch him work
   
4. Keep quiet
   

I asked why for a long time. Now I have come to the point where the why doesn't matter. Or maybe I know why, there have been many things that I have learned at the Red Sea. They are the lessons that that Dr. Swindoll describes:

1. It takes tight places to break lifetime habits. For me the lifetime habits was to do it myself, to depend only on my own strength.
   
2. When hemmed in on all sides the only place to look is up.
3. If the Lord is to get the glory, He must do the fighting. "Had we been in charge of the Red Sea project, we would have handled it differently. Our group of engineers would have pushed back that water a week in advance. We would have installed great, massive fans to dry out the land. We would have erected huge neon signs. somebody would have brought in concessions stands to handle the hot dogs and drinks. You see, when people do it, the project takes on all the trademarks of market-driven hot-shots. The supernatural is eclipsed by human ingenuity." page 225 of Moses
4. Red Seas open and close at the Lord's command and not until.
   

"Coming to the Red Sea is just as much a part of His plan as crossing it. It may well be that the Lord is breaking a habit born in Egypt, a habit that has no business living in Canaan. Those habits are tough to break. The tears flow as God works in His tim. But in the burning of those teas, God becomes very significant and real. And we realize, at last, that a predicament in God's hands is only a highway to the Promised Land" page 227.

Thank you Lord for these wonderful words and for my dear friend who was and is my Moses.

Lunch with YouTube

OK, So I am eating my lunch and checking on the news on CNN and I come across this wonderful video on YouTube. It is from Britain's Got Talent. You just need to watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Memory Verses So Far

Here is my new memory verse for 4/15 and the others I am working on.

Psalm 16:11 (Peter also quotes this verse in Acts 2: 28) -TNIV
You make known to me the path of life; You fill me with joy in your presence, With eternal pleasures at your right hand.

2 Peter 1: 5-8 - TNIV
For this reason make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to your goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you posses these qualities in increasing measure they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2: 24 - TNIV
And the Lord's servant should not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

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

Ephesians 5: 19-20 - NIV
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving things to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 4: 7-8 - TNIV
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hand, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

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

Philippians 3: 12-14 - TNIV
Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Beautiful Music and Failure

While I was at home at Mom's she gave me a set of her CDs called Classical Praise. They came from the Our Daily Bread organization. They are as beautiful as the other ones she gave me. It seems that when I listen to these during my devotion time, the Lord speaks to me in a very strong way. Today was just like that I learned so much.

First I read about Saul's failure in 1 Samuel 15. He failed to do the mission God appointed for him. He did part of it - but he failed to complete it because he was afraid of not pleasing men - vs. 24 "I violated the Lord's command and your (Samuel) instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave into them." He allowed them to keep some livestock and then thought he would make it OK by offering it as sacrifice. This failure destroyed his relationship with Samuel and Samuel mourned for him the rest of his life. This is what Samuel told him vs. 22-23 " Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination."

Saul failed but God didn't. These words from Charles Swindoll about this passage struck me and I think they will serve as a way to understand what I am to do next in my life.

• When a man or woman of God fails, nothing of God fails.
• When a man or woman of God changes, nothing of God changes.
• When our lives are altered by unexpected events, nothing of God is altered.
• God knows exactly what he is doing and nothing can restrain his bringing it to pass.
• We want God to show us his plan and once we know it we will gladly obey, but that is not faith. Faith is counting on God when we do not know the plan.

Now I just need to let these words sink in, for they are profound and just what I needed to hear on this day.

I am also reminded of this old hymn that was on my new Ken Medema album - Lead Kindly Light. Here are the words -

Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom,
lead thou me on;
the night is dark, and I am far from home;
lead thou me on;
Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see
the distant scene: one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou
shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose, and see my path; but now
lead thou me on.
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
pride ruled my will: remember not past years.

So long thy power hath blest me, sure it still
will lead me on,
o'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
the night is gone,
and with the morn those angel faces smile,
which I have loved long since, and lost a while.

Lead kindly light

Easter

Today is Easter. Today's sermon made me think again about the women who had the courage to go to the tomb at dawn. We can live in hope today because of the resurrection of Christ.

We got to see our daughter this weekend. She came up from school to my parent's house so we had a wonderful time with our family. I made the children Easter baskets. My daughter will have to deliver my son's since we didn't get to see him.

There are no words to express how wonderful today is, a risen Lord who loves me. I am truly surrounded by love.

In the kitchen at Mom and Dad's.

Special Time of Worship

Tonight I got to go to worship with my favorite worship leader, Travis Cottrell. He was at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, only about an hour from where I live. I met my sister there, she lives an hour away in the opposite direction, and we had a wonderful time together. I grew up in a traditional church and I attend a church that is also pretty traditional. I love my church and we now have started a contemporary worship service. I sing in the choir so I go to both services and enjoy them both. I didn't use to understand why anyone would like "praise and worship" music and reading the words from a large screen without a hymnal; and with a lot of people in a big auditorium. However I have come to love the freedom of this kind of worship. It is so wonderful to have your hands free and looking up. I love watching people who you can tell are so focused on God. I have come to love it so much that I even go to churches where I don't know anyone, like tonight. I think it may be a little like heaven. We will be completely comfortable worshipping with people we don't know, simply because we know they love the Lord. Tonight I loved watching the choir as they sang. I loved watching the gray-haired couple suddenly stand to their feet when we sang the Hallelujah line of "Man of Sorrows" and hold their hands up in worship. I loved watching the young teenage girls in front of me sing with such joy. I pray that they will always stay so close to you. I loved watching the middle school age boy go to the front with his father during the invitation. I don't know any of those people, but God used them to minister to me. I love the way that Travis leads us to worship, he welcomes you to sing with him. It isn't a concert, although he is an amazing pianist and singer. He just invites you to praise God. He makes old hymns have new meaning.

Travis said something tonight that made me think about why I have come to enjoy worship in this way. He asked us if our senses had become dull. If, after being hurt, we begin to protect little pieces of our heart until gradually we had kept our heart so protected that our senses were dull. If we were keeping little pieces of our heart away from God. I think that is what I have done over these last very difficult years. Worship like this, for some reason, helps me open the doors to the wall of protection that I have built. I am coming to understand what it means to have a sacrifice of praise.

Happy Birthday to My Son

Twenty four years ago today I became a mother for the first time. My son was born at 2:49 pm on April 3, 1985. Being a parent has been the greatest blessing of my life. I am very proud of my extremely talented and good son. I have enjoyed so much watching him grow up. I remember such good times, the way he would draw and create things. The birthday that he wanted lumber to build a tree house. He is still building things, the deck he is building now is almost finished.

Dear Lord,
This is a prayer of thanksgiving for my son. Watch over him and guide his steps. Show him the plan you have for him. Fill his life with love.

Siesta Memory Challenge - April 1

Here is my new verse for the first of April, along with my others. I chose this verse because I am reading "Hidden in Plain Sight" by Mark Buchanan about how to have a strong Christian life. It is based on these verse from 2 Peter.

2 Peter 1: 5-8 TNIV
For this very reason make every effort to add to your faith, goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection; love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 2: 24 TNIV
And the Lord's servants must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

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

Ephesians 5: 19-20 TNIV
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 4: 7-8 TNIV
Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

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

Philippians 3:12-14 TNIV
Not that I have already obtained all this or have arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Siesta Memory Challenge - March 15

Here is my verse for the 15th - just a little late since I was at Fall Creek Falls last week with no Internet access.

2 Timothy 2: 24 TNIV
And the Lord's servant should not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
(I picked this one from my study of 2 Timothy this week because it reminded me that if I am going to teach I can not hold any resentment for any student that complains or treats me disrespectfully.)

Here are my other verses in backwards order:
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Ephesians 5: 19-20
Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, giving things to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 4: 7-8
Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

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

Phil. 3. 12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this or have arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have yet taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on to that for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Birthday Blessings

We just got back from a week of camping at Fall Creek Falls. It was beautiful, as usual. Today is my birthday and as I went for one last bike ride - down the big hill to the lake - tears of utter joy streamed down my face. The sky was so blue and the water matched the blue sky. I could only praise God for all the wonderful things he has given me for these 52 years - a loving family and this beautiful place, gifts I don't deserve but are a result of his grace and mercy.

Here is a picture of Thomas and I at the Cascades. I don't think I have ever seen so much water coming over them.

Back on American Soil

My beautiful daughter is back from her mission trip, safe and sound. Praise God for his care for her and her friends.

Peace on a Rainy Day

It is a rainy day as I sit in my sunroom listening to beautiful music. It slows me down and makes me listen. There is beauty even in the rain.

I am praying for my daughter now, she is in the air over the ocean on her way back from her mission trip. I pray for her safety.

The music I am listening to is from the Our Daily Bread series. It is a beautiful arrangement of When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. Here are the words, let them be my prayer and yours too.

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it Lord that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my Lord
All the vain things that charmed me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from his hands, his head, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were a present far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul,
my life,
my all.

Issac Watts

Welcomed by Mercy

Today while I was doing my devotion by reading some things online I found this podcast by Ken Medema about being welcomed. About halfway through the podcast there is a story and a song about a lady facing a difficult time who was "Welcomed by Mercy." It is beautiful. Go to Ken's Index page : http://www.kenmedema.com/index.asp and click on the "New Podcast" link. It doesn't work like podcast that use iTunes. You will have to have a Google home page and add the subscription there. It is a little trouble, but it is worth it. If you need help, let me know and I will walk you through how to do this. It is well worth the effort.

Scotland Mission Trip

Please pray for my daughter and her friends as they go on a spring break mission trip to Scotland.

Here is an abbreviated schedule. I have asked her to leave comments here during the week she is gone if she gets time and an Internet connection.

Thank you dear friends.

Friday 3/6
Shuttle to Atlanta airport at 11:00.
To New York City, NY: Delta Flight 82, departs at 3:40pm, arrives at 6:17pm
To Edinburgh, UK: Delta Flight 96, departs at 10:15pm, arrives on 3/07 at 10:25am

Saturday 3/7
Workshop and preparation for worship at St. David’s Church in Kirkintilloch, a suburb of Glasgow

Sunday 3/8
Worship with both St. David’s and St. Mary’s churches
Work with Boys Brigade Battalion Service

Monday 3/9
Kirkintilloch High School – leading assemblies and speaking in classes
Prayer and Bible Study at St. Mary’s Church

Tuesday 3/10 and Thursday 3/12
Traveling and working in Stirling and Edinburgh

Wednesday 3/10
Kirkintilloch High School – leading assemblies and speaking in classes
Also at Craighead and Torrance Primary Schools
Leading Youth Fellowship at St. Mary’s

Friday 3/11
Kirkintilloch High School – leading assemblies and speaking in classes

Return on Saturday, March 14
To Paris, FR: Air France Flight 8569, departs on 3/14 at 9:10am, arrives at 12:20pm
To Atlanta, GA: Delta Flight 51, departs at 2:55pm, arrives at 8:10pm
We will be taking the shuttle back.