Hello dear memorizing friends,
You have made it! You are here -- completing a full year's challenge! Congratulations!!!
While I didn't finish as strong as I would have liked, I'm so thankful for the help God gave me to memorize His Word this year… it truly has been a blessing and I know, without a doubt, that the effort you have put into hiding God's Word in your heart... writing it on your mind... implanting it in your thoughts... has not been wasted… nor has it gone unnoticed by our Lord. He has asked us to do this, and will continue to use what we have memorized to mould us, change us, comfort us, strengthen us and teach us.
Thank you for finishing out this year with me. I'm so thankful to have had your company!
What verse have you chosen to close out 2013?
God bless each of you…. and enjoy the Christmas season. Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, December 1, 2013
December 1 - Verse 23!
Happy December, friends! :)
As the busy month of December hits the ground running, let's take a moment to focus in on what truly matters this month. December is filled with lots of fun family activities, busy shopping days (ugh), filled schedules, and… lots of food. In our busyness, it's easy to lose sight that CHRISTMAS is a celebration of the coming of our Saviour. He is our Hope, our Peace, our Joy. The angels rejoiced so vibrantly at His birth… not because they were going to benefit from this spectacular event, but because God's rebellious creation was getting a Redeemer! Christ was bringing life and light… and HOPE. And we praise Him for His coming…! Let's remember the Gift He has offered us, and reach out and give back in His name to those around us.
So friends, as we close out 2013 with our last two verses…. what have you chosen for your second last one? You've done so well at sticking with this challenge… thank you. I pray you have been blessed by this practice in discipline. :)
As the busy month of December hits the ground running, let's take a moment to focus in on what truly matters this month. December is filled with lots of fun family activities, busy shopping days (ugh), filled schedules, and… lots of food. In our busyness, it's easy to lose sight that CHRISTMAS is a celebration of the coming of our Saviour. He is our Hope, our Peace, our Joy. The angels rejoiced so vibrantly at His birth… not because they were going to benefit from this spectacular event, but because God's rebellious creation was getting a Redeemer! Christ was bringing life and light… and HOPE. And we praise Him for His coming…! Let's remember the Gift He has offered us, and reach out and give back in His name to those around us.
So friends, as we close out 2013 with our last two verses…. what have you chosen for your second last one? You've done so well at sticking with this challenge… thank you. I pray you have been blessed by this practice in discipline. :)
Friday, November 15, 2013
Verse 22 - Scripture Memory Challenge
Good afternoon,
I'm staring at this blank screen, wishing I had something to offer you to make it worth your while opening this post... But…. nothing. ;)
I think I need more of this:
I can't even ad lib this afternoon, so I'm just going to ask you to post your verse for Nov 15! Only THREE more to go in 2013… the finish line is in sight!
I will continue to plug away at Psalm 100 :)
I'm staring at this blank screen, wishing I had something to offer you to make it worth your while opening this post... But…. nothing. ;)
I think I need more of this:
I can't even ad lib this afternoon, so I'm just going to ask you to post your verse for Nov 15! Only THREE more to go in 2013… the finish line is in sight!
I will continue to plug away at Psalm 100 :)
Friday, November 1, 2013
Verse 21 - Scripture Memory Challenge
Can you believe we only have 4 verses to go before our year's challenge is up?? 20 verses locked in our minds ladies (and a few gentlemen and kids out there!)! We can make that 24 verses!
I just want to give you a huge hug for doing the hard work that is promised to enrich our thought life and flow out into our relationships; focusing us on our God and His Truths and working it out in our every day life. We can't lose doing this. It IS for our good.
So… don't give up. Keep training your memory and recall muscle. Strengthen it by daily repetition and meditation. Lets let God's Word do His work in us.
I just want to give a shout-out to Beth in Palapye… she teaches a class of FIFTY (!!) girls age 10-12 years old… that alone deserves a prayer request. :) In her comment on the last post, she said 17 girls said their verses from John 1 (I think 23 verses, but I might have misunderstood) almost word perfect. I was encouraged reading that and it also motivated me to work on my memorization for the last half of October! Thanks for sharing Beth. God bless you with your class!
So let's hear it - what's your verse to kick of November?
I just want to give you a huge hug for doing the hard work that is promised to enrich our thought life and flow out into our relationships; focusing us on our God and His Truths and working it out in our every day life. We can't lose doing this. It IS for our good.
So… don't give up. Keep training your memory and recall muscle. Strengthen it by daily repetition and meditation. Lets let God's Word do His work in us.
I just want to give a shout-out to Beth in Palapye… she teaches a class of FIFTY (!!) girls age 10-12 years old… that alone deserves a prayer request. :) In her comment on the last post, she said 17 girls said their verses from John 1 (I think 23 verses, but I might have misunderstood) almost word perfect. I was encouraged reading that and it also motivated me to work on my memorization for the last half of October! Thanks for sharing Beth. God bless you with your class!
So let's hear it - what's your verse to kick of November?
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Scripture Memory - Verse 20 :)
Here in Canada we have enjoyed a beautiful long Thanksgiving weekend. The weather has been amazing - warm and sunny most of the time! Our little family of four have had a mini-vacation away from the city... it's been so nice to relax together doing fall-like activities -- a hike through a conservation area (love that crisp dead-leaf fall scent!), a visit to a farm with a horse-drawn wagon ride and a corn maze, eating turkey, playing in leaves... and a bit of summer thrown in with time at the beach playing in the sand and listening to the waves. No swimming this time! :)
Down time like this and getting out into nature is good for the soul. It causes me to pause and to count my blessings... a true time of Thanksgiving to the Giver of all good gifts.
It's only fitting that my verse for October 15th is:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Ps 118:29
What have you been enjoying lately? What verse will be your theme to focus on the last half of October?
Down time like this and getting out into nature is good for the soul. It causes me to pause and to count my blessings... a true time of Thanksgiving to the Giver of all good gifts.
It's only fitting that my verse for October 15th is:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Ps 118:29
What have you been enjoying lately? What verse will be your theme to focus on the last half of October?
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Scripture Memory - Verse 19
Good morning friends!
Such a beautiful morning today - the sun always shines brighter after a grey drizzly day, don't you find?
A sunny fall day makes me feel all optimistic - like maybe I will actually be disciplined this October and memorize my verse properly?! ;)
I can't remember if I've confessed this here before or not... but I'm a blog-reading addict. I spend too much time reading all sorts of wonderfully encouraging blogs that urge me to walk closer to God... many tips and suggestions are given to live more disciplined and to faithfully serve Him. I am wowed and encouraged by the faith-walk of so many others and long for such faith in my own life.
Now, reading these isn't a bad thing. We ARE to encourage each other and to build each other up, and I believe that's what a lot of these blog posts I read are meant to do.
But if one doesn't take the message/truth and apply it in our own lives, than it's useless.
So that leads me to my verse for October 1st.
James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Praying THIS becomes more than words to me, but the Truth that it is.
How about you friends? What are you choosing to focus on for the first half of October?
Such a beautiful morning today - the sun always shines brighter after a grey drizzly day, don't you find?
A sunny fall day makes me feel all optimistic - like maybe I will actually be disciplined this October and memorize my verse properly?! ;)
I can't remember if I've confessed this here before or not... but I'm a blog-reading addict. I spend too much time reading all sorts of wonderfully encouraging blogs that urge me to walk closer to God... many tips and suggestions are given to live more disciplined and to faithfully serve Him. I am wowed and encouraged by the faith-walk of so many others and long for such faith in my own life.
Now, reading these isn't a bad thing. We ARE to encourage each other and to build each other up, and I believe that's what a lot of these blog posts I read are meant to do.
But if one doesn't take the message/truth and apply it in our own lives, than it's useless.
So that leads me to my verse for October 1st.
James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Praying THIS becomes more than words to me, but the Truth that it is.
How about you friends? What are you choosing to focus on for the first half of October?
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Verse 18
Good evening friends,
It's that time of month again, and my brain is a bit foggy tonight. I would love to come with a little something to encourage you but I'm hardly stringing to words together, let alone THOUGHTS! :)
I'm writing from Prince Edward Island, where I travelled with the two kids this week for my grandmother's funeral. It's been exhausting, but I'm so thankful I was able to get "home" to be with everyone at this time. My grandmother has left such a testimony, and I love hearing everyone's memories of her. Her faith-filled life and reputation as a prayer warrior is a fresh reminder that the only life to live, is a life that counts for God. And the only way to get there, is that deeply personal relationship with Him. I can truly say my grandmother knew and loved her Saviour... her life showed it!
A hymn that she often sang was quoted at the funeral and the words were new to me... thought you might like them too!
So...
Back to verses. :) Let's hear your 18th verse!
Enjoy the last half of your September. :)
It's that time of month again, and my brain is a bit foggy tonight. I would love to come with a little something to encourage you but I'm hardly stringing to words together, let alone THOUGHTS! :)
I'm writing from Prince Edward Island, where I travelled with the two kids this week for my grandmother's funeral. It's been exhausting, but I'm so thankful I was able to get "home" to be with everyone at this time. My grandmother has left such a testimony, and I love hearing everyone's memories of her. Her faith-filled life and reputation as a prayer warrior is a fresh reminder that the only life to live, is a life that counts for God. And the only way to get there, is that deeply personal relationship with Him. I can truly say my grandmother knew and loved her Saviour... her life showed it!
A hymn that she often sang was quoted at the funeral and the words were new to me... thought you might like them too!
There is singing up in Heaven such as we have never known,
Where the angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne.....
Holy, holy, is what the angels sing,
And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring;
But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings,
For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings.
So, although I’m not an angel, yet I know that over there
I will join a blessèd chorus that the angels cannot share;
I will sing about my Savior, who upon dark Calvary
Freely pardoned my transgressions, died to set a sinner free.
So...
Back to verses. :) Let's hear your 18th verse!
Enjoy the last half of your September. :)
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Verse 17 Roll Call -- September 1!
September is here and we enter a season of new beginnings.
School starts up, outreaches ramp up again, new programs begin. Like January, September always feels like a fresh slate for me - a time to get back on track or to get organized in some area.
How about we use this fresh start for our commitment to memorize scripture in 2013?!
Maybe you've been like me and kind of slacked off over the summer and spent time hitting "refresh" on the verses from the first half of the year... or maybe you're one of the few who continued steadfast (grin) in your commitment throughout the busy summer months (I seriously applaud you!)...
Either way... September is here and we can get back on track for the last part of the year.
You in?? Good. Me too. :)
What verse have you chosen to kick off the Fall season?
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Aug 15 - Verse 16
Good evening friends,
My apologies for the late post. We are enjoying a family visit from the West Coast grandparents, so the busy days are zipping by.
I'm still taking August as a month for review and am thankful to report that I HAVE been reviewing. ;) *Thank you accountability partners!*
It was great getting some of the comments on the last post from those who are continuing to plug away at memorizing their verses. You're doing great - whatever pace you're taking. Keep it up!
I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Make the most of it! :)
My apologies for the late post. We are enjoying a family visit from the West Coast grandparents, so the busy days are zipping by.
I'm still taking August as a month for review and am thankful to report that I HAVE been reviewing. ;) *Thank you accountability partners!*
It was great getting some of the comments on the last post from those who are continuing to plug away at memorizing their verses. You're doing great - whatever pace you're taking. Keep it up!
I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Make the most of it! :)
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Aug 1st - Verse 15
Good morning friends :)
Are you a last minute crammer, or do you give yourself plenty of time to study? Throughout my entire school career, I was the classic last minute crammer and all-night-before-due-date essay writer. No wonder I can't recall much of what I learned!
I think I mentioned before that this method was also my go-to for Sunday School verse memorization... so not proud of that.
So I determined that this challenge would be different for me... that I would be disciplined in my memorization and review. And it worked.
Until about a month ago.
Obviously my pep talks of continuing on and the importance of faithful review throughout the busy summer months were for myself!! Unfortunately the last couple verse selections have been worked on with the "cramming" method. I keep realizing that the 1st or 15th is only a day or two away and YIKES!!! I DON'T KNOW MY VERSE!! And it feels hypocritical to to do a regular post and choose a new verse when I'm behind in my memorization and review.
So hence my confession. ;)
I'm going to use August as a review month.... no new verses until I'm positive I have my last 14 selections down pat. Feel free to admit you're doing the same. *grin*
But if you are the faithful student that I dream of being, I want to sing your praises and give you a big high five (my 2 yr old is big into high 5's)! Please keep up your good work... and let us know what verse you are memorizing for the first half of August.
Are you a last minute crammer, or do you give yourself plenty of time to study? Throughout my entire school career, I was the classic last minute crammer and all-night-before-due-date essay writer. No wonder I can't recall much of what I learned!
I think I mentioned before that this method was also my go-to for Sunday School verse memorization... so not proud of that.
So I determined that this challenge would be different for me... that I would be disciplined in my memorization and review. And it worked.
Until about a month ago.
Obviously my pep talks of continuing on and the importance of faithful review throughout the busy summer months were for myself!! Unfortunately the last couple verse selections have been worked on with the "cramming" method. I keep realizing that the 1st or 15th is only a day or two away and YIKES!!! I DON'T KNOW MY VERSE!! And it feels hypocritical to to do a regular post and choose a new verse when I'm behind in my memorization and review.
So hence my confession. ;)
I'm going to use August as a review month.... no new verses until I'm positive I have my last 14 selections down pat. Feel free to admit you're doing the same. *grin*
But if you are the faithful student that I dream of being, I want to sing your praises and give you a big high five (my 2 yr old is big into high 5's)! Please keep up your good work... and let us know what verse you are memorizing for the first half of August.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Verse 14 Roll Call
Good afternoon friends,
The fact that it's July 15th already makes me a little sad... summer always goes so quickly. I hope we're all taking advantage of our summer days. This past weekend was perfect summer weather for me -- hot enough to be at the beach and in the water, but with a nice breeze and without humidity. We spent the weekend with friends and thoroughly enjoyed "summer"! :)
I've chosen a short verse for the last half of this month, seeing I kind of took on too much the last few times. This verse was in Living Proof Ministries blog post today, and fits with some of my thoughts lately.
Here is 1 Cor 4:20 in a few different versions...
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV)
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. (NLT)
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (ESV)
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. (NASB)
For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. (NKJV)
The following is a paraphrase of this verse more in context... I know it's Paul talking, but in this small section, it very well could be Christ speaking to me.
18-20 ...They don’t think I’ll ever show up in person. But I’ll be there sooner than you think, God willing, and then we’ll see if they’re full of anything but hot air. God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life. (The Message)
If I really studied my life and was honest -- Am I living as if I don't think Christ will return? Do I spend more time talking about what is the right thing to do and very little time LIVING it? I am rereading Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, and just read chapter 4 -- the profile of a lukewarm christian... it is a solemn chapter to read as I find too many similarities in my life. I NEED to get the truth of this: God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.
I recently enjoyed a quote found online... I think it was another post from the Living Proof Ministries blog. I use "enjoyed" loosely, as being sharply convicted isn't really an "enjoyable" experience :)
“Intention isn’t valued in the Kingdom of God. Obedience is.”
“Intention is not the same as faithfulness.”
Just my few thoughts today... :) Now let's hear which verse you're focusing in on for the last half of July!
The fact that it's July 15th already makes me a little sad... summer always goes so quickly. I hope we're all taking advantage of our summer days. This past weekend was perfect summer weather for me -- hot enough to be at the beach and in the water, but with a nice breeze and without humidity. We spent the weekend with friends and thoroughly enjoyed "summer"! :)
I've chosen a short verse for the last half of this month, seeing I kind of took on too much the last few times. This verse was in Living Proof Ministries blog post today, and fits with some of my thoughts lately.
Here is 1 Cor 4:20 in a few different versions...
For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (NIV)
For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. (NLT)
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. (ESV)
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. (NASB)
For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. (NKJV)
The following is a paraphrase of this verse more in context... I know it's Paul talking, but in this small section, it very well could be Christ speaking to me.
18-20 ...They don’t think I’ll ever show up in person. But I’ll be there sooner than you think, God willing, and then we’ll see if they’re full of anything but hot air. God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life. (The Message)
If I really studied my life and was honest -- Am I living as if I don't think Christ will return? Do I spend more time talking about what is the right thing to do and very little time LIVING it? I am rereading Francis Chan's book Crazy Love, and just read chapter 4 -- the profile of a lukewarm christian... it is a solemn chapter to read as I find too many similarities in my life. I NEED to get the truth of this: God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.
I recently enjoyed a quote found online... I think it was another post from the Living Proof Ministries blog. I use "enjoyed" loosely, as being sharply convicted isn't really an "enjoyable" experience :)
“Intention isn’t valued in the Kingdom of God. Obedience is.”
“Intention is not the same as faithfulness.”
Just my few thoughts today... :) Now let's hear which verse you're focusing in on for the last half of July!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Verse 13 Roll Call
Good morning friends :)
July 1st - Happy Birthday Canada!
July 1st - Happy Birthday Canada!
Thankful for this beautiful vast peaceful country I am blessed to live in. And thankful for another family holiday :)
I am still working through my Matthew 5:13-16 memorization. It's only four verses, but it's taking a bit of time to get locked in. I don't want to rush over this selection... it's challenging and convicting... and I don't think it's fully gripped me yet.
On a slightly different note. I know a lot of you are facing challenges right now... some of you are mourning the loss of a loved one. Some of you have moved to a new place, maybe just when you started to feel at home in your last location. Some of you may be in a "holding" pattern, wondering what God has for you next. There's a lot of different circumstances we each face... and I wanted to open this up today for prayer requests if you would like our little community to join you in prayer. You are free to share some here, or just "raise your hand" (maybe by saying - "I could use some prayer here too!")... please make each other feel safe here.
Ok, if you have a new verse selection or are still working on a verse from before, please let us know you're still with us by answering the "roll call"! :)
Take care friends - enjoy your summer days.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Verse 12 - HALF WAY THERE!!
Good evening friends :)
This post is coming late today - my apologies. We have had a beautiful family day out in the sunshine - train rides which delighted my recently-turned-2 year old and later a little birthday party for him at a playground. I love this weather - perfect sunny warm days with very little humidity. So thankful we were able to take advantage of the weather today.
This post is a bit hard to write... I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't listen to my own pep talk back on June 1st! I didn't make any progress at all on my chosen verses, so will have to stick with them for the rest of the month. Hopefully you were a bit more disciplined than me this month! :)
We're half-way through - 12 more verses to go!! Let's do this.
What have you chosen for the last two weeks of June? Or.... are you repeating your June 1st selection like umm.. someone else?? ;)
This post is coming late today - my apologies. We have had a beautiful family day out in the sunshine - train rides which delighted my recently-turned-2 year old and later a little birthday party for him at a playground. I love this weather - perfect sunny warm days with very little humidity. So thankful we were able to take advantage of the weather today.
This post is a bit hard to write... I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't listen to my own pep talk back on June 1st! I didn't make any progress at all on my chosen verses, so will have to stick with them for the rest of the month. Hopefully you were a bit more disciplined than me this month! :)
We're half-way through - 12 more verses to go!! Let's do this.
What have you chosen for the last two weeks of June? Or.... are you repeating your June 1st selection like umm.. someone else?? ;)
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Verse 11 - Almost half way through!
Good morning friends :)
June 1st is here... May disappeared so fast that it feels like we skipped from April to June! It will take extra discipline on our part to continue memorizing through these summer months... they just seem busier with the nice weather - more visiting, outings, special events, vacations... Let's not lose ground but work hard to continue to build up our scripture base. Let's not let busyness kill our progress! :)
So let's hear it.... what verse have you chosen to dwell on for the first half of June?
June 1st is here... May disappeared so fast that it feels like we skipped from April to June! It will take extra discipline on our part to continue memorizing through these summer months... they just seem busier with the nice weather - more visiting, outings, special events, vacations... Let's not lose ground but work hard to continue to build up our scripture base. Let's not let busyness kill our progress! :)
So let's hear it.... what verse have you chosen to dwell on for the first half of June?
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Verse 10 - Encouraging One Another :)
Good afternoon friends!
I've been reminded lately how important it is to be intentional in encouraging each other and to make an effort to build up one another. It's so easy to find fault and let our words flow without thinking... so easy to make a little dig with a smile on our face as if we can get away with being malicious... a back-handed compliment that really is... not a compliment. It's so so so easy to make a sweeping judgement on a brother or sister. I stand here guilty of all these and more. I've also been on the RECEIVING end of both, and it is so refreshing when a sister or brother does or says something kind to encourage us and to show us love. Sisters - let us make an extra effort to be kind. To show love. To give one another the benefit of doubt. Let's forgive. Show Grace. Be honest. Be confidential. Let's make more of an effort to build up - not tear down. Let's work toward unity and harmony in the family of God. Let's ere on the side of LOVE rather than on our need to always be right. Let's remember there are always two sides to every story. Let's stand against the 'norm' and have the courage to do what's right. If we don't show God's love through our words and actions - who will?
John 13:35 - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Oops... I've stepped off my soap-box now... this isn't pointed at anyone specific, but a preach to myself. I thought maybe we could all use the reminder... :)
Hope you have been able to get your last verse into your memory bank... As a friend wrote to me - don't be too hard on yourself if you can't get it word-perfect. It is much more important that we understand the actual meaning behind the verses we're learning and meditating on... Praying for you all! :)
Ok - let's have your 10th verse selection! :D
I've been reminded lately how important it is to be intentional in encouraging each other and to make an effort to build up one another. It's so easy to find fault and let our words flow without thinking... so easy to make a little dig with a smile on our face as if we can get away with being malicious... a back-handed compliment that really is... not a compliment. It's so so so easy to make a sweeping judgement on a brother or sister. I stand here guilty of all these and more. I've also been on the RECEIVING end of both, and it is so refreshing when a sister or brother does or says something kind to encourage us and to show us love. Sisters - let us make an extra effort to be kind. To show love. To give one another the benefit of doubt. Let's forgive. Show Grace. Be honest. Be confidential. Let's make more of an effort to build up - not tear down. Let's work toward unity and harmony in the family of God. Let's ere on the side of LOVE rather than on our need to always be right. Let's remember there are always two sides to every story. Let's stand against the 'norm' and have the courage to do what's right. If we don't show God's love through our words and actions - who will?
John 13:35 - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Oops... I've stepped off my soap-box now... this isn't pointed at anyone specific, but a preach to myself. I thought maybe we could all use the reminder... :)
Hope you have been able to get your last verse into your memory bank... As a friend wrote to me - don't be too hard on yourself if you can't get it word-perfect. It is much more important that we understand the actual meaning behind the verses we're learning and meditating on... Praying for you all! :)
Ok - let's have your 10th verse selection! :D
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Verse 9 - Are you still with us? :)
Spring is really here. I think it's finally safe to say that here on this part of the globe... We kind of jump from winter to summer temperatures quickly, so these perfect spring days are precious. Treasured. And fully enjoyed!
How is your motivation these days?? Even if you get a bit behind on memorizing, there's always TODAY to get back at it. Maybe while you take a quick walk to enjoy the weather, you can go over your verses. While you're out for a jog, mopping your floors, weeding your garden (why do weeds grow so easily?!) or cleaning out your fridge... there are many opportunities for review. Praying we will continue to work at it even in these busy months. :)
So, what verse are you choosing to commit to memory this first half of May? We're almost half-way through the year! Keep up the great work friends!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Verse 8 - keep it going!
Good morning friends :)
Sunshine!! At least here... it's beautiful and makes for such a cheery Monday. I know, every day "is the day the Lord has made" but I find myself much more thankful for sunny days... ;)
I had a bit of a panic a few days ago... I realized I hadn't been reviewing my previous verses as faithfully and when I started to go over them, I was dismayed at the many mind-blanks and stumbling encountered! It only reiterated to me the importance of frequent review.
And if any of you have a trick on how to remember where verses are found - please share. This has always been a problem for me and continues to be... but I guess it is like anything else... it will come with practice. Practice. PRACTICE. :)
I'm so glad you're still on this journey with me... let's keep going strong! By our repetition and meditation on these scriptures, we're allowing the Holy Spirit to mould our thoughts... and as Romans 8:6 says, the "mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." It does come down to a choice... let's CHOOSE LIFE.
Time to share your verse :)
Monday, April 1, 2013
April 1! - Verse 7
Hi Everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. If you attended a bible conference, then you're likely exhausted, but hopefully refreshed deep in your soul. That is, unless you have young kids or served the whole weekend and didn't really hear anything (grin)... I fall into the first category, but did get a few snippets from the messages throughout the three days. Here's one that challenged me:
"When we see the glory of God, we will grieve at the slightest of sins." A Robertson
How much my sin convicts me is a direct result of how close I have leaned into God and have taken in and appreciated His Glory and Holiness... "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!"
I was trying to find a segue back to Easter and the next quote I'm sharing, but... I'm coming up short, so I'll just share it for you to mull over as well. :)
"Even when darkness falls, and all seems lost, God is always working for His glory and our good, like He was on the cross." Louie Giglio
I have read so many powerful quotes this weekend on Twitter related to the Work of the Cross and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ... with I could share them all here :) So very thankful for the Cross and a Risen Saviour!
Ok - back to our verses! We're moving on to verse 7... how are you still doing with Verse 1?? Keep refreshing and reviewing... let's make sure these verses are implanted DEEP. :)
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the signs of spring popping up all around you...
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. If you attended a bible conference, then you're likely exhausted, but hopefully refreshed deep in your soul. That is, unless you have young kids or served the whole weekend and didn't really hear anything (grin)... I fall into the first category, but did get a few snippets from the messages throughout the three days. Here's one that challenged me:
"When we see the glory of God, we will grieve at the slightest of sins." A Robertson
How much my sin convicts me is a direct result of how close I have leaned into God and have taken in and appreciated His Glory and Holiness... "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty!"
I was trying to find a segue back to Easter and the next quote I'm sharing, but... I'm coming up short, so I'll just share it for you to mull over as well. :)
"Even when darkness falls, and all seems lost, God is always working for His glory and our good, like He was on the cross." Louie Giglio
I have read so many powerful quotes this weekend on Twitter related to the Work of the Cross and the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ... with I could share them all here :) So very thankful for the Cross and a Risen Saviour!
Ok - back to our verses! We're moving on to verse 7... how are you still doing with Verse 1?? Keep refreshing and reviewing... let's make sure these verses are implanted DEEP. :)
Have a wonderful day and enjoy the signs of spring popping up all around you...
Friday, March 15, 2013
Verse 6
Good morning scripture memory sisters!
How are you all doing? Still going strong? We seem to have a lost a few of our comment posters, but I have hope that they are still memorizing scripture with us and just haven't found time to jump on the blog. Our lives are busy, aren't they? Hopefully they'll jump back in with verse 6. :)
Before we do the roll call for our sixth verse, I want to share a blog that so often speaks to me. I realize many of you may already check this one out daily, but in case you don't, here it is: A Holy Experience Today's post is on loving through differences and striving for unity as the Body of Christ. The truth really stuck a chord inside me... may we LOVE more despite our differences and forgive despite our hurt. Easier said than done... but as followers of Christ, we have help and power from on High (Luke 24:49), with the Holy Spirit in us, to live to a higher standard: Christ's.
OK - let's share our sixth memory verse for the last part of March with each other. Keep up the great work! :)
How are you all doing? Still going strong? We seem to have a lost a few of our comment posters, but I have hope that they are still memorizing scripture with us and just haven't found time to jump on the blog. Our lives are busy, aren't they? Hopefully they'll jump back in with verse 6. :)
Before we do the roll call for our sixth verse, I want to share a blog that so often speaks to me. I realize many of you may already check this one out daily, but in case you don't, here it is: A Holy Experience Today's post is on loving through differences and striving for unity as the Body of Christ. The truth really stuck a chord inside me... may we LOVE more despite our differences and forgive despite our hurt. Easier said than done... but as followers of Christ, we have help and power from on High (Luke 24:49), with the Holy Spirit in us, to live to a higher standard: Christ's.
OK - let's share our sixth memory verse for the last part of March with each other. Keep up the great work! :)
Friday, March 1, 2013
Verse 5 - calling all Scripture Memory faithfuls!
Good morning:)
It's a beautiful sunny crisp winter day here... let's give our God thanks for this new day!
Have your memory verses been speaking to you these days? Mine have! Since running on a significant lack of sleep (a newborn does that to you!) sometimes finds me waking up in the morning on the "wrong side of the bed"... that's never a good start, but especially when you may be encountering little people who have also woke up a bit crabby. I found myself convicted yesterday when I was correcting my 20 month old son on his whininess and disobedience... my own attitude needed correcting! I was impatient and crabby myself, so I'm sure that didn't help with his attitude. The start of my current verse flooded my thoughts -- "Love is PATIENT... love is KIND..." *gulp* I wasn't being very patient. So... we prayed and did a restart to the day. I'm so thankful to say that the day improved immensely! I love seeing the Word working out in my life... and it is becoming more and more clear to me that I have to let it. We can memorize all we want, but if we don't make a conscious effort to bring it into our every day, we likely won't find the Spirit working as obviously as we would like. I'm praying each of us will allow Him to work in us -- in our every day situations, whatever they may be. Big and small. I'm holding tight to my first couple of verses, knowing that God's Spirit can give me self-discipline/control, love... and patience. :)
So it's March 1st... let's share our 5th verse of the year with each other! Keep up the good work ladies! :)
It's a beautiful sunny crisp winter day here... let's give our God thanks for this new day!
Have your memory verses been speaking to you these days? Mine have! Since running on a significant lack of sleep (a newborn does that to you!) sometimes finds me waking up in the morning on the "wrong side of the bed"... that's never a good start, but especially when you may be encountering little people who have also woke up a bit crabby. I found myself convicted yesterday when I was correcting my 20 month old son on his whininess and disobedience... my own attitude needed correcting! I was impatient and crabby myself, so I'm sure that didn't help with his attitude. The start of my current verse flooded my thoughts -- "Love is PATIENT... love is KIND..." *gulp* I wasn't being very patient. So... we prayed and did a restart to the day. I'm so thankful to say that the day improved immensely! I love seeing the Word working out in my life... and it is becoming more and more clear to me that I have to let it. We can memorize all we want, but if we don't make a conscious effort to bring it into our every day, we likely won't find the Spirit working as obviously as we would like. I'm praying each of us will allow Him to work in us -- in our every day situations, whatever they may be. Big and small. I'm holding tight to my first couple of verses, knowing that God's Spirit can give me self-discipline/control, love... and patience. :)
So it's March 1st... let's share our 5th verse of the year with each other! Keep up the good work ladies! :)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Verse 4!
I don't know about you, but it seems like the months are flying by faster as we focus on the 1st and 15th of each month for our verses... feels like I *just* wrote the post for Feb 1st!
How are you all doing? I must say, with my history of failed memorization attempts, I find myself excited that I can recite 2 Tim 1:7, Gal 5:22-25... small peanuts for many of you, but I'm thanking God for helping me with this! Baby steps............. :-)
One of these days I'm going to put up a "fun post" here to help us get to know each other a bit. I realize some rather stay anonymous, and that's absolutely fine. And if I'm the only one curious about getting to know our little community - I certainly won't be offended at the lack of comments/responses to that post! ;)
Praying you're all being blessed by burying God's Word deep inside...
Thanks for joining me in this challenge. Let's sign in with our 4th verse selection!
How are you all doing? I must say, with my history of failed memorization attempts, I find myself excited that I can recite 2 Tim 1:7, Gal 5:22-25... small peanuts for many of you, but I'm thanking God for helping me with this! Baby steps............. :-)
One of these days I'm going to put up a "fun post" here to help us get to know each other a bit. I realize some rather stay anonymous, and that's absolutely fine. And if I'm the only one curious about getting to know our little community - I certainly won't be offended at the lack of comments/responses to that post! ;)
Praying you're all being blessed by burying God's Word deep inside...
Thanks for joining me in this challenge. Let's sign in with our 4th verse selection!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Verse 3 - Roll Call!
Can you believe January 2013 is now in the past? Time goes so quickly. I hope you're all feeling positive about your memorization work... Isn't it great to be working on something we KNOW will benefit us long-term... ?!
It's been a bit of an eventful month on our house... We welcomed our little girl 4 days early on January 21st! So while I have continued to work on my chosen verse selection for the 2nd half of January, I must say my brain is a bit more like mush than usual and I didn't quite get it all down perfectly. If you're feeling like February 1st came a bit too quickly as well, you might want to do what I'm doing... instead of moving on to a new verse for the sake of typing in something new, I'm choosing to continue to work on the last half of my Jan 15th verse selection. I want to make sure it's cemented into this dense brain of mine! :) See?? We're flexible around here... ;)
My mom is here visiting for awhile (thanks to baby girl's arrival), and she's one of those non-blogger people participating in this challenge. With her here, I've had the benefit of having an in-house partner to practice my verse with every so often. There's definitely a difference in saying it OUT-LOUD than going over it in my head... I hope each of you have at least one person to partner up with in this challenge, but if not, don't forget to practice out-loud once in awhile... for me, at least, it's a true test of how ingrained the verse is!
One other thought -- since we're spread out all over the globe yet working on this challenge together, let's remember to pray for each other. We have an enemy who would like to keep us busy and our brains occupied so we neglect getting God's Word planted deep in our hearts/minds... but with God's help, we can be diligent, disciplined and faithful in memorizing and meditating on His Word -- Truth and Life to each of us.
Alright, let's answer the roll-call and sign in with our February 1st verse! Remember -- first name, city/location, verse, reference and translation. :)
It's been a bit of an eventful month on our house... We welcomed our little girl 4 days early on January 21st! So while I have continued to work on my chosen verse selection for the 2nd half of January, I must say my brain is a bit more like mush than usual and I didn't quite get it all down perfectly. If you're feeling like February 1st came a bit too quickly as well, you might want to do what I'm doing... instead of moving on to a new verse for the sake of typing in something new, I'm choosing to continue to work on the last half of my Jan 15th verse selection. I want to make sure it's cemented into this dense brain of mine! :) See?? We're flexible around here... ;)
My mom is here visiting for awhile (thanks to baby girl's arrival), and she's one of those non-blogger people participating in this challenge. With her here, I've had the benefit of having an in-house partner to practice my verse with every so often. There's definitely a difference in saying it OUT-LOUD than going over it in my head... I hope each of you have at least one person to partner up with in this challenge, but if not, don't forget to practice out-loud once in awhile... for me, at least, it's a true test of how ingrained the verse is!
One other thought -- since we're spread out all over the globe yet working on this challenge together, let's remember to pray for each other. We have an enemy who would like to keep us busy and our brains occupied so we neglect getting God's Word planted deep in our hearts/minds... but with God's help, we can be diligent, disciplined and faithful in memorizing and meditating on His Word -- Truth and Life to each of us.
Alright, let's answer the roll-call and sign in with our February 1st verse! Remember -- first name, city/location, verse, reference and translation. :)
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
2013 Challenge - Verse 2!
How are you all doing?? January is quickly speeding by - it's the 15th already... and you know what that means? It's time to choose your second verse of 2013 to commit to memory! I hope you are all feeling confident that your first verses is cemented into your consciousness now... but don't forget to continue to review as you work on your new verse. :)
I found this great app for my phone that helps with scripture memory... but it's not just for your phone - you can use it online from your computer too! Check out Scripture Typer . From their website description: "It actively engages 3 separate cognitive areas: Audio (record verses audio and try to speak along with the playback), Visual (review verses using virtual flash cards & draw verse illustrations), and Touch (Type the first letter of each word in a verse to quickly memorize it)"
In case the link above doesn't work, here's the website -- http://scripturetyper.com
Have you looked at the comments for the Verse 1 Roll-Call? If not, you should... It's so encouraging to see those of you from ALL OVER who are committing to this 2013 challenge... WELCOME! I know there are others who have started as well, but will likely never make it to the blog. It's not too late if you are recruiting others - please let them know they are welcome to still join us! As someone wrote in a comment - "iron sharpening iron..." :)
Ok - time to check in and share your second memory verse in the comment area below. Remember, first name, city/location, verse, reference/address and translation.
I found this great app for my phone that helps with scripture memory... but it's not just for your phone - you can use it online from your computer too! Check out Scripture Typer . From their website description: "It actively engages 3 separate cognitive areas: Audio (record verses audio and try to speak along with the playback), Visual (review verses using virtual flash cards & draw verse illustrations), and Touch (Type the first letter of each word in a verse to quickly memorize it)"
In case the link above doesn't work, here's the website -- http://scripturetyper.com
Have you looked at the comments for the Verse 1 Roll-Call? If not, you should... It's so encouraging to see those of you from ALL OVER who are committing to this 2013 challenge... WELCOME! I know there are others who have started as well, but will likely never make it to the blog. It's not too late if you are recruiting others - please let them know they are welcome to still join us! As someone wrote in a comment - "iron sharpening iron..." :)
Ok - time to check in and share your second memory verse in the comment area below. Remember, first name, city/location, verse, reference/address and translation.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Verse 1 Roll Call!
Hello Friends and Happy New Year! :)
I'm excited about this year's Scripture Memory Challenge and about how many of you have joined me from all over the world. A very warm welcome to you all - near and far! I pray focusing on two verses a month will truly impact our lives as we hide God's Word deep in our heart and let His Spirit work in us.
So, without further ado, it's time to sign in with your first verse of the challenge! You can still encourage others to join us - better late than never, right?
Remember to sign in with your first name, city/location, verse, reference and translation.
Let's do this!
ps. Some people are having trouble commenting from their phones... I tested it and it didn't work for me either. Trying to figure out why... until then, you may have to sign in from a computer. Sorry!
I'm excited about this year's Scripture Memory Challenge and about how many of you have joined me from all over the world. A very warm welcome to you all - near and far! I pray focusing on two verses a month will truly impact our lives as we hide God's Word deep in our heart and let His Spirit work in us.
So, without further ado, it's time to sign in with your first verse of the challenge! You can still encourage others to join us - better late than never, right?
Remember to sign in with your first name, city/location, verse, reference and translation.
Let's do this!
ps. Some people are having trouble commenting from their phones... I tested it and it didn't work for me either. Trying to figure out why... until then, you may have to sign in from a computer. Sorry!
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