Another Giveaway

I have never read "1,000 Gifts" by Ann Voskamp, but I have heard a bit about it. Meditations of His Love is having a giveaway for her book here:
http://meditationsofhislove.blogspot.com/2012/12/300-followers-and-merry-christmas.html

52 verses catch-up

It has been several weeks since I have posted verses for the 52-verse challenge, but I continued memorizing, by God's grace and strength, and now it is time for a much-needed update!!!

Romans 8:10-12
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
"But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead ashall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh."

And then, Galatians really captured my attention - especially chapters five and six. So, I have begun the challenge of memorizing Galatians 6.
1. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3. For if a man think himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4. But let every man prove his own work, for then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5. For every man shall bear his own burden.
6. Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7. Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9. Let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men; especially unto them who are of the household of faith.


Have you memorized a verse or portion of God's Word recently?

Thanksgiving Days 28-30

Today marks the completion of the Give Thanks challenge by KBR Ministries. Taking a month to sit down and really think about all that God has blessed me with has been humbling. Who am I that God should so richly bless me??? And yet He has. Over, and over, and over again. Even in difficult situations, God sprinkles His blessings throughout. What an amazing God we serve!!!!!

I am thankful for . . .

November 28

   190. Friends turning their backs on us - it strengthens our relationship with God and each other in the family

   191. The challenges that grow us

   192. Chocolate!

   193. The guidance and reassurance found in God's Word

   194. Another year to live, learn, and grow

   195. Money - not to hoard, but to use wisely and bless others; to learn hard lessons by

   196. The strength to stand alone

November 29

   197. The ability to sing together as a family and minister

   198. Council on Aging and Grace Nursing Home, who have endured us learning instruments and singing with love

   199. The blessing of being home-schooled all my life (thanks for the reminder, Patience!)

   200. Iron-sharpening friends

   201. Godly authors whose goal is to write to please and honor God

   202. Old hymns and new, solid Christian songs

   203. Trust in God for my future

November 30

   204. Theological discussions (not to be confused with heated debates :))

   205. The cross of Christ and Jesus' blood

   206. Truth - the world is full of lies, but God's Word is total truth!

   207. Pillows

   208. Devotional books

   209. Things God has been teaching me

   210. The Lord allowing me to get most of a project done yesterday

Did you do this challenge or one similar? If so, comment and I'd love to check out your blog.

Thanksgiving Days 24-27

I am thankful for . . .

November 24

   162. God's guidance and wisdom

   163. God's protection on His children

   164. God leading me in talking with a hurting friend

   165. Counter-point . . . and its frustrations and challenges

   166. The lessons I've been learning about Spirit vs. flesh (Romans 8 and Galatians)

   167. The strength to do extra cleaning -- and the blessing that comes with it

   168. Christmas lights - bright and cheery

November 25

   169. Rest last night - though interrupted with coughing fits

   170. Those who fought and died for my freedom
   171. Peace that God gives
   172. A way to escape temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13)
   173. Faithful men and women who serve Christ
   174. Paul and his letters to believers
   175. The cold running through our family

November 26
   176. God allowing piano lessons to go well today
   177. God giving us (my students and I) an excellent Hymn Night practice
   178. Time to do my chores
   179. The ability to play violin
   180. "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers
   181. A cleaner bedroom
   182. Lessons in patience :)

November 27
   183. Late night sister chats
   184. Adorable little students (and the older ones, too)
   185. Rain last night
   186. Peace that God gives
   187. Bible studies
   188. The challenge to stand alone in what is right
   189. The example of perseverance by my parents

Thanksgiving Days 20-23

I am thankful for . . .

November 20
     134. Housecleaning days – especially the end result :)
     135. Comfy sofas
     136. Blogs – both my own and those of sisters-in-Christ
     137. God’s unending patience with me
     138. Precious promises I can cling to when discouraged
     139. The ability to read and write
     140. Cereal and milk – not only is it yummy, but it eases the burden of breakfast prep on busy days!

November 21
     141. Modesty of the heart and body
     142. God seeing only the blood of His Son when He looks at me
     143. Creativity in baking and cooking
     144. God’s answers to everything in His Word
     145. Journals
     146. The gift of writing
     147. God’s provision of work for my Dad and brothers
 
November 22
     148. A day set aside to be thankful (though thanksgiving should be daily for believers)
     149. Grandparents and our great aunt and uncle to spend the day with
     150. God’s provision so that we could have a good Thanksgiving meal
     151. Our family being all together another Thanksgiving
     152. The sweet tradition of our family spending time reflecting on God’s faithfulness and blessings
     153. God’s many, many, many blessing!
     154. Good health . . . no food allergies

November 23
     155. A close-knit family with good relationships
     156. The blessing to grow up without the world’s junk
     157. Family-centered traditions
     158. My baby sister getting better from her cold – that it didn’t turn into pneumonia
     159. Having to be dependent as a woman – dependent on God, my father, and one day, my husband
     160. Slow, relaxing days to “catch-up” after busyness
     161. God’s Word being alive today – piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit.

Thanksgiving Days 16-19

I am thankful for . . .
November 16
     106. The sweetness of God’s Word
     107. Coffee
     108. Fun photo-shoots
     109. My brother’s electricity work
     110. My Dad and brothers’ carpentry work
     111. My sisters’ and Mom’s crafting skills
     112. God giving diverse talents and gifts to our family

November 17
     113. Vehicles that run
     114.       Our big van’s problems – God has kept it up and running with a “skip and a prayer”
     115. Music recitals – the ability to see students’ improvements
     116. The ability to preserve videos, pictures, letters, etc.
     117. Color
     118. Music books – and the ability to read them :)
     119. My 100+ year-old violin that God gave to me

November 18
     120. A beautiful time reflecting on God’s grace and blessings at church today
     121. Everyone that attends Old Paths Baptist Church
     122. Purity – and how God gives strength to stay pure physically, spiritually, and emotionally
     123. “Cast all your cares upon Him” – we don’t have to bear our burdens alone!
     124. God being in control over my life, my family’s life, and my friends’ lives
     125. Hymn-books – a treasury of Gospel songs
     126. Walks down the road

November 19
     127. Volley-ball games
     128. Good time spent with our friends, B and C
     129. God’s protection during travel
     130. Piano students who give me a little trouble – they teach me much-needed patience!
     131. How God directs me in each lesson – random ideas that He gives!
     132. The thrill of seeing students “catch on” to a concept
     133. Check-lists and routines

Thanksgiving Days 12-15

I am thankful for . . .
November 12
     78. Lessons that God has for me sprinkled throughout His Word
     79. The ability to sing
     80. The ability to think and discern
     81. Journals
     82. Daily freedom to serve God
     83. God’s character – even though we have His Word, “the half has not been told.”
     84. Beds

November 13
     85. Cameras – the ability to capture sweet memories and God’s nature
     86. God’s faithfulness
     87. Instruments to play and praise God
     88. Hand-made quilts
     89. Traveling and sight-seeing
     90. Meeting new people
     91. God’s sunshine

November 14
     92. Rod and Staff Little Jewels books
     93. Reading to my baby sister
     94. Pastors leading us
     95. Musicians
     96. Little girls to play and laugh with
     97. Desserts . . . my weakness! :)
     98. God’s sufficient grace – no matter what the trial is

November 15
      99. Freedom to learn from God’s Word
     100. The encouragement of a 2 1/2 day Bible Conference
     101. Fellowship with like-minded believers
     102. Piano and how God allows me to use it for His service
     103. “Jamming” bluegrass with friends (Godly music, of course! :))
     104. God bowing down to think of ME!! (Psalm 139:17-18)
     105. My Canon Digital Rebel XTi

Thanksgiving Days 8-11

I am thankful for . . .
November 8
     50. Thought-provoking, “painful” books :)
     51. Thrift-stores (especially when I can find what I need in less than ten minutes! :))
     52. God’s hand of safety as we travel
     53. God reaching down and saving my Mom and her brothers – creating a new godly generation
     54. My “second-set-of-grandparents” – Uncle Reuben and Aunt Iris
     55. God allowing me to know my Dad’s mom for 21 years, and the assurance that she and Grandpa are now in heaven
     56. The way that God answers our prayers – according to His will, not mine

November 9
     57. The ability to memorize Scripture
     58. Hot water
     59. Missions’ conference
     60. Sweaters – keeping warm in cold weather!
     61. The Psalms
     62. God’s ways being perfect . . . always!!!
     63. Self-Confrontation – a Bible course by BCF

November 10
     64. The ability to read God’s Word every day!
     65. Green plants – freshness!
     66. God’s grace that is able to help us keep commitments
     67. The protection God has given us in traveling to the Bible Conference in Mississippi
     68. The peace that God gives
     69. The ability to understand God’s Word
     70. God allowing me to be just a little “techy” – I know that He has a reason for it! :)

November 11
     71. God allowing our family to sing at Enon Baptist Church and Shiloh Baptist Church
     72. Brothers and sisters in Christ that we meet
     73. Pizza! :)
     74. The ability to breathe
     75.  Daily devotions
     76. Teasing and light-heartedness
     77. Sleeping in . . . after l-a-t-e nights!

Thanksgiving Day 4-7

I have not been as faithful to share my thanksgiving for the month as I would have liked to have been, but here I am, trying to catch up. I'll share a few days each day and hopefully get them all "done with" by the end of this month. This challenge has been a super blessing to me!!! I am very grateful that the Lord gave King's Blooming Rose this idea.

I am thankful for . . .
November 4
     8. Beautiful, cool weather
     9. Memories
     10. Grand pianos to enjoy :)
     11. Word games with family and friends
     12. The Gospel of John
     13. Freedom to go to church today
     14. Pastors, preachers, and evangelists

November 5
     15. The ability to teach piano
     19. The piano students God has given me
     17. Cool, breezy days
     18. Walks down the road
     19. Difficult times in which God grows me
     20. The book of Galatians
     21. Children 

November 6
     22. God being in control and allowing nothing to happen that He cannot control
     23. God being a merciful God – but also a just judge
     24. Laughter – the spice of life
     25. Cool, breezy days
     26. Hot chocolate
     27. The ability to see
     28. Good health

November 7
     29. Sisters and friends to go out with
     30. The ministry of letter-writing
     31. God’s provisions
     32. Sunshine
     33. Late nights with good family discussions
     34. Missionaries who surrender their lives to God
     35. My Dad, who is my pastor

Verses 43/44 of 52!!!

I have been continuing my memory of Romans 8, by God's help.

Romans 8:5-9

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.

This passage makes us pose the question: am I in God's Spirit, or in the flesh? Am I born-again, or am I simply living life how I see fit?

Thankfulness Days 1-3

I do not know how often I shall post this month as we have a b-u-s-y schedule ahead of us, but I thought that I would share my first three days of this thanksgiving challenge.

I Am Thankful For . . .
November 1
     1. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ
     2. God’s Word to hold in my hands and learn from
     3. Godly parents
     4. Eleven siblings on earth and two siblings in heaven
     5. Prayer – an open channel to God
     6. Religious freedom
     7. Bible-believing churches

November 2
     8. The way that God works in issues – even if it goes beyond my understanding
     9. For God allowing me to be a tiny part in ministering to others
     10. A house to clean
     11. God’s daily provision 

     12. Music – Godly music :)
     13. The ability to play piano and how God has used it in my life to humble me and dedicate it to Him
     14. Good, Christian friends (“iron sharpening iron”)

November 3
     15. God using me, even though I am FAR from perfect!!!
     16. My friends, Brianna and Courtney, coming for a visit
     17. Safety as our family busily goes 101 different directions
     18. God opening the door for me to take private music theory classes
     19. Another open door in which to learn American Sign Language
     20. Sweet grandparents who love me
     21. Emails and letters from friends

Give Thanks! Challenge

Last fall, I saw this challenge by KBR Ministries and thought it was very neat - though it was towards the end of November so I did not get to participate in it. This year, I found out about it before November actually started and by God's help, would like to take the whole month jotting down 210 different things that I am thankful for. As I have time, I might share a few on here with you.

Will you join me??

Verses 41/42 of 52!!!

In the past two weeks, I began memorizing Romans 8. If you cannot tell, Romans has been a book that has really spoken to me this year, and by God's grace, I would like to memorize as much of it as possible.

Romans 8:1-4

"There is now therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.

"That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

Verse 40 of 52!!!

This week, the Lord allowed me to finish memorizing Romans 12!! This passage has been a continual, daily challenge to me as I have been committing it to memory.

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:13-21)

Verses 38/39 of 52!!!

In the past two weeks, I have continued to memorize Romans 12, by God's help.

"Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"

Romans 12:7-12

The last few verses have really challenged me this week. What a wonderful standard set for born-again believers!!! May we truly become more like Christ in the way we act, think, and talk.

In Awe . . .

. . . Of my God's Creation.

Chimney Rock in New Mexico

Clouds in Colorado

The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. For He is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Psalm 95:5-7

Take My Life . . .

Take my life, and let it be

Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;

Take my moments and my days,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise,

Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move

At the impulse of Thy love;

Take my feet and let them be

Swift and beautiful for Thee,

Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only, for my King;

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee,

Filled with messages from Thee.

Take my silver and my gold;

Not a mite would I withhold;

Take my intellect, and use

Every power as Thou shalt choose,

Every power as Thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it Thine;

It shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart; it is Thine own;

It shall be Thy royal throne,

It shall be Thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour

At Thy feet its treasure-store.

Take myself, and I will be

Ever, only, all for Thee,

Ever, only, all for Thee.

(Words by Frances Ridley Havergal)

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/445#ixzz25B1fCYtT

What am I holding back from God? Can I truthfully sing, "Take me, Lord, let it be as You please?"

Verses 36/37 of 52!!!

Last week, I memorized Philippians 4:8. It is a verse that I kinda knew, but always got the order mixed up. So I dove into it determined, by God's help, to learn the correct order of pure, true, honest, etc. :)

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

This verse has been one that I've "known" for years and years. But as I memorized it, one little part stuck out to me: "whatsoever things are of good report." I imagined myself, at the end of the day, standing before God saying, "Father, here is the report of my thoughts today . . ." Wow!!! How often would I be able to give a "good report?"

~*~*~

This week, I memorized Romans 12:4-6. I would like to completely memorize Romans 12 and already had verses 1-3 memorized.

"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one member one of another. 

Having then gifts differing according to the grace given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophecy according to the proportion of faith;" 

Romans 12:4-6

The ability to memorize God's Word is such a blessing! I am grateful for all of the verses that God has allowed me to store in my heart.

Proverbs and Picture

This verse always evokes the question: am I being diligent . . . or hasty??

Jumping Ahead

Waiting and patience: these could possibly be some of the hardest life lessons to learn. As believers, a large part of our waiting is not on simple things but on God’s timing. It does not matter what stage in life we are in: single, married, pregnant, with a home full of little kids, with a home of unmarried daughters, or other, there are times in which we are required to wait.

Part of waiting on God is in trusting Him – putting our full expectations, dreams, and desires in His care and leaving the results up to Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (KJV)

Why do we need to trust God? “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9) God has His special plan for each of our lives, but to discover this plan, we must trust in Him, seek His face, and wait.

It is simple to say, “wait.” The struggle comes with the application. The tempter will use deceitful lies to entice us to jump ahead of God’s perfect timing. Our own excitement and emotions will also cause us to neglect to be still and wait for God’s leading. But what does God’s Word say? “Be still, and know that I am God:” (Psalm 46:10)

We have a choice to “wait patiently” or to “jump ahead.” There is a blessing or consequence depending on the choice we make.

Some of the blessings of waiting:

       God is good to us: “The LORD is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh him.” (Lamentations 3:25)

       It builds our trust in God: “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 62:5-6)

Some of the consequences of jumping ahead:

       Leanness of the soul: “They soon forgat His works; they waited not for His counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert. And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” (Psalm 106:13-15)

       God will give us up to our own lusts:“But My people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would none of Me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels.” (Psalm 81:11-12) and “They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.” (Proverbs 1:30-31)

Is waiting worth it? Absolutely! Is waiting sometimes a struggle? Indeed! But I challenge you: “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14