2011 Scripture Memory #3 (and another quote)

Can you tell that I have been clearing the desk???



Another post-a-note...



"The decisions you make today will dictate how you end up in ten years."



Once again - I did not write who said it - or where I read it.



But once again... I am pausing to get the message that obviously I thought was worthy to write on a note. And for some reason, it is coming up AGAIN for me (or you) now.





On another note... but there could be a connection I think...



When I was trying to decide if I would go ahead and just cut the hair short enough to get the rest of the color off, my son encouraged me to "Just do it!" (sounds like a commercial-huh?) That particular day, that was all that I needed (well, and the fact that my hair stylist did have an opening - which is a miracle in itself). I just needed someone to tell me to go ahead.



Maybe that is what is holding us back sometimes in other decisions or dreams. Maybe we just need someone to tell us that we can. And to go ahead. Maybe even to push.



I have a few of those things sitting in my ideas and dreams.



Maybe that is the reason that these quotes, notes, and thoughts keep coming up.



I have heard this called a "God parade". He is so faithful to KEEP bringing up. He is so faithful to not give up. He is so faithful to PUSH. And He even brings others in our lives to do so too!



Scripture for me today: (you can feast on it too if you would like)

Isaiah 30:21 ESV

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,

"This is the way, walk in it,"

when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. "

Leaves me with MUCH to think about...
What about you?

More thoughts about our time...

A quote I found on a post-a-note on my desk. I do not remember who said it - or where I read it. But in light of my last post and last scripture committed to memory... it fits.

"A lot of us put off till tomorrow what we ought to be doing today.

And we keep doing that until years turn into decades.

Then... a lot does not turn out like we planned."

Scripture reminds us that our God has plans for us....

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD,

plans for welfare and not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope."

So, what does God have planned for me...for you? What does He desire that I (we) be busy doing?

A couple of things that I know from Scripture:

(1) He wants us to trust Him to guide.

Psalm 37:4-6 ESV
4. Delight yourself in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5. Commit your way to the LORD;

trust in him, and he will act.

6. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,

and your justice as the noonday.

(2) Whatever we do - it is to bring Glory to our Lord:

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
So, whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.

Thoughts? What are we putting off? What does He want to do in/through our lives? What is keeping us from doing so? Am I settling for good...when He is pushing me for BEST?

What thoughts are going through your head/heart right now?

2011 Scripture Memory #2

Yes, it should be #3 --- I am already behind. But I refuse to let that stop me.

So, this seems like the needed verse for me at this time. Not only for memorization but also for meditation:

Psalms 90:12
"So teach us to number our days,

that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom"

Schedules
Interruptions
Options
Distractions
Personal plans
Goals

They all come into play when we consider our days. But how easily one day turns into a week. One week becomes a month. A month is suddenly a semester. And the year flies away...

I need wisdom. Not earthly wisdom. Wisdom from above.

I desire to be so intune with my Heavenly Father, that He truly directs my steps. The steps that become days, weeks, months and years.

So, today, once again, I ask my Lord, to teach me to number my days... that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. His wisdom.

2011 Scripture Memory #1

Ready to start again on Scripture Memory.

Beth Moore at Living Proof Ministries is hosting this challenge for us all again. She even has a spiral card book that we can order ($3.00 - total cost). I feel a little behind getting started (even though today is only the 4th). But I am ordering my little book and have picked my first scripture.

I Corinthians 10:31

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,

do all to the Glory of God."

This is already a favorite verse of mine, but I choose to start the year with it. I want all that I do to be to the Glory of God. I want to be reminded every day that I review my verses for the entire year. (I also am working on remembering where even favorite verses are located.... the address)

So, today, I encourage you to join me. Pick a verse - put it on a card - begin the journey. Share your verse with me.... (order the cute little book if you would like) Hold me accountable. Join the large group with Beth...

Let's do this... all to the Glory of God!

Scriptures for 2011

#1 January 1, 2011 (1/1/11)

# 2 February 2, 2011

# 3 February 22, 2011

Tuesdays Together (in the Word) for 2010...

I have not completely dropped the idea for our Tuesdays Together. It was a source of accountability and encouragement for me and I believe for the others who participated with me for 2009. But it is time for a change.

So, let's try this for 2010:

I have posted a reading plan on the side bar under the Tuesday's Together Button. However, instead of limiting us to only posting from this reading, let's just share from any passage that has spoken to you during that week. It could come from this reading, a sermon, a book that you are reading, or from your personal devotion.

The goal remains the same: to encourage each other in the Word and in our relationship with our Lord.

You can link your blog if you would like. You can just leave a comment and share your thoughts even if you do not have a blog.

I look forward to sharing Tuesdays with you again in 2010.

Remember to visit the others who link with us. We all need the encouragement. What you have to say and share may be just what someone else needs to hear...

Disciplines

I am on a journey. To re-establish certain disciplines in my life.

It is somewhat surprising to me how easy "lack of discipline" can creep into my life. In a lot of areas. One leads to two, two leads to three...and on and on and on.

So, in my journey, I am taking on one at a time. I decided to start with my weight. That is a good example of the "creeping" that can take place. Five pounds quickly turns into ten, and ten can become twenty - and on and on and on. Suddenly - or not so suddenly - I find myself 25 pounds more than I should be. I decided that I did not want it to be 30 next year and 35 the next. So... discipline # 1. I am almost at my goal. I have actually reached my first goal, but am still working on the "ultimate" goal. And I can tell you - I feel much better. It is amazing how much better your body functions when it is not having to carry around the excess weight.

I have several more items that I intend to get back in order:
Consistent Bible Study time.
Consistent Exercise.
Order in my home.
Reading. (I have a ton of books just waiting on me to read them)
Writing. (I have several dreams/goals that I want to address here)
Even more consistency in my blogging.

I decided that I would be so overwhelmed if I tackled all of these at the same time. So, with the first one almost completely under my belt (a much smaller belt I might add :)... I continue the journey as I pick up another discipline.

I will share more as I accomplish a goal or two.

Do you want to join me on this journey. If so, tell me which area you are working on. I will pray for/with you and I covet your prayers too.

A disciplined life is a productive life. And knowing that I only have this one life - I want to spend it to the best of my ability for the Glory of God. Disciplines help me accomplish such.

Tuesdays Together Restart

Time to get this started back. Just to be honest I need the accountability...

So, the reading for this week is from I Corinthians 10-16. Let's get back on track together and be ready to post next Tuesday. I will be here - will you join me?

Also, if any of you want to post on some of your reading while we have taken this break - feel free. We will love to hear from you.

Love my Blogging Friends...

Songs of Praise...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 28

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Matthew 4-7; Psalms 68-70; Proverbs 16.

Lately our three year old grandbaby has been singing.

Constantly.

About everything.

Sometimes she is singing songs that she knows and that we have sung together. Sometimes she is singing about what she is doing. And sometimes she is just making up words to sing.

I thought of her as I read this particular passage - and several other verses in the reading from Psalms this week.

Scripture tells us to sing songs of praise to our God. And this is just one of those verses:

Psalm 68:4

"Sing to God, sing praises to his name;

lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;

his name is the LORD; exult before him!"

Now, I want to share a picture of her singing. Her Dad took this with his camera on his phone.

She is singing to her rabbit and dog. That is her little Bible in her lap... notice her little hands.... (oh and by the way - she is in her bathing suit)

... she is singing praises to His name. It is sweet music to my ears.

I just know that it is a sweet, sweet sound in HIS ears too.

I pray that she NEVER loses that song that is in her heart.

Makes me want to sing...





Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

A Soft Answer...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 27

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from James 5; Psalms 62-67; Proverbs 15; and Matthew 1-3.

Some time ago, I mentioned working on Bible Verses with my Grandbaby here. And the first verse is from Proverbs 15:1.

"A soft answer turns away wrath..."

So, today I start with that verse but actually, I want us to look at several verses that are in this particular chapter. We are back on the tongue again... But let's see the comparison that is given in these verses:

From the postive side...
15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath...
15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge...
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life...
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge...

Then look at the end of these verses...
15:1(b) but a harsh word stirs up anger (strife).
15:2(b) but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
15:4(b) but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
15:7(b) not so with the hearts of fools. (do not spread knowledge).
15:14(b) but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Because I have a lot on my heart and in my mind as I am writing this... I think will just let these verses speak for themselves. Other than, I will say that I desire to have a soft answer, to commend and spread knowledge, and for my words to be a tree of life.

Proverbs - really are words to live by...




Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Taming our Tongues...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 26

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 12-13; Psalms 60-61; and James 1-4.

Oh people... the Book of James. It is the proverbs of the N.T. Words to live by.
So many passages that speak to me - not just this week - but EVERY SINGLE TIME that I read it. But I will try to pick a few to talk about today...

First, I will start with James 3:5-10

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.

The tongue is set among our members,
staining the whole body,

setting on fire the entire course of life,
and set on fire by hell.

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature,

can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,

but no human being can tame the tongue.

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father,

and with it we curse people who are made
in the likeness of God.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

This is a passage that we need to examine from our own perspective and make sure that we are striving to tame this restless evil within. But that is not where I am going today...

Today, I want to ask you this question:

Have you ever been the recipient of this deadly poison? Possibly even from someone that you would consider a friend? Someone close?

If so, then you know the pain that it causes. You know the poison. The footnote in my ESV Bible says, "Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself."

And even when you know where it originates (from Satan) it is hard to ignore when it comes in the form of flesh and blood. It is hard to swallow. It is hard to understand. Basically, it just hurts.

So, what do we do? And I say "we" because I am in this boat with you. I have experienced this. Not recently, but the scars from the wounds are still there.

That takes us back to another passage from this book....

James 1:19-20

Know this, my beloved brothers:

let every person be quick to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to anger;

for the anger of man

does not produce the righteousness of God.

Could that be our answer?
What do we do when we face the hurt from words spoken?

Be quick to hear...
Be slow to speak...
Be slow to anger...
Knowing that the anger that wants to rear it's ugly head in you - will not produce the righteousness of God - in you or in the offender.

Think about it with me. From both sides of the fence.

Oh, Lord, I do not want to be one who is guilty of letting my tongue be that blazing fire that has it's root from Satan and that does much damage to the body of Christ.

But also, Lord, when I am the recipient of such pain - caused by words of others... please help me to remember your Word that teaches me to be quick to hear - and slow to speak. And slow to anger.

Oh the tongue - such a small member...
Such a deadly weapon...
"My brothers, these things ought not to be so."





Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

The Only Real Peace...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 24

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 1-6; Psalms 56-57.

Once again the passages this week applied to our present situations.

Ps 56:8

"You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.

Are they not in your book?"

Such sweet comfort to know that He sees our tears...He knows the hurts of our hearts. And he records them. He knows...

Ps 57:2

"I cry out to God Most High,

to God who fulfills his purpose for me....

(3b) God will send out His steadfast
love and His faithfulness."

And even as I cry out to God, I can know that He is fulfilling HIS PURPOSE for me ...

But not just for me but also for my sweet Julia and Ronnie as they go through their miscarriage of their first baby... for my Jonathan and Brantley as they go through another deployment.

God wraps us in His love and His faithfulness

Ps 57:9-10

"I will give thanks to you O Lord,

among the peoples;

I will sing praises to You among the nations.

For Your steadfast love is great to the heavens,

Your faithfulness to the clouds."

So, my response is still to be thankfulness. Praise. His love is great. He is faithful to us.

And that my friend gives me peace. Peace in the storm.

Years ago a precious friend sang this old gospel song:

The Only Real Peace that I have, dear Lord, is in You,

The Only Real Peace that I have, dear Lord is in You.

With all life's frustrations, I need You, I know I do..

And the only real Peace that I have dear Lord is in You.

And last but certainly not least...

I just had to add Hebrews 4:14-16 too. We DO have a great High Priest, who is able to sympathise with our weaknesses... and we can approach His throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Going to the throne... cause I NEED a good dose of HIS Mercy and Grace.

Going to the throne...

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#23)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD).

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

I am not able to blog today.... lots going on in my family.

I will catch up with you all next week with more information.

But I wanted to make sure that you had the link in order to be able to share together.

I do appreciate all the love and prayers that have been shared with us lately. It really means so much...

So... I will enjoy reading your posts and will be back next week.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#22)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Colossians 2-4; Psalms 50-53; Proverbs 12; and Ephesians 1.

First, I want to thank you readers for the prayers for my daughter/son-in-love and precious grandbaby. They go back to the doctor Tuesday afternoon. We will post an update for you all.

Which brings me to my particular passages to share this week...

Ephesians
1:15-21


For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

It is times like these that you hold on to the truth that His Grace is Sufficient. But that does not mean that there is not pain or hurt. I long to be there with my daughter during this time. Yet, I wait.

Wait till the doctor's appointment today.

Wait for the update.

Wait.

And as I talk to her (daily) and as I read her words in her blog, I am filled with thanksgiving....

...for their faith and their love

...for their wisdom and knowledge of Him

...that the eyes of their hearts are enlightened

...that they know the hope to which He has called them

I join them in knowing that He is working for them with the same power that it took to raise Jesus from the dead.

I also join them in saying, "I know my God is able... but if not, we will still praise Him."

I will be honest and tell you that this momma is sitting on ready to get in the car and head to Virginia... but for today, I wait.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#21)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.


This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Psalm 46-49; Philippians 1-4; and Colossians 1.

It was really hard to decide which passage I wanted to share with you this week. But I kept coming back to this one... and for a reason:

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always;

again I will say, Rejoice.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

The Lord is at hand;

do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.

We begin here with the command to Rejoice in the Lord...

And then verse 6 is a very familiar verse for us all: "Do NOT be anxious about anything," I really think a key word here is ANYTHING. We are not to be anxious about anything. You fill in the blank. Your anything... don't be anxious about it. Period.

Then as we move on in the passage, we see the how - to. We are to pray and with THANKSGIVING give our requests to our God. And the result of doing so? THE PEACE OF GOD - which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

There are many things in our world that can make us anxious. Just watch the news - for a few minutes. There is the crime in our own particular state or county or city. There are new threats from Korea. Then there are those of us who have soldiers currently serving... news daily about Iraq or Iran or Afghanistan or Pakistan. And what about the economy? Could you be anxious about that? Your IRA (or lack thereof?). The recession that could easily become a depression. Jobs or no jobs? Children who may be making wrong decisions. And the list could go on and on and on. That is what is meant by anything. We are not to be anxious about ANYTHING.

A time to take it to the alter and leave it there - with thanksgiving - I remind you. And see what our anxious thoughts are replaced with... PEACE. Peace. Real peace.

I needed this passage this week. I am writing this on Monday night. Memorial Day. I needed it today. It was a good day. A good lunch. And then taking Aubrey for her first swim of the season. Such fun. Hal and I got flowers planted... :) And even had our Monday evening "Starbucks" time.

But my heart was heavy. You see last year on Memorial day, we were at the lake with our family rejoicing that Jonathan was at home from war. Such a sweet memory. This year the dull ache is back. And I must say it is too soon for me. Today that is my "anything".

So, I needed this passage... I must take my anxious thoughts... straight to my Father. And leave it there.... with thanksgiving. And let Him wrap me up with His Peace. Oh, God, I want Your peace to guard my heart and my mind. Peace...


Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#20)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I Thessalonians 4-5; Psalms 4-5; Proverbs 11; and II Thessalonians 1-3.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

When our children were little, we would have a "theme" verse (or passage) for each summer. Of course it would be put to memory... but also we would refer back to it for reference/ encouragement/ meditation together. This was the passage one year.

I would ask, " Are you being joyful?". "Have you prayed about that?" "Is that a thankful attitude?" You get my point. And I felt good that I was really teaching the children to apply scripture to their lives.

It took on new meaning a few years later.

You see, the first year of homeschooling was terrifying to me. I felt so inadequate. I had no support group. I did not know ANYONE who had traveled this road. And I nearly killed us all.

But I remember one day, walking down the road behind our house praying about MY attitude and my fears and wondering if there was ANY way that this could possibly be God's will for our lives.

I would tell you that I was crying, but that would not be accurate. I was sobbing. Uncontrollably.

And God reminded me of this passage that had been our "theme passage" a couple of years previous.

And in the still small voice that spoke so loudly... I was reminded that it was God's will for me to be thankful in all things. I may not know other things about God's will for me, for my children, for our family, for our schooling. But this one truth was written for me in black and white.

"in EVERYthing give thanks, for this IS THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you."

I had not been thankful for this opportunity to teach my children. I had been focusing on the fears, the work, the change...

So, what did I do? I began each day (for weeks) praying this prayer...
"Dear Lord, by choice of my will, I choose to thank you for this opportunity to teach my children. And I trust you to change my emotions." And literally it tooks a few weeks, for the emotions to begin changing... but as I was obedient in being thankful ... I began to view the role as a wonderful opportunity rather than a dreaded responsibility. God changed my heart. But I had to begin by being obedient and choosing to thank Him.

I learned a big lesson that year. Not only about our homeschooling experience...but also about God's will in my life. And even when I have questions.... I can know one thing... I am to be thankful. And as I told my children numerous time in their lives... Obedience always brings blessings.

So, can you apply this to any area of your life? Maybe have questions about what is or is not God's will? One thing I hope you will remember... it IS God' will for you to thank Him. This my friend is written in black and white.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#19)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Galatians 4,5 and 6; Psalm 42-43; and I Thessalonians 1,2,3.

Here is the main passage that I want to share with you today:

Galatians 6:2
"Bear one another's burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ."

I just want to take this time to tell you all thank you so much for bearing my burden with me during these heavy days. Many of you - my internet chums (I picked up that term from Lynnette) have prayed, and emailed, and messaged on FB. And it has really meant so much to me.


Then those of you who I know in the flesh :) - have hugged, cried, prayed, emailed, and messaged on FB. And it all has meant so much to me also.

So today, as we travel to visit with our Son and Daughter-in-love...

and then as we watch him load his bus on Wednesday...

We will wave. We will cry. We will wave our flags. We will blow kisses. We will take pictures. We will watch as long as we can see the bus travel down the road with our arms waving...

Then we will get in our cars and drive home. A long quiet drive home...

I know already that you will be praying. Today and tomorrow. Bearing my burden. All I can say is thank you. As you help bear my burden ... you are fulfilling the law of Christ. You are loving your neighbor (or friend - or blogging bud) as you love yourself. You are trying to put yourself in my shoes... and praying for me.

I need it ... and I feel it. Your words/comments bless me and wrap the Love of Christ around me! Thank you so much!

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

P.S. Hal has posted a blog about departure too. You too can help bear his burden. Visit with him here... and maybe leave him a comment too. Thanks!

Tuesdays Together (#18)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.


Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from 2Peter 3, Psalms 39-41, Proverbs 10, Galatians 1-3

In the midst of this week, with all that it held for our family... I was able to talk. Just not normal. And it was an effort to talk. So, I thought about what I wanted to say before I said it. Since it was such work.... I intentionally made the words count. Does that make any sense at all?

And I have to admit - that many times I did not say anything, just because it was not easy. Which means that I also had a lot more time to think - even in the midst of an extremely busy weekend. An extremely emotional weekend. More about that later.

Here is the passage I share with you today:

Psalm 39: 4-5

O LORD, make me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!

Behold, you have made my days

a few handbreadths,

and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!

So, during my quiet moments... whether in a crowd or not. I have been thinking about my life. My days. I am 50 years old. Life is fleeting... a few handbreaths. I want my life to count for the Lord. What is the measure of my days?

This goes along with my previous post about pruning. I want to be pruned. Because the end result of pruning, is more fruit is produced. There are many things that can really consume my time and energy that will keep me from doing the "best" things. Many things can keep me from becoming all that God wants me to be. Many things will keep me from doing all that God wants me to do. I am seeking to be sensitive to the Spirit as He speaks to me about each area.

I have edited this post several times to take out the "our" and the "we". This is about me. If it applies to you... you will have to make the application.

Do I dare even try to list a few? This is not to say that any of these things are bad... just that they have the potential of pulling me away from the best. (I almost said "us")

Computer time...Television... Books...Friends... and the list could go on... but you get the idea.

If I truly want to be mindful of my days, and how fleeting they are... I need to examine how EACH day is spent. I need to evaluate. I need to prioritize. I need to pray.

And I intend to...

Once again I say... "Speak Lord, for your servant listens!"

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

2009 Scripture Memory # 7 and # 8

Continuing with Psalm 91...here are the next verses:

Psalm 91:5, 6
"You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

nor the destruction that wastes at noonday."

Psalm 91:7

"A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you."

When we went to the Family Readiness Group Meeting last month, we were given a free book. The title is "Psalm 91 -God's Shield of Protection." How neat is that? I am sure that I will have thoughts to share with you from it in the days ahead as I continue to memorize this chapter.

I am still catching up on these posts. Maybe in May I will get back on track. (even though I already have a post for tomorrow... oh well... I will try for the 2nd)

Regardless, I covet your prayers for the coming days. They will be hard. I know that God gives comfort. I am counting on it... I honestly do not know how those who do not know our Savior face such days. I do not.

2009 Scripture Memory # 5 and # 6

With all that has taken place in my life this past month, I have gotten behind in my posts for my Scripture memory. So, I am combining these two which should have been for March 1st and March 15th. Maybe I will be able to get back on track by April 1st.

Continuing on with Psalm 91...

Psalm 91:3

For he will deliver you
from the snare of the fowler

and from the deadly
pestilence.

Psalm 91:4

He will cover you with
his pinions,

and under his wings you
will find refuge;

his faithfulness is a
shield and buckler.

Yes, these are promises that I claimed for Jonathan EVERY day of his deployment. And will do so again. But, as always, scripture is alive and active and applicable to our lives today.

This is what the Matthew Henry commentary had to say about this passage:

"He that by faith chooses God for his protector, shall find all in him that he needs or can desire. And those who have found the comfort of making the Lord their refuge, cannot but desire that others may do so. The spiritual life is protected by Divine grace from the temptations of Satan, which are as the snares of the fowler, and from the contagion of sin, which is a noisome pestilence. Great security is promised to believers in the midst of danger."

So, whatever your snares, or temptations, or attacks... We have been promised deliverance. Protection under the wings. That is comfort. And it is HIS FAITHFULNESS that is our shield.

That is good stuff!

I think I will chew on it for a while... and continue working on memorizing it. :)