I woke up this morning with a bad attitude. Not gonna lie. I had a pretty hectic week and I wanted to just hide away today and not deal with reality. I was at the kitchen sink doing the dishes and said to my husband "Sometimes I wish I could just take a personal day, when I could just read a book, drink some tea, watch a movie, or take a nap." He simply stated "So why don't you do that today? You need to take a day. You are in a grumpy mood and you need to take a day off."
Wait, what? Did he just tell me I'm grumpy? He's supposed to be all supportive and let me gripe for a while. EXCEPT THAT...one day I gave him permission to tell me when I am playing the martyr. I asked him to tell me to snap out of it when I am having a bad attitude. And that's what he did today. It was done in love and I pouted for a few minutes and then I realized that he was totally right.
So as I was eating the omelet that he so generously made for me for breakfast, I thought about how I could have a better attitude for the rest of my day. That's when Philippians 2:4-5 popped into my mind.
"Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus." (NASB)
Obviously somewhere in the back of my mind I knew the reference to having the attitude of Christ Jesus, or it wouldn't have popped into my head when I needed it. But I had to go to my concordance to find exactly where it was located, and the precise wording. So I figure, why not memorize it for SSMT verse 21?
As I was reading Philippians 2 to get a feel for the context of these verses, I began to realize something. Paul didn't tell the people to stop looking out for their own personal interests. He didn't ask them to play the martyr and only look after everyone else. He simply told them to ALSO look out for the interests of others. Care about others needs. Watch each others' backs, so to speak.
The NIV version of verse 5 says "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." That word "relationships" is really what it is all about. It takes the focus off of just me. I am still concerned with taking care of my own needs, but I also look out for the needs of those around me. It removes the selfish ambition and creates an attitude of "we're all in this together." As Paul says in Phil. 2:2 "Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose." (Emphasis mine.)
For the next two weeks I will be working on my attitude as I memorize Philippians 2:4-5. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit, who brought this verse to mind on a day when I really needed it. Oh - and it doesn't hurt that I have a husband who helps me change my bad-attitude into a better-attitude, with love and encouragement. Thanks honey!
Showing posts with label Siesta Scripture Memory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Siesta Scripture Memory. Show all posts
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 19!
Hard to believe that it is already October 1st. I wouldn't know it, but for the weather change! In this little valley the weather goes from hot and dry to windy, rainy, and and array of color overnight. I can't complain much. I love all the beautiful trees here in the fall. They are painted with reds and oranges and every color in between. Plus I love to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book and have me some peaceful quiet time if I can find it! (Five kids makes that a little rare.) This afternoon I happen to be home with a sick son, so I am soaking in the down time while I make sure he is as comfortable as possible.
I knew a couple of days ago which verses I was going to memorize for the first half of October. I was reading a passage for my Bible Study and they just jumped off the pages at me. I've looked them up in several versions, but my favorite translation to sit down and study with, NASB, used the actual word "time" in it, so I chose that wording to memorize. Here's a photo of my handy dandy spiral notebook with my memory verses in it...
I knew a couple of days ago which verses I was going to memorize for the first half of October. I was reading a passage for my Bible Study and they just jumped off the pages at me. I've looked them up in several versions, but my favorite translation to sit down and study with, NASB, used the actual word "time" in it, so I chose that wording to memorize. Here's a photo of my handy dandy spiral notebook with my memory verses in it...
Making the most of your time...
I can't tell you how many times I have thought to myself, even today, how there's not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished that is on my list! These verses really spoke to me in a powerful way. I was moved to look at exactly where my time DOES go during the day and evaluate what might be changed for the better. Let's just say that if I were going to do a series on this blog, it would definitely NOT be on time management. I often feel like I'm running in circles with constant interruptions and distractions all around me.
The NIV version of these verses uses the words "making the most of every opportunity" in verse 16. So the question here is "how do I use my time wisely?" Well, looking a little further into this passage, Paul says in verse 17, "do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." There it is. The good, perfect, pleasing will of the Lord. Now I could probably write on THIS topic for hours...but I don't have time! *Grin*
Instead, allow me to share three little instructions that I know are God's will for each and every one of us as Christ followers.
Rejoice.
Pray.
Give Thanks.
I only put them in that order because that's how they appear in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." Each of these instructions are equally important in the life of a believer.
How does this all tie back into my memory verse and making the most of my time? Well, that's easy. Practicing those three little things on a daily basis helps me to understand what the will of God is. And when I understand what the will of the Lord is, then I am able to make the most of my time, no matter how my day might unfold.
So there you have it. That's what God is working on in my life right now. He reminds me to take time for a little RPGT whenever I feel overwhelmed with the details of my calendar or to-do list. Because He is so faithful to meet us right where we are.
Here's to a great October!
-Melissa
Friday, September 20, 2013
My Life in Phone Photos
Time for another "My Life in Phone Photos!" I stole the idea a while back from Rachel Anne over at Home Sanctuary. These are just a few pictures of what's been going on in our lives lately. :)
This is a billboard that I pass by every day on my way home from work. It always reminds me how awesome our God is. (Even though that's not what it's advertising.) It is also a prompt for me to say my memory verse for the second half of September out loud. "For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the AWESOME God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe." -Deuteronomy 10:17 NASB
This is a picture of my girl LR. She drew this self portrait for open house this week. She loves wolves so that is a wolf on her shirt. I sure do love that girl! The first three weeks of school is a whirlwind of activity and we finished it off with open house for my gradeschoolers on Wednesday night.
This is my girl RL after her first meet. She has joined Cross Country this year. I'm so proud of her for setting goals and working hard to reach them. She ran her first practice in the rain this week and was soaked to the bone but still smiling when I picked her up! Now that's dedication.
Back-tracking to the first day of school. :) Every year I make the kids pose for me so I can get another "first day" picture. Left to right... CD, 1st grade, LR, 3rd grade, BC, 5th grade, JS, 6th grade and RL, 7th grade. They sure are growing up fast!
BC flying off the diving board during our "Tent City" weekend over Labor Day. We always have one last bash with the family over labor day weekend. We BBQ, swim, and play lots of games. That's JS and BC splashing around below.
CD being his goofy self...lost a couple of teeth over the Summer. The new ones are finally starting to grow in. I loved his toothless smile all Summer long though!
So that's us...Coming out of Summer and moving into Fall. Changing seasons, changing lives...I'm excited to see what God has in store around the bend.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" -Ecclesiastes 3:1
Final picture...Summer changing to fall in my little valley. :)
CD being his goofy self...lost a couple of teeth over the Summer. The new ones are finally starting to grow in. I loved his toothless smile all Summer long though!
So that's us...Coming out of Summer and moving into Fall. Changing seasons, changing lives...I'm excited to see what God has in store around the bend.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" -Ecclesiastes 3:1
Saturday, September 7, 2013
SSMT Verse 17 - Help!
School started this week, and one of the things I always tell my children when they are in school is "if you don't understand something or have questions, don't be afraid to ask for help."
That's good sound advice, right?
It's important that my kids know that it is ok to ask an adult when they need help solving a problem, learning to do something correctly, clarifying instructions and rules, or even getting directions to their next class. (For my 6th grader, who just started Middle School this year.) There is no shame in admitting you need a little help. We've all been there.
Even me...
What's good advice for my kids is good advice for me, right?
Why then, is it so hard for me to ask for help when I need it? Perhaps it is because I expect too much of myself as an adult, mom, wife, homemaker, employee, and daughter. Um, that's a lot of hats to juggle. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I see myself as failing in some of those areas above mentioned.
Whatever the reason, I think after this week I have realized that it is ok, in fact, necessary, for me to recruit help managing the several different areas of my life. For instance, the kids are old enough that they can help assemble their lunches for school. And they can even do their own laundry, or at least help with their laundry in the afternoons. They can also help themselves to a snack if they are hungry when they get home from school.
Those are all physical things that help me stay organized and take a little pressure off my daily schedule. Let's talk a little about the spiritual side of things.
I live in a valley, so on most days when I am driving anywhere or even just sitting and looking out my dining room window, I look up to see the beautiful hills surrounding us. They are breathtaking in any season. In the Fall (the approaching season), they change colors. Into Winter, they turn white with fresh snow. Then in the Spring you can see the fields of rolling wheat and rows of grapevines or whatever crop is in season growing new. Even in the Summer when things are dry the hills are a variety of color. I love to watch the change and gaze out into the beauty of it all.
When I was determining what verse I wanted to memorize for Siesta Scripture Memory Team this first half of September, a particular psalm came to mind. It is one that I have probably read again and again, but never taken time to memorize. It is Psalm 121:1-2
"I lift my eyes up to the mountains -
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
I have the ultimate helper on my side: the Lord. What a comfort to know that any question, any problem, any sadness or hardship that I come to Him with, He is able to help!
Every time I look at the hills for the next two weeks I will repeat these verses to myself and remember that God is my helper.
When I start to feel overwhelmed, (and maybe a bit sorry for myself,) I will remember where my help comes from - first and foremost, God - and then know that it is ok to ask for help.
The psalmist closes Psalm 121 with "The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."
He's looking out for me. He knows September is one of my busiest, craziest months. The chaos of it all can often get to me and cause high levels of anxiety. But not if I remember who my helper is. Not if I keep my eyes and my thoughts focused on Him.
Philippians 4:23
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God."
I'm so thankful that He is my helper. How about you?
That's good sound advice, right?
It's important that my kids know that it is ok to ask an adult when they need help solving a problem, learning to do something correctly, clarifying instructions and rules, or even getting directions to their next class. (For my 6th grader, who just started Middle School this year.) There is no shame in admitting you need a little help. We've all been there.
Even me...
What's good advice for my kids is good advice for me, right?
Why then, is it so hard for me to ask for help when I need it? Perhaps it is because I expect too much of myself as an adult, mom, wife, homemaker, employee, and daughter. Um, that's a lot of hats to juggle. Maybe it's because I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I see myself as failing in some of those areas above mentioned.
Whatever the reason, I think after this week I have realized that it is ok, in fact, necessary, for me to recruit help managing the several different areas of my life. For instance, the kids are old enough that they can help assemble their lunches for school. And they can even do their own laundry, or at least help with their laundry in the afternoons. They can also help themselves to a snack if they are hungry when they get home from school.
Those are all physical things that help me stay organized and take a little pressure off my daily schedule. Let's talk a little about the spiritual side of things.
I live in a valley, so on most days when I am driving anywhere or even just sitting and looking out my dining room window, I look up to see the beautiful hills surrounding us. They are breathtaking in any season. In the Fall (the approaching season), they change colors. Into Winter, they turn white with fresh snow. Then in the Spring you can see the fields of rolling wheat and rows of grapevines or whatever crop is in season growing new. Even in the Summer when things are dry the hills are a variety of color. I love to watch the change and gaze out into the beauty of it all.
When I was determining what verse I wanted to memorize for Siesta Scripture Memory Team this first half of September, a particular psalm came to mind. It is one that I have probably read again and again, but never taken time to memorize. It is Psalm 121:1-2
"I lift my eyes up to the mountains -
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
I have the ultimate helper on my side: the Lord. What a comfort to know that any question, any problem, any sadness or hardship that I come to Him with, He is able to help!
Every time I look at the hills for the next two weeks I will repeat these verses to myself and remember that God is my helper.
When I start to feel overwhelmed, (and maybe a bit sorry for myself,) I will remember where my help comes from - first and foremost, God - and then know that it is ok to ask for help.
The psalmist closes Psalm 121 with "The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever."
He's looking out for me. He knows September is one of my busiest, craziest months. The chaos of it all can often get to me and cause high levels of anxiety. But not if I remember who my helper is. Not if I keep my eyes and my thoughts focused on Him.
Philippians 4:23
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God."
I'm so thankful that He is my helper. How about you?
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 16!
 |
| "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever." -Psalm 52:8 (NIV) |
When I read this verse, I just knew I had to memorize it. First of all, I love that it is written in the first person. I am like an olive tree flourishing...I trust in God's unfailing love.
I also love that word flourishing. Doesn't it just drip off your mouth like a waterfall? The Hebrew word from Strong's Concordance for flourishing is raanan. (Pronounced rah-an-awn) It translates: luxuriant, fresh.
I didn't know much about olive trees before I read this verse so I decided to look them up and learn something.
Did you know that olive trees are evergreen? They will live and produce fruit in spite of circumstances - hot, cold, wet, dry, rocky or sandy soil. In the same way, as Christians we must learn to "flourish," no matter what our circumstances. How is this possible? The answer is in the second half of the verse. Trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. When the sun is shining and when the rain is pouring down. When you are walking through a dry season and when your cup seems to overflow.
You get the point. God's unfailing love is the one constant in every season of our lives. I am reminded of a song by Jesus Culture called "Your Love Never Fails."
Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails
I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails
Chorus:
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails
Verse 2:
The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone here in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails
The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails
I'm so glad that His love never fails. Thanks for stopping by, and may you flourish in His love today and always.
-Melissa
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verses 13-14
It's been a while since I could get to the computer to post, but I figure if I'm going to take a few minutes to write about something, it will be how memorizing scripture has made such an impact on my life. I've stretched myself a little this year and tried to memorize more than one verse at a time. Siesta Scripture Memory Team with Beth Moore has helped a lot both because there is accountability to get my memorization done in a specific period of time, (the first and 15th of the month is when we pick our verses) and because Beth Moore often shares tips about memorization technique and the story behind why she chose a particular verse. If I haven't had anything jump out at me in my reading then I sometimes just memorize her verse right along with her. It's inspiring to know that there are so many women out there memorizing scripture and if I get discouraged, I come back to the SSMT post and scroll through some of the verses that everyone else has posted that they are memorizing.
This month I focused in on a psalm that stood out to me while I was walking through Priscilla Shirer's new Bible Study "Gideon, Your Weakness. God's STRENGTH." I have some AMAZING thoughts that I would love to share from this study, but for now I will stick to my memory verses. The verse that was in the margin was Psalm 103:2, but when I picked up my Bible to read it, I knew that I just had to memorize verses 1-5. I'll break it down the way that I memorized them. In the first two weeks of July I memorized Psalm 103:1-2:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
The first time I read this I thought "What? How could I forget the many blessings and benefits of knowing the Lord?" But it happens. It is easy forget that the Lord is constantly on our side and looking out for our greater good. Romans 8:3 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." So why would we forget the amazing things He's done? Pride. Priscilla calls it "spiritual amnesia." Just like the nation of Israel wandering in the desert, we have to be reminded of the One who rescued us.
For the second half of the month I have been memorizing Psalm 103:3-5. Lets take a look at the benefits the psalmist is talking about. I've broken them down for the sake of memorization into two parts. First, God takes away the bad. Then, He replaces the bad with the good. I focused on three key words to memorize the next three lines (ps. 103:3-4a). God pardons, heals, and redeems:
"Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
The next words I focused in on were crowns, satisfies, and renewed. (ps. 103:4b-5)
"Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
So that's my thinking process. I wake up almost every morning declaring "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget NONE of His benefits!" That's the impact that memorizing scripture has had on my life. It's the perfect way to start my day...remembering all that He has done for me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Melissa
This month I focused in on a psalm that stood out to me while I was walking through Priscilla Shirer's new Bible Study "Gideon, Your Weakness. God's STRENGTH." I have some AMAZING thoughts that I would love to share from this study, but for now I will stick to my memory verses. The verse that was in the margin was Psalm 103:2, but when I picked up my Bible to read it, I knew that I just had to memorize verses 1-5. I'll break it down the way that I memorized them. In the first two weeks of July I memorized Psalm 103:1-2:
"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
The first time I read this I thought "What? How could I forget the many blessings and benefits of knowing the Lord?" But it happens. It is easy forget that the Lord is constantly on our side and looking out for our greater good. Romans 8:3 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." So why would we forget the amazing things He's done? Pride. Priscilla calls it "spiritual amnesia." Just like the nation of Israel wandering in the desert, we have to be reminded of the One who rescued us.
For the second half of the month I have been memorizing Psalm 103:3-5. Lets take a look at the benefits the psalmist is talking about. I've broken them down for the sake of memorization into two parts. First, God takes away the bad. Then, He replaces the bad with the good. I focused on three key words to memorize the next three lines (ps. 103:3-4a). God pardons, heals, and redeems:
"Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
The next words I focused in on were crowns, satisfies, and renewed. (ps. 103:4b-5)
"Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
So that's my thinking process. I wake up almost every morning declaring "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget NONE of His benefits!" That's the impact that memorizing scripture has had on my life. It's the perfect way to start my day...remembering all that He has done for me.
Thanks for stopping by,
Melissa
Friday, June 21, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verses for June
June 1st Verse: 1 Chronicles 29:11 The NET Bible
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all.
I love this first verse because it shows so many of the names of God. It was so encouraging as I was memorizing it, repeating it over and over again and praising His name all the while!
June 15th Verse: 1 Thess. 3:5 NASB
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
The second verse I chose because it speaks right to the core of my being about the depths of Gods love for me and how I am to persevere in Christ.
I hope you find encouragement in His Word today,
Melissa
O Lord, You are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You have dominion and exalt Yourself as the ruler of all.
I love this first verse because it shows so many of the names of God. It was so encouraging as I was memorizing it, repeating it over and over again and praising His name all the while!
June 15th Verse: 1 Thess. 3:5 NASB
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
The second verse I chose because it speaks right to the core of my being about the depths of Gods love for me and how I am to persevere in Christ.
I hope you find encouragement in His Word today,
Melissa
Friday, March 15, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Vs. 6
I can't believe I'm on my 6th memory verse already! That means that we are almost 1/4 of the way through 2013! Although I am glad that Winter is melting into Spring, it certainly seems like the first three months of the year have gone by in a heartbeat.
I know I didn't post my verse at the beginning of this month. I haven't spent much time on the computer at all, really. When my laptop broke down last month I was a little sad but it has been a real eye opener to me about how wise I need to be about where I spend my time. I have been spending way less time on facebook or playing my favorite game of words with friends, and way more time focusing on my family and home. It has been a really busy month so far anyway, schedule wise. So I took Beth Moore's advise and chose two verses together to memorize and meditate on this month.
Psalm 92:1-2 say:
It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night.
I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my note card and repeated these verses out loud already this month. Over and over the words resound in my heart. Give thanks. Sing Praise. Declare His lovingkindess and faithfulness.
I remember singing a simple praise song in church as a teen that goes like this:
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad...
The Psalmist goes on in Psalm 92:4 to say "For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands." Sometimes you just have to belt out a good praise song to the Lord and everything feels better! These days my favorite song to crank up the volume and sing along with is "Strangely Dim" Francesca Battistelli. The song is all about fixing our eyes on God so that everything else around us- all our doubts and worries- will fade away as we turn them over to Him.
Yes, He has made me glad. By all that He is, and all that He has done. By holding my hand on some days and carrying me through others. He is so good. And I will declare His lovingkindess in the morning and His faithfulness by night.
I know I didn't post my verse at the beginning of this month. I haven't spent much time on the computer at all, really. When my laptop broke down last month I was a little sad but it has been a real eye opener to me about how wise I need to be about where I spend my time. I have been spending way less time on facebook or playing my favorite game of words with friends, and way more time focusing on my family and home. It has been a really busy month so far anyway, schedule wise. So I took Beth Moore's advise and chose two verses together to memorize and meditate on this month.
Psalm 92:1-2 say:
It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night.
I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my note card and repeated these verses out loud already this month. Over and over the words resound in my heart. Give thanks. Sing Praise. Declare His lovingkindess and faithfulness.
I remember singing a simple praise song in church as a teen that goes like this:
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say this is the day that the Lord has made
I will rejoice for He has made me glad...
The Psalmist goes on in Psalm 92:4 to say "For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands." Sometimes you just have to belt out a good praise song to the Lord and everything feels better! These days my favorite song to crank up the volume and sing along with is "Strangely Dim" Francesca Battistelli. The song is all about fixing our eyes on God so that everything else around us- all our doubts and worries- will fade away as we turn them over to Him.
Yes, He has made me glad. By all that He is, and all that He has done. By holding my hand on some days and carrying me through others. He is so good. And I will declare His lovingkindess in the morning and His faithfulness by night.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 4
Goodness! It's already time for another memory verse. I knew a few days ago which one I was going to pick. I was listening to a program while I was folding clothes, and a verse caught my attention. I don't really have time to elaborate right now, but someone may need to hear this truth today as much as I needed it this week. The words come directly from Jesus and I heard them loud and clear ringing through the depths of my heart as I folded my children's clean clothes on my bed that morning.
“You did not chose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
-John 15:16 NASB
"I chose you, and appointed you..."
Whew! I don't know if I'm the only one, but boy did I need reminding of that this week! I think sometimes we believe that it's the other way around. That we chose Him. We invited Him into our heart and that was that. But no, HE chose US. He pursued a relationship with us and is still pursuing us on a daily basis. That is worth memorizing and repeating and shouting out loud, if you ask me!
But not only did He choose us, He appointed us to go and bear everlasting fruit. If that means I need to fold the laundry one more time, then that is exactly what I will do! And while I'm at it I will be praying and asking for Him to pursue the five little blessings He has entrusted to me with the love and passion that caught my attention so many years ago.
I hope you know how much He loves you and is pursuing you today.
Blessings,
Melissa
“You did not chose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”
-John 15:16 NASB
"I chose you, and appointed you..."
Whew! I don't know if I'm the only one, but boy did I need reminding of that this week! I think sometimes we believe that it's the other way around. That we chose Him. We invited Him into our heart and that was that. But no, HE chose US. He pursued a relationship with us and is still pursuing us on a daily basis. That is worth memorizing and repeating and shouting out loud, if you ask me!
But not only did He choose us, He appointed us to go and bear everlasting fruit. If that means I need to fold the laundry one more time, then that is exactly what I will do! And while I'm at it I will be praying and asking for Him to pursue the five little blessings He has entrusted to me with the love and passion that caught my attention so many years ago.
I hope you know how much He loves you and is pursuing you today.
Blessings,
Melissa
Friday, February 1, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 3
"Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude."
-Colossians 2:6-7 NASB
Normally I would not choose two verses to memorize at once. In this case though, I couldn't stop at so walk in Him. The second verse holds so much promise! Firmly rooted...built up in Him...established in your faith...overflowing with gratitude...WOW! Such strong words and powerful pictures of what happens when we receive Christ into our hearts!
So let the memorizing begin...I'm up for the challenge!
May you be blessed by His Word in wonderful ways,
Melissa
-Colossians 2:6-7 NASB
Normally I would not choose two verses to memorize at once. In this case though, I couldn't stop at so walk in Him. The second verse holds so much promise! Firmly rooted...built up in Him...established in your faith...overflowing with gratitude...WOW! Such strong words and powerful pictures of what happens when we receive Christ into our hearts!
So let the memorizing begin...I'm up for the challenge!
May you be blessed by His Word in wonderful ways,
Melissa
Saturday, January 19, 2013
SSMT Verse 2
This is the verse I am working on for the next two weeks. Here's what it speaks to my heart:
1. It was for freedom that Christ set us free - well, duh. In Galatians 2:21 Paul says "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing." It is by grace we are saved, through faith in Christ. (Eph.2:8) If we could have been saved and reconciled to God through the Law, then He wouldn't have sent His son to die on the cross for our sins.
2. Keep standing firm - you know how sometimes you feel so confident and then all of a sudden you feel as if you slipped on a banana peel? Maybe it's just me. In order to keep standing firm, I have to constantly be in the Word, praying, and spending time with God. I also have to surround myself with other people that can encourage me in my walk with Him. It's when I start to believe that I am strong enough on my own that I slip and fall. Which brings me to #3...
3. Do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery - Paul is not talking about slavery in a literal sense here under another person. He's talking about being subject to the law, rather than relying on grace and righteousness in Christ. I am a rules girl. I always have been. So give me a list and I'll follow it. It's both a blessing and a curse in my life. I want a magic recipe for a perfect life. The problem is, there is no perfect life. There is only grace and forgiveness. I can't expect to be the perfect wife, mother, and homemaker just by following a set of rules and guidelines. For me, that would be what Paul is referring to as a "yoke of slavery."
Christ said "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
The yoke of Christ in exchange for the yoke of slavery. That sounds pretty good to me. I no longer have to rely on my own strength, but I can rest in the freedom that Christ has given me.
So that's what God has been speaking to my heart through His Word this week. How is He speaking to you? I'd love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Melissa
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Siesta Scripture Memory Team Verse 1
If you're wondering what in the world Siesta Scripture Memory Team is, you should check out Beth Moore's post on the Living Proof Ministries Blog here. She can explain it much better than I can! The short explanation is that I am commiting to memorizing two verses a month with thousands of other women across the world! I'm excited to say that this is my third time participating with the SSMT. I look forward to discovering what treasures God has for me to discover and memorize from His Word in 2013.
Here's my verse #1:
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." -Psalm 9:10 NASB
And then there's this verse, which she suggested if those participating didn't already have one in mind:
"You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance." -Psalm 65:11 NIV
Happy New Year! I look forward to getting back to blogging more in days to come. :)
Here's my verse #1:
"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you." -Psalm 9:10 NASB
And then there's this verse, which she suggested if those participating didn't already have one in mind:
"You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your carts overflow with abundance." -Psalm 65:11 NIV
Happy New Year! I look forward to getting back to blogging more in days to come. :)
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 23
I can hardly believe that it is the first of December. There has been so much change in our lives this year that the months have just flown by. November was so full of excitement that I didn't even really have the chance to sit down and blog about it. There were birthdays and concerts and vacations and Thanksgiving with both sides of our family. Yes, there was a lot to be thankful for in November. And now, the Advent season is upon us. It is time to reflect on the one thing that will always be unchanging in my life...the everlasting love of God revealed to us in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-2, 14 NASB
Last month, I chose a memory verse from Luke to remind me that God always fulfills the promises of His Word. I was listening to Beth Moore one morning and this verse really sank in, right to the core of my being. It was "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." (Luke 1:45) It is one thing to memorize scripture, but to believe that every promise in the Bible is true and still applies to me today, well now, that is something entirely different. This year, God has really impressed upon my heart the relevance of His Word in my life on a day to day basis.
He has upheld me when I felt I could no longer stand. He has reminded me that I am never alone. He has given direction where there was none before. He has taught me to look to Him in the midst of storms. He has given me courage to face uncertain change. He is my strength, my motivation, and my reward.
I could go on and on, but I think I will sum this post up with my second to last memory verse of 2011.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." -Luke 1:49
May you all be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-2, 14 NASB
Last month, I chose a memory verse from Luke to remind me that God always fulfills the promises of His Word. I was listening to Beth Moore one morning and this verse really sank in, right to the core of my being. It was "Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her." (Luke 1:45) It is one thing to memorize scripture, but to believe that every promise in the Bible is true and still applies to me today, well now, that is something entirely different. This year, God has really impressed upon my heart the relevance of His Word in my life on a day to day basis.
He has upheld me when I felt I could no longer stand. He has reminded me that I am never alone. He has given direction where there was none before. He has taught me to look to Him in the midst of storms. He has given me courage to face uncertain change. He is my strength, my motivation, and my reward.
I could go on and on, but I think I will sum this post up with my second to last memory verse of 2011.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name." -Luke 1:49
May you all be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Wisdom Matters
We've hit a bit of a rough patch with rules, discipline, and obedience around here lately. With five kids, we try to be very clear about what we expect, and as consistent as possible with consequences when there are infractions. Lately though, limits have been tested, and buttons have been pushed. What seemed to be working before is now broken. You know that verse "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him?" (James 1:5) Well, that's me. I've been asking God to give us the wisdom that we need to make the right parenting choices.
If ever you're having a hard time as a parent, you should head straight to the book of James. Talk about encouraging, and at the same time, very humbling. I've been reading it, re-reading it, and now I plan to memorize one particular verse that I landed on today about wisdom. (Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 21)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." -James 3:17
I am a person that naturally loves lists. So when a verse in the bible has a list in it, I sit up and take notes. In this verse, the list is instructing about what wisdom from heaven looks like. Let's take another look.
Wisdom from above is:
first pure
then peaceable
gentle
reasonable
full of mercy and good fruits
unwavering
without hypocrisy
Anyone else have some difficulties with that list? Reasonable, unwavering, and without hypocrisy are probably my top three that I struggle with. Hmm...I can't pray for wisdom without expecting opportunities to practice the things on this list. The good news is that I don't have to develop these character traits on my own. God is helping me to become more like His Son every day. He has given me His Holy Spirit as my helper, His word to instruct me, and prayer as a means of communication with Him.
Yes, I have all the tools I need to be a Godly parent. And the good news is, you do too!
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Cor. 9:8
Seeking to Know Him More,
~Melissa
If ever you're having a hard time as a parent, you should head straight to the book of James. Talk about encouraging, and at the same time, very humbling. I've been reading it, re-reading it, and now I plan to memorize one particular verse that I landed on today about wisdom. (Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 21)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." -James 3:17
I am a person that naturally loves lists. So when a verse in the bible has a list in it, I sit up and take notes. In this verse, the list is instructing about what wisdom from heaven looks like. Let's take another look.
Wisdom from above is:
first pure
then peaceable
gentle
reasonable
full of mercy and good fruits
unwavering
without hypocrisy
Anyone else have some difficulties with that list? Reasonable, unwavering, and without hypocrisy are probably my top three that I struggle with. Hmm...I can't pray for wisdom without expecting opportunities to practice the things on this list. The good news is that I don't have to develop these character traits on my own. God is helping me to become more like His Son every day. He has given me His Holy Spirit as my helper, His word to instruct me, and prayer as a means of communication with Him.
Yes, I have all the tools I need to be a Godly parent. And the good news is, you do too!
"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." -2 Cor. 9:8
Seeking to Know Him More,
~Melissa
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 18!
There's something really poetic about this verse that really stuck with me so I thought I would memorize it. I continue to be in awe at the beauty of God's Word.
Psalm 65:8 "The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy."
May you be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa
Psalm 65:8 "The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy."
May you be blessed by His Word,
~Melissa
Friday, September 2, 2011
Company Girl Coffee - The Vine and The Branches
When I was researching what to do to bed them down for the winter I noticed that expert gardeners recommend pruning them back 90% in their first year. That seems rather extreme, but in order to help them produce healthy fruit in the years to come, that is what is necessary.
It is just as necessary for the Lord to also do some pruning in our lives from time to time. In John 15:1-6 Jesus explains why:
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing."
There is a relationship between the vinedresser (The Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us). God the Father does His work, or "pruning" in our lives so that we can be even more fruitful. We also cannot live without being connected to God the Son. For apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. We must both be pruned by the Father, and also Abide in the Son.
There are definitely times when I attempt to do things in my own strength. Those are usually the seasons where I become weary and dry, badly in need of some TLC from the Great Gardener. The good news is that Living Water is always available from the Father, flowing freely through His Son. When we are tapped into the vine, abiding in Him, we are nourished, and able to produce good fruit.
I am reminded of this picture of love every day when I look outside my kitchen window to see the growing grape vines. That is why I have chosen John 15:5 as my memory verse for the first part of September.
"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
We are headed into a new season here. I will take the necessary steps for my grape vines to survive through the winter. I pray that God will do the same for me in the many seasons of my life. Prune me Lord, that I may bear much fruit in Your Name!
From one branch to another - have a blessed weekend,
~Melissa
Friday, August 5, 2011
Words, Deeds, and Giving Thanks
Ever since I picked up a few hours at my in-laws ACE store, I've been thinking a lot about work. Not just my job there, but the tasks that I do every day at home. I have been asking myself if I am I putting forth my best efforts, as if working for the Lord, the way that Colossians 3:23 instructs. Proverbs 31 uses words like "eager, vigorous, and profitable" when referring to the wife of noble character's work. I wonder, could my work be described as such?
Just as I began to seriously question and criticize the quality of my work, I came across Colossians 3:17.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
A couple of things about this verse appeal to me. One, it covers both words and deeds. When I talk to my husband, my children, my co-workers, my boss, or whoever else I come in contact with, I should speak to them as if doing it in Jesus' name. Whether I am reconciling the reports for a paycheck, or doing the laundry for my family, I should complete those tasks as if I am doing them Jesus' name. Whatever I say or do, I must do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Two, it covers HOW I do these things. "...giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Did you catch that last part, "through Him?" On my own, there is no way that I have the power or strength to give thanks for all the conversations I have or tasks that I complete. I couldn't possibly be thankful for that tough reprimand I have to give my son, or the toilets that have to be cleaned, again. BUT when I call on the strength of the Lord Jesus and give thanks through Him, all of a sudden the impossible becomes possible.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This includes giving thanks when I do not always feel like it. For example, when I find myself grumbling about having to sweep and clean our hardwood floors, I stop and say a prayer of thanks for the beautiful, large home that the Lord has provided for our family of seven. There are so many blessings in life to be thankful for, why dwell on the negative?
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!
~Melissa
Just as I began to seriously question and criticize the quality of my work, I came across Colossians 3:17.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
A couple of things about this verse appeal to me. One, it covers both words and deeds. When I talk to my husband, my children, my co-workers, my boss, or whoever else I come in contact with, I should speak to them as if doing it in Jesus' name. Whether I am reconciling the reports for a paycheck, or doing the laundry for my family, I should complete those tasks as if I am doing them Jesus' name. Whatever I say or do, I must do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Two, it covers HOW I do these things. "...giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Did you catch that last part, "through Him?" On my own, there is no way that I have the power or strength to give thanks for all the conversations I have or tasks that I complete. I couldn't possibly be thankful for that tough reprimand I have to give my son, or the toilets that have to be cleaned, again. BUT when I call on the strength of the Lord Jesus and give thanks through Him, all of a sudden the impossible becomes possible.
Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." This includes giving thanks when I do not always feel like it. For example, when I find myself grumbling about having to sweep and clean our hardwood floors, I stop and say a prayer of thanks for the beautiful, large home that the Lord has provided for our family of seven. There are so many blessings in life to be thankful for, why dwell on the negative?
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great weekend!
~Melissa
Friday, July 15, 2011
Company Girl Coffee - Taste and See
"Hey Mikey! He likes it!" Anyone else remember that commercial for LIFE cereal? Some things just stick with you over the years. The point of the commercial was that Mikey was a picky eater, but sure enough, he liked LIFE.
I have five kids. Very few meals that I serve receive the stamp of approval from all five of them. When one of my kids doesn't like what's put on the dinner table I simply say "Just taste it and see. You might like it this time." They all know that I am not a short order cook, and you get what you get. I do my best to serve them healthy meals with a wide variety of foods while their little taste buds are still developing. With children it is often necessary to offer a new food half a dozen times before they approve.
There is one thing though, that every single one of my kids are hungry for every day:
I have five kids. Very few meals that I serve receive the stamp of approval from all five of them. When one of my kids doesn't like what's put on the dinner table I simply say "Just taste it and see. You might like it this time." They all know that I am not a short order cook, and you get what you get. I do my best to serve them healthy meals with a wide variety of foods while their little taste buds are still developing. With children it is often necessary to offer a new food half a dozen times before they approve.
There is one thing though, that every single one of my kids are hungry for every day:
The Word of God.
They ask for it frequently and I am more than happy to give it to them. There's nothing I'd rather be doing with them more than reading and discussing the Bible. I love that they are developing a taste for God's Word early in life, because there is nothing more satisfying.
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!" -Psalm 34:8 (NIV)
Have a great weekend!
~Melissa
Friday, July 8, 2011
Our New Home
This morning as I sat on the porch swing of our new deck drinking my coffee I felt thankful. Thankful for the rich blessings of God. What started as questions and dreams, became a reality to us. He has blessed us with a new business, a dwelling place closer to extended family, and a beautiful large sized home that we will grow into over the years. The waiting was long and the path was not easy, but it was all worth it.
The unpacking is coming along, and I am beginning to decorate the little nooks and crannies of the house. With every day it feels more like our own little sanctuary. In the middle of all my unpacking and getting settled, I came across the perfect verse in my Bible, that then became my memory verse for this half of the month.
"Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness." -Psalm 37:3
That just about sums up my life right now. Trust God, do good, and cultivate faithfulness.
Below are a few photos from the upstairs. It also has a spacious downstairs where we have put an office, a guest bedroom, and RL now has her very own bedroom! :) Plus there's a kitchen, another living room, and a space for the kids' computers/school work area. As I said, plenty of room to grow!
Have a blessed weekend all!
~Melissa  |
| The Entry |
 |
| Upstairs Living Room |
 |
| My Kitchen!! |
 |
| JS and BC's Room |
 |
| LR and CD's Bedroom |
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Siesta Scripture Memory Verse 11
"The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and faithful in all He does." Psalm 145:17 (NIV)
It is hard to define in human terms just how faithful God is. Some versions of this verse say "kind" in all He does. The word "faithful" appears countless times in the Bible when describing the character of God. Here are a few examples from the New Testament:
It is hard to define in human terms just how faithful God is. Some versions of this verse say "kind" in all He does. The word "faithful" appears countless times in the Bible when describing the character of God. Here are a few examples from the New Testament:
- He is faithful to call us into fellowship with His Son. (1 Cor. 1:9)
- He is faithful to not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. (1 Cor. 10:13)
- He is faithful to sanctify us completely. (1 Thess. 5:24)
- He is faithful to strengthen and protect us. (2 Thess. 3:3)
- Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. (Hebrews 3:6)
- He is faithful to His promises. (Hebrews 10:23)
- He is faithful when we suffer for doing His will. (1 Peter 4:19)
- He is faithful to forgive our sins. (1 John 1:9)
- He is faithful even if we are not, for "if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for He cannot deny himself." (2 Timothy 2:12-13)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)