SSMT: Verse 2

One day late, I am for selecting my verse for the Siesta Scripture Memory Team's Week 2 Sign-up.  I have been looking, thinking, reading, but scripture was THE one. Until today.  When after reading several scriptures and studying various Christian books and then praying (which I should have done first!), I found the scripture...well, actually, scriptures...for the next two weeks' focus:  James 1:25.

Some background...I began Kelly Minter's study of the book of Nehemiah last summer and did not finish it.  Then, over the last few days, this book came back on my mind, so today I finally picked it up and began right where I left off.  Amazing! Amazing grace!  Only God knows the very thoughts that I was having just this very evening and right here on the pages, as I began to read, it was as if Kelly was sitting in my living room chatting with me about my very concerns!  God is good, and, oh, so mindful.

My scripture emphasis for the next two weeks are these, with verse 25 my chosen one to memorize (maybe all of them?  I will have to get back with you about that in a couple of weeks...):  

James 1   ²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

The Personal Response for the above scripture was this:  If you need to make changes in you life, write about them below.  Know that, in the name of James, you will be blessed.

This, then, reminded me of  MyOneWord for 2013: fit.  Here are the changes I want to make...

• Spiritually fit:  read the Bible more and ever learn more about Him
• Physically fit:  loose weight, exercise, get that cardio up
• Mentally fit:  memorize scriptures, keep learning
• Emotionally fit:obtain peace at work and let the anger issues go

Becoming fit would allow me to be an even better Christian, a better wife, mom, teacher, friend.  I really believe that the scriptures that God will lead me to for the SSMT will also be the ones that assist in my becoming more fit for Him.  That, my friends, is just how He works, or, in the words of James, that is just how He will bless.

The Pit: Digging In or Lifted Out?

Throughout the Christmas season, I was involved in two events that centered around Joseph from the Old Testament.  First, we took our church youth to see Joseph in Branson (so good!), and then our school book club chose Richard Paul Evan's novel A Winter Dream as its December read.  I remember commenting then to a friend that God must surely be wanting be to learn something from this story.

Then, last night as I was driving home after dropping off The Daughter at play practice, Beth Moore's book Get out of the Pit came on my mind.  I had purchased this book some time ago, started it, then put it aside...for a season, I suppose.  For a reason, I know.

When I got home, I pulled it off shelf and began reading it.  The season is my life is now right for the message of this book, and now I will read it for a reason.

One, of several, statements that spoke to me so specifically was..."On any path we can spin our wheels and throw mud until we dig a ditch right in the middle of an otherwise decent job or relationship."  So true.

Has it occurred to you that maybe a pit is one place where you're not supposed to be content?  Maybe you thank God you're not.  Some things weren't meant to be accepted. (page 8)

Last night was just an epiphany for me.  One hates admitting defeat and conceding this pit of mine seemed like another failure.  Paradoxically, it also felt so liberating, especially as the words on this page began to speak to my soul.

More on this to come...

On another note, I wrote last week and asked God,  "Lord, please help me to help myself to become fit in all areas of my life to be a better Christian, a better mom, a better wife, a better teacher, better in all areas for You. Amen."

He is already answering that prayer!  Not in the way I had planned. On two nights, I sat and felt flutters in my chest area; then, on Sunday morning, my heart began beating at a much faster pace, thumping loudly in my ears.  Scared me!  As I began to get ready for church, the reason came to me.  The Lord was answering my prayer!  What better motive for me to get in shape, to get more fit than to scare me with physical  heart concerns?   Lord, I am listening!  Now eating better, drinking more water, going to bed earlier.  Now, just got to get this body moving down that road outside my house...the very inspiration for this blog!

SSMT: Year 2

I participated in the Siesta Scripture Memory Team last year...well, kind of, sort of.  I had great intentions, so here I go again, whether I memorize one verse or 24, any is better than I know now.

This challenge is hosted by Living Proof Ministries and Beth Moore and her team. For more information, you may go here, read the directions, and sign up!

My Verse #1:  

• So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12  (NASB)

What does this verse mean to me?  We are to appreciate, respect, live each hour, day, week, for no matter how many we have, they should all be lived for Him, for in living in such a manner, I may develop wisdom, a gift I so earnestly seek.

Wisdom.  I specifically prayed for wisdom the other day in raising my children.  These teenage years are much more difficult than babyhood!

Honestly?  I have not prayed enough for wisdom.  With this scripture, I begin to pray more for it in all aspects of my life:  work, family, church, friends.  If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. James 1: 5  

What else might I obtain from this memory verse?  A teacher, I become the student in this verse, for I ask Him to "teach" me.  As I look back over 2012, I realize that He has been teaching me to number my days.  My mom eased into Heaven last January.  A close friend moved four hours away.  The year ended with my father-in-law in the hospital recovering from a minor stroke.  I am learning, Lord.

Part of me wants to say, "Lord, I just want to be present.  I am not looking for stars in my crown, a mansion on the hilltop, or a heart that is better than anyone else's.  I just want to be there."

Then, another part of me says, "Lord, I want to present to You whatever You ask.  If David says this important, then this is important."

One way I want to become more aware of my numbered days in my life is by becoming more "fit," which is MyOneWord for 2013, fit spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, for myself, for my family, for my students, for my Christian walk.

Here is my prayer:  "Lord, please help me to help myself to become fit in all areas of my life to be a better Christian, a better mom, a better wife, a better teacher, better in all areas for You. Amen."

Simply Amazing

Where to begin?  Today, I have several topics on my mind that relate to this blog's purpose.  Maybe just a list...then more in-depth thoughts later...

• Miss Mollie.  The pet of a dear church friend, this little dog went to a better place, and in hoping help a friend, I  assisted in her funeral this week.  She had been the pet, friend, confidant, family to Ms. Betty for 14 years, and I felt so helpless, for there is little one can do to help with the grieving process, other than to allow time and prayers to bring the comfort needed.  My husband and son dug the grave.  We assisted in placing Ms. Mollie in a box that Ms. Betty's father had built 50 years ago.  Then, Ms. Betty asked me to say a few words.  Now, this, I had not planned.  The amazing result is, that as always, God provides the words.  We just need to allow Him to use our vessels.
• Kisses from Katie.  PLEASE read this book.  Purchase it and place in your own library or, better yet, share it and spread the good news of the amazing power of God's Love.  Katie, now a mother to 13 Ugandan girls...yes, 13...shares her experiences and will bless your heart and inspire you to love more than you ever have. 
• Katie's blog:  she posts on a regular basis here.
• Katie's ministry website for Amazima
• Amazima Ministry's Blog
• Women's Retreat:  I felt to have a retreat last year and allowed myself to be talked out this project.  Please pray that God will open the doors and open the hearts in such amazing ways.  He has such a blessing in store for the ladies in our church.  Lord, please use me here.  Naomi and Ruth will be our focus...M&M...mentor and mentee.  I already have the resources; I even have a theme song ("I'm with You" from The Story cd); just need to develop the curriculum and begin to plant the seed in several ladies that I know will help, and then watch this idea bloom.
• Summer Backyard VBS:  As I was on Lifeway's website yesterday, I noticed this link to a new VBS curriculum choice, the Colossal Coaster World Backyard Kids' Club, and the Lord spoke to my heart.  This is what we need to have in our community park early this summer...then maybe move to the church for a more extended VBS.  Last year, our church did not host a VBS.  I did not feel good about that decision at all, but so many things have changed, and this year we will once again revive during the time of VBS.  Wouldn't that just be amazing to reach just one more soul?
• The Perfect Will.  There is no better place to be than in the Perfect Will of the Lord.  I am soooooo excited about all that our Lord in doing in and for our church.  We are enjoying the Intentional Interim Program through our state's associational ministry via Dr. Charles and Mrs. Lavelle.  Oh, my!  They are such examples and blessings to every person in our church.  Amazing, the good news God brings in just the time we need it.

Yes, amazing.  God is so good.  His grace is sufficient and simply amazing.  Should you have time, please take a moment and listen to this song and pray for His amazing grace on the above situations even more.  Thank you...and God bless you.

Study by Study

Too long since I have posted!  Busy time serving in church...may I tell you about this?

First, our church just celebrated its 125th Anniversary!  Yes, 125 years!  What I enjoyed most was working with church friends and getting to know them and our church history all the more.  A blessing!  We had an outstanding day with much recognition and, what I hope will be, much re-dedication.

Next...I have been learning more through several studies we have completed this fall.

1. The Magnificent Obsession: Embracing the God-filled Life by Ann Graham Lotz:  In this study, we were introduced to a Abraham I had never known, an Abraham who embraced the Magnificient Obsession.  I was once again reminded that time flies by much faster in the Bible when years may pass from chapter to chapter or even verse to verse.  In essence, Abraham had to wait years...and years...for his prayers and promises to be answered.
2. The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson:  This study we just completed last weekend...what a powerful prayer, still so applicable to today's world. I have asked the Lord to bless me, to enlarge my territory, to keep his hand with me, to keep me from evil so that I will not cause pain.
   
   

   And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested.   I Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

   As I have prayed this prayer, I have noticed a few differences already with my life:  I add to "enlarge my territory" for You.  This prayer is not about me; this prayer is about all those I come in contact with.  Also, I am learning that if I say less, I will cause less pain.  The tongue is such a sharpened sword.  This knowledge, coincidentally, parallels what I am learning about my One Word quiet.  So interesting how God ties all these spiritual emphases!
3. Beth Moore Simulcast in September:  I spent the day with about 100 Christian women at a nearby church singing, praying, studying, listening, learning about the widow and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4.  I was so blessed to attend, so very, very blessed.  This is why fellowship is so important.  I have friends and family who believe they do not have to attend church to be good Christian.  Fellowship is partially why we should not forsake to assemble ourselves together. (Hebrews 10:25)
4. Nehemiah:  A Heart That Can Break by Kelly Minter (still have two lessons in this study...hope to complete tomorrow).  This study was hosted by Beth Moore....loved it!  Learned so much.  My favorite verse?  Nehemiah would not allow others to distract him from God's mission:  "I am doing a great work, and I will not come down."  When God sends us on a mission, we are to stay focused, devoted to His cause.

Up Next:

1. True Woman 101's Divine Design:  An Eight-Week Study on Biblical Womanhood - Hosted by Women's Cafe, they are advancing a bit faster that I!  I should be on week three...I am on week one.  More about this one later!
2. Unconditional (a movie-based study):  This will be our next four-week study for Discipleship Training.  One evening last week, I spent about two hours searching for a study that would coincide with the Thanksgiving season.  About to give up, I found this one when the word generosity caught my eye.  Based on a book and a movie released this fall (which I hope our church will watch upon completion of the study), the study focuses on several characters and the problems that each face, culminating in a project that the groups chooses.  I am very excited about this; I look forward to seeing what good works come out of this one!
3. Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren:  I am also excited and in anticipation of this year's three-week Christmas study.  This study focuses on Christmas as a time of celebration, salvation, and reconciliation.  Please, expect my sharing of the grand outcomes of this study.

I am discovering ever more that the more time I spend in His Word the more I want to remain there.  I am so blessed to live in this grand nation and be afforded the many opportunities and the freedom to engage in such studies as those listed here in this post.

Please share!  What do you do to stay close to our Heavenly Father?  What is a favorite Bible study of yours?

My prayer for you:  As this year comes to a close and we celebrate some very meaningful holidays, may you find the true meaning of these seasons and may you be even more blessed.

An Instant Answer

Today, we returned to the 2012-13 school year, and it was a really good day. A really good day.

Within my classroom, I have access to an LCD projector, to which I had misplaced the remote, which allows me, in part, to freeze or blacken the screen, which is really helpful, as I may work on my teacher computer when the screen is frozen.

I had looked all over my room.  In every place in which I thought I might have placed it.  In my desk drawers, in my storage area, in all the places that I might have just placed it for safe-keeping.

Today, needing that remote, I paused to pray.  Just a quick, quiet prayer.  Then, instantly, I knew where that remote was.  I went to my desk, removed the lower right desk drawer, got down on my knees and knelt, and there in that space in the back of the drawers lay my remote. It had fallen out of the back of the drawer and sat waiting on me to find it.  Right beside the remote, lay several jump drives for which I had also been looking.  Thus, my prayer was answered in abundance!

This was such a blessing to me.  God answered that prayer so quickly.  He place on my mind, right then,  where that remote was. He might as well have spoken audibly to me. That just blessed my entire day!

Such a great reminder that God answers prayers in His time.  I truly needed that remote to help my class run more smoothly.  Sometimes, His timing is instantly!  Praise God!

Such a great reminder, too, that we should ask in abundance, for He wants to bless us.

You do not have, because you do not ask God. James 4:2

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask - we know that we have what we ask of Him. 1 John 5:14-15

Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them and you will have them. Mark 11:24

Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all you ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. Proverbs 3:5

What did I do next?  I testified!  Of course!  During lunch to those in my English department.  After school to another teacher friend.  Tonight to you on this blog post.  Later this week at church.

As I type and reflect, I now realize that the answered prayer is also confirmation that I am right where I need to be.  I have struggled much with my career, wanting to use my degree in administration, knowing that the timing is not right, that God wants me right where I am.  I pray I that I continue to ever be more mindful of remaining where God wants me...in His perfect will.

God is good.  All the time!

On a Musical Note

I was so blessed tonight through a conversation I had at church with a former student of mine...about music (not English...which is what I attempted to teach him!).

Our song leader was a bit late getting to church, so I jokingly said, "Jarrod, you may have to lead us in some songs."  Then, in a bit he admitted that he played the guitar...everyday...and is teaching himself, in, what I call, "playing by ear," which is how I play the piano.

Then, the song leader arrives, and the service begins.  Church ends.

Jarrod immediately turns around and begins talking again about playing and maybe playing music with us at church, that this is something he would like, so I began to testify!

When I initially began playing the piano, I banged the piano keys in an attempt to mock the musicians at church, as I pretended to be those ladies, my heroines.  I dreamed of the day I would sit on that bench and play for church services.  (God is a giving God...keep reading!)

To save her sanity, my mom taught me what she knew about chording.  As time went on, I "picked out" one song...I think it was "Jesus Loves Me."  (Thank you, Lord, for this gift of love!)   Then, I picked out another.   Over time, a piano-playing friend here and there would show me a trick or two, and the Lord played the piano via my fingers.

I cannot read music, and I have never had any professional training.  Yet I have played at weddings, funerals, various special events...and many, many church services.  God granted the desire of my heart to sit on that bench and play the piano at church.  God is good.  All the time.

As I shared with Jarrod, this is a gift from God, and I do my best to use it for God, hardly ever play anything but gospel music.  When I do perchance play something besides gospel, it's only something that edifies, which is what I encouraged Jarrod.  God has given...is giving...him a gift, and if Jarod will use it for Him, the Lord will so greatly bless that gift, and his gift will bless others.  A very wonderful cycle of blessing.

Now, this is true of all God-given gifts.  Use them for God.  Reserve those gifts for God.  Then, watch, feel, allow that gift to be utilized via you for Him.  See how that works?  The more you get out of the way...the more God can work through you!

As I told Jarrod, the more I remove myself from playing, the more I do not think about what I am going to play, the better it sounds, the more the Lord takes over.  I truly believe that.

Surely, this must be how a gifted preacher or speaker feels.  Just remove the self and let God take over.  I often hear them say in a prayer, "Lord, let me get out of the way, and you take over."  For my God-given talent, I am very grateful.  May I ever use this gift for Him.  May it bless someone in some small way to draw  someone closer to Him.

Please share!  In what area has God gifted you?  How does He use this gift via you?