Happy New Year, y'all! A couple of us followers of Beth Moore's blog (check it out by clicking on the link at right if you've never visited) were intrigued by a scripture memory challenge she's issued. The idea is to commit to memorize (or seriously meditate on if you're absolutely convinced you cannot memorize) two scriptures a month for 2009. Lisa Fun-Lowe and I were chatting about it and decided to do it and thought we'd see about some accountability through this blog. Here's the deal: choose a scripture on the first and the 15th of each month to memorize. For accountability purposes (and to inspire other sisters!) you should get on and type it on the blog. Beth suggests one of those index card ring binders so you can write it out and carry it around with you, so that's what Lisa and I are doing. At the end of the year, we'll have 24 new verses memorized! I don't know about you, but this seems like just the thing I need to get my mind (heart, life, etc) right this year! I'm excited - and worried about follow-thru - so, my first memory work will be about worry! I've learned part of this passage before, but I'm committing to nailing down the entire short passage for context purposes. Anxiety and gentless will be themes for me, I think! So here's my first one:
Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Why not join in? Let me know if you're game!
My friend Dolly sent this poem to me and I thought it was worth sharing! Some of us (ahem) can allow the busy-ness of the season to sap all of the joy from it - here's a great reminder for us all!1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style©By Sharon JaynesIf I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass balls, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another decorator.If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals, and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family - I'm just another cook.If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family - It profits me nothing.If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties, and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.Love stops the cooking to hug the child.Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.Love is kind, though harried and tired.Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can't.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.Love never fails. Video games will break; pearl necklaces will be lost; golf clubs will rust. But giving the gift of love will endure.
