Thy Word Have I (want to have) Hid In My Heart

As I began this New Year, I listened to some teachings on basic biblical disciplines. Piper is a great source, at the end and beginning of each year, for teaching on prayer and the Word. I was freshly provoked to pray more by his teaching on Dec. 28th and then very provoked to work on scripture memorization on the following week's teaching. In it, John Piper recites Scripture by memory for probably 20 minutes maybe more! Amazing! I am sure he could have gone on longer. I would have lasted about 90 seconds and all of mine would have been like "children obey your parents.." I recently studied Ps. 119. There are many verses in this one chapter, that teach the importance of and power in knowing God's word.

I, also, have often recalled a story my dear friend Arlynn told me many years ago. She shared with me that as her grandma's health was declining and her mind fading, the word of God was coming forth from her grandma's mouth. Arlynn challenged me to consider the thought that some day we may not have full control of what we say (as if I do now!) and what is in our hearts will surely come out. I shutter to think of every thought of mine being laid bare for all to hear. But, if it is God's word that is stored in our hearts, then what a blessed time that will be. For when I can no longer think clear enough to watch my words and my thoughts flow into words regardless of what they are, I want my words to honor the Lord.

I, also, think of the great benefit it would be to me right now to have God's word ever with me to equip, guide, comfort and defend. If every time I had a condemning thought, a worry, and unkind judgment etc. I faced it with the Word, think of the victories that would occur. Sin would be stopped dead in its tracks. Instead of all the things I could think about, I would think of how great and mighty my God is. How kind and sovereign He is. How He has given me everything I need for life and godliness. How He delights in me, loves me and empowers me. There is so much I could say here.

So, I am looking into a memorization program. I think I might use Piper's Fighter Verses, but I am not sure. Any suggestions? What have you found helpful?

Retreating

This Thursday I will get to go on a personal retreat. I will have 3 days to myself to pray and read and worship and plan. The Lord has given me a sense of anticipation as this year begins and I want to really seek Him for what He has for me this year. I have a couple of books I am taking and some teachings on my Ipod to listen to. I want to download some new worship music to take with me so that is where I need your help. Do any of you have a favorite worship CD or two that you could recommend? I have one I am leaning toward, but I thought I would ask. Also, if you have any recommendations of teachings or reading material that has really served you lately, I would love to hear about it. What is life to you right now?

Just Wait!

That has been the theme since the beginning of this year. It seems that every morning the Lord is reminding me to wait on Him. In my pride, I usually think I should do something about situations that don't seem right or situations I don't like. (notice these are situations I thing need to change, not the Lord). Like maybe I should mention them to someone involved..or someone not involved...or maybe I should fix it or share my keen insight and then surely it will be fixed...or maybe I should encourage someone along in something so it all happens quicker, after all isn't sooner better than later? I am amazed at how fast my mind works to "figure out" how to get things to go how I think they should, yet I can't remember where I slipped my keys! Yet, even with all my wisdom :) the Lord tells me to WAIT!

If you have known me very long you know that I am not one to relax and let things go. Sitting still is hard for me, I don't even like to sit through a movie. But, it would seem those days are ending. I think the Lord is really after me to just wait on Him in everything do, but especially in the areas that are bothering me that I want to somehow fix. It is so funny because I know I really can't change the things that mean the most to me, but I am so tempted to try.

Yet, each morning the Lord has told me to wait. Wait for him to do it all. Wait for him to accomplish His purpose in my life and those around me. Wait for strength. Wait for deliverance. Wait for resolution and an end to contempt. Wait for His action. Wait and sit back and watch Him work His amazing, perfect will. Wait in anticipation of the wonderful things He has for us. Wait with joy. This is all so hard for me, but I so want to do it right and honor the Lord and I can so look back and see how my trying to make things better often doesn't. Ultimately, it comes down to who do I trust? Myself or my amazing God who reigns over every single situation and circumstance and never allows anything to thwart His will for me? (the answer sounds so obvious, but is so hard) Anyway, that is the beginning of my year. I sure would appreciate your prayers if I come to your mind. I really want to sit still and just trust God. And I really do look forward to seeing what He does this year in our lives!

New Year"s Eve

Happy New Year!! This year Megan and Hosanna decided to host a party at our house for all their single friends and a few married couples. Our home was transformed with metallic stars, tulle, twinkle lights and all sorts of festive decor for about 50 people. It was beautiful! One of the evening's events was a talent/no talent show. I thought you would enjoy Meg, Hosanna and Erin's talent!