Hey, Everybody!
I am writing to you on Sunday afternoon since this post needs to go up first thing Monday morning and I am typing away on my laptop from Jackson and Annabeth’s room in our home. It’s the room where Keith and I get the best internet hookup. I like it anyway because it is filled with expressions of the only two kids on the earth I love as much as the two that I birthed. From Annabeth’s twin bed where I’m sitting, I can see a pink and green doll house, a blue and yellow race track, a dark green, fairly-convincing rubber lizard, a kids’ brightly colored exercise bike, a cardboard playhouse and a cardboard castle. It’s full on here in this room and, boy, has it had a work out in the last week.
Keith and I are blessed out of our minds to do lots of life with our grandkids because they only live about 20 minutes from our front door. Delightfully, their voices often reverberate off of these walls and their sweet feet are slap-happy on these wooden floors on a regular basis. We get to have sleepovers on occasions through out the year but once every summer Keith and I have them for the better part of a week and let their darling parents get some time together all by themselves. This last week was that segment of time – Camp Bibby we call it – for the summer of 2013. We kissed them goodbye on Friday night after a good, solid 5-day dose of them. I hate to admit to a small lump in my throat when they drove off with Amanda and Curtis, although I needed a nap in the worst way. Grin. It may be of some encouragement to you mothers of young children that, on Day 1, I did not shower until 3:00 PM. Yes, I do indeed remember what it was like to be a busy young mom whose life is not her own and when I forget, my two sweeties help me remember. Good grief, I would not trade them for anything in this world.
We do not have the time or space here for all the new quotes that have been added to my repertoire in the last week. Jackson and Annabeth are each hilarious, even when they don’t mean to be, so I try to have a pen nearby at all times. Annabeth announced to me on Friday afternoon that, when she grows up, she most definitely does NOT want to have a baby. “Why not?” I asked. “Because you have to go to the hospital,” she replied. And I thought to myself, whoa baby, that’s not all you have to do. As my mama always said, you also have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Translation: you think you’re going to die but, ordinarily, you do not, although at times your husband could be in considerable harm’s way if he spouts another word. Of course, I kept these thoughts to myself.
Annabeth paused for just a moment then spoke back up. “I just want a chihuahua and a cat.”
And that was that.
Jackson asked me how old I was while he was here because I recently had a birthday. He’s asked me that kind of thing before and it always ends up following the trail of whether or not I will still be his Bibby when he is in college. Curtis’s grandmother died a couple of years ago and I think he’s got it in his seven year-old head that grandmothers are tenuous creatures, here today, gone tomorrow. So, I said to him, “You know, Jackson, both your grandmothers are actually pretty young to have a grandkid as old as you. Because we all started so early, I think you can probably assume we’ll be around a while and see you grow up.” He sat on that a few moments then said, “Bibby, that makes you a rookie grandma. Do you know what a rookie is, Bibby?” Ah, yes, I do, Mister. I was a rookie mom with your mommy and a rookie grandma with you and I cannot think of two people on the planet through whom I’d rather be cast into those auspicious, busy, and often humbling roles.
I guess you’re wondering what all of this has to do with our Scripture memory. Well, I am getting to that right now. We have a daily verse at Camp Bibby and Psalm 32:9 out of the New Century Bible was our verse for Day 3 and the immediate favorite and clear winner for the fastest memorization. I taught the whole verse to Annabeth and Jackson but we only memorized part of it. Perhaps you will see why Jackson all but claimed it as his life verse. Kids totally love this kind of thing:
“Don’t be like a…donkey.” Psalm 32:9a
It made them almost as happy as talking about bathroom sounds. If I heard this verse once out of their mouths since Wednesday, I heard it 50 times. They could tell you what it means, too. I’ll stick the phrase back in the wider Scripture segment so that you’ll know what it means, too:
8Â Â Â Â Â Â The LORD says, âI will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.
9Â Â Â Â Â Â So donât be like a horse or donkey, that doesnât understand. They must be led with bits and reins,
or they will not come near you.â
Jackson would tell you that it means that God doesn’t want to have to tie us all up, or sit on us, or be all hard on us to get us to come to Him and to walk in His gracious and good will for our lives. He doesn’t want to have to make us obey Him so He can bless us. His deep desire is that we’d want to go with Him because we know that He is always for us, always leading us to triumph, always trustworthy, always right, and forever wanting to crown us with love and compassion and lead us away from bondage and such unnecessary harm.
I know it’s basic. But my mind’s been on the basics this last week with a seven year-old and a four year-old either one foot from me or on my person. I guess the question I’m throwing out on the table this week is this: Why do we continue to fight God and lash about in His grasp like He’s a big Taker instead of a Giver? What is it we think He’s trying to rob us of? To whom have we compared Him so that we’ve assumed we cannot trust Him?
Don’t be so stubborn, the psalmist is saying. Cooperate and go with God some place beautiful. Some place almost magical.
Revel in the two preceding verses in the same psalm (32), this time from the NIV:
6Â Therefore let all the faithful pray to You
while You may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7Â You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Surround sound. Oh, if our spiritual ears could only be opened for a few glorious minutes, what a musical score we’d hear all around us. To go with Jesus is to go the way of deliverance. The way of music. The way of symphonies. The way of ascent amid mighty rising waters. So, I’m going with Jackson in my memory work this round:
Beth, Houston. So donât be like a horse or donkey, that doesnât understand. They must be led with bits and reins, or they will not come near you. Psalm 32:9 NCV
So, what’s yours?
You are loved around here, Sister. We are honored to serve you.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
kathy from leesville, la Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, and do it not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Colossians 3:22 NIV
Pam; Spring, TX
I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.
Philemon 1:4 NIV
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“For all the earth is the Lordâs,
and he has set the world in order.
He will protect his faithful ones,
but the wicked will disappear in darkness.”
1 Sam 2:8b-9a NLT
Clancie, Elizabethtown, KY
“But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do so courteously and respectfully. 1 Peter 3:15. AMP
Candace Hendrick, TX đ
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1 NASB
Tracy, Tangent, OR
Col 3:16 NKJV Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; singing with grace in your hearts to The Lord.
Michelle from Waterloo, ON, Canada
“I will guide you and teach you the way you should go. I will give you good advice and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIRV
Romans 12:12
New International Version (NIV)
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Molly, Cypress, TX
Psalm 32:8, NCB
“The LORD says, “I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.”
Cindy, Columbia, MO
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7 NIV
BEth, Lititz, PA
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Prov 3:24 NIV
Janie B, Poetry, TX
NKJV
Psalm 139:6
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.
Tammy, Lawrenceville, Habakkuk 2:3 NCV – It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be not be delayed.
*praying and waiting for my prodigal daughter to come home and believing it will happen in His time
Michelle P., Cypress, TX
1 Peter 1:8 ESV – Though you have not seen him you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory
Jacie from Amarillo, Texas
âBelieve in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.â Acts 16:31 NIV
Sue M in Grand Rapids, MI
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Tracy
Andice, TX
“The Lord you God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV
Heather H. Pflugerville, TX
1 Cor. 15:58 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear brother, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Carol, Cashion, OK “Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying âThus far the LORD has helped us.â” I Samuel 12:7 NASB
Ange & Bitsy Girl, Idaho borrowing Beth’s!
So donât be like a horse or donkey, that doesnât understand. Psalm 32:9a NCV
Sarah, Wilkesboro NC
The Lord does not look at the things man look at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but The Lord looks at the heart. 1Samuel 16:7 NIV
Romans 12:9 (NIV)
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Aubrey
Casper, WY
James 2:12-13 NIV
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Arlington, TX
Psalm 19:12-14 NIV
12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep Your servant also from willful sins, may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Debbie G
Poplarville, MS
1 Samuel 2:2 NIV
“There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
Lori
Concordia, KS.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Godâs will for you in Christ Jesus.
Cindy, Kearney NE
Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. (Psalms 27:14 NLT)
Elaine
McVeytown, PA
Colossians 3:13 NLT
Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Matthew 5:3-4 NIV
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will comforted.
Katie from Clovis, CA
2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.
Romans 15:13 NLT I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NLT I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jenni, Murray, KY
I will commit myself to you forever; I will commit myself to you in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love and tender compassion. (Hosea 2:19 NET)
Susan
Jersey Village, TX
“You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.”
Psalm 32:7
NIV
Katy
Mount Juliet, TN
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.” Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Gina, Rosamond, Ca
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Midland, TX
13 When tempted, no one should say, âGod is tempting me.â For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; James 1:13 (NIV)
This is the day that the Lord has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm118:24
Michelle, New Richmond: “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col 2: 2-3 ESV
Nicole T., Blue Springs, MO
So donât be like a horse or donkey, that doesnât understand. They must be led with bits and reins, or they will not come near you. Psalm 32:9 NCV
Tracey Knight ~ Arkadelphia AR
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV 84)
Jean, Rubicon, WI
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture,
“Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.”
James 2:8 NIV
Dori
Meridian, ID
Psalm 32:7 (NIV)
You are my hiding place;
You will protect me from trouble and surround me
With songs of deliverance.
Lisa A, Frisco, TX
1 Chronicles 16:11 NIV
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.
Jennifer, Sisters, OR
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over your with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
Jonda, Shakopee, MN
For we are Godâs handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal. 5:1 NIV
Pam in San Diego
Jaclyn, Round Rock, TX
“When I cried out for help, you answered me. You made me bold and energized me.” Psalm 138:3 NET
Kelley, Olive Branch, MS
So donât be like a horse or donkey, that doesnât understand. They must be led with bits and reins, or they will not come near you. Psalm 32:9 NCV
Melinda M.
Wichita, KS
The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
Prov 20:7