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
Alaina // Tyler, TX
..yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:18 NIV
Elsie, Abbotsford, BC, Canada “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 NIV
Matthew 5:4-5
Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be conforted. Blessed are the meek, for the shall inherit the earth
Leah from Ontario, Canada
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Psalm 59:10 My God in His mercy and steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look triumphantly on my enemies those who lie in wait for me.
Josie, Salem, OR
“and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” Ephesians 6:17 ESV
Sherri, Marietta, GA: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NKJV
LoriAngela Chilliwack BC Canada
I want their hearts to be encouraged, being knit together in love.
Colossians 2
Patrice in Albuquerque
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Brittany in Carrollton, TX: Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV
Definitely making that one mine too this month. Last time was vs. 8 for me, so this one felt very appropriate & jumped off the page as well! So thankful today God’s Word IS ALIVE & not just dry ink on the page!
Monica, Hicksville, NY.
“So, don’t be like a horse or donkey, that doesn’t understand. They must be led by bits & reigns, or they will not come near You.”
Psalm 32:9(NCV)
Paulette
Nogalus Prairie, TX
“I, the Lord, officially commission you; I take hold of your hand. I protect you and make you a covenant mediator for people and a light to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:6
The NET Bible
Shauna, Aurora, NE: 2 Chronicles 14:11 “Lord, there is no one like You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this vast army. O Lord, You are our God; do not let men prevail against You.” NIV
Candace, Lexington Park, MD
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)
Lisa from Hillsboro, Or
Joretta Windham-Gorman
Waxahachie, TX
Ps. 32:9 New Century Bible
“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
Beth, I loved your narrative, because I, too, have memory verses with my son. How precious to hear them discuss and apply those truths!! I’m going with your pick today!
âThe Lord your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.â…But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them, until the Lord has given your brethren rest, as He gave you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the Lord your God is giving them. Joshua 1:13b-15a NKJV
You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 (NIV)
Annette, Lees Summit, MO — Colossians 1:20 — and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Lisa from Hillsboro, Or
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever.
Psalm 111:10 NLT
HOUSTON – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV
Maggie, Seattle, WA
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” -Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
Phillipians 3:8 (NLT)
Joanne Hill Orange, TX
“The King will reply,’Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:40 NIV
Sacha
Midland, TX
1 Chronicles 29:11 (ESV)
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head above all.”
madeleine, Corrales: I exalt You, my God the King and praise Your name forever and ever…..the Lord is good to everyone, His compassion rests on all He has made. Psalm 145-1 and 9 HCSB
Anna McCollister
New Palestine, IN
2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Candi McDonald, Ft Bragg, NC. ”Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, they will raise up the former devastations; and they will repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.’ Isaiah 61:4, NASB
Betty Murphrey
Wendell, NC
Revelation 3:2a KJV
Be watchful and strengthen the things which remain.
Lacie | Seattle
Never stop praying. -Thess 5:17 NLT
Maria – Macomb, MI 48044
Psalm 91
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, âHe is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.â
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowlerâs snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you say, âThe Lord is my refuge,â
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 âBecause he[b] loves me,â says the Lord, âI will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.â
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Julie P
Tierra Verde Fl
Colossians 1:17 NET
He himself is before all things and all things are held together in him.
Alyson, Elgin TX
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
Psalm 119:133 NIV
NIV Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the Unity of the Spirt through the bond of peace.
“the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:6 (NIV) {I’m memorizing the whole chapter}
Wendy, Plano TX.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Ps 139:23-24, NLT
SSMT#13: You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 of 24
Psalm 40:8 NKJV
I delight to do your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart.
Gloria, Cleveland, Ohio
Ramona,Pasadena, TX:
Hebrews 11:1 NLT
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.
Valerie F., Warrensburg, MO
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit in me.
Psalm51:10, NLT
Michele – Naperville, IL
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Susan, Locust Grove VA
Psalm 138:2 NLT
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.
Jeanne San Antonio,TX
July 1st Verse:
Psalm 14:2 NIV
The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
“The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes, to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them.” Psalm 145:17-19 NLT
Linda, Holland, OH
Proverbs 10:19 (NLT)
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
Sylvia, Georgetown TX
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.
Ps 103:1-2 NASB
The Lord says, âI will guide you along the best pathway for your life.
I will advise you and watch over you.
Do not be like a senseless horse or mule
that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.â
I needed to read this today. I am so tired of trusting me and my way over what the Lord has planned for my life.
Psalm 32:8-9
Stacey and Ally (age 11) Omaha, NE
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5 NIV
Emily (age 13)
So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD.
Lamentations 3:26 NLT