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
Jill P., Ames, IA
Isaiah 30:18 (HCSB)
“18 Therefore the Lord is waiting to show you mercy,
and is rising up to show you compassion,
for the Lord is a just God.
All who wait patiently for Him are happy.”
Kathleen Saint Joseph,MI
1Peter 4:8
Above all, keep your love for one another at full strength, since love covers a multitude of sins.
HCSB
Sarah, Chocowinity, NC
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
Philippians 2:14-15
I’m working on memorizing James with the Mercy Triumphs study. So far I have James 1:1-3.
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes of the Dispersion, greetings. Consider it joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”
đ
Gwyn Tidwell of Haslet, Tx
The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7b (NIV84)
Lacey, KatyTx
Isaiah 40:29 NIV
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Shaci- Aztec,NM
Jude 1:2 NIV
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Tessa from Nacogdoches TX
Psalm 141:3 NKJ
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Rebecca from Houston. I cry aloud to the Lord; I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. Although my spirit is weak within me, you know my way. – Psalm 142: 1-3, HCSB
Maria, Oxford, MS
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
1 John 5:14 NIV
Kristin A. in Cheney, WA
Jennifer, Fort Worth
“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;” Proverbs 2:7, NKJV
Kristin A. in Cheney, WA
(sorry for the technical error)
“You are a hiding place for me; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with shouts of deliverance.” – Psalm 32:7 ESV
Amanda, Clinton, MO
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.
Psalm 37:7 NIV
Cathy R in Orofino, ID
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Eph.1:18-19 NASB
Donna D, Sarnia, Ontario
“I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise
and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of
destruction overwhelmed me.”
Psalm 18:3-4 NIV
Judy says: “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 NLT
Barb, Crown Point, IN
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 NASB
Beth in Niamey, Niger
NIV
Colossians 2:7
Stacey DeYoung- Morocco,in
2 Corinthians 4:13 NIV
It is written: âI believed; therefore I have spoken.â Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak,
Shannon, Tyler, Tx “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were
born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5, NIV
Christy, Texas
Romans 12:9 (NIV)
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Sheila, Splendora, TX
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
Valerie, Fultondale, AL
“In you, Lord my God, I put my trust.” Psalm 25:1 NIV
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son desires (wills, chooses) to reveal Him. (Matthew 11:27 HCSB)
Lisa
Forsyth,IL
“…this happened so the power of God could be seen
in him. ” John 9:3 NLT
Victoria – Salt Lake City, UT – Proverbs 12:16 (ESV)
“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”
I have to post my June 15th verse due to being out of the country.
June 15-John 17:15 “I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one.” HCS
July 1- Psalms 100:1-3 “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful song. Acknowledge that Yahweh is God. He made us, and we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” HCS
Oops- That’s Tonya from Eucha, OK
thus say the LORD, “Do not be discouraged because of this vast Army for the battle is not yours, but the LORD’s. You do not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions and stand firm and the see the victory that God will give you O Judah and Jerusalem. . . .Go out and face them tomorrow and God will be with you.
2Chron 20: 15, 17
Laura ~ Plainfield, IN
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1Peter 5:7 NIV
Desiree, Calgary, Alberta
Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.
Genesis 28:15 ESV
Phyllis, Irvine, CA,
“These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in
Christ.” Colossians 2:17 (NIV)
Thus says the LORD, “Do Not be discouraged because of this vast army for the battle is not yours but the LORD’s. You do not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions and stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you O Judah and Jerusalem.. . .Go out a
Jacqui. Lemoore, ca. The Lord is compassionate and merciful. Slow to anger and filled with unfailing love. Psalms 103:8 NLT
Joy, Altadena, CA
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
-Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Alice, Chesapeake Va.
Zephaniah 3:17 ESV
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16 ESV)
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
2 Timothy 2:15-16 NIV
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La
Jodi, Sundown, TX, Wait patiently for The Lord! Wait confidently for him! Do not fret over the apparent success of a sinner, a man who carries out wicked schemes! (Psalms 37:7 NET)
I ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for His followers, oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us who trust Him – endless energy, boundless strength. Eph. 1: 18-19 (MSG)
Sherri from Galena, OH:
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
Jeremiah 17:7
NIV
Matthew 7:12
The Message (MSG)
12 âHere is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up Godâs Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
“Turn away my eyes from looking at what is worthless; revive me in your ways. Ps 119:37 NET
Rita – Alva, Florida
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
I Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
Marcy Euless, TX
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Welland, ON
We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. (Colossians 1:10 MSG)
Melissa, LaGrange,GA Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Susan from Cary NC
Create in me a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Sharon from Van, TX
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it!”
Psalm 34:14 NIV