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:
8      The LORD says, “I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.
9      So don’t be like a horse or donkey, that doesn’t understand. They must be led with bits and reins,
or they will not come near you.”
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 don’t be like a horse or donkey, that doesn’t 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
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Prov 3:5-6 NIV
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easy 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.
Sherri Moore, Pueblo West, CO
Matt 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Port Neches, Texas
“For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgement.”
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure bin the last days.
James 5:1-3 ESV
Kim, Cincinnati, OH
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
Julia, Cincinnati, OH
“Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:6 NLT
Allison, Cincinnati, OH
Allison, Cincinnati, OH
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
Dawn, Pottsville
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”.
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Ainslie, Columbia SC
“For the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.” ~Psalm 37:17 NIV
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 NIV
Elise–Newark
Sorry this is so late. This past week has been crazy busy!
Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
Finally, be strong in The Lord and in the strength of his might.
– Lauren, Destrehan, LA <3
Brenda,Houston,Tx
But he said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Chist may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
Mauriceville, Texas
Fear God and keep is commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13b (NIV)
Heather Louisville, KY
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.
Isaiah 33:6 (NIV)
Lynn ~ Orlando,
“She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.”
~ Proverbs 31:26 (NASB)
Gina
Johnston, CO
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Shelly
Golden, CO
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Kelley, Raleigh, NC
….and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
Ephesians 6:15 NIV
Kimber, Panama City, FL
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26 NIV)
Sarah
Portales, NM
Joshua 1:8 ESV
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Leslie
Wisner, La.
(continuing a passage from last time)
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
and your justice as the noonday.
Psalm 37:3-6
Jeri, Lynchburg, VA. Psalm 27:1. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? NIV 84
Annie, Alabama
Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.
Psalm 63:3 (NIV)
Laura from Prairieville, LA:
To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7 NIV
Cindy
Salt Lake City
Proverbs 17:17 NIV
A friend loves at all times: and a brother is born for adversity.
“And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.'”
Luke 1:38, ESV
Crystal- Gridley, IL
Gretchen
Metairie, LA
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23, 24 NIV
Jen Smith – Clearwater, FL
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
Revelation 19:6-7 ESV
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready;…”
Cyndy
Columbia, SD
In a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
Jude 1:7
Karen, Cheyenne, WY
Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
“As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him.”
Missy S, Chapel Hill, NC (just moved!)
“Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 (ESV)
Jeanette, Mansfield, TX – How blessed are those who keep justice, who practice righteousness at all times! Psalm 106:3, NASB
Connie, Shipshewana, …With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ. Ephesians 1:8b-9 NIV
Debbie, Folly Beach, SC
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1: 2-3
Jolie – Cottage Grove, MN
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:63 NKJV
Jessy from Houston, Tx:
” but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)
Lezli, Columbus, GA
God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. Acts 17:27, NIV
Meagan, Bedford TX
For he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103: 14 NIV
Letha, Mountain Home, Arkansas.
‘And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”Romans 5:5 NLT
Beth, that verse is absolutely great!
Isaiah 43:19, NLT
“See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”
Amy, Pratt, KS
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting Psalm 139:23-24 NIV
Tara, Greensboro, NC
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
2 Timothy 1:7 NIRV “God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves.”
Terri, Pleasant Hope, MO
For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Romans 5:10 (ESV)
Sherree from Mansfield, TX
Fools will believe anything, but the wise think about what they do. Proverbs 14:15 NCV
Mary, Indian Head, MD
13. Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. (NASB)
(Sorry so late posting my verse. On vacation in mountains-no Internet)
Jennifer, North Charleston, SC:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33, NIV