My Border Collie, Queen Esther, is just about as handy as a GPS if she’s been to the destination at least once. The closer we get to where we’re going, the more hyper she becomes. The backseat of my car may as well be a treadmill. In fact, if I’m on the phone, I usually have to hang up because the person on the other line becomes too distracted to talk.
What is that?
My dog. Sorry. She’s a little over excited.
Is she hurt?
No. She’s happy.
What does she want?
Out!
She jumps from window to window and commences – not to bark exactly – but to yelp. I constantly insist to Keith that I have the gift of interpretation for the tongue Queen Esther speaks and, when we’re coming up on our destination, I am absolutely sure of what she’s saying: Let me out of this car so I can run the rest of the way!
Right about now, you’re the Queen – the real kind and not the canine variety – and it’s the perfect time to start your happiest yelping. You can see from the view out of your window that we are almost to our destination and, after a whole lot of hard work, I hope everything in you is hyping up and hollering, Let me out so I can run the rest of the way!
Good grief, you’ve been fantastic. I cannot recall ever having a higher percentage finish out the year. I’d have to check past years to confirm that but I don’t remember ever having a more active group from start to finish. I wish you were sitting right here with me in my chilly den in front of this fire and we could talk face to face instead of line to line.
Our heater is out and it is just about as cold in Houston as it gets most winters. We’ve already had the repairman out for hours but he’s been unable to fix it and advised us to call our builder. He thinks it’s a malfunction in the unit. You have to write an email request to the builder for a repair and we haven’t heard back from them yet so it could be a frosty few days. I just worked out on my elliptical with a jacket on if that tells you anything. I don’t mind so much though, as long as it’s fixed pretty soon. It’s gorgeous outside and I love sitting by a fire anyway. The part I don’t like is that Jackson and Annabeth’s room at my house is like ice and they really can’t even play in it right now when they come over. No worries, though. I expect it to be repaired surely by the first few days of this week.
If you were here, I’d also serve you up some cinnamon rolls in about an hour. I made homemade rolls for our Thanksgiving feast and I almost always roll out cinnamon rolls with the leftover dough several days later. They’re rising right now under some lights in the only warm end of my house.
Some of you are observant enough to ask me if I pulled two of them off the one pan and ate them raw because of those 2 circles of flour. No, I didn’t – though I was tempted – but I did peel them off and put them on the second cookie sheet because the 3 rolls that wouldn’t fit on the first pan looked so lonely over there. My cold house is going to smell like heaven in a little while. Sometimes I make a thick butter icing but, really, I prefer a thinner glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla and a tiny bit of half and half. Too much icing takes away from the homemade flavor of the rolls in my opinion.
The inevitable question I get at a time like this is, “Do you always eat like that?”
Lord have mercy, no. But, Girlfriend, it’s a holiday.
I could make you hot tea or coffee to go with yours, depending upon your preference, and we’d chat a while and then we’d trade our 23rd verses.
My selection came up in my devotional this morning and catapulted me into prayer. I’m actually memorizing the 2nd chapter of Colossians right now but sometimes the section I’m working on next is too awkward out of context to post as an SSMT verse. For instance, if Colossians 2:21 were next, imagine this as my SSMT selection: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” See? Awkward. So, if I’m in the middle of a long portion, I usually go off road for SSMT and select a verse that is more user friendly so that women who are drawing a blank on their choices can go with me on mine if they wish. Here goes:
Beth, Houston. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 ESV
The second half of it drew me into intercession. It does not say that the reason the Son of God appeared was to deny the works of the devil. It does not say that the Son of God appeared to downplay the works of the devil. It does not say that the Son of God appeared to decrease the works of the devil. It says He appeared to DESTROY the works of the devil.
So I started pinpointing some areas around my life and the lives of my family members and loved ones where the enemy is rearing up his ugly head. And with great joy and a sense of victory in my chest, I thanked Jesus for coming to destroy his works and asked Him to demonstrate that destruction right before our eyes in those areas. We know that “the ancient serpent, who is the devil” will not be completely bound until the Kingdom of the living Christ comes in its fullness and His throne is established right here on earth. At that time, the prayer we’ve prayed more than any other will finally be fulfilled: Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
But, until then, we are meant to experience stunning victories where we see living, breathing evidences that the enemy has been overcome. We’re meant to give the devil a taste of what he will experience in the Kingdom when he is bound for a thousand years. (Revelation 20:2)
Let’s not let him off the hook. Let’s remind our enemy every single day that he is not only defeated. His works are destroyed in Jesus’ great Name.
You, my dear sister, are a great privilege to serve. Walk strong with your God, young lady. Ask for a fiery faith to believe Him and for eyes to see His works manifested right here on this ailing planet. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
Let’s toast to that.
Tags: Scripture Memory 2013
Chris M, Seattle, WA
Matthew 12:34b NIV
For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.
Cathy Reineke
Orofino, ID
I will lie down and sleep in peace for You alone O Lord make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8 NIV
Deborah, Nashville
“For a child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NAS
Richmond, TX
Luke 6:38 NIV
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Kathy Bryson
Albuquerque, NM
Philippians 4:6-7 MSG
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Sherri, Albuquerque, NM “Seek the Kingdom of GOD above all else and He will give you everything you need.” NLT Luke 12:31
Kay – Deer Park
“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
1st John 3:8 ESV
Kim Safina
Central Coast of California
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6,7 NIV
Hebrew – Greek Key Study Bible
🙂
May I say this, I was touched by the honesty and heart felt words of Amanda in her blog. Please know that my PRAYERS will continue to cover your entire family as we all rejoice that God is refining in us the precious jewel of faith.
May your CHRISTmas Season be filled with love, peace, joy, perseverance, and knowing that I CARE!!! 🙂
“Before they call I will answer, while they are still speaking I will hear.”
Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)
Carol
Woodbridge, CA
“Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
New Century Version
Madelin, Thousand Oaks, CA
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to DESTROY the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 ESV
I apologize for the off topic but I just can’t wait–when is the 2014 series beginning? Will you be selling the bible study memorization cards again? I missed last year but don’t want to miss this one!
Love you all so much….!
Monica, Abbotsford, BC Canada
Eph 3:20 NiV
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.
Marta, Anchorage
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)
Joni, Port Neches. “For my determined purpose is that I may know him–that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly.” (Phil. 3:10a, Amplified Bible)
Myra, London, England
“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of HIs wonderful acts.”
Psalm 105:1-2 NIV
Sharon, Riverside, Ca.
Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV
Sarah, Bracknell, UK
“Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 NAS
Dayna, Bedford, VA
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.James 3:17 HCSB
Kim, Valdosta, GA
“Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, till He comes and rains righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12, NKJV
Courtney,Chicora ”
whoever makes a Practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3;8 ESV
Dawn, Mt.Olive, NC
Philippians 4:19 NKJV
“My God shall supply all your needs according to His Riches in Glory by Christ Jesus”
Kathy Tampa Bay Florida area (New Port Richey, Florida)
Isaiah 53:11 NIV84
He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied: by His knowledge shall My righteous servant justify many; For He shall bear their iniquities.
Kathy, Aiea, HI:
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always. (Ps. 105:4 NIV)
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa
For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
Luke 1:49 NIV
Allison, Huntsville, TX
JAMES 5:13-16 NIV
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Betty, Waveland, IN: “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me, O my people.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord I am coming.'” Psalm 27:8 TLB
Amy, Miamisburg, OH
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:10 NIV
Greater is he who is in us than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4. I needed to hear this right now. Have a blessed day, Beth! Love you!
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thes 5: 16-18 NASB
Rejoice always
1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV
Michelle K., Warner Robins, GA
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and THAT my soul knows very well. Psalm 139:14 NKJV
Britt, Burlington, NC. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
Tammy…Monroe,Ga.
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. (Psalm 25:4 NIV)
in Muscle Shoals, AL
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.” (Psalm 40:4 NIV)
Melody
Myrtle Beach, SC
“And Mary said, My soul magnifies and extols the Lord…”
Luke 1:46 AMP
Julia Stevens Hill — Anniston, Alabama
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Judy, Oswego, NY
Psalm 118:28029 ESV: ‘You are my god and I will give thanks to you; You are my God; I will extol you. Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.’
Andrea. Havelock, NC.
“Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.” Psalm 51:6, NKJV
“And. Will strengthen them in The Lord. And in His name they will walk,” declares he Lord. NASB
Gwyn Tidwell of Haslet
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13 (NIV84)
Beckie Potterfield – Florence, SC
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 ESV
Kari
Charlottesville, VA
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
Psalm 61:3 (NIV)
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.
Thank you for sharing these simple words of wisdom with us.
Lisa, Mauldin, SC
The Lord God is my strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk (not to stand still in terror but to walk) and make (spiritual) progress upon my high places (of trouble, suffering, or responsibility)!
Habakkuk 1:19 (Amplified)
Gretchen, Gahanna, Ohio–Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed, I will make good. I will say “Salvation comes from the Lord.”
Jonah 2:8-9 NIV
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a Shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words, or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” Proverbs 30:5-6 (NIV)
Kay Martin
Tupelo, MS
Janae – Riverside, PA “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, ut we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Psalm 20:7(NIV)
Lindsey, Scenery Hill, PA
Psalm 90:17 (esv) -Memorizing this to pray for/over my husband:
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands.