Hey sweet siestas!
How much fun is this? Can we all just stop for a minute and thank our beloved leader, Bible teacher and yes, friend, for spurring us on in this world of scripture memory? I fail every time on my own. We need our people to conquer this task, don’t we? I’m good for a couple of months and then I flat out quit and blame it on something other than myself. But, I won’t quit if I have y’all! I’m thankful for this community. I’m thankful for the accountability. Memorizing scripture has transformed my heart and mind…the Word is living, and we have the privilege to breathe it in when we open those sacred pages and be changed from the inside out.
Something that I have done as I have memorized scripture is to write a brief synopsis of why I chose the verse on the back of the index card. I also date it. At the end of the year, it’s so powerful to go back and read a mini-journal of God’s faithfulness and the journey you’ve taken together that particular year. Go back and do that if you haven’t done it already. I’ll bet it won’t take you long to recall why you picked a particular verse. It will be a sweet gift to read through at the end of 2015.
Ok, my name is Fran Thomas and I’ve been married to Chip for 21 years! That’s crazy to me! I swear I’m still 30-something. We have 3 teenage boys. That’s another kind of crazy! Our oldest is 18. (Insert tears of high school graduation, starting college and hoping you can cook and do laundry on your own) It’s nuts, y’all. Savor the moments, mommas. It flies.
We are living life in Jackson, TN, and I love our community of people here. I work at Union University, teach college girls on Sunday mornings, sing in the choir, and serve with our jail ministry at Englewood Baptist Church. I am also a partner in a non-profit ministry with my two best friends, Christy and Robyn, that we founded called “More than a Mission Trip.” Our heart is missions in every form and fashion. Our heart is for the lost, the saved who are lost, God’s precious people at the ends of the earth and those who are around the corner. Our desire is to encourage other women to serve God locally and globally…there is no better time than NOW to love, obey and serve Him with all we have! We can’t question or delay what God clearly calls us to do.
So how appropriate for me to choose a verse that has me in a season of being scared to death of what God has called me to do. Would this be the Christian “pot calling the kettle black” or what? I like safe and comfy just like you do. It’s predictable and doesn’t make my stomach hurt. I know the scriptural promises from Him, but there is simply something terrifying about taking new steps with Him after a season of predictability. *sigh*
So, we press on, sisters. We believe Him and take Him at His word. I’m doing this even with the butterflies alive and churning about! Unfortunately, I think I have an unbelief issue right now, but I’m choosing to believe Him for this season because He is able! He is faithful… Me? Not so much. He never fails. NEVER.
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6
I don’t want to doubt or be tossed around because of my unbelief. I want my feet to be steady and secure in Him, His voice, and His direction. I really want to believe Him and trust Him even with these butterflies during this new season. I don’t just want to say, “Yes, Lord I believe you,” but it only be a temporary belief or trust. We’ll start strong and then fade, don’t we?
Lord, help my unbelief.
It’s easy to say, “Sure, I’ll get out of the boat, and walk toward Jesus,” but it’s a whole other thing to actually put the feet into motion, isn’t it? Let’s not be tossed around, sisters. Let’s walk by faith and take Him at His Word. Let’s choose to believe Him girls!! Declare it even when we don’t feel it. We’ll begin to believe what we know and speak over that situation. Let’s declare the Truth that we are hiding in our hearts.
Y’all are such a blast! Hang in there and march on strong and steady because we are MORE than conquerors! We CAN do this because He WILL show us the way! He will NOT leave us! He WILL show Himself faithful! He has good plans for this season! He will NOT harm us! And on and on and on the promises go. Declare them. Believe them.
It’s such an honor to journey alongside you. I will be your biggest fan and cheer you on like nobody’s business. Fix those pretty eyes on Jesus and let’s run our race well. I’m praying for us all. I desperately need Jesus and His Word.
Love y’all,
Fran
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,”
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Jen from Wyoming
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
James l:6 NIV
Vonda Schwarz. Bertrand, NE “My soul makes its boast in the LORD, let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.” Psalm 34:2-3 ESV
PSALM 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Robin from Chambersburg, PA
Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies.
Psalm 27:11 (NKJV)
Kathy Darnell
Princeton TX
Come, let us bow down in worship,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker
Psalm 95:6 NIV
Linda Jewell
Sedona, AZ
2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Gina Demangos San Diego CA
Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.
Psalm 62:8
Rhonda Jackson, Godfrey, Illinois – And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 KJV
Sara McPeek, Decatur, TX
As for me, this is my covenant with them says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants, from this time on and forever,” says the Lord.
michelle
franklin, tn
Show Your favor to Your servant;
save me by Your faithful love.
Psalm 31:16 (HCSB)
Candy from St Louis
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;”
Ephesians 4:4 NIV
Pamela Shaw, Bangor, Northern Ireland
‘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.’ Eph 3:20 NIV
Julie Fawcett, Round Rock, Tx – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:5-6 NIV
Sherri Medford, Abilene Tx
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3. NIV
Judy Littleton, NC
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of struggle.
Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
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
Anita Siecker, Purcellville, VA
God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.
2 Timothy 1:9 NIV84
Sugar Land, TX Proverbs 15:1 NIV A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.
I read my “proverb for the day” this morning, and I’m so grousy today that I’m needing this reminder!
Kathryn Luedtke, Sherwood Park, AB
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him and his righteousness with their children’s children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
Ps 103:17&18
“They shall pour forth the fame of Your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.”
–Psalm 145:7 (ESV)
Tilley Hawkins, Franklin, TN
“So trust Him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for Him. God is a safe place to be.”
Psalm 62:8 (MSG)
“You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:22(NIV’84)
Oops!
Kathy
St. Louis, MO
Cara Reyes
Dickinson Tx
Colossians 1:17 ESV
He is before all things and in him all things consist.
Dana C.
Newnan, GA
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For The Lord is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations.”
Psalms 100:4-5 HCSB
Peoria, Arizona
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12 NIV
Melissa Dulaney, Circleville, OH
John 14:27, NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Beth, Toronto: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” ~ Prov. 2:6 (ESV)
Melissa; LRAFB. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season, we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 ESV. Love the idea of journaling- thanks for sharing!
Sue from NH,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESPN
Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him,God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8 NIV
Stacy From Hawkinsville, GA:
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us
Ephesians 3:20 (KJV)
Davina Denny Novato, CA The Spirit of God has made me, the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4 NIV
Kim Safina
Los Osos, California
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Frannie, It is such a delight to read your heartfelt words. Such a joy to Rest in this site of Faithful women who love Christ Jesus. Blessings to you and your “4” boys always.
With “Heaven Bound” Blessings,
Kim “Kimmer” Safina calikim
Holly, Cape May. Ephesians 5:15. “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise.” NIV
“Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely – dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Carol Hartley Montgomery Al
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people
Joel 2:25…So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the consuming locust, and the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.
Ann Medford, Sunset, TX
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17 (NIV)
Pam Worcester, Glen Elder, Kansas
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV)
Kris Morrissey Omaha, NE
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands; your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 49:15-16
Tracey Boynton, Kingsburg CA
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
Tanya, Richland WA continuing a passage in Hebrews regarding God’s promises
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised He confirmed it with an oath.
Hebrews 6;17
Cheryl – Houston, Tx
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.
Ephesians 5:10 (NLT)
Jill, Clearwater , FL
Or take ships as an example, although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
James 3:4 NIV ( memorizing James )
Karen, Clarksville, “But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. Surely, LORD, You bless the righteous; You surround them with Your favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:11-12 NIV
Charlotte Heisel, Modesto CA
Psalms 91:8 NLT
You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked
Jen Niehus – Peyton, CO
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, Ephesians 6:18 ESV
Mary Fadel Cordova, MD
“But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'” Jeremiah 7:23 (ESV)
Carolyn, Maryville, Tn., Ps 63:3 NIV Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.