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
Felicia Gonzales, Hayward, Ca
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. [John 15:5 NLT]
Eva, Knoxville, TN – I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:10, 11a
Kathryn, Oceanside, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave.” Colossians 3:13 NIV
Cathy – Russellville, AR
Set your mind on things above, not earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
Carol Marshall, Gilbert, AZ
Hebrews 11:6
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Linda Johnson, High Point, N.C.
I Corinthians 16:13 NIV
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Misty Sherman, Longview TX
“Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.” (Psalm 119:6 HCSB)
Cindy B. – Smithfield, NC
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corinthians 4:16
Lori, Louisville, KY
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
2 Corn 4 :16
Mary-Katherine, New Albany, OH
“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”
1 Thessalonians 3:12 NIV
Shonda Vielbig, Ventura, CA Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 NIV
Emily Tohlen, Kansas City, MO
“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His presence continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
Regina Coleman, Salado, TX
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:12 (NIV)
Amy Oesterreich, Crown Point, Indiana
“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV
Paige Woodard Mitchell
Minden, LA
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (NIV)
LeEllen Phillips – Nashville, TN
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:3-4, NASB
Valerie Mathura, Newnan, Georgia
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3 ESV)
Angela Dhans, Brooksville, Fl.
Proverbs 18:21 ( The Voice )
Words have power in matters of life
and death, and those who love them
will savor their fruit.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Phil 1:21 NIV
Lou, Jenison MI
I John 4:16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. NASB
Robin, Atlanta GA
Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes.
1 Samuel 12:16 NIV
Krista valdes zamora. Round rock, TX
“Those who hide in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty”
Psalm 91:1 NLT
Sue Groveport, OH
Psalm 37:28b-29 NIV
Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed, the offspring of the wicked will perish. The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
Karen Coppley Clemmons NC Psalm 63:4 ESV
So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Anne Chen, Cerritos, CA “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Psalms 1:1-2 NKJV
Trinna, Bossier City, LA, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” Psalm 46:1-2 NIV
Tasha J., Edmond, OK
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
Karen-Greer,SC: “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:24 (ESV)
Lacy, Eugene, OR
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Cindy Beam
Rogers, AR
“It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)
Wendy Bashor, Lone Butte, BC – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Linda in Chester, VA
I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
Ephesians 3:17(TLB)
Carol White, Vian, OK
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jer 29:11 NIV
Joy, Altadena, CA
“Neither bright light of sun nor dim light of moon will harm you.”
Psalm 121:6 VOICE
Bobbie Jo
San Angelo, TX
Seek first God’s kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. (Matthew 6:33 NCV)
Matthew 6:34 NIV
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tommorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Debbie Gordon, Severna Park, MD
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
(Colossians 3:12 ESV)
Traci McNally, Evansdale, Iowa
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
I Timothy 4:7-8 NIV
Victoria, Hooksett NH
Lift up on high your eyes, And see — who hath prepared these? He who is bringing out by number their host, To all of them by name He calleth, By abundance of strength (And [he is] strong in power) not one is lacking.
Isaiah 40:26 (YLT)
We love because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19. (NIV)
Becky Davis, Huntington, WV
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
Ruth
Belleville, IL
“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.
“The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
“The voice of the LORD is powerful;
the voice of the LORD is majestic.” Psalm 29:2-4 NIV
Julie Medway Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia
That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.
Galatians 5:26 The Message
Kristy McIntyre, Eugene, OR
2 Tim 2:13 NIV “If we are faithless, he remains faithful. For He cannot do so and himself.”
Dawn
Mount Olive, NC
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
HI FRAN!
Justine Crawford
Las Vegas, NV
Revelations 2:10 (NLT)
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer….be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
Sandy Hartley, Clatskanie, OR
James 1:6 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.
Alana McCullough, Lorton VA. 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, NIV
Sherri, Albuquerque
“They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.” Acts 2:45 NLT