This year, like so many others, I am going to participate in the Living Proof Ministries "Siesta Scripture Memory Team" challenge. The challenge? Commit to memory 24 scripture verses that are relevant to me. On the 1st and the 15th, you post your verse selection along with the reference and translation on the LPM blog.
Then in January 2012, I am hoping to attend the Siesta Scripture Celebration. Several of my blog peeps have done this challenge. Some of you, like me, are taking up the challenge for the first time.
For official rules on how you can participate, go here.
This is going to be a challenge in many aspects for me. Yet, I believe it is something that will strengthen my walk with Jesus.
Have you participated in this challenge previously? Did you attend the Siesta Scripture Celebration? Are you participating this year? Please let me know your thoughts and experiences. If you would like to join in go here to post your first verse.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
Psalm 3:3 (NKJV) But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.
That's right. A polar bear run. On motorcycles. In 30 degree weather. While sleeting at times. Which just seems crazy. Yesterday it was in the 60s. There were severe thunderstorm warnings. Tornadoes nearby.Today is was cold.
God doesn't ask us to do the ordinary. He does the extraordinary while using ordinary people. That's how I felt today. The weather was extraordinary. Cold. Normally, I would not ride my Harley under such conditions. I'm a fair weather rider. I like it warm. But joining this group, wearing our Christian Motorcyclists Association colors let these people see that Christians are not sissys. We are tough. We enjoy the same things they enjoy. We just have a different motivation. A different set of standards we live by.
Today was the first of many days yet to come where God was brought glory and honor by the actions of the ordinary.
May others see the extraordinary of God in the ordinary of you today, This Day.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Many people resolve to do many things as the date turns from one year to another. I saw, what stops a person from making a change today, This Day? No matter what that day happens to be. March 2 or June 14 or September 22. Is one day any better than another to make changes?
This year, 2011, I resolve that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, regardless of the cost to me and without any consideration of the time involved. I resolve to do whatever I think to be my duty for the good of mankind in general regardless of the difficulties I meet.
WOW. That seems like quite a tall order. Don't you think? But really. It think it boils down to bring glory and honor to God through my words and my actions. I want to see people and their needs through the eyes of Jesus and help meet that need whenever possible. Whether it is a kind word or small act of help. Baking a meal for someone who is home bound. Reading a passage to an elderly person who has difficulty seeing. Visiting your new neighbor with a plate of cookies and a warm smile.
Lord, open my eyes to see the need and give me the tools to meet that need. In Jesus name. May your days in 2011 be blessed with opportunities to help others see the love of Jesus.
Peace and Joy, Susan
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV) 18 “ Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.
Our trip was fun and adventurous. I'm home safe and sound. I'll be posting soon with stories, lessons, and photos. Thanks to everyone for your prayers.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
Psalm 119:7 (NKJV) I will praise You with uprightness of heart, When I learn Your righteous judgments.
Scenic, sweeping, twisty, curvy are the words that describe the roads in the Ozark Scenic Highways that my friend and I will be traveling the next few days. We are heading out on a great adventure today and will be back Sunday. Yep. Just me and her. Two friends. Splittin the wind. She on her Harley. Me on mine. Exciting. Just typing the words has my little heart racing with emotion.
Please cover us with prayers. Protection. Safe travels. No mechanical problems. Good weather. Powerful witnessing. Whatever God lays on your heart for us.
There should be a wonderful story and plenty of photos from this excursion. Until then.....
Peace and Joy,
Susan
Philippians 2:9-11 (NKJV) 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
When things aren't going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.
Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.
When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see above).
The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.
Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.
Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.
Take time to celebrate your successes (even little ones).
Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.
Praying all your pieces fall into place and fit together naturally. Have a great weekend.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
Romans 15:13 (NKJV) Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
or a better title might be: What does God have in Store for Me?
In the last week, I have been selected to win some very nice gifts in giveaways. The first win was from Kat at Heart 2 Heart. She shared coupons for free Minute Rice. You know the new microwave, single serve, ready to eat in a cup stuff. I'm a huge fan of rice. And, I generally take my lunch rather than eat out. So this is perfect for me. Plus, I'm going to share with my hubby. He takes his lunch too. Thanks for sharing, Kat.
Then, a couple days later, I won this fantastic new DVD from the creator of Veggie Tales called "What's in the Bible?" from Linda at Mocha with Linda. I can't wait to share this with the grand-boy. Honestly, I can't wait to see it myself. Here's a trailer:
You can go HERE to the official website to learn more. Thank you so much, Linda.
Then, this morning as I'm visiting my regular reads my first stop is to Kat's spot at Heart 2 Heart. Her opening line announces the winner of the Mother-Daughter Duet/Dancing with the Father giveaway.
And....it's me! I had forgotten all about her giveaways. Thanks again, Kat.
God has been dealing with me in several different areas of my life. Each of these wins is a reflection of some of those areas. Eating healthier and being more active is one. Teaching His lessons and word to the grand-boy is another. The grand-boy is being drawn to the Father and has a curiosity about His word. These DVDs are going to make a huge impact on both of us. My relationship with my daughter is another. And, as you know from reading my Throne Trip Tuesday posts, He is drawing me to an ever closer walk with Him.
I'm really stretched thin right now and won't have time for leisure reading until after graduation in May. It seems God is getting resources lined up for me once that commitment is over. I'm excited to see what He has in store for me.
Peace and Joy,
Susan
2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)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,
Good bye! Au Revoir! Arrivederci! Adios! That's right. I'm saying "So Long, Insecurity." You've been a bad friend and we need to part company. How am I getting rid of this unwelcome guest? I'm so glad you asked. I'm joining Beth Moore's discussion group on her latest release:
at the Living Proof Ministries Blog. . .
If you want to join Beth, 5800+ other women, and me in discussing her new book, So Long Insecurity, on-line, hurry to click HERE!
I don't know how it's going to work with this many of us, but I know it will! God will bless it! Hope you'll join us!
Peace and Joy, Susan
Psalm 55:22 (NKJV)Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
It was a typical day. Up at the crack of dawn, shower, dress, quick devotion and prayer, then head out to the office by 6 a.m. After fulfilling my assigned tasks, getting my teeth cleaned, and grocery shopping, I was sitting at the traffic signal waiting to turn left.
Do you ever have that feeling? The feeling you're being watched. That's exactly how I felt sitting in my 2004 silver extended cab Chevy truck with dual exhaust. The motor was humming yet I had this uneasy feeling. I turned my head to the right. Yes. I was being watched! He was trying desperately to get my attention. He was practically leaning out the window. I was drawn to his big brown eyes. I couldn't help myself. I bent towards him, egging him on, then it happened. He started barking at me. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at him.
Sometimes the joy is in the unexpected. The accidental discovery of delight in the every day. Frequently in the most astonishing places. So when you're sitting at a stop light, today, This Day, look around, you never know who's looking back.
Peace and Joy, Susan
Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV) 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
It seems that I'm standing in a lot of lines these days. I stand in line at the deli and checkout at the grocery store. I stand in the teller line at the Credit Union to make a deposit. I wait in line at the drive up for DQ. I wait in line to get my oil changed. Here a line, there a line, everywhere a line, line.
I stand in line before the throne every morning too. What? Really? Bear with me on this one. Part of my morning routine is to spend time with God. I have a spot in line. Judy, Joe, Sandra, Billy, and Kathy stand around me. I so totally made that part up. But if you think about it, we have a particular spot before the throne each day during our regular prayer time. When we are not there, our spot is empty.
Other people are affected by whether or not I'm in my place in line too. How can that be? If I neglect my prayer time and Bible study time, I will be ill prepared to witness. You see, I have a place in the line of other people's lives too. I might be the first person who has ever told them about Jesus. I think this video says it best:
Are you prepared to tell someone about Jesus? Can you share your story of how you and Jesus met face-to-face in two minutes? Do you have Scripture memorized that can lead someone to Christ? I challenge you today, This Day, to practice your story and be able to lovingly share it with someone.
Peace and Joy, Susan
Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV) 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Project 365: We are already up to Week 34 of 2009 and my pictures for the week of August 16-22 are posted. Please stop by my photo blog, Shutter Clicks to see them and tell me what you think. You can also stop by Sara's spot who is hosting this fun project.
Blog of the Week: It was only a few weeks ago that Kat and I met through commenting on each others blogs. She is the type of person who welcomes you into her heart and makes you feel right at home instantly. In our subsequent comments and emails, I have come to know and love this beautiful woman of God.
One of her talents is seeking out interesting bloggers who have a true heart for God. She interviews and posts the Blog of the Week to introduce us to them. Last week, she asked me to sit in the hot seat of her interview. Let me just say that I was surprised, honored, and scared. If you'd like to find out more about me, the questions she asked, and my responses, please hop on over to Heart 2 Heart. You'll find out some things about me and you'll meet my sweet friend, Kat.
Staying with the theme of interviews, I'm going to ask you a question. What do you still want to accomplish in life? Please leave your answer here and be sure to stop over to see Kat today, This Day. You'll be glad you did.
Peace and Joy, Susan
Psalm 116:1-2 (NIV) 1 I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
Be obedient, no matter how much the Master's plan doesn't make sense to you.
Love your neighbor as yourself. Give to those less fortunate.
Be generous.
Take time to rest and enjoy the company of friends.
(I LOVE THIS ONE)
Value, honor and enjoy your family, no matter how strange they seem to you.
Help widows and orphans.
Don't watch too much TV.
Remember, you were divinely created with a purpose!
Others were too, Even if they seem way different from you!
So ---- Have fun, and enjoy the abundant life. You will not pass this way again!
'A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.'
Peace and Joy, Susan
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NIV) 17But, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
I have started this post several times but just couldn't get the words to flow. Initially, I had the title as "House Update." Yet, I felt like that was all I was able to say. The offer we made was not accepted, and we continue our search for a house to buy. Thank you so much for your continued prayers in this matter.
My outlook turned from optimism to discouragement, and it has stayed there for several days. I needed to get my mind off what we didn't get and on to what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. To accomplish this changing of my thoughts, I'm concentrating on the joy of the journey and the type of place our home will be....not just for us but also for everyone who will cross the threshold.
My joy comes not from what is seen, but from what is not seen. That joy is the work God is doing behind the scenes to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives. This is a time to discover the treasure of where God is leading us. The journey is not always a pleasant one as He hones us (me and hubby) to take us to the next level, preparing us for the home and mission He has in store for us.
Our desire is to have a home that is a place of order, peace, and safety. This home will nurture and burst with light, joy, and love. Where the presence of Jesus can be felt. When you walk thru the front door, you should be able to shut the door on the chaos, hatred, cruelty, and pressure of the outside world and into the light of His presence. Our home will reflect the love and joy, peace and gladness of our Father in heaven.
What is your home like? Is it a place of order or chaos? Is it a dark, depressing place lacking the light of life that lifts souls? Is your home filled with nasty looks, hurtful words, disrespect, and dishonor? Or when others come into your home can they feel Jesus there?
Shut the door on the world today, This Day, and walk into the light of His presence. You, too, will feel the joy of the journey.
Peace and Joy, Susan
Matthew 7:11 (NKJV) If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
