A Panting Soul.

I promise I'm going to get going again on the blog...hopefully one day soon.  Of course, you may not care at all of our absence....it may have been a nice little break. :)   But we've just been enjoying the summer....and while I have tons of pictures and stories I could tell, memories of our summer of twenty-ten,  I've just been soaking them up for myself lately.  I'll get around to sharing them, pinky promise. :)

However, for now, you'll just have to survive on another H3 post. A new verse to meditate on for this month. And with it comes my own little post with jumbled up thoughts that may or may not have anything at all to do with what the Lord had intended, but it often helps me remember what His word says anyway! :)   Bear with me, here we go.

"As the deer pants for streams of water,

so my soul pants for you, O God."

~Psalm 42:1

Where ever you are, tell me, have you been experiencing a hot summer?  We have.  Especially the last few days.  I hear snippets on the radio or tv stating weird things like "heat index of 108" and true temps in the triple digits.  Seriously, we've topped 100, on more than one occasion.  Now, I don't know about you, but that's hot to me. Even the sun lover that I am can only take so much, before I curl up in the air conditioner with a cool glass of lemonade and watch countless episodes of Deadliest Catch....I already miss Captain Phil.

Anyway, back to the hot summer.  I worry about our animals.  Our beloved labrador and even that pesky feline.  Fresh, cool water is a necessity for them during these harsh summer months. Ever hear of the "dog days" of summer? Well, we, my friend, are among them as we speak.  And what I've noticed is that once you've been outside for more than 1.8 seconds during the dog days of summer, you're gonna sweat. Regardless of how much Clinically Proven Degree you swipe across the pit.  Just sayin'.

Have you ever noticed though that a dog doesn't really "sweat"?  Not as we think of sweating....their sweat glands are located in the pads of their paws....not the best place for secreting sweat when you're burning slap up in the throes of summertime in the south.  

So, dogs pant.  They pant a lot.  If you have a dog, or have ever been around any dog, especially outside in the summer, you will have noticed this panting.  Sure they do it when they get anxious, scared or excited too. A few months ago, if you remember the story entitled Man's best friend and a leap of faith, then you will rememeber our dog Sadie was panting incessantly....from the trauma of being hit by a car.  But most often, Sadie's panting (and that of other dogs) is a way of cooling off.  Panting is like their own personal way to release body heat and lower their temperature. 

I was reading a story in a book the other day that was talking about this very thing....various animals, sweating and the heat.  I wanted to share a bit with you....it's important and ties in so cleverly to our verse:

"Basically, all warm-blooded animals need some way to regulate body heat in warm weather.  This can be done through sweating, panting, bathing, or all three.  Most animals follow their instincts and seek rest, shade, and a nice, long drink when the temperature soars.  Not a bad approach. Frankly, we humans should do the same."

I couldn't agree more.  During the remainder of this scorcher of a month called August.....remember to pant, remember to bathe yourself, in the Lord.

A new school year is fast, and I mean fast, approaching.  Fall will show itself soon with a calendar filled to the brim with activities for families all around.  Hardships will come.  Many have already arrived. Many in the friends and family we share with here on the blogosphere and in our personal lives as well.  Work duties are calling out, even louder, because the vacation is over.  It's time to buckle down, get to the nitty gritty, gear up for what is to follow the dog days of summer.

Friend, can I tell you that the easiest way through this heat,
through the busy life that never seems to slow,
through the endless problems that surface in your workplace, in your church, in your home,
through the pain and sorrow that comes to us all through trials, death, divorce, broken hearts, gossip, burdens, etc.

The easiest way through every moment this life offers is to seek rest in Him.  To take our bibles, study and contemplate these words written so many years ago.....to take a long drink of this life giving water only He can provide. 

That's the only way to truly mend our souls.  To have our soul pant for the Father, as the deer to a stream of water.

Don't let the devil scorch you with the evils of this world.  And certainly don't allow the devil to scorch you in the afterworld. 

When the fires are burning around you...remember this verse: 

"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." ~Psalm 42:1


Drink Him  in....and soak up His mercy. 

H3--Scripture Verse for February--short and sweet!

Well, the month of "love" has arrived.  Some savor every heart filled minute of it, others do not.  I, for one, think Valentine's Day is overrated and just another hugely commercialized event.  Seriously, do we need a 4 foot bear holding a heart that says "U R CUTE" , or a box of chocolates, or a whistling stuffed ape wearing kissed lip boxers, or a few dozen roses, or whatever else they're selling, to make us feel loved?  To make us feel whole??  I think not. 

However, there's nothing wrong with any of it, I just think it's a tad bit over the top now a days. That's all I'm saying.  Sure, I'll be giving my own kids a little something when the 14th rolls around, and I'll probably even give that man I married a card that sings "Wild Thing, You make my Heart sing"....but all in all, I want them to feel loved in the month of March and September and throughout the year...not just during this time.

And most importantly, I want them to know what really makes a person feel whole....having the Lord to reside in your heart. Because no matter how much I love them, my children, my husband, my friends, my family members.....and folks I love my kids a TON, just as you all do.....but can you even realize how much more our Heavenly Father loves them?  Loves me?  Loves you?

It's more than a TON, I can tell you that.

And He is a perfect example of what our verse this month will be about.....so without further adieu.....the verse for February:

"Love is patient, love is kind." 

~1 Corinthians 13:4(a)

6 words.  That's all it is. And now you are saying, "Oh, Kimberly, that is too short. We've heard it a million times. It doesn't even have any real meat to it....etc.etc."    But read those 6 words again, slowly, really listening to the meaning in every word.

Love IS patient, love IS kind (not it can be at times, or usually, or most often, or sometimes never, or any phrase you stick in it's place).  Sure it's hard.  But it's something we need to work on (or at least I know I need to work on it), it is required of us as a Christian to become closer to God in our daily walk, and in doing so, we will become more Christ-like.  That is our ultimate goal.  No, we will never be perfect.  In fact, we will always be sinners, far from perfect, but it doesn't mean we can't have more of Christ in our lives, showing more of him daily to the world. Less of us, more of HIM. 

So here's your challenge for the month....and really for as long as you choose to act on this verse. Hopefully, prayerfully, it will be a lifetime challenge.  All month, use love as your guide. More importantly, use HIS love as your guide. Be patient. Be kind.  We have no idea what blessings the Lord may have in store for us.....when we reach the end of a trial....so be patient, be kind, love the moment the Lord has given you.

• In the grocery check out line which is 5 people deep when the lady rolls her eyes at your stack of coupons. 
• In the car on the way to that very important appointment when you are suddenly cut off in traffic. 
• When the kids spill a bowl of cereal, with milk, all over the table, chair and floor.  
• When your boyfriend decides he needs his space and it's just not working out between you two.
• When the infertility treatments don't work.
• In the workplace when you know you have the best plan of action for the office, but no one will listen.
• In the church when you are called to handle just one more task. 
• When your husband disagrees with your line of thinking...and you know you are really right. 
• When the kids have melted marshmallow goo stuck to your hardwood, leftover from their roasting session in the living room fireplace. 

All month long, take a moment to act in love, act in patience, act in kindness instead of anger, haste, jealousy, resentment....more often than not all those emotions leave us with is a bitter taste in our mouth anyway.  

However, love will linger on the lips like honey. Knowing we are truly LOVED by our creator, the one who has shown us more mercy and patience and kindness than we have ever deserved.  Be like Him.  Look, I know it will be easier said than done....my patience and kindness have been tested and the month has hardly started really.  I'm going to continue clinging to this verse though, a constant reminder of what love really is....straight from the words of the One who has shown us real love.  "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." ~1 John 4:10

It is very difficult for our human nature to really love some people.  And certainly our flesh does not always want to love as the Lord does, so unconditionally.  But try it. Open your heart and let a little love in this month. Practice a little kindness.  A little more patience than usual.  
 
 Yes, it's only 6 words. 6 wonderful words. Hide them in your heart.

H3--(Hide His words in your Heart)--scripture for January 2010

A new year has arrived.  A new decade has actually came along with it....wow...a new decade, even. I've said this to many friends and family.......back in the 80's, when someone said 2010, I thought it sounded so FUTURISTIC.  Like we'd be living the life of that cartoon, The Jetsons....flying around in our space cars & having robotic maids named Rosie.  I don't know about you, but 2010 has arrived and I have neither. 

Back then, in the 80's, if choosing, I would have probably opted for the cool space car....now, at this stage in my life,  I'd be ever so happy with the robotic maid, forget the aerodynamic flying saucer of a vehicle, give me Rosie any day!! Really....if you are of any age, didn't you think 2010 sounded REALLY FAR INTO THE FUTURE??  Or is it just me? 

My mind is small, I'm easily entertained and amused, I think we've established that fact.  However, some of that futuristic thinking has come true. Had someone back in the 80's made a cartoon about folks having blogs, (blogs? what the heck is that?), it would have probably seemed as realistic as George working for Spacely Sprockets a few hours a day,  while Jane was home trying on her fashions, including all accessories, shoes, purse and such that were applied in an instant with the mere touch of a button.  Who knew?  Blogs have arrived.

And I am thankful to have this space, this blog, to document parts of our life....because my mind apparently runs out of room quickly at times in there....and I don't want to lose even a smidge of these moments   And these monthly scripture verses are great to look back on as well.....so, on to this month's verse to begin 2010.

Everyone usually has good intentions---especially at this time of year.  Just to name a few more common ones...losing weight, reading more & watching TV less, joining a bible class or study, a new job, a new approach to finding their mate God has for them, joining a gym, taking a vacation, etc....or maybe they have goals in mind like these.....making fresh starts with people, places, or things, purposing their walks, all their walks, in their careers, family time, bible reading, etc.

I was trying to find a verse that would seem to help with all of that.....in some way....something that would stick, no matter what your resolutions, goals, thoughts, intentions, whatever.....some of HIS words that would stick throughout this year, throughout this fresh, clean slate of growth the Lord has given us.

• "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed."    ~~Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

That's what HE says in his word, and that's what I'm going to try to do....each new day he gives me this year in 2010, and all the years to come. 

Remember, the H3 group would love to have you join us in this journey....no one tests you at the end of the month to see if you really memorized the verse....if I happen to see you in passing I don't stop you on the street and make you recite it to me..... you can't get kicked out because you can't state it without looking at your index card you made.....it's just for us to have an opportunity to draw closer to what the Lord felt was important enough to write in the Good Book.  Just a chance for us to Hide His words in our Heart.  Hopefully, prayerfully, it's a place for each of us to grow......from each other, from your comments and thoughts, from your experiences and answered prayers. No, you don't have to comment on the blog, if you'd rather you can email me instead.  In fact, you don't even have to talk about it at all to me.  However, I do just like to know who all is participating so that I can mail you a reminder card each month with the verse written out. 

It may be me, it may be you, it may be someone you work with, someone in your family, someone you meet when you join that new gym, whoever, whenever, may need to hear these verses you are learning.....

So, off you go, go learn your verse.  And please, if you are joining us, and I DO HOPE YOU ARE, email me (bowlingfamilymoments@yahoo.com) to let me know!

2010, the journey begins.

H3--this month's scripture revisted....

If you are new around the blog...H3 stands for "Hiding His words in your Heart".  We began it on our blog last fall  as a monthly scripture memorization/discussion/learning tool.  This month's verse is Romans 4:7-8.  And it speaks of the greatest gift we can ever hope to receive....  you can read this month's H3 verse and the thoughts I posted by scrolling down to December 3rd's post or just by clicking HERE.  Want to join in....please do....leave a comment or email bowlingfamilymoments@yahoo.com

I have a good friend, and member of our H3 group, who has so kindly taken on the job of seeking out words in our verses each month and studying the Hebrew & Greek for a better understanding.   She emailed to tell me that normally one word or a phrase has been jumping out at her but that this month's verse was FULL of good stuff.

Kind of like my stocking on Christmas morning!! (Hint. Hint.  If you're reading this Santa.)

So....here are some further insights for our verse to study on!  And a big hearty THANKS to kp!   

Romans 4:7-8

Blessed are they

whose transgressions are forgiven

whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord will never count against him.

blessed- blessed, happy, "oh how happy are they"



transgressions-
1) the condition of without law (being ignorant of the law or violating the law)
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness

forgiven- to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit, to keep no longer; to let go of a debt by not demanding it

sins
a) to be without a share in
b) to miss the mark
c) to err, be mistaken
d) to miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honour, to do or go wrong
e) to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin

covered- to cover over, to cover up so as not to come to view, pardoned


count against
1) to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over
2) to take into account, to make an account of

So....with all that wonderful Greek filled verbage....let's read our verse from Romans 4:7-8 once again...


~~~Oh how happy are they whose debt from lawlessness and wickedness is kept no longer, whose mistakes and wanderings from God are pardoned and covered so as not to come into view. Oh how happy is the man whose sin the Lord will never reckon, count, compute, calculate or count over against him.

Y'all...I couldn't be more in awe of how wonderful our Savior truly is....from a lowly manger birth to a cruel death on the cross, and he was thinking about you and me the entire time. He was giving us himself, his forgiveness, as a gift.  The perfect gift.  Those we receive on Christmas morning wrapped in shiny paper, tied with a bow, can never compare.  

Blessings in the Snow.....

Do you have any of this in your life?  Sin, not snow.   Unless your initials are J.C. and your name is Jesus Christ, you have sin.  Only one has ever resided on this earth and lived a sinless life....and only one ever will.  It is a title that HE alone can hold, his record can never be broken, it will stand the test of time....far into eternity.  

I told you the other day we received a sprinkling of snowflakes here in Small Town, USA...which happens to be located in the deep south. You know, where it doesn't snow, even a smidge.  It was beautiful to look out our windows early that morning and see a blanket of white covering our lawn....no animals or any of our munchkins had yet to walk through it...thus it was pure, unscathed.  I decided to take off from an idea of a friend back during the summer (LL) and do a little blog about the snow in relation to our sin.  It goes perfectly with our verse we are learning for December.   

Blessed are they
whose transgressions are forgiven
whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord will never count against him.

Dear friend, HE covers our sin.  We ask with a repentent heart for forgiveness...and he offers it. Every time, without holding a grudge---without making us wait for it---without having to count to 10 to calm down---without holding it over our heads for weeks, months, years on end---without sitting on it for a while to stew about it---without doing it half-heartedly---

HE forgives. Bottom line.  And that, is the greatest gift any of us could ever hope to receive, any time of year. Not just this season....but every day HE gives us breath.

H3 (Hide His words in your Heart)--December's verse.

What do you think of when people say "Christmas"?  I know you think of Jesus, or at least I hope you do.  But what wordly things does that word bring to mind?

Many people see, hear or feel Christmas and think of beautiful decorations, twinkling trees, fresh baked goodies, candy cane wishes, Santa Clause letters, Elves toyshop, gingerbread houses,  snow covered roof tops, naughty or nice, hot apple cider, Dasher and Dancer, wrapping paper, stockings, and let us not forget what people most often associate with Christmas time....the GIFTS.  In fact, I already have many presents wrapped up nicely under our tree.

This month, I'd like for us to really focus on that topic.  What? You're serious? You want us to spend our time and energy on the gifts? 

No, my dear friends, I want you to spend your time and energy focusing on THE gift.  THE, one and only, gift.

For weeks now I had assumed I would use a traditional "Christmas-y" verse to share with you for our H3 scripture memorization in December. Maybe a classic like those found in Luke 2, where we hear about the joy in Christ's birth, the peace He brings. And it all sounded good. In fact, I thought that right up until just hours ago before this post was scheduled. But something kept holding me back from writing it down, sending it off, and going to bed. (And I need sleep, y'all--it's been days since I've really rested.)

The Lord just kept telling me to keep searching....there were even better "glad tidings" to be found than just a verse announcing the Savior's birth. And so, as He always does, He laid it on my heart to share something...but it's not from Luke 2 like I thought it was going to be.  Like I was planning for it to be.  Because if there's one thing I've learned, most often I've learned it the hard way, my ways and the Lord's ways are not always the same....but HIS ways are always right. In fact, we only need "child-like" faith....and so, I found our verse while reading in one of my kid's bibles.  :) 

So, let me just say, the verse will seem a little different at first, and not related to your usual Christmas type scriptures.  But read it and then continue on to read how we are going to use our verse this month....and hopefully it will make sense in the end.  Are you ready??? 

"Blessed are they

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man

whose sin the Lord will never count against him." 

~Romans 4:7-8

Now you're probably scratching your head thinking....why in the world did she pick this verse?  Here's your challenge for the month.  And it should physically only take you a few minutes to accomplish....but mentally, I hope it is a reminder to you all during this Christmas season......and spiritually, I pray it will bring on a lifetime in eternity!

God gave us the perfect gift.  It didn't come in a size 6, it wasn't made of the finest cashmere, you can't store all 1,479 of your absolute favorite songs on it, it wasn't bought in a jewelry store, or shipped from a famous toy factory.....none of those are truly the "perfect gift".  The perfect gift could have only arrived via the perfect Savior.  God gives us salvation.....as his gift to us.  And when someone gives you a gift, you accept it and say "thank you". 

Get an empty gift box, or extra box of any kind you may have around the house. Big, small, it's up to you.  Write the scripture from Romans 4:7-8 on a piece of paper and put it in the box.  You may want to do this as a family activity and talk about the REAL gift of Jesus.  Maybe you want to print it out on special paper in an elegant font from the computer.  Maybe you want to let each family member take turns writing a portion of the verse. 

Now, after the verse is placed in the box, wrap it up like a Christmas gift.  Stick it under your tree.  Put it out as a decoration in your bedroom.  Decorate it to match your kitchen.  Where ever you want to put it...go for it.  Maybe you want to make a few to place around your home....to put in certain eye-catching spots for family to see. Maybe you want to make a small one to take to others, someone you know needs to hear from the Lord that they are forgiven....to offer them this small "gift".  

The importantance is to look upon that gift wrapped box as a reminder that God has forgiven you.  God has forgiven me. 

Gifts....it's what everyone is thinking about this season.  Only now, you can focus on THE real gift.  The ONE and ONLY gift. 

So, what do you think? Ready to be blessed?  Ready to bless others?  No need to max out the credit card.  Share Jesus with them....the greatest gift of all.  It's not an empty box....it's filled with all the goodness and mercy that comes with his words.  Hide them in the box.  Hide them in your heart.

Merry Christmas! 

P.S.  Don't forget if you want to join us in scripture memorization I'd love to hear from you. I try to mail something out each month, a little verse reminder for you to have.  Please email me (bowlingfamilymoments@yahoo.com) and let me know if you're interested!  The more the merrier!

H3 readers....and anyone else who joined us for this month of THANKS.

Hi y'all.  Oh my, it's been a busy busy Thanksgiving/Fall break week.  We enjoyed every minute, but I'm almost, almost, thankful to be back on a schedule of some kind.....especially with eating.  I don't care to see another corn pudding, pecan pie or sweet potato casserole for at least 5 days. HA!

I certainly hope all of you had a great time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving season.  It has been a great month, aside from all the sickness in my Baby Girl.  She has been sickly, literally for an entire month, beginning with a positive strep test on November 3rd. And she is still not completely well....we have an appointment later today with the pediatrician.  Maybe I can give you an update soon.  Now we are dealing with a rash and fatigue.

But even in these times, I have given thanks. Because HE deserves it.  HE deserves far more praise than I have offered.  Even this month when I have been even more focused than ever to stop and thank Him......I still come up so short.  But I am thankful He doesn't measure me with the same stick the devil tries to impart. I am thankful HE always forgives, HE continues to bless, HE will forever love me.....not because of anything I do, but because of all HIS SON did so long ago.

We began our month of thanks....and it's hard to believe the month has already passed.  To any who have sent me an email stating they were participating in the H3 scripture memorization (and I encourage any who read this and are tempted to begin, please do, it's been a blessing for many of us---don't wait, email (bowlingfamilymoments@yahoo.com)  and let me know, please) --anyway, all of those already enlisted receive a little verse reminder by mail from me each month.  This month you received the bookmark like card in the photo atop this post.  On the back of it was a small space for listing something each day of November for which you were thankful. No matter how big or small. I tried to pick unique things each day, those things I don't normally stop and take the time to really thank Him.  Don't laugh at my thankful thoughts....I do love a good cheese ring, and SEC football, and local owned gas stations....to me, they are all part of HIS many blessings.  Everything we have, do or say can be a blessing from him if used in the proper way.

Obviously I took this picture before I have completed my thoughts.  That's me....I've yet to sit down to fill out those last 3 days.  But I know what they are and just in case you are wondering...28--Dad's chicken on the grill (so tasty), 29--toothpaste (this will be an H3 post and verse one month next year, but I can't give it away just yet), 30--I'm praying for answers to Baby Girl's sickness. I'm thankful God knows the answers whether he decides to show them to me or not. And today I am also thankful for a praise report for a dear friend's son (Hi Nola).

I am completely amazed as always by our wonderful Lord.  He makes me smile.  I am so thankful for all of you who are joining me in this journey.  Are you having as much fun as I am?  Are you feeling closer to the ONE who matters?  Are you learning from His word?  Is your heart feeling happy with these few words that mean so much to your soul?  Thank you again, for your friendship, your calls, your comments, your texts, your emails, your smiles, your hugs, your kind words in passing. 

So, one last time....say it with me...I know you have it hidden in your heart:

"Enter his gates with THANKSGIVING and his courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name"  ~Psalm 100:4

H3---a month of thankful thoughts....the challenge is being met with a HUGE spirit of gratitude.

For our H3 scripture memorization group this month, the verse is on Thanksgiving.  Not turkey and dressing with pumpkin pie, but giving thanks!! The big challenge was to come up with something different every day this month to be thankful for....

I encouraged those participating to maybe post it on their own blogs if they have one, write it in the comments section, even mark it down on their verse card I mailed them earlier.  Day by day, something new to be thankful for.....

And boy are they knocking it out of the water.  I thought you all might be encouraged just by reading a few.....so go here,  here, here, here, here, here, here and here,.... and let your heart be filled.  Just a few who are posting it on their blogs, and sharing in this time of thankfulness.  Many folks without blogs or for personal reasons have sent me emails or left comments, and I even had a couple of people come up to me at the ballgame last Friday night stating they read the blog and were enjoying the H3 posts. 

• The Lord is at work, my dear internet friends, and don't ever let the devil tell you differently. 

I want to also direct you back to the original post for this month...November 3rd.  My dear friend, K.P. whom so graciously accepted her appointment as our Hebrew word search specialist, left us another nugget of gold to speak to our hearts concerning a deeper look at Psalm 100:4.  Please check back in on that post and read the comment section.

Again...let your heart be filled.  I know it's not even quite halfway through the month and mine is bursting already!!  Thank you all for participating whether with your blog, comments, emails, notes, calls, texts, etc.....the bottom line, however you are doing it....I appreciate you just for putting your hearts of thanks out there to encourage me and others. 

I cannot imagine a better way to spend this month of Thanksgiving than giving praise to the One who really deserves it....every single minute of our day.  And as much as I am enjoying this, laughing and crying at your words of thankful thoughts, reading your praises with my heart smiling inside, so happy....it is then that I realize this is what we will get to feel all the time in eternity with our Lord.  Now that is something to be THANKFUL for!

Hide His Words in your Heart---November's Verse

"Enter his gates with THANKSGIVING

and his courts with praise;

give thanks to him and praise his name."

~~Psalm 100:4

See, I'm true to my promise. Only one verse to memorize this month. Although it was hard, I really wanted to memorize the entire chapter of Psalm 100. Like most psalms, it's a beauty and such an encouragement. A psalm for giving thanks...and should be easy to remember during this particular month!! :)

Here's the thing....I want you to immediately think of the Lord's blessings when you walk into the grocery store, the craft store, the office supply store, when you look upon the bulletin boards or artwork at schools, the calendar on your desk at work, the butterball turkey commercials, the green bean casserole recipe from your Grandmother, the pilgrim hats your grandchildren will wear at lunch one day, the design graphics for all the TV specials and college football games......

Basically this is a deep sensory scripture memorization. Every time you see, hear, touch or smell THANKSGIVING, at any time this month, I want you to stop and thank the Lord. Give Him the honor and praise....for all of our blessings come forth only by HIS HAND alone.

And I must also give you an early challenge this month. I'm certain all of us will be able to hide these words in our heart long before the month ends. However, I would like you to take it a step further. Your challenge is this:

• Every single day, when you read your index card, or however you plan to memorize this verse, I challenge you to name a blessing from the Lord you are thankful for.....a different blessing, each day.
  

It's easy to come before God with a list of things we need help with, baggage from the past we can't let go, hurt, shame or pain that never seems to go away. And you know, we should, in fact we are commanded, to pray about those issues. However, we should also always remember to Praise God. Even in the bad times. Even when the day seems like there was nothing good that happened, nothing worthy to be thankful for, nothing at all. Look again. There is never a day we can't praise God by telling him how great he is.

I know that we have H3 participants (or their friends and family) in our group this month who will be experiencing life, the good and the bad with things such as heartaches, marital bliss, labor and delivery, travel, loss, marital dismay, a new business, unemployment, a new home, birthdays, financial burdens, physical therapy, the unknown....and the list goes on and on.

Every day we have SO much to be thankful for....even if it's when we look in the mirror and say, well, at least I'm having a good hair day. Because remember, he even knows how many hairs are on your head...including the grey ones!!

• Thank Him because your hair stylist can color those grey ones right up!
• Thank Him because your son can walk.
• Thank Him because the forecast shows no rain all week!
• Thank Him because your family is always there for you to lean on....even when miles separate you.
• Thank Him because sweet potato pie is your absolute favorite. Or pecan, or pumpkin, or anything dessert related!!!
• Thank Him because that cute sweater just went on sale.
• Thank Him because the foliage he paints every fall is gorgeous.
• Thank Him because your daughter reads His word.
• Thank Him because the weekends provide a time of rest, a big pot of chili, and some SEC football.
• Thank Him because you have parents who were Godly examples.
• Thank Him for dishwashers, I know I do.
• Thank Him for allowing you to know ladies who can make really good dressing. (I think you Northerners call it stuffing.) Too bad you don't have our southern dressing. I feel sorry you have to eat stuffing. :)
• Thank Him for showing you your mate...even if you were apprehensive to trust Him with that choice.
• Thank Him for the coupons in Sunday's paper, because they match up with your weekly meal plans.
• Thank Him because he holds your tongue.
• Thank Him for whoever invented cranberry sauce.
• Thank Him for Book Club.
• Thank Him because he gives you terrific friends to surround you in joy or sadness.
• Thank Him because he is your friend.
• Thank Him because he forgives you, daily.

Thank Him for sending his Son. Otherwise, we would certainly have nothing to be thankful for....

Okay, so get started. I encourage you to write down your thankful thoughts somewhere as reminders now and for years to come. Maybe on your calendar, in a journal, just jot down one word responses on a sheet of paper stuck in your bible, or maybe on a little something you'll be receiving in the mail from me. (And if you are new this month, or just didn't have time to participate last month, be sure to send me an e-mail (bowlingfamilymoments@yahoo.com) with your mailing address.) Or if you have aboslutely no idea what H3 is....click here to read more.

I may check in throughout the month, and post on what I was thankful for that day. I'd love to hear some of what you may be thankful for this month. If you have a thankful moment you want to share, a funny story, a sad time that brought about unexpected thankfulness, whatever the case may be, you can feel free to e-mail me, or leave a comment, or post it on your own blog, or send someone you are thankful for a note via the pony express. Who knows what blessings the Lord has in store for each of us this November.

And remember, EVERY day must be something NEW to be thankful for.....30 days, 30 thankful measures, no matter how big or small. Better start immediately, you're already 3 days behind. :)

Today, I'm thankful for all of you!

Calling all H3 folks...a little challenge for you.

So, October is coming to a close, and in just a few days we'll be getting a new verse to hide in our hearts. However, before then I figured an end of the month test might come in handy. Don't worry, it's just a fill in the blank....that's how my kids like to learn it, and our dear lovely Lana thought she might do better at Walt's way of repeating it as well. So here's for you (any who want to try it out):

"These __________ that I give you today are to be _____ _____ ______. _______ them on your _______. Talk about them when you ____ __ _____ and when you ____ ____ ___ ____, when you ___ ____ and when you ___ __. Tie them as _______ on your ____ and ____ them on your _________."

~Deuteronomy _: _-_

I am so enjoying H3. The Lord uses it to encourage me in so many ways. Just last night, after getting in very late from the Friday night football game, (we won--yahoo!), TB got her bible out and asked me to remind her what book in the bible "our verse" was again. I said Deuteronomy. She looked it up, read it out loud, and then sweetly asked if we minded if she used a pen to underline it in her bible.

Precious memories. Thanking the Lord for this month of October that has flown by, knowing His word stands just as true today as it has any day before.

I promise this next month's verse will be just that, singular. Have a great weekend!

H3 folks....how's it going?

So...how are y'all doing? I've been writing these verses on index cards. Then losing them. And writing it again, then leaving them by my bedside and inadvertently placing a water glass on them. Which leaves water rings and makes the ink blur. And so I wrote more, yet again.

I think the Lord was trying to work hard on me. Of course, he has to do that often. But I love him so much for it, instead of just giving up on me....He keeps encouraging me every day! And you know what, many days it is through all of you, via this crazy little thing we call the internet.

I do hope you have all been thinking of these words we are hiding in our hearts this month. And I would just like to say to KP how much I appreciate your thoughtful insights you have shared as well with the Hebrew word meanings. I do hope you'll continue to be encouraged to help us all in that area with our future verses. Basically, that's my way of saying, welcome to your new job!! :)

This month, instead of just reciting my verse back to myself in the mirror, or to T5 at home or over the phone, I decided to make the kids memorize it with me. It has been a great tool while we've been in the car, traveling to and from our many activities and events. It didn't matter how near or far the distance, I'd start in with...."These commandments I give you today...." and they would repeat after me, line for line.

Just tonight, as I was watching my beloved Auburn Tigers get thrashed by LSU, Walt stepped over real close beside me and I asked him if he remembered the verse we were learning this month. With a little prodding, he could fill in the blanks where I stopped. Pointing to his wrists and forehead at the end of the verse. HE REMEMBERS!!! It only takes a little effort. And who knows when he may use this verse again, in his life, or in years to come to help someone else.

......instead of fretting over the ugly example of football I was watching on the TV, looking into his big brown eyes, I was reminded of how Deuteronomy 6:6-8 suggests, or rather demands, that we talk about these things while we sit at home, or walk along the road.

So, while watching TV, or riding in the car.....first thing when we get up and have coffee in the morning, or last thing before we close our eyes in slumber....and all the times in between....God is there, we must only seek Him to find Him. He's not hiding. Sometimes we try to, but He never does. I liken this phenomenon we, as humans, have where we think we can keep things from God.....like small children when they are learning peek a boo, or hide and seek. They think as long as they cover their eyes, that you can't see them. Because they can't see you.

God sees us. We can't cover his eyes. And it does us no good to cover our own. He knows our every need.....even when we try to hide it, because of fear, or pride, or past hurts, failures, etc.

It's just a few more days until a new verse will come your way. If you're new to the blog or have no idea what I'm talking about, we are Hiding His words in our Hearts. H3 for short. If you'd like to read the verse for the month of October, just click here to be taken to that post as well. Please join us, and if you decide to, I'd love for you to let me know via comment or email.

For all you fellow word hiders, how are you doing? I thank each of you for joining in this month....it is wonderful to share in this with you all.

For all those "fellow word hiders"....

(as kp so eloquently referred to us in her comment)....

Please don't forget to send me an email with your physical address so that I can send you a little something....via your postman. Unless of course you don't want it....at which point you will make me cry. :)

That's all....carry on with your supper plans. I'll be back tomorrow to bore you with my mundane Monday tale. I know. The edge of your seat. Never fear, I'll also have a great recipe to share....'cause it was one of those Mondays.

Hide His words in your Heart

• "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." ~~~Deuteronomy 6:6-8 (NIV)
  

I know. I know. First thing out of the gate, and I pick not one but three verses to learn. YOU CAN DO IT!

If we were to study more on God's word, his instruction for our daily living, just as this verse implies:

• when we sit on the couch, at the supper table, in the kitchen while at home
• when we walk out that door, into the world around us...our schools, our jobs, our activities, outings, restaurants, convenience stores, doctor's offices, city parks, traffic lanes, hospital lobbies, malls, church services, everywhere
• first thing in the morning when we are given another day in the Lord, and again when we lay down from that day, whether it has been good, bad or just plain ugly....thank Him for it.

If we just do what this verse offers....meditate on HIS words at all these times...well, we don't really have a lot of time leftover for our brain to be idle, to think worldly, to be defeated.

I think this passage signifies the importance of exactly what we are planning to do together. I'll check back with you in a few weeks....don't forget to say it out loud, several times a day....write it in a journal, or on the back of your Wal-Mart receipt....read it often....pray it, daily.

Get ready for scripture memorization

I made us a little icon, hope you like! Each time you see it, I pray it reminds you to "Hide HIS words in your Heart".
And if you have NO idea what I'm talking about, please read this POST and come join us!!


So are you ready for our first scripture?? Gosh, this has taken me a sweet forever to pick out a verse....I have tons of favorites...like an entire Bible full!!! Every time I read a verse, something in it can speak to me. And of course, at times, I am so surprised. But then quickly realize, that's just how God works.


I know that some of you may not get the same from a scripture as I do, and vice-versa. Everyone may not be in the same place in life.... different seasons will always be around: in school or the workplace, married or divorced, childless or a house full, happy or depressed, sick or healthy, financially sound or in debt to your eyeballs, going into or coming out of a storn, full of joy or bitterness......the Lord addresses it all. Please know that we will be memorizing a lot of different verses that will touch on many topics: our prayer life, our actions, our words, our relationships, etc. and when allowed, these scriptures will give us great moments of peace, clarity, truth, hope, instruction, forgiveness, grace, and love. Abundant love.

• Guess what the great thing is about memorizing scriptures? You may not need that particular verse this month....but your best friend might. Or next summer, your husband may need to hear it. Or in 10 years when your child begins college. Or when a loved one passes away. That's the precious part, HIS words are timeless.

I intend to post the new scripture on the 3rd of each month. I'm sure you can guess why. Because I absolutely LOVE what happened on the 3rd day, way back when. HE AROSE! And he's been living in the hearts of any who will invite Him ever since! I thought maybe if we tied it to some event it may be even easier to remember. So, even if you don't read our blog regularly, be sure to come back on the 3rd of the month and see what good news the Lord has to offer!!

Speaking of helping to remember things, I have included a few ideas below.

Tips for memorizing:

• Say the verse out loud, to yourself in front of a mirror, to your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend, to your children, a family member, a friend, a co-worker...whoever, just do it!


• Print the scripture on an index card. Use it as a book mark this month. Carry it in your wallet/purse/book bag to pull out during traffic. Tape it to the door you enter and leave most frequently in your home. Tape it to the inside of your bathroom cabinet/kitchen cabinet/wherever. Read the verse at least 4 times a day.


• Make a song out of the scripture....no matter how silly you sound, it can help you memorize.

So, I ask again, ARE YOU READY? Because in a couple of hours the first scripture post will arrive. If you are joining in, you don't have to sign in, comment or anything else, but I do have one little request, if you don't mind. Please email me your address. I have a little something to send you.

Care to join me??? please.

You may or may not remember this post "a wise man once said...", concerning a favorite scripture of my PawPaw.

A good friend asked if I had thought about making scripture memorization part of my blog.

I had not.

Although I love the Lord, and His word, I am no biblical scholar.

Heck, if we want to be real honest, there are days where I don't even make it around to reading a chapter or two. Sure, I read verses every day. But sometimes, I allow the hectic hustle bustle of life to get in the way of real study. Look, I don't mean to be stepping on anyone's toes, because I know I am STOMPING ALL OVER MY OWN. But I'm just being honest with you.

I've been thinking it over, mulling it over my grey matter...what little is there....even prayed about it, and have decided to do a scripture memorization post monthly.

Simply because I feel it will be good for myself, my family....and why not?? That's what I had to keep asking myself and when I picked Temple's brain after asking him his thoughts....he replied, "why wouldn't you?".

And I consulted scripture:

"Accept instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart."~~Job 22:22 (niv)

So, beginning in October, I will post a new scripture to memorize for the month. I'm going monthly, but if we see it takes a shorter amount of time, we can do more. I'm not sure yet what text I will use....it may vary according to the verse, NIV, KJV, HCS. Do you have a preference???

Feel free to join me, I want you to!!! I would like to ask that you leave a comment or send me an email if you are participating.....I'd like to be sure to keep in touch.

Or even if you don't want to memorize, but have some thoughts to share concerning our scripture, please enlighten us.... the scripture says,

"Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a seperate and necessary part of it." ~~I Corinthians 12:27

You may have a story, as I did with Micah 6:8 concerning my grandfather. We'd love to hear it.....often when you can relate something in life to a certain verse, the more likely you will be able to memorize it.

So, there yo go. I hope you will consider joining me in this adventure, to Hide His Words in Your Heart. (I'm thinking that may be the name of it....but would love to hear your suggestions.)


***Updated...if you are new here....WELCOME!! And thanks for your interest in H3...(Hide His words in your Heart). Scroll on over to the archives and look for other related scripture posts. Here is October's verse....and November's verse.