Memory Monday #4

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

Romans 12:12 (NIV)

My family is getting ready to face a difficult time in the months ahead and we could sure use the prayers of those who are willing to do so. Although I know the bible teaches us to be joyful, patient, and faithful in prayer, I have a hard time with the "patient" part. I want answers and I want them now! Sitting still, waiting on the Lord, is not my forte! That is why I picked this week's scripture found in Romans 12:12.

I am also taking this week to review the past three Memory Mondays

Week #1: II Corinthians 5:17

Week #2: Isaiah 40:29

Week #3: Psalms 139:13

Good luck and God bless!

Memory Monday #3

I chose this verse in Psalms to commence my week long celebration of LIFE and the right to life!

Week #3 verse:

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalms 139:13


Amazing, simply amazing! I am made by God! His hands created me. I've been touched by the Master's hands {{catching breath}} THAT in itself is the most exciting ever! He knew me and was watching over me even before anyone else knew I existed. I'm feeling especially special right now...like warm and fuzzy all over! And guess what? YOU were made by him too! A pretty awesome feeling to know that we are all amazing works of art in God's own gallery, don't you think?

Yet, sadly enough, there are many...many...people who are literally terminating God's handiwork. Why you ask?

• 1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest
• 6% of abortions occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother or child
• 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is unwanted or inconvenient).

{{{Shaking head in disgust!}}} INCONVENIENT; not suited to your comfort, purpose or needs? It "should" be inconvenient not to have a vehicle in today's society, NOT killing an innocent life because it's awkward, cumbersome, disaccommodating, disadvantageous, embarrassing, inopportune, objectionable, troublesome, uncomfortable, and unseasonable????? Ugh!

Two precious lives. Two beating hearts. Two people worth protecting. Why can't we love them both? BOTH lives "should" count! If you're on a one-man raft in the middle of the ocean, would it be okay to throw the other overboard to save your own life? Every effort, no matter the situation, should be made to save the lives of both the mother and the child!

Please know, I am in NO way, judging those that have had an abortion. I merely want to expose abortion for what it is, taking the life of an innocent child and to let women of all ages know there is hope! We are all God's children. He loves us unconditionally, no matter what we've done. If you are reading this post and have had an abortion, remember God loves you and is willing to forgive you. He is a merciful God and is waiting for you. Remember you were once touched by His hand's, you too are His creation!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." Psalms 139:13

Memory Monday #2

Whew! That week went by fast! It's "MEMORY MONDAY" again. How did you do on your verse last week?

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone the new has come!"
II Corinthians 5:17

The old has gone...YES!... and the new has come! Time to PAR-TAY! The more I read and studied this verse, the more excited I became. "Therefore, if ANYONE is in Christ...wait, did that say "anyone"? Do you think that means "anyone" such as the lady down the street who had an abortion as a teenager, but then found the Lord later in life and asked to be forgiven? Or the drug-addicted, strung-out dad around the corner who lost his family to drugs, went to prison, and found the Lord while serving his time behind bars? It does say, "anyone IN Christ..." And all anyone has to do to be IN Christ, is turn from their old ways, repent of their sins, ask Jesus to come into their hearts, and be baptized. Amazing! Talk about a God full of mercy and grace. Off with the old and in with the new.


However, keep in mind, doing the right thing is not always the easiest thing. It's a challenge to resist temptation and stay pure in heart. The stresses of "life" can deplete us from the strength we need to get things done and in some cases even getting out of bed each morning. We find ourselves growing weary; emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, then when the going gets tough, it's hard to get going. Take a look at this week's verse found in Isaiah.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."
Isaiah 40:29

Do you feel weak? Do you need more energy to run your race? A personal relationship with God gives us strength that can keep us going. Participating in prayer, reading the Bible and living close to God gives us power that only God can provide. When we believe and trust what we read in scripture and in how God works, our hope is sustained. This strong belief and hope, grounded in scripture, can give us strength. (Yet another reason to share in Memory Monday's!)

So, I'll ask again...how is your strength? How much time do you dedicate to renewing this strength? Why not have some one-on-one time with God now and see if your strength becomes stronger.

Because of Him,

Memories...Whoa..oh..oh.. Memories

The busier I am, the older I become, both of these have had a lasting effect on my memory. But, what is memory? How does it work? And why am I so forgetful? Whoa, slow down! Let's start at the beginning...PSYCH 101...Memory is: the retention of, and ability to recall, information over time. So, how do we form memories let alone keep and remember them? It begins with ENCODING, a procedure for transforming something a person sees, hears, thinks, or feels into a memory. Once that has been done, your brain keeps and stores the memory. There is short term memory, working memory, and long term memory. Whew! That's a lot to "remember!"

Short term memory lasts for about 20-30 seconds. Long term memory on the other hand, has been suggested to be permanent: that nothing is forgotten only the means of retrieving it is lost. There is also evidence that we retain more than we can retrieve. (I'd buy into that.)

With that being said, I suppose you're asking yourself, "where is she going with all of this?!?!?" Let me explain. First, I am a huge fan of Psychology. The human brain is beyond fascinating and such a complex piece of work that no one except God himself could ever have created it. This in itself is breathtaking! Second, I am a teacher at heart, so I tend to "teach" by accident. It's a part of who I am. Third and lastly, it's an introduction to the challenge I have for you today. It's important to know "what" you are learning and "why."

Memorizing scripture is one of the best ways to "get the Bible into your life" on a daily basis. It helps you develop and/or maintain a close relationship with God and equips you with the tools needed to share the gospel to those who have never heard it.

• "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." II Timothy 3:16
• "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
• "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
• "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105

What better reasons are there? I am challenging you to join Memory Monday's hosted by "The Simple Wife" blog. I've committed to this as part of my weekly devotions and New Year's Reflections. The idea of "writing God's words on our hearts," or simply stated, memorizing scripture on a weekly basis is the goal of this challenge. Ask the Lord to show you through your memorization and study, what He would have you get from His word. Continually place this in your heart and you will be blessed.

Please comment and let me know if you join the Memory Monday challenge. My hope is for us to encourage each other with this challenge as time progresses and "life" gets in the way. This week's verse is:

So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

A new year calls for new beginnings..."the old is gone the new has come!"

Because of Him,