Running with Perseverance.... January 2016 Scripture

Remember at the beginning of the year when I did a post saying why I wasn't going to be doing a WORD of the year?  But instead, changing it out for a Scripture of the Month.  Well, its kind of a two fold thing.

The words I was flipping between this year was Endurance, Perseverance, Persistence, Determination ... they all have a theme here of NOT GIVING UP!  Hanging in there!  Sticking it out!

So while I'm not doing a 'word' I am focusing on this idea for all my scriptures that I am looking up & sitting in each month.

For January, my first scripture I picked was Hebrew 12:1-2

So here's my thoughts on the scripture & the things that have come to mind over the past month...

...throw off everything that hinders .... 

If you are a lady, you know what it is to be miserable in an outfit that is just so binding & uncomfortable.  Pantyhose are the WORST!  Or dresses that make you suck it in all day long. Or jeans that just dig in your waist when you sit down?  When you get home & are able to take all of it off, isn't that the best feeling in the world?  To put on those sweat pants that aren't binding?  Ahhh ... sweet relief.

... & the sin that so easily entangles...

Sin. We know that's not a good thing.  But that we are reminded that it "so easily entangles"?  That is so frightening to me.  & so true.

I think of my vacuum.  I run it over my carpet & don't see anything on the ground, but when I turn it over & look at the rollers, it is so tangled up with hair from Ricky & I.  When you have a house with 2 people with LONG red hair, apparently our floors have just as much hair as we do.  We don't see it, but its there... & it gets all wrapped up in those rollers & if you let it go long enough, it actually can STRANGLE & cause the rollers not to move at all.  Something tiny, simple & something you can't really even see - it has that much power when it keeps gathering up on top of each other. I actually have to keep scissors taped on my vacuum so I can cut it off & turn that roller safely again.

Sin does just that.  We don't see it - but it can get so wrapped around us without us even paying any attention to it... slowing down the things that turn in our lives.  It can get that strong grip on us.  & we need to stop & untangle.  Get unraveled.  Get a fresh clean start.

... & let us run with PERSEVERANCE the race marked out for us....

OK, I love that word!  The determination!  The mind set of not giving up!

But what I love most about this part of the verse?  There is a race marked out for us.  For me. For you.  It's already marked out.  It all goes in different directions, but its a path God intends just for us.

When I run races, the course makes all the difference.  There is a 10 mile race that I have signed up for in March that I HATE.  Why?  Because its through a park with lots of hills. I don't like hills. But its the course.  I prefer those race courses that are flat & straight... but give me something that is pleasing to the eye too ... & in a safe area of town... & preferably in Disney World.

But it doesn't work like that... Courses are designed for challenges.  To make us tougher & stronger.  It's why I signed up for it.

Our course is marked out.  The only thing we can do it tackle it... get to that start line with courage, cross the finish line with determination!

... Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author & perfecter of our faith...

I love an encouraging trainer.  Ever watch The Biggest Loser & see how differently the trainers work?  So many love the trainers that give them encouragement to make it though their workouts.  That's how I see Jesus in this verse.  The coach on the side lines that is cheering us on.  It's His voice we need to keep listening to - its who we need to keep our focus on.  Because if we keep our eyes on that 'race marked out for us' - it could get scary & intimidating & make us just want to stop in our tracks & not move forward.  But if we fix our eyes on the One who we know will get us to the end of the race?  That's where I want my attention to be.

Because the verse tells us right there... He's the one who has drew up the race.  He's the one who wrote down the course.  He's the one knows what lies ahead.  Why wouldn't I want to keep my eyes on Him knowing that?

A simple verse - one you see on the back of shirts in races on runner's that are zooming by me... & I love the reminder that every day is a test of battling sin, but we can do it with the right focus & the right mind set of perseverance!

Now its time to step up to the starting line folks!

I dont want my memory to fail me....

I used to laugh at my grandmother because she would always get our names messed up.  She'd call me every name of every other relative that lived until she finally got to mine....

I don't find it so funny anymore.  I find myself going to yell at Harvey for the latest trouble he's gotten himself into & I call him Bruno, Sydney, Buffy, Zoe... HARVEY!!!! ...

It seems like memory is a precious thing, isn't it? I realize the older I get, the more I value it....

We just finished up a series on The Bible with the youth kiddos.  I have so loved this series & love when I get so much out of the lessons & have a conviction come to me.  This series did just that to me.

I started the series talking about how we recommend books to each other every day ... hello Winter Reading Challenge... but how often do we recommend the greatest selling book of all time?

Our Youth Pastor taught the next lesson talking about how we have to be able to feed ourselves - we're not babies anymore.  We have to dig in the Bible ourselves to hear God.  We can't rely on our others to give us what we need from God's words - we have to be able to read it ourselves, search in it for what God has to tell us.

& then this past Sunday, my buddy Ryan closed us up with the best message.  He talked about memorizing scripture.

I have always been amazed when people can rattle off scripture from the top of their head...

If you can pull out scripture... then EXCELLENT!
(like what I did there?... if you don't get it, you are not a teen of the 80's)

I always loved being a part of Beth Moore's Scripture Sisters that had you memorizing 2 new scriptures every month.  I did pretty good for a few years... & I do actually remember most of the verses I committed to memory...

I'm good at remembering the words... I'm bad at remembering the chapter/verse thing... I need to work on that...

But Ryan had the best example of why its so important to memorize scripture. 

This sweet young man has lost both of his parents -  he's lost his sister .... he talks about how much he misses them..

Don't you know those people in your life that you  miss so much.  You wish you could hear their voice again.  You could talk to them & hear their advice & hear their words of wisdom that only parents & family can give you?

Ryan said he has letters & cards though that his parents would send him.  Especially his mother who would send him encouraging thoughts & prayers... he kept them... & he said when he thinks of her & feels like he needs to hear from her, he will open up some of these precious mementos & its like he can remember her voice in these words...

.... how true this is with the Bible...

God speaking to us...

His words of wisdom - His voice -  His encouragement - His advice .... all right there for us...

How amazing is that...

We challenged the kids this week to try & start memorizing scripture.  Get those words of God tucked into them as much as possible.  Start to get it embedded in those brains, those hearts...

Let them see that God's word is alive & active.. even in their lives today... God's words still apply from 100 years ago to today in 2015.

So I am taking this to heart myself... going to get back into memorizing scripture. 
I want to jump back into the Siesta Scripture Sister thing...

& it worked out perfectly when the scripture for the day in our church message was in Hebrews & I see my word of the year, right there in my face... Confidence!!! 

Tell me the Bible isn't alive & active... my word right there in my face.  I love when God does that...

here's my verse for February....

How about you?

Are you good at remembering scripture?  Do you have favorite verses that stick with you?

I loved how our Youth Pastor said, when you're in a fight, you can't tell the enemy to hold on while you go get your weapon.  You have to have it right there ready to pull out & fight...  same with Scripture.  When Satan comes at you, you need to be prepared.  Ready.  Have God's word tucked in tight.  You can't go take the time to grab a phone & Google it, look through the Bible.  You need it NOW....

So I'll pass the challenge on to all of you... get those brains going... get those hearts ready... be prepared... hear God's words protect, guard, advise, encourage you every day....

 

Are you good at memorizing Scripture?

 

What are some tricks to you use to memorize things?

 

Am I the only one that gets names mixed up now?

Well, that was easy....

...not....

We're in the 4th week of the Bible Study called Let.It.Go.

What I love about it is it gives me all sorts of verses to look at, study, & even better, easy picks for me to keep as my next Siesta Scripture Memory Verse.

Yesterday, we were told to look at a verse that I love, & actually was shocked I didnt have the verse memorized in previous years.  I looked back in my little notebooks that I keep all my verses & nope - not there.

Found my next verse for March

Always be joyful.  

Never stop praying.  

Be thankful in all circumstances, 

for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The trick with this verse, we were asked to put our name in front of every sentence - like it would go,

Rebecca Jo, always be joyful
Rebecca Jo, never stop praying
Rebecca Jo, be thankful in all circumstances
for this is God's will for you, Rebecca Jo, who belongs to Christ Jesus

Cool - right?

Except, last night, I was ready to pull my hair out.

My schedule is swamped for the next few weeks.  I mean the kind of schedule that nothing can get off track or I'm going to scream... & I think I actually did last night.

My sweet husband got me a new computer for our anniversary.  & if anyone has had any dealings with the new Windows 8 - I dont even have to say another word - you know how frustrating that is in itself.

Well, my new computer was running slower then my 4 yr old laptop from the moment I got it.  So we took it in to have it looked at.  That wonderful group, the Geek Squad took it, did their thang, & gave it back to me.    Actually, my hubby was so sweet & stopped & picked it up for me so I didnt have to worry about wasting time going by there.

I get it home... & nothing... & mean, nothing... they removed all my programs I had installed.

My picture programs, all my actions in Photoshop, all my music.

I just wanted to scream & say "Aint nobody got time for that"

Source: polyvore.com via Lainie on Pinterest

But I was set out to reinstall some of my stuff... let's start with iTunes

OH MY WORD....

Fast version?  I sat in front of my laptop for 4 hours moving one song over at a time to iTunes from my flash drive.  Why it didnt just move them all?  I have no idea... why it wouldnt copy over?  I have no idea.  All I know is I had to move each song ONE BY FREAKING ONE!!!!

& then, all my play lists were gone.

I need my playlists for running... this is serious stuff folks...

so another hour going through 1,000 songs & putting them in a playlist.

By the time 10:00 came around, my eyes were bugged out of my head, my clicker finger was exhausted & I felt like I had been on some sort of shock therapy.

But wait... Rebecca Jo is supposed to be joyful... & praying... & thankful in ALL circumstances!

Ouch... I dont think I was any of those... though, I may have prayed that I didnt take my computer & smash it in the ground.

& God answered that prayer.  (Thank you Lord)

So 2 out of 3 isnt bad - right?

Yeah... I know... utter failure here... on the FIRST day of clinging to this scripture.

Well guess what - today is a new day & I'm going to try again putting my name in this scripture.. & living it

& when I think about it now, I was joyful because as I was sitting at my computer, my neighbor's fiance was outside the window giving me the biggest wave & the cutest smile (I love this girl)....

& I was praying - seriously - because I have hundreds of Christian music on my iTunes & I would play some of these songs I forgot I had & would have a great time worshipping while sitting at the computer

& I was thankful - for my sweet husband who picked up my computer for me, & helped me make supper while I was running back & forth from the oven to the computer

So maybe I wasnt too far off base...
...but I know I have a long way to go...

Because I have a feeling my schedule is going to have a lot more surprises in it then I expect

How am I going to react?

I'm just praying this joy, praying & thankful attitude gets easier :)

Let.It.Go.... Prevail

2nd week in our blog hop for our Bible Study of Let.It.Go

In this week, I found a verse that I've already written down & is going to also be my Siesta Scripture Memory Team verse for February 15th... its THAT good...

not that all scripture isnt THAT good :)

Source: melissataylor.org via Rebecca on Pinterest

I see this played out every day of my life...

Plans I make
Because goodness knows I wake up with plans on how the day will go
... & more times then not, it doesn't work out one bit like I had planned.

That can go both ways.

I can plan on having the best day, & then BAM! Something happens - work slams me with ridiculousness, a phone call received with bad news, a car runs into the side of you on the way home, you twist an ankle on a run.... all sorts of things can happen to make your plans of a good day turn instantly to a bad one....

& I can wake up dreading the day & think its going to be horrible - & then someone is kind & gives a smile to me, or I get a phone call of words that say "I love you", or I feel full of energy & have the best run of my life... small things making that dreaded day one of the best you've ever had.

I love this verse because its now such a reminder in my heart that we may PLAN how the day is going to go... but there's a God out there with a PURPOSE for my day.

& His purpose?  Its going to PREVAIL!

I actually looked up what "Prevail" means... it means "to prove to be stronger & in the position of greater influence & power" - "Win through" - 

other words that mean the same are: triumph  succeed, be victorious, overcome, conquer

I don't know about you, but my plans don't stand a CHANCE against those words

We know that God is going to triumph, be victorious, conquer all....
but we're still like little kids over & over stomping our feet saying, "But I want it THIIIISSSSSSSS way"

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(Please dont tell me I'm the only one who stomps my feet at God)

& God just shakes his head & reminds me that while I have plans - I dont see the bigger picture.

It gives me comfort of knowing that His purpose will prevail....

because let me be honest here.
I have tried to push my plans & have actually turned down some wrong roads in life & REALLY said, "nope - God, I'm doing it my way"...

& I've had regret about decisions in life
found out the hard way that my plans really didn't turn out the way I thought they would

....funny how our little minds always think we know better then God....

But I don't know about you - this verse calms my heart that is full of bad decisions & it reminds me that no matter what - THE LORD'S PURPOSE WILL PREVAIL....

Isnt that awesome?

Knowing that when we do mess up - God will (& I'll take this one from Selah) Bless the Broken Road... because He has a purpose... & it WILL prevail....

Now, I can say, that just made my day a lot better already....

& for the record, this is the perfect example of LOVE & how much He loves us...so I just wanted to give a big Happy Valentine's Day shout out... (like that transition?)

Slow steps... slow progress

I dont think I ever posted what my #2 verse is for the #SSMT ... or other wise known as Siesta Scripture Memory Team.

Here's what I chose...or more what God chose for me...

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James 1:19-20

Hot dang... what a verse that has already taken a hold of my life....

Let me start off by saying my mother's side of the family is Italian... so yes, the Italian blood is in me.

& I think the Mafia side of that blood has killed off any other blood that was in my body, because I'm hot headed like most Italians... & that also answers for my love of all things pasta.

But take note... No "Snookie" or Jersey tan for me.

With that Italian side comes the effect of having a quick mouth..... Slow to speak?  Ha - I don't even know what that is.

Tap into that Italian side & the other part of that verse - Slow to anger? An even bigger HA! .... Remember my Italian blood, but my dad is a red head... so I have a quick lit temper.

Ask Ricky... I guarantee he's somewhere reading this shaking his head & giving an AMEN!!!

I've heard the verse before, but this time, its been the center of my days.  I've memorized it - I repeat it - I'm FOCUSING on it (shout out to my One word for 2013)... this verse has become a part of my life.

... & I've failed at it...

Italian blood or not...just plain human

I still have gotten angry, I still have spoken before I thought what was coming out of my mouth would hurt someone, I have cut off people before they finished their thoughts because I wasn't quick to LISTEN...

...but guess what?  I HAVE improved on it...

slow steps
slow progress

but steps & progress in the right direction

This verse will definitely be a part of my life from now on.

Because I want that righteous life that God desires for me... I don't want to mess that up...
& I want people to know they are being heard, & my words don't hurt them in return...

I want people to see God in me when they talk to me & I enter into a conversation with them

slow steps
slow progress

What's hardest for you?  Quick to listen - Slow to speak - slow to become angry?

May Scripture... ENDURANCE!

May?  Really?

We're seriously at May already...

blowing my mind!

So its time for a new monthly scripture for my heart.

Right now, I'm doing the Beth Moore James Bible Study.

Loving it too! 

The little things that she points out about words.

But one of the challenges is to memorize the whole book of James!

YAWWZZAAA!!!!

My brain would explode...

but I am willing to try to memorize big portions of it

... & I'll start with this month & dig in

I love this verse anyways

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 

-James 1:2-3 (NLT)

First of all, I study in an NIV version, but loved this NLT version...

all because of the word, "ENDURANCE"

NIV says "Perseverance" ...

but "endurance" speaks to me

Endurance: The ability or power to bear prolonged exertion, pain, or hardship

I think because I just came off a 13.1 mile run

& you need ENDURANCE to make it through

Its training for the LONG RUN

I think anyone can do a 5K

It almost seems over before it starts

but a 13.1 mile race?

You tire out...

... you start off strong

... you feel energy

... & then you wear down

... you want to hit a wall

... you gotta dig in deep to finish

... you have to ENDURE the miles

& that's just 13.1 miles

What about LIFE?

Talk about ENDURANCE!

And what helps with endurance while running? 

Training!

And training isnt easy.... no way, no how!

You push yourself to the point of pain

... only to become stronger...

So when we have troubles in our lives, look at it as training...

...training to make life easier...

its hard to find joy in that 'trouble' in the moment that you're in it

but look ahead

Look at the strength... the endurance... you'll have for future troubles

Because you KNOW those troubles will always be coming at us

So let's ENDURE... be STRONG when they head right at us!

Anyone else pumped up now?

Who knew James was like a Personal Trainer, ready to (CLAP) Pump Us UP!!!

(I so just dated myself with that reference)

April Memory Verse

Hodgepodge is taking a Spring Break this week...

... I'm jealous... I want a Spring Break...

but it works out well because I need to post my Scripture to memorize for April.  I think I missed posting March... so dont want to miss 2 months in a row.

You may have heard this verse in the NIV form ... "& the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jesus"

Well, I saw the Message version & just LOVED it...

Anything that talks about worry or fear in the Bible, I mark it down...

Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worrying, PRAY! 

 Let petition & praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. 

Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come & settle you down. 

It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

-Philippians 4:6-7 (The Message)

Instead of worrying - PRAY!  I love that!  I'm such a worry-wart that this is just the reminder I need laid on my heart!!!

& taking those worries & lifting them up to God?  Even better!  I love that it says, "letting God know your concerns"... like He doesnt already know?  Funny... but a perfect reminder that God wants us to talk to Him about it.. the things that bother us, He wants the conversation.

*"everything coming together for good - settling you down" ... I want to know my worries, concerns, things bothering me has a reason & purpose... a greater good in the mess.  When  you're reminded of that, it does calm you down... settle your soul.

*It sure is wonderful when Christ takes that worry from the CENTER of your life... because He should be the center... not something like 'worry'...

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Source: google.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Its a long verse... a challenge this month... but I've already got it down...

& I think I've repeated no less then 200 times already just the first 2 sentences of that verse.  I think its gonna be a good one to tuck away for my whole life...

Siesta Scripture

While I love the Siesta Scripture idea - I'm not good at getting 2 a month... so I've taken the pressure off.  Focusing on one a month.  That's very doable for me.  I could possibly still do 2 a month.  Like this month, I've already got this one down, in one day... so I may go ahead on the 15th & tuck another verse away.  But at least, I'm doing what will work for me... dont want to make this something that aggravates me. Defeats the purpose.

So now that I've explained myself :)  (Was any of that necessary?... not really)

February Verse:

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong & courageous. 

 Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord, your God will be with you

wherever you go.

-Joshua 1:9

* "Have I not commanded you" ... doesnt that sound like your parents telling you, "Havent I told you time & time again?" ... that shaking your finger at you, shaking their head, wondering when you're ever going to get it through your thick head.  I totally see God wondering the same thing...

*  "Be strong & courageous"... Anyone ever watch "Work of Art" ... I LOVE that show.  They have a mentor, who is Simon de Pury.  When he leaves them, he always says, "Be bold. Be brave. Be amazing".  I always loved that.  Always thought that is such a good reminder for everyone on any given day. 

Source: bravotv.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

This part of the verse reminds me of exactly that!!!  I cant help but picture God saying this with a french accent now.

*Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged" ... I am on a kick of finding scripture that focus on fear... & NOT having it.  The word 'terrified' is even stronger.  Add in 'discouraged' & I think that's what most of us can be with the things that kick us in the gut every day.  Just normal daily life can discourage us... love the reminder that we're NOT to be these things.

* "for the Lord your God" ... I've seen this repeatedly in my scriptures I learn... YOUR God... love that!  He's MINE! :)  He's YOURS...

* "will be with you wherever you go" .... think you are anywhere He's not?  Nope.  Think you are getting ready to go into something where you're alone? Nope - you're not alone.  Think you're in this thing by yourself?  Nope - you've got God right next to you.  Comforting, huh?

So there you go.  My verse for February...

... & now, you can think of a French guy hanging out with you all day long, shaking his head at you...

...its the fun way to remember scripture.  Maybe I need to copyright this idea of learning :)

Siesta Scripture - Verse 1

I'm a few days late...

but doesnt mean I havent had this verse sitting in front of me trying to get it memorized.

Off to get more scripture tucked away.

To kick off the year:

When I am afraid,

I will trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise,

   in God I trust; 

I will not be afraid.

What can mortal man to do me?

-Psalm 56:3-4

I remember kicking off last year with Isaiah 41:10... another verse on no need to fear.

Must be a recurring thought I need...

Fear is a powerful thing, aint it?  Need these reminders that fear is nothing when we put our trust & faith in God...

Scripture OVERLOAD!

I just realized that I hadnt put up my August Scriptures for the Siesta Sisters Memory Challenge... & now, I'm picking out my September one.  So why not put them all on for one day?  Who says that Scripture OVERLOAD is a bad thing?  I'll even add in a few comics for smiles ...& some thought... here we go :)

August 1 Scripture:

I know the Lord is always with me.  I will NOT be shaken, for he is right beside me.

-Psalm 16:8 - NLT

Simple enough ... powerful!  Love the idea of letting NOTHING shake me up! 

Source: bl166w.blu166.mail.live.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

August 15 Scripture:

But sin didnt - & doesnt - have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call GRACE.  When its sin versues grace, grace wins hands down. 

-Romans 5:20-21 (The Message)

Isnt that a great visual.  Grace beating down sin!!!  And I love the wording of "Aggressive forgiveness"... think of someone who is aggressive.  Someone who keeps going for what they want until they get their way!  That's Grace!  Punching down sin until it overtakes it!  Oh yeah!!!

Source: bl166w.blu166.mail.live.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

September 1 Verse:

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, & don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.  God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

-Matthew 6:34 (The Message)

I found out yesterday that my health insurance only covers 2 doctors visits a year... a YEAR people!  So I went into worry mode last night.  I have 10 more months in my year on this policy.  I went a 3rd time to a doctor & the bill was $215 since insurance doesnt cover anymore doctor's visits... can you imagine how much it will cost if anything serious happens to me this year?  So I found this verse this morning & am tucking it DEEEEEEEEEEP in my heart to remember everything will be OK - no matter what.

Source: bl166w.blu166.mail.live.com via Rebecca on Pinterest

Siesta Scripture

We're moving right along with the memory verses...

These next few verses will be easy for me to pick since I'm supposed to be memorizing ones for my "Duty or Delight" Bible Study...but I already love the first verse, so TA-DA... the next one on the list.

For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy & blameless in His sight.

-Ephesians 1:4

*Have you ever been chosen for a team as a little child... you stand there hoping you get picked... pleading with your eyes, "Dont leave me behind" & then when you get picked for something simple, it's like you won the lottery.  How much cooler that the one picking this time is God...Yep, He chose US...

*..."before the foundation of the world" .... how cool a reminder is that?  Can you just imagine at one point God was thinking, "I'll think its time I made this thing called "earth"- I also know that way down through the years, there will be this creation called Rebecca Jo & I'm going to choose her as my child"... go ahead, insert your own name instead of mine.  Tell me how amazing that is to imagine... & its true...

*..."to be holy & blameless in His sight" ... that always just takes my breath away... stops me in my tracks... because 'holy' & 'blameless' are not two words I think of when I think of my life... but yet, in God's sight - the One who knows ALL, he will see us as pure, clean, holy & blameless... tell me that's not the best news you've heard all day!

So there's my next verse.  I love the ones that are simple but pack a punch!

Siesta Scripture ... love when I can add Justin Timberlake to it

Its funny because I picked my scripture for the beginning of July at the end of June... have it sitting in front of me on my index cards & on the board behind me so I always see it.

And then the Casey Anthony trial has happened - as well as just life in general - & it really showed me how much I need to be reminded of this... we, as humans, like to point fingers, dont we?  Like to point out everyone's faults & failures... big & small.... from Casey Anthony, to even someone who made a simple, small mistake.  We like to judge them all...criticizing is like a sport for us sometimes.  So I love this scripture...

Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults.  Unless, of course, you want the same treatment.  Don't condemn those who are down;  that hardness can boomerang.  Be easy on people - you'll find life a lot easier.

-Luke 6:37 (The Message)

For me, I love this idea to just be easy on people - making life easier.  Hello?  Who doesnt want an easier life?  Don't people write books & make MILLIONS on trying to show how to do this?   But its right there for us...Its taking the focus off looking at everyone else's faults & start looking at the things I need to work on myself... after all, how is my life going to get any better when I have some faults & failures I'm not working on because I'm too busy pointing out other's faults to them...which, by the way, goes over like a lead balloon.

And I also love it because it holds the idea of "what comes around, goes around"... & not the Justin Timberlake version - though I do like to get my groove on to that song... this is more of a Biblical Karma, if you will.  So this should really ease our mind in having to feel like we NEED to point fingers... its going to "boomerang" back anyways - right?

....I just think we need to get Justin Timberlake to write another boogie-down song with this scripture in mind... life at least would be a little easier in the "groovin'" department :)

Siesta Scripture: YOUR God

Ever feel like the world is falling apart on you?  That's its too much to take sometimes?  That you're alone in the world?  That people who you thought would be there for you, suddenly arent & they let you down?   Well then - tuck this little verse in your heart.... cause its GOOD!!!!...

Be strong.  Take courage.  Dont be intimated.  Dont give them a second thought because God, YOUR GOD, is striding ahead of you.  He's right there with you.  He wont let you down;  he wont leave you.

-Deuteronomy 31:6 (The Message)

Isnt that an awesome visual?  God, right there with you... even when no one else is...

I love the idea that He's "striding ahead of you"... almost like a guard.  Someone who's watching your path - someone who's testing the waters before you jump in.  Someone who's trying to make the path easier for you as you go down it...

"Dont be intimidated"... we can let so much push us back in fear... so much make us feel weak & that we cant handle it.  What a cool reminder that we dont need to feel that way - we can be strong & have courage!  ... I feel like standing up & giving a good muscle flex pose on that one! :)

My favorite part of this verse is the emphasis on who God is.. we're reminded that he's YOUR GOD....  I like to say it as "MY GOD" ... makes it even more personal, doesnt it?  Do it one step further - for every "you", change it to "me" .... MY GOD... He's striding ahead of ME... He's right there with ME... He wont let ME down... He wont leave ME...

Tell me that doesnt pump you up about God & how much he loves you?

So there's my memory verse for the first part of June.  Good stuff, huh?  The Bible is full of it....

Siesta Scripture - 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Yes - I know today isnt May 15th - but I like to keep record of my scriptures here for memory sake.  I just label them & then its easy to pull them all up on one page.  How nice is Blogger for organizational skills?

This time around, the scripture I'm tucking in is a longer one (love those challenges) & seems to just speak to me even more in this season of life... RUNNING SEASON :)

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  RUN in such a way as to get the prize.  Everyone who competes in the game goes into STRICT TRAINING.  They do it to get a crown that will not last; 

but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

-1 Corinthians 9:24-25

How cool is that little bit of Godly wisdom?  For runners & anyone who competes in a sport.. or anyone who trains for anything at all.

I love the idea of "running in such a way as to get the prize" ... you've heard me roughly 1,382 times say I'm never going to win a run.  This old body aint EVER gonna be running 4 minute miles... sorry - too late in life.  But it doesnt mean I cant keep TRYING... I can keep running as to keep that prize in sight.  And that's what this is saying to me... I may not win, but keep it in my vision... run like I CAN win the prize.

But the part on "strict training" - I LOVE!  Because I've seen over the years now much difference training actually does when running.  Its between not being able to move for 2 weeks after a half marathon & running back to your car immediately following another half marathon.  Training makes a HUGE difference.

So what training am I doing in my Spiritual life?  Am I dedicated?  Am I willing to put in time, heart & soul? .... literally....

I think its definitely worth all that training for the prize that lays ahead of us as Christians... that crown that lasts forever!  Yep... I'll keep on training, running for THAT prize!!!

Siesta Scripture #7

I was going to do my Friday Frags... & then noticed it was the first of the month too - which is the pick for another Scripture.

Well, the past 2 days, I've been in Excel Spreadsheet/Accounting Hell so my eyes & my brain are fried... hear the sizzling?  So I'm skipping the fragments today ... focusing totally on God's word.

I still am in love with my last scripture & proud of myself that I got it, even thought it felt like 100 words long.  It wasn't - it was only 42 words... & yes, I counted.  See why I'm in accounting?  Numbers are my life.

This time though, I'm using a verse I used in my post from Wednesday.  Its a verse I'm needing to really tuck away because lately, I've had this sense of "fear" - anxiety almost - on everything. 

I'm anxious about health ...for me & for others
I'm anxious about finances
I'm anxious about my dogs
I'm anxious about my job
I'm anxious about all that's on my schedule
I'm anxious about.... well, just fill in the blank because I'm anxious about it, I'm sure...

So I'm going to remind myself especially over the next 15 days (& hopefully carry that out into the future) of this short & simple verse....

GOD DID NOT GIVE ME A SPIRIT OF FEAR,

BUT OF POWER, LOVE & SELF CONTROL...

-2 TIMOTHY 1:7

Nope.. no fear...

Power to conquer anything with His help
Love to make my heart ready for anything
Self Control to keep myself in check... mind over matter - right?

Simple.... easy verse... powerful words though...

Siesta Scripture #6

My pick for this round:

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless & pure, children of God without fault in a crooked & depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life...

-Philippians 2:14-16

*Do EVERYTHING without complaing and/or arguing?  OK... that's the toughest thing for me to work on - why I picked this verse.  This is going to be a real challenge for me to even notice all the times I complain or argue... at a stop light?  In the grocery line?  Doing the laundry of 31 pairs of jeans? (See Friday Frag for more notes on that one) ;)

*Blameless & pure? ... that sounds wonderful.  Who doesnt want to be blameless?  Even after all the things we screw up?

*"Children of God" ... that sounds EVEN MORE wonderful... Also, its why I'm a PRINCESS... I'm a child of the King!  (cue Princess Wave)

*"Crooked & depraved generation" .... doesnt it seem that still fits this time of the world better then ever?

*"Shine like the stars" ... we sing the song "SHINE" by Fee with the youth all the time... raise the roof with it!  So now, this verse makes it even more meaningful

*"Hold out the word of life" ... Can you picture holding something out in your arms straight ahead of you?  It would be the first thing someone would notice!  Doing that with God's Word?  Yep... I want that to be the first thing people see in me....

Cant wait to see what other verses my Siesta-Sisters have picked :)

And if you want to rock out with me now... here you go...

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse #5

We're in the 3rd month of the year... which means verse #5... this is getting fun. 
I really enjoy keeping an eye out (or a heart tug) for a verse that speaks to me....

So this is my pick for this round:

If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins,

O Lord, who could stand?

But with you, there is FORGIVENESS;

therefore you are feared.

-Psalm 130:3-4 (NIV)

Is anyone else so thankful that the Lord doesnt stay in Heaven with a book just marking every sin you do?  I'm raising my hand on that one. ... Jumping up & down, while holding my hand up actually...

I love the Message version of the last line - it says, "...& that is why you're worshiped"

All the things God does for us...& this is just another reason on our list on why we should fear, or worship Him.  Thank you, our Awesome God!!!

Siesta Scripture #4

Its that time again... I cant believe we're on verse #4.

Four pieces of God's word tucked into this heart of mine... cool stuff!

So my verse for this round:

"Remember not the sins of my youth & my rebellious ways; 

according to your love REMEMBER ME,

for you are good, O Lord"

-Psalm 25:7 (NIV)

I love this verse - always have... but I forget it - which is why I'm adding to my list of memory.

Who doesnt have sin from the past or "rebellious ways"?  I just love that cry out to God to please, just REMEMBER ME... who I am at the heart ... who I so badly WANT to be... ME... the person waving up to you God... the person who wants to do good all the time, but still screws up...the person who loves you... just simply, ME!

...because the Lord is good enough to do that...

Siesta Scripture #3

Here we go, into our 3rd verse. 

I am doing the Beth Moore study, "A Woman's Heart - God's Dwelling Place" & this was one of the scriptures for the day.  When I read it, I was like ... WOW, I love this!!! So without further ado, my scripture #3 to memorize is:

"The Lord will FIGHT for you...

you need only to be still"

-Exodus 14:14

I adore this... We hear the verse, "Be still & know I am God" all the time.  This one reminds me of that verse, but it has that little extra UMPH for me... the image of God FIGHTING for us!  Isnt that a pretty cool image to think of?  And all we have to do?  Just stop - get out of the way - quick messing things up!

I keep thinking of two people fighting & someone jumps in the middle - trying to handle the situation - but the people are still swinging over the arms trying to hold them back... kicks being thrown around the body of the person in the middle.

Can you picture that person in the middle being God?  And he's just looking at us saying, "just be still!"  I'll take care of the fight for you... the fight against lonliness... the fight against finances... the fight against sickness... the fight against that sneaky, stupid devil....

So be encouraged today friends!!!!  We have the #1 Prize Fighter on our side... fighting for US!  We just need to be still....

Siesta Verse #2

Having 15 days to memorize is going to make the months fly by because I cant believe we're into the 2nd verse.

My first verse was so appropriate for the time in my life... "DONT PANIC... I AM WITH YOU...."
It was the best scripture I could possible keep in my heart.

The one I'm picking this round, I think will be another one that will be great for me as I am a talker ... & a lot of times, I say things without thinking.  I am working on being more aware of my words & once again, scripture is a great learning tool to learn God's ways on a subject...

So here is my Scripture for round 2:

Reckless words pierce like a sword,

but the tongue of the wise brings healing

-Proverbs 12:18

Ever have someone say the perfect words to you?  Maybe they were simple words... but they helped you... they soothed the pain... they comforted?

Ever have someone say words that tear the heart into two... break down your spirit... punch you in the gut?  Yeah... I dont ever want those words to come out of my mouth...

Words... a powerful thing...