SSMT #10

I have no idea how this happened but I have 11 verses in my Scripture spiral. According to Beth, this is verse #10. Hmmm.....I always knew I was gifted. :)

"Fools vent their anger but the wise quietly hold it back." Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)

This verse was our first family worship time to kick-off our Significant Summer. I chose it for our devotional because Esther Grace is having biting issues and Jonah is struggling to tolerate it. I thought it would be good for them. During our morning, Jonah's face lit up and he proudly exclaimed,
    
"Oh, Mommy! This verse is really good for you to not lose your temperature!"

Yep. Temperature.

So naturally, if my four-year-old clearly recognizes the need for this in my life, I've got to memorize it.

Our Signifcant Summer's off to a great start!

SSMT #9

I bet you thought I'd quit, didn't you? Nope! I have no idea what happened to my 7th verse but I did have one. I just never shared. It was for April 1 and no, it wasn't my version of an April Fool's joke. I just looked at my post history and that was during my unintended month long hiatus from blogging. Goodness! Well, here's #7:

"A wise woman strengthens her family but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does."

Proverbs 14:1 (NCV)

I just posted about verse 8 and it's that time again. Mem-o-ry Verse Num-ber Ni-i-i-i-ine. (Imagine me singing that to the tune "Love Potion Number Nine" with a head bobble and a bit of shoulder action.)

"You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."

2 Corinthians 9:11 (NIV)

I almost got to live this one out today and it's only May 2. On my way to Snellville today, I passed a green van with a man standing out front holding a white posterboard sign. It read "FAMILY IN NEED OF FOOD AND GAS TO GET HOME" in marker scrawled handwriting. I was on the phone with Bear and asked him if I should turn around and help them. Normally I wouldn't put myself or my kids in jeopardy if we're alone without Bear but this van had a woman and two kids in the back. What was the harm? He said it was my call. By the time we finished our conversation, I was right in front of my intended destination so I pulled in and ran my errand thinking that I'd get some gas for them on my way back. I had no cash but there was a QuickTrip almost directly across the street from the stranded van. I could tell them I was getting them gas and see if they had enough to pull into the gas station with me so I could fill up their car.

When we all piled back in the car, Jonah asked me if we were going to stop and help that family. I told him that's exactly what we would do. As I got within seeing distance of the vehicle, I noticed that the police had stopped. I was a bit relieved thinking that God had provided me with a little reassurance that I was doing the right thing. As I merged into the turning lane, I noticed four BIG guys in handcuffs sitting along the curb. What? The policemen were wearing latex gloves and searching the green van that I could've sworn had just been carrying a family of four minutes earlier. One of the men had a ponytail and it was high on his head. I had mistaken him for a woman when I drove by earlier and the other two heads in the back I had just automatically credited to being the two children of the needy family.

Isn't that crazy how I was so deceived?! And I was so excited about living out my generosity so that a needy family could praise God and give Him thanksgiving. I even had gotten my little SSMT spiral out so that I could share with them why I had stopped. Bummer. I guess I could've stopped and shared anyway but from the look on the police officers' faces, it wouldn't have been a good time. Jonah was bummed too. His little innocent world had been shattered. He kept asking me why the police thought the family were bad guys and didn't understand that it wasn't a family at all. He was so excited to get to help someone and practice what we talk about. Did I mention that the police had several wooden clubs and trash bags full of who knows what out of the van and laid them out on the pavement?

I'm still on the lookout! I've got to be ready on every occasion. I'd just prefer no blunt objects or trash bags to hide the bodies please.

A Double Portion

[Posted with permission from my sister. For an even more beautiful account with breathtaking pictures, go to Stephanie's post. You'll need an exuberant amount of tissue for either.]

Well, I've been absent for far too long. I've missed all of my blogging sisters and I've missed sharing in your lives and love for the Lord! Gosh. I've missed you.

Some of you already know, but my sister lost both of her twins this week. She developed an infection that caused her body to go into labor. They stopped the labor but the infection had already spread causing her entire womb to be infected. The only choice to save her was to birth the babies at 21 weeks gestation. It was the most tragic and the most beautiful thing I believe I will ever witness.

Before delivering, we had a strong prayer time. We beseeched our living & active God to come into the room and completely heal Katie. We asked in confidence for a closed cervix & restored amniotic sacs. We asked for the infection to be cast out and for her fever to disappear in Jesus' Name. I know that God was in that room. I know that Jesus Christ Himself was with us. We fully expected for our prayers to be specifically answered. When they checked Katie, Sailor was already in the process of being born. God answered in a way that we didn't understand. Katie said it best when she said in the silence of the room, "Well. I asked God to take my infection away. The babies are the infection. He's taking the babies."

Sailor Marie Cobb was born at 11:37 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. Maundy Thursday. Sailor never spent a moment here on earth.

Ryder Hunt Cobb was born at 6:45 a.m. on Friday, April 22. Good Friday. If anyone knows what it's like to lose a son, especially on that day, it's God. He was born alive and his heart continued to beat for about 2 hours after he entered this world. What I saw in those moments was breathtaking. Katie scooped that baby up and became the BEST mother I've ever seen. Her strength was indescribable. She set aside her own emotions and with every bit of her being loved that baby. I still can't even begin to imagine how in the world she did it.

Yes, I can. Jesus.

Medically speaking, Katie will make a complete recovery. Her womb will be completely healed and she is physically able to be a mother in the time she chooses. I praise God for that restoration.

Emotionally speaking, Katie has a hard road ahead of her. I don't even know what it will entail but God has surrounded her with friends that have experienced the very same thing and she has their comfort and wisdom.

Spiritually speaking, Katie will never be the same. None of us will.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (emphasis mine)

The Cobb/Jarvis/Keeling family shared something incredible and God is knitting our hearts together in a way that we could never do on our own. His Presence with us is such a mighty thing. My SSMT verse a couple of times ago was Colossians 2:2-3...

"My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches of understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Who knew how true that would be..... We don't have full understanding of the mystery of God but we do have full understanding of the knowledge of that mystery. I hope that makes sense. We don't understand it but we understand knowing it. And I'm completely okay with not understanding it because He does.

My next SSMT verse is my prayer for Katie, Ryan, and our whole family. Please join me.

"Instead of shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours." Isaiah 61:7 (NIV) (emphasis mine)



SSMT #6

It's that time again! This time, I really wanted a short verse so I chose Hebrews 10:35.

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."

Simple. Sweet. To the point. But it's not without reason. The entire passage preceeding this verse talks about the endurance and commitment we have when we first embrace Christ and His commands. Knowing that we are being called to live counter-cultural lives in light of my Isaiah study this year and Bear's India trip, I thought this would be a good verse to cling to when facing opposition from those who may not understand. I wanted to also remember the reference of Hebrews 10 so I'll know where to turn during those times and focus on God's Truth rather than my surrounding circumstances. Perfect, right? I thought so too.

I logged on to the Siesta blog and went to post my verse. Then, I read this and God completely changed my heart. So now, instead of a simple one-liner to jumpstart my mind on a larger reference, I'm memorizing not one but two verses.

"My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches of understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Colossians 2:2-3 (The NET Bible)

While I was reading Beth's post, He just whispered to me that this is the perfect prayer for any future opposition. Not that I will firmly stand up underneath it but that He will knit our hearts together in love and that we will be encouraged to continue following Him so that we may know have full understanding of the mysteries He has for us. Our treasures lie in Christ alone and He is the only source of all wisdom and knowledge. It may not be a simple, sweet, straight to the point journey.

After all, Bear and I are completely clueless as to what He's even calling us to do! But we know that He's preparing our hearts for something and it won't be what we expect. It may be complicated and not fit into our current structure of life (like memorizing two verses when I'm really only supposed to pick one each time), but He is faithful and will reveal all the riches of complete obedience when we get there.

Until then, I guess I'm memorizing two verses.

SSMT #5

Can you believe it's been two whole months?! I'm really loving how applicable these verses have become to me through this year. His Word never fails to be relevant to me and I love Him so much for that. Here's my verse for this time around....

"But my servant Caleb thinks differently and follows me completely. So I will bring him into the land he has already seen, and his children will own that land."
Numbers 14:24, NCV

Kindof an odd selection, isn't it? I got a reminder on my phone for an important date this week, which I'll blog about on March 3, and it got me thinking about all God has done for me and Bear in the past. He is SO faithful! I've seen what He can do. I've already seen His Presence in our lives and He's already made Himself so real to us countless times. That's exactly what I want for my children: to inherit the legacy of God's Presence. Can you think of anything sweeter or more satisfying? Hence, my SSMT verse this time. But....

There's always a "but", isn't there? Caleb got to inherit the Promised Land because he thought differently. Some other versions say...

"But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly..." (NIV)
"But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me..." (NLT)
"But my servant Caleb—this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately." (The Message)

Hmmmm- see the theme?

Bear and I talked last night on the phone for 45 minutes about what God was teaching him in India. It's still not specific but I'm pretty sure that it's going to involve a lot of different spirit, different attitude, and it's gonna be a whole different story than what we have been doing! We want to follow God wholeheartedly, passionately, and remain loyal to Him alone. Then, and only then, will my children own. that. land.

If you're praying for us, pray for clarity of what the Lord has in store for our family and lays out the specifics of what He is calling us to do in order to "think differently and follow Him completely". I know He'll let us in on the plan eventually! :)

“...From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you."

"This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."
Isaiah 48:6b, 17



SSMT #4

Bear's in India and as I'm typing this he should be landing in Mumbai. They will be spending the night in the airport and then flying out to Hyderabad on Tuesday morning at 6:25 am (their time).... about 8 pm tonight (our time). I've been praying all morning that God provides them with a safe, quiet place to sleep so that they'll be fully rested and protected. I've also been praying Ephesians 6 over them like crazy!

We dropped Bear off at the church Sunday afternoon to meet up with the rest of the team. Jonah has cried several times over the past week in anticipation of Daddy leaving and going to "Imbeeyah" to tell the "Imbeeyan peepul" about Jesus. Sunday, he decided that if he pitched a fit than maybe Daddy would stay. It's been a great opportunity to teach Jonah that sometimes obeying God isn't the most fun thing. Daddy doesn't want to be away from us for two weeks. Daddy isn't looking forward to not seeing us nor is he excited about cuddling up with David at night either. (I know for a fact that he is very excited about what God's going to do in India though.) Regardless of the stuff we don't like, Daddy is being obedient to God and as Bear says, "It's better to be gone and be obedient than to be here and be disobedient. God's Will is the best...and safest...place to be." Amen to that! I can only imagine how much of a grump Bear would be if he were here over the next two weeks. So, it's been good to help Jonah see that we are to obey the Lord regardless of how we feel about it. Obedience is obedience and we're called to do it. No excuses.

As we pulled out of the church parking lot Daddy-less, I was trying to hold back my tears so as not to scare my children. My heart was breaking over the upcoming fourteen nights without Bear. Fourteen nights without someone to talk to before falling asleep. Fourteen nights getting the kids to bed by myself. Fourteen nights not having that security of Bear's back of solid muscle to hide behind when I hear a noise at night. Fourteen nights of restlessness. Fourteen! (I don't even want to calculate how many meals, loading/unloading of the car, diapers, etc. that is without MY MAN!)

Chris Tomlin's song "Our God is Greater" was playing on the radio. Yes, I know this song is way overplayed but it was like hearing it for the first time. He is greater. He is stronger. Greater than India. Stronger than my twisted up feelings in my chest. Higher than any other.

My previous memory verse for SSMT was Zephaniah 3:17:

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will sing over you with joyful songs."

(emphasis mine)

He did just that. How faithful is our God?! My next verse that I will be memorizing is a bit different. I personalized it just for me....

"[She] will have no fear of bad news; [her] heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:7

The Scripture actually reads "They" and "their". I'm pretty sure the Lord won't mind. I really wanted to memorize it in it's entirity of context but I don't think I could handle the entire 112nd chapter of Psalms! But it's a perfect prayer for "Imbeeyah" and the "Imbeeyan peepul" and the team's families at home.

"Praise the LORD. Blessed are those who fear the LORD, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing." Psalm 112

SSMT #3

I can't believe I'm already on my third verse! Time is definitely flying by but not without me having ample time to hide these Truths in my heart. I don't know about you but I've got the first two verses down pretty good. Let's see....

"You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance."

Psalm 65:11

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope."

Romans 15:4

I just typed those from memory so don't check my punctuation or anything. And I have no idea what translation they're in but at least I got 'em! Here's my third verse-

I stole it from Amy's post about Libbi's baby dedication. This just happens to be one of Libbi's life verses that they chose for her and I think it's absolutely beautiful. Don't you? Our God is so tender to us despite our failings and I need every reminder I can get.

I also chose it because I loved the part about God calming all my fears. Bear's headed to India with four other guys from our church on February 21. He'll be there for 12 days and we've never been apart that long. It will be an intense spiritual time preparing for his departure as well as while he's overseas. Please keep our little family in your prayers! This verse will be a great one for me to memorize prior to his leaving. I can see myself reciting it at night here at the house when I'm by myself. Such a comfort.

Can you type your first two verses from memory? What's your new verse? Maybe I'll steal it for my fourth one coming up....

"For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Zephaniah 3:17, NLT

SSMT #2

It's already time for a new verse?! Crazy how time flies....

We'll, my next verse is really to help me remember just why we study Scripture in the first place.

I study God's Word so that I can endure this life, be encouraged, and ultimately have hope in Him. That's what following Jesus is all about...endurance and hope! Since this verse is my second, I'll spend the rest of the year reciting my first verse, then my second, and so on. I figured it would be a good one to memorize early on so that throughout the year as I repeat my verses, I'll be encouraged to endure SSMT 'til the end because I'm hopeful that I'm going to go to Texas in January 2012! :)

What was your second verse?

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope."

Romans 15:4

SSMT #1

Okay, today's the day. SSMT begins. It honestly snuck right up on me. I've been praying about which verse to memorize. Which verse will aptly kick off this year of commitment? Which verse will pave the way as I journey with so many Sisters across the world? Which verse will be the most ingrained as I repeat my spiral over and over?

Nothin'.

I've contemplated a few...

Romans 12:2 thinking that I want my thoughts to be focused on Him and not revert to old ways as I step into this new year.
Psalm 25:5 because I want Him to teach me as I study and memorize Scripture this year.
Isaiah 35:8 as I follow His direction and travel His highway.

Still, I always felt like these were all chosen by me and not Him, completely defeating the whole purpose. Until today.

I went to Miss Beth's blog to log in for the first verse this year and read her post. Bam! There it was, clear as day and perfect to kick off my journey with the Lord. In light of everything that's happened over the past week, I'd say it's perfectly perfect. That's God for you. I'm pretty sure He likes to show off like that just to remind me that He's not only Sovereign God, but my God. Don't you just love when He gets personal?

So my verse?

Please join me as God does a work far beyond what we could possibly imagine. Let's claim the bountiful harvest He has prepared for us this year so that when we walk the hard pathways, His abundance will overflow from the treasures stored in our hearts & minds. All the updated details are here. Let's do this thing. Together.

"You crown the year with a

bountiful harvest;

even the hard pathways

overflow with abundance."

Psalm 65:11

Please Mister Postman

Mister Postman, look and see if there's a letter in your bag for me.

I been waitin' such a long time since I heard from that girl of mine.

There must be some word today from my girlfriend so far away.

Please Mister Postman, look and see if there's a letter...a letter for me.

[I was home with the kids last night while Bear was at a meeting in East Point when I remembered to check the mail, so the only photographer I had was Jonah....hence, the high quality in the pictures. Not bad for a three year old, actually. And yes- that's a shirt from high school that's almost 12 years old. We were bummin' it watching "The Nativity Story".]

SSMT

It's finally here!!!! Well, almost.

Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2011 begins January 1, 2011. Let me explain. First of all, I should say that there will be no napping involved. Don't let the name fool you. Beth Moore called her blog followers "sistas" one day trying to be all cool and funky. Her spellcheck corrected it to "siestas" and the name just stuck. I've been a "Siesta" since this past summer (that's how I got to meet Miss Beth at Deeper Still) and read about the SSMT from past posts. You can read all the details here. She's starting up another one coming this January and I'm so excited!!!!!

Here's the deal:

You memorize 2 verses each month. Then, on the 1st & 15th of each month, you visit Beth's blog and post what you're memorizing. And...this is the cool part....come mid-January 2012, there will be SSMT celebration in Houston, Texas. And the price of admission? One well-used notebook spiral full of 24 memorized passages! How cool is that? So, who's in with me? Come on, Girls! I know we can do it! And think how awesome it will be to meet all those "Siestas" who've done the same thing over the whole year!

But don't just take my word for it. I "blog stalk" another "Siesta" and she wrote about it on her blog here. And to quote Deidre from "For Such A Time As This"...I can't stop using exclamation points!!!!!

And don't you just love that once I actually breathe the same air as Beth Moore, I go from calling her by her entire name (Beth Moore) to referring to her as one of my personal teachers (Miss Beth) to strictly a first-name basis?!!? I think the first verse I memorize should be Ephesians 4:2- "Be completely humble.."