About the Tablet

I began my blog on March 24, 2009,
first-just as a place to record the scripture that I was working on memorizing with Beth Moore's challenge,
and to record my prayers.

I named it

Sandy's
Scripture and Prayer
to
Share,

because that's what it was.
I liked the allliteration of it, but I was never happy with it, because it is not really MY scripture! It's God's Word to us, but it was the scripture that I had chosen to share with others who visit my blog.

I would really like to develop my writing and increase my following.
I have received a lot of blessings from reading other blogs.
I really enjoyed all of the posts and participating in the 3 week series in January 2010,

Fresh Year, Fresh Start.

I won my blog makeover by commenting and posting during that series.

I am very grateful for the new look for my blog.

I decided to call my blog


The Tablet of My Heart.

My heart's desire is for

Love and Faithfulness to never leave me,. . .

I am

writing them on the


Tablet of my Heart.

I want to share with you what God speaks to me through His word,
and
I want to share some of my prayers with you.

I want to be a blessing to others, to glorify God.

Memory Verses 2010

January 1, 2010

Isaiah 25:1NIV
O Lord, you are my God, I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness, you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.

Romans 12:1-2NIV
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your Spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.


January 15

Ephesians 5:22-24, 33bNIV
Wives, submimt to your husbands, as to the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to the husbands in everything.
. . .and the wife must respect her husband.


This is the one I had chosen as my "blog verse" for this blog in 2009, but had not posted as one to memorize, but I did memorize it quickly.
Psalm 84:5NIV
Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.

February 1

(all 3 of these passages together, since choosing Believe as my theme word for the year)
Isaiah 26:3Holman CSB
You will keep in perfect peace the mind that is dependent on You, for it is trusting in You.


I Peter 1:8-9NIV
Though you have not seen Him, you love him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him, and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your soul.

Psalm 119:66
Teach me knowledge and good judgement, for I believe in your commands.

Feburary 15

I John 4:16NIV
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us,
God is love.
Whoever lives in love
lives in God, and
God in him.

March

I Peter 1: 17-25NIV
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially,
live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers,
but with the precious blood of Christ,
a lamb without blemish or defect.
He was chosen before the creation of the world,
but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
Through him you believe in God,
who raised him from the dead and glorified him,
and so your faith and hope are in God.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth
so that you have sincere love for your brothers,
love one another deeply,
from the heart.
For you have been born again,
not of perishable seed,
but of imperishable,
through the living and enduring word of God.
For,
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever."

March 23
I Corinthians 16:14
NLT
"Everything you do must be done with love."
NIV
"Do everything in love."

April 1 (March 29)

I Corinthians 14:1
Let Love be your highest goal.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9NIV
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 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 nad 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. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and your gates.
Matthew 22:36-39 AND Mark 12:29-31
"Which is the most important command?" Jesus replied,
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself."

April 11

I Corinthians 13:4-7NIV
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking. It is not not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

May 1

John 15:5-8NIV
"I am the vine; you are the branches.
If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;
apart from me, you can do nothing.
If anyone does not remain in me,
he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers;
such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you,
ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit,
showing yourselves to be my disciples."


May 15

2 Corinthians 1:3NIV
Praise be to the God and Father of our lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

June 1

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago,
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.
Psalm 77:11-12NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33NIV


June 15

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a HARSH word stirs up ANGER.
Proverbs 15:1

But the wisdom that comes from
HEAVEN
is first of all
PURE;
then PEACE-LOVING,
CONSIDERATE,
SUMBISSIVE,
FULL of MERCY AND GOOD FRUIT,
IMPARTIAL
and
SINCERE.
James 3:17

July 1

VBS Verse and just a very good scripture for all of us:
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without
finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

My Prayer for my children (scripture memory, also)
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

July 15

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

Therefore, since through God's mercy, we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
2 Corinthians 4:1

August 1

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as in Christ, God loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1NIV
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glory. Philippians 4:19NIV

August 15

Titus 2:
1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
4 Then they can train the younger women tolove their husbands and children, to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the Word of God.

Lordship of Chirst Colossians 1: 17
He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.

Philippians 2: 10-11
that at the namem of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christs's love compels us, because w e are convinced that on dided for all, and therefore all died. and He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again.


Fellowship with God Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.

September 1

Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things, there is no law.

September 15

Abiding in Christ John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the brances. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

October 1

Idolotry Jonah 2:8-9
They that observe lying, vanities forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.

October 4

God is Not Man 1 Corinthians 1:25
For the follishness of God is wiser t han man's wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made parfect in weakness.

October 9 (in hospital with my Dad before he died)

1 Peter 4:
8 Above all, love each other deeply, becaus love covers over a multiude of sins.

10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

12 Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you paricipate in the suffering of Christ, sot hat you may be overjoyed he His glory is revealed.

October 23

The Bible 2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, sot hat hte man of God may be thourougly equipped for every good work.

Applying the Word James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so decive yourselves. Do what it says.

The Compassion of God Lamentations 3:22-23
Becuse of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new e very morning; great is your faithfulness.

November 1

The Grace of God Psalm 103:11-12
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Thanksgiving-Joy Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify Him with thandsgiving.

Psalm 100:4-5
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thands to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Peace James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere; Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

December 1 Sovereignty of God

Romans 8:28
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.


December 15 Authority

Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of not advantage to you.

Memory Verses 2009

(Beginning with the last and going backwards. The first passage, Luke 2, was for Nov. 15. I had verses for Dec. 1 & 15, but they were verses that I had posted earlier.)


Luke 2: 1-20
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He wnet htere to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and as expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and sh gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for htem in the inn.
An there were shepherds living out in the fielsds nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the lOrd appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to tehm, "Do not be aftaid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be sign to you: You will find a baby wraped in cloths and lying in a manger.Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven,t he shepherds said to one another,
"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this things that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and ound Mary and Josheph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be self-controlled , set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written; "Be holy, because I am holy."

I Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient;love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices ith the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.



Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work;
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.





Deuteronomy 6:5-9
Love the Lord, your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Impress tem 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. Write them on the doorframes of your homes and on your gates.


Psalm 145:4-5
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty; and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Isaiah 7:9
If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.


2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal thir land.


Psalm 112:1-8
Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
Even in darkness, light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever.He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end, he will look in triumph on his foes.

Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the Lord. Yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.


2 Corinthians 9:12
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.


2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work.


Proverbs 3:3
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
for a man's anger does not bring about the rightous life that God desires.

Ephesians 5:33b . . .and the wife must respect her husband.

Titus 2:3-5
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children,
to be self-controlled and pure; to be busy at home, to be kind and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.


Psalm 54:2
Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth.

I Peter 4:10-11
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully adminstering God's grace in it's various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised trough Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, and the power, forever and ever. Amen

2 Timothy 2:23-24
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel, instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

I Thessalonians 5:12-13
Now, we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love, because of their work. Live in peace with each other.


Collosians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Collosians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my rock, my redeemer.

Job 37:14
Listen to this, O Job, stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

I Chronicles 16:8/Psalm 105:1
Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people!

Proverbs 14:1
Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands.

I Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and respect.

Romans 8:37-39
Yet, in all these thngs, we are more than conquerors, through Him who loved us.
For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing shall seperate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind.

Phillipians 4:4-9, 13
Rejoice in the Lord always and again, I say Rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men, The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, let your requests be make known to God , and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brothers, whatever things are true; whatever things are noble; whatever things are just; whatever things are pure; whatever things are lovely; whatever things are of good report; if there is anything praisweworthy, meditate on these things. The things which you have learned and receivecd and heard and saw in me, these do; and the God of peace will be with you.
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Psalm 5:3
My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord. In the morning, I will direct it to you, and I will look up!

I Thessalonians 4:11-12
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who commands his tongue than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 17:1
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with stife.

Proverbs 17:14
Starting a quarrel is like breeching a dam; so drop a matter before a dispute begins.


Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs.

Proverbs 12:2
A wife of noble character is her husband's crown; but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his lips , guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh work stirus up anger.

Proverbs 15:23
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word.

Proverbs 15:30
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.


Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers before listening-that is his folly and his shame.

Proverbs 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof, than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.

Proverbs 24:3-4
By wisdom , a house is built, and through understanding, it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.

Proverbs 28:11-12
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Like an earring of gold, or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 31:10-12
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Proverbs 3:5-8NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

About Me

I am extremely blessed, and my prayer is that I will be a blessing to others.


I was first blessed to be raised in a Christian home with lots of love and guidance.


I am older sister to two brothers. When I was 7, I was blessed by my Dad sitting me in his lap and explaining to me why I should pay attention in church. (after he gave me the spanking he had promised me)


Then, he knelt by my bed with me, as I asked Jesus into my heart.


When I was in high school, I thought that I hadn't really been saved.


I later realized that Jesus did come into my heart when I was 7, but I didn't grow in my walk with Him, as I should have.


I now have a burden to help young girls and my children-who are not children anymore,


to grow in their Christian walk.


When I was 19, I was very blessed to marry the man that God chose to be my husband.


God blessed us by letting us raise 3 children, Josh, Kalyn and Jase for Him.


I am so blessed to be God's daughter, raised by Wayne and Betty;


Jeff's wife-He is my best friend, next to Jesus. Christ is the Center of our marriage.;


"Mom" to Josh, Kalyn and Jase-sometimes called, "Mama";


"Gramma" to Madasyn Shae and Jocyah Thomas David;


blessed greatly by all of our extended family,


and I am blessed to be an elementary special education teacher.

BUBBLING OVER or WHEN YOU'RE READY. . .PASS IT ON!

This is my 3rd post about last weekend in Houston for the Scpripture Memory Team Celebration with Beth Moore, her daughters, Melissa and Amanda, Travis Cottrell and many others of the LPM staff that helped make the weekend so special. I will make this my last post about the event. . .I think. . .and I know that I still won't begin to be able to express how special it was.

I didn't even take a camera. Many others have linked up their posts and wonderful pictures, pictures with Beth, pictures with Travis, pictures with Amanda and Melissa, pictures with "Siestas" that they came with and pictures with "Siestas" that they just met, but the best pictures are the ones of "Siestas" (the word that Beth's computer changed her "sista" to, and she kept it that way, the word for Sisters in Christ) all over the outdoor courtyard of Houston First Baptist Church, reciting their memory verses to each other. (oh! I haven't mentioned that there were women from Canada and 42 states, including Hawaii and Alsaska!)

Beth told us to be sure we "Plant it (the Word), before passing it on."

I think she meant, before we try to preach it to others, without applying it to our own lives.

Once again, the "Word" that she taught from was Psalm 119. She also referenced other scripture verses to that Psalm. She is really knowledgeable of the Bible. Beth is a very humble servant of the Lord.

I am working on applying it to my own life, but I can't help sharing it. I am just "bubbling over"! And, I think it's a great thing.

I have been sharing with family and friends all week, in person, about the blessings I received from last weekend.

I shared in an earlier post, about the woman who had made her scpripture cards beautiful with scrapbook paper, and she traded them for my ragged, spiral notebook.

Well, I have already been able to share those cards with others.

I have them in a basket on my desk at school.

Yesterday, a co-worker picked them up and looked through them, and I got to tell her the story behind them.

Today, I gave one of them to a co-worker as a birthday card.

It reminds me of my favorite song from my days as a youth at Falls Creek church camp.
Pass it On
It only takes a spark to get a fire going. And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing. That's how it is with God's love, Once you've experienced it, You spread His love to everyone; You want to pass it on.

I think that spark and fire can also apply to the spark that Beth lit in all of us to commit to scripture memory and the fire that is burning in all of us and spreading to all that we come in contact with. She is not doing the 1st & 15th on her blog this year, but said that she will again next year. Extravagant Grace http://www.extravagantgrace.net/ is hosting the 1st & 15th scripture memory this year, and a facebook group was also started for the 1st & 15th scripture memory this week. I know that many, if not all, are continuing on our own or with others, and some are looking for others to join in with.

Go to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ for more heartfelt, inspirational posts
(Thank you Ginger and Charlotte, and yes, I am praying for Charlotte, as she has surgery on Monday!)
and to
http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com to be blessed by the Living Proof Ministries blog.

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Today, among many other blessings, I am thankful for. . .

1. God's Word-His teachings to guide us in our daily life.

2. People who He has called to teach us, like Beth Moore, and others.

3. Everything about my weekend in Houston, to celebrate a year of scripture memory.

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2010/01/siesta-smt-celebration-recaps.html

4. My Surprise when I came home. . .I won the blog make-over, from the Fresh Year, Fresh Start. Jo-Lynne is working on it. So it will be revealed soon.

5. This "milestone" in my blogging. . .my 200th post. My husband is beginning to tolerate my blogging more. I am so blessed by all of your blogs!

Go to http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/ to read other Thankful Thursday posts and to join in.

Sonya at Truth 4 the Journey, who also had been hosting another Thankful Thursday, is taking a blog sabbatical to work on her writing. I am praying God's blessings on her!

BLESSED BEYOND BELIEF. . .but I do believe!

And we Know that in all things God works
for the good of those who love Him,
who have been called according his purpose.
Romans 8:28NIV

I so wish that I could go back. . .no, I don't want to go back to my high school days, but I just wish I had done it differently, back then! I wish I had more self confidence, but also more trust in God. I was a Christian, just not strong in my personal relationship with him. I made mistakes, but God forgave me and

Blessed me beyond belief!
Some days, I can't believe that God gave me such a loving, forgiving Christian husband, who does such a wonderful job of loving me, fathering our kids, and supporting our family.
Some days, I can't believe that God has blessed us with 3 very healthy children who have grown up into fine young Christians and have hardly given us any problems at all.
Some days, I can't believe that God always provides for us.
But then, EVERYDAY I DO BELIEVE!
I do believe that He alone has given us all that we have and that He will always provide for us.

PSALM SATURDAY (taught by Beth Moore!)

Do you know how many verses are in Psalm 119?. . .

176 verses!. . .22 sets of 8 lines. . .those words above the sets are the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet.. . .so I am not going to post the whole Psalm. . .just some of my favorites. . .it's all good!

This is the chapter that Beth Moore taught from at the LPM Scripture Memory Celebration this weekend. It was wonderful! I enjoyed every bit of it.

Go to http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2010/01/siesta-smt-celebration-recaps.html to read Beth's daughter Amanda's post and many more posts with great pictures of this oh so memorable event!

My husband just found by boa tonight, and told my son,

"Your mom says she went to a Christian event, but I'm not so sure!" He was just kidding. . .they have been hearing all about it!

10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

12 Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.

13 With my lips, I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.

14 I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.

15 I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.

16 I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.

18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.(teaching)

65 Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I BELIEVE in your commands.

97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.

125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

Today, my friend, Debbi and I met 3 wonderful, fellow Oklahoma "Siestas", who had all worked together on their verses, and had made their cards very pretty with scrapbook paper. As we were leaving, the one who had made the cards, came back to me, and asked me to give her my spiral. At first, I hesitated. As Beth Moore had said, if someone looked at my spiral, they would be able to see my life for the past year. It wasn't anything private, just a part of me. I also hesitated, because I still need to work on a lot of those verses. She gave me her beautiful cards! It was such an awesome, selfless thing to do. God told her to give them to me, and she did! I hope that maybe something she reads from my ragged spiral will speak to her heart. I will treasure the beautiful scripture memory cards that she gave to me, and I will display them so that I will see them every day!

What scripture are you working on memorizing or what are you reading from His Word or what are you currently learning?

Go to http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/ to read more inspirational, heartfelt posts, and to link up your own post.

Walking in the Truth

I only have a few minutes to type this post, and there is so much I could say. Parenting is such a big part of my life. We only have one of three children left at home, and these days it seems that he is discipling us as much as we are him, but we are still his parents. He is really a young "Timothy". We are also very proud of our older two children.

Kalyn is loving studying to be a Christian counselor. She is finishing her 3 week Biblical Ethics class today, and will begin her 4th semester at college on Monday. She wrote a wonderful paper on the Marriage Covenant, and quoted her Mom about how God has blessed our marriage, because of our faithfulness.

Josh is a wonderful husband, Daddy, teacher, coach, and mentor to young boys at church.

I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.

III John 4

Oh! How I am going to make a 'fresh start" for this year? On our son's prompting, we are having regular nightly discussions about the Bible and are growing closer to each other and to God.

Also, I read a devotion today, about how our children need us, even after they leave the nest. I am going to be intentional about keeping in contact with our kids.

I am also going to be consistent about writing out my prayers for them.

Go over to http://krististephens.com/

to see other links to the Fresh Year, Fresh Start series, and be sure to go read all of the posts from these past 3 weeks.

I'm off to Houston, to the Scripture Memory Celebration!

How Precious Life is. . .Handle with Care!

I am just so overwhelmed at this moment, with the fragileness of life.

I am wholeheartedly against abortion. I know that it not only ends one life, but affects all others involved, for the rest of their lives.

This week, Sanctity of Life week, I am not only thinking about the millions of babies who never got a chance at life, and all the others that are affected by an abortion,

I am also heartbroken for friends who are burying their 10 year old son, (grandson, brother) today, who was killed in a car accident.

I am also heartbroken for my sister-in-law who lost a baby, Eli.

I am also heartbroken for the many who have lost or are losing a child to illness.

I am also heartbroken for family and friends who are coming near to the end of a long life, and are losing the quality of their life.

Life is too precious to spend being hurtful or careless. My prayer is that I will show love to my family, friends, students, and co-workers every second that I am with them.

{Brooke is doing a special series this week for Sanctity of Human Life Week ... you won't want to miss these incredible posts about how abortion affects lives and our culture. Please read her "White as Snow" series this week at A Life in Need of Change.}

Counting the days. . .

Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration

I'm looking forward to Friday. . .a personal day off work. . .a loooooonnnng
road trip (which I'm really not great at enduring, but I'm trusting that God is going to get me through this one, so that I'm fine the whole time, and kind to my men when I get home, too!) with a great friend. . .who I hope can drive in the big city of Houston, TX. . .
great teaching from Beth Moore. . .great music from Travis Cottrell. . .a great time with 499 or a few more Siestas, including several of you who I know and love through your blogs, but can't wait to meet you!. . .celebrating a year of scripture memory and all the blessings of being a Christian. I will try to find a pink boa before Friday!

2010. . .the year I BELIEVE His Word is Speaking to me!

I am joining Karen @ http://truthngraceministries.blogspot.com/ in choosing a

Scripture Theme Verse for the year.

My life scripture is Proverbs 3:3-8. Of course most people have Proverbs 3:5-6 as one of their favorite passages, because at some point, we all have to learn that the best way to do life, is to Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean NOT on your own uderstanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

For 2009, I claimed Psalm 84:5 for this blog, and I Peter 4:10-11 for my teacher blog.

For 2010, I read a lot of other posts, prayed about it, read scripture, helped in the children's Bible study class, and God kept telling me that my theme word for this year is BELIEVE. Go to http://sandys-scriptureandprayer.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-theme-word-for-2010.html

to read a list of some of the things I am believing for 2010.

Today, I think maybe He gave me this verse:

I Peter 1:8-9NIV

Though you have not seen Him, You love Him;

and even though you do not see him now,

You BELIEVE in Him,

and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

for you are receiving the goal of your faith,

the salvation of your soul.

Are you claiming a special verse for the year? All of God's Word is special, and I am enjoying spending time in it.

My son just asked, "Do you want to spend time together, in the word?", so that is what I am going to do NOW! I Believe that it is very important for me to be there for my family.

I am linking this up with Sprititual Sundays at http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/

Thank you Charlotte and Ginger! I am having trouble with my Spiritual Sundays button.

A GIVEAWAY THAT GIVES TO HAITI

A Valentine's giveaway with a twist of kindness...
Not only can you win this prize package, but she will donate $1 to the American Red Cross for each person that enters!

Visit Kim at Notes from the Homestead to enter!

FRESH YEAR, FRESH START, Week 2 and Scripture Memory

This past week, with Kristi and the others who are doing Fresh Year, Fresh Start, was about not only dedicating 2010 to God, but also to our Husbands, by following God's plan for marriage. Since that was the emphasis for this past week, it led me to change from the short verse I had chosen to post for scripture memory today, to

Ephesians 5:22-24, 33bNIV

Wives, submit to your husbands,

as to the Lord.

For the husband is the head of the wife

as Christ is the head of the church,

his body, of which he is the Savior.

Now as the church submits to Christ,

so also wives should submit to their husbands

in everything.

. . .and the wife must respect her husband.

I have been "proud" of the fact that I used the phrase, "I will submit to you." in my wedding vows, and for the most part, I am submissive. Well, as some who have written wonderful posts this past week and on the McLinky for this weekend's Fresh Year, Fresh Start, have said, if I say "for the most part", then I'm not really being submissive.

I am submissive. . .I just still, after over 27 years of marriage, have to work on my attitude and my tone of voice. I submit, but I need to continue to work on submitting more lovingly.

I do respect my husband very much, but I need to continue to work on giving and showing him that respect daily in EVERYTHING and EVERY WAY.

After over 27 years of marriage, I need to memorize Ephesians 5:22-24 and 33b and recite them to my self EVERYDAY!

Now, after leaving me an encouraging comment, go over to read what Kristi and others have written today and this past week, and continue to go back next week to read posts about dedicating the year to being better parents for our children.

Diana's TEXAS BLOGGING GALS site

My friend, Diana has created a site just for bloggers who live or have lived in Texas to connect.

http://texas-blogginggals.blogspot.com

I wasn't born in Texas, do not currently live there, and may never again, but I am not far from the border, and am very thankful for the years that I did live in Texas.

I am thankful for the friends and family that I have in Texas.

I am glad for the chance to connect with Texas bloggers. Thank you, Diana!

If you live in Texas or did live there, and would like to find more bloggers to connect with, go to Diana's site.

Praying for my children every day

Brooke at A Life in Need of Change put out a beautiful challenge to moms to pray for our children. She wrote a prayer based on Scripture that she pledges to pray every day for her children.

I have prayed for each of my children, and granddaughter, every day, since the day they were born. Praying for them has always been a big priority for me, and it is something that I want to continue to be commited to.

In the past, I have prayed together with other moms, in Moms in Touch, praying for my children's schools, including college. The format that MiT uses is really great!

http://momsintouch.org

I'm having a difficult time getting my thoughts out right now, but I want to get in on this challenge, and just remind myself and others, how important praying for our children is, even when they are grown.

My Theme Word for 2010

I have been inspired by other bloggers who are choosing a theme word to claim for the year of 2010! As an elementary teacher, I love a theme! Several great words that others have chosen came to mind. . .Be. . .Content. . .Focus. . .Peace. . .Joy. . .Hope. . .
Gentleness. . .Faithfulnes. . .
I have prayed about it , given it a lot of thought, and it seems that

For this year, God has given me the word BELIEVE.

First and most important and always, I believe in
Jesus Christ, God and the Holy Spirit.
I believe. . .
that with the strength of the Lord, and only with His help,
I can do whatever He has planned for me to do. Philippians 4:13
I believe that He is always here for me.
I believe that He blessed me with a wonderful husband and blessed us with children.
I believe that He can help me to be the best wife and Mom that I can be.
I believe that I am in the job that God gave me, and He will give me the strength and wisdom I need to fulfill my responsibilities.
I believe in my husband and in my children. . .as long as they are relying on Him.
I believe in Heaven.
I believe that Jesus lives in my heart and is always with me.
I believe that when I die, I'll go to heaven. John 3:16
I believe that it is my responsibility to tell others about Him.

Fresh Year, Fresh Start! Week 1-. . .to God,

I am so glad that I found Kristi's blog,

Run the Earth, Watch the Sky,

and her friends who are hosting with her,

Fresh Year, Fresh Start!

an awesome 3 week blog series to begin the year. One of them is posting each weekday, and then they are hosting a McLinky for all of us on Fridays, for us to share how we're starting fresh this year, in the week's particular area. (this week-spiritually, week 2-our marriage, week 3-parenting) This past week was about our spiritual walk with God. Their encouraging and thought provoking posts about Establishing a Quiet Time, Where to Start reading God's Word, How to Study God's Word, Scripture Memory and Being a Part of a Church Family (a family of forgiven sinners) are all very well written.

I wrote an earlier post about my goals for 2010. The ones that pertain to my spiritual walk with God are:

1. Read the Bible all the way through.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

5. be alert to opportunites God provides for me to serve Him, and

7. Glorify God.

I Peter 4:7-11
The end of all things is near.
Therefore, be clear-minded and self-controlled, so that you can pray.
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace it its various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

As I look back on my "goals" now, I see that I didn't include "grow in my relationship with the Lord." That is what I want to do. I am already continuing to have a daily quiet time, work on scripture memory and prayer journal, so the area that I want to develop more is my Bible reading and study, more than just Psalms, Proverbs and a daily devotion.

For those of you who are reading the Bible through in 90 days, or a year, or however you are doing it, that is great!

I have decided that I am reading the Bible, until I have read every bit of it,. . .and then I will read it all again and again, but I am going to read each day as God leads me, so that I will be alert to what He is saying to me.

And, for goals 5 and 7, I want to serve Him in the church and the community, as He leads me, as He has planned to use me. I don't want to mess up His plans.

Go to http://krististephens.com/2010/01/are-you-ready-to-make-a-fresh-start.html

to go to all of the links for this past week's posts, and to link up your own post about how you are going to make a fresh start in your relationship with your Lord.

Happy 2010 to you!

I hope to hear from you.

Sandy

SCRIPTURE MEMORY/BIBLE READING. . .Deciding. . .

This past year of scripture memory has been very special. My small spiral/my "ticket" to the LPM Scripture Memory Celebration, at the church in Houston that Beth Moore attends, on January 22-23, is very well worn and is very important to me. I really like that spiral a lot, and was going to get another one like it, for this year.
When I went to Wal-Mart to buy another one like it, they didn't have any like that this time, so I bought an index card spiral like Beth recommends.

So, I decided that I would try to keep it to just one verse every two weeks this time, instead of trying to tackle larger passages.

I chose Isaiah 25:1, and then I read Romans 12:1-2 and wanted it, too, and then someone else wrote about Philipians 3:10 amplified, and I liked it, too! Of course, all scripture is profitable. . .(and that's another great verse to memorize, too!)

I also can't decide for sure which plan to use to read the Bible through. I have been reading it since last Tuesday, but now I've been reading the plan to read it in 90 days and think now maybe that is a better way to do it.
I know I need to focus and stay steadfast.
Also, our son wants to find a Family Bible study to do nightly, and we're trying to find a good plan for that, too.

O Lord, You are my God,

I will exalt You and praise Your name,

for in perfect faithfulness,

You have done marvelus things,

things planned long ago.

Isaiah 25:1NIV

Therefore, I urge you, brothers (sisters)

in view of God's mercy,

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,

holy and pleasing to God--

this is your Spiritual act of worship.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing

of your minds.

Then, you will be able to test

and approve what God's will is--

His good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:1-2NIV

I would like to hear how God is speaking to you from His word.

Sandy