MEMORIAL DAY-SCRIPTURE MEMORY MONDAY. . .

Today, Monday, Memorial Day, the day before the 1st, the week of my birthday,

as I pondered what scripture to choose to focus on for memory, I chose these 2 to work on together.

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

I pray that you are having a special day

of remembering how God has worked in your life

and blessed you,

and maybe decorating a grave of a loved one,

and remembering their touch on your life,

and remembering the sacrifices that

our service men and women have made for us,

and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us,

and celebrating life with your family today!

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here! You will be so blessed, and you can link up your own post, too. Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts!

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY-HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Quotes that I'm sure you have read before,

but I believe they are appropriate

for Memorial Day weekend,

Spiritual Sundays,

and for any day!

"Begin each day with a grateful heart."

"Each day is a Gift." (from God!)

"Your life and each day that you are given is God's gift to you,

what you do with it is your gift to Him."

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. . .

It's about dancing in the rain."

"Believe

all things are possible."

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here! You will be so blessed, and you can link up your own post, too. Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts! I pray God's blessings on all of you!

THANKFUL Thursday

Today is my oldest son and his wife's 4th wedding anniversary. I am thankful for their marriage.

Today is the day we helped our daughter load up and leave for her summer job at a Christian camp.

Today is the day I have to get back to work to meet a state department deadline.

Tomorrow is my Dad's 70th birthday.

Today, I am thankful for life, family, friends and the strength and peace that God gives me daily.

I'm joining Greg and Women Taking a Stand (Laurie).
What are you thankful for today?What are you praying about today?

TODAY, TUESDAY (before Thursday!) I CHOOSE TO BE THANKFUL!

Rejoice in the Lord, always. And again, I say rejoice!
Let your gentleness be evident to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and suppliction, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, bretheren, (brothers and sisters),
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 any virtue,
if there is anything praiseworthy,
meditate on these things.

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.


I can do all things through Christ, who stengthens me.

Phippians 4:4-9, 13

"The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord." Job 1:21

TRUSTING THAT GOD KNOWS WHAT'S NEXT!

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who eanestly seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country, he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Hebrews 11:9-10

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY, beginning 1 Month from today!

Again this summer, Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries, is hosting a Summer Bible Study on her blog, that is not written by her. This is the one Beth has chosen for this summer. Below are the details.

Who: As before, we want you to assemble a group of in-real-life friends, co-workers, family members, acquaintances, church family, Siestas in your town, neighbors, or whatever mix of ladies God puts on your heart. I am going to try to get a group of friends from church and/or college girls and/or high school girls, but would also like to know if any of my blogging friends are interested in being an on-line small group. So, please let me know if you are! :)

What: Spend the summer together in the Word! Our workbook (also called a “member book”) is a 6-week Bible study on the Book of Ruth. We will meet every other week to discuss two weeks of our homework.

When: We are partial to Tuesday since that’s our normal night for Bible study at LPM. So we will launch our SSBS3 on Tuesday, June 22, and “meet” every other Tuesday until August 3. Yes, you can meet another day of the week if necessary but you’ll see when the time comes that it’s the most fun when we all do it on the same day.
I’ll give you the basic schedule now so you’ll know what to expect but Beth will have much more to say about it closer to the time of our launch. If we don’t answer your questions now, save them and see if they get answered within the next several weeks.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 (1st Mini-Session/LAUNCH/Group instructions)
(DO WEEKS ONE AND TWO OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010 (2nd Mini-Session/Group Instructions)
(DO WEEKS THREE AND FOUR OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, July 20, 2010 (3rd Mini-Session/Group Instructions)
(DO WEEKS FIVE AND SIX OF HOMEWORK ON YOUR OWN.)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 (4th Mini-Session/Conclusion)
Where: Wherever you are most comfortable. Kelly’s workbooks are part of the Living Room Series. Her core group of ladies meets in her living room and they always share a meal together. In fact, you’ll find recipes in the workbook if you’d like to use them. We think that’s a really fun part of the experience. The first summer my group met in a different house each week and last summer we met in the same house each week. We’ve had some siesta groups meet in restaurants and coffee shops. Do whatever works for you and your ladies.

Why: A summer lived in Bible study is one lived in victory!

How:
1. Get your workbooks. LifeWay will have plenty of them for us, but you won’t want to wait until the last minute. You can find them online on LifeWay’s web site and on Kelly Minter’s web site.

I bought mine at my local LifeWay store tonight!

2. Assemble your small group. You are more than welcome to participate solo or with an online discussion group, but for the sake of richest fellowship and best accountability, try as hard as you can to enlist three or four other women to meet with you every other Tuesday. Let the ladies know that the gatherings will be low on stress and high on much needed fellowship and rich discussion. Keep the emphasis on a relaxed and refreshing atmosphere where you can develop some wonderful relationships in Christ.

3. Sign up on the blog on our official Launch Day- Tuesday, June 22. We’ll ask you a few fun questions about your group.

4. Beth will facilitate the study by posting 15-minute videos on the mornings our meeting days. They will have instructions for discussion questions and activities that will be based on the previous two weeks of study. The videos will be like the ones you’re used to seeing on this blog – very casual and homemade! The idea is to incorporate the videos into the beginning of your meeting times if possible. In case the video aspect of the study doesn’t work for you, you will also find the discussion questions typed out on the blog.

5. After your gathering, you’ll check back in by telling us something about your meeting via a comment on that same post. Don’t worry if your group can’t meet on Tuesdays. You’ll still be able to find the post and comment throughout the week.

I am linking this to Spiritual Sundays. If you didn't come here from there, here! You will be so blessed, and you can link up your own post, too. Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts! I pray God's blessings on all of you!

Remember, please let me know if you are interested in doing this study together this summer.

Sandy

JOY, JOY, JOY, DOWN IN MY HEART. . .COME OUT IN MY ACTIONS AND EXPRESSIONS

Today's devotional from Journey, published by LifeWay:

The Joy Rebellion

Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God. (Philippians 2:14-15)

Be joyful when life is good, and be joyful when life is far from good. Be joyful when life is going just like you want it to, and be joyful when life seems to be hitting you head on.

Grumbling. Doing what you want to do without seeking God first. Losing heart when life gets a little tough. According to 1 Thessalonians, these are things we do when we rebel against God's will. God wants our honesty, but the problem comes not when we're unhappy with how life is going, but when we dwell on that and refuse to believe that God is bigger than what's happening around us.

Joy is much deeper than happiness. Happiness is based on whether or not things go well in life. Happiness and joy come easily during the good times.

Many of us would rather give up than stick it out when life gets hard. When we choose to find our own way out of a situation instead of trusting God for the path, the peace, or the promise, we rebel against His will.

Being a follower of Jesus isn't about always being happy or getting your way; it's about seeking God's way. It's about trusting Him and taking Him at His Word to know that what you're going through and what's happening around you is a very small part of a much bigger story and plan.

Remember, death is not the end. Loneliness and disappointment are temporary. No matter what, God is working.

Being joyful can be difficult, but it is God's will for our lives, even though our hearts naturally rebel against it. In order to thwart our heart's rebellion against joy, we must choose to be joyful. That means not taking that verbal jab at someone who has disappointed you. That means not marinating in the heartbreak long after the trauma of the event. It means believing that "what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" 2 Corinthians 5:18.

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here! You will be so blessed, and you can link up your own post, too. Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts!
I pray God's blessings on all of you!

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Be joyful always; pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,

let us be thankful,

and so worship God acceptably,

with reverence and awe,

for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:28

Today, I am thankful. . .

for the peace of Christ that rules my heart,

for others to work together with as one body,

for joy that comes only from Jesus Christ,

for the privelege of praying to God,

for all circumstances and that God is always in control,

for the promise of a future in God's Kingdom that cannot be shaken,

for an awesome God to serve daily.

I'm joining Greg and Women Taking a Stand (Laurie).

What are you thankful for today?
What are you praying about today?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERCY!

Happy 1st Birthday

beautiful Mercy!

Praying that the adoption

of Mercy and her 2 year old sister

will be complete very soon,

for my brother and sister-in-law.

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY-SCRIPTURE MEMORY

I think that the scripture that God has given me for this time relates a little to what

SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS is all about.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4NIV

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.

If you didn't come here from Spiritual Sundays, go here! You will be so blessed, and you can link up your own post, too. Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts!

I pray God's blessings on all of you!

Sandy

SPIRITUAL SUNDAY-HAPPY MOM'S DAY

The following is my Mother's Day letter written by my youngest son,

Jase Aaron Hammock, age 17. I am sharing it, hoping that it can be encouragement to someone else, too.

HAPPY

MOTHER'S

DAY

May 9, 2010

Dear Teacher, Nurse, Cook, Friend, Mom,

Happy Mother's Day! As a mother, you have been given a great, special job by God. Actually, we could say that you have been given many jobs that are very significant. By being a mom, you have a special, unique bond with your children, and are, also, a very special blessing, not only to Josh, Kalyn and me, but many others.

I know that you have a heart for the sick, lonely and hurt. You are a wonderful teacher to which ever kids you are teaching and to me. Even though it may seem impossible to help your students, have hope, because "Where there is a will, there is a way." And God is the one who is working in us to will and to act for His good purpose. Also, what is impossible for man, is possible for God. Thank you for all the hard work you put in as being a teacher. God does desire rest for you, also.

Thank you, Mom for all you do. Thank you for all the sandwiches you make for me. Thank you for doing my laundry and driving me where I need to be. Many times, we do not see how wonderful a mother can be. I think the greatest gift a mother can give is time to be with her children and a good example of how to walk with God. This is one of the greatest attributes a child can see in a parent. Even though they have a sinner for a parent, they see their parents not giving up in the battles they have and continue looking to Jesus, wanting to learn and be made new. Through all that you do, Mom, I hope and pray that you submit to God's plan daily, resting in Him alone, and not worrying, but knowing He has a great plan for you. God wants to do great and mighty works with you and desires for us all to shine our lights daily! And no matter if you have a teaching job at some school or not, just know that you always have a special, influential teaching job as a Mom and Christian.

Thank you, Mom, for all that you do!

Happy Mother's Day!

Your Son,

Jase Hammock

To join Spiritual Sundays go here! You will be so blessed! Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts! I pray God's blessings on all of you!

THANKFUL THURSDAY/NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

Today, I am thankful

that our country still has

A National Day of Prayer.

I am thankful

that we can pray

directly to our God, our Father.

I am thankful

that we can pray

without ceasing!

I am thankful

for others who

pray with me.

I'm joining Greg and Women Taking a Stand (Laurie). What are you thankful for today?

What are you praying about today?

I am a Branch.

"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.

John 15:5-8NIV

From The Relationship Priciples of Jesus by Tom Holladay, pg. 292:

Humility is not thinking less of myself;

it is thinking more of others.

Humility is not putting myself down;

it is lifting God up.

Humility is not denying my strengths;

it is being openly honest about my weaknesses.

Humility is seeing that without Christ I can do nothing,

but in Christ I can do all things.

To join Spiritual Sundays go here! You will be so blessed! Thank you so much, Charlotte and Ginger for hosting Spiritual Sundays and to all the others who link up such great heartfelt, encouraging posts! I pray God's blessings on all of you!