Scripture Memory Team: Verse 3.

Alright girls.  How's it going?

We have two down.  Way to go! 

If you haven't memorized your first two (or any) don't be discouraged. 

Start now.  You can do this. 

Here's my verse for the next two weeks:

13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

⁴ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵ It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶ Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷ It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

⁸ Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.



I actually had to memorize this for Missionettes oh so many years ago.  As I've told you before, those Missionette leaders were no joke.  If you didn't know your verses in full - no mistakes, not only did you not earn your badge but they also told your grandma on you!  Anyway, I need to brush up on large portions of this that are no longer in my memory. 

Please comment and let me know what verse you're working on.  It's good to encourage one another.  You can comment here or on Facebook. 

Remember:

You are smart.
You are strong.
And most importantly, you are a daughter of the Most High God.

There is nothing you can't accomplish.

Chocolate & Chuckles Favorite: Brownie Chocolate Trifle

Brownie Chocolate Trifle

 

Ingredients:

 

1 brownie mix

1 instant chocolate pudding (3.9 oz)

1/2 cup water

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 8 oz whipped topping (thawed)

1 12 oz whipped topping (thawed)

1 chocolate candy bar

 

Prepare brownies according to directions and cool completely.  Cut into 1 inch squares.

 

In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, water and sweetened condensed milk.  Mix until smooth.  Fold in 8 oz whipped topping until no streaks remain.

 

In a trifle bowl, place half the brownies and cover with half the pudding mixture then add half the 12 oz. whipped topping.  Repeat layers.

 

Shave chocolate onto top layer for garnish.  Refrigerate for eight hours before serving.

 

 

 

 

Believe God Can Do Anything - Fall 2013 Tour

Why am I telling you about something that doesn't even happen until August now?

Well, because I want you to get this down on your calendar ASAP!

Look, I get it.  It's hard to take time for yourself and make plans for an overnight trip.  But it's so worth it. 

So, I'm letting you know now that we are taking a bus trip to Women of Faith in Columbus this year.  And I'm letting you know now so that if, like me, you don't spend your free time counting all your extra money, you can have plenty of time to pay a little each month.  My personal plan is to pay $25 each month so that when August rolls around I'll just about have it paid in full. 

If you want to go with us this year, comment here, message me on Facebook or just stop me at church. 

If you're still not sure, just think about it.  OK?

I'll keep you up to date on what's going on. 

Quiet Time.

The following was found at roomag.com. 

 

 

Wow I can’t believe it’s already 2013! I’m never sure where the time goes, it seems like each year flies by before I even know it. One thing that is very important to keeping my mind refreshed and ready for all that life brings on is to make sure that I do a daily quiet time with the Lord.

 

 

Unfortunately with homeschooling four children, well…getting quiet time with Jesus is something that I struggle with.

S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E.

However, I figure it must be worth it or it wouldn’t be such a struggle, so I persevere! Some days get started off right and flow so well that I vow to start my day off in the Word for the rest of my life. Then tomorrow comes…and something happens…like the baby decides to take her diaper off and smear poop all over…that cause me to leap out of bed only to land into a day of disasters.

 

So what does the quiet time of a homeschooling mom of 4 look like? Well, let’s start with my dream scenario. I like dreaming. Plus things always work out in my dreams.

Aaah…I start the day off being awaken gently by the whispering of my husband who has informed me that he’s gotten up with all the children and they are downstairs finishing dishes from breakfast and beginning their morning devotions. He tells me to take a few minutes to myself and spend some time in the Word before I begin my morning routine.

 

There’s a sweet little red breasted bird outside my window singing a welcoming song to the sun as I crack open my velvety soft Bible, and begin to soak in the richness of Jesus. I spend quality time in the Word with no distractions, then another half hour in prayer.

 

After that I meander to the shower where I get refreshed and ready for the day ahead. I saunter down to the kitchen where I find all 4 of my children. They are sitting at the kitchen table discussing ways they can be kind to one another today after reading through Ephesians 4:32.

 

We spend the afternoon as a family sitting beneath a large oak tree, listening to a gentle stream flowing by as we read through the gospel of Matthew. We spend time together, laughing and just having fun before heading home for a wholesome home cooked meal (apparently cooked by fairies since I’ve been by the stream all day).

 

The kids graciously offer to get themselves ready for bed, then my husband and I spend a few minutes with each child individually asking how their day went and just listening to them as they talk soaking in every minute of our time together. Alas, the day is done and my husband and I have some free time to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the next dawn arises.

 

I really should just end there, but in the spirit of keeping it real here’s a more accurate account of what actually happens…

 

I’ve resigned myself to the fact that the term “Quiet Time” just may not apply to my life right now. With 4 children (ages 9, 8, 6, and 4) the term quiet just isn’t exactly…ahem…accurate.

 

Despite my efforts, I tend to stay up way to late at night in order to get out of bed with my little red breasted friend. (I am working on this…) So planning an early morning devotion never seems to work out so well for me. (I know, I know, you have to work at it…and I am…its on my “to-do” list.)

 

Honestly some days the only devotions I actually get are the ones that I do with my kids. And you know what? I think that’s okay. It’s a season that I’m in and I absolutely get things out of the time we spend together in the Word. Now, I do still aim for my own time alone with God, it’s just that some days it’s hard to come by, and so for me it ends up usually being done at night.

 

I wouldn’t entirely suggest the nigh-time plan as I often find myself thinking “Well, I really could’ve used that encouragement about 8 hours ago!”. But I take what I can get right now.

 

I realize that my children are not going to be with me for very long and so spending time with them, especially in God’s Word is precious! Once I came to this realization it really changed my view of “quiet time”! Instead of hiding in the laundry room in order to get just 2 minutes of peace, I’ve decided to include my children in my quiet time. After all I’m to be a model for my children, and if they never see me doing quiet time or leading them in quiet time, how are they supposed to know what to do?

 

So here are some things that work for us:

 

1. Every afternoon during the Teeny Tot’s naptime, we all grab our own Bible. Everyone find’s a spot on the couch and we read silently to ourselves. It’s like a corporate quiet time if you will ;o) My preschooler has her own bible and she mostly just looks at pictures and such, but she’s still required to be quiet during this time.

 

2. Pick a verse for the day, and keep your bible open to it. Leave the bible on your kitchen counter, or somewhere that you frequent. Each time you walk by, read your verse again and think of a way to apply it to your what’s going on today. Feel free to read the passage out loud to your children too, it’s a great reminder to them as well.

 

3. Write encouraging verses on post its and stick them on the refrigerator, bathroom mirrors, and in your car. Make it a game with your children to see who can find the hidden verses for the day.

 

4. I have found that there is at least one point of time in each day where I find myself with literally a few free minutes. The kids are playing happily and I’m contemplating my next move. When this time comes, I challenge you to pull out your Bible (make sure you have some laying around in rooms you frequent) and take that opportunity to spend a few precious minutes with your Jesus. I consider this my first fruits, the first time of the day where I’m not overwhelmed with demands. I have a choice to either give that time to God, or to something else.

 

5. Pray for God’s help. I pray constantly and I know it may sound ironic but I also pray that God will remind me to get into the Word. Some days get so hectic that I literally forget until I crawl into bed at night and start to relax. Suddenly I realize that I’ve not even so much as cracked my Bible! Now I keep a small Bible by my bedside so that I can grab it easily for days such as this. While we’re on the topic, make sure to keep in prayer all through the day. Constant communication with God will make your relationship stronger!

 

6. Keep a Bible in your car. I know it sounds funny, but I do my best to help myself out. To be my own personal assistant. No I don’t give my faux-assistant a name. So in an attempt to set myself up for success, we have Bibles all over the house and one in our cars. I also have one on my iPhone so that no matter where I am if I find a few extra minutes I have no excuses not to get into the Word, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

(Yes, that sweet little pink thing is my Bible! Hey, don’t laugh this bad boy fits right into my purse!)

 

Some things on my bookshelf right now that I’m LOVING:

• Ministry of Motherhood – Sally Clarkson
• Reshaping It All – Candace Cameron Bure & Darlene Schacht
• Seasons of a Mother’s Heart – Sally Clarkson
• The Busy Mom’s Guide to Wisdom – Lisa Whelchel
• YouVersion (iPhone app that also has daily reading plans and devotions)
• Sally Clarkson Website (Her blog posts are like daily devotions!)

Looking for more? Here are some Bible Studies I recommend:

• Beth Moore Studies
• Kay Arthur Precept Studies

Bibles for Children:

• NIrV Discoverer’s Bible for Young Readers
• Hands On Bible
• My First Hands On Bible (Preschool)
• The Adventure Bible for Young Readers (ages 6-10)
• The Little Kids Adventure Bible (ages 4-7)
• The Read and Share Bible (Preschool)

And please remember, each of us are unique and what works for one mom, may not work for you, so give yourself a break, find what works for your family right now and go with it. God will bless your choice to spend time with him no matter what time of day it is!

 

What does your quiet time look like? I’d love to hear what works for you all!

 

Fun time!

Oh my goodness girls!

Do you have any idea how much fun we're going to have on January 25th? 

When is the last time you had an a whole night to just hang out and enjoy your girlfriends?  If the answer is more than a decade (like me).....this is for you!

I know, I know.  It can be a little intimidating going into a group and meeting new people.  Truth be told, this is usually my biggest worry.  But it's OK.  We can do this.  I'm going to be there.  You'll be there.  We'll hang out and have fun.  I pinkie promise.

Here's the info from Tammy:

For all those times when you wish you could have a big girl sleep over, your wish has been granted.   A Treasure Seeking Night is a chance for you to get away from everything for one night.  We have planned some wonderful worship by Emily DeWitt.  There are no time limits so we will worship the Lord as long as his presence is moving.  We are serving dinner and breakfast so come hungry and stay late.  Our Bible teaching will be emphasizing on Prayer and Scripture Memorization.  Sometime during the evening we will be exploring the entire church with a Treasure Hunt to discover The Ultimate Gift!!!  (Don’t forget your flashlights) This is a great time to find new friends and hang out all night with those already close to you.  We will be ending the evening with a Movie and Popcorn!!  If you have any more questions please call me at 304.363.8237.

I am anticipating a wonderful evening.

Tammy Walker

Things to Bring: 

Bible, pen, notepad, flashlight, PJ’s, sleeping bag, pillow. Etc.

So, grab your fuzzy slippers - I'll fire up the coffee pot and let's get together and do this.  Can't spend the night?  No biggie.  Just come hang out as long as you can.   Worried the $10 is going to mess up your budget?  No problem.  Come anyway.  Give what you can.  And feel free to bring a friend.

Glad that's settled.  See you there! 

Scripture Memory Team 2013: Verse 2.

Well?  How did you do? 

Verse one was a success here.

Ronnie had the idea to post our verse on the fridge so we see it daily, so that's what we did.  Turns out, it was a great idea.

Here's the verse I chose next:

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:17 NIV

 

Some day's it's hard to imagine that the God of this universe actually delights in me..... that He sings over me.  It's overwhelming, isn't it?

 

This is the verse that I'm choosing to hide in my heart. 

 

Don't forget to comment here or on Facebook with your verse. 

 

In the Absence of....

Psalms 42

“…As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” (Vs 1-NLT)

It wasn’t until I lived in Cambodia for a year, that I truly realized my addition for chocolate. As with many luxuries, chocolate is nearly obsolete in third world counties such as Cambodia. Therefore, I thought about every form of chocolate all of the time.  Weekly, I strategized who I could guilt into mailing me just a few morsels across the Pacific. At its worst I wondered things such as, “Maybe I can climb into the jungle, find some cocoa beans, mash them up and make some chocolate.” Clearly, there were points of desperation. In America, I rarely dwell upon chocolate as it is readily available to devour, slurp, dip, submerge, cover, coat and consume at leisure.

Oh the irony of valuing presence in absence. Often in Psalms we read the cries of a man feeling far removed from God. We have all felt that absence of God, and like David we long for spiritual renewal. We anticipate, wait, reflect, and trust knowing nothing else will suffice. The way to forget our trials is to remember the God of our triumphs. Without a doubt, it is in the depths of deficiency where unprecedented appreciation is fostered. There are indeed teachable moments in the midst of feeling absence. Perhaps, the Psalmist himself said it best:

“My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!” –David, verse 4  

Erin Gripper

The Inheritance Bible Study

The Inheritance Bible study starts tomorrow!

Mom to Mom fun.

Hello Ladies!

     I am writing you today to let you know of a new Bible study, “Mom to Mom, Growing Together,” by Linda Schultz; that we will be working through at our Mom to Mom group in 2013.  As I began to think of my vision for this next year, God kept bringing one word to my heart, “SATISFACTION.” As Christians, wives, and mothers we need to be continually “satisfied” in our relationship with Christ. In Philippians 4:11-13, Paul talks about being content in whatever circumstances you are in at this season of your life. Paul knew how to have a little, and he knew how to have a lot. He learned the “secret” of being satisfied. Paul had been beaten, stoned, hounded, and even thrown in prison by his enemies and yet he CHOSE to be satisfied with his circumstances and gained his strength and endurance from Christ. What are you gaining your strength from today? Is it God? Let us not function this year only half-throttle but instead surrender completely to Him so that we no longer thirst but are FULLY SATISFIED!! In closing, I wanted to leave you with this small paragraph out of the book, “Resolution for Women.”

       “The rarity and uniqueness of a woman who has chosen to be satisfied with what she has, with who she is, and with where she lives is as uncommon and worth celebrating as a Texas snowfall at Christmas. She’s caught the faint whisper of a secret passed down through the ages, and she’s chosen to trust its wisdom and to frame her life according to it. She’s a woman of substance because she’s a woman of satisfaction, a woman who’s chosen contentment over displeasure.”

       I encourage each and every one of you to come out every second Tuesday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Trinity Assembly of God and be refreshed in great fellowship, food, and God’s word! Our first meeting is January 8th, 2013 and as always, babysitting is provided.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Jennifer Campbell

MOM TO MOM Leader

Honor.

Last night I enjoyed a quiet evening at home with all my Walker men.  We rented a movie and I was captivated by the way ancient history honored their Kings that ruled with dignity and fairness for their people (kingdoms). 

Men would die by sword protecting the linage to the throne.  They help the position with great esteem and would bow and worship in the Kings presence.  If they were asked to serve the King, they were willing to lay down their life for him.  They never questioned obedience to the throne and respected every decision. 

As I lay in bed after the movie I began thinking about the ways that I should honor my King.

- Believe
- Worship
- Obedience
- Serve
- Respect

Honoring our God is not something I do when I have time, or worship when it's convenient.  It's not a choice.  It's a lifetime agreement to serve, protect and value my God.  It's a daily choice to lay down my desires.  History has shown if our kings are dethroned and other wicked kings are allowed to take their place, we set the stage for destruction in our kingdom!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and will all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
                                                                                - Mark 12:30


Tammy Walker