"Thy Word Have I Hid In Mine Heart...."

Psalms 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

If you grew up in a Christian home, I'm sure that you undoubtedly memorized Scripture verses. I attended Christian school, Awana, Sunday School, etc, and all growing up I learned MANY Bible verses. I am SO thankful for the home that I was raised in, my parents truly sought to instill Biblical truths in me, even as a young child.
As kids, we memorized all sorts of things. It's almost ridiculous some of the insignificant things that you can recall to mind. You know, like those annoying little tunes, poems....don't get me started. ;-) So, why is it that as adults, we have such a difficult time remembering things? It could be the fact that we have a multitude of other responsibilities now. It could be that our brain isn't quite what it used to be? ha! ;-P In any case, it's always good to flex that muscle called the mind, and one of the best ways to do that is through memorization.

As Christians, it is truly invaluable to memorize God's Word. It can help to keep you from sin (as the verse above states), and to help you become a more effective witness for Him! God's Word is powerful, alive, and able to pierce our very soul.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


What about the times that you're witnessing to a co-worker, friend, or loved one and you just can't remember the verse needed to give them answers to their questions? I think we've all been there, and it's frustrating! Let's challenge ourselves to memorize verses and be ready to give an answer to every man!

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Memorizing Scripture takes discipline, time, and effort. Try focusing on a favorite verse and find creative ways to memorize it! Write the verse on a few sticky notes and paste them all around your home in prominent places, to help you memorize that verse. Take it a step at a time and you'll be amazed! This is something that Page & I are striving to begin doing together. Find a friend and make memorization a sort of "game" that truly edifies one another to hide God's Word in your heart!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

There are so many benefits to Scripture memorization, may we challenge you to start hiding God's Word in your heart, a verse at a time!

~Lauren

You Can NEVER Out-Give God!

Malachi 3:10 "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

Matthew 7:11 " If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? "

You sure can't out-give the Lord! My husband and I have seen this truth so many times! Giving of yourself, your money, your time, etc. can be a challenge, but it is a command in Malachi 3:10. When we are faithful to give, God always gives back MORE! I was reminded of this fact even this week, and it caused me to stop and thank Him for his goodness to remain true to His Word! I love how the Bible says that the Lord will open the very windows of heaven, pouring out blessings upon us! What an encouraging thought, and I'm here to say that it is TRUE!! It has happened to me!

Luke 6:38 "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."

You can NEVER out-give God!

I could give you example after example of how we have seen the Lord work in this way, a result of us proving Him. It is humbling, amazing, and beyond words to watch the Lord work on your behalf. How humbling to know that the Creator of this Universe would care about me!

We live in a selfish society, one that lives for self for that is our world's philosophy -(humanistic -which is anti-God by the way). When you step out of your comfort zone and give of yourself, your time, your money, etc, looking beyond yourself - you WILL see the blessings, for as the Bible says -Acts 20:35b "....It is more blessed to give than to receive."

I want to challenge you to prove the Lord as He says in Malachi 3:10. Have a spirit of giving and watch and see what the Lord does for you!

One of my favorite verses:
Eph. 3:20 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

You can NEVER out give God!

~Lauren

A Spectacular Prayer

Col 1: 9-14 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"

I came across this prayer, while searching The Word for some encouragement. As afore mentioned, there has been hardship in my family, which is seemingly ever growing right now... But I know that God is SO MUCH BIGGER than any problem I'm facing.

I found these verses to be so powerful ("powerful" not even being the half of describing His Word). Just read them; let them sink in. Think about this prayer.

This prayer covers so many aspects of the Christian life:

*Never ceasing in your prayers

*Gaining wisdom and spiritual knowledge

*Being fruitful

*Growing in His strength

*Learning patience and joy in your longsuffering

*Remembering the phenomenal sacrifice paid for us on Calvary

*Realizing that the battle is won--we will be partakers in the heavenly inheritance, because of redemption through the blood and His ever forgiving of our sins!!

Whew! This prayer is so amazing to me. I have decided to start using this prayer for others and myself--to gain these wonderful things in our lives!

1 John 5:14-15 says "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

God answers prayers. He is a wonderful, merciful, and astounding God. He has saved me from hell, and I will be bounding in "the inheritance of the saints" one day!!!!

I would like to challenge you to pray this prayer. Watch what God will do. Let Him and His Word do a marvelous and miraculous work in you.

Acts 16:31 says "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

Also Romans 5:8 says "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us".

I want you to know that He cares for you; He can and will save you. He loves you so much!

Look to Him. Prov. 3:5 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

God will lead you if you let Him. He will reveal the truth to you, and fill your heart if you let Him. Please let Him.

Thank you, Lord, for all that you have done for me. Thank you for Your Word and how it reaches me. You're the best!

~Page

~Making Time~

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.




I've certainly been busy these past few weeks, and I'm sure that you can relate! I enjoy the various activities I'm involved with, and am grateful for my many hobbies. However, something that I'm realizing more and more is that you MUST make time for the important things in life. We could seriously stay busy doing things 24-7. I seem to always have housework to do, a meal to fix, pictures to edit, jewelry to make, the list goes on and on- a woman's work is NEVER done. :-)
I have to ask the following questions though -How many of us go throughout each day without even stopping to read our Bible and spend time with our Lord? How many of us get so wrapped up in our daily chores that we forget to show our spouse and children how much we love them? I think we are all guilty of neglecting the important things from time to time.
This past week I've had my sister, Heidi, and brother Silas out here visiting. We've had a good time, but I can tell you that I haven't been getting as much done. I haven't made jewelry, hardly cleaned house (I'm planning to put them to work though-shhh!), edited pictures, practiced piano, etc. It's easy to get somewhat frantic thinking that you're getting behind on everything. I had to stop and realize that I'm making time for my family. They are SO much more important than anyTHING I can do. Cultivating relationships with family will always be more worthwhile. So what if you get behind on a few household chores (just do what I'm going to do and put your family to work!-muahaha)
In all seriousness, MAKING TIME for our Lord, family and others is what life is all about.
The verse below causes me to always re-examine how wisely I'm spending the time that the Lord has given me.

James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

"Only one life, so soon will pass, only what's done for Christ will last."
Focus on the eternal, for the here and now is so temporal. Do you know for sure you're saved by the blood of Jesus Christ? Are your sins forgiven? Do you know where YOU will spend eternity?
If you are indeed saved - are you becoming too wrapped up with your day to day schedule? Have you taken time to let your spouse know how much you appreciate them? Have you stopped to hug and cherish your children?
When we MAKE TIME for what is truly important, we'll be amazed how the other things will just fall into place.

I'm filled with thankfulness for my wonderful husband, and family that the Lord has blessed me with!

~Lauren

Our First Monday Meditation!

By: Isaac Watts

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most -
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from His head, His hands,
His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small:
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

We had the privilege of singing this song in church last night and although I was playing the piano, I was still able to listen and be moved by the words. This is such a beautiful song, one of my favorite hymns, and one that I believe encapsulates the true meaning of Christianity. There is nothing good within ourselves, it is all because of Christ. Each verse is powerful, but especially the last few words "Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all." There is no greater joy than living your life for the Lord. I'm reminded of the verse in Matthew 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Christians, this song says it all, meditate on the words and be reminded of God's great love and goodness. How can we not want to give Him our ALL for ALL that He has done for us?

~Lauren