The Beatitudes

My memory verse this week is actually seven verses. This week using the Letter B as my starting point I decided to memorize Matthew 5:3-10. When I was younger, about age 10, I was in a program that challenged the participants to memorize 100 verses. I took on the challenge, followed the rules, and in about 6 months had memorized and recited 100 verses. But, I don't think I accomplished the goal. See, I would memorize them long enough to recite them and then just forget about them. I did not grow stronger in the Word or even understand it better. I do not want that to happen this time. This time I want to learn the verses in my head but also in my heart and soul.
When looking over the Beatitudes I realized that I really wasn't sure what Jesus meant with all of them. For example, what does it mean to be "poor in spirit"? I looked in my Message Bible and found that it's rendering has Matthew 5:3 as this " You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule."
I learned with this verse some more insight into the scripture. And, I don't plan to stop there. I really think I'm going to start trying to look more at what the verse means and how it is applicable and not just what it says. By the time I get to the letter 'Z', I may not have 100 verses memorize, but I'm okay with that. As long as this time my mind, heart, and soul not only knows the words but understand and lives them.
So I leave with this:
" Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who morn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for the will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:3-10

Ellie

On August 2, 2007 I adopted a small black hairy mess. I named her Ellie, after being groomed and bathed and bathed some more she turned out to be a Miniature Schnauzer. My family thought I was insane getting a dog, I was 4 months into my Master's program. But, I'd started feeling lonely in Fayetteville and thought it would be nice to have someone to come home too.

I thought I picked Ellie, but over the past two years I have found that God picked Ellie especially for me. She has been the bestest friend I've ever had.

Tonight I came home and found that she had been throwing up and having diarrhea. I took her out and her stool consisted of blood. I rushed her to the Animal Hospital and they have told me she has a very upset intestinal track. Last night, I'd bought her a ham bone and let her have some of it, apperantly it's made her very sick. The doctor feels Ellie will make a full recovery, but wanted to keep her overnight because Ellie had become severely dehydrated. She also wants to do new x-rays in a couple of hours and make sure her track is clearing up with the medicine they gave her.

Tonight, admist the fear and concern I was feeling for Ellie I realized that I must be something right. I must be on the track that God is wanting me on, because Satan knew right where to hit me that would at first make me question God. My first thought was 'God, why Ellie? I'm trying to follow you closer now then ever, why let Ellie get hurt?' But then I realized, this isn't God making Ellie suffer. This is Satan, apparently I'm becoming a threat. I asked God to forgive me for doubting him and remembered my memory verse "A righteous man may face many troubles, but the Lord will deliver him from them all." - Psalm 37:4.

So Satan, I'm not going to worry but instead I will knock on God's door and seek God's will and pray for God's love and comfort for me and Ellie.

In honor of my sweet dog I am posting some pictures of her that show some of our good times together.

East to West

Church today was really good, and I'm looking forward to going back tonight. I was on my home after services and was feeling a little lonely. I turned on the radio and the song "East to West" was playing and it was such an encouragment. I'm posting a youtube video with the lyrics in hope that the song continues to encourage. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_J34QyY0Pk


Remember Psalm 34:19 - "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."

Finding Joy (Week 1)

Psalm 37:4 " Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Over the weekend I went to a Beth Moore simulcast conference, the focus was Psalms 34:7. I realized during this conference that I need to find the joy in God and carry it in my heart and show through my actions.
I've decided my first step to finding the joy will be putting God's Words of Joy into my mind. I am going to attempt over the next 26 weeks to memorize a scripture each week. I'm going to be using the acrostic technique. Now, I'm horrible at memorizing and in the past I've not been very good at it but I feel with God's guidance and support I can accomplish this goal. I decided to start this blog for two reasons:
1. To track this Joy Journey
2. To have something that will hold me accountable.

The first verse will be Psalm 34:19 - "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all!"

Tonight in my prayer I will be asking God to assist me in finding the joy and helping me on this Joy Journey and I'll also be asking Him to help me show Joy to others.

God Bless!