Always Needed Reminder

This is, by far, more for me than it may be for you. But life has been crazy these past few weeks. There are many opportunities to slip into depression. And when I woke this morning, God graciously gave me a reminder, funny enough a verse my husband and I were discussing yesterday morning before he left for work. If you're stuck in a down place, a hard place, anything which seems too much to bear, I hope this will flood your heart and mind with peace as it is mine. Of course, I'm constantly whispering it to myself as stress and emotions try to overwhelm me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

A quick thought I've had on this verse: many times we think of this verse as only talking about those areas we think of ourselves as weak. But honestly, any time we are more than joyful, any time we are struggling with some aspect of our broken world, whether we caused the struggle, were a mere character in the middle of someone elses', or dealing with the "normal" of our broken world (pain, sickness, death, etc.) is a weakness showing our desperate need for an almighty, all-loving, all-knowing Savior.

You Are Loved [Frankly Friday v. 9]

Linking up with Amy from Taking Steps Home :)
Although I continually contemplate getting off of Facebook, and the only thing really keeping me there is the fact I have a page for this lovely ol' blog, I had a moment this week I was certainly glad I hadn't. A mom who I was able to get to know, albeit briefly, during my time growing up in Little Rock posted one of the most encouraging statuses I've seen on there. It simultaneously made me glad I hadn't forever turned off my personal Facebook as well as happy about the length a status can be. (Sometimes I loathe FB statuses can be infinitely long. I'll keep from ranting more on that.) I left names out, as I told her I would, but I couldn't not share and she was completely fine with me sharing, so I'll let you read this oh so wonderful status:

"Received this in the mail this week from a precious, ninty year old widow:

Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd = That's Relationship!

I shall not want = That's Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures = That's Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters = That's Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul = That's Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = That's Guidance!

For His name's sake = That's Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death = That's Testing!

I will fear no evil = That's Protection!

For Thou art with me = That's Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me = That's Discipline!

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies = That's Hope!

Thou anointest my head with oil = That's Consecration!

My cup runneth over = That's Abundance!

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = That's Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = That's Security!

Forever = That's Eternity!

(Face it, the Lord is crazy about you!)"

How about you read it again? Really take time to soak in everything the widow has to share with us. (I know I've taken time to read and reread a couple times this week.)

Though I have still been on the top of a slope, so to speak, reading Psalm 23 with the reminder of what each part means...it was like a hug straight from God Himself. As though I could feel His arms around me physically. It truly is a reminder He is crazy about me! And anyone who is His child He feels the same about!

Sometimes I glance over the text, but I soak it in about as well as oil and water mixing together. I've heard it so many times I forget all the goodness God is whispering to me about His love for me in this passage. Thankfully, God doesn't want us to go this life alone and brings about those who have walked on this earth longer than us who are willing to share their wisdom.

To be reminded of how much God cares about me, an extremely undeserving party...well, I'm speechless! I'll leave it at that. Enjoy reading (and rereading...and rereading)! :)

A Verse to Share

I don't have much to say on the verse I want to share. I'm sure I've read this verse before but it really struck a cord in my heart this time as I read it. It spoke straight to my heart because it so clearly states that which I want to do daily.

And actually, though I'm behind, by several verses (I posted 10 out of 12 verses that I've memorized alongside other Siestas [this link explains it in one of the right-side drop downs] who commited to memorizing scripture this year), I want to get back on track of memorizing scripture. I want my life to be permeated by the word from the Word and the Father. So I am commiting to again memorizing scripture.

Will I acheive the 24/24 I had originally intended? Only time will tell, but my main goal is to seek to deepen my relationship with Christ by consistenly hiding His word in my heart, mind, and soul.

Now without further delay...

"You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him."

Deuteronomy 13:4 NASB