Enjoying A Lovely Day In Rochester

5 Week Workout Challenge: Week 3, Day 2
1st Convention Day, Rochester MN

Today was the first day of the “Don’t Give Up!” convention. We really enjoyed it! We left right before lunchtime. Every time I’ve tried to stay for the second half, I’ve had an anaphylactic attack from airborne food allergies. The last time, I had to have my dear friend Karen drive me home because I couldn’t walk, much less drive.

I could have gone to the E.R., but I usually try to avoid it if at all possible because there’s always the potential that they could do more harm than good with corn allergies. Hospitals are full of corn derivatives. In the severe allergy support group I’m part of, I often hear stories about how the ER accidentally gave them something that made them worse because they didn’t understand what was safe and what wasn’t.

This was the first time I left during the final song instead of after. I think this was also the only time I’ve ever left not gasping for air or incredibly dizzy. From now on, I’ll always leave during the final song before lunch. I always wish that I could stay, but I’m thankful that I’m at least able to attend the first half.

My favorite part of the conventions is hearing the singing of thousands of people. I love the Kingdom songs and hearing that many beautiful voices always brings tears to my eyes. Seeing everyone work together to pull off such a large event is always another of my favorite parts. There are always so many smiles, helpful people and a feeling of love and unity that I haven’t found anywhere else.

After leaving, the kids and I enjoyed a walk along the river in Rochester. It was a beautiful day. When we got home, Cat and I stopped by our local health food store for gluten free tortillas, then made a quick trip to the library to return books.

I’ve challenged Cat to read four classics over the summer. She really enjoyed Romeo and Juliet during school. Hopefully, she’ll learn to love the older classics as I have. Lately, she’s been into learning about Japan and learning more about drawing.

Have you attended the “Don’t Give Up!” convention yet? What was your favorite part?

5 Week Workout Challenge
Previous Week: Week 3, Day 1: Hastings Riverwalk
Next Week: Week 3, Day 3: Covered Bridge Park

July 5, 2017July 3, 2018

52 Project, Week 14: Favorite Scripture

This is my first chalkboard creation! My daughter Cat usually makes me beautiful art on the chalkboard that Nate made for me. Since this was my challenge, I thought I had better give it a try myself. I didn’t think it was fair to give Cat such a complicated project. (She insists she could have handled it.)

Drawing with chalk is a lot harder than it appears! Chalk is thick and flattens with each use, The edges are unpredictable with swirls and curves, unlike using a pen or pencil. I have to give Cat credit, she makes it look so easy!

Choosing my number one favorite scripture isn’t an easy task. I have a variety of favorite scriptures. Actually, I have a book of favorite scriptures! Narrowing it down to my top two was a little easier.

When I was studying the bible with my mentor, she often helped me find scriptures for life’s problems or questions I had. As we read through different topics, Isaiah 48:17 occasionally came up. Karen always mentioned that it was her favorite scripture and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a great reminder of what’s important in life.

Jehovah is teaching us to help ourselves through his inspired word in the Bible. The Bible is our guide to life and it can help us with every situation in life. With daily study and personal, heartfelt prayer, we’re developing a relationship with God and training our consciousness in the way we should walk.

I love that scripture, but I also love the one that follows.

¹⁷ This is what Jehovah says, your Repurchaser, the Holy One of Israel: “I, Jehovah, am your God, The One teaching you to benefit yourself, The One guiding you in the way you should walk. ¹⁸ If only you would pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

I love the visual of peace and righteousness. It soothes and comforts me. By listening to God and applying his word, peace will be our reward.

Psalms 91:4 is my current favorite. The wording is a little different, depending on which Bible you use. My Bible has a more literal translation in an attempt for accuracy.
With his pinions, he will cover you, And under his wings, you will take refuge. His faithfulness will be a large shield and a protective wall.
Personally, I prefer the new international version, with the word feathers instead of pinions. A Pinion is the outer section of a bird’s wings. Although a pinion is very specific to what part of God’s wings will cover, pinion is not a regular part of my vocabulary.

I love this scripture, because of the thought of being protected by God. I love the visual of being safe, tucked under his wing, like a baby chick. Conjuring this image in my mind brings tears to my eyes. It’s like getting a hug from Jehovah.

Do you have a favorite scripture?

Previous Week: 52 Project, Week 13: Kindness
Next Week: 52 Project, Week 15: Hobby
Main Page for 52 Project

January 18, 2016January 19, 2016

Scripture Memorization

Lately I’ve been working on memorizing my favorite scriptures. My good friend, who has been helping me with weekly bible studies for the last year, suggested index cards. Although the idea was a great one, with four kids, my flashcards often ended up scattered or lost. It was almost perfect timing that I received a great little leather notebook.

I first saw this notebook as an advertisement on Facebook for Wish.com. The moment I saw it, I knew I wanted it. I have a great love for unique, antiquish (yes, I just made up a word) things. If it looks classy and old, my heart starts to pitter patter with happy thoughts. Maybe it’s my love for history, or perhaps a time when things were simpler, but there is a charm in mementos from yesteryear.

Once I opened my beautiful new book, I was struck by the instant idea about how great it would be to write my favorite scriptures in it. Truly, losing a book is much harder than losing index cards that can become scattered. I write a passage, or two, three, sometimes quite a few more, on the front page, highlighting each new verse with a little star. Snowflake? Asterisk? Whatever. Then on the back I write which book, chapter and verse(s).
Usually, I just love to read my favorite scriptures. I flip through my pages picking out the ones that bring me comfort depending on the situation. When the mood strikes, I’ll challenge myself to remember what book it is. I seem to have a harder time with numbers, not being a great number person, but with practice I’m slowly getting them memorized.
I recently ordered my daughter’s their own books so that they too can hopefully begin writing their favorite scriptures. I think it would be fun to challenge each other by reading out of each other’s books and quizzing one another.
So, if you are interested in my method to memorization, here is a detailed list of how I do it:
1.I placed colored, opaque, sticker tabs in the front of my bible
2.During bible study or meetings I highlight favorite verses.
3.If there is a long section I want to remember, I point the arrow to the right at the top and to the left at the bottom.
4.After the kids go to bed, or if they are quietly playing, I’ll gather my supplies. I grab my favorite pen, a BIC Crystal Ballpoint Pen, my book and my bible. I might make some coffee or tea. Then I cuddle up in one of my favorite spots with a favorite blanket. It’s all about comfort. 😉
5.I unbind my book to see where I’ve previously left off writing.
6.I open my bile to a scripture I’d like to write. I read the initial verse and also the surrounding verses to see what I’d like to write. Sometimes a single verse will suffice. Often I find the following 2 or 3 verses go along well with it and I want to include those too. If there are many, I might write the important verse larger and the accompanying ones in smaller print. I try to squeeze everything on one page, but there are times I’ve had to use two. Thankfully, the paper is unlined, so I can write without restriction.
7.I star/snowflake/asterisk the beginning of each verse.
7.On the back of the page, I write the book, chapter and verses. Sometimes I’ll put the main one at the top and the following verses down below. I haven’t decided if this is helpful or hindering yet. I’m starting to think I should just write it all in one spot.
8.Sometimes I’ll doodle a little scrolling along the main verse to separate it from the minor accompanying ones.
9.In free moments I read about 3-6 pages and quiz myself on the book’s name. If I have that memorized, I work on the chapter. If I also have that memorized, I work on the exact verse.
10.In moments of stress, I simply read through my favorites that touch my heart.

I find that doing this helps me to recall needed scriptures at times when they are most needed. If I am stressed, sometimes a soothing passage will pop into my head and help cam me. When I need to encourage my children, sometimes a related passage will help me, help them. If I have a friend in need, a certain verse can help me remember how to respond and help them in a delicate and thoughtful way.

What do you use to help you memorize scriptures? Are you going to, or have you tried my way? I’d love to hear your success stories!