Scripture Memory and my iPhone

 Habits for a Happy Husband, Habits for a Happy Wife, Habits for Happy Kids, Habits for life, Heavenly Habits, Technology Habits  5 Responses »
Mar 052013
 

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the LORD and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

Over the last couple years, my gracious God has been working in my heart about being more intentional with Scripture memory.  Oh, I’ve gone through spurts where I would come up with a system and regularly be memorizing, but then I have always fizzled out.  Last year, I heard about this book and devoured it as soon as I could get my hands on it.  It was so convicting, and at the same time so uplifting and challenging.  Who wouldn’t want to have large portions of God’s Words to us packed into our minds and hearts?!  The challenge, though, for a busy mom of two littles is WHEN to have time to sit down and memorize.  I tried writing verses on chalkbaords and scattering them throughout the house, and that worked for a while; but then came along those days when I would run out of time, or not be feeling well; and the chalkboards didn’t get updated…

…I hate to admit it…for weeks at a time.

 And then, I received this for Christmas.  I know, my Jeremy spoils me :)   The other day, I was once again gently reminded by my Jeremy of the fact that I REALLY need to get back into my Scripture memory again.  As I thought about how I could incorporate that into my days, I thought, why not use my phone?

I did some searching for Bible memory app, but none of them had exactly what I was looking for.  And then, I remembered that my phone already has an app to record voice memos!

I was so excited to find out how easy it was to record myself reading a passage of Scripture and then play it back over. . .and over. . .and over. . .and over again.

 I haven’t been doing this very long, but the benefits I am reaping are already great!  I memorize well when I hear something over and over again; so this is perfect for me.  AND, I normally play it back using the speakerphone; so not only am I hearing it over and over and over again, but so are my boys!!  My oldest is picking it up quickly!  So, why not pick up your smart phone and use it for something other than Facebook and Instagram?

Now, you may be saying “But, I don’t have a smartphone!”  The whole point of this, really, is to find a system that works for you and memorize!  I can assure you that it will reap benefits beyond what you can imagine!

  ~ Written by Amy @ JerAmy

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett: Your Passport to Learning Adventures!

Let Your Light Shine

 Habits for life, Heavenly Habits  3 Responses »
Feb 212013
 

Florence

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.   Matthew 5:14-16

Seems like every time I turn on the TV, the radio, or try to see what is up on Facebook, it is nothing but bad news. The political and economical climate in our country is such that hackles are raised on both sides of the aisle. Tensions are high. Times are frightening. It feels like our world is slowly being swallowed by the darkness.

Late the other night I opened up Facebook and it went something like this:

  • a status about gun control
  • an article about abortion
  • a status hating Obama
  • an article about gun control
  • a status about gun control

and then I saw this…

Come thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy praise…

Oh, Friends! Let us remember why we are here. We are called to be a light in the darkness. We are called to point people to the Light, not the darkness. Yes, things are bad and getting worse in our nation and around the world. But God is GOOD! Let people see and hear about the wonders of God rather than the mistakes of men.

And thank you, dear Friend, for letting your light shine at times when it seems like all I can see is darkness.

~ Written by Kendra

Hearts and Trees: Art, Handicrafts and Nature Study for your Homeschool

Temptation: Remove, Resist, or Run!

 Habits for Happy Kids, Habits for life, Heavenly Habits  5 Responses »
Feb 112013
 

One of the most important lessons I am teaching my boys in their spiritual lives is about temptation.  Temptation is everywhere and seems to be more and more prevalent in our world.   Mark Chapter 4 tells us that even Jesus was tempted, so we have to expect that there will be temptation in our lives.   I want my sons to be equipped to handle any temptation they may face.  It always seemed to be a difficult subject to teach and to get them to understand.  I had prayed about how to get the message across to my boys and do it in a way they can understand.  Finally, it came to me and I tested it out on them and they really seemed to get it! Continue reading »

“And The Fruit of the Spirit is…”

 Habits for a Happy Mom, Habits for a Happy Wife, Habits for life, Heavenly Habits  1 Response »
Feb 052013
 

The Fruit of the Spirit is… at Habits for a Happy Home Much of what I share today is from a study in my Women’s Study Bible. It blessed me so much, I wanted to share it with you! In Galatians chapter 5, Paul is writing about walking in the Spirit. Verse 16 tells us that when we “walk in the Spirit, we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Then in verses 19-21 he tells us what the works of the flesh are and that if we walk in them we will not inherit the kingdom of God. Note he says, “if we walk in them.” Everyone messes up from time to time, but Paul is talking about a lifestyle of walking in the flesh.

In verses 22-24 Paul tells us what the fruit of the Spirit is. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace , longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Some of you may be wondering what the “fruit of the Spirit” is. The fruit is the Godly attributes of those who “walk in the Spirit.” As the Holy Spirit works in a believer, he or she becomes more and more like Christ in character and actions. Every believer can manifest the fruit of the Spirit, not just the spiritually mature.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit affects the life of a believer in three distinct ways. It affects the believer’s relationship with God, others, and self. As our relationship with the Lord deepens, we begin to develop unselfish love. A love that puts the needs of others before our own. True joy comes as we realize how much Jesus loves us and all the wonderful things He has done for us and desires to give us. We experience lasting peace as we take our eyes off our problems and focus on Jesus. As we begin to build relationships with others, there is the constant challenge to reflect the love of Jesus through patience, kindness and goodness. It is not easy, but as the Holy Spirit manifests Himself through us, we can do it. And lastly, as we mature spiritually we discover an inner strength. This inner strength results in a life characterized by faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is not necessary for salvation, but these godly virtues are evidence of salvation and the change that has taken place in us. The life of Christ is manifested in us by the fruit of the Spirit and the ministry of Christ is accomplished by the gifts of the Spirit. The gifts of the Spirit will never operate as effectively in us as God wants them to until we are manifesting the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. As the Spirit works through us not only do we receive the blessings of God, but we also reflect His character to all whom we encounter.

So the questions we need to ask ourselves today are: What fruit are we bearing? Are we walking in the Spirit or are we fulfilling the lust of the flesh? God has provided the Holy Spirit to enable us to reflect His character, so let’s start walking!

~ Written by Beth, “My husband of 46 years and I recently retired from full time ministry and we are looking forward to discovering what God has in store for the next part of our journey.  I am a very proud mother and grandmother and I love to encourage others through the word and my life experiences.  My life verse is Psalm 118:24 – This is the day that the Lord has made; I choose to rejoice and be glad in it.”
Hearts and Trees: Art, Handicrafts and Nature Study for your Homeschool

The Habit of Praying for Others

 Habits for life, Heavenly Habits  1 Response »
Jan 172013
 

Prayer is a very important part of my life.  I have to admit though, it has been a selfish part of my life for many years.  I looked back and realized that so much of my prayer life was about me or the things around me that would make my life easier.

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.   James 4:3

004 My goal for the coming year is to improve my daily prayer life in a way that improves the lives of others.  I want my prayer to be selfless and beneficial to others. Continue reading »

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