Scripture Memory Verse #4

I can't believe its already the middle of February! Time is absolutely flying by...but wow is life fun! Some days it doesn't feel that way, in fact sometimes I'm just plain tired, but when I look back over the year of 2010 so far, its been a good one. I hope it continues to be that way!

My diet and exercise plan is still going well. I'm proud to say that when I stepped on the scale this morning, I was two pounds lighter than I was last week! That makes 6 total pounds lost since the beginning of January. Its a process for sure, and it definitely takes discipline and motivation, even when I feel I don't have it within me, but I'm happy to be sticking with it! And the work-outs are something I'm actually enjoying doing after busy days at work. Its become quite the stress-reliever!

My husband is coming home tonight after being in Colorado skiing for an extended weekend with his best friend from college. Its been nice to have some "me time," but I have to say, I am so glad he is going to be with me again in only a few hours! Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. In the time he's been gone, I've realized how much I really do love and cherish my husband. Even though I know I've always felt that way, I just seemed to realize on it on a different level. I have so much respect and admiration for him. Not to mention, he spoils me rotten, even though I don't always deserve it. He definitely puts up with a lot from me and God bless him for it! I am the blessed one though...I feel God's love through my marriage and it is just AWESOME!

Now for the real reason I'm writing... The verse I've picked for the next couple weeks comes from the Book of Philippians, and is a dearly loved verse of many...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:6-7

The reason I picked this verse is because I realized during my alone time this weekend that I have given Satan too much power over my mind. I have given in to anxious thoughts, in efforts to control the uncontrollable. Its really been wearing on me...more so than I realized until I had the time to myself and with God to understand just how important it is to operate with a clear head. I'm working on my ability to let go and let God in areas where I have no business dabbling. Before bed last night I prayed for a release of the burdens I've been holding in my head, as well as for refreshment and a clear mind as I started a new week. And when I woke up this morning, I actually did feel different. That is going to be my prayer for awhile until I've mastered this with God. I'm excited to see what God will reveal to me with a mind not focused on junk, but on Him.

Scripture Memory Verse(s) #3

Its that time again...time to focus on another scripture and ingrain not only the words, but what God is speaking to me, into my mind. I have actually chosen 2 verses to focus on over the next 15 days...

Psalm 45:13-14

"All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king..."

and

Isaiah 61:10

"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness..."

These verses are inspired by the bible study I'm doing right now on the life of Queen Esther. I just got through the part where she went from being an orphaned Jewish young woman to the Queen of Persia. Its fascinating what God does in the lives of those who trust in Him! As I read the story, I am reminded how yes, there may be people deemed royalty in our society, but all of us who believe in God are royalty in His eyes. As His daughter, I am a princess and everyday that I choose to follow Him, I am being led closer to His heavenly throne!

The second verse is one that was mentioned as part of the study. Similar to the first verse, I like the imagery of the garments...to think that not only am I princess in God's eyes, but that He also clothes me in salvation and righteousness...its almost too much! What an honor! How do I, a woman with so many faults and imperfections, rate so high in God's eyes? Its a mystery I hope to someday find out in Heaven, but one that for now, I am eternally grateful for and blessed beyond imagination!

Ultimately, both verses speak of the love, grace, and mercy God extends to those he calls His own. Our God is GOOD! He loves each of us so much. My prayer is that over the next 15 days I would come to better appreciate what these verses speak of me as God's daughter and who God is as my King! Amen.