Scripture Thursday - How Much is Too Much?

And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children,

and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,

when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,

and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV

 

With a new school year starting up and the big yellow buses seen everywhere, I’m reminded that my mother used to pray scripture with me every morning before school. 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.  May the LORD watch between you and me when we are absent one from another.  (Psalm 19:14, Genesis 31:49 NKJV)

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 tells us to teach God’s word diligently to our children.

Diligently ~ Webster’s 1828 dictionary says with steady application and care.

A child’s mind can absorb information like a sponge, which they retain and remember.  I started memorizing scripture when I was four years old, and did so through my teenage years.  The verses I learned are still with me, like a library stored away in my mind which I can draw on when I need them.  Memorizing as an adult comes a lot harder than it does to a child.

How much is too much?  According to this passage, you can’t have too much of God’s word and instruction.

Talk of God’s word when you sit in your house

when you walk by the way

when you lie down

when you rise up

write it on your hand ~ your forehead

write it on the doorposts of your house

write it on your gates

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I have a friend whose family actually wrote scripture all over the framework of their home as it was being built.  What a comforting thought to know your home was surrounded by God’s word.

I’ve profiled a few mothers of influence below (some of the information is from the pages of  Mothers of Influence).  These mothers applied this passage of scripture in their home and taught their children diligently.

Susannah Wesley

Susannah Wesley (1669 – 1742) mother to 19 children and famous hymn writer Charles Wesley (wrote over 9,000 hymns), as well as John Wesley, a great preacher of his day.  Mrs. Wesley prayed one hour a day for her children, and could often be seen with her apron over her head – a sign to her children that she was praying.   She also set aside individual time for each child to teach them spiritual things.  A mother of influence teachers her children to pray.

Mrs. Graham with her son Billy

Morrow Coffey Graham (1892 – 1981) prayed that her son would become a world-renowned evangelist and taught him to trust God and believe the Bible.   Her prayers were answered for her son Billy Graham, who preached to more people than any other evangelist.   She never stopped praying for him until the day she died.  A mother of influence prays diligently for her children.

Amy Carmichael

Catherine Jane Carmichael (unknown – 1913) taught her daughter Amy Carmichael to love and trust God for all her needs.  Amy later became a very famous missionary to India, rescuing thousands of girls from a life of abuse.  She was known as the mother to the motherless.  A mother of influence nurtures her children and releases them to God’s care.

Fanny Crosby

Mercy Crosby mother to Fanny Crosby (born 1820) was totally devoted to her only daughter.  Blinded in infancy, Fanny was taught the Bible by her mother and grandmother.  She committed much of it to memory and became one of the most famous hymn writers of all time, writing over 9,000 hymns.  Her mother was a firm believer in prayer and taught Fanny the same.  Because of her mother and grandmother’s influence, Fanny’s hymns have blessed millions of people.  A mother of influence devotes herself to her children’s needs.

Well known women’s Bible teacher and author Elizabeth George says:  You and I as parents must always be praying hope for our children regardless of their age or stage in life. In fact, this is yet another one of God’s “missions” for moms and dads: We are to be diligent prayer warriors. We are to do battle through prayer on behalf of our precious children. Pray for their spiritual growth into a man or woman after God’s own heart as your calling, your mission assignment from God. 

Commit to doing your part and trust God to do His! 

~ Elizabeth George ~

For those who do not have children, reach out to children in your circle of family and friends.  One can always pray for them if nothing else. 

Thank you so much for stopping by.  I’d love to hear how you ways that you teach/taught your children.

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,   Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays , A Cherished Keeper, Titus Tuesdays, Hearts4Home

 

On the Wings of Prayer

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

free graphic

On the wings of prayer our burdens take flight
And our load of care becomes bearably light,
And our heavy hearts are lifted above
To be healed by the balm of God's wonderful love,
And the tears in our eyes are dried by the hands
Of a loving Father who understands
All of our problems, our fears and despair,

When we take them to Him on the wings of prayer.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Scripture Thursday ~ Be Strong & of a Good Courage

Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and of good courage;
do not be afraid, nor be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

A few weeks ago, my four year old grandson attended the annual local fair with his family. When seeing the climbing wall challenge, he asked his dad if he could try it. He was given permission, and prepared to be rigged up for the climb. As he waited, he quietly assessed the situation.

There was another young girl climbing beside him, which I think gave him a boost of confidence. He made it quite a way up when he told me he started to get a “little bit scared and was about to cry but didn’t”. At this point, he was lowered down to the ground to be reunited with his family. He said he was glad that he tried it.

Given my fear of heights, this exhibits a great deal of courage to me, especially at such a young age.

  Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.
Psalm 56:3

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines courage as:
Bravery
Valor
Boldness
Encountering difficulties with firmness

There are many stories of courage in the bible. Here are just a few of the people that faced difficult situations. God gave them strength and courage to do what was right.

Daniel, who was thrown in a den of lions,
David who faced the giant Goliath
Queen Esther, who risked her life to save her people
Jesus’ mother Mary, who faced the ultimate act of courage.

Can you imagine being approached by an angel who gives you news that is difficult to comprehend? Mary responded Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. In other words, May it be to me as you have said.

In God’s Word, the Bible, there are many verses about courage. They equip us to face our fears, not alone, but with the power of God.

My friend Denise, who unexpectedly lost her husband, is seeking the Lord for her courage and strength because she knows she’s not able to do it with her own resources.  

Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24 

Another friend prayerfully and courageously faced necessary surgery. In her painful recovery, she is still strong and courageous through the power of God. 

And yet another friend lost her brother and sister within a few months of each other.  She knows about courage and strength in times of adversity.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6  

Whatever you need courage for today, there is a God of HOPE who promises to give you the courage and strength you need. You just need to ASK, and have FAITH that He will come through for you.  

Have you ever had to be courageous in the midst of adversity?  Did you have a favorite verse that gave you hope?  Thanks for stopping by, I'm grateful for each and every one of you.   Please pray if you're able, for the three women I mentioned here.  I know they would appreciate it.  

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,    Whatever You Want Wednesday,  Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays

Free Vintage Graphics of Children

There is only one place and only one Friend
Who is never too busy, and you can always depend
On Him to be waiting, with arms open wide,
To hear all the troubles, you came to confide.
For the heavenly Father will always be there
When you seek Him and find Him at the altar of prayer.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Hello my friends.  I have dug into my archives today and found some vintage real photo postcards of children for you.  This first one is somewhat unusual as it seems to be a candid shot which wasn't seen that often in it's day.  The little girl seems dirty and probably her family was very poor.  If one was going to have their picture taken, their finest clothes were put on.  However, I'm sure she was loved or her family wouldn't have gone to the trouble of having her picture taken.  Isn't she just the sweetest?

free for personal use, sharing, or light commercial use

Here are a couple more for you today.  I just love these old real photo postcards of children.  The ones here today are from my collection.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Photos in this post are free for personal use, sharing
or light commercial use

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  

Sunshine in the Soul

I will be glad and rejoice in thee:
I will sing praise to thy name,
 O thou most High.
Psalm 92:1 (KJV)
In 1851 Eliza Edmunds Hewitt was born, and grew to be valedictorian of her class and a school teacher in Pennsylvania.  At some point in her teaching career a student struck her on the back with a piece of heavy slate.  This left Eliza in a heavy cast for months, confined to her room.

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During this time of painful confinement, Eliza was determined not to be bitter, and started writing hymns.  Many of them were praise hymns, such as:  Stepping in the Light, Singing I Go, Victory in Jesus and many more.  

 

Eliza Edmunds Hewitt
1851 - 1920
Hymn Writer

When she was able to go outside for the first time on a spring day, she enjoyed the warmth of the sun.  Returning to her room with a joyful heart, she wrote the hymn Sunshine in my Soul Today.

O there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine,
When the peaceful, happy moments roll;
When Jesus shows His smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

click for larger size
free for personal use or sharing

Eliza did improve but suffered health problems for the rest of her life.  She went on to do work in various Sunday School capacities, a passion of hers.  At one time she had a class of 200.

In researching this incredible woman of faith, I was very surprised to learn Eliza was a great friend to blind hymn writer FANNY CROSBY.  Here are a couple verses of a poem Eliza wrote and read at Fanny’s funeral.

And when you pass from time away
To meet your Lord and King,
In heaven you’ll meet ten thousand souls,
That you have taught to sing.A few more years to sing the song
Of our Re­deem­er’s love;
Then by His grace both you and I
Shall sing His praise above.

God has a plan dear ones (Psalm 29:11), and despite the difficult circumstances that we face or have faced, he can make something beautiful from ashes.  Eliza Hewitt is remembered for the great hymns that have brought comfort to thousands if not millions of people.   Had she not suffered this terrible injury, these hymns that speak to our hearts, would not have been written. 

How fast the years are rolling on—
We cannot stay their flight;
The summer sun is going down,
And soon will come the night.

But you, dear friend, need fear no ill,
Your path shines bright and clear;
You know the Way, the Truth, the Life,
To you He’s ever near.
 Two verses of a poem written for 

Fanny Crosby’s funeral by Eliza Hewitt

Hope for the Brokenhearted

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted   
 and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

A few days ago, I received the news that my dear friend's husband had passed away in a tragic accident.  This verse above came to mind to share with her in her grief.  She is brokenhearted as are her three children. 

Denise has the most beautiful vegetable and flower gardens and I was able to take some pictures of her flowers while she picked me some fresh veggies and a big bouquet of white hydrangeas.  Little did we know the tragic events that would unfold that week. 

God has a plan, we don't know why things happen as they do, but HE KNOWS and he PROMISES in Psalm 34:18 he is close to the brokenhearted.

Please pray for my friend Denise if you would, and her three children.  Life will be hard for them now, but it is not without HOPE.

Here are some pictures I took of her flowers last week.  

Thank you for stopping by and for your prayers.   If you'd like to let Denise know you are praying for her and her family, feel free to leave a comment, she will take comfort in that. 

Linking to:  A Haven for Vee

Scripture Thursday ~ Forgiveness

But I say unto you, Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray for them
which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
Matthew 5:44 (KJV)

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I was in my 20’s when my mother brought this verse to my attention.  I was struggling with the emotional turmoil of an older woman that hated me.  She hated me due to lies she believed about me.  It was at that time I learned a hard lesson about forgiveness, and praying for people that had wronged me. 

This woman didn’t ask me to forgive her and she was never remorseful for the hurtful things she said to me, but I chose to forgive and to pray for her.  In turn, it released me from bitterness taking root.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted,
forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV)

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There is a young woman in my life that is very dear to me.  I’ve known her since she was 4 years old and she is now 15.  She has this to say about forgiveness: 
Something I have noticed with forgiveness is, I end up needing to forgive someone more than once.  I will say I forgive someone, but do I really?  Sometimes I will still be bitter towards them and I know I haven’t completely forgiven them.  I wish I could forgive the way Jesus does.  It would be nice to forgive and forget.

Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another,
if anyone has a complaint against another;
even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)

When we harbor resentment and hatred in our hearts, we’re hurting ourselves and those that love us.  Healing can’t begin until you reach a point of forgiveness.  In 1999 Craig Scott was in the library of his high school – Columbine, when two shooters massacred his close friends and classmates in front of him.

He didn’t know until the next day that his sister Rachel Scott had been one of the first students killed in the cafeteria.  He tells how hatred and bitterness took root and consumed him.  A mentor shared some life changing words with him.

Forgiveness is like setting a prisoner free and finding out that prisoner was you.  

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Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
Luke 6:28 (KJV)I’ll close with a very moving video of a dear woman of God, Corrie Ten Boom.  As a Holocaust survivor, Corrie endured horrific circumstances while in the concentration camps.  She tells in her own words, a situation where she came face to face with one she did not have the human strength to forgive. 

He extended his hand to her and asked forgiveness.  Listen to what she did when faced with this difficult situation.   If you don’t have time to watch it now, please come back to it.  It’s about 7 minutes long and well worth it.

Thank you so much for visiting today.  I hope and pray if bitterness and resentment has taken root in your heart, that you’ll consider the scriptures and seek the Lord’s help in forgiving.

This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday, Titus2uesdays, Women in the Word Wednesdays, Hearts 4 Home Thursday, Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home,