Keeping God's Word in my Heart

Proverbs 3:1-6
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Sara, from Walk Slowly, Live Wildly, has issued an invitation to become part of the "James Challenge" a call to Jesus freaks everywhere to memorize scripture and mature in our faith! I have been considering the idea for a few days and have decided that it's time to dive in and make the commitment!

For several years (well, to be exact, the past 3 1/2 years since we have had children) I have neglected the essential task of hiding God's word in my heart. Okay, to be perfectly honest, I have been LAZY and most days I'm not even sure of the location of my bible and I certainly have not invested time in memorizing its contents!

I have read many books about the bible and christian life, but its just not quite the same is it? Only God's word is living food for my spirit, it speaks to me during the tough times and it draws other people to Him. I'm pretty sure I need to head to the source of life instead of reading about it all the time. It is sad how little I challenge myself to really remember the word when I have this huge store of useless knowledge of pop culture, song lyrics, movie quotes, etc. that I have memorized without effort!

So, anyone want to join me? Head over to Walk Slowly, Live Wildly and let her know that you are going to participate!

I just memorized three verses of James today (James 1:2-4). It was virtually painless and actually kind of fun! As I was saying the verse over and over to myself I started thinking about what it must have been like as a first century Christian to have heard such encouraging words for the first time. You know what's exciting is that these words apply just as much to me today as they did to Christian's back then.

James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Happy Chinese New Year!

We started the celebration early this weekend with Chinese food on Friday night and a trip to the library for a Chinese New Year party on Saturday. Noelle really enjoyed the stories, songs and crafts. She wants everyone to know that her favorite part was jumping on the huge rolls of bubble wrap that sounded like Chinese firecrackers after the dragon parade. She also wants to tell you that 2009 is the year of the Ox and she was born the year of the Sheep (also called the year of the goat or ram).


My friend MeDenne left a great link in the comments section on how to say Happy New Year in Chinese, Gong Xi Fa Cai!









Poor Zach was sick and unable to go with us to the library but he got to enjoy our yummy Chinese food dinner! This was the first time that both kids actually ate something besides the noodles in the stir fry! I don't often make Chinese food because neither one will eat it! They loved using chopsticks and asked if we could use them all the time.

Sorry If This is Getting Old....

But I can't help it!

This was a really fun project and I have to show it off! It was my first try at circular knitting needles.

Knitting is Therapy

Knitting is effective and very cheap therapy!

It is hard to describe how much knitting has helped me navigate the murky midwinter blues this year. Even Joel has noticed a difference. He told me the other night how mellow and relaxed I have been since I started knitting. I tend toward anxiety and thinking about the "worst case scenario" and anything that can lift my mind out of that funk is very, very good!

I have felt such tremendous satisfaction from making something useful with my own two hands. My daughter thinks my creations are "fabulous" and she is in awe of my knitting. I have also experienced the joy of making things that I can give away to others. It feels so good to not have to go out and buy a present but make something instead.

Knitting also provides good praying/thinking/meditation time. Lately I have been mulling over a lot of "new to me" ideas about what it means to follow Jesus. I have been reading "The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical" which has given me much food for thought.



It deserves a separate blog post, I can't do it justice here. I will say that if you read this book you will be challenged to love and connect with other human beings like never before.

Anyway, friends, knitting ROCKS! Try it, you’ll like it!

Jen

Another Knitting Project--I Can't Seem to Stop!

I had so much fun making this little purse. It was a gift for a friend of my daughter who had a "Fancy Nancy" birthday party today. Apparently she is all about the purses, so it was a good choice!

The only problem is that after working on this project for two nights, my right shoulder really hurts! Is there such a thing as "knitter's shoulder" perchance? Is my knitting career over before it even begins? The drama!

I am taking a knitting break tonight and hopefully it will be better tomorrow!

First Knitting Project

Here it is! My first completed knitting project! My daughter made my day when she excitedly tried on her headband and said, "Mom, I'm so proud of you for knitting this!".





Z. was getting a little jealous and wanted in on the action so he gave me some free superhero poses to share with you.





Future knitter at work...