Our church has started a new 10 week sermon series through the Psalms. You can listen to the first sermon on Psalm 1 here.
We've been encouraged to read through the Psalms using this plan, and also memorize two of them.
Have you ever read the Psalms straight through? I haven't. They've always been an addition to a reading plan or scattered here and there. I'm going to take this challenge! It's not too late. They read pretty quickly. Want to join me? We've also been encouraged to read them out loud, and the actress in me is loving this idea. :)
Along the way, I'm going to highlight my favorite verse from each Psalm. As some of you know, I've started doing that during my "read through the Bible" and it is nice to go back and see what stood out.
Some chapters are easier than others! I struggled a bit in Leviticus to find anything I wanted to write down. The Psalms, however, have their own challenge, as there are so many options!
Here's an example of how this looks for me:
_________________________________________
Psalm 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 2:4
He who sits in the heavens laughs,
The LORD scoffs at them.
Psalm 3:5
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.
Psalm 4:2
O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach?
How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception?
Psalm 5:12
For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD,
You surround him with favor as with a shield.
Psalm 6:9
The LORD has heard my supplication,
The LORD receives my prayer.
Psalm 7:10
My shield is with God,
Who saves the upright in heart.
Psalm 8:4
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Psalm 9:10
And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.
_________________________________________
Let me know if you are reading along too! It's going to be a great summer. :)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Indiana author releases kids’ book with a message
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. – This week, Indiana author Becky Emerick celebrates the nationwide release of her new children’s book, “Duncan's Journey: A Little Lamb's Adventure through the Twenty-Third Psalm.”
The book tells the story of Duncan, a curious little lamb who lives in Bethlehem. He and his friend Birdie share many adventures while exploring the forest, encountering enemies, and going on dangerous journeys. The most exciting adventure of all, however, is the one that leads them to witness the birth of Jesus. Duncan can't wait to spread the great news.
Bringing the words of the beloved twenty-third Psalm to life in an easily comprehensible format, “Duncan's Journey” is an engaging story that resonates with children and adults alike. Young readers will be charmed by the simple tale of a little lamb who learns just what it means to follow the Shepherd.
Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.
Emerick lives in Zionsville, Indiana, with her husband and their four children. She is passionate about Christ and loves teaching His Word to her children in fresh and exciting ways.
For more information, please contact Traci Jones, Marketing Representative, at (888) 361-9473 or send an email to traci@tatepublishing.com.
I'm glad that Harold predicted May 21st and that the whole world was discussing the rapture. Really, questions like, "What happens if you're driving a bus?" and "What happens to my pets" are usually just discussed at a Christian's Small Group with coffee and brownies.
I just wish that instead of talking about the rapture, we were talking about the ONE who was coming on the clouds. The One who was bringing the judgement. The One who died so we could have peace with God. The WHO of the rapture, not the What or When.
I'm not going to belabor the point here, but if you're looking for a Biblical perspective, check out a sermon one of our pastors, Nate Irwin, recently preached in our Matthew series: http://www.yourchurch.com/sermon/judgment-day/
Do you ever feel like God speaks to you through music? My brother pointed me to this song this afternoon, and WOW, God's speaking my name... literally!
What this means, only He knows, but I think I'm ready to jump in--
LYRICS to Me and Becky by Chris Rice
Becky has a house on Abundant Live Boulevard
A good name, good family, and butterflies in here yard
Becky loves Jesus and really wants to make Him proud
She tears up in church and she sings her harmonies loud
She's got a Bible by the bed, a prayer journal, and a fish on her car
She makes sure to bow her head and give thanks in every restaurant
But is that enough?
C'mon Becky, let's go for a ride
If I'm driving too fast then I apologize
But there's a world out there that we left behind
Full of souls as important as yours and mine
Looks like a reckless road, and a sacrifice
And I'm crazy scared it may cost our lives
But then I remember Jesus died
So c'mon Becky
Let's go for a ride
I'm rolling up to Becky's house on my Sunday drive
I have to laugh to myself 'cause it looks exactly like mine
I smile and wave at all the happy people strolling by
We've got the same walk, same talk, and the same sparkle in our eyes
'Cause we're thankful for the blessings, but maybe we could lay 'em aside
I get a feeling we might be missin' the time of our lives
So hop in and hold on tight
C'mon Becky, let's go for a ride
If I'm driving too fast then I apologize
But there's a world out there that we left behind
Full of souls as important as yours and mine
Looks like a reckless road, and a sacrifice
And I'm crazy scared it may cost our lives
But then I remember Jesus died
So c'mon Becky
Let's go for a ride
'Cause we're thankful for the blessings, but maybe we could lay 'em aside?
I get a feeling we might be heading for the time of our lives
So hop in and hold on tight
C'mon Becky, let's go for a ride
If I'm driving too fast then I apologize
But there's a world out there that we left behind
Full of souls as important as yours and mine
Looks like a reckless road, and a sacrifice
And I'm crazy scared it may cost our lives
But then I remember Jesus died
So c'mon Becky
Let's go for a ride
I know this is my third post about my grandma, but that's just where my mind is right now. Here is part of what I spoke about today at her memorial service. I spoke last, and I had a really hard time getting it out there! It was a beautiful service, though, and I'm thankful to everyone who helped make it special.
So in tears, I said:
Just this afternoon, 2 of my kids were arguing over where to sit during lunch. I remembered a story of where GG told my aunt and uncle, who were fighting, to sit at a table and look at each other. I took my kids’ plates and put them in a different room and told them to sit there and eat nicely. My daughter said, “You mean together?”
And on another note, I had a successful potty training morning. I learned how to potty train from GG. I figured if she taught six kids, including twins, then I could learn more from her than a book about parenting.
What I remember about GG from my childhood includes her love of dogs, potato strings, games, puzzles, books, lobster, and her family. But as I grew into an adult and had children of my own, what I learned from her were much larger life lessons.
Sure, she was teaching me how to crochet, do needlepoint, and sew a straight hem, and she was teaching me how to be wise and frugal with my money, even using the comics as wrapping paper.
But she was also teaching me to keep my mouth shut when I had nothing good to say.
She was teaching me how to endure pain and trials with gracefulness and perseverance.
She was teaching me to love my family and friends with an unconditional love.
She was teaching me to not lose my temper when chaos surrounds me.
She was teaching me to be humble, and that I’m never too old to learn something new.
She was teaching me to spread joy everywhere I went, through laughs and a good attitude founded in a faith that God was in control.
And I miss her so much, because I still have so much to learn. On all of these things, I have a very long way to go, and I miss her example of what it means to love Jesus and then, in turn, to show that love others.
Sunny day today! I went garage saling w/ two friends and our 14 kids. Can you say CRAZY? But we do it every year. Fun times!
I got slightly burned. I keep reapplying the aloe. An hour later, it gets pink again. I'm a little "rudolf" like on my nose. It's time to pull out the sun screen!
My grandma's memorial service is tomorrow. My brother, dad, and I created a 30 minute video of her life. That took a couple of days, and I'm really happy with it. Maybe I can find a way to post it.
That's about all I have to say today.No super original thoughts. Just give your loved ones a hug and tell them you love them. Speak in gentle tones always and remember that life is made up of all the little moments in between the big events.
If you were to say to me, "I'm sorry about your grandma," then I'd reply, "Yes, I'm sorry too." This just isn't right.
I hope you don't mind my transparency as I go through this grief process. I'll try not to dwell too much, but writing is my way to express the emotions that get lodged inside.
At a counseling training meeting tonight, they mentioned that grief happens at various life intersections. So if you hardly saw your brother, you might miss him more at holidays and family events, when you'd normally see him. You might also grieve for the time you didn't get to spend with him.
My greatest intersection with my grandma was on Sundays, my favorite day of the week. Worship with God, feasting on the Word, and lots of time with family all afternoon and evening. Now, the best day of the week is clouded by a mist of grief.
Will Sundays ever be fully joyful again? Will we ever sit at the dinner table and not see her empty chair? Will we ever gather in the hot tub and not remember her funny comments? Each time I'm at my parents, I'll pass her house, and I'll think of how I used to honk to say goodbye. I grieve for my parents and uncle, whose life intersections were a daily event.
I also miss her emails telling me what meat is on sale. I miss her funny Maxine forwards. I miss our phone calls. I miss talking about plants and gardening. I miss sitting outside on her porch as we look at her flowers. I'll miss painting her garden gnome for her, or adding the eyes when the paint has faded. I miss her.
When we lost our baby through a miscarriage, I grieved for the loss of what could have been. When we lost our home, I grieved the future I'd planned there. But losing GG, I grieve for her, and who she was and our life together.
And I think, "This isn't right. I HATE death!"
Death is a harsh but good reminder that this world is not our home. We are living for a heavenly kingdom, where every tear will be wiped away and grief will be no more. That's the hope I cling to. I've been listening to Laura Story's Song, Blessings.
"When darkness seems to win, We know the pain reminds this heart, That this is not, this is not our home... What if my greatest disappointments, Or the aching of this life, Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy."
God placed eternity into the hearts of men. We are looking for eternal satisfaction and friendship and love. And that is coming! It's right around the corner! My grandma has already begun to taste the fullness of all that is in store for us.
______________________________
As I look ahead to my reunion with joy between my family and GG, the other side of me grieves for my dear friends who are not trusting in Jesus.
Please, just ask God to show you His truth. Seek Him. Read His Word. Get to know Jesus. You may know about John 3:16, but what about all of these other verses? Just a few among many.
We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. I Thess 4:14
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Acts 16:31
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Romans 3:2
But also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Romans 4:22
Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. John 12:44
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. I Timothy 1:16
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. I John 3:23
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. I John 5:5
After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the Scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:22
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.John 6:35
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; John 11:25
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. I Cor 15:3-4
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” John 11:40
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.John 1:1-5
Each year, my grandma GG made personalized ornaments for the kids in her family. I still have all of mine. As soon as we pull out the Christmas decorations, my children eagerly sort their ornaments from GG, talking about the memories that they hold.
A few years ago, after hearing a sermon from one of our Pastors Joe Bartemus about Jesus as Emmanuel, God WITH us, she took his advice and made all of us ornaments with the word WITH on them. It always has a prominent place on my tree.
But last Sunday, as my family woke from our weekend camping trip, I received a call I didn't want to hear. My grandma GG passed away.
Hurrying home, I wanted to be where GG usually was on Sunday afternoons: surrounded by our families at my parent’s house. I cried in the backseat with my daughters the long drive home, listening to songs that helped the mourning process.
_____________
Sometimes when people die, you’re ready. My grandpa, though I do miss him, suffered at the end and I was glad for him when he went Home. But though GG was 81, a full life, I wasn’t ready to lose her yet. Although I’m comforted with the words from Psalm 139, “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be,” I just wish her days were a little longer.
I don’t know how we’ll ever play Scrabble on Sundays again – she was our faithful score keeper for years! We joked a few weeks ago that if she ever left us, we’d just shout out the scores and she could keep track for us in Heaven. We’ll find out who won when we join her there.
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I’ve written her obituary, which is a list of facts about her life, but the reality of who she was cannot be summed up with dates alone. She exemplified Galatians 5. The fruit of the Spirit in her life was evident to all who were privileged to know her.
Love – Unconditional for her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Joy – Spreading it with her big smile and good sense of humor. My mom and GG were always laughing with the various doctors they saw. She even spread her joy on email, facebook, and even Webkinz World with the kids! I loved having her out there.
Peace – She did not have an easy life, but the peace of God was always evident. I never once saw her hurried or frustrated or impatient.
Patience – This was evidenced by her perfect tolerance of the 10 little rugrats that ran around her ankles each Sunday! They were never a bother to her, even when they cried. She always welcomed them with a smile and a hug.
Kindness – She kept in touch with friends and loved-ones, sent Christmas letters every year. She took my other grandma to Bible Study every week and kept an eye on her. She was kind to everyone she met, always ready with a nice word.
Goodness – She was full of good deeds, anonymously helping behind the scenes at church. She made personalized ornaments for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren each year. She never forgot a birthday, and each Valentine’s day, a letter from GG arrived in the mail with a dollar bill.
Faithfulness – Faithful to her family and holding unswervingly to her faith.
Gentleness – I never heard her utter a harsh word about anything or anyone, even when I thought she had cause to.
Self-Control – GG didn’t have an easy life, but self-control was clear in her resistance to temptation. She also had self-control to keep her opinions to herself. So many older women get pushy with their ideas and are prone to slander, but GG offered her opinion when asked and only spoke good of others.
She would give all the praise to Jesus, of course.
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GG with one of her Webkinz
As I hang that ornament each year, I will still think of Jesus being WITH us, but now, GG is WITH Him. And I can’t wait to be WITH them both in glory.
Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
