Last night I went to a meeting about homeschooling and boy was I challenged in my walk. I feel like I am learning that I need to do 2 things this year, so maybe this is my new years resolution.

The first being to memorize scripture, something that I haven't made an everyday part of my life since High School. I want to do this so that I can minister the word of God to others as needed. I find myself without the right words to say, or advice to give, if only I had the Word of the Lord tucked away in my heart. Then I could minister even more effectively. Of course there are only a few ways we have to communicate with God, and one is through His Word. The speaker last night shared several stories from her own life where scripture that she had even forgotten she had memorized came to her lips at just the right time. God uses us and our willingness to tuck His Word away, for our own good when we are going through dark times, to bless and minister to others, and to speak truth into our children's lives. Lord help me as I begin to memorize your Word. Here are a couple verses that I found that give me a good reason to memorize.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

And this one is my favorite...

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

My second challenge is to become meek, gentle, slow to speak, and slow to anger. I want to become like Jesus more and more this year. Thinking carefully before I speak, asking the Lord for wisdom and discernment. I want to be slow to speak, or even silent at times. I want to hear the Lord speak, I want to SHUT UP this year. When I do speak, I want it to be the Truth of God's word, I want my words to be edifying and encouraging. This will be a challenge even more at home, which I think is interesting and sad at the same time. Lord forgive me for using my words and the tone of my voice in a way that did not glorify you and did not show my Children what the face of Jesus looks like.

Thank you Lord for challenging me!