List Number One

OK, so I hinted around that I may have a few lists here and there. In this notebook, and that journal, on that computer, a scrap of paper in my purse and...

Seriously! As 2008 faded, I started evaluating my life and what exactly I was doing with it. Jeff and I discussed some things too, and all these lists are a result of those discussions.

Mostly. Except for the first one. Which isn't really a list. At least, not yet. At the end of this year it will be a list numbering 1 to 24.

What's it a list of?

Scripture.

This one came after having a few discussions with my Father - my Heavenly Father.

After reading the Bible in a year, I knew that I needed to continue working on my relationship with God. I decided to dig deeper into the Bible in 2009, and as a result my Christmas list (there's another one!) reflected that plan: a concordance, a Bible dictionary, a Bible commentary, and a study Bible. (I should just be a career student!)

I can happily report that I got those books, and I am especially loving my NLT Study Bible. It rocks!!

Anyway, in conjunction with digging deeper, I need to apply what I learn more as well. My word for the year is "surrender," and I'm trying very hard to get out of the way and let God do with me what He has planned, instead of what I had planned.

Application is sometimes where I hit a stumbling block. Application is easier when God's word is internalized. When you know what God wants you to do, it's easier to actually do.

Then along comes this great idea from one of my faves, Beth Moore: scripture memorization.

Perfect.

So, I will be memorizing two verses a month for the year with her and 3000 or so of her closest Siestas : 24 verses in all. You can unofficially "sign-up" on the LPM Blog.

The first verse on my list is this, which coincidentally goes ALL YEAR:

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT)

New verses are chosen on the first and fifteenth of each month. Don't feel bad if you're just now hearing of this plan. Just jump in and start memorizing where you are right now!

Sweet little Beth has even made a video tutorial about scripture memorization techniques using the acrostic "RENEW." The video is here.

Verse number two? I haven't officially decided yet. I'll post it when I decide. It's below:

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT)

Then I'll tell you about List Number Two...