Memory Verse Monday

Memory Verse Monday is a beautiful way to start the week. It was started by Karen @ Karen's Ramblings. The aim of "Memory Verse Monday" is to:

1. Memorise a passage (or passages) of scripture.
2. Share why you have chosen the verse or verses that you have.
3. Encourage one another with God has been saying to you through this verse.
4. Share the ways in which you find remembering verses works for you.

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. - Isaiah 32:17

I am reading A Quiet Knowing by Gigi and Ruth Bell Graham. As I opened the book, this beautiful verse began chapter one. I have been praying, since the beginning of the year, that the Lord would help me to develop a "gentle and quiet spirit." (1 Peter 3:4) I want to be pleasing to Him, (my Lord.) So many times we make New Year's resolutions that we give up on, and then we get frustrated with ourselves. (I have sooo been there. And like everyone else, I have really beat myself up over it too.) But, I think that is because we try to do it ourselves, by our own strength- separate from God. So, I decided this year, I was going to ask the Lord to "clean out my temple." (Because if Jesus dwells with in us, our body should be a temple of the Lord.) I have been on a mission to seek out and surround myself with scripture, music, books, blogs, and people who can help me in the following areas:

1. developing a gentle and quiet spirit

2. a clean heart

3. refine a respectful nature towards my husband

4. a servants heart for my husband and children

5. a deeper knowledge and love for my Lord- true intimacy

Has it all happened or been accomplished in my life yet? NO, most certainly not. But, the Christian life is not about having it all together; it is a commitment to a process.-(Gigi Graham) I find myself trying to take control, which is usually about the time I mess things up, and I have to stop and give it back to Him. Thank goodness failure isn't final. (-thanks Gigi) So I press on. I'm going to be memorizing and meditating on the verse from Isaiah as I practice a little serenity this week. The following is taken from the book A Quiet Knowing-Serenity- that inner peace that comes with the certainties of knowing in whom you believe, what you believe, who you are, and where you're going- a sense of total well-being. As we nurture our relationship with the Lord, we are in turn blessed with a peace that "passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Blessings to all!