I Need My Homework!

My small group and I just finished up Beth Moore's Bible study, "Jesus the One and Only" and this has been my first week without homework to do. I don't like it. Our group decided to break for the summer months and get back into the in-depth study thing in the fall.

Something I've discovered about myself is that I really do better with a schedule. It must be the accountability or something. That or maybe that old saying about idle hands. What IS that saying, anyway? I can't remember but I know it's not good. Bad to be idle. Don't want idle hands.

The fact is, I enjoy being in the Word and when I don't get into it regularly, I feel the difference. I suspect, however, there's also a bit of that "it's all in my head" kinda thing going on here too because, while I'm sitting here lamenting over not having anymore Bible study homework to do, the irony is that for the last...oh, let's say - many - weeks now, I haven't even generally started my homework until Thursdays and sometimes not until the weekend. Ok, Sunday. Mind you our group meets on Monday nights. But just knowing that I don't have any homework to do - absolutely nothing to even get a late start on, is a bummer.

On the plus side, my group HAS decided to do one of Beth's three-week video lectures, "Wising Up" from the book of Proverbs. There's no homework but it'll be good. We start next week. Then we're going to do a once-a-month summer book discussion type of thing. And THEN, my sweet, just-turned-12 daughter asked if she could do a Bible study too. So my friend and I are going to help lead the kids in their very first official Bible study during the summer. I found a great one online called "Jesus in the Spotlight" by Kay Arthur and Cyndy Shearer. There's even homework - fun homework that the kids will hopefully enjoy. And, of course, that means I'll have to do it too if I'm going to help organize it.

So, I guess that means I do still have homework! Cool. So much for idle hands.

Be blessed.
Melanie

A Birthday Prayer

Today is my sweet girl's 12th birthday! I couldn't help but think back to the day she was born.

Be blessed.
Melanie

My God, my God
With gratitude I’m compelled
To come into your presence
For this feeling won’t be quelled.

You gave me this gift
I’ve cherished all these years.
My beautiful baby girl
Now, here come the tears.

They’re tears of joy as I recall
The first moment that I held her
That overwhelming love
As I sat there and beheld her

I could never have imagined
A love so big and so pure
Would I raise her well?
Oh, I so wasn’t sure.

I remember thanking You though
As I studied her face
Counting fingers and toes
Ensuring all was in place

Then thanksgiving turned to song
On that very first day
A simple song just for her
In that sweet lullaby way

James 1:5 became my prayer
A promise from You so I’m prepared
To handle all things that might come our way
As You give me wisdom to do and to say

God, she’s grown so big in such a short time
Beautiful and sweet and so very kind
She’s got her faults, I will admit
Though not one’s held against her
Not one little bit.

So I thank You now as I thanked You then
For this gift of a daughter that You did send
And on this, her birthday, I humbly ask
That You continue to keep me up to this task

Help me do all that You desire me to
In raising her well and pointing her to You.
I want nothing more for her than to be happy and strong
Loving You greatly Her entire life long.

Bless her, my Jesus
In every wonderful way
And let this be for her
A fabulous Birthday!