Little bit is now 14 months. Oh, I how love my speedy little crawler.
The time has already gone by so crazy fast. Hate that.

The dude crawls like a man on a mission.
He’s taken some steps, but is much more focused right now on me holding him, a lot. A lot. Often. A good deal of the time. Much. Did I say, a lot? I want to say ‘all the time’, but that wouldn’t be true. At home, he’s content for 5 to 10 minute increments without me…sometimes. That’s how it feels, at least.

I remember this time so well with Reece. Right before he began walking, he too whined for his mommy to hold him. A lot.

I always tell Zach to slow down, not to grow up so quickly. Bubbly is my song for him, so I often say, “Take your time, Bubbly, take your time.”

But within the past couple of days, I gotta be honest.
I’m ready for him to walk.
I know. I said it.

I’ve never felt so dysfunctional. I mean, he’s 14 months! I should have it more together by now. Meals, laundry, dishes, a semi-clean floor, and a shower should not be this big of a challenge, should they?

Well, the answer doesn’t really matter because the truth is that they ARE.

I spend lots of time each day on the floor, not cleaning, but playing and snuggling, and smooching, and cuddling, and rolling the ball, and giggling, and clapping, and singing, and belly blowing, and wow, writing that just made me smile.

So, moment after moment I’m trying to let those things go, not completely, but just taking what the day gives me and allowing each moment to be what it will be…what God would have it be.

And in each of those moments, I find this week’s verse:

And this is love:
that we walk in obedience to his commands.
As you have heard from the beginning,
his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6

Because at the end of each day, if I’ve been walking with Him and walking in love, hey, that’s a pretty good day.

If the idea of walking seems hard, like it must for Zach, remember this: It starts with just one step.
And then another. And then another.

Don’t see it as a long, hard road to travel down.
My flesh sometimes wants to rebel against that kind of walking.

It’s just one moment. Choose to walk it with God.
You’ll miss out on some moments, and stumble sideways, backwards, and even flat on your face. But then, in the next moment, take another step.

Obedience isn’t being perfect, no, it’s just taking another step toward Him.

Let’s walk this road together this week.
Write it on the bottom of your shoes. Write it on a piece of paper and slide underneath the shoes in your closet. Slip a sticky inside your shoe as a reminder. When you take it out to put on your and your kid’s shoes, practice the verse.

The weather is absolutely gorgeous right now, and the evenings are becoming shorter. Take advantage.
Grab some chalk and write it on the sidewalk as you play outside.
Go for a walk together and talk about what the verse means to walk in obedience and to walk in love. It’s just one step. You can do that.

And speaking of taking another step, you Romans 6-ers, how’s it going?
We’re hitting the big double digits this week! Verse 10!

The death he died, he died to sin once for all;
but the life he lives, he lives to God.

This one rolls off the tongue. Once I got the first two words, “The death”, the rest just came flying.

With my dysfunctional self, I’ve been amazed at the ability to learn these new verses every week. It’s almost like my capacity for learning God’s word is becoming greater. How cool is that?

Know that some weeks it takes more than the week to firm up the verse, especially with the kids. But, we just keep moving forward, continuing to practice the old and adding the new. So don’t worry about having it down perfectly before moving on, just keep on going!

Zach will walk sooner or later. But today, I’ve got the chance to walk with him in a much more meaningful way.

Wanna try walking with me this week?
All it takes is just one step. – Sundee McDonald

Gotta sore throat. Trying to pretend it’s allergies.
I’m fooling myself. It hurts.
Talking is not pleasant, and that’s a big deal for this chatterbox.

Last week in bible study, I shared what I planned to pray and work on the coming week: capturing my thoughts, listening more and
talking less.

Coincidence? ; )

While I nursed my throat with warm water with honey, lemon, and garlic, I also munched a handful of cookies and another of candy corn.
I know! I know better.

Isn’t that true for most things we do that aren’t good?
We KNOW better.

When reading last night, the first part of this verse stuck out, about me and that oh so yummy candy corn…

For everything in the world—
the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes
and the boasting of what he has and does
—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:16

Oh the cravings!

Lord, I want to crave what is good for me, you and your Word which is everlasting, not the world that’s filled with only temporary pleasures.

And FILLED the world is! With an abundance of things, food, drink, cars, houses, money, pleasures that never actually fill you up.
Rather, they leave you feeling even more empty and wanting.

Just like those candy corn. Never enough. I’d probably get sick before I’d be full. That’s exactly what worldly stuff does to us.

So, this week’s verse is a reminder about what God does care about, and it ain’t any worldly stuff people think is important.

“…The LORD does not look at the things man looks at.
Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

What strikes me most about this verse, that I hadn’t paid as much attention to before, is that God doesn’t even look at the things man looks at. Saying, they are irrelevant.

Wow, what a great reminder of last week about our bodies, the world’s lies about how they should look, and God’s truth about how wonderful they are. And when we set our hearts on Him, His Word, and His ways, we are absolutely beautiful, no matter what any mirror reflects.

Speaking of mirrors, that’s the perfect spot for this week’s verse.
So, get out those dry erase markers (I still don’t have any) or slap a sticky note up with the verse. Hair brushing, teeth brushing, getting ready, making silly faces together, or any other time you’re at the mirror with your kiddos, repeat this verse.

Just like last week, we are battling what the world says is important. But, God’s view’s are true and sweet, yes even sweeter than orange, yellow, and white-colored high fructose corn syrup. And, heart healthy!

I literally sealed up the container of cookies as I wrote some of this.
I know!
What shall I say then, shall I go on eating so that my waist line may increase? By no means!

Clearly, it’s time for Romans 6…
Verse 9 is on the menu this week and so good…

For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead,
he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.

I found it harder to memorize the first part, as it resembles verse 6 a bit. But, I adore the last phrase so much, “death no longer has mastery over him”, that it was easy to push through to get to it.

Keep practicing your verses aloud. I’ve found it’s easier to write them than to say them. And, it’s harder to say them to someone else.
Nab a friend. They will be a great encouragement for you and your dedication to God’s Superfood.

Keep on snacking on the good stuff!
And, when you’re tempted to reach for the candy corn (or whatever your vice may be), think about how much more sustaining and fulfilling God’s word and truths are. Everlasting and oh so good for the heart!

We’re a tv family. We have one. We watch it.
But we also deliberately limit what we watch.

While a baseball game or episode of Man vs. Wild is pretty harmless, the commercials played in between ARE NOT.

Many are about your body, how to improve it and make it more attractive to others. How to pump it up, stretch it, suction it out, tighten it, hide it, color it, whiten it, tan it, push it up, stick it out, flaunt it, use it to get what you want, etc…

And much of what we see isn’t even real…watch this.
During Alison’s AWESOME talk this past Friday on ‘The Truth about Your Body‘, it was clear what verse to focus on next.

While the media screams one thing, this week’s verse sings another.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

We are on a mission this week, so gear up!
Let’s fight these messages we get from the media, the world, and even each other about our bodies. Replace these lies with God’s truth, that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Put this verse either on the mirror or in the bathtub. You can write it on a sticky note or with a dry erase marker directly on the mirror. For the bath, write it with a washable crayon or laminate your verse and stick it up. I don’t have either, so I plan to write it on paper and then use some clear packing tape over it, as my hack laminating method. I know, I’m fannncy! ; )

Each day talk to your children about different parts of their body, how each was uniquely made by God for a purpose, a wonderful purpose. Fill them up with the truth about their body, their differences, and how special each one of them are!

Let some be practical: Hair is for warmth and protection.
Let some be fun: Bellies are for tickling!
Let some be intentional: Eyes are to see God’s amazing creation and design, pointing out some of his artwork. Soon the leaves will be changing and the colors will be a feast for the eyes!

Moms and dads, try to look at those parts of you that have seen some wear, embracing the ways they have served you and your family. Be grateful you haven’t been fully consumed by the world’s views. And take back some of those areas where you have.

Be thankful you have plenty to eat and do not hunger like some families do. Embrace the nursing of your babies, the bellies that grew them, and the lives God had blessed you with. Bless the arms that have held them day after day, and the legs that have carried you both.

You are beautiful. God says so, and He’s your creator, so He knows!

I hope you’ll really enjoy this week’s verse, and begin to turn those negative voices into songs of gratefulness.
Even more so than milk, God’s word does a body good.

If you’re feeling ambitious, go for verses 13-16. They are absolutely beautiful. I just gasp everytime I read them…

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Speaking of ambitious, a friend became a Superfoodie just this past week and started Romans 6 last Monday. I saw her Friday and she spouted verses 1-5. Way to indulge yourself in God’s superfood! I was so encouraged and her commitment and diligence!

Hope you had a chance to get caught up a bit this past week with that short and sweet verse 7. That means we are already to Romans 6 verse 8…

Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.

Ah, with death comes freedom from sin and now death with Christ comes life! Some of these verses intertwine, and others repeat.
But what important messages to store so deeply in your heart. Not just reminders of your new life with Christ, but words and truths to share with others who don’t know Him.

Fill up, Superfoodies on these great verses. Fill up till you overflow!

Art. It’s in the genes.
Mom’s an art teacher, eccentric, and uber creative. And my grandfather on dad’s side was an incredible artist, painter, and sculptor.The cowboy is one of my favorite paintings of his, displayed prominently in our home.
During art this week, my little boy painted his 4 year old version of it.
I found myself both so excited and a little emotional about it.

You see, my grandfather was not only an incredible artist, but he was a great athlete as well. I love that he was both.
He had gifts, God given gifts.
We believe that he knew the One that gave those gifts to him.

But his son, my dad, didn’t.
That is, until the last few days of his life.
It was because of a loyal servant, a friend of my aunt’s, that he came to know and put his trust in Jesus before he died.

She had prayed for him for several years, having never met him. On one faithful day, she went to see him in the hospital. She read God’s word and shared about the One who loves him and came to save him.

I have the very bible they read from, those written words and promises from God upon which my dad put his trust.
It sits on my bookshelf just across from the painting of the cowboy.

That bible, it wasn’t just your everyday bible. Know what it was called?
The Cowboy Bible.

There are not many verses marked in it.
But, where this verse is underlined, the book flips open easily, as if they spent much time here that very important day…

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

I’d planned to do a different verse this week. But, oh how this verse has captured me.

Of all the verses I want my boys to know, perhaps it should be this fundamental one about the love, the grace, and the promise God has given to every one of us.

I’m going to frame Reece’s cowboy tomorrow, and will put the verse on it, as a permanent fixture.But for this week’s exercise, I’m going to try something a little different.

Anytime someone in our family says the word, “love” this week, I’m going to use it as a reminder of the One that first loved us, and repeat our memory verse.

As we mill about our day, we’ll look for hearts (“I spy with my BIG eye”, Reece likes to call it). Whenever someone spots one, yeehaw! It’ll be another opportunity to practice these beautiful words in John 3:16 about God’s love and promise of eternal life for those who believe.

I hope you’ll join me in teaching this one this week.
I just know it’s an great one…perhaps the most important verse for somebody, like it was for my dad.
♥

How you doing, Romans 6ers?
I’ve got some good news…This week’s verse is short!
It’s not John 11:35 short, but it’s Romans 6:7 short…

- because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

You also know what that means? It’s a great week to catch up if you’ve gotten behind or been struggling to keep up.
Hop aboard and join us! This often sleep-deprived brain somehow is doing it, so I know you can too!

You Superfoodies, grab a fork and dig in. As an old cowboy might say, “Them thar is some tasty vittles!”

Just got back from a trip to Whole Foods with the kids. As I’m putting everything away, I realize I’ve got twice as much fruit in my basket as vegetables. Not sure which came first, my 4 year old’s dislike for veggies or his love for fruit!

Amongst my pile was a real gem…an heirloom tomato.
The display of them in the store was a feast for the eyes, truly. The colors were lively, vibrant shades of orange, yellow, red, and green. They were organic, and while they are better for you on the inside, they don’t look as pretty on the outside. Lumpy, odd-shaped, wrinkly, maybe even deformed, but I thought they were gorgeous. Unique, each in it’s own way.

See how excited I can get over a pile of fruit?

Whichever your favorite, isn’t it juicy, delicious, and good for all who eat it?

How much more so will the fruit of God’s people be to those that get a taste of it?

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23a

Now that’s a verse for a Superfoodie!

That’s our memory verse this week.
I’m sharing this link to a fun little tune about the verse. I think music really helps it stick, for all of us, and this song has some great application too. (There are also some other great songs and resources. Whatever you prefer…go for it!)

Stick this verse on your fruit bowl, fridge, or any place you’ve got fruit.
When eating the sweet, juicy, deliciousness, you can prompt the song with, “Is the fruit of the spirit a banana (or whatever you’re eating)? Noooo!” Sing it for the wee ones when feeding applesauce or other baby food.

If your troops like grapes, offer them in groups of nine to represent each of the fruit of the spirit. It’s a great way to practice!

For those that already know this verse, what an opportunity to dig in a little deeper. Discuss each character trait together and then look for those fruits in your children throughout the week. Be sure to praise and encourage every time you see some fruit growing in them.

Know that the fruit you see growing now will not just be for a short season.
It will be HEIRLOOM – something of special value handed on from one generation to another.
—
Romans 6ers, 5 verses down! Way to go!
It amazes me how some of the earlier verses I struggled to remember, now come flying off my tongue. These newer ones take more practice, but soon they be just as familiar as the first. Keep up the great work!

This week’s, verse 6 is another great one.

For we know that our old self was crucified with him
so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin —

A little graphic, maybe. But isn’t it beautiful, how clearly our old self is to be no more. To FREE us from the bondage and seemingly inescapable grip of sin.
Still feels like a battle to me, but I refuse to be a slave to it.

The last part “that we should no longer be slaves to sin” was the hardest for me, something with the flow. But, it helped that I like it so much. So, hang in there and you will get it!

And, if you just can’t stand to be left hanging with that “—” at the end of verse 6, yes you can peek at the very short verse 7.
We like closure! : )

I hope you’ll be encouraged this week that this work you are doing and the fruit you are growing will be handed down to generation after generation. It is an heirloom, and that is a sweet, delicious thing. – by Sundee McDonald

Game day was yesterday. We wore our Cowboys jerseys.Watching the Cowboys is a long-standing family tradition on D’s side.
And now it is in ours too.

As the boys and I went along our day yesterday, we got lots of smiles, a few ‘Go Cowboys!’, and several unprompted conversations.

It got me thinking…
I want my daily life to reflect Christ like that jersey reflected that I am a Cowboys fan. And, even more so.
I want Him to be that recognizable in me, to live in me, ooze out from me, so that people may come to know the hope, the love, the grace, the nourishment He provides that no one else can.

Let’s hit this week with what oozes out the mouth.
After all, God cares what comes out of it much more than he cares about what goes in.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29

While this is the children’s verse for the week, truth be told it might be more for me than them.

This one can go a lot of places, and I may be sprinkling this verse around the house this week.
But, for me, it needs it to be part of stuff we do everyday.
So, start with the table. Practice at the table or anytime food or drink is about to go in their mouths. Talk about the healthy, wholesome food they are putting IN to build up their bodies. And, what comes OUT of their mouths can build others up just like healthy food does. The tongue is a very powerful muscle!

I’m going to slap one on my phone too, because hey, I need as many reminders of this verse I can get.

I hope the memorization is going well. Even if it’s taking longer than the week to get the verse down, that’s ok! What you are fueling those little bodies with has everlasting power. Keep up the good work!

You Romans 6ers, how did verse 4 go this past week?
I thought it was the hardest so far. If you haven’t gotten 4 down pat just yet, just keep practicing and add verse 5 this week. I know, I’m tough. But, this week’s is an easy one…

If we have been united with him like this in his death, then we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

(If you’re stuck, need a partner or just a little encouragement, you know where to find me – buildingblockswm@gmail.com.)

Speaking of encouragement…
While finding the verse for this week, I stumbled upon this beauty…

My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Psalm 45:1

May the Superfood that goes in and comes out of the mouth this week be wholesome and oh so nourishing! – by Sundee McDonald

Heading back into town from a day with family, I’m beat. We all are. One kiddo can’t keep his itty bitty eyes open and the other can’t stop talking, delirious from the excitement of the day (and maybe a few sweets from Grandmama, one of which included a chocolate cookie with whipped cream on top, because as she says, ‘everything’s better with a little whipped cream on it’. Gotta love those grandmas.)
I was thinking…

Hmm, I promised a post today, didn’t I? Well, everyone would understand if I just did it tomorrow, right? No one is really reading this thing anyway.

I’m wiped out and would just like to get the kids down and then have a little veg out time in front of the computer or tv, or both. Yes, that sounds reasonable, after all, I was up in the night with Zach and need a little down time.

We get home, give the boys a quick bath, then I nurse Zach. In the quiet of his room, there is peace. I grab my phone thinking well, I’ll at least keep up with my chapter reading for the day, so I pull up Hosea 12.

Verse 1 begins,

“Ephraim feeds on the wind…”

I need not read more.

I’m tired, yes. Very tired.
But, I choose NOT to feed on the wind which blows me this way and that, whichever way it pleases. No.

I choose to feed on God’s word. It will be like my mighty sail using the wind to keep me directed on God’s path for me. His ways, NOT mine.

And, besides, I’m a Superfoodie!

A slight sigh, allowing tonight’s selfish desires to politely exit, then a deeper breath in allowing God to fill in those spaces.
It actually feels so good.
—
So, you Superfoodies, how’s it going?
Romans 6-ers we’re adding verse 4 this week. Not gonna lie, it’s the hardest of them so far for me.

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Focus on getting ‘We were therefore buried with him’ part, and then note that the next part is an extension of the end of verse 3, ‘through baptism into death’. Those two were the hardest parts for me.
(BTW, I’m not way ahead, just trying to stay one verse up so I can share any insights and be encouraging!)

You can do it! Think of learning this verse, this chapter, and God’s word as part of living that new life the verse mentions.

Are you practicing and/or have someone to recite to? Grab a partner. It will be encouragement for them as well! Not sure who to ask? I’m here at buildingblockswm@gmail.com.

My latest finding is that my phone is the best place to put my reminder. I wrote ‘Romans 6′ on a small piece of paper and slipped in under the clear cover on the back of my phone. I see it all throughout my day.

And not just with Romans, but I hope you all have had fun clothing yourselves in Colossians 3:12 this past week. I love that verse.
This week’s 2nd verse for the kids and us is one I hope you’ll find handy, in Hebrews 13:16:

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

This is one for the tool belts for sure.
Can you even count the number of times a day kids are arguing / fighting / wrestling / whining / hitting / crying / complaining over a toy or other object? “SHARE!”, we blurt!

A toy chest or bin is a great spot to stick this verse. Practice it during playtime, when you’re headed to a friend’s house to play, and even when you are sharing something of yours like a snack (don’t they always want what we have!). When you’re sharing something, build it up saying, “Yes, I’d love to share with you, here you go!”

Another little tip that I happened to do with Reece (and still do) is to use sign language. I learned the sign for share (click here to see it).

In the chaos of toy fighting, I call out his name to get his attention, and then just quietly sign, ‘share’. It’s such a simple and calm way to communicate the message, rather than trying to yell over them. It doesn’t always work on it’s own, as there are often times for more intervention, but keep trying. It is a beautiful thing when it does.

You can use sign language to help teach and learn the verse as well. Last week I looked up and learned sign language for the Colossians 3:12 verse and just loved it. It’s great to connect the hands with the brain and give them a job to do.

Speaking of jobs to do, I guess we’ve got ours now for this week.
Hope this week’s verse menu makes for some sweet, sweet aromas in your home. And keep gobbling up that Superfood! : ) – by Sundee McDonald

There is nothing quite as humbling as watching your kids struggle with the same things you struggle with. Have you ever caught yourself yelling at your kids saying something like, “would you just calm down, you are being ridiculous.” Parenting for Angie and I has been a sanctifying work to say the least. I’ve been thinking about some quotes from parents I have heard through the years and how they have played out in their children’s lives. Maybe you have caught yourself saying or living out similar beliefs.

“I have done all these things with my kids. I have taken the trips, made the memories…”
I pray that our parenting would not be about checking the good parenting boxes, but about loving our kids sacrificially and really wanting to know them.

“I haven’t thought about sharing my struggles with my kids”
I pray the Lord would allow us as parents to confess when we are wrong, ask forgiveness, and not feel like we are giving up our authority.

“I know I should make more time for my kids, but I’m not giving up this job that provides for this life”
I pray we will do whatever it takes to love our kids like Christ loves them. Lord help us to spend quantity time and quality time with our kids.

These quotes and many like them have led to children who are angry, disconnected, and looking for love. They grow up to be young men and women who are self absorbed, who are not authentic with others, and who don’t do what is right because it’s just too big of a sacrifice.

Our kids are going to reflect the things that we are passionate about. I am praying that our reflection will clearly be a picture of parents who love Christ and pass on that love to our children.
-by Braun Brown

I survived the 1 year birthday and the small gathering to celebrate.
That followed a small vacay to New Braunfels last week which was a nice break and great family time for us 4.

Vacation always makes you feel like you dropped off the face of the earth for a short time. Some of that is really, really good.

And some, not so good.
I abandon things that are good for me and that are otherwise important to me the rest of the year.
God is one. I never mean to take a vacation from Him. But, we’re just bopping from thing to thing with food in between and then whoosh, the day is gone. And then another just like it. And food just the same…I mean, who eats healthy on vacation?

Well, I didn’t.
Somehow not one, but two packages of Oreo’s (which I never buy at home) ended up in our room. I ate at least 1 1/2 bags in less than 2 days.Zach with his birthday cake was like me with those Oreo’s.
Oh that hydrogenated, sugary, chocolaty goodness. It was good in the moment, I craved it again and again. But later, it wreaked havoc on my body. Seriously, it was awful.

Now, I’m back and oreo-free, and leaving the unhealthy, temporary pleasures behind. At least for a while, I hope.
My body has missed the sustaining, fulfilling, good food, and my soul missed the nourishment that time with God provides.

After hearing Debbie Smith on Loving the Lord with All your Mind, I’m re-energized to memorize God’s word.
There are so many great books and resources out there. But she reminded us, that if our time is limited and we only have a few minutes to read, there’s nothing like God’s word.

I’m so often sucked into wanting to read a zillion awesome books on being a better wife, mom, friend, etc…
But, truth is that I don’t have the time for much, so when I have a few minutes, I’m going to try to pull God’s word out of the pantry first.
Even if the other is good, God’s word will fill me up like nothing else can, and it will store up and be there when I hunger later.
God’s word is like a Superfood!

Ready to cut down on the temporary fillers and load up on some of God’s Superfood? (Yes, I do realize that I am majorly corny.)

Munch on this…

Learn a new verse EVERY WEEK.

One for you and one for the kids.

Don’t think too much about it, remember, Just Deu It! I really want to do this, for me and for the kids. Can you tell I’m psyching myself up too?
And it is possible, so let’s give it a go! Some weeks we may combine the verse for us and the kids, which wouldn’t be a bad place to start either.

I’m going to stay in Romans 6 even though I’m still at the beginning.
I want to memorize the chapter, to keep with my original goal. If you’re with me, awesome! But, if that isn’t going to fill you up right now, choose another verse wherever you are needing nourishment. The key is to just pick one and find someone to be your memorization partner (if you need one, I’m here! Email me at buildingblockswm@gmail.com).

So, you Romans 6ers hit verse 3. In theory we already tackled 1 & 2 per my last post. How are you going to do it? Make copies, index cards, or whatever works. Put it at your kitchen sink, in your car (for stoplights), by your bed, and anywhere else you are often. It’s easy to practice when it’s right in front of you. Also, you can ask your kids to help by listening while you practice aloud. What a great example you’ll be for them.

Speaking of the kids, I hope you found Proverbs 17:22 on the vitamins a fun way to memorize with them. As sweet as they think those vitamins are, that verse from their lips is oh so much sweeter. And a joyful heart it does make.

This week’s verse is Colossians 3:12:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Grab a sticky note, write the verse, and put it on your child’s dresser, a drawer, closet door, or wardrobe. If you want to do something ‘prettier’, that’s great, just don’t let it keep you from getting started. Now, you’re ready to go!
Say it every morning when you are dressing the kids, or when they are dressing themselves.

Some days, when Reece is struggling, I’ll say in a fun-loving voice, “Oh, did you forget to clothe yourself God’s way today?” I’ll tickle him, we’ll giggle, and I’ll help him quickly take off his clothes and put them on again. It may not work every time, but, it’s so sweet when it does.

I try to say it also when I’m getting dressed. Some days I forget. Just practice it when you remember.
Some days, I have to re-dress too. ; )
I’m going to put another sticky note in my closet right now.

Even if you’re not sure you can do a verse a week, just do this week.
It’s like having a healthy snack instead of choosing the oreos. It’s good for ya. : ) – by Sundee McDonald

Been mourning Zach’s 1 year birthday coming up on Tuesday. Oh how this year went by so fast. sniff, sniff.

It’s only Sunday, and I already feel a little anxiety and busy this week with birthday fun on Tuesday and then a small gathering on Saturday. I’m figuring I need every ounce of kiddo nap/sleep time for planning and prep, as hospitality does not sit atop my spiritual gifts.

So, while I knew I needed to follow through on the big challenge post this week, I thought I might put it off one more week, instead writing a quick post with a new verse for the kiddos.

After all, I had big plans tonight to compile a slideshow of pictures from Zach’s first year of life.

That is, until I was hit by the message tonight during church.
My time and what to do with it was the treasure I’d been guarding.
Ouch.

So while I don’t have it all figured out, I’m being obedient and issuing the challenge tonight nevertheless.

No way to be close to God without knowing His word.
No way to be a good telescope as Judy called it (vs. a microscope which is inwardly-focused) without knowing His word.

And that cute little verse about hiding His word in our heart in Psalm 119:11? Yeah, it ain’t just for the kids.

It is for us, so that we can live out Deuteronomy 6:5-9 with them…

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

On your heart, impressing, talking, tying, binding, and writing. This is serious stuff.

Ok, you psyched up? Ready to ‘Just Deu it?’ as my friend Millye would say?

Judy said she memorized Romans 6, 7, and 8.
Yep, the chapters, the whole chapters.
But, she also said it took her 3 years.

I’m not asking for a 3 year commitment. Or 3 whole chapters.
I’m only asking for 1. Romans 6.
It sounds like a lot, I know.

BUT, how many songs do you know all the words to, eh?
This is better than any of those songs. It’s the living, breathing word of God. How cool is that?

Grab your bible or just click here to Read Romans 6. It’s pretty short and don’t you just love how it’s conversational and ends some sentences with a question?
; )

Not convinced?
Know what happened when I was driving home from church still wrestling with giving up the time tonight to work on that slideshow?
In my mind, I was honestly trying to justify working on it, and my busy, busy thoughts were immediately ramrodded with this:

What shall we say then, shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!

Read it aloud again: “What shall we say then, shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!”
That’s Romans 6:1
Hah! You just memorized the first verse, and the start of the second.
So, you’re already on your way!

I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but we can do it together. Remember, we’re better together. : )

For now, keep practicing verse 1 and add in verse 2. Those two flow so nicely. They are easy peasy.
Might help to print it out and put on your nightstand to practice before you fall asleep and while you get dressed in the morning.

Speaking of getting dressed, that’s a clue to the next post and verse.

In the mean time, don’t think about it or justify it away, “Just Deu it!” – by Sundee McDonald