But of all the things two kids and a husband managed to leave out every day, there was one thing she never put away: my dad's Bible and his study notes. And she often left hers out as well.
I think she liked seeing the evidence of a husband and father who was chasing after Jesus' heart. And I think she wanted my brother and I to know we had parents who believed in the importance of knowing and studying God's Word. Yet another example of the way my parents not only told us how to live as a follower of Christ but also modeled it day in and day out.
But more than simply allowing us to watch from a distance while they allowed God's Word to guide our family, they invited us to dig in with them. The summer after I graduated from high school my mom challenged me to complete a Beth Moore study with her. Not only did those two hours with Mom each week produce some of the best conversations, they also gave me a love for studying, understanding and truly knowing what He has to say to me. And it taught me His Word really is a lamp for my feet. It really does guide me through life. And hiding it in my heart, having it at the ready when I'm struggling for direction really does show me the way to go.
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I see you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might no sing against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statues!
With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I deight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.
- Psalm 119:9-16 (ESV) -
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Care to read the first eleven lessons I learned from my family? You can find them here.
5 comments:
That is such a lovely and inspiring post. I found your blog through The Inspired Room's 31 days series.
I'll have to come back and read through some of your other posts :)
I love that. :) I love that she kept things neat and tidy and wanted things put where they belonged. And really, I guess she actually was leaving the Bible right where it belonged...right in the center of your family's life instead of tucked away on a bookcase. Wonderful. :)
And I love the idea of really digging in deep with my girls in His Word some day. Of course, I already love the little bits they are starting to get and think about even now.
Blessings to you!
I don't remember how I found your blog, but I've been reading for awhile. It's GREAT! I'm loving your 31 Days! Your posts are striking deep inside me. :)
What Bible study did you do with your mom? I'm looking for one and am hoping I can get some other girlfriends to join me, it's something that I'm aching for right now.
Hi, Leaners! So glad you found this space and are enjoying the series. Mom and I usually went through Beth Moore workbooks together. We've done the David study and the Patriarchs study. I've also done Beth's study on the fruit of the Spirit. I really, really enjoyed that one. I can hunt through some other books I have to find a few more recommendations if you'd like. Feel free to shoot me an email at animperfectbeauty(at)yahoo(dot)com if you have any other questions!
Thanks! I'll have to look them up!
Like I said, I just really need a women's Bible study right now. :)
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