Spiritual Growth

I've spent the past few days thinking about the new year.  I don't make resolutions but this is a good time to reflect.  2010 was great overall.  The last few months were tough.  I think 2011 will be great too however there's some uncertainty at the moment.  I'm doing my best to stay focused on God and remember that he's in control.  I have to remind myself of this frequently as I have a tendency to forget.

I've been thinking about my spiritual life a lot.  The Man & I attend church regular and bible study too.  I know I need more and I haven't been doing what I need to be doing.  I haven't been spending time in the word like I need to be.  I haven't been praying, meditating on scripture & memorizing scripture like I should.  I KNOW this.  I've been aware of it for some time too.  I've tried to fix it on my own but it's so easy to push it aside.  I've come across two things that I'm going to start doing because they will have some level of accountability.

1.  Siesta Scripture Memory.

This is through living proof ministries.  The blog, written by Beth Moore (from what I can tell anyway) has started a scripture memory group made up of thousands of women from across the US and probably around the world.  The goal is simple.  To have us memorize scripture two verses a month for a total of 24 verses.  Not bad.  It's pretty simple.  On the 1st & 15th of every month you leave a comment with your name, location, and the verse you are memorizing for the next two weeks, along with the version.  You choose the verses you want to memorize.  I love that we get to choose.  I've chosen Joshua 1:9 for my first verse.

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

I've memorized scripture in the past.  One of my favorite professors in college would give us 10 verses to memorize and we would have to write them down, verbatim and then use them as a launching off point to discuss topics we covered in class.  I had my last class with in the Spring of 2002 (I think!) and I still remember many of the verses he had us memorize.  I may not have them perfect anymore and I often forget the reference but I know the gist.  It has been so valuable to the past 8 years.  I'm excited to memorize more scripture!  Feel free to check how I'm doing or to quiz me:)

2.  Reading the Bible in 90 days.

I think I've read the whole bible.  Not on purpose but between college and church and reading on my own I've read most of the bible, if not the whole thing.  But since I'm not 100% positive I've read the whole thing, I'm going to make sure I've read the whole thing.  I know I'll fail on my own, so I'm joining Mom'sToolBox for this one.  Again, feel free to ask how I'm doing on this one.  Or better yet, join me for one or both of them!

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I've had times in my life where I was memorizing scripture, doing a daily quiet time and prayer.  My life was drastically different and I saw thing differently.  I miss it.  I also know it's my fault I don't have that anymore.  I'm hoping this will help me get back on track, back to the discipline I used to have when it came to my spiritual life.  So baby steps with doable, achievable goals.  

If you decide to participate in any of these, please let me know so we can encourage one another.  I found them through other bloggers....I can't remember who:(  I'm sorry!