I did finally pick a verse to memorize this past week. Though I suppose it would be more accurate to say that it chose me.
The psalm for last week was Psalm 27 and each morning I was struck by verse 4. Well, by the beginning of it.
Here's what it says (from memory!):
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
And then the verse goes on to say what the psalmist's one thing is.
But I stopped each morning to wonder and write down in my journal, "What's my one thing?"
I had a hard time answering, because I wasn't sure I could pick just one thing to be my one thing for the rest of my life. Yes, I could go with the obvious answer to love God more, to be more like Jesus. But I came up with a whole list of really specific answers! And I couldn't pick just one.
As it got closer and closer to my birthday, and more and more people asked what I wanted, I had a little a-ha! moment. I don't ask for the same thing every year. So maybe this could be my birthday wish verse.
What is the one thing I ask of God, the one thing I seek for this next year? What's my birthday wish?
That made it much easier to pick. Because I can ask for this one thing this next year, and then something else next year. (Which will be 38, not 40!)
So for the next year, I'm going to pray this verse each day.
One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
to be a wise mother.
Here's a peek from my journal yesterday morning:
For this next year, my prayer is to be a wise mother--to teach Audrey and Emma well, to communicate God's truth clearly, to know what to say and when to say it. Please grant me insight into each one of them, I pray. Fill me with love for them and prompt me to action. Help me love them the way you do.
For next week, I think I need to do some review. So my goal is to make sure I have all my verses printed on cards and know where they all are! (Some are on pretty paper, some are scribbled in my prayer journal, some are on index cards. They're all over the house and on all different sized paper. It's driving me crazy!) I'm going to review what I've learned so far and keep them fresh in my mind.
This is not a great picture of me. But I did not catch my hair on fire and I did blow out all the candles at once--3 on the top row and 7 on the bottom--37 candles!
We went to Mom and Dad's for lunch after church and sat around the the table just visiting. Mom made a huge and delicious Sunday dinner, the girls created gorgeous place cards, the table was set with china and crystal. And that's a chocolate/raspberry cake. Mmm...!
One of my birthday cards talks--Wonder Woman. I can't tell you how many times Emma opened and closed it. (Okay, I did too!) And thank you for all the birthday wishes on yesterday's post--each one made me smile.
***
Leave your Memory Monday link below!
If you'd like to memorize each week, click on the Memory Monday button in the sidebar; we'd love to have you join us!
Oh to be a wise woman and a godly mother. I echo your prayer Joanne.
My post is up!http://bythelamplight.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday.html
Posted by: Lora @ By the Lamp Light | March 16, 2009 at 05:46 AM
I'm finally joining in on Memory Monday! I knew that to try it during my year end season at work would have been setting myself up for failure so I waited.
I love your prayer for this year. I need to be praying it too. I haven't very wise as of late.
http://kmf0519.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday-031609.html
Posted by: Mary @ Simple Things | March 16, 2009 at 06:28 AM
I love your birthday 'wish'... Happy Birthday!
Posted by: angela | March 16, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Happy belated birthday, Joanne! I'm sorry this is a belated wish - I wasn't on the computer yesterday so I totally missed it.
I, too, love your birthday memory verse - it's one I think all of us moms could relate to and apply. I've (finally!) decided to join your Memory Monday. I haven't had quiet time yet so I'll come back later and let you know what verse I've chosen - or which one is chosen for me.
Blessings!
Posted by: Dawn W | March 16, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Praying for you this week, dear Joanne! I really am 38 :0) So you are a year younger. Hold on to that 37 as long as you can!
Here is my Memory Monday. Sorry I have been behind of late... http://crownlaiddown.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday.html
Posted by: Holly @ Crownlaiddown | March 16, 2009 at 08:26 AM
After about four weeks (or so!) I finally got mine memorized and I'm back. Here's my link:
http://pinkdaisygirl.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday-proverbs-420-27.html
I just love your birthday wish! I think that is so wonderful and it's definitely a wish that I have daily!
I have been debating about my verses and how to memorize more effectively, etc. I had just decided to write them each on an index card, hole punch the cards, and put them on one of those loose ring binders (kind of like a key chain). You can get them at teacher stores and I'm not sure where else. Then when I'm pretty sure I have them down I'll move on to writing them in my notebook to see how well I'm doing and get them down pat. That way I can carry them around and throw them in my purse or whatever, but they are always together. And if I want to keep all my old ones on there I can too.
You're a young thing compared to me...you're even a whole year younger than my sister. I'm 43! Eek! And I haven't had my birthday yet this year.
Posted by: Kayren | March 16, 2009 at 09:42 AM
I have been a semi-regular follower of your blog for the past several months - but this is the first time I have posted.
I, too, have been called by God to write...so naturally, other Christian writers intrigue me.
Anyway, I had to comment on today's post because I love the "one thing" concept. Rich Mullins had a song called "One Thing" that I LOVE. It talks about out of all the things on earth that distract us - Jesus is the ultimate one thing.
One of the lines is: "I don't want to lose the eternal for the things that are passing....". Thought it was appropriate to your one thing of being a wise mother this next year. That will be a blessed endeavor - because you are investing in your children's eternal lives; and that, my friend, is awesome.
May God knock your socks off this year!
~Amy
www.amy-dalke.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amy | March 16, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Happy Monday! Joanne, I made your Creme Brulee french toast this morning and it was divine, delicious, decadent, DEVOURED! A girlfriend came over for Bible study and we enjoyed this special treat. Thank you for sharing ~smile~
Memory Monday and here it is:
http://lina-unveiled.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday-and-marchin-on.html
Posted by: Lina | March 16, 2009 at 10:32 AM
Happy, happy birthday to you...a little late...sorry about that! My M & M is up for your viewing enjoyment! He he he!
Posted by: Bobbi | March 16, 2009 at 11:09 AM
I love your idea to change your prayer every year... hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: julie | March 16, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Mine's up finally... nap time didn't come soon enough today! Happy Belated birthday! I think it's awesome to remember daily the gift God has given us as mothers, and it's so important to ask God for wisdom and guidance. Thanks for the reminder!
http://2sweetthings.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday_16.html
Posted by: Mandy | March 16, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Happy Belated Birthday, Joanne! And Happy Blogoversary as well! i look forward to reading your posts every week. You're always so encouraging, and you challenge me as well. Thank you for inspiring me in my faith, my family, friends, and home! God's blessings on your 37th birthday! (I celebrated my 40th last November.)...Karen
Posted by: Karen | March 16, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Happy Happy Birthday. My verse chose me this week -at least I think it did. :)
Posted by: Meredith | March 16, 2009 at 06:05 PM
I'm SOOOOO late today...but I'm still here! It's been a REALLY long day! Happy memorizing to everyone this week!
Posted by: Wife of Rob | March 16, 2009 at 07:48 PM
I happen to like your picture. It's a nice memory to have.
That's funny that a verse chose you this week--same with me! My post:
http://nutmeg92.blogspot.com/2009/03/memory-monday-proverbs-423.html
Have a great week y'all!
Posted by: ginger | March 16, 2009 at 07:53 PM
So glad that you had a lovely birthday with the family. The cake looks scrumptious!
Posted by: Holly B. | March 17, 2009 at 01:11 AM
Happy Birthday! I had no idea we were the same age! On May 7th, I will be 37 - a number that doesn't sound too good to me, for some reason. That dinner at your mom's sounds so sweet - and yummy. Hhmmm..... What kind of cake will I want for my bday? I've never thought of a chocolate raspberry one!
I memorized that passage of scripture in Jan. I love it - so beautiful.
Posted by: Kristy | March 17, 2009 at 04:56 AM
Great wish! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Lura | March 18, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Happy Birthday! Funny I am also 37. feb 28.great blog a love to read it.read also your book.
Lot's of Happiness!
Eveline
Posted by: Eveline | March 23, 2009 at 05:07 AM