Five For Friday: Favorite Bible Verses

 To add a little change around here I decided to come up with a post called Five For Friday, where I'll pick a category and add five things pertaining to that topic.  I thought a great subject to start things off is five of my favorite Bible verses.  Although the Bible has many amazing verses and stories these five have had special meaning to me at some point in my life.  

In no particular order:

FIVE FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

"The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid?" -- Psalm 27:1

This verse in this context is found in the New International Version, the version I received at a church at twenty years old after giving my life to Christ.  I have since switched to the King James version but I remember the first time reading this verse.  I was still living at my parents' house, sitting on my bed reading through the Bible and praying for God to forgive me for my past mistakes.  I don't speak about my past much but I was once suicidal and depressed, having no hope I'd ever have a future.  In my teenage years I tried several things I thought would bring me relief through the pain but when I saw these words it was the first time I realized that the only way I could get relief from the pain and strength to go on was only through the Lord.  Psalm 27:1 has since been my life verse and it reminds me who carries my strength.  

"In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world" -- John 16:33

Whenever I read this verse it brings me chills.  Life is difficult but the thing that helps me get through is knowing Who is in control and Who has already won the battle.  

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres, LOVE NEVER FAILS" -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

These verses were spoken at our wedding and is written on the wall above our bed.  Before marriage, Rob and I decided to use 1 Corinthians 13 as a reminder of the most important gift God has ever given us:  Love!

"Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" -- 1 Peter 5:7

Much like how Psalm 27:1 has helped me through my depression 1 Peter 5:7 definitely helps me in those moments when my anxiety wreaks havoc.  

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" -- John 3:16

Oh my!  This verse not only tells us the only way into heaven but it is a reminder of what God did to save us through His son, Jesus.  I'm so, so thankful.  

I hope you enjoyed this post today.  Please let me know what is your go to verse when life feels tough.  

(pictures from DuckDuckGo)

Things I Love About Spring

 We have two of these trees on each side of our driveway.  I don't know what kind of tree it is but they blossom these beautiful white flowers in early spring that only last a few weeks.  

Birds love it for nesting.

Saying hello to a squirrel in a tree during an evening walk.

Nothing says springtime like seeing the daffodils in full bloom.

Bright skies as our flags move around in the breeze.  

Easter decorations are on display getting ready to celebrate the most important holiday of all.  

What are your favorite things about spring? 

My Eagle Scout

As we enter into another week I wanted to take a moment out of my busy schedule to give an update worth sharing.  

My son began his journey as a cub scout in the early elementary school days.  His father unexpectedly took on the role as one of the scout leaders because there weren't enough parents willing to help.  From Tiger, to Wolf, to Bear and Webelos and then receiving his Arrow of Light he crossed over to the boy scouts.  Because of sports he was not always able to attend every Tuesday evening meeting but that did not stop him from earning a total of thirty-six merit badges.  He spent years working hard and pushing through.  Now we are proud to say that as of last Tuesday ...

He's an Eagle Scout!

We waited as he privately interviewed with the Eagle review board.  I knew he had it but was also nervous.  I could tell he was nervous as well.  His sister skipped her dance classes to be there and we all felt pride when hearing the announcement that he had made it.  It takes a lot to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and I'm glad he never gave up.  

Now it's time to plan for the ceremony!  

No matter how many years go by and how much he grows I will always think of him as my little Tiger!  

Windy Spring Day

 Today I have realized that my two year old Siberian Husky would not last one minute in Siberia.  Today is a very windy day and when I opened the back door to let her outside she just stood there in fear.  She flinches and jumps every time the wind blows.  

Oh, Brooke!  You amuse me.  

And Happy Spring, everyone!  We have made it through winter.  Living in the middle of farm country means this is the time of year when the smell of cow manure permeates the air as they begin getting the field ready for the season.  It's gross.  I wish there was a way I could put that smell on this post just so you know just how bad it is.  It's a smell I'll never get used to; however, I can appreciate it because this means we will be blessed with plenty of vegetables to eat.  Thank you, farmers!  

I hope this season of Spring brings you many blessings!