When I was a little girl, attending Sunday school and Bible school, I was eager to memorize Scripture verses. Of course, my teacher usually offered a new Bible, or some other prize to encourage me to memorize. Now, as an adult, I am thankful for the Bible verses I’ve committed to memory, as they often pop into my head at just the right time.

Why is it so important to memorize God’s word? First of all, it helps us to be armed when temptation comes. Second, if we meditate on His word, it helps us know Him better. Finally, when we have His word hidden in our hearts, we’re able to hear His voice as He instructs and guides us to do His will.

One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Proverbs 17:22: “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

What’s your favorite verse?

In my novel, The Struggle, when a terrible tragedy occurred, Hannah blamed her husband and was unwilling to forgive. In Hannah’s grief and anger, she and pulled away from Timothy, emotionally, as well as physically.

Often when a person has been hurt by someone or feels responsible for something they, themselves, have done, they will put the blame on someone else’s shoulders. That seems to be easier than carrying the blame themselves.

Blaming others for things they have done to us, or blaming them for things we have done ourselves, but won’t acknowledge, isn’t pleasing to God, and it only makes things worse in a relationship. What are some ways we can deal with a tragedy or some upsetting event and not put the blame on someone else?

One of the most obvious things about the Amish life is their desire to yield to God and please Him by the things they say and do. They teach their children to pray before and after each meal. They attend church together as a family and sing songs about God. They give themselves to others.

While all these things are pleasing to God, what pleases Him more than anything is when we worship Him with our whole heart. Sometimes we feel the need to please others, but the One we should want to always please is the Lord.

Pleasing God should be our goal;
He sent His Son to save man’s soul.
Like a father cares for his young,
God provides for Christians, everyone.
He takes care of those who trust;
The desire to please Him is really a must.

— WEB