"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19

Ponder: to weigh in the mind; to think about; reflect on; to think or consider, especially quietly, soberly and deeply.

Welcome to the Norway Women's Ministry Blog, "PONDERINGS". This blog is a new and exciting adventure for our ministry. We will begin by posting monthly and we hope to grow to weekly posts. I am so excited to read posts written by my fellow sisters. If you would like to write a post for this blog, please just let me know. I think this is going to be a great way for us to share things we have pondered from God's Word during our quiet times or Bible study and our time in prayer.

I would like to ask you to cover this in your prayers. Pray that God will be glorified in every post. Pray that this will give our sisters an opportunity to share the things they have pondered or treasured up in their hearts. Pray that the words we share will bring encouragement to all.

My pondering: One verse that I find I ponder on a lot is Philippians 4:8. I find great treasures in this verse.

"Finally, my brothers (sisters), whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

I like how The Message puts it, "I'd say you'll do your best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious--the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse."

When I "4:8-it" with my mind, which means choosing to meditate on the things that Paul lists in this verse I find that the following things happen:

Rejoicing in the Lord
I am not anxious about things
Praying about everything to God
God's peace guards my heart and mind and surpasses all my understanding
I can do all things through him who strengthens me
Philippians 4:4-7,13

My dear sisters, God loves us and He wants us to know His joy and peace. Sometimes our lives can become burdened and we can lose our focus and our purpose. I pray that you will find strength and encouragement in choosing to practice the things Paul teaches us in these verses. I am confident of this - that He who has began a good work in each of us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Let your joy and peace be found in God. You are loved by God!

Grace and Peace, Debbie