bookinator/inthemidst.csv

Automate Inkscape to create PDF files you can use to make a book-like thing

Title,Text,Verse,Reference
Waking,"Some days the alarm wakes me, but more often than not it's a small child in my ear asking for breakfast!  However you are woken this week, focus on the following verse and remember that He will be the strength you need to get through the day.  You might like to put this verse on your bedside table, under your pillow, or on the snooze button of your alarm clock.  Rise and shine, and sing of his love in the morning!  ","But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.",Psalm 59:16
Tangles,"Your heavenly Father knows you like no one else does.  Inside and out.  He knows you, right down to the number of hairs on your head.  This week, each time you do your ""do"" or brush your kids' hair, focus on the following verse.  You might like to put this verse in the drawer with your brushes and combs, on your straightener or hair dryer, or somewhere else in your bathroom.  If you have a daughter why not put a copy with her ribbons and clips?  Let her know that she is loved.",Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.,Matthew 10:30
Showering,"I took showers for granted before I had kids!  It used to be daily quiet time to myself and I was oblivious to the world beyond the bathroom door.  I know it's different once you’re a mum, but each time you shower this week (hopefully once a day...) focus on the following verse.  You might like to put this verse on the outside of your shower screen facing in so that you can read it while showering without it getting wet!  Begin the day with clean skin and a clean heart. ","Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  ",Hebrews 10:22-23
The Fridge,"Do you comfort eat?  I must admit that I do at times.  I am guilty of peering into the fridge, not because I’m particularly hungry but just because I need something.  Taking refuge in the Lord doesn’t add an inch to your waistline!  Put the following verse on your fridge this week and say it each time you open the door.  Consider what it is that you really need.",Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.  ,Psalm 34:8
Shuffling Shoes,"I once had occasions to wear hot shoes.  Now I mostly wear mummy-flats or no shoes, but I sure do spend a lot of time buckling up shoes on little feet.  This week, each time you put shoes on yourself or your kids, focus on the following verse.  You might like to put this verse on your wardrobe or on the family shoe rack near your front door.  Maybe this verse will even come to mind as you lust after shoes in a store or catalogue...!   Remember that you're on a firm footing with God.","He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.  ",Psalm 40:2
Every Breath,"I love that first breath of fresh air as I open the house up for the day.  I breathe it into my lungs and into my soul, and I remember that I am alive.  I look outside and see signs of life all around me.  There are creatures big and small, all given breath by the Life Giver, all praising Him in their own way.  Put this verse on whichever door or window you open first as part of your morning routine, and consider your own breathing as you focus on the verse.       ",Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Praise the LORD. ,Psalm 150:6
Laundry,"How is it that a single child can create twice as much laundry as an adult?!  It’s a never-ending cycle of wash-dry-fold-wear-wash.  This week as you attempt to conquer Mt Washmore, or Mt Launderest, or whatever you call your mountain of dirty clothes, focus on the following verse.  You might like to put the verse on your washing machine, clothes hamper, or on the door to your laundry.  Our hearts need constant cleaning too, and God is the ultimate stain remover. ","Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.  ",Psalm 51:7
Driving,"How often do you cringe as the traffic light turns amber and you have to sit through another cycle of lights?  It probably doesn’t affect your trip time, so this week use it as an opportunity to focus on the following verse.  Instead of impatiently willing the light to change to green, take a moment to breathe God’s words in.  Please don’t put the verse on your windscreen though!  Perhaps the passenger seat, or wherever you keep your car keys might be safer alternatives.  Relax and let God be in control.","Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.  ",Psalm 46:10
The Dishes,"“It’s what’s inside that counts.""  We're quick to share this pearl of wisdom with our kids, but do we live it out in our own lives?  The truth is that it’s easy to brush up our outer appearance but ignore the sin in our hearts.  This week, each time you load or unload the dishwasher, or wash up by hand, think on the following verse.  You might like to put this verse on the splashback behind your sink or on the door of the dishwasher.  Don't you want to be completely clean?","Woe to you... you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  ",Matthew 23:25
Stinky Days,"Have you ever done the maths on how many nappies you've changed?  It doesn't take long to make it into the thousands.  Many of them stink.  And the older bubs get, the more they eat and the worse the nappies smell.  Then there's toilet training...!  Ah, the trials of a mummy's day.  Put this verse near the change table or potty and focus on it to get you through whatever trials you face this week.  God never said life would be without its share of stinky days.","Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  ",James 1:2
Bed Making,"Motherhood is exhausting.  The combination of household chores and child rearing can feel like a heavy burden.  Same jobs, day in, day out.  I try to take time out for myself, but it doesn’t always replenish me.  There’s only one way to get the deep refreshing I need.  This week as you make the beds again and again, focus on the following verse.  You might like to put a copy under everyone’s pillow and pray this verse over your family as well as for yourself.","Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  ",Matthew 11:28
Kisses,"I knew that God loved me before I had kids.  I just didn’t know how all encompassing love could be.  I didn’t understand the kind of love that makes your heart burst, or break, for another.  I didn’t understand love that would make you willing to lay down your life.  That’s a mother’s love.  And it’s only a glimpse into God’s love for us.  Think on this verse as you kiss your kids or tell them you love them this week.","How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! ",1 John 3:1
Thirst,"Without a second thought we turn a tap and clean, fresh water gushes forth.  Water for drinking, water for washing, water for dishes, water for baths, water for cooking.  We really don’t value our water highly enough, and without it our lives would be vastly different.  Without living water our lives would be different too.  Put this verse near the kitchen tap and focus on it each time the water runs. ","Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ""If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."" ",John 7:37-38
The Dust,"Do you ever feel looked down on because you are a mother, especially if you are a SAHM?  Don’t be discouraged.  The menial daily tasks you undertake as you serve your family do not go unnoticed by your heavenly Father.  As you sweep your floors this week focus on the following verse, and remember that God isn’t proud of the proud.  You might like to put the verse on your broom cupboard or on your dustpan and brush.","Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.  He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust.   ",Isaiah 26:4-5
Cleaning Teeth,"As a mum I am diligent about keeping my kids’ teeth clean in the hope of avoiding decay.  I’m not sure that I’m as diligent with my soul.  Despite my best efforts to live a clean life, sin sneaks in and begins to rot my heart.  On the days when I think I am blameless, I know I’m not looking hard enough because I am far from perfect.  Give yourself a reality check by taping this verse near your toothbrush for the week.","Who can say, ""I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin""?  ",Proverbs 20:9
Sleep,"When you become a mum you experience a whole new level of tiredness.  Tossing and turning through pregnancy is followed by the numbing weeks of night feeds and before you know it you’re tackling the toddler years.  You just don’t get the quality or quantity of sleep you once did.  Focus on this verse each night as you collapse into bed, secure in the knowledge that the God who never sleeps has you and your family safe in His hands.","He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.  ",Psalm 121:3-4
A Cuppa,"I have one at breakfast, one in the afternoon and one at the end of each long day.  Coffee is good.  I love the sound as the water is poured into the mug, I love stirring in the milk, I love watching the steam rise, and I love that first sip. Often I'm disappointed when it's finished!  Do you know that God wants to fill your cup to overflowing?  Whether you are a tea lady or a coffee gal, think on this verse as the kettle boils.  ",You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  ,Psalm 23:5
Money Matters,"I try to keep an emergency fiver in the back of my purse, and I have to replace it often because I use it often!  Spending is easy.  Too easy sometimes.  It’s even easy to want more than we have, and spend more than we can afford to.  Each time you open your purse this week focus on the following verse, and strive to be content with what you already have.  You might like to slip this verse in with your credit card.","Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ""Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."" ",Hebrews 13:5
Breakfast,By the time breakfast has started my mind is already racing ahead to our agenda for the day and all that needs to be achieved.  I often forget to lay my plans before the Lord.  Our heavenly Father is waiting to hear from us about little things and big.  Don’t start the day without Him.  Why not tape this verse to your cereal box and give your day to God?  (And don't skip breakfast. You need it to get through your mummy day.),"In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.  ",Psalm 5:3
Phone Calls,"Watching my children playing with a phone always makes me laugh.  They are little mimics and repeat all the phrases they hear me regularly say on the phone!  Sometimes though I forget how much they hear.  I need to be mindful of what I say in conversation, especially when my kids are around.  Scripture says my words should benefit those who listen.  Put this verse on your phone to remind you this week.","Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  ",Ephesians 4:29
The Pantry,"As I unpack the groceries the spaces in my pantry are quickly filled up with tins and jars and packets and boxes.  I top up the empty containers and put special treats up high out of reach.  As you restock your shelves after shopping this week, and as you reach into the pantry each day focus on the following verse.  Put the verse on the door for everyone in the family to think on.   Where is your treasure stored?","Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ",Matthew 6:20-21
Fragrance,"My perfume days are long gone.  I neither have the inclination nor the occasion to wear it anymore!  Deodorant is about as fragrant as I get, and I sometimes need to respray during the day to keep me smelling sweet.  Tape this verse to your deodorant can and meditate on living an unselfish life of love each time you spray this week.","Live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  ",Ephesians 5:2
Box Watching,"I try not to rely on it too much, but I’ll admit the television gets a good workout in our house.  It goes on for a short time in the morning so that I can madly get things organised.  I put a dvd on in the afternoon while I take care of dinner preparations.  And it’s often the way I wind down at the end of the day.  TV isn’t bad, but it’s important to keep it in its place.  Every time you reach for the remote this week, focus on the following verse.","For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.  ",Colossians 1:16
Lunch,As a mum I seem to achieve twice as much in a morning as I used to BC (before children) and I’m always famished by lunch time!  My stomach often grumbles audibly as I make sandwiches for my kids before finally sitting down to my own lunch.  Is your soul as hungry as your stomach?  Reflect on the following verse each time you sit to eat lunch this week.,"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.  ",Matthew 5:6
Folding Clothes,"I always leave the laundry too long before folding.  If I folded the clothes as soon as they were dry I wouldn’t spend as much time uncrushing and uncreasing!  When it’s my life that needs straightening out, rather than my clothes, I turn to this verse and remember that I need to release my grip on things so that God’s plan can unfold.  You might like to put this verse on the handle of your washing basket.","Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  ",Proverbs 3:5-6
Bubble Baths,"Bath time signals the home stretch.  As I put my kids into the bath and cover them with suds I am always glad to wash away the messes of the day.  I’m also glad to take my children out of the bath and snuggle them into a warm towel.  Place this beautiful verse in your bathroom and reflect on it as you bathe your littlies this week.  Regardless of the kind of day they've had, love your kids deeply.","Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ",1 Peter 4:8 
Adorning,"Do you have some jewellery you put on routinely?  For me it’s my wedding rings, my watch, and a pair of child-safe earrings.  On the odd occasion when I go out sans kids I love to choose some dangly earrings or long chunky beads.  I enjoy wearing different jewellery but I know it doesn't make me a more beautiful woman.  Put this verse on your jewellery box this week and consider its message. ","Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ",Proverbs 31:30
Picking Up,"Some days I feel like an emu.  All I do is walk around pecking at the floor picking up shoes, toys, crusts, and more.  It’s a relentless task.  I sometimes find that I am guilty of picking at my family as I pick up their things.  This verse gives my attitude the adjustment it needs.  Is there a messy hotspot in your home where you could strategically place this verse to remind you? ",Whatever you do work with all your heart like you’re working for the Lord not men.  ,Colossians 3:23
Clock Watching,"I think of this stage of mothering young children as a season.  The kids won’t be little forever, and thankfully I won’t be dealing with nappies, baby food and toilet training forever either!  This season is challenging but also joy-filled.  Some days the clock seems to tick so slowly, but I am learning to embrace all that this season offers.  The time will be gone before I know it.  You might like to put this verse near the clock you check most often during the day.","There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. ",Ecclesiastes 3:1
Wiping Up,"Kids are messy eaters, especially between 12 and 24 months.  Often food goes everywhere except in their mouths!  Some foods you definitely have to wipe up as soon as they hit the deck.  Some foods you’re better off leaving until they’ve dried out.  Either way, you spend a lot of time cleaning up after meals.  Give thanks for the mess makers, the food and the furniture as you wipe up this week.  You might like to tape the verse to the back of the high chair.","Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ",1 Thessalonians  5:18
Technology,"Are you intimidated by new technology?  We live in a fast paced digital world and it can be hard to keep up.  Perhaps it's something else in life that gets you jittery and nervous.  As you power up your PC each day this week, remember that you are tapped in to a higher power.  Our God is a great God.  Try using the memory verse as a screen saver for the week.","For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. ",2 Timothy 1:7
Mail,"To accept something is to receive it with approval.  When a parcel is delivered to my door or my letterbox I sign for it and take it willingly, even if I’m unsure of what’s inside the package.  Sadly I am not always as willing to accept other people I am unsure of.  Christ has accepted me.  Who then am I to judge another?  Tape this verse inside your letterbox for the week.","Accept one another then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.  ",Romans 15:7
Mistakes,Accidents happen.  They happen occasionally to adults and often to kids.  Are you hard on your children when they spill something or break something?  God only asks that we admit our fault and change our behaviour.  That’s the model we should follow when dealing with our children’s mistakes too.  Reflect on this verse as you deal with accidents this week. ,"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.   ",1 John 1:9
Messages,"Messaging has become a way of life and changed the way mums communicate online and over the phone.  At times though it can be easy to misinterpret or overanalyse a brief message.  Focus on the following verse this week, replacing “speak” with “type/txt” and see what difference it makes to the way you interact with others.  You might like to keep the verse near your mobile for the week.","My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry... ",James 1:19
Dinner,"Satisfied.  Content.  Fulfilled.  In a world that constantly tells me I need more of everything, I sometimes forget that God has already given me enough.  My family and I have our basic needs met daily, and we always have enough food to eat and be satisfied.  You might like to put this verse on the table for all of the family to read, or incorporate it into your evening grace.",They all ate and were satisfied... ,Mark 6:42
Lists,"I am never without a to-do list.  Often I have several on the go simultaneously, online and off.  At times I feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks I need to get through in the hours I have available.  I struggle to prioritise life and keep an eternal perspective.    Place this verse wherever you keep your to-do lists, or even print blank to-do lists with this verse at the top!","Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ",Philemon 3:13-14
Tears,"The early years are full of tears.  Initially babies cry as their basic form of communicating need.  Then babies become toddlers who tantrum.  And tantruming toddlers become children who cry when they are hurt, sick, sad or afraid.  Mums cry too.  Our tears never go unnoticed.  As you wipe away tears this week focus on this promise from God’s word.  You might like to tape it to your tissue box.",For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.  And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. ,Revelation 7:17
Writing,"Despite advances in technology I don’t think the humble pen will ever be phased out.  I still grab a pen to write shopping lists, scribble phone numbers or take notes, and an email will never replace a hand written thank you letter.  Each time you pick up a pen this week, for any reason at all, reflect on this verse about writing on our hearts. ","Let love and faithfulness never leave you;  bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ",Proverbs 3:3
Sharpening,"My husband makes me a better person.  He doesn’t always agree with me, and he isn’t afraid to call me out when my attitude is ungodly.  If I am like a knife, he is like a steel that sharpens me.  I don’t like it when we grate against each other, but there are times when it is for my own good, and I am more effective as a result.  Who sharpens you?  Place this verse near your knife block in the kitchen this week.","As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. ",Proverbs 27:17
Sunshine,"Regardless of which city or country we live in, regardless of our financial position or social status, regardless of our differences – the same sun rises on us each day.  Regardless of circumstance the Son came for each of us too.  Each time you see sunshine this week, focus on the following verse.  You could put it on a window, or perhaps on your sunglasses case.","My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun... ",Malachi 1:11
Seasoning,"I love making playdough with my kids.  We’ve made it so many times I don’t even need the recipe anymore.  I just have to make sure there’s enough salt in the cupboard!  Salt has many important uses, from seasoning to preserving to cleansing.  As Christians we are called to be salt in the world.  Reflect on what that means for you each time you use salt this week.","Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other. ",Mark 9:50
Reflections,"What kind of relationship do you have with mirrors?  Some people make the most of every opportunity to check their reflection, while others avoid mirrors like the plague.  The word of God can be a mirror for us too.  When we look at Scripture we often learn much about ourselves.  Place this verse on your bathroom mirror and reflect (!!) on it this week.","Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ",James 1:23-24
Darkness,"In the middle of the night I sometimes stumble downstairs for a glass of water.  I know that flicking on the switch will be blinding, so I open the fridge just a little instead.  It’s amazing how that tiny light illuminates the whole kitchen.  Do you light up the world around you in a way that brings glory to God?  Put this verse near a light switch in your home this week. ","...Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.  ",Matthew 5:16
Playtime,"“Mummy, come and play with me...”  It’s a phrase I hear often.  There are some days when I am happy to drop what I’m doing and involve myself in my kids’ play.  There are other days though when I am slow to respond, or too busy to give my children more than one quick round of a game.  This verse reminds me that I will reap what I sow.  Consider this verse as your kids ask for your time this week.","Remember this:  Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ",2 Corinthians 9:6 
Visitors,"What is your response when the door bell rings, or when there’s a knock at the front door?  Are you excited that you have a visitor, or panic stricken about the state of the house?!  I’m usually a combination.  Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts, and he does so without judgment about the state we're in.  Put this verse on your door this week, and pray it over any visitors you receive.    ","Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. ",Revelation 3:20
Naptime,"Straight after lunch I put the kids down for a nap, and my golden hour begins.  It’s my time to rest, recover, regroup and prepare for the afternoon shift.  At times I am tempted to get some housework done, but I know that taking time out to rest is best in the long run.  Schedule in some time for rest this week, and reflect on the following verse each day while your kids nap.","I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. ",Psalm 4:8
Rubbish,"A fair amount of rubbish comes out of our home.  We are not particularly wasteful but the bin is still full every day and needs emptying.  Life has its fair share of rubbish too, and it's a little harder to deal with.  This verse gives us some reminders of how we should respond as Christians: with hope, patience and faith.  Tape the verse to your bin this week, and consider how you are responding to situations in your own life each time you take out the rubbish.","Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ",Romans 12:12
Key Chains,I’ll never forget the day my toddler posted the car keys under the fridge.  Without them we couldn't lock the house or drive the car and we really needed to go out!  I was so relieved when we finally discovered their hidden location.  Hang this verse on your key chain this week and consider what is key in your life.,"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure. ",Isaiah 33:6
Sneezes,"Achoo!  It’s a shame we only bless another person when we hear them sneeze.  The bible tells us we are blessed for many reasons, and this verse reminds us that we are blessed when we put our trust in God.  Recite this verse to yourself whenever you hear someone sneeze this week.  And don’t forget to bless them as you do!","But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. ",Jeremiah 17:7
Discipline,"The discipline you received as a child will undoubtedly shape the way you discipline your own children.  But discipline doesn’t end when you become an adult.  Our heavenly Father continues to discipline us for our own good.  Whenever you discipline your kids this week, in whatever way you feel is most appropriate for your family, reflect on this verse.","Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.   ",Hebrews 12:10
Hand Washing,"I must ask the question twenty times a day: “Did you wash your hands?”  It takes a long time for handwashing to become automatic for toddlers.  They need reminding after every toilet trip and before every meal.  I’m not sure that cleanliness is next to Godliness, but this verse does tell us to get clean and get close to God.  Place the verse near the basin in your bathroom this week.","Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ",James 4:8
Bedtime Stories,"Finishing with a bedtime story is such a lovely way to end the day.  It’s an opportunity for loving and for learning.  As you connect with your child one last time before they go to sleep each night this week, consider the following verse.  You might like to place it on your child’s bedside table or bookcase.","Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.",Deuteronomy 4:9