Genesis 1:3-5
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day.
(This is what started it all. Without light there would be only darkness. I recall this verse every day. With love, Mike)
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
(Laura, The uncertainty of the future is frightening but God has a plan for you. Trust in it!! - Grace)
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.
(Song: “I will delight in the law of the Lord I will meditate day and night. Then like a tree firmly planted I’ll be grounded in your Word. Blessed is the one who follows the ways of the Lord; blessed is the one.” Be the Tree! Mom)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(This is the first verse I learned as a child. It reminds me that as I follow him; he will refresh me, guide me, protect me and heal me. He always exceeds my needs and provides hope. The best shepherd ever! Love him & love you - Suz)
(My dad(Bob) helped me memorize the 23rd Psalm on a rainy day in the Boundary Waters. He turned a nothing day into one of my most memorable. He would be signing right here. Josh: With his navy background he would be “over the moon” proud of you and would tell you how much he loved you. Laura: He would often say that you were the first time he had ever seen what a Surver girl looked like. He was super proud of you and would tell you how much he loved you. Betsy: He would be extremely proud of you and excited at the prospect of a Dr. Surver in the family. He would tell you how much he loved you. - Dad)
Psalm 27:1-3
The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
(Let God’s light shine through you every day! And, don’t fear anything - trust Him w/everything. Love, Aunt Karen *)
Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
(Praising the Lord with music brings me joy. Thanking God for everything is the key to happiness. Belonging to God gives me peace. Knowing the Lord’s love and faithfulness will continue to you and your children gives me hope for the future. Love, Grandma Janis)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
(This verse is my favorite. I know timing is in God’s hands & I am always reminded when I hear the words set to music by the Byrds or the great Bob Dylan. Auntie Chris :)
Matthew 6:9-15
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
(Mom/Grandma Sally Surver - taught me this prayer when I was a young boy. I said it night after night in my bed for mom before going to sleep when I was growing up. She always made sure I said it with conviction, then kissed me on the forehead. I will never forget what I didn’t realize at the time was such a special moment with the Lord, my mom & me! Love, Uncle Mick)
Matthew 6:25-34
Therefore I tell you,do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(I am encouraged that there are so many verses telling us not to worry - but to seek Him! Love, Dave)
Matthew 18:10-14
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
(I love this passage for three reasons. As a teacher I love that God has a special place in His heart for kids. I think it’s fascinating in what’s said about guardian angels...and I love how it draws such a powerful picture of God’s love. Josh: God was the original to “leave no man behind”. Laura: Having been a sheep who has wandered off...it gives me comfort. Betsy: If you wander off course, it’s comforting to know God has that shepherd’s heart to not leave you behind. Love, Dave)
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
(Grandma Serena Borstad often quoted this Scripture. Grandpa Chuck)
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Fear NOT for NOTHING can separate you from God’s Love. Cling to this promise with every ounce of your strength - like a kitten velcroed to your shirt. :) Love ya! Kristin)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.
(Josh, Love is the greatest power in this world, it will overcome all things!! Grace)
(This is my favorite verse and it was one of mom’s (Grandma Sugar’s - Surver), as she taught it to all of us. It is true, love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love u, Peg)
2 Corinthians 4:8-12
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
(Faith gives us power to endure the tough times & appreciate the good times! Dave Starr)
Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(This was my favorite memory work/verse for Lutheran theology in Sunday School and confirmation class. Grandpa Chuck)
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
(Grandma Sally introduced me to this (similar) verse when I was young. It didn’t mean much to me then, but as I have grown up, I rely on this verse almost every day. I am so thankful she shared this with me as it has guided me, calmed me, and taught me to be content with what I do have. So when life gets tough, you have a big decision to make or you are anxious about something...PRAY. Put it in God’s hands and remember this verse. Love, Jenna)
(My mom, your grandma Sally would be signing here. Chapter 4 of Philippians was by far her favorite in the Bible...and she studied the Bible a lot. She would say that she was so proud of you and loved you sooo much - Dave.)
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(This verse has helped me believe in myself from start to finish with everything that I have done. I can only hope that it will help you too! acrostic: Forever Rely On God Let the FROG be your personal mascot as it is mine! Erika Starr)
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
(Gram Sugar(Sally) wrote down this verse on a notecard when I was young. It’s one of my favorites! Let Him have all your worries & cares, for He is always thinking about you & watching everything that concerns you. Much Love, :) Jen McPherson)
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
(My dad(Bob) said that he had one wish for me, and that was that I would gain wisdom. In turn, I pray that one of your many blessings would be wisdom. Love, Dave)
Genesis 1:3-5
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning - the first day.
(This is what started it all. Without light there would be only darkness. I recall this verse every day. With love, Mike)
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
(Laura, The uncertainty of the future is frightening but God has a plan for you. Trust in it!! - Grace)
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.
(Song: “I will delight in the law of the Lord I will meditate day and night. Then like a tree firmly planted I’ll be grounded in your Word. Blessed is the one who follows the ways of the Lord; blessed is the one.” Be the Tree! Mom)
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
(This is the first verse I learned as a child. It reminds me that as I follow him; he will refresh me, guide me, protect me and heal me. He always exceeds my needs and provides hope. The best shepherd ever! Love him & love you - Suz)
(My dad(Bob) helped me memorize the 23rd Psalm on a rainy day in the Boundary Waters. He turned a nothing day into one of my most memorable. He would be signing right here. Josh: With his navy background he would be “over the moon” proud of you and would tell you how much he loved you. Laura: He would often say that you were the first time he had ever seen what a Surver girl looked like. He was super proud of you and would tell you how much he loved you. Betsy: He would be extremely proud of you and excited at the prospect of a Dr. Surver in the family. He would tell you how much he loved you. - Dad)
Psalm 27:1-3
The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.
(Let God’s light shine through you every day! And, don’t fear anything - trust Him w/everything. Love, Aunt Karen *)
Psalm 100
Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
(Praising the Lord with music brings me joy. Thanking God for everything is the key to happiness. Belonging to God gives me peace. Knowing the Lord’s love and faithfulness will continue to you and your children gives me hope for the future. Love, Grandma Janis)
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
(This verse is my favorite. I know timing is in God’s hands & I am always reminded when I hear the words set to music by the Byrds or the great Bob Dylan. Auntie Chris :)
Matthew 6:9-15
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
(Mom/Grandma Sally Surver - taught me this prayer when I was a young boy. I said it night after night in my bed for mom before going to sleep when I was growing up. She always made sure I said it with conviction, then kissed me on the forehead. I will never forget what I didn’t realize at the time was such a special moment with the Lord, my mom & me! Love, Uncle Mick)
Matthew 6:25-34
Therefore I tell you,do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat? Or What shall we drink? Or What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
(I am encouraged that there are so many verses telling us not to worry - but to seek Him! Love, Dave)
Matthew 18:10-14
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.
(I love this passage for three reasons. As a teacher I love that God has a special place in His heart for kids. I think it’s fascinating in what’s said about guardian angels...and I love how it draws such a powerful picture of God’s love. Josh: God was the original to “leave no man behind”. Laura: Having been a sheep who has wandered off...it gives me comfort. Betsy: If you wander off course, it’s comforting to know God has that shepherd’s heart to not leave you behind. Love, Dave)
Romans 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
(Grandma Serena Borstad often quoted this Scripture. Grandpa Chuck)
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Fear NOT for NOTHING can separate you from God’s Love. Cling to this promise with every ounce of your strength - like a kitten velcroed to your shirt. :) Love ya! Kristin)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.
(Josh, Love is the greatest power in this world, it will overcome all things!! Grace)
(This is my favorite verse and it was one of mom’s (Grandma Sugar’s - Surver), as she taught it to all of us. It is true, love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love u, Peg)
2 Corinthians 4:8-12
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
(Faith gives us power to endure the tough times & appreciate the good times! Dave Starr)
Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(This was my favorite memory work/verse for Lutheran theology in Sunday School and confirmation class. Grandpa Chuck)
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
(Grandma Sally introduced me to this (similar) verse when I was young. It didn’t mean much to me then, but as I have grown up, I rely on this verse almost every day. I am so thankful she shared this with me as it has guided me, calmed me, and taught me to be content with what I do have. So when life gets tough, you have a big decision to make or you are anxious about something...PRAY. Put it in God’s hands and remember this verse. Love, Jenna)
(My mom, your grandma Sally would be signing here. Chapter 4 of Philippians was by far her favorite in the Bible...and she studied the Bible a lot. She would say that she was so proud of you and loved you sooo much - Dave.)
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(This verse has helped me believe in myself from start to finish with everything that I have done. I can only hope that it will help you too! acrostic: Forever Rely On God Let the FROG be your personal mascot as it is mine! Erika Starr)
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
(Gram Sugar(Sally) wrote down this verse on a notecard when I was young. It’s one of my favorites! Let Him have all your worries & cares, for He is always thinking about you & watching everything that concerns you. Much Love, :) Jen McPherson)
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
(My dad(Bob) said that he had one wish for me, and that was that I would gain wisdom. In turn, I pray that one of your many blessings would be wisdom. Love, Dave)