here again

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 (10:11 a.m.)

Here I am again Dearest Lord,

This time on my own behalf. I am asking for the attributes, as well as the benefits of the Proverbs 31 wife.

I realize the woman described in verses 10-31 was a representation of an ideal wife, but there are many of these qualities I want to make my own.

I long to have my husband validate me as “a truly good wife... worth more than precious gems!” (v.10).

Along with his trust (v. 11) I want to “greatly enrich his life.” Bringing “him good, not harm, all the days of [my] life” (12).

Father God, YOU can help me be productive and generous (vs.13-24). It is because of Your tender love that I can ask to be “clothed with strength and dignity” (25) and to laugh “without fear of the future.”

When I speak (v.26) Blessed Father let my words be wise, with kindness being the rule for everything I say. Make it so that our children truly do stand and bless me (28) as my beloved husband genuinely “joins in with words of praise: 'Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!'” (The Message v.29).

“Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God” (30). Make that me Dearest Father!

Work in me and through me that the fruit of my hands bring You praise (31). This I pray in Your most holy name. Thank You. Amen.

(261 words ~ 11:07 a.m.)

TCB

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 (8:54 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

The precious husband just prayed a mighty prayer asking that You would teach us the importance of “TCB”. Taking Care of Business. Father, I echo him in this request.

Luke 16 tells two distinct stories. One of a dishonest manager. The other of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus.

According to The Life Recovery Bible, the first “story teaches the importance of using material possessions to help bring eternal life and spiritual blessings to others.” Isn't that exactly what I have been asking You to help me learn to do?

“In this [second] story we are shown the consequences of selfishness... God wants us to have the proper attitude toward money and possessions and to use them unselfishly to help others.” Oh, from this page to Your ears is my prayer Dearest Father.

Enable and empower us to Your good stewardship I pray. We love You. We long to serve You. Well!

Do in and through us that which we have yet to accomplish on our own. Take Care of Business! Thank You for continuing to show us our great, eternal need of YOU! We love You Father. And we thank You. Amen.

(204 words ~ 10:08 a.m.) 

7:25

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 (7:39 a.m.)

Father God,

You are good. Good. Good! I was feeling sad. Sadder. Saddest. I was half-hearted in my time with You yesterday. Easily distracted. Uninterested. Indifferent. And still You love me.

We have structural damage to our house. Problems were ignored. Now one thing keeps leading to another.

Yesterday I moped. Brooded. Felt sorry for myself. And earlier this morning You took over again with these three numerals: 7, 2, 5. I had no idea where they would take me, until I read the following in The Message.

“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit – but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

Daddy God, thank You. I referred to as 'Daddy' late into last night. There was great comfort in remembering that not only are You a formidable Father, You are also our approachable Dad. Thank You.

Thank You that right in the midst of that thought, the husband and I worked together to flesh out the song that had come to me as a result. ♫With a strength like no other And the heart of a Father How majestic Your whispers What a wonderful God♫

Yes! Wonderful God, thank You for taking my discouraged, sad self and reminding me that You are building this marriage to weather the storms of homeowner improvements. While we may become daunted by the task, YOU remain good. Solid.

Look. Right there. Another song. ♫On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name...♫

Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. Be in and with me this day as I work toward glorifying You and Your eternal Kingdom, not this temporary structure.

Thank You for loving us so much. Enable and empower us to love You as we ought. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(391 words ~ 8:30 a.m.)

choosing

Tuesday, January 29, 2013 (7:31 a.m.)

(10:43 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

You saw that the intent was there. The follow through? Not so much!

Father, I am distracted. We have MAJOR repairs going on even as I type this out.

I am choosing to trust and not be afraid. I am choosing to have faith and hope.

yet one more time

Monday, January 28, 2013 (1:18 p.m.)

Awesome God,

THANK YOU! I am here yet one more time today. You answered our plumbing plea so quickly, I thought I'd give You our storage situation as well.

We have more stuff than space and I would like to bless the loving husband with my ability to let go of MUCH of it. What do You think? Will You be IN me on this endeavor? Please?

Turning to Zechariah 4:6 in the Easy-to Read Version. “He [an angel] said, 'This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from My Spirit.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful says.'”

So All-Powerful Lord, I turn yet one more time to You asking for the help of Your Spirit. Reading The Life Recovery Bible comment I incorporate it here as well. “But when we recognize our own powerlessness, we are able to allow God to step in. His power is more than sufficient for the task of our recovery.”

That is PRECISELY what is needed here. YOUR power working in and through me. Hear my prayer, I pray. With so very much love. Amen.

(204 words ~ 1:40 p.m.)

discern and decide

Monday, January 28, 2013 (8:58 a.m.)

Most Amazing and Incredible Father God,

Thank You that I know I need to come to You with this! We have some HUGE decisions and discernments we need to make today. You know what You would have us do at this stage of the game. You know the decisions You would have us make.

Mistakes were made. And oh my goodness, is the Scripture passage (2 Samuel 14:15-17) I've turned to containing these two words ever dredging up unexpected thoughts and feelings! The further I read (back to chapter 13) the deeper the roots of denial on my part are going.

This is not at all what I was expecting! But right here in the midst of it I am thanking You. Father, You do not cease in the ways You will bring Your Truth into our lives.

One minute I am asking You to help us in our discerning and decision making process and the next You are uncovering even longer ignored problems. Relational problems. NOT the structural ones I was bringing to You.

Father, how I ask You to work in us this day. Use our present state to unearth and repair relationships You would have restored.

Comments in The Life Recovery Bible mention Honesty. We are in desperate need of that! “When the injustices experienced in the past case us pain, we often seek to bury them in the deep recesses of our mind. Being dishonest with ourselves in this way, however almost always allows pain from the past to translate into mistakes and suffering in the future.” AMEN!

Reading further, I am reminded just how good and faithful You are! I came to You asking that You would help us discern and decide a plumbing problem. In so doing, I recognize my need to confess and repent a relational one.

Father God, I have withheld complete forgiveness of another. Seeds of bitterness and resentment lie deep beneath the surface. Here I further confess that I am powerless over the emotions involved in this particular unresolved problem of the past.

While I have come to believe that YOU, the Power greater than myself can restore me to sanity, I struggle to make the decision [would You just look at that!] to turn my will and my life over to Your care. Father I know You to be good. I also know You to be trustworthy. This should absolutely be a no brainer!

I confess fear to You. Fear that I won't measure up. I'll fall short of Your expectations of me. As I continue reading in a Recovery Profile of AMNON & TAMAR and insights from them as well, I am even more aware of You speaking to directly to my heart and my soul.

“When we are living in denial, ignoring a festering problem in our life, God often uses other people [like David's dysfunction family] to confront us with the real issues. I thought I was coming here asking for help with water damage!

“Forgiveness and the restoration of relationships are two primary concerns in recovery. David's disregard for these principles brought painful consequences upon both his family and his kingdom.” Father, work in and through me to YOUR end! I love You so very much. And I DO long to honor and serve You well.

Thank You for loving and forgiving me. Empower me to likewise with others. I love You. Amen.

(576 words ~ 11:33 a.m.)

re-

Monday, January 28, 2013 (6:29 a.m.)

Remarkable Father,

Thank You! You've done it again. Made me want to rush out here, agog [very eager or curious to hear or see something] with You. Thank You.

Thank You that while awfully slow in coming, sleep did happen. Leaving me feeling rested, renewed, refreshed. Which brings me to a prefix this morning. Not a word.

It began with the word remorse. And then we had repent. The next was rebirth. That's when I noticed it. Re-. When put together these two little letters can pack quite a punch!

Examples of definitions range from: “with return to a previous state” to “in opposition”, “in a withdrawn state; back and away; down”, “with frequentative or intensive force” and “with negative force”.

So many words came flooding to me on the walk down the hallway. React, rebuff, recall, remember... and then the one that made me smile. Rejoice! Father I just love when You remind [I didn't even see that one coming!] me of the things to which You would have me paying attention.

Last night I was aware of the beautifully clear sky and the day old full moon. Earlier this morning it was the dark clouds against the lightening sky that had me relishing [look, another re-!] the cloud game. And just now? Colorful shadings on the same, or perhaps different clouds.

A brief walk outside rewarded [yes, I see it!] me with sights of freshly fallen snow on the mountainsides, sounds of animals and the familiar refrain ♫It's a beautiful morning♫ Father, thank You for blessing me so big with just these two little letters. Let me use them well this day. I love You so much and I long to serve You well. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(299 words ~ 7:23 a.m.)

taste

Sunday, January 27, 2013 (6:15 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Much earlier You brought my attention to the word taste. From there my thoughts went to “taste and see”. Now we are at Psalm 34:8.

Blessed Father, the various translations say the same Truth in so many different ways. It almost seems like a tasting fair of Your Word! There's no denying the smile this thought brings to my entire being.

KJ21 says, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him!”

(AMP) “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.”

(CEB) “Taste and see how good the Lord is! The one who takes refuge in Him is truly happy!”

(CEV)“Discover for yourself that the Lord is kind. Come to Him for protection, and you will be glad.”

(ERV) “Give the Lord a chance to show how good He is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on Him!”

(GNT) “Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Happy are those who find safety with Him.”

(MSG) “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to Him.”

(NCV) “Examine and see how good the Lord is. Happy is the person who trusts Him.”

(NET) “Taste and see that the Lord is good! How blessed is the one who takes shelter in Him!”

(NIRV) “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who goes to Him for safety.”

(NLT) “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!”

(WYC) “Taste ye and see, for the Lord is sweet; blessed is the man, that hopeth in Him.”

So many different ways to say the same Truth. Yes indeed. The ULTIMATE tasting fair! Thank You Father for inviting me to taste and see.

Thank You for Your willingness to freely share Your goodness and Your grace. Your mercies that are made new every morning (Lamentation 3:23). It is ONLY in You that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). How very blessed we truly are!

Thank You Father for loving us so much that You gave Your only Son (John 3:16) for our benefit. You are so very good. And I am truly grateful. Use me to be a blessing this day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(419 words ~ 7:21 a.m.)

ignorant

Saturday, January 26, 2013 (7:29 a.m.)

Wonderful Father,

Thank You for keeping me company again. It was another long night with very little sleep. Somewhere in the midst You gave me two words. I'm not sure which is the most appropriate for this morning so I'm turning them back over to You.

Beginning with the first: “ignore – verb – refuse to take notice of or acknowledge; disregard intentionally” and moving on to the second, “ignorant – adjective – lacking knowledge, information or awareness about something in particular; discourteous or rude”.

These both describe me and my inactions in some areas. Speak to me this morning so I will hear what You have for me.

And would You just look at this smile on my face and in my heart! Tracking 'ignorant' I found Psalm 73:22.

Looking at the various translations available to me, I find myself identifying particularly with the one with which I began. The Message. “I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox in Your very presence.” Yep! That can so very often sum me up!

The two verses following (23-24) are where hope comes in. The Living Bible, “But even so, You love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with Your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven.”

Father, thank You! Thank You for providing our every single need. Thank You for loving me in my ignorance. Thank You that I can count on You for the things I am yet able to make decisions about. Keep working in me I pray.

You are so good. And I am truly grateful. Thank You for loving and guiding me. Keep up Your good work in helping me become obedient to Your leading. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(305 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

not alone

Friday, January 25, 2013 (7:02 a.m.)

Most Holy and helpful Father God,

You did it again! I started fretting about repairs in the middle of the night. The thoughts began to loom large. I was on the verge of fear and You reminded me, “argh!” Always Revere God's Holiness!

Right then and there I stopped worrying because I remembered that You are in control. “Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don't forget to thank Him for His answers” (Philippians 4:6).

Because I did exactly that, I went back to sleep. Slept well. Even had a dream where I remembered Your best for us in it. Thank You Father.

Thank You for reminding me of the importance of Living as a New Person (Ephesians 4:17-32). It's easy for me to think the worst. Much harder to hope for the best. This section of Scripture reminds me that I am not alone in this.

Referring to Illustrated Bible Handbook, I read a section entitled Old Man/New Man. “There is growth for the new life and a gradual replacement of the old patterns of passions and responses. But there is always struggle.”

You provide for our every need. You know exactly what is best for us. Even in the middle of the night, left to my own thoughts and devices, You were there reminding me that I was not alone.

Your Word. Your Truth. Your Will. Your Way. These are the things I am to trust. Only through Your Son's sacrificial love on my behalf am I learning more and more of what this looks like in action.

Father God, how I thank You that because of You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit I am not alone. I have hope. I have faith. And I have love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Wow! Thank You for reminding me to Always Revere God's Holiness!

You are good. I am thankful. Continue Your work in me this day I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(338 words ~ 7:52 a.m.)

grateful

Thursday, January 24, 2013 (7:13 a.m.)

Most Holy, Blessed Father God,

Thank You! You are so good. And we are foolish. Your mercies are made new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). And I am grateful.

Grateful to be loved by such a good and caring God (1Peter 5:7). Father, thank You that in the midst of one of the biggest rows the husband and I have had in years, Your calm and sensibilities were experienced by me.

I'm not saying there weren't harsh words spoken or that convulsive tears were not shed. You saw it all. But more important than what was seen by each of us, You were at work. Calming. Soothing. Quieting us down.

Thank You Father. Thank You for making me receptive to Your leading me to choose tranquil music from my high school years to play. Thank You for the turntable on which to play these timeless vinyl albums.

I look to You dearest Lord. I count on You. I am grateful to have Your Word encourage me to make kind gestures. It is only Your loving Truth that enabled us to work together with as little blame as possible.

Father, You know the underlying problems of this household. You alone see it all. You know the secrets of every heart (Psalm 44:21). “O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me” (Psalm 139:1). How I thank You for providing us with Your Word to guide us.

Make us Your good and faithful servants (Luke 19:11-27). Do all that needs to be done to turn us into Your good stewards (Luke 16).

Thank You for loving us Dearest Father. Thank You for making me grateful. I love You. Amen.

(284 words ~ 8:30 a.m.)

useful

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 (7:30 a.m.)

Beloved Father God,

You bless us so big! This morning it was with the most spectacular sunrise I can remember seeing. Yesterday it was with the ability to be useful.

Now there's a word. And a desire! Blessed Father, I absolutely desire to be useful. To You and to others. Will You talk with me about this?

I'm going to confess to You most Awesome God and Father, I've come again to looking at myself quite nonobjectively. I've fallen back into the habit of being extremely harsh and critical when I consider my own attributes. Or as seen in this present case, the lack there of.

I KNOW the things I'm supposed to be doing for proper self care and I am purposely avoiding them. Take this time here with You, I came so close to not even showing up.

Thank You Father that while I'm aware of my faults and as of yet my unwillingness to attempt any changes, I still get to come here before You exactly as I am. I get to be honest with You. Telling You that I want to make better choices. And confessing that I just don't want to have to work very hard at them. How's that for upfront? How about this? I feel fraudulent!

I want to do just enough to keep on this side of having anybody think there's something wrong. I have great ideas and very little follow through. I keep resorting to stubbornness. And once again I relate so strongly with Paul's words to the church of Rome.

Romans 7:14-25. The Struggle Within. The Life Recovery Bible comments, “In these verses, Paul described a struggle all of us can identify with. We long to do what is good, healthy, and right, but we end up doing the same old destructive things... it is part of being human.”

Father God, how I thank You that I am not left here to my own destructive thoughts and choices. You have always known me (Psalm 139). None of this is the least bit surprising to You.

Back to the commentary mentioned above. “For this reason, we need not allow this struggle to discourage us. Instead, we can use our failure to inspire a new moral inventory and then get on with recovery once again. In time, we will discover that our failures become less frequent as God begins to transform our life.”

The fact that I am here with You and not running off trying to hide somewhere is evidence of Your work in transforming my life. Blessed Father, I truly long to be useful for Your Kingdom's good. Paul's letter to encourage Titus to be faithful in applying Your grace in various circumstances keeps encouraging me this morning.

“For the free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone; and along with this gift comes the realization that God wants us to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures and to live good, God-fearing lives day after day” (Titus 2:11-12).

Here I confess to You what I've been dancing around all morning long. I have fallen back into the habit of mindless, random eating. I admit that I don't even want to have to stop. I AM powerless over the pull food has on me. I am absolutely unable to manage healthier choices on my own. I KNOW You can restore me to sanity. I turn my will and and my life over to Your care.

Father thank You. Thank You for Your willingness to love me expecially when I am unable, or unwilling to love myself.

Further on in Titus (3) again I am reminded of the importance of Doing Helpful Things. Thank You!

Verse three through seven, “We used to be stupid, disobedient and foolish, as well as slaves to all sorts of desires and pleasures. We were evil and jealous. Everyone hated us and we hated everyone. God our Savior showed us how good and kind He is. He saved us because of His mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done. God washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit. He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning. God sent Jesus Christ our Savior to give us His Spirit. Jesus treated us much better than we deserve. He made us acceptable to God and gave us the hope of eternal life.”

This is Truth with which I am far too careless! Forgive me Father. Instill in me Your power to truly be Your “good and faithful servant” (Luke 19:11-27).

I love You so very much. I honestly am so very grateful. Empower me to live every single moment reflecting this.

Titus 3:14 expresses my humble request to You this day. “Our people should learn to spend their time doing something useful and worthwhile.” My heart to Your ears Blessed Father! Thank You. Amen.

(822 words ~ 9:26 a.m.)

prowess

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 (6:57 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Here's a word I didn't expect! Prowess. Distinguished valor or bravery, especially in combat or battle; exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength. Teach me what it is You have for me here.

Father, I love You. You provide for us so perfectly. Little did I expect to find the word prowess in Your Word, yet here it is. Several times. And each I look into is causing me to smile and utter indistinguishable sounds of amazement. Thank You Father.

To Job (38:2-39:30) You presented a series of questions to illustrate how little he knew about Your ways and all that You had created. You didn't explain his suffering, but instead revealed Your omnipotence and wisdom. How do we argue the fact that You are God and we, merely man!

Thank You Father for Your call on our lives to worship and trust You all the while we praise You and await Your deliverance. I confess how I tend not to do this. No. I am so much more apt to complain and fret, while I criticize and agonize. Thank You that Your ways are SO not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Your Word offers so much hope when only we take the time to steep in it. Thank You that in each of the verses I have turned to this morning there has been a nod of my head agreeing with our foolish understandings and self-imposed imprisonments.

I turned to Ezekiel (23) and read the Parable of Two Sisters. Despite all the blessings You provided the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, they sold themselves into a place of spiritual harlotry. How often we turn to the things that bring us fleeting pleasure in our feeble attempts to hide from the inner pain that only YOU can heal!

We are reminded in Isaiah (28:1-6) of the quickly fading beauty of the things of this world and the lasting value of closely following Your commands. Thank You Father for Your willing desire to completely fill our lives with Your grace and Your glory.

Two Psalms use the word prowess. One (49:10) tells of it being left behind by the rich, proud and wise “right along with fools and dunces”. The other (59:16-17) is where I humbly ask You to make me successful today.

The Message uses prowess where The Living Bible says 'power and mercy'. “But as for me, I will sing each morning about your power and mercy. For You have been my high tower of refuge, a place of safety in the day of my distress. O my Strength, to You I sing my praises; for you are my high tower of safety, my God of mercy.”

Father, I turn towards the words I can easily understand, then I look up the ones that I stumble over. This morning it was The Message to which I returned. “And me? I'm singing Your prowess [mastery], shouting at cockcrow [dawn] Your largesse [generosity], For You've been a safe place for me, a good place to hide. Strong God, I'm watching You do it, I can always count on You – God, my dependable love.”

No wonder the husband and I are both singing ♫Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing Power and majesty Praise to the King; Mountains bow down and the seas will roar At the sound of Your name. I sing for joy at the work of Your hands, Forever I'll love You, forever I'll stand, Nothing compares to the promise I have in You♫

Father, thank You for giving me another word to explore this morning. Remind me that it is Your prowess I trust.

Jesus, thank You for ALL You have done in making this conversation possible.

Holy Spirit, be with me this day as I go about living and loving You Three as I ought.

I do love You! As I thank You. Amen.

(657 words ~ 8:24 a.m.)

sleepless

Monday, January 21, 2013 (7:12 a.m.)

Amazing, Blessed, Wonderful God,

I love You. Sleep didn't happen for me last night. It didn't come until earlier this morning. Yet here I am. Smiling. I just read some of Your Word which mentions 'sleepless'.

Psalm 56:8 in The Message, “You've kept track of my every toss and turn through the sleepless nights, Each tear entered in Your ledger, each ache written in Your book.” While there were no tears nor many aches and I didn't count every toss or turn, it's supremely comforting to know You were right there with me.

Reading about this psalm I see that it is another that affirms trusting You in days of fear. Hallelujah and thank You! Although I was not feeling especially fearful last night, the fact that You are ever present is heartening.

Pouring over various translations of verse nine, the New Living Translation strikes a chords with me. “My enemies will retreat when I call to You for help. This I know: God is on my side!”

Father, it is self-doubting that I see as my enemies these days. Constantly battling the thoughts that remind me that I am not all I ever thought myself to be. The Truth of Your Word sheds light on this in the form of a Life Recovery Bible commentary for this psalm.

“We can learn a helpful lesson from the psalmist here – we should keep our thoughts focused on God and trust Him. We will find, as the psalmist did, that God is on our side, even during the times when our struggle is most difficult. God will do His part; we, however, must fulfill our responsibilities of being obedient to God's revealed will. His program is always best for us in the long run.”

Father, I know this to be true! I keep playing with the boundary lines. More food. Less exercise. More TV. Less discipline. NOT choices You would have me make I'm sure. Line me up again with Your Will and Your Way. Help me toe the line You have set for me. Empower and enable me to live Your best for me.

I love You. I long to serve You well. Be with me this day I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(385 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

praise and glory

Sunday, January 20, 2013 (7:01 a.m.)

Most Holy and Awesome Father God,

Thank You! Again and again I say to You, “Thank You!” At 10:37 last night, after only an hour of sleep, I woke up wondering why I was already awake. Throughout my thoughts I realized that it didn't really matter. All I truly wanted was for You to ♫be glorified♫ in my life.

Regardless of sleep or pain or any other situation, You being glorified matters! Will You show me how to do exactly that?

From what I am reading right now (1 Peter 4:10-11) it is “with the strength God provides” so the praise and glory will be Yours. That's what is needed. You glorified.

Father, thank You for reminders of the gifts You have given each of us. Too often I am stalled by my own lack of confidence or esteem. Help me put the focus of my everyday life back onto You being praised and glorified.

As I sing one song, asking You to ♫be glorified♫ another begins. Searching it out brings a smile along with further affirmation of Your power.

The Gloria Patri, also known as the Glory Be, I grew up singing it in church on Sundays. Now I find it is also used as a prayer, “Glory be to the Father, And to the Son, And to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, And ever shall be, World without end. Amen.”

Looking it up in The Hymnal, I am referred to Psalm 96:8 where I not only smile but tears come as well. Beginning with verse seven, “O nations of the world, confess that God alone is glorious and strong. Give Him the glory He deserves! Bring Your offering and come to worship Him.”

Most Dear and Holy God, You alone know the things You would have me choose. You know the path You would have me take.

An ending to a reading about the Glory Be prayer says, “Let us try each day, in reciting this prayer and others, to be open to God's graces, so that we may live our lives as hymns of praise to Our Creator.” Live my life as a hymn of praise to You? Oh that I would Blessed Lord. Oh, that I could!

You have the power to do that in me. Enable me to let You have Your will and Your way with me. Thank You for the privilege of bringing You praise and glory. How I pray it will somehow be blessed in Your sight.

I love You so much Dearest God. Help me love You better! Thank You for Your power and strength. Allow me to utilize it well. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(459 words ~ 8:22 a.m.)

satisfied

Saturday, January 19, 2013 (6:52 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

Good morning! And thank You. I get to come talk with You every time I want to. Late in the night. Early in the morning. Anytime I want to. There's not a line. Or a busy signal. I just get to come into Your presence anytime I want because You love me.

WOW! How long has it been that I have been truly amazed by the fact that You love me. You really, truly love me.

Can You believe it? I was planning on talking with You this morning about being disappointed. I even looked up the word. “The feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations”. And the antonym? Satisfaction.

You helped me yesterday. I was feeling sad. Lonely. Afraid. In attempting to share those feelings and the thoughts behind them bigger misunderstandings started to develop. Your Truth kept us from battle. How I thank You for being here with us even in the seemingly minor things.

Thank You that I can think one thing, check it with Your Word and come away knowing something else. Right now for instance. Never would I have thought I would be reading this morning in the book of Ruth. I looked up the word 'satisfied' and found it in The Message. Ruth 1:11-13.

Here I get to read “The Book of Quiet Faith”. The story of a young woman who trusted You and chose to stay with her mother-in-law after experiencing loss upon loss.

“LESSONS [I get to learn] FROM THEIR LIVES: Trust is the necessary foundation for a healthy relationship. Grief is the process that helps us to recover from losses. Those who are grieving need people to stand by them. God is intimately involved in our grief.”

Father I can't even begin to thank You for all this book has to offer me this morning. I confess I still fall back into the habit of 'magical thinking'. If I just think, try, pray, work hard enough MY desires will come to fruition. Thank You God that You are SOOOO much bigger than me.

“'I don't think the way you think. The way you work isn't the way I work.' God's Decree” (Isaiah 55:8). Father I love You. Thank You that YOU know the plans You have for me (Jeremiah 29:11).

Right now I confess to having fallen back into the trap of comparing myself with others. Here I ask You to apply Your Truth of Galatians 5:25-26 on my life.

“Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.”

In Your Word, in Your Truth, in Your Name I will be satisfied. Thank You for loving me so much that I get to love You in return. Guide me and guard me this day into Your presence and Your glory. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(562 words ~ 10:03 a.m.)

rehearse

Friday, January 18, 2013 (7:45 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

I love You. I had detailed dreams and I keep remembering more of them. What I thought especially cool was while in the midst of dreaming, the word came to me that I had just heard yesterday about how to remember dreams. “Rehearse”.

(9:02 a.m.)

This is not the use with which I am familiar. Thank You for a new way of seeing this particular word. Not only does it mean to practice, prepare, go over... it also is used to list, enumerate, detail... And with that, Psalm 42:6a (The Message) again takes on hopeful meaning. “When my soul is in the dumps, I rehearse everything I know of You”.

Blessed Father, what a privilege to continue learning. Hoping. Rehearsing. Meditating. Remembering.

Again I find myself encouraged as I recognize choices of where to place my thinking. Thank You for every reminder You have for me to rehearse. You are good. You are kind. You are loving. Circumstances change. You do not. You remain constant. And I am grateful.

Thank You Father for Your love, Your Word, Your Son and the hope that is found when we place our focus upon Your Truth. Let me rehearse upon Your kindness this day as I truly seek to glorify and enjoy You. I love You. Work in and through me I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(230 words ~ 10:33 a.m.)

mortality

Thursday, January 17, 2013 (7:37 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You. I get to talk with You about anything. Believing that You care, that You love us no matter what.

This is a biggie... mortality. Aging. Growing older. Fading. And the truth is, I'm not even 'that' old!

I confess to You Father, NONE of this is going the way I always thought it would. So with that all said and admitted, will You come along side me and speak Your Truth on the subject?

(84 words)

life-changing

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 (7:34 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

Thank You. Thank You that I get to be here with You. Thank You for the desire I didn't think was going to come. Thank You that I truly know time spent with You is a privilege NOT an obligation.

Thank You for Your willingness to be with me. Thank You for calling me to ask You about change. I confess to You right now, I'd started changing again. Choosing fear over faith. Turning away from time with You rather than running towards it.

Thank You for continuing to call me to You. Even in the midst of being right here wth You in Your Word my mind still wanders. I think of things left undone. I attempt to prioritize. I feel frustrated. Unproductive. Judgmental. Hard on myself. YOU hold the key to my freedom from these self-imposed, destructive thoughts.

Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. In and of my own strength I am absolutely powerless over the onslaught of negative self-talk. I need Your Truth to guide and maintain not only my efforts, but my progress as well.

You are Truth. You are Goodness. You are Light. You are all the things I am not, yet long to be. Help me unscramble, untangle and let go of all the thoughts, desires and naivete that do not serve to glorify You.

There is such a tremendous struggle going on within me. I turn it all over to You asking to be counted as one to whom Simon Peter was writing in his second letter to 'all believers everywhere'. He wanted 'to help his readers keep their focus on God's grace and truth'. I need that!

“I write this to you whose experience is as life-changing as ours, all due to our God's straight dealing and intervention of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master” (2 Peter 1:1b-2). Yes please.

Cover and fill me with Your grace and peace as I continue working to “accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed”. Provide for me “Courage to change the things which should be changed and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

Yes Father. Change! Life-changing experiences. As I continue praying the original version of what has come to be known as the Serenity Prayer, I humbly ask You to change my thinking and actions to “Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next.”

I love You so very much Dearest God. Thank You for calling me out of my most recent avoidance of You. You know me so well. And You love me so much. Once again I choose Your life-changing FAITH over the depths to which fear threatens to take me. Forgive me once more for falling back to fearing people, places and things. I love You far too much to live in fear. Thank You Father again for reminding me.

Work in and through me this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(584 words ~ 9:42 a.m.)

ancestors

Saturday, January 12, 2013 (8:28 a.m.)

Laughlin, NV

Father God,

I love You. Thank You for that possibility. ♫Now is the time of God's favor♫ There are so many words to consider this morning.

Possibilty. Opportunity. Favor. Mercy. Without a concordance I don't know which way to go. Holy Spirit, guide me.

Given the conversations of the past several days, this seems perfect. Potential scary. And perfect at the same time. ANCESTORS (see Family, Inheritance)

There has been much talk of our family and ancestors lately. There are so many decisions to be made as far as inheritance goes. Guide and direct me through this time together.

Nehemiah 9:34-38, Proverbs 4:1-23 have so much to say.

"please" and "thank You"

Friday, January 11, 2013 (3:26 p.m.)

Laughlin, NV

Awesome God,

Once again I am here to say, “Please” and “Thank You”. Please to asking You to teach me more about love. And thank You to all You've already done and given us.

Father, You are so good. We arrived safely. The room has a breathtaking view. Love was involved in the planning and talked about much of the trip over. Not only the way You would have us love (1Corinthians 13:4-7), but also the way the world has come to think and behave.

(4:12 p.m.)

Thank You for the added opportunity to share with our much loved son the impact Your Truth has had on my life these past several years.  

Settle me down

Thursday, January 10, 2013 (10:06 a.m.)

Awesome Father,

I'm a little shaky this morning. I've already made some mistakes. Forgotten things. Not done others. Settle me down. Ah, yes. Settle me down!

Luke 10:38-42. Mary and Martha. Priorities. I am preparing to re-enter every day life. There is one more upcoming short trip followed by many weeks of 'regular time'. My head is off somewhere. Thinking beyond to what comes next. Settle me down, Lord.

“In the home of some of His followers, two sisters respond differently to Jesus. One is distracted by all the work that must be done to prepare for Jesus' visit: the other sits at Jesus' feet and listens to what He says. Mary, the listener, has 'chosen what is better'.” (Illustrated Bible Handbook)

These five verses speak volumes of my approach to Your presence in my life. Far too often I am distracted by the details of everyday to fully appreciate and hear all You have to say. Jesus, thank You for reminding of my need to settle down at Your feet and listen as You talk.

“But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, 'Sir, doesn't it seem unfair to You that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me'” (Luke 10:40). I read this and see myself. “She came to Jesus and...” COMPLAINED!

Blessed Father, so many times that is me. Martha. “But the Lord said to her, 'Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over these details! There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it – and I won't take it away from her!'” (vs. 41-42).

Here I am. Sitting. Asking to hear You. The Life Recovery Bible comment shares wonderful insight. “Martha was so busy 'doing for others' that she had no time or energy left for simply being with Jesus... In all her doing, Martha became irritated at Mary for not being equally busy.” Loving Lord, I ask You to guide me in my busy-ness. Keep me focused on the things that will bring You glory and honor.

We have a friend that is hurting. Fragile. In desperate need of YOU! Your guidance. Your friendship. Your deliverance. How I ask You to 'bless him and watch over him; smile on him and be kind to him; look on him with favor and give him peace' (Numbers 6:24-26 GOD'S WORD).

Father God, we have learned through the years that being with You is our only hope in this life. We want to share this Truth with all we encounter. Thank You for settling me down to the point of remembering that in our daily quest of putting “first things first”; YOU are by far our First, our Last, our Everything.

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. It is only in and with and by and through You that we have the faith, hope and love it takes to even be able to say, “Thank You.”

Be with me today as I go out to make the decisions of keeping and letting go of things. I want You to be glorified through my choices and my actions. Empower me to enjoy this process as I seek to glorify and enjoy You forever. Thank You for loving us and taking the much needed time to be with me this morning. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(592 words ~ 12:12 p.m.)

gardening

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 (9:54 a.m.)

Master Gardener,

I am in desperate need of pruning. I have some seriously disturbing thoughts and attitudes that would be better served by lopping them off. My line of thinking will NOT yield good fruit (John 15:2). Do a mighty work in me I pray.

(10:48 a.m.)

Still I'm grumbling more than praising. Walking around, looking for other things that need doing. Help me stay right here with You Most Holy Father God.

I love You. I long to glorify and enjoy You. Put my head back where it belongs. Thinking of ALL the things I have for which to be grateful. Your goodness. Your grace. Your kindness. And mercy. Thank You Father. Thank You that rather than running around trying to figure out a way to change how I am feeling, I truly am bringing it all right straight to You.

Thank You for this opportunity. Thank You that You love each one of us so very much that You sent Jesus to be our True Vine (John 15:1). Provide exactly what is needed for me to 'Take care to live in Him, and let Him live in me. For a branch can't produce fruit when severed from the vine. Nor can I be fruitful apart from Him' (v. 4).

I am feeling especially overwhelmed right now. I've fallen back to being much too hard on myself. There's less laughter. More critical thoughts. A negativity that I try to ignore. Rather than continue in that vein, I'm coming to You asking that You will 'tend me by pruning me back for greater strength and usefulness by means of the commands Jesus gave His disciples' (v. 3).

Obeying Jesus' commands to “love each other as much as I love you” (v.12) is impossible in and of myself. Staying connected to Him, and oh! Would You just look at this...

Verse 11. Preceded first by His words (verses 9 and 10), “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Live within my love. When you obey Me you are living in My love, just as I obey My Father and live in His love.”

Here is the fruit of our time together, found in verse eleven. “I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your cup of joy will overflow!”

I may not be feeling especially joyful at this very moment. But this verse reminds me that I am indeed on the right track. I will continue 'making myself at home with Jesus and His words will be at home in me' (v. 10, The Message). Mm, at home. Thank You for being right here, at home with me, right now. I love You so much. Thank You for being our Master Gardner. Thank You. Amen.

(471 words)

Philippians 4:4

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 (7:29 a.m.)

Awesome God,

The wind is blowing and I'm not a huge fan of it. Talk to me about being grateful even now. I could very easily take a side trip to complaining and negativity. Thank You Father that I would rather not.

Thank You that the moment I started thanking You, singing started as well. ♫Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say “Rejoice!”♫ Thank You that in typing that out I noticed that Lord and Word are only one letter apart. Thank You that for this very moment, the wind has settled way down. Thank You Father, thank You.

Philippians 4:4. I'm liking the J.B. Phillips New Testament translation this morning. “Delight yourselves in God, yes, find your joy in Him at all times.” Delight. Be glad. Always be joyful. Full of joy. Celebrate God.

Oh look what The Knox Bible says, “Joy to you in the Lord at all times; once again I wish you joy.” Mm. “I wish you joy.” Always be filled with joy. Always be glad because of the Lord!

So today I am going to practice being joyful. Filled with joy. Glad. Delighted. It's a tall order. One I cannot do alone. But just yesterday we ascertained that “I can do all things because Christ gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

You keep working in me. Then I'll be ready to move on to verse five. “Have a reputation for gentleness, and never forget the nearness of your Lord.” Ah, yes. Please Dearest God. Make it so.

Thank You for the reminder to rejoice. Always. Even in the wind. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your goodness. Kindness. Faithfulness. Joy. Thank You that I get to be included and surrounded by all the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Continue Your work in me this day, making me worthy to be called Your child. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(326 words ~ 8:26 a.m.)

thank enough

Monday, January 7, 2013 (7:52 a.m.)

Most Amazing Blessed Father God,

THANK YOU! I do not have the words or language skills with which I can thank You enough...

(11:37 a.m.)

And here I am to try again. I have two Bible sections I am contemplating this morning. Speak to me that I may fully hear what it is You want me to take from them.

2 Corinthians 9:12-15 falls under the title God Prizes Cheerful Givers and Colossians 1:9-12, Paul's Prayer for the Colossians; The Growth Process. Where do I begin Blessed Father?

(1:03 p.m.)

With both it seems. One talks about giving and the other growing. Each mentions sharing. Father, I don't think I share well. As You continue molding and making me (Isaiah 64:8), I ask that You will change this in me.

You give so much. I want to more closely follow Jesus' words to His disciples when He sent them out saying, “Give as freely as You have received!” (Matthew 10:8). I don't yet know how to do that. But You are good. You are faithful. And quoting Jesus again, “... but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

With this, I choose to believe Paul's words to the Philippians (4:13) that “I can do all things because Christ gives me strength.” So here I ask for wisdom and strength in sharing. Through Your Son's most holy name I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(245 words ~ 2:03 p.m.)

the GIFT

Monday, January 7, 2013 (9:37 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

I'm finding it hard to stay focused. I started a different prayer to You and I keep leaving it to go look up information on someone else. I met interesting people last night. Incredibly interesting people. And I confess to being more than just a light bit 'starstruck'.

Father, You provided for me an incredibly rich and fulfilling Twelve Days of Christmas, culminating with yesterday's GIFT from which I continue reeling. Such an incredible time that my head and emotions are still swimming.

Bea [I got no further than this before the tears started] r with me here as I try to remember it all and put it in order.

Your GIFT to me on this day of Epiphany began with a toddler in the pak-n-play crib of his “room” [more commonly known as the walk in portion of a closet] mournfully calling out for his mom in the predawn, early morning hours. More sleep was had before he fully delighted us with his play and laughter.

The GIFT continued as I heard laughter ring through the condo we shared with our growing family. Real, unrehearsed, genuine laughter over something funny that had either just happened or was being remembered.

Then it was time for packing up and leaving. But not before the annual signing of a treasured book and the impromptu reading of The Gift of the Magi [by O. Henry, of all names].

Oh Father, what a GIFT! Taking the time to stop all kitchen work, sitting down with a cup of coffee, fully enjoying and being a part of those gathered closely together, hearing the story as if for the first time and freely sharing our tears with one another. You blessed us Father. You really, truly blessed us!

One third of the family safely descended the mountain, leaving the rest of us to take our time and do what needed to be done. But not before another part of the GIFT. A son's invitation to his mom to put on her snow bibs right then and go sledding.

Which reminds me of another key portion of Your gracious GIFT to me yesterday. Freshly falling snow!!!

Father, I honestly, truthfully cannot remember a more perfect day! Start to finish such glorious, generous aspects of provision on Your part. Thank You!

Now, back to sledding. Such laughter ringing down the slope. Three quick runs on a borrowed, breaking, red plastic sled. Unprecedented, shear delight! Completely out of my character. Thank You for continuing to add joy to Your GIFT of yesterday.

Two more safe car trips down a beautiful snow falling mountain. Home to change gears and venture out into completely new territory for us. An organ concert at the Walt Disney Hall with a heartfelt invitation to hang out afterwards behind the organ with the builder, the artist, his beloved parents and many friends.

Father, truly it was a day unlike any I can remember. From start to finish, You were there in every aspect of it. If this is what it is to celebrate the day of the Magi, sign us up to do it again!

Thank You for the opportunity to share so much with so many. Continue teaching me what it really means to share Your GIFT with others. I love You so much. And I long to serve You so very much better than I do. Work in me to make it so. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(583 words ~ 11:17 a.m.)

Keep up the good work

Saturday, January 5, 2013 (2:53 p.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed Father God,

Thank You! I was 'testy'. Irritable. And I remembered, “I want my time alone with God.” It's later in the day than I had planned. Ah, but here we are. And I am grateful. Truly, absolutely grateful.

You keep teaching me. I continue trying to learn. How I ask that You will keep up Your good work in me.

(4:10 p.m.)

Now, after time away for some snow play, Christmas stockings and a few presents I get to come back to where we started. Me being grateful and asking You to keep up Your good work in me.

And just like that, the emotional floodgates are about to implode upon me. It's nearing the end of another trip. None of this seems any different than most other times. Time was spent packing to get us here. Great fun has been had. And now come the tears that always plague me when it gets near the end.

This time Father I am bringing it all straight to You. I am powerless over my emotions here. I won't pretend. You reminded me six days ago of the ♫six words for saying♫: “That our lives had become unmanageable.”

I'm not even going to try to manage this onslaught. Instead I am referring it all to You! YOU, our True Lord Who on this Twelfth Day of Christmas at 3:16 a.m. ♫gave to me twelve sweet rememberings♫

Because You have helped me be alert and on the look out, every single day has brought something special to take note of. Thank You Father. Thank You that You love us so very much. Thank You that You have such good gifts to give to us.

And now because I have brought my emotional self into Your presence there is a sense of calm that was not here before. Thank You Father.

Now I am able to go back to reading Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders (Acts 20:13-38). In so doing I find a sense of the urgency which drove Paul to accomplish all he possibly could. Father, thank You for his commitment to You. Thank You for his willingness to face danger, imprisonment and hardships as he was compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem (vs. 22-23).

How blessed I am by his example. Reading all the way back to verses one and two I see that “Paul called the discples together and encouraged them to keep up the good work in Ephesus. Then, saying his good-byes, he left for Macedonia. Traveling through the country, passing from one gathering to another, he gave constant encouragement, lifting their spirits and charging them with fresh hope.” I long to follow his lead, Lord.

The Life Recovery Bible says “He was accountable and responsible to and for others... He cared for them [converts] and helped them grow spiritually.” Keep working in me Father. Continue Your good and precious work that I will one day be a good and faithful example as well.

I love You. Please be the True Center of the rest of our time here together as Your family. YOU matter more to us than anything else. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(542 words ~ 5:05 p.m.)

snow and arrows

Friday, January 4, 2013 (11:28 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed Father,

Again, thank You! More time alone with You. Quiet thoughts. Walking. Snow. Slush. Mud. Wondering. Wanting. Listening. Waiting.

Yesterday I had great fun shooting arrows into the snow, not knowing they would be easily lost and not as easily found. Your Word tell us to “Seek, and you will find” (Matthew 7:7b). I don't necessarily think this is in reference to arrows lost in the snow. However it IS such a wonderful opportunity to practice waiting. Expecting. Hoping. “No harm. No foul.” I am not out anything by continuing to search expectedly. And I believe I stand to gain so much in the waiting.

Thank You for this incredible moment in time, feeling such peace with You. Again. Walking. Exploring. Looking.

Thank You for this newest young man You have brought into our lives. A true example of grace, humility, brilliance, honor, character. Let us continue to learn the things You have for us in every single moment and encounter.

You continue to amaze me. Your provisions are perfect and I ask that You would be glorified by our acceptance of them. Work in and through me as You wish this day. I love You so very much and once more I thank You for time alone with You. Thank You Blessed Father. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(235 words ~ 11:53 a.m.)

amazed

Friday, January 4, 2013 (8:12 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Most Glorious Father God,

You amaze me! Day in. Day out. There is always something new and different to experience. Father, thank You.

Thank You for the gifts You give to us. Peace. Joy. Satisfaction. Contentment. Even disagreements. Miscommunications. Frustration. With You as the base of our foundation we are learning more of what to hold onto and what to let go of. Thank You Father. Thank You.

This morning I'm getting to read Psalm 106 and once more I am amazed. Every single time I see my own behavior spelled out in Your Scriptures I again have reason to rejoice. You love us. You honestly, truly love us. Psalm 106 reaffirms this.

Thank You Father. Rereading the history of the Exodus of Your people I find hope. Beginning with verse 43 on through the culmination of 48, there is so much reason to cling tightly to You.

“Again and again He delivered them from their slavery, but they continued to rebel against Him and were finally destroyed by their sin. Yet, even so, He listened to their cries and heeded their distress; He remembered His promises to them and relented because of His great love, and caused even their enemies who captured them to pity them” (43-46).

Mighty, Glorious Father, You are amazing. Loving. Generous. Merciful. Kind. Thank You for Your unending patience with us.

When Your people cry out to You, You do not fail to act on their behalf. “O Lord God, save us! Regather us from the nations so we can thank Your holy name and rejoice and praise You” (v.47).

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Let all the people say, 'Amen!' Hallelujah!” (v.48).

There are so many things I used to think. So much I still don't understand. The solid Truth I continue standing upon is that You love us. You want Your best for each of us. You know what You're doing and I get to trust You to get it done.

Thank You for sending Your Beloved Son to take our sinful place that we may have full and ready access into Your very presence. Amazing. Merciful. Grace. Love. Thank You. 

Continue Your work in me this day, making me worthy of SUCH incredible generosity. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(401 words ~ 9:28 a.m.)

With You!

Thursday, January 3, 2013 (7:45 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed Lord,

I missed time alone here with You yesterday. It started out simple enough. There was a request for help with breakfast. Followed by a desire to spend time with friends. Then pure ego took over. There were jigsaw puzzles to finish and really worthless television to watch. Forgive me Father. I so much prefer time alone with You!

So where do we begin? With You! Always. Ever. With You! Thank You Father. Thank You that time spent with You is holy. Because You alone art holy (Revelation 15:4; Psalm 86:10).

I get to just sit here, basking in the light of Your holiness. I consider ALL You have done for us through the years. In so many ways we don't have what we thought we wanted. In every way You have provided exactly what we need.

Your provision for us is far beyond all I could ever have thought to ask. You truly mend our broken hearts, bind up our shattered dreams and present us with all that truly remains, “faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love” (1Corinthians 13:13). Keep working in and through each of most Blessed Father.

Continue drawing me right back to the sincerest desire of spending meaningful, quality, blessed, holy time right here alone with You. I love You so very much. Let it be apparent in all I hope, am, think and do (Mark 12:30) this day. Be with me; keeping all of my heart, soul, mind and strength right there with You!

Let me learn to truly love You, others and myself as You determined we ought all those centuries ago. None of this is new, just absolutely necessary.

Thank You for Your willingness to spend Your time with the likes of me. I love You Father. Go with me this day that I will absolutely glorify and enjoy You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(332 words ~ 9:10 a.m.)

inclination

Tuesday, January 1, 2013 (10:46 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Most Holy, Awesome, Loving Father,

Good New Year morning. Father, thank You! Thank You for friends and family with which to celebrate holidays. In fact, thank You for the opportunity and the inclination to ♫celebrate another day of living♫ Thank You Blessed Father for another year of life!

You bless us. You repeatedly bless us. We have friends, family, and opportunities for fun. Thank You Father. Thank You for coming into our hearts and changing us from the people we used to be into the people we are becoming.

I'm getting to read again in the Book of Acts. It's been quite awhile since I was reminded of the changes that came upon Your early disciples after they received power from the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). Thank You for their inclination to follow Your leading.

Thank You for the Truth Paul and Barnabas spoke, not only to those willing and eager to hear Your message but to those mentioned in Acts 13:46-47 (MSG) as well. “But Paul and Barnabas didn't back down. Standing their ground they said, 'It was required that God's Word be spoken first of all to you, the Jews. But seeing that you want no part of it – you've made it quite clear that you have no taste or inclination for eternal life – the door is open to all the outsiders. And we're on our way through it, following orders, doing what God commanded when He said, I've set you up as light to all nations. You'll proclaim salvation to the four winds and seven seas!'”

Because of their inclination to follow You, I get to as well. Thank You for Your provisions Blessed Lord. You bless us. You keep us. And we are grateful. Thank You for loving us so much. Keep fining and refining us until we are the people You would have us be. Use me this day as You desire. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(338 words ~ 12:44 a.m.)