love

Friday, October 31, 2014 (7:49 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Talk to me this morning about love. Your love for us. Our love for You. And for each other.

(9:19 a.m.)

Mm. Thank You so much. I asked. And You answered. In SUCH a big way!

Illustrated Bible Handbook has MUCH to say about it. Love, OT and (1John) Chapter 4:7-21. God's Love Source provide me added insights: God's love. Man's response. Love Defined. Love Essential. God Is Love. God Loved First. Wonderful, amazing stuff.

Your Word spells out for us what it is to love You, our enemies, our neighbors. It gives us opportunity to remember and reevaluate how we're doing with Your call to the Israelites to love You with all our heart, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for this verse ends with the Truth that “loving God entails the decision to follow God's program, looking to Him constantly for help and forgiveness.” Here I am, doing exactly that.

I love You so much. And I long to love as You would have me love. Wholeheartedly. Joyfully. Obediently. Make it so Dearest God. Make me able. In Your strength. Your power. Your time. I love You. I want You. I need You. And I thank You. Amen.

(212 words ~ 11:05 a.m.)

Always good!

Thursday, October 30, 2014 (7:00 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy God,

You are good. Always good. Thank You that we have this as the basis for our hope. Circumstances change. Your Truth does not. Thank You.

Thank You that I get to come before You. I have ready access to Your Word. How very grateful I am to You that as I read Your promises, as well as the warnings that accompany many of them, I find myself smiling. Smiling because even here I am reminded that You are good. Always good!

I love that I get excited when I read Your Word. The hope that bubbles up inside is hard to contain. I nod my head, all the while wanting to shout the potential for Your joy out for others to hear.

Then of course, I silence myself. I might be wrong. Someone might disagree. Change this in me Father I pray. Just as easily as I reach for the tissue to wipe the tears in my eyes, truly I reach for You.

It's in Deuteronomy that I am again reading this morning. Somehow it all seems brand new. Fresh. Exciting. And hopeful. So incredibly hopeful! Thank You Father.

Thank You that we get to look to You. Come before You exactly as we are. Without pretense. Flawed. And yet You love us. Truly. Fully. Without reservation.

Under Values today (p.121) Illustrated Bible Handbook explains, “While we no longer live under the law covenant... the deep expressions of love, and the obedience that love motivates, are the same for us today.”

Quoting here from a Theology in Brief about Law in the New Testament, “What does the Bible put in place of law as the Christian's guide to holy living? Jesus said it when He promised His disciples the Spirit: 'He will guide you into all truth' (John 16:13)... Laws may tell us how to behave. But only God's Spirit can make the loving kind of life law describes a spontaneous expression of a personality which God is reshaping from within.”

And this I know to be true! I see You working in us. Every single day there are situations that present themselves and we are responding to them differently than ever before.

We are currently a living example of what The Life Recovery Bible claims is the PURPOSE of Deuteronomy, “To assist God's people as they live in the present by reviewing what God has done in the past and considering what God has promised to do in the future.”

Reading the final paragraph of the introduction to this amazing book, again I am filled with such a huge degree of peaceful, joy filled hope. “Rebuilding a broken life is serious business. In Deuteronomy, God gives that subject His full attention. He gives us essential guidelines for God's plan of victory. He shows how we can gain direction from the past, guidance for the present, and hope for the future. Deuteronomy is a handbook for rebuilders.”

And what is the firm foundation of this hope? The Truth that You are good. Always good! Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I love You. Use me well this day. Thank You. Amen.

(529 words ~ 8:46 a.m.)

listen and learn

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 (7:37 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Mm. Thank You. Thank You for deep breaths and rest. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for the opportunity to listen and learn.

Mm. Yes. Listen and learn. There is SO much to know. So very much to practice. I am asking You to teach me. Provide me the skills needed to truly hear all that I am currently missing.

(5:03 p.m.)

I believe You have been doing exactly that all day. I've been keenly aware of gentle proddings. Willing to pray first and speak or act carefully after. What a wonderful concept!

I've received sincere and genuine praise for putting together meals to feed and nourish our household. Nothing of rocket science spectacularity. Just seeing a need and filling it. Listening to requests and honoring them as I am able.

It's YOU working here. Absolutely, positively You and I am completely grateful to You for that. Keep up Your wonderfully good work in me I pray. Continue letting me practice Your fine art of listening and learning.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(183 words ~ 5:12 p.m.)

right and glorious

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 (6:49 a.m.)

Right and Glorious God,

Thank You. Thank You that You are right and glorious. We are not. We are flawed and tarnished. Speak with me this morning of the things You would have me put into practice.

Mm. Thank You that I get to read Your Word. Thank You for the easy access I have to various translations and paraphrases. Thank You that in coming before You alone and quietly I have this opportunity to breathe deeply of Your Truth.

Blessed, Right and Glorious God, thank You that the more I read the more I want to know. To believe. To trust.

Reading in Paul's letter to Titus (specifically 2:11-14) I see again Your call “to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures... [and] live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God”. Most Right and Glorious God, thank You for this chance to again be renewed, refreshed and reminded of Your love and the power You provide us to live godly lives.

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for this section explains the prompt to 'entrust our life to You and seek Your will'. It continues, “The proper response to God's grace is right conduct. The Bible never considered guilt and fear appropriate motives for righteousness. We obey God because He loves us and desires to help us succeed.”

You are right and glorious. Accepting. Gracious. Forgiving. And I am blessed to love and be loved by You. Thank You Father. Lead me, guide me, guard and direct me in all I want, am, think and do this day. I love You and I want that to be obvious. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(285 words ~ 8:00 a.m.)

Your Truth

Sunday, October 26, 2014 (5:57 a.m.)

Blessed GOD,

Thank You! I chose badly yesterday. I didn't know how to handle the emotions I didn't want to feel so I completely withdrew into myself.

I had choices. I knew I had them. I even acknowledged them to You. Thank You that even though I chose silence with those around me You still love me.

Thank You that throughout the night as I spoke to You about it You reminded me that I had other choices I could make. Thank You that Your Word is Truth (Psalm 119:142; John 17:17)!

Thank You that I get to turn to It. To You. Thank You that You are ever present. Ever faithful. Ever loving.

I'm going to keep making mistakes. Wrong choices. And every time I do I get to repent and return to You (Revelation 3:19). Thank You.

Thank You for Your love that keeps me hoping. Changing. Wanting.

Thank You that when Jesus prayed for His disciples, I was included in that prayer (John 17:20). Thank You that “After many years of reflecting on his experience as a disciple of Jesus, the apostle John recorded his unique perspective on the gospel” (Life Recovery Bible book of John THE BOTTOM LINE).

Thank You that because of his (and others) love and dedication to Jesus, we have Your Word to turn to. Thank You for his faithfulness in writing Your Truth down for us.

The apostle John was there when Jesus foretold His absence and the sadness that would turn to great joy upon His return (John 16:20). Because of his obedience I get to experience the struggles of life while still depending on the Truth and hope of reading Jesus' words.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Your Truth never changes. My mind and my feelings do. Thank You for the privilege of being able to depend on Your goodness and Your grace. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your love that ultimately teaches us how to love and forgive one another.

I love You Faithful Father and I ask You to continue Your perfecting work in me. Enable and empower me to love as You would have me love (Mark 12:30-31). Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(407 words ~ 9:32 a.m.)

chance glance

Saturday, October 25, 2014 (6:20 a.m)

Holy Father,

Thank You! You have NOT let me get away from this name. Delilah. First and still frequently in the form of the pop song from 1968. A song I just recently heard with very different ears.

Father, forgive me for never before paying attention to the words of brutal murder brought on by a jealous rage. Where was I in my own thinking that I never really noticed the horror of it all?

Forgive me too for not bringing my thoughts and feelings to You before now. I've looked around on it. Tried desperately to change songs every time it starts in my mind. With it seemingly getting louder and more insistent I bring it to You asking what is it You'd like me to consider?

Thank You for the eagerness with which I came out here to look deep into Your Word. Thank You for that chance glance out the front window that actually took me outside into the fairly early morning. Thank You for the beauty that is to be found all around us when we are willing to heed Your call to us.

Father, I love You. My thoughts travel. I get sidetracked often. But the Truth of Your love for each of us always brings me back to sitting before You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Wanting to know and be more.

Mm, yes. I want to be more of the woman You created me to be. I know myself to be one who loves deeply. Ah, but with such limitations. Prejudices. Biases. Conditions. What I really want is to become that woman who speaks of You often. Freely. Openly. Lovingly.

I turn right now to Paul's second letter to the church at Corinth, all the while thinking that I want to know and practice this more and more. Thank You that here again I am reminded of the importance of admitting my own powerlessness to change my behaviors. Thank You for Your willingness and ability to do in and with, by and through me all the things I can't do on my own.

Yesterday was a huge example. The extended period of resting and reading I thought of pure self indulgence ending up yielding the energy needed for exercise in the form of dog walking, neighbor visiting, lawn mowing, chicken soup making and recovery program assistance offering. All begun and done after 5:00 p.m. You did that. Effortlessly through me. Thank You!

Another example of Your work is this current opportunity I have of going outside into the cool and colorful morning. It's been quite sometime since I've been this excited and awestruck by the break of day. Thank You Father for the chance to glance all of this.

Now, as we settle in to work together are You wanting me over in Judges with the story of Samson and Delilah? Or here in 2 Corinthians? I'm putting it right out there for You to decide and guide.

And where do I end up? Reading about Love in a devotional (Life Recovery Bible) for Revelation 3:14-22. Here I get to be reminded [as I was in 2Corinthians 13:13] of the importance of staying connected to Your unconditional love. I am to listen to Your Spirit (v. 22) and love others just as Jesus has loved me (John 13:34).

Truly, I can do none of this on my own. I need You. I hear You calling (Revelation 3:20) and I do open the door. Please come in and eat with me. I love You. I want You. I thank You. Amen.

(601 words ~ 8:23 a.m.)

all You are / all You do

Friday, October 24, 2014 (8:25 a.m.)

Renewing, Redeeming, Restoring GOD,

Mm. Just to think of all You are. All You do. My mind doesn't even begin to grasp the freedom and joy that is ours simply for the taking.

You have given us life. Faith. Hope. Love (1Corinthians 13:13). And I absolutely don't know how to freely share all You offer.

Mm. Thank You.

♫ One God ♫

Thursday, October 23, 2014 (6:52 a.m.)

Wow! I did NOT expect this!

I had some grumbles. A few growls. I thought of throwing out a giant “ARGH!” but wasn't sure I was ready to 'always revere God's holiness'. So I started thinking of You again as “One God” and music immediately started singing in my mind. I wanted to consider changing the words of ♫One Love♫ to go along with Your Oneness, and then I read them.

Wow! I did NOT expect this!

You are prominently mentioned in the words of this reggae song that I have heard and partially sung through the years.

(7:59 a.m.)

The more I read, the more emotional I become. My mind is truly filled with thoughts of Your great love for each of us.

Cross referencing the lyrics of this song with the beginnings of the Rastafari movement, various Bible verses (Psalm 68:5, 31; Revelation 5:5, 22:2) and the song ♫People Get Ready♫ I am in awe of just how very much I not only don't know, but don't understand as well.

YOU are our One Love. One Heart. One God. One hope. It IS when we get together, giving thanks and praise to You that we will "feel all right".

It is when we take our feelings, our hopes, dreams, fears and losses to the Truth of Your Word that we will be set “free from the traps in which we are caught” (The Life Recovery Bible). Our warped thinking and misguided understandings too often keep us from bringing You our life and our praise.

Again I confess to You my inability to want and be and think and do all that You have for me. How I ask You to truly be my ♫One God♫ and do all that You must in making me wholly Yours. I love You. I thank You. I praise You. I want You. And I ask You to make me all You have for me to be. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(336 words ~ 8:27 a.m.)

wholly

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 (8:38 a.m.)

Most Holy, Loving, Blessed GOD,

I love You. And I want to love You more. Better. Fully. Wholly.

Now there's a word I don't recognize. Wasn't sure how to spell it. Still looks odd to me. Ah, but it IS the word I'm looking for!

Wholly – adverb. Meaning: entirely; fully. Completely, totally, absolutely, perfectly, exclusively, only, purely.

The list goes on: One hundred percent. Lock, stock, and barrel. In every respect.

Just like Jesus declares in Mark 12:29-30, “The most important commandment is this: 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.'”

Wholly.

I confess to You. Not only do I not love You as I want, I am completely unfamiliar with what it would even look like!

Following a footnote back to Deuteronomy 6:4-5, I once again feel tears stinging my eyes. The sniffles are starting. As well as the deep breaths.

You are speaking to me clearly and I still maintain I can't do this on my own. The loveliest, most glorious Truth is that You don't ask us to. You want to be our source of power and strength. And I want desperately to let You.

I started off by saying I love You. And I want to love You more. Make it so Blessed Father. Make it so. Let my heart, soul, mind and strength be wholly Yours. Be in all the decisions I make and actions I take.

Keep every fiber of my being focused on You and Your best for us. I love You. And I want to love You more. Wholly. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(297 words ~ 9:16 a.m.)

honest experience

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 (7:39 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, GOD,

Thank You. Sleep was intermittent. Hard to come by. And not long lasting. But it was there. Enough to dream. Enough to feel rested. Thank You.

Thank You that I get to continue to call out to You on behalf of others. Thank You that while all may seem lost at times, it is not. Regardless of any variety of circumstances, we always have You. Hope in, hope with You.

Thank You. Thank You for reminding me of the propensity I have of feeling lost. When in reality I am found. By You.

Tears continue to come easily. Ready to fall at a moment's notice. This I ask You to be in charge of. If it's something You want for me, teach me to want it for myself. Yes. Teach me to want all that You want for me.

I find myself reading Peter's second letter to the Jewish Christian's who were suffering persecution because of their faith. Thank You for the honesty and experience with which he wrote to encourage them. He didn't sugar coat or offer simple platitudes.

He let them know that suffering may indeed be theirs. BUT You would never fail them (2Peter 4:19). Thank You for the numerous ways You have of reminding us of Your love. Your Truth. Your faithfulness.

I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to use me this day as You wish. I can do nothing of value on my own but “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). It is in You I place my trust. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(281 words ~ 8:25 a.m.)

That's it!

Monday, October 20, 2014 (8:09 a.m.)

(3:20 p.m.)

Shall I call it avoidance?

For three whole days I could have easily come here before now. Easily. But I didn't. Or is it really, wouldn't. And I don't even know why.

I was going to take “just a minute” to look at a brand new novel. All those hours and over 300 pages later, I turned to TV. Where was the time I was going to spend with You?

To say I got side-tracked is such an understatement. Forgive me Blessed Father. Forgive the self-centered thoughts and actions that have taken me so far away from where I really truly want to be.

Mm, and this is where I can be honest. Open. Willing. With You. Again. The moment I tell You that my heart is breaking for the sadness of others.

That's it! I've been avoiding You because I didn't want to pretend. Yet I wasn't ready to be honest either. Father, I am powerless over the pain of the world. The sadness. Aloneness. Illness. And when I allow myself to call upon You, the tears begin again.

enjoy

Friday, October 17, 2014 (8:26 p.m.)

Crown Princess Cabin

Cruising North to San Pedro, CA

Most Holy Father God,

I need Your help. Help only You can supply. It's time to pack up stuff in the cabin we've enjoyed this past week.

Honestly, truly, really enjoyed. I don't know where to begin. I keep trying to start and then just quit. You can help me. I know You can. That's why I'm here. Alone. With You.

You know my heart. My soul. My mind. My strength. You know that of which I am able. You know that this can all be accomplished in Your good time. Again, my reason for coming to You.

Father, thank You. Thank You for such a lovely, enjoyable week. A week spent laughing and resting. Catching up. Visiting. Exploring. Trying new things.

Here's where I stop to thank You again for Your answers. With tissue in hand and tears rolling down my cheeks, this is me shaking my head, knowing You are here helping me.

The word 'enjoy' refused to be overlooked here. It wouldn't leave me alone until I looked it up. And what started the tears? Ecclesiastes 9:9 in the NIV Compact Concordance. “Enjoy life with your wife.”

Is that not what we have spent this past week doing? Oh, more tears.

A single thought turns my thinking all around. I'm so easily brought to awe before You right now.

Illustrated Bible Handbook lists some Deductions that King Solomon made through his philosophical reasoning. Fearing You and obeying Your commands (12:13) being uppermost. With 'enjoying life as Your good gift to us while we can' running a close second.

Holy Father God, thank You. I asked. You answered. Use Your words to buoy me through this next process. As I consider the New Living Translation for verse 9:9, how I ask that the husband You gave me would wholeheartedly agree.

“Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you in this world. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil.”

Use me to bless him as You have blessed me. And please Blessed Father, use the two of us to bless others. We love You. We thank You. And we both long to serve You. Well. Thank You. [And now? The suitcases?] Amen.

 (397 words ~ 9:01 p.m.)

harbor

Friday, October 17, 2014 (6:30 a.m.)

Crown Princess ~ Balcony

 Harbor ~ Ensenada, MX

Holy GOD,

Thank You. You keep teaching me. You work in me to recognize potential problems as they spring up. Like last night while remembering incidents from years past.

It took no time at all for me to notice the bitterness as it built up inside. I became immediately aware of the importance of letting go of the unforgiveness as vividly recalled memories came rushing in.

Grudges used to be easy for me. And to be quite honest, they still can be. Thank You for the work You are doing in reminding me of the importance of not harboring ill feelings toward others.

We are currently at an international terminal. A harbor, if You will. How I ask You to continue Your work in teaching me the absolute importance of loving forgiveness.

I am before You right now confessing that this is something I cannot do on my own. There is a person from the past that I continue to resent. Love is still not something I can consider on her behalf. You can change my heart. My mind. You can do in and for me all that I am unable to do for myself.

Teach me to forgive and to love those whom I set myself against. Those whom I would walk right past rather than offer any degree of compassion.

You are the GOD of all lost causes. Of which I am definitely one. Work Your will and Your way in me here in this international setting. Teach me the fine art of harboring loving forgiveness. I love You. I long to learn.

Thank You for Your unending patience on my behalf. Continue Your creating of me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(299 words ~ 7:15 a.m.)

evident

Thursday, October 16, 2014 (3:48 p.m.)

Crown Princess Cabin

San Diego, CA

Holy GOD,

I love You. I don't exactly know how to make that apparent. I want it to be easily seen/known by others.

Philippians 4:5 even encourages us in this regard. “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” Mm, yes. Holiest GOD, let YOUR gentleness be evident to all in me! I love You. I want it to be evident. Apparent. Easily seen. Written all over my face.

Work in me as You must to make it so. I love You. I long to share You. Thank You. Amen.

(101 words ~ 4:56 p.m.)

far more

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 (8:02 a.m.)

Balcony Crown Princess

Anchored off Santa Barbara, CA

Glorious, Beautiful, Bountiful GOD,

I gasped at my first view of the coast. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this is far more. Isn't that just like You? Giving us far more than we ever expect or hope for.

The verse I find this morning containing 'far more' is from the description of A Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31). As I read the first three verses here I sigh aloud as my request to You that You would make it so for us.

“Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She will not hinder him but help him all her life.”

Mm, yes, Father GOD, make it so!

Reading various comments to this section I realize this to be the description of the ideal wife. One that none can achieve.

The Life Recovery Bible urges, “a woman should accept herself for who she is and commit to allowing God to transform her more and more into His likeness. As she grows to be more like Him, she will naturally exhibit many of the characteristics of this ideal wife.”

In other words, “I can't. You can. I will let You!”

Illustrated Bible Handbook takes another approach. It recognizes the effect that this type of wife can have on her husband. Ultimately maintaining “for each, personal fulfillment came as personal potential was stretched and developed by meaningful work and by participating in family life.”

See there? Far more than I ever expected.

I can't. You can. And I will let You. Use me as You wish this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(301 words ~ 8:36 a.m.)

enhanced

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 (5:14 p.m.)

Balcony Crown Princess

California Coast

Cruising South toward Santa Barbara

Awesome Holy GOD,

What a difference a few hours makes!

I have words. Thoughts! Excitement. An eagerness to tell.

Okay. Yeah. And alcohol too. But I truly believe the excitement has only been enhanced by the alcohol, not caused by it.

Let me begin at first thought. Followed immediately by the rest. Flowers. Seagulls. Applecart. Sunspots.

Flowers. Anticipated upon arrival. Delivered much later that afternoon. Beautiful. Wilting. And now accompanied by today's 'A Fruitful Life' thought. “Flowers may fade as time goes by, but love lasts forever.” And the reason the flowers were ordered in the first place? Yes. Love. Brought to fruition entirely by YOUR enhancement!

Holy Father, this morning I had the opportunity to sit back here at the back of the ship witnessing the playfulness of seagulls. They helped me think of my dad. Playful. Jonathan Livingston. A wall plaque from his office. What a joyful reminder. Enhanced again right now. By Your steadfastness.

And then, the applecart. I had the option of upsetting one. A “hot tub” MUCH warmer than another. Occupied by two men who seemingly would have preferred it to themselves. I chose to honor my perception of their preference and went to the colder one.

My decision was blessed by a three generational family, with the youngest of four children being a five year old delightfully willing chatter box. Thank You.

Oh, but You still aren't done! The 'sunspots' I detected far off on the starboard (right) side are still visible to me now. Right here along with at least four playful seagulls. Only now, they much more resemble the “Fingers of God” we read about and see photos of on occasion. Right here. Back of the ship.

Enhanced by alcohol? No! By YOU! Your love. Your Truth. Your faithfulness. Your promises.

As I prepare to dress for dinner, how I ask You to bless us to bless others. We love You. We thank You. And we praise You! Amen!

(345 words ~ 5:45 p.m.)

absolutely grateful

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 (1:39 p.m.)

California Coast

Cruising South toward Santa Barbara

Holy Holy GOD,

I don't have complete thoughts. Or sentences. I feel exhausted. Lazy. Wiped out.

The sea is calm. Sky, cloudy. Air temperature coolish. And I am content to just sit.

But that isn't true is it? There's an inner struggle going on. A part of me shaming the other for not being up and active.

Hmm... up and active. More thinking. Deeper breathing. An actual sliding back down into bed. And guilt. So much guilt for just wanting to be. Here. Alone. Resting. Content.

So. Here I am. Yours. Alone. Secluded. Being still. Wondering. Is this okay? Am I enough? Not doing? Or going? Should I not be up and out there? Isn't there an obligation for me to be doing something?

Oh, but aren't I? Aren't I being grateful? Absolutely grateful to You for this opportunity.

I get to be here. Alone. On my own. With You. Listening. Waiting. Watching. Not rushing. Running off. Hurrying. Busying myself for the sake of being busy.

No. Right now I am content. At peace. Serene. Courageous. Willing to just be. Open to being willing. And honest. With You.

Holy GOD, thank You! Thank You for the opportunity to sit lie here absolutely grateful. With You. With circumstances. With opportunities.

All that being said and felt, how I ask You to use me this day exactly as You wish. Do in and with, by, and through me all that You want. Keep up the incredible work You are doing that is ultimately allowing me to be absolutely grateful for the privilege of resting, reflecting and being still enough to know that You indeed are GOD (Psalm 46:10a).

I love You so very much most dear and faithful Father. Use me however You must to point You out to others. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(319 words ~ 2:54 p.m.)

"Challenge!"

Monday, October 13, 2014 (7:31 a.m.)

Pier 27, San Francisco Cruise Terminal

Holy, Loving, Father GOD,

What an unexpected and oh-so necessary challenge. Found this morning on 'A Fruitful Life' calendar page from three days ago.

“Our lives would contain greater peace if we spoke all the good we know of another; rather than the bad.”

Without having this Truth so well spelled out for me, I have attempted to practice it a time or two before. Always in my own strength. My own power.

This morning Blessed God, I bring the challenge straight to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Sincerely wanting to become the person who speaks well of others, rather than dishing dirt.

I confess that gossiping, speaking ill of others, comes quite naturally to me. Familial background and experience presented me with regular and easy practice. Here again, something I know not to be Your best for us.

(7:57 a.m.)

You bless us Holiest GOD, so that we in turn would bless others. Make me a blessing Dearest GOD. The blessing You would have me be. One who truly speaks well of others. Rather than the one who automatically seeks the easier, much less desirable 'smack talk'.

The quote on today's calendar page echoes Your teachings. “Peace and happiness come not by chance, but by choice.” Work in me that I will indeed make better choices. With my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). As well as with my speech.

I love You most Holy GOD and Father. I want my words and actions to represent You well this day. Do all that You must to make it so. Thank You. Bless You. Praise You. Amen.

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

God's best

Saturday, October 11, 2014 (6:55 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, Loving GOD,

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your plan and Your promises. Thank You that even though I seemed extremely 'touchy' yesterday, You worked in me. With me. Thank You.

I don't remembered the last time I was so easily angered. Short-fused. Testy. Thank You that I didn't stay that way. Although I snapped readily and far too often I recognized what was happening right in the moment.

Thank You that You continued Your work in restoring me to sanity all throughout the day. At one point I was growling and a distraction later, grinning. That was You. All You!

I felt the gamut of emotions while continuing to line myself up with Your best for us. Grumbling and cross words not being anywhere near Your best for any of us.

You presented me with the opportunity to be reminded of my love of words. Just how very much I am enamored and affected by them. Thank You GOD. Thank You for always having our backs!

Holy GOD, for the longest time and in so many ways, I have settled for less than Your best. Use whatever You must to bring me back to Your Way. Your Truth. Your best.

Right now I am excited to consider the love Your Word avails us. Thank You that Your Word is Truth (John 17:17). Thank You that through following Your Truth we come to healing and wholeness.

As I consider Your Truth this morning I ask You to keep Proverbs 16:24 uppermost in my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). “Pleasant [kind, gracious, well ordered, fair, pleasing, well-set] words are like a honeycomb [flowing honey, liquid honey, clover honey] sweet to the soul [taste, spirit, mind] and healing [quick energy, invigorating] to the body [bones].”

Mm Blessed GOD, keep my words kind, gracious, well thought out. I love You. I want to serve You. Well. Thank You. Continue Your best in me this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(339 words ~ 8:16 a.m.)

discernment

Friday, October 10, 2014 (7:10 a.m.)

Awesome GOD,

I am seeking an attitude adjustment please. I started snarling and growling again this morning, much like I did yesterday. Over the smallest perceived slight. Help me here I pray. Again, we have much to do. But first things being first it's my attitude that needs attention.

Thank You that I am allowed [even encouraged?] to come before You just as I am

(9:06 a.m.)

Almost two hours later and I can tell You are working.

An unexpected, early morning visitor. Unplanned interruptions. And now repacking. This is where I turn to You again. There is WAY too much in the suitcase. So much does not need to go. Just because there is plenty of room does NOT mean I need to fill it.

Help me here Dearest GOD. Teach me discernment. Even [especially?] in the seemingly unimportant stuff.

Mm. BIG smile! Discernment. “The ability to judge well”. What would that even be like? I know I have had experience with it in the past.

(10:02 a.m.)

As the day progresses I find my mind wandering and my actions haphazard.

Focus me. Direct, guide, lead

(3:57 p.m.)

You did it Blessed GOD! You changed my heart. Directed my focus and enabled me to smile myself through some tricky decision making.

Thank You. From the bottom of my grateful heart I thank You. Use me this evening as You would. Thank You again. I love You. Amen.

(244 words ~ 4:00 p.m.)

life and radiant health

Thursday, October 9, 2014 (6:44 a.m.)

Holy, Loving, Blessed GOD,

I love You.

There's much to do today. Many things to consider.

I got sidetracked again yesterday. Made great strides early on. Got excited about various ideas and options. And ultimately fizzled out as the day progressed.

Keep me with You this day I ask. Not far ahead, attempting to go my own way. Nor straggling along behind. Set the pace for me. Order the day. Make me willing. Honorable. Obedient to Your calling.

Proverbs 4:23-27 resonates with me this morning. I came across this section after looking up the word sidetracked [see v. 27]. The Illustrated Bible Handbook speaks of “the dangers of rejecting the wisdom offered” as well as “the benefits of accepting it.”

Blessed, Loving GOD, I long to heed Solomon's warnings and promises.

Going back to the beginning of this chapter, I read its title. A Father's Wise Advice. Thank You for being our heavenly Father. Thank You for all the wisdom You have provided us through the years.

The Truth You are presenting me this morning is having a profound effect on me. I teeter between smiles and tears. I hope. Then I pause to ponder.

Holy GOD, keep me firmly on Your path. Let wise King Solomon's words penetrate deep within my heart (v. 21).

Is what I am feeling hope? Joy? Truth? Tears are streaming all the while I am puzzling. I realize I am holding my breath as I read back and forth between The Life Recovery Bible and the handbook mentioned earlier.

“Solomon promises that the reader who hears and applies will prolong his life and win a good name with God and man. He need only pay close attention, and not swerve to the right or left of the righteous path the proverbs mark out. Relationship with God is critical for God is to be trusted in making life's choices, not our own understanding. As God is acknowledged, and His ways are followed, 'He will make your paths straight'” (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

We have experienced this Truth and promise in the past. Thank You.

Holy, Holy GOD, keep my attention on You (v. 20a). Let me listen carefully to all You would have me hear (20b). Bring Solomon's words to life for me. Don't let me lose sight of them (21a). “Let them penetrate deep within [my] heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning” (21b-22).

Mm, Blessed GOD, make it so that above all else I guard my heart, for it affects everything I do (23). Let me “avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech” (24).

How I ask that You empower and enable me to look straight ahead, and fix my eyes on what lies before me (25). Mark out a straight path for my feet; then stick to the path and stay safe (26). Don't let me get sidetracked (27a) I pray. Keep my feet from following evil (27b).

It truly IS in You I trust! I believe Your Word. Your promises. I am convinced that You have the power to have us live the lives You would have us live. Lives that would glorify You; causing us to enjoy You forever.

Guard my heart, my mind, my soul and my strength that I would genuinely love You as Jesus taught we are to do (Mark 12:30). Do everything You must that I would openly bring Your life and radiant health to all who would find them (Proverbs 4:22).

I love You. Use me well I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(589 words ~ 8:10 a.m.)

Numbers 6:24-26

Wednesday, October 8, 2014 (6:31 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, Comforting GOD,

You bless us. You keep us. And oh how You change us! Thank You for the way You work.

Thank You that I had planned to come here and talk with You about joy coming in the morning (Psalm 30:5b) and here we are looking more deeply into Numbers 6:24-26.

Looking at various translations of both sets of scriptures I feel wrapped in Your love.

good decisions

Sunday, October 5, 2014 (7:53 a.m.)

Holy Three-in-One,

How I truly long to live the life You have for me. To make good decisions. Decisions based on Your will, Your Way, Your best. Not on fear or cowering.

(10:21 a.m.)

Blessed Being, You bless us. You keep us. You smile on us and are gracious to us. You show us Your favor and give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26). We don't always recognize it. At times we come to expect it and then take it all for granted.

Oh but when we pause to let the Truth of Your Word really permeate within our entire being (heart, soul, mind, strength – Mark 12:30) we do experience the blessings, grace and peace You offer. Thank You GOD. Thank You for Your Truth. Your promises. Your love. And for the complete sense of well-being, health and contentment we have available to us in You.

In turning to 2 Chronicles 7:14 this morning I get to read one of the greatest promises You ever made to Israel. “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Wow! Humble self, pray, seek Your face, turn from wicked ways. It seems so basic. Easy enough. Oh but just try putting it into practice. I fail so often!

Just yesterday I reached a level of annoyance just because an order was set aside and I had the privilege of waiting an extra twenty to thirty minutes. I didn't see it as a privilege. There was no honor in my grousing and grumbling. Forgive me I pray. Forgive the impatience with which I beheld the delay. Not my best decision.

I have so many opportunities. Guide, direct, lead and advise me in the direction and choices You would have me go. I love You. I long to serve You well. I want to depend solely on Your goodness and grace.

Be the GOD You have ever wanted to be in me. Enable me to be all You have for me I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(371 words ~ 11:02 a.m.)

Today!

Saturday, October 4, 2014 (7:57 a.m.)

Today Dearest God,

This very day. Currently. Presently. At this very moment in time. That's where I long to be with You. Not far off in thought. Right here. Right now. With You.

Thank You for the work You are doing in me. Thank You for the desire to improve communication with others. Thank You for the longing to stay connected with You. Presently.

Today I ask Your presence in the day. There's a day at the beach planned. Lots of hot weather predicted. Any number of variables could take shape in the offing. I am asking You to take our lead.

Luke 10:38-42

Matthew 6:34

be aware

Friday, October 3, 2014 (8:12 a.m.)

Holy, Awesome God,

It's 'sposed to be a hot and busy day today. Lots to do. And REALLY hot!

Recovering from a week-old injury I am asking Your presence in keeping me aware. I want to participate. Not do too much. Be aware.

This morning The Living Bible offers me this wisdom from Proverbs 13:14. “The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead.”

I ask You Blessed God to refresh me this day. Keep me aware of the pitfalls on ahead.

The phrases “fountain of life” and “snares of death” present Your Truth even more graphically. Let me hold to You. Your wisdom. Your guidance this day. Set my pace. Accomplish in, with and through me all that You would have me achieve.

I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask You to make it so. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You for all You are and all You do. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(182 words ~ 8:48 a.m.)

right on the heels

Thursday, October 2, 2014 (9:56 a.m.)

Awesome God, Blessed Jesus, Holy Spirit,

Right on the heels of finishing one prayer, I have the desire to post others that were begun and left open ended to You last week.

Thank You for desire, Blessed God. And opportunity.

~

Saturday, September 20, 2014 (10:36 a.m.)

Newport Beach, CA

Deep breath,

Relax. Observe. Breathe deeply. Smile. Watch. Listen. Remember. Wait.

Mm. Yes. Wait. Breathe. Remember. Think. Hope. Acknowledge.

Acknowledge You as our Source of Life. You created Adam and then breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). I can't even begin to comprehend all this means.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014 (1:47 p.m.)

Newport Beach, CA

Holy God,

Holy, Holy God. Again I'm watching. People. Animals. Modes of transportation. Evidences of the wind. And listening too. Waves. Quiet conversations. Sounds of people working.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 (7:09 a.m.)

Newport Beach, CA

Supplier of Life,

~

While these all appear unfinished, the thoughts on each of those days returned readily to You. Not out of obligation. None were a point to be made. Nor a mere task to be checked off a list.

The beauty, ease and camaraderie with which our week was spent together as a group of seven was nothing short of miraculous. Why? Because You were there. Present with each of us. For so much more than this I am grateful.

How I ask that You will use the life lessons learned and experienced by us all that week for Your good and for Your glory. Continue teaching us to glorify and enjoy You with every aspect of our beings. With all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30).

Mm. Yes. Most dear and glorious God, make us able to love You as we ought! And our neighbors as ourselves (v. 31). Freely. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. Yes God, yes! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(314 words ~ 12:20 p.m.)

living in the present

Thursday, October 2, 2014 (7:41 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, Patient God,

Thank You.

Yesterday I got the taste of living in the moment. Not dwelling in the past or looking too far into the future. I took each opportunity as it came to me and was excited. Pleased. In the moment.

(8:49 a.m.)

In the moment. That's what I noticed. I was present. Truly present in the surroundings.

Gracious God, how I thank You for such a gift. The gift of being truly present.

Looking to Your Word, much is said about this as well. Guide me in my thinking and expressions of gratitude to You.

Ideas came freely. The willingness and opportunity to express and share them openly did as well. There was truth and joy. Freedom and fun. Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit.

I have been absent from here for quite awhile. Not absent from praying. Nor from thanking. Just not able to stay present in the expressing of it all.

Blessed God, I am grateful. You have blessed me immensely. Memories have been made. Joys experienced. Blessings abounded. And I honestly haven't known how to openly share them either with You, myself or others. It has been so easy to hold it all inside. Close to my chest.

Work in me to share. Not in a flaunting way. Just honestly. Openly. Willingly.

I love You. Because You first loved me (1John 4:19). Living here in the present, I am aware of a tidal wave of emotions. Having the ability to turn and immediately find Bible verses I have been considering for days leaves me profoundly comforted.

Just the other day I had reason to recall the Truth that “perfect love casts out fear” (v. 18). Not taking the time to actually look it up, I worked on the premise that I am not to be afraid. Not in my dealings and interactions with others. Not in my thinking. Hoping. Or praying.

You are a good God. Loving. Kind. Faithful. I get to choose to believe that. Or not. I have the opportunity to follow You. Your teachings. Your Truth. And to live. To truly live in the present. Mm. Yes. Blessed God. Yes!

I want desperately to live my life in You. Unafraid. Aware. Honest. Open. Willing. And present. Teach me Blessed God. Show me. Guide me. Lead me.

Just for today. This very moment. Keep me present. In You. With You. By You. For You. I love You. And I want for it to be easily seen by all I encounter.

Thank You for Your love. Your presence. Your every gift in my existence. Use me exactly as You wish. I love You. I long to serve You. And to do it well. Make it so I pray. Make it so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(464 words ~ 9:43 a.m.)

Trusting You!

Thursday, September 18, 2014 (6:15 a.m.)

Praising You,

Thanking You. Blessing You. Trusting You. Mm, yes. Trusting You!

Very early this morning, before I was able to get to sleep, I thought I needed to eat. I wasn't sure if I was hungry or not, but oh how I wanted to eat! Then I remembered my emotions had been challenged earlier and perhaps I was only responding to them.

I reaffirmed my powerlessness over the circumstances. Remembered that random eating would only intensify the unmanageability of the situation. I called upon “a Power greater than myself to restore me to sanity” and finally fell into a deep, restorative sleep.

Thank You!

These few hours later, the dawn is breaking on a brand new day and joy could definitely come in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Yes. The joy of trusting You!

Reading in a hymnal under the section “Assurance and Trust” are these bold words, IN GOD I TRUST. Thank You that I get to trust in You!

I don't always remember to immediately. So often it takes me quite awhile to come around. Thank You for every single time remembrance happens!

A worship sequence under the title mentioned above includes verses from Isaiah 43:2-3; Psalm 56:4 and Proverbs 3:5. All involve trusting You. Some remind not to be afraid. Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit.

Remind me as often as You must this day of the importance of trusting You. Mm. Yes. Trusting You! Thank You. I Love You. Amen.

(253 words ~ 8:18 a.m.)