Sleep happened!

Saturday, January 25, 2020 (6:13 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Sleep happened! It did. And I am grateful Lord. Yes Lord. For so many things.

Rest. Opportunity. Music. Yes, another song woke me up. At first I found it odd. And once again it makes so much sense.

♪All By Myself don’t want to be all by myself anymore♪ It’s so true Father. You even said so. Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the man to be alone, so I will create a companion for him, a perfectly suited partner” (The Voice).

How I thank You Lord. That You know and love us so much. You look out for us. You plan good things on our behalf. How I thank You.

Oh yes Lord. How deeply and truly I thank You.

We had a hiccup yesterday. Well more like repeated coughing spells. And not feeling well took its toll on communication. Irritants [physical and personal] led to shortness. And here I am singing ♪… don’t want to be all by myself♪

You’re good God! Really good.

There is much written about Adam’s need for a help meet. A well-matched helper. Partner. Companion. Counterpart. Just right for him.

Holy God, how truly I thank You for the way You use the simplest things [like a seemingly random song] to speak deeply to my heart. Soul. Mind. Strength (Mark 12:30). Yes. Thank You Father.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best.

Thank You for yesterday’s reminder that I am here “to be his helper in everything” (The Voice; 1 Corinthians 11:9). Even [especially?] when we’re both not at 100%.

Thank You Father! You are good. I love You. And need You. And praise You. And ask You. Keep working in me. With, by, through and for me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(309 words ~ 7:43 a.m.)

Isaiah 30:18

Friday, January 24, 2020 (7:51 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You for waiting for me. Awake after 3 and barely here now. Thank You Lord.

(8:50 a.m.)

Even here I get to learn more about You.

Isaiah 30:18. You DO wait for us!

“Yet the Lord still waits for you to come to Him so He can show you His love; He will conquer you to bless you, just as He said. For the Lord is faithful to His promises. Blessed are all those who wait for Him to help them” (The Living Bible).

And right there starts a song. ♪Strength Will Rise as we wait upon the Lord… Our God, You reign forever Our hope, our Strong Deliverer♪

Directly related to Isaiah 40:31. “But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

You wait for me to want to come. Thank You Father.

Thank You for Your love. Your provision. Your Truth. Your promises.

I love the various ways You speak to us. Through circumstances. Change. Beautiful skies. Wondrous words.

“The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him. So it is good to wait for Him and seek Him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

Father, I honestly can never thank You enough. You are good. You are holy. And we are so loved (John 3:16).

Here I look to You. Asking that You would use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me. I love You. I like You. And I thank You. Amen.

(304 words ~ 9:30 a.m.)

♪You Say♪

Thursday, January 23, 2019 (6:53 a.m.)

Blessed God,

This day is already different than planned. Awake for two hours, out of bed for one, here I finally come to You.

Thank You Father for every single time I finally come to You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

I think I make so many mistakes. Potentially say or do things that cause distress in others. Forgive me Father, for I know not what I do (Luke 23:34). This is rarely my intent.

Holy God, I confess to a time in my life where I was far less inclined to care about others. I would much rather hurt than be hurt. Thank You for the changes You continue making in me that enable me to want to be different.

Lauren Daigle and her song ♪You Say♪ were my getting up song. Having awoken again to ♪Holy, Holy, Holy♪ I thank You profoundly for the Truth You sing to me in various ways.

♪I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up Am I more than just the sum of every high and low? Remind me once again just who I am because I need to know♪

And You do! Thank You Father.

♪You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak And You say I am held when I am falling short And when I don’t belong, oh You say I am Yours And I believe, oh I believe What You say of me I believe♪

Yes Father. I believe because I want to.

♪The only thing that matters now is everything You think of me In You I find my worth, in You I find my identity♪ Thank You. Thank You that in You I am learning who I am.

Thank You that because of You and Your love I want to be loving. Yes Lord, continue Your work in making me kinder. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Good. Faithful. Gentle. And self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23a). Mm. Yes. Please.

The Passion Translation refers to the divine love produced by the Holy Spirit “in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit.”

I love when You spell things out for us Lord. Worldwide English lists “being kind, being good, being true, being gentle, and keeping the body under control.” Mm, yes Lord. These are things I definitely want to be.

I look to You. Asking You to make Your love so evident in me this day.

I love You Lord. ♪Taking all I have and now I’m laying it at Your feet You have every failure God, and You’ll have every victory… Oh I believe, Yes I believe What You say of me♪

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me. Amen.

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

persistence

Wednesday, January 22, 2020 (6:28 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’ve been singing ♪Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty♪ for hours now. Varied attempts of returning to sleep failed as the hymn grew more persistent.

♪…Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee♪ With that sung out to You again, 

(8:29 a.m.)

The phone rang. An unexpected “reach out” from a loved one and now I flounder. Much conversation. A little depth. And my brain no longer is engaged with thoughts of You.

Reel me back in Lord. Start me over. Where are my thoughts and praises of You?

♪Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!♪

There is so much to sing. And read. Oh yes Father!

The more I sing, the deeper I dig into Your Word. Following the referenced verse (Revelation 4:8) I wind myself to Isaiah 6:1-8 (Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call). Then to John 1:1, 2 (Christ, the Eternal Word); 2 Corinthians 5:19 (We Are God’s Ambassadors) and 1 Timothy 3:16 (The Truths of Our Faith).

The more persistent I am in reading, the stronger my hope for healing grows. In myself and loved ones as well. Blessed Father God, how desperately we are in need of You.

Turning to 1 Corinthians 14:25 and finally 2 Thessalonians 1:10 I am repeatedly reminded that our hopes all lie in You Blessed Lord. Here again I thank and praise You.

I don’t claim to understand much. But I do believe! You are good. You are faithful. And You call us to reflect You throughout our days.

Father, I ask You to increase my level of persistence that I would one day be able to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) and my neighbor as myself (31). It is only in and with, by, through and for You that this is possible.

I love You Lord and I ask all this in the name of “the One who was and is and is to come” (Revelation 4:8d). Oh how I thank You! Amen.

(355 words ~ 9:14 a.m.)

God as Being

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 (5:43 a.m.)

Holy God,

How I thank You Lord. Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your power. Thank You for Your being.

(6:38 a.m.)

Now here’s a new-to-me concept. You as being. And the deeper I dig, the more confused I become.

Thank You even for confusion God. It always helps remind me that You are God and I am not. Thank You Father.

As I have searched and read and tried to learn more, here I turn again to You asking Your understanding. I read of Your Old Testament name (“JHWH” Exodus 3:15) and I am again reminded of how very much I just don’t know.

Illustrated Bible Handbook [Jehovah/Yahweh] tells us, “What is important is not the pronunciation, but the meaning of the name and the revelation of God it contains… ‘the One who is always present!’ …The people of God are to live in the sure confidence that the living God is present in each today!”

Thank You Father that I am a person of God. And I get to learn and be reminded that we “are to experience God as One who is present, fully involved in each day” of our lives.

Oh yes Blessed Father. How I thank You and ask You to do all You must in making me into the woman You would have me be. One who truly loves You. Wants You. Needs You. Trusts You. Yes Lord, do all You must.

I love You. I thank You. Use me as You know is best. Amen.

(7:25 a.m.)

♪Our God♪

Monday, January 20, 2020 (8:04 a.m.)

Most Blessed God,

You and I’ve been talking much of the morning. Me pleading. You providing. Your peace. Your promises. Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You.

Mm, yes Lord. I get to sing to You. Knowing. Trusting. Believing that You are ♪an awesome God Who reigns from heaven above With wisdom, power and love Our God is an awesome God♪

Father, thank You. Thank You that as my concern for a much loved one’s current health crisis grows, You remind me. You are able.

Oh yes Blessed Father! You are “able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20).

In my own winding and twisty way I am asking for healing on her behalf. There is a lifetime of hurts and slights and chaos. And above it all, there is You!

Yes Father. You! And Your Truth. And Your promises. All with our belief that ♪Nothing Nothing Absolutely nothing Nothing is too difficult for Thee♪

Oh most Blessed God, how I pray. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7). Your presence. Your power. You in it all.

The song I immediately sang yesterday is ♪God Will Make A Way where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see…♪

And here I continue singing in my dear baby cousin’s place, ♪He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With love and strength for each new day He will make a way, He will make a way♪

Holy God, none of us here know what that way looks like. But we do know You to be good!

And this is where I turn again to yet another song. ♪Our God♪ It lists Your attributes. Turning water into wine. Opening the eyes of the blind.

♪Into the darkness You shine Out of the ashes we rise There’s no one like You None like You Our God is greater Our God is stronger God You are higher than any other Our God is Healer Awesome in power, Our God, Our God♪

Father God, our hope is in You. We rely on You. I could sing on and on here. Instead I close with one more prayer. This one of thanksgiving for all You are going to provide in this time of great healing.

You know Your plans for us. They are plans for good and not for evil. They are plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). This I stand on Lord.

‘In these days when we pray, You will listen. If we look for You in earnest, we will find You when we seek You’ (vs. 12-13). Oh this I pray Dearest Father. This I pray.

♪We love You Lord And we lift our voice To worship You, Oh our souls rejoice! Take joy, our King, in what You hear: May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear♪ (Psalm 31:22-24).

Use this crisis. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Us. To bring glory to Your name. Thank You Father. We need You. Amen.

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

all over the place

Sunday, January 19, 2020 (5:11 a.m.)

God morning Blessed God,

(7:26 a.m.)

And I’m back!

Looking. Reading. Playing. Working. Distraction. Focus. All over the place.

Yes Father. My thoughts and actions are all over the place this morning. I’m asking You to harness them for Your good.

Whoa! Even here You pull me straight back to You. Thank You Father. Praise You Lord.

I get to excitedly turn in Your Word and smile deeply. Yes Lord. You bring us back to You every time we ask.

Psalm 107:1-3. “Oh, thank GOD - He’s so good! His love never runs out. All of you set free by GOD, tell the world! Tell how He freed you from oppression, Then rounded you up from all over the place, from the four winds, from the seven seas.”

Psalm 119:65-72. “Be good to Your servant, GOD; be as good as Your Word. Train me in good common sense; I’m thoroughly committed to living Your way. Before I learned to answer You, I wandered all over the place, but now I’m in step with Your Word. You are good, and the source of good; train me in Your goodness. The godless spread lies about me, but I focus my attention on what You are saying; They’re bland as a bucket of lard, while I dance to the tune of Your revelation. My troubles turned out all for the best - they forced me to learn from Your Textbook. Truth from Your mouth means more to me than striking it rich in a gold mine.”

Yes Lord! Yes.

Not only do You help my focus turn back to You, music wells up in my soul. Thank You Father.

♪Yes, Lord Yes! To Your will and to Your way (My souls says) yes, Lord, yes I will trust You and obey When Your Spirit speaks to me With my whole heart I’ll agree And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes♪

Oh yes Lord. Make it so!

As You continue corralling my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark12:30) use me exactly as You know is best. Sharing Your love and kindness at every turn.

♪I love You Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul, rejoice! Take joy my King In what Your hear Let it be a sweet, sweet sound In Your ear♪

Oh yes. This I pray in Your Son’s most holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(415 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)

You!

Friday, January 17, 2020 (3:10 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

You did it! You made a way Where there seemed to be no way. You helped me plan my work and work my plan.

You were able to make me see and approach things differently. You granted me the courage to change the things that should be changed. Thank You Jesus. Praise You Lord.

(5:55 a.m.)

I tried to rest. And then I got lost in a he said/she said back and forth attempt of explaining myself to another. Again I thank You Lord.

Yes! Thank You for making us so complex (Psalm 139:14). Yes Lord. Thank You for showing and teaching us the value of who and all we are. In You!

Yes Lord. You!

You’ve given me song after song this morning. ♪You♪ by Marvin Gaye. ♪Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here♪ Both at 2:17 this morning. ♪My Life Is In You♪ just now. And with them, smiles each time.

Father, I am asking You to keep up the awesome, incredible work You have been doing in changing me. For Your good. Do all You must. In, with, by, through and for me.

♪I love You, Lord And I lift my voice To worship You Oh my soul rejoice Take joy, my King In what You hear May it be a sweet sweet sound In Your ear♪ Another song. Another smile.

Thank You Father. Use me. As only You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(256 words ~ 6:35 a.m.)

surrendering

Sweet Holy God,

Here I am… surrendering to a new approach. Asking You to take over.

I want order. A lesser degree of clutter. Streamlined productivity.

You are changing me. I feel it. Sense it. Know it. And am experiencing it.

Keep working in me Dad. With, by, through, for… EXACTLY as You know is best.

God as Spirit

Thursday, January 16, 2020 (5:41 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m here. Finally. I woke up singing more than an hour ago. A word here. Snippet of music there. Instead of coming straight to You with it, I tried searching on my own. To no avail.

Father, thank You for the resources. Thank You for the gifts, Thank You for the access. Now I ask You for the find. What is the song of which I search?

Seeking before praying has only muddied my thinking. When we first began the exchange I was sure of one song. Now it’s become a cacophony. A blend of several possibilities.

Lead me Lord. Guide me to where You would have me go in Your Word and our worship together.

Savior. Redeemer. None like You.

(6:18 a.m.)

And here it is. Just like I was first remembering it.

♪… my Strength, my Defender I can count on You For You are my Savior, my Hope and my Shelter Your love is forever I can count on You…♪ (Anchor from Bethel Music).

Yes! Father I can count on You. Thank You!

(6:41 a.m.)

There’s a smile and sense of contentment going on with me right now. A joy I recognize as coming only from You.

(7:25 a.m.)

Getting to search Your Word about having my thinking muddied I am drawn to Ezekiel (34:17-19). Oh most blessed God, how I thank You for the various ways You speak to us through every given day!

Here I am asking You to continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me. There is a sorting and packing project to complete. Not the biggest challenge in the scheme of the universe. One that I need Your help with nonetheless.

Let me truly see and experience You as Spirit this day. The One who truly leads and guides me through all the challenges I am sure to face.

I am currently not finding where I had just read of You as Spirit. Use Your Truth in shaping, leading and guiding me as only You know is best. Thank You for loving me exactly as I am.

♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory, God, is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence, Lord… Let us become more aware of Your presence Let us experience the glory of Your goodness…♪

Oh yes Blessed God. I want to know You as Spirit! Use me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(430 words ~ 7:49 a.m.)

"realer"

Wednesday, January 15, 2020 (5:54 a.m.)

Blessed God,

THANK YOU!

You are so very good to us. You teach us. You guide us. You provide our every need.

This morning I was searching for yet another song. The word I woke up with was “realer”. This lines up well with my sincerest desire for authenticity. Yes Father, I long to be realer than I ever have been in my life.

Even this I get to bring to You. Along with the lyrics that I finally found.

♪Some people are made of plastic Some people are made of wood Some people have hearts of stone Some people are up to no good But baby, I’m for real I’m as real as real can get If what you’re looking for is real loving Then what you see is what you get♪

Lord, I thought this was going to be me singing to You. As it turns out I’m sensing You singing it to me.

Thank You Father. You absolutely are realer! You’re ♪as real as real can get♪ And I love You. Thank You.

Yes, Lord. Thank You for helping me absolutely know of Your goodness. Your provisions. Your realness.

Yesterday my limited thinking was again challenged. And then changed. I’ve been working under a decades old, outdated plan that no longer meets our needs. You allowed me to see with fresher eyes and this morning I am again filled with hope. Thank You God.

Yes, yes Father. Thank You for the hope that fills my being. Truly trusting and believing that You know the plans You have for us (Jeremiah 29:11) I surrender to Your will Lord. Asking that You would continue sharpening my wits. Enabling me to make the changes necessary in completing our current task.

Father, how I love You. Thank You for again sending me to Hebrews 1. Jesus, the Living Word. Mm, yes. Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Thank You for reminding me “in the beginning You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands” (Hebrews1:10).

As I continue reading, my excitement increases. Again You teach me more. Father, thank You. Praise You.

(7:48 a.m.)

I am here before You Lord. Wholeheartedly asking You to continue Your work in making me “realer”. Yes. Absolutely ♪as real as real can get♪

Father, I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You. Oh how I ask You to do in, with, by, through and for me all that is needed in making me into the woman You would have me be. Realer! Yes. Please. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(446 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

♪Anchor♪

Tuesday, January 14, 2020 (6:01 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for once again singing to my soul this morning.

It took a little bit of extra digging, but here it is. ♪Anchor♪ from Bethel Music.

Oh! Look at this. Other words that are associated with anchor. Foundation. Mainstay. Cornerstone. Words I have long known to represent Jesus.

Father, thank You for the countless ways You speak to me. Thank You for the opportunity, the privilege of coming before You in prayer. Blessed God, I love You so very much.

Thank You Lord that I get to sing out to You and learn more of Your Word, Your Truth, Your promises. This morning I find that Hebrews 6:18-20 closely resemble the heart of the song with which I awoke.

“God cannot tell lies! And so His promises and vows are two things that can never be changed. We have run to God for safety. Now His promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the holy place. Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and He is our High Priest forever, just like Melchizedek [Old Testament priest who lived before Aaron]” (Contemporary English Version).

I read Your Word and again I sing. ♪I’m holding on to hope I’m holding on to grace I’m fully letting go I’m surrendered to Your ways The anchor for my soul Father You will never change I love You, I love You♪

Thank You Blessed God. Yes. Thank You for helping me sing. Smile. Stay my mind on You, Your Truth and Your promises. And surrender to Your will and Your way.

Continue Your work in teaching me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12 :30). I do love You Father. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

(334 words ~ 7:57 a.m.)

Help!

Monday, January 13, 2020 (11:24 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Taking a step back. With a soothing, calming breath. I am asking You to lead and guide me. According to Your will. Your way.

My thinking tends to take me in a variety of directions. Seemingly all at the same time. Stepping back and breathing intentionally allows clarity to settle in. That is what I am seeking God. The next step.

You took us so effortlessly through this most recent holiday season. Beginning all the back in October.

Here we are in the new decade and I keep stumbling. Over my own perceived inabilities.

This is where I stop! Asking You to do in, with, by, through and for me ALL that I am unable to do on my own.

Father, You are so good to lead and guide us. Planning, prioritizing and packing away these Christmas “treasures” from one year to the next has not gotten easier through the years.

How I ask You to speak to me. Loudly. Clearly.

What really matters? What doesn’t?

I love You Lord. Help! Please. Amen.

invited to pray

Monday, January 13, 2020 (5:50 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

How I thank You. Yes. Thank You for inviting us to pray. Mm. What a big and glorious thought so early in the day.

(6:50 a.m.)

Oh Blessed God! What a truly incredible opportunity to look into Your Word this morning. Reading of others experiences with Your never ending invitations of coming before You I am amazed. And grateful.

Yes Father. Grateful!

How many times have I questioned, even doubted the validity of our times together? Turning again to Your Word and looking at the prayer time of other people Blessed Father I thank You so very much.

You invite us to come to You:

Jeremiah 33:3

James 1:5-6

2 Chronicles 7:14

Psalm 91:14-16

Matthew 7:7

Then there are the examples of the faith of others:

Hebrews 4:16

Psalm 56:3

Psalm 57:1

Jonah 2:2

Acts 10:9

Blessed God, I ask You to continue strengthening and emboldening my desire to be a better pray-er than I am. I have experienced the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). I have had opportunity to “Be alert and keep on praying” (v. 18b).

Yes Father. You have called me to “Be faithful, even unto death (Revelation 2:10d). As well as “be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19b).

You have spoken to me throughout the years. In so many different ways. This morning I am experiencing a sense of confirmation that I have been on the right track. That I haven’t just been spinning my wheels. Or making up the benefit of sitting here with You all these mornings.

Blessed Father God, how deeply and truly I love You. Looking to You. Accepting Your invitation to “Come.” Oh! How I thank You Lord.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Being glad for all You are planning, patient in trouble and always prayerful (Romans 12:12).

I love You Lord. I thank You for inviting me to pray. Praise You Father. Amen.

(350 words ~ 7:43 a.m.)

Because...

Sunday, January 12, 2020 (6:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

Not a lot of sleep. And every time I was aware of being awake again I reminded myself that “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” (Psalm 23:1 The Living Bible).

That Truth quickly got shortened to “Because.” Coming to You now, with what seems little oomph [oh look at me smile broadly because it really is a word, spelled exactly that way]

Now I can truly thank You for loving us so much. All these hours I’ve avoided opening myself up to You because I believed it [my worship] wasn’t going to be enough.

Was I misinterpreting the simplicity of Psalm 23? Trying too hard to understand its depth? That all faded away with the easy finding of the word “oomph” - the quality of being exciting, energetic.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity of letting self-doubt and flagellation give way to praise and adoration. Of You!

Yes Lord. It’s when I put the focus back on worshiping and adoring You that I drop my guard of wanting more understanding than I have. The Passion Translation tells me that David called You his best friend and shepherd (Psalm 23:1a).

Because of this, he always had more than enough (v. 1b). I believe this to be true of us as well. You ‘offer a resting place in Your luxurious love’ (2a). And “an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss” (2b).

As I consider the Truth of these poetic word pictures Father my heart and mind practically explode! You restore and revive life (3a). Open pathways to Your pleasure (3b). Leading along in Your footsteps of righteousness to bring honor to Your name (3c-d).

A path through the valley of deepest darkness reminds that “fear will never conquer me, for You already have!” You remain close and lead through it all the way. “Your authority is my strength and my peace [rod]. The comfort of Your love [staff] takes away my fear” (4).

Verse 5 describes the delicious feast You will provide. Even when enemies dare to fight. Here we also find the anointing of the Your Holy Spirit [oil] and an overflowing heart.

Bringing us to the climactic conclusion. “So why would I fear the future? For Your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to Your glorious presence to be forever with You!”

Father, I confess my tendency to allow the struggles of any given day to overshadow Your Truth and promises. Forgive me I pray.

Continue reminding me that “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need.” I shall not want. I lack nothing. You care for us always.

Thank You Father. Thank You that because You ARE our Shepherd, You will lead us to places of  safety. Yes Lord. Thank You. Because of so many things!

I love You. And I ask You to use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Because… Amen.

(520 words ~ 8:38 a.m.)

"Thank You"

Saturday, January 11, 2020 (7:13 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. “I got nothin’.” That seems to be my demeanor this morning. It’s not true, mind You. Just the overwhelming feeling.

So let’s start again. Thank You. Yes. Thank You Lord. Any time we are at a loss for words, “thank You” can start the smiles. And it did.

My heart and mind are at odds right now. One being more sensical/sensible than the other. Even here Lord, I thank You. Thank You for the privilege of learning new-to-me words.

Thank You for taking me from deep, agonizing thoughts to the memory of the bright reds and oranges of this morning’s sky. Thank You that You are always in the details. Thank You that all we truly ever have to say is, “Thank You Lord” and our inner being changes. Thank You Lord.

Yes. Thank You Lord!

There are songs that sing of it. Bible verses that speak Your Truth. Here I turn to the book of Isaiah. And again I smile.

Thank You God. Yes. Thank You!

The peace I get to experience just by saying “Thank You” truly astounds me.

(9:05 a.m.)

“Thank You” led me over to Isaiah 43:16-21. Illustrated Bible Handbook draws my attention to: Chapter 40. Comfort! Chapter 41. Israel’s Helper; Chapter 42: 1-13. The Lord’s Servant; Chapters 42:14-43:28. Israel’s Unfaithfulness.

The sub-categories intrigue me as well. The Unfaithful Servant; 42:14-25. The Faithful Savior; 43:1-13. Mercy and Unfaithfulness in Contrast; 43:14-28.

Taking my thankfulness back to The Life Recovery Bible, my whole being perks up at at the chapter titles and subtitles. Comfort for God’s People; God’s Help for Israel; The LORD’s Chosen Servant; A Song of Praise to the Lord; Israel’s Failure to See and Listen; The Savior of Israel; The LORD’s Promise of Victory.

Father, how truly I thank You for the opportunity of saying, “Thank You!” Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Thanking You all the way.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(353 words ~ 10:22 a.m.)

seeking order

Friday, January 10, 2020 (6:11 a.m.)

Holy God,

I am here requesting order. Yes Lord, I am seeking order.

What better place to start than with the God of the universe? The One who brought everything into being.

Father, thank You for all You created.

(7:34 a.m.)

Mm, yes Father. Thank You.

Thank You that I get to read Your Word. Pour over Your promises. Skim. Look at. And hone in on Your Truth.

Father, I look about me and see controlled chaos. Stacks. Piles. Indecision. Yes. That’s what it is.

Last year I was completely willing to be “delightfully surprised” by the packing away of holiday items. This year I am truly seeking order. “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

Yes Father. Order. Organization. Structure. A plan. A good, solid, precise strategy. You are excellent at such things.

Fast forwarding over to Revelation 21 The New Jerusalem I look to You Father. A Serenity Prayer devotion (The Life Recovery Bible) for verses 3-6 begins, “As we think about making changes in our life, we may find ourself dwelling on the defects in our character.” True that Lord.

How I look to You for making the changes necessary in my thinking. Planning. Ability.

Your Word promises us power to do what we cannot on our own. The Life Recovery Bible comment for 21:1-7 tells us, “Ever since the first sin in the Garden of Eden, God has been working to restore His earth to its original perfection… It is God’s will to make old things new… By following His will for our life, we become part of God’s plan for restoration…” Yes please Father.

I long to be a part of Your plan for restoration. Ordering our home may not seem a big thing to others. You know my heart. My soul. My mind. My strength. I long to love You fully with each (Mark 12:30). This I believe is done by submitting completely to Your will.

A song is brewing. Bits of music combined with the words ♪completely to You♪ 

♪The Stand♪ is offered as one of the possibilities. But doesn’t seem quite so. Even with this I turn to You Dearest God and Father. Asking Your guidance.

Holy God, I love You. I want to serve You. As You so rightly deserve.

♪So I’ll stand... ♪ Oh just look at this will You!

It IS ♪The Stand♪ The full lyrics, not just the chorus.

♪You stood before creation Eternity in Your hand You spoke the earth into motion My soul now to stand You stood before my failure And carried the cross for my shame My sin weighed upon Your shoulders My soul now to stand♪

And here it is! The Pre-Chorus. ♪So what could I say? And what could I do? But offer this heart, Oh God Completely to You♪

Father, You cause me to sing. Smile. Stand firmly on Your Word. Surrendering to Your will.

Work in, with, by, through and for me this day as I seek to make order out of this disarray. I love You Lord. Do all You must. Thank You. Amen!

(526 words ~ 8:40 a.m.)

good foundation

Thursday, January 9, 2020 (6:02 a.m.)

Father,

Thank You.

Thank You for time and inclination to pray to You. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You for Your promises.

Yes Father. Thank You for the times we can turn from our ways and look to Yours. Your Way. Your Truth. Your life (John 14:6).

Father, thank You that all of the trials and sorrows that we experience were spoken of by Jesus to His disciples. As was His promise of perfect peace and confidence. John 16:33.

So many songs and Biblical verses of hope. Truth. Promise. This morning they continue speaking to me of the importance of having You as our foundation.

Oh most dear and precious Father. I come to You. Heavily burdened with the concern for others.

(7:36 a.m.)

Yes Father. Heavily burdened.

I had opportunity to pray for a marriage last night. A marriage that may very well have been built ♪on the sandy land… too near the shore…♪ 'Though it might look kind of nice It will have to be built twice Oh they’ll have to build their house once more.'

This coming from a woman who knows! Our sideways, often upside down relationship was twenty years in the making. And then we were leveled. To our very broken, unsteady foundation.

We had the choice. You always provide a choice. Your way? Or ours. Your power? Or our own. Thank You God for humbling us. Thank You for helping us rebuild our relationship, our marriage, our house. On Your Foundation that is Jesus Christ our Lord!

♪You better build your house upon a Rock, Make a good foundation on a solid spot. Well, the storms may come and go, But the peace of God you will know♪ Yes Father. Yes!

So many verses. So many songs. All leading to Your sovereignty. Empower us to live our lives in, with, by, through and for You. This I pray, all in Jesus’ precious name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(343 words ~ 8:19 a.m.)

critical thinking

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 (6:33 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I woke up singing again. Thank You for that.

♪…Oo-o-o-oo This is gonna be the best day of my life My li-i-i-ife…♪ What a joyous thought!

Tell me Lord, how much of the day is thought based? If we think, recite and practice believing Your Word on a regular basis does it change our outlooks and thus our very being? I am convinced it does.

I believe Your Word to be Truth. Written for our good. To teach us. Guide us. Empowering and enabling us to live each day as You would have us live.

Psalm 118:24. “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” How often do we need to actively seek the good in each day? So many times it seems easier than others.

As we are reminded that ‘the chief purpose of mankind is to glorify and enjoy You forever’ we thank You for aligning our thoughts and actions with Your Truth and promises. Father, I ask You to continue establishing and building Your firm foundation (Luke 6:47-48; 2 Timothy 2:19) in each of us.

As we prepare to go out into this day, Father I ask that You would go before, behind, beside, below, above and within us. Guiding, directing and empowering us to truly be the people You would have us be.

We love You Lord. This IS the day that You have made! I sincerely desire to rejoice and be glad in it! Align my thinking with Your will. Allowing this to truly be ♪the best day of my li-i-ife…♪

I love You Lord. I need, want, and ask You to use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

(310 words ~ 7:41 a.m.)

All of it

Tuesday, January 7, 2020 (6:27 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You! I woke up singing to You again. ♪Yes, Lord, Yes to Your will and to Your way... ♪

Oh most holy God. Chaos, crisis and confusion are reigning supreme in the lives of our much loved ones.

Addictions. Unlawfulness. Surgeries. Overcrowding. A wedding, death and upcoming funeral. Half truths. Child welfare and custody concerns…

The list goes on Lord. Disagreements. Harsh words. Inabilities to lovingly communicate. Oh Father, how I bring it all to You.

Yes, Lord! All of it. Concerns. Hopes. Fears. Dread. All of it.

You are bigger. Better. Able. You are Who and All we need.

Oh most dear and blessed God, how I ask Your grace. Your wisdom. The courage that comes only from trusting and depending on You.

You are our hope. Our One, TRUE HOPE.

And this is where I look to You as the One who truly reigns supreme. Looking into that Truth I learn another new-to-me word. Preponderate. Be most important. Prevail. Dominate. Reign.

Yes Lord. You are our TRUE HOPE who dominates and reigns. Supreme.

Do all You must Dearest Lord. All You know is best. For all involved.

We look to You, Holy God. Our Preponderance! [the quality or fact of being greater in number, quality, or importance]

♪We’re leavin’ [bringin'] it all up to You-ooh-ooh You decide what we’re gonna do We want Your -lo-o-ve... ♪ 

Provide everything needed that Your will be done. Yes Father! “Thy will be done.”

Thank You Lord. I love You. Use me. Amen.

(262 words ~ 8:02 a.m.)

Epiphany

Monday, January 6, 2020 (6:19 a.m.)

Holy God,

The day of Epiphany. Speak to me about this will You?

The Coming of the Wisemen. 

Three Kings’ Day.

One of the oldest Christian feasts.

Quotes from The Christian Century:

“joy comes from recognizing and affirming the good”

“the star-led quest for the incarnate Christ”

“good news of great joy to all people, wonderful comfort to those who are eager to receive God’s gift and reign.”

“poetry of Katie Cook ~  Let us go in peace now

We have brought our gifts to the manger -

and for some of us

it was merely our broken selves - 

but now, like the shepherds,

we must go back to our fields;

like the magi,

we must go home another way.

Let us go in peace now;

May this Holy Child guide our steps

into the new year

And give us the courage

to give birth to God’s realm.”

A hope and prayer “that we will hold onto stars and babies, angels and shepherds, fields and fountains as we step into this new year - to be overwhelmed by joy and carried by it throughout every situation.”

(7:41 a.m.)

Father, thank You that we get to explore. Learn. Ask. Receive. Read of traditions. Holidays. Wonder. Wanting to know more.

Oh yes Father, I want to know so much more.

You have been so incredibly good to us this past holiday season. First with preparing us for Advent. Followed by a truly joyous Christmas Day. And a peace driven 12 Day celebration. 

Truly Lord, we can’t thank You enough. That’s why I bring my heart to You. Asking that You would continue emptying it of all that is not necessary and filling it with only what is.

As I sing songs geared toward Your Epiphany, I find and am moved by all the titles I don’t even recognize:

Once in Royal David’s City

A Communion Hymn for Christmas

Adoration

As with Gladness Men of Old

O Sing a Song of Bethlehem

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness

One Small Child

Who Is He in Yonder Stall?

The Unveiled Christ

Come and Praise the Lord Our King

It is ♪One Day♪ at which I stop to sing aloud. ♪Living He loved me; Dying, He saved me; Buried, He carried my sins far away; Rising, He justified freely forever; One day He’s coming - O glorious day!♪

All of this Truth because of Your Master plan Dear God. Jesus. Announced by angels. Born of a virgin. Placed in a manger. Worshiped by shepherds and Magi alike.

As I come to ♪Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! Bow down before Him, His glory proclaim. With gold of obedience and incense of lowliness. Kneel and adore Him - the Lord is His name!♪ I ask that I would keep singing ♪Adoration♪ to You Lord.

♪Fear not to enter His presence in poverty, Bearing no gifts to present as your own. Bring truth in its beauty and love in its purity - These are the off’rings to lay at His throne♪ Mm. Truth in its beauty. Love in its purity.

We are learning Father. You are teaching. I ask You to continue so today.

I love You Lord. I need You. I want You. And I ask You. Do all You know is best. In, with, by, through and for us. Thank You Father. Amen.

(570 words ~ 9:06 a.m.)

this 12th day of Christmas

Sunday, January 5, 2020 (6:18 a.m.)

♪On this 12th day of Christmas…♪

(8:13 a.m.)

Mm, yes. It is the 12th day of Christmas. What does that really mean for any of us? This I bring to You Dearest God.

The last day of Christmas. The day before Epiphany, “the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12).” Hmm. Teach me more Lord.

The Visit of the Wise Men “Magi, a class of wise men long associated with government in Persia” (Illustrated Bible Handbook). There’s so much to learn Father.

Prophecy (Numbers 24:17; Micah 5:2). Tyranny and manipulation (Matthew 2:13-18). Guidance, joy, worship, gift giving and a dream (Matthew 2:9-12).

Here I celebrate the hope that comes from Your promises and plans. The Life Recovery Bible’s comment for Micah “5:1-5 From a place that the world considered insignificant, God would bring greatness. God made the tiny village of Bethlehem internationally famous when he chose it as the birthplace of the Messiah.”

Father, thank You so much. Thank You that You use “‘insignificant’ people and places to achieve great things.” Yes Lord.

You “can take our broken and useless life and turn it into a blessing to others…” If we let You! “Out of hopeless situations, God can bring hope. Out of the confusion and chaos we have created, God can rebuild a world of peace.”

On this 12th day of Christmas, I so look to You Lord. With praise and adoration. Asking You to use me exactly as You know is best. I love You. I need You. I want You. I ask You. And I thank You Father. Oh how I thank You! Amen.

(294 words ~ 9:39 a.m.)

enJOYing

Saturday, January 4, 2020 (7:32 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Sitting. Thinking. EnJOYing. Yes Father, thank You for the fine art of enJOYment.

Singing very gently. ♪All is calm All Is bright♪ A genuine sense of peacefulness completely envelops me. Thank You Father.

♪Silent Night! Holy night! Son of God, love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy Holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth♪ Words I’ve never quite considered before.

Love’s pure light. Radiant beams. From Thy Holy face. The dawn of redeeming grace. Just thinking about radiant beams of love’s pure light coming from Your holy face causes me to pause. Inhale deeply. Settle in. EnJOY the thought.

The dawn [beginning] of redeeming grace. Just think about that! You were born and Your redemptive [acting to save someone from error or evil] grace began. Oh Lord, thank You!!

As I consider the calm and peace I am currently experiencing I am so thankful to attribute it all back to You. Thank You for this present opportunity to be keenly aware of this very moment.

Instead of wishing and hoping, thinking and praying for what may [or may not] come next, You are teaching me to fully appreciate [enJOY] all that is right here in this moment. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that I get to turn to Your Word (Psalm 66:1-4; Proverbs 8:22-31). Reading and learning more of Your Truth and Wisdom. Oh thank You Father. Such hope. And love.

“Shout joyful praises to God, all the earth! Sing about the glory of His name! Tell the world how glorious He is!”(Psalm 66:1). YES! Let me imprint this glorious Truth to my heart this year.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 66:1-7 begins, “When God demonstrates His power and His care for us, we need to share what He has done with others.” Yes Father. I want to get so much better at doing precisely this.

“The whole earth falls to its knees - it worships You, sings to You, can’t stop enjoying Your name and fame” (The Message; Psalm 66:4). Enable and empower me to continue “enJOYing Your name and fame” Dear Lord.

Yes. Oh, yes!

Turning over to Proverbs 8:22-31 I read of Wisdom and immediately think of Jesus. “GOD sovereignly made me - the first, the basic - before He did anything else. I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start.”

This section goes on mentioning the creation of Ocean, Springs, Rivers and Lakes. The sculpting of Mountains and shaping of Hills. The stretching out of Earth’s Horizons and the minute details of Soil and Weather. Sky was set firmly in place. Wild Ocean was mapped and given borders. The vast vault of Heaven built. Fountains installed that fed Ocean.

I keep reading and am absolutely enthralled. A boundary for Sea was drawn, with a “NO TRESPASSING” sign posted. Earth’s foundation was staked out and Wisdom was “right there with Him, making sure everything fit. Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause, always enJOYing His company, Delighted with the world of things and creatures, happily celebrating the human family” (vs. 30-31).

Oh most dear and blessed God, how I ask You to continue teaching me the very fine art of glorifying and enJOYing Your company forever. I love You Lord. So very much. Do all You know is best to this end. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(588 words ~ 9:19 a.m.)

something better

Friday, January 3, 2020 (6:55 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Holy God,

I confess. I’m looking to You for something better. And I don’t know if that’s even allowed.

You are so good. You give us so much already. How dare I ask for more?

But I did. I expected snow. The weather forecast was a huge snow storm. We were prepared. Excited. Ready.

I know I’m supposed to be grateful for all we did get. Safety. Warmth. Protection from the elements. Camaraderie.

So what do I do with the underlying tones of disappointment? Confess and bring them to You.

Yes. Here I am. Feeling spoiled. Unappreciative. Whiney.

That’s the word. “I didn’t get my way and wah, wah, wah…” Whiney.

The beauty with which we arrived was not surpassed as expected. Instead we have melty, ugly, dirty slush. And even here I say, “Thank You!”

Yes Father. Thank You for keeping us safe. Thank You for having us prepare. Thank You for Your love and Your teachings.

I may very well not have gotten what it was I thought I wanted, but You absolutely provided everything I need. And I do thank You Lord.

Thank You for safety. Above all we were safe. Thank You for reminding me of the importance of paying full attention to the beauty that I see, rather than looking forward to what has been promised.

The one area that would differ here is the beauty You promise us that is to come. Revelation 22:1. The New Jerusalem.

So, it didn’t snow as predicted. I’ll live. And be glad. Patient. Prayerful (Romans 12:12).

Thank You for putting up with me Lord. I can be a lot. And not always good. Thank You that You are.

Continue Your work in us Blessed God. Turning each of us into the something better You would have us be.

I love You Lord. I need You. Want You. Praise You. And I thank You for all You are and do on our behalf. Use us as You know is best. With SO much love. Thank You! Amen.

(354 words ~ 7:53 a.m.)

ability to change

Thursday, January 2, 2020 (7:02 a.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed God,

Thank You for the ability to change. Yes Father. We get to change our minds. Our hearts. Our stories.

Thank You that in the midst of whatever change may take place within or about us, “Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 Contemporary English Version).

The Message ends this verse by stating, “He’s always totally Himself.” I like the Truth in that. Jesus is always totally Himself. Authentic. Genuine. Real. I ask You to speak to me more about what that really means.

John 13:34; 14:21; 17:23

Romans 5:5

“Let’s commit ourselves to stay in love with one another no matter what” (Kenneth Copeland Ministries).

12:12

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 (7:20 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed God,

Thank You!

I saw the clock at 12:12 this morning and my thoughts flooded with awareness. It was officially a new year. A new decade. And I said so to You. Immediately countering with the idea that You are above time.

Considering where my bleary thinking could possibly take me right then I settled on looking up Romans 12:12 upon arising. Father God, You do not disappoint!

Thank You for such a perfect verse to begin a new day. Month. Year. Decade. “Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.” Yes!

Tall order though it may be. What a wonderful reminder. Be glad. Be patient. Be prayerful. Oh, yes Dear Lord!

And it just keeps getting better! Illustrated Bible Handbook. “Sincere Love; 12:9-21. The climate of the new community is to be marked by a sincere love for one another. It is this climate which makes possible maximum growth in righteousness. Such a love is so dynamic a power that it enables us to ‘overcome evil with good.’”

Yes Father! Sincere love. Maximum growth in righteousness. Dynamic power. Overcoming evil with good. What a way to begin anew. Thank You Father.

Be with every single step I take. In, by, through and for me. Working as only You can. ♪You are the Master Potter, I am the clay Mold me and make me♪ this is what I pray. Yes. 

♪Have Thine Own Way, Lord, have Thine own way Hold o’er my being absolute sway Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me♪

New year. New decade. New hope. New. Thank You Father. Keep doing all You know is best.

I love You. I need You. I want You. I ask You. Into each moment. Every exchange. Be all You are Father. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(335 words ~ 8:37 a.m.)