comfortable feeling uncomfortable

 Wednesday, October 31, 2024 (7:45 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for all You have to teach us. About love. Truth. Trust. Honesty. Openness. Willingness. Communication. Forgiveness. Jesus. satan. And the many ways he has of tripping us up.

Father, thank You for the last couple of days of feeling uncomfortable, necessary feelings. It was said to me quite awhile ago that we need to become comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Thank You that this applies to our emotions as well as our bodies.

Thank You Lord for the very unexpected pang of feelings that shot through me as I watched my beloved husband’s photo reverently placed on an elementary school’s ofrenda. Thank You for the tears that gut me every time I think of it.

I confess to taking several hours to wallow in the sadness of it all. Only to be overcome again yesterday as I handed off his memorialized obituary to a cemetery worker who so lovingly and kindly placed it for our family.

Lord, this is the loving kindness that is apparent when we actively seek and ultimately find (Matthew 7:7) You. Father, this is the type of emotion that I don’t yet know how to express.

Thank You that I have the opportunity of letting tears fall as they come. Learning to be comfortable feeling uncomfortable.

Heard the other day in a church service. “The devil is a headhunter. Our mind is his battlefield. Our imagination? his trophy.” Thank You for this teaching. Encouraging me to stop imagining the various worse case scenarios. Instead, turning my focus to going on a JOY scavenger hunt.

You know, like that incredibly beautiful clear blue sky we had yesterday. Being able to see various nooks and crannies in our nearby mountains.

Lord, You provide us so much! Thank You for the opportunity of bringing all our hearts, souls, minds and strength to You. Asking (Matthew 7:7a) You to “bless and keep us…” (Numbers 6:24-26).

You dear Lord is where I put [and find!] my faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Thank You for reminding me that as I sing my heart out for others, I can add myself into that mix!

♪I speak the name of Jesus over you In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move I speak the name ‘cause it’s all that I can do In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven And pray this for you

♪I pray for your healing That circumstances will change I pray that the fear inside would flee In Jesus Name I pray that a breakthrough would happen today I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name♪

Because of Your Word of Truth and promises we are able to ♪speak the name of authority Declaring blessings…♪ All because You are Wednesday, October 31, 2024 (7:45 a.m.)

Blessed God,

 Thank You for all You have to teach us. About love. Truth. Trust. Honesty. Openness. Willingness. Communication. Forgiveness. Jesus. satan and the many ways he has of tripping us up.

Father, thank You for the last couple of days of feeling uncomfortable, necessary feelings. It was said to me quite awhile ago that we need to become comfortable feeling uncomfortable. Thank You that this applies to our emotions as well as our bodies.

Thank You Lord for the very unexpected pang of emotions that shot through me as I watched my beloved husband’s photo reverently placed on an elementary school’s ofrenda. Thank You for the tears that gut me every time I think of it.

I confess to taking several hours to wallow in the sadness of it all. Only to be overcome again yesterday as I handed off his memorized obituary to a cemetery worker who so lovingly and kindly placed it for our family.

Lord, this is the loving kindness that is apparent when we actively seek and ultimately find (Matthew 7:7) You. Father, this is the kind of emotion that I don’t even know how to express.

Thank You that I have the opportunity of letting tears fall as they come. Learning to be comfortable feeling uncomfortable.

Heard the other day in a church service. “The devil is a headhunter. Our mind is his battlefield. Our imagination? his trophy.” Thank You for this teaching. Encouraging me to stop imagining the various worse case scenarios. Instead turning my focus to a JOY scavenger hunt.

You know, like that incredibly beautiful clear blue sky we had yesterday. Being able to see various nooks and crannies in our nearby mountains.

Lord, You provide us so much! Thank You for the opportunity of bringing all our hearts, souls, minds ad strength to You. Asking (Matthew 7:7a) You to “bless and keep us…” (Numbers 6:24-26).

You dear Lord is where I put my faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Thank You for reminding me that as I sing my heart out for others, I can add myself into that mix!

♪I speak the name of Jesus over you In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move I speak the name ‘cause it’s all that I can do In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven And pray this for you

♪I pray for your healing That circumstances will change I pray that the fear inside would flee In Jesus Name I pray that a breakthrough would happen today I pray miracles over your life I Jesus name♪

Because of Your Word of Truth and promises we are able to ♪speak the name of authority Declaring blessings…♪ All because You are ♪greater... stronger... the God of possible!♪

Thank You Father. We are invited to ♪Come believe it Come receive it Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever♪ OURS! Yes. I am charged to believe and receive all You have for me.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me. That I will truly come out singing. Smiling. Standing firmly and staying my mind on You. Your Truth Your promises.

I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Continue Your work in making me into the wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14a), virtuous and capable woman (Proverbs 31:29) my husband knew me to be.

I want very much to serve You well. Clothed in Your strength and dignity (Proverbs 31:25a). Laughing, with no fear of the future (v. 25b). You DO know best Dearest Father!

Use me. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(610 words ~ 8:34 a.m.)greater, stronger, the God of possible!

Thank You Father. We are invited to ♪Come believe it Come receive it Oh, the power of His Spirit is now forever♪ OURS! Yes. I am charged to believe and receive all You have for me.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me. That I will truly come out singing. Smiling. Standing firmly and staying my mind on You. Your Truth. Your promises.

I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Continue Your work in making me into the wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14a), virtuous and capable woman (Proverbs 31:29) my husband knew me to be.

I want very much to serve You well. Clothed in Your strength and dignity (Proverbs 31:25a). Laughing, with no fear of the future (v. 25b). You DO know best, Dearest Father!

Use me. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(610 words ~ 8:34 a.m.)

hurts and hearts

Wednesday, October 30, 2024 (4:16 a.m.)

Dearest Jesus,

I experienced unexpected sadness yesterday. The hurts and hearts of others. Physical as well as emotional. I had one anticipation for the day. You had quite the other plan.

Thank You for the songs and smiles You provide that continue pointing me back to You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

♪I speak the name of Jesus over you In your hurting, in your sorrow I will ask my God to move I speak the name ‘cause it’s all that I can do In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven And pray this for you I pray for your healing That circumstances would change I pray that the fear inside would flee In Jesus Name♪

♪In the Eye of the Storm You remain in control And in the middle of the war You guard my soul You alone are the anchor When my sails are torn (Hebrews 6:19a) Your love surrounds me In the eye of the storm♪

♪Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path♪ (Proverbs 3:5-6).

(6:44 a.m.)

Let me try again. Completely different setting. Outside, backyard swing. And a whole lot more honesty.

Father God, I experienced completely unexpected waves of sadness yesterday. Varying in size. Somewhat small ones interspersed with the ones that ultimately led to my desire to completely isolate myself.

Thank You that I believe You want me to bring my own hurting heart before You. Laying it wide open before You.

Father, it’s hard watching others hurt. With little to no hope. Thank You that Your Word tells us to ♪Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness And all these things shall be added unto You Hallelujah, Hallelujah!♪

Thank You for again singing Your Truth (Matthew 6:33) into my soul. Thank You that while it seems so much easier for me to withdraw and want to be alone, You keep putting desire into my heart.

Desire to know and to serve You better. Yes! Withdrawing doesn’t have to be a negative thing. Jesus Himself withdrew to solitary, quiet places.

The difference here? He went to be alone with You! He knew time spent with You was where true peace and power is found.

Thank You Father for reminding me of the importance of being honest, open and willing to let You have full control of my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Use me as You know is best. Surprising me with whatever emotions are necessary that Your will is done.

I love You. I need You. I trust You. And I want You. Oh yes! How very much I want You as Lord of my life.

Do in, with, by, through and for me all that You must. I want to sing, smile, stand firmly in and stay my mind on You and the Truth of Your wonderful, marvelous Word.

Use me as You alone know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(453 words ~ 7:17 a.m.)

 

FAITH!

 Tuesday, October 29, 2024 (5:04 a.m.)

Loving, Blessed, Lord God,

Thank You! ♪…Your way is better…♪

Thank You that You allow us the decision to ♪… Make Room for You To do whatever You want to… Shake up the grounds of all my tradition Break down the walls of all my religion… Oh, Your way is better…♪

You provided different for me yesterday. Reminding me at every turn that “Forsaking All I Trust Him (YOU!)” Yes. I experienced the FAITH it takes to remember that You’ve got us.

Having woken after a dream of hugging the much loved husband, how I thank You for the opportunity of sharing that kind of loving respect with others. Remembering our current circumstances midway through, I appreciate You providing me the knowledge that while it was indeed a dream, I got to keep on hugging him. No further questions or talking necessary.

Thank You also for time well spent with my big brother. Freely sharing the things You are doing in each of our lives. You are so very good to us Father.

Thank You for the much needed rain we received last night. Just enough at seemingly just the right time.

Blessed God, I love the work You are doing in us. Changing us from the inside out. From who and what we were, into all You would have us be. Your followers. Loving You, others and ourselves. With all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30-31).

Father, I want to learn to love as You designed us.

(6:22 a.m.)

In washing His disciples’ feet (John 13), Jesus gave us an example we are to follow (v.15). Followed by the dictate of verse 17. “You know these things - now do them! That is the path of blessing.”

Yes, please Father. I absolutely want to put Your Word of Truth and promises into practice. Not by my own will, strength or inclination. But by Yours. Working in, with, by, through and for me. All for Your glory.

Do all You must in using me as You now is best. I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(366 words ~ 6:32 a.m.)

Hope.

 Sunday, October 27, 2024 (5:42 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for the many ways You provide for us. Sleep. Rest. Dreams. Waking. Comfort. Warmth. Hope.

Mm. Yes. In You and Your Word we have hope.

Thank You for the opportunity and privilege to sing out the hope You provide. Thinking of You one moment, and singing to You the next.

Seemingly out of nowhere came ♪Come As You Are♪ Followed almost immediately by, “that’s not the song I thought it was!”

(6:22 a.m.)

Wanting to know what song is scrambled up inside, I’m also trying to find which Bible translation to use for best understanding Psalm 33:20-22. I bring all the searching to You Dear Lord. You decide for me please.

(6:26 a.m.)

The Life Recovery Bible it is! Beginning with verse 1. “Let the godly sing with joy to the LORD, for it is fitting to praise Him.” Mm. Yes. Praise You!

The comment for 33:1-11 tells us, “Such a powerful God is worthy of our trust and praise. The God who spoke the universe into existence is able to re-create us, and is filled with tender love for us. He can heal us of the defects that have brought such destruction to us and the people we love. All He asks is that we turn our life over to Him so He can work these changes in us.”

Yes, please! Do all You must. In. With. By. Through. And for each of us Dearest God. You know best! Every single hope we have is best served “in You alone” (v. 22b).

I want to live as You would have me live. Loving You, others and myself with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31). Continue changing me as You know is best.

I love, need, trust and want You. Use me for Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(327 words ~ 6:37 a.m.)

sheep pen

 Saturday, October 26, 2024 (3:22 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for this opportunity to pray for the hearts and hurts of others. You know their needs far more than I. Do all You must in bringing them safely into Your sheep pen.

(5:03 a.m.)

Thank You Father. Time spent reading about shepherds and sheepfolds (John 10). Smiling. Nodding. Wanting others to know and trust You as our ♪Good Good Father♪ and Shepherd (Psalm 23).

Lord, we are blessed by Your presence in our lives. Teach us to trust, lean and depend on You even more than we do.

♪In the Eye of the Storm You remain in control And in the middle of the war You guard my soul You alone are the anchor When my sails are torn Your love surrounds me In the eye of the storm♪

Thank You Father for the times You sing Your Truth to me. Reminding me that it IS in You I trust!

There are hurts and heartaches surrounding us. Miscommunications have led to divisions. And awkward, uncomfortable silences. Fear over the upcoming election. Your followers on both sides of the aisle truly believing their understanding and backing to be correct.

Lord God, You know Your will. You know Your way. Your plan to prosper, not to harm

(5:57 a.m.)

With tears in my eyes again I say “Thank You God.” Yes! Thank You, thank You God.

You provide Your Truth. Spelled out in so many different ways. Opportunity for me to seek and find abound.

Originally searching ‘sheep pen’ I continued finding writings about David. And Saul. One with a heart for You. The other? Not so much!

Father, I want to live my days here in, with, by, through and for You. Your will. Your way. Your timing.

I confess to allowing my own feelings [fear, hurt, regret…] to take over the plans You may have for me. Too often I want to take action. Get things moving. Continue Your work in teaching me the importance of waiting for and on You.

You have always known what is best. Work Your way, Your will and Your timing into my very core and being.

An internet writing from Teays Valley Church of God ends with this imperative. “Listen, God knows the conditions of your life perfectly, and He sees what is ahead. He knows what He is preparing you for and what He will use to prepare you in the meantime. His will, His Way, His Time is perfect. Trust Him, and wait for Him to move in your life.”

Yes please, Dearest Dad. You have provided us a Shepherd. A sheep pen. And green pastures. Use them all for Your good and Your glory Lord. Leading and guiding me as You know is best.

I love, need, trust and want You. Thank You for first loving us (1 John 4:19). Use me in learning more about how to love as You would have us love. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(500 words ~ 6:20 a.m.)