my whole way of thinking

 Monday, December 22, 2025 (5:26 a.m.)

Holy God,

You have absolutely done it again! Surprised me in some of the best ways possible. Thank You Lord.

I started this Advent season fully expecting to hate it and everything it has come to represent. Commercialism. Greed. Stress. Unrealistic expectations. And You changed my whole way of thinking!

Father, thank You for the ways You have been working in, with, by, through and for me all these decades now. In ways I never saw coming.

It’s when I am most honest with You that You work in ways I least expect. I can’t even begin to thank You for all the changes You have brought into my being.

There’s a lightness to my spirit. Definitely directly related to the themes of this current season. Hope. Peace. Joy. Love.

I could never pretend nor try to achieve the sincerest gratitude I have to You for those who have come before me. You’ve done this all Dearest Dad. Thank You.

(10:32 a.m.)

Errands run. Stops made. Some more successful than others. And I’m still singing the song with which I awoke. Thank You for leading me straight to it. Elton John’s ♪Step Into Christmas♪

That’s exactly what You had me do this year. One step following the first. And then taking the next. Truly just one step at a time.

Thank You for this relaxed approach to all I used to complicate. This being still and knowing that You are God (Psalm 46:10a). I truly want to honor You (v. 10b).

(12:00 p.m.)

Thank You also for walking with me through these immediate emotions that seem to spring out of nowhere. Singing gaily one moment. Tears stinging my eyes the next.

Father, thank You for being so incredibly good. Present. Available. Able. Yes Lord. You are able!

“… to accomplish infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20).

Like keeping me smiling. Even laughing. Singing [another new to me song ♪Merry Christmas♪]. Standing firmly on Your Word. And staying my mind on Your Truth.

Father God, I love, need, trust and want You. Do all You must that I “be glad and rejoice” (Psalm 118:24b) while glorifying and enjoying You. Forever!

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

 (12:34 p.m.)

Oh! And…

Thank You for the result I found first thing this morning after searching about being most honest with You. I delight in reading, “He meets us in our truth, not our pretense, and responds with love, grace, and a desire for deeper intimacy.”

I thought that was excellent enough, until I continued reading…

“He already knows our hearts and thoughts, so our honesty is for our benefit and liberation, not His information.” Continue Your work in keeping me honest with You. Thank You Lord. Amen.

(477 words ~ 12:40 p.m.)