ERN

 Saturday, July 4, 2026 (4:17 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. For so many things.

(4:36 a.m.)

At this moment I’m especially grateful for the grace You provide.

(4:39 a.m.)

And just like that [SNAP!] I’m entering into one of the best “choose your own ending” books ever written. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Father, thank You!

I came here initially to thank You for the mistakes I’ve already made this morning. Completely brewing my half a cup of coffee without any water being the biggest so far.

Thank You for the different ways You would have us look at mistakes. Faux pas. Errors. Learning experiences. Springboards.

(5:06 a.m.)

Father God, You are freeing me from the stigma with which I was raised. Avoiding mistakes at all costs. Now I get to learn the benefits of making them!

Error-Related Negativity (ERN) signals our brains to pay attention. Remain alert. Adjust future behavior. Yes! Father, thank You for teaching me new responses to old patterns.

Another meaning of ERN involves You. Everyday Relationship Needs. With this approach we able to surrender to Your control. Seek Your guidance. And allow Your love to hold us through life’s unexpected turns (internet search overview).

Ephesians 3:14-21

♪Worthy of It All♪

(Romans 11:33-36)

(5:56 a.m.)

You never cease to amaze me Lord! 

Thank You for the various stages of color in the sky just now. Oranges. Blacks and whites. Then pinks. Gorgeous! Truly photo worthy.

Thank You for the joy that comes in appreciating the simplest things. Being able to thank You for the mistakes of yesterday and today. Asking (Matthew 7:7) that I learn valuable lessons from every single error I encounter.

(6:12 a.m.)

Father God, I love, need, trust and want to represent You well. Embracing and learning from each false step I may take.

You are good, great, glorious and gracious (Psalm 145:5-8). I want to resemble You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(261 words ~ 6:18 a.m.)

embracing languishment

 Friday, July 3, 2026 (4:32 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

(4:46 a.m.)

Here it is! My first genuine, “Thank You!” of the day.

I tried a couple of fake ones earlier. Even refused manufacturing a few. This one comes on the heels of finding words that describe my feelings at the moment.

Neither happy nor sad. A neutral state. Emotionally flat. Numb. “Meh”. Languishing. Uninterested. Incurious.

Thank You Father that I am not alone in my feelings. Thank You that others have felt them. And they are not fatal.

Lament is too strong of a word. But languishing describes it well. A feeling of pensive sadness.

What’s even better than the description, is the fact that I don’t have to try to fix it. Or change it. Or make it go away. I can choose to embrace it. Bring it with me into Your presence. And ask (Matthew 7:7) You what You would have me do with this languishment.

(5:20 a.m.)

Father, thank You for teaching me to ride the waves of my emotions. Not to judge them. Nor the people I would normally point to as having caused them. 

YOU are good regardless (Psalm 145:7). Great (v. 6). Glorious (5). And gracious (8). Thank You that You are.

(5:33 a.m.)

Thank You that we have Your Word. To which we can turn. And cling.

Yes, Father. Thank You that Your Truth never changes. It provides us the hope that proves to be an anchor for our souls (Hebrews 6:19). Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

(5:49 a.m.)

Thank You again Dear Lord that we are able to bring every thought (2 Corinthians 10:5b) and feeling straight to You. No questions asked. Just come. Right into Your presence with thanksgiving in our hearts. Trusting. Believing. Depending on Your Word to stand true.

Use me today. Exactly as You know is best. Smiling [as I am now]. Singing [whenever it comes]. Standing firm in and on Your Word. And staying my mind on Your Truth and promises.

I love, need, trust and want You, Lord. “Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!” (Psalm 90:12 The Message). Yes! Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(376 words ~ 5:59 a.m.)

the simplest of things

 Thursday, July 2, 2026 (4:37 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! I’m not yet sure for what.

It really is the simplest of things. Sleep. Rest. Comfort. Joy. Mm, yes. I truly find joy in the simplest of things. And it’s all because of You.

Always all because of You.

(4:53 a.m.)

Father, You provide so much opportunity for us to practice appreciation. I notice it most when I’m outside. Taking in the mysteries of what You have created.

(5:01 a.m.)

I confess to knowing and understanding far less of all we experience than that of which I do. Thank You that it’s not up to me to know and understand. I am to acknowledge You in all my ways. And You will direct my path (Proverbs 3:5-6).

The Message tells us to trust You from the bottom of our hearts. To not try to figure out everything on our own. To listen for Your voice in everything we do, everywhere we go. You’re the One who will keep us on track.

It goes on. “Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor GOD with everything you own; give Him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don’t, dear friend, resent GOD’s discipline; don’t sulk under His loving correction. It’s the child He loves that GOD corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this” (vs. 7-12).

Again I confess to being such a slow learner. You provide the greatest blessings in the simplest of things. And many times I miss them.

Thank You for the occasions I am aware. Thank You for the smiles that remind me that something good is taking place. Use me Lord. In sharing the joy that comes from knowing and trusting You.

(5:53 a.m.)

Yes Father. Joy. Found in the simplest of things. I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me that I will represent You well. Worshiping, adoring, glorifying and enJOYing You forever. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(371 words ~ 6:02 a.m.)

POWER

 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (4:32 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You that 

♪There Is Power 

In the name of Jesus

There is power

Power in His name♪

Yes! Father, thank You for that power.

♪… For all who come 

Who run to Him in faith

He is there

… No fear, no lie

Can stand against us now

He is here♪

Oh look! I just smiled my first smile of the day. Of the new month, actually. How cool is that?! Thank You God.

The very idea of Jesus being here provides me with comfort I can’t begin to explain.

♪The Word has come

To silence every doubt

He is here♪

Thank You Father for the power that comes from this name. This one name that saves. Breaks every chain. Always is. And will remain. Jesus. The one name we proclaim. Always.

Isaiah 45:23, Romans 14:11

(7:04 a.m.)

All this time spent. Reading Your Word. Singing internally. Jumping up to take care of various chores. And coming back to read more about the power of Jesus’ name.

Father, how I thank and praise You for the ways You change the direction my mind tends to go. Fearful, negative thinking takes a backseat when I remember to sing Your praise instead.

Thank You for reminding me of all You are

♪Famous For (I Believe)♪

and that

♪The Name of Jesus is higher than all names♪

I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to keep working in, with, by, through and for me so I will readily come to utilize the power You provide. Do all You must that I will represent You well.

I love, need, trust and want You Blessed God. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(288 words ~ 7:22 a.m.)

beauty and opportunity

 Tuesday, June 30, 2026 (5:06 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the beauty You have created. And the opportunity to enjoy it.

Yes! And with that said, can we talk about dragonflies? And hummingbirds? Oh! While we’re at it, let’s look at crows as well.

Father, I’m grateful for the opportunity to talk with You, the Creator of it all, about the things that intrigue me.

♪You are Worthy of It All 

You are worthy of it all, Jesus

For from You are all things

And to You are all things

 You deserve the glory♪

Mm, yes. Thank You for providing us with so many fascinating interests.

(5:34 a.m.)

Mm. Here it is. My first “Thank You” of the morning. Accompanied by a smile. Equally as genuine and heartfelt.

The longer I sit here. Listening to the various sounds of the early morning. The screech of a lone scrub jay. The deep barking of what I imagine to be a very large dog. Followed by a far off tiny yip. Twitters and chirps become more noticeable.

All of these serving to announce the coming alive of another new morning. Thank You Lord.

The attitude with which I woke was anything but grateful. There was no eagerness to be found. 

Turning my attention to You and Your creation drastically changed my frame of mind. Thank You Lord.

(5:56 a.m.)

OH!! More nature!

Investigating a sound of scrabbling, yielded a raccoon attempting to climb over our fence. Quick attention and slamming the door changed its trajectory.

Enter the cawing of several crows. And again I am amazed by the variety of nature You have provided me. Right here in my very own yard.

Father, I am asking You to use me exactly as You alone know is best. I want to represent You well. Being confident. Unafraid. Bold. Aware. Grateful.

Yes. Do all You must that I worship and adore, glorify and enjoy You forever. I love, need, trust and want You Father. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(311 words ~ 6:07 a.m.)

warm fuzzies

 Monday, June 29, 2026 (4:25 a.m.)

Father God,

Thank You!

I woke up saying it again. Over and over. “Thank You, God. Thank You, God. Thank You, God.” I confess. I REALLY like when that happens!

A change in plans, and weather, allowed me extra time to work in the yard yesterday. Digging, pulling, toting, lifting all led to near exhaustion. Even before the sun went down.

Barely keeping my eyes open, a live music clip was sent from a concert in a park. Recognizing, but not knowing the song [♪Vehicle♪] I searched for it just now.

Father, thank You for curiosity. Yes. That strong desire to learn something.

And thank You for when that something I discover provides me with the warm fuzzies that spark hope within me. Mm, yes Father. Those pleasantly emotional feelings and responses that lead me to smiling in awe and wonder.

Speaking of wonder, that’s what led me to digging out the roots to the above mentioned song. An 18 year old (Jim Peterik) wrote of feeling used for his car by a then 15 or 16 year young girl (Karen Moulik).

(5:00 a.m.)

The warm fuzzies keep coming because everything I’ve read so far point to him as being “a genuine, humble and supportive figure.” Father, thank You for this opportunity to learn of a positive role model, described by many “as a great guy who mentors younger talents.”

(5:20 a.m.)

How I thank You Dear Lord for the curiosity that leads me to want to learn more about people who inspire others.

(6:07 a.m.)

Like a guy, in the 1970’s, who included the words ♪Great God in Heaven, you know I love you♪ about the girl who became and remains his wife 53 years later. This same man who serves his community. Representing You well in this process.

Thank You Father, for this time to wonder. And to offer the lyrics quoted above directly to You. ♪Great God in Heaven, You know I love You♪ Thank You that I do.

Use me as You know is best. Continuing to sing with You as my focus in the song. Changing just one word. 

♪By now, I’m sure You know

That I love Ya (love You)

I need Ya (need You)

I want to, got to have You child  Lord♪ 

Great God in Heaven, I love you! Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(403 words ~ 6:25 a.m.)

confident hope

 Sunday, June 28, 2026 (4:09 a.m.)

Good morning Lord.

(4:54 a.m.)

At this very moment I am confessing to not wanting to be the grown-up around here. Things break. Decisions must be made. Money spent. And mistakes happen.

Thank You Father that I can bring even this before You! There is much written in this regard.

Thank You too for the moments when circumstances go well. I much prefer when confidence replaces fear. Action overrides indecision. Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to experience both sides of this same coin.

Take me into Your Word this morning. Let my trust in You take the place of my fear of the unknowns.

(5:51 a.m.)

With all the reading and exploring, wandering about and considering all You do and are, now I confess the nervous stomach I am experiencing. Father God, You are so very good (Psalm 145:7). I know it to be true.

Continue Your work. In, with, by, through and for me. I want to become one who makes well thought out and properly executed decisions. Not based on fear, but faith. In You. Alone (James 1:6-8).

Thank You for providing Your Word as our source of hope and security. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

You definitely have Your work cut out for You in continuing to teach me this very fine art of growing up. David knew where to put his trust.

Psalm 62:8. “O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.” Thank You that You are.

As You continue doing all You must for my good and Your glory (Roman s 8:28) I ask (Matthew 7:7) to be made more aware of Your presence. Yes Father!

The apostle Paul’s words to the church at Rome. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Yes please! You, the Source of hope. Me. Trusting You. Completely filled with joy and peace. Resulting in confident hope. Through the power of the Holy Spirit.

These are so much more than simple words. There truly is power to be found.

(6:44 a.m.)

♪There Is Power 

In the name of Jesus

There is power

Power in His name♪

Teach me to utilize that power Blessed God. I love, need, trust and want You as the absolute Decision Maker of my life. Use me exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(462 words ~ 7:18 a.m.)