"teach me to listen"

 Friday, August 7, 2026 (5:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for helping me out again. The growing annoyance I was experiencing with our neighbors barking dogs gave way to curiosity when I stopped grousing and started listening. Really listening.

(5:34 a.m.)

Dearest Dad, there is so very much for me to learn. How to really listen seems to be at the top of the list right now.

Take the earlier experience with the dogs. At first I was judging them for being yappy. As their yelps continued, so grew my willingness to hear what I hadn’t just previously.

A desperation. Perhaps even fear. Was there another animal involved?

Thank You for reminding me of the lights we have in the backyard. Yes! Light that overcomes the darkness. And possibly frightens intruders away.

Lord God, Your Word serves as light to this very dark world.

Psalm 119:105, 130; John 1:5; 8:12

Oh, and now I get to sing!

♪Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness

Opened my eyes let me see♪

(7:46 a.m.)

Well this is definitely fun for me! Talking with You about the Light of the world while at the same time wanting to get outside before the sun came up.

Continuing to pay attention to the various sights and sounds. Same barking dogs. Another yard than I had originally thought.

A phrase from a song. “Teach me to listen.” All the while thinking how differently I was starting the day. 

Searching for the lyrics. And?

♪I don’t wanna hear anymore, teach me to listen…

…I wanna be Different 

I wanna be changed

’Til all of me is gone

And all that remains

Is a fire so bright

The whole world can see

That there's something different

So come and be different

In me!♪

(8:29 a.m.)

Yes Dear Lord. I wanna be the different You know is best for me. Learning to listen. Really listen. To You. Others. And even myself.

Remind me of the importance of treating others as I want to be treated (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). Yes!

Loving You, others and myself with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31). Teach me to listen to You as to how that is actually done.

I love, need, trust and want You Dear Lord. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

still singing

 Thursday, August 6, 2026 (4:38 a.m.)

Thank You Father.

I woke up singing hours ago. Went back to sleep. And I’m still singing the same song since first hearing it on Sunday. With one word changed.

Instead of “Woman” [the song's title] I’ve inserted “Jesus.” And it fits well.

♪Jesus, I can hardly express

My mixed emotions at my thoughtlessness

After all, I'm forever in your debt

And Jesus, I will try to express

My inner feelings and thankfulness♪

Isn’t that what I attempt on a seemingly regular basis? To tell You repeatedly [♪again and again and again♪] how grateful I am for all You do on our behalf.

Singing the song. Considering the lyrics. Reading Your Truth. Embracing the apostle Paul’s words to the believers in Ephesus. Calling them to live “as Children of Light” (Ephesians 4:17-32).

No longer hopelessly confused. With closed minds and hardened hearts. Throwing off the old sinful nature. And letting the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes.

Oh! Yes please!!

Putting on a new nature. Created to be like  God - truly righteous and holy.

No longer telling lies. Speaking truth. Not controlled by anger. Nor letting the sun go down while still angry, “for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (v. 27).

Not stealing. Using our hands for good hard work and giving generously to others in need. Not using foul or abusive language. Letting everything we “say be good and helpful” (29b). So that our “words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

Yes Father. I want to represent You well.

Do all You must that I will truly “get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior” (31). “Instead be[ing] kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God through Christ has forgiven” me (32).

♪Jesus, please let me explain

I never meant to cause You sorrow or pain

So let me tell You again and again and again

I love You, yeah, yeah

Now and forever♪

Yes. Thank You Father that after all these days, I am still singing the same song. With a completely different focus.

Use me exactly as You know is best. I love You. Yeah, yeah. Now and forever. Amen.

(384 words ~ 5:39 a.m.)

the power of music

 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 (4:27 a.m.)

Holy God, 

Thank You.

I’m still waking up. Adjusting. Figuring out what was a dream. And what has a basis in reality.

You are real. The playlist in my head?

(4:39 a.m.)

And right here I get to thank You again. And again.

Father, thank You that much is written and understood about the power of music. Described in so very many different ways.

As a response to Your greatness. Calling us to “Come, let us sing to the LORD!” (Psalm 95:1a). Shouting joyfully to You, “the Rock of our salvation” (1b).

Dear Lord, thank You for the people I have had the privilege of knowing throughout the years who have truly helped shape and form my appreciation of music. The deep meaning to many of the lyrics I routinely take for granted.

(5:03 a.m.)

Oh! There’s so much more to read and sing. Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank You for the Truth of Romans 12:2. And the ability of our minds to be renewed. Transformed. Often by the delicate power of a song.

(5:07 a.m.)

Isn’t this just like You?! One moment I’m thinking about the power music has on me, and the next?

♪God Will Make a Way 

Where there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me♪

Mm, yes. Thank You for being my Guide. Holding me closely to Your side.

♪With love and strength for each new day

He will make a way for me♪

(Isaiah 43:16, 19)

Yes. Thank You Father. Do all You must in making me attentive and obedient to Your way. The way that only You know is best. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your presence. Your goodness. Your grace (Psalm 145:7-8). 

Oh look! Even here comes a line from another song…

♪Let us become more aware of Your Presence

Let us experience the Glory of Your Goodness♪

(Holy Spirit)

Use it all for our good and Your glory (Romans 8:28) Lord. As only You are able.

♪… Your Presence Lord…♪

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

(375 words ~ 5:28 a.m.)

Smile!

 Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (3:41 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. Smile!

Mm, yes. Thank You for this early morning ‘pleased facial expression.’ Seemingly out of nowhere. And for no other reason than “I love You.”

Thank You for time to sit. Ponder. Wonder. Explore Your Word. And wonder some more.

Waking this morning was different than usual. It was slower. With opportunity to stay still. Move muscles. Rotate joints. Flex and straighten. Tighten and relax.

Father, I went to sleep last night aware that today would be different than I had planned. Now that it is, I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to: 

♪Have Thine Own Way, Lord! 

Have Thine own way!

Thou art the Potter; I am the clay.

Mold me and make me after Thy will,

While I am waiting, yielded and still♪

(4:31 a.m.)

Lord, how I thank You for this extended time to sit and ramble with You. Turning to and looking through Your Word (Proverbs 15:13; 17:22; Isaiah 64:8; Jeremiah 18:1-6). Smiling with hope as I go.

I truly do not know what today is going to bring. “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease” (Lamentations 3:22).

Thank You that ‘Great is Your faithfulness; Your mercies begin afresh each morning’ (v. 23). Truly “I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance; therefore I will hope in Him!’” (24).

These are very big thoughts for so early in the day. For this day that You have made (Psalm 118:24a). The one in which we are to “rejoice and be glad” (24b).

Hmmm… all this because I smiled. And remembered how truly good, glorious, great and gracious (Psalm 145:5-8) You are.

I love, need, trust and want You Lord. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You.

♪This is my story, this is my song

Praising my Savior all the day long♪

(Blessed Assurance)

Mm. Yes! Thank You. Amen.

(345 words ~ 5:10 a.m.)

travel blessings

 Monday, August 3, 2026 (5:03 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Safe automobile travels have been involved. For friends. Offspring. And myself. Thank You Lord. I ask they continue without incident.

Joshua 1:9

Psalm 91:11; 121:8

(5:18 a.m.)

Father, thank You that You are teaching me to take none of this for granted. And to turn to You with all requests and thanksgiving.

You are so good. Generous. Loving. Kind. Merciful. Providing. 

Mm, yes. Looking into You as our Provider, I find the name Jehovah Jireh. Supplier of our daily needs. Giver of peace. Guide of our next steps.

Thank You that You offer us guidance and rest. Spiritual and emotional strength. As well as taking care of our physical needs.

Thank You for Your unending power. The only limits being Your inability to lie. Sin. And change. How grateful we are to have You as our God and Father.

Use me today as only You know is best. Being truly grateful. Sharing Your love and kindness. Glorifying and enJOYing You as You would have me.

I love, need, trust and want You in control of every aspect of my being. Do all You must for our good and Your glory (Romans 8:28). Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(195 words ~ 5:45 a.m.)

"Paid in full"

 Sunday, August 2, 2026 (5:14 a.m.)

Monrovia, CA

Most Blessed and Awesome God,

Thank You for the ways you provide for us. Pencil and paper just now that I hadn’t even considered.

Love. Laughter. Friendships. Fellowship. People bonding and banding together for a common cause. 

Thank You for the work You’ve been doing in teaching me about debts that have been “Paid in full” by Jesus’ blood.

grateful heart

 ♪Give Thanks (With A Grateful Heart)♪

(1 Chronicles 16:34)

Saturday, August 1, 2026 (4:08 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

Today I am thanking You for gratitude. This grateful heart that allows me to smile. Hope. Seek and find (Matthew 7:7b) joy.

Father, You are ever teaching me. Many times I am becoming more willing than before. Thank You that I am learning, and experiencing, the joy that is found in simply letting You be the mighty, awesome God You are.

Isaiah 30:18. “So the LORD must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help.”

“This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence [trust] is your strength. But you will have none of it’” (v. 15).

Here I am in the very first verse! “‘What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,’ says the LORD. ‘You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.’”

Yet again in verses 29 and 30 Your promises prevail. “But the people of God will sing a song of joy… And the LORD will make His majestic voice heard…”

Why? Because "perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18b New Matthew Bible).

(4:38 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed God,

Thank You for the ways You work in our hearts. Our souls. Our minds. And our strength. Thank You for calling us to love You, others and ourselves completely. No holds barred. Without added conditions (Mark 12:30-31).

Thank You that with every passing day I discover more things I never knew. Experiencing new to me ways of looking and seeing all it is You have to offer us.

Thank You for teaching me to drop my preconceived notions. Leaving room for You to fill me with Your best.

(4:56 a.m.)

Father, You do provide Your best.

♪Jesus Paid It All

All to Him I owe

Sin had left a crimson stain

You washed it white as snow♪

(Isaiah 1:18; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

How deeply I thank You for the Truth You sing to my soul. Changing my heart and my thoughts.

Where fear and doubt once reigned supreme, little by little, in Your perfect time You have been reminding me that You’ve indeed “got this!” Thank You that You do Dear Lord. Thank You that You do.

I love, need, trust and want You. Use me as You know is best. Continue Your work in bringing out the best that is yet to come. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(312 words ~ 5:03 a.m.

458 words ~ 5:30 a.m.)