cocoon

Saturday, July 31, 2010 (6:41 a.m.)

Blessed Lord,

What do You have to say to me this morning? Last night I thought of the word ‘cocoon’ and was sure we’d go somewhere with that today. Finding only one entry (Job 27:18) I then turned to ‘butterfly’. This resulted in less than that.

My next choice was ‘nature’. Followed by ‘moth’. Both of these yielded many options. So here I am, once again, asking what would YOU like me to know today?

Lord God, how I thank You for the time to sit and listen. To rest. Ponder. Wonder. And to come full circle back to where we started.

I’ve been thinking a lot these days Lord. There are times that I’ve been so very sure that I was on the right track only to come away somewhat disillusioned. Other occasions find me not willing to invest much of myself while attempting to stave off disappointment, hence the ‘cocoon’ reference.

But as I continue coming to You I gain a better understanding that it’s not up to me to try and protect myself. I don’t have to find the right people to trust and keep me safe. I need only to follow You. You, the Creator of the Universe! You, the Maker of heaven and earth. The Maker of all things.

Today Lord, I will think of You! You, who made us all. You, who I love, trust and adore. You, on whom I depend. I do not need to wrap myself in a cocoon of protection. I have You for that. You will continue guiding and protecting me. I have Your Word on it!

You will continue guiding and directing Your people toward righteousness. I will keep trying to stay up. When I falter (as we both know I will) You will be here to help me. Thank You for the peace I have in knowing this. You ARE my God, my Father, my hope, my help… And I am grateful. Thank You for all You are, all You do, all You have provided. Keep teaching me, Dearest Lord, that all I need I will find nowhere else than in You.

Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(368 words ~ 8:23 a.m.)

Blessed

Wednesday, July 28, 2010 (6:40 a.m.)

♫Blessed Be Your Name

♫In the land that is plentiful Where Your streams of abundance flow Blessed be Your name… Blessed be Your name On the road marked with suffering Though there’s pain in the offering Blessed be Your name… You give and take away You give and take away My heart will choose to say, “Lord, blessed be Your name”♫

Oh yes Dearest Lord! What an AWESOME opportunity ~ to learn to bless and not curse You no matter the circumstances. Lord, THANK YOU! Thank You that You are good. You are holy. Thank You for yet another opportunity to wake up singing to You and being grateful. You are such a loving God. You provide our every need ~ so many time before we even know we have need of it.

Just by looking into the ‘blessed’ I am getting a course on not worrying

Thursday, July 29

♫Better Is One Day…

Friday, July 30, 2010 (6:26 a.m.)

Yes Lord!

♫Better IS one day in Your courts Better is one day in Your house Better is one day in Your courts than thousands elsewhere♫

Blessed Lord God, how very grateful I am to be able to come before You day after day. I get to learn. I get to practice. I get to praise. All because You so loved the world! Thank You Lord!

Thank You that just in these short spurts of time I’ve had with You these last few mornings, I’ve gotten to go away blessed. Refreshed. Not knowing what I thought I had known. Thank You that You don’t hesitate to bless. You, by Your very nature, are kind, loving, just, righteous. There is no manipulating You into what we could ever think we wanted You to be. You just are You. Ever faithful. Never changing. Patient. Waiting for us to get with Your program.

Thank You Lord that some days it is way more obvious and easier to detect just what Your program is. A program of love! Us being loved by You and then in kind us loving others. It’s a good plan Lord. Thank You that sometimes it even comes to us as practically second nature.

Perhaps it IS in the times of struggle (♫When I’m found in the desert place Though I walk through the wilderness♫) that we are forced to depend even more on You than ♫When the sun’s shining down on me When the world’s ‘all as it should be’♫

Lord, thank You that You don’t consider us willful, disobedient children and just give up on us. No. You continue standing at the doors of our hearts (Revelation 3:20) knocking until we hear and open the door.

Lord, You’ve blessed me this week with such unexpected favor. A successful day of childcare, extra time with our son, my surprised fall into the pool. Blessings each. Thank You Lord. I keep getting to come back before You saying, “Thank You” ~ another blessing in itself.

Finally ~ there is the song upon awakening yesterday morning. ♫Better is one day in Your courts…♫ Turning to Psalm 84 to look up verse ten, I think it’s the first time I put together that the praise of this tune begins with verse one. ♫How lovely is Your dwelling place Oh Lord Almighty!♫

Just as I begin to believe that all of this is more than enough, I continue reading and find “Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they are ever praising You” (v.4). “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage” (5).

As is always the case with You Dearest Lord ~ “But WAIT! There’s more!” Verse twelve, the last of this particular psalm, “O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.”

Sign me up to continue learning trust in You Oh Lord. It truly IS the way I long to live my life! Because ♫Blessed be Your name…♫

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(670 words ~ 7:27 a.m.)

God's promises

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 (7:00 a.m.)

Good Morning Lord,

Really nice day we have so far. Birds, roosters, gentle snoring… nice sounds for waking up.

Lord God, thank You for the surprises of yesterday. Thank You for my remembrance to greet most ‘hiccups’ as they came along simply as surprises. Not judged good or bad, just a surprise.

I ask for much the same grace today Lord. I don’t know what’s in store, but whatever it is I want to be able to smile at it and think again, “Oh yeah, this is a surprise.”

Oh! That brings me right to where I want to be today. [“Oh yeah, this is a surprise!” J Thanks!] I’m asking to learn more about Your promises. A friend of a loved one told her in regards to a painfully anticipated situation not to dwell on the negative, but to look for Your promises. I like that Lord! I want to be able to do that!

My ability to memorize Scripture is ‘limited’ at best. My intentions and desire are huge. The actual success and follow through? Not so much. This is again where I look to You Dear Lord. You know what it takes. You are able where I am not.

This morning I am fully aware that to be able to look for Your promises, I need to know what they are. Romans 15:4 speaks of verse three’s reference to Psalm 69:6 by proclaiming, “Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises.”

Oh Dearest Lord, to be able to know Your Word well enough to wait patiently. Mm. That is what I pray this day. Keep teaching me to hope, be encouraged and wait. I love You so much! Thank You for Your promises. Help me to not only look for them, but to know them when I see them. Thank You Lord. Amen.

(326 words ~ 8:44 a.m.)

surprises

Monday, July 26, 2010 (6:38 a.m.)

Good Morning Lord,

I think I’d better be on the lookout for surprises today. I’ve already had a couple and I’m not even fully awake yet.

How about that full moon staying visible right outside my bedroom window all night long? How pleasantly surprising was that? A much loved one sleeping on our living room couch this morning? That was pretty surprising! Not finding the lyrics to a song heard in church yesterday as expected? Another surprise.

Thank You Lord that I get to bring all surprises to You. Whether somewhat expected by me or by the very nature of the word, something astonishingly amazing I get to rest assured that with YOU there are no surprises! Thank You Lord. Thank You that I get to keep searching Your Word for the mention of this ‘single distinct meaningful element of speech’.

Eugene H. Peterson used it eight times in The Message, his "contemporary rendering of the Bible from the original languages, crafted to present its tone, rhythm, events, and ideas in everyday language". Twice in Job, three times in Proverbs and once each in Matthew, Mark and Luke (where Jesus spoke of Judas’ expected betrayal). Thank You God that there ARE no surprises for You. You are aware of every single aspect of our beings.

I am hard pressed to choose only one ‘favorite’ of these listings this morning. Misguided as Job’s friends were in their advice giving, the one quoted in 5:8 had Your ability quite right. “After all, He’s famous for great and unexpected acts; there’s no end to His surprises.” Job’s continued reply (9:1-3) to those so freely offering him their opinions was again ‘right on’. “We’ll never comprehend all the great things He does; His miracle-surprises can’t be counted.”

Referring to the importance of guarding Clear Thinking and Common Sense with our lives, Proverb 3:21 reminds us, “No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner, Because God will be right there with you; He’ll keep you safe and sound.” Proverb 19:23 quite simply states, “Fear-of-God is life itself, a full life, and serene – no nasty surprises.”

Then of course, Jesus being You in human form, knew exactly what was coming and shared His foreknowledge with the Twelve at His Last Supper. The upcoming betrayal was “well-marked by the Scriptures – no surprises here.” (Matthew 26:23, Mark 14:20)

Thank You Lord that for You there are no surprises. Work with me this day to better trust and fully lean into You when they come my way. I love You so very much Dear Lord. Thank You for surprises for every kind. Even (especially?) the ones I don’t think I’m going to like. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(466 words ~ 8:45 a.m.)

"Again, again!"

Sunday, July 25, 2010 (8:00ish a.m.)

Loving Lord,

Thank You. How long has it been since I’ve heard a child having so much fun in the water that their plea to me has been, “Again, again!” That is EXACTLY my cry to You this day.

Lord, yesterday was so blissful. Easy. Loving. Friends and family coming together to enjoy one another’s company, partake in an easily put together meal and celebrate another loved one’s birthday.

Truly Lord, we each seemed to practice 2Corinthians 9:7. Throughout the day, in one way or another ‘Each one gave as he had decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’

And ‘just-like-that’ ~ I wasn’t even finished looking up the verse ~ my face is beaming and my heart and soul both screaming in delight, “Again, again!”

Lord, Your love and provision know no bounds. As I barely begin to contemplate what it even is to be a cheerful giver, volumes have already been written on the subject of giving. Lord, I desperately want to become a cheerful giver! I read Your Word and am awed by the description of my own feelings here in Chapter 8, under the title “A Call to Generous Giving”. Lord, I long to be a generous, cheerful giver! At times I even start out strong and fizzle by the end. Even this is addressed in verse 11.

Lord God, how I thank You for the work You are doing in making me a good steward. I confess to You I absolutely don’t know how not to cling so tightly to resources. Fear takes hold. “I might need (want) this someday” becomes my mindset. You have such a perfect way of changing hearts and minds. Even this is spelled out for us in 2Corinthians 9:8, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

To all of this Lord I can only add my own heartfelt plea of, “Again, again!” I love You Lord. Thank You. Amen.

(359 words ~ 9:00 a.m.)

need

Saturday, July 24, 2010 (8:07 a.m.)

Blessed Lord,

For over three hours I have been framing this prayer to You. Various words have come to mind: ‘appropriate’, ‘lulled’, ‘avoidance’, ‘letting go’. In one way or another they all seem to fit for what’s going on inside me.

I’m looking to express ‘appropriate’ grief. I’m thinking I was ‘lulled’ into a lifetime belief that my security was to be found in earthly/worldly things. I am keenly aware of the ‘avoidance’ with which I’ve been approaching most circumstances. And most of all… absolutely most of all, I am struggling with even the thought of ‘letting go’ of the vast amount of incorrect beliefs and items I have held dear all these years.

I need You Lord. I need Your comfort, Your strength, Your guidance and wisdom. I am unable to change on my own the lifetime lesson I learned too well of clinging so tightly to people, places and things. Lord, I need You to teach me Your fine art of ‘lopping off every branch that doesn’t produce’ (John 15:2).

Thank You that we have Your Word to turn to. Thank You that Your message still speaks after all these years. I look to You and gain hope and courage. Thank You Lord. Thank You that as I continue coming to You, I get to keep practicing what it is to truly lean on and trust in You.

These are hard lessons Lord. I have held wrong standards for so long. I was lulled. I’ve been avoiding. Help me Lord. I need to You teach me to let go appropriately. Thank You that You will. I love You. Amen.

(277 words ~ 9:24 a.m.)

reminiscences

Friday, July 23, 2010 (6:30 a.m.)

♫Hallelujah Jesus♫!

[Which is a far cry from ♫The Midnight Train to Georgia♫ from just a few hours ago] Lord, THANK YOU for reminding me that even when there’s a houseful of sleeping people and the computer is either too noisy or otherwise unavailable to me that I still have a pad and pencil [much like I first started praying my heart out to You all those years ago ~ let’s see ~ how does one spell DUH! ? J]

Thank You Lord! Thank You that it is safe for me to reminisce. Thank You that missing parents on their birthdays would ultimately be considered a good thing; translating to them both having been “so loved”. And with good reason to be well thought of.

Lord God, I’ve felt so afraid these past several days: afraid of not feeling well, afraid that its root is more in my head than anywhere else, afraid I’m doing something wrong, afraid that someone’s going to think I’m goldbricking. Lord, THANK YOU that You tell us again and again in Your Word to “Fear not!” and “Do not be afraid”. Those are the words I long to heed Dearest Lord! How I thank You for a return to eagerness and a renewed sense of truly being agog with You!

Keep speaking to me I pray, Dear Lord. Continue guiding and directing me to what You’d have me know and do this day. I love You so very much Dearest God.

There is still so much of Mom’s estate that I have refused to deal with. What am I most afraid of there? Is it really that I don’t want to make a mistake, like I’ve thought all this time? Or is it more that taking care of it all will make me have to face the fact that she and Daddy really, truly are gone? Have I come to any of those terms yet? Or am I just stuck here in the avoidance of it all?

Interesting questions. Ones I haven’t considered before now. It’s hard to think of the loss Lord. Refusing to remember isn’t helpful. I must go on. I have to face full on the responsibility to which I agreed. Not knowing how hard it was going to be is not an excuse. So I bring it all to You Dear Lord. The fears, the “I don’t feel good”s, the memories, the future… I look to You AS the Future! The Past! The Present! YOU will not leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). My future is secure in You. I am safe. You are here. I am Yours (John 17) and I am grateful. Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(457 words ~ 4:59 p.m.)

idleness

Saturday, July 17, 2010 (7:08 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

I confess to feeling hot, cross and cranky. Not the best way to approach the Creator of the Universe. Forgive me Lord. I have taken the wide road the last few days. The road Matthew spoke of (7:13) that leads to destruction and is easy to follow.

I know better. It’s far too easy to become so lazy Lord. I struggle with that balance of trying to do too much or doing far too little. I am here before You this morning asking You to provide Your perfect will for me. Not my own understanding of it. Put me in tune with what it is that You would have me do. Let me be fully aware of the difference between appropriate rest and idleness.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010 (7:26 a.m.)

Now I’m feeling a little confused Lord. After a few days interruption and 24 hours of not feeling good at all, I had some time of feeling much better. Only to be followed by not feeling good again.

I don’t want to complain. I’m just wondering what is going on with this whole not feeling well aspect.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010 (8:23 a.m.)

I’m trying again, Lord. Yesterday I woke up feeling excited to have been singing ♫Lord of Lords♫ (which turned out to be ♫King of Kings♫) before I had even opened my eyes. This morning it was some nondescript ‘pop’ song that I don’t even remember. Now that I’m far more awake ♫I’m longing to pour out my heart To say that I love You Pour out my heart To say that I need You Pour out my heart To say that I’m thankful Pour out my heart To say that You’re wonderful♫ ABSOLUTELY fits the bill!

Lord, I am so very thankful to You! Still not understanding what’s going on with me physically. Is it the weather? Is there stress with which I am not dealing? Is it as I first began this? That I don’t know the difference between appropriate rest and idleness?

Blessed Lord. Thank You that You are the God of all! Thank You that You are good and merciful. Thank You for the blessings You continue to bestow upon us.

As I search Your Word for a better understanding of Your best for me, I come to two different verses. In verse 27 of describing the Proverbs 31 woman, we are told, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” I guarantee we are NOT discussing me here! 2 Thessalonians 3:6 warns, “And now dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness and doesn’t follow the tradition of hard work we gave you.”

It is not my intent Dearest Lord to take these two verses out of their proper context and try to ‘make’ them work for me here. I understand by the commentaries and articles written about them that they were written in a different time with an altogether separate set of circumstances. Where I come to You is in asking that YOU would show me truly what is idleness? And what constitutes appropriate rest? What are the time wasters You would have me stay away from? And what exactly is it that You would encourage me to continue in making mine a fruitful life. The life that is depicted in Galatians 5:22, 23 when the Holy Spirit controls it and produces “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” where “there is no conflict with Jewish laws.”

Lord, I confess the conflict I face is with the laws of unrealistic expectations that I have come to place on myself through the years. How I ask that You make me fully ready, willing and able to stand up to the pressures I place on myself and allow me to live the life that YOU have provided me, instead of the one in my mind. I struggle. I withdraw. I move ahead. I fall behind. Oh, but the joy that is truly found in realizing that I get to bring all of this to You as I ♫Pour out my heart To say that I love You Pour out my heart To say that I need You Pour out my heart To say that I’m thankful Pour out my heart To say that You’re wonderful♫

Thank You Lord for being wonderful! Thank You for the blessings and the gifts and the challenges and the struggles. Thank You for loving each of us, making us able to love You in return. Thank You for the plans You have for us. “Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give us a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Thank You Lord. Enable and empower me to use this day to Your good and Your glory. WHATEVER it may hold, may I please remember to pour out my heart to You. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(853 words ~ 10:06 a.m.)

confused

Friday, July 16, 2010 (8:52 a.m.)

Blessed Lord,

I confess to being more than a little confused by the dates and days of the week. Just by admitting that to You, I find myself once again searching Your Word for what You might like to tell me today. Lord God, how I thank You for all You are and do for (and with and through) us on any given day, at any given time.

I don’t pretend to have any great or profound thoughts this morning. Truly I am here before You seeking my reentry to everyday, being back home living. Lord God, how I thank You for the time we had away. Time to play and learn and see and do. Now I have to get back in the habit of everyday life and I confess I don’t even know where or how to begin.

Lord thank You that I get to come before You with even the slightest misgivings about not wanting to waste another moment of another day. I want to progress in the process of coming home and I truly don’t even know where or how to begin. That is why I’m sitting here with You. Thanking You, praising You, waiting on You to guide and direct me. Lord, I ask that You would lift this veil of confusion behind which I stand ready and willing to get started. I don’t want to just rush off all willy-nilly without guidance or direction. Nor do I wish to just sit here mindlessly waiting for the proverbial spirit to move me. I’m looking to You Lord. Searching, seeking, asking, knocking, waiting… Waiting, but not wanting to waste! Not time, energy, or resources. Guide and direct me into action I pray Dear Lord. Action that will glorify and honor You this day.

I love You so much Dear Lord. Thank You that even on those days that I am confused about the date or what You would have me do next, You never are! You are ‘NOT a God of confusion but of peace’ (1 Corinthians 14:33). Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(355 words ~ 10:02 a.m.)

home again

Thursday, July 15, 2010 (9:16 a.m.)

Blessed Lord,

Thank You! Thank You for a safe trip. Thank You for loving communications. Thank You for time to be together. And right now, thank You for being home again!

Lord, You are so very good to us. We saw so many beautiful areas. We learned to speak with each other just a little more kindly. Oh! A-N-D I got to see my very first lightning bugs! The stars were phenomenal. The camaraderie more than I could have asked for. But it’s still so nice to be home again.

Lord God, how I ask that we would take the memories we have of the challenges, the precious thoughts of the laughter and fun and use them for Your good. Our son leading us to places we never would have considered going before. The Kid ever eager to be of help. Lord, let these be the things we build upon now that we are home again.

I read in Your Word (1 Kings 12) of people (King Rehoboam, Solomon’s son) unwilling to heed the advice of elders (v.8). Lord, how I ask that You would continue Your work in each of us. Broaden our horizons as You have done these past two weeks. Show us the things You would have us pay special attention to. Keep us moving ever closer to You and the people You would have us be. You are such a good and truly loving God. Make us more like You. Whether we are away or as now, safely home again.

I love You so much Dear Lord. I thank You. Amen.

(271 words ~ 10:24 a.m.)

Sunset Majesty

Sunday, July 11, 2010 (8:01 p.m.)

Hide-A-Way Campground

Pagosa Springs, CO

Glorious Father,

Twelve hours and one emotional upset later, here I am to give You the glory for Your majesty. How incredibly awesome is what I have seen of all You have created. Glory. Majesty. Words that only begin to describe the beauty of the stars, the clouds, the blue skies, a loving family, horses and cattle free range roaming. Amazing God that You are, I love You.

There is a huge emotional misunderstanding going on between me and a much loved one right now and I am bringing it right to Your feet. I don’t know what to do with what went wrong. Feelings were unintentionally hurt but they are only the tip of the iceberg to the root of the true problem. Trouble is I don’t know the first clue as to how to even begin unraveling the knots of this particular relationship.

* Amended Thursday, July 15, 2010 *

Perfect God that You Are,

How I thank You that just by taking myself away from that particular circumstance allowed You to work right through it. I didn’t have to attempt to fix anything, explain myself or try to work anything out. Instead, I got to rejoice in experiencing my very first look for (and FINDING!) lightning bugs! Thank You Lord. I love You so very much!

surprises

Saturday, July 10, 2010 (7:37 a.m.)

Rio Costilla Park – Day 3 55.7º

Blessed, Awesome God,

Thank You for the surprises that have abounded us so far on this trip. From the gentle rain that began just after awakening to the idea of camping ending one day early. I don’t know quite how to think about that ~ so I’m not going to. Instead I’m going to mindfully allow You to bring whatever surprises You have for us into fruition without question. WOW! Talk about surprises J

Ah, yes Lord ~ talk about surprises! On my way to what I thought might be a suitable verse for this morning, I find myself reading Psalm 34:8 by surprise. “Oh, put God to the test and see how kind He is! See for yourself the way His mercies shower down on all who trust in Him.” Oh and that is just the beginning of all David had to say at that particular time. He started this psalm by stating his intent to praise You no matter what happens. Now THAT’S a good idea! He planned to speak constantly of Your glories and grace. What an awesome idea! He was going to boast of all Your kindnesses to him. And encourage those who were (the word here is “are”) discouraged to take heart. He called all to praise You together and exalt Your name (vs. 1-3)

Lord, David knew what it was to cry out to You and be answered and be freed from all fear (4). The Bible Handbook describes this psalm as a time when David acted unwisely and was granted protection thus stimulating his teaching on the benefits of relationship with You.

Oh yes Dearest Lord ~ what is better than our relationship with You? To be able to take in all the beauty and delight that we have experienced so far on this trip has been wonderful. But to look at it all as part of Your design and creation is even better.

Catching glimpses of the starry night sky late last evening was awe-inspiring. Being surprised by a falling star was even more so. I look to You this day Lord, wondering what surprises You have in store for us. But even more than wondering, I am TRUSTING You with whatever way it is that You plan to bless us. Make me truly thankful for Your surprises Dear Lord. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(410 words ~ 8:29 a.m. 64.9º ~ I don’t believe it!)

* Amended Thursday, July 15, 2010 *

How PERFECT that THIS would be the day that a freak wind/rainstorm would whip through camp sending the EZ-UP and a tent flying down river! Lord God, THANK YOU for Your presence in all of this!!! Oh and thanks too for letting me learn that thermometers can give off false readings when placed on piles of warm clothing J I love You so much! Amen.

before

Friday, July 9, 2010 (7:50 a.m.)

Rio Costilla Park, N Mex. 51º

Blessed Lord,

Forgive me I pray. What a witch! What a brat! Did You provide my every need? Yes! Am I safe? Yes! Fed? Yes! Warm? Well, no, and therein lies the problem. I’m DRY! I actually got to use a non-stinky port-a-potty the kind husband found for me. Yet, so very late into the night, as I shivered and fussed about the cold, I confess I forgot all about thanking You for Your many blessings from yesterday.

Lord, You got us here safely! With whatever accident it was that closed the road we were to take, we were not involved. The several hour detour we took got us here before dark AND afforded us scenery we had never seen before.

Before, Lord. Yes! Before! Psalm 139:4, “Before a word is on my tongue…”

→ “Go fish” interruption ←

Yes Lord! “Before a word is on my tongue…” YOU know exactly what is in my heart! Thank You Lord.

Thank You for shelter from the rain. Thank You for the time to get to know loved ones better. Thank You for Your Word to comfort and guide us.

You are so very good God. You created such DIVERSE majesty. Taking this trip from the strong waves of the seashore to the revegetation of the lava flow to the windy desolation of the dry, arid ruins of the Chacoan Culture to this bright sunny morning following my very first time camping in the rain, I am grateful Lord. TRULY grateful! Tell me Lord, does “In the beginning” count as “BEFORE”?

Before You created all this, “the earth was a shapeless, chaotic mess, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors” (Genesis 1:2) and ‘then You said, “Let there be light.” And light appeared.’ (v.3) How awesome is that?!

You began creating each of us as “The time came when the Lord God formed a man’s body from the dust of the ground and breathed into it the breath of life. And man became a living person” (Genesis 2:7). And when You said, “It isn’t good for man to be alone; I will make a companion for him, a helper suited to his needs” (v.18).

Way back, before all of this, You knew everything about me (Psalm 139). As I get ready to begin this day Lord, how I ask that You would “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything You find in me that makes You sad and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (vs. 23, 24).

Thank You Lord. Thank You for loving me far BEFORE I ever knew You. Keep me with You this day that You would ‘bless and protect us; that Your face would radiate with JOY because of us; that You would be gracious to us, showing us Your favor, and giving us Your peace.’ (Numbers 6:24-26)

Oh Most Dear and Blessed Lord, how VERY much I love and appreciate You for all You are and all You do on our behalf. I love You SO much! Thank You. Amen.

(528 words ~ 10:32 a.m. 75º)

teamwork

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Bonita Lava Flow Campsite #27

Sunset Crater National Monument

Blessed Lord,

Thank You!! Thank You for teamwork and an overall spirit of working together. All of us are working together for the common good of moving on toward the next campground and adventure.

Lord, THANK YOU for the opportunity to experience such beauty in the stark contrast of the black lava flow surrounding the west side of Sunset Crater. What an amazing opportunity You have provided us Lord!

Thank You for the chance to get so ‘lost’ in moving forward toward the goal of seeing and experiencing more that I momentarily had the sensation of what it would be like to actually be lost. Thank You Lord that immediately following that first gasp of realizing that I wasn’t at all sure where I was, I thought to PRAY and not be afraid. Even as I took stock of the situation and continued moving in what I thought was the right direction, I remembered to keep asking for Your guidance.

Lord God, how I thank You for the presence of mind to wonder what a “Survivor” contestant would do. Thank You for every single time I intentionally sought to ‘find JOY in the desert’ yesterday. How very much better it was for me to actually seek the letter J (followed by O, then Y) on billboards or license plates than to focus on a sarcastic tone spoken in frustration because of a six hour car ride.

Lord, thank You for teaching me that I CAN change the way I look at things! Feeling extremely cold in the early morning hours I am so thankful to have remembered that ‘real’ Survivor contestants aren’t given sleeping bags, tents, tarps, water, fire… and the next thing I knew, I was grateful!

How incredible it is to be able to watch an interaction between three males packing up the van and choose to walk even further away (rather than futilely attempt to referee) and continue my time together with You.

What an awesome, amazing God You are! Thank You Lord. Thank You for continuing to teach me to make ‘healthier choices’ ~ physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. It is so incredibly awesome to truly “Be still and KNOW that You are God”! You are so good! So perfect. So wonderful. And I am so grateful that we are a part of YOUR team. Thank You God. I love You. Amen.

(409 words ~ 9:16 a.m. Flagstaff, AZ)

Joy Experiment Day 2

Monday, July 5, 2010 (8:04 a.m.)

16991 8^th St. Sunset Beach, CA

Blessed, Beloved God,

Thank You! Thank You for fun and laughter and JOY yesterday. Thank You for new ways of experiencing it. Thank You for reminders of it all around – especially the ‘snazzy’ sea foam green, two-seater BMW convertible with the license plate “2 JOY” on it! What made it so excitingly perfect was that it was seen by the Kid and I only moments after our discussion of how much fun we had being pretty violently tossed around in the yellow flagged waist deep surf that the four different lifeguards had cautiously advised us to stay in order to keep our feet firmly on the ground at all times. Not thinking that would be any fun at all, we were both genuinely surprised by how much joy we extracted in less than an hour, feeling more tired than we could remember. Thank You Lord! What a blast!

Speaking of blasts - thank You also for the safe arrival of our boy child from his trip up north, ‘just in time’ for his dad and I to stand tightly together on the beach with him in the middle for warmth, while we watched firework displays from Huntington Beach, the Queen Mary, San Pedro and our neighbors on the sand. Thank You for his sharing favorite memories of his childhood as well as his bittersweet feelings about watching something that so closely resembles and represents war, fear and death. Thank You Lord for the blessings You have provided that allow us to experience them as a symbol of victory.

Lord, thank You too for my finding the tiny little slip I had in my wallet yesterday with Philippians 4:4-8 printed on it. Starting right out with “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let Your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these fine, good things.”

Thank You Lord. Thank You for new experiences and experiments. Thank You for the ability to find a renewed sense of joy in something as simple as a firework in what appeared to me as a round apple slice – complete with a green ring surrounding a star of sorts. Awesome God! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(457 words ~ 9:05 a.m.)

generating joy

Sunday, July 4, 2010 (9:22 a.m.)

16991 8^th St. Sunset Beach, CA

Blessed Lord,

It’s a perfect day to turn the page and become intentional about JOY! Thank You Lord. Thank You that we get to live in a country known for its freedom. Thank You that all the blessings and goodness we have received as a nation (and individually) come from You. You are so very good to us.

Lord, thank You for not only the smile that is on my face ~ but even more for the one that is deep in my heart as I hear a near four year old giggle and pretend with her nine year old big brother. What true JOY is found in the innocence and imaginations of these two. Absolute, genuine joy! Thank You Lord.

Thank You for the inspiration to begin this three-month experiment of lowering my bad (LDL) cholesterol level by generating and celebrating the joy that constantly surrounds us. For so very long I have been completely blocked from a joy journey of any kind. Responsibilities, many that were not even mine, have kept me stewing in a vat of pressurized stress. Thank You ESPECIALLY on this particular (INDEPENDENCE) day for once again freeing me to JOY! It truly IS everywhere! How I ask that You would make me intentional and mindful in my pursuit. I love You Lord. Thank You. Amen.

(233 words ~ 10:21 a.m.)

wake up!

Saturday, July 3, 2010 (4:30 a.m.)

♫Great is Your Faithfulness♫

What a wonderful way to wake up. Mm, Lord. Isn’t that indeed what You would have me do? Wake up! I get to sit here before the sun has even come up. Wrapped in a blanket with both Your Word and a book about glimpsing Jesus in our everyday life sitting next to me.

Lord, how I love You! An hour ago I bargained with You for twenty more minutes of sleep. When that time was clearly up, I was not ready to be. Thank You Lord that You would not be held at bay. Thank You that the tune and first verse to ♫Unchanging♫ kept singing in my head.

Happily getting up, coming here and searching for the correct song [which is NOT to be confused with Great is THY Faithfulness J] still I am singing ♫You never change You never fail, O God♫

Turning to the Book of Revelation, I once again fear misinterpretation of it. As I read John’s words to the church of Sardis (3:1-6 entitled here as The Lifeless Church) I ask You to provide exactly what You would have me take with me throughout this day.

Still singing about Your promises being true and Your love and grace being wide, I am grateful to You Lord. You meet our every need. You hold our hearts and our hands as You call us to turn to You and trust.

John was told to write to the leader of this particular church to tell them that even though they had the reputation as a live and active church, they were really dead. They needed to wake up! And strengthen what little remained – for even what was left was at the point of death. Their deeds were far from right in the sight of God. (v.2)

Lord how I thank You for Your wake up calls! You are so very good to us. As I get ready to go through more than just the motions of preparing to celebrate our nation’s independence, I ask that You would be our Leader in all of our interactions. ♫Great IS Your faithfulness! You never change You never fail, O God So we raise up holy hands To praise the Holy One Who was and is and is to come…♫

Thank You Lord for being all that You are and doing all that You do. May I please be a whole lot more like You this day. I love You so much. Thank You. Amen.

(425 words ~ 5:55 a.m.)

abundance

Friday, July 2, 2010 (7:26 a.m.)

Blessed Lord,

Thank You for ALL You did yesterday to make it absolutely the best day I can remember having in such a long time! Communications between loved ones were relatively easy, misunderstandings at a bare minimum. Excitement and joy were in abundance. Ah, Lord. THANK YOU!!!

Even just now Dear Lord, a portion of a song came to mind. I wasn’t at all sure what it could be yet I was able to find it on the very first search. JJ Heller sang it for us at church on Sunday. Chills covered me just now as I recognized the melody. ♫When my world is shaking, heaven stands When my heart is breaking I never leave Your hands♫

Most Dear and Beloved God, I look to You this morning. I look to You thankfully. Lovingly. Trustingly. Wantingly. Yes Lord, a bit of a stretch on the English language but I wantingly desire Your best for us.

Jesus told His disciples (John 10) of Your plan for Your followers ultimate good. When they couldn’t understand You Lord, You broke it down for them even further. You do this for us. All the time.

How grateful I am that even in my thinking of all You are and do for us, my mind and my heart are still singing. Just now the tune changed to ♫My chains are gone, I’ve been set free My God, My Savior has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy rains Unending love, Amazing grace♫ And all of this because You love us so much that You came to earth to teach us. “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).” I experienced a glimpse of that yesterday. “Another Glimpse of Grace with God”, just like the blog title refers.

Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(332 words ~ 9:05 a.m.)

Lord

Thursday, July 1, 2010 (6:53 a.m.)

Oh Lord,

Our Lord. Dear Lord. Blessed Lord. “Lord, Lord” (Matthew 7:21, 22; Luke 6:46). How grateful I am to again wake up singing ♫Oh Lord, not he. How you can accuse him is a mystery♫ Oops! That’s supposed to be ♫Oh no…♫

Ah, but my mistake led me to the reminders that just because we call You Lord does NOT mean that we are doing as You would have us do. Lord, how I thank You for Your continued work in each of us. Sometimes it is so much easier than others.

What I am finding so spectacularly awesome this morning is that as soon as I went to each of the scriptures above, I was met with Your emphasis that we build our house on a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:47-49). Lord, YOU are that foundation! Make us obedient to Your Word Dear Lord. It is absolutely not enough that we hear and agree with it. We have to obey and follow it!

Lord, I love You so much. Today holds great potential for misunderstandings, bitterness, resentments and all around grumpiness. Rather than me jumping right in and trying to set all things straight for the day, I am turning to You. YOU are our ♫firm foundation I know I can stand secure Jesus You’re my firm foundation I put my hope in Your Holy Word I put my hope in Your Holy Word♫

You ARE my living hope! You are my future! You have a plan for me. Of this I’m sure, of this I’m sure.

Thank You Lord for waking me up this morning with Your name Lord on my heart, soul and mind. Let me live this day up to the standard that You have set for me.

I love You so much. Thank You. Amen.

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