opportunity

Friday, December 30, 2011 (6:03 p.m.)

Sweet Jesus,

Thank You! A colorful sunset. Happy goldfish. Opportunities to remember how much You so freely give us.

Saturday, December 31, 2011 (7:57 a.m.)

Opportunities Dearest Jesus. They surround us. Opportunities to do good. Or evil.

(9:09 a.m.)

Opportunities to spend our time wisely. Or to squander it. I don’t believe I’ve done an honorable job of this lately. I don’t even start out strong anymore. Once the effort truly was rather valiant. Then it became more and more half-hearted. Now even that appears to be fading. I seem to be refusing You a lot lately.

I had the opportunity to spend some good, quality time with You much earlier this morning. Three different songs called out to awaken me. I refused them. Even a dream I had of spending time alone with You remained untapped.

Forgive me Jesus. I continue recognizing glimpses of You and Your grace. I see the colors. I am truly aware of the opportunity to be here with You or not.

And right in that moment, between thinking of the beauty of Your earth and how easily I take it all for granted, I glanced again into Your Word. And again, You speak to me through the ages and these pages! Thank You Jesus. Thank You that You DO know my heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength. Thank You that I DO love You with all of them! (Mark 12:30)

All that I have to offer You may not seem enough for me, but thank You that You know ALL of the heretofores and variants of every aspect of my being. Thank You that You never expect more of me than I am capable of offering.

Thank You Jesus that this morning I have the opportunity to spend an enormous amount of time reading various translations of the same verses.

It is the New International Reader’s Version that I most want to commit to my heart and soul. In Colossians 4:2; 5-6, the apostle Paul urged the believers of Colosse to “Spend a lot of time in prayer. Always be watchful and thankful. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders. Make the most of every opportunity. Let the words you speak always be full of grace. Season them with salt. Then you will know how to answer everyone.”

“Make the most of every opportunity.” Jesus, I don’t do that. I desperately want to. Yet I let all other things get in my way. Thank You that You know me well enough to guide me in Your Word.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for verses 2 and 3 tells me, “Paul encouraged the Colossian believers to persevere in prayer. This is good advice for us, too. As we pray, we acknowledge our need for a higher Power and are reminded to keep our eyes on God.” As good as this is to read and believe, there’s more to grow my hope on.

“As we make prayer a daily priority, we are reminded to thank God for His help, and we become increasingly aware of His activity in our life.” Father God I truly want to be even more aware of Your presence with me. My focus continues leaning so far to the negative extreme.

Ah, but here You used someone I don’t even know to flick that tiniest flame of hope, “And when we are feeling weak, we can still come to God in prayer. He will then empower us to ‘keep at it.’ As we turn to God in prayer, we embrace the power sufficient to meet our needs in recovery.”

It’s all about You Jesus! Your power. Your will. Your Way. And even here You take right over! One minute I’m praying words to You, the next they represent a song I’ve sung to You so many times before.

Thank You for the opportunity to find it so quickly. ♫I’m coming back to the heart of worship And it’s all about You, it’s all about You Jesus I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about You, it’s all about You Jesus♫

One more truth to share with You Blessed Jesus is found in the Personal Notes section for Colossians chapter four of The Illustrated Bible Handbook. “The whole church in NT (New Testament) times, like the church today, needs to be constantly reminded of the simplicity, the beauty, and the life changing power that is ours in the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord.”

Dearest Jesus, how I confess to repeatedly trying to tap into that power only to become frustrated and fall even farther away from it. On this very last day of what will soon become an “old” year, I humbly ask You to keep working in me. Drawing me closer to Your will. Your Way. Your Truth. Your power. That I will TRULY “Make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5b).

I love You so very much Dearest Jesus. Let me live in such a way that honestly reflects that. Thank You. Amen.

(847 words ~ 10:18 a.m.)

double-minded

Thursday, December 29, 2011 (12:06 p.m.)

Loving Lord Jesus,

I keep going back and forth. One moment I start singing and feeling joyful, the next my arm hurts and I doubt that joy will ever be mine to feel again. How’s THAT for being double-minded?

Back and forth I go. I seem to fall into the trap of all or nothing thinking. Either everything is wonderful or it’s terrible. There’s nothing in between. I know this isn’t true. Oh, but let me tell You how much I struggle with it.

Blessed Jesus, I know You experienced suffering that I will never be expected to bear. Why then do I continue being such a big baby about physical pain? It’s seemingly taking over every aspect of my life. I no longer participate in many actives I otherwise enjoy. I’m so darned afraid of hurting myself!

And that’s just it isn’t it? You tell me again and again to “fear not” and “be not afraid”, yet I still do. See? There it is again. I can choose fear or faith. I’m so conditioned to fear. Having faith takes courage. No wonder You tell us to work at building our faith.

Thank You Jesus that even in the search for verses to back up this thought, I have found enough to bring me again to tears of hopefulness. Over 100 most read Bible verses and I sit nodding my head thinking, “Yes.”

Yes, I want this kind of faith. Yes, I want to believe that You are here with me knowing EXACTLY what all is taking place with the health of this earthly body. Yes, I want to trust that You will NOT give me more than I can handle.

Thank You Jesus that in turning to You and Your Word – Your Holy, ultimate ♫Book of Love♫ – I get to be reminded that when my life is full of difficulties and temptations I am to “be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete” (James 1:2-4).

Turning to Peter’s first letter to the Jewish Christians who were suffering persecution for their faith, I am reminded that “God offers to surround us with His love when problems seem overwhelming. The way out of the storm is to take comfort in God’s presence and persevere through it. As we do, God will use the trials to inspire our growth.” (The Life Recovery Bible)

“So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of His return” (1 Peter 1:6-7). This is my prayer to You Blessed Jesus. In and of myself I will continue to cave to my own double-mindedness. Keep my focus on You. Your strength. Your holiness. All the things I am not on my own.

I love You Jesus. Thank You that You came. Taught. Suffered. Died. And most of all that You rose again to give us hope in an otherwise hopeless world. You are so good. And I love You so much.

Do you think we can work on turning my “Ouch”s into “Hallelujah!”s? Will You please teach me to praise Your most good and holy name especially through the pain? I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(650 words ~ 2:08 p.m.)

♫Joy To the World♫

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 (10:47 a.m.)

Grr, Growl, Grumble,

Again! Honest. This morning I actually woke up singing ♫Joy To the World♫ Now I’m allowing puny, petty frustrations to again steal my joy. Or am I just all too readily forfeiting it? Hmm. Let’s talk about that shall we?

I get to choose. I can focus on the positives OR the negatives. The pain or the pleasure. The good or the bad. Keep working in me Lord Jesus.

There IS joy to be found in every situation. I believe that. Truly I do. Too easily I whine. Mope. Brood. Sulk. Absolutely NOT the way to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior!

Truly I thought I had been preparing You room. I’ve been watching and waiting. Even wondering. Pondering. But then, seemingly every single chance I have to choose between life and death (Deuteronomy 30:19) I lean toward thinking of the things that do NOT bring me joy!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 (7:15 a.m.)

This morning Lord Jesus, I will once again attempt to practice gratitude. Too often I get lost in thinking of the way I want things to be, instead of accepting the way things are. Forgive me.

Yesterday I wanted to motivate myself toward joy. Today let me follow You to it. It doesn’t seem to be something I can willfully manufacture. Teach me more about Your joy. The joy You want us to share with others. That joy that You would have us ♫Go, Tell It on the Mountain That Jesus Christ is born!♫

That Truth, that Gift alone is enough to bring us pure joy. Why am I so resistant and reluctant to take hold and believe that this joy is meant for me as well?

I read again and again in Your Word of Your power and Your strength. I sing of it in these wonderful Christmas songs. ♫He rules the world with truth and grace And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness And wonders of His love♫ I sing it. But right now I confess to You Dearest Lord Jesus, I’m not buyin’ it. Forgive me. Change me. Help me see that which is eluding me. I am truly missing the wonders of Your love. I want desperately to know You and Your peace. That is what I pray this day, that I will come to know You well enough to truly share YOUR ♫Joy To the World♫

Thank You Lord Jesus. I love You. Amen.

(417 words ~ 8:15 a.m.)

Happy Birthday Jesus

Sunday, December 25, 2011 (7:18 a.m.)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Your birth is what we’re here to celebrate. Not Santa. Not presents. YOU! Thank You that You have all the patience necessary to forgive us when we forget that very simple truth.

Thank You Jesus that with all the shopping and baking and wrapping and decorating, time spent in the wonder of You is truly where we're supposed to put our efforts.

Monday, December 26, 2011 (8:05 a.m.)

I confess, Blessed Jesus, I didn’t do that yesterday. I put my energies into nursing old wounds and growing grudges. NOT very Christ honoring to be sure!

I woke up with the Truth that ♫Christmas is a Time to Love♫ I knew it. I fully believed it. But when feelings actually got pushed and shoved around, love was the first thing to go, right out the window.

Thank You Jesus that You love us so much more than that. Thank You that I can go to church, still struggling with residual ugliness and You continue to minister to me. Thank You Jesus that the Truth of this particular Psalty song rings truer every single time I sit long enough to truly hear it.

♫We often start to worry, and people get upset, if things don’t all go right on Christmas Day. What we should remember in all the push and shove Is Christmas is a time to love. Maybe things don’t sound right, or look the way they should, and maybe they’re not perfectly in tune. It really doesn’t matter, let’s keep our eyes above ‘Cause Christmas is a time to love♫

How I thank You Blessed Jesus. As much noise as I made this Advent Season about there being more to Christmas than what the marketing departments were showing us, what I offered You yesterday was equally despicable. Forgive me I pray.

As I begin this second day of Christmas, I ask not only for Your patient, loving forgiveness but Your powerful strength as well. Do in and through me that which I clearly cannot do in and of myself. Enable me to love the unlovable, which in this particular case just happens to be me!

Thank You Jesus. I truly DO love You so much. Let me keep my mind focused on You and Your love for all of us. Thank You. Amen.

(392 words)

"and"

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 (5:58 a.m.)

Holy Jesus,

I practically ran out here just now. I was in that big of a hurry to read various translations of Psalm 23.

Somehow I was thinking of the word ‘staff’ and the next think I knew, I was eager and excited [AGOG J] to be with You.

Blessed Jesus, thank You that I have You in my life. Thank You that I am able to turn to You for my every need. Be they mental, physical, emotional or spiritual (Mark 12:30). Thank You Jesus for Your goodness and Your grace.

Just by thinking on that one particular word, it seems the floodgates of hope and peace sprang wide open. The word ‘staff’ helped me think of rod. Thinking of the two of them led me to goodness and mercy, comfort and joy. Considering all of them, I saw the connecting word “and”. I realize how very much more there is to everything we encounter.

Beginning at Genesis 1:1 and ending with Revelation 22:19, the King James Version lists 23,395 entries for this one little word.

The Illustrated Bible Handbook ends the comments for Chapter 22. Jesus Is Coming with these thoughts. “The last words of the book, which are the last words of our Bible, sum up the hope of Christians throughout the ages. ‘Yes, I am coming soon,’ sounds the promise. And all the saints gladly reply: ‘Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.’”

Yes! Come Lord Jesus indeed! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(251 words ~ 7:13 a.m.)

four English words

Tuesday, December 20, 2011 (7:14 a.m.)

Wow God!

When was the last time I started out with just a great big, heartfelt “WOW!”

Waking up with a certain song, I wondered how I would ever find it. The lyrics I have heard sung through the years were in another language. When I started planning the search, four English words suddenly came to mind.

Thank You Jesus for what I found far surpassed my greatest expectation. The initial finding was overwhelmingly in Italian with those four English words being the only ones I had a chance of understanding.

Technology came to my rescue again. Inserting the word “English” in the ‘GoodSearch’ box resulted in my brand new appreciation for the song.

Truly Dearest Jesus, I honestly thought You were giving me this song to go along with my newfound learning of how to discard things. When I first realized the other day that much of my problem through the years not only stems from my not wanting to hurt other people’s feelings, but also from my earnest desire to not be wasteful, I realized I was really on to something. I continue thanking You for every ability I have of letting go of one item or another.

That’s exactly why I thought ♫Time to say goodbye♫ was so perfect for me today. With the daunting task of sorting through long unused games and toys ahead of me, I thought these four particular English words could possibly morph into a possible mantra of sorts.

Little did I know upon hearing and reading all of the words in English that I would be drawn even closer in my thoughts of You. There is mention of light and darkness and something being missing and true light and building bridges and a blinding light and I just keep thinking of You Dearest Jesus.

Listening to and reading it once more just now, again all I can say is, “WOW God!” ♫It’s time to say goodbye So with You I will go… I love You! ♫

What more is there? This says it all! Thank You Jesus. Amen.

(355 words ~ 8:07 a.m.)

Wonderful Jesus

Monday, December 19, 2011 (6:01 a.m.)

Blessed Lord Jesus,

Thank You! There’s a song I woke up humming. Even though some of the words in it are ♫What a wonderful Savior♫ and there is a hymn with that name, that is not the one I was looking for. Thank You that You gave me more words to help narrow my search.

♫and saw that it was good♫ was all I needed to find ♫Wonderful Maker♫ Thank You Jesus. Thank You that I get to come before You, with the aid of technology and start singing ♫You made the world and saw that it was good You sent Your only Son for You are good What a wonderful Maker What a wonderful Savior How majestic Your whispers And how humble Your love With a strength like no other And the heart of a Father How majestic Your whispers What a wonderful God♫

This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg! There seems to be no end to the amount of hymns and praise songs describing You as wonderful. And the Bible verses? There are so many!

Thank You that we’ll narrow them down to just two. Isaiah 9:6 and 7, the foretelling of Your birth. “For unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulder. These will be His royal titles: ‘Wonderful,’ ‘Counselor,’ ‘The Mighty God,’ ‘The Everlasting Father,’ ‘The Prince of Peace.’ His ever-expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule with perfect fairness and justice from the throne of His father David. He will bring true justice and peace to all the nations of the world. This is going to happen because the Lord of Heaven’s armies has dedicated Himself to do it!”

You knew our every need long before You even created us. You set in place a system of checks and balances that all point back to You. ♫You spread out the skies over empty space Said “let there be light” Into a dark and formless world Your Light was born♫

♫You spread out Your arms over empty hearts Said “let there be light” Into a dark and hopeless world Your Son was born♫

Blessed Jesus, as we continue working this week toward the celebration of Your birth, keep us ever mindful that it is all done in remembrance of You and why You came in the first place.

♫You made the world and saw that it was good You sent Your only Son for You are good What a wonderful Maker What a wonderful Savior How majestic Your whispers And how humble Your love With a strength like no other And the heart of a Father How majestic Your whispers What a wonderful God♫

Wonderful. Maker. Savior. God. These are seemingly simple words with huge meaning. Work in and through me this day Most Wonderful Jesus that I will come to have an even deeper appreciation for all that You are and all that You do on our behalf. Let me use this word to describe You often. Wonderful Jesus. Hmm. It does have quite a ring to it. Thank You Wonderful Jesus. I love You. Amen.

(534 words ~ 7:10 a.m.)

the mind of Christ

Sunday, December 18, 2011 (7:42 a.m.)

Most Blessed and Loving Lord Jesus,

I’m here with a giant “thank You” and an equally large request. Thank You for the sleep and rest I got throughout the night. Thank You that I feel much better than I did eight hours ago. Thank You that in my more sleepless stage, I remembered the importance and truth found in the hymn ♫I Surrender All♫

In looking it up in The Celebration Hymnal, I found more truth across the page in ♫I Give It All to You♫ Pleasing to me was the fact that they both referenced the same verse of Scripture. Romans 6:13, “Offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life.” Thank You Dearest Jesus in Your work in bringing us from death to life!

Thank You too, as I sat here this morning thinking of all the things I am not going to be able to get done before Tuesday, I remembered another important verse. Philippians 4:13, “for I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.”

And this brings me directly back to that request I have of You. I confess to behaving quite a bit more witchlike than Christ-like these past several days. I’ve been easily influenced and prone to “go” with whatever it is I am thinking or feeling at any given moment. My request? I would like ready access to the mind of Christ!

I read of it in the second part of 1Corinthians 2:16. “But, strange as it seems, we Christians actually do have within us a portion of the very thoughts and mind of Christ.” Reading about this great Truth at Got Questions Ministries, I find that “having the mind of Christ means sharing the plan, purpose, and perspective of Christ, and it is something that all believers possess. Having the mind of Christ means we understand God’s plan in the world – to bring glory to Himself, restore creation to its original splendor, and provide salvation for sinners.”

The Internet page I am reading uses 1Corithians 2 to clarify the mind of Christ. Verses 5-6, it stands in sharp contrast to the wisdom of man. Verse 7, it involves wisdom from God, once hidden but now revealed. Verses 10-12, it is given to believers through the Spirit of God. Cannot be understood by those without the Spirit (14). Gives believers discernment in spiritual matters (15).

The writers go on to say “In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ (John 1:12; 1 John 5:12). After salvation, the believer lives a life under God’s influence. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the believer, infusing him with wisdom—the mind of Christ. The believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading (Ephesians 4:30) and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind (Romans 12:1-2).”

As You work in me on this today Lord Jesus, I ask You also to help me T.H.I.N.K. before I speak. Asking myself each time, is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind? Come to think of it, I bet I’ll be pretty quiet today.

Thank You Jesus for Your love, Your life and all You came to give and share and teach. Thank You that I get to be a part of Your plan. Use me as only You can. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

resounding

Saturday, December 17, 2011 (3:55 a.m.)

Blessed Lord Jesus,

I love You. I got some pretty good sleep and I might even go back for some more. I just thought I’d start the day off with a good, resounding, “I love You!”

(6:54 a.m.)

I’ll follow that with an equal, or even bigger “Thank You!” Thank You for added sleep. But thank You even more for the name and words to the song I was seeking much earlier.

When I first started humming it, I truly thought the word resounding was in it. As I continued searching, I became equally sure that it was not. Thank You for allowing me to finally see for myself.

♫You are the Lord, The famous One, Famous One, Great is Your name in all the earth, The heavens declare You’re glorious, glorious, Great is Your fame beyond the earth♫

Interesting, as I was looking up this song by Chris Tomlin another one came to mind. It turns out also to be by him.

Again I was thinking the word resounding was in it, having something to do with the world’s renown. On further examination of ♫Holy is the Lord♫ I find that the words are actually ♫It’s [Your glory] the anthem of the Lord’s renown♫

Here is where I must confess that I don’t even know where all this is taking me. So far I’ve read some verses in Daniel, 1 Chronicles and Isaiah. All cause me to smile and nod my head in agreeance. Rather than continuing to go from here to there, I’m asking Lord God, what would You like to say to me this morning? What do You want me to learn? To know? To carry with me throughout this day?

And now I am reading 2Corinthians (1:17-22) in The Cotton Patch Gospel. Paul was writing to the church of Corinth. Explaining his change of plans in not coming to visit them.

“Now once I’ve made up my mind on something, do I treat it lightly? Or when I decide on something, do I arrive at it through human reasoning, so as to qualify it with a ‘maybe so’ or a ‘possibly not’? God knows that when we give you our word it is not both yes and no. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us – by me and Silas and Timothy – was never both yes and no, but a resounding yes! For God’s many promises, made through His Son, are a strong yes. Even the amen is an affirmation by us of God’s glory. It is God who organized both you and us into a Christian fellowship and gave us the power to endure. He put (His) big stamp of approval on us and poured into our hearts the first installment of the Holy Spirit.”

Teach me Lord to let my “yes” mean yes! This next week is filling up quite quickly with a myriad of things to do. Let me learn to measure their importance through the good of Your Kingdom’ glory.

I read this morning of a resounding victory, resounding instruments and resounding joy. Right now Dearest Lord Jesus let me practice a resounding yes! Yes, I love You! Yes, Your Word is true! Yes, You are good! And yes, I long to do Your will. Work in me and through me this day, I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(570 words ~ 8:31 a.m.)

tidings of comfort and joy

Thursday, December 15, 2011 (11:26 p.m.)

♫God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen♫

Lord Jesus, I confess, I don’t even know what this means.

Friday, December 16, 2011 (5:37 a.m.)

I am happy to announce that I am not the only one confused by the wording of this wonderful Christmas Carol. In fact, after spending quite a bit of time following leads on the Internet I’ve read a variety of different ideas.

(6:36 a.m.)

Ace Collins wrote his interpretation of it in Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas. Others dispute his findings. It’s April Lorier’s “rest in God’s joy” http://godwoman.blogspot.com/2010/12/meaning-of-god-rest-ye-merry.html that makes the most sense to me.

Jesus, thank You for taking me through the history of this particular Christmas song. Finding as many as seven verses describing Your birth, I turn to Your Word (Luke 2:1-20) and read of it there.

As I continue singing ♫O tidings of comfort and joy♫ it seems only fitting that I read comments of recovery as well. Because You were probably born in ‘a cold, damp, dark, dirty cave with a hollowed out feeding trough or manger’ (Life Recovery Bible) ‘we don’t have to clean up our act first in order to make room’ for You. How freeing is that?

The Scripture verses, as well as the song, quote the “Fear not” of the angel in verse 10. Followed by these comforting, beloved words “for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”

‘When You come into our life, You accepts us as we are’. Thank You Jesus! We don’t have to try to be anything but who and what we are to witness Your glory.

♫And when they came to Bethlehem Where our dear Savior lay, They found Him in a manger, Where oxen feed on hay; His Mother Mary kneeling down, Unto the Lord did pray. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy♫

The comment for verse 19, tells that Your blessed mother ‘shows us how thoughts about positive things can lift our spirits and give us the courage to take the next step. She meditated on the things God was doing and wanted to do in her life. When we do the same, we take a step toward recovery and wholeness. Pondering the joy with the sorrow, the awesome with the awful, the gain with the pain will lead to emotional and spiritual healing.’

Thank You Jesus for placing this particular carol so deeply inside me these past few days. Thank You for the opportunity to really research its origin and to TRULY sing its Truth. ♫Now to the Lord sing praises, All you within this place, And with true love and brotherhood Each other now embrace; This holy tide of Christmas All others doth deface. O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy; O tidings of comfort and joy♫

O yes Dearest Lord Jesus! Let me truly sing Your tidings of comfort and joy! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

507 words ~ 8:29 a.m.)

five year old wisdom

Thursday, December 15, 2011 (12:23 p.m.)

Grumble, Growl, Gripe, Hiss, Snarl,

And finally, Thank You. Thank You Jesus that I can even bring my piss-poor mood to You. Thank You that awkward as it is, I can even use that phrase with You. I’m still not sure I want to, but there it is!

Blessed Lord Jesus, You save me from myself all the time. In the heighth [or was it depth? J] of my growling and grumbling earlier this morning, You helped me remember that I haven’t taken time here with You in days. Is it just by chance that my mood would plummet in direct relation to my absence from Your Word? I think not!

In fact, even as I scoured for something to read much earlier I was blessed by the amount of Scripture that was quoted in the little booklet I was holding. Thank You too for the reminder that I also hadn’t taken any intentional time for physical exercise either.

You are very good to me Dearest Jesus! I too often take Your kindnesses and mercies far too much for granted and I apologize. Thank You that You don’t hold me back when I finally realize that I’ve been gone from You for far too long.

Thank You that for every grunt and growl I offered in direct response to one frustration or another, Your presence in my every situation came to mind.

Thank You for the five year old who told me her limited understanding of Who You are. Thank You for the two different crèches at her home that helped her get to know a little bit more about You and Your birth. Thank You for her questions, and especially for her wisdom.

Blessed Jesus, thank You that just now I recognized my own five year old behavior in this day. I seemed to balk at every inconvenience. And that’s just what the bulk of it was for the most part. Inconveniences.

Thank You Jesus. You never cease to get my attention! Keep speaking to me. Right now I find myself reading Your Teachings about Inner Purity in Mark 7:1-23. Your Truth, Your Wisdom, so freely shared with those who put human tradition and ritual above a genuine relationship with You. I don’t want to follow their lead Dearest Jesus.

Keeping guiding, directing, and reminding me that it’s at the side of Your manger, the foot of Your Cross, and the open doorway to Your tomb that I most want to put my focus. NOT on the petty little inconveniences of my day. Thank You Jesus for the wisdom of a five year old who reminds me of what matters most in every single day. YOU!

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(459 words ~ 1:44 p.m.)

Rejoice!

Monday, December 12, 2011 (5:44 a.m.)

Blessed Lord Jesus,

My body hurts. Am I moving incorrectly? Have I developed really bad habits of holding myself in wrong positions? Is there some kind of destructive repetition of which I am unaware? Is there something You want me doing differently?

Will You talk to me about this today? We’ve been down this road before. I believe I am becoming more aware...

(7:00 a.m.)

I find it interesting how a few extra minutes of rest can change my whole outlook. Yes. My body still hurts. But as I lay in our very warm bed, I found myself singing ♫Rejoice in the Lord always And again I say ‘Rejoice’♫ I want to do that Blessed Jesus.

No matter the circumstances. I want to “Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice!’ (Philippians 4:4) Yes Lord Jesus, teach me to be a person who rejoices!

We have a much-loved one going in for surgery today, with an expected recovery time of six weeks. Lord God how I ask You to bless her, the medical professionals, all those involved with her care. Use me during this process to be helpful in the ways You want. Bless the process as well as the progress, I pray.

And now, back to the idea of rejoicing. ♫Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!♫ “The virgin will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). “They will call Him Immanuel – which means, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:23)

At this particular time of Advent, as we truly prepare our hearts for the coming Christ, I am so excited to be here with You this morning.

Turning from the praise song with which I first started, to the hymns of the Advent Season I am singing more of Your names as I move over to read Psalm 111. ♫Prince of Peace, Counselor, merciful Son of God, Lord of Hosts, Conqueror, Coming King and Ever living God, I extol You; Lord, I extol You. You are high above the earth; All creation shouts Your worth! I extol You; Lord, I extol You. My Jehovah, I extol You♫

“Hallelujah! I want to express publicly before His people my heartfelt thanks to God for His mighty miracles. All who are thankful should ponder them with me. For His miracles demonstrate His honor, majesty, and eternal goodness. Who can forget the wonders He performs – deeds of mercy and of grace?” (Psalm 111:1-5)

Your Word has so very much Hope and Truth in It! We turn to It and just can’t help but come away from it rejoicing! Help me do exactly that all this livelong day, Dearest Lord Jesus. ♫Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel! ♫

Yes Lord. Rejoice! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(473 words ~ 8:18 a.m.)

I DO

Sunday, December 11, 2011 (6:45 a.m.)

Awesome, Incredible, Blessed Lord Jesus,

Thank You! Thank You for blessings that abound. Blessings we might not even be aware of while they are happening. Blessings that keep us coming back to You. And here’s the selfish part Dearest Jesus, I know that I keep coming back for MORE!

Thank You that just now I was able to find ♫Blessed Be Your Name♫ with no problem at all. I wasn’t even sure of the song for which I sought, yet here it was.

♫Blessed be Your name In the land that is plentiful Where Your streams of abundance flow Blessed be Your name Blessed be Your name When I’m found in the desert place Though I walk through the wilderness Blessed be Your name Every blessing You pour out I’ll turn back to praise And when the darkness closes in, Lord Still I will say Blessed be the name of the Lord Blessed be Your name Blessed be Your glorious name♫

Absolutely, blessed Jesus I confess to You right now that blessing Your glorious name comes to me far easier during the good times. When situations and things show themselves outright to be blessings. Not those that come to us in disguise.

But You’re working in me here. You keep reminding me that I DO believe You to be a good God! While ‘I may not know what tomorrow will hold, I DO know Who holds it!’ Thank You Jesus!

Yesterday we were able to witness the tearful reconfirming of wedding vows by a couple that had originally reaffirmed them twenty-five years ago. While I just now realize that it was probably said in Spanish, I believe the translation would still be “I do”. No. I take that back! I just now remembered they both added words to emphasize their responses. Help me remember to ask them what they said and what it meant.

THAT is the kind of commitment I want to have with YOU Dearest Lord Jesus! Unqualified. Absolute. No turning back. “In good times or bad, sickness and health, for richer or poorer, as long as we both shall live.” And since I am set to live eternally with You in Your Kingdom, this is a vow I do not take lightly!

I DO Lord Jesus. I DO take You to be The One I trust. Depend upon. Worship. And adore. Remind me to bless Your name equally ♫On the road marked with suffering Though there’s pain in the offering♫ as I DO ♫When the sun’s shining down on me When the world’s ‘all as it should be’♫

I love You so very much Dearest Lord Jesus. I DO want to be an equal opportunity praiser! Thank You. Amen.

(459 words ~ 7:43 a.m.

wonderful example

Saturday, December 10, 2011 (7:54 a.m.)

Blessed Lord Jesus,

I want to take mental notes today. We get to go celebrate our neighbor’s 50^th wedding anniversary. This is a family that we have known for nearly twenty years. A family, whose yards connect to ours. A family, that in all this time, we have NEVER heard an unkind word or tone from!

What a wonderful example of Your love Dearest Jesus. Cousins play encouragingly with cousins. Brothers help brothers. Sisters-in-law truly love and support one another. And ALL honor their father and mother.

Truly, Dear Jesus, with tears in my eyes as I even think about them, they are a tribute to Your love in action!

Thank You for this wonderful example that You have in them. A wonderful example of a family who truly lives Your Word! The first four verses of the sixth chapter of Ephesians suits them to a tee.

“Children, obey your parents; this is the right thing to do because God has placed them in authority over you. Honor your father and your mother. This is the first of God’s Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: if you honor your father and mother, yours will be a long life, full of blessing.

“And now a word to you parents. Don’t keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord Himself approves, with suggestions and godly advice.”

In all my 57 years, I have only experienced one other family that is unscathed by any divorces. And even that one didn’t have the unique camaraderie (mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together) that we are so blessed to witness in this particular group of people.

Yes Dearest Jesus, thank You for this wonderful example of a fifty-year marriage that is everything Your Word describes.

And those mental notes I want to take today? Sink them deeply into my heart and my very soul. Thank You Jesus. I love You. And please continue blessing this wonderful example of what a family is truly supposed to look like. Thank You. Amen.

(368 words ~ 8:30 a.m.)

Matthew 11:27-30

Friday, December 9, 2011 (6:50 a.m.)

Blessed Lord Jesus,

I feel tapped this morning. Tired. Weary. Emotional. Drained.

(7:40 a.m.)

And in almost direct response to that, I started reading Your Word and fell promptly back to sleep. Thank You.

(8:50 a.m.)

Here I am. Back again. Well, not really gone at all. Spending the last good while scrolling through YouTube videos of various people singing ♫Sweet Little Jesus Boy♫ did not end with the ‘perfect’ one for which I sought.

What I did get was better. Memories of the very first time I heard it sung at the First Presbyterian Church all those years ago. The people involved in bringing this incredible singer to us year after year, each Christmas Season. Thank You Jesus for the people You bring into our lives for certain purposes!

Thank You too for the different ways in which this song has been sung through the years. Each singer putting their own ‘spin’ on the same song. The Truth and integrity of the song itself doesn’t change. That’s what I am finding this morning as I read Your Word.

Matthew 11:27-30 in the various translations presents Your Truth. Each variation saying It just a little bit differently. Playing to Its own audience, if You will.

While being fairly familiar with Your urging to “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give You rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (vs. 28-30 NLT).

This morning the first part of verse 27 (NLT) seems brand new to me. “My Father has entrusted everything to me.” What a thought! What a lovely, incredible thought!

Looking to other translations I get to read the same Truth presented differently. The Message says, “The Father has given me all these things to do and say… Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

And here in The Cotton Patch Gospel the essence of the rest that is available to us through our trust in You is presented in even earthier terms. “Come to me, all of you who are frustrated and have had a bellyful, and I will give you zest, Get in the harness with me and let me Leach you, for I am trained and have a cooperative spirit, and you will find zest for your lives. For my harness is practical, and my assignment is joyful.”

Zest? Joy? Sign me up Lord Jesus! Getting into a harness with You seems absolutely delightful and exactly where I want to be. Perfectly in step with You. Thank You for Your more than kind and generous offer. I accept! I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(544 words ~ 12:26 p.m.)

palpable peace

Thursday, December 8, 2011 (6:34 a.m.)

Precious Lord Jesus,

A wave of palpable peace washed over me on the drive home last night. I think it was the most supernatural feeling I’ve ever experienced. Truly Lord Jesus, I was so excited by it I had great trouble sleeping throughout the night.

I kept thinking how awesome it is to honestly BELIEVE You at Your Word. The various verses I have clung to over the years seemed to take on a deeper meaning. There was [IS] a keener sense regarding, “Of course this hope is sure! There IS no reason to be afraid!”

Jesus, I have tested the surety of Your Word in the past. I have chosen to stand on and cling to a variety of verses through the years. I do not ever remember my mind automatically shifting over to believing, “Jesus is at work in this.” Thank You!

Thank You that just now as I was trying to describe this “perfect peace” to myself ♫Peace like a River♫ came to mind. As I turned in a hymnal to find a corresponding Scripture verse to go along with it, I saw ♫It Is Well with My Soul♫ How many chills have come to my body, how many tears have I shed over the Truth of this mighty hymn?

And just look at the very first phrase! ♫When peace like a river attendeth my way♫ Blessed Jesus, thank You! When I’ve considered this song before, it is usually in regards to the phrase that follows. ♫When sorrows like sea billows roll; What ever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul♫

I BELIEVED Your Truth last night Dearest Jesus! Every single time I woke I knew You are good. Not because I had to think about it and force myself to believe something I’ve been taught. I just KNEW and believed I could trust and depend on You! Thank You Jesus.

I thought for sure Philippians 4:6-7 was the part of Your Word I would take with me most today. “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than this human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.”

Then I thought it was going to be Psalm 46:10a. “Be still, and know that I am God!”

Ah, but it is Isaiah 26:3 that wins out this morning. Isaiah 26:3 that I most want to commit to memory and be able to recite precisely word for word. “He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord!”

You are working in me Dearest Jesus. I know it. I FELT it! Keep it up. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(501 words ~ 7:54 a.m.)

P.S. I just had the thought, “God’s got this! I don’t know what He’s going to do with it, but I know He has it!” Thank You Jesus. Thank You Father. Thank You Holy Spirit. Amen. Again.

♫Where's the Line to See Jesus♫

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 (7:14 a.m.)

Anaheim, CA

Incredibly Merciful and Loving God,

Father, thank You. Thank You for the mercies You show us new everyday. Reading Lamentations 3:22-24 in the Easy-to-Read Version of Your Word just now I love the hope. The promise. The simplicity. “We are still alive because the LORD’S faithful love never ends. Every morning He shows it in new ways! You are so very true and loyal! I say to myself, The LORD is my God, and I trust Him.”

Father, thank You. Thank You that we are called to trust You. What a gift. I’m confessing to You Dearest God [as if You don’t already know] I was truly considering taking a ‘pass’ this Christmas. I’m not at all a fan of what this blessed season has come to represent.

It started in me before Thanksgiving, with the many ads pimping “Black Friday” sales. A time that is supposed to be set aside to reflect the true Gift we were given in the birth of Your Son seems to have become little more than a marketing ploy.

Ah, but You are good Dearest Father! I noticed You start softening my heart in church on Sunday while Lara Landon played the piano and sang so beautifully the Truth my heart has been asking. With just the first few notes and words ♫Where’s the Line to See Jesus?♫ put so perfectly into words what my heart had started stoning itself off to avoid. Not only did tears sting my eyes, they streamed freely down my cheeks.

That wasn’t enough though, Most Loving God. With every overdone yard of lights and decorations I see [which once delighted me] I find I am now steeling myself against what many of them have come to represent. Instead of a time to reflect and prepare our hearts toward You and the Blessed Gift You have provided us in Your Son, I know that I have too often gotten caught up in the wrappings and the trappings to TRULY “Celebrate the REASON for the Season”.

Ah, but You being the most merciful God that You are, You keep chipping away at my steeled reserve. A simply decorated artificial tree with tiny white lights and just a few small ornaments mixed in with pompoms handmade of yarn gave me pause. I look around and see signs of JOY [both literally and figuratively] and I embrace the idea of celebrating the birth of Your Son far more understatedly than we have in the past.

I am willing to take this Advent Season ‘one day at a time’ this year Dearest God. Not unwilling to participate as I had first assumed. No. This year I want to look to You. The blessings You provide us. The mercies, compassion and love You give us new every morning. As the New International Version reminds me, “I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion [everything I will ever need (New International Reader’s Version)]; therefore I will wait for Him.”

Yes Dearest Lord Jesus, if I am going to wait in any line, I have to make sure it is in the one that will take me to see You! Thank You Father God. Thank You Baby Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit. I love You. Amen!

(551 words ~ 9:06 a.m.)

caring

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 (6:28 a.m.)

Sweetest Jesus,

♫There is love That came for us Humbled to a sinner’s cross You broke my shame and sinfulness You rose again victorious♫ Thank You Jesus for the privilege of waking up singing to You.

♫Faithfulness none can deny Through the storm And through the fire There is truth that sets me free Jesus Christ who lives in me♫ Thank You that even though I continue thinking that I have stopped caring about most things [even people L] around me, Your Truth bolsters me through music that is deep in my soul.

♫You are stronger You are stronger Sin is broken You have saved me It is written Christ is risen Jesus You are Lord of all♫ Thank You Blessed Jesus that this morning I awoke absolutely knowing, ‘Christ Always Reigns Eternal’.

Lately it has become far too easy for me to continuously fall into the trap of saying “I don’t care”. Caring is hard work. It requires more of me than I think I am capable. But ♫You ARE stronger…♫ and I am grateful!

♫No beginning and no end You’re my hope and my defense You came to seek and save the lost You paid it all upon the cross♫ Jesus, thank You! Thank You that You are able to do in and for me that which I am incapable. In and of myself I can’t care. It’s risky. My reservoir is tapped out. I don’t have it in me anymore. BUT…

♫You are stronger Sin is broken You have saved me♫ These are truths that do not change with circumstances. These are solid absolutes. Bedrock! The very firm foundation on which I get to place my hope and faith and trust. You Dearest Jesus are the very CORE of my being!

Every single time I think I don’t or won’t or can’t care, I get to come before You exactly as I am. Hurt. Scared. Disillusioned. And I get to ask You to do for me that which I am unable on my own. Help me care Dearest Jesus! Remove the barrier to my caring. Open the floodgates and help me care again.

♫So let Your name Be lifted higher Be lifted higher♫ Christ Always Reigns Eternal!

It is only in and with and through and for You that I can begin caring again. “For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (Philippians 4:13). Thank You Jesus! This is definitely a Truth worth caring about!

I love You. And thank You. Amen.

(432 words ~ 734 a.m.)

YOUR Word

Monday, December 5, 2011 (7:48 a.m.)

Beloved, Precious Jesus,

Thank You! Again! Thank You! MY plan was to come talk to You about ‘expectations’ and their being “premeditated resentments”. Thank You Dearest Jesus that YOUR Way is ALWAYS so much better than mine!

Turning to Your Word is such the best thing for me to do. I want comfort. Solace. Truth. Encouragement. Deliverance. All these and so much more I find in Your Word. Thank You Jesus.

I wasn’t at all sure of what I would find in turning to Proverbs 10:28. “The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing.”

What I found was a star and an exclamation point at the bottom of the page in the Life Recovery Bible. They preface the comment regarding verse 25, “Disaster strikes like a cyclone and the wicked are whirled away. But the good man has a strong anchor.”

“Whether or not our ship continues to sail through the many storms we encounter depends on our readiness to drop the anchor of faith during the storm. The anchor will never make the storm stop, but it will hold us firm so we don’t drift to our destruction. When we are encountering difficulties in life, it is a real challenge to be content to weather the storm and to learn what God is teaching us through it. For people of faith, such trials are an opportunity for personal growth (see 24:10).”

Your Word reminds me of the hope I have in You Dearest Jesus. You ARE my Anchor! “Our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Thank You Jesus.

Turning to Proverbs 24:10, I am reminded, “You are a poor specimen if you can’t stand the pressure of adversity.” Truth Jesus. Your Word gives us Truth! Thank You.

Reading the verses above, I also read the commentary to verse 8, “To plan evil is as wrong as doing it.”

“This verse is not saying that planning and doing evil are the same thing. But evil actions are born of wrong motives. It is wise to take moral inventory, not just of our actions, but also of our motives. Confessing a sinful action is like pulling a weed but leaving the roots; it will reappear in time. Confessing a sinful motive is like pulling a weed out by its roots; the source of the trouble is gone.”

Blessed Jesus I have been playing around again with ‘righteous indignation’, that ‘typically reactive emotion of anger over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice’. This is never a safe place for me. I know better. YOUR Word reminds me every single time I forget. Thank You Jesus. I love You. Amen.

(457 words ~ 10:03 a.m.)

my new "f" word

Sunday, December 4, 2011 (7:02 a.m.)

Dearest, Sweetest Jesus,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. I indulged again in grudge holding and grievance sharing. One tiny mention of my irritation and the floodgates of snarkiness opened wide. Thank You Jesus for continually reminding me that the only antidote for my use of the “f” word was to change it completely.

Thank You that every single time I started to get worked up again yesterday, You reminded me to take a deep, cleansing breath. Although that did work to calm my words and heart rate, You continued guiding me to forgiveness. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Thank You that even though I gave out far too much detail and told the story of my irritation way too many times, You reminded me that it wasn’t in the venting of it that I was going to find peace. It’s only through forgiving myself and others that I get to experience the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Thank You Jesus for reminding me of the mighty power of this particular “f” word. Thank You for reminding me that meanness absolutely does NOT become me. Thank You especially for drawing my attention earlier to the butterfly sticker at the back of my Bible. On further examination just now I noticed the Pokemon caterpillar given to me by a precious kindergartner so many years ago. It’s reminders such as these that melt my heart of stone.

Thank You Jesus. It’s You. Your Word. Your sacrifice. Your teachings that bring me back where I belong. Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but be a new and different person with a fresh newness in all you do and think. Then you will learn from your own experience how His ways will really satisfy you.”

Putting my own expectations on others is only going to mess me up. It is a luxury, a guilty pleasure I can no longer afford. ‘Only You are able to take a sinner such as I and transform me so I can at last respond to Your Spirit’ [Illustrated Bible Handbook]. Ezekiel 36:25-27, “Then it will be as though I had sprinkled clean water on you, for you will be clean – your filthiness will be washed away, your idol worship gone. And I will give you a new heart – I will give you new and right desires – and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love. And I will put my Spirit within you so that you will obey my laws and do whatever I command.”

Only You can change my heart Dearest Jesus. And see there? Just like that. I’m singing again! ♫Only You can make this world seem right Only You can make the darkness bright Only You and You alone can thrill me like You do and fill my heart with love for only You. Only You can make this change in me For it’s true You are my Destiny When You hold my hand, I understand the ‘magic’ [mercy and grace in Christ J] that You do You’re my Dream come true, my One and Only You♫

Ah, yes. Ah, yes Dearest, Sweetest Jesus. Thank You for ALL the work You keep doing in me. I love You so very much. Thank You for loving me ESPECIALLY when I am the most unlovable! Continue teaching, guiding, leading and forgiving me. Thank You. Amen.

(588 words ~ 8:12 a.m.)

disappointment

Saturday, December 3, 2011 (6:58 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

I’m coming to You with a problem. A big, huge, giant, ugly problem. I am practicing unloving, unforgiving, unkind behaviors.

And as if on cue, after turning in Your Word to read more about forgiveness, I find “Disappointment Leads to Despair’ under the RECOVERY THEMES in Zechariah. Thank You Father.

(7:44 a.m.)

I continue reading. Even singing. I start to think I am filling with hope and then I feel myself begin to switch back over to bitter. This is a slippery slope of indulgence I cannot afford myself. One negative thought or utterance will lead to another and I will ultimately find myself drowning in despair. Father I confess to trying to overcome negativity with a conscious attempt toward all things positive. In and of myself Dearest God, I am powerless. I keep scratching at the surface wanting desperately to uncover the giant root of pretense that seems to be lying just underneath.

Lord God, You alone are holy. You are mighty. Faithful. Perfect. All the things we are not. I turn to You Dearest One. ♫We stand and lift up our hands For the joy of the Lord is our strength We bow down and worship Him now How great, how awesome is He And together we sing Holy is the Lord God Almighty The earth is filled with His glory… And together we sing Everyone sing… It’s rising up all around It’s the anthem of the Lord’s renown♫

As I choose to believe Your Word, I turn to Nehemiah 8:10b, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad.” My first reaction to this Truth is entirely more morose than joyful. Truly I offer my initial comeback, “Really God? ‘Cause that seems far easier said than done.”

So this is where You come in and save me from myself. The Twelve Step Devotion that accompanies this section of scripture (vs. 7-10) ends with a paragraph of hopefulness. “When we set out to face the pain and sadness of making a moral inventory (Step Four), we will need the ‘joy of the Lord’ to give us strength. This joy comes from recognizing, even celebrating, God’s ability to bring us out of bondage and to care for us as we pass through the sadness toward a new way of life.”

Truly Lord, You ARE where I find my joy! This is where I can smile and hope and believe that with You “all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26). On my own I cannot lift myself out of this pit of disappointment. You can lift me out. I trust You to do exactly with and for and in and through me as You know I need.

(10:12 a.m.)

During a prayer with a fellow Believer just now, Romans 8:28 came to mind and then took me over to Genesis 50:20. Father God, I absolutely believe YOU can use for good anything that satan might try to use for evil. Do that Dearest God. “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans.” Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(539 words ~ 10:22 a.m.)