perfectly imperfect

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 (12:23 p.m.)

Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed Father God,

It's already WAY late in the day! WAY late in the year as a matter of fact. How grateful I am to You for making it the year it was. Exciting. Different. Perfect... in a wonderfully imperfect way!

Father. There has been a maturity in our household. A growing together as a team that we hadn't truly experienced before this year. By allowing situations to be and remain perfectly imperfect we have come to a better understanding of what is most important. You! Your Word! Your love. Sharing You with others. All else is not!

Turning in Your Word (Ezekiel 28:11-19) to read about the imperfection of the king of Tyre I got to read a comment for verses 2-10. The Life Recovery Bible mentions the first lie ever told as being that of satan promising Eve, “You will become like [God]” (Genesis 3:5).

It goes on to say, “If we choose to live according to our personal program for success and pleasure, we are doing the same thing. Doing things our way is evidence that we believe we are our own god. Those of us in recovery have discovered how destructive this way of life can be. God is the only One able to see things objectively, and His plan for us is ALWAYS [caps my own] the best one.”

As I think of the genuine mess our current living conditions are at home, I could not agree with this more than I already do. Here comes the hope of Your perfect message to us.

“We would be wise to abdicate the throne of our life to the only one who can give us a life filled with meaning and freedom – God Himself.” True. SO very true!

Father, thank You for being sheer perfection is this perfectly imperfect world. I absolutely do not know our next step. I DO know I can trust You with it. Thank You Father!

Thank You for this perfectly imperfect year. This year that has seen us grow more than any other I can remember. Do in and with and through and for us as You know best in 2014. Continue teaching us to trust YOU in all things. Thank You Father. I love You. Happy New Year! Amen.

(394 words ~ 1:08 p.m.)

more sweets

Sunday, December 29, 2013 (4:04 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

I made a big mistake the other day. A big, HUGE mistake! I sacrificed time with You to jump up and make a brand new recipe. A brand new recipe of an old favorite. A taste comparison if You will, of even more sweets.

It didn't seem like such a mistake at the time. It appeared to be well thought out. It wasn't. It had disaster written all over it. Did I mention it ended up being more sweets? For a person who has issues with mindless, random and out of control eating, more sweets is exactly what we did NOT need around here!

Blessed Father, how I thank You for the patience of a genuinely forgiving husband. Not only did he tend to my needs, he also took care of household business during my time of recuperation.

None of us is discounting the fact that we were exposed to and very well may have brought home a Christmas virus of some sort. What I am confessing here is the fact that I did NOT use my time wisely the other day. I literally jumped up from here in mid-sentence and started baking. Baking what? More sweets!

Blessed Father, thank You for reminding me yet again of Your faithfulness. Picking up where I so abruptly left off the other day:

Psalm 92 “A song to sing on the Lord's Day.” It goes on to speak of thanking and praising You every morning for Your kindness and rejoicing every evening in all Your faithfulness. THAT would have been a wise thing to do that day!

Instead I became the perfect example for Proverbs 25:27a, shared here from The Message. “It's not smart to stuff yourself with sweets”. Ah, You DO know me well! Thank You Father. Thank You. Praise You!

There is MUCH to do around here today and the time is already getting shorter. How I ask that YOU would set our pace. Empower and enable us to do all that needs to be done in a timely, effective and efficient manner.

We love You Father. We love You and long to share You with others. Be with us in our endeavor. Thank You for blessing and keeping us. Continue Your work in each of us, making it so the sweetest thing for which we reach is You. Your Word. Your Son. Your Truth. Invaluably more sweets!

Work in and through me this day I pray. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(421 words ~ 4:55 a.m.)

gratitude, yes!

Thursday, December 26, 2013 (6:41 a.m.)

Beloved Father God,

Good morning. I love You. Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Let's talk about gratitude shall we?

(7:15 a.m.)

Gratitude. Yes! Gratefulness. Thankfulness. Appreciation. Recognition. Acknowledgement. Credit.

Psalm 92 “A

"It's Christmas! It's Christmas!"

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 (6:08 a.m.)

“It's Christmas! It's Christmas!”

Blessed, Holy Father God, those two words used to echo through our hallways. Things change. People grow. But guess what ~ it's Christmas nonetheless. And tears are streaming down my face.

Baked goodies did not turn out well this year. There was even a food preparation mishap involving my finger (the middle one no less!) a new bowl scraper (with the word JOY boldly emblazoned across it's sides) and an electric mixer (two blades of which will never be straight again).

Many of our presents have yet to be wrapped. Time management was not my strong suit this year! But none of that is the reason for my tears. “It's Christmas! It's Christmas!” The magic my mom worked all her years to create for each of us is still embedded in our souls.

There is a HUGE mess surrounding me right now. Ribbon. Wrappings. Partially put up decorations. And the words I heard last night are still trying to right themselves in my own understanding. “You did so good.” “You worked so hard.” “I'm so proud of you.”

What? Have they seen this place? Of course they have. They live here too! Maybe we'll call it Christmas grace. Or what it really is. The song I started this Advent Season by singing ♫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♫

Bringing You here, into the forefront of our preparations, has allowed a ton of grace and even more love [joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)] to shine through.

Blessed Jesus, Father God, Holy Spirit, “It's Christmas! It's Christmas!” And we thank You for Your work in each of us.

Use us well in sharing Your love this and all of our days. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(332 words ~ 8:58 a.m.)  

♫ O Holy Night! ♫

Christmas Eve ~ Tuesday, December 24, 2013 (4:10 a.m.)

Most Holy Father,

Holy. Yes Holy. Your Word (Revelation 15:4) says You alone are holy. How blessed we are to be included in Your family. The family You designed. You created. You brought into being.

Today begins our celebration. For twenty-three days we have been preparing. Cleaning. Decorating. Making lists. Shopping. Purchasing. Now we're ready to wrap and bake. All so we can enjoy. Enjoy You. Others. Maybe even ourselves!

Father, how I ask that we would continue with You as our focus. THE True Reason for this Season. You presented this world with the Ultimate Gift! Your Son. Born in a cave used by animals (Luke 2:6-7). Of a virgin. So many years ago.

Let our hearts, our souls, our minds, every fiber of our being truly rejoice in the Perfect Gift You gave for each and every one of us. Empower us to fully embrace this day as holy. As we continue singing song after song relating to this glorious Advent Season, prepare us to truly mean and act on the words.

♫O holy night! the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior's birth... Fall on your knees, Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! O night, O holy night, O night divine♫

Our attempts are not going to be perfect. No matter how hard we try. So this morning let there truly be ♫A thrill of hope [where] the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn♫

Let us truly treat one another and this day, not only this night, as holy. Just as though You were really here with us. For You are. For You alone are worthy and we are made in Your image.

Do all for and in and with and through us that we are completely incapable of doing and being for ourselves. Be holy in each of our lives that You would truly be glorified and enjoyed forever, not just this night. This holy, holy night.

I love You Father. And I thank You so incredibly much. Thank You for the precious, glorious Gift of Your Son. Let me use and share Him well this day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(387 words ~ 5:21 a.m.)

THE greatest gift

Monday, December 23, 2013 (5:18 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You. Two words have been coming up a lot lately. Rejoice. As in, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). And Emmanuel. “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). Putting them together, I sing ♫Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!♫

Father God, how I thank You that You sent Your Son to teach and to save. It's far too easy for us to get caught in the trappings of this world. Thank You for sending Him to do in and through, for and with each of us that which we are entirely incapable of doing and being on our own.

Rejoice? Sometimes. When things are as I think I want them. ♫Rejoice in the Lord always♫? (Philippians 4:4) Not on my own. Only with Your help. Remembering every single day that THIS is the day You have made and I am to rejoice and be glad in it is too tall an order on my own.

But You knew that! You devised a way where there seemed to be no way. You sent Emmanuel. “God with us”. It's THE greatest gift I have yet to fully appreciate. The opportunity to “feel joy” (rejoice) because “God is with us” (Emmanuel).

Teach me Father. Teach me to truly rejoice this day. It IS the day You have made. I AM to feel joy and be glad in it. Thank You for Your time. Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your greatest Gift to this hurting world. I love You so very much. Enable and empower me to love and share You well. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(291 words ~ 6:37 a.m.)

color

Sunday, December 22, 2013 (6:01 a.m.)

Beloved Father God,

Here I am. Excited! Eager. Honestly sitting on the very edge of my seat. Truly “agog”.

It's been a l-o-n-g morning. Awakening before three. Quoting “early to bed, early to rise... makes me TIRED!” Yet here I am full of wonder for You.

I wonder if You would talk with me this morning about color. It's everywhere I look. Maybe even to the point that I take it for granted. We talk most mornings about what all takes place outside our windows. And this morning, I am being colored by Your Word, in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Written “to show us that life is God's good gift to be responsibly enjoyed, not a puzzle that must be solved” (THE BOTTOM LINE The Life Recovery Bible). The introduction to this book continues in this vein stating, “There will be some things in life that, this side of eternity, we will never be able to understand. Rather than attempting to understand the inscrutable events that make up our life, the Preacher counsels us to enjoy the parts that do make sense and to entrust the rest to God's care.”

Thank You for this blessed reminder Dearest Father. Thank You for the peace and excitement that comes from truly trusting You with everything we have.

As I read further up in the preface to this writing I am again encouraged over the Preacher's concluding findings. We are to 'reverence You and obey Your commands, holding back from a life of selfish hedonism, while still enjoying the good things in life.'

The other night I watched a segment of a woman's (Robin Roberts) recovery to better health. She stated that when she found herself feeling depressed she realized she was looking at the past. When she felt anxious, she was looking to the future. It was when she stayed right where she was that she could enjoy that moment.

Father, I want to practice doing that. Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 (The Message) tells us to “Seize life!” and “Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes – God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!”

It reminds me of the funeral service I attended for a dear coworker. A lively, firecracker of a woman. The pastor presiding over the ceremony read these words as her claim to life, “Father, let me live as long as I'm alive and not die until I'm dead.”

Father, I long to do that for You! There are many things I don't understand. Too often I withdraw into myself for safe keeping. I would much rather have words like gusto, robust heart, festive, relish describe the life I live on Your behalf.

Color my attitude Blessed Father. Use me to make a difference and touch the lives of others. I love You Father. Thank You for waking me up to YOUR wide world of color! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

The Golden Rule

Saturday, December 21, 2013 (5:07 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

It's early morning. Pre-dawn. Much to do. Rather scattered. Looking to You. Asking Your guidance. Seeking Your best for this day. Knocking on the door of Your heart.

Under the title God Gives Good Gifts (Matthew 7:7-12) in The Life Recovery Bible I find a huge smile for myself. I came here asking, seeking, knocking (v.7) and found Your Golden Rule (v. 12).

Blessed Father, thank You. Thank You for bringing me to the very verse I have been considering the past few days. “Treat others as you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31). I don't always do that Father. I want to and in my humanness I don't.

Work in me this day. Remind me of Your power to do in and through me all that I am unable to do and be on my own. You Dearest Father are what I need. You give good gifts. Enable and empower me to use them as You wish. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(175 words ~ 6:12 a.m.)

God is love

Friday, December 20, 2013 (7:11 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

“Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting” (1 Corinthians 13:7 Contemporary English Version). A lot of translations say this many different ways. I ask You, how is that ever possible for us?

YOU love like that. You are perfect. You ARE love (1John 4:8). And we're made in your image, but still we struggle. We try. We fail. We remember. We work. So how do You and I proceed this morning?

I came here wanting to talk with You about loyalty. Faithfulness. Believing all things. My humanness keeps me asking, “Yeah. But what about...?” We set limits of what and how much we are willing to take. “No one's going to make a fool out of me.”

Thank You that Your Word reminds us what love is. Your Word is paramount. It calls us to trust and to forgive. And it reminds us that it's not up to us to do it on our own. You sent Your Son to teach and guide and direct each of us.

So here I am, confessing to You that I can't love as You command. In and of myself I am not the attributes listed here in 1Corinthians 13:4-7. Ah, but You are! And I love You. You work miracles in us every day. Continue Your work in me I pray.

Father, there are people in my life that I say I love, yet I hold them at arms length. Reminders of past encounters keep me from trusting. Believing. Expecting the best. Standing my ground to defend. This is not how Your Word teaches me to behave.

So what do we do with common sense? Once burned, twice shy? Circumstances change, not always so people.

“Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct direct Your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). And right there in the margin, in my own printing, “2-25-96 God asks, 'Are you trusting me?'”

To this I must say, “YES!” Father, I DO trust You to do in and through me all that I am incapable of doing and being on my own. YOU lead. I will continue doing my very best to follow. My best will never be perfect. But You are!

The Life Recovery Bible devotion entitled Love says, “Love is more than a feeling. It is a choice of behaviors that grows in our life; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, produced in our life as we yield to God... This passage (1Corinthians 13:4-7) is a description of how God loves us. As we begin to absorb His love, we will find ourself reaching out to love again.”

I am asking You Father to continue teaching me to “not only love much but well” (Philippians 1:9). The end section of the devotion mentioned above says, “No one loves perfectly, but we must not give up on loving. We can accept the responsibility to love others and stop waiting for them to love us, playing the victim. We cannot expect to be good at loving right away; we can be patient as God's love grows within us. When we choose to act in loving ways, the emotions will follow, and we will find that love comes back to us.”

Father, I trust YOU! You are love and I trust You to do all with me that You have planned. There are far more things that I don't understand than those I do. What I do understand at this very moment is that when I substitute “God” for “love” in Your Word, it all reads True.

“God is patient and kind... God is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. God never fails!” (1Corinthians 13:4a; 7-8a). Thank You Father. Thank You that You are love and that You created us in Your image to be like You.

Do all You must in and through me this day. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

One Perfect Word

Thursday, December 19, 2013 (6:37 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Words. They're so important. On the very first search of the day I found over 100 Bible verses that substantiate this truth.

Words can build up. Or tear down. I long to use mine to the first end. Prayerfully actions will follow suit and the ultimate [chief] end of glorifying and enjoying You forever will come into being.

See? Right there. I struggled between “come to pass” or “come into being”. The former seemed more likely to come and then go. The latter? Something that will stay. Endure. Survive. Continue.

Which brings me full circle back to the power of words. Searching the phrase “come into being” I came upon John 1:3-4 which perfectly follows verses one and two in The Prologue to John's Gospel.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. This One was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the light of humanity. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:1-5).

How ironic perfect that this section of Scripture repeats itself to me this week. Having been taught on it this past Sunday. And even here, I chose to replace “perfect” for “ironic'”. Your Word IS perfect! NOT ironic.

Father God, these are not the thoughts I had planned to bring to You this morning. Thank You for once again guiding and directing our time together. Your Word is Power. Your Word is Light. Your Word is Jesus. The one Word above all others. The Word who came to give us life and hope.

Blessed Father, at this time of year especially, how I thank You for the call to focus my words on Your One Perfect Word. Jesus. Empower and embolden me to use it well this day. I love You. I thank You. And I long to serve You with Your Power and Truth. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(362 words ~ 8:06 a.m.)

unique and perfect gifts

Tuesday, December 17, 2013 (6:48 a.m.)

Glorious Generous God,

Thank You! What a sky! What an acute appreciation for the beauty I was able to witness. Beautiful. Glorious. And generous.

I sit here watching the colors change in hue and intensity. Attempting to find adjectives to describe them [magnificent just came to mind] I realize I can use those same words in depicting You. Thank You Father.

Thank You for Your many gifts to us. Gifts that are perfect. Abundant. 1Corinthians 12 teaches about Spiritual Gifts. The Life Recovery Bible even says, “Each of us is gifted in some way. No one is without talent and special abilities, and these talents and abilities are gifts from God.”

This is not at all the direction I was expecting to take here this morning Father. I thought we were going to touch lightly on this and then scoot on over to the love chapter (13) to speak of Your greatest gift of all.

But here we are and I'm reading more about accepting rather than rejecting our gifts from You. We are to delight in all You have provided in who and what You've created in each of us. Rather than put ourself down, or try to build up our self-esteem; “we just need a more accurate sense of who we are and how God has gifted us.”

This little paragraph at the bottom of the page (12:4-11) reminds me that “Whether we have recognized it or not, being in recovery is a unique gift in itself.” It goes on to share that because of our failures, as well as the successes, “we are uniquely gifted to help others struggling in similar ways. By sharing our story of deliverance with others, we may be giving the gift of life to a person in need.”

The next section (12:12-26) cautions against taking credit for the perfect gifts You have so generously bestowed upon each of us. It reminds that, “When we have an accurate view of ourself, we will give God the credit for the gifts He has given us and be thankful for the help He has given us in recovery.”

Blessed Father God, that is exactly where I am this morning. Absolutely thankful for the work You are doing in my life. Thank You Father. Thank You for Your love. Your glory. Your generosity. Enable and empower me to use them well this day. I love You Father. And I thank You. Amen.

(412 words ~ 7:46 a.m.)

unsure

Monday, December 16, 2013 (7:19 a.m.)

Holy Father,

This morning I'm here trying to manufacture something I haven't got. Awe. Eagerness. Instead I'm refusing. Refusing to go. Refusing to do.

I don't know what is behind this refusal. So I'm bringing it straight to You!

The sky was gorgeous. It didn't do the trick. I know I'm 'sposed to ♫Rejoice in You [the Lord] Always♫ Yet I'm not.

Is that because I can't or I won't? I could probably do the lip service, but You'd still know my heart. My soul. My mind. My strength.

So tell me. What would You have me do this morning? Where in Your Word do I turn? What do You most want me to learn and apply?

Is this a form of Spiritual Warfare? Is something attacking me? There's a sadness I can't shake. Again, is it that I truly can't? Or I won't?

(8:06 a.m.)

Finally! Yea! Thank You! Thank You for guiding me. Thank You for reminding me.

I've been planning for days to go somewhere and do something this morning. As soon as I got up I had the overwhelming feeling that I wasn't to follow through.

Father God, this concerned me. Why would I not want to go? What's the deal? Why change my mind? But I can't shake it. So here I sit. Snuggled up in Your Word. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7-8).

With tears in my eyes and a peacefulness in my being I am finally willing to sit here and enjoy You! Thank You Father.

Thank You for the walk over to Ephesians 6:10-17. Followed by the turning of the pages to SADNESS in the Life Recovery TOPICAL INDEX. “Step 4 – Facing the Sadness” took me to Nehemiah 8:7-10 which reminded me of Naaman's unwillingness to go and wash himself seven times in the Jordan River (2Kings 5:10-11).

Father, so many times I'm unsure if I'm unable or unwilling to obey. Unsure. Uncertain. Unconfident. Then I look to Your Word and am reminded “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

It is looking in Your Word that I was prompted to look at Matthew 7:7 and read again the importance of asking, seeking and knocking. Off to the side of Matthew 6:31-33, I read in my own writing ♫Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God♫

Across the page is a Serenity Prayer devotional for verses 25 through 34 reminding me of the importance of living one day at a time. Because of Your provision I get to read what the prophet Jeremiah told Your people in his Lamentations (3:22-23) to them. “It is only the Lord's mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His loving-kindness begins afresh each day.”

A question in this reading we are to ask ourselves at every turn in life is, “Am I accepting this present moment, or am I pretending – trying to escape into the past or the future?”

With asking myself that very thing, I find myself unsure of changes going on with my physical state. I fret. I stew. I try to change them. You know Your best for me. Am I trusting You to guide and direct me even with my body?

Continuing with the devotional. “For each day, there is something to find joy in, and there is strength promised for the troubles of that day. The psalmist wrote, 'This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it' (Psalm 118:24).”

And then came my 'Hallelujah' moment.

“We, too, can choose to find joy, strength, and sanity when we accept today's realities.” My current reality is feeling unsure about what to do next. I am still uncertain for the reason for staying home this morning. But the absolute joy that has come this morning is the willingness; the decision to embrace Your Truth. “This IS the day that the Lord has made.” And I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! That I can do. Because of You!

Thank You Father. I love You. Hallelujah! Amen.

(683 words ~ 9:16 a.m.)

Hope

Saturday, December 14, 2013 (6:40 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Good morning. I love You. Where do we begin?

(7:20 a.m.)

I've been wandering this morning. Aimlessly. Looking here. There. Ah, but here we are together. Jeremiah 17:1-14. Hope

Speak to me Father. Guide and direct my thoughts. Let me know what You have me for me to learn and share this day.

Shall I confess my flakiness here of late? The seeming inability to stay committed to any given task? Intentions run amuck.

(7:55 a.m.)

I look to Your Word Blessed Father. I breathe deeply. I experience peace. There is hope written into these passages. Hope that transcends explanation. Father, thank You.

I came to this section of Scripture because of the word 'aimless'. You described to Jeremiah (17:5-6) “the strong one who depends on mere humans, Who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight. He's like a tumbleweed on the prairie, out of touch with the good earth. He lives rootless and aimless in a land where nothing grows.”

You went on illustrating to him (vs. 7-8) “the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water – a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green, and it goes right on producing it luscious fruit.”

Which do I most want to represent to You? No contest! Give me a riverbank and deep roots over a tumbleweed on a prairie any day! Thank You Father that we have these choices to make!

Verses 9 and 10 sum up my hope with You today very nicely. “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be.”

So here I am Blessed Father, placing my hope in You. Asking You to change me right here where I sit. Not wandering. Aimlessly. Provide me with all I need to live this day as You would have me. With purpose. Direction. And hope.

Father, I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to use me this day as You wish. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(416 words ~ 8:17 a.m.)

The Rose

Friday, December 13, 2013 (5:33 a.m.)

Holy Father,

My plan was to come here focused on my failings. Instead I'm singing a song I don't know. ♫Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming♫

Singing along with The Hymnal, I went to the internet for a better understanding of it. Father, I am now an emotional wreck! In a VERY good way.

I see You guiding my thoughts. Giving me hope. Changing my heart. And I am grateful. Truly, wonderfully grateful. Father, thank You.

Thank You for words that give hope. Words that speak truth. Your Truth. The Bible verse related to this striking hymn is Isaiah 11:1. It tells us, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse.” This is the second time in a week that I've been reminded of the stump of Jesse.

Father, thank You for working so unexpectedly. Thank You for giving us words and music and hope. Thank You for the people You put into our lives. Thank You for the combining the University of Utah Singers did with this hymn and the song The Rose. It's my sister-in-love's birthday. And it's perfect Father. Just absolutely perfect.

Thank You for the work You do in changing us. Continue all You know You need to do on our behalf in shaping us into the people who will love and serve You well. We DO love You Father. And we want it to be clearly visible in all we say, think, feel and do. Make it so Blessed Father. Make us all You want us to be! Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(268 words ~ 6:54 a.m.)

wholeness

Thursday, December 12, 2013 (6:37 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

You've given us so much. So many people, places and things for whom and for which to be thankful. And still I gripe and whine. Father, You know me. Yet You love me. Gloomy. Grumpy. Grumbly me. Thank You Father. Thank You.

I want to ignore how I'm feeling. Pretend it away. It's almost like there is a lid on my emotions. I start to care. Get excited. Become emotionally moved by circumstances. Only to rein myself back in. Won't care. Might get hurt.

So Dearest Daddy of All, what do we do now? Where do we go? What will I find in Your Word this morning?

Hope! Peace. Potential for joy. Yes! All right here.

Stubborn. Bullheaded. Obstinate. These words keep describing me this morning. See? I hope a little. And then the cycle starts again. I'm looking Lord. Looking to You. Your Word. To change me.

(8:10 a.m.)

Blessed Father God, here come the tears. Forming. Falling.

Thank You for this tour in which I am not done. Starting at one Biblical verse (Acts 16:31, from yesterday). Off to another (Psalm 81:11,12). Turn to Life Recovery TOPICAL INDEX. Looking up HARDHEARTEDNESS (see Denial). Followed immediately by HATRED (see also Anger, Bitterness, Revenge). And finally HEALING (see also Wholeness).

Mm, yes. Father. This morning I come to You seeking wholeness! Wholeness of heart, soul, mind and strength. Wholeness with which to love You as I ought (Mark 12:30).

TWELVE STEP DEVOTIONALS list: Step 2 - Healing Faith, Step 6 - Healing the Brokenness, Step 6 - Discovering Hope, Step 7 - Clearing the Mess.

(10:03 a.m.)

I need this Father. I need YOU!

Surprise, surprise. It's Clearing the Mess where I land. Isaiah 57:12, 14, 18-19. “And then there is your 'righteousness' and your 'good works' – none of which will save you... I will say, Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones. Prepare a glorious highway fro my people's return from captivity... I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them and comfort them, helping them to mourn and to confess their sins. Peace, peace to them, both near and far, for I will heal them all.”

Coming to You is the right place to come! Under the heading The Godly Will Rest in Peace. Which has me singing ♫God rest ye merry gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born on Christmas day To save us all from satan's power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy♫

So most Dear and Blessed Father, as I bring my dismay to You, asking You to guide and direct my thoughts and actions I also am thanking You for Your provision. I've seen it before. I will see it again. In the mean time I will trust that it's coming. Like the saving power of Your Son.

“God is a great help when it comes to clearing the way to a better future. He looks forward to removing our shortcomings so we can better avoid being tripped up. When we come to Him with humility, admitting that we still struggle with many of our short-comings, He refreshes us and gives us the courage we need to go on. He isn't put off by the things we do. He sees what we do, but chooses to heal us anyway! He'll keep leading us toward recovery, one step at a time” (Clearing the Mess).

Yes Father. Clear my mess. Whether of my own making or that of others. Do in and through me that which I am truly unable to accomplish on my own.

I seem to be surrounded by negativity.

WOW! Would You just look at that? Take out the 'eg' and what do we have left. “Nativity”! Ah, Holy Father God ~ surround me with Your Nativity. My whole reason for being here in the first place.

Bless me. Keep me. Make You face shine upon me and be gracious to me. Turn Your face toward me and give me peace (Numbers 6:24-26) that I may in wholeness point others to Your Nativity. Clear whatever mess that gets in Your way. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(722 words ~ 10:57 a.m.)

household

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 (5:54 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

I love You. I'm shut away in a small room with the light on so as not to disturb those in our household.

(6:24 a.m.)

Even as I formed that thought, I considered the despair of being locked away. Unable to see the rising or setting of the sun each day.

Father, thank You for bringing me out of that room. Into Your Light. Glorious. Colorful.

'tits on a boar'

Tuesday, December 10, 2013 (6:49 a.m.)

“Oh, Wow!”

Blessed Father God, I LOVE starting the day off with those words to You. I know I've been doing a LOT of mental complaining to You so far this morning, but the SKY Father! It just keeps getting better and better. Crisp. Clear. Glorious. Amazing. Beautiful. Intense...

Now, I don't have to remind You what time of year it is. I also don't even have to tell You what kind of a brat I'm being about it. What I do get to do is confess to You my attitude. My behavior. The sullenness with which I have been approaching the past few days.

Father, YOU can change me. Right where I am.

Looking up BALANCE ('cause I don't want to focus on all that I see as imbalanced) I read: see Wholeness. Mmm. Going there I'm told: see also Healing, Peace. I KNEW I came to the right place! Father, guide me in this process.

This household is in a state of change. There's as much to be done as ever, with the holidays placed on top. I am presently behaving anyway but graciously. Not only do I at times feel overworked and under-appreciated, there's a huge element of resentment brewing.

Something in our current communication attempts leaves me feeling misinterpreted, put down, even put upon. YOU know the root of all that is going on! You're the One who can commandeer our badly taken missteps and steer us to where You would have us go.

How perfect that You have me reading about a herd of hogs right now (Mark 5:1-13). Please forgive my Southern roots as I quote to you aloud [here in print] something my 'Arkie' grandpa used to say of anyone he deemed not pulling their own weight. “As useless as tits on a boar.”

(8:00 a.m.)

Oh, thank You Father!

Such perfect timing. A phrase I didn't want to utter aloud [in print] much less share with anyone was received with great aplomb.

Father, thank You. YOU are the divine Head of this household. Use us to Your good and to Your glory. Make this holiday season exactly what You would have it be. A perfect time to love.

We DO love You so very much Blessed Father. Be in and with each of us, working Your will by and through us as You wish. Bless us and keep us, making Your face shine upon us, being gracious to us. Turn Your face toward us and give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26). This we so humbly ask in Your precious Son, Jesus' name. Amen.

(439 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

manufactures

Monday, December 9, 2013 (7:13 a.m.)

Praise You Father!

I wasn't even here yet. I was only thinking about the word manufactured and what I saw yesterday. Finding no verses for the word, I took off the 'd' and “Jackpot!” Psalm 111:1-10 The Message.

Father, yesterday we experienced a LOT of manufactured awe and wonderment. People working hard to create beauty. Pageantry. And there was that word. Manufactured.

Snow can be simulated on a Main St. in Anaheim. And many (including myself) can become transfixed by the idea of a simpler place and time. But Your Word is Truth! It is real. Nothing artificial added.

Thank You Father. Thank You for reminding me of what is real. What is worthwhile. There is created 'magic', and much of it is truly jaw dropping. But in all its effort to “Wow!” and impress, nothing holds a candle to You!

“Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got... God's works are so great, worth a lifetime of study – endless enjoyment! Splendor and beauty mark His craft; His generosity never gives out. His miracles are His memorial – This God of Grace, this God of Love... He manufactures truth and justice; All His products are guaranteed to last – Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof. All that He makes and does is honest and true; He paid the ransom for His people, He ordered His Covenant kept forever. He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect. The good life begins in the fear of God – Do that and you'll know the blessing of God. His Hallelujah lasts forever!” (Psalm 111:1-3 MSG)

Father, thank You for the reminders of all You manufacture. Keep every part of my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) seeking those things. Thank You for blessing us so richly. Empower me to use those blessings wisely and well. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(319 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

reign / rain

Sunday, December 8, 2013 (6:14 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

You answered the prayer of my heart yesterday. A sense of 'normalcy' reigned inside our household, even as the weather rained outside. Nutritious foods were prepared and eaten with wonderful appreciation. Order became apparent as things were cleaned and put where they belong.

A prayer requesting the fruit of Your Spirit was uttered early on and answered throughout the day. Ideas were fresh. Energy high. Outcome spectacular. Thank You Father.

(7:21 a.m.)

While considering things that reign/rain, YOU came immediately to mind.

Being familiar with the chorus ♫our God reigns...♫ I softly sang it to myself while looking to Your Word for evidences of You reigning supreme. The book of Daniel.

Father, You have provided us so many examples of Your supreme reign. Thank You. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your supremacy. Thank You for Your Word to comfort and guide us. Thank You for the beginning to a well ordered home.

We love You Father and we are so incredibly grateful for Your reign/rain. Embolden me to freely share the fruit of Your Spirit with others this day. Thank You for making it so clearly evident here yesterday. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(206 words ~ 7:40 a.m.)

surprise attack

Saturday, December 7, 2013 (6:58 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Thank You for changing my mindset. I had planned to say this and that to You about menial current events of our everyday lives. Then I saw the date. Seventy-two years after a surprise attack on The United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Territory.

Father, Your Word cautions us to “Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack” (1Peter 5:8).

Because people were disciplined and selfless all those years ago, I have the freedom to sit here. Pouring over Your Word. Looking through past records of events of those times.

One quote I came across from a “Man-on-the Street” interview dated December 9, 1941 was from an eighty year old woman. Lena Jamison described herself at eighty as “an old woman, hanging on to the tail of the world, trying to keep up.”

Right here, I pause not only to wipe my eyes and thank You for the sacrifice of so many, but to thank You for her having taught me a new word. Thank You for her ability to speak so poignantly.

“I do not want to be in the driver's seat. But the eternal verities [true principle or belief, esp. one of fundamental importance] – there are certain things I wish to express: one thing that I am very sure of is that hatred is death, but love is light. I want to contribute to the civilization of the world but... when I look at the holocaust that is going on in the world today, I'm almost ready to let go...”

“Hatred is death, but love is light.” Your Word teaches that. 1Peter 5:9 even speaks to her look at the world and temptation to let go. When Peter wrote to the Jewish Christians suffering persecution for their faith, he told them to “Stand firm when he [satan] attacks. Trust the Lord; and remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too.”

The Life Recovery Bible says Peter wanted “To show us how to live well in a shattered and hopeless world.” At this particular time of year, many of us feel shattered and hopeless. Thank You for this reminder that YOU are our reason to hope!

“Hatred is death, but love is light.” Poignant. Perfect. Thank You Father. Empower and embolden be to live Your Truth well this day. I love You. I thank You. And I commend ALL those who have gone before us to give us the freedoms we have this day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(448 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)

two words

Friday, December 6, 2013 (5:49 a.m.)

Awesome Holy God,

“Look inside!” Two words at two something this morning. Two words that kept me from going back to sleep until I got up and looked inside.

There they were! The forty watt bulb and tiny decorations I had searched for all of yesterday had been wrapped (by me) earlier this year and carefully tucked up inside our treasured ceramic Christmas tree for safe keeping.

Father, these are not the first things I've misplaced. Not misplaced really. Forgotten! It was actually a very good place for them. Being reminded where to look was wonderfully helpful. Thank You.

Thank You for the opportunity to look through cupboards and drawers and totes and rafters. The search yielded valuable finds I remembered having been purchased only after seeing them. There's much to be remembered. Much to be done.

Chaos seems our current theme throughout the house. In looking up that one word, I find two that give me hope and joy and peace. Not the two I thought we'd be exploring together (“Look inside!”). Better words. MUCH better words. Two words worth remembering above all else. “I am”!

Isaiah 45:18 speaks of chaos. It tells that You “created the heavens and earth and put everything in place, and [He] made the world to be lived in, not to be an empty chaos.” Then it continues, “I am Jehovah, He says, and there is no other!”

Reading those two words reminded me of just some of the many things You are. As I prepare to go into this day I ask that You would continue reminding me that You are in control! You created all to be lived in, not to be an empty chaos. Let me use what You have created and provided for Your good and Your glory, NOT to make even bigger messes!

I love You Father. Thank You for loving me first! Amen.

(320 words ~ 6:51 a.m.)

The Hummingbird

Thursday, December 5, 2013 (5:22 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

I love You. You have blessed me abundantly. I am uncertain how to proceed here this morning. I am asking for Your guidance.

Hummingbirds. Yes! I remember the affect reading the legend of hummingbirds had on me while shopping yesterday. Father, You definitely brought my attention back around to thoughts of the past through that endeavor. Beginning with the short little phrase on the back of a Papyrus greeting card.

Hand to mouth right now. Wanting to stop the tears that are forming. Not gonna happen. They're gonna fall. Just like so many did yesterday. Right in the middle of shopping.

Glasses off. Wiping eyes. Deep breath. Continuing.

Yes Father. You turned the day I had planned and scheduled into one of “didn't see that coming” moments. Caught off guard by the simplest things. A description of hummingbirds. The miniature chocolates that seemed always available on my grandparents' counter. Years spent suggesting purchases with my dad.

Catch in throat. Hand to mouth. Tears rolling down my cheeks. Yes Father. I'm thanking You for my tears. Each reminding me that I am loved. First by You. Most apparently by my family of imperfect people.

Holy Father God, I wasn't expecting this. I am unprepared for all this emotion. And even with that being the case, still I thank You. You know what You are doing in my life. You are steering and guiding me. You continue putting Your Truth out there for me to use in my day-to-day encounters. Thank You that I get to lean and depend on You. Your Word. Your promises.Your Son. Your love.

Empower and enable me to use this day for Your good and Your glory. There's a lot of clutter to clear. Some people to contact. You to glorify and enjoy. Guide and direct me. Make me pliable. Available. Amiable.

“'Tis the Season” to make good decisions!

Now, back to the hummingbird. And instantly more tears. Our family associates them with my mom. Her joyful fascination with the nests and babies she got to witness. The one that hovered over our pool the day after she went to be with You. The many unexpected places we come across them, with seemingly no earthly explanation.

Papyrus says this, “Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation.”

What an appropriate attribute to associate with my mom. Wipe eyes. Blow nose. Hold mouth. Again I thank You for the tears Dearest God. Use them and me well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(512 words ~ 6:32 a.m.)

pursuing holiness

Wednesday, December 4, 2013 (5:58 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Holy. You alone art holy (1Samuel 2:2; Revelation 15:4b). We are made in Your image (Genesis 1:27). Set apart. Holy.

Well here's a direction I definitely didn't plan to take. Pursuing holiness. Father, Your Word is rife with life! That is what I long to be. Overflowing. Bursting. Abounding. With Your love. Your hope. Your promises.

Searching Your Scriptures I find myself wanting more of them. I turn the pages. I read. I hope. I get excited. I read more. Pray. Hope again. 1Peter 1:14-16 speaks loudly to me right now. “Obey God because you are His children; don't slip back into your old ways – doing evil because you knew no better. But be holy now in everything you do, just as the Lord is holy, who invited you to be His child. He Himself has said, 'You must be holy, for I am holy.'”

I confess Father it's gonna take some work. A LOT of work of You prompting and guiding, leading and grounding me into the the things that best represent You. This is nothing I can do on my own. When I am called to be set apart, it is not from You. But from everything else that takes away from You being glorified and enjoyed.

Yeah. As I pursue holiness let me be reminded that You will be glorified and enjoyed in the process. Sounds like the perfect way to become rife with life. Work in me I pray Blessed Father. Work in me as only You can. I love You so very much. Thank You. Amen.

(272 words ~ 6:50 a.m.)

I get to!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 (6:21 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Bless You. Praise You. Thank You. It's beautiful outside. Crisp. Clear. And toasty warm inside. Father, thank You for helping me be aware of the blessings. Thank You for reminding me to think and speak in terms of “getting to”. As in, “I get to go here or there; do this or that...”

I get to come be alone with You in the early morning. I get to witness colors that change so quickly in the sky. I get to become more grateful everyday. And even now, I get to be encouraged in Your Word!

Looking up “get to” in The Message yielded 66 results. I only read down to number 8 (Joshua 1:1-9). Some of the ones above it spoke of Moses not getting to cross over into the Promised Land because of his own anger and disobedience (Numbers 20:12). Because of Joshua's faith and courage he got to lead Your people.

It's Your words to him, found here in Joshua 1:9, that resonate within me right now. “Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

It's because of Your Word, Your love for us, Your sacrifice, Your Son that I get to have hope. To be brave. Take courage. Believe. Trust. Not fear. I get to choose life over death (Deuteronomy 30:19). I get to make better choices in my day to day living. I get to...

Father, thank You for affording me this privilege. Thank You for the many things I got to do differently yesterday. Thank You that I got to choose to not be overwhelmed by the amount of work I have been avoiding. Thank You for the things I get to do today. Give me the courage, strength and ability to do them well.

Thank You that I get to say I love You. Thank You that I get to praise and worship You. Thank You that I get to say thank You. I love You Blessed Father. Thank You. Amen.

(345 words ~ 7:07 a.m.)

progress

Monday, December 2, 2013 (5:30 a.m.)

Praise You Father!

Praise You for sleep and rest and warmth and hope. Yes Father, praise You for hope. We had a disruption here the other day. A failure to communicate. We sat down together yesterday and talked, listened to one another and made plans. Then we got to work. Taking deep breaths and baby steps, we made progress. We encouraged one another. We spoke kindly to each other. And made progress. Yea!

Thank You Father. Thank You for the opportunity to come to You again and again saying that we've messed up. When asked a simple question the other day I became surly and unresponsive. Even when asked the question, “Will you promise to tell me when you know what you want?” I refused to say, “Yes” for an entire day.

Game playing. Old patterns. Frustration. Definitely not Your best for us. Coming here thanking and praising You for progress is a gift. Making a mistake in looking up a section in Scripture reminds me that while we are definitely making progress, we won't ever have perfection.

I was headed for Isaiah 24 (v. 4-6) to read about disruption and Trouble is Coming! What a delight to find myself instead at chapter 12 and Singing God's Praises. That's what I want to do this day Father. To share what it is You are doing in our day to day lives.

You lead us not into temptation. You deliver us from evil. You give us strength. You are great and mighty. And we are blessed to be allowed into Your holy presence. Here again, I don't do it perfectly. I forget. I refuse. I remember. I repent. I rejoice. All because You are our good and holy God. Thank You Father for loving us, especially when we appear to be unlovable.

Empower and embolden me to use Your love this day, making progress as I go. I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(329 words ~ 6:30 a.m.)

another opportunity

Sunday, December 1, 2013 (6:11 a.m.)

Blessed, Wonderful, Holy Father God,

“Brisk and beautiful!” Those were the words I used to describe Your crisp morning air this morning. Brisk in temperature. Beautiful in color. Father, thank You for the opportunity to enjoy another early morning sky with You.

Enjoy. There's a word I didn't use a lot yesterday. “Argh!” Yes. “Grr.” That too. Along with, “That's it!” and “Another two minute time out.” Father forgive me. You provided us the challenge of two days with a two year old and we didn't rise to it. No. Failed comes to mind. Failed to enjoy.

Expectations weren't met. Goals not reached. And what did I do? Withdrew. Turned sullen. There it was just yesterday morning when I asked You to make me “vibrant with life”. If You did, I didn't wear it well.

And here we are with a brand new day. A brand new month. A month that ideally would be spent celebrating Your greatest gift to the world. The birth of Your Son. Our Savior and Lord. How I ask Dearest Father that You remind me so much more readily.

Right there I must stop myself. I confess to ignoring Your reminder yesterday. In the very midst of saying one thing out of sheer frustration and disappointment, I felt Your urging to speak truth. I didn't. I pretended. I seethed. I behaved badly.

Thank You for another new day. Another opportunity to learn. To live. To laugh. To love. Father, You are so very good and gracious. Your Word provides us with exactly what we need to continue in our quest for loving You as we ought.

“To strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their relationship with God and with each other” (The Life Recovery Bible BOTTOM LINE) the apostle Paul wrote this “somewhat personal message”. He reminded them “to place their faith in the only solid foundation for healthy living – God in Jesus Christ.”

As I read of his purpose for writing “to some close and dear friends in the mother church of Asia” I myself am reminded that “we can change! But our transformation is possible only on God's terms.”

Blessed Father God, how I long to live and love as You would have me. You provide us power to change. You created each of us. You know Your best for us. How I thank You for another opportunity to practice Living as a Child of the Light (Ephesians 5:1-20).

To 'follow Your example in everything I do just as a much-loved child imitates his father' (v. 1).

To 'be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved us and gave Himself to You as a sacrifice to take away our sins' (2).

To learn what pleases You and to have nothing to do with that which doesn't. You've given us Truth and light by which to live our days. Not only at this time of year, but every single day. This is the first Sunday of Advent. Another opportunity to be who You created us to be.

Father, I don't want to get caught up in the trimmings and the trappings of this season. I also don't want to ignore and just be done with it either. I ask You to teach us to use this present opportunity to share Your love with others. To truly focus our lives on Jesus and why He really came into this world all those years ago.

Thank You Father for my less than stellar behavior yesterday. Thank You for another opportunity to remember just how childish I can still be. Let me fully embrace the Truth and wisdom of Paul's words. “So be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Yes Father! Make it so. I love You. I thank You. Help me live this 'nother opportunity for You. Fully and well. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(690 words ~ 7:57 a.m.) 

"vibrant with life"

Saturday, November 30, 2013 (6:37 a.m.)

Wow!

Just when I thought I'd seen everything... Nope! Wrong again.

Blessed Father,

Thank You for keeping me going back to the window. First there were lots of clouds and not much color. Then there was color and my exact words were, “Not as dazzling. Kind of subdued.” And then? “Glorious!” Brilliant. Vibrant.

Vibrant? Yes! Vibrant is something I long to be. “Full of energy and enthusiasm”. Yes Father. Please make me so.

The Message retells Peter's words to the persecution suffering Jewish Christians of his time 'to show us how to live well in a shattered and hopeless world' (The Life Recovery Bible introduction). “Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life,” (1Peter 2:4-5a).

“Vibrant with life” is not how I see myself most days. There are glimpses. And hope. But mostly, I fizzle. “Not as dazzling. Kind of subdued.”

Father. You are good! I love the way You change my thought patterns. You allow me to stumble and struggle and moan and groan and every once in awhile I notice Your brilliance. Your glorious array of colors and intensity.

I noticed them throughout Thanksgiving Day. Through the sights and the sounds. The tastes and smells. Each new and delightful. Yet familiar at the same time.

Father God, I can never possibly thank You enough for the blessings, the surprises, the joys and delights You bring into our lives. What I can do is ask You to make me worthy, that I would truly present myself as a building stone “for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you'll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God” (1Peter 2:4-5).

Yes Father, use me this day as a building stone in building Your house. Make me vibrant with Your life! I love You Father. Thank You for loving me first. Use me as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(354 words ~ 7:17 a.m.)