surely / Shirley

Saturday, April 27, 2013 (7:53 a.m.)

Father,

I'm sitting and waiting, on You. Psalm 23

Saturday, June 29, 2013 (6:24 a.m.)

I don't think my smile could possibly be any bigger. I came to talk with You about the word 'surely'. This previously dated document was on the desktop so I thought I'd use it as a master. I didn't know I'd finally finish it up.

Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Surely. Certainly. I am sure. Only. Doubtless. Yes. I know. For sure. All these ways of saying the same thing. Thank You Father.

There are even more in the thesaurus: Without question. Definitely. Without fail. Indubitably. Unquestionably. Firmly. Steadily. With assurance. Confidently. There are so many more descriptive words. Thank You for showing me. Thank You that this is truly a word I want to embrace and use well.

Father, I'm asking You to provide the opportunity to truly bring it more readily into my vocabulary. It's an adverb “used to emphasize the speaker's firm belief that what they are saying is true and often their surprise that there is any doubt of this”.

When the spelling is changed and it is used as a woman's name, the spiritual connotation is listed in The Name Book as Happiness of Heart. The Scripture verse is 1 John 4:12. “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is perfected in us.” To this I wholeheartedly agree. Surely! Make it so.

Father, thank You for loving us with a love so pure and good. Enable me to use it readily and often. I do love You Father. Amen.

(298 words ~ 7:47 a.m.)

embrace wisdom

Friday, June 28, 2013 (6:36 a.m.)

Awesome God,

What can we do with the word embrace? Choose wisely! There are so very many verses containing this word. Proverbs 3:18 says, “Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.” Guide and direct my understanding here this morning.

The Illustrated Bible Handbook describes wisdom in Old Testament times as “neither knowledge nor skill, but holiness”. A person making morally correct choices was one considered to be wise. Blessed Father as I seek to embrace wisdom, I ask You to teach me how.

You have been working diligently in us around here. Changing our attitudes and dispositions. As much as I thank You for all You have done so far, still I ask You to continue Your renewing of us. Only You can clothe us with the new nature of which Ephesians 4:23-24 speaks, with attitudes and thoughts constantly changing for the better. It is only in You that we can be new and different, holy and good.

Yes Dearest Father keep calling us to embrace wisdom. Your wisdom. Truth. Love. Forgiveness. Hmm, yes. Embrace wisdom. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

this morning

Thursday, June 27, 2013 (6:16 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

This morning I am here asking You to guide and direct me. It's scheduled to be a very busy day. And I'm the one who did the scheduling! The weather forecast is that of great heat and our big umbrella isn't working properly. “Wah, wah, wah”. I don't want to face this day and all its prospects with the negativity I am currently encountering.

Let me shift the focus over to You and the love You have for each of us. Far too often I give in to thinking on the gloomier things. Thank You for reminding me to think instead on the things that are lovely and good (Philippians 4:8). Thank You that I get to turn to Your Word and again be reminded of Your great love for Your people.

This morning I am looking to You. Thinking on You and the potential for greatness You provide. It's not greatness I am seeking, but You. And look, here I find the verse I was thinking about the other day. The one about having a tiny mustard seed of faith (Luke 17:6).

Dearest Father, how I thank You for changing my focus. Thank You for reminding me that it only takes a little bit of faith for great things to happen. And with that said, I find that I am asking You for great things to happen this morning Dearest God.

Great things like having the fruit of Your Spirit present here in this over scheduled, very busy, hot day. With my tiny mustard seed of faith I am asking You to produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a).

And with that, I am also asking for the blessing of Psalm 104:34. "I hope my thoughts will please You, because You are the One who makes me glad."

Thank You for loving us, Father. Guide us. Direct us. Bless us and keep us I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(304 words ~ 7:37 a.m.)

ways -> waywardness

Wednesday, June 26, 2013 (6:25 a.m.)

Gloriously Good God and Father,

Good morning. In thinking of coming here late last evening after returning home from a lovely day spent miles away, all I could think to say was, “Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.” Seems appropriate to start that way now.

You bless us Father. In big ways, little ones, and many of which we remain unaware. Thank You for loving us at all times. I began searching the word 'ways' which led to 'waywardness' and then to the book of Hosea.

At this very moment (reading chapter 14, verse 4 in various translations) my emotions catch in my throat. Father, Your love for Your wayward people amazes me. Unparalleled kindness. Mercy. Grace. Forgiveness. You offer us unending love and restoration. We far too often offer You apathy, willful disobedience and all out unfaithfulness. Thank You for loving us far more than our behaviors and choices warrant.

The Message begins, “I will heal their waywardness. I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.” King James says, “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for Mine anger is turned away from him.”

There are so many different ways to say the same thing. Unfaithfulness. Apostasy. Wander away. Disloyalty. Rejected. Yet all I can think to say to You for Your faithful, unending love is “Thank You.” Thank You for 'making whole our sorrows' (Wycliffe Bible). Thank You for healing us and turning Your anger away from us for no other reason than Your decision to love us without limit.

You are the Perfect Example of what a Loving Parent is. How I ask that You will continue Your work in each and every one of us, bringing us more and more into Your likeness. Thank You for loving us. Healing us. Working in and through each of us. Make us whole Dearest Father.

It is in Your blessed goodness and grace I pray, asking to love and revere You as I ought. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(340 words ~ 7:49 a.m.)

little bit

Monday, June 24, 2013 (6:54 a.m.)

Most Amazing Father God,

Straight off I'm asking You to take me in Your Word where You would have me be. I've already searched this word and that lyric and I don't have any sense of direction.

I'll start once again by thanking You. Thank You for a delightful evening with my husband. A time to laugh and hum and enjoy. Thank You for the tiniest “little bit” of cuteness we saw in the form of a very young girl.

And here I find myself reading in 1 Kings. Thank You Father. There are reminders of the importance of obeying You and the consequences of disobeying You. This particular book is filled with examples of both those who trusted You and those who insisted on doing things their own way. Father, how I ask You to continue Your work in turning my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30) to that of loving and following You.

Elijah was one to follow Your leading. Because he believed You, he went out and camped beside a brook from which he drank and ate the bread and meat the ravens brought him each morning and evening (1King 7:5-6).

When that brook dried up (v.7), he then went into a village to a widow You had given Your instructions to (vs. 8-9). Father, this is the kind of faith and obedience I only wish I had. Elijah not only believed You, he actually followed through with what You told him to do.

Then there was the faithfulness of the widow. When Elijah arrived and asked her for a cup of water (10) he followed that by requesting a bite of bread (11). Here's a woman with next to nothing “...but a handful of flour in a jar and a little bit of olive oil in a jug” (12). Yet she obeyed!

The Life Recovery Bible comment says, “The widow of Zarephath demonstrated the delivering power of faith. She and her son faced starvation, but still she shared her last food with Elijah. She believed that God would come through, so she gave up her last resource for survival. The result was her deliverance.” YOU provided for her need! She trusted You and You took care of her.

That's the type of faith, hope and love (1Corinthians 13:13) I am asking You for Dearest Father. The kind that when all common sense points in one direction I would choose to offer up what little bit of security I had left to be used for Your good and Your glory.

I confess, I am not yet there. I continue holding on to that which I think I might need someday. Keep working in me Father. Free me from all that is not Your very best for me. Little bit by little bit move me closer to following You as You wish.

I love You so and long to serve You well. Empower me to do exactly that. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(504 words ~ 7:57 a.m.)

The Faithful Remnant

Sunday, June 23, 2013 (6:19 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

I love You. I spent time with family yesterday. We looked at pictures over fifty years old. We laughed. There were some tears. And not one mention of You being our God and Father. I just noticed that. In all the remembrances, the 'we were so poor' stories, none of them were prefaced nor backed with glory given to You.

I apologize. How did that happen? I'm reading in Your Word right now and I'm wondering how the minutes of that meeting will be forever remembered by You. I pray it will be with the underlying love that ensconced itself in the company and memory of the cousins who were present. Thank You Father for the aunt who cares enough to work at bringing us together on a yearly basis.

Now back to Your Word... I searched 'remembrance' and found The Faithful Remnant prefacing Malachi 3:16. Father, we truly are the remnant [small remaining quantity of something] of this particular branch of family. How I ask You to work in each of us, bringing us together as YOUR family of Believers.

In the Illustrated Bible Handbook, I read “He (Malachi) ministers to a people who have lost their sense of excitement and lost touch with God.” As I read more of the Background, Structure and Value of this book, again I ask You Dearest Father, continue Your work in each of us.

The Life Recovery Bible says the purpose of this book is “to confront the people about getting back on track after they relapsed into old patterns of sin.” It lists the Recovery Themes as: “God Always Loves Us”, “Forgiveness Is Foundational for Recovery”, “God Is Always with Us”.

Father, as much fun as it is to get together, reminisce and even learn some family history we had previously no knowledge of, how much better would our time be spent acknowledging Your work in our lives. Again, I say to You, forgive me Father I didn't notice Your absence in our gathering. What a truly ghastly realization!

As we gear up for our time together next year, how I ask that when all is said and done we will so much more closely resemble Malachi 3:16. “Then those who feared and loved the Lord spoke often of Him to each other. And He had a Book of Remembrance drawn up in which He recorded the names of those who feared and loved to think about Him.” THAT's the book I want to be remembered in!

Work in each of us this day, this coming year, reminding us always of Your love, provision, forgiveness and presence. I love You Father. Make me a much better communicator and representative of Your goodness and grace. Thank You not only for the work You have done in us, but also that which You will be doing. Embolden me to share You much more readily with others. Even, or is that especially, with those with whom I am related.

I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(510 words ~ 7:34 a.m.)

focus

Friday, June 21, 2013 (7:28 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Thank You! I don't feel good. But You are here and I get to be here with You and THAT's where I want to put my focus. Thank You Father. Thank You for taking me outside of myself.

There are so very many things for which to be grateful. Just moments ago there were sounds of birds outside, now it's practically silent.

Saturday, June 22, 2013 (6:49 a.m.)

Picking up where I left off. I feel better. Not yet best, but way better. Thank You for that. Thank You for the sounds of birds. Thank You for several chances to watch the moon throughout the night and early morning sky.

There are so very many things for which to give You thanks. Once we begin they just seem to flow.

Father, yesterday I had opportunity to ponder Matthew 6:6. The Message uses these words to express what Jesus told His followers about praying, “'Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense His grace.”

I LOVE when that happens! It's not a given. There's not a set formula. Jesus continued saying, “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what You want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and He knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply (vs. 7-8). Like this:...” Here He goes on giving the example of “The Lord's Prayer”.

Father God, how truly grateful I am to be allowed, able, encouraged to take the focus off myself and put it on You. Thank You for sending Jesus to teach and to show what loving You is really about. Empower me to use that love well this day. I am absolutely in awe of the way You work. I want my decisions, being, thoughts and actions (Mark 12:30) to glorify and represent You favorably.

Thank You for loving me. Thank You for changing me. Use me to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(403 words ~ 7:29 a.m.)

starting off

Thursday, June 20, 2013 (6:39 a.m.)

Holy Father God,

Hi. Good morning. What do we say today? I love You. That's a good starting off point. In fact, I have to think it's the best.

Lately I've been saying that I don't know too much about too many things but I do know that You are good. I get to say that only because I absolutely believe You to be a good and loving God and Father.

Yesterday morning a group of women met together to stretch and nurture their bodies. In the process we discussed Your grace. This morning by searching 'starting off' I was taken to Titus 2:11-14 with more mention of Your grace.

It's Your grace that makes salvation available to everyone. Your grace that gives us hope in a world that often seems hopeless. Your grace for which I am absolutely grateful. Your grace that provides power in our everyday choices and actions.

Various forms of Your Word refer to Your grace as: “the free gift of eternal salvation” (The Living Bible), “God's readiness to give and forgive” (The Message), “God's loving kindness” (Worldwide English), “God's saving kindness” (Names of God Bible), and “His unmerited favor and blessing” (Amplified Bible). No matter how we phrase it, Your grace gives us opportunity for joy that we could have no other way.

Father, I truly thank You for the privilege of starting off my day with You. Thank You for bringing me to the hope and Truth found only in Your Word. With so many variations of The Bible from which to choose, it's the Contemporary English Version I quote right now.

“God has shown us how kind He is by coming to save all people. He taught us to give up our wicked ways and our worldly desires and to live decent and honest lives in this world. We are filled with hope, as we wait for the glorious return of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He gave Himself to rescue us from everything that is evil and to make our hearts pure. He wanted us to be His own people and to be eager to do right” (Titus 2:11-14).

Ah, yes, Most Blessed Father, make me eager to do right! I love You. I long to serve You well. Thank You for Your grace and holiness. Work in and through me this day I pray. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

enjoy

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 (5:37 a.m.)

Most Holy Father God,

Good morning. What would You like to talk with me about today? How do we proceed? Where in Your Word shall we explore? Is there a particular word?

There seem to be many words. 'Proceed' led to 'procedure' which took me to 'Ecclesiastes' and 'enjoy'. Yes. Let's go with enjoy.

Only as I was 'saving' this document did I recognize the date. Nine years ago today we added another member to our family. It was a Saturday. In Pasadena. Family. Friends. Loved ones. Dresses. Flowers. Smiles. Tears. Music. Dancing. Love. Joy. Thank You Father. I asked for words and You keep providing them. Thank You for the reminder to celebrate and enjoy what You have joined together.

Father, as I take the time to explore the writings traditionally attributed to Solomon, I am again reminded that “life is God's good gift to be responsibly enjoyed, not a puzzle that must be solved” (The Life Recovery Bible).

Thank You that as the Preacher/Teacher of Ecclesiastes searched his own experiences for the answer to unlocking the door of life's meaning, he determined that we are to 'enjoy life the best we can considering the circumstances.' As he concluded his attempts to understand all the events in life that didn't make sense, I am grateful for his call to “Fear [honor, respect, worship, have reverence for] God and obey His commandments, for this is the entire duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

We don't have to spend our time trying to make sense out of things we don't understand. We are to trust You. There are so very many things I don't 'get'. Thank You that that is not my job. My chief purpose? To glorify and enjoy You forever. Work in me this day to make it so.

Thank You Father for Your love. Do everything You must to reign my choices, being, thinking and actions (Mark 12:30) around to glorifying and enjoying You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(334 words ~ 6:52 a.m.)

decide

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 (7:13 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You that You alone art One and that we are to love You with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:29-30). Thank You that in looking up these words Jesus spoke to those wanting to trap and kill him, I got to go over to Deuteronomy 6:4-5 where they were originally spoken by Moses to the Israelites.

Blessed Father, a phrase that sticks out from my reading this morning is something I ask You to work into my attitude, my being, my thoughts and my actions not just this day but always. 'Love is a decision that shows itself in appropriate action.'

Last week I again came across the importance of deciding in our hearts how much we should give (2Corinthians 9:7). The more I read about this concept, the less I see it speaking merely of finances. We have time. Talent. Ourselves.

Father, I truly want to make the conscious decision to give cheerfully of all the resources You have provided us. Enable and empower me to decide well this day. I love You Father and I ask that to be evident in my choices.

Be in and with me as I determine to love and trust You this day. And especially as I decide how best to share the faith, hope and love (1Corinthians 13:13) we have in You. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

perfect love casts out fear

Monday, June 17, 2013 (6:22 a.m.)

Most Amazing and Wonderful Father God,

Thank You for loving us. Flawed, mistake making people that we are. You love us perfectly. Talk to me this morning about Your perfect love. That love which casts out all fear.

1John 4:18. A variety of translations using different words to say the same thing. Your perfect love casts out fear. We get to not be afraid of tormenting punishment because of Your perfect love.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the coffee stains on my Bible pages from so many years ago. Reminders of a spill that occurred on a morning when I was studying this very section. A section that tells us clearly: Love Comes from God and Love Is Proven by Action.

The Illustrated Bible Handbook breaks it up this way: Chapter 4:7-21. God's Love: Source and Example. Love Defined; 4:7-12, Love Essential; 4:13-15, God Is Love; 4:16-18, God Loved First; 4:19-21.

There is much to learn here Father. Far more than this little time we have together right now allows. That is exactly why I am asking You into this day. Come in and have Your way with all of my heart and soul and mind and strength (Mark 12:30). Take complete control of the decisions I make, the way I handle myself, the thoughts I think and the things I do.

I want to glorify and enjoy You this day. Make it so. I love You Father and I want Your perfect love which casts out all fear to be evident to those with whom I interact. I love You Father. Thank You for loving me perfectly. Live in and through me this day I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(287 words ~ 7:11 a.m.)

showered

Sunday, June 16, 2013 (7:12 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy God,

Thank You! You showered us with love yesterday. We worked hard to get things ready. There were twists and turns and surprises all laced together by love. Thank You for supportive and encouraging friends and family that each want to be a part of another's life. Thank You for one husband's sincere love, admiration and respect for his wife after 45 years of knowing her that he wants to marry her all over again.

Thank You for safe fun and frolic in and around the pool. Father, You keep us safe.

(12:44 p.m.)

And right here, my focus changed. One minute I was reading Psalm 116, because verse seven reminds us of the blessings you shower upon us and the next I am reminded that today is Father's Day. And Who is THE Father above ALL fathers who deserves our praise and worship?

Yes Father! YOU! You shower us with blessings. You keep us supremely safe in Your care. Psalm 116 begins, “I Love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe!”

Isn't that exactly what a loving dad does? Yes Loving Dad. YOU keep us safe and showered with blessings and we are truly grateful.

Thank You for loving us with an unparalleled love. Empower us to use that love well this day. I love You so very much. Happy Father's Day, "Dad". Amen.

(247 words)

hiccups

Saturday, June 15, 2013 (6:25 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

Thank You! Again I begin with, “Thank You”. Thank You for the 'hiccups' we encountered here yesterday. A relatively few bumps in our road of organizing our home life. Thank You Father for truly being the Overseer of our lives.

You kept showing up. In conversations, “God is good.” In thoughts, “Stop being a jerk.” In hopes, “Remember to put others first.” You were here with us every step of the day and our hiccups were soon abated.

Today Father, I ask You to be with us again. We have people coming over. Family and friends to celebrate and share Your love for each of us. It is Your love that has gotten us here. Your love that keeps us from falling completely apart when the hiccups of life settle in.

Thank You, Father, for reminders to take our focus off whatever problems may appear and put our eyes on You. Hmm, just like the song says: ♫O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's a light for a look at the Savior And life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace♫

You are good God! All the time. All the time. You are good. Thank You for staving our hiccups. Keep reminding us what it is that will ultimately remain, “faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love” (1Corinthians 13:13).

Until then empower us to live each day fully believing the Truth of 2Corinthians 3:18. “We reflect the Lord's glory, being transformed into His likeness.”

Thank You for being our cure to the troublesome problem of hiccups. We love You Father and we truly long to share that love with others. Make it so this day I pray. Thank You. Amen.

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

♫God Will Make a Way♫

Friday, June 14, 2013 (7:37 a.m.)

Hi God,

So this morning is different. My "go to" app isn't available to me. I almost used it as an excuse to NOT take time with You. How dumb is that?

Thank You Father, that You will ALWAYS ♫make a way Where there seems to be no way You work in ways we cannot see You will make a way for me♫

You give us resources Father. Some are easier to access than others. Many seem nearly impossible. But then we are reminded of Dr. Luke's words written to Theophilus (whose name means "lover of God'). "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37).

For this Father I thank You. For making a way when there seems to be no way, I thank You. For loving us with an immeasurable love, I thank You. And now I ask You to empower, embolden and enable us to use Your resources well this day.

We have much to do. All won't get done. Work in each of us that we will let the power of Your blessed love guide, direct, nurture and sustain us through it all.

We love You Father and we truly want to serve You well. Work through us to make it so. Bless You Father. Praise You. So be it! Amen.

(7:59 a.m.)

not wonky

Thursday, June 13, 2013 (7:25 a.m.)

Holy God!

So here's an odd word. Not one I'm real familiar with. One that I don't want to be, yet makes me smile just using it. “Wonky: crooked, off-center, askew, awry; unsteady, shaky; not functioning correctly, faulty” These are all things I am NOT, in You! And I am grateful in not only knowing that but in believing it as well.

Yes Father. Here I am thanking You. It is only because of You that I can ever see myself in a different light than that in which I developed. It's been a long haul in coming around to knowing the power words have over us. Our minds are a fertile ground and we have to be so very protective of all we allow into them. Your Word (Proverbs 4:23) tells us, “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.”

Father, every single day I am learning this to be true. Thank You for being such a good and patient Teacher with those of us who are so slow to learn!

Thank You too for the Truth of Your Word I found many years ago when my mom was discouraged because of a leg injury. Hebrews 12 tells of Your love for us, how Your discipline proves Your love and calls us to listen to You. Thank You Father that there truly are times I heed Your call.

“Our earthly fathers trained us for a few brief years, doing the best for us that they knew how, but God's correction is always right and for our best good, that we may share his holiness. Being punished isn't enjoyable while it is happening – it hurts! But afterwards we can see the result, a quiet growth in grace and character” (Hebrews 12:10-11). Blessed Father, I see this happening around here.

Truly, You are the God who makes us whole! “So take a new grip with your tired hands, stand firm on your shaky legs, and mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, though weak and lame, will not fall and hurt themselves but become strong” (vs. 12-13).

Thank You for growing us Father. Thank You for the nurturing You put into loving each and every single one of us. How I ask You for the strength to stand firm, not wonky, this day. You are good. You are kind. And I am absolutely grateful.

Thank You for Your love. Empower me to use it well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(432 words ~ 7:59 a.m.)

intensity

Thursday, June 12, 2013 (6:23 a.m.)

Most Blessed and Holy Father God,

THANK YOU!!! We are so very grateful to You. There were plenty of times to pray together these past few days. Thank You that last night, surrounded by circumstances and conversation was when it finally happened.

We take You for granted Father. Far too often we push You off to the side thinking we'll get with You later. Thank You that when we finally come to our senses we are aware of the work You've been doing in and for us all along.

We had four hours of intensity last night. All over a lost wallet. Mistakes were made. Police were called. Many prayers were said. And You provided great peace and resolution during the whole ordeal. Father thank You.

Thank You that even though the husband and I didn't meet with You together every one of the past three days, we were both blessed by Your sense of calm when we needed You most yesterday evening. Thank You Father.

I'm reading in Your Word, another place I haven't been recently, and it's all there just the way I left it on Sunday. Your Truth hasn't changed. There are still warnings and promises and of course Truth. Your Truth.

We clung to You last night Dearest Father. Every single turn the events of the day took another 'foxhole prayer' was sent up. Two days of afterthoughts and “I'm too tired”s were pushed immediately aside by, “Please God, please God, please.”

And here I am now wholeheartedly saying, “Thank You God. Thank You God. Thank You God.” Indeed, Thank You God!

Thank You for the presence of mind to go immediately to You at the very first sign of trouble. Thank You for working in and through this husband, keeping him calm, respectful, obedient and out of jail. You taught us a lot in a very short period of time. Lessons we would like to take with us as we remember Your goodness and Your grace.

Father, as I lie awake last night, unable to clear my mind to a point of sleep, I thought of wheat being separated from chaff. We definitely need the chaff of our days blown away. We love You Father. We've kind of fallen back into the trap of making our plans and then asking You to go along with us in them. I'd like right now to go back to asking You to lead and give us the strength and presence of mind to follow You.

You are good. Holy. Righteous. Deserving of our praise and worship. And just right there, my heart started humming and the husband filled in the words. ♫Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Your perfect love is casting out fear And even though I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life I won't turn back I know You are near And I will fear no evil For my God is with me... Oh no, You never let go Through the calm and through the storm... And there will be an end to these troubles But until that day comes Still I will praise You, still I will praise You♫

Daniel did exactly that. His book is full of examples of the lessons we can learn from his life. Things aren't perfect. We won't always get 'our' way. We are to trust You always. You can do anything. Thank You Father for the ways You have of reminding us of Your goodness and Your grace. We love You and long to serve You well this day. Make it so Dearest Father. Make it so. Amen.

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

implemented

Sunday, June 9, 2013 (7:06 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You for safe travels and loving, helpful neighbors. Thank You for deep, sound sleep in the comforts of our own bed. Thank You for lessons learned and some even brought home to be implemented into our every day lives.

(8:28 a.m.)

Father God, You are so good. So kind. So gracious. Thank You Father. Thank You for the blessings that surround us. Thank You for the opportunity to doze as birds chirp and to completely forget where I am in the process.

How I ask that we would bring the appreciation of simply joys to the forefront of our being. Wouldn't glorifying and enjoying You forever meet that end? Yes Father. Work in and through each of us this (and every) day to that goal.

James 2:22 seems to expand on that very theme. “Can't you see that his [Abraham's] faith and his actions were, so to speak, partners – that his faith was implemented by his deed?”

The Illustrated Bible Handbook begins its section on Chapter 2:14-26. Faith and Life stating, “In this significant paragraph, James argues that a 'faith' which fails to produce good works is empty.” It goes on saying, “James makes a clear distinction here between 'belief about' and 'trust in'.” As I continue reading my insides are screaming, “YES!”

“James' thought is that faith is like the roots and trunk of a tree, which is 'perfected' or made complete when it produces fruit.” Father, we truly desire to produce good fruit representing the changes You are making in our lives.

Praise You Father for yet another teaching reminding us of the importance of following through with actions as well as trust in You. James spoke of “a dynamic inner transformation, which by its nature must be evidenced by a change in one's life.”

Us coming home after a joyous time away is the perfect time for changes to be implemented in the day-to-day living of our lives. I look to You to spearhead these changes! YOU can do in and through each of us that which we are completely incapable of doing on our own.

I look to You Blessed Father. Lovingly. Trustingly. Dependently. Thank You for the blessings. Implement them securely that we will use them well.

We love You. We thank You. And we ask You to use us well this day. Thank You Dearest Father. Amen.

(404 words ~ 9:14 a.m.)

our Ultimate Team

Saturday, June 8, 2013 (10:40 a.m.)

395 ~ south of Lee Vining, CA

Blessed Father,

Thank You. Bless You. Praise You. Teamwork. Team spirit. Team approach. We've each had a job and we've executed them well. There have been so few hiccups they haven't even been worth remembering.

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit ~ our Ultimate Team! You have blessed us and kept us; You made Your face shine upon us and were gracious to us; You turned Your face toward us and have given us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26) and we are truly grateful.

Thank You for another memorable trip. Thank You for friendly people and easy interactions with them. Thank You for a huddled prayer in a parking lot before even entering the car. Thank You for it having been overheard and added to by a weeklong neighbor wearing a GAP (God Answers Prayer) shirt.

Thank You for an early morning walk beside a pink tinged lake. Thank You too for a late (10:23 p.m.) night venture out to the same spot to watch “darkness descend”. Thank You also for a brief conversation with a fellow early morning lake admirer.

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ~ I sang ♫Glory Be♫ to You last night in an effort to get to sleep. Then I lie awake wondering what that even means. Glory be to each one of You - as it was in the beginning – is now and ever shall be – world without end – Amen. Amen.

Glory. “World without end” makes me think of heaven, which only make me wonder ~ again! What is it going to be like? Mountains? And streams? Beaches? Beautiful homes (John 14:2)? So many people. Yet not overcrowded. The whole idea is so mind boggling, I don't allow myself to entertain the notion.

I just trust. And believe. And hope. Another great team of three. “So these three things continue: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love” (1Corinthians 13:13).

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Serve You. Love You. Yes. Trust You. Hope and believe in You. Yes. Thank You. Praise You. Glorify and enjoy You. Yes. Thank You. Amen.

(11:31 a.m. ~ Bishop, CA)

excitement

Friday, June 7, 2013 (7:01 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Most Holy Father God,

Hi. I've been putting You off. I'm sitting. Watching. Waiting for something inspiring to come along. How about I just start thanking You instead?

Like thanking You for keeping us all safe as we trudged carefully across the top of Cascade Falls yesterday. Yes Father. Thank You for us doing something we had never done together before.

And just now, as soon as I had thought of our trip up the falls, a smile crossed my face as I heard the sounds of a boat and looked out just in time to see an early morning waterskier pass by. Oh and listen, not only are there sounds of various species of birds ~ but the workers are back to operate their heavy equipment.

These are not the run-of-the-mill, everyday, usual things for which I would normally give You thanks. No. There's an added excitement with each one. A bare-chested, swim trunk wearing stand up paddle boarder oaring by in the 54 degree air temperature amazes me.

Father, You are so good to give us so many things for which to be grateful. Simple, often unnoticed things. Like health. And happiness. I have no idea what today is going to bring. We have no “big” plans. We must pack because going home has to happen. Back to “real” life.

But isn't THIS “real” as well? Can't we take some of the patience and appreciation for one another we have experienced this week back with us? There was sheer joy in sharing a meal of leftovers at an outside table as the sun was going down last night.

There is much excitement for me this day Dearest Father. A daughter who gets to begin her maternity leave today and ALL the anticipation that brings. There truly IS joy to be found in our journeys through life!

Yesterday we were once again reminded how it's not so much about the destination itself as it is in being aware of every single step we took. There was actual enjoyment of one another in the process. Encouragement. Excitement. Joy. Love. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Gentleness. Goodness. Faithfulness. And even self-control. Yes Father, all the fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a).

That is exactly why I am coming to You this morning with such excitement. There is evidence all around us of You working in our lives. I ask You to have THAT be what we take home with us from this trip. Your love. Your joy. Your peace. Your patience. Your kindness. Your goodness. Your faithfulness. Your gentleness. Your self-control. You are so good. And we are so grateful.

With that I turn again to Psalm 63, where I had so eagerly landed earlier during this time with You. The Illustrated Bible Handbook offers this description for this particular psalm, “Close personal relationship with God brings the believer to the place of praise and joy.” Yes Dearest Father, it does!

This morning I use The Voice version of Your Word. A song of David while in the wilderness of Judah. “O True God, You are my God, the One whom I trust. I seek You with every fiber of my being (v.1a)... I have seen You in Your sanctuary and have been awed by Your power and glory (v.2). Your steadfast love is better than life itself, so my lips will give You all my praise (3). I will bless You with every breath of my life; I will lift up my hands in praise to Your name (4). My soul overflows with satisfaction, as when I feast on foods rich in marrow and fat; with excitement in my heart and joy on my lips I offer You praise (5).”

David's Truth of this psalm continues for six more verses. Father, how I thank You for guiding my excitement of praising You to it this morning.

How I ask You for the power of Your mighty strength (Ephesians 6:10) to be within me this day as I set out to get up and get going for the good of our family and Your most holy name. Let the excitement I am experiencing explode into something glorifying and honoring unto You.

I love You Father. I want that to be clearly visible in all I decide, am, think and do (Mark 12:30). Thank You, Father. I love You. Amen.

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

slow to get started

Thursday, June 6, 2013 (8:16 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Blessed Father God,

Good morning. The immediate praise and thanksgiving aren't here. Yes of course I am grateful. Indeed I DO thank and praise You. I'm just slow to get started this morning. I'm excited to begin. Yet reluctant to get going.

Father, rather than toss this all around in my head I bring every aspect of me to You. Thank You Dad that I get to do this. My head and heart can be a jumble of thoughts, hopes, desires, concerns and I get to come right into Your presence just as I am.

And here again, the song with which I awoke. ♫I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart. I will enter His courts with praise. I will say, “This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice for He hath made me glad.”♫

Yes Father. A praise song taken from the Truth of Your Word (Psalm 100:4) with commentary to boot (Life Recovery Bible). Here we are told, “We always have reasons to rejoice: we live in God's presence, under His continual care, and we experience His love each day. Such a realization should fill us with gratitude and praise each time we come before Him in prayer.”

And it does! Father, You supplied me with such joy and entertainment yesterday. A house being demolished right next to us. The grin on my face matched that of my soul with every smash of the bull dozer bucket.

Three hours of time spent in the water. Walking. Working. Swimming. Playing. Yes, Father. While I may have been slow to get started, I acknowledge that I have SO many reasons to rejoice! Thank You Father. Praise You.

We are leaving for a three person hike. How I ask You to bless and keep us. Make Your face shine upon us and be gracious to us. Lift Your face upon us and give us peace (Numbers 6:24-26). This I ask not only for our little threesome, but for those family members and friends who are struggling with change and circumstances beyond their control.

You are such a good and loving Father. Help us fully trust and lean into You for our every need. I love You Dad. Thanks for loving us more! Help me glorify and enjoy You this day. Thank You. Amen.

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

one thing leads to another

Wednesday, June 5, 2013 (7:10 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Blessed Father,

I love the way one thing leads to another with You. I ask You to guide my thoughts and the things I pay attention to this day.

(9:04 a.m.)

THAT's definitely a good place to start. So far I started off with thoughts of grandchildren which led me in Your Word (Genesis 47) to “the land of Goshen”. While reading of Joseph's reuniting with his brothers, I left our time together to watch a demolition taking place just next door.

(9:38 a.m.)

Distractions and chats about grandchildren have me preparing to go dig a tire out of the lake. Father, I am asking You again to guide my thoughts and the things I pay attention to this day. I love You so very much and want to glorify and enjoy You in the process.

Yes Father, be glorified today! Thank You for Your love, Your guidance, Your presence. Your Son. Your plan. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(168 words ~ 9:48 a.m.)

mystified

Tuesday, June 4, 2013 (7:25 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

♫Beautiful One,

♫I love ~ Beautiful One, I adore ~ Beautiful One, my soul must sing♫ And sing it has ever since awakening. Father, thank You. Thank You that my very first thoughts this morning were the words of this chorus.

How very blessed I am to be able to take it one step further, singing wholeheartedly ♫And You opened my eyes to Your wonders anew You captured my heart with this love Because nothing on earth is as beautiful as You, Jesus♫

As I sit here watching Canadian geese fly overhead to this glass-like lake, I am mystified. Such calm beauty.

I am encouraged to read an antonym for mystify is enlighten. Sitting here gazing out, my thoughts all seem to jumble together in glory and praise to You. There's delight and worship and praising. And few words.

Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice which allows us such freedom in our approach to the Creator of the universe. Thank You for the opportunity to read the words Paul wrote to the people of Corinth encouraging them “to resolve their problems and honor God” (The Life Recovery Bible).

In 1Corinthians 14 Paul continued the teaching of spiritual gifts he started in chapter 12. In regards to the gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues, he begins “Let love be your greatest aim...” (1Corinthians 14:1a). The chapter ends (vs. 23-25) with him explaining an unbeliever's experience while attending a meeting where Your Word is delivered in plain speech. “The very secrets of his heart would be revealed, and right there – mystified – he would fall on his face in worship to God, proclaiming all the while that God most certainly dwells among you.”

Bizarre as it seems, that is what I encounter while surrounded by this intense beauty. ♫Powerful, so powerful, Your glory fills the skies Your mighty works displayed for all to see, beautiful The beauty of Your majesty awakes my heart to see How marvelous, how wonderful You are♫

Father, thank You. Jesus, thank You. Holy Spirit, thank You. Work in and through me to share this current opportunity of Your love and majesty well. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(380 words ~ 8:47 a.m.)

beautiful lakes

Monday, June 3, 2013 (9:25 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Awesome, Amazing Father God,

Thank You. You change my attitude. You change my heart. I come before You a wretched human being and You give me mercy and grace I don't deserve.

Thank You Father. Thank You that our son was able to follow his heart's desire to bike quite a bit around this beautiful lake and enjoy Christian fellowship in the doing. Thank You that in the execution of picking him up, we three were able to experience the quiet majesty of another beautiful lake.

In fact, there was a third lake involved with the beauty of yesterday. First Lake Tahoe. Second was the view of Cascade Lake from the top of the ridge by Emerald Bay. And finally the third, breath-taking experience of Fallen Leaf Lake.

A lake first introduced to us more than thirty-five years ago by the mother of a co-worker. Beautiful. Quiet. Other country-like. Quite similar to our thoughts of the Swiss Alps. In fact, very reminiscent of our cruise to Alaska.

Beauty, Father. Beautiful lakes I can't even begin to give You proper thanks for. Beautiful lakes that soothed my soul. Beautiful lakes that I know I must be willing to share with others.

Father, thank You for taking me from the selfish, self-centered, judgmental shrew with which I began the day yesterday and turning my thoughts, praise and glory back to you. Thank You for the privilege of seeing seven para-gliders enjoy the experience from above. Thank You for the opportunity to learn the difference between hang gliding and paragliding.

Thank You Father that there is so very much to learn. I ask You to guide me in my learning for this day.

Let me begin with the last verse of the book of Psalms, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6). Ah, yes. Praise You Father.

Thank You for blessing us and keeping us (Numbers 6:24). Thank You for making Your face shine upon us and being gracious to us (v. 25). Thank You for lifting Your face toward us and giving us peace (26). How I ask that we use it all well this day.

Thank You. Praise You. Love You. Amen.

(380 words ~ 10:90 a.m.)

sharing

Sunday, June 2, 2013 (12:13 p.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Most Holy Father God,

I am behaving badly. People are interferring with the enjoyment of “my” surroundings. Where did “they” all come from? What are they all doing here? Will they ALL be leaving soon?

NOT hospitable. NOT kind, loving, patient, peaceful... Selfish. Self-centered.  

the lake

Saturday, June 1, 2013 (7:08 a.m.)

Crystal Bay, NV

Glorious Father God,

Oh how I thank You! A beautiful view of rooftops amid pine trees, mountainsides of varying heighths, snow-covered peaks and the lake. Always the lake. Blessed Father, I ask You to speak to me this morning about my seeming connection to this beautifully glorious lake.