God's love

Thursday, December 31, 2015 (5:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I feel dazed. Not fully awake. Wanting more sleep. Yet, I am here. Thank You Father.

Thank You for drawing me ever closer to You. Mm, yes. Ever closer to You. Thank You, Father.

I get to read Your Word. About Your Word. In Your Word. All I have to do is come. Ready. Willing. Able. And here it all is. Truth. Hope. Lessons. Learning.

Here we are, Jesus, still in the season (7^th day) of celebrating Your birth and I am reading (John 12:32) of the victory of Your death. Thank You for word pictures that describe “a harvest of life for all who trust and follow Him” (vs. 20-36, Illustrated Bible Handbook).

You came, knowing full well Your fate. A comment in The Life Recovery Bible says, “in order to move through recovery – from addiction to freedom, from brokenness to healing, from guilt to forgiveness, or from isolation to intimacy – we must accept it [Jesus' message of His impending death]. No longer can we embrace lives of escapism and denial. We must honestly embrace the painful realities in our life and patiently allow God's love to make us whole.”

Mm. Allow God's love to make me whole. Yes. Please. Let's ring in the new year allowing Your love to make us whole.

Continue Your work in drawing me ever closer to Yourself. I love You. I long to follow You. And I ask You to make it so, exactly as You know is best. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(265 words ~ 6:25 a.m.)

Sustainer

Wednesday, December 30, 2015 (7:38 a.m.)

Avoiding. Moody. Testy.

Just a few words to describe me this morning. So, let's switch the focus over to You. Awesome. God. Father. Creator. Sustainer.

Mm, yes. Sustainer God. Thank You. Thank You for reminding me that it is to You I get to come. I am invited into Your very presence. Grumpy. “Ticked”. However. You welcome me regardless. Thank You.

Blessed Father, thank You that You are kind. Forgiving. Welcoming. And again I mention forgiving. Loving. All the things I want to be.

Thank You for bidding me, “Come.” ♫Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee♫

How blessed am I that within moments of taking the focus off of myself Your Truth is presented to me through hymns and verses! Thank You Father. Thank You for sustaining us through our own opposing thoughts.

Blessed God, thank You for encouraging me to shift my gaze away from myself and over to You. By simply following Your lead I am flooded with joy. Thank You.

Psalm 54:4 (Amplified Bible) soothed my bumpy soul. “Behold, God is my helper and ally; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul [my upholder].”

Truly, You “provide what is needed”. “Keep up the spirits.” “Hold up the weight.” All this because You reminded me to look to You. Thank You Blessed Father.

It is the 6^th day of Christmas and I ask You to use us to bring glory to the celebration of Your blessed Son's holy birth. You alone are good (Mark 10:18) and I am truly grateful.

Thank You for bringing me back to Your glory and Your grace. Use me as You wish. I love You. I thank You. And I long to serve You as only You can ordain. Use me Father. Thank You. Amen.

(316 words ~ 8:26 a.m.)

5th day of Christmas

Tuesday, December 29, 2015 (5:40 a.m.)

(6:20 a.m.)

Blessed God,

We love You. You are good.

(6:43 a.m.)

And the distractions keep coming.

Father, thank You for this fifth day of Christmas. Thank You for changing our focus. Our hearts. You've given us simple pleasures. And we are grateful.

We have plans today. Places to go. People to see. Keep our eyes on You.

4th day of Christmas

Monday, December 28, 2015 (7:49 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You! You have blessed us abundantly and repeatedly. Thank You.

Christmas

Friday, December 25, 2015 (6:20 a.m.)

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Jesus. Let this be our focus today. You. Christmas. Joy. Peace. Hope. Love.

Jesus.

Thursday, December 24, 2015 (3:55 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Keep my eye on Your prize. Jesus.  

opposite

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 (5:41 a.m.)

Awesome Holy God,

I love You. We had some hiccups yesterday. Misunderstandings. Hurt feelings. Out and out ill-tempers. Forgive my part in the ruckus. Here we are again taking three steps forward, only to take two steps back.

Blessed Father, You are working mightily in each of us around here. Your presence is obvious. Thank You. Thank You for not leaving us alone in our bitterness.

Mm, and just look at this! The words that are opposite in meaning to bitterness. Sweetness. Contentment. Goodwill. Delight. Yes. Let's take a much better look at the sweetness, contentment, goodwill and delight You would have us sharing with those around us.

Blessed God, continue Your refining work. Keep our focus on You. Forgive us for all the times we go off on our own. We truly do love You. We long to follow, obey and share You. Teach us. Remind us. Refresh and restore us that we would clearly exhibit the sweetness, contentment, goodwill and delight that is found only in fully embracing Your Son. His Will and His Way.

Yes Holy Father, work in us as only You can. We love You. Use us this day exactly as You wish. Thank You. Amen.

(207 words ~ 6:45 a.m.)  

expectation and longing

Tuesday, December 22, 2015 (4:57 a.m.)

Holiest God,

Thank You. Thank You for all You are teaching us about this season of Advent. Hope. Love. Joy. Peace.

Blessed Father, I've known these words most of my life. But never it seems like I am learning them this year. From the mind of a four year old.

Hope – when you hope somebody feels better

Love – like loving Mommy and Daddy

Joy – when you're so happy that you cry

Peace – not fighting and being quiet

It is this simplicity that has grown bigger than ever for me this season. We are not here for the warm fuzzies of the greeting cards. We are in the battle of our lives. We live in a world marked by evil.

All those years ago You heard the cries of Your hurting people and You sent them a Savior who is Christ the King. Thank You for the true privilege of being loved by You.

  

changes

Monday, December 21, 2015 (5:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for loving us so much. Thank You for all the changes You continue making in our hearts and our habits.

Yes Blessed God, the most profound change we are currently experiencing is our willingness to work together. A genuinely new practice of supporting and encouraging one another in our efforts. Wow! Refreshing. Invigorating. Awe-inspiring. YOU!

You are doing this. You are helping us bring out the better in each of us. How we ask You to keep up Your good and glorious work.

Thank You for the opportunity to dig into Your Word this morning. Thank You for the Truth and encouragement found throughout. I am especially drawn to 1 Peter 4:1-2 in The Message.

“Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like Him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.”

Oh most dear and blessed God, Yes! Keep the changes You are making in us coming. It is not us doing this, it is You. And we are grateful. We love You Blessed God. So very much. Work in, with, by, through and for each of us this day. We love You and we thank You. Amen.

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

prod, guide and correct

Sunday, December 20, 2015 (5:32 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You. There was rest last night, after a day of good, hard work. We had rain and stayed dry. We are safe. And I am grateful.

Father, I am here this morning seeking some enthusiasm. Fill me with Your Spirit that I would readily and eagerly share Your glory and Your grace with others.

Blessed God, I love You.

(6:13 a.m.)

Thank You Father for such ready access to Your Word. Thank You for the opportunity of seeking and finding direction from You. Through various translations I read Your Truth and become eager and excited.

For years I have remembered Revelation 3:19b as “Be earnest and repent.” Digging more deeply this morning, I read more in depth. Being open to the idea of learning more about You 'rebuking and disciplining those whom You love' (19a) I see the New Living Translation in a different light.

“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” Is this not similar to my own urgings towards loved ones?

New Life Version, “I speak strong words to those I love and I punish them. Have a strong desire to please the Lord. Be sorry for your sins and turn from them.” Yes, Father, please. I long to be obedient to Your Will and to Your Way.

Worldwide English, “I tell off and punish the people I love. So get busy and stop doing wrong.” That's a little abrupt, but it's got my attention!

The Voice tells us to “be shamelessly committed” to You and to “turn back.”

New Century Version, “... be eager to do right, and change your hearts and lives.”

Names of God, “Take this seriously, and change the way you think and act.”

The Message, “The people I love, I call to account – prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” What an incredible action picture this paints in my mind! Me on my feet running after You. Talk about enthusiasm!

The Living Bible encourages us to turn from our indifference and become enthusiastic about the things of God. Blessed Father, that is exactly what I ask this morning.

Work in, with, by, through and for me that I will indeed live at my best. Up on my feet. Running after You. Prod, correct and guide me in becoming enthusiastic about the things You would have me concerned with.

I love You Father. Thank You for loving me. Use me as You wish. Enthusiastically! Amen.

(435 words ~ 6:59 a.m.)

available to You

Saturday, December 19, 2015 (6:27 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for conversation yesterday. Time spent with You. More carefully chosen words. And ultimately, reconciliation. Understanding. Give and take. A mending of fences, if You will. Thank You Father.

Thank You for loving us so much that You have made Yourself available to us. Thank You.

(8:23 a.m.)

Holy God, make me available to You.

I love You. I long to serve You. I want so much to do it well. Speak to me that I would not only hear, but follow. You! Not try to lead. Follow.

"those whom You love"

Friday, December 18, 2015 (11:18 a.m.)

Soooo...

My feelings are hurt. And I'm pouting on top of it. Building HUGE cases in my mind as to why I am justified in this behavior and the other is not. I'm being a jerk about it. Won't let the matter drop. Silent. Walled off. Yes and no answers to benign questions. And sinking deeper into this pity party for one.

Father God, I know that You want better from me on this. Better FOR me. You have no desire for me to continue adding fuel to the already out-of-control way of thinking I have going on. Truly Father, I confess to You right now to feeling bitter.

I absolutely know that a spring of water does not bubble out first with fresh water and then with bitter (James 3:11). So I am coming to You with my hurt feelings asking that You would change them. Use them for Your good and for Your glory.

Do in and with, by, through and for me all the things I simply cannot do on my own. You know? Things like forgive. 'Be strong in the Your mighty power' (Ephesians 6:10). “Keep on praying feverishly, and be [alert] on the lookout until evil has been stayed” (v. 18b).

I am asking You Blessed God, empower me to 'be faithful, even unto death' (Revelation 2:10c). Ironic don't You think? I haven't stayed faithful to You, even unto hurt feelings.

Yes Father. Line me up with YOUR will. Not my own. 'You correct and discipline those whom You love' (Revelation 3:19a). Enable me to 'be earnest [enthusiastic] and change my heart and life' (19b).

Yes. Yes. Please. Change my heart and my life. I love You. Count me as one of “those whom You love” that I would in turn love others as You would have me. Hurt feelings and all. I love You God. Thank You. Amen.

(321 words ~ 12:00 p.m.)

Good.

Friday, December 18, 2015 (6:21 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You. You are faithful. You are good. Holy. Perfect. Loving. Kind. Good. There's that word again. Good. Hmm.

Blessed God, thank You that I get to come to You. Readily. Without an agenda. And able to consider the many things You are.

Thank You Father. Thank You for ready access to Your Word. An incredibly simple approach to Your Truth and goodness.

Psalm 100:5 (Common English Bible) doesn't hesitate in telling us, “Because the LORD is good, His loyal love lasts forever; His faithfulness lasts generation after generation.”

Beginning with verse one of this brief psalm of praise, we are reminded to “Shout with joy to the LORD, O earth!” We are to worship You with gladness. Come before You, singing with joy (v. 2).

Verse three tells us to acknowledge that You are God. You made us. We're Yours. Your people. The sheep of Your pasture. We are to enter Your gates with thanksgiving [♫in our hearts♫] and go into Your courts with praise. We are directed to give You thanks and bless Your name (v. 4).

Father, thank You for the freedom to do this very thing. Thank You for the reminders of the importance of keeping You first and foremost in our hearts, souls, minds and strength. Thank You Father that You alone are the strength of our hearts and our portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

Blessed Father, You bless us. You keep us (Numbers 6:24). You make Your face shine upon us and are gracious to us (v. 25). You watch over us and give us peace (26). And I get to be reminded of all this because I remembered that You are good. Thank You Father.

Quoting Don Moen's song to You, ♫There is nothing on earth I desire beside You My heart and my strength many times they fail But there is one Truth that always will prevail God is the strength of my heart... And my portion forever♫

Turning to Bible Gateway I read the various translations of this particular Truth (Psalm 73:26). “My body and mind may waste away, but Elohim remains the foundation of my life and my inheritance forever” (Names of God).

Easy-to-Read says, “Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever.”

Expanded Bible, “My body and mind [heart] may become weak, but God is my strength [the Rock of my heart]. He is mine [my portion] forever.”

Lexham English Bible, “My flesh and heart failed, but God is the strength of my heart and my reward forever.”

The Living Bible, “My heart fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains!”

New English Translation, “My flesh and my heart may grow weak, but God always protects my heart and gives me stability.”

New International Reader's Version, “... You are everything I will ever need.”

New Living Translation, “... health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak...”

The Voice, “I admit how broken I am in body and spirit...”

And this from The Message, “You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, GOD is rock-firm and faithful. Look! Those who left You are falling apart! Deserters, they'll never be heard from again. But I'm in the very presence of GOD – oh, how refreshing it is! I've made Lord GOD my home. GOD, I'm telling the world what You do!”

Thank You Father. Thank You for reminding me that You are good. Use me this day to tell the world of Your goodness. Empower me to live each moment in Your hope, love and joy. I love You Father. Thank You that You are good! Work me to Your good. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

precious time

Thursday, December 17, 2015 (6:11 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! You gave me unique opportunities yesterday. There were two early accesses to doctor appointments. Easy ins and easy outs. The ultimate ending of both [cervical surgery] remains in Your hands. Of which I pray Your will and Your way in every single step that is to be taken.

Blessed Father God, we love You.

(8:54 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You for time to ponder. Read. Remember. And ponder some more. Thank You for precious time to consider genuine blessings with which You have recently graced me.

Precious time spent in conversations especially. Discussions with health practitioners, loved ones and yesterday, a complete stranger.

Blessed Father, when all is said and done, it is the interaction with a young [24 year old] man that clearly stands out as most precious of all.

Standing in a crowded setting, waiting to get into another long line at “the happiest place on earth” You presented me with another gift of grace. This one like no other.

A seemingly awkward young man, unsure of the direction the line was taking, chose left instead of right. Thank You Father. I confess, I didn't thank You at the time.

I questioned You. Rather harshly! Why would You put this coughing, potentially contagious kid right in front of me?

Oh, and now he's talking to us. Asking clumsy questions. Please God, let him decide not to wait.

A harmonica? Now he's going to play the harmonica? Oh, groan.

Hmm, You truly are awesome! Father, thank You for this precious individual who changed my whole attitude. Blessed me more than I can remember.

“Am I bothering you?” “No, you're fine.” “Do you know about Tourette's? I have Tourette's and music helps keep me calm.”

Oh, Dearest God. Thank You for allowing me to be so graced by the precious time I was allowed to spend with this incredibly courageous young man. Thank You for the exchange of all the questions and answers, which ultimately led to his hugging these two women and thanking us for our kindness.

Holy Father God, I can't see through my tears as I recall the purity of the moment. How I ask You to continue the work You are doing in me. Change my heart and my mindset from being afraid of catching something that didn't even exist to more readily sharing Your kindness with others.

Father, thank You for yet another lesson in Your amazing gifts of grace. I love You so very much. Use me this day in freely showing others the rich benefits found in spending precious time alone with You.

Work in and through, by, for and with me this day as we continue preparing our hearts and our home for the blessed coming of Your precious Son.

Father, I love You. I thank You. And I ask that You would keep me in Your presence throughout the day. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(498 words ~ 10:28 a.m.)

a blank canvas

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 (5:02 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You that You are good. Thank You that You are holy. Thank You that because You are perfect I get to keep making progress.

Perfection is not

(5:25 a.m.)

Is not what? Attainable? My goal? Our benchmark?

Holy Father, I feel confused this morning. A bit daunted. There is much going on. A huge margin for many errors. Thank You that my greatest desire was to begin this day with You.

Thank You God for whatever direction You want to take us this morning. My first thought was a reminder that “Perfect love casts out all fear” (1 John 4:18). Then I came out here and remembered the recovery phrase about seeking “Progress, not perfection.”

There's much to read in Your Word regarding perfection. And mistakes made. This morning Dearest God, I present myself as a blank canvas to You. Create of me exactly what You wish.

There are appointments to be kept. Decisions to be made. Travel. Traffic. And time to spend with loved ones. Be with us Blessed God. Prior to, as well as in all discussions.

I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask that You make a masterpiece of my efforts. Clear my thinking. Untwist and untangle my thought processes that You would truly be glorified and enjoyed this day.

I love You Father. Let that be clearly seen through the work You do in me. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(249 words ~ 6:15 a.m.)

alas

Tuesday, December 15, 2015 (5:59 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Yesterday I awoke with the wonderful realization of having slept soundly throughout the night. What a truly incredible experience. One I haven't had in such a very long time, I had honestly forgotten what it felt like.

Thank You for the reminder Father. I had genuinely hoped to have a reoccurence last night. Alas, it was not to be.

Oh but God, aren't You clever! Alas. I wouldn't have found these verses on my own. Wow. I claim them to be even better than sound sleep!

Thank You for leading me to Romans 10:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 3:12-17. Both sections speak to me of a conversation I had yesterday with a much loved one. The guilt he carries from mistakes of his past practically buries him in thoughts of never being able to be good enough to earn Your forgiveness.

In attempting to explain that we can't, but Jesus did, I pray Your message of freedom in Christ got through. You know our hearts, souls, minds and strength. How I ask You to work in and through each and every single one of us this day.

You are good. You are holy. You call us to follow You. Empower me in heeding Your call. I love You. I long to serve You. And how I thank You Lord. Thank You for loving us all so much that You sent Your Son, not to judge and condemn us as guilty, but to save us through Him (John 3:17).

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me. Amen.

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

"Come."

Sunday, December 13, 2015 (4:37 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for words that remind, encourage and teach us in loving, trusting and following You. Thank You that You truly have so very much for us to learn. Thank You for the desire to know You more.

Thank You Blessed Father that You repeatedly bid us to “Come.” I confess to You I tend to take the twistiest, turniest routes. Not the most efficient and effective. This morning I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to truly teach me to ♫See You more clearly, Love You more dearly, Follow You more nearly, Day by day♫

Hmm. Thank You that I have Your Word. Thank You that I could choose to make list after list of all the things I am not. Or I can come to Your Word and stand on Your Truth. This morning I readily come to You asking You to continue Your work in me.

I am weak in so very many ways. Thank You for Your response to Paul's continued appeal for release from his problem (2 Corinthians 12:8). Verse nine tells us Your reply, “But the Lord said, 'My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.'”

Blessed Jesus, I read. I hope. Become excited. Eager to tell. We continue preparing our hearts and our home in celebration of Your birth. Empower us in our efforts.

Turning to the very end of Revelation (22:20-21) I read, “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” Oh, yes, please.

The Life Recovery Bible comment tells us, “It is unhealthy to harbor unrealistic dreams about a future that will never come about. But it is very healthy for us to anchor our new life and recovery in the certainty of Christ's return.” Oh yes, Dearest Jesus, let me anchor myself in You!

“By trusting Christ with our future, we can better deal with our past and live a more productive present.” Yes. Please.

“Like the apostle John, we can pray for Christ to return soon, because we know for certain that He will come. This will not only give us hope to persevere through tough times; it will deepen our personal relationship with Him.” Yes. Yes. And yes.

“As we trust in Him and possess the hope of meeting Him face to face, we will grow closer to Him. Then Christ's unconditional acceptance and unlimited power will continually undergird us in recovery.”

Blessed Jesus, You ARE our hope. Our power. Our strength. Untangle my mind that I would follow You so much more nearly. As we await Your return and prepare to celebrate Your birth, I ask You straightforwardly, “Come.”

Thank You Holy One. I love You. Amen.

(474 words ~ 6:14 a.m.)

"godly determination that won't quit"

Saturday, December 12, 2015 (3:01 a.m.)

Gloriously Loving Lord,

Thank You! Thank You for this early opportunity to come before You truly thanking You for Who and all You are.

You are doing a mighty work in me. Changing long held habits and misconceptions. Allowing me to want different. Better. More. YOU!

Again this morning I look to You. Asking Your presence be in and with me. Seeking the changes You would have me make. Knocking (Matthew 7:7) as You would have me knock. Yes, Father. Teach me how to knock.

(8:00 a.m.)

Thank You Blessed Father. Thank You for extra rest. Thank You for a clue as to what knocking is. A web article entitled “Ask, Seek, Knock: God's Formula for Persistent Faith” by Jennifer LeClaire helps me understand just a little more.

looking to You

Friday, December 11, 2015 (6:33 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I'm looking to You. I've been playing puzzle games for hours, wanting to find a balance between work and play. Success and failure. I'm not going to find the balance I seek in doing just one more puzzle.

Oh look. Here's a quiet giggle. And a smile. “Just one more. Please?” It's a plea often given to us by a two year old.

Thank You Father, that I know You are True. And good. And kind. Thank You that You are where I am going to find the balance I need to withstand the pressure I put on myself. Guide me in Your Word this morning.

Take me where You would have us go together. I look to You. Your Word. Your promises. They do not return to You void (Isaiah 55:11). Direct me in my reading and understanding this day.

(7:33 a.m.)

My heart just quickened. All my senses seemed to have kicked in. I know to ask You for a strategy! That's what I was seeking in the puzzles I was playing earlier. A way to learn how to effectively and efficiently get things done.

Left on my own, I tend to either spin myself into a dither [state of agitation; indecisive behavior] or sit instead in near inactivity. Father, I look to You. I have such a desire to magnify You. I long to have You glorified through my hopes, ambitions, thoughts and actions.

Mary's response to the angel Gabriel's news of her upcoming birth was ultimate obedience. “I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants. May everything you have said come true” (Luke 1:38).

Her relative Elizabeth was truly moved by Mary's presence. “At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child (John; see Luke 1:13) leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 41).

Blessed Father, these were women who knew, believed and trusted You to do all You had promised through the years. You know the plan You have for me (Jeremiah 29:11). You know exactly how You would have me proceed this day.

Provide me with just the very next step You would have me take. In exactly the direction You would have me go. I love You. I long to serve, glorify and magnify You. I look to You asking, “Please?”

I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(404 words ~ 8:56 a.m.)

perseverance

Thursday, December 10, 2015 (5:57 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. I am looking to You for perseverance. Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Yes. Please.

You provided a great deal of stick-to-itiveness around here yesterday. Projects were begun. Some completed. All with an underlying dosage of loving encouragement. Thank You.

With a gnawing sense of “do more”, can't do enough, won't ever finish surrounding my thought train I turn to You asking that You would lead and I would follow. Yes Blessed Father, as we work to prepare our hearts and our home for the celebration of Your Son's birth, it's You I long to see glorified.

I read Your Word and am heartened. I look around me and that hope fades. Thank You that You call me to lean into and trust You as no other.

I feel myself smile every single time I read any piece of Scripture that gives me hope. Romans 15:4 (The Voice) fills my heart with anticipation. “You see, everything written in the days of old was recorded to give us instruction for living. We find encouragement through the Scriptures and a call to perseverance that will produce hopeful living.”

Holy God, truly I look to You. I count on You. I believe in You and Your promises. Isaiah 41:10 (New Living Testament) tells us, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Left to my own devices I fret. Stew. Distress. Thank You that You, Your Word and promises are the perfect antidote for all the worst case scenarios my mind conjures up. Continue providing Your glimpses of grace and victory that I would keep going toward You. Your Light. Your Will. Your Way.

I love You Blessed Father. I long to become the woman You would have me be. I'd also like to smile more in the process. Do all You must in making me truly enjoy this life I have in You.

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for the hope and peace and joy that come with this Season. Prepare my heart, soul, mind and strength to receive it all.

I love You. I long to serve You. Make it so Blessed God. Make it so. Amen.

(401 words ~ 7:21 a.m.)

the Light of the world

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 (7:26 a.m.)

Most blessed Holy God,

Thank You. For several hours I have thought of You. I woke up singing ♫Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down, Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker♫ (Psalm 95:6-7) and then I stopped.

Thank You for reminding me that this is exactly what I long to do. Blessed Father, I trust You. I believe Your promises. And I confess to You right now that my mind has far too many conversations going on to the contrary.

It seems that every time I attest to Your goodness, countering thoughts spring into action. I trust. I believe. I risk hoping. Then just as quickly I fear. Dread. Sink.

Back and forth. Over and over. Hope. Fear. Trust. Dread. Thank You that YOU are the answer to it all. Peter walked on the water (Matthew 14:28-33) until he took his eyes off Jesus. I am repeatedly guilty of taking my eyes off Jesus.

I come to You with this plea. Empower me to come unto You. My desire is to truly worship and bow down before You.

The truths I claim to believe, I long to embrace. Embolden me in living this day with the words of this Advent Season. Hope. Love. Joy. Peace. Expectation. Jesus. The Light of the world.

Psalm 16 points me in this direction. “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with You forever” (v. 11). I love You. I long to serve You. Let me begin by worshiping and bowing down.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(277 words ~ 8:33 a.m.)

the Gift

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 (6:07 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Thank You. Thank You for rest. And sleep. Thank You for beauty. And hope. Thank You for the Gift of Your precious Son. And all that His life, death and resurrection brought to us. Thank You for music. And songs to sing of His birth.

Thank You Father that You love each of us so incredibly much.

  

come unto Jesus

Monday, December 7, 2015 (7:39 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! Thank You for changing my heart. My mind. My focus.

It's been almost two hours since I first started avoiding You here. I thought I'd start by looking up Your Word. I got more and more confused, so I played some puzzles instead. I thought about You, but refused to commit.

I wanted answers first. A direction to go. Thank You for again reminding me that I am just to come (Matthew 11:28). I get to be honest and trust You to do all with me that I can't manage on my own.

My emotions are all over the place. I rush easily and often, right straight toward anger. That's not cool. Not how I want to be remembered. Work in me Blessed God. In and with, by, through and for me.

You are Who I need. You remind me to breathe deeply. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the privilege of turning to You. Thank You for the honor of searching Your Word. Seeking Your face. I forget. I refuse. I struggle. You remind me. And I settle down. I am calmed. Thank You.

Thank You for calling me to come unto Jesus. Thank You that as I search the Scriptures, hymns of old sing in my mind. I pour over The Celebration Hymnal and am heartened as I turn from one to another.

None of this interaction is possible on my own. Sitting alone attempting to find the best translation for my own understanding [of Philippians 4:8] leaves me feeling frustrated. Coming to You with splintered dreams and a hurting heart; faith, hope and even joy break through as I sing ♫Breathe on Me, Breath of God♫

Holy God, how I thank You for the Truth (John 20:22) of which this hymn sings. Thank You for the reminder immediately following. ♫Greater Is He That Is in Me♫ (1 John 4:4). Your Word prompts me to once again trust Your authority. “Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God's Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one that is in the world.”

YOU are our power Father! Keep breathing on us Blessed Jesus that we would truly, fully “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22) I trust You. I need You. I love You. And oh, how I thank You! Thank You for the hope that comes from trusting You. Use it through me this day I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(421 words ~ 11:27 a.m.)

honest

Saturday, December 5, 2015 (3:06 p.m.)

Honest.

I'm going to practice being honest right now. Hard honest. Real honest. Help me get my head around what I want to say to You right now.

Blessed God,

Yes. You are blessed and You are God. Thank You. Thank You that those two are still true. Thank You that as I continue I will find even more that is still true. You are good. Faithful. Loving. Kind.

And there is horrible, ridiculous violence in the world. Thank You Father that the insanity of it all has to hurt You WAY worse than it does any of the rest of us.

I wasn't going to come here with You today. I thought about it earlier and I passed. Just now I thought of it again and also considered passing once more. Thank You that I didn't.

Thank You that I knew I needed to come say something to You. Even if it was wrong. Which causes me to wonder... is anything we say to You actually wrong? Are we truly free to say things like, “Hey God? What's going on here?”

Is it okay that what I truly wanted to say is, “HEY! A little mad here!” Immediately I found myself wondering if I wasn't really sad instead.

YOU know our hearts. Our souls, minds and strength. You know each of us far better than we will ever know ourselves or one another.

“Senseless tragedy” comes to mind. All the strife. Hostility. 'Bitter disagreement over fundamental issues.' I don't understand any of it Father. It all hurts.

Just being able to be completely honest and say, “Dad, I'm sad.” Not mad. Sad. Help us Father. Show us all what to do with our helplessness.  

God Is On His Throne

Thursday, December 3, 2015 (6:56 a.m. MST)

NNW toward Los Angeles, CA

Thank You Father,

Thank You for calling me out to You. Thank You for early morning color in the sky. Thank You for thoughts and hopes. Thank You for a stomach that feels so much better, after having put far too much food into it.

Blessed God, thank You for safety and security. Thank You for Your love and Your beauty. Thank You that as I sit here appreciating the sights and sounds of the dawn preparing to break, my mind takes an immediate turn back to a massacre that took place near our hometown yesterday.

Yes Father, thank You for reminding me of the need to pray. Pray for strangers. Our community. Loved ones. The world.

Thank You that as I sit here wondering how to pray, the hymn ♫God is on His throne No need to worry God is on His throne...♫ begins singing to me. Thank You Father. Thank You for reminding me, just as the sun makes its ascent up out of the ocean, that You are indeed on Your throne.

My eyes look elsewhere. My thoughts dart about. And then I catch another glimpse of glory with You. Brightness far too great to face head on.

You are on Your throne. No need to worry. A four-year-old stopped right in the midst of playfully spinning the other day as he took in the Truth of this hopeful hymn. He stopped and requested we pray together. A very simple, heartfelt thank You for loving us. And for fun.

Yes, most Blessed God, let me remember to stop all I am doing and thank You for loving us. And for fun.

(9:07 a.m. MST)

Remembering that You are on Your throne and we have no need to worry sends me to reading in Daniel (7:9). Father, I confess to knowing very little of this faithful prophet. The more I read, the more awed by his obedience to You I become.

Thank You Father for such exquisite examples You've given us of those who trust and follow You despite tremendous acts of evil and oppression. We as a nation and a people are living in a perilous time. We've come to depend on government instead of You.

YOU are on Your throne! It is faith and trust in that Truth which causes us not to worry. Looking at present day circumstances is enough to cause us all to fear. Instead, let us fully embrace the unparalleled wisdom of a four-year old who instinctively knew to stop what he was doing and pray.

Let us as a nation and a people do precisely that. Stop. Pray. Trust. In our God who is seated firmly on His throne. “The highest angelic powers stand in awe of God. He is far more awesome than those who surround His throne” (Psalm 89:7).

“O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as You, Lord? Faithfulness is Your very character. You are the One who rules the oceans (Psalm 89:8-9a)... Powerful is Your arm! Strong is Your hand! Your right hand is lifted high in glorious strength. Your throne is founded on two strong pillars – righteousness and justice. Unfailing love and truth walk before You as attendants” (vs. 13-14).

Attend to each of us Blessed Father. As we come to acknowledge You as Lord. Bless us. Keep us. Smile on and be gracious to all who are in absolute, desperate need of You. Be gracious. Show Your favor. And give Your people Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26).

We love You Father. We long to serve You. And we desire to do it well. Teach us not to be complacent. Ignite our fires that we would truly burn brightly for You. Use us. You ARE on Your throne. We have no need to worry. We love You. We trust You. We are Yours. Amen.

(655 words ~ 9:40 a.m.)

awing

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 (6:44 a.m. MST)

Anchored off Cabo San Lucas, MX

Most Holy God,

Awestruck. Filled with awe. And here comes the sun. Beautiful. Amazing. Glorious. Glorifying. Awe-inspiring. And it's back behind the clouds. What an early morning treat. Such a delight. Thank You Father.

Be alert. Be aware. Your Word tells us repeatedly to be on the lookout. Thank You for the occasional glimpse of the sun this morning. Peeking through the layers of clouds. Just often enough to keep me watching.

Blessed Father, thank You for the privilege of being here. Waiting. Watching. Hoping. Thinking. Wondering. Wanting. Pondering. Considering. Awing. And we come full circle back to awe. A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.

Holy God, I sit. Look. Read. Hope. Rest. And wonder some more. I read of miracles. Commitment. Discipline. And shadows of doubt begin.

Blessed Father, thank You that I get to be this honest with You. No part of me has to pretend to be stronger than I am. To know more than I do. Thank You.

Thank You for allowing my thoughts to go all over the place as You continue pulling me back to the Truth of Your Word. As I read. Deduce. Conclude. Consider. And wonder some more. I am grateful for the call to trust in You (Proverbs 3:5) with all my heart and to lean not on my own understanding.

Father, thank You for this time to truly just be with You in awe and wonder. Thank You for continuing to work in me every time my innate tendency toward self condemnation begins again.

Thank You for putting my focus back on Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Thank You for the privilege of awing You as God. “Since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be destroyed, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe” (Hebrews 12:28).

Yes. Please. Let me do exactly that. I love You. I thank You. I worship and adore You. Guide and direct my awe this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(357 words ~ 9:01 a.m. MST)

strength to endure

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 (7:19 a.m. MST)

South to Cabo San Lucas, MX

Most Dear and Awesome God,

Thank You. Thank You for rest. And adventure. And thank You Father for rest from adventure. Mm. Yes. Thank You for the wonderful balance we find in You. Rest. Adventure. Rest. Adventure.

Holiest God, we look to You with gratitude. And with that gratitude comes a request. Blessed Father, I am asking for Your strength to endure whatever You know is coming next.

I tend to look back. Think of all that was. Wonder how and what I could have done differently. This morning I am looking right here.

There's a vast ocean. Beautiful sky. And our day completely untouched. Be our focus Blessed God. Truly, we long to serve You.

I read Your Word. I get excited by the pictures that form in my mind. I am deeply heartened by ancient words that encourage me to “keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ” (Hebrews 3:6b).

It was the Holy Spirit that told the author of Hebrews, “Today you must listen to His voice. Don't harden your hearts against Him as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested God's patience in the wilderness” (Hebrews 3:7-8; Psalm 95:7-11).

How I thank You Blessed Father for the opportunity to sit here before You. I read. I hope. I become excited and eager to tell [agog]. Truly I want to shout out to all who will listen [and even more so to those who will not], “Don't give up. Persevere. Hang in there. Believe. Trust. Rest in Him.”

The Life Recovery Bible comments encourage us even more to rest in You. The Israelites not only received Your law at Mount Sinai, they experienced 'spiritual privileges and visual awareness of Your awesome power'. And still they “refused to exercise faith and enter the Promised Land that God graciously offered.”

We still make that same mistake. We see the way set before us and we waver. Doubt. Blessed Father, how I ask You to do all You must to anchor me firmly to Christ. Your wonderful blessings and freedom are offered to each one of us.

It's all there for the taking. Your place of rest. Increase my faith in Him who can do “infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20b).

Prepare me blessed Father for the adventure of this brand new month. Beginning with this all new day. Provide me the strength to endure all that comes to pass. The strength that only comes from loving and trusting You.

Thank You Father. Praise You. I love You. Use me exactly as You wish. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(462 words ~ 8:51 a.m.)

down in my heart ~ 11/30/15

Monday, November 30, 2015 (6:29 a.m.)

Southbound to Cabo San Lucas, MX

Blessed God,

Thank You. I awoke to thoughts of Your peace which passes understanding being down in my heart (Philippians 4:7). Of course, along with that thinking, comes the children's song. ♫I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart... to stay♫

Most Holy God, thank You for Your peace. Your peace. Down in my heart. To stay.

(10:14 a.m.)

Yes, Holy God. You are doing great and lasting work in our hearts.

Here are words from The Life Recovery Bible comment for the section of Scripture beginning with the apostle Paul's call to the Philippian believers to “Rejoice!” (4:4-9). “True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control.”

Oh, most Holy God, how very grateful I am that this is true! Knowing You to be good, trusting You to be at work and always in control allows me to truly experience Your peace that passes understanding down in my heart.

Thank You Father. Empower me in using that peace (and JOY) well this day. I love You. I thank You. Down in my heart! Amen.

(211 words ~ 11:58 a.m.)

"godliness with contentment"

Sunday, November 29, 2015 (5:37 a.m.)

Holy God,

As You continue teaching me more about prayer, this morning I ask You to help me consider the many gifts You have provided and guide me in being happy with them all.

I experienced a level of peace yesterday. A simplicity in doing just the next thing. I was honest with the tasks necessary as well as the time frame and ability I had. Blessed Father, thank You. Thank You for a very matter-of-fact approach to the day.

It is with this same mind frame that I came across 1 Timothy 6:6 (The Message). “A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.” Rich simplicity. Being myself before You. These are thought provoking phrases.

Reading various translations brings an abundance of descriptions:

The Living Bible, “Do you want to be truly rich? You already are if you and happy and good.”

Easy-to-Read Version, “Devotion to God is, in fact, a way for people to be very rich, but only if it makes them satisfied with what they have.”

God's Word, “A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have.”

Common English Bible, “Actually, godliness is a great source of profit when it is combined with being happy with what you already have.”

New King James Version, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”

New Living Translation, “Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”

The Voice, “This is ironic because godliness, along with contentment, does put us ahead but not in the ways some imagine.”

Worldwide English, “It is true that people are much better off if they live to please God and if they are satisfied.”

New Life Version, “A God-like life gives us much when we are happy for what we have.”

J.B. Phillips New Testament, “There is real profit, of course, but it comes only to those who live contentedly as God would have them live.”

I heard it said years ago, “Happiness is not having what you want. It is wanting what you have.” Thank You Father that You keep reinforcing Your Truths in us.

Thank You for another opportunity to look to You, truly asking, seeking and knocking (Matthew 7:7) for the rich simplicity of being myself before You.

I love You. I ask Your presence in all my heart, soul, mind and strength that I would truly love You, myself and others as You would have me love (Mark 12:30-31). Not just today, but always.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(431 words ~ 7:03 a.m.)

teach me to pray

Saturday, November 28, 2015 (8:03 a.m.)

Holiest God,

You are good. You alone are God (Psalm 86:10). And I love You. A request by a much loved one to learn more about the Rosary and the Holy Mother brings me right to You. Prayers for healing and health, strength and stamina come along as well.

Blessed Father, my desire is to worship You. Thank You for the freedom with which to do exactly that. Thank You for such ready access to Your Word.

Thank You for the opportunity to join with David's words as I seek (Matthew 7:7) to find how You would most have me pray. Yes Blessed Father, teach me to pray. As YOU would have me pray.  

praxis

Friday, November 27, 2015 (7:49 a.m.)

Blessed Father,

Thank You! We had a most blessed day yesterday. Conversations came easily. Food and families came together. Interesting how the dominate word here is food. Empower us to practice moving the emphasis over to family. People. Loved ones.

Yes Father. Help me learn. Relearn. Unlearn. So many emotional strings are tied to our relationship to food, family and traditions. Some of them much healthier than others.

We have selected memories of the good involved in “the good old days”. Teach me Blessed God to fully embrace the good of each brand new day. Yes.

I learned a brand-new-to-me word this morning. “praxis: noun - practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of knowledge or skills. convention, habit, or custom. a set of examples for practice.”

Father, I long to practice the Truth of Your Word. We struggle. We work. Teach me also to trust. Rest. Rejoice.

1 Peter 1:6-8 (New Living Translation), “So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These are trials only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him, you trust Him; and even now you are happy with a glorious, inexpressible joy.”

Blessed, Holy God, I get to read these verses. Hope brings tears to my heart and eyes. I become eager and excited to tell [agog].

A Life Recovery Bible devotion declares plainly, “Life is rough.” The accompanying comment offers this Truth, “Yet Peter suggests that, strange as it may seem at the time, surrendering to God in difficult times can be a joyful experience. If we trust that God will use our trials to further the process of healing in our life, even the tough times can become times of celebration.”

Yes! Father, put me into the praxis [tradition, custom, habit, practice] of embracing Your ultimate best for me this day. I want to love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength and my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:30-31). I relinquish myself to Your good and Your glory.

I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(439 words ~ 9:26 a.m.)

Be reminded

Wednesday, November 25, 2015 (6:33 a.m.)

Awesome God,

I love You. Thank You that we get to come before You with such boldness. Fresh out of the gate. Pure. Simple. “I love You”.

Thank You for every single thing You have done to make loving You possible. So much of it goes unseen. Unnoticed.

We're at the time of year for paying particular attention to the details of all You've done on our behalf (Luke 1:26 - 2:20). In turning to Luke I get to read an historic version of Jesus “as a man who cared greatly for suffering and downtrodden people, a man who brought healing to the hurting” (The Life Recovery Bible introduction to Luke).

How blessed we truly are to have the opportunity to learn of Your great love for each of us. Not only do we get to experience it first hand, we also are able to read of it. Be reminded. Remember what we've been taught through the years.

Reading further in the introduction to this particular book, “Luke stressed Jesus' humanity and compassion more than any of the other Gospel writers did. His narrative made it clear that God, through His Son Jesus, reaches out in love to the unlovable of our world.”

Thank You Father. Thank You that because of Your great love for each of us (John 3:16) we are able to come boldly into Your presence (Ephesians 3:12). Wow! I didn't even see that one coming! 

“Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come fearlessly [boldly and confidently] into God's presence, assured of His glad welcome” (New Living Translation). Wow! Father. Thank You. Truly. THANK YOU!

I continue needing to be reminded of ALL the ways You love us. Thank You that through this time together another layer of the doom with which I have been associating myself has lifted. There's a lightness. A brightness, I owe all to You and Your love for us.

Keep reminding me Blessed Father. We are here to celebrate Jesus. Glorify and enjoy You forever. Work in me I pray. With, by, through and for me. All that I would continue, as the Good News Translation presents it, “In union with Christ and through our faith in Him we have the boldness to go into God's presence with all confidence” (Ephesians 3:12).

Yes Blessed Father. Remind me that You first loved us that we would in turn love others (1 John 4:19). Let me do that well this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(423 words ~ 7:48 a.m.)