great and glorious

Saturday, April 30, 2016 (7:01 a.m.)

Most Great and Glorious God,

Thank You! Thank You that You are indeed great and glorious. Thank You Father that because I remembered and relied on the Truth of Your greatness much earlier this morning I was able to meditate on Your Word and sleep soundly and peacefully.

Remembering The Living Bible's paraphrase of Psalm 23:1, I truly rested in believing the Truth behind the words chosen there. “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!” Every single thing I need.

Thank You Father. I have confessed to spending an excessive amount of time ruminating negative thoughts. I've attempted getting passed it all on my own terms. Thinking. Shaming. Confessing. Trying. Crying. And then You reminded me, because You are my Shepherd, I already have everything I need.

Blessed, Holy God, I trusted. Believed. Thought on Your Truth. And slept. Soundly. Peacefully. There was even a detailed dream that helped me remember to think on the things that are: true, helpful, inspiring, necessary and kind.

You reminded me that Jesus told us quite frankly that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). I remembered as well that I am created in Your image (Genesis 1:27).

I did an experiment yesterday. Every time I found myself judging my thoughts, what appeared to me as inaction and my attitude, I asked myself, “What if this is what I'm really supposed to be doing?” God, You know all my doubts. Fears. Seemingly crazy thinking. And You love me anyway.

I gave myself permission to just be. Not do. I played. What seemed like an exorbitant amount of new to me computer games. Again I judged myself for what appeared to be such a huge waste of time. I found fault. And I let it go.

Thank You Father. Thank You for all You have and want for me. Thank You for again reminding me that I am truly blessed. Grateful. And “so loved”. You provide so perfectly for us.

And now, with all that said I turn to Your Word (Nehemiah 4:14) and am immediately brought back to thinking of a segment I watched on a television program [The Blacklist] last night. There was a death [or not] of a central character and the various reactions of all those who loved and worked with her.

Here I quote a descriptive recap of the episode. “It was a speech about the people who make up the foundational elements of one's life – about how 'when they're suddenly not there, we collapse into rubble...'” I recognized it immediately! Blessed God, I have collapsed into rubble!

For weeks [months? Years?] I have been questioning my own foundational elements. Things I thought I knew being proven wrong. Beliefs I trusted, crumbling before my very eyes. I confess to You my most dear and trusted Dad, I'm wrecked!

Ah, but this is where Your Truth truly pans out! In referring to You as “great and glorious” just earlier, I followed The Living Bible to Nehemiah 4:14 and I can't even begin to form complete sentences! Holy God, thank You!

Thank You for letting me be a wreck! Thank You for allowing me to fall completely apart here. Thank You for encouraging me to simply trust You!

In a state of absolute agog-ness right now, please bear with my unformed ramblings. According to The Life Recovery Bible regarding the book of Nehemiah, the “PURPOSE: To describe the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and the continued spiritual rebuilding of the people.”

I desperately need to be rebuilt! From the ground up! The description of Nehemiah, the man, begins “Recovery is the process of rebuilding a life, often from a point near complete destruction. Nehemiah, the great rebuilder of Jerusalem, leaves us an excellent biblical example of how to pursue and enhance the recovery process.”

To this I say, “Please.” Yes, please blessed God, enhance my recovery process! The tears flow so freely. My hands even shake when I read of my own feelings being described in centuries past.

“Then the people of Judah began to complain that the workers were becoming tired. There was so much rubble to be moved that we could never get it done by ourselves” (Nehemiah 4:10). Here I am. Right here. Complaining. Tired. And again, not alone!

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this important to me verse, “Rubble can be very disheartening in itself. With every remodeling project, trash accumulates. This is true not only for physical rebuilding but for emotional and spiritual recovery as well. The garbage was getting in the way of the workmen, and they were discouraged by it. We may experience the same discouragement as some of the unresolved emotional garbage from the past still remains.”

This is me Father! Right here! Why? Because of the Truth of Your Word!

“For whatever God says to us is full of living power: it is sharper than the sharpest dagger, cutting swift and deep into our innermost thoughts and desires with all their parts, exposing us for what we really are” (Hebrews 4:12). And what am I? Broken. Desperate. And willing to trust and believe You at Your Word!

The close of the comment for Nehemiah tells us, “We must recognize the garbage, resolve the problem, and then remove the rubble so we can continue on the path to recovery.” Yes, Please. Holiest, most great and glorious God, I look to You in all of this.

I thank You for never leaving me alone in my own thoughts or despair. Use me this day exactly as You wish.

(10:13 a.m.)

Like talking to a complete stranger on the phone just now.

Holy God, I love You. I ask You to lead me that I would truly learn to follow. 'Resting in green meadows, beside peaceful streams, renewing my strength, guiding me along right paths and bringing honor to Your name' (Psalm 23:2-3).

Keep teaching me to trust You most great and glorious God. Make something great and glorious out of the rubble with which I am surrounded. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(1034 words ~ 10:22 a.m.)

singing praises

Friday, April 29, 2016 (5:54 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

(6:55 a.m.)

Thank You. I woke up ♫singing praises... unto J-E-S-U-S our Savior♫ and came out here to look into it with You. All truth be told, I sing to You and hopefulness begins. I read the lyrics. My head nods. And then the struggle reignites.

Holy God, I confess to You the struggle. I know You are good. No doubt about it. You bless us. Infinitely. And still I complain. All is not as I would have it. Back and forth the thoughts play out in my head.

Cranky, grumpy, opinionated people represent You. The example was ingrained in me early on. Yet it is not what I want for myself. Years into my relationship with You, I still work at surrounding myself with positive people.

Here again, my efforts fade and fail. Then I whine, “it's too hard”. Forgive me Father. You are so gracious and good. Back and forth the battle within continues.

And the praises I woke up singing? Still here. Underneath all the guck I so naturally exude. It's a Psalty song from decades ago, singing of us as a troubled vehicle and You as ♫the best Mechanic here♫

Blessed God, descriptive phrases such as clogged carburetors, flat tires, overheated engines, a blown thermostat, steamed up radiator, a tank running low, no oil in the crank-case and a transmission 'bout to blow paint a vivid picture in my mind. As does the idea of putting my heart on a lift and starting to get in gear.

Holy God, I look to You. The best Mechanic here. And I confess to knowing next to nothing about car repair. Thank You that I don't have to! Thank You that the song continues ♫Then try the Spirit's anti-freeze, It gets a big job done, Add a little oil of joy To make the whole thing run♫

The Holy Spirit wants to supply me with all I need to live as You would have me live. Lovingly. Joyfully. Singing You praises for all You have done through ♫J-E-S-U-S our Savior♫

Continue Your work in teaching me to recognize and respond to that oil of joy You would have me use to approach each problem. I love You Father. I long to represent You well this day. Do all You must to make it so. Thank You father. I love You. Amen.

(401 words ~ 8:19 a.m.)

  

all things

Thursday, April 28, 2016 (7:03 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Thank You. It's raining. Just a bit. Thank You.

Thank You that You know our needs. Teach us to be aware of them ourselves. You take perfect care of us. And I confess to not being satisfied. Oh my Your goodness... Did I really just say that straight out loud [in print] to You? But You know that it's true.

Thank You Father that You do indeed know all that is true. Thank You that You want us to know and believe it as well. I want to be satisfied. Truly I do. With You. Myself. Others. Tell me, what do You want for us? From us?

(7:28 a.m.)

Hmm. Smile. Grateful. Settled. “All things”. Thank You. Yes Father. Thank You that I even get to tell You when I am feeling unsatisfied. Thank You that in so doing, I am led to reading and singing to You of “all things”.

We sing it in church ♫You make all things work together for my good. You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes. There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning♫

Thank You God. Thank You that even my inner most thoughts are not enough to turn You away from me. You want all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30). But even this You didn't expect us to do perfectly on our own.

No. You knew each of us long before we were ever born. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb” (Psalm 139:13). You made me “so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvelous” (v. 14).

Yes. I may not feel satisfied with what I see as lack of accomplishments on my part, but YOU know the plans You have for me. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

I confess to not understanding any of it. Yet, I believe. I bring myself to You. Flawed. Imperfect. Exactly as You created me. Asking simply that I would get to know and love You better than I do.

I want to serve You as You wish to be served. Glorifying and enjoying You each and every single day. I like smiling. Singing. Stretching. And surrendering to Your will and to Your way.

Thank You Father that with almost every thought comes either another song [♫Yes, Lord, Yes♫] or Bible verse [here, 1 Samuel 3:9]. Through singing and reading I am strengthened. Buoyed. Once again set apart to follow You as You would have me.

Continue speaking that I would truly learn to listen. I love You so very much. I long to live as though I wholeheartedly believe Jesus' life, death and resurrection to be enough to keep me satisfied. Thank You for once again reminding me that You do indeed work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).

Give me eyes and ears to recognize and follow Your Holy Spirit exactly as You would have me. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

   (529 words ~ 8:00 a.m.)

♫ The Great Adventure ♫

Wednesday, April 27, 2016 (9:53 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Waking up this morning singing ♫Saddle up your horses, we've got a trail to blaze♫ led me to finding the song's title. ♫The Great Adventure♫ Mm. Yes! The Great Adventure!

"the balance of thought"

Monday, April 25, 2016 (7:57 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! I woke up to surprises early this morning. First, my soul was singing the song ♫Happy♫ and almost immediately I learned it had just rained. Thank You for God. Thank You for what I am learning right this very moment about “the balance of thought”.

I do that a lot. Unintentionally. Many times without even knowing it. This morning for instance, I was thinking about being happy. That led to me considering the importance of being joyful. The next thing I knew I was wondering about how to seek joy, when I remembered it is far more important to seek YOU (Matthew 6:33).

Mm, yes! ♫Seek ye first the Kingdom of God And His righteousness, And all these things shall be added unto you – Allelu, alleluia!♫ Thank You Holy God.

Thank You that so many times when I approach Your Word with one thought more of Your Truth opens up to me. Just now I searched 'surprises' and found myself at Proverbs 19:23 in The Message. “Fear-of-GOD is life itself, a full life, and serene – no nasty surprises.”

I can't turn the pages fast enough in finding more of all You have to offer us. Truth. Promises. History. Hope. Life. Joy. Balance. It's all here. In You! Thank You Father.

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells of the more than 3,000 proverbs written by Solomon. “The sayings are couplets, using the literary devise of contrast (see Hebrew poetry, antithetical parallelism, p. 252).” It was in turning to “Hebrew poetry” on page 252 that I read of the differences between English poetry and Hebrew poetry.

“English poetry relies on rhyme and rhythm for its impact” which makes it “difficult to translate into another language. But Hebrew poetry can be easily translated, for its major feature is not rhyme but parallelism.”

It's the next sentence that stopped my rushing to read more. “The balance of thought is vital to Hebrew poetry, not the balance of sounds or rhythm.” Hmm. Pause. Take this in. Proceed.

“The basic unit of Hebrew poetry is the verse, in which the first line states a theme”. In this particular case, “Fear-of-GOD is life itself” (Proverbs 19:23a). Continuing in the Handbook, “and one or more following lines in some way develop that thought. This is what is meant by 'parallelism': the balancing of thoughts by following lines.”

NONE of Your Word is there by accident! Every single thing in here is meant for something deeper.Thank You Father. Thank You for all those who have come before to help me understand just a tiny bit more.

Singing of seeking Your Kingdom first and being ♫Happy♫ and turning to the New Testament (Matthew 6:33) to balance my thinking I again get to read Truth. A Serenity Prayer devotion (The Life Recovery Bible) for this section of Scripture (vs. 25-34) begins with the reality that “It is easy to slip back into worrying about tomorrow, dwelling on the 'what ifs' and the 'if onlys'. Each day brings a host of things we cannot change;”.

Holy God, I have absolutely fallen back into this deadly trap! The devotion goes on, “there will always be circumstances beyond our control. We must also face the reality of who we are – human beings, confined within the slice of life we call today. It is tempting to deny the present”. I do that Father. I have been doing that again!

Thank You that You offer us the Way (John 14:6) out of our own ways of thinking. “We need to ask ourself at every turn in life, Am I accepting this present moment, or am I pretending – trying to escape into the past or the future? Each day there is something to find joy in, and there is strength promised for the troubles of that day.”

Yes! Yes. And yes! YOU give us these promises! “The psalmist wrote, 'This is the day the LORD has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it' (Psalm 118:24). We, too, can choose to find joy, strength, and sanity when we accept each day's realities.”

Oh, amen. Amen! Thank You. Praise You. Continue balancing my thinking this day Holy God. I love You. And I seek Your Kingdom. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(718 words ~ 9:20 a.m.)

In awe and wonder

Sunday, April 24, 2016 (7:20 a.m.)

Hi God,

How about I just look to You today in awe and wonder? Not trying to feel or be or think or do the right thing. Just look to You. In awe and wonder.

Mm. Thank You Father. Thank You for Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Thank You for Your love. Your Son. Your power over death. Thank You that I have this opportunity to read of all these things.

Most Holy God, as I sit here considering who You are and all You do on our behalf I am truly grateful. I choose to trust You. Believe in You. Depend upon You. Let me remember to look to You today. Often. In awe and wonder.

I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(131 words ~ 8:00 a.m.)

spiritual blessings

Saturday, April 23, 2016 (7:21 a.m.)

Holy God,

(8:19 a.m.)

Here it is! All this time searching and I found it. The Bible translation for Ephesians 1:3 that makes the most sense to me. New International Reader's Version. “Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. Those blessings come from the heavenly world. They belong to us because we belong to Christ.”

(10:36 a.m.)

What an exciting opportunity I have this morning! I started out by singing to You ♫Praise God from whom all blessings flow♫ (Doxology). The Celebration Hymnal referred me to Ephesians 1:3. Looking at various translations and different Bibles The Learning Bible teaches me something new.

“1.3 spiritual blessings . . . heaven: The spiritual blessings include forgiveness (1.7,8), wisdom and understanding (1.17), faith (2.8), and special gifts to be used to serve God and the church (4.11,12).”

You spell it all out for us God. I started by singing just a few musical notes from my childhood (♫Praise God from whom...♫) and ended up excited [agog] to learn about spiritual blessings. Holy God, thank You.

Praise You Father. Praise You for all You are and all You do on our behalf. Continue Your work in me most holy God. Make me strong in Your mighty power (6:10), alert and persistent in prayer (6:17). Empower and enable me to use the blessings that flow so freely from You.

I love You Father. I thank You. Train me to praise, worship and adore You as You wish. Thank You for Your blessings. Guide me in using them to glorify and enjoy You as You designed me to do. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(291 words ~ 11:38 a.m.)

shelter and protection

Friday, Apr 22, 2016 (6:22 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy, Righteous God,

(7:49 a.m.)

Thank You for this time to come before You. Searching Your Word. Finding Your Truth.

I started with the word 'righteous' (Psalm 37) and am now considering You as the hens we saw guarding their chicks on a Caribbean island weeks ago. What a true blessing You are Dearest God.

Thank You for the effortlessness with which You protect us. Psalm 91 paints a word picture that takes me back to those mother hens plumping and expanding themselves to protect their babies. Thank You for such a perfect example.

Illustrated Bible Handbook describes Psalm 91. “Security is found in the shadow of the Almighty.” Yes! Thank You.

Psalm 91:4, “He will shield you with His wings. He will shelter you with His feathers. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Thank You Holy God.

Comments in The Life Recovery Bible tell us “91:1-4 When we discover that we are powerless to fight our addiction alone, we become weak like little children. We feel helpless to protect ourself, caught in a whirlwind of our own making. We turn to God our rescuer because there is nowhere else to go. How comforting to know that when we cry out, God will rescue us and protect us as a mother bird protects her young. Our powerful Defender will never fail us if we turn to Him for shelter and protection.”

You are so very good to us Father. You know the plans You have for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Here again, The Life Recovery Bible “29:11 What comfort this verse offers! In our despair, we must remember that God has a special plan for each of us; He wants to bless us. Our challenge is to act on that knowledge. In recovery we are to pray for knowledge of God's will and power to carry it out.”

I confess to You right this very minute, I have forgotten the importance of this vital step (11). I continue in the vicious cycle of repeating to You all I am not instead of looking at all that You are. Thank You Father that You are indeed glorious.

There are mountains of things I have left undone. Unwilling to risk making a mistake, I refuse to participate in the revitalization efforts of our own home. Change me Father. Do all You must.

Continuing the footnote, “Our recovery is an important part of God's will for us. We can begin the process by recognizing how helpless we are against our dependency and entrusting our life into God's powerful yet loving hands. Realizing how much God loves us gives us hope for the future.”

Verses 12 and 13 of Jeremiah 29 tell us, “In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me.” I am seeking You Holy Father. Desperately! Thank You for promising that I will find You. Thank You for being my shelter and protection. Do all that is needed to make me the woman You created me to be. I love You so. Thank You. Amen.

(527 words ~ 9:03 a.m.)

Another song...

Thursday, April 21, 2016 (6:51 a.m.)

♫Good morning to You

♫Good morning to You. We're all in our places, with bright shining faces. Now this is the way to start a great day♫

Holy God, thank You! Thank You that feelings can change just by a nudge in the right direction. You are so very good to us. Too many times negative thoughts cloud over all I know of Your goodness and Your grace.

Here I will ask You straight out, is this something over which I have control? Is it part of my nature? Nurture? Is thinking the worst instead of the best something I will always have to battle? Or will the day ever come that I will just be able to enjoy all the blessings You have provided us?

Another song... ♫What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!♫

Sweetest God, thank You! Every time I start to think of all the ways I must disappoint You another song comes to right my thinking. Under the topic WALKING WITH GOD – COMFORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT I find ♫No One Understands like Jesus♫

While this is something I absolutely believe, still I contest “But He didn't sin” (Hebrews 4:15b). Round and round my thinking takes me. I know You are good. I believe it. I trust You. But...

So here, once again I hold You to Your Word. To Your promises. Hebrews 4:14-16 The Message, “Now that we know what we have – Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God – let's not let it slip through our fingers. We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all – all but the sin. So let's walk right up to Him and get what He is ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”

Okay. Sounds good. I keep trying to add my own conditions on the deal. How 'bout I just keep it really simple by saying, “Okay. God, here I am. Use me as You wish. Surprise me. Do Your best work in, with, by, through and for me.”? Yeah. Let's do it all Your way today.

Father, I absolutely do love You. Thank You for calling me to sing to You a random song from our child's first grade teacher, with an ending I never knew before today. ♫Good morning to You... Now this is the way to start a great day♫

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(460 words ~ 8:27 a.m.)

heedful

Thursday, April 20, 2016 (6:39 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are greatly to be praised (Psalm 96:4). Mm. Yes. So often I fall into a slump of indifference. I watch all the blessings You provide and I insist on focusing on what has not happened in the ways I've prayed they would.

Ah, but! Every time I take the opportunity to put my attention on You, Your Truth and Your promises along with the willingness to trust and believe Your Word another degree of hope takes root. Thank You Father.

Thank You that Your Word is solid. Your promises pure. When I choose to follow Your prompt and look deeper into what is written, I am heartened. Thank You Father that we have this privilege.

Starting again in Psalm 96 I read of singing You a new song (v. 1). Singing to You, blessing Your name (2). We're to publish Your glorious deeds and tell everyone of the amazing things You do (3).

“O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong. Give to the LORD the glory He deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship Him” (vs. 7-8). The psalmist knew the importance of proclaiming and acknowledging You in all Your mighty splendor (9).

Thank You for all the people who have gone before us obedient to Your lead. Thank You for those who are willing to live as You require.

It's a word in the footnote at the bottom of the page in The Life Recovery Bible that has again stirred my being. The comment for 96:1-9 tells us “The way we live demonstrates what we believe about God. If we stay in our prison of sin, we show that we are either unaware of God's power to save us or indifferent about Him and the help He offers.”

I am not unaware of Your power. But how many times am I indifferent about You? Forgive me Father. The antonym to indifferent is heedful.

Mm, yes Lord. Make me heedful of Your joyful good news. Attentive. Careful. Mindful. Cautious. Alert. Aware. Watchful. Vigilant. On guard. Yes Blessed God, I confess to the indifference with which I respond to the power You provide us for real change.

I look to You for this change Blessed God. You are great. And greatly to be praised (Psalm 96:4). And I am grateful. Do all You must in making me into the woman You created me to be. Wonderfully complex (Psalm 139:14).

I love You. Thank You. Bless and keep us as we go out to do all You would have us do this day. We love You Father and long to bring You glory and honor. Thank You. Amen.

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

power to change

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (6:27 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! You worked in and through me yesterday to identify and share my feelings. Thank You Father!

Thank You for encouraging and allowing me to dig deep enough to get to the Truth that was there all along. Fear based avoidance. That's me. Former queen of fear based avoidance!

Father, thank You that old habits die. They do. Often harder than not. And when I stop pretending to be strong enough to handle disappointments on my own or acting as if they aren't even there You cover it all for me.

You provided everything I needed to put one foot in front of the other and make progress that had stalled for some time. Thank You Father. Thank You for doing everything necessary to guide, direct and empower me to change what I was unable to change on my own.

Absolutely thank You Father for giving me the courage and power necessary for making changes. Thank You that in this very time of thanking You I am led to reread Psalm 139. “O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me” (v. 1). Thank You.

Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You that even when I confess disappointment in myself You still love me. Thank You that I am also allowed [encouraged?] to confess disenchantment with Your answers to my prayers. You know my thoughts (v. 2). Every single thing about me.

Thank You. Thank You that through all of the ups and downs of my emotional state I still believe You to be good. “Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous – and how well I know it” (14).

As I prepare to go out into another day, I ask You to go before, behind, above, below and beside me all the way. Guide. Lead. Direct my heart, soul, mind and strength. Do all You must that I would truly love You, myself and others as You would have me love (Mark 12:30-31).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Yes, please. Do all You must Blessed God. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

worth a thousand hallelujahs

Monday, April 18, 2016 (6:27 a.m.)

Most Holy and Blessed God,

Thank You! Yes. Holy God, thank You!

Thank You that I get to grump and shut myself off and think all kinds of fearful, hurtful thoughts and You still love me. Thank You that You alone are great and greatly to be praised (Psalm 96:4 KJV).

Oh, yes Blessed God, thank You. Thank You that I get to come before You exactly as I am and You accept me. Help me. Teach. Guide. Change me.

I look to You most Holy God. A Theology in Brief in Illustrated Bible Handbook titled Faith and Feelings tells us “Human frailty guarantees we will each be subject to the whole range of pleasant and unpleasant emotions.”

It goes on to explain how “the psalms provide a unique perspective on our emotions.” Here is where I usually close myself off and attempt avoiding You, while what I really want is to bring You a new song that blesses Your holy name (96:1-2).

Thank You Holy Father that this study of Your nature teaches “While feelings have subjective reality, they are not the ultimate reality! Our feelings can and do change. Through relationship with God we can move from fear to trust, from alienation to comfort, from envy and jealousy to joy.”

Thank You that as I continue reading here I am again reminded, “God, who fully loves and accepts us, also accepts our feelings. We are free to share them with Him in prayer and express them without hesitation or fear.”

This is exactly where I am right now Oh God. Hesitating and fearful. I have loved ones who are hurting. Physically. Emotionally. And I keep calling on You to help them. Only to see more pain. That's when my tears return and I begin avoiding You. Again.

Such a cycle! I hate watching what I perceive as the struggle of others. I'm telling You very straight out, that's why I keep doubting the effectiveness of my prayers on their behalf. The pain and struggles continue no matter how much we pray.

Thank You that my heart starts to thaw as I continue reading, “we are never to judge the strength or validity of our faith by our feelings. Instead we are to let God shape our feelings as we relate to Him.”

Okay. Please. Shape my feelings Blessed God. Get me out of You way. “We cannot completely change our own feelings simply by willing them to be different.” How hard have I been trying to do that!

“But as we focus on who God is, and the meaning of our relationship with Him, God will graciously work in our emotional life as well as in our understanding, and shape us to His image.” Yes, please!

That is exactly why I am again here saying to You that I need You Father. I need You to teach me how to trust and follow You.

The Message tells us to “Shout the news of His victory from sea to sea. Take the news of His glory to the lost, News of His wonders to one and all! For God is great and worth a thousand Hallelujahs” (Psalm 96:2-4a). I want to Father. I truly do want to. And then I take my focus off of You. All You are and all You do. And I again look at the problems and the pain.

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for 96:1-9 tells us, “The way we live demonstrates what we believe about God.” Staying in our prison of sin shows “that we are either unaware of God's power to save us or indifferent about Him and the help He offers.”

I do NOT want to be indifferent about You and all You offer. You are absolutely worth a thousand hallelujahs. Do the work in me that You must to make it me ready, willing and able to again sing Your praises!

“The world is filled with 'remedies' for our problems. Many of them are helpful, but none can offer us the power we need for real change. Only God is mighty enough to offer that kind of help” (TLRB comment). Power for real change. Yes, please. Do all You must.

I love You. I long to serve You. I confess to you the fear and sadness I am experiencing and ask (Matthew 7:7) You to “give beauty for ashes, joy instead of mourning, praise instead of despair” (Isaiah 61:3a).

You alone are great and greatly to be praised. You truly are worth a thousand hallelujahs. Let my focus return to You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(771 words ~ 8:29 a.m.)

trust and believe

Sunday, April 17, 2016 (7:38 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Yes. Awesome.

(8:46 a.m.)

Yet I stall. Avoid. Sidestep. Resist. You pull me toward and I turn away. Change me I plea. I have my guard up. Wrongly convinced that I can beat this stubborn bent with more stubbornness. It won't happen I know.

I need You. I want to trust and believe all You say.

Thank You God! Just like that. I confess my stubbornness and immediately see an article about forgiveness and love. Thank You Father. Thank You.

I keep feeling twinges of anger. And right underneath that is fear. Fear of hurting. Caring. Being disillusioned. The unknown. What comes next.

(10:48 a.m.)

Take me outside of myself Father. There's way more joy to be found out there in You than here with any feeble attempts at self-preservation. Let me be willing to fall freely and completely into Your loving arms. Fully trusting and believing that only Your best is waiting for us all.

I love You Father. Thank You for yet again reminding how truly great You are! Use me as You wish this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(197 words ~ 11:00 a.m.)

greatness

Saturday, April 16, 2016 (6:53 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Praise You. Speak with me this morning concerning Your greatness.

(8:19 a.m.)

All this time. Searching. Looking. Reading. Skimming. Thinking. Seeking. Finding. And now singing. ♫How great is our God Sing with me How great is our God...♫

Truly Father, You blow me away!

Thank You for the privilege of reading Your Word. Thank You for the history that is recorded herein. You are amazing.

Your people have been called to praise and worship You through the millennia. Moses offered You A Song of Deliverance (Exodus 15:1-21) describing “the greatness of your majesty” (v. 7a). Even when You were angry with him (Deuteronomy 3:26) and denied him entry into Your Promised Land (Canaan) Moses still spoke of Your greatness (v. 24).

We don't always get our own ways. We make mistakes. We fail You. Yet You remain. True. Loving. Kind. There is ever so much more for me to learn here this morning. We are only beginning to scratch the surface of all You are and have for us.

Still reading in Deuteronomy (32:3) Moses proclaims Your name and praises Your greatness in the song he teaches to Israel. It's the comment at the bottom of The Life Recovery Bible I quote here.

“32:3-4 An important part of spiritual growth is learning to worship God. An important part of worship is praise. Moses takes time to praise God for who He is – glorious, strong, perfect, just and fair, faithful, upright. We also need to take time to rejoice in who God is and praise Him for His greatness. He is the Rock – our foundation for a stable life. His work in our life is perfect. We need to recognize God's ability to help us and then allow Him to do His mighty work on our behalf.”

And to this I can only add, “AMEN!” So be it. Praise You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(322 words ~ 10:04 a.m.)

God's great love

Friday, April 15, 2016 (7:31 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Thank You that You are indeed awesome! I love turning to You. And Your Word. A peace comes over me. A desire to settle in and breathe deeply.

Thank You that “God's Word is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do” (Hebrews 4:12 New Life Version).

Thank You that in reading Your Truth I want to know more. I follow verses to chapters to theologies in brief. Illustrated Bible Handbook breaks Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32 into two sections. Love as fear of God: 10:12-22 and Love as obedience: 11:1-32. Reading of verse 12 directs me to “See Fear of God”.

This particular section ends with the truth that “Only one who knows how great God is, and who has a personal relationship with Him, is freed by his fear of God from the terror of the unknown future which robs life of peace and joy.” I believe this Father.

You have been working in each of us through these many years. Teaching us to truly trust and fear You. Deuteronomy 10:17 is why I'm in this portion of Scripture. “The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes.”

Thank You Father that You are every single thing we need as the ultimate Overseer of our lives. You love us with an unsurpassable love. You care about each and every one of us. We can do none of what You command without the strength and power You supply.

Thank You that You love us so incredibly much. Empower and embolden us in using Your great love in serving others this day. We love You Blessed Father. Use us as You wish. Thank You. Amen.

 (340 words ~ 8:53 a.m.)

  

so good

Thursday, April 14, 2016 (6:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that we have You. Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that we get to come to You. Call upon You. Love You. Worship and adore You. Keep teaching us to do exactly that blessed God.

My thoughts stray. They often jump fearfully ahead to what may [or may not] come. Many times my mind replays moments of victory. As well as defeat.

Thank You that every single time I pause to consider Your Word and the Truth You have for us all my thinking settles. I get to be reminded of Your goodness. Your greatness (1 Chronicles 16:8). Your provision. Your plan.

Holy Father, I don't know what You have for me today. I do know that I want to embrace it and extol [praise enthusiastically] You in the process.

(7:46 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for the opportunity to share experiences, strengths and hope with one of our offspring just now. Father, thank You for the privilege of recognizing Your peace in his voice. And thank You for the honor of reading Philippians 4:6-7 to him over the phone.

Thank You Dearest God for the moment just now when we realized and immediately coined the phrase that we are absolutely meant to be warriors not worriers! Yes! Father thank You!

You never cease to amaze me. I tend to be excruciatingly hard on myself. I look around me at all that is not done. Then I consider all the changes You have made in us. Father, I absolutely cannot thank You enough for all You do for us. Every single day.

We are a family of sinners. And You continue forgiving, teaching and loving us. In so doing, we come often to the point of acceptance, respect, understanding, patience, kindness. All this because You love us.

Be with me this day Holy God. Do all You must that I would do all YOU want!

Much earlier I turned in a hymnal to sing ♫God Is So Good♫ and it referenced 1 Chronicles 16:34. In looking up this verse and reading again of Your goodness and faithfulness, I also reread the whole of David's Song of Praise.

Particular verses stand out. “Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done” (8). “Search for the LORD and for His strength, and keep on searching” (11). This I do Blessed Father.

As I turn again to chapter 29, verses 11 and 12, I am uplifted my the reminder of Your greatness, power, glory, victory and majesty.

“Everything in the heavens and earth is Yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the One who is over all things. Riches and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and it is at Your discretion that people are made great and given strength.” Thank You Father that You are indeed so good!

in spirit and in truth

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 (7:29 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You that we get to come before You exactly as we are. Confused. Excited. Sad. Mad. Bad. Glad. You take us as You find us. But You don't leave us there. No. You encourage us to bring it all to You.

Thank You Father. I used to try to clean myself up before coming to You. Work hard at changing my own attitude. Replace fear with faith. Grumbling with gratitude. Thank You that I don't have to do that. No. I just need to come.

Thank You. Here I am. Asking You to take all the concerns of my heart. Health scares. Personality challenges. Child rearing. I bring it all to You because Your Word says I can. Psalm 55:22. Matthew 11:28-30. 1 Peter 5:7.

Thank You Father. Thank You that with every single care and concern I have I get to come asking that You would teach me to truly worship You in spirit and in truth (John 4:24 The Message). Oh, yes Father, please!

There are so many choices to consider. Decisions to be made. And we want more than anything to filter them all through You.

Father we love You. We long to serve You as You wish to be served. Guide us. Direct us. Lead us in seeking and finding (Matthew 7:8) You. Your will. Your way.

I bring to You a verse I came across yesterday dealing with anger. Psalm 4:4. So many variations of it. So simple. Yet equally profound. “When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah” (New Revised Standard Version).

“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah” (New International Version.

The Message, “Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for His verdict.”

Such thought provoking versions. Then the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) hits it out of the park for me. “Be angry [stand in awe] and sin not; commune with your own hearts upon your beds and be silent (sorry for the things you say in your hearts). Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!”

Oh most dear and holy God. Oh, that we would learn to approach our daily lives and challenges with this approach. Make us obedient to Your teachings. We love You. Thank You for loving us all the more!

Work in, with, by, through and for us this day that we will truly worship You in spirit and in truth. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

 (449 words ~ 9:20 a.m.)

savoring greatness

Tuesday, April 12, 2016 (5:50 a.m.)

Great and Merciful God,

We look to You. Holy Father, thank You. Thank You that we get to come before You. Always. Exactly as we are.

Thank You that You are indeed great. My heart and soul rejoice with thoughts of the blessings You so generously provide.

Father, how I thank You for all the ways You want to lead and teach us. Thank You for creating us in Your image (Genesis 1:26-27) and 'then surveying everything You had made, “savoring its beauty and appreciating its goodness...”' (v. 31a The Voice).

Blessed Holy God, teach me to savor the greatness of this day today. Use me as You wish. Make me aware of Your presence. Your power. Your protection. And Your plan. I love You. I long to serve You. Well. Thank You. Amen.

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

"Great!"

Monday, April 11, 2016 (5:47 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Let's talk about Your greatness (1 Chronicles 29:11-12) shall we?

“Great!” was an answer we were introduced to almost two weeks ago. When asked by our cruise director how we were all doing, he encouraged our group response to be a resounding, “Great!” It got me thinking. As John Blair later explained that he hoped it would.

We are blessed. Duly. Extravagantly. Continually. He hoped to remind us of that Truth. Often.

Thank You Father for the privilege of having a God fearing man and his wife in charge of shipboard activities. Thank You for their readiness to give You the glory while urging others to do the same.

How cool is that Father? 10 days of being readily reminded of Your unequalled greatness (Psalm 150:2). Great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23). And Your love (1 John 3:1 NIV). Your power (Exodus 32:11). You! (Deuteronomy 7:21, 10:17; 1 Chronicles 16:25.)

Great, Holy, praise deserving Father, thank You. Thank You for the blessings that You provide. Go with us today. There's a medical procedure scheduled to take place this morning. Guide, direct, instruct, dictate every single aspect of all that is involved.

We love You. We look to You. We ask (Matthew 7:7) Your presence. Your might. Your goodness to encompass us all as You continue teaching us what it is to live as though we truly believe Your greatness ultimately makes us great in the process.

Use us this day Holy Dad. Exactly as You wish. Work as You must that our eager response is, “Great!” when asked how we're doing. Empower me to remember that God Readily Excels At Tribulation!”

I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(289 words ~ 7:22 a.m.)

home

Sunday, April 10, 2016 (5:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You

"Real" life

Saturday, April 9, 2016 (2:49 p.m. EDT)

SWA ~ BWI to PHX

Holy God ~

Thank You! All these days of fun and frolic. New sights. Foods. People. Father, thank You!

Now as we prepare to return to our “real” life I pause to remember [or is it become aware? Even acknowledge?] that no matter where we are or what we are doing that is indeed our “real” life!

Flying beneath, through and now above the clouds again I'm reminded... REAL life! Thank You Father. Thank You!

(3:14 p.m. EDT)

Ten love-filled days

Friday, April 8, 2016 (3:29 p.m. EDT)

Still heading/chugging north toward Baltimore, MD

Grandeur of the Seas

Awesome, Holy God,

Thank You! Three parts of our family have spent the past ten days together. Laughing. Crying. Smiling. Caring. Reading. Learning. Listening. And loving. Yes Father. Thank You for ten love-filled days aboard this ship.

Ten days filled with meeting new people. Making new friends. Thank You for the life changing opportunity of helping an 81 year old woman learn to relax and have fun in the water. What an extreme treat for me. Thank You.

Thank You for the willingness to approach strangers and offer assistance. A heart-filled compliment here. A bit of encouragement there. Whatever positive words come to mind.

This is You at work. You showing us Your handiwork. From the unexpectedness of the early morning sky turning to rough and storm tossed seas then back to the calmness with which we are currently chugging along, You have been in every single scenario.

Here we had the weather dictate one family member's sheer joy of swimming in an actual, authentic, nature driven wave pool while it directly contrasted another's disappointment over the cancellation of a much anticipated aerial act. Father, we thank You for all You have to teach us. Make us willing students.

We have a final night's dinner we get to attend together. Another opportunity to smile. Laugh. Share. Possibly even cry. Be there with us in every single emotion. Especially the love. Thank You Father. Amen.

(252 words ~ 4:19 p.m. EDT)

not at all what I expected

Friday, April 8, 2016 (6:53 a.m. EDT)

Grandeur of the Seas – back balcony

Heading North toward Baltimore, MD

You did it again God! Thank You.

This sunrise we just experienced together. Not at all as I expected. Waking over an hour ago I was sure it was going to be a clear, unobstructed view filled with color. Something I definitely didn't want to miss.

Setting myself up for the long watch included a thick robe, two pool towels, a lounge chair, blanket, pillow and far more time than I had anticipated. Thank You. What I thought was going to be relatively simple, with me back asleep in a nice warm bed in no time didn't happen.

Coming out to check on the stars still visible in the darkened western sky, I was immediately aware of the way the sky was lightening in the east. It took some moments to recognize this as my last unhurried morning of this trip to take the time and watch Your day unfold.

As quickly as ♫Morning Has Broken♫ came to mind, the clouds moved in. Dark, heavy clouds. Right over my head. Thank You Father.

Thank You that we can wake up expecting and preparing for one thing only to have various other circumstances come along. Thank You that I decided to wait and see what would happen.

Thank You that even though I wasn't sure what, if anything, I might witness I was beyond any doubt that Your sun would indeed rise. Although I might not get to actually see it, it was going to happen regardless.

Thank You for allowing me to think of all the dark clouds that pass through my thinking on any given day. Thoughts of gloom or doom that can many times offset my trust in You.

I come to expect certain things. Wanting them to be delivered as I envision. Thank You that Your thoughts are not my thoughts. Your ways are SO much better than mine (Isaiah 55:8)!

Thank You Father for the tango lesson we had yesterday. One in which we clearly did not excel! Thank You most importantly for my take away from that class, I still have far more practicing to do. I am not easily led. Learning, relaxing, trusting, believing these are all areas on which I can improve.

Thank You that You are not One to only give us what we expect. You give us far and exceedingly above (Ephesians 3:20) all that we think we want. Take this morning for instance.

I thought I wanted to catch a sunrise and go back to sleep. Instead You gave me the opportunity to wait and watch. To think and trust. Thank You Father.

Thank You for that first glimpse of orange in the eastern sea. Sitting up straight and watching it grow into a beautiful ball before going behind the ominous clouds allowed me more time to consider all You have for us every single day.

Still waiting, I saw as that orange ball seemed to transform into a crown above those clouds. Fingers of light splayed out in all directions. And then, the sun. Far too bright to even glance upon. Thank You for another reminder of Your brightness. Your brilliance. Your glory.

Thank You for this time together. Not at all what I expected. Use me this day Blessed Lord. To Your good and to Your glory. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(575 words ~ 7:50 a.m. EDT)

solid and firm

Thursday, April 7, 2016 (7:41 a.m. EDT)

Heading north to Baltimore, MD

Grandeur of the Seas – back balcony

Holy, Loving God,

Thank You that You are holy. Thank You that You are loving. Kind. Forgiving. Understanding. Unchanging. Solid. Firm. Faithful.

We are getting tossed about out here. Thank You that Your intrinsic nature is solid and firm. Not at all like the waves of the sea.

My feelings often go all over the place. Highs. Lows. Stormy. Peaceful. Then I come back to You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. And I am settled. Calmed. Reminded. Hope-filled.

Thank You Father. There are many things to do today. Pack. Play. Relax. Rejoice. Renew. Thank You for this blessed opportunity to sit with You.

Thank You for the privilege of bringing all of my heart, soul, mind and strength to You. You absolutely know all I am thinking, feeling, wanting. Even attempting to avoid. Thank You Father. Thank You for a quick thumb through of Your Word.

Thank You that in revisiting The Celebration Hymnal the deeper in I went I ended up exactly with the Bible verse with which I began this time together with You. 2 Timothy 2:19, “God's solid foundation stands firm; The Lord knows those who are His.”

♫How Firm a Foundation♫ speaks Truth directly from Your Word. Isaiah 41:10 immediately brings the tears straight into my eyes.

It's my decision. Do I keep fighting them? Or just let them flow? I honestly don't know Your best for me here.

Malachi 3:3. Deuteronomy 31:6, 8. Verses from Your Word put to music, reminding us of Your solid and firm presence in every single moment of our lives. Continue Your work in teaching me to truly trust You with all aspects of my day.

Take all of my heart, soul, mind and strength and use them to Your good and to Your glory. Do all You must in truly training me to love You, myself and others as You command (Mark 12:30-31).

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask You (Matthew 7:7) to lead that I would wholeheartedly follow. I love You Father. Do all You must in helping me love You well. Thank You that You are solid and firm. Teach me to know, trust, believe and fully enjoy You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(400 words ~ 8:47 a.m. EDT)