purely and simply

Wednesday, November 30, 2016 (6:34 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Pure and simple. Mm. Now there's a thought. What would it be to live purely and simply?

(7:25 a.m.)

Indeed! How I ask You to teach me to live “for only one reason and purpose”.

Jesus is our reason and purpose. Purely and simply. That said, how much must change for our lives to represent that Truth?

(8:52 a.m.)

And here I once again wind back around to Isaiah 40:3.

Searching information about living purely and simply for Jesus, I followed an internet trail to All About... Jesus Christ - The Purpose of the Gospel of Mark. Here it declares, “The purpose of the gospel of Mark is purely and simply an announcement of the words and works of Jesus... In his work, Mark gives reference to the Old Testament only once”.

And which reference is that? Chapter one, verses two and three. “In the book of the prophet Isaiah, God said, 'Look, I am sending my messenger before you, and he will prepare your way (Malachi 3:1). He is a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare a pathway for the Lord's coming! Make a straight road for Him!” (Isaiah 40:3)'”

Looking at the quote from Malachi, I got to read and be reminded that “Precious metals are refined by the searing heat of the furnace. Cleansing of filthy fabric requires the use of caustic soap” (The Life Recovery Bible comment for 3:3-4).

This section goes on to encourage us that “God often uses the fire of difficult times to ready us for His restoration work.” Thank You Father for this valuable reminder of the importance of recognizing our powerlessness and turning to You for deliverance of our destructive patterns.

Holy God, I look to You to walk with me on the path You have set for me. Empower me in clearing out the obstacles that blind and deafen me to Your will and to Your way. I love You. I long to serve You.

Once again I ask for Your power and strength to “Make a highway for the LORD through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth off the rough spots” (Isaiah 40:3-4).

Enable me in living this day purely and simply, for only one reason and purpose. Jesus! Yes. Please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(409 words ~ 10:20 a.m.)

harnessing God's power

Tuesday, November 29, 2016 (7:41 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Father God,

Your Word tells us not to grow weary of doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:13). We learned a bit about this on Sunday. It struck a chord with me then as it does now.

Father, I confess to having grown weary. And afraid. Sad. Discouraged. That list could continue ad nauseam. Truly. The concern I feel for friends and family deepens daily.

I come before You. Read Your Word. Get excited. Say a resounding “Yes!” Complete with fist pump. And then it wanes.

I leave Your Word, when in actuality I desperately want to live Your Word! It's Your power I need. Help me harness it Father.

Yes Holy God! Your power. Your strength. Your promises.

Isaiah 40:28-29 reminds us, “Have you never heard or understood? Don't you know that the LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth? He never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak.”

Illustrated Bible Handbook calls You “Israel's Sovereign Lord, who lifts up the weary and who renews the strength of those who find hope in Him!” It goes on in encouraging us to remember, “He has not forgotten You but is available to renew your strength and to lift you up when you stumble.”

Thank You Father. I bring before You my heart filled with concern for loved ones and strangers alike. You are our hope. You are our power. Empty us of our fears and doubt so that You can fill us with the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

As often as You must, please remind me that 'greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4 New American Standard Bible).

It's a scary time here in the world. Thank You for Your Son's message to His followers in John 16:33. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

As we continue preparing our hearts and home for His coming I quote here Revelation 22:20b, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” Yes! Please. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(394 words ~ 9:38 a.m.)

rapt attention

Monday, November 28, 2016 (7:44 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the rain we've had. Thank You for the cold. Thank You for the experience You and I had with the very early moon yesterday morning. I admit to trying to relive it again much earlier, to no avail.

Thank You for that brief moment yesterday when it truly felt as though You were smiling at me. First there was the curiosity I had as I wondered about the faint round object I was seeing in the southern eastern sky.

As the mist began to clear I saw just a sliver of light begin at the bottom. My attention grew ever more rapt as the brightness of the waning crescent reached its maximum, before the clouds moved in to interrupt my view.

Holy God, thank You for allowing me such a moment of sheer joy and excitement. I love You so very much and I desperately want to share that type of delight with others. You are good and deserve all of our praise and thanksgiving.

a season of waiting

Advent Sunday, November 27, 2016 (6:02 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. It's the first Sunday of Advent and I confess to You, I really don't know what that means. Talk with me won't You?

(6:32 a.m.)

A season of waiting.

(7:37 a.m.)

“Prepare ye the way” (Isaiah 40:3).

Oh most Blessed God, thank You! Hours of searching and finding. Reading and hoping. Father, I look to You to help us use the information about Advent that I am learning this morning.

An advent wreath. Three purple candles - representing hope, love and peace; one pink - a grace note of joy; and one white - for Jesus.

little blessing

Wednesday, November 23, 2016 (7:10 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the little blessing that is sitting here on my lap.

song in my heart

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 (6:39 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! You gave me a song in my heart early this morning. Turns out it was one we sang during a church service this past Sunday.

♫Take all I am Lord. Use me for Your glory... I'm not my own. I belong to the King♫

What would it look like if I really lived this day as though I truly believe this?

Gary Rea's “Heaven is Here Now (Worship Song)” is so easy to sing. The melody prompts me to sway as I consider the images it brings to mind.

Tears choke in my throat as I do my best not to let them fall. ♫In Heaven there'll be perfect peace There'll be joy in the streets and Every mouth will be singing Your praise There'll be no sorrow at all♫

Truly Father, I can't imagine it! ♫We will be free from every chain And our bodies will be whole again And Your church will be one Spotless beautiful bride For Your Glory We'll see Your Glory♫

Promises. Hope. ♫Heaven is here now Your Spirit is here now Lord we believe it We've started to see it Your Kingdom come♫

Mm. Your Kingdom come... A glimpse here. A peek there. Adjusting attitudes are proof positive that Your Spirit really IS here now.

♫Lord come and reign here Come have Your way here Establish Your rule, Come take the throne Your Kingdom come♫

Holy, Holy God, live through me this day. Let it be clear that ♫I'm not my own I belong to the King♫

Romans 8:9-17 serves to remind us who we really are. Your children (v. 16)! Continue singing in and through me this day Father. I truly long to live not as my own, but as Yours.

I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to ♫Use me for Your glory♫ Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(323 words ~ 7:45 a.m.)

peace of mind and heart

Monday, November 21, 2016 (7:25 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

It's rainy! Yea! Thank You God.

(7:52 a.m.)

Permission to speak freely? My thoughts, much like my emotions change as much as the weather. Sunny and bright followed by dark and gloomy.

There is so much with which to be concerned O Lord. Health troubles of others. Weather related problems. Upcoming holidays and very different traditions.

Yes. Very different traditions. Hmm. Holy God, I am looking to You for peace of mind. And heart.

(8:12 a.m.)

And You do not disappoint!

Thank You that I get to choose. Be afraid? Or, fear not!

The sun is shining through the clouds. You remind us so very often of Your goodness. Your grace. Your very presence.

We do not have to be fearful. Or alone. Jesus told His disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27).

Reading The Life Recovery Bible's comment for this verse sends me once again over to chapter 16, verse 33. “I have told You all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Holy God, thank You that You are ultimately in charge. There are so very many circumstances of which we can be afraid, worried or anxious. OR we can look to You to provide us with peace of mind and heart.

Turning to The Message I read Jesus' words in John 14, beginning at verse 25. “I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit who the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left – feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught.”

Wow! Praise You Father! Thank You for having every single one of our concerns covered by Your perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Thank You that we are invited by You and Your Word to trust our hearts and minds to You and receive Your perfect peace.

Thank You Father. Praise You. Use me this day EXACTLY as You wish. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(419 words ~ 9:04 a.m.)

re-entry

Sunday, November 20, 2016 (6:42 a.m.)

Blessed God,

We're home again. The sky is beautiful outside. I look to You to bring my thoughts and praise around to You.

glory be

Saturday, November 19, 2016 (5:35 a.m.)

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Vancouver, WA

Incredibly Loving God,

Thank You. Mm, yes. Genuinely. Readily. Excitedly. Thank You!

Thank You for the lesson You taught me yesterday of the importance of simply learning to praise You. Thank You that in the middle of this past night I found myself singing both the Doxology and Gloria Patri from my youth.

How cool is it that we get to come before You exactly as we are! This is still a concept I trip over often. Thank You that it's when I don't try to make sense of things that I am most wowed by You.

There is so very much I don't understand. So often I compare my offerings to You with those of others. And then on occasion [like yesterday] I remember that I am here to praise You. You from Whom all blessings flow.

Blessed Father God, thank You. Really, truly thank You. Today I am asking quite simply that You will continue Your work in teaching me to readily and easily praise You with a wholehearted, “Glory be!” Or even an occasional full on, “Hallelujah!”

Holy God, You are so good. You are so deserving of our praise. I have so many songs singing in my head right now. Each one wanting to go first.

Here again I turn to You and to Your Word. Psalm 150:6, “Let everything that lives sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!” As well as Psalm 19:14. “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to You, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”

Indeed, Blessed God. My Rock. My Redeemer. Be glorified. Yes. Glory be! I love You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

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

Praising God

Friday, November 18, 2016 (7:22 a.m.)

Phoenix Inn Suites

Eugene, OR

Blessed God,

(7:33 a.m.)

Let me praise You Father. Yes.

My mind wanders. I think of things I can't control. And then I remember I am to praise You. Praise You in the morning. Praise You at the noontime. Praise You when the sun goes down.

I don't think I really do a good job at praising You.

(8:45 a.m.)

Thank You that there is much to read about praise. What it is. How to get started.

(3:14 p.m.)

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Vancouver, WA

Once again...

Here I sit. Mind boggled. New and beautiful place to us. Grateful. Praiseful. Who even knew that was a word?

Yes, Father. Praise You for all You are and all You have done. Taking an unknown step here... I praise You in advance for all You have yet to do!

another anniversary

Thursday, November 17, 2016 (6:32 a.m.)

Phoenix Inn Suites

Eugene, OR

Holy God,

I think it's the wedding anniversary of some younger loved ones. How I ask that You would continue Your work in blessing and keeping them.

(7:43 a.m.)

all-present

Wednesday, November 16, 2016 (3:23 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for sleep. And for rest. Thank You for plans. And changes in plans. Thank You that You are good. And holy. Kind. And gentle. All knowing. All powerful. All present.

Yes. Dearest God, thank You that You are all-present. Whether we are here or there, You are with us. Near or far (Jeremiah 23:23)... with us. Just like Your name. Immanuel. God with us (Matthew 1:23, Isaiah 7:14).

As we prepare to take yet another trip, thank You that we rest assured as we invite You to come along with us. You are already there! We ask You to be with us. You are!

What a comforting, profound Truth... You are! Thank You Father that You truly are so very many things. First. Last. Alpha. Omega. Here. There. Everywhere.

Thank You for Your presence Father (Deuteronomy 31:8). Be with us as we go out and come back in. We love You so very much. Continue Your work in us that we would truly come to serve You well. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(191 words ~ 4:00 a.m.)

all You want

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 (6:05 a.m.)

Awesome, Holy God,

(6:48 a.m.)

Still nothing.

I sit. I look. I turn. I start. And stop.

Focus my thoughts on You Dearest God. There's a hint of rebellion. A lot of resistance. And very little willingness.

Let's start there. If there's very little, that means there's some. Do all You want with the very little I'm offering.

Father God, thank You that You are absolutely able to do all You want. Yes! Let's go with that... all You want!

Holy God, I confess to feeling slighted. Thank You that I get to tell You that. Thank You that You can use every negative feeling I bring You.

(8:04 a.m.)

This is EXACTLY where I say, “Hallelujah! Thank You God!!!”

Yes. Father. Thank You for the brooding You've allowed me this morning. Thank You for the opportunity to share it all with the dear husband. Thank You that Your Word still speaks to us. Even of these things.

Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23 both speak of spiritual renewal of our minds. With that tiny bit of willingness I had just earlier came an even smaller amount of honesty. Just the mere act of acknowledging hurt and negativity allowed You to dissipate the hold they had on me. Thank You Father.

Thank You that with You I do not have to pretend. I get to bring You shattered hopes and dreams, asking that You would indeed do all You want with them. Line my thinking up with Yours I pray.

The Life Recovery Bible devotions on Self-Perception ROMANS 12:1-2 and Honesty EPHESIANS 4:12-27 both help me remember the power I have available in You, Your Word and Jesus Christ Himself.

“We all have great potential for change, but we cannot do it under our own power. As we yield our life and will to God, we can depend on Him to renew our mind and heart. He will help us overcome our defects of character, transforming us from the inside out.”

Yes! THAT's what I'm talking about! You doing all You want in me. Beginning with righting my crooked thoughts.

Father, I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask You to do all You want with me this day. Loving me. Teaching me. Guiding me, every single step of the way. Thank You for being the Truth on which I need to dwell. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(405 words ~ 8:24 a.m.)

God's perfect timing

Monday, November 14, 2016 (6:01 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for the genuine desire to come into Your presence. Thank You for the privilege of reading Your Word.

Thank You Father that You always have something for us. Thank You that we DO find You when we seek You in earnest (Jeremiah 29:13).

Mm. So many thank yous.

(7:21 a.m.)

There is such a peace that washes over me when I read Your Word.

I sit. And think. Read. Ponder. Hope. Trust. Believe. Thank You Father. Thank You that this morning I consider David's words in Psalm 37.

The Life Recovery Bible comment (37:1-7) tells us, “Do not worry... do things that have lasting value... determine to serve Him [You] in everything you do. Then, in God's perfect timing, we will experience the true joy God promises and freedom from the guilt heaped on us by others.”

Mm, Blessed Father God, yes please. Sign me up for Your true joy!

Thank You for the hopefulness that is found in believing You at Your Word. And I do. Illustrated Bible Handbook for Psalm 37 tells us, “David exhorts patience and trust when pressures come. The theme 'wait for the Lord' is repeated, with warning against hasty action. This is an important psalm for anyone wronged by others.”

Mm, yes. Patience. Trust. Waiting. Yes.

Here I ask You to work in me that I would truly 'delight myself in You' (v. 4, KJV). I don't necessarily know exactly what that even means. But it sure sounds good.

Other versions for this verse use the phrases: “Enjoy serving the LORD,” (Easy-to-Read Version); “Be happy with the LORD,” (GOD'S WORD); “Seek your happiness in the LORD,” (Good News Translation); “Get insurance with GOD and do a good deed,” (The Message); and this from The Voice, “Take great joy in the Eternal!”

Yes! Father, please. I long to take great joy in You. Continue teaching me to fully trust in Your perfect timing. I love You. I thank You. And how I look to You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(348 words ~ 8:52 a.m.)

heart

Sunday, November 13, 2016 (6:26 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You that You are blessed and holy. Thank You that even when my heart isn't necessarily in it, I can still say “thank You”.

"Let the praise begin"

Saturday, November 12, 2016 (5:02 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Good morning. Hi. Hello. I'm here. In body. Not yet in spirit.

That confessed, I turn to You. Yes Father. I struggle for the optimism with which to say thank You. Preliminary plans have been changed and I find myself resisting. Even the beauty of the sunrise only momentarily took my breath away.

Work in me I pray. The tears are coming. And now falling. I recognize the concern I have for the future of this country. I want to trust You to know and do all that is best for us.

Where I can begin is with the phrase that just popped into my mind, “let the praise begin”. Yes! Father. Thank You. Genuinely. Authentically. Thank You.

Thank You that the phrase comes from a 1981 Psalty the Singing Songbook recording. ♫(Don't You Know) It's Time to Praise the Lord♫ Thank You for the very necessary reminder that Yes! It is DEFINITELY time to praise You, Lord.

I don't have to figure all this out. I don't have to be afraid. I am to praise You. Give thanks in all things. Empower me to do exactly this. Let the praise begin, Blessed God. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

ultimate freedom

Veteran's Day Friday, November 11, 2016 (4:32 a.m.)

Holy God,

How I thank You! Thank You for the freedoms You have provided us. Thank You for the privilege of sitting here, safely in our home, talking to You and reading Your Word. Thank You, Blessed God, for the men and women who have faithfully and selflessly served in the United States Armed Forces to afford us such freedoms.

Thank You Father that our ultimate freedom is You! Thank You that Jesus came to pay the absolute price for our freedom in choosing You.

The apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to explain new life in Christ. Easy-to-Read Version for 2 Corinthians 3:17 tells us, “The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 3:17-18 speaks of Your glory as “a transformation from the inside out. This glory shines through the lives of all who trust Jesus Christ and pursue true recovery in the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Mm. Father. Thank You for Your ultimate freedom, readily available to each of us. Thank You for Your glory.

Thank You for the sacrifices made by veterans on our behalf. Bless them, Father. Keep them. Smile down on them. Show them Your kindness. Answer their prayers. And give them peace (Numbers 6:24-26 ERV).

I love You so much, Dearest God. Thank You. Amen.

(238 words ~ 6:57 a.m.)

fearing God

Thursday, November 10, 2016 (2:27 a.m.)

Holy God,

This seems to be my new normal hour for awhile. Today I can say thank You. Yesterday I wasn't willing.

Yes, Father. Thank You for the sleep I did get. Thank You that You are good. And kind. Thank You that You know what You are doing. Thank You that I get to trust You.

Thank You that I get to read in Your Word and of Your Word. Thank You that we are called to lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5b). To trust in You (5a). In all our ways acknowledge You (6a) that You will direct our path (6b).

Forgive my self-indulgence yesterday. I made a conscious decision to sit on the couch watching hour after hour of previously recorded television while eating whatever came to mind. It was my own misguided way of attempting to avoid feelings of sadness and despair.

Thank You that You are our much better Way!

(6:14 a.m.)

Hours later and I'm still thankful.

Father, I love You. I love that I get to love You. My thoughts scatter. Too often they lean to all that I am not. I'm here asking You to focus my thinking.

(7:05 a.m.)

And again, I'm back.

Start. Stop. Distract. Think. Sing. Pray. Each in snippets. Nothing long enough on which to build.

I keep practicing avoidance. I don't want to be honest. I'm trying to say what I think You might like to hear. Let me confess instead.

Father God, I have a pricey/time consuming decision to make. I don't want to make a mistake. There are pros and cons. I lean one way and then the other. Trusting You is what I long to do.

So I'm here asking You to guide me in confidence. Mm. And here's a smile. The Message, 1 Corinthians 10:12 “Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.”

Come to find out, it's not the first time I've read this verse! Go figure, huh?

Father God, I feel myself agonizing over the way my thoughts go so strongly in one direction, only to be equally strong in another. James 1:5-8 comes quickly to mind. As does the playground song from my childhood ♫Did You Ever See A Lassie... go this way and that?♫

Thank You that in the midst of all this indecision another song sings out to me. ♫Trust in the Lord With all your heart And lean not on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge Him And He shall direct your path♫

I confess to You the fear I feel over decision making. Just days ago I made the statement that international travel had taught me that I do not need to be afraid. Let the only fear I have be based on fully esteeming and revering You!

(12:36 p.m.)

More side tracks. Some baby steps of progress. And me still asking You to continue Your teachings in me of what it truly is to fear You and acquire the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7; 3:5; 9:10; 14:26-27; 15:33).

Thank You that You provide everything we need to make good decisions. Let all my hope truly be found in fearing and trusting You. Thank You Dearest Father. I love You. Amen.

(547 words ~ 12:57 p.m.)

Psalm 14

Presidential Election Tuesday, November 8, 2016 (7:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

You know the needs of this country. You are omniscient. All powerful. And so very much greater than all of the political candidates we currently have before us.

Father, You alone are good (Mark 10:18). Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You that You created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1). Thank You that know the plans You have for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

You want us to seek You (Jeremiah 29:13-14) and Your kingdom (Matthew 6:33). Yes Father. Let it be that we would seek after You!

Today marks the end of a political campaign like no other. And will ultimately begin only You know what! This is where we come to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7). Wanting desperately that YOUR will be done!

You know Your plan Father. Put it in place!

I read Psalm 14 and then over in Romans (3:10-18) and truly look to You to bless us and keep us (Numbers 6:24-26). Do all You must. As only You know is best.

I love You Father. Thank You for all You are. Amen.

(189 words ~ 8:32 a.m.)

secure

Monday, November 7, 2016 (5:26 a.m.)

Most Blessed Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that in You I am secure. Safe. Sure.

  

Your peace

Sunday, November 6, 2016 (8:45 a.m.)

Barcelona, Spain – tarmac

Lufthansa flight to Munich, Germany

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You. I have so many tears. And a heart filled with so much gratitude. You've blessed us. You've kept us. You have truly turned Your face upon us and given us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26). And we are grateful. Really, truly grateful.

None of this trip would have been possible without Your generous, providing hand. Thank You. And the tears begin again.

Thank You Father that You have made me with such tremendous emotions.

(9:14 a.m. - in the air)

Father, thank You for this bird's eye view of a city that initially intimidated me. Thank You for taking me so incredibly far outside of my comfort zone. Thank You for such good traveling companions and their overall willingness to all get along.

Truly the words I can think to use come nowhere near to expressing all the JOY You have provided me. Everywhere I look I have reminders of Your blessed care of our well being.

(9:35 a.m.)

Thank You for teaching me more about fearing not. What an incredible lesson about the importance of prayer. Confession. And honesty. Unintended slights were quickly resolved once expressed. Clogged lines of communication opened upon true discussion.

Thank You Father that I truly do not need to be afraid! There's a giant great big world out there that does not all speak the same language. And somehow we can figure it out.

There are similarities and vast differences. And my spirit has grown exponentially because of it all. Thank You Father that I truly do not have to be afraid!

Keep working in me. Keep teaching me. Keep ~ me. Yes! Keep me in Your will and in Your way. I love You so very much. Thank You for loving me all the more. Use me as You wish. Thank You. Amen.

(9:49 a.m.)

-->

"same page"

Saturday, November 5, 2016 (3:44 p.m.)

Hotel Medinaceli

Barcelona, Spain

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! Praise You. Bless You. You called me this morning. I answered. Thank You for the good that came out of that time together. Thank You for much needed conversation and air clearing.

Thank You for a “same page” approach to relocating our brood. Thank You for a waterfront stroll. Complete with a gelato, super hot dog, gift shopping and rain.

Blessed God, I love You so very much. Keep working in, with, by, through and for me. I am so grateful. Thank You. I love You.

(4:15 p.m.)

want

Saturday, November 5, 2016 (7:32 a.m.)

Hotel Del Mar

Barcelona, Spain

Holy God ~

Thank You! Thank You for Your love. And joy. Peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). I confess ~ I've missed out on a few of those the past few days.

Thursday, the third, we arrived in Barcelona. Friday, the fourth we were still here. I, on the other hand, had my hopes set a few miles north and several grapevines away from here.

Thank You Father that You DO know best! Thank You that I can learn more about myself in uncomfortable situations. Thank You that You continue Your work in me even [especially?] when I suffer through malcontent.

Yes ~ malcontent? Is that the word? Not knowing exactly what I want. But not liking what I have. Oh ~ and wanting others to want the same as I, even though I don't know what that might be.

Feelings of insecurity and fear jumped up quickly in me as we disembarked the safety of the ship we had considered home base for a week. Cultural differences, a language barrier and the big city feel all worked together to topple my quick resolve.

Again I thank You for knowing what is best. I don't like to risk. I prefer to settle and make the best of any given situation. Do what You must to change me as You wish.

We have another brand new day in a city that is loved by many. Empower and embolden me to embrace every single opportunity You send my way.

I confess to preferring to sit apart and watch the world go by. Trying new tastes, experiencing new flavors has been great, provided someone else was leading the way on each occasion.

Today, let me breathe You in deeply. Yes! Thank You for the immediate smile that reminds me of Your presence. Truly You soothe my soul.

Thank You for this perfect little curtained alcove in which to sit communing with You and watching one tiny section of the city go by.

Thank You for the weather we've had. Thank You for two little boys who've behaved remarkably well under all the circumstances of change from their norm. Thank You for their five adults who have worked together to break and spell one another adequately. Thank You for this particular portion of family who is learning to be exactly that ~ this particular portion of family!

Father ~ we have a LONG way to go in becoming the people You would have us be. Thank You for Your willingness in accepting us exactly as we are, with which to begin.

Truly Father God ~ we love You. We want to love You and each other better than we do. You are the key. Your love. Your joy. Your kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control all serve to teach us.

Show us what You want for us this day. Yes ~ Daddy God, I want what You want for us. Make it so Blessed God. Make me so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(8:11 a.m.)

THIS

Wednesday, November 2, 2016 (9:20 a.m.)

Rhapsody of the Seas

Palma de Majorca, Spain

Awesome God,

Thank You for this trip. This day. This view. This opportunity. Father, I honestly don't even know how to begin thanking You for all the this-es You provide for us.

Let me start by simply asking You to continue teaching me. Make me continually aware that “This IS the day that You the Lord hath made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24).

Mm, Yes! This day. This view. This opportunity. This family...

♫This is the day ~ This is the day… ♫

Mm. And now ~ tears. Thank You Father. Mm. Amen.

(9:37 a.m.)

willingness to participate ~ 10/31/16

Monday [Halloween] October 31, 2016 (9:00 a.m.)

Rhapsody of the Seas

Window Seat @ Sea

Holy God ~

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You for fun. Thank You for a 5.8 mile family bike ride along the southern coast of France.

Thank You for privilege. And blessings. Adventure. And a willingness to participate. Thank You for forgiveness. Yes Father. Work in me as far as forgiveness goes. I seem to become erratically upset over the most minor inconveniences.

Holy God, I love You. I want to represent You well. Pouting sullenness does not serve that purpose. I recognize it as it happens. And I honestly don't know how to just let things go. YOU do! You know exactly how You would best have me respond to inconsequential circumstances.

(10:09 a.m.)

Father, I long to serve You as You wish. We have more opportunities today. What would You have us do with the time and choices You have for us?

We love You so very much. Use us as You wish. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(10:17 a.m.)

amenable ~ 10/29/16

Saturday, October 29, 2016 (9:54 a.m.)

Rhapsody of the Seas – window ledge

Ajaccio, Corsica

Awesome Holy God ~

Again ~ thank You! Thank You for beauty. And adventure. Newness. And different. Thank You for time with offspring and family. Thank You Father. Really, truly thank You.

Thank You for amenable attitudes. All involved looking out for another's best interests. Tentative plans are made. And a flexible spirit of impromtu-ness takes over. Thank You. It's You, Blessed God. It's all You!

"Brilliant!" ~ 10/28/16

Friday, October 28, 2016 (11:46 a.m.)

Rhapsody of the Seas

Livorno, IT

Holy, Holy God ~

Thank You. Praise You. Bless You! Once again You have afforded us a BRILLIANT opportunity. Mm. Yes. “Brilliant”. A phrase used by an Englander just now in affirming a good plan.

Oh praise You Father for good plans. Grandparents and grandchildren staying onboard while parents and uncle explore historic Italian spots. Father, thank You. Thank You for the opportunity of changing an original idea into a much more doable outcome.

Holy, Holy God ~ You provide us so many blessings. So very many possibilities. And so much love. Here I ask for Your guidance and wisdom in executing it all.

“Two small children” [that's how their mother referenced them the other day when their grandmother made a police involved faux pas at the Trevi Fountain]. Two small children and five adults. The odds should be in our favor.

Two small children. Five adults. One good sized ship. And free onboard childcare services. Help us use all to our advantage, Lord.

We're new at this being together business. We each have ideas. Agendas. Hopes. Plans. Dreams. Sort through them for us, Lord. Magnify the ones that will ultimately glorify You. Teach us how to speak honestly, openly, respectfully when problems approach.

I confess. I tend to withdraw. Hold back. Guard my words. Mm. Yes. I remember a lesson learned many years ago.

THINK before we speak. Making sure what we says is: True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind. Too often I leave necessary things unspoken because I don't know how to say them kindly.

Dearest Jesus ~ Master Communicator. Teach me how You would have me share my thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. Effectively. Efficiently. And most of all ~ lovingly.

Blessed God ~ there is so much more for us to practice and to learn. Keep working in us that we would do it all wisely and well. We love You so very much. Let us represent You. Brilliantly. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(1:13 p.m.)

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traveling mercies ~ 10/26/16

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 (2:45 p.m.)

Sunbay Park Hotel - Ocean Front Terrace balcony

Civitavecchia, Italy

WOW!

WOW! And “WOW!” some more. Holy Loving God, how do I even begin to thank You for Your traveling mercies?

You are good. You are kind. And we are so incredibly grateful!

Our very first trip to Europe. Who, besides YOU, would have ever thought we'd end up here. With our kids and grandkids to boot.

Again ~ I have another “WOW!” coming on ~ WOW! For the sick preschooler that rose to the challenge of traveling by train for an hour to get to a coastal hotel. WOW for said coastal hotel being a thing of welcoming beauty.

Wow for the husband/dad/and papa who researched, planned, reserved and provided this incredible adventure. And of course ~ Wow for You!

Wow for Your blessings and mercy and kindness. Wow for Your love and Your goodness and grace. You absolutely know how to bless and keep us.

We are so grateful. Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. Use us this next week EXACTLY as You wish!

We love You. And we long to serve You. Make us ready. Willing. And able. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(3:42 p.m.)