appearing

Sunday, December 31, 2017 (6:19 a.m.)

Oh my!

It’s the last day of another year. And the start of what appears to be a beautiful sunrise.

(7:17 a.m.)

And now the tears are flowing!

Holy God, thank You! Thank You for the privilege of loving You. Knowing You. Being loved by You.

Thank You for a BEAUTIFUL sky with which to close the “old” year. Thank You for the fun of finding sections of Scripture (2 Timothy 4; John 1) and a new to me hymn ♪When Christ’s Appearing Was Made Known♪

Thank You that in the process of reading about the Advent of Your Son and the Epiphany of celebrating Him as Your Son, I came across another’s New Year’s Eve’s musing:

https://www.lifestream.org/word-of-the-father-now-in-flesh-appearing/

Most Blessed, Holy God, I have little more to add but the plea that You would continue Your work in each of us that we would easily be mistake as Your Word in flesh appearing. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

"well done"

Saturday, December 30, 2017 (7:17 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for sleep. Rest. Energy. Oh, and a sense of accomplishment in some work well done.

Mm. Yes, Father. There’s such a tremendous feeling of satisfaction in having begun and finished some tasks we had set for ourselves. Thank You Father. It was all You in the process. Yes. Thank You.

I confess to feeling fairly empowered by completing the jobs we knew we wanted done. Again I say, it was all You working in, with, by, through and for me.

There were some mistakes. Miscalculations that normally would have stopped me in my tracks. Because of a continued awareness of Your presence I was able to right some wrongs and forgive myself for some others. Thank You God. Thank You for Your faithfulness.

You let me build momentum. Little by little. A success here. A challenge there.

"Your unfailing love"

Friday, December 29, 2017 (6:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

There was a smile. Where I thought for sure I would see daylight, there was still darkness.

What an interesting turn of events. The sunrise on a webcam seems so much more spectacular than that out of our window.

A hint of color. The glint on a lake. And utter darkness just across the street.

That seems appropriate to me right now. Hopeful one moment. Dark the next.

Come sit with me won’t You? It all seems so fleeting. Here one moment. Gone the next.

Mm, Father. You last. You don’t dissipate. You stay the same. Thank You that You do.

(8:29 a.m.)

Hours later I am still trying to get started praising and worshiping You. My thoughts keep getting in the way. I read [Psalms; New Testament verses]. I start to sing [♪I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever♪] And then I stop. Abruptly.

Again, Dearest God, I invite You into my heart. Into my mind. My soul. My strength. Make our time together all about You.

I feel half-hearted. Compelled. Where is the gratitude? Delight? Forgive me Lord. Let me start over.

♪I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever I will sing, I will sing. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord.♪ 

Hmm. Interesting. I’m sitting straighter. Feeling more powerful.

Turning again to Psalm 89, this time I read on to verse two. “Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.”

YES! There it is. Hope. In You. Trust. The privilege of being completely honest with You. Thank You Father. Praise You.

I get to come to You. Leery. Wary. Cautiously. Distrustful. And You work with me. Allowing me to sit. And stay. Until I am able to confess the fear that is in my heart. Fear of the unknown. Of not being ready. Of not getting things done.

Thank You Father. Thank You for loving us regardless of the gunk that gets in the way of our thanks and praise.

You are good. You are holy. And here again I get to join with the spiritual beings in heaven who enthusiastically praise and worship You. Revelation 4:11, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For You created everything, and it is for Your pleasure that they exist and were created.”

Yes! For YOUR pleasure. Not mine. You created us “anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things [You] planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). You know what You have planned for me. I am here asking for the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Do all You wish with me Blessed Father. Empower and embolden me to gratitude. Order. And action. I love You. And I long to serve You as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(505 words ~ 9:21 a.m.)

Your children

Thursday, December 28, 2017 (6:17 a.m.)

Incredibly Awesome God,

Thank You for all the ways You work in us. Thank You for the freedom. Thank You for the choices. Thank You for the love. Yes. Especially, thank You for Your love.

Mmm. Thank You Father that I get to sit here considering what it is to be loved by You. Thank You for e-articles I am able to read that point me in the direction of considering myself Your daughter. One of Your much loved children.

Truly, my mind does not comprehend it at all. Thank You that a beginning is to see You as Father. A much loved and loving Father whose true desire is to have His children want to spend time with Him.

Hmmm… now there’s a concept! We spent time together with our children just the other day. There were moments of genuine sharing. Deep, unguarded conversations that felt real. Authentic. True.

Thank You Father for the idea that this is what You want from Your children. Our desire to be alone with You. At one with You.

Yes Father. Thank You.

Thank You for the new things there are to learn about loving and celebrating You. Thank You for the eagerness with which to approach the upcoming new year.

Father, how I ask You to continue Your holy, blessed work in each of us. Having just come across a prayer I had begun to You on our most recent cruise, I well remember sitting on the back deck by the Terrace Pool.

I confessed to You the unforgiving heart I was dealing with. I asked You to “forgive me that I would in turn forgive”. And then I asked You, “Or is it the other way around? That I must forgive to be forgiven.”

Thank You Holy God. Thank You that we do not have to come to You with answers. Just honest, open and willing hearts.

That’s where I am today. Here with You. Not even with any questions. Just my heart that is honestly open and willing to receive the blessings You so freely want to give to Your children. Thank You that I get to be considered as one.

Use me this day Blessed God. To Your good and to Your glory. I love You. And I long to spend time getting to know more of Who and ALL You are. Thank You most Holy God for calling me to be Your child. Amen.

(415 words ~ 7:43 a.m.)

Happy Birthday, Jesus

Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, 2017 (10:35 a.m.)

Happy Birthday Jesus,

Mm. Yes. Happy Birthday.

♪ Noel, Noel... ♪

Sunday, December 24, 2017 (7:05 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed, Holy God,

THANK YOU!!!

You sang to me all night long. The loudest, strongest and most frequent being ♪Noel, Noel Come and see what God has done Noel, Noel♪

Mm, yes! Come and see what You done. ♪The story of amazing love! The light of the world, given for us Noel♪

It is Your amazing love I want to share this most precious day. Do all You wish in, with, by, through and for me I pray. I love You Blessed God. Thank You. Yes. THANK YOU! Amen.

(98 words ~ 7:27 a.m.)

for so many things

Saturday, December 23, 2017 (7:06 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for so many things. Health. Rest.

asking again

Friday, December 22, 2017 (7:43 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for hope. Thank You for freedom. Thank You for choices. Thank You for sadness. And mistakes. And opportunities to try again.

Yes. Blessed, Holy God, You are so very good. Kind. Faithful. Loving. I am asking You to once again accompany me into this day.

Deep, deep breath. And JOY! Yes! Reading Your Word, my head nods, my heart quickens. Joy. Hope. Love. You. All right here.

Thinking “We have not because we ask not” led me to James 4:3. The Life Recovery Bible titles the beginning of this chapter as Drawing Close to God. Illustrated Bible Handbook refers to it as Subduing the Self; 3:13-4:10.

Yes please. To both. Most blessed God, how I long to draw close to You AND subdue my own selfishness. Thank You that Your Word even guides us in this.

Reading The Life Recovery Bible comment for this (4:1-4) I am so excited to once again see myself. “Most of us would like to receive the freedom God offers, but we generally make mistakes that hold us back: (1) We try to gain our freedom by working hard. We forget to ask God for help and thus never receive the life that God wants to give us;” Yes. Me to a T! 

“(2) if we do ask God for help, we ask with wrong motives. We ask for His blessings to satisfy our personal pleasure, ignoring the fact that seeking friendship with the world makes us God’s enemies.” True. So very true!

“God wants to give us abundant lives so we can tell others about Him. We experience the freedom God offers by drawing close to and asking for His guidance and help.” Yes!

Holy Father, I AM experiencing glimpses of Your guidance. When I pause long enough to breathe You deeply into my being, I absolutely sense Your freedom and joy. I am again asking You to guide and direct my feelings, praises, thoughts and actions that I would truly glorify and enjoy You this day.

Thank You Father. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

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

heeding Your lead

Thursday, December 21, 2017 (6:20 a.m.)

Blessed God,

You and I had quite the conversations throughout the night. At the time I thought it was all out brilliance. Now I wonder if it was more tiredness than anything else.

Being fully awake I look back and question if I were merely suffering my foolish thinking wisely (2 Corinthians 11:19). I look to You Father. In the light of day, asking that You would guide my thinking. The decisions and choices I make. My actions.

I love You. This more than anything I want to be apparent. Easily seen. Obvious. Plain. Clear. Yes! Father, work in, with, by, through and for me.

It’s been a truly odd Advent Season for me. My thinking seems somewhat skewed. Yet at the very same time, somehow there appears to be an extreme element of Your Truth in it all.

Again, I profess my love for You. Asking, seeking, knocking for Your guidance. Your will. Your way. Your power. Your strength. I long to see You come into view. That I would truly follow Your lead.

I confess to You right now, I fear foolishness. Folly. I long for Your wisdom. Your good plan. There’s such a sense of urgency taking hold within. Balance me out I pray. I love You. I want to follow You. Do all You must that I will gladly and readily heed Your lead.

Yes Blessed God. “You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed Your laws” (Psalm 119:73).

You are good. Your are faithful. You deserve our praise. You want us to live joyfully. I seek Your will. Asking Your help in following it. Transform me I pray. Into the woman You have designed me to be. “A living testimony of [Your] power to transform broken lives” (The Life Recovery Bible comment for Psalm 119:73-77).

Mm, yes! As I come to You very late in this Advent Season, I read more of what it is to represent [keepingadvent.com]. “… a season of preparation, a time of waiting and watching for Christ. As we ready our hearts to celebrate Christmas in the coming days, our spiritual eyes also look ahead to end of days, when Christ will come again. In Advent, we are not simply preparing for a yearly festival. We are rehearsing for the ultimate feast, the great Marriage Supper, when Christ returns for His people.”

This affirms my heart’s call to You earlier, “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b). It is in You I hope and trust. Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

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

unselfishness

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 (5:45 a.m.)

Holy God,

I love You. Thank You that I get to tell You that. Easily. Often. Regularly. Remind me Father that YOU are what our lives are all about. Glorifying You. Enjoying You.

And now I have tears. In my eyes. My heart. Oh most Blessed God. Thank You that loving, glorifying and enjoying You are our call to existence. Teach us Father. Teach us how to truly do this. In Your name. In Your time. In Your strength and power.

Once again the internet affirms my thinking. vitalchristianity.org Purpose of Man - To Glorify and Enjoy God2.pdf

I read. I nod. I hope. And I ASK You to enable and empower me in putting into practice Your Truth and Your promises. Reading in Isaiah (42 and 43) I am encouraged to trust You to do in, with, by, through and for me all that I am unable on my own.

Teach me YOUR ways of unselfishness, Dear Lord. I love You. I long to serve You. Glorify and enjoy You. Yes. Please. Thank You. Amen.

(185 words ~ 7:02 a.m.)

first smile of the day

Sunday, December 17, 2017 (3:59 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. The first smile of the day came as I started to sing ♪Lord, You are more precious than silver ...More costly than gold ...More beautiful than diamonds And nothing I desire Compares with You♪ Colossians 2:2-3

Book of Life

Saturday, December 16, 2017 (5:24 a.m.)

Forgive me Father, I’m not in the mood.

How awful is that? I have the privilege of being here with You and I choose “not in the mood”. 

Deal with me I pray. Change my attitude. My thoughts. Hurts. Desires. Line me up to do as You wish.

(6:58 a.m.)

The words crabby, cranky and snarky come to mind. Feeble attempts of reading Your Word yield more irritation on my part. Forgive me I pray.

Deep breath. Close eyes. Breathe in again. Exhale forcefully. “ARGH!” Grumble. Evidently there is a LOT of emotion going on inside.

Thank You Father. Yes! (7:15 a.m.) And there it is. Finally, a smile. A release in my shoulders. Sitting up just a little bit straighter. Genuinely grateful for Your love. 

Another, deeper breath. And more release. Tears. Freedom. Joy. Hope. Truth. Thank You Father.

Reading a footnote in Revelation (20:11-15) of The Final Judgment, I feel free. Free to accept my feelings. And Your Truth.

“Most of us expect our judgment to be based upon whether or not we are guilty. At this judgment, though, everyone is guilty. The people who have believed in Christ will be forgiven. Those who have chosen to go their own way are headed to a place of eternal judgment. No matter who we are or how terrible our past, we can have our name in the Book of Life. We cannot earn a place in that book; we can only receive it as a gift. By admitting our failures, entrusting our life to God in Jesus Christ, and building a new life according to God’s will, we become a member of God’s family.”

‘Receive it as a gift’. Thank You Father, that even at a time of my own ungratefulness, Your Word still speaks Truth to me. I am “so loved” (John 3:16) by You. Regardless of my own self-imposed harsh judgments.

Thank You for letting me be exactly who I am when I come before You; and whittling away at that which does not please You. Continue Your work in me I pray. I love You.

And look… now I am even singing! Praise You Father. ♪Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son♪ Mm, yes! Grateful is SO much better than cranky. And snarky.

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me to Your good and to Your glory this day. Thank You. Amen.

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

"to such a great extent"

Friday, December 15, 2017 (5:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

It’s so early. And we’re so tired. There’s so very much to try to take care of. And I keep experiencing so much emotion. Thank You Blessed God that You so love each of us (John 3:16).

So. Such a little word. With such a big meaning. “To such a great extent”.

Thank You Father that we get to come before You exactly as we are. Whether fatigued. Emotional. Or full of vim and vigor. You remain the same. Always. Thank You.

Thank You that just sitting here, rambling with You changes my whole outlook. The more I thank You the more I find for which to be thankful. Mm, yes. Thank You. Even to the point of singing. Thank You Father.

Reading the various translations of John 3:16 brought the Psalty lyrics immediately to mind. Mm, yes Blessed God. Thank You that my heart sings out to You ♪For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, That whosoever would believe in Him, Would not perish, but would have everlasting life, Everlasting life♪

While the melody is definitely humming itself along, I confess to having to look up the words. ♪Our God loves us, So He gave us, Our God gave us    J-E-S-U-S, Oh, Our God loves us, So He gave us, Everlasting life♪

Mm, yes God. Thank You. Thank You for loving us “to such a great extent”!

Empower and embolden me to walk in that love this day. Working as You would have me work. Doing as You would have me do. I love You. I’m feeling less tired. More inspired. Use me as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(293 words ~ 6:20 a.m.)

dumbstruck before You

Thursday, December 14, 2017 (5:33 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Good morning. Thank You that You love us so much.

(6:55 a.m.)

Thank You that once again I am dumbstruck before You.

My thoughts whirl. I consider Your love for us and ♪I scarce can take it in♪ [How Great Thou Art]. I read about the writing and changing and impact of this favored hymn and I truly have nothing to say.

Father, how I ask You to read my heart, my soul, my mind. Provide all that is necessary for me to honor and serve You this day.

We are truly working at preparing our hearts and our home for celebrating the birth of Your Son. Guide, direct, empower and embolden us to that end.

Thank You Father. We love You. And we absolutely appreciate being loved by You! Use us. Thank You. Amen.

(147 words ~ 7:08 a.m.)

the message of hope

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 (4:37 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I feel as though I have a jump start on the day. There’s much to do and a limited time frame in which to do it. Thank You for the blessed privilege of beginning this day here with You.

♪This Is Amazing Grace♪ keeps singing within me. It started when I read the words “king of glory” somewhere. Next thing I knew my heart and soul were keeping beat while my mind searched for the words.

♪Who breaks the power of sin and darkness Whose love is mighty and so much stronger The King of Glory, the King above all kings…♪

Mm, yes! We, as Your people are preparing to once again cerebrate the birth of this King. Thank You for the opportunity of sitting and reading in Matthew of Your message of hope to each of us.

I keep smiling as I come across words like: mistakes, imperfect people, prostitute, adulterous affair. I am grateful to again be reminded that our hope for change comes from obedience to Your Word.

Thank You that Mary and Joseph were willing to believe, trust and obey the messages of hope they were given by Your heavenly messengers. Thank You that we have such ready access to the history of this blessed story.

Father, how I ask that we would glorify You this day. Through our choices. By our words. In our actions. We love You. We long to serve You. And we are grateful for the call of sharing Your message of hope with others. Empower and embolden us to this end. Thank You Father. We love You. Amen.

(279 words ~6:28 a.m.)

worthy

Monday, December 11, 2017 (6:11 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Keep You. Mm, Father ~ thank You for the privilege of waking up singing to You once again.

♪Worthy is the Lamb who was slain. Worthy is the King who conquered the grave♪ Thank You Father for the many times Your Word lends itself to the musical talents of Your believers.

Thank You for the occasions I start singing a song and know it as Scripture. And vice versa. Like just now. Reading Psalm 111, I recognize it as some elusive tune. Thank You Father for the ways in which You get my attention.

Singing of You being worthy [♪This Is Amazing Grace♪ by Phil Wickham]. Reading in Your Word [Psalm 111; Hebrews 12:14]. And contemplating Your deserving our attention and respect. How I ask You to keep me close to You this day.

A Serenity Prayer Devotion for Psalm 111 in The Life Recovery Bible ends with this powerful paragraph. “Turning our life over to God is a wise move! Like most aspects of recovery, walking in wisdom is a process we grow into. These three elements are the groundwork: reverence for God, listening to His instructions, and following them.”

My head is swimming right now in contemplating a hard conversation You may be leading me toward having. Empower and embolden me as You know is best Blessed God.

Hebrews 12:14-15, “Try to live in peace with everyone, and seek to live a clean and holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.”

Oh Your Truth Father. Your blessed, holy Truth. Thank You for Who and ALL You are.

A footnote describes difficult circumstances. Painful recovery issues. Anger. Bitterness. Feelings that are understandable. And the forgiveness needed “to release the injustices and hurts to God in order to experience His overwhelming forgiveness (see Matthew 18:21-35).”

It ends with yet another absolute. “When we hang on to our bitterness, we not only hinder our own healing but also hurt others along the way.” Yes, Father. Yes!

Proverbs 11:17, “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind; it is destroyed when you are cruel.” Help my thoughts, my words and my actions be kind Dear Lord. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(432 words ~ 8:13 a.m.)

all my best intentions

Sunday, December 10, 2017 (6:59 a.m.)

Holy God,

The days are flying by. And with them, all my best intentions. Thank You Father that even this You will discuss with me.

Through the apostle Paul’s words to the church at Corinth I get to revisit A Call to Generous Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-15). Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless You. Teach me please to order all my best intentions according to Your will. And Your Way.

I love You Father. Today is the second Sunday of Advent and I have yet to switch gears out of health concerns to holiday cerebrating. Your guidance is so very necessary. And appreciated. In advance.

Holiest God, how I thank You for knowing me so much better than I could ever know myself. The Life Recovery Bible has a comment for this section of Scripture that speaks to our starting something and then running out of gas.

No matter how good our intentions, we have to follow through on them as well.

(9:40 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

Thank You for this time together this morning. Time to worship. Time of being taught. Time to learn. I ask You to guide me in applying Your Truth to this day.

Illustrated Bible Handbook (2 Corinthians; chapters 8 and 9) presents the opportunity of Giving as sharing. Not under compulsion, force, pressure or shame. How I ask to learn this fine art of cheerfully loving others and meeting their needs.

Giving Encouraged; 8:1-7. Giving Explained; 8:8-9:5. Benefits of Giving; 9:6-15. So much to learn. Enable and empower me to Your good end. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(277 words ~ 9:51 a.m.)

"At the right time"

Saturday, December 9, 2017 (7:02 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that You do not change.

Mm, yes. Father, I get to sit here reading Your Word. Believing Your Truth and Your promises. Thank You Father. Praise You!

Verifying Your unchangeableness, I read first in Malachi (3:6). Then in Numbers (23:19). A footnote there sent be over to Ephesians (1:3-14). And here I feel I have reached pay dirt!

I get to read phrases like Trusting God and Spiritual Blessings. Again I am reminded of how wonderfully blessed we are just to know You. Oh, but to be considered Your children? Priceless!

Thank You Holy God that we get to know You as Father. Thank You that You have had a plan for mankind all this time.

In wanting “to strengthen the believers in Ephesus in their relationship with God and with each other” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE) the apostle Paul wrote to them “and all believers everywhere.”

“God’s secret plan has now been revealed to us; it is a plan centered on Christ, designed long ago according to His good pleasure. And this is His plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ - everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:9-10).

Everything. At the right time. You know exactly what You are doing. You don’t change. Your plan is good. We get to trust You. Or not. That is yet another gift You have given us.

Thank You for the privilege of loving and being loved by You. Empower and embolden me to using this freedom wisely and well.

Mm, yes. Use me to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. I thank You. I praise You. Amen.

(304 words ~ 7:56 a.m.)

acknowledging God

Friday, December 8, 2017 (7:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Worship and adore You. Mm, yes Father. So many thoughts of wanting to acknowledge You.

Every time...

Thursday, December 7, 2017 (7:48 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I just saw the date. The one “which will live in infamy.” Oh most dear and blessed God, thank You for Your love. Your provision. Your faithfulness. Yes, Lord. Yes. Thank You.

Thank You for again waking me with a song. This time a rousing, “African American spiritual” mixing “the language of biblical narrative with veiled but effective allusions to the hope of escape from slavery…” (hymnary.org).

Yes, Father. What supreme joy to realize I was waking up singing ♪Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray Yes! Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart, I will pray♪

Dearest, Blessed God what joy. Hope. Freedom, to feel myself so excited. Internally clapping and stamping my feet as the tempo to Your Truth increases. Thank You Father.

Biblical references of Exodus 19:16-18 and Luke 11:13 lead me to reading in Illustrated Bible Handbook. Chapter 11:1-13. Jesus on Prayer and a Theology in Brief: Prayer, NT.

Holy Father God, we are blessed to know You. Be loved by You. Trust You. Thank You.

Yes Blessed God, thank You for all that You are and all that You do. Be with me this day. Guiding, directing, empowering and enabling me to live it as You wish. Yes!

Every time I feel the Spirit moving in my heart I will pray! Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(247 words ~ 10:59 a.m.)

holy, holy, holy

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 (4:31 a.m.)

Holy. God,

Thank You for calling me out here to You. Can we explore the word holy together?

(6:43 a.m.)

Yes Father. ♪Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!♪ was exactly what I woke up singing hours ago. ♪Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.♪ Thank You Father. Thank You.

There’s no part of what I’ve been reading that I claim to understand. I am however, excited by it all.

1 Peter 1:15-16. Leviticus 19:2; 11:44. Isaiah 6:1-8. 1 John 1:8-9. I read. I hope. I thank and praise You. And then I read some more.

Teach me Father. I’m nibbling on a new concept [patheos.com what-does-the-word-holy-mean-bible-definition-of-holy]. We as Your children are considered holy. Set apart for Your good. You are holy, holy, holy. Your only attribute that is mentioned in Scriptures three times!

Again I confess to glimpsing only the tip of an iceberg here. Oh, but it all seems so very exciting.

♪Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty! God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!♪ You ♪wert, and art, and evermore shalt be… Perfect in pow’r, in love, in purity♪

Mm, yes Blessed Father. Thank You for waking me with Your Truth singing in my heart, my soul and my mind. Let me use this day for Your good and Your glory. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(250 words ~ 7:42 a.m.)

good news / great joy

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 (5:57 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Praise You. Thank You. Love You. Yes! Deep in my heart and right here on the surface I am grateful for all You have done in, with, by, through and for us these past many weeks.

Illnesses and disagreements to help us pay attention to what is really important. You! Your Word. Your way.

Father, how I truly thank and praise You for getting my attention as only You can. Acting as if, pretending, putting on a false front none of these ever work for me. Your Truth, honesty.

Mm, yes. Honesty.

Father, how I thank You for the opportunity of sitting here with You. Thanking. Praising. Loving. Hoping. Mm, yes! Hoping. Thank You Blessed Lord.

Reading in the second chapter of Luke this morning I am content. Grateful. Hopeful. “… good news… great joy” (v.10).

Blessed God, after these past weeks of Illnesses and unknowns our emotions have run the gamut. Thank You that You have been with us through it all. Speaking Your Truth. Calling us to obedience.

There is horrendous wind wreaking havoc in our surrounding areas. Holy God, acres and homes are burning uncontrollably. YOU alone know what is best. We look to You. Trust in You. Asking You to bless and keep Your people Dear Lord.

We love You. We NEED You! “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b). Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(239 words ~ 8:21 a.m.)

life, strength, hope

Monday, December 4, 2017 (4:21 a.m.)

Oh Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You for Your patience with me. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for the never-ending opportunities to begin again.

I have been behaving badly. To You and to others. I continue shutting down. Building walls. Trying not to get my feelings hurt. Putting the feelings of others ahead of my own has not been my forte recently.

Thank You for the way music just springs to my mind [heart, soul] in the simplest ways. Another word for forte is strength. And the next thing I know I am singing ♪My life is in You, Lord My strength is in You, Lord My hope is in You, Lord In You, it’s in You♪

Yes. I sing it. Believe it. Practice it? Not always. Let my feelings get hurt and praising You with all of my life, strength and hope goes right off the page. Forgive me Father.

I know better. Empower and enable me to DO better!

I want to love and forgive. Instead I curse and withdraw. I feign kindness. As I seethe and plot bitterness.

(2:51 p.m.)

Immature. The word that best describes my behavior these past many days is IMMATURE!!!

Thank You Father. Immature; “not fully developed” Yep. That fits me to a “t”. Thank You God. Thank You that You love me even when I behave immaturely.

alternatives of conflict

First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2017 (7:08 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. You love me even when I behave badly. Sullen. Cross. Stubborn. Thank You God.

Thank You that You know my heart. You know the struggle it holds. You know my desire to do better. Be kind. Loving. Patient. Understanding.

And You know my resistance! Thank You that You are so much bigger than all my faults and failings combined.

Thank You for the ways You speak to me. Through thoughts, verses, songs. Thank You that I get to confess to You the grudge I continue holding.

I keep trying to let it go. My heart starts to soften. My resolve strengthens. And the next thing I know, I’m picking it up again. Rehashing. Reliving.

Please do in, by, through, with and for me all that I am unable to myself. I want to forgive. Truly I do. And then? I don’t follow through.

The inner conflict is strong. Ah,… but look at the alternatives of conflict. Agreement. Peace. Harmony. Do it for me Blessed God. All that I cannot [or will not?] do for myself. Love. Forgive.

Your Word tells us clearly. Repeatedly. Love. Forgive. Rinse. Repeat.

Change me Father. I love You.

The Life Recovery Bible. Struggling with Sin. Romans 7:14-25.

Please. I love You. Amen.

(224 words ~ 8:15 a.m.)

fully equipped

Friday, December 1, 2017 (4:51 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. I get to be here with You, even when my mind twists and turns in so many directions. Forgive me Blessed Father for my inability to think straight.

(5:59 a.m.)

Forgive my inability to stay focused on You. The tears in my eyes [heart and soul] beg the distinction between inability and unwillingness? I am able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). I am able. Am I willing?

Blessed God, thank You for the struggle taking place within me this past week. A struggle to grow. To change. To respond differently than before. Your call to love and forgive doesn’t change. Your Word directs us to Your will and to Your way.

Thank You Father. Thank You that You are “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Thank You that I believe this. I don’t always act as I would like, but I do believe You.

“Help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24). Oh yes Blessed God! Help me not doubt Your power. Your will. Your way.

You alone equip us as You know is best. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Again, I am practicing trusting and believing You to do all You say You will on our behalf. Keep doing all You must in aligning me as You wish. You know best. I believe that. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(308 words ~ 7:35 a.m.)

convictions

Monday, November 27, 2017 (2:06 p.m.)

Ruby Princess

Ensenada, MX

Holy God,

Thank You! A day of doing exactly what I didn’t know I wanted to do. Spend it reading how You influenced people in the writing of Same Kind of Different as Me.

Most Dear and Holy God, how I thank You for the ways You work in peoples’ lives. Thank You for examples that are set by Your faithful followers. Mm, yes Father. Examples.

Will You talk to me right now about the convictions of what I just read? You know? Those “firmly held and unshakable beliefs whose truth is not doubted”.

I honestly don’t know how to live each day with such fortitude. Courage. Bravery. Endurance. Resilience. Moral fiber. Strength of mind and character.

Again, I thank You Father for the examples of others that point us in Your unmistakable and perfect direction. I confess to not always following Your lead. Like not bringing a Bible with me on this trip. Even though it is ALWAYS in my best interest to do so.

Wanting to look up 1 Thessalonians 1:5 right now. Wondering what is the whole of the verse that ends “with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.” Would a walk down to the ship’s library yield me the results of which I seek?

Right? Or loving?

Sunday, November 26, 2017 (8:57 a.m.)

Ruby Princess

Catalina Bay

Holy God,

So, this isn’t good. A standoff. Silence. Not talking. Cold shoulders. What would YOU have us do here Lord?

Forgive. Yes. How??

The imprints of our youths are to dig in deeper. Take a firmer stand. Prove our own point. Or die trying.

I confess Blessed God, I want my action to be acknowledged as good. Right. Best. I’m not wanting to listen, hear or care about the other side of the coin.

Feelings have been hurt. Misunderstandings are reining supreme. Let’s get YOU back at the very center of our hearts.

Deep breath. Deeper grudge. Not good. Try again. Deep breath. Be willing to lose face. Set down my guard. Turn to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7).

Yes. ♪Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness And all these things will be added unto You Allelu, Alleluia.♪

Yes please Father. Do I want to be right? Or do I want to be loving? I need You to work deep in my heart (Psalm 51:10?) ♪Change my heart Oh Lord...♪

indulged

Saturday, November 25, 2017 (6:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. And thank You.

“Treat with excessive kindness”; an early 17th century sense to the Latin indulger ‘give free rein to’. Mm, yes Father. In this gist of the word, You indulge me regularly.

Thank You God. Thank You.

I woke up this morning considering myself quite spoiled. Indulged. And now I have an entirely different take on it all.

Turning to the prophet Ezekiel’s message “to the community of Jews already in Babylonian exile” (Illustrated Bible Handbook) my heart is springing to life with hope and joy. Chapter 18. Individual Responsibility. The Possibility of Change; 18:21-32.

“Imagine a person who lives well, treating others fairly, keeping good relationships…” (Ezekiel 18:5, The Message). Mm, yes Father. Imagine. 

It’s The Life Recovery Bible comment for verses 2-4 that has my head [heart and soul] nodding. “Many of us have suffered innocently at the hands of others; it is tempting to blame others for our problems and dependency. But it is never valid to blame others for the mistakes they or we have made.”

Yes, Father! We have to take responsibility for the choices we make. Thank You!

“We cannot change the behavior of others or how they treat us, but we can forgive them and put the pain of these experiences behind us.” Yes, Father, yes!

“Recovery requires that we accept responsibility for our own failures and do what we can to make amends to those we have harmed, thus breaking the chain of suffering in our family line.”

Breaking the chain of suffering! What sheer joy and hope to think about this possibility of change, Dearest Father. Mm. Yes!

You treat us with excessive kindness. Calling us to forgive others. Empowering and enabling us to do all You command of us.

Use me these next several days as an instrument of Your peace. Continue indulging me in promoting Your good and Your glory.

I love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

(334 words ~ 7:38 a.m.)

shift

Friday, November 24, 2017 (7:51 a.m.)

Oh Blessed God,

Thank You!!!

What a perfectly delightful day yesterday. Easy going. Even paced. Nice. Lovely. Loving. Enjoyable.

Yes Father. Thank You for such a tremendous shift in priorities.

rising and singing

Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23, 2017 (6:12 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. You are here. You are alive. Thank You.

There’s a song that I just this moment became aware of. ♪God Is Alive♪ It has a “Pre-Chorus” interspersed throughout. ♪We’ve been redeemed so rise and sing♪

Mm, yes! We’ve been redeemed. So rise and sing! Let this be my go to phrase this day.

Thank You Father that on this day most known for turkeys and pumpkin pies, I am sitting here truly thankful for Your presence in our moments. Thank You God.

Thank You that as I searched Scriptures for validation of You being alive 1 Timothy 2:5 was listed. Reading here and wanting to know more, I went back up to verse one. Here the apostle Paul is giving Timothy, a young minister of the gospel Instructions about Worship.

Paul begins by urging Timothy “first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God’s mercy upon them, and give thanks.”

Oh yes Blessed Father. On this national day of Thanksgiving what would it be like if we as Your people were truly to pray for ALL people. Making requests. Pleading for Your mercy upon others. And truly giving thanks.

Yes dearest Lord, ♪We’ve been redeemed♪ Let us genuinely ♪rise and sing♪ Thank You Father. Bless us. Keep us. Thank You. Amen.

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

upwards

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 (6:00 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You for the times I noticed myself smiling. Real smiles. Genuine. Authentic. Truly Father, they remind me that I am pleased and grateful for whatever is causing the edges of my mouth to curve upwards.

almost smiling

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the various ways You bless us. “In sickness and in health”. Truly. We have been experiencing these sickness and health blessings for over a month now. Thank You Father!

I am looking for a word that means an almost smile. I’ve been almost smiling for days. Yet the word to describe my thoughts, feelings and facial expressions eludes me.

Rather than take the time to keep searching, I am looking to You. Asking that You would speak to my heart, my soul, my mind and strength this day.

Father, I love You. I have energy I haven't had in a month’s time. Let me use it well. To Your good. And to Your glory. There’s much that could be done. I am asking You to order my plans and their outcome according to YOUR will and YOUR way.

There’s laundry and grandkids. Baking. And You know where and on what You would have me send time and talents. Lead me. Guide me. Make me. Mold me. Do all You must that I would use this energy as You wish. Singing. Smiling. Standing. And stretching.

Use me Father. As You know is best. I love You. I long to serve You. I praise You. I thank You. Amen.

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

this honest

Monday, November 20, 2017 (6:38 a.m.)

Holy God,

Most Dear and Holy God. It was beautiful this morning. Go outside and get a better look kind of beautiful. Purple and orange and pink, “Oh my!”

Even as I gasped amidst the beauty of it all, Father I am confessing a feeling of reticence. Reserve. Restraint.

Such great beauty normally leaves me speechless. Inspired. Almost giddy. Today, I am waiting for the joy of it all to kick in.

Thank You Father that I get to be this honest with You.

ideas

Sunday, November 19, 2017 (7:12 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I like to think that You give me good ideas. Is this true?

Colossians 2:8-10

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

spontaneous cheerfulness

Saturday, November 18, 2017 (5:20 a.m.)

Holy God,

“Spontaneous cheerfulness”. I just read those two words used to describe a grin. I would like to experience that today. Often.

Forty-five years ago today I thought for sure I knew everything there was to know about everything. How incredibly young and naive was I?! Thank You Father for the lessons You allow us to learn.

Thank You that as I come before You this morning, I am seeking “spontaneous cheerfulness”. For years I have wanted to become one who grins readily. Easily. Frequently. How do we make that happen?

Your Word. Everything we need to know about anything can be found in Your Word.

(6:13 a.m.)

Even though I truly believe this Blessed Lord, I don’t know how accurate my thinking may or may not actually be.

I know You are good. Holy. Eternal. And again I find myself grinning as I turn to various verses that remind me of Your strength and wisdom.

Thank You Father. Thank You that You have so very much You want to give to each and every one of us. In Psalm 21, King David speaks of the blessings You provide. “You shower him [the king] with blessings that last forever; he finds joy in knowing Your presence and loving You” (v. 6 The Voice).

The comment for verses 21:1-6 in The Life Recovery Bible begins by saying, “As we thoroughly evaluate our life, we realize that our strength comes from God as we seek Him through prayer and meditation.” Mm, yes Father.

It continues, “He wants to give each of us a life that has eternal value and meaning.” This I believe as well.

“As we experience this, we will begin to understand that true joy is an outgrowth of being in God’s presence.” True joy. Spontaneous cheerfulness?

“This should motivate us to spend time with God through prayer and meditation. We need to draw close to Him, not just for what He can do for us but for who He is.” Oh, amen. Amen!

Thank You Father for WHO and ALL You are. Continue Your work in teaching me to rejoice in You and Your strength. Help me grin more today. Sharing spontaneous spots of cheerfulness that come directly from You.

I love You. I long to serve You. And I thank You for forgiving the mistakes of my past and the ones I am sure to make in the future. Thank You that You love us so much. Use me I pray to Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(440 words ~ 6:42 a.m.)

simply

Thursday, November 16, 2017 (7:29 a.m.)

Hi God,

How’s that? Simply. Easy. Still greeting and acknowledging You as God. The LORD, the Almighty, the Creator, the Maker, the Godhead;

Grateful.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 (6:18 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

How long has it been since I’ve been so overcome by the sheer beauty of the early morning sky that I’ve gone outside to get a closer look? TWICE! Hmm… yes. Father, thank You.

Thank You for improving health. Thank You for heightened awarenesses. Thank You for Your love. And Your presence.

This morning I again look to You. Grateful. Yes. That’s the word alright. Truly grateful.

What a kick I got just now as I read David’s words presented in The Message. “Thank You! Everything in me says, ‘Thank You!’ Angels listen as I sing my thanks. I kneel in worship facing Your holy temple and say it again: ‘Thank You!’ Thank You for Your love, thank You for Your faithfulness; Most holy is Your name, most holy is Your Word. The moment I called out, You stepped in; You made my life large with strength” (Psalm 138:1-3).

Deep, healing breath. Simple, honest smile. Relaxed shoulders. Genuine joy. These all come from You. Father how I thank You .

Reading over in the New Living Translation, my heart wildly agrees. “When I pray, You answer me; You encourage me by giving me the strength I need.” (Psalm 138:3). You do. And I am grateful!

Thank You Father. Empower me as You know is best that I would live this day as You would have me. Provide our every need that we would respond with joyful thanksgiving. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your faithfulness.

Do with me as You wish. I love You. I long to serve You. I am gratefully Yours. Thank You. Amen.

(281 words ~ 6:48 a.m.)

contrast

Sunday, November 12, 2017 (7:28 a.m.)

Awesomely, Holy God,

Thank You!

Thank You for an incredibly delightful healthcare procedure yesterday. Blessed Father, I cannot thank You enough for the professionalism that I experienced. Thank You for people who know how to do their job and care enough to do it well.

Hm… very interesting take on this. It seems to have become so much more the norm for people to growl and grumble concerning day to day tasks. Thank You for the contrast I experienced yesterday.

kept

Saturday, November 11, 2017 (7:14 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. You keep me. Yes. That simple. You keep me. Thank You.

My original thought was more towards You keeping me company. As I started in that direction, I came to Jude 24.

Worldwide English says, “God can keep you from doing anything wrong.” [Hm… I just got the ‘can’ there. “Is able” in other versions.]

Yes. You are able! Thank You Father.

preparation

Friday, November 10, 2017 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

Mm. Good morning.

(8:30 a.m.)

It’s going to be an interesting day. Preparation for an upcoming medical procedure.

You are...

Thursday, November 9, 2017 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are good (Psalm 136:1). Faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). Loving (1 John 4:8). Kind.