tools

Friday, June 30, 2017 (7:51 a.m.)

Holy, Blessed God,

Thank You! Good, solid sleep helps me think better. About things for which I originally applauded myself and now realize was only part of the equation.

Stick with me here Father, as You always do, my thinking is just starting to make sense.

A two year old was taught to stand up on the second step of the pool last night when she lost her balance. How we all rejoiced with her ability as she practiced her new skill on her own. Under. Up. Under. Up.

What I didn't realize until just earlier was that was exactly what was NOT working for her when she had arm floaties on in the deep end. I couldn't understand why she continued bobbing (and frustrating) herself again and again. Under. Face full of water. Attempt to wipe water away. Under. Face full of water. Attempt to wipe water away.

Lord! How often do I do that? I learn the beginning of a new skill. I have a new tool. And I expect that one device to get me through all situations.

Not so! We can't use a hammer as a screwdriver. We need to have a variety of tools in our toolboxes. And to know precisely when and how to use them.

Holy God, Blessed Father, if You need to use the struggled determination of a two year old to teach me such a powerful lesson, so be it!

We can't stand up in deep water. No matter how hard we try. We can flip over onto our backs and rest. We can reach for the nearest edge on which to hold. We must breathe deeply. Stay calm. Use the variety of tools You provide.

The apostle Paul wrote his fourth letter to the Corinthians (which we know as 2 Corinthians) “to explain new life in Christ while also defending [his] authority to preach” (THE BOTTOM LINE The Life Recovery Bible).

The bulk of translations use the word weapons or arms of warfare to express what Paul is saying in defending his authority to preach the Good News of Jesus. It is The Message that speaks most profoundly to me this morning.

With a quick sidenote at the back of the book (TLRB). “Reflections on Second Corinthians insights ABOUT PRAYER” mentions the importance of learning to encourage others without losing balance in our own lives. Yes. Amen!

And now, The Message (2 Corinthians 10:3-6) “The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way – never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.”

Mm, yes Jesus please! Exactly that. Teach me to use Your tools. Powerfully. Appropriately. Skillfully. And I in turn will keep learning more from two year olds.

Thank You Blessed Father. I love You. Amen.

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

"rejoice, worship and hear God's voice"

Thursday, June 29, 2017 (6:24 a.m.)

Good Morning God,

(6:40 a.m.)

Hmm... We are called to 'rejoice, worship and hear Your voice' (Psalm 95 Illustrated Bible Handbook). I WANT to, Father. I really do!

My mind starts singing ♫Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down, Let us kneel before the Lord, our God, our Maker♫ Yet my attitude seems more along the lines of “Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure.”

Grousing seems to come so easily to me. I can think of so many things to grumble and complain about. Thank You that because You designed me (Psalm 139:13-18), none of this surprises You.

This morning I come before You with a truly grateful heart. Albeit one that is currently covered in gunk. My energy is low. Patience? Practically non-existent.

Coming before You and bowing down is what I long to do. And then my mind jets off in another direction.

Hold me here Father. Speak to me that I would clearly hear Your Truth. Your promises. Your warnings.

There is definitely a stubbornness inside me that resembles a five year old with balled up fists retorting, “Yeah? So!” THAT is not what I long to offer You.

I see Your blessings to me. Your kindnesses. Your goodness. I don't mean to follow them with, “And what about...?”

You are good. Oh yes Blessed God! You are good!

Thank You!!! Thank You that in giving in to Your call I find Your peace. Not in desperately seeking Your peace. No. In giving in to all You are!

Thank You that I am here, with tears in my eyes and soul, wholeheartedly crying out to You in song ♫You are good, You are good When there's nothing good in me You are love, You are love On display for all to see You are light, You are light When the darkness closes in You are hope, You are hope You have covered all my sin♫

Oh most Holy God and Father how I DO truly rejoice in Who and All You are!

♫You are peace, You are peace When my fear is crippling You are true, You are true Even in my wandering You are joy, You are joy You're the reason that I sing You are life, You are life In You death has lost its sting♫

Father, thank You for knowing every single thing there is to know about me. And loving me anyway.

♫Oh, I'm running to Your arms I'm running to Your arms The riches of Your love Will always be enough Nothing compares to Your embrace Light of the world Forever Reign♫

How truly blessed we are to have You to rejoice and worship. Thank You that in so doing we DO get to hear Your voice.

♫You are more, Your are more Than my words will ever say You are Lord, You are Lord All creation will proclaim You are here, You are here In Your presence I'm made whole You are God, You are God Of all else I'm letting go♫

Oh yes, blessed Father! I sing these words and again am taken to the freedom I find in swimming. Not fully understanding the mechanics of it all, I do know that it's when we struggle and fight, we sink and when we rest and trust, we float.

Yes Father. Swimming comes naturally to me. Something I was taught early in life and have played with [enjoyed!] always. That's what I want my trust and relationship with You to resemble. Something as natural as breathing. Something I don't have to try hard to remember. Something deep within, that just truly IS!

As I run to Your arms, trusting, believing, having faith that ♫Nothing compares to Your embrace♫ make it so that ♫My heart will sing no other Name Jesus, Jesus♫

Lord, You ARE the Light of the world! The One to whom I truly ♫Come [to] Worship and Bow Down♫ Before Whom I absolutely kneel. My heart. My soul. My mind. And my strength (Mark 12:30).

You are our God. The Lord, Our God, our Maker (Psalm 95:6). And we are the people You care for, Your sheep that walk by Your side. The ones who get to listen to Your voice today (Psalm 95:7 Easy-to-Read Version).

Oh yes! Make it so Blessed God. Make it so! Thank You that we get to love, worship and adore You. Teach us even more I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(743 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

hundredfold

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 (6:56 a.m.)

Thank You Father!

Thank You for success yesterday. I asked You for help. I didn't know how to proceed. I was unsure. Undecided. And You came through. A hundredfold!

Most dear and blessed God, how I thank You for being in the midst of conversations. For guiding my words. Lord, thank You for the willingness to pray with and for others.

Yes. Most holy God and Father, it's when I'm on the blessing side of answered prayer that I stand rejoicing. I confess to You that when my heart is fretful and wavering, there is not a lot of confidence on my part.

Oh, but when I get to see You at work... how the trust, belief and faith soars. A hundredfold!

Mm, yes. Mm. Trust. Belief. Faith. Words that describe confidence. Holy God, thank You!

Thank You for settling my heart. Thank You for living within my thinking. Here again I confess to not always knowing what to do or say. It's when I turn to You, even if I must remain silent for days on certain subjects that You guide my prayers, thoughts, words and actions. Thank You Father. Thank You.

This morning I get to read the Story of the Farmer Scattering Seed (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23). Here I am reminded that we are to share Your Truth with others and let the seeds fall where they may.

And here The Life Recovery Bible's footnote on this section. “Generally, various trials clarify which category we fit into. If we hope to succeed in recovery and experience new life, we must allow God to prepare the soil of our heart, making it ready to receive His healing message.”

Yes. Yes. Yes!!! One hundredfold!

Blessed God, take this day and do with it and me exactly as You wish. I long to follow and serve You as You know is best. Let me walk with You and talk with You as did Your disciples so long ago (John 20:19-23).

Be magnified this day O Lord. I love You. I thank You. One hundredfold. Amen.

(349 words ~ 7:50 a.m.)

Redeemed!

Tuesday, June 27, 2017 (6:26 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Sleep happened. I feel more rested. Prayers and conversations about You occurred as well. Mm, yes! Prayers and conversations about You.

Father, thank You for calling us to You. Thank You for reminding us to look for You at all times. Thank You that the very first internal song this morning was ♫Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so, Let the redeemed of the Lord say so... I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the Lord!♫

Oh most Dear and Holy God, I love You! I don't think I tell You that nearly enough. I allude to You with others, but how rare is it that I actually say out loud, “I'm redeemed, I'm redeemed, praise the Lord!”?

Father, thank You. Thank You for the opportunity and the privilege of giving thanks to You. Of saying that Your faithful love endures forever (Psalm 107:1).

Yesterday I wasn't feeling quite up to snuff. I knew I was more than a little off. And You reminded me that “feelings aren't facts”. The fact was there's been a lot going on around here. But bigger than that is the Truth that none of this gets by You unnoticed.

Even now. As my mind is combining two separate songs. I keep incorporating ♫Angels fall bow before Him, Heaven and earth adore Him♫ to ♫Let the Redeemed♫ Truth is, it's from ♫What a Mighty God We Serve♫

And You are! The mighty God (Nehemiah 9:32). Mighty with power. Mighty to save. Oh Hallelujah Jesus! How we thank You for Your mighty love.

There is so much to read. To learn. To know. To trust. To believe. You are in charge of it all. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. As one who is redeemed. And saying so!

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

(316 words ~ 8:20 a.m.)

O Happy Day!

Monday, June 26, 2017 (7:09 a.m.)

Thank You Father,

Thank You for memories. Thank You for joy. Thank You for sadness. Thank You for pain.

Thank You that as I was trying to think of anything to say to You, ♫O Happy Day!♫ started singing to me.

(7:44 a.m.)

O Happy Day! Indeed! As far as I know there is not a song that rings out, “O Grumpy Night”. No. We sing, ♫O Happy Day!♫

Mm. Holy God, my mind is darting from one thought to another in rapid succession. Here I ask You to still my heart. My mind.

(8:37 a.m.)

The phone keeps ringing. There are interruptions. Changed plans. Circumstances I didn't expect. And here I confess, I'm not handling it well.

You know that I like easy. Breezy. Hiccups cause my thoughts to scatter. Praising seems to fly right out the window. Making room for fear. And dread.

I spent much of last night rethinking past mistakes and my own mishandling of situations. Along those lines, I threw in regrets and remorse.

My heart yearns to belt out O Happy Day! as though I really mean. Instead, it's much more of a muffled, this is what I'm supposed to say, this I how I'm supposed to feel rendition. Forgive me Father.

I know You are good. And rather than pretend to be experiencing a great deal of joy that I am just not feeling, I will quote back to You the words from which this hymn stems.

Isaiah 25:9, “In that day the people will proclaim, 'This is our God. We trusted in Him, and He saved us. This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation He brings!'”

O Happy Day!

friendships

Sunday, June 25, 2017 (6:47 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I love You. You blessed us big yesterday. We had safe travels. Music. Singing. Dancing. Friends. Family. Fun. And sleep. Long, deep, restful sleep. Thank You Father. Thank You.

Mm. I don't even know where to begin. Today is supposed to be busy. Visits with people who are counted as friends. And introductions to those who may become more than mere acquaintances.

Yes Father. Thank You for those You bring into our lives. Your Word has much to say about friends and friendships. Let me learn so much more of all You have for us to know.

The Book of Proverbs offers many points to ponder. Thank You especially for the hope and Truth found in verses 17:17 and 27:10. There is such comfort and support in being reminded of Your best for us through the friendships You provide us.

The Life Recovery Bible footnotes for each of these verses go into just a little more detail. “17:17 A true friend will stick beside us during the hard times. Without a relationship with that kind of friend, recovery and growth can't take place. We all need to be able to express our needs and concerns to someone who will care, pray, and encourage us in our efforts to change.”

Oh, Father. Thank You! Thank You for Your gifts of friendships.

“27:10 Friends are an important resource in recovery. We need people to whom we can be accountable and to whom we can turn in times of need – friends who are honest with us and have our best interests at heart. Just as we want friends to stick by us in times of crisis, we should support them when they need help. If we are there for others, we will have our own support network in place whenever we need help.”

Mm, yes Blessed Father. Friendships. You know our needs. And You provide for them in the most spectacular ways. Through the blessings of friendships. Thank You.

Use us this day in building Your Kingdom into all You want it to be. Yes Father. Prepare us to use this day for You. Making Your Kingdom our primary concern (Matthew 6:33).

We love You Father. We thank You. And we ask Your blessings to live this day as You would have us. Filled with friendships. We love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

practical wisdom

Saturday, June 24, 2017 (7:09 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for Your blessings to us. Thank You that some are easier to find than others. Thank You that You are so good.

This morning I get to read of the true wisdom which comes from You. James 3:13-18. Practical wisdom. Wisdom that we use to “live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth” (v. 13).

Most Holy God, how I thank You for the reminder that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere” (17).

Oh, Father. I truly long to be considered one of the peacemakers who “plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness” (18). What would that world look like!

Reading Your Word

diurnally

Friday, June 23, 2017 (6:57 a.m.)

So Lord,

Today's date celebrates quite a few birthdays and one anniversary of which I am personally aware. I know there are plenty more out there with whom I am not familiar. I ask Father that You would bless and keep these friends and loved ones. Speak to each one of them in some completely unexpected, only from You kind of way.

Holy God, I know I limit Your involvement in my days. I look to You in the mornings. Am reminded of You diurnally. How's that for a new to me word? Daily. Every day. By daylight.

You are here with me in the evenings. And on into the nighttime. Always. Yet I forget. I look at problems. Attempt solutions. And then remember... oh yeah. GOD!!!

Yes Father, there are such huge things going on in the world. And I am absolute grateful for the styles with which You choose to speak with us.

Holy God, thank You for the opportunity of bringing a day of such celebration before You. A day to remember the birth, life and love of so many others. Blessed Father, I ask Your favor be upon them. In many varied and unexpected ways.

Just like how You guide me in Your Word. I wake up thinking one thing. Come out here, breathe deeply and allow You to center my mind, my heart and my soul on You. One word leads to many more and the next thing I know I am reading Psalm 19.

“The Wonders of God and the Goodness of His Law The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what He has done. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next” (The Learning Bible Psalm 19:1-2).

I like how the Easy-to-Read Version puts it. “Each new day tells more of the story, and each night reveals more and more about God's power.” I confess to You Blessed God, I forget!

I turn to fretting. And stewing. Concerning myself with “what if”s that very well may never happen. That is exactly why I bring all of the celebrants of this particular day before You. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) that every single one of them be delighted in some completely out of the clear blue sky way that You have prepared specifically for each.

Father God, You are good. Your are holy. You are creative. And magnificent. Awe inspiring. Eternal. All the things we are not. Keep giving us our daily bread that we can continue growing in You. In faith. And hope. And love. The greatest of these being love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Yes Blessed Father. This is what I wish for those whose special day this is. 'Faith in You and those around them. Hope to endure and be healed from pain and problems. And most of all Your genuine love to conquer the barriers and bondage of the past' (The Life Recovery Bible footnote).

Oh yes Dearest Dad! “Genuine love, the greatest healer of all”! Please. You. For all. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

having faith

Thursday, June 22, 2017 (6:39 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

I cried yesterday. Fear based tears. Not wanting to be the grown up. I confess to You, as I did to those around me, fear does not look good on me. I sulk. Withdraw. Cower. Quake.

You call us not to be afraid. Repeatedly. We are to trust. Have faith. Pray. I forgot Father. I got so enmeshed with the details that I forgot Who is ultimately in charge. YOU!

Yes Father. Thank You for once again reminding me of the importance of choosing faith over fear. There are still plenty of things for me to wonder about. Wonder. NOT worry!

Am I making right decisions? What are the things that could possibly go wrong? Confess my fear to You. Trust You. Have faith in You. And pray.

These things I will be doing this weekend. I am feeling completely out of my comfort zone. Father, I confess to getting so entangled in all of the “what about...”s that I completely forgot to call upon Your Holy Name in all of it.

Thank You for reminding me. Thank You for the “promise of entering [Your] place of rest” described in Hebrews (4:1-11). Don't let me be like the people You spoke of to David in Psalm 95:8-11. Hardhearted. Trying Your patience.

Oh yes Father. Continue speaking that I would truly hear Your Words and 'pursue with faith and perseverance Your offer of rest' (The Life Recovery Bible footnote Hebrews 4:4-11). Yes Father, I truly look to You for “the ability to cope with life”.

I Love You Holy Dad. Guide and direct my every prayer, word, thought and action this day. I love You. And I long to please and serve You. Make it so I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

sprinkles of hope

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 (6:57 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! I woke up thinking about the sprinkles You provided me yesterday. Sprinkles of fun in the water. Sprinkles of hope throughout the day.

I am here confessing fear to You right now. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of a costly endeavor. Fear of the meanness of others. Yes Father. Fear. Fear of circumstances outside my control.

And here I sit. Hymnal in one hand and Bible on my lap. Looking to You. Asking You that I would make right choices.

Psalm 121:2 and 3 remind me, “My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the One who watches over you will not sleep.”

Even as I read these comforting words, songs sing in my mind. One I know and have sung for decades, but can't quite put my finger on. It quotes verses of this Psalm almost word for word. The other [Forever Reign] is from church this past Sunday.

I have tears again. They're holding back though. Just waiting for the right moment to break through. I feel overwhelmed Father. With responsibility. And again... fear.

♫You are good You are good When there's nothing good in me You are love You are love On display for all to see You are light You are light When the darkness closes in You are hope You are hope You have covered all my sin♫

Yep. Tears. Stinging my eyes. And still not falling. Oh here they come. It took for me to pray, “Father, forgive my fear. Forgive all the 'yeah, buts' that I keep using to counter the Truth we have in You.”

There are promises throughout this entire Psalm. You watch over us. You won't let us fall. You don't slumber or sleep. You protect us. You keep us from all evil.

Do I believe this enough to trust You? In all things? With big decisions?

And here, in this song from Sunday, is my own answer. ♫You are peace You are peace When my fear is crippling You are true You are true Even in my wandering You are joy You are joy You're the reason that I sing You are life You are life In You death has lost its sting♫

Holy God, how I thank and praise You. As I take another deep breath, settling in to Your Truth and You promises my heart and soul sing loudly ♫I'm running to Your arms I'm running to Your arms The riches of Your love Will always be enough Nothing compares to Your embrace Light of the world forever reign♫

Mm, yes. Light of the world, empower me in believing that Your love will always be enough and that I can fully trust You in protecting us from the scary “what ifs” in this life. I love You. Preserve us from all evil. Let me continue seeing Your sprinkles of hope. “Lord, I believe, help me unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

I love You. Use me well I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(517 words ~ 8:45 a.m.)

Ecclesiastes 3:11

Wednesday Tuesday, June 20, 2017 (6:23 a.m.)

Oh Holy God,

Thank You. It was a rough night. Seemed like an eternity. Made me think of... eternity.

(6:55 a.m.)

Mm, yes. Father, thank You!

Ecclesiastes 3:11. I absolutely do not claim to understand the meaning of this verse. Yet it rang out to me this morning. “... He has planted eternity in the human heart...”

Amplified Bible translates it this way, “God Set Eternity in the Heart of Man He has made everything beautiful and appropriate in its time. He has also planted eternity [a sense of divine purpose] in the human heart [a mysterious longing which nothing under the sun can satisfy, except God] – yet man cannot find out (comprehend, grasp) what God has done (His overall plan) from the beginning to the end.”

Yep. That's pretty much the way I felt last night. In the dark. Not understanding. And choosing to trust that You are behind it all.

Illustrated Bible Handbook states, “Life's cycles do not reveal meaning: 3:1-15. Life is organized in a pattern of repeated cycles. Yet observation of the cycles does not lead to an understanding of beginnings or endings. Only a grasp of origins or destiny might reveal life meaning.”

I tend to replay incidents, trying to figure out how things could be made different. Continue Your work in teaching me to “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). To truly trust You in all things.

Today is supposed to be hot again. REALLY, really hot. I am asking You to use me to Your good and to Your glory. I love You. I long to serve You. And I thank You. Amen.

(282 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

a very special day

Monday, June 19, 2017 (6:15 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You.

(6:55 a.m.)

You are so very good to us. And I am grateful.

Yes Father God. Thank You. You provided us such an easy day yesterday. A day to celebrate fathers. A day to play and to remember. A very special day to share our love for one another.

Thank You God. Thank You that even as I consider all the playfulness that took place tears fill my eyes. Yes. Thank You for those times when Your love so fully surrounds and infuses us.

Reading in Your Word this morning, Father I alternate between wild excitement and distrust of my own understanding. Searching the words “a special day”, I began reading Romans 14:5.

This section of Your Scripture speaks of The Danger of Criticism. Oh hello. Speak to me of the importance of having a Nonjudgmental Attitude.

This is where I get excited. I recall thinking yesterday that I want my life to be remembered as one well loved. Reading up to verse 13:8, under Love Fulfills God's Requirements, again I thank You for speaking directly to my heart.

“Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law” (Romans 13:8). And it goes on from there explaining that all of Your commandments are summed up in this one (v. 9).

Verse 10, “Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God's requirements.” Now if I could just remember that!

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for 13:8-10 teaches, “Love is not an emotion we feel, it is an attitude and outpouring of unselfish concern for others.” I ask You here and now to continue Your training in me that I would live every single day as that very special day we had yesterday. Guided by and filled with Your love.

I have a long way to grow. And You are far more than able to do all that is necessary in empowering and enabling me in living a life well-loved. This I ask in Your Son's most holy name! I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

"good enough"

Father's Day Sunday, June 18, 2017 (7:15 a.m.)

Holy God,

I'm here this morning wondering about the phrase “good enough”. And I'm asking You to guide and direct my thinking and understanding in Your Word.

So often I focus intently on all the areas in which I lack. The places I fall short. I don't have a solid grasp of YOUR direction on what “good enough” would look like.

Proverbs 3:5 and 6 continue circling in my mind. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” This is precisely what I am asking. Direct my path and understanding, Father.

Depending on the translation, Your Word has multiple findings for the phrase “good enough”. Many of them reference what is NOT good enough.

(10:14 a.m.)

And here I smile.

The name of the man whom I reference as “An A-, why wasn't it an A?” dad in his approach to encouraging better performance just showed up in a crossword puzzle answer. My dad's shortened version of his given name is both a noun and a verb for a skateboard park jump.

Thank You for that smile God. Thank You for that man. Flawed as he was. He loved us. To the best of his ability, he loved us. All of us.

The young man who prayed in church this morning thanked You for “breaking our legs when necessary and carrying us home.” Yes Father. You do that. You change our direction. Our focus. Our habits. Our itinerary. Our understanding.

Holy Father God, I confess to You right now. I do not have a healthy understanding of what is “good enough”. I don't know how to stop tilting at windmills. I look to You. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew7:7). Wanting desperately for You to teach me how to do my very best and to know when and what is good enough for YOU!

You are truly the Father I want to please. In my thoughts. Words. And deeds. Continue teaching me exactly what “good enough” looks like to You. I honestly don't have the concept.

I love You. I long to please You. And I continue asking (Matthew 7:7) You to guide, direct and accompany me in my thinking. My choices. My abilities. And my actions. I love You, Dad. Happy Father's Day. Amen.

(397 words ~ 10:55 a.m.)

at work and always in control

Saturday, June 17, 2017 (5:57 a.m.)

Blessed God,

It's hot. Well, not exactly yet. It's supposed to be hot today. Hundred degrees hot. And I'm already tired because of it.

How's that for rejoicing in You always? So, let's start over...

Blessed God,

Good morning. Thank You. We had safe sleep last night. We worked hard yesterday. And we are grateful to You for the blessings You provide.

Holy God, thank You. Thank You for the work You have done in each of us. Thank You for the reminder that we are to rejoice in You always (Philippians 4:4). Yes!

The Life Recovery Bible footnote for 4:4-9 tells us, “True happiness can be found in every situation of life when we recognize that God is at work and always in control.” Oh yes Father.

“Because Christ is with us and His return is certain, we can act calmly in pain and difficulty.” Thank You for the reminder Father.

I have a tiny little owie from a cactus that's causing redness, swelling and pain. It's easy for me to put the attention there. Thank You for reminding me instead that “peace and joy come when we focus on those things that provide lasting value to our life.”

You provide lasting value! You are to Whom we are to commit ourselves. Rejoicing always! Yes Father. Keep teaching us to ♫rejoice in You always and again I say, “Rejoice!”♫

It is supposed to be unbearably hot today. And we are sure to be affected by it. Thank You that weather is temporary. You, however, are eternal. Unchanging. Perfect. I look to You... “at work and always in control.”

Yes, please, Father. Bless us. Keep us. That we would in turn bless others. Yes, please, God. Use us as You wish. To Your goodness and Your glory. I love You. I thank You. I praise You. I rejoice in You. Thank You. Amen.

(320 words ~ 6:37 a.m.)

"keep on"

Friday, June 16, 2017 (6:30 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I'm feeling off balance this morning. Just a little. Not a lot. Yet I look to You. To Your Word. Father, how I thank You that we get to come to You. Exactly as we are. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7).

And here I smile. The Life Recovery Bible for this section (vs. 7-11) of Scripture is titled Effective Prayer. The key words? “Keep on”. “Keep on asking... Keep on looking... Keep on knocking.”

Oh yes! Father. We got happy news yesterday. A newborn, diagnosed in utero with a heartbreaking genetic disorder, shows few signs of this devastating disease. Father, how we thank You. Praise You. Rejoice in You.

Thank You for Your kindness. Your faithfulness. Your goodness. Thank You for the example set by this young family who kept on praying, hoping, trusting in You.

Yes, Father. While I may very well be feeling a bit off balance, it is to You I look. To You I gaze. I love You Father. Continue Your work in teaching me to “Keep on...”

Use me well this day. I long to serve You. Wisely and well. To Your good and to Your glory. Yes. Empower and enable me to keep on loving, following and trusting You. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(220 words ~ 7:23 a.m.)

our God

Thursday, June 15, 2017 (6:33 a.m.)

Mm, God,

Thank You for being our God.

(7:02 a.m.)

Oh, yes, Father. Our God!

Thank You for the privilege, the honor, of sitting here, pouring over Your Word (The Learning Bible). Looking at pictures that depict You, Your works, Your promises.

Thank You that there isn't any one thing to be found that describes You entirely. I love the way I start reading in one section and end up in another. One verse adds the notation, “see also...” Father, You truly are indescribable. Thank You.

Thank You for the opportunity of contemplating Your greatness. One that cannot fully be explained. Just touched on. Once I start digging, it just goes deeper. And all the more deeply after that. Thank You.

Today I find myself in the book of Isaiah. Reading first here (44:3) and then there (64:8). My heart quickens as I remember times You have blessed and comforted us. I am grateful as I recall the occasions on which You have tirelessly worked to bring about Your perfect peace (26:3) in our lives.

That is how I have come to rest at Isaiah 66:2. “I have made everything; that's how it all came to be. I, the LORD, have spoken. The people I treasure most are the humble – they depend only on Me and tremble when I speak” (Contemporary English Version).

As I consider the word tremble, the hymn ♫Were You There?♫ immediately came to mind. Thank You for the easy find to that chorus.

I found myself trembling yesterday. Not at thoughts of You. At more unsettling circumstances of our days and times as a country. One no longer appearing to be “one nation under God”. This is where I find myself broken in spirit Dearest God.

Mm, yes. You made this nation Father. We must come to remember this. New Life Version says, “'My hands made all these things, and so all these things came into being,' says the Lord. 'But I will look to the one who has no pride and is broken in spirit, and who shakes with fear at My Word.'”

Shakes with fear. Trembles. “Reverently responsive to what I say” (The Message).

New International Reader's Version, “'The people I value are not proud. They are sorry for the wrong things they have done. They have great respect for what I say.'”

International Children's Bible, “'My hand made all things. All things are here because I made them,' says the Lord. 'These are the people I am pleased with. They are those who are not proud or stubborn. They fear and obey me.'”

Mm, yes. Our dear and mighty God, change our hearts that we truly come to fully esteem and revere You in obedience to Your leading.

I love You. I thank You. And I ask that You would bless this nation as we come to know You as our God and Father. Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(491 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

good

Wednesday, June 14, 2017 (6:51 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Good rest. Good God. Mm, yes. Good, good God! Thank You that You alone are good (Mark 10:18). Thank You for Your goodness.

Most blessed, holy God, talk with me this morning regarding Your goodness. Oh yes! “summum bonum” - the highest good, especially as the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an ethical system.

That's you Father! The ultimate good.

Thank You that I get to take one simple word, “good” and You take me so many places with it.

Beginning in Genesis; chapter one, verse four, “God looked at the light and saw it was good.” All the way over to James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.”

There are so very many things in our day to day life that we absolutely do not understand. The fact that You are good does not change with our faulty misconceptions.

Keep guiding and directing us to Your goodness Father. Your summum bonum. Your good. Your light. Your perfect will.

Mm, yes. Good morning, Lord. I love You. Use me as You wish. Thank You. Amen.

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

"just as I am"

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 (7:28 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that I get to come before You

(7:52 a.m.)

♫Just as I Am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me♫

Oh, Blessed Lord, thank You! Thank You that I DO get to come before You “just as I am”. Sullen. Surly. And in so doing, find a smile.

With all of the synonyms that so accurately describe my current demeanor, it's the antonym that causes me to smile. Cheerful. Yeah. You do that. You change our focus. From circumstances, to Your Truth and promises.

(8:42 a.m.)

And the attitude just keeps souring.

Forgive me Father. You provide us blessing after blessing and it's the irritants that are getting the better of me. Turn me back to You. Deep, cleansing breath...

Or two. Or three!

Back to the hymn. Written by a woman, close to two hundred years ago. Charlotte Elliott suffered serious illness, pain, depression and a spiritual crisis as a result. Thank You for those who ministered to her. And for the Swiss evangelist Henri A. Cesar Malan who replied to her confession of not knowing how to come to Christ by saying, “Come to Him just as you are.”

Thank You for Miss Elliott's ability to 'meet and conquer her troubles in the grace of God'. Thank You for her decision to “gather up in her soul the grand certainties, not of her emotions, but of her salvation: her Lord, His power, His promise... and... deliberately set down in writing, for her own comfort, 'the formulas of her faith'...” (hymnary.org).

Oh yes Father. Thank You. Thank You that this hymn is found for me under “NEW LIFE IN CHRIST – REPENTENCE AND FORGIVENESS” in The Celebration Hymnal. Use these truths in me this day. I am called to repent and forgive. Do in, with, by, through and for me all that I cannot do myself.

I love You. I long to serve You. Wisely and well. ♫O lamb of God, I come! I come! Just as I am...♫ Make me all that You would have me be. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(359 words ~ 9:05 a.m.)

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freely, freely

Monday, June 12, 2017 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the love You have for us. Mm, yes. Your love.

I had opportunity to speak of You yesterday. Your love. Your guidance. And in the midst of prayer I was prompted to the hymn that reminds us ♫Freely, Freely you have received; Freely, freely give. Go in My name and because you believe, Others will know that I live♫

As I look to the Scripture references provided, I read of Your love. Hope. Faith. Forgiveness. Community. And I am grateful. So very grateful, Lord.

Most Holy God, how I thank You for the way You love us. Constantly. Unwavering. Patiently. Without change.

I used the phrase yesterday that I will “stay tuned”. Eager to see what You are going to do next in the life of a friend. Father, how I thank You for the privilege of praying with others.

Thank You for the way You call us to You. Thank You for using music to speak to our souls. Thank You that as I am learning about one song, another readily comes to mind.

♫Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, Lord to Thee♫ Mm, yes Father. We learned in church yesterday: consecrate → make holy → set aside for Your use. Oh, yes Holy God. Set us aside for Your use.

Thank You that You are the God Who cannot lie. Thank You that we can trust, lean into, depend on You. Your Word. Your promises.

I love You. I long to serve You. And to freely, freely give. Thank You Father. Make it so. I love You. Amen.

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

so incredibly grateful

Sunday, June 11, 2017 (7:12 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You so very much!

We are home. Safe. Sound. Happy. Rested. Exhausted, yet rested. Hale. Hearty. Blessed. And grateful. So incredibly grateful.

Yes, Father. You got us home. In one piece. And in record time. Thank You.

Thank You for the experiences. The stresses. The exercise. The intentional decisions to make better food choices. And for the love of the little child who accompanied us.

That same young one who quite seriously told me while eating pizza with parents and sibling that I should be part of their family. Ah, Father, the ability to speak freely what is in one's heart!

Yes, Lord. Even when this same child so readily and snidely replied, “Well, then you shouldn't have brought me” to my “I am not enjoying your company right now.”

(11:56 a.m.)

Mm, God,

Thank You for the opportunity of worshiping You and learning about Your Word right here in the comfort of our own home. Thank You Father for the desire to know and to love You more.

Thank You for the privilege of being home to catch up with our eldest offspring. Thank You for practically nonstop back and forth conversation. Lord, we are so incredibly blessed by You. Thus, so incredibly grateful!

Thank You for Your blessings. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your presence. We love You. Let us use Your gifts to us wisely and well. Freely. Generously. Wholeheartedly. Without reservation. Mm, yes Lord. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(260 words ~ 12:27 p.m.)

favorite places

Saturday, June 10, 2017 (9:44 a.m.)

395 Southbound

So God ~

MY plan? Easy peasy ride home. My reality... cranky, grumpy kid with a “then you shouldn't have brought me attitude”.

ARGH! Yes ~ always revere God's holiness. Yes. Help me take the focus off all that is not pleasing and put it back where it so rightly belongs. On YOU!

Yes. And on the Strawberry Moon I saw at 1:20 this morning reflecting off my favorite Lake Tahoe. Yes Father, and on this gorgeous view right now. Your perfect handiwork.

Blue sky. Green trees and hills. Puddle-like patches of snow dotting the mountainsides.

Let the beauty speak to my soul Father. Calm my spirits. I breathe in all the beauty of some of my favorite places in this whole world.

(10:44 a.m.)

And now a blip with the vehicle. Holy God, be with us please. Make us aware. Not afraid.

(11:42 a.m.)

Aware Father. Yes, aware. Not afraid. Breathing deeply. Cautiously hoping for Your grace. Openly asking for Your travel mercies. Safety.

(12:20 p.m.)

Now that we are more southern than northern I can appreciate what my dad told me all those years ago, “There IS beauty in the desert. You just have to look for it.”

(2:41 p.m.)

We're so close to home Lord. Keep us close to YOU. Just a few more miles. Continue Your blessings, I pray.

(2:56 p.m.)

Oh, thank You God!! Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Amen.

(2:57 p.m.)

New day, same happy

Friday, June 9, 2017 (10:13 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Holy God,

Thank You so much! Thank You for the good-nature of this five-year-old traveling with us. Thank You for the things we stand to learn from watching one feel utter disappointment one moment and be rejoicing with fun the next.

It's confusing to have all these mixed emotions Lord. I speak from my own experience. And how I thank You for allowing me to feel all that I am currently feeling. Peace. Joy. Contentment. Hopefulness.

Mm, yes Father. Thank You for speaking to us in so many differing ways. A cyclone shaped prism in the sky one day. And a perfectly suited Bible verse for this youngster's tendency toward fear on another. Absolute God-sends! Thank You.

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” Isaiah 41:13. Whether it was a scary part in a movie, stormy weather, the sound of the waves being far too loud in the early morning hours, or even the heartbreak of watching new found friends play with others.

Thank You for the easier translation of this same verse we just found together. International Children's Bible, “I am the Lord your God. I am holding your right hand. And I tell you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you.'”

Be with us this day as we finish packing up. Prepare our minds and our hearts for a safe journey home. Back into our usual, everyday lives. We love you so very much Holy God. And we thank You for the multitude of blessings You have provided us.

Be with us I pray. Thank You. Amen.

(291 words ~ 11:37 a.m.)

finding my happy

Thursday, June 8, 2017 (5:02 p.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Blessed Holy God,

I love You. Thank You that You are good. Thank You that You are holy. Thank You that I can cry out to You and You in turn help me find my happy.

I cried out to You the other morning. With tears and sobs and unbridled emotion. You stayed steady as always. Not bending the world to suit my fancy. Just letting me feel my feelings. Until they changed.

Because of the adventurous rock climbing skills of a five year old.

being aware again

Tuesday, June 6, 2017 (8:47 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Holy God,

Sad. Right now I am feeling sad. Is it too early to be experiencing “end of trip” sadness? Shall I go ahead and give in to it? Try to fight it? Or just be aware?

Let's go with being aware again and see where that takes us. Yes. Thank You Father. Just that one thought reminded me of the prism I saw in the sky yesterday.

A lake as smooth as glass lent itself to a full day of paddle boarding. Standing up in the morning. Sitting down in the late afternoon.

Going straight out toward the mountain range across the lake, rather than following the shoreline as I had much earlier. I was focused on what looks as though it could be a ski run. One glance up in the sky and I was stopped by the beauty of what appeared to be a cyclone shaped rainbow.

“Oh, God!” flew out of my mouth in a completely unexpected form of praise to You. “Oh, God!” for its beauty. “Oh, God!” because it was right there for I don't know how long and I could have easily missed it.

“Oh, God!” thank You for changing my focus. “Oh, God!” thank You for teaching me to be aware. Thank You that even though the tears are forming freely and readily rolling down my cheeks, I do not have to be afraid of feeling weak or out of control. I need to be aware again of Your presence.

Your provision. Your perfection. Your plan. Yes Lord. I want to practice being aware again of Your hand in all of our days.

I confess to fearing pain. Embarrassment. Sadness. Let me look to You instead. Ready. Willing. Able to be aware of the blessings You so freely provide.

Yes please Father. Even through my many tears and feelings of recurring sadness, I am asking (Matthew 7:7) You to continue making me aware of Your blessings to us.

Yes, Father. Let me serve You to Your liking. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(357 words ~ 9:39 a.m.)