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.

"all through the night"

Wednesday, November 8, 2017 (7:07 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. It was a lot of getting ups and lying downs throughout the night. Thank You that You are here in all of it.

Thank You Father for the psalmists and their psalms that remind us to thank and praise You all through the night. Yes Father. I confess, most of my thoughts were not on You.

Ah, but come the morning light and the chance to be here with You in Your Word? Thanks and praise once again.

Thank You for Your Word Holy God. Thank You for what some have come to call Your “love letter” to us. Mm. Yes. I do experience it as such. Thank You!

Three psalms in The Message, each using the phrase “all through the night”, help me pause. Breath deeply. Smile. Contemplate. Rejoice. Sing praise.

Ah. Time alone with You. Psalm 42:6-8; 77:2-6 and 92:1-3 speak of remembering, slowing down and praising You for all You have done. Mm, yes Father. Thank You for sending us Your love letter full of Truth and promises.

Use me this day as You wish. I love You. I long to serve You. And I thank You. Amen.

(209 words ~ 8:22 a.m.)

"God knows"

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 (6:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You!

Somewhere in the dark hours I found myself wondering one thing and then another. As the list of things I cannot change grew, I found myself ultimately comforted the moment I remembered, “God knows.”

Yes two words, in perfect order. “God knows.” The other morning I considered the importance of knowing You. How settled my heart became much earlier as these two words reversed themselves. “God knows.”

Mm. Yes. “God knows!”

(8:23 a.m.)

Comforting. Settling. These two words speak powerfully to my soul. Thank You Father.

seeking moderation

Monday, November 6, 2017 (7:44 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You!

Thank You for rest. Limited energy. Desire to make wiser health choices.

Father, I confess to becoming lax

know God

Sunday, November 5, 2017 (6:10 a.m.)

Awesome, Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for joy. Thank You for hope. Thank You for love. Thank You for time.

Mm.Yes, Father, thank You.

Talk with me this morning as You wish. Guide and direct my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. It is You and You alone I wish to know.

(8:52 a.m.)

Mm, Holy God, thank You for time in Your Word. Jesus’ own final prayer speaks of knowing [and experiencing] You.

The Passion Translation rephrases His words as, “Eternal life means to know and experience You as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

This rendition of Your Truth footnotes “the only true God” as the Aramaic translation “the God of Truth”; alluding to Deuteronomy 6:4. The Voice, “Moses: Listen, Israel! The Eternal is our True God - He alone.” Mm, yes. You alone!

willingness

Saturday, November 4, 2017 (9:03 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You, thank You, thank You!

Thank You for the willingness of letting plans change. Yes Lord. I went to a doctor’s appointment yesterday with my own agenda and expectations. Surprise! I ended up leaving with x-rays and prescriptions.

Thank You Father for insurance benefits and a husband willing to help. So many things for which to be thankful. Yes. The unusually attentive dog flanking my most every move. The opportunity to rest. Heal. Feel better.

I find it interesting that at one point in time I was berating myself for being lazy and the next I am embracing a doctor’s orders to not do too much. Thank You for the turn of events that allow me this privilege.

Father, I am here asking Your guidance. Empower me to doing as much [or as little] as You know is best. Thank You for the willingness to wait on You. Yes Father. “Wait on the LORD. Be courageous, and He will strengthen your heart. Wait on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14 International Standard Version)

Yes, Holy God. This I ask in Your Son’s most holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(204 words ~ 10:31 a.m.)

"love and good works"

Friday, November 3, 2017 (6:48 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

Thank You. There’s an opportunity here today. A long awaited doctor visit. Rather than continuing to pour over the potential outcome in my mind, I am asking instead that You would take the lead.

Guide and direct not only my questions, but the answers I give as well. Father, I confess to feeling lazy. Fatigued. Unmotivated.

There’s the word. Yes, Father again I am asking You to motivate me to the changes that I need to make to improve my health.

Holy God, You are so incredibly good. One word again leads me to Your Truth. Thank You!

Every single translation I looked up using ‘motivate’ took me first to Hebrews 10:24. Although the words are varied, the message is the same. We are to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works”.

Helpful. Kind. Doing good things. Where do these ideas begin? From You.

The Message urges, “So let’s do it - full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps His word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day [of Christ’s return] approaching” (Hebrews 10:23-25).

Your Word, Your Truth, Your promises. How I ask You to do all You must in enabling me to live as You would have me live. Full of the life You would have be freely share with others.

Worldwide English tells us, “We must hold on to God’s promise that we have said we believed. And we must never let go. He has promised and He will do it. Let us think of one another and help one another to love and to do good things. Do not stop going to church meetings. Some people do stop. But help each other to be strong. You must do it all the more as you see the Great Day coming closer.”

Yes Father. Do all You must. I love You. Empower me. Thank You. Amen.

(371 words ~ 7:55 a.m.)

THANK YOU

Thursday, November 2, 2017 (6:37 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! 

The song ♪A Change Is Gonna Come♪ started singing to me yesterday and I just now looked up its origin. Thank You Father. Thank You for again making me aware of the world around me.

Oh we live in such a fallen world of despair. THANK YOU that the very moment my mind went in that direction, You countered with John 10:10.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My [Jesus] purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”

Mm, yes Father! Thank You.

The Voice says, “The thief approaches with malicious intent, looking to steal, slaughter, and destroy; I came to give life with joy and abundance.” Joy. Abundance. Hmm...

“I have come so that people may live and that they may enjoy life to the full” (Worldwide English).

As I ponder Your Truth Blessed Father, I ask You to provide the strength and courage necessary for the change that is coming. Change in me. Change in this world as we know it. Empower us in looking to You for Truth. Joy. Life. In abundance.

Yes Father. THANK YOU for Your love. Your plan. Your will. And Your way. Line us up. Empower and embolden us. This I ask in Jesus' most blessed and holy name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(205 words ~ 7:25 a.m.)

more changes

Wednesday, November 1, 2017 (6:43 a.m.)

Blessed God,

It’s another brand new month. And I feel so much better. Thank You God. Thank You.

I’ve heard myself saying how much I appreciate the time You’ve allowed me to rest and heal. Thank You for the opportunity to consider more changes I want to make.

Yes, Father. Thank You. Changes. Adjustments. Awareness. Little things. Bigger ones. And in the very back of my mind I keep hearing Diana Ross singing ♪I’m coming out…♪

Finally taking the time to look up the words I see that they really do fit what is going on inside me. ♪I want the world to know I got to let it show There’s a new me coming out And I just had to live And I wanna give…♪

There’s a lot of power represented in this music. Power to change. Mm, yes. Thank You Father. Thank You for the courage and the power to change. All of which comes directly from You.

I don’t want to do too much today. Let me follow Your lead. Keep me close to You. That I would truly come out from the funk that has kept limited for so very long.

Jesus, I love You. I thank You. And how sincerely I ask You to empower and embolden me to Your good and glorious end. Enable me in living this day as You would have me. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. Following Your lead.

Thank You Jesus. Live in, with, by, through and for me I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

wondering ~ 10/31/17

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 (8:01 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning.

I’m here… Wondering…

Yes! Thank You God that I even get to wonder!

I look to Your Word and see that I am not alone in wondering. Thank You Father. Thank You that I get to be honest with You and that honesty leads me deeper into Your Word. Guide me this morning where You would have me go.