truly grateful

Sunday, April 29, 2018 (8:40 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Grateful. A slight smile is more than enough to remind me how truly grateful I am. “Thank You! Everything in me says ‘Thank You!’” (Psalm 138:1).

Those are David’s words according to The Message. “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” (vs. 2-3).

Thank You. Two such simple words. Powerful. Important.

Thank You Father. Use me this day. As You wish. Yes, thank You! I love You. Amen.

(130 words ~ 9:27 a.m.)

smiling

Saturday, April 28, 2018 (7:35 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

I love You. Thank You that we are allowed [even encouraged?] to come before You with such freedom. Freedom to…

(8:48 a.m.)

… search. Seek. Learn. Love. Ask. Expect. Trust. Believe. Smile.

Mm. Yes. Smile!

Most holy and loving God, it’s the smile that reminds me of Your blessings. Every single time I am aware that I am smiling I automatically breathe in deeply and think of Your surrounding, encompassing presence.

Psalm 15:13. The Voice. “A warm, smiling face reveals a joy-filled heart, but heartache crushes the spirit and darkens the appearance.” It’s so true Blessed God. I experience it everyday. Thank You that the joy You provide is so much bigger than all of my deep and dark ways of thinking.

Your Truth wins out. We find joy and contentment in Your Word.

Holy God, thank You! Use me this day exactly as You wish. Seeking Your will and Your way. I love You. I long to serve You. Glorifying and enjoying You all the way. Do all You must to make it so Dear Lord.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(197 words ~ 9:16 a.m.)

the great and awesome God

Friday, April 27, 2018 (6:37 a.m.)

Awesome God,

Mm. Yes. Awesome. God. My mind does not easily wrap around Your awesomeness. I start reading in Your Word. Turn here (Exodus and Deuteronomy). Look there (Nehemiah and Isaiah). Smile. Hope. Get genuinely excited [agog]. Wonder. Ponder. Smile. And hope some more.

I am confessing laziness to You Dear Lord. Sitting. Watching. Waiting. Or am I truly confessing reluctance? Resistance? Yep. There it is.

Gonna be honest here. Ack! What this going to look like? Not pretty.

Thank You Father. Thank You that I get to know You as great and awesome. Thank You that even when I feel down-hearted, I know You to be good. You do not change (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17b).

Thank You that even as I struggle with fear, disappointment, a little twinge of bitterness or resentment, I know that underneath it all is You. You who is the great and awesome God.

I am asking You to do all You must in me this day. There are things that are broken and not working properly. I’d rather hide than face them all.

Thank You for letting me come to You, seeking Your goodness. Your grace. Your power. Do all you must in clearing the wreckage of my past. I waver. Vacillate. Determine. Resolve. Only to crumble. And not care.

Thank You that YOU are my Resolve. I turn to Revelation 3:19. Have I become “spiritually blind and destitute… indifferent - lukewarm” (The Life Recovery Bible comment 3:14-21)?

Mm. And here comes the smile. The Message, “The people I love, I call to account - prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!”

Mm, yes! Live at my best. Running after You. Instead away from troubles.

Jesus told His disciples, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have over come the world” (John 16:33).

Take heart indeed! I am seeking His grace, Your love and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:13) as I ‘turn from my indifference’ (Revelation 3:19).

Yes Father. You are the great and awesome God. You are able to do all that is necessary in changing me as You wish. 

Mm. “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with US all” (Revelation 22:20b-21).

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(428 words ~ 8:41 a.m.)

Fun-loving.

Thursday, April 26, 2018 (6:27 a.m.)

Holy, Holy, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You that even when I’m not sure for all I am thankful, I am thankful. Thank You Father.

Thank You for rest. Thank You for fun. Mm, yes. Fun.

(7:38 a.m.)

I’ve spent more than an hour searching Your Word. Attempting to confirm my belief that we are indeed designed to have fun.

I didn’t seek Your guidance first. Just dove straight in. Now I’m feeling overwhelmed and anxious. So, here I pause. Take a deep breath. Ask You to guide me. Speak to me as only You can.

I love You. I look to You. I long to be the woman You have created me to be. Fun-loving. Easy-going. These are words I desperately want to describe me. But even the smile on my face at this very moment belies the truth. I am anything but.

You know Your plan for me. Your best for all of us.

“Light-hearted and lively”. Your Word has so much to say about how we are to live are lives. The words I am coming across support my thinking. Carefree. Joyful. Glad. Happy. Playful. Untroubled. Gleeful.

Do all You must in making me so Blessed God. ‘Clothed with strength and dignity, laughing with no fear of the future’ (Proverbs 31:25).

Praising You and having fun is how I long to live this day. Loving You, myself and others as You would have us love (Mark 12:30-31). Deeply (1 Peter 4:8). Extravagantly (The Message; 1 Corinthians 13:13). Freely (1 John 4:7-10). Well (The Message; Philippians 1:9).

Teach me Father. I have so much more to learn. I love You. Amen.

(294 words ~ 8:31 a.m.)

still

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 (7:50 a.m.)

Garden Grove, CA

Most Dear and Blessed, Holy Father God,

How I love You. And immediately I am singing ♪Oh, how He loves you and me♪.

Holiest God, thank You. I confess to feeling shaky and a little more than weepy this morning. No cause of which I am aware. Just shaky and weepy.

But let me start off by acknowledging my love for You and “Bam!” I’m in Your Word. Rejoicing; still with an undertone of shakiness and weepiness.

Thank You Father. Thank and praise You. I am well aware of the work You are doing in me. I don’t claim to understand it. I can’t explain all the nuances. Oh, but I am keenly aware.

Thank You for the times I stand, still, wondering, noticing, paying close attention. I notice myself wanting to bolt. Run away. Hide. Yet I stay. Thank You for working in me. With me. By, through and for me.

Thank You that as I come to You. Calling You. Seeking You. Loving You. I still don’t claim to understand any of it.

I am much more inclined to recognizing discomfort, and not rushing to change it. I stay quieter. Examining thoughts and feelings. Not knowing what to do with them, I seem to let them pass.

Just like now. Still feeling shaky. Ah, but far less weepy. Maybe a little stronger. Perhaps “clothed in strength and dignity” (Proverbs 31:25a). Preparing to “laugh with no fear of the future (v. 25b).

Yes! You do this for us. We seek You. And we find You when we seek You will all heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

The Message for Jeremiah 29:13-14 says, “‘When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.’ GOD’S Decree. ‘I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you’ - GOD’S Decree - ‘bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.”

I think this is how I am feeling. What I am experiencing. A sense of coming back home. To the true me [“new self”] that You created.

Your Word (Colossians 3) speaks of this new self. International Children’s Bible calls it “new life”. Verse nine, “Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” I believe that. 

“You have begun to live the new life. In your new life you are being made new. You are becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true knowledge of God” (v. 10).

Yes please. Blessed, Holy, Father God, continue Your work in making me fully into the woman You created me to be. I love You. I thank You. I long to serve You. Exactly as You wish. Change me as You know is necessary. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(517 words ~ 9:26 a.m.)

"as You wish"

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 (6:44 a.m.)

Holy God,

How I thank You Father. I woke with the phrase, “As You wish” prominently in my mind. These are the words I long to use in obedience to Your leading.

Reading in Proverbs (8:1-11) and 1 Kings (5:8-9) I settle in to 2 Peter (1:16-18). Thank You Father. My heart simultaneously cozies up and becomes excited [agog] while reading of Your grace and truth, power and forgiveness, help and hope.

A REFLECTION in The Life Recovery Bible tells us, “Peter wanted to etch the truth of God’s amazing love into their minds. We must work through our painful memories (they don’t disappear on their own!), but as we do, we can reflect on God’s majesty and amazing love. As we recall the good things God has done, the painful memories will begin to fade.”

Mm, yes Father. You are so incredibly good (Matthew 19:17). Jesus, You are the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews12:2). It is just and right (Proverbs 21:3) that I would come to whole-heartedly reply, “As You wish” as You lead.

I love You. I long to walk with You “as You wish”.  ♪Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, where He sends we will go - Never fear, only trust and obey♪ (Romans 16:26).

This I pray, Blessed God. Continue Your work in me that I would truly come to love “as You wish”. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(270 words ~ 8:06 a.m.)

trust and believe

Monday, April 23, 2018 (7:25 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that we are free. Free to love You. Free to be loved by You.

(8:55 a.m.)

Yes, most holy God! Free to be loved by You. Yes! Thank You. Praise You. Bless You. Keep You.

I get to read Your Word. Trust and believe Your promises. Because of Your enormous, extravagant love for each and every single one of us, I am filled with excitement [agog] to consider the following question from Illustrated Bible Handbook.

1 Thessalonians Chapter 1. The Word Heard Evidence of Response; 1:4-10. “What is there in your own life that shows the gospel ‘came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction’ (1:5)?”

What in deed!

Ah, this smile. The one that represents the “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a) that comes from growing in Your love.

Thank You Father. As I prepare to go out into this day, I ask that You would go before, beside, behind, above, below and within me. Guide, direct, empower and perfect me in living this one day exactly as You wish.

I love You. I thank You. And I ask You to do all that You must in teaching me to trust and believe the freedom I have in loving and being loved by You.

The comment in The Life Recovery Bible for 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6 ends with this truth, “When we recognize our powerlessness and entrust our life to God, we allow God’s infinite resources to work on our behalf.” Yes, please!

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

the throne room of God

Saturday, April 21, 2018 (7:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that we have access to You. Thank You for the phrase that just came to my mind. “Invited into the throne room of God”.

Holiest God, I confess. I don’t know what this means.

~

In reading more for knowledge and understanding, I pause to accept Your peace in the matter.

Deuteronomy 1:19-21. The Life Recovery Bible comment. “‘Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’ The expression “Don’t be afraid,’ along with its variations, is the most common command in Scripture. There are so many things to be afraid of. In challenging His people to a new course of action, God insisted that they cast away their fears. God was really asking His people to trust in Him. If we can learn to turn our focus away from our circumstances toward God and His power, our helplessness and fears will soon melt away.”

The throne room of God. A place of which I am presently unlearned. Teach me what You want me to know I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

this present unknown

Friday, April 20, 2018 (6:56 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

I am confessing to feeling sad right now. I don’t know why. I’ve tried all my usual sadness blasters. To no avail.

So… I bring it to You. Sadness. Just like it is. Unpolished. Raw.

And with it, I sit here thanking You. Thank You that Your Word has much to say about sadness. Taking Time to Grieve (Genesis 23:1-4; 35:19-21), Facing the Sadness (Nehemiah 8:7-10), Constructive Sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-11), Our Mission (Isaiah 61:1-3).

Mm, thank You Father. I read of smiles. Beauty for ashes. Joy instead of mourning. Praise instead of despair. The joy of the LORD. Godly sorrow. And I notice myself smiling. Faintly.

Thank You Father. Thank You that I don’t have to ♪put on a happy face♪. I get to sit. Breathe deeply. Pause. Wonder. Hope. And thank. Yes Holy God, I am profoundly grateful to You.

I am asking Your hand in guiding and directing me through this present unknown. And even here I smile. While today holds plenty of unknowns for me, none of what is in store is unknown to You. Thank You. Father. Praise You.

With yet another long, deep breath I turn again to the simplicity of the Serenity Prayer, asking Your blessing and keeping of me this day. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” Yes please.

Work in me as You know is best. Do all You must in helping me grieve and face whatever sadness that is underlying here this day.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(291 words ~ 8:02 a.m.)

cacophony

Thursday, April 19, 2018 (6:46 a.m.)

Holiest, Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You. Thank You.

You continue Your work in me. I see it. I feel it. I am learning to recognize it. To know it. And I am grateful for it. For You. Thank You Father.

Left on my own I fuss. And fret. Ah, but You never leave us on our own. You are always near us.

Holiest God, there is a cacophony going on inside my head at this very moment. Snippets of songs are clamoring. Not only to be heard, but focused upon.

♪Do you want to build a snowman?♪ What? ♪Nothing But the Blood of Jesus♪ ♪You delight in showing mercy, Mercy triumphs over judgment♪

Such Truth. So much hope. All found in Your Word. Well, except the snowman…

Nope. On further exploration of the lyrics, even the snowman fits with what You want for us.

Most Holy God, the tears have formed and are starting to roll. The thoughts are all blurring together as I seek Your message for me here.

I thought I was going to find it in the Psalms. Relating to You always being near. Before that, I was sure it would be 1 John 1:5-7. Your light. Jesus’ blood.

But what if it is really found in the simplicity of a younger sister yearning for the companionship of her elder. One who has locked herself away. For what she believed to be the good of the kingdom.

Here this little sister sings as she knocks. ♪Do you wanna build a snowman? Come on let’s go and play. I never see you anymore. Come out the door. It’s like you’ve gone away - We used to be best buddies And now we’re not. I wish You would tell me why! Do you wanna build a snowman? It doesn’t have to be a snowman♪

Jesus, I turn to Revelation 3:20 and can contain myself no longer. Dearest Biggest Brother, how do we unlock ourselves to fully open the doors of our hearts and let You in? How do we get to the point that we absolutely share You with others?

You are the way. The Truth. And the life. No one can get to the Father except through You (John 14:6). Is it really just as easy as opening the door? And letting You in?

Am I on the right track when I envision You outside my door singing ♪Dear One Please, I know you’re in there. People [Our Father and Holy Spirit?] are asking where you’ve been… I’m right out here for you, just let me in. We only have each other. It’s just you and me. What are we gonna do? Do you wanna build a snowman? Or ride our bikes around the halls♪

Yes Jesus! What would it be like to ride our bikes together around the halls? You never leave us. 

You even told Your disciples, “You must not let yourselves be distressed - you must hold on to your faith in God and to your faith in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s House. If there were not, should I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? It is true that I am going away to prepare a place for you, but it is just as true that I am coming again to welcome you into my own home, so that you may be where I am. You know where I am going and you know the road I am going to take” (John 14:1-4 J.B. Phillips New Testament).

And in all of this You never left us alone. “If you love me, obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor [Comforter, Encourager, Paraclete] who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads in all truth… No I will not abandon you as orphans - I will come to you” (John 14:15-18).

Do I want to build a snowman? You already did! Do I want to come out and play with You? Yes. Yes. A thousand times yes!

Continue your work in me that I will widely fling open the doors to my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength that I would love You, myself and others as You command (Mark 12:30-31). Wholly. Completely. Without reservation.

I love You. I trust You. I need You. I ask You: ♪Into my heart, into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus; Come in today, come in to stay [PLAY!]; Come into my heart, Lord Jesus♪ (Ephesians 3:16-17).

And here’s a verse I’ve never known, ♪Out of my heart, out of my heart, Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus; Shine out today, shine out alway; Shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus♪ Yes! Please. I love You. Amen.

(823 words ~ 8:08 a.m.)

teaching

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 (6:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

You are still teaching me. Thank You!

Thank You that You are perfect. Good. Kind. Gracious. Forgiving. All the things we need You to be.

Thank You that I get to turn to Your Word and learn. I read. I hope. Sit. Consider. Smile. Breathe in deeply. Cherish.

Mm, yes Father. How I cherish You and Your Word.

I read Isaiah 42:1-4 of The Lord’s Chosen Servant. You describe Him as Your servant whom You strengthen (v. 1). Your chosen one. With whom You are pleased.

Your Spirit was put upon Him. He will reveal justice to the nations. Being gentle, not shouting or raising His voice in public (2). “He will not crush those who are weak or quench the smallest hope. He will bring full justice to all who have been wronged” (3).

Holy God, how I thank You. So often I feel faint-hearted. Timid. Easily frightened. I read Your promises and take heart.

“He will not stop until truth and righteousness prevail throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for His instruction [teaching, law, decrees]” (4).

Other translations tell us, “He will not falter or be discouraged till He establishes justice on earth. In His teaching the islands will put their hope.” Mm, yes. The perfect place for me to put my hope. His teaching.

Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit.

A comment for this section of Scripture in The Life Recovery Bible says, “No description could be more encouraging to us as we seek deliverance from injuries and fragile emotions. He is gentle, He will not crush us. He will encourage us and bring justice to the wrongs we have suffered.” What hope comes from choosing to believe Your promises!

“Even as children, many of us have endured abuse or wrongdoings that we did nothing to deserve. But we need to let go of the hatred and bitterness we feel because Christ will judge the people who have hurt us. We need God’s help to put these events behind us so we can move on in the recovery process.”

I look around me. Seeing so many who were desperately hurt as children. Continue Your work in teaching us all the fine arts of forgiveness and love. Oh how I do love You!

Use me this day for Your good and Your glory. Let me practice well the Truth You are teaching. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

mighty power

Tuesday, April 17, 2018 (7:23 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Your mighty power is alive and well and working inside of me. “Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope” (Ephesians 3:20).

I experienced it yesterday. I was frustrated. Things weren’t going as I had expected. I felt justified in my blaming. I started stomping. Storming. And cursing. Then I remembered the work I’ve been doing in the book Love Is Letting Go of Fear.

Yesterday’s lesson, “I can escape from the world I see by giving up attack thoughts.” Considering my desire to experience peace of mind I immediately ceased my tirade. The problem I was working on didn’t miraculously disappear.

As I changed my focus from the irritation to my response to it, I purposely took a deep breath. I felt myself settle and calm down. I remembered to “Relax and be amused” (The Little Book of Letting Go). Then I smiled. Laughed out loud. And said, “Thank You Jesus!”

Indeed. Thank You Jesus. I remembered Your words (John 16:33) to Your disciples. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Mm, yes! You have overcome the world! I get to choose to relax [“Be still and know that I am God!”] (Psalm 46:10a). And be amused ♪Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, “Rejoice!”♪ (Philippians 4:4).

Thank You Father. Thank You Son. Thank You Holy Spirit. It IS Your mighty power that is at work within me. Continue teaching and using me as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(303 words ~ 8:16 a.m.)

to love and be loved by God

Monday, April 16, 2018 (6:54 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed Father God,

How I love You. I say it so often and it never loses its impact on me. I love You. Mm, yes, most dear and holy Dad, I love You.

Thank You for that honor. That privilege. To love and be loved by You. Mm, yes. Holy God, thank You that we were created to love and be loved by You. It’s a Truth I can barely begin to wrap my mind around.

Instead I sit. Still. Reading and taking in Your Word. Breathing deeply. Relaxed. Pondering.

Thank You Father. Thank You for such peace. Thank You that reading in The Message (Ephesians 2:1-6) I find my mind racing with hope, while at the very same time calm and protected.

“He Tore Down the Wall It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose His temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, He embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on His own, with no help from us! Then He picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.”

Your incredible love has done this for us. Your incredible love that covers our sins. Your incredible love that Pope Francis called Your “dream” for human beings. ‘… that we would know we are loved by You, that we would love You in return and that we would love one another.’

Before reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors on October 29, the pope went on to say, “In fact, we were created to love and be loved”. Oh blessed God, thank You for reminders of Your Truth.

Focusing his remarks that Sunday on his reading of Matthew 22:37-39, Pope Francis went on to say that “Jesus lived according to those two commandments. His actions were all motivated by what was essential, ‘that is, love.’”

Quoting from Catholic News Service, “‘Love gives energy and fruitfulness to life and to the journey of faith,’ he said. ‘Without love both life and faith remain sterile.’ True fidelity to God involves loving God and loving the other people He created, the pope said. ‘You can do many good things, fulfill many precepts, good things, but if you do not have love, they are useless’” [1 Corinthians 13:1-3].

Dearest, dearest God, thank You for Your perfect, authentic love. Teach me in practicing to use it well this day. I love You. Yes. I love You! Thank You Father. Use me I pray, to Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. Amen.

(522 words ~ 8:28 a.m.)

so different

Sunday, April 15, 2018 (6:44 a.m.)

Blessing, Holy, Loving God,

How I thank You Lord. Things have been so different these past many days. Yes. So different.

Mm, Father. How I thank You that I get to sit here. With You. And Your Word. Turning to Psalm 77:13 and reading it in The Voice. Mmmm, “O God, Your way is so different, so distinct, so divine. No other god compares with our God.”

God is great

Friday, April 13, 2018 (6:40 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Thank You for Your goodness and Your grace. Thank You that You are good. Thank You that You are great.

"Relax and Be Amused"

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 (7:40 a.m.)

Kaiser Fontana Building 3 Basement

Blessed God ~

Thank You! You have been blessing me abundantly. I am aware of changes taking place in my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. My thinking goes from negative to positive so much more quickly than ever before.

I am learning to be more forgiving and less fearful. This all comes from You and I am so incredibly grateful.

An exercise I am practicing this morning is saying and thinking, “Nothing will go right today. So I will relax and be amused.” So far I have smiled every time I have said or thought it.

“Relax and be amused” reminds me of “Rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118:24b). Yes! Relax and be amused. Thank You!

“Nothing will go right today” causes me to think ofJesus’ words to His disciples. “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33b). 

Oh, but He doesn’t leave it there. He adds the comforting line, “But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (v. 33c). Yes! Take heart indeed!

Thank You Father. Praise You Jesus. Bless You Holy Spirit. Thank You for the work You are doing in changing me. From the inside out.

♪This IS the day that the Lord hath made. I WILL rejoice and be glad in it♪ Yes ~ “Relax and be amused.” Use me as You wish. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(8:00 a.m.)

less fear

Monday, April 9, 2018 (7:17 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

You are doing a good work in me. I especially noticed it on Saturday. I quite naturally and easily suggested a change in plans. No malice. Or hard feelings. Just a very simple, “I can do this.”

Thank You Father. I was fully aware of experiencing a steadiness. A firm footing. A sense of knowing I was less fearful. I still can’t call it fearlessness. But definitely less fear. Thank You God.

Looking into Your Word I find myself smiling. Contently.

Psalm 119:33-35. “Teach me, O LORD, to follow every one of Your principles. Give me understanding and I will obey Your law; I will put it into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of Your commands, for that is where my happiness is found.” Mmm. Yes!

Illustrated Bible Handbook for Psalm 119 says, “The Word of God, and its impact in the life of the believer, is the subject of this great work of poetry.” Yes. Thank You that I get to experience the effect of Your Truth on my life.

Psalm 119:36-40. “Give me an eagerness for Your decrees; do no inflict me with love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your Word (in Your ways). Reassure me of Your promise, which is for those who honor You. Help me abandon my shameful ways; Your laws are all I want in my life. I long to obey Your commandments! Renew my life with Your goodness.”

You are doing precisely that. Helping me abandon my shameful ways. Instilling a longing to obey Your commandments. Renewing my life with Your goodness. Truly providing that “peace, which surpasses all understanding” down in my heart (Philippians 4:7).

Yes! That is what I have been experiencing. You doing an excellent work in me. Making me willing and able to obey You (Philippians 2:13).

Oh, how I ask You to continue Your fine good work in me (Philippians 1:6). Thank You. I love You. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. With so very much less fear. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(366 words ~ 8:07 a.m.)

faithful, enduring love

Monday, April 2, 2018 (8:35 a.m.)

Ensenada, MX

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your Son. Thank You for this time. Thank You for this place. Thank You that You are here, in our midst.

Thank You that as I think and sing praises to You this morning, I come again to the Psalms. 136. Thanking. Praising. Hoping. Trusting. Declaring. “His faithful love endures forever.”

As I turn to You this day after the celebration of Your Son’s resurrection, I am once again asking for more. More love. More joy. More peace. More patience. More kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. And self-control (Galatians 5:22-23a).

Father, I fail so often. I doubt. I wonder. I waver. Falter. And then I remember. You. Your love. Your power. Your strength. Your plan. Your goodness. Your grace. Your faithful love that endures forever.

As we prepare to leave for the day Father I ask Your presence. Your leadership; guidance. Your faithful, enduring love to go before, behind, above, beneath, and beside us. Completely encircling, encompassing and encasing us in Your mighty, protective care.

Father, we love You. We long to know and represent You well. Do all You must in making us the people You would have us be. Fully and mightily dependent on Your faithful, enduring love.

I love You Father. And I ask You to clothe me “with strength and dignity” that I would freely “laugh with no fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25). Thank You Father. How I praise You. Amen.

(266 words ~ 9:26 a.m.)

laced with love ~ 3/31/18

Saturday, March 31, 2018 (8:47 a.m.)

Enroute Ensenada, MX

Blessed, Holy, Precious Father, Son and Spirit,

God the Father. God the Son. God the Holy Spirit. Hmm. Where will this thinking take me this morning?

Thanking. Praising. Asking. Seeking. Studying. Adoring. Confessing. Thanking. Supplicating. Thanking showed up twice here. Let’s look there together please.

Yes Father, thank You for sending us Your Son. Your one and only perfectly begotten Son. I read John 3:16. Then the next two verses. Over to 8:12. Then 1 John 1:5-7 Living in the Light. And ultimately to Revelation 12 The Woman and the Dragon.

Blessed, Holy, Perfect Father God, how I thank You for the complexity of Your Word. More Truth than I could ever begin to understand. Completely filled and laced with love.

As I read of Your Son’s predicted existence, I hope. I trust. I wait. I believe. I rest. And I ask. Again. ♪Change my heart O God Make it ever true Change my heart oh God May I be like You You are the Potter I am the clay Mold me and make me This is what I pray Change my heart oh God Make it ever true Change my heart oh God May I be like You♪ (Isaiah 64:8)

You never cease to make me smile. At the most unexpected moments. Another of Your lacing with love attributes.

As I sit, contemplating Your sacrifice on my behalf another song comes to mind. ♪Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness. Opened my eyes, let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely, Altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me♪

Singing my heart and soul to You I wonder what You would have me do with this day. Lace it with love. Your love. Your perfect, unending, power-filled love. Empower and embolden me to this end I ask.

Make me brave. Clothe me in the strength and dignity of the Proverbs 31 woman. Yes Father, make me A Wife of Noble Character. Empower me in laughing “with no fear of the future” (v. 25).

That is why Your Son came. To pay such a debt He did not owe. That we would live “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Unafraid (Isaiah 41:10). Free (John 8:32).

Take this day. And me along with it. Use me exactly as You wish. Completely laced with Your love. Thank You Father. Praise You Jesus. Bless You Holy Spirit.

Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(454 words ~ 10:11 a.m.)

Jesus' friends ~ 3/30/18

Good Friday, March 30, 2018 (7:17 a.m.)

Enroute Ensenada, MX

Holy God,

I read it yesterday. I want it to be my life’s Truth. “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25). Truly Father, what would that even look like? I absolutely want to know. Experience. Feel. Live. Each day fully esteeming and revering You. Yes. From You comes all strength, dignity, laughter and fearlessness. Work in and with, by, through and for me to this end I pray.

(8:29 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy, Perfect Father God,

Today marks the anniversary of what I consider the biggest example of man’s inhumanity to man. The One true innocent of the world was unjustly arrested and tried, savagely beaten, mocked, scorned and hung on a cross for the good of the crowd.

I confess to You Most Holy Dad, I most often avoid looking at the gory details of all this day represents. Humanity at its worse. Thank You that we live in the age that knows the joy of The Resurrection that came on Sunday.

As I take a horrifying look at the pain and injustice of it all, again I thank and praise You for the sacrifice You gave on my behalf.

(11:56 a.m.)

Here, because I can’t shake the malaise I am feeling about this day and what it represents I am taking the five minutes to tap out my feelings. Thoughts. Emotions. Asking You Most Blessed God to come with me through this process. Lead me. Guide me. Allow me to bend into You. Give into You. Trust You completely . I love You. I want to be considered Your good and faithful servant. I fall short. So far short. My mind is polluted with throughts and wonders that have nothing to do with Your righteousness. Let me get the focus back toYour love for each of us. Your love that propmted You to give us Your  Son in exchange for our sins. I shake my head in practical disbelief all the time thinking, “Not a good trade”. Not a good trade for sure! Father thank You that in our unworthiness You are made all the more worthy. Or is that even a thing. You can’t be made even more worthy than You already are. Can You?

There are so very many things I do not know . I dont understand. I practically even wonder if I care to know.

And five minutes later I sit. Still. At noon. On Good Friday. Wondering. Marveling. Reading.

More of Your Word. More about Your Word. Prophesy of the crucifixion. Fulfillment of the prophesy.

“When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling the executions saw what happened, he praised God and said, ‘Surely this man was innocent [righteous]. And when the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw all that happened, they went home in deep sorrow [beating their breasts]. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching” (Luke 23:47-49).

And herein lies the GOOD of Good Friday for me. Hope for what is to come. We have the advantage of history on our side.

This is where I tearfully thank and praise You for this gift You have provided us. A Psalty the Singing Songbook song sings out loudly within me ♪Take the gift Take the gift Take the gift It’s free♪

Yes Father. Free for me. Not You. Not Your Son. My freedom cost You everything. Thank You.

Continue Your work in me I pray.

The Life Recovery Bible comment in Luke 23:32-34 “Jesus forgave those who nailed Him to the cross. Here in the most unjust situation in history, unlimited forgiveness was extended. If Christ forgave in this way frm the cross, no sin we’ve committed is too great for His forgiveness. As we accept His forgiveness, we are freed to forgive those who have sinned against us. Christ helps us release our bitterness and resentment, which only imprison us. His forgiveness empowers us to be forgiving people - forgiving ourself and those who have hurt us.”

Let me honor You on this darkest day in history. Continue doing all You must in turning me into the woman You created me to be. Yours. Completely, lovingly, forgivingly Yours. Thank You Father. Praise You Jesus. Bless You Holy Spirit. Use me as You wish. Amen.

(746 words ~ 12:52 p.m.)

"so wonderfully complex" ~ 3/29/18

Maundy Thursday, March 29, 2018 (9:48 a.m.)

Enroute Ensenada, MX

Holy God,

Good morning. Thank You. Talk to me I pray.

I am blessed. Uniquely, incredibly blessed. I know this. I believe it. And at the very same time I question the malcontent I so often feel.

Thank You Father that I get to bring all my questions, doubts, fears and self-incriminations before You. I love You. I long to serve You. And I want others to see the joy You bring to our lives.

Holy God and Father, am I correct in deciding to believe that even when I am not feeling joyful at any given moment, that underneath it all there truly is joy still deep in my heart? Yes. I long for this to be true.

The smile on my face right now matches the one on my heart, in my mind and my soul. Simply by beginning to read Psalm 139 I felt my head nod as I relaxed into Your Truth.

“O LORD, You have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment You know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You both precede and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head” (Psalm 139:1-5).

There’s nothing I can say to You about how my mind often twists my way of thinking that surprises You. You know me. And You love me anyway! Thank You Father.

Thank You that I get to choose to believe Your Word. I get to “Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex!” (v. 14a). And I am not the only one. You did this for us all.

The Life Recovery Bible helps me unite with Your Truth and Your promises. A Serenity Prayer devotional for this Psalm presents this reality, “Maybe we have difficulty accepting our personality, our appearance, our handicap, or even our talents.” Maybe? Hmm… There are others like me?

Thank You Father. For making me so wonderfully complex. Let that be my prayer to You this day. Every single time I start to judge my unworthiness please remind me that “Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it” (14b).

Quoting again from the devotional, “Beauty and value are designed into the very fiber of our being by virtue of our Creator. One important step in the recovery process is to allow God to remove self-hatred, helping us to value ourself for who we are.” Miraculously created. Treasured by You. Embraced and accepted by You Yourself. So wonderfully complex.

Yes Father. Let me truly laugh out loud at the complexity of all You have made in each of us.

(11:02 a.m.)

As I continue searching Your Word before going out to get started with this glorious day with which You have blessed us, I intentionally read of Jesus’ Last Supper. A time that never ceases to fill me with sadness as I consider His great sacrifice on my behalf.

Thank You Jesus for Your willingness to die that I might live. Do all You wish in making “God’s will known to us and our heartfelt needs known to God” (The Life Recovery Bible comment for John 17:1-26).

Continue revealing “God’s mercy, justice, glory, truth and desire to establish a personal relationship with each of us.” You prayed that we would know Your “perfect joy, be protected from all evil, grow in truth and holiness, and show love toward all people.” I ask this in Your most Holy name Jesus.

In all my wonderful complexity, let others see You in and through me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(656 words ~ 11:13 a.m.)

"Rejoice!" ~ 3/28/18

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 (9:11 a.m.)

Enroute Ensenada, MX

Most Dear and Blessed, Holy Father God,

Thank You! Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You for Your provisions that never end.

Thank You that You truly are the antidote to every single thing that ails us. Every thought. Every feeling. Every action. Every fear. It all loses the power we give it when bathed in the light of Your perfect love.

Thank You Father. Thank You.

I went to sleep last night having overeaten and feeling miserable. I replayed “woulda, coulda, shoulda” moments over and over. I awoke several hours ago feeling much better. And began right where I left off last night rehashing my laundry list of mistakes.

Thank You Father that You stopped me right in the midst. You reminded me that my job here is to: ♫Rejoice! In You! Always! And again I say, “Rejoice!”♫ (Philippians 4:4).

Oh most Holy God, thank You that we do get to come to You. Exactly in our imperfection. You take us. Break us. Mold us. And make us into whatever it is You want us to be. Loving. Kind. Joyful. Peaceful. Patient. Good. Gentle. Faithful. And self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23a).

Your Holy Spirit’s work in me changes me. My heart, my soul, my mind, my strength (Mark 12:30). You line me up in my feeling, being, thinking and doing. Thank You Father.

This day I ask You to continue reminding me of the importance of rejoicing in the grace of Your Son. In Your love. And in the fellowship of Your Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:13).

Oh look! Look here… verse 11! “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.”

Yes! Please! That!!! 

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me. Exactly as You wish. Amen.

(339 words ~ 10:13 a.m.)

exactly that! ~ 3/27/18

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 (8:35 a.m.)

Anchored off Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii

Holy God,

Thank You!!!

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is” (Romans 12:2) ~ Mm…

The other day I asked to be released from the anger I was holding. I asked that You would soften my heart. That very night You did exactly that! I saw the object of my rejection through completely different eyes.

Reflection on Hosea The Life Recovery Bible Hosea 11:8-11 “What a wonderful God He is! He shows us mercy and provides a way to end our pain and restore our relationship with Him. Recovery is possible only if we seek God and let Him fill the empty places that our addiction could never fill.”

I sought You Father. Above my addiction to self-absorption, I sought You.

Chapter 11. Love Affirmed Illustrated Bible Handbook, “God looks ahead. He sees the suffering  that will come because His child rejects the ties of love with which He seeks to bind her, and is determined to turn away (5-7).”

"living honestly with others" ~ 3/26/18

Monday, March 26, 2018 (7:05 a.m.)

Arriving Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that I am once again saying, “Thank You.” Thank You for truly softening my heart. Thank You for reminding me that I was not to sin “by letting anger gain control” over me (Ephesians 4:26).

The New Relationships; 4:25-5:2 Illustrated Bible Handbook, “Even anger is to be dealt with honestly, by going to a brother and working out the conflict before it leads to sin”. Prior to this Truth I read a section on the importance of “living honestly with others”. Yes please, Father. Continue Your work in teaching us to live honestly with one another.

That was indeed how hurt and angry, bitter and disappointed I was. I took a situation personally. I did not allow for another’s feelings. Only my own. Thank You Father.

Thank You even for the time You let me stew in my own juices. Weighing Truth against errant beliefs. Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You.

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your way. Thank You for Your Truth. Thank You for Your life (John 14:6). Turning… mm, yes! Turning!

I turned to You yesterday. Many times. In the midst of angry thoughts and feelings I knew You would have me do different. “I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference” (Revelation 3:19).

Continue Your good work in me I pray blessed God. I love You. I long to serve You well. Make it so I ask (Matthew 7:7). Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(287 words ~ 8:53 a.m.)

"willing to obey" ~ 3/25/18

Palm Sunday, March 25 2018 (6:30 a.m.)

Port of Honolulu, Hawaii

Awesome, Holy, Loving God,

Here I am. None of those three. Yep. Looking up the antonyms, I find “unimpressive, sinful, cold and cruel”. Yep. Me to a tee.

I’m not even willing to ask You to forgive me yet. I’m still bound and determined to nurse this present grudge from over 14 hours ago.

I knew as soon as I started it that forgiveness was a choice. Love, also a choice. And I determinedly stuck my heels in as I decided, “No!” Not just no, though. “Absolutely no.” No way. No how. Not gonna do it. Uh-uh. No.

I even considered You. Your Son. This being Palm Sunday and all. Still not willing.

So… here I am. Asking for You to do in and with, by, through and for me all those things I cannot [or WILL not?] do for myself. Soften my heart (Psalm 51:10).

It’s almost as though I am playing some ridiculous game of chance that I know I will only lose. There is absolutely no way of me coming out ahead on this.

I search Your Word. I read Your warnings. I am fully aware of the snares of unforgiveness. And do I “choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19)? Absolutely not.

The computer screen says, “10:10”. That’s our time back home. Three time zones away.

I was prepared to completely disregard it until I remembered its importance. Recorded by the apostle John, Jesus told his disciples, “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.”

My deeply seated stubbornness will enable the thief to win. I can’t fight him off on my own. I can continue my plotting and planning to show another how disappointed and hurt I was because of his own choice. Or I can choose to ask You again to do for me that which I am currently unable…

Psalm 51:12, “Restore to me again the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You.”

Yes. Willing to obey You. That is my wholehearted plea.

I can’t do it on my own. You can. Do all You must in changing, cleaning, softening my heart that I would be willing to obey You and forgive another.

“Forgive me Father, for I have sinned…” I’ve held this resentment and bitterness in my heart all these long, many hours. I release it to You. To do with exactly as You wish. I love You. I long to serve You. I need You. I want You. I choose to trust You to do as You know is best.

Do all You must I pray. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

safe ~ 3/24/18

Saturday, March 24, 2018 (9:12 a.m.)

Port of Hilo, Hawaii

Most Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for safe travels. Thank You for safe seas. Safe. Yes. Thank You that we are safe in You.

Psalm 12:6 tells us, “The LORD’S promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times.” This is where our hope lies. In You. In Your promises.

Holy Father God, I confess to often giving in to fear of the happenings of everyday life and politics. It’s when I come back to Your Word and Your promises that I smile. Rest. Trust.

You are currently teaching me much about trusting You. And letting go. Yes. Letting go of things. Hurtful thoughts. Long held ideals. False beliefs.

Thank You that even though I am in desperate need of learning to let go, I get to rest assured that You will never let go of me. Thank You Father. Thank You most dear and loving Father.

Taking just the context line for Psalm 12:7 I read, “You will keep us safe and protect us”. Planning to delve more deeply into this later, for now I ask You to do exactly that as we go exploring Hilo.

Keep us safe and protect us Dearest Dad. We love You. We thank You. And we ask You to use us to Your good and to Your glory. Thank You. Amen.

(240 words ~ 9:43 a.m.)

deep love ~ 3/22/18

Thursday, March 22, 2018 (6:19 a.m.)

En route to Hilo, Hawaii

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You that You are blessed. Thank You that You are holy. Thank You that You are God; “our God, the LORD alone” (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Thank You that as I explore this verse in Illustrated Bible Handbook I come across these words, this Truth. “Love for God: 6:1-2. …The commands of God can never be understood apart from the deep love that is to motivate each party to covenant relationship.”

Hmm… deep love. Yours for us. Ours for You. Oh, but our love for You is so very little when compared to Yours for each and every one of us.

Thank You that even as I begin to consider Who and What and All You are, one of the most basic children praise songs starts singing to me again. ♪Lord, You are more precious than silver. Lord, You are more costly than gold. Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds and nothing I desire compares with You♪

How true! How very true Precious God and Father.

So here I am with the “You are…” statements, asking that You would continue teaching me to love You with ‘all my heart, all my soul and all my might’ [mind and strength] (v. 5).

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this verse explains, “Love is not primarily an emotion. It is a decision that shows itself in appropriate actions. Thus, loving God entails the decision to follow God’s program, looking to Him constantly for help and forgiveness.”

How perfect are those last eight words! I definitely need help with forgiveness. Thank You that I can look to You constantly for all my needs.

Work in and with, by, through and for me this day Blessed God. Chisel me exactly into who and what and all You would have me be. For Your good and for Your glory. 

I love You Father. I praise and thank You. I need and want You. I choose and trust You. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

ever-present ~ 3/21/18

Wednesday, March 21, 2018 (7:29 a.m.)

En route to Hilo, Hawaii

Holy God,

Thank You for the God You are. Good. Holy. Present. Ever with us. Even as the sea takes us high and low. Further west. You are here. Ever present. Mm. Thank You.

Yes Father. Thank You for the love You give us. Thank You for the opportunities to share that love at every given moment. We get to choose. Share? Or withhold? Share blessings? Withhold blessings?

(9:52 a.m.)

Oh most dear and Holy God, how I truly thank You that You do not withhold Your blessings from us.

Just now, the blessing of added rest. Wave induced sleeping and rest. The sounds. The rise and fall of the sea. So much for us to experience right in the midst of it all. And here You are. With us. Thank You Father.

We have no specific plans this day. An opportunity to go out and just be in the moment, with You. Our “ever-present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And this is where I smile bigger than I have all morning.

Verse 3, “Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!” Perhaps a little less surging Father. But You, always ready. Ever-present. Yes. You. Us. Others. Making our way safely across the open waters.

Use us this day Blessed God, exactly as You wish. We love You. We thank You. We need You. We choose to trust You. Praise You Dearest Father. Amen.

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

imagine Your good and Your glory ~ 3/20/18

Tuesday, March 20, 2018 (7:36 a.m.)

Enroute to Hilo, Hawaii

Blessed, Holy God,

How I thank You. You provide us with surprises that we just don’t see coming. You bless us with outcomes we could never imagine.

Think about it… a long planned cruise. Grade school friends surprisingly brought together at the embarkation area of the port of departure. It all truly boggles my mind.

Father, I am asking You to use this current trip, much like I ask You to use every moment of every day, to Your good and to Your glory. Wow! What would that even look like? Your good. Your Glory. Hmm…

Your Word has much to say about both. Guide me in what You would have me learn and put into practice this day.

Open my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength (Mark 12:30) to Your leading. Guide me in implementing Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Empowering (Ephesians 3:14-21). Oh how I love You Father. Need You. Want You. Choose You. Trust You.

“Now glory be to God! By His mighty power at work within us, He is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope [imagine; New International Version]” (Ephesians 3:20).

Dare to hope. Imagine. Yeah. Just imagine all Your good and all Your glory. It truly boggles my mind. Thank You Father. Use me this day. Exactly as You wish. I love You. Amen.

(248 words ~ 9:32 a.m.)