starting with "Thank You"

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 (8:24 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Holy God,

I’m going to start with “Thank You” and see where it takes us. Yes. Thank You Father.

Thank You for love. And peace. And joy. And all the fruit that stems from being controlled by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

Thank You. Mm. Yes. Thank You.

I had a list of momentary fusses. As I delve more deeply into the Freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1-15) we have in Living by the Spirit’s Power (vs. 16-26) I don’t even care to remember what they were.

I am awestruck by the wording I find in The Message. “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”

I experience a smidgeon of these on occasion. And I have YOU to thank for it all.

Yes Father. Thank You for the blessings upon blessings You continuously bestow [heap] upon us. It truly is in You that “we live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Oh praise and thank You God!

I get to start with a simple “Thank You” and You provide so much. Yesterday it was snow for two little boys when the weather reports said otherwise. This morning it is further affirmation of Your love and care for each of us.

And that’s really it isn’t it? We get to love You and others because You first loved us (1 John 4:19). Thank You Lord.

Thank You for all You came to give us. “Things like affection for others, exuberance about life…” Freedom in You!

Let me experience and use that freedom well. For Your glory and the good of others. I love You. I need You. I thank and want You. Use me as You know is best. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Thank You. Amen.

(384 words ~ 9:15 a.m.)

Quiet joy.

Sunday, December 29, 2019 (9:04 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Awe-some God,

Mm. Yes. Awe—some!

Father, how I thank You for the contentment with which I am wrapped at this very moment. Peacefulness. Quiet joy. Delightfulness. Hmm, yes. Thank You.

Thank You for the Truth of Your Word. Thank You for the hope found therein.

This morning I am back at Revelation 22:20-21. International Children’s Bible. “Jesus is the One who says that these things [‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End’ v. 13] are true. Now He says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’”

Thank You Father. Thank You for the encouragement. The hope. “The grace of the Lord Jesus” (v. 21).

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 22:20-21 tells us, “It is unhealthy to harbor unrealistic dreams about a future that will never come about. But it is very healthy for us to anchor our new life and recovery in the certainty of Christ’s return. By trusting Christ with our future, we can deal with our past and live a more productive present.”

Yes, Lord! As we come to the close of this last year and decade, how I pray to trust You more. Yes. Yes! Deal with the past? And live a more productive present? Sign me up!

“Like the apostle John, we can pray for Christ to return soon, because we know for certain that He will come. This will not only give us hope to persevere during tough times; it will deepen our personal relationship with Him. As we trust in Him and possess the hope of meeting Him face to face, we will grow closer to Him. Then Christ’s unconditional acceptance and unlimited power will continually undergird us in recovery.”

On the one hand it all seems so lofty. Just beyond our reach. And at the very same time, I can almost feel its certainty.

Father, continue Your work. Do all You know is best. In, with, by, through and for each of us. We are Yours. We want to love as You would have us love. You. With all our hearts, souls, minds and strength (Mark 12:30). And our neighbors as ourselves (v. 31).

Make it so Dear God. Make it so. “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b).

“The grace of the Lord Jesus (the Christ, the Messiah) be with all [the saints - all believers, those set apart for God]. Amen” (v. 21 Amplified Bible).

Yes. Please. Thank You. Amen.

(421 words ~ 9:54 a.m.)

"Jesus."

Sunday, December 29, 2019 (7:06 a.m.)
Lake Arrowhead, CA

Blessed God,

I called out to You the other day. Repeatedly.

“Oh, Lord God. O Lord God. Lord God. Lord. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus…” I was afraid. Icy roads. Unfamiliar experiences. “Jesus” said it all. Yes. Thank You.

Thank You for the comfort I found in so saying.

(7:58 a.m.)

Yes Father. Comfort. Peace. An overall feeling of doing something when there was absolutely nothing else I could possibly do. Lord, You keep teaching me.

Just being inclined to say that one word. That one name. “Jesus.” Now it makes me wonder, when I am frustrated, misunderstood, nearly at the end of any rope by which I may be hanging, is calling out Your name acceptable?

Hit myself with a hammer? “Jesus!” Radical dispute with another. “Jesus.” Not as a source of profanity. No! As a heartfelt invitation for You to enter into whatever the situation may be at that time.

Lord, I am learning so many different ways of looking at things I’ve always perceived as being one way. Only to find out that maybe they aren’t.

Here I ask You to love and guide me. Take me deeper into Your best for us.

We are finishing up another year. One of big mistakes and even bigger solutions. A year of changing directions and settling in to looking for all You have for us. Lord, I ask You to continue Your work in us.

Looking for the song [Forever Reign] with the phrase ♪My heart will sing No other name♪ I came upon one that is brand new to me. ♪No Other Name♪ by Planetshakers.

♪The name of Jesus:

is greater

is stronger

is high above all things

is bigger

has power

brings healing

brings freedom

is victory

has saved me♪

Oh God yes! How true are these words.

♪There’s just something about the name of Jesus… Jesus, name above all names Healer, the One who takes all pain Saviour, risen from the grave Your name is Jesus, Lord over all Jesus, Jesus, Jesus No other name No other name like Jesus…♪

Blessed God, how I ask You to continue making this my go to word of praise and petition. Every single time You know I need You, let me remember to call upon Your great and glorious name.

Thank You Jesus. For coming into this world to save us (John 3:17). For loving. For teaching. For sacrificing. Dying. And coming back. Thank You for Your promise to come again (Revelation 22:20a).

The more I read, the more I hope. The more I hope, the more I pray. The more I pray, the shorter the prayer. “Jesus.” It says it all. You know our every single need. It is to You I turn. In You I trust.

I love You. I need You. I trust You. I want You. I ask You, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b). Yes! Come, Lord Jesus, come! Thank You. Amen.

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

positive example

Friday, December 27, 2019 (4:16 a.m.)

Most Blessed, Holy God,

I behaved badly yesterday. Quite witchlike. Forgive me I pray.

Situations weren’t to my liking. Frustration set in. I grumbled. Growled. “Grew horns” as my mom may have once said. Mm. Another mom memory.

We’ve been getting those a lot recently. The whole family actually. Thank You for such a positive example of one who was truly so loved.

Here’s a pleasant surprise for me to consider, her as an older woman of whom Paul wrote to Titus (2:4). Such “a positive example, showing them [young women] what it is to love their husbands and children, and…”

What a great place for me to be turning in Your Word this morning. Thank You Father. How I long to be this positive example of which Paul wrote.

Verse 3. “And here’s what I want you to teach the older women: Be respectful. Steer clear of gossip or drinking too much so that you can teach what is good to young women. Be a positive example,… teaching them to control themselves in every way and to be pure. Train them to manage the household, to be kind, and to be submissive to their husbands, all of which honor the Word of God” (v. 5).

That is what I wish Father. That I would come to honor You. Make it so in my being Blessed God. In my thoughts, words and actions. Let the love I have for You show through to others.

Yes most blessed God and Father, continue Your work in me. Weeding out all that is not pleasing to You. I long to be authentic. The woman You created me to be. One who loves as You would have me love. Wholly. With all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30-31).

Do all You must to this end Blessed Lord. Yes. All You know is best.

Be with us this day. In every way possible. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(337 words ~ 5:38 a.m.)

God's gifts

Thursday, December 26, 2019 (7:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for Your gifts.

(7:58 a.m.)

Mm, yes. Your gifts!

Your Word tells us much about gifts. Guide me this morning. In my reading and understanding.

Father, I love You.

Acts 14:1-3

Romans 11:25-29 [see; Isaiah 59:20-21]

1 Corinthians 1:7-9

2 Corinthians 8:10-20

2 Timothy 1:3-4

You provide our every need. We are so grateful for the love You have for us. That love that prompted You to send Your Son into this world (John 3:16) to save it (v. 17). Thank You Father.

Merry Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 (3:32 a.m.)

Merry Christmas Eve Blessed God,

Mm. Yes. Merry Christmas Eve.

What an awesome experience this Advent season has been. Thank You Father. Hmm. Yes. Thank You.

Thank You for the desire to change. To do things differently. To BE different this year. Yes. Most blessed, holy God this year has been so incredibly unlike those of ever before.

Recapping [sidebar: big smile; this is my first time learning that recap is actually short for recapitulate. Thanks for yet another grin God!]. Yes. Going over this past month. Actually beginning on December 1. Thank You Father.

Thank You for all the work You have done through each of these many years. Changing my heart from being all about the idea of getting and giving to one of truly wanting to be and to enjoy each moment.

It’s certainly been a process Father. Yes. It has definitely not been perfect. There have been hiccups. And unseemliness. Oh, but there has also truly been weeks of HOPE. And PREPARATION. JOY. LOVE. And now, today, CHRIST.

Thank You Father. Thank You that through these many weeks You have provided me a peace of which I am relatively unfamiliar. A genuine sense of calm on which I have truly come to rely. Thank You God.

As we continue getting ready to transition from this present season of Advent into the Twelve Days of Christmas I ask You Father to continue Your work in us. Keep changing and empowering our hearts, souls, minds and strength that we would truly come to glorify and enjoy You forever.

Father, You are so good. And we are so grateful. You sent Your Son into this world not to condemn it, but to save it (John 3:17). Thank You for that. Thank You for the unfailing love and faithfulness [grace and truth] with which He came (John 1:14).

♪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 And 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♪

Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Merry Christmas Eve. I love You. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(389 words  ~ 4:46 a.m.)

And thank You.

Monday, December 23, 2019 (5:13 a.m.)

Blessed Holy God,

Good morning. And thank You.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Colossians 1:11-12; 2:6-7; 3:15

Ephesians 5:19-20

Romans 1:21

1 Chronicles 29:12-14

James 1:2-4

Daniel 6:10

The conversation was started last night about the importance of giving You thanks in all things. Mm, yes Father. In all things. Every circumstance.

Thank You that You provide everything we need to be able to do exactly that. Here I am asking You to continue Your work in each of us. Readying and reminding us to always give You thanks.

Yes Father. ♪Give Thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son♪ Oh how perfectly timed is this song right now!

What are we preparing to celebrate? You giving Jesus Christ, Your Son! Thank You Father. Yes. Thank You.

Keep working in us Lord. Yes. In, with, by, through and for us. Guiding, directing and teaching us how to love, live and thank You. Always.

We love You God. We long to serve You. And we ask You to do all Your must to this end. Thank You Father. Use us. Amen.

(212 words ~ 7:10 a.m.)

love / joy

Sunday, December 22, 2019 (5:18 a.m.)

Love. Joy.

Words I just overheard. Actually combined as a last name. Father, thank You. Such a smile it brought to my mind.

love/joy

(5:44 a.m.)

And now tears.

Holy God,

Guide me this morning. Deeply into Your Word.

2 Corinthians 6:1-10. New Covenant Ministry Exemplified Servanthood (Illustrated Bible Handbook). Oh Lord what an incredible example is the apostle Paul’s love for You.

Forgive me the things I take for granted. Creature comforts. Your call, and my hesitancy, to serve others. Love. Joy.

Mm, yes Father. You provide us so much. Our every single need. I long to glorify and enjoy You. Exactly as You have designed.

Reading the above passage, my heart is repeatedly pierced. Verses 1 and 2, “As God’s partners, we beg you not to reject [don’t squander] this marvelous message of God’s great kindness. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. The day you needed me, I was there to help.’ Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of salvation” (New Living Translation; The Message).

Holy, holy God. I read Your Word and am encouraged. Paul relates his experiences and I am filled with hope. Father thank You.

Verse 4, “In everything we do we try to show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.” Thank You for his willingness to serve You Father. Through it all.

No sooner thought, the music started singing to me. ♪Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It Is Well…♪ Paul exemplifies the Truth of this song.

He detailed having been beaten, jailed, mobbed. Working hard, late and without eating. Yet he remained, by the power of the Holy Spirit, “with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness and honest love” (v. 6).

Father, I am in awe. Detailing his sufferings and hardships, Paul didn’t waver. “… when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing His power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy” (7-10a).

Circumstances don’t lead to joy. Love for and dependence on You is where we start. Love. Joy. Yes please Father.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me Father that I will come to love and live joy exactly as You would have me. Leading, enabling and empowering me every step of the way.

I love You God. And I thank You. Oh, how I thank You Lord. Use me. Amen.

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

our Shepherd

Friday, December 20, 2019 (5:07 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. And thank You.

Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your plan. Thank You for Your perfection. Thank You for who and all You are.

(5:27 a.m.)

And here I sit. Smiling, as I find myself finally remembering You as our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). This, the Advent week of the Shepherd, and I hadn’t yet put it together.

Thank You  Father. Yes. Thank You for yet another delightful surprise. Or is it more aptly a surprising delight? Either way, thank You Lord.

Thank You for the opportunity of reading more. Learning additionally. Considering Truths I have overlooked through the years.

Father, I confess to having known this beloved Psalm for so many years I rarely give it its due any more. Thank You for leading me 

And just like that [snap!] there is music singing within. Not knowing the first word [turns out to be “Savior”] all I have is ♪_____, like a Shepherd Lead Us♪ Yes Lord. Thank You for leading me easily to the hymn and it’s referenced Bible verse. John 10:3. Jesus, The Good Shepherd.

How have I missed this all this week? Thank You for bringing me to it now.

Yes Father. Thank You for reminding me over and over that You are our Shepherd. We don’t have to be afraid (Deuteronomy 20:1).

I have words I want to write out for others this morning. Notes of encouragement, as well as thanks. I am asking You to guide and direct my heart, soul, mind and the pen as I strive to get my point across.

Blessed Holy God, thank You for being our Shepherd. As well as our “Best Friend” (The Passion Translation).

Yes Lord. ♪Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us, Much we need Thy tender care; In Thy pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Thy folds prepare♪ Mm, yes. Do all You must in readying us for Your glory and the good of others.

Father, I love, trust, need, want and praise You this morning. Here I’m asking You to lead, guide, direct and completely encompass us that we would live this day in, with, by, through and for You. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(386 words ~ 6:51 a.m.)

sitting silently

Thursday, December 19. 2019 (4:56 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You Lord. Sleep did NOT come easily last night. There was a lot of time to think. Thank You that somewhere along the line I was able to drift off.

Yes Father, this morning I want to thank You for the simple things. The mundane. The everyday events we so often take for granted.

Like yesterday, while in the midst of intense frustration when I remembered about sitting silently for one minute. Holy God, I am usually prone to cursing my way around annoyance. Thank You for reminding me of Your much better way.

Hmm. I hadn’t thought of this before. Sitting silently and affirming who I am in You are actually biblical. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). And I put it into practice yesterday. Almost automatically. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the smiles and songs that pour forth every time I relax into You. Choosing to rejoice and be delighted still takes effort on my part. Ah, but what joy is the benefit!

Mm, yes. What joy indeed. Father, thank You for the joy that springs up in the most unexpected places.

Yesterday, while dealing with one initial irritation another potential problem presented itself. After sitting silently with You I became keenly aware of the gift of faith we have. Choosing to believe You to be good and all Your promises to be true opens us up to an untold amount of blessings. Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank You for Your gift of faith. Which can lead us to forgiveness. Then freedom. And ultimately fun. Faith. Forgiveness. Freedom. Fun. Glorifying You and enjoying You forever.

This is what I am asking this morning Lord. That I will truly come to glorify and enjoy You forever, as is Your plan.

Continue Your mighty work in, with, by, through and for me I pray. I love You and call on Your most holy name in the lives of our loved ones. ♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere Your glory God is what our hearts long for To be overcome by Your presence Lord♪

Yes Father. Yes!

♪There’s nothing worth more that will ever come close No thing can compare You’re our living hope Your presence Lord I’ve tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone♪

Praise You God. You help us sing. Smile. Stay our minds and stand firmly on Your Truth and promises.

Take this day. Using it and me exactly as You know is best. For Your glory and the good of others. I love You Father. I’m Yours. Thank You. Amen.

(460 words ~ 6:11 a.m.)

take and replace

Wednesday, December 18, 2019 (5:08 5:15 a.m.)

Holy God,

Take my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength (Mark 12:30). Yes Father. Take them and replace them with Your desires. Your plans. Your way of thinking. Your power.

Mm, yes Father. You are good. You are holy. We are in desperate need of all You have to offer us. Faith. Forgiveness. Freedom. Forever.

It is truly a dark and dreary world out there Lord. Thank You for sending Your Son to be our Light. Mm, yes.

♪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 And 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♪

Oh yes blessed God! “I am because You are.” Those are the words with which I awoke this morning. Thank You Lord.

(6:16 a.m.)

Yes Lord. Thank You.

Thank You for all You are. For all You’ve done. For all You do. And will do.

I love You Lord. I thank You for the many ways You speak to us through every single day. To our hearts, souls, minds and strength.

This morning I am reading of Your promise to take out our stony hearts of sin, replacing them with a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). The more I read, the more I want to experience You in my life.

Father God, how grateful I am for all You provide. This morning I ask You to continue exactly as You know is best. Preparing and readying us every step of Your way!

We love You, Lord. We need You. We ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7) for You. Use us. Thank You. Amen.

(314 words ~ 6:39 a.m.)

because of a song

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 (5:37 a.m.)

Thank You Father,

I have a smile. Because of a song that wouldn’t leave. Yes Father, I’m here with You right now singing snippets of ♪Angles We Have Heard on High♪ because I couldn’t push it away.

Singing. Smiling. Staying my mind on You. And standing on the Truth of Your Word. Thank You Father. Thank You for the ways You speak to us. Getting our attention. Calling us deeper.

Reading about the above mentioned hymn and the meaning of its choral refrain, again I settle in with You and Your promises. ♪Glo - - - ria in excelsis Deo♪ is Latin for “Glory to God in the Highest”, the first line of the song Your angels sang to the shepherds (Luke 2:14).

Thank You Father. Every single time I think I know so much You remind me of the many things I have never considered. This morning it’s digging deeper into Your mighty and powerful love for each and every one of us (1 John 4:7-21).

Look, another smile. Reading The Life Recovery Bible comment in Luke 2:8-12 I am thrilled at the thought that others need to be reminded to not be afraid. Yes Lord. You accept us. And want to communicate with us. You are with us and for us.

Thank You that I get to hear songs, whether internally or externally, and bring them to You. This morning I am smiling deeply because I couldn’t stop the singing of this favored hymn. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for the deep reminder that it’s solely because of Jesus that we get to love and not be afraid. You love us that much!

Blessed, Holy, Father God, I ask You to use Your love in, with, by, through and for me this day. Provide my every need exactly as You know is best. Do all You must in changing my heart, soul, mind and strength that I will truly come to love You and others (Mark 12:30-31) as You desire.

You are good Father. You are holy. You are loving. Kind. Perfect. I want to be like You. Thank You for sending us Jesus. Use me. I love You. Amen.

(374 words ~ 6:52 a.m.)

tragic sadness

Monday, December 16, 2019 (5:59 a.m.)

Blessed God,

There is sadness Lord. Tragic sadness! I bring it to You now. Believing that You can use tragedy for good (Genesis 50:20).

Yes Lord. I believe. I trust. I depend and stand on Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Looking around me Father, loved ones are hurting. In desperate need of Your presence. Your peace. Your protection from the evil one.

As we continue nearing toward the celebration of Your Son’s birth, let us come to truly know the significance of His birth. His life. Teachings. Death. Resurrection. And His promise to come again.

Without the hope we have in Him Blessed God, we are lost. We will flounder. Crumble. Fall into complete disrepair.

It is only when we surrender all (Romans 6:13) to You Dearest Father that we will be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Your love and power. Your mercy and grace.

I do not claim to understand how we will ever be able to call what we regard as a senseless, pointless death as “good”. It seems absolutely inconceivable.

Instead of wondering how. Or why. Or any of the other things my mind thinks it wants to know. Again I turn to You fully trusting and believing that ♪God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me♪

Holy, Blessed God, I have experienced You making ways for us through the years. Changing our hearts and our minds. Working in, with, by, through and for us in the most trying of circumstances. So here we are again. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) for Your all encompassing power and presence in this tragic sadness.

♪Nothing is too difficult for Thee… Great and mighty God Great in counsel and mighty deed Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing Nothing is too difficult for Thee♪ I believe this Lord. I stand on Jesus’ promise to be with us always, “even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20c).

This I pray for our loved ones Lord. You, with us. Always. Please God. Please.

We are caught in a cycle of senselessness. Not understanding such tragic circumstances. Thank You for the Truth of Your Word!

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

As we prepare to continue readying our hearts and home for Your coming, I ask You to do all You know is best in using us for Your glory and the good of others. We love You Lord.

We need, want, trust, depend on and turn to You. Thanking You in advance for the good You will bring out of this current tragic sadness.

You are good. You are holy. And we come before You, crying out for the guidance we can only get from You. Use us Father, exactly as You deem necessary. Thank you. We love You. Amen.

(516 words ~ 7:44 a.m.)

The Shepherds' Candle

Sunday, December 15, 2019 (5:24 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You so much. Thank You for hope. And preparation. And now joy. Mm, yes Father. Thank You for joy.

The third Sunday in Advent. The Shepherds’ Candle. Joy. 

Thank You that I get to learn more about symbols and traditions. Thank You for Your Truth. And the miracles found therein.

Yes Lord. The more I read, the more I want to know. REALLY know of all You have planned for each of us.

Thank You that You know what those plans are. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans for a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

This morning I am here reading about The Shepherds and Angles (Luke 2:8-20). Mm, yes. Exactly as You had designed. Fear giving way to joy.

The more I read, the more I am reminded and agree. Often we are so familiar with the miraculous story of Christ’s birth that we become easily distracted. Even bored by the monotony. Ack! Forgive me Lord.

How dare I consider all that You did, all that You are, as boring.

(10:18 a.m.)

Yes Father. Forgive me.

Having just listened to this morning’s message from church concerning Jesus’ teachings to His disciples (Matthew 13:31-58 “A Treasure, A Pearl”) I am encouraged to be reminded that I am “of great value” to You, Dear God. Thank You for uplifting me so often in so many ways.

Now, back to the Shepherds and the Angels. Luke 2:8-12, The Message. An Event for Everyone.“There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over the sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, ‘Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide’.”

Yes God! “Good news of great joy for everyone!” Oh how we thank You Lord.

This morning I ask You to continue Your work in empowering me to live joyfully in the freedom Your love provides. Do all You must to this end.

I love You Lord. And I thank You for all the Shepherds’ Candle represents, fear giving way to joy. Thank You Lord. I love You. Use me as You know is best. Amen.

(386 words ~ 10:49 a.m.)

"something worthwhile"

Saturday, December 14, 2019 (6:04 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for so very many things. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Your Son. His love. And teachings.

Proverbs 31:25. “Bold power and glorious majesty are wrapped around her as she laughs with joy over the latter days.” The Passion Translation.

(6:37 a.m.)

Sitting here in near darkness, Lord I ask You to lead and guide our time together this morning. Direct my thinking, reading and this prayer.

Looking again at A Wife of Noble Character (Proverbs 31:10-31) I am drawn once more to the prospect of being “clothed with strength and dignity, and laugh[ing] with no fear of the future” (v. 25). Thank You Lord that we have this example of such ideal standards.

Thank You too for calling us to ‘accept ourselves for who we are and commit to allowing You to transform us more and more into Your likeness’ (The Life Recovery Bible comment). Yes. Thank You God.

While truly acknowledging the desires I have of being strong and fair, this morning I happened to read down one line more than usual. Verse 26, “When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.”

Oh Father God, yes please! How I long to be one who “speaks something worthwhile and always says it kindly” (The Message). Yes Father!

Clothe me in Your joyful strength and dignity. And provide for me the “sensible words and thoughtful advice” You would have me share with others.

I love You Father. I need and want You. I ask and thank You. I prepare and wait for You Dearest God.

Thank You for the love You give so freely. Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me that I will share Your love well with others. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(317 words ~ 7:05 a.m.)

In Jesus' name

Friday, December 13, 2019 (6:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

(6:45 a.m.)

Mm, yes! Holy God.

Thank You Lord. You help me smile. Every single day. And sing. Thank You Father.

Thank You that this morning I get to read of healing and wholeness brought about by faith in Your Son. Yes Lord. Mark 5:34 and Luke 8:48 both tell of the same woman whom Jesus called, “Daughter” and told to “Go in peace.” As her faith had made her well.

Thank You for the ability to find the song that kept singing bits to me as I read the passages above. 

♪In Jesus Name♪

♪Go♪

♪Because♪

♪Live♪

Little snippets blending together and leading to the song.

♪Freely, Freely you have received; Freely, freely give. Go in My name and because you believe, Others will know that I live♪ Oh yes Blessed God!

I am here with You this morning asking healing on behalf of family and friends. In Jesus’ name. Sharing His love and power as He tells us to.

Trusting. Believing. Singing. Smiling. Staying our minds on You. And standing firm on the Truth of Your Word.

Blessed God, we love You. As we prepare to go out into this day, we ask Your presence. Your guidance. Your leadership. And the strength of Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10).

Do all You know is best that we will truly go this day in Jesus’ name so others will know that You live. Yes Lord!

Live in, with, by, through and for us. Achieving all You desire. We love, need, want and trust You. Thank You. Praise You. In Jesus’ name, “Amen!”

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

chosen

Thursday, December 12, 2019 (5:29 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for safety. Yes Father. Thank You that because I am reading (Psalm 91) about being safe in You, I am reminded that I have been chosen by You. Oh, yes most dear and blessed God and Father, thank You!

Thank You for the ways You have changed our hearts and minds through the years. Thank You for helping us in learning to discern between that which matters and that which does not.

You matter to us Lord!

As we continue along this week of preparation, we are ever hopeful in Your Truth. Believing You will lead and guide us. Trusting You to be our shelter, refuge and place of safety (Psalm 91:1-2; 9). Thank You Father.

As we ready ourselves for going out into this day, Lord I am asking You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within us. Completely encompassing us in Your shelter and shadow.

Thank You for choosing us as Your own Father. Keep working in us as only Your are able. Yes, Father! You are able! Do all You know is best in, with, by, through and for each of us.

We love You Lord. We need, want, trust, and depend on You. Thank You that we are chosen by You. Use us. Amen.

(219 words ~ 6:44 a.m.)

Take

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 (5:43 a.m.)

We’re still preparing God,

Yes. With smiles. And optimism. Thank You Father.

(6:38 a.m.)

As ♪O Holy Night♪ insists on accompanying my thoughts and reading, I ask You to harness my thinking this morning. Yes Lord. Keep taking my mistakes and leading me to where You would have me be.

I love You Lord. Oh God, yes, how I do love You!

(7:11 a.m.)

How profoundly You bless us Lord. You used one word in a song to take me in an entirely different direction than I had thought I was going. Thank You Father. Praise You!

Instead of singing ♪Change My Heart, O God♪ I mistakenly started with the word “Take”. Blessed God, thank You for using that one word to take me in so many directions, seemingly all at once.

Holy Father, I’m sitting here with such a feeling of peaceful contentment. While at the very same time feeling ready to explode with excitement. How I thank You Lord

Here’s a song I’d never heard before, saying it all to me right now. ♪Take my heart, O Lord, take my hopes and dreams. Take my mind with all its plans and schemes. Give me nothing more than Your love and grace. These alone, O God, are enough for me♪

Oh most dear and Blessed God, thank You for teaching me even more things that I had not yet known. This Truth filled song taken directly from the Suscipe prayer of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

Suscipe being the Latin word for 'receive'. “Go(ing) back to monastic profession, in reciting Psalm 119.” And here again my mind seems close to exploding!

Just look at this. “Ignatius wrote that ‘spiritual exercises’ is the name given to every way of preparing and disposing one’s soul to rid oneself of all disordered attachments, so that once rid of them one might seek and find the divine will in regard to the disposition of one’s life” (Wikipedia Context).

And here, the English literal translation of the Ignatian Suscipe, “Receive, O Lord, all my liberty. Take my memory, understanding, and entire will. Whatever I have or possess You have given me; I restore it all to You, and surrender it wholly to be governed by Your will. Give me love for You alone with Your grace, and I am rich enough, and ask for nothing more.”

Stated even more simple, “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours; do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and grace, that is enough for me.”

Incredibly blessed God, wholeheartedly I pray this to You. ♪These Alone are Enough♪ Use me exactly as You know is best. Preparing me every single step of the way.

And just when I think we’re almost done here, it seems we’re only getting started. ♪Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee♪ Yes Lord. Take all I am, all I want, all I think and all I do, aligning it with Your will.

I love You Father. And I ask You to prepare me that I would go into this day. Yes Lord! “Prepare ye the way of the LORD;” (Isaiah 40:3). Yes! Prepare. 

The Life Recovery Bible comment for 40:1-5 tells us, “After the judgments of chapters 1-39, God’s message to His people is one of comfort and blessing. God never gives up on us, no matter how bad the things we have done. The punishments will end, and God will restore us to a loving relationship with Himself. To join Him in a relationship means to clear out the obstacles in our life: sin, pride, addiction, hypocrisy, greed. When those obstacles are dealt with, we are free to become the people God wants us to be.”

Oh Yes Dearest God! Yes.

Illustrated Bible Handbook says, “Chapter 40. Comfort! God speaks tenderly to Jerusalem. Her Sovereign Lord Is coming, eager to ‘gather the lambs in His arms’ and carry them close to His heart (1-11).”

Yes Lord! My Sovereign Lord is coming, eager to gather me in His arms and carry me close to His heart!

May I live this day in sweet surrender to all You have for me. I love You. I need You. I want You. I ask You. And I thank You. Oh how deeply I thank You. Use me. Amen.

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

Psalm 4

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 (5:30 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. Thank You for sleep. Yes! Thank You for restful, sound sleep.

Thank You for the work that was done yesterday which probably led to such good, solid sleep. What contentment I find in You oh Lord. Thank You.

Searching Your Word concerning sleep, I am drawn especially to Psalm 4:8. Thank You Lord. Yes. Thank You.

There is a peacefulness about me this morning. A genuine calm and sense of well-being. Thank You Father. I know it all comes from You.

This morning I am again willing to follow Your lead. Asking You to guide and direct my thoughts, words, emotions and actions.

You are such a good, good Father, Lord. And I long to be Your good, good daughter.

I have the Truth of Your Word. Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us this of “Psalm 4. David’s experience when crushed by troubles (1-2) shows that prayer brings confidence (3), restored faith (4-5), and a present experience of peace (6-8).”

How blessed are we? The more we need, the more You provide. Perfectly. Thank You Father.

All I did this morning was thank You for such good sleep and here I am ready to burst from the excitement [AGOG-ness] of all I’m learning. Each rendering of Psalm 4 drawing me in deeper. Eagerly.

It is absolutely the mercy and grace in Christ’s abiding love that surrounds us Lord. His peace. The hope we have in Your loving care. You give us courage. Strength. A genuine sense of shalom!

Yes Father. It is in You we find wholeness. Completeness. Soundness. Well-being. Safety. Prosperity. Peace. Harmony. And tranquility. Thank You Father.

The more I read, the more deeply I experience Your sense of calm. Popular music from my youth keep singing through. Songs I didn’t usually associate with You. Now You’re all I think of!

♪People Get Ready, there’s a train a comin’♪

♪Get Ready ‘cause here I come♪

♪Love and Happiness♪

You provide it all Father. It’s in You I hope. You I long to follow. Your Son for Whom we are preparing. Do all You must in, with, my, through and for us to this end Dear Lord.

We love You. We trust You. We need You. We want You. And we ask You Dearest Dad, do all You know is best. Thank You for loving us so incredibly much. Amen.

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

latching on

Monday, December 9, 2019 (6:06 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You that I get to come before You exactly as I am. Thank You for Your Truth. And Your Word. And Your promises.

Thank You that this morning I am latching on to the Truth of who I am in You. Psalm 139:14, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Oh, amen. Amen! Your wonderful works, Lord. “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb” (v. 13).

Thank You Father. Thank You that at this particular time of year You would have me considering that “You even formed every bone in my body when You created me in the secret place, carefully, skillfully shaping me from nothing to something” (15).

You are amazing God. Your works are awesome. And I am one of them. Thank You Lord.

As I prepare to get started with this day I am asking You to guide and direct me along the path You have set out for me. Yes Father here I latch on to You, Your Truth, Your glorious and victorious right hand.

Mm, yes Dear Father. I get to rejoice in the fact that “Your right hand, O LORD, is glorious in power. Your right hand, O LORD, dashes the enemy to pieces” (Exodus 15:6).

Because You so loved the world (John 3:16) we each get to take courage and ‘not be afraid, for You are with us’ (Isaiah 41:10a). You spoke to Your people through Isaiah, saying “Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (10b-e).

Yes. Yes, Lord. I am latching on to You with the hope I find in Your promises. Be in, with, by, through and for me this day. Guiding and directing every single step and decision I make.

Let me resemble David as “I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me!’” (Psalm 32:8-9).

Oh yes Blessed God. How I love latching on to You. Use me exactly as You know is best this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(444 words ~ 7:15 a.m.)

The Candle of Preparation

Sunday, December 8, 2019 (3:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Thank You for warmth. And hope. Thank You for learning. And looking forward. Thank You for Jesus. And all He came to teach.

“LOVE” is 

(5:30 a.m.)

…what I had written in my notes for the meaning of the second Sunday of Advent candle.

After much reading and contemplation I turn again to You. Asking Your guidance. Seeking Your will on this.

I like the various things I am learning here with You this morning. Especially this from Living Hope Church on “The Meaning of the Advent Wreath”.

Simply stated, “Advent, from the Latin word adventus meaning arrival, is the 4-week period prior to Christmas. It is a time to ponder the great sacrifice that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, made for us by coming to earth as an infant.”

Yes Lord! Let us come to truly ponder this.

“He saved us from our sins and eternal damnation because of His great love, adopting each person individually into His family through baptism and faith in Him.” Mm, thank You!

Reading more about the traditions and symbolism behind the wreath and its candles, Father again I thank You for the desire and ability to learn more. Thank You too for the willingness to change my mind when necessary.

With so many varying conventions surrounding what week 2 represents, I am particularly drawn to something brand new to me. “2nd CANDLE - THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE or THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION”.

Yes, yes, yes Father. As we get ready to decorate our home for this particular time of year, most importantly we ask You to prepare our hearts for this holiest of times. Do all You must that we will not take any of Your blessings to us for granted.

Yes! “Help us to be ready to welcome You, O God!” Yes. Yes. Yes!

Oh most dear and blessed God, as I look to this next week as one of preparation, it is truly You I long to keep at the heart of every single one of our plans. It is absolutely You we want to glorify and enjoy this week, on our way to forever.

In preparing the way for Jesus, John the Baptist quoted the prophet Isaiah (40:3-5). The Life Recovery Bible comment for Luke 3:1-6 tells us, “he preached a discomforting message about God’s ‘bulldozer’ preparing the way for the world’s Savior.”

Incredibly Loving Lord, how deeply I thank You for the ways You speak to our hearts. Illustrated Bible Handbook says of Isaiah “Chapter 40, Comfort! God speaks tenderly to Jerusalem. Her Sovereign Lord is coming, eager to ‘gather the lambs in His arms’ and carry them close to His heart (1-11).”

Mm, yes most Holy God! “‘Comfort, comfort my people,’ says your God (Isaiah 40:1). ‘Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and that her sins are pardoned…’ (v. 2). Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, ‘Make a highway for the LORD through the wilderness. Make a straight, smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and smooth the rough spots’ (3-4).”

Oh, yes Blessed God. Teach me to prepare as You would have me.

Illustrated Bible Handbook reminds us that it is You, through Your Son, “who lifts up the weary and who renews the strength of those who find hope in Him!” Yes, yes, Blessed God.

“Isaiah 40 contains several incomparably great expressions of encouragement for believers of all the ages. Read them and meditate on this great God of ours. He has not forgotten you but is available now to renew your strength and to lift you up when you stumble.”

You change our hearts, Lord. You prepare us to live Your Word. Here I ask You to do all You must in, with, by, through and for us that we will use this week for Your glory and the good of others.

I love You Father. I need You. I trust You. I want You. I thank You. Amen.

(694 words ~ 7:18 a.m.)

God's Way

Saturday, December 7, 2019 (3:40 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

How deeply and truly I thank You. Yes Lord. Thank You.

You have this way. Yes. You definitely do. His name is Jesus!

And with that profound Truth may I please say, “Wow! Thank You God.” Yes! Thank You for the ways You get our attention. 

Guide me deeper into Your Word this morning. Let me learn and put into practice all that You desire.

It is You I long to glorify and enjoy this day. And forever. Keep leading and guiding me I pray.

The more I read (John 14:6), and hope, the more I want. Your Way. Your Truth. Your Life. Yes please.

Isaiah 55.

(6:24 a.m.)

And again I say, thank You Lord. Yes. Thank You Lord.

I went back to sleep. Got a little more rest. All the while safe and warm. Father, I ask You to use me this day. To Your glory and the good of others.

What will that look like? Honesty. Openness. Willingness. Oh, and hope. Yes. Lots of hope. In You. Your will. Your Way.

Thank You Father. Thank You for Your Truth. Your promises. Your plan. Your Word.

Reading in and of Isaiah 55 I find myself smiling. Again. Deeply. Contentedly. Breathing evenly, hope seems to envelop me. Thank You Lord.

“Come and drink” (verse 1). “Come to Me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake” (v. 3). “Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now while He is near” (6).

All this leading up to the power punch of verses eight and nine. “‘My thoughts are completely different than yours,’ says the LORD. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’”

Oh praise You Father. All thanks and praise to You Blessed Lord.

The Life Recovery Bible tells of our need for a “daily readiness and willingness to allow God to satisfy our hunger and help us overcome our defects of character.” Yes please God. Align me to Your will. Your way. Your Truth. Your life.

I love You Father. I need You. I trust You. I depend on You. And I ask You. Do all You must, in using me as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(416 words ~ 7:09 a.m.)

such a funny husband

Friday, December 6, 2019 (2:24 a.m.)

Good very early morning Lord,

Thank You for such a funny husband. Yes Lord. Such a funny husband.

You know the guy. The one who usually tells me how easy it is to “just go to sleep.” Yes. That guy.

He’s the one who has us up, drinking coffee at this most unusually early hour. What a funny guy. Thank You God.

Yes. Thank You. Thank You for the work You have done in each of us through the years. Bringing us repeatedly to Your Word. Learning more of how You would have us treat each other. With respect and love.

Mm. Yes Father. Respect. And love.

That’s what has us staying closer to home today. You guided me with that undeniable insistence that I follow his lead (Ephesians 5:21-33). And may I just say, “Whoa!” right here?

This is one of those times that we’ve come to regard as “such a God thing.” There I was, dead set on keeping a long-standing commitment for the day. And seemingly out of nowhere You changed my whole heart.

Spirit-Guided Relationships: Wives and Husbands That’s exactly what happened here. And it’s not the first time.

All those [more than 25] years ago You had me put Your Word into action. It’s just now that I recognize it for what it is. Illustrated Bible Handbook spells it out quite clearly. “In the marriage relationship, the wife is called on to take the lead in submissiveness, not by mindless or grudging obedience, but as a special ministry to her husband.”

That’s it! What it’s been since the first time I said out loud, “You lead. I’ll follow.” A special ministry that You have empowered and enabled me to embrace from the get go.

Thank You Lord. Thank You that through the years You have continued Your work in us. Trial and error have brought us to where he is far more ready to provide the leadership that our household needs to grow. In You.

If that means throwing caution to the wind and starting our day at 1:30 in the morning, so be it. Use us this day Lord. Exactly as You know is best. Funny, funny husband and all.

I love You. I thank You. I trust You. I need You. I want You. Amen.

(395 words ~ 3:46 a.m.)

late to the party

Thursday, December 5, 2019 (5:17 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I love the ways You help me remember things. Often in the dead of night. Thank You.

I confess to coming late to Your Advent party. Earlier in the week my thoughts and heart weren’t yet ready to embrace this current season.

It didn’t readily occur to my senses that in my feeble attempt to refuse getting caught up in the well honed spending frenzy developed by marketers I was also turning down Your invitation to celebrate the coming and ultimate birth of Your Son. Forgive me Father.

I admit the tug I have felt to trust You. It seems that was when I dug my heels in even deeper to avoid again surrendering to Your will and to Your way. Thank You for once more being willing to let me see the errors of my ways.

I remember writing notes to myself at the end of our last Christmas season. Short little reminders of how we want this year’s holiday to play out. “Desire to Please God this Christmas” heads the list.

Thank You Father. Thank You for forethought. And forgiveness. Thank You that You are so good. Always.

This IS the Season of Advent! Ready or not, it’s here. And the smile I am finally wearing truly begins deep in my heart. And soul. Even my mind is ready, and willing to finally: “Anticipate Delightful Surprises!!”

I had forgotten all about putting things away so randomly earlier this year that I knew I would need to be reminded. Again, thank You for being Who and All You are!

The two words I woke up with just earlier are trust and believe. How perfectly they tie in with the Advent word for this week. HOPE! Yes Blessed God. Hope. In You.

Thank You for never ceasing to change our hearts, O God. Yes! Making them ever true. ♪Change my heart, O God, May I be like You. You are the Potter, I am the clay; Mold me and make me, This is what I pray♪ (Psalm 51:10). Thank You Lord.

Thank You for reminding me of the importance of pinning our hope on You. Mm. Yes. Hope.

Father, I am asking You for a word everyday. Yes Lord. Your Word! Hope. Faith. Trust. Belief. Expectation. Keep my focus solely on You.

♪Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art - Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light. Be Thou my Wisdom and Thou my true Word; I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord; Thou my great Father, I Thy true son [daughter!] Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one♪

Oh yes most blessed God! The more I sing of these verses the stronger the pull toward You.

♪Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise, Thou mine inheritance, now and always; Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art♪

The corresponding Scripture verse here is Philippians 3:7. Thank You Father. Thank You for Paul’s honesty. His willingness to consider his past accomplishments as worthless reminds us of the importance of putting our hope in the power offered by Jesus.

Thank You Father. Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. I love You. I need You. I want You. I trust You. I hope in You. Thank You Lord. Amen.

(583 words ~ 6:45 a.m.)

music to my soul

Wednesday, December 4, 2019 (4:14 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! Legitimate. Heartfelt. Thank You.

Yes. Music to my ears. Make that …to my soul. Yes Lord. I got to experience Your Truth singing to my soul yesterday. And again this morning. Thank You Father.

A frustrating challenge had me asking You yesterday, “How do people rejoice in You always?” Your immediate reply was Your own simple version of Your Truth. “Seek Me first” (Matthew 6:33). What? How?

The very next thing I knew I was singing straight out loud to You. ♪Seek ye first the Kingdom of God And His righteousness And all these things shall be added unto you Allelu, alleluia♪ Mm, yes Father. Over and over I sang.

Seek You. Your Kingdom. And righteousness.

Next thing I knew I had blended two of the analogies Jesus used to instruct His disciples all those years ago. Don't put new cloth on old wineskins. Not exactly what He was teaching in Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22 and Luke 5:33-39.

Your Truth, even though skewed by my mistaken remembering led me to adjust my approach to the problem. Replacing old hoses to run with brand new equipment. You absolutely changed my thinking. Thank You Father.

Yes! In putting my focus back to seeking Your Kingdom and Your righteousness, I got to wake up singing to You again. ♪Hallelujah, I belong here!♪

Oh yes Blessed God! ♪I see hope coming on the horizon There’s no need for hiding ‘Cause I belong♪

Mm, continuing with this deeply embedded song. ♪Here I am In the presence of the great I am Near to Your heart oh God I have found my joy I’ve searched so long In darkness I walked so far Fighting but I’m holding on When Your love draws near♪

And back to where we began, ♪Hallelujah, I belong here♪ Yes!

♪In Your presence, safe and secure♪ Mm. Safe and secure. In Your presence. Oh let me stay here, Lord. Safe and secure, in Your presence. Yes Father.

Thank You for reminding me Lord. Use me. Exactly as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

354 words ~ 5:54 a.m.)