practice

Saturday, August 31, 2019 (7:20 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

I’ve been up awhile. Searching. Looking. Seeking. Finding.

Thank You Father. Your Word tells us to seek and we shall find (Matthew 7:7b). How I thank You for Your Word. Your Truth. Your love. The hope we have in You.

Thank You Lord that I get to come here and pour out my heart to You. Ever reminded that You are good. Holy. True. Thank You that Your Word has the power to change lives. Hearts. Our very being.

Blessed, Holy Father God, it is to You I turn. I confess to frustrations and disappointments often getting the best of me. And then You speak to me. In so many different ways. Reminding me that we are to rejoice in You always (Philippians 4:4).

Many times Lord, that is easier said than done. Yet when we truly practice doing what Your Word commands [love You (Mark 12:30) and our neighbors as ourself (Leviticus 19:18)] we are truly freed from the bonds that hold us back from joy.

Thank You Father. Thank You that we get to practice loving and being loved by You. Here again I confess. Loving doesn’t come naturally to me. No. Judging, scorekeeping, retreating, withholding, not forgiving. Those are the things that seem to pop up far more often than concern and acceptance.

Thank You Father that You are so good to bless us and keep us (Numbers 6:24) in Your loving care. Continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me.

I long to practice letting ‘my roots grow down into Jesus and draw up nourishment from Him, so I will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the Truth I was taught. Letting my life overflow with thanksgiving for all You have done’ (Colossians 2:7).

We love You so much Lord. Use me this day in practicing Your goodness and Your grace. Thanks Dad. I love You. Amen.

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

without ceasing

Friday, August 30, 2019 (6:04 a.m.)

Most Blessed and Holy God,

Thank You Lord. Yes, thank You.

You are good. All the time. All the time, You are good! Thank You Father.

I confess to You, I am not. I run far more fickly. Changeable.

Thank You that ♪You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes♪

And just like that, for the umpteenth time just this week, this song [♪Your Love Never Fails♪] blends right in with another [♪One Thing Remains♪]. ♪Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me♪

That’s how You are with us Blessed Father. You never fail. You never give up. You never run out on us. You’re constant. Dependable. Perfect. Never ending. Without ceasing. Thank You God.

Is that what it means when I remember “God is love”? Yes, Father. Speak to me more this morning about Your love.

That love that goes ♪on and on and on and on♪ overwhelming and satisfying my soul. ♪And I never, ever, have to be afraid♪ all because Your Word [Worldwide English (New Testament)] confirms “Where God’s love is, there is no fear. God’s perfect love takes away fear. It is punishment that makes a person fear. Anyone who has fear does not have perfect love” (1 John 4:18).

Breathing deeply. Settling in and letting Your love wash right over me. Father, I ask You to use me this day. To Your glory and the good of others. 

We love You. Long to serve You. And ask You to make it so. Thank You Father. Amen.

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

covered

Thursday, August 29, 2019 (4:55 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Thank You!

Thank You that You are good. Thank You that You are God. And thank You that You have us covered.

Covered. Yes Lord. You have us covered!

Covered by the blood of Jesus. Salvation. And righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).

Lord, I confess. I forget these things. Circumstances threaten to overwhelm and my first instinct is to retreat. Withdraw. Your Word calls us to stand firm (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Thank You Father. Thank You that Your Word is here to guide and direct us in every single aspect of all we face.

My mind may well take me in any number of directions all at one time. But Your Word speaks Truth. Offers guidance. Doesn’t change.

This morning I get to contemplate what it is to be covered by Your goodness (Isaiah 61:10). And in the process be reminded that we are called to “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong. And everything you do must be done with love” (1Corinthians 16:13-14).

The Life Recovery Bible has a comment for this. “16:5-18 Throughout this letter Paul encouraged the Corinthians in their recovery and spiritual growth. In closing Paul revealed his love and trust in them by making personal requests. There is always a balance between caring for the hurts and needs of others and being able to ask for what we need as well. Healthy relationships are characterized by this kind of balanced give-and-take.”

Oh most dear and blessed God. How I thank You for having us covered by Your goodness and Your grace long before we ever came into being (Psalm 139:13-14).

There is not one thing that takes place that You don’t have the ultimate say in. ♪Through it all, through it all, my eyes are on You, through it all, through it all, it is well♪ Thank You Father.

As we get ready to start our day Dearest Lord, we ask You to bless us and keep us (Numbers 6:24). ‘May Your face radiate with joy because of us’.

Oh yes Lord! Do all You must in, with, by, through and for each of us that we would indeed cause You to smile and be gracious to us (v. 25). ‘Show us Your favor and give us Your peace’ (26).

Thank You Father. We love You. Use us to Your glory and the good of others. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

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

potential for growth

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 (6:11 a.m.)

Father God,

I come to You. Looking to You. Waiting for You. Expecting You to work all things together for Your good (Romans 8:28). Yes Father.

I know You to be good. I believe there is growth in the struggle. And right now Lord there is a lot of potential for growth! Thank You Father.

Thank You that in the midst of pain and indecision Your Word is here. Your Truth. Your promises. The hope we have in You is real. Circumstances can be gut wrenching, headache causing and still we get to forsake fear and trust You.

Thank You Lord. Thank You that Your love is real. Thank You that we get to believe that You love us. And if You are for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)

Blessed, Holy Father God. I am here at Your feet. Crying out to the Creator of the Universe. Asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7). Begging, pleading, beseeching You to do all You know is best in causing positive, healthy growth in the lives of our loved ones.

You are our good and holy Father. Your Word tells us “… the Holy Spirit helps us with our daily problems and in our praying. For we don’t even know what we should pray for nor how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit prays for us with such feeling that it cannot be expressed in words” (Romans 8:26, The Living Bible).

The tears in my eyes represent the distress in my heart. Father God, You know Your best for all involved. How I ask Your loving presence be felt by those most in need of it.

Illustrated Bible Handbook tells us, “We have the confidence that whatever enters our life is destined for good, that we might grow toward likeness to Jesus and our destiny (26-30).” This I absolutely ask on behalf of family and friends.

Lord, I love You. Do all You know is best in working everything together for Your good. We love You. We need You. We depend on You. We cry out to You. We ask You. We thank You. Grow us as You know is best. Thank You Father. Amen.

(378 words ~ 6:58 a.m.)

marvels

Tuesday, August 27, 2019 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. When I don’t know what else to say to You, “Thank You” usually gets me started. My mind keeps flitting around this morning. Thank You that Your Word empowers us to stay the course You have set for us.

Yes Father, I search Your Word (Isaiah, Jeremiah) and read Your promises. I know You to be a good and loving Lord. Kind. Forgiving. One Who provides for our every need. Thank You God.

Thank You that in looking for the antonyms for flit, I find: remain, stay, slow, stand, wait. The calming effect these have on me takes me to Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know…”

It’s the various translations that have me smiling contentedly. 

“Stop your fighting” (Christian Standard Bible).

“That’s enough!” (Common English Bible).

“Calm down” (Contemporary English Bible).

“Let go of your concerns!” (God’s Word).

“Stand silent!” (The Living Bible).

“Cease striving” (New American Standard Bible).

“Be quiet” (New Life Version).

“Surrender your anxiety!” (The Passion Translation).

“Desist” (Young’s Literal Translation).

And The Message, “Attention, all! See the marvels of GOD! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth. Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across His knee. ‘Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.’” Yes Father!

Yes. You are our hope.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for “46:7-11 God, the commander of the heavenly armies, is here among us. If we put our life in His hands, we can rest, confident that He will protect us. He knows our weaknesses and can strengthen us in the needed areas, helping us to overcome the attacks we face each day. Our enemies may be strong, but God is far more powerful than anything that might assail us.” Amen, Father! Amen

With this Truth I shift over to singing ♪You make all things work together for my good… You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes There may be pain in the night But joy comes in the morning And when the oceans rage I don’t have to be afraid Because I know that You love me Your love never fails♪ Thank You Father.

Do all You know is best that I would live this day for Your glory and the good of others. I love You Lord. I long to serve You. And I thank You for the marvels You provide us every single day. Thank You. Use me. Amen.

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

right back atcha

Monday, August 26, 2019 (8:26 a.m.)

And here I am again God,

Right back atcha! With a laugh out loud and a really sincere smile.

I just ran across a drawing of “Anxiety Girl”. A not so super hero looking girl in tights whose special ability is “to jump to the worst conclusion in a single bound!”

Thank You Father! Thank You for the things You provide that help us laugh.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Shine in and through me Father. Thank You. I love You! Amen.

(95 words ~ 8:33 a.m.)

faith and hope

Monday, August 26, 2019 (6:49 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for the hope we have in You. Thank You that even [especially?] when I am feeling down I can turn to You, Your Word, a hymnal and find solace.

Yes Father. When least expected, a small smile of tranquility. Knowing that we are loved and supported by You. Thank You God. Thank You Father.

Hope in You is not something I can manufacture on my own. I can tell myself all the Truths Your Word has to offer us. Reading and reciting them is one thing. Believing them is quite different!

Thank You Father. Thank You for the call You have on us to not fear. To have faith instead. And from that faith stems hope. And love. These three things which remain (1 Corinthians 13:13).

I don’t seem to be a naturally positive thinker. Fear and dread sometimes threaten to overwhelm. That’s when coming to You ♪Just As I Am♪ changes everything. Thank You Father.

Your Word (Deuteronomy 30:19) tells us that we get to choose. Life or death. Blessings or curses. We get to choose to love You and obey You and commit ourselves to You, for You are our life (v. 20a). Yes Father.

I confess to You right now my tendency to focus on the worst, not the best. "What if..." and "if only..." seem to pepper my thoughts. Again I thank You for the Truth of Your Word. The hope that washes over me as I read Philippians 4:8 in The Voice.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.”

Father, these thoughts do not come easy to me. Positivity is not my natural bent. Fear, dread, catastrophizing. Those are more my norm.

Thank You Lord that You are far greater than all of my fears! Every single time my mind starts to wander over to any of the ‘if’ thoughts, Your Word is here reminding me of what IS. Your Word IS Truth!

Our faith and hope IS found in You and Your Word! Reading again in Proverbs 31, I am hopeful of one day resembling a wife of noble character. Depicted in verse 25, “She IS clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.”

Father God, I look to You asking (Matthew 7:7) that You would make it so in me. Contemporary English Version says, “She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future.”

Yes Father, do all You must in changing me into the woman YOU would have me be. Faithful and hopeful. I cannot do this on my own. You can. I will let You. Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(479 words ~ 8:03 a.m.)

a sense of calm

Sunday, August 25, 2019 (6:47 a.m.)

Blessed God,

How I thank You Lord. Thank You for peacefulness. Rest. Sleep. A sense of calm. Mm, yes Father. A genuine sense of calm.

And thank You God that even here I get to turn to Your Word (Psalm 94) and find You being “praised as avenger of evil, who sees all and who judges the wicked, while supporting those who take refuge in Him” (Illustrated Bible Handbook).

I’m brought here because of The Message’s version of verses 17-19. “If GOD hadn’t been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, ‘I’m slipping, I’m falling,’ Your love, GOD, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, You calmed me down and cheered me up.”

You do that for us. You calm us down and cheer us up. Thank You Father.

Just reading the various translations for this one verse reignites the above mentioned sense of calm. So many different ways of saying that when we are most upset You calm us down. Thank You God.

Yes. Thank You that when we are feeling and thinking multitudes of anxious thoughts and burdens, Your comfort cheers and delights our soul.

Varying descriptive words mention ‘anxious inner thoughts becoming overwhelming’, being worried, doubts and turmoil, anxiety, busy out of control thoughts… Father God, how often does my thinking resemble these descriptions?

Thank You that we do not have to stay trapped by our thoughts concerning circumstances. We can come to You and have our souls gladdened. Delighted. Lightened. Cheered. Renewed.

You do this for us Father. You provide us with a sense of calm that ultimately brings us hope. Joy. Comfort.

Use Your calming goodness in, with, by, through and for me this day. Empower me in sharing the hope we have in, with, by, through and for You. I love You Lord. And I long to serve You as You know is best.

Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

Faith Brings Joy

Saturday, August 24, 2019 (6:16 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You. Praise You. I love You. We need You.

(7:03 a.m.)

You helped me sleep last night. Well! Thank You Lord.

Arm bones were badly broken yesterday. Blessed Father, how I thank You for Your underlying presence in it all.

My natural bent is to focus on the sheer horror of all that transpired. Instead, You reminded me over and over to rejoice in You always (Philippians 4:4). “FAITH” [forsaking all I trust Him] came to mind. As did the three things that remain. “Faith, hope and love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Holy, Holy God. Oh yeah! That happened too. A very early stirring had me singing ♪Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee♪ And I went right back to sleep.

You amaze me Father. Putting our focus on You changes everything. The tears keep falling. My thoughts continue replaying the events as I know them.

Lord, I love You. Thank You for empowering by heart to trust You. And will You just look at this! That other elusive verse that kept flitting in.

Romans 5:3. Under the title Faith Brings Joy. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.”

This is exactly what I am counting on. The Holy Spirit filling each of us with Your love. Yes please Father.

I love You. I believe You love us far more than we could ever even fathom. This is where faith and trust come in to play.

Do for us all that we are unable to do for ourselves. We love You Lord.

For some reason ♪Act Naturally♪ keeps singing to me. I have no idea if You have a message for me in there somewhere. As I prepare to go out into this day, I ask You keep me real. Honest. Open. And willing to share all the hope we have in You.

Thank You Father. Bless the ones You know are in such need of Your presence. Use me as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(418 words ~ 8:05 a.m.)

down in my heart

Friday, August 23, 2019 (7:02 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I love You. Let’s go with that. My mind keeps wandering. Going off in different directions. My feelings are all over the place.

I’m asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) for Your ♪peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) down in my heart… to stay♪ Yes Father. I’m looking for that joy Your Word promises us.

Here is the thank You that comes every time I experience Your work in me. Yes Father. Thank You.

Thank You that I get to come to You with all my baggage. My hopes and concerns. My doubts and fears. And You love me in spite of myself. Thank You Father.

The smile on my face is genuine. Not forced. Just being willing to open up to You with a “I’m not feeling okay right now” helps. How I thank You for Your love. Your mastery.

♪And I’m so happy, So very happy I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart…♪ It’s true. When I change my focus from dreadful thinking onto You and Your Word my heart is lightened. Hopeful. Thank You, Lord.

This from Philippians in Illustrated Bible Handbook. “Chapter 4. Joy in the Lord A Plea for Perspective; 4:2-9. Paul speaks of joys that are found through relationship with the Lord (4). In Christ we have release from anxiety, for we can express every need to God and experience peace (5-7).”

Thank You Father that we can count on You. Trust Your promises. Look to You. Believe all You say.

I’m at the place where I can choose faith or fear. I get to decide where I will direct my thoughts and feelings.

Continuing with the Truth found in the section above. “In Christ we can concentrate our attention on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy (8). In Christ we can put godly living into practice, and have an assurance that the God whose presence means inner peace will be with us (9). What a wonderful perspective to maintain on life, and what a source of constant joy!”

Father, I realize I am being affected by a movie we watched as entertainment last night. Viewing it as such seemed acceptable. Until its end. Based on a true story, of the Sinaloa drug cartel. Then the reality struck. This is real life. These things take place every single day.

And therein lies my conflict! Horrific, terrifying evil that some live with every single day contrasted by the joy and peace that You offer to us. Down in our hearts.

Father, I invite You into my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength (Mark 12:30). Do all You must in teaching me to put into practice all the tools You have provided for us. I want Your joy. Your peace. Your love.

I love You. I thank You. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(487 ~ 8:06 a.m.)

on and on and on and on

Thursday, August 22, 2019 (6:28 a.m.)

Holy God,

I have music in my head. Not an easy find like yesterday. Something more illusive. Scratch that. Elusive.

Wow. How’s that for having my mind blown so early in the morning? Three words. Allusive. Elusive. Illusive. So similar in sound. And spelling. Each meaning something different. Talk about the need to be alert.

Here I find myself at Ephesians 6:18. Father, how I ask You to guide and direct our time together this morning. There are so very many needs. Hearts and souls, minds and physicalities that are broken. Hurting. In desperate need of Your healing touch.

As I read Your Word, believe Your Truth, stand firm on Your promises, still the echos of elusion play on in my mind. Reminding me again that “I don’t know what I think I know.”

Blessed God, I keep making mistakes. Letting people down. And now the tears sting my eyes.

Father, I love You. Reading the simplicity of The Voice’s translation for this verse (Ephesians 6:18) reminds me once more of how ill-prepared I am in fighting the difficulties of this world.

“Pray always. Pray in the Spirit. Pray about everything in every way you know how! And keeping all this in mind, pray on behalf of God’s people. Keep on praying feverishly, and be on the lookout until every evil has been stayed.”

It looks and sounds and reads easy enough. And as I continue considering it I ask, “How?” How do I pray always? In the Spirit? About everything in every way? On behalf of God’s people? Feverishly?

(10:10 a.m.)

And here I am. Back. Thanking You. Praising You!

Holy God, thank You that in the split moment it took to think, “if I could just find the song” another phrase started singing. Then, finally… ♪One Thing Remains♪

Praise You Father! We did sing it on Sunday after all. I had it titled wrong. It’s NOT, “Your Love Never Fails”. That’s a completely different song!

Now that You have my full attention, what do You want to do with me? Through me. In, by and for me. What do I have, or know, that You would have me share with others?

MY plan was to use this mostly unscheduled day to work out in the much overgrown yard. I’m thinking that is not my best idea. Guide and direct my thinking. And my projects Dearest Lord.

Valuing and improving my health seem to be right at the top of the list. How would You best have me accomplish that? There’s that word [how] again. Honestly. Openly. Willingly. Yes Father.

Coming back to Your Word, I’m reading in the Worldwide English (New Testament). The above verse from the apostle Paul’s letter to the believers in Ephesus. Written to strengthen their relationship with You and each other.

Blessed God I am inserting myself here in the Truth and hope of becoming A Strong People (Chapter 6:10-20 Illustrated Bible Handbook). “We are called to spiritual warfare, and like Paul to fearlessly declare God’s gospel (19,20). God has equipped us with every resource needed (12).” Let me stand on this Truth today Holy God.

While listed as verse 18 in most translations, Worldwide English counts this line as number 17 [having combined verses 2 and 3 at the beginning of the chapter]. “Always talk to God in the Spirit. Talk to Him about everything and ask Him for what you need. Put your mind on what you are saying, asking God to help all His people.”

I ask You for help finding elusive songs! And You deliver. Why wouldn’t I rely on You always?

Holy God I love and thank You so much. Continuing to sing ♪Higher than the mountains that I face Stronger than the power of the grave Constant through the trial and the change One thing remains… Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me… Because on and on and on and on it goes For it overwhelms and satisfies my soul And I never, ever, have to be afraid One Thing Remains♪

And here comes a lyric I’ve not considered before. ♪In death, in life I’m confident and covered by the Power of Your great love♪ Just look at the promise and hope I find in this! Confident. And covered by the power of Your love. Thank You Father.

Thank You for keeping me close to You this day. Continue Your work in me. With, by, through and for me. I love You. I seek Your guidance and Your blessings. Thank You Father. I love You.

♪... on and on and on and on it goes…♪ Amen.

(789 words ~ 12:57 p.m.)

Into Your grace

Wednesday, August 21, 2019 (6:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You! There was sleep. So much easy sleep.

And then a song. Seemingly out of nowhere. Quickly recognized as one from our Sunday service.

Searching only “You are for us lyrics” up came the immediate answer. ♪You Make Me Brave♪ What a smile as I listened while reading the words.

Father God, such peace and word pictures come to mind as I continue listening to and reading these lyrics. Waves. Crashing over me. You, our “Champion of Heaven” making a way for all to enter in.

Lord, the more I read and listen to these thought provoking words the deeper and more exciting the peace that “crashes over me”. Thank You Father. Praise You.

♪I have heard You calling my name I have heard the song of love that You sing So I will let You draw me out beyond the shore Into Your grace... ♪ Try as I may, I can’t find the words to describe the various emotions taking place in me right now.

Excitement. ♪As Your love, in wave after wave Crashes over me, crashes over me For You are for us You are not against us♪ Courage while considering ♪You make me brave… You call me out beyond the shore into the waves… No fear can hinder now the love that made a way♪

Holy Father. Champion of Heaven. Continue Your work in me. ♪I stand before You now The greatness of Your renown I have heard the majesty and wonder of You King of Heaven, in humility, I bow♪

Yes Father. You do indeed make me brave! Do all You must to empower me in letting ♪You draw me out beyond the shore Into Your grace♪ Yes. Into Your grace.

Father, I love You. I need You. I trust You. Use me. Thank You. Amen.

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

'blah'

Tuesday, August 20, 2019 (7:03 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I love You. I’m feeling cranky. Blah.

And there’s a smile! Thank You Father. Thank You for the immediate memory of two little guys laughing as they quote a favored movie. “I do NOT say, ‘Blah, blah, blah’.”

Mm, yes Lord. Speak with me this morning concerning where YOU would have me put my focus.

(8:41 a.m.)

And here we begin again. I confess to starting. Stopping. Getting distracted. And starting over. Let’s do that. Start over.

Father, thank You for the distractions that ultimately bring me back to knowing, trusting, believing that You alone will provide our every need. Yes, Lord. Thank You.

The sermon this past Sunday was entitled, “Be-Attitudes” (Matthew 5:1-20). As I consider the ‘blah’ I brought to You earlier, I ask that You would continue Your work in helping me “Be Loving And Hope-filled”. Yes, Father. The antithesis of what blah has come to represent!

Do all You must in me. With, by, through and for me that I would truly live this day giving You honor and glory. I love You. I long to serve You. Let all disappointments and distractions take a back seat to my genuinely glorifying and enjoying You this day.

Where to start? Yes! ♪This is the day… That the Lord has made… I will rejoice… And be glad in it… This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day…♪ (Psalm 118:24). Be glad. Be loving and hope-filled!

Make me so Blessed God. Make me so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(282 words ~ 9:12 a.m.)

simple

Monday, August 19, 2019 (6:23 a.m.)

Good morning Blessed God,

Hmm. Yes. Good morning.

(7:04 a.m.)

Here it is. Later morning, and still good.

(7:42 a.m.)

Now I’m looking into the simplicity of this completely uncomplicated greeting. And making it harder than it has to be.

Yes Father. How often do I do that? Complicate things. Make them more difficult than necessary. Work in me this day that I would truly come to keeping things simple.

Simple. Yes Father. Do all You must in teaching me what You would have me learn today.

Holy God, I didn’t expect the simplicity of such a random greeting to take me deep into Your Word. Matthew 28:9. The Living Bible’s paraphrase of Jesus’ own first words after His resurrection.

“And as they [Mary Magdalene and the other Mary] were running, suddenly Jesus was there in front of them! ‘Good morning!’ He said. And they fell to the ground before Him, holding His feet and worshiping Him.”

Oh the simplicity! Thank You Father. Thank You that something as simple as my saying “Good morning” to You can take me straight over to worshiping at Jesus feet. Mm. Yes.

(9:44 a.m.)

Another diversion. And now back on track.

Quoting from the comment in The Life Recovery Bible. After the religious leaders of the time discredited Jesus in front of the crowds and plotted His murder, they sealed and guarded His tomb. Ultimately, “27:62-28:15… they invented a story to explain the disappearance of Jesus’ body.”

Now, here for me is the crux of the whole matter. “It would have been easier to accept Jesus’ message and make appropriate changes in their lives and beliefs.” Amen! Yes. Isn’t it the Truth?

“We must not become so hardened by denial that we, like the Jewish leaders, go to great lengths to avoid accepting the lifesaving message of the gospel.” Yes Lord. True that!

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me that I would live this day exactly as You wish. Glorifying and enjoying You. I love You Lord. Mold me and make me as You know is best.

Thank You. Good morning! Amen.

(370 words ~ 9:58 a.m.)

outlook

Sunday, August 18, 2019 (7:11 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I’m here requesting a change of attitude. Yes. My outlook continues circling back around to cranky. I’m allowing my focus to get off of You. Your goodness. Your glory.

Yes Father. Your goodness. Your glory. Tell me more.

I got to pray with a much loved one last night. A prayer for priorities. Requesting the insight and ability to put “first things first.” Mm, yes Dad. First things first.

You are that. First. Foremost. By far, the “most prominent in rank.” Adjust my tendency of thinking the worst instead of the best. That is indeed where I keep getting stuck.

One particular person continues coming to mind. A replay of an initial encounter. Words remembered. Held onto. An unwillingness to completely let it go.

And here I find myself reading of Christ’s Humility and Exaltation (Philippians 2:5-11). “Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had” (v. 5).

The Life Recovery Bible says this concerning these verses of Scripture, “Jesus Christ is our ideal model for humility in obedience and service. Our thoughts, attitudes, and actions are to be patterned after Christ. His willingness to humbly obey His Father is a great example for us. As we take an honest moral inventory of our life, we must humbly admit our faults so we can begin to change our destructive patterns. If we follow Jesus Christ in humility, learning to admit our failures without hesitation, nothing will be able to stop our recovery.”

Right here I recognize my decisions to push time with You off to the side these past two days as huge mistakes. I knew it even as I chose dish washing and TV viewing over time alone in Your Word. Forgive me Lord.

Renew my desire to ‘sing, smile, stay and stretch’. Loving You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).

Father, I do love You. I thank You. I praise You.

Healthier food choices. A renewed commitment to fixing my “thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

Yes, Lord. Do all You must in growing me into the woman You would have me be. Loving and forgiving. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

well-crafted

Thursday, August 15, 2019 (10:17 a.m.)

Most Dear and Holy God,

Thank You. Deeply. Sincerely. Genuinely. Wholly. Fully. Completely. Gratefully. Thank You!

It was another night of very little sleep. Followed again by a morning of unexpected delights. A free and easy phone conversation with a much loved one. An extremely unhurried time of reading. Learning genetic facts. Mixed into a wonderfully well-crafted novel [The Ones We Choose].

Allowing me to once more examine my own decisions. And the choices I make at any given moment. Every single day.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the work You have been doing in me. All these years.

Here I get to turn to Romans 9:20-33 and study it’s connection to how I am currently feeling. Utter and complete awe of Who and All You are.

My humanness shows in so many ways. Mistakes I make. Arrogance. Vulnerabilities. And choices. Ultimately, we all get to choose.

Thank You Father that again and again I choose You! Your Way. Your will. Your Truth. Your promises. Sometimes more quickly than others.

Thank You that Your Word even speaks to this. Illustrated Bible Handbook. God Is Free to Act; [Romans] 9:14-22. “In the most stark way Paul insists that God be recognized as God. He is free to use His power as He chooses. However the exercise of that power might appear to those who cry ‘unfair,’ God’s choices flow from His purposes and from His unfailing love.”

Thank You most dear and loving Father. Thank You that You are indeed good. And patient.

As Your love pulses through me, I long to share that love with others. You could easily have written me and the mistakes I continue to make off long ago. Instead You keep pouring Your forgiveness and loving-kindness into me.

Thank You Father. I am not here to second guess You. I seek to serve You by fully accepting the mercy and grace in Christ that You provide each and every one of us. Do all You must in using me for Your glory and the good of others.

I love You Lord. ♪And I lift my voice To worship You Oh, my soul rejoice! Take joy my King In what You hear Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear♪ Yes please Father. Make it so.

I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(390 words ~ 11:20 a.m.)

good, good Father

Wednesday, August 14, 2019 (6:30 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. Thank You that You are such a good, good Father.

(7:10 a.m.)

And thank You that I get to take a thought to Your Word and have You speak to me about it.

“Good Father.” 1 Peter 1:17. The Message. “You call out to God for help and He helps - He’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, He’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.”

Truly Father, I love when Your Word makes me smile. Illustrated Bible Handbook lists this verse under Chapter 1:13-2:12. Our Holy Calling encouraging us toward Reverent Awe; 1:17-21. Mm, holy calling. Reverent awe.

Just the thought of You being our good, good Father takes me to considering who I am and to whom I belong. The overwhelming result to this search is Ephesians 2:19-21; with Hebrews 10:32-39 also surfacing.

Blessed God, how I thank You for the opportunity of scouring Your Word. Seeking to learn more of all You have for us to know. Thank You that I am Yours. I belong to You.

♪You’re a good, good Father It’s Who You are… And I’m loved by You It’s who I am…♪

Thank You Father. Praise You. Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Enable and empower me in living and loving as You would have me. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

joy in the morning

Tuesday, August 13, 2019 (7:29 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You!

I didn’t feel good last night. There was fever. Nausea. And muscle aches. Seemingly set into motion by a vaccine booster. Blessed God, thank You that “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b). Truly. Yes!

Joy in the morning. I really didn’t expect it. Thank You that I get to experience it. The Voice tells us, “The deepest pains may linger through the night, but joy greets the soul with the smile of morning.”

The smile of the morning greeting my soul. Thank You Father. I love the word pictures. Wycliffe Bible says, “gladness at the morrowtide.” Young’s Literal Translation, “at morn singing.”

Mm, Father, thank You. Joy. Rejoicing. Singing. Laughter. Truth. Promises. I love You. And I thank You Father.

Today is scheduled to be somewhat busy. I’m looking to You Father. Asking Your comfort. Seeking Your guidance. Thanking You for all You have provided. Weeping at night. And joy in the morning.

Thank You Father. Praise You. Use me. As You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

Hello!

Sunday, August 11, 2019 (7:08 a.m.)

Holy God,

Hello. Yes, Father. Hello!

I was more than a little tentative at offering such a simple greeting to the Creator of the Universe. The laugh I experienced sealed my decision.

Proverbs 14:33 in The Message helped me smile. “Lady Wisdom is at home in an understanding heart - fools never even get to say hello.” It’s The Passion Translation that had me laughing.

Blessed God, thank You for the many ways You speak to us. Getting our attention. Pointing us to the Truth Your Word has to offer.

The Passion Translation, “Wisdom soothes the heart of the one with living-understanding, but the heart of a fool just stockpiles stupidity.” How often does my heart stockpile stupidity?

Father, as we prepare to begin our day with a time of worship, I ask You to guide and direct our thinking. And our understanding. We love You Lord. We need You. And we thank You. Use us. As You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

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

any given day

Saturday, August 10, 2019 (6:16 a.m.)

Most Blessed God,

I got to have a date yesterday. Fun. Food. And a movie. Thank You Father.

Yes Dad. Thanks. I got to be reminded of what a truly sheltered life I live. Not going out much. Completely unaware of the busy-ness that takes place on any given day.

And just like this [SNAP!] once again I get to remember how intrinsically Your Truth is woven into our lives. Thank You God.

Thank You that a movie, the report of a kind gesture on the news or just taking a moment to breathe in deeply can change our focus. Clear our heads. Remind us of Who is truly in charge. You! So good. So giving. So true! Thank You Father.

Thank You for Your Word. Always set to guide us. We often struggle against It. Wanting our own will. Our own way. But then we surrender. Allowing Your goodness and grace to wash over us. Allowing us to live and breathe freely. Like You had originally intended. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that there is so much said in Your Word about freedom. Struggle. Law. And love. There are examples of our old life’s sinful nature and our new life in the Spirit. We get to read and rest assured that You truly are in control.

Praise You Father for Who and all You are! Thank You for the privilege of turning in Your Word [this time in Galatians] and reading again of the struggle we each face. We are called to Freedom in Christ (5:1-15) and given examples of Living by the Spirit’s Power (16-26).

So much Truth. Such wisdom. And all I have to offer in return Lord is gratitude. Absolute gratefulness Father. As well as this plea. Empower and embolden me in living this particular day to Your glory and the good of others.

Holy God, it is scheduled to be a completely full and busy day. Keep me out of Your way that Your love would flow freely through me to others.

The Message presents the apostle Paul’s words to the Galatians by saying, “My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you won’t feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don’t you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?”

Yes Lord. Do in and with, by, through and for me all that I am unable to do on my own. I love You. I need and want You. And I thank You. Oh how I thank You God. Do all You must Lord. Thank You. Amen.

(507 words ~ 7:34 a.m.)

peacefulness

Friday, August 9, 2019 (6:56 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Yesterday, I asked. You provided. A steady pace. Focus. Peacefulness. Yes. Genuine, true peacefulness. Thank You Lord.

The song throughout the entire day continued to be ♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here…♪ As I sit here considering the balance with which the day progressed I smile in amazed gratitude.

It’s not my norm to approach chaos with such a sense of calm, matter-of-factness. Thank You Father that I was truly not left alone (John 14:27) in my decision making.

Holy God, how I love reading Your Word. Letting it seep deep into my soul. Permeating all the nooks and crannies within. Thoroughly soaking me with Your peacefulness. Your peace which truly passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Mm, yes Father. How I thank You for such a sense of wholeness. Well being. Shalom. The more time I spend in Your presence, the more hope I find in You and Your Word. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for the joy You would have us live each day. Just look at this! Illustrated Bible Handbook. “PHILIPPIANS Chapter 4. Joy in the Lord A Plea for Perspective; 4:2-9. Paul speaks of joys that are found through relationship with the Lord (4). In Christ we have release from anxiety, for we can express every need to God and experience peace (5-7).”

It seems the two key words in this description are “In Christ”. Yes Father. As it continues, “In Christ we can concentrate our attention on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy (8). In Christ we can put godly living into practice, and have the assurance that the God whose presence means inner peace will be with us (9).”

It’s so true Father. Your presence provides inner peace. I experienced it all day yesterday. And I’m asking for more of the same today Dearest Dad. Recognizing You as our True Source of peace allows our roots to “grow down deeply in Him [Jesus], and let Him build [us] up on a firm foundation” (Colossians 2:7).

Yes Father. Keep me out of Your way again. Quoting the Amplified Bible here, I’m asking that I would truly live Your Word this day. “Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge” (John 14:27).

Bless us Father. Keep us. Smile on us. Be gracious to us. Show us Your favor. And give us Your peace (Numbers 6:24-26). How we truly love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

guidance and direction

Thursday, August 8, 2019 (6:59 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You for a lazy morning. A genuinely appreciated time of inactivity. Perhaps a truly underactive morning “with no particular place to go.” Yes. Thank You Lord.

I come to You with a heart full of praise and thanksgiving. Asking. Seeking. Knocking (Matthew 7:7) for Your guidance and direction.

Mm. Yes Father. I am seeking Your presence Lord.

Thank You Father that we get to ask. And receive. Seek. And find. Knock and have the door opened to (for) us. Thank You for this little bit of unscheduled time where I can truly “Be still and know” (Psalm 46:10) that You alone are God.

Oh blessed Father! Just look at these renderings…

“Stop your fighting; That’s enough! Calm down; Let go of your concerns! Be in awe; Stand silent! Attention, all! Cease striving; Be quiet; Surrender your anxiety! Relax; Desist.”

Oh, most blessed God, how we need these different ways of looking at familiarity.

(8:25 a.m.)

Mm, yes. Most blessed God. I could quite easily become overwhelmed with the busy-ness this day could present. A whirlwind of activity, if You will. Thank You for holding the reins tightly at this moment.

Yes. This moment. In time. Another song, I sing wholeheartedly to You.

♪This moment in time This right time of day Oh I love being with You And watching my life at play…♪ Yes Blessed Father, I truly love singing love songs to You.

So, as I gather my thoughts. Again asking You to sort and order them. Seeking and depending on Your guidance and direction. I knock Father. Fully trusting and believing myself to be an ♪heir to a long line of glory♪ Your glory!

♪This trip into time This timeless embrace And like a kid in a store I’ll always want more to taste And no matter what comes I now the sun is gonna shine Because of You and me There’ll be this moment in time♪

Keep me still. In Your presence.

♪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 Blessed God, this I ask in Your Son’s precious name. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(387 words ~ 8:49 a.m.)

word search

Wednesday, August 7, 2019 (7:09 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

(7:27 a.m.)

I’m looking for a certain word. It’s almost serene. Definitely not morose. Kind of contented. Wondering. Thinking. Trying to find it. And then I settle on grateful. Yes, Father. I am grateful.

There’s a part of me that is completely aware of all that has been let undone the past few days. Greater than that is the blind-eye that keeps me from focusing on it.

Instead, I remember the piano playing. And dancing. The fun. Laughter. Front flip attempts. Thank You Father. Yes. I am incredibly grateful.

There is a tranquility about me. That’s as close to finding the “right” word as I seem to be able to get right now. A peacefulness. An “all’s right with the world”-ness.

Hence the gratitude. I know of the upheaval taking place around us. Then I search Your Word and find Paul writing to the church at Corinth for the second time.

2 Corinthians 7:5b-6, “Outside there was conflict from every direction, and inside there was fear. But God who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.”

The Message says it this way, “Then the God who lifts up the downcast lifted our heads and our hearts with the arrival of Titus. We were glad just to see him, but the true reassurance came in what he told us about you: how much you cared, how much you grieved, how concerned you were for me. I went from worry to tranquility in no time!” (vs. 6-7).

You do that in and for us Father. And I thank You. As I continue to search words, it’s Your Word I seek most. Your Truth. Your promises.

Use me this day Blessed God. As we seek to get back on track. Syncing our rhythm to Yours. Provide exactly what You know is necessary that we will glorify and enjoy You as You wish. Thank You Lord for indeed making us grateful. I love You. Amen.

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

building

Sunday, August 4, 2019 (6:19 a.m.)

Blessed God,

How I thank You Lord. Thank You for love. And learning. Thank You for mistakes. Yes. And all we learn from making them.

This morning Lord, I woke up thinking about Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Blessed God I would be lost without them.

There were more mistakes yesterday. Some fearfulness. A plan. Some hope. And through it all… Wait! That’s a song.

♪Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It is well♪

Yes Lord. Yes. Through it all… it is well! Will You please remind me of this? Continuously.

Father I love You. I anticipate upheaval this day. Chaos. Potentially hurt feelings. Thank You that we have Your Word on which to stand.

And stand I do. First in James (1:2-4; 12). His words of encouragement about troubles and hard trials build hope in my heart. Then it’s over to Romans.

Blessed God, I scour Your Word for the hope and help You offer us. The deeper I look, the more profound Your Truth rings clear! Striking chords of faith and our need for Your power.

Lord, I come to You. You offer us “Good News”. Power. Freedom. Joy. Father, I long to accept Your kind invitation to live this day in You. With You. By You. Through You. For You.

Quoting from Paul’s letter to the church of Rome, my hope is in You Lord. Faith Brings Joy. Romans 5:2-6. “Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us - they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us,”. Yes please Lord! I absolutely need Your strength of character!

“… and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Father God, You absolutely know what You are doing. How I ask You to continue building in me the endurance I need to withstand whatever challenges I may encounter this day. Let me stand firm in Your Truth through all chaos, crisis and confusion that may come my way.

I love You Lord. I need You. And I ask You… be with me. In me. By me. Through me. For me. I love You. Thank You.

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

a glad heart

Saturday, August 3, 2019 (5:51 a.m.)

Blessed God and Father,

I am here because I want to be. Not because I’m supposed to. Nor because I have nothing else to do. This morning You are First because I want You to be. I need You to be the One to Whom I turn.

Holy God, I’ve been making mistakes. Big ones. Mean. Impatient. Unkind. Not gentle. Forgive me Father. Help me. I need You. I want You. I ask You. Change me please.

I have tears. Inside as well as out. And this is where thankfulness finally enters in. Thank You Father.

Thank You for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for songs that have emerged because of Your Word.

First one this morning was ♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere…♪ That is exactly what I came out here singing.

I’m confessing to You right now Father what You have always known. I’m a mess. A wreck. Hanging by a thread. There are so many mistakes I have made. So many things for which I need Your forgiveness. As well as that from others.

Lord God, You have been witness to my arrogance. To the “my way or the highway” approach I have taken over the years. Dating back decades. I feel ashamed Lord. Embarrassed by my cockiness. Forgive me. Please ‘remove my rebellious acts as far away from me as the east is from the west’ (Psalm103:12).

“When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all Truth. He will not be presenting His own ideas; He will be telling you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future” (John 16:13).

Oh look at this! Illustrated Bible Handbook. “The Work of the Holy Spirit; 16:5-16. Jesus is the One in Whom the Bible’s teaching about sin, righteousness, and judgment all come together. It is the Spirit who deals with these issues, presenting Christ to the world and convicting those who will not believe. The Spirit also is at work for believers. He is the living Voice of Jesus to us, who guides us into an experience of God’s Truth.”

♪Holy Spirit You are welcome here Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere♪ Yes. Please!

And now that other song that swelled as I poured out my heart to You earlier. ♪Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down… But a good word makes it glad (Proverbs 12:25)… A joyful heart makes a cheerful face… But when the heart is sad the spirit is broken (Proverbs 15:13)♪

God, Your Word is absolute Truth! I look to You to gladden my heart. Set this day to Your rhythm. Sing Your Truth to my soul that I would be completely joyful. With a genuinely cheerful face.

I love You Father. I need You. And I ask You with all that I am to get me out of Your way that You can work in, with, by, through and for me. Thank You Father. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

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

so much to learn

Friday, August 2, 2019 (6:41 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

I’m asking You to speak with me about forgiveness. Lord, You are so good. And You know the best You have planned for Your people.

My natural tendency these days seems to be judgment over forgiveness. Almost every time.

(7:00 a.m.)

Turning in Your Word (Revelation 22:1-5) I realize once again how very much there is for me to learn. On that same note, I remember a time decades ago that I was introduced to the importance of forgiveness. Father, Your way is brilliant. Thank You for providing us the opportunities we need to practice and to learn.

Oh most Holy God, how I thank You. Your Word is rich with Truth and promises. We get to stand firm (1 Corinthians 16:13) and stay our minds (Colossians 3:2) on the hope we have on all Jesus has done.

Thank You Father. Forgiveness. There is still so much for me to learn. And practice. Do all You must in teaching me not only to offer but also to accept forgiveness. From You. And others.

I love You Lord. Work in me. Exactly as You know is best.

I am feeling drained. How much of that stems from any degree of grudge holding? Unforgiveness is exhausting. It takes far too much energy. Keep my focus on You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

I love You. I need You. I want You. I ask You. And I thank You Lord. Oh how I thank You. Use me. To Your glory and the good of others. Thank You. Amen.

(275 words ~ 7:57 a.m.)

very early morning

Thursday, August 1, 2019 (4:46 a.m.)

Good morning Blessed God,

Good very early morning.

(6:44 a.m.)

Yes Father. Very early morning.

Talk with me this morning about coming before You. Studying with You. Hearing Your voice in the very early morning hours.

How I thank You Father. Thank You that You are the first place I want to come in the morning. The very early morning.

In turning to You, I come to the first five chapters in the book of Psalms. Described in The Life Recovery Bible, the purpose of this book was “to demonstrate that God is holy and loving and intimately involved in every aspect of our human experience.” Thank You Father.

Yes. Thank You. Thank You for the “honest emotion” with which these Psalms were penned. Setting the stage for us to “pour out our anguish and adoration, our suffering and confessions, our hopes and fears.”

Reading the titles and descriptions under RECOVERY THEMES, I notice the smiles I am exhibiting. Both internally and externally.

Truth Brings Healing. Legitimate Doubts and Complaints. God’s Power of Deliverance. The Necessity of Forgiveness. Yes Father. It’s in turning to You and Your Word that we get to experience hope. Thanks Dad.

I settle in as The Passion Translation says this of the first three verses. “The Genesis Psalms Psalms of man and creation The Tree of Life What delight comes to the one who follows God’s ways!” Yes, Father.

“He won’t walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinner’s way, nor be found sitting in the scorner’s seat. His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of ‘I Am,’ meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God’s design, deeply rooted by the brooks of bliss [oh just look at that smile!], bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous.”

How does this translate to my heart? My soul? My mind? And my strength? With hope. Pure unadulterated hope. Hope in You. In Your Word. In Your Truth. In Your promises.

Yes Father. I awoke in the very early morning. Believing I was being given some important ideas from You. As I attempt to implement them; I ask You to go within, without, before, behind, beside, beneath and above me. Keeping me focused and obedient to Your leading.

I love You Father. And I ask not only Your guidance, but Your blessing as well. Thank You God. I love You. Amen.

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