love. And laughter.

Thursday, October 31, 2019 (4:03 a.m.)

“Boo!”

That’s what the husband just said. And I laughed. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for him. Thank You for us. Thank You for love. And laughter.

Father, there are more fires. It’s scary. And sad. This is where we turn to You.

You, the Holy One. You, the One to Whom I have been singing already this morning. Giving ♪thanks with a grateful heart… to the Holy One… thanks because [You’ve] given Jesus Christ, [Your] Son♪

Yes Father. We get to sing thanks to You. Proclaiming to all the strength and riches we have ♪Because of what the Lord has done for us♪

With joy and gratitude I look to You Father. Searching Your Word. And it just keeps getting better!

Thank You Father. Starting in The Message. 1 Peter 1:8. “You never saw Him, yet you love Him. You still don’t see Him, yet you trust Him - with laughter and singing.” What joy when we think about it.

In the midst of fear and uncertainty, You remain the same. You do not change in the wind. Or the circumstances. Thank You for Who and All You are Blessed God.

We have a familial medical emergency. Traffic and exhaustion surround loved ones. I lift them to You Dearest Lord. Empower and embolden them in leaning on and into You. Completely.

Amplified Bible tells us, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and though you do not see Him now, you believe and trust in Him and you greatly rejoice and delight with inexpressible and glorious joy.” Oh yes Blessed God!

Reading up just one verse higher. “Theses trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold - and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

This I pray Blessed Father for those who most need You this day. You are good. You are near. For all who cry out to You.

Be the loving Lord You are. Blessing and keeping us in Your perfect plan. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(397 words ~ 4:52 a.m.)

rejoicing and being delighted

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 (2:22 p.m.)

Holy God,

Hi.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 (4:46 a.m.)

And that’s as far as I got here with You yesterday.

Sure, there were requests I made of You throughout the day. Concerns for others. Situations. Celebrations. A lot of “thank You God”s. Oh, but Lord I much rather sit still long enough to search in Your Word.

That’s why I’m here with You. Asking Your guidance. Seeking Your direction for this explosively windy day.

Father, I look to You. Realizing all the while that I need Your help in following through on my quest of rejoicing and being delighted.

(7:14 a.m.)

And with that I went straight back to sleep. Thank You Lord.

Thank You for the privilege of praying, resting and then singing with You. ♪In my life Lord, Be Glorified, be glorified. In my life Lord, be glorified today♪

Oh yes, Lord. Be glorified. In me. In my heart. In my life. In this day.

Looking to Your Word Father, I read of glorifying You. Rejoicing and being delighted. In Who and All You are! Yes Father, in Who and ALL You are.

Proverbs 8:30 speaks of Wisdom having been ‘the architect at Your side.’ Your “constant delight, rejoicing always” in Your presence.

The Passion Translation tells us, “I was there, close to the Creator’s side [see John 1:1] as His master artist. [Or ‘architect.’] Daily He was filled with delight in me as I playfully rejoiced before Him. [The Hebrew word translated here as ‘rejoicing’ can also be translated as ‘joyfully playing’ or ‘laughing.’]”

Holy God, what would it be like for me to joyfully play or laugh with You daily? I want to find out!

Including the next verse (31) I truly rejoice as I read, “I laughed and played, so happy with what He had made, while finding my delight in the children of men. [What a beautiful picture we find here of Wisdom (Christ), who finds His fulfillment in us. See also Pss. 8:4-9; 16:33; Eph. 2:10; 19-22.]”

Most Dear and Blessed God, be glorified as I laugh and play, so happy with all You have made. I love You Lord. Lead, guide, direct and enable me in rejoicing and being delighted with You this day. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(398 words ~ 9:41 a.m.)

asked and delivered

Monday, October 28, 2019 (6:02 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You for leading my thoughts to You. Here I ask You to guide me deep into Your Word. Share with me what You want me to know this day.

Wow, Father. Asked and delivered!

So many verses. So much Truth. Lead me. Guide me. Speak to me that I will listen. Learn. Obey. Yes Father. Listen. Learn. Obey. Repeat!

1 John 1. The Passion Translation. Jesus referred to as “the Living Expression of God” (v. 1) and “the eternal Life-Giver” (2). Verse 4, “We are writing these things to you because we want to release to you our fullness of joy.”

I’m getting to start in one area of Your Word. Feel it deep in my being. Turn to another. Sing of Your mercies. Joy. And love. Thank You Father.

Sharing Together John 15:5-15 The Life Recovery Bible. “… it is important to speak in the language of love, not condemnation.” Thank You Father. That’s what You do with us! Gently and humbly guiding us to Your Truth. Praise You Lord.

Jesus said it best. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in His love. I have told you all this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you” (vs. 9-12).

Mm, yes Father.

♪This is My Commandment That you love one another That your joy may be full…♪

Do all You must Blessed God that we really will love as You command. That Your joy will fill our hearts with overflowing gladness! (v. 11)

Yes please Father. All You must. I ask. You deliver. Thank You. Praise You. Use us. Amen.

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

King of love

Sunday, October 27, 2019 (6:37 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning.

And thank You.

Yeah. Let’s start there.

Simple. Acknowledge the new day.

And with that immediately comes singing.

Surprisingly not the easy find I anticipated. It took a little digging. Oh, but so worth it.

♪This Is a Good Day♪ by Gary Rea. Mm. A smile. Tears. Gratitude. And joy. Mm, yes Father. You rerouted my thinking with just the simplest of greetings. Thank You!

I confess to having gotten momentarily stalled. Fear. Overwhelm. Unexpected happenings. What if this… How about that… Lots of stinkin’ thinkin’.

Let’s go back just a few days. Sight seeing out the tiny window of an airplane. Identifying lakes we had visited just last month. The sheer joy and excitement of truly being present in those inspiring moments. 

Mistakenly believing the all’s right with the world feelings would carry over in me forever. Father God, how I thank You that as the realities of every day life settle in around me we have You to trust and follow.

You lead. Guide. Comfort. Console. Encourage. Remind. Thank You Father.

Again I sing, ♪This Is a Good Day, Jesus Your mercy, It is new for me… Be praised, Let our worship Rise in this place To the King of love Cause You’re always good Always good… How great, How glorious Is the Lamb of God Who was slain for us He’s the King of us…♪

Thank You Father! In this world we will have many troubles. Your Word (John 16:33a) tells us so. “But take heart…”, “be of good cheer…” Jesus, the King of love, has overcome the world!

This is the Truth on which I must stand and cling to. Thank You! ♪Be praised, Let our worship Rise in this place… Cause You’re always good Always good♪

Thank You Father. Do all You must that I will live this day in the faith, hope and love (1 Corinthians 13:13) Your Word teaches. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

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

freedom to choose

Saturday, October 26, 2019 (6:09 a.m.)

Holy God,

I made an ill-tempered plan last night. To be mad. And stay mad.

Thank You Father that You provide us such freedom. Yes. Freedom to choose. Mad. Glad. Sad. Bad. Rad. Had. So many choices.

While in the moment, I saw only the one. Thank You for all the times in the past that You have reminded me that ‘I’d better change my tune.’ Especially when that tune only leads to bitterness.

You are SUCH a ♪Good, Good Father It’s Who You are♪ Thank You Lord. Because we ARE ♪loved by You♪ we get to change our mind. “Be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

Yes! Just look at how The Message says it. “The people I love, I call to account - prod and correct and guide so they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” Yes. Run after You.

I get to choose to ♪Give Thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son♪ That is exactly what I’m here doing Father. Thanking You. Gratefully.

Thank You for changing my heart. My mind. You feed my soul with Your Truth. And I am truly grateful Father.

Use me this day Lord. Exactly as You know is best. Loving You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). Thank You for providing us this freedom to choose.

Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

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

Beauty and joy and hope, oh my!

Friday, October 25, 2019 (5:26 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the gift of sheer beauty we experienced on Tuesday. Not knowing then that the clarity and colors we were viewing were anything out of the ordinary for the Oregon valley we were visiting.

Blessed God, how truly I thank You. Thank You for beauty and joy and hope. Yeah. Beauty and joy and hope, oh my!

(7:08 a.m.)

Father, as full of admiration to You as we are, I’m reading in Illustrated Bible Handbook. Isaiah 60. The Glory Unveiled. “Isaiah sees the dark clouds that cover the earth burned away by the light of God’s glory (1-3). All will lift their dulled eyes to look around in amazement, as their hearts throb with joy (4-7).”

That was us! Dulled eyes looking around in amazement with our hearts throbbing with joy. Thank You Father. Such beauty. Such joy. Such hope.

Preparing to quote The Life Recovery Bible’s comment for 60:1-3 I add my own, “Yes, please Father.”

“God’s people are called to let their light shine to the nations. God wants to transform all of us and use us to bring His Truth to others. We are reminded of Step Twelve, which says that an important part of recovery is sharing our life as living proof that recovery is possible with God’s help.”

I felt a shift toward joy and hopefulness yesterday Lord, believing myself “changed forever.” Words I actually used. This morning I’m sensing the typical gloomy doom that tends to far outweigh the colorful clarity we encountered just the other day.

So here I am asking You Dearest Father to rid me of the fear I so often get wrapped up in. Let me fully esteem and revere You. Joyfully sharing Your love with others. Singing, smiling, staying my mind on Your Truth, and standing firm in Your love.

Yes Blessed God. Use me this day to share Your beauty, joy and hope. I love You. I long to serve and share You. Do all You must in making it so. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(359 words ~ 7:41 a.m.)

♪Nothing But the Blood of Jesus♪

Thursday, October 24, 2019 (6:34 a.m.)

Vancouver, WA

Holy God,

Thank You! Thank You for music. And Truth. And sleep. Yes Father. Once more I was able to sleep and with it came rest. And dreams. And hope. And more Truth.

♪Nothing But the Blood of Jesus♪ What a smile and such peace I experienced every single time I awoke singing this renowned refrain. Praise You Father.

Joy. Hope. Ideas. Freedom.

(7:41 a.m.)

This current trip has reminded me Lord of the multitude of choices we each face every single day. Fear? Faith! Despair? Delight. Regrets? Rejoice!

We get to choose. Life? Or death (Deuteronomy 30:19). We can keep being miserable or determine to forsake all and trust You. Our choice. You ordained it.

Today I ask You Father to renew my commitment of glorifying and enjoying You forever. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Daily life here on earth is never going to be perfect. That is set apart for us in heaven. Mistakes, disasters, speed bumps, hiccups and snafus are all going to happen. Jesus said so. John 16:33.

The Message declares quite simply, “I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.”

It’s the footnotes for The Passion Translation I’m asking You to instill deeply within me. “Cheer up! Jesus has taken away the power this world has to defeat us and has conquered it for us. Peace is resting in His victory.” Yes, please Father.

If I claim to love and depend on You, I long to live that way every moment of the day. With the courage that You provide.

“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in Me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” (The Passion Translation). Yes. Please.

Continue Your work in making me fully aware that “greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).

I love You Father. ♪You Make Me Brave♪ and I want to live that way every moment of every day. Make it so I pray. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(435 words ~ 8:32 a.m.)

♪ Then Sings My Soul ♪

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 (5:22 a.m.)

Eugene, OR

♪Then sings my soul…♪ 

(6:39 a.m.)

How excited was I just those hours ago when I realized I was singing as I awoke. Allowing me to realize I had actually slept. Effortlessly!

Thank You Father.

And here I confess having taken that excitement and squandering it. Rather than coming straight to You with loving gratitude I took “just this one” search. Which led immediately to another and “just one more”.

Forgive me Father. I recognized immediately what was happening. While I had woken with a smile, I felt the joy and delight begin to wane with every search I took.

Thank You that rather than continue in that downward spiral, coming back here to You my smile has returned. Along with just the right tinge of hope. Thank You Father.

Thank You that in that momentary downhill skid of my emotions I was able to once more experience how precariously unstable are our thoughts and feelings when they are not set on You. Yes Father! Then sings my soul…

Driving through an incredibly beautiful valley yesterday, we came across colors only seen by us before in crayon boxes. Unbelievable beauty, Lord. The brightest green of wide open fields. Wisps and swirls of the whitest clouds against such blue skies. Spectacularly breathtaking.

These are things for which I am supremely grateful. ♪O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder Consider all the world Thy hands have made… Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee…♪ Yes Father. How truly great Thou Art!

Going away from being safely here alone with You, I invite You along into this day. Go before, beside, behind, beneath, above and within me. Completely enveloping and encompassing me in and with You.

How I love You Lord and thank You for singing so early and boldly to my soul. Thank You. I love You. Use me. Exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

(7:52 a.m. ~ 7:53 a.m.)

Hence the smile.

Monday, October 21, 2019 (3:30 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! Yes, the “thank You”s could go on ad infinitum. Without end. Forever. Again and again in the same way. Literally, “to infinity” [and beyond!].

The smile started about twenty minutes ago. That’s when I realized I had actually fallen asleep last night after all. Trying unsuccessfully to again count and sing and breathe myself back to sleep I started exploring the obstacles of yesterday.

It was during that review I found words to describe what I had been feeling. Sad. Hurt. Surprised. Embarrassed. Stubborn. Trapped. Shocked. Disappointed. Off.

Yep. After all the negatives had seemed to take their toll, I was shut down. Walled off. Unable to follow through with feeling better.

That’s where You came in. Angry didn’t have to happen. I knew because You’ve been reminding me lately that “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b). And it did. Hence the smile.

Holy Father, how I thank You for the music You bring to my heart, my mind and my soul. I’ve already had so many different songs singing within me this morning.

Once I was able to articulate another’s seeming satisfaction in pointing out my mistakes, I remembered what I’ve been learning. Mistakes can be good. When we learn from them. 

I don’t have to be afraid. Or ashamed. I can fail with confidence! And then try again. And again. Thank You Father.

That’s when I realized I was singing about joy. Which had indeed come again in the morning. ♪ I’ve got that joy, joy, joy joy down in my heart…♪ Thanks Dad.

It was the next song that prompted my early arrival out here with You. Hence another smile!

I didn’t know it well enough to sing on my own. Wasn’t even aware of the title. Finding it easily enough, I was truly pleased to associate it with You again singing comfort to me.

♪ If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea I’ll sail the world to find you If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can’t see I’ll be the light to guide you [à la Psalm 139:1-12] We find out what we're made of When we are called to help our friends in need You can Count On Me like 1, 2, 3 I’ll be there And I know when I need it I can count on You like 4, 3, 2 You’ll be there ‘Cause that’s what friends are supposed to do ♪

Oh, but that’s not even the best part! ♪ If you’re tossin’ and you’re turnin’ And you just can’t fall asleep I’ll sing a song beside you And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me Every day I will remind you… ♪ Thank You Father that I find You singing to me in the most unexpected songs.

And just like that I’m singing back to You. Gratefully remembering that ♪You Make Me Brave♪ I have a different song breaking through. 

♪ In every season, in every change You are near In every sorrow, You are my strength You are near A peace in the storm Your voice I will follow In weakness I rise Remembering You hold my world I’m holding on to hope I’m holding on to grace I’m fully letting go I’m surrendered to Your ways The Anchor for my soul Father You will never change I love You, I love You… ♪

That’s what’s so comforting. And smile producing. You’ve got me. I don’t have to be ashamed. Or afraid. You love me.

♪My great Redeemer, My constant Friend You are near My faithful Father You took me in You are near I will remember Your promise forever My Strength, my Defender I can count on You You are my Savior, My hope and my Shelter Your love is forever I can count on You♪

That’s exactly what You sang to me. Earlier. In that other song. ♪…You can count on Me like 1, 2, 3 I’ll be there…♪ Like I said before, hence the smile.

Thank You Father. I love You. Use me this day exactly as You know is best. In sharing the hope and the joy and the confidence we have in being loved by You. Thank You for Who and All You are. I love You. I’m smiling. Amen.

(727 words ~ 5:30 a.m.)

love is

Sunday, October 20, 2019 (5:07 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You.

Again I’ve come to You thinking one thing only to have You change my direction. Thank You Father. Yes thank You.

Mm. Nice. I’m getting to start this day with a grateful heart. And the music within just keeps singing. From one song to another. Thank You Father.

At first, while still in bed, it was ♪…but joy comes in the morning♪ Almost immediately after getting here I made a mistake in thinking ♪I Want to Know What Love Is♪ was really "I wanna go where love is."

This of course led me to singing Frank Sinatra and the regrets I’ve made while living each day ♪My Way♪ Confusing the word regrets with mistakes again I smiled. Which led me once more to acknowledging You by giving ♪thanks with a grateful heart♪ Again I thank You Father.

I thank You because I am so keenly aware of my good intentions and my failed results. Mistakes. Regrets. All the while standing firmly in Your Truth of having been “fearfully and wonderfully made” by You (Psalm 139:14-16).

Thank You Father.Yes, thank You!

I sing. I read. I search. I find. And then I sing some more. All the while allowing You to lead and guide me. Mistakes and all.

So here I am. Looking to You. Singing. Smiling. Waiting. Wanting. Yes Father, wanting You to show me what love is!

The Passion Translation (1 Corinthian 13:4-7) tells us it’s:

patient under stress

kind at all times

generous, not envious

humble, not self-promoting

never rude

not manipulated by using shame

not irritable or easily offended

celebrating honesty

not focused on what is flawed

loyal to the end

These are all things on a consistent basis that I am not, Lord. Oh! But, Father, YOU are! Thank You that You are indeed love (1 John 4:8). Yes! Thank You.

And now, one more song. All the way from 1968. Seemingly sent straight from You. ♪There is…♪

♪Oh girl, why won’t you let Me love you And let your troubled heart be free… take heed to all My goodness Take a hold and follow Me… (I AM THE ROAD, I AM THE WAY… I’ll fight your fears down through the years) …What does it take to make you see… All the precious time you been a-wastin’… You coulda been sharing in with Me…♪

Yes Father! ♪There IS the time, there is the place… THIS is the time, THIS is the place!… (There is) You… and me… and hope… and love…♪

How incredibly cool are You, Lord! Getting my attention, in so many ways, all at one time. 

I wanna go where love is! Yes, Lord. ♪I wanna know what love is. I want You to show me. I wanna feel what love is. I know You can show me♪

Yes Father. Do all You must in showing me so I will freely share Your hope and love with others. I love You Father. Thank You. Use me. Amen.

(512 words ~ 7:20 a.m.)

ESPECIALLY!

Saturday, October 19, 2019 (10:25 a.m.)

Most Dear and Incredibly Loving God,

Thank You! You are changing my thinking. I used to be so sure I knew exactly what I was doing. And why.

Then all my hopes and beliefs seemed to come into question. I doubted. Became uncertain. I fussed. And fretted.

Thank You for the times I’ve looked to You. Wanting desperately to learn how not to behave erratically. You have been the calm presence we need Father.

Thank You Lord. Thank You for other people who have reacted badly and are willing to share what they have learned from their mistakes. Thank You that there is power in knowledge.

And thank You ESPECIALLY that ♪There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r In the blood of the Lamb; There is pow’r, pow’r, wonder-working pow’r In the precious blood of the Lamb♪

Yes! Power. Especially in the precious blood of the Lamb. Thank You Father.

I ask You to guide and direct this day. According to Your best for each of us. Oh how we love and thank You Lord. Do all You must. In, with, by, through and for us. Thank You Father. We love You. Amen.

(202 words ~ 11:50 a.m.)

"good works and beautiful lives"

Friday, October 18, 2019 (5:43 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

Mm, yes. Good.

(6:31 a.m.)

Reading and wondering about what is good.

Deuteronomy. Titus. Revelation. Your Word is full of examples.

For now, I will suffice it to say that YOU are good. All the time.

All the time, You are good.

Embolden and empower me in living this day for Your good. Do all You must so others will see the work You have done in me and want it for themselves.

You are the Master of using good works in making beautiful lives. Thank You Father.

I have the privilege of being around very young people today. Let my words and actions represent You and Your love for all. Standing for You in all I think, say and do.

And just like that I’m singing ♪Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross♪ and turning to 1 Corinthians 16:13. “Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe. Be courageous. Be strong.”

Yes Father! I am looking to Your goodness and claiming You in my life.

Verse 14 reminds us, “And everything you do must be done with love.” Yes Father. With Your love!

The Life Recovery Bible comment (16:5-18) tells us, “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.”

Yes! All this because You are good. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Live in me this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(302 words ~ 7:33 a.m.)

♪ ... But joy comes in the morning ♪

Thursday, October 17, 2019 (5:22 a.m.)

Happy morning Lord,

Yes. Happy.

Cheerful, joyful, glad. Mm. Yes!

There was an experiment last night. A different way of ending the day. And the line of a worship song ultimately led to sleep.

♪There may be pain in the night But joy comes in the morning♪ Thank You Father. You reminded me of other times that joy did indeed come in the morning.

With every distracting thought I was able to counter with Your Truth. While unsure of the verse [Psalm 30:5b] I was able to look forward to things looking differently in the light of day.

Blessed God, You do not disappoint! Going outside just before dawn I was delighted by the cotton ball clouds in the sky. Thank You Father.

Thank You for the hope found in trusting You. Hope in Your Truth spelled out in New English Translation. “One may experience sorrow during the night, but joy arrives [comes] in the morning.”

Mm, yes. Thank You Father.

(6:56 a.m.)

Yes! Thank You for this seeming “jackpot of JOY” I am currently experiencing. That “all’s right with the world” feeling.

I confess, it doesn’t happen often. Oh, but doesn’t hope and joy feel good!

You have given me beauty this morning. Truth. And such hopefulness. Thank You.

Waking with the thought of acceptance has truly provided me hope. As I went from there to the idea of adapting, I honestly felt a shift in my rigidity. Praise You Father. All glory to You.

Thank You for such a tremendous release of the pressures and weights of the world. In You I absolutely am able to accept what I cannot change. You give me courage to change what I can. And the wisdom to know the difference. Thank You Father.

Today I look to You for the power to accept. Adapt. Admire. And appreciate. This is a formula I learned decades ago. And had never before thought of putting into practice in every day situations. 

Lord I look to You to preempt any fear or frustration that may attempt to creep into this day. I am truly loving this feeling of optimism. Hopefulness. Joy.

♪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 for this Truth Father. Your love never fails. And joy really, truly did come this morning. Thank You. Use me joyfully this day Blessed God. I love You. I thank You. Amen.

(445 words ~ 7:58 a.m.)

something good

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 (5:50 a.m.)

Dearly Loved God,

Hmm. Yes. Dearly loved. I’m still acquainting myself with that Truth. We are each dearly loved by You. Thank You Father.

Thank You that I get to bring my thoughts and words and wonders to You. “Navigate”, “something good”, “dearly loved”. Yes Father, I search Your Word and You lead me to so much more.

(6:47 a.m.)

Mm. Yes Father. Thank You for the love You have for us. The love that leads us back to Your Truth and all the hope we find therein.

Peace comes to my heart as I follow thoughts and phrases into Your Word. Thank You Father.

This morning, more than usual, I am reading in Proverbs. Beginning with 18:22 and going on from there.

“The man who finds a wife finds something good, and the favor of the Eternal is indeed his.” Truly Father, I like to think this to be the case here in our household.

Lord, the more I look at just this one line the stronger the pull on my heart to be Your best! Contemporary English Version says, “A man’s greatest treasure is his wife - she is a gift from the LORD.” Oh yes Father. Make this the case here in this home.

Glancing up to the preceding verse again I nod in agreement. “Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.”

Most Holy God, how I long to be the woman for which You created me. 

Moving over to International Children’s Bible, chapter 16: verses 31 and 32. Again I ask You to make me so Blessed God.

“Gray hair is like a crown of honor. You earn it by living a good life. Patience is better than strength. Controlling your temper is better than capturing a city.”

I look to You Father. Thanking and praising You for the desire to live as You would have me. Asking You to continue Your work in, with, by, through and for me. Teaching me to be especially aware of the good things You regularly provide us.

Use me exactly as You know is best. Deeply rooted in Your Truth. Sharing Your mercy, grace and love. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

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

♪ ...Jesus, Jesus♪

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 (6:12 a.m.)

Thank You Father. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

I got to wake up singing AND find the song on the very first try. Thank You Lord.

I didn’t even have the right word. ♪My heart will claim sing No other name Jesus, Jesus♪ Mm, yes! How settling it is. Claiming and singing ♪Jesus, Jesus♪ Thank You.

There is peace and contentment deep in my heart. Hope. Joy. Yes Father. Thank You!

I get to read Your Word. Searching for where ♪my heart will sing Jesus, Jesus♪ and finding it in the book of John. Written to “reveal Jesus as the Son of God and show that by faith in Him we can experience true love, love and forgiveness” (The Life Recovery Bible THE BOTTOM LINE).

Here, the apostle John shared his experience with following Jesus. “These [things] are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in Him you will have life” (20:31). Life. Yes. Life!

RECOVERY THEMES for the book of John include The Power of God and God’s Power Can Be within Us. Oh that we would learn to live in Your power Lord!

[running off to track and witness Union Pacific Big Boy #4014]

dearly loved

Monday, October 14, 2019 (6:18 a.m.)

Beloved Father,

Mm. Yes. Beloved: dearly loved.

(7:08 a.m.)

Almost an hour has passed as I have read here, there and somewhere else in Your Word. Wanting desperately to know so much more about being Your beloved, dearly loved child.

Oh most loving and perfect Father, thank You for Your incredible love. Your magnificent, wonderful, spectacular love.

The more I read, the more I want to know. I wonder. Hope. Get excited. And read more.

Yes Father! How genuine is my desire to know, trust, believe and live this day as Your dearly loved daughter. It’s a Truth that continually seems just beyond my reach.

So many verses. So much Truth. I just keep digging deeper. Thank You Father.

I am dearly loved! Your Word says so.

Teach me to know. Trust. Believe. And act on Your Truth.

♪Beloved, let us love one another, For love is of God, And everyone that loveth is born of God And knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God, For God is love. Beloved, let us love one another. First John Four: Seven and Eight♪

How I thank You for the ways Your Truth lives in me. Through verses. And music.

♪Into Marvelous Light I’m running Out of darkness, out of shame By the cross You are the Truth, You are the Life, You are the Way… My dead heart now is beating My deepest stains now clean Your breath fills up my lungs Now I’m free, Now I’m free… Sin has lost it’s power Death has lost it’s sting From the grave You’ve risen Victoriously♪

Holy, blessed God I cannot thank You enough for Your Truth. Your promises. Your mercy. Your grace. Use me as You know is best. As your dearly loved daughter.

I long to share You with others. Embolden and empower me to this end.

♪I have heard You calling my name I have heard the song of love that You sing… As Your love, in wave after wave Crashes over me… You make me brave You call me out beyond the shore into the waves… You make me brave No fear can hinder now the promises You make♪

Yes Father. You make me brave! I am Your dearly loved daughter and You make me brave. Make that my jumping-off point this day.

I love You. I need You. I want You. And I thank You Blessed God. Oh how I thank You. Use me. I love You. Amen.

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

so many reasons

Sunday, October 13, 2019 (6:48 a.m.)

Holy God,

Oh thank You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

There are so many reasons and things for which to thank You. Blessings. Hope. Seeking. Finding. Learning. So many reasons. So, so many reasons. Thank You God.

Thank You for the circulating video of a 3 year old little boy knowing that he is “smart, … blessed, and can do ANYTHING!” You teach each of us this of ourselves. How I thank You for this inspiration Father.

The smile on my face is real Dearest Lord. As is the peace in my heart. Genuine hope does that to me. Every single time I get a kernel of it. Thank You.

Just as I was prepared to claim Psalm 42:11 and 43:5 as perfect for the morning, The Passion Translation draws me to 48:1.

“[Beautiful Zion] A poetic song, for the prophet singers of Korah’s clan There are so many reasons to describe God as wonderful! So many reasons to praise Him with unlimited praise!”

Yes Father. So many reasons!

Do all You must with me this day. By, through, for and in me. I long to live this day as You would have me. Grateful. Hopeful. Loving. Kind. Yes Father. Exactly as You wish.

I love You. I thank You. Amen.

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

Romans 8:28

Saturday, October 12, 2019 (6:21 a.m.)

♪All things work together for my good♪

I’m not exactly sure what song it is. The Bible verse is Romans 8:28. So Blessed God, I am asking You to speak to me this morning. Make me keenly aware of all You have and want for and from us.

♪You are good… when there’s nothing good in me [FOREVER REIGN]♪ Father, how I thank and praise and depend on You and Your love. Use me this day exactly as You know is best.

My natural tendency leans more toward waffling. Wavering. Sitting on the fence. Going back and forth. Anything but making a firm decision and sticking with it.

You can change that in me. I know You can. Because ♪You make all things work together for my good… You stay the same through the ages Your love never changes… Nothing can separate Even if I run away YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS I know I still make mistakes But You have new mercies for me everyday Your love never fails…♪

Thank You Father. Thank You that You are so good. Thank You that we have Your Word. Your Truth. Your hope. Your love.

Romans 8:27-29. The Passion Translation. “God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet He also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, His holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny.

“So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are His lovers who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose. For He knew all about us before we were born and He destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of His Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like Him.”

(7:49 a.m.)

Just like Him? Oh Lord. How I thank You for every single time You surprise me. I came here thinking and singing verse 28 and You led me deeper. Thank You Lord

(8:29 a.m.)

Interesting time stamp. Thanks for that too God.

Focused. Distracted. Attending. Preoccupied…

Psalm 46

Friday, October 11, 2019 (5:30 a.m.)

Oh Most Dear and Holy God,

We need You. It’s scary and sad out there. Fires. Winds. Things we can’t control.

(6:06 a.m.)

Blessed God, there is so much to read in Your Word concerning things we can’t control. Thank You that You are here with us. In and through it all.

I confess Father, my go to response to most every problem is fear. What if… What about…

Thank You that You Your Word directs us differently. “Fear not…” “Be of good courage…” “Do not be afraid…”

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Your help doesn’t always look the way we think it should.

“The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders and the earth melts!” (v. 6). That’s kind of how it seems these days Lord.

“The LORD Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (vs. 7, 11). This is the Truth we need to know and depend on.

Most Holy God, we love You so much. We need You.Your presence. Your shelter.

♪A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe Doth seek to do his woe - his craft and pow’r are great And armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal♪

The hymn continues. Based on Psalm 46. Reminding us of Your power.

♪Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing Were not the right man on our side, The man of God’s own choosing Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus it is He…♪

Christ Jesus, we need You. Yes. A Bulwark [Protector, Defender, Guard, Defense, Supporter, Safeguard, Mainstay, Stronghold] never failing!

♪… Let goods and kindred go, The mortal life also - The body they may kill; God’s Truth abideth still; His Kingdom is forever♪

Yes, yes, yes Father. “The LORD Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress” (vs. 7, 11).

Do all You must Dearest God. You know Your plan. You know what is best. We love You. We need You. And we thank You. Dearest God how we thank You for Your plan, Your love, Your presence.

Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(397 words ~ 7:33 a.m.)

mistakes and all

Thursday, October 10, 2019 (4:12 a.m.)

Most Dear and Blessed God,

Thank You!

Thank You for sleep. And rest. And songs. And smiles. And cool crisp air. And Your love. And guidance. Direction.

Mm, yes. Father, thank You for Your direction. The first word listed in the thesaurus? WAY 

Yes! Lord. You ARE the Way, the Truth, the Light Life (John 14:6). What is it going to take for me to remember that it’s Life, not light? After all these years I still interchange the words.

Holy, holy God how I thank You that You love us anyway. Mistakes and all.

(4:56 a.m.)

Yes Father! Mistakes and all.

Thank You that Your Word is far greater than any and every single mistake we will ever make. 2 Timothy 3:16, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us Truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way” (The Message).

Mm… Your Way! Yes. Thank You Father.

Thank You that Your Word has much to say about Truth. Overcoming mistakes. “It is the ultimate guide to help us realize what is wrong in our life… God’s Word offers more than just good advice. It promises God’s powerful help to all who turn to Him with a humble heart. Our recovery will benefit when we take the time to understand it and apply it to our life” (2 Timothy 3:14-17 The Life Recovery Bible).

Thank You Father that as I read Your Word, am reminded of Your Truth I get to tie it together with yet another song. The apostle Paul “used the history of Israel to show us what not to be like” (1 Corinthians 10:1-13).

He cited their lack of self-discipline and vigilance against temptation. Their overconfident attitude and ultimate failure.

Even as I read of the mistakes of others, still You sing to me. Thank You God.

♪Hear the holy roar of God resound Watch the waters part before us now Come and see what He has done for us Tell the world of His great love Our God is a God who saves Our God is a God who saves LET GOD ARISE Let God arise Our God reigns now and forever He reigns now and forever His enemies will run for sure The church will stand, she will endure He holds the keys of life, our Lord Death has no sting, no final word♪

How I do thank and praise You Lord. You love us. Teach us. Cause us to smile. Sing. Stay our minds on You. And stand firm. Thank You. Thank You Lord.

Now, back to my very first thought of the day ♪You are good You are good When there’s nothing good in me♪ Thank You Dad for singing Your Truth into me when there seems to be no other way to get my attention.

♪You are love You are love On display for all to see You are light You are light When the darkness closes in You are hope You are hope You have covered all my sin You are peace You are peace When my fear is crippling You are true You are true Even in my wandering You are joy You are joy You’re the reason that I sing You are life You are life In You death has lost its sting

♪Oh, I’m running to Your arms I’m running to Your arms The riches of Your love Will always be enough Nothing compares to Your embrace Light of the world FOREVER REIGN

♪You are more You are more Than my words will ever say You are Lord You are Lord All creation will proclaim You are here You are here In Your presence I’m made whole You are God You are God Of all else I’m letting go… My heart will sing No other name Jesus, Jesus♪

Oh most dear and holy God how I truly thank You for Who and All You are. All these things and so much more.

Do all You must to live in, with, by, through and for me this day Blessed Lord. I love You. And I long to be the woman You have created me to be. Yours. Mistakes and all. Thank You Father. I love You. Amen.

(730 words ~ 5:34 a.m.)

"an act of faith"

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 (6:18 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I’m here. Looking. Seeking. Wanting. Needing.

Mm, yes Father. Turning to You. Not knowing.

Yes. Not knowing.

Believing. Trusting. Hoping. Wanting. “Rinse and repeat.”

Blessed, Holy God, my thoughts are scattered. They’ve yet to come together to form a single direction.

There is such need Father. Emotional. Spiritual. Desperate need.

And Who do we have to meet those needs? You!

Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless You. Yes!

Thank You that we get to come before You. Knowing nothing except that You are good. Holy. Perfect.

In knowing, trusting, believing You to be all You claim we get to rest. Depending on You to be True.

(6:48 a.m.)

Father, I confess to You that I don’t understand the first thing about faith. I’m reading in Hebrews 11. The Message repeatedly using the phrase “By an act of faith…”

I breathe in deeply. With hope.

A RECOVERY THEME titled The Necessity of Faith in The Life Recovery Bible begins by reminding us that “Faith is ‘the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see’ (11:1).”

Here I come back to confessing that I don’t even begin to understand what this really means. I want to hope. Yet there is a hesitation. An unwillingness to get my hopes up.

Thank You Father that You are here to take that FEAR away. As deep as the resistance to completely trusting You goes, a genuine flicker of hope lies even deeper. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that we can choose to trust You. Hope in You.

Lord, there are hugely sad, traumatic, dramatic incidences going on around us. Right here in the midst of it all I call on Your Holy name. Jesus, I trust in You!

Resuming in The Necessity of Faith, “Recovery is based on faith - our confident trust that God will help us do what we are powerless to do. As we place our trust in God, He will transform us with His power. He has promised this to all who believe.”

I am freed by Jesus to ask anything of You Dearest Father. It is true faith I am seeking. Absolute trust that You do indeed know what You are doing. Especially when we can’t see or understand.

*insights ABOUT TRUE FAITH (The Life Recovery Bible) “In Hebrews 11:1-3, 39-40 we find that faith blends our trust in the dependability of God working in the unseen spiritual realm and our reliance upon the evidence of God’s past actions in the real world. Those who want a vibrant spiritual life must live by such faith (11:2).”

Father, I quote these things back to You in hopes of seating Your Truth and promises more deeply within my being.

Hope in Faith (The Life Recovery Bible) “Step 2 We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Step Two is often referred to as ‘the hope step.’ In coming to believe that a Power greater than ourself can restore us to sanity, we will remember what it was like to live sanely and have the faith to hope that sanity can return. ‘What is faith?’ The Bible asks. ‘It is the confidence assurance…’ (Hebrews 11:1).

“How can we be confident that something we want is going to happen, especially if all our hopes have been dashed? How can we risk believing that the life we hope for is waiting for us around the bend?”

Risk believing. Yes Father. I am seeking the courage to risk believing. Thank You for the privilege of asking You for what we want and need.

A father had gone to Jesus (Mark 9:22-24) asking Him to help his young son. Jesus’ response? “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!”

“We can start by asking God to help us have more faith. Then we can ask Him for the courage to hope for a better future.”

Courage to hope. A tremendous act of faith. This I genuinely ask of You Blessed God.

You have allowed me time to sit. Relax. Reflect. Revive.

I am asking now for Your guidance in taking my next steps into action. Lead that I will follow.

I love You. I absolutely want to live this life of faith (Hebrews 12:1). ‘Stripping off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. Running the race that God has set before us.’

Again I ask You Father, do all You must to make this so. I love You. I need You. I ask You. And I thank You. Father, do all You must. Thank You. Amen.

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

Lord, You are...

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 (6:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

Good morning. I love You. And thank You.

Yes Father. Thank You that as I wonder what to say to You, again the music starts.

Earlier it was ♪Lord, You are more precious than silver. Lord, You are more costly than gold. Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds, and Nothing I desire compares with You♪

Before that I was singing again of Your strength and the ♪Confidence♪ we find in You. Yes Lord. You are my confidence. Thank You.

And now, rounding out the trifecta of musical inspirations, I get to sing even more of all You are.

♪You are good You are good When there’s nothing good in me You are love You are love On display for all to see You are light You are light When the darkness closes in You are hope You are hope You have covered all my sin You are peace You are peace When my fear is crippling

(6:47 a.m.)

An unexpected phone call. An apparent death by suicide. Holy God. What to do? How to pray?

♪You are true You are true Even in my wandering♪ Deep exhale. Very little ability to think.

♪You are joy Your joy You’re the reason that I sing♪ More exhaling.

♪You are life You are life In You death has lost its sting♪ Oh most dear and blessed God. This is huge. The biggest, deepest, most traumatic thing I can remember having happen.

What to do? How to pray?

Pray Your goodness. Your grace. Your mercy. Your safe keeping. Your blessings. The hope we find only in You. You, Lord. I pray You. Your presence. Your healing. Your help.

(7:25 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God

Oh how we turn to You Father. To Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. To the faith and hope and grace we find in You, Your Son and in the power of Your Holy Spirit.

The Life Recovery Bible tells us that Romans is “a letter about how to live. It teaches us how to deal with our sinful attitudes and behaviors and tells us how to get back on the right track. Paul’s letter applies directly to us, showing us how to recover from the effects of sin and dysfunction in our life."

Another song ♪Jesus I trust in You♪ I don’t know where to find it. Perhaps this phrase is to be my mantra for the day? ♪Jesus, I trust in You♪

Reading more in Romans I am drawn to hope. RECOVERY THEMES Our Universal Need; God’s Power to Deliver; Recovery Leads to Freedom; The Role of Faith.

Faith. “Forsaking All I Trust Him”. Him. You? Your Son? The Holy Spirit? All of the above? No matter. I choose trust!

Illustrated Bible Handbook. Chapter 8. The Spirit’s Power New Life Through the Spirit; 8:1-17. Holy God, I have asked You repeatedly to do all You must in turning us to Your path. Use every single aspect of all that is unknown to me for Your glory and the ultimate good of others.

Father I absolutely don’t know how or what to pray so I am trusting, believing, hoping, leaning on, asking, and quoting Paul’s words right back to You. Romans 8:26-28.

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”

Yes Father! Exhaling deeply and breathing in naturally. Asking wholeheartedly for Your presence. Your will. Your way. In all that I do not know or understand.

♪Lord, You are…♪ every single thing we need. How desperately we turn to You. Asking again that You do all that is necessary to turn hearts to You. You! Our Truth. Our hope. Our mainstay.

Do all You must. We love You. We need You. And we ask You Lord. Turn the groanings of our hearts into the most beautifully glorifying prayers possible. You are the God of impossibilities and we are in great need of Your presence.

We love You Lord. We need You. And we thank You in advance of all You are doing. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(769 words ~ 8:25 a.m.)

Truth and tears

Monday, October 7, 2019 (5:42 a.m.)

Most Holy God,

I quit yesterday Lord. Right in the middle of spending time with You I just stopped. Turned away. Went on to other stuff.

Forgive my fear Father. That’s what it was. The more I read in Your Word about kindness and the other attributes that You would have us model, the more I recognized my failings. I didn’t want to be that honest with You Lord.

The “thank You”s come fairly easy for me. It’s the “we need” or “I want”s that trip me up. I grew up being told “be careful what you wish for.” Let me counter that right now with Your Truth instead.

Philippians 4:5-7. The Passion Translation. “Let gentleness be seen in every relationship, for our Lord is ever near. Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell Him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will make the answers known to you through Jesus Christ.”

Is this really so Blessed God? Must I spell out every detail? It’s my belief that You already know them. The concern I carry for much loved ones. The needs and doubts and fears we each experience. You know every aspect of them all.

Thank You Lord that we get to choose. Worry ourselves into frenzies? Or bring every single concern we have to You.

Habakkuk 2:3

Galatians 4:4

2 Corinthians 6:2

Romans 5:6-8

♪Nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing, nothing is too difficult for Thee♪ I believe this Father. I do. You are good. You are holy. You know what You are doing.

♪In Your time… You make all things beautiful in Your time♪ (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I want to trust and believe You Father.

The Preacher/Teacher of Ecclesiastes wrote of his own puzzlings over life “under the sun.” He concluded that we are to ‘fear You and obey Your commands’ (12:13). And here the tears I've had fall all the harder.

Blessed God, I long to “fully esteem and revere” You! And the reality I avoid more often than not is that I don’t know how to obey Your commands.

In loving and caring and praying for others I don’t know my place Lord. What is my business? What is none of my business? When I have concerns and potential helps I want to share I don’t know how. When is it helpful? When is it intrusion?

Father, I love You. You are good. You are holy. You know the plans You have for each of us. Plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). So how do I proceed? What do I do with all the indecision that keeps me from any action?

I read Your Word. Am reminded of Your Truth and promises. I start to hope. And then get sidelined by fear and uncertainty.

Holy God, do all You must in giving me ♪faith like Daniel in the lion’s den… hope like Moses in the wilderness… a heart like David, Lord be my defense So I can face my giants with confidence♪ Yes Father. Confidence. In You!

I love You, Lord. I need You. I believe You. I trust You. I want to live this day with confidence. Not fear. Knowing what You would have me do. And the courage to do it.

Yes Father! Confidence and courage. I need them both. Thank You for calling me to Your Truth. And for the cleansing tears that resulted from being honest with You.

Lead me. Guide me. Empower and embolden me in doing what You would have me do this day. How I love You Lord. Use me exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

(650 words ~ 7:46 a.m.)