moments

Saturday, November 30, 2019 (6:04 a.m.)

Oh most dear and holy God,

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

You got us there. You got us back. And You stayed with us the whole, entire time. Thank You. Praise You. Worship, glorify, honor and adore You. Yes. Yes. Yes.

There were moments Lord. Yes. Moments I didn’t think we were going to make it.

(6:37 a.m.)

And now, all these moments later, I am sitting here basking in thoughts of Your love. Yes Father. Thank You for the way certain words lead to phrases of music and the very next thing I know I am singing ♪In My Life I love You more♪

Yes Father, all these places truly had their moments. And in my life I absolutely love You more. Thank You Daddy God.

Thank You for Your presence. For Your guidance. Your leadership. Your perfection.

Yes, Lord. You took some very tense situations and breathed Your perfect peace into them. Praise You Father.

By turning to You, Your Word and depending on Your Truth and promises we ended our ten day adventure joyously. Yes God. You did for us all that we could never have done on our own.

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right.”

Mistakes were certainly made. Missteps and misunderstandings abounded. All covered by Your grace. Your amazing grace.

(9:46 a.m.)

Blessed God, how I truly thank You for every single moment of grace You have provided us. And I ask You to continue teaching us to use it well.

Thank You for Your love Father. Your provisions. And all the moments past, present and yet to come.

You are good. You are holy. And we are so very grateful. Thank You. Use us. Amen.

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

anything but

Thursday, November 28, 2019 (6:47 a.m.)

Cruising north toward Long Beach, CA

Deck 10 Aft

It’s Thanksgiving Day. And right now, I am feeling anything but.

Here before You Father, I’m asking You to change my attitude. Do all You must to align me with Your will. Loving You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. And my neighbor as myself (Mark 12:30-31).

(7:00 a.m.)

Most Holy One,

Thank You that I get to come to You in frustration. Despair. Delight. It doesn’t matter what our condition. Only that we come (Isaiah 1:18). Thank You Lord and Father.

Reading in Your Word. Breathing in the freshness to life that You provide.

“Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. Trusting that You make all things right - if I surrender to Your will - [my emphasis] So that I will be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next” (Original Serenity Prayer).

Yes Lord!

“God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

Grace. Serenity. Courage. Wisdom.

“Living one day at a time. Enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace.”

Living. Enjoying. Accepting. Yes please Father. Yes.

“ARGH!” at the top of my lungs. “Always Revere God’s Holiness!” Yes! You are good. Always!

Irritants come and go. Your Truth lasts forever. Jesus’ teachings to His disciples live to this very day.

According to The Life Recovery Bible comment concerning The Most Important Commandment, “He summed up the numerous Jewish laws in two simple but profound commandments: Love God totally and love others as much as we love ourself.”

Do Your will in me Lord. Empower. And embolden me in truly giving You thanks this day.

I love You, Father. I need You. I want You. And I ask You to shine Your everlasting love light in, with, by, through and for each of us this very unique Thanksgiving Day.

Thank You. Do everything You must in us all. Amen.

(362 words ~ 7:39 a.m.)

blessing after blessing

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 (6:56 a.m.)

Approaching Puerto de Ensenada, MX

Holy God,

It’s exhausting. Seemingly constant, never-ending questions and complaining. Is this what it’s like for You with us?

You provide blessing after blessing and we tend to point out all we think is missing. Forgive us Lord.

You created us to be loving, obedient and grateful. And what does our behavior show You in return? Loud. Unruly. Chaos.

Thank You Father. Thank You for this opportunity to learn so much more of all the things I do not know. Or understand.

Today I ask You to provide me the ready willingness to call upon Your name. Rather than continuing in my own direction. Let me truly experience what it is to hope in You. I long to fully place my trust in You.

“Hope versus expectation” is the thought with which I awoke much earlier. I am here to help. You are here to provide. Our every single need.

Holy Lord God, we are in desperate need of Your presence. In every single aspect of this day. In all the forms of chaos, crisis and confusion I ask to see You. Somewhere.

Yes Father. Let me see Your face. Your hand. Your provision. Reminding me that we are Yours. And that You are good. All the time.

Here I turn to 1 Corinthians 14:33 remembering that You are not a God of disorder but of peace. Asking that You will work in me this day. With me. By, through and for me that I will truly exemplify what it is to ‘do everything properly and in order’ (v. 40).

I love You Father. I am asking, seeking, knocking (Matthew 7:7) for the perseverance You provide. The love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control produced in us by Your Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23a).

We are legitimately at our wit’s end. Completely overwhelmed and at a loss as to what to do next.

We love You Lord. We need You to provide all that we lack. Wisdom. Guidance. Knowledge. Understanding. Patience. Persistence. Blessing after blessing. All that You know is best. That we would truly live this day for You.

Thank You Father. Please “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20b) Give us Your grace (v. 21). We are in absolute need of You. Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(402 words ~ 8:04 a.m.)

tools and weapons

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 (7:57 a.m.)

Anchored off Santa Catalina Island, CA

Holy God,

There is so very much for me to learn. And time is getting short. How is it that so many of the things I had come to believe as true are turning out to be false?

Hmm… “all things false will disappear”

I am currently unable to find the corresponding verse to this present way of thinking. It seems to tie in rather nicely with Proverbs 25:4. “Remove the dross from the silver, and the sterling will be ready for the silversmith.”

Yes Father. Today I ask You to remove the dross from my way of thinking. Being.

Today

Monday, November 25, 2019 (5:02 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You again. Yes. Thank You so many times.

♪This is the day, this is the day That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made We will rejoice, we will rejoice, And be glad in it, and be glad in it…♪

Psalm 118:24 “This is the very day of the Lord that brings gladness and joy, filling our hearts with glee” (The Passion Translation).

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a sharp word causes anger” (New Living Version). “A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger. But an unkind answer will cause more anger” (International Children’s Bible).

Ephesians 4:26 The Voice “When you are angry, don’t let it carry you into sin. Don’t let the sun set with anger in your heart or give the devil room to work.”

Psalm 4:4 The Message “Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for His verdict.” The Voice “Think long; think hard. When you are angry, don’t let it carry you into sin. When night comes, in calm be silent.”

3 John 11 “My dear friend, do not follow what is bad; follow what is good. He who does what is good is from God. But he who does evil has never known God.”

Proverbs 16:23-24 Contemporary English Version “You can persuade others if you are wise and speak sensibly. Kind words are like honey - they cheer you up and make you feel strong.” The Passion Translation “Nothing is more appealing than speaking beautiful, life-giving words. For they release sweetness to our souls and inner healing to our spirits.”

Proverbs 17:1 The Voice “Better to gnaw on a bit of dry crust in peace than to feast in a house full of stress.”

Today is the start of another leg of our journey. There’s been lots of planning. And WAY overpacking. I am here seeking your blessing Father. On each of us.

Let us use this most present opportunity for Your glory and to the good of others. We love You Father. And we long to do it better.

♪This is gonna be the Best Day of My Life...♪

So many verses. Both biblical and lyrical. So much Truth and hope. Oh, how I long to share them well.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(424 words ~ 7:13 a.m.)

four hours later

Sunday, November 24, 2019 (10:04 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You.

Four hours ago those words were being said toYou with gusto. Now? Much more feebly.

Yet with a smile. Albeit somewhat forced.

I wrestled with You through most of the night. Thinking. Praying. Singing. Asking. Wanting so much to get back to sleep. And then? Surrender!

Yes Father, I got to see such a HUGE error in my ways of the past few days. Number one? Not taking time alone with You as my first and most important opportunity.

Number two? Thinking I knew best. An unwillingness to look outside my own box of expectations.

Then You reminded me. ♪I Surrender All♪ and ♪I’m no longer a slave to fear I am a child of God… You split the sea so I could walk right through it… I am a child of God♪

As Your child, most heavenly Father, I am in desperate need of ALL You have to offer. Teamwork. A Master [YOU as Master here!] plan. And a ton of mercy and grace.

Father I confess to attempting to travel this most recent adventure [currently and most endearingly entitled “Chasing Monsters”] in my own strength and power. Thank You for reminding me that nothing good ever comes from not coming to You first.

So here I am Lord. A bit deflated from the courageous woman You had me remembering myself as being. You know the one? From Proverbs 31. Ideal to say the least. “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future” (25).

It’s in You, Lord! My life. My strength. My hope. It’s all in You. ♪I will praise You with all of my heart I will praise You with all of my hope With all of my life, and all of my strength All of my hope is in You♪

I give You our “Chasing Monsters” adventure Lord. Asking You to bless us and keep us: Make Your face shine upon us, and be gracious to us: Look on us with favor, and give us peace (Numbers 6: 24-26).

We need You Father. Thank You for loving us. Empower us for the duration. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(375 words ~ 10:50 a.m.)

SO far over my head!

Saturday, November 23, 2019 (7:01 p.m.)

Holy God,

It’s not working. I had great ideas. High hopes. I’d done my homework. Made detailed plans. And it’s all fallen to pieces.

I’m in over my head here Lord. SO far over my head. Help God. I need You. I want You. Help us please.

1 John 4:4

Thursday, November 21, 2019 (7:45 a.m.)

Anaheim, CA - tall kitchen table

Oh Blessed God,

We’ve been talking together since after 5 this morning. Thank You that with You I am never alone.

Thank You for the encouraging Truth You provide. 1 John 4:4. “Greater is He Who Is In Me than he who is in the world”!

shouting out joy and love

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 (5:54 a.m.)

Good morning Lord,

Yes. Good morning. And thank You.

I have a big smile. And I’m asking You to use it and me for Your glory and the good of others this day. How does that happen?

Father, thank You for guiding me into Your Word. Illustrated Bible Handbook. “Psalm 18. Shout out joy and love! David’s feelings when delivered from Saul and his other enemies. In graphic language David portrays God coming to aid his trusting servant.”

That’s You God. You come to our aid. David began this psalm by declaring his love for You and acknowledging that his strength comes from You (v. 1). Throughout it he tells of the successes You provide.

That is what I am seeking this morning. Your strength leading to the successes needed to overcome any hurdles we may encounter these next ten days.

Lord, we are headed out into uncharted territory. I am looking to You to provide every single thing we require to end this next adventure shouting out Your joy and love.

Work in us Father. With, by, through and for us that we will lean heavily into You at every moment of need and weakness.

We love You. We long to serve You. And we ask these things in Your Son’s most holy name. Thank You Father. Big smile. Amen.

(228 words ~ 7:08 a.m.)

so much stuff

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 (6:00 a.m.)

Holy God,

There’s stuff. So many variables. Always something. Plain and simple, there’s just so much stuff.

Yes Lord. Physical stuff. Emotional stuff. All the ‘what ifs’ and ‘what abouts’. And let’s not forget, the ‘now this’s that abound and surround us.

Thank You that You not only abound and surround, You pervade [spread through and are perceived in every part of] us. Holy God, thank You.

Thank You for Your presence. Thank You for Your plan. Thank You for Your being. Thank You for Your love.

Yes Lord. You permeate, penetrate, fill, flow through and saturate us with all You are. All the nooks and crannies of our being are brought out into Your glorious healing light.

That is exactly what I am asking for this day Lord. Your bright and glorious healing light to shine deeply into our darkest hurts and needs. You know what they are Father. Far more than we do.

How I rejoice and am truly delighted as I come back into Your Word. The morning has been filled with songs and Bible verses. Seeking guidance. Comfort. Strength. Rest. The concerns of my heart spread open before You. Friends. Family. Loved ones. Strangers. You know what You’re doing. You’ve got this.

I’ve been making the concerted effort of surrendering all to You this morning. Isn’t that quite the contradiction? Trying really hard to give it all up. Lord, You intrigue me.

Thoughts. Hopes. Prayers. Beseechings. All geared toward trusting You Father.

See? Even here You’ve got me!

I think of the struggle of surrender. The growth that comes from struggling. The hope and Truth and guidance we find in Your Word. I bring it back to Jesus’ words (John 16:33) and Paul’s warnings (1 Peter 5:8).

It seems quite the dance. Fear. FAITH. Shifting. Standing. Taking hold. Letting go. You’ve got this Father. All of it. You lead. I’ll follow!

Thank You. Yes Thank You God.

John 16:33. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows [read: ‘so much stuff’]. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Yes! Hallelujah. Thank You Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7-9a. “Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour. Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in Your faith.”

Oh, yes please Lord!

According to The Life Recovery Bible’s introduction to this letter, “Peter’s audience was made up of hurting people.” And its PURPOSE? “To show us how to live well in a shattered and hopeless world.”

Yes Father. Please. Show me how to live well this day. Loving. Forgiving. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. Singing. Smiling. Standing firm. And surrendering. Completely. To Your will and to Your way.

Holy God, do all You must in, with, by, through and for all this stuff I bring to You this morning. You are Lord of all. In this world we will have many trials and sorrows. And You are the God who turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11).

This is my prayer this morning Lord. Do all You know is best. I love You. I trust You. I need You. I want You. And I thank You. Oh Lord God how I thank You. Amen.

(587 words ~ 8:10 a.m.)

right hand

Monday, November 18, 2019 (6:48 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I am asking for Your magic Lord. Yes. Your mercy and grace in Christ. Oh yes Blessed God. All mercy and grace in Christ’s abiding love.

I turn to You. Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises. Your safe and loving arms.

Blessed Father God, thank You for loving us. Thank You for holding tightly to my right hand.

(8:02 a.m.)

After much time spent searching many verses Father I pause for some heartfelt honesty. I have been attempting to calm the fearful spirit that continues showing itself. I don’t want to keep hiding my head in the sand here Lord.

There are some pretty serious things surrounding us. Health. Legal issues. More travel. Unfamiliar responsibilities. Many intense feelings of doubt. HOPE. Fear. FAITH. Wavering thoughts. STANDING FIRM on Your Word.

I come to You Father. Trusting. Believing. Hoping. Loving. Asking. Seeking. Knocking. You know Your plans for us. Plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

Here I confess to sliding back into fearfulness Father. There for quite awhile I was riding the crest of HOPEfulness. All looked bright and sunny. So many things falling into the places I wanted them.

Enter the dreaded “what if…” What if this, that or something else happens? I know I am safe in Your care. I trust. I believe. And then…

James (1:2-8) wrote to the Jewish believers warning of our tendency to hesitate between doubt and belief. Father I am confessing to being there right now.

“They can’t make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do” (v. 8).

Forsaking All I Trust Him [FAITH]. Fear. Trust. Doubt.

Oh yeah. Breathe! Deeply. Fully. Trusting. Believing.

Father, I love You. And even in Your Word I am going back and forth wondering what it all means. Isaiah 41:10 tells us “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

And verse 13? “I am holding you by your right hand - I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.’”

Whose right hand Lord? Yours or mine? And does it even matter?

Let me put my focus back on YOU, Lord. Not the distractions. Not the what if’s. Let me instead remember what IS. You! “God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good.” Yes Father.

There’s the magic I’m seeking. Mercy and grace in Christ. Your Truth. Your promises.

I don’t understand them. And I want them all the same. 2 John 1:3. “May grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God our Father and from Jesus Christ His Son, be with us who live in truth and love.”

Yes Father. I live in Truth and love. Not fear and despair. Strengthen me with Your mighty power (Ephesians 6:10). I need You. I need Your armor so I will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the devil” (11).

Yes, yes, yes Father! Keep me alert that I will “pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Alert and persistent in the prayers for all Christians everywhere (v. 18).

Yes Lord. Please yes! Let the power of Your Holy Spirit turn these scrambled offerings into the prayers You can receive.

“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don’t 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” (Romans 8:26-27).

Yes Father. Your own will.

How I ask that the outcome for the prayers of my fearful heart be in harmony with Your own will! I love You. I fully esteem and revere You.

And You just keep lifting me up. Every single time I start to fall back down. Right hands?

The tears are falling freely now. I know You. I trust You. I believe You. I need You. And how is it that I keep being afraid?

I don’t trust others. I don’t open up. I keep it all inside. And even then You settle me. Allowing me to breathe in Your comfort. Your power. Your strength.

Thank You Father. Praise You. Bless You.

“I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are discouraged take heart. Come, let us tell of the LORD’s greatness; let us exalt His name together. I prayed to the LORD, and He answered me, freeing me from all fears. Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. I cried out to the LORD in my suffering, and He heard me. He set me free from all my fears. For the angel of the LORD guards all who fear Him, and He rescues them” (Psalm 34:1-7).

Oh yes Blessed Father. Rescue us with Your glorious right hand.

“I lie awake thinking of You, meditating on You through the night. I think how You have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of Your protecting wings. I follow close behind You; Your strong right hand holds me securely” (Psalm 63:6-8).

Hallelujah! Praise You Jesus. Strengthen, empower, and hold me.

I love You God. I need You. I trust You. And I ask You to provide my every single need this day. Thank You Father. Amen.

(988 words ~ 10:00 a.m.)

redoubling my surrender

Sunday, November 17, 2019 (7:49 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You that we are home. Safe. And sound.

(9:40 a.m.)

Oh look! I have a smile. Deep. Genuine. Sincere.

Father God, how I thank You for Your goodness and Your grace. Thank You for the freedom we find in You.

I confess to feeling unsettled. Trips tend to have that effect on me. With that said, I am thanking You for Your Truth.

Yes Father. Thank You that I get to confess my thoughts and feelings to You as I become aware of them. Thank You especially that You use Your Word to guide those same thoughts and feelings into Your Truth.

Sensing all that is going on within me at one time, my immediate thinking was that I needed to try harder. Redouble my efforts. Your swift counter to that erroneous way of thinking is that I am to redouble my surrender.

Yes Lord. Surrender. ♪I Surrender All♪ Mm. Lead me Father. Guide and direct me into Your Word.

John 14:1. The Passion Translation. “[Jesus Comforts His Disciples] ‘Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.’”

Mm, yes Father. If I am truly going to redouble my surrender, make that surrender to You! Not to fear. But to FAITH! Trusting and believing in Jesus. What will that be like?

Trusting and believing in God the Father and Jesus the Son. This is where I lay down the doubts and fears and second guessing of myself that is going on inside. I love You Lord.

I long to trust and follow You. Turning from my own fearfulness to Your loving eternal FAITHfulness. Yes Father. ♪I Surrender All♪

Inhabit my heart, soul, mind and strength. Making it so I live this day for You. Yes. In You. With You. By You. And through You.

Use me exactly as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(335 words ~ 10:53 a.m.)

the prayer of my heart

Saturday, November 16, 2019 (5:55 a.m.)

Royal Princess

San Pedro, CA

Blessed Holy God,

Thank You! Your blessings continue. Our hearts are filled with Your love.

Your love for us. And ours for You and one another. Praise You Father.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Yes Lord!

My Bible is packed and far away from me right now. That is why it’s so important for us to have Your Word committed in our hearts. Verse 18 might tell us to be thankful always. Or maybe, “in all things give thanks.” I’m not sure.

Thank You for reminding me to ♪Take the gift… It’s free♪

You give us opportunity. Reminders. Gifts. Often. Yes!

Blessed, Holy Father God, it is the prayer of my heart that I would not only encourage and build others up but simultaneously allow others to do the same for me.

You are good Father. So incredibly good.

Empower and enable us in sharing Your goodness. Regularly. Freely. Wholeheartedly.

I love You God. This I pray in Your Son’s most Holy name. Thank You. Amen.

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

and

Friday, November 15, 2019 (6:12 a.m.)

Approaching Puerto de Ensenada, MX

Royal Princess

Blessed God,

Good morning. And thank You. Hmm, yes. Good. And thanks.

♪Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son♪

(6:52 a.m.)

Forgive me Father. I was trying to manufacture thankfulness. Reading. Searching. Thinking. Remembering. Trying to dwell on the fine good things (Philippians 4:8) like Your Word tells us.

And it took the sweetness of a virtual stranger (Katarina from Ukraine) to break the dam of tears I didn’t know was there. Bless her Father. Yes! Bless her goodness and her sweet nature.

Holy God, thank You for all You do to change our focus. Taking it off what really doesn’t matter and placing it where it does.

Colossians 3:11b. “Christ is all that matters, and He lives in all of us.” ♪He lives. He lives…♪

I’m smiling. Contentedly. Trustingly. Knowing that I have no idea what will take place this day and believing that in You it will be good. Thank You Father.

Again it is true. We have choices. The world? Or Your Word. This morning I choose Your Word once more.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people whom He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (v. 12). Yes please Father.

Verse 13, “You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Again I add, yes please Father!

“And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (14-15).

Here my soul cries out, “Preach!” And my mind counters with, “Teach!” Yes. Preach to and teach me Father.

The apostle Paul wrote this letter “to show us that Christ is the only real source of power in our life.” Yes. Yes. Yes!

He continued instructing the believers in Colosse (verses 16 and 17). “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use His words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, let it be a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Yes Lord. Let my words and actions represent You well. Truly, this is my heart’s desire.

Live in, with, by, through and for me this day. Thinking, feeling, doing and being all that You would endorse and approve.

I love You Father. And I ask this all in Your Son’s most holy name. Thank You. Amen.

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

holy name

Thursday, November 14, 2019 (6:31 a.m.)

San Diego Harbor

Royal Princess

Holy God,

Thank You.

I like very much when I wake up thanking and praising Your holy name. Yes Father. Thank You for all You do on our behalves.

You work in us. With us. By, through and for us. And we are truly so very grateful. Blessed God, thank You!

Psalm 33 begins by instructing us. “Let the godly sing with joy to the LORD, for it is fitting to praise Him” (v. 1). Yes! Sing with joy and praise to You. Oh that we would. Readily. Freely. Genuinely. Yes, Lord!

The Life Recovery Bible comment tells us, “33:1-11 Such a powerful God is worthy of our trust and praise. The God who spoke the universe into existence is able to re-create us, and He is filled with tender love for us. He can heal us of the defects that have brought such destruction to us and the people we love. All He asks is that we turn our life over to Him so He can work these changes in us.” Oh yes. Hallelujah Jesus!

The entire psalm speaks of the blessings You provide. Your strength. Your power. Your plan. Praise You Father.

Summing it all up are verses 20-22. “We depend on the LORD alone to save us. [Right here, the music starts singing to my soul ♪All our hope is in You Lord♪] Only He can help us, protecting us like a shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting His holy name.”

Oh yes most blessed God! “Let Your unfailing love surround us LORD, for our hope is in You alone.” Yes. Yes. Yes! ♪In You Lord. It’s in You♪

Use us this day Dearest God. Exactly as You know is best. Praising and trusting Your most holy name.

We love You Father. Thank You. Amen.

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

scattered tools

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 (6:07 a.m.)

Cruising South to San Diego, CA

Royal Princess

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You Father. You just reminded me…

You’ve given me tools. And gifts. And challenges. And triumphs. And I recently rather abruptly scattered those tools. All over the place. Not only did I not use them safely and to the good of others, I actually forgot I even had them.

Father, You have definitely been teaching me the importance of calm, effective, loving, honest communication. I failed yesterday. I forgot to use properly the tools You have been providing. Forgive me I pray.

Thank You for the opportunity and privilege of singing with You again just now. ♪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♪

The love that made a way. ♪Where there seems to be no way♪ You work in ways we cannot see. You definitely make a way for every single one of us. And the onus on us? To choose Your way!

Yes. You give us “the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses” (Deuteronomy 30:19). “I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live!”

I didn’t choose blessings last night Father. I chose curses.

Rather than remembering and being drawn to the gift of life You had given me yesterday, I chose to waste it on annoyance, irritation and hurt feelings. Forgive me Father.

Just as last month, You gave us glimpses of vibrant colors and spectacular vistas. Yesterday it was a flock of sandpipers working diligently at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Father, thank You. Thank You for the smile I experienced as I not only watched but also heard them running to and fro. Just close enough to the ebb and flow of the tide. A gift Father. Another genuine, authentic example of Your glory. And I wasted it.

Last night, when I could have just as easily chosen to ‘fix my thoughts on what is true and honorable and right’ (Philippians 4:8) I chose hurt instead. And wall building. Again.

Blessed God, I am asking You to use my most recent mistakes in teaching me the very fine art of forgiveness. Enable and empower me in working to rid myself of the passive-aggressive tendencies toward which I naturally gravitate.

Father I love You. And here I am ‘humbly asking You to remove my shortcomings’ (Step 7 of 12). As far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). You are such a good and holy God. Thank You Father.

Keep teaching me the importance of properly utilizing the tools You provide us each and every day. Not carelessly scattering them as pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6b).

Father God, You provide us so many blessings and opportunities. Let me not waste them again Lord. I love You. I need You. Use me exactly as You know is best.

♪As Your love, in wave after wave Crashes over me, crashes over me For You are for us You are not against us… 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♪

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

(572 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

rather reluctant

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 (7:34 a.m.)

Approaching Monterey, CA

Royal Princess

Blessed God,

I’m feeling rather reluctant this morning. Just a little bit off. And even this I bring to You.

We have tentative plans for the day. Nothing solid. And I’m reluctant to get my hopes up about anything.

With that said, I turn to You asking You to bless us and keep us. Yes Father.

And You do.

Just look at this. I confess. You bless.

Numbers 6:24-26. The Life Recovery Bible comment. “The simple words of this blessing reflect God’s desire for all His people. He is the source of all blessings, grace, and peace in life; only through a relationship with God can we hope to experience the fullness of life described here.”

Yes Father. Only through our relationship with You do we have hope.

“The blessing seems to build to its final word - peace (shalom). The Hebrew word for peace means much more than an absence of conflict. It implies a complete sense of well-being, health and contentment. God offers this to anyone who is willing to follow Him and especially those whose lives have been bruised and broken.”

Here I am Lord. Looking to You. Trusting You. Confessing my reluctancy. Asking You to change it to willingness. Yes Father. Make me willing to eagerly seek and follow You.

I love You Lord. Again I ask You to bless us and keep us. Smile on and be gracious to us. Show us Your favor. And give us Your peace.

I’m willing Lord. Ready to ask You to do Your will in us this day. Again. Blessing us and keeping us.

Use us as You know is best. We love You. Thank You. Amen.

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

Challenge accepted!

Monday, November 11, 2019 (5:37 a.m.)

San Francisco Harbor

Royal Princess

Holy, Holy God,

BIG smile. Such joy. And unexpected tears. So many unexpected tears. They are truly free falling down my face.

Father, You are so very good to us. How do we live this day for You?

That’s actually the answer I got as I was preparing to ask You how we could ever thank You enough. Live this day for You.

Challenge accepted!

Yes, Lord! We accept Your challenge. Use us to Your glory and the good of others.

You just provided us another glimpse of Your glory. Stars. Moonlight. A well known bridge. Hilltops. “The moon and the stars and the bridge, oh my!”

It was just like that. One glimpse leading straight to another, to the point of being overcome with emotion. All that and a white butterfly too. Right there. Off the back of the ship. One, lone white butterfly seeming to welcome us to her city. And now? More tears.

Thank You Father. Thank You for Your love. Thank You for Your provision. Thank You for Your gifts. And Your glimpses.

Here I ask You to teach me more about Your glory, God.

No sooner asked, then answered.

Psalm 19:1, “The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display His marvelous craftsmanship.”

Oh! Now, look at this! Acts 7:55. “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and He saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”

Holy God, I can’t even begin to imagine the emotion that would accompany that glorious sight. How I thank You for the honor and the privilege of the glimpses You so generously provide.

Use us this day Blessed Father. Living it fully for You.

You are good. You are holy. And we are truly blessed.

How we thank and glorify You Dear God and Father. Teach us to fully esteem and revere You as we go. We love You. We need You. We ask You. And we thank You Lord. Amen.

(350 words ~ 6:37 a.m.)

Holy. God.

Sunday, November 10, 2019 (6:42 a.m.)

Cruising north to San Francisco, CA

Royal Princess

Holy God,

Mm, yes. You are our holy God.

With that said, what does it really mean?

Psalm 99:1a, “The LORD is king!” Yes.

Verses 3b-5, “Your name is holy! Mighty king, lover of justice, you have established fairness. You have acted with justice and righteousness throughout Israel. Exalt the LORD our God! Bow low before His feet, for He is holy!”

Mm, yes. Holy.

“Psalm 99. Exalt the Lord” (Illustrated Bible Handbook). Exalt. Extol. Elevate. Uplift. Revere. Esteem. Put on a pedestal. Laud [praise highly].

Holy God, my thoughts are all over the place. They go off in so many different directions and then come back to You. You. Our Holy God.

The Life Recovery Bible comment, “Even though God is a God of love, He is also holy and righteous. His love causes Him to show mercy toward us, but His holiness means that we can’t please Him if we continue in sin. We must not presume upon God’s loving and forgiving nature, for He also loves justice. Continuing in sin will result in terrible consequences. Our experiences of God’s delivering power should motivate us to live for Him with all our strength.”

This is my desire Blessed God. To live for You with all my being. Glorifying and enjoying You forever.

Father, I long to be an authentic woman. Genuine. Real. Bona fide. True. Actual. One who worships and adores You as her holy God.

Work in me this day that that becomes my reality. Glorifying and sharing You with others. That they will truly know that You alone art God.

I love You Father. I need You. I want You. I thank You. I ask You. Use me this day exactly as You know is best. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(313 words ~ 8:11 a.m.)

Thank You God!

Saturday, November 9, 2019 (2:52 a.m.)

♪Have a Jolly, Holly Christmas♪

(5:45 a.m.)

That was the waking song at that time.

This however is my waking thought now… Thank You God. Thank You God. Thank You God!

Yes Father. Thank You God!

I just can’t seem to say it enough right now. And I don’t even know where to start.

Let’s go with the joy and hope I am encountering at this very moment. The smile growing with every thought. And they all keep coming. All wanting to be acknowledged.

Dreams [computer related interactions with a dear friend, a much loved godson and realizing that I truly know and fully understand the word vestibular]. A deeply touching, light hearted movie [Last Christmas].

Holy God, this “high on life” feeling I am experiencing has me wanting to shout from the rooftop! You are so good God. You provide ♪a way when there seems to be no way. You work in ways we cannot see. You truly make a way for me♪

Oh most dear and blessed God, I love You so incredibly much. To be able to “name and claim” the power You not only offer, but so completely dispense, is absolutely life giving.

To be able to wake up singing and speaking Your praises is empowering. You make us stronger. More confident.

Which brings me back again to a song from earlier in the week. ♪You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken GREAT ARE YOU, LORD! ♪

Yes Father, great are You. Thank You God!

As we prepare to get started with this day, another filled with plans and hopefulness, again I ask You to go before us. Behind us. Beside, beneath, above and within us. Completely encircling and enabling us to live this day, this week, this life exactly as You know is best.

Oh how we love You. ♪Great Are You, Lord… It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise To You only♪ Thank You God. Yes! Thank You God!

I love You Father. Use me. Exactly as You must. To Your glory and the good of others. Thank You Father. Amen.

(409 a.m. ~ 6:54 a.m.)

Tools.

Friday, November 8, 2019 (4:28 a.m.)

Blessed God,

I’m feeling a little put off right now. I don’t like the song with which I awoke. At all.

With that said, I look to You asking, where do we go from here?

(5:18 a.m.)

Acceptance. And excitement!

Yes Lord. 

Finally. Here’s a smile. A wholehearted “Yes!” And a request that You will take me deeper into Your Word.

Father, I love You. I need You. I depend on You.

Hours ago I did not like waking up to the song in my head. Two words singing over and over. Not representing You. Or my love for You. “Silver hammer.” Yuck. No thank You.

Ah… but even this I can bring to You as a starting point. Talk with You about anything. And have You change my focus.

I confess to You Father, there’s a lot going on in my mind right now. Memories of a patriarchal death. Never quite sure of the actual date.

“Bang, bang Maxwell’s silver hammer came down upon her head” And just like that I’m reminded to change my focus.

Yes Lord. It IS a catchy tune. One that I had never bothered to listen to until the other day. I was immediately horrified. 

Thank You Father that You can take something so macabre and use it for Your good as well. Letting it remind me of the importance of using the tools You provide us for their proper purpose. Ultimately for glorifying and enjoying You forever.

Yes Father. You give us the tools we need to live in, with, by, through and for You. Mm, yes, Lord. Thank You.

Thank You that I can come to You with all my thoughts. Fears. Hope. Concerns. And You guide me into Your Truth. Thank You Lord.

Reading here and there in Your Word this morning, I settle in to the book of James. The half brother of Jesus shared the tools we need in living our lives for You.

Wisdom, faith, forgiveness, self-control and generosity just to name a few. Father how I thank You.

Even Your Word itself Lord is a tool. Much like a spiritual mirror (James 1:23-25). The Life Recovery Bible talks about taking a personal inventory. And when we see what is wrong, promptly admit it. Step 10 of 12. Another tool.

Looking into a mirror we can make adjustments as needed. “James uses a similar illustration to show God’s Word should be like a spiritual mirror in our life… This illustration supports the sensibleness of making a routine personal inventory. As we examine our life, we need to respond with immediate actions if something has changed since we last looked. If we put off taking care of a problem, it may soon slip our mind… it is not logical to notice a problem that could lead to a fall and not correct it promptly.”

With that said, Blessed God, I am absolutely grateful for the “bang, bang… clang, clang” that sporadically sings itself within. Reminding me to again adjust my thinking. 

Another tool for my toolbox Lord. Much like James’ instructions for Listening and Doing.

“My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can never make things right in God’s sight. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your souls. And remember, it is a message to obey, not just listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself” (James 1:19-22).

You are more than able to change every tune that enters my head Lord. You know far better than I what You would have me think, say and do in any given moment.

As I prepare to go out into this day, I ask You to go before, behind, beside, beneath, above and within me. Completely enfolding me in Your will.

Illustrated Bible Handbook says of this section, “Living the Word; 1:22-25. God’s Word has brought us life. But for the Word ‘planted in you’ to grow, and to reshape us, we must ‘do what it says,’ not simply bend over and peer into it, Only by ‘doing’ will God’s promised blessings come.”

So here I ask You Father, that the song I take with me will readily become ♪Yes, Lord, Yes to Your will and to Your way. I’ll say yes, Lord, yes; I will trust You and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me, With my whole heart I’ll agree, And my answer will be Yes, Lord, Yes♪

Yes, Lord. Yes! Do all You must in making me able to use the tools You have provided me in the ways You know is best.

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

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

Again.

Thursday, November 7, 2019 (4:59 a.m.)

I’m grateful again God,

Yes. Truly grateful.

Once more there was sleep. And after that? The snippet of a song.

Again.

Yes Father. The tune began before my eyes were open. I really had to search the recesses of my mind. Then came the smile.

♪Let go my soul and trust in Him♪ The crescendo that builds in this phrase has yet to go unnoticed. Each time the smile begins deep inside my being before reaching my face. Settling my very core.

Oh yes Blessed Father. Thank You. Again.

Just now was the first time I've gotten the words confused. In preparing to sing again ♪Let go my soul♪ they came out ♪Be still my soul♪ instead.

And isn’t that what happens when we let go? We can be still. And trust. And know.

Psalm 46:10.

Father God, You are so flippin’ good!

(6:38 a.m.)

Yes Lord. So flippin’ good!

My heart is at such peace this very moment. The more You teach and provide for me, the more deeply-seated is Your peacefulness. None of this comes aside from Your presence. Thank You Father.

Thank You for leading me. Guiding me. Teaching me. Providing for me. Your Truth. Your Word. Your promises.

At this very moment in time [see there? More music!] I am truly AGOG with the amazing glimpses of Your grace and generosity. You provide. Truth. Hope. Faithfulness. All there for the taking.

This morning I am asking You to keep me in Your will. As I sing out a mashup of various songs and psalms to You, I ask Your ‘Holy Spirit to plead for me according to Your will’ (Romans 8:27).

Father, my heart is truly filled with hope. I long to share that hope with others. Do all You must in making it so.

Psalm 46:10a. “Be still and know that I am God.”

The Message? “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”

The Passion Translation, “Surrender your anxiety! Be silent and stop your striving and you will see that I am God.”

“Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God” (The Voice).

Yes, oh dear and most blessed God that is exactly what is happening. By putting my focus back on You where it so rightly belongs, You are able [yet another song!] to do all that is necessary in growing me as You would have me grow.

I love You Father. I desperately need You. I want You. And I invite You into this day.

Guide me. Direct me. Nurture and care for me. As only You can.

Switching songs here. Well, more like mashing songs together… ♪It Is Well♪ so very easily blends itself with ♪It Is Well with My Soul♪ And it is! Well with my soul. Thank You Father.

Scripture reference for this favored hymn is Psalm 55:18. Here again You are so well represented. “He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me.”

Going in deeper, look at this. Easy-to-Read Version. Starting with verse 17. “I speak to God morning, noon, and night. I tell Him what upsets me, and He listens to me! I have fought in many battles, but He has always rescued me and brought me back safely.”

You have Father. Time after time. Again. And again.

Lord God, I cannot begin to thank You enough for ALL You have done for us through these many years. I can only ask that You will continue Your fine, good work on our behalves.

Working in us. With us. By, through and for us.

We love You Lord [yet another song]. Yes. And we DO lift our voice ♪to worship You, O my soul, rejoice! Take joy, my King, in what You hear: May it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear♪

Yes Father! Psalm 18:1, “I love You, LORD; You are my strength.”

Oh but wait! There’s more!

The Passion Translation, “Praises sung to the Pure and Shining One, by King David, His servant, composed when the Lord rescued David from all his enemies, including the brutality of Saul Lord, I passionately love You and I’m bonded to You, for now You’ve become my power!”

♪Bonded Together♪ comes immediately to mind. Heart. And soul.

You HAVE become my power! My strength. My hope.

Thank You Lord. Praise You. Use me. Again. Amen.

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

truly blessed

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 (3:55 a.m.)

♪So let go my soul and trust in Him… It Is Well♪

How truly blessed are we Lord? Yes. Truly blessed.

Thank You Father. You have worked in us all these years. Changing our thinking. Our hearts. Bringing us always closer to You. Little by little.

Here I am. Wide eyed. Not yet bushy-tailed. Looking to You. And smiling. Exhaling fully. Inhaling deeply. And once again singing. 

This time, ♪You’re the breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise… to You only♪ Yes Father. To You only!

Again I ask, how blessed are we? ♪You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken Great Are You, Lord♪

Holy, Blessed, Father God, how I thank You for the ways You allow us to come to You ♪Just As I Am, Without One Plea But that Thy blood was shed for me And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come♪

And in so doing. I turn in Your Word. John 6:37.

(4:53 a.m.)

And with that turn came more rest. Truth. Hope. Peace.

Reading about Life in Illustrated Bible Handbook again the breathing becomes more purposeful. Intentional. Thank You Father that You truly are ♪the breath in our lungs♪ Without You, we flounder.

Quoting this particular Theology in Brief I am hopeful in believing. “‘Eternal life’ is God’s promise of freedom from endless bondage. It is a vivid word picture which means far more than forgiveness of past sins.”

Your forgiveness alone is paramount to our freedom!

“When God gives us eternal life, the life He gives us is Jesus’ own (Gal. 2:20). A human personality enriched with the gift of Jesus’ life begins a beautiful transformation. In place of fear and alienation, there is now rich fellowship with God as our Father.”

Here again I ask, how truly blessed are we?!

The more I read of the healing that comes from Your promise of eternal life, the deeper I breathe. “To understand the real meaning of eternal life, the Bible invites us to look at Jesus. In His personality, His love, and His compassion, we see the kind of person God will enable you and me to become.”

Yes please Father. Enable and empower me in becoming all You have designed.

“In Jesus’ resurrection we see power for our new life - power to break through whatever holds us back, and lead us triumphantly toward an eternity we will spend in the presence and image of our God.”

Resurrection power. New life. Broken holds. Triumphantly led. Eternity in the presence and image of our God. We are blessed! Truly and supremely blessed.

Thank You Father. Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. Empowered and emboldened by Your Holy Spirit. I love You. I thank and praise Your Holy name. Amen.

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

what matters

Tuesday, November 5, 2019 (5:07 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You! Sleep happened again. As did more singing.

♪Through it all Through it all My eyes are on You Through it all Through it all It Is Well♪ Yes Blessed God. Through it all, no matter what “it” may be, my eyes ARE on You. Sometimes a little quicker than others.

Thank You Father. Thank You for the many times the songs aren’t planned. When they are just here with me. Prerecorded in my soul.

Thank You too for the readiness with which the internal music just begins singing to me. And especially when the identification comes easily.

The way this morning’s tune continued to build with intensity had me more than a little confused as I didn’t recognize where it fit in. Until now.

♪So let go my soul and trust in Him♪ Indeed! Let go my soul. And trust in Him. Yes! Blessed Father this is what I long to do on a regular basis. Let go. And trust. You!

Turning in Your Word much earlier this morning You spoke to me again. Much like You did over twenty years ago.

Back then was when You used Philippians 1:9 in The Message to give me a key to my relationship with my brother. “So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush.”

That was the exact moment when I realized as much as I loved others, I did not love well. Over two decades later You continue Your work in teaching me what Your love truly is and what it is not (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Holy God, I love You so very much.

This morning it is again The Message [the exact same Bible as before] speaking to my being. Galatians 5. Oh Your goodness Blessed God, there is so much here! This could easily take the rest of my life to learn.

Verse 1. “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.”

As the apostle Paul continued in his exhortation of “THE LIFE OF FREEDOM”, verse 6 tells us “For in Christ… What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.”

Lord God, Your Message to us is filled with Your love and guidance. Continue Your work in teaching me to live and use it as You originally designed.

Reading down to verse 13, “It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.”

Yes Father. Teach me. Grow me.

Now to the verses (22-23) that started this whole discourse all those hours ago. I’m so familiar with reciting them from The Life Recovery Bible that I was once again deeply shocked by The Message rendition.

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law” (The Living Bible).

And here is the “Aha!” I received earlier. “But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others [love], exuberance about life [joy], serenity [peace]. We develop a willingness to stick with things [patience], a sense of compassion in the heart [kindness], and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people [goodness]. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments [faithfulness], not needing to force our way in life [gentleness], able to marshal and direct our energies wisely [self-control].”

Holiest God, You spell out Your will for us. Repeatedly. Infuse me with all that is necessary in helping me become the woman You created me to be. One who “is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs with no fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25).

Father God, I long to live this day in You. With You. By, through and for You. Do all You must that I will truly ♪let go my soul and trust in Him♪

Yes! Please Father. All You must that I will know and do what matters this day. Thank You. Praise You. I love You. Amen.

(779 words ~ 7:06 a.m.)