just thinking about

 Monday, November 30, 2020 (5:25 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for the music I get to wake up singing. Or really just thinking about. Yes Father. Thank You for the many things I get to wake up thinking about. Like how fortunate we truly are.

(6:57 a.m.)

Blessed Lord, I sit. Walk around. Come back. And go again.

The color of the sky this morning was phenomenal. Red. Orange. Pink. Purple. Dark. Light. Shadings. Amazing. Absolutely worth getting up for.

And still the song I keep trying not to sing. I don’t see how it can possibly relate to You and me. Dolly Parton. ♪Here You Come Again♪

Okay. Okay. I give. Let’s explore it together.

You truly DO ♪waltz right in the door Just like You’ve done before And wrap my heart ‘round Your little finger♪

It seems like such stretch Blessed God. Yet, really, not at all.

Changing just two words and I sit up straighter. Become more confident in what I’m doing here. Singing wholeheartedly of Your ability to get our attention however You need to.

This morning? It was by counting the hours of my having been asleep. Estimating it from 9 to 5 immediately brought in Dolly Parton’s singing of that same time frame.

My mind took a quick turn to humming what I thought was ♪There I Go Again♪ Coming out here to see where we’d go from there, You continue bringing my focus back on You.

♪Here You come again Just when I’m about to make it work without You You look into my eyes And expose my pretty lies And pretty soon I’m wonderin’ how I came to doubt You♪

Holy, Holy God, I love the way You speak to me in the most unexpected ways. Especially when I try so hard to ignore or understand.

That’s when another song begins. ♪Trust in the Lord With all Your heart And lean not on Your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge Him And He will direct Your path♪ (Proverbs 3:5-6).

And just like that? Another twist in my thinking. Seems like a sharp left this time. A fairly easy search takes me to “A Tandem Bike Ride With God” and the reminder that my job with You is to “Pedal!”

Blessed Lord, there are so many way for us to see Your presence in our lives. Open my eyes that I will clearly recognize them. And be amazed. Just like this morning with the colors in the sky.

I love You Lord. And I’m asking that I willing follow You wherever You lead me this day. Continue speaking Your promises of joy to me (Philippians 4:12-13).

Do all You know is best. Thank You. Amen.

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

like no other Season of our lives

Sunday, November 29, 2020 (4:37 a.m.)

Holy, Holy God,

Today is the First Sunday of Advent 2020. As with so many other things this year it is sure to be like no other season of our lives. Thank You God. You are teaching us to be different too.

Dearest Father, You have so very much for us to discover. Thank You for the easy access we have of learning more about You. Your Will. Your Way. Your Truth. Your Son. And all He came to teach about living life as You would have us.

Thank You that You never leave us alone. Abandoned. We have Your Word. Filled with Your promises. Thank You.

Yes Lord. Thank You. Especially for the hope that this first Sunday is to remind us that we have in You.

Frank Logue, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia penned this important message for us:

We all share a longing, a need for hope. We need the word we find in John’s Gospel, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). As we journey toward Christmas, lighting candles to mark the season, the hope we see in that light dispelling darkness is that whatever we face, we do not face it alone. This is true as the God who made us and loves us is with us. And as we light candles to mark the season, we can also make calls to check in on those who are cut off because of the pandemic, to offer a hand and to share that hope. Even as we light candles, we can be that glimmer of hope for others.

Mm, I just experimented with clicking a new to me key on the computer for a time saving result. There are so many things I don’t know. Do all You must in replacing my fear of mistake making with Your sense of awe and delight in learning new things.

Holy God, You are good. And I am grateful. Looking to You and Your Word for the hope that I don’t find in this world is such a privilege. Empower and enable me in using it well.

And would You just look at this? A comment from The Life Recovery Bible, in the book of John.

“1:1-13 The same Power that created the universe is available to create a new life from our shattered hopes. The light of life that exposes and drives away the darkness of the human race is the same light that brightens the dark corners of our world.”

It goes on pointing to You as “the source of all life and true light of the world” while encouraging readers to “believe what God says, renounce our tendency to do things our way, and receive the One whom God sent to help us.” Oh yes please Lord! That I would truly come to trust and follow You.

Work in us this Sunday of HOPE. By, with, through and for us. Growing us into the Believers You would have us be.

We love You Lord. We need You. We want You. And we ask You. All this in Jesus’ most Holy name. All glory be to You Dear God. Thank You. Amen.

(547words ~ 7:21 a.m.)

"OMG!"

 Saturday, November 28, 2020 (5:37 a.m.)

Holy God,

I’m here thanking You for yesterday. I asked Your help and “OMG!” did You ever deliver! Thank You Lord.

And right here I have another topic for You. The use of that phrase. “OMG!” Is it Biblical (Psalm 25:2; 40:17)? Or sin (Exodus 20:7)?

Teach me on this one Lord. I don’t mean it in vain. Or use it casually. Without thought. So just like I did yesterday, I’m bringing my request to You. And asking You to lead and guide me.

Speaking of yesterday… You absolutely did for [in, with, by and through] me all that I couldn’t possibly have done myself. There were plans. And interruptions. Sticking with You, it all came to pass.

The husband and I worked well together. That’s always a plus! Thank You God.

So, as I turn again to Your Word. Actively seeking Your guidance, I ask You Lord, to speak Your Truth to my core.

I read the words of David written all those centuries ago and find help and hope in them still today. Thank You that his honesty continues speaking Your Truth to us. He knew he could count on You. And we get to learn from his examples. Thank You Lord.

We can always turn to You. Calling out, “O my God.” Just as David did. On more than one occasion.

Turning to these two Psalms, I find myself alternately hoping and then singing. All because of the verses preceding both.

Psalm 40:16. “May all who come to You be glad and joyful. May all who are thankful for Your salvation always say, ‘How great is the LORD!’” (Good News Translation). Hmm… Glad. Joyful. Thankful. Yes, please, God. And then Chris Tomlin’s ♪How Great Is Our God♪ starts singing.

Followed almost immediately by Psalm 25:1. King James Version. ♪Unto Thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul♪ Other versions relate David offering You his life. Heart. Inner being. Trust. Prayer.

Lord God, You know us. Our needs. Our strengths. And our weaknesses.

I don’t love making mistakes. Or being wrong. You are helping me learn that they are all parts of learning. We’re going to stumble. Fall. And You’re going to keep loving us. Thank You Dear Lord.

Use me again this day. Exactly as You know is best. Saying “O my God” when appropriate and glorifying to You. Always, only glorifying to You.

Thank You for Your help Lord. Do all You must in, with, by, through and for each of us this day. Praise You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(437 words ~ 8:29 a.m.)

wherewithal

 Friday, November 27, 2020 (5:18 a.m.)

Blessed God,

“Wherewithal.” That’s the word I woke up praying to You hours ago. Asking You to provide me the wherewithal [resources, means, ability] to complete tasks that I really don’t have much interest in doing.

Holy God, You are good. You know Your plans for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11). That was another one of Your Truths I was thinking long before ever arising.

Your timing. Your power. Your will. Your way. Your plan.

So… how does it all apply to me?

I love You Father. I know all our blessings directly stem from You. How I do thank and praise You Father!

Searching the word ‘wherewithal’ I find these verses listed:

ASV Matt 6:31

BRG Psalm 119:9

CJB Proverbs 22:27

Douay-Rheims 1899 Luke 14:28

(6:03 a.m.)

Holy God, I’m asking You to guide, direct and empower me in applying them to this day.

You alone are good. You alone are God. It’s You that I need to direct my thinking and actions. Do in, with, by, through and for me all that is necessary in providing me the wherewithal to be and do all that You would have of me.

I love You Lord. I need You. I thank You for all You are and do on our behalf.

The gratitude I have for You is real, Father. How truly and deeply I ask You to make me the woman You would have me be. In all areas.

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

(271 words ~ 7:12 a.m.)

Blessings!

 Thanksgiving Thursday, November 26, 2020 (6:30 a.m.)

Holy God,

A day to give thanks. And count blessings.

I get to come before You with such a grateful heart. Thank You Father.

2Cor 9:15 ♪Jesus, We Just Want to Thank You♪

Psalm 146:2 ♪I Just Came to Praise the Lord♪

an absolute "Aha!"

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 (6:28 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You! I had a moment yesterday. An absolute “Aha!” moment.

Lord God, in the ultimate scheme of all things good and holy it may at first appear lacking in substance. Oh but let me tell You of the genuine gift You gave me.

A click of understanding. A switch from feeling completely overwhelmed to “I’ve got this!” Thank You Father. Praise You.

Thank You for the opportunities You have provided me to learn new things. As well as unlearn habits that don’t serve me well. Allowing me to relearn what is better for me.

Thank You Father. There truly IS a freedom in my soul from realizing a truth from my past.

And right here? A line from a hymn. What is it though? Search. Look. Try again. Here it is!

♪Open My Eyes, That I May See Glimpses of Truth Thou hast for me♪ Mm, yes Father. Do!

♪Place in my hands the wonderful key, That shall unclasp and set me free♪ That is exactly how I feel this very moment, Lord. Free! Free to forgive. Myself. And others. Free to learn that which has eluded me for very close to six decades.

All of this has to do with almost 60 years of piano playing attempts. How long have I blamed myself for not having practiced enough? Even pointed my finger at the parents for seemingly setting me up to fail.

Until yesterday when I sat, attempting a brand new to me lead sheet of Leonard Cohen’s ♪Hallelujah♪ I “got it” Lord! Not only that, I FELT it! Complete with chills. And later? Tears.

You did this in and for me Lord. This desire to play is bigger than myself. It goes deep in my heart. And yesterday? A brief moment that allowed me to truly play. Not work at it. Just relax and truly experience what was taking place.

Fingers freely finding the keys that the written notes prescribed. Amazing. Never having happened before. I truly rejoiced Lord.

And I revel in the remembrance of it this morning. Again the lightness that comes from forgiving mistakes from the past. Yes Lord. There is such power to be found in forgiveness. Keep reminding me Father.

Your Word tells us repeatedly to love and forgive. Keep teaching me Lord. I caught a glimpse yesterday and I feel refreshed for it.

Psalm 119:18. The Passion Translation. “Open my eyes to see the miracle-wonders hidden in Your Word.” Oh yes Blessed God. I want so much more. Of You. Your Truth. Your promises.

Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best.

Oh look! The same verse in the Amplified Bible. “Open my eyes [to spiritual Truth] so that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.”

And here, Contemporary English Version. “Open my mind and let me discover the wonders of Your Law.” Oh yes Lord. Yes!

Oh, now The Message. Verses 19 and 20. “I’m a stranger in these parts; give me clear directions. My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous! - insatiable for your nourishing commands.”

Yes Lord. The more I read, the more I want. Of You!

The Passion Translation says, “My life on earth is so brief, so tutor me in the ways of Your wisdom. I am continually consumed by these irresistible longings, these cravings to obey Your every commandment!”

And The Living Bible. “I am but a pilgrim here on earth; how I need a map - and Your commands are my chart and guide. I long for Your instructions more than I can tell.”

Amen to it all Blessed God. I love You. I need You. I want You. And I ask it all in Your Son’s most blessed name.

Use me. Thank You. Amen.

(635 words ~ 8:17 a.m.)

Truth and hope

Tuesday, November 24, 2020 (5:05 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Use me today. In ways I can’t even imagine. With every single mistake I make, use it and me for Your good and Your glory.

*James 3:2-12

1 Cor. 10:11-12

2Timothy 3:14-17

Psalm 69:5

Nehemiah 8:10

Mark 8:33

*Proverbs 17:9

Holy God, You are so good to provide us Your Truth and hope. Mm, yes Father. Your Truth. And hope.

As I sit here contemplating all the things we stand to learn by making mistakes I am asking You to work in me through them. The shame I have long associated with mistake making could give way to confidence in not making the same mistakes over again. This happens when I let myself be human.

Yes Lord. I recognized it yesterday. Coming home on a freeway where years ago I had impulsively taken the wrong lane. I heard myself think really loudly, “I know better than to do that again!” I even giggled at the reminder. No harsh judgment. Only gratitude for a lesson learned.

Oh Dearest God, thank You for the opportunity to come before You requesting more grace. With ourselves. And others.

Mistakes are not the end of the world I grew up mistakenly believing them to be. No. They are to be expected. And can be a wonderful teaching aid. Do all You must in helping me learn that mistakes can actually be a good thing.

Holy, Holy God, how I thank You for providing us Your Word. Filled with Your promises. Your Truth. And the hope that we can truly only find in, with, by, through and for You.

There are so very many verses of which to turn. Right now Proverbs 17:9 clamors for attention. Read first in The Passion Translation. “Love overlooks the mistakes of others, but dwelling on the failures of others devastates friendships.”

And now? The Voice! “Those who forgive faults foster love, but those who repeatedly recall them ruin relationships.” I want this to be me Lord. Especially with myself. I believe You would have me learn the importance of forgiving myself right along side my practice of forgiving others.

If You’ve removed our guilt from us “farther than from a sunrise to a sunset” (Psalm 103:12 The Passion Translation) or “as far as the east is from the west” in most other translations, it’s my belief that You would want us practicing the same. With ourselves as well as with others.

You are more than able to change my habits. I’ve experienced Your work in me on many occasions. Thank You Lord.

Yes. Thank and praise You Father. Do all You must that I would live this day in Your Truth and hope. Learning to celebrate and appreciate mistake making. Perhaps complete with a belly laugh at my own experience when appropriate and necessary.

I love You Lord and I truly long to be the woman You created me to be. The one who “is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs with no fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25). When I speak, make sure my ‘words are wise and kindness is the rule when I give instruction’ (v. 26). 

Do all You must that my children would stand and bless me, as with great pride my husband says, “There are many good women, but you are the best!” (28-29). It’s no small ask I know. But You are a really big God!

Thank You Lord for all the Truth and hope we find in You. Use me as You know is best. I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(604 words ~ 9:34 a.m.)

kind words

Monday, November 23, 2020 (4:20 a.m.)

Holy, Blessed God,

How I thank You Lord. Yes! Thank You.

I get to come to You. Turning to Your Book of Truth and promises. First to Psalm 23:6. And ultimately to Proverbs 16:24.

Thank You God. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Yes Lord, my thanks continues. Infinitely.

Getting to think of You as “my Best Friend and Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1 The Passion Translation) my heart calms and swells alternately. Reading the next line of this verse, “I always have more than enough.” I do Lord.

Thank You for this important reminder. Because You are who You are, “I shall not want.” I lack nothing. I have what I need. I have everything I need. I will never be in need. You care for me always.

Just think of that. You tend to and care for us. We can choose to follow You and find rest. Thank You Father. Praise You.

The last words of verse 2 in The Voice provide such hope. “He soothes my fears” How is it Dear Lord that I forget Your Truth and promises so often?

(5:52 a.m.)

Back over to Proverbs 16:24. “Kind words are like honey - they cheer you up and make you feel strong.” Oh yes, Lord. They do!

Varying translations provide thought provoking word pictures. Various adjectives are: pleasant. Well ordered. Gracious. Fair. Enjoyable and healthful. Good taste to the soul, quick energy to the body. Sweet to the soul and health to the bones.

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.”

This is absolute Truth that I believe. Yet there are so very many times that “flesh tearing” [sarcasm] takes over. Forgive me Father.

I long to live this day for You. Gratefully. Lovingly. Good-naturedly. Encouragingly. Using kind words. The ones that build up, not tear down (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Mm yes, Lord. Kind words. Help me use them Father. Regularly. Often. Naturally. Readily. Without great thought or effort.

I love You Blessed God. And I ask You to do all You must in making me the loving woman You created me to be. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(385 words ~ 6:35 a.m.)

intentionally changed thinking

 Sunday, November 22, 2020 (7:15 a.m.)

Holy God,

There’s a whole lot of sadness around us. And You are really good Lord!

Just when I thought I had turned to 1 Corinthians 13:13, I found another mistake. Second Corinthians isn’t the same as First. And still You speak. Loudly. Clearly.

NONE of anything that happens to and around us surprises You. You are ahead of every circumstance. Thank You Father. Praise You.

Before opening my eyes this morning my thoughts were of mistakes and mishaps. Rather than staying there I intentionally changed my thinking. Remembering Your promises.

Oh look!!! Or is it “listen”? Chris Tomlin is singing in my mind right here. ♪So remember Your people Remember Your children Remember Your promise Oh God Your Grace Is Enough… for me♪

Most Dear and Blessed God, You speak to us. Give us ears to hear. And eyes to see. I’m asking You to make me receptive to Your direction.

Reading The Passion Translation my mind begins equal doses of agreement and dispute. And even here I thank You Lord. You provide me language with which to express my deepest thinking.

“For now we see but a faint reflection of riddles and mysteries as though reflected in a mirror, but one day we will see face-to-face. My understanding is incomplete now, but one day I will understand everything, just as everything about me has been fully understood. Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love - yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run” (1 Corinthians 13:12-13).

How can so many claim to be Your followers while at the very same time seem to be demonstrating anything but? Where is the patience? Kindness? Generosity?

We see a lot of self-promoting. Rudeness. Shame. Irritability. Offense. Focus on flaws. Teach us Dear Father to truly celebrate honesty and be loyal to the end (vs. 4-8a). We, as Your beloved children, do not seem to be holding up our end of Your command to love one another (John 13:34).

And here what seemed an error earlier. Paul’s Final Greetings to the Corinthians, “Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet each other in Christian love. All the Christians here send you their greetings. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:11-13).

Following Your Truth with The Life Recovery Bible comment on verse 11. “As Paul closed this letter to the Corinthians, he left them with some worthy challenges and goals to pursue. In essence, he admonished the people to open their minds and hearts to personal change and the healing of relationships. Such spiritual growth and interpersonal harmony can be fueled by faith in God, the ultimate source of healing love and peace. As modern readers of this letter, we, too, can benefit by acting out Paul’s wise counsel.”

Yes Father please! Intentionally change our thinking. To You. Your will. Your way. We love You. Teach us. Praise You. Amen.

(557 words ~ 9:17 a.m.)

back around

Saturday, November 21, 2020 (5:20 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. I woke up singing again. Yes God. Thank You.

Thank You that I can bring You what seems to me the most bizarre lyrics and You shift my thinking back around to You. ♪What’s the difference if I say, “I’ll go away”…♪

Hmm, yes. Back around to You.

As the words to this century old tune were forming in my mind and the music beginning to swell, my original thought was to dismiss it completely. How could I possibly come to You singing ♪Oh My Man I love him so♪?

Yet, here I am digging deeper into the origins of the song I thought to have first been sung by Billie Holiday in 1937. Nope. It wasn’t even Fanny Brice in 1921. No, no. It was originally composed in French. “Mon Homme” 1920.

Why does all this information fascinate me so? Because it reminds me of how easily I allow what I think to become what I believe… And I can be SO wrong!

Thank You Father that I can change just one word to this well established, often covered, old song and come singing it to You. ♪Oh, my God, I love Him so…♪ Yes! Even music that is a century old can come back around to representing You in my life!

♪All my life is just despair But I don’t care When He takes me in His arms The world is bright All right [huge crescendo here!] What’s the difference if I say, “I’ll go away” When I know I’ll come back On my knees someday For whatever my God is I’m His forevermore♪

Yes God! Yes. I am Yours. Forevermore! Thank You. Praise You. Use me. Exactly as You know is best. Even if that means taking a hundred year old secular French song and singing it lovingly back around to You.

I love You. Thank You. Amen.

(322 words ~ 7:01 a.m.)