Memorial Day

 Monday, May 31, 2021 (6:13 a.m.)

It’s Memorial Day in our country Lord. I want to know what that means to You. And what You’d have it mean to us.

(6:46 a.m.)

There is so much I don’t know. Traditions. Cultures. Importances. And untruths. Yes Father. Not all we’ve come to celebrate is virtuous.

Mm. Guide me into Your Word Lord.

(7:11 a.m.)

I’m reading in Exodus (Chapter 12) of the first Passover. And in a hymn book of Patriotic songs.

Hearing ♪Taps♪ played on television. Watching live action at Arlington National Cemetery. I have tears.

Unsure of the words to this somber song, I look them up. And You bless me again. Tears abound.

Oh most Dear and Holy God, there are parades being aired at the moment. Fifes and drums in Williamsburg. Period uniforms. Native American pow wows. Depictions of enslaved people. It’s so much to all my senses, Lord.

♪From the halls of Montezuma…♪ Krewe floats in New Orleans. Jazz bands. Gold star family speeches.

Father God, I ask You to use this day. To YOUR good. Your glory! Shine Your light into our existence Lord.

Reading of Miracles, OT in Illustrated Bible Handbook and the comment (12:14-16) in The Life Recovery Bible. Singing the words to ♪Taps♪ Smiling. Learning. Wanting to know more.

Again I ask You Father. Guide my thoughts. Speak Your Truth as only You can.

The comment explains Your purpose of the Passover celebration. Remembrance for future generations. Marking the healthy freedom Your people experienced.

“Part of building a new life involves replacing old unhealthy thoughts and actions with healthy new ones. This may include taking on new traditions that celebrate our recovery from past problems.” Oh yes God.

Tying the Truth of Your Word with the hope expressed in ♪Taps♪ I’m incredibly grateful Lord. ♪Thanks and praise for our days Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky As we go, this we know God is nigh♪

Looking up the definition of the word “nigh” I delight in learning it means “near.” Thank You Father. You are near! And we are grateful.

Use us this day Lord. To glorify You and remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. And that right there? Points us right back to Jesus. John 8:36. Romans 6:23; 8:2. Galatians 4:3-7; 5:1.

All this patriotic emotion and Your Truth too. Thank You, praise You Lord. Amen.

(416 words ~ 8:40 a.m.)

4G Truth

 Sunday, May 30, 2021 (5:32 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You that You are great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. This is the 4G Truth I rely on throughout every single day. Thank You Lord.

You provide us with everything we need to live as You originally designed. Way back in the Garden (Genesis 2:4-20). Before mistakes were made.

Fast forward from fallen perfection to pure Perfection. With a capital P. Your Son.

(6:20 a.m.)

My Bible is open. As are Illustrated Bible Handbook and a hymnal. Father God, I love You. Thank You that I get to come before You with all my scattered thoughts and feelings.

Praise You repeatedly, Lord, for all You provide us. Your Truth. Your promises. Your greatness. Gloriousness. Goodness. And grace. Again, those 4Gs on which we can stake our claim.

Our claim that Your Truth is lasting. Precious. Eternal.

Father God, I ask You to work in, with, by, through and for me this day. Exactly as You alone know is best.

Enable me to love as You designed. Freely. Wholeheartedly. With ‘all my heart, soul, mind and strength’ (Mark 12:30). You. And others as myself (31).

Continue speaking Your Truth. Empowering us to put it into action. Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. Amen.

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

White Water

 Saturday, May 29, 2021 (7:16 a.m.)

“Watch the wind through White Water.” That’s the phrase we grew up associating with our parents’ early morning drive to their wedding 73 years ago today. Holy God, thank You for the retelling of stories that stand the test of time.

(10:10 a.m.)

Thank You too for the love that surrounded them. Imperfect. Challenging. Hard as it was at times. It was a love that allowed us glimpses of the unwavering love that You have for us.

(1:14 p.m.)

Lord God,

It’s already been a day full of various emotions. All tied together by the White Water phrase from above. State the obvious. Speak truth.

Father God, I confess to having no idea regarding my grandfather’s true feelings concerning the upcoming marriage of his youngest daughter. I do know those words stuck. And were appropriate. Said with as much love as he could muster under whatever the circumstances allowed.

Thank You God. I came here initially reading of the words “white” and “water” as found  in Revelation 1:15. Amplified Bible as well as The Passion Translation. And here we take this sharp left turn instead.

Straight over to Ephesians 4:15 and the importance of speaking the truth in love. Blessed Lord, You know I didn’t grow up with this as the model! Screaming. Yelling. Silent treatments. Grudge holding. And so much more. Those were our norm.

Thank You Lord, for changing my life. Each decision I’ve made through the years to honor You, Your will, Your way has freed me of the shackles of who and what I used to be. You’ve done that for me.

Every single time I drop my want and align it with what You have for me instead there is peace. Joy. Love. Your promise that “God’s peace will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace that God gives is so great that we cannot understand it” (Philippians 4:7 International Children’s Bible).

Oh yes Lord. THAT peace! Peace I had never known before You.

Your peace which teaches, “We must say what is true and say it with love. In that way we will grow up in all things to be like Christ, who is the head of this body” [Ephesians 4:15 Worldwide English (New Testament)].

Thank You Father for taking my Grandpa’s words from all those years ago and using them to speak deeply into my heart just now. Continue Your work in changing me into the loving woman You created me to be.

I love You Lord. I need You. I thank and praise You. Amen.

(434 words ~ 2:35 p.m.)

very afraid

 Friday, May 28, 2021 (5:31 a.m.)

Holy God,

I was afraid last night. Very afraid. Reading Your Word right now, I realize I am not alone. Thank You Father. It’s comforting to know I’m in good company.

My experience was short lived and minor in comparison with the struggles encountered by those written about in the various books of The Bible. Lord, You saw me freeze. Unable to move or think.

Standing in the dark. Stunned. Thoughts scattered. I didn’t even think to pray.

I’m praying now. Hours after the fact. Power yet to be restored to many.

Father, talk with me this morning. Momentary fear took over me last night when the enormous crash preceded flickering lights. Another bang. Flashes. Sparks. An overwhelming green hue to the sky.

(7:31 a.m.)

Two hours later and I’m still trying to understand my reaction. Lord, I just used the phrase “my senses were assaulted.” It seems so inconsequential.

My life wasn’t disrupted. I was in no immediate danger. Or peril. Yet there I stood. Frozen by fear of the unknown. Trying desperately to make it all make sense.

Thank You that Your Word tells us repeatedly not to be afraid. “Fear not. Be of good courage…” Mm, yes. Thank and praise You Father.

Looking in the various Bible translations I’m particularly drawn to Easy-to-Read Version and International Children’s Bible. It’s oddly comforting for me as I read of others being “very afraid.”

Thank You Father. Reading of warnings in Isaiah (21:3) and miracles in Luke (8:22-56) I am grateful for Your Truth and promises. Your peace and comfort settles in and I find myself smiling.

Holy God, no matter the circumstances You remain. Great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. Thank You. Praise You. Use me as only You know is best.

I love You. I need You. And I thank You Lord. Oh, how I thank You! Amen.

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

"but for the clouds"

Thursday, May 27. 2021 (5:40 a.m.)

Blessed Jesus,

Thank You. Praise You. Worship and adore You!

The words can’t come out fast enough! Right in the midst of my thoughts comes a song. First in snippets. Until, ♪… What A Beautiful Name It Is The Name of Jesus Christ my King♪

The smile on my face keeps getting bigger. Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. You keep blessing my thinking.

Having experienced and accepting the initial disappointment over the missed sighting of yesterday’s lunar eclipse I borrowed an explanatory phrase of a favored uncle. In describing the thwarted talent and craftsmanship of several beloved family members he would insightfully end with the phrase, “but for the drink.”

Mm, yes Lord. But for the drink! Oh how I thank You for the many ways Your Truth comes through in our lives.

Yesterday, while again verbally sharing the absolute beauty of that early morning sky I heard myself say, “But for the clouds…” Waking up just now with the precious memory of 1:27 this morning and clearly seeing the moon right out our bedroom window I found myself immediately thanking and praising You.

Father God, You allow us such mercy and grace. Hope. And “Aha!” moments. Like when I was rousing from sleep and remembered that “Jesus is coming with the clouds!” (Revelation 1:7 Easy-to-Read Version).

I read Your Truth and immediately start singing ♪Our God is greater, our God is stronger God, You are higher than any other Our God is Healer, awesome in power Our God! Our God!♪

And seemingly out of nowhere I’m right back to ♪The Name of Jesus Christ my King… What a wonderful [powerful, beautiful] Name it is The Name of Jesus♪

“But for the clouds” I might have missed the relevance. Thank You for another glimpse of glory, Lord. Praise Your Holy name.

Use me this day. Exactly as You alone know is best. Keep my heart [soul, mind, strength] and hands open wide to accept all You have to offer. Sometimes the biggest blessing comes wrapped in clouds.

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

(354 words ~ 7:28 a.m.)

anyway

 Wednesday, May 26, 2021 (6:29 a.m.)

Holy God,

What would You have me do with disappointment? Thank and praise You anyway! Yes. Thank and praise You Father.

I didn’t get my way earlier. Clouds prevented my perfect viewing of the much anticipated and publicized total eclipse of the Super Flower Blood Moon. I thanked You anyway.

There was unbelievable beauty in the clouds. Along with a Truth I may not have noticed otherwise. I could see hints of the moon. Knew exactly where to look. Even though I caught only an occasional glimpse. Just like with You! I know You’re always here with me. Even though I rarely “see” You.

Father God, I DO thank and praise You for the blessings You provide us. Even this opportunity to discuss feeling disappointed. I didn’t want to appear ungrateful to You. I wanted to be faithful. Hopeful. Loving. Kind.

Thank You for the work You’ve been doing in me that kept me from cursing my dashed hope. I remembered instead to thank You anyway. Being reminded by something that was completely out of my control, I recalled the importance of holding my desire with open hands.

Yes, Lord. Please God. In the grand scheme of things I have far more reasons for which to thank and give You praise. Regardless of any circumstance [or disappointment] You remain great. Glorious. Good. Gracious.

International Children’s Bible puts the Truth of disappointment quite simply. Proverbs 13:12, “It is sad when yo don’t get what you hoped for. But when wishes come true, it’s like eating fruit from the tree of life.”

Keep my eyes on You Dearest God. Your Truth. Your Word. Your promises. Disappointments will come. And go. Continue teaching, empowering and enabling me to thank You anyway.

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

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

calmed

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 (6:53 a.m.)

Blessed, Holy God,

You did it again! Repeatedly calmed my thoughts throughout the night. Thank You Lord. Mm, yes. Praise You God for Who and all You are!

The smile on my face is real. The peace in my heart? Deep. The more I read in Your Word the greater my hope. Father God, how truly good You are.

All this Truth and music too? Thank You Lord.

♪Water You turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind There’s no one like You, none like You! Into the darkness You shine, out of the ashes we rise… Our God is greater, our God is stronger God, You are higher than any other. Our God is Healer, awesome in power Our God! Our God!♪

Oh Amazing and Faithful Father, thank You for the hope we find in You. You are so incredibly good. Great. Glorious. Gracious. We are absolutely lost without You. Praise You Lord.

Your Word speaks to staying calm. Being calmed.

And here’s the verse I long to take with me into the day. Psalm 94:19. The Passion Translation. “Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight.”

Just reading these words, imaging them to be true for me, fills me with such potential for joy. And with that? Another definition!

“potential - having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future” YOU do this for us Lord!

The apostle Paul’s words here, “Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am” (Philippians 4:13 The Message). That’s You Lord!

♪ …You make all things work together for my good… ♪

You do! Romans 8:28. Illustrated Bible Handbook, “We have the confidence that whatever enters our life is deigned for good, that we might grow toward likeness to Jesus and our destiny (26-30).” Yes please Lord. All Your Truth and promises.

I love You Father. I trust You. Need You. Want You. Thank and praise You. Amen.

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

 

mysterious ways

 Monday, May 24, 2021 (6:10 a.m.)

Most Holy God and Father,

Thank You for the opportunity and privilege of coming before You. Thank You for the ways You work in our lives. Mm, yes Lord. Your mysterious ways. Talk with me this morning, won’t You?

How amazing You truly are Dear Lord. I get to share my heart, my soul, my mind, even my strength with You and You lead me deeper into Your Word. Thank You.  Praise You.

Starting with Joshua’s obedience to the Commander of Your army and the ultimate falling of the walls of Jericho (Joshua 5:13-6:21) I continue reading and learning all the more. Father God, how I thank You for the words written to empower and encourage us to this very day.

Having the resources to read in and sing of Your Word [♪Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho♪] are blessings I confess to taking for granted far too often. Being able to stop and say “Thank You” is paramount Lord.

We are so exceedingly grateful for who You are. All You do. Have done. And continue doing. On each of our behalf. There truly is no end to Your goodness.

One thought [mysterious ways] leads to a song [♪His Way♪] a Bible verse [Isaiah 55:9] and the internet [compelling Truth and crosswalk]. The more I read, the greater the gratitude.

Father, I thank You for Your tender care. Your Truth. And promises.

I get to read of Joseph’s obedience to You (Genesis and Exodus). And start singing ♪God Will Make A Way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me♪ It’s so true Dear God.

Referred over to Romans 8:28 I continue considering Your mysterious ways. Looking in The Message my heart settles and soars simultaneously. The peace and the hope Your Word provides amazes me.

“Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

Blessed, Holy, Father God, we’ve experienced this in our lives of love for You. Ridiculously difficult circumstances turned right side up because of Your perfect mysterious ways!

Father, thank You. Thank You for teaching us. Providing our every need.

The Passion Translation footnote for Romans 8:27 calls You “God, the heart searcher.” You do search our hearts.’Not just to uncover what is wrong, but to fulfill the true desire of our hearts to be fully Yours. Grace triumphs over judgment.’

Oh yes most blessed God. How blessed are we when we deserve judgment, You provide grace. Mercy. And another song. ♪You delight in showing mercy Mercy Triumphs Over judgment Oh love, great love Fear cannot be found in You♪

Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. Use me this day. Exactly as You know is best. In all of Your mysterious ways. I love You. I need You. Amen.

(556 words ~ 8:56 a.m.)

thanking and praising God

 Sunday, May 23, 2021 (6:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

How I thank You Lord. Throughout the night I found myself thinking. Then thanking. Praying. Followed by praising.

Looking to Your Word for others who thanked and praised You, I come across David (1 Chronicles 23:28-31) and Daniel (6:10). Oh to have their faith, Father. Thank You for the opportunity to revisit examples of people who genuinely knew the importance of thanking and praising You. Against all odds.

Most Blessed God, I confess to having convenient faith. The kind that doesn’t interfere with the beliefs of others. I’m far less likely to go out on a limb for You. Forgive me Lord.

Thinking and thanking, praying and praising all come relatively easily for me when I’m alone with You in the dark of night. But what about when what I believe conflicts with that of another? Where is my “Hallelujah! Thank and praise You, God” then?

You know all You are doing with me. I ask for the wherewithal to truly be the woman You created me to be. One who faithfully gives You the glory at every turn.

Do all You must in, with, by, through and for me to Your good and holy end Dearest God. I love You. I long to serve You. And I ask You for all that is needed. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(232 words ~ 7:37 a.m.)

Truth-filled thoughts

 Saturday, May 22, 2021 (6:43 a.m.)

Most Blessed, Holy God,

I love You. Thank You for good sleep. And Truth-filled thoughts.

Thank You Lord that You are great. Glorious. Good. Gracious. Faithful. Eternal. Thank You that when my thoughts wander they can always come back to Your Truth. Mm, yes.

Thank You that Your Truth fills our hearts. And minds.

I turn to You this morning. Your Truth. Your promises. Your loving care and kindness.

As I settle in, reading of Jesus’ visit to Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) I’m asking You to lead and guide my learning.

waiting to see Jesus

 Friday, May 21, 2021 (6:35 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You. Praise You. Guide me I ask. My thoughts. Interests. Intentions. Actions. Outcomes. Mmm. Yes. All those.

What a concept. Come to You first. Before and above all decisions. Oh Lord. Teach me to seek and follow You, Your will and Your way.

(7:50 a.m.)

Looking around. Stopping at John 6:22. And the words “… crowds began gathering on the shore, waiting to see Jesus” (The Life Recovery Bible, NLT).

I wonder. If I had witnessed Your feeding of 5,000 firsthand, would I be waiting to see You?

Looking much deeper than just this one verse Father I thank You for all I get to learn. Illustrated Bible Handbook. Chapter 6. Jesus’ Discourse on the Bread of Life And a Theology in Brief entitled, Life.

Here again I get to thank You Lord. I go looking around. Seeking to follow You. And You do not disappoint.

The Truth is “in the Bible ‘life’ speaks of far more than existence. Life speaks of relationship with God. Here images like life and death, health and paralysis, light and dark, affirm something essential about the quality of each human being’s existence. Because of God’s love for us, He invites each human being into a personal relationship with Him through which ‘existence’ is transformed into ‘eternal life.’”

Oh yes please! All of this. And just when I think I’ve got a clue, there’s SO much more!

Reading further, “‘Eternal life’ is God’s promise of freedom from endless bondage.” Oh Hallelujah! Just think of that. But the description doesn’t stop there.

We’ve been given Jesus’ own life (Galatians 2:20). Beautifully transformed. We get to experience “rich fellowship” with You as our Father. Now. Not some far off day.

Holy God, by looking at Jesus’ personality, love, and compassion ‘we see the kind of person You will enable us to become.’ Oh that I truly would be one who is waiting to see Jesus. Our absolute Bread of Life.

Again I ask You to guide me this day. Teaching me obedience to Your Word. I love You. I need You. I long to represent You well. Do all You must. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(370 words ~ 9:20 a.m.)