T.A.G.

 Sunday, June 21, 2026 (6:01 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You!

For hours I’ve been rehearsing my approach to You. Wanting it to be truthful. Authentic. Genuine. Well, that’s kind of fun… T.A.G. And there is MUCH written about this! Thank You Father.

(6:15 a.m.)

Thank You for the opportunity and privilege of sitting with You. Exploring Your Word. Wanting to know more regarding Your best for us.

Psalm 139:23-24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

Mm. Yes, please.

I confess to continue seeking a secret formula to living day to day in this world. If only I do this, that, and/or something else [x, y, and/or z] all will turn out as I desire and/or expect.

Thank You that You don’t work according to our wants. Instead we are to seek You while we can find You. Call on You while You are near (Isaiah 55:6). 

Thank You that we are to change our ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Turning to You that You may have mercy on us (v. 7a, b). “Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously” (7c).

Holy God, Your thoughts are NOTHING like mine (8a). And Your ways are FAR beyond anything I could imagine (8b).

Thank You that just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts higher than my thoughts (9).

As hard as I may subconsciously try to figure out the formula to getting closer to You, Your Word already has it spelled out for us. It’s not about dotting i’s and crossing t’s.

(7:14 a.m.) 

We are to worship and adore, glorify and enjoy You. Forever. Teach me how Dear Lord.

I want to love You with all my heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). And my neighbor as myself (v.31). Truthfully. Authentically. Genuinely. Do all You must to this very end. 

I love, need, trust and want You Dear Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(374 words ~ 7:23 a .m.)

 

"all-satisfying Treasure"

 Saturday, June 20, 2026 (5:22 a.m.)

Holy God,

Thank You for Your holiness. Talk with me please about what that means.

(5:38 a.m.)

Wanting to know more about thanking You for Your holiness, I searched the internet. And then the Psalms. Father thank You for a phrase I found.

“All-satisfying Treasure.” You are indeed that. Thank You that You are.

Thank You also for the writing of another [Philip Brown] who further explored Your holiness. He found the unique excellence of Your being and character to be the holiness that separates You from all things.

Hmm. Unique and excellent, all-satisfying Treasure. Yes.

(6:06 a.m.)

Oh! But wait!! There is indeed more…

Father, thank You for this prompt to explore Your holiness. And Your leading me to read in Hebrews 12. Here we are reminded that Your discipline proves Your love. As well as the importance of listening to and obeying You.

We are to: “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many” (Hebrews 12:14-15).

Father, I want desperately to live and love as You would have me. Free of any bitterness that could ultimately corrupt many. Do in, with, by, through and for me everything You must that I will face, forgive and release all perceived injustices and hurts to You.

It is Your holiness, our all-satisfying Treasure that enables us to experience Your overwhelming forgiveness. Forgive me for every bitter resentment I continue to hold. I love, need, trust and want You Dear Lord. Use me as You alone know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(311 words ~ 6:23 a.m.)

"Thank You, God"

 Friday, June 19, 2026 (5:23 a.m.)

Thank You, God.

It took more than a few practices for authenticity to match those three simple words. Said first a few hours ago. With the hope of truly embracing the opportunity of wakefulness.

In reality? I confess to using it as an attempt at getting back to sleep. Thank You that You have better in store for me.

You cannot be put into a box of my own design. You are far greater than all my devices put together. Thank You that You are.

(7:27 a.m.)

Thank You for the outcome of my most recent distraction. Another example of my reluctance toward being the grownup of this household.

I had reason to believe an insurance bill had gone unpaid. I went through the steps of finding out who to call. Resetting passwords. Recording the passwords…. Being the grownup. And scared the whole time.

During the process I heard myself quite automatically say, “Thank You, God.” As well as, “Oh dear Jesus.” With no attempt toward manipulation of any kind. Yes. Truly. Thank You, God.

Thank You for the way You took me from feeling fear to experiencing kindness. By way of the calming voice of Cory. An extremely gentle, patient and kind representative of an insurance company. Reassuring me every step of the way. Did I mention his extreme kindness?

Thank You that in the midst of my fearfulness, You were right here. Guiding me to take just this one more step. Face the fear. Make a decision. And trust You the whole time.

Thank You for the prior reading I had been doing on the power of thankfulness. Other peoples’ examples, practices and outcomes. 

Thank You for again leading me to the overwhelming peace I find in Your Word. Your Truth. Your promises.

Father God, You are so good. Great. Glorious. And gracious (Psalm 145:5-8). While You can never be manipulated in bending to our ways, when we confess our sins You are faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

My most recent example is that of attempting to control my outer environment. What and when I eat, sleep, work and play. Leaving the details to You is such a better decision. Thank You for reminding [and forgiving] me again.

You provided me an amazing example of one trying to do good for another (1 Thessalonians 5:15b) in the afore mentioned Cory. Empower me in taking what I experienced from him earlier into the day.

I love, need, trust and want You as my Standard for living. Use me exactly as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(451 words ~ 8:14 a.m.)

"Thank You"

 Thursday, June 18, 2026 (4:16 a.m.)

Awesome God,

You are teaching me to say, “Thank You” far more readily. Willingly. And ably. Thank You for that.

Yes. “Thank You” covers a multitude of sins. And disappointments.

Hmmm… let’s look at this much more carefully…

According to 1 Peter 4:8, it’s LOVE that covers a multitude of sins. Here we are told to show deep love for one another. What exactly does that look like Lord?

The next line in my reading readily answers my query. Conveying “the idea that deep, forgiving love overlooks offenses.” Yes!

Mm, the AI Overview goes so far as saying, “While the phrase often points to harmless distractions in everyday life, understanding its deeper scriptural meaning highlights the true power of grace and forgiveness in human relationships.” Yes. Yes! It truly does.

Father God, thank You for Your goodness. Your grace. Your mercy. Your love. Your examples. Your plans. Your presence.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this verse from the apostle Peter goes on to describe actions to be taken. “Real love for others requires that we face our own sinfulness and consider the well-being of those we have wronged in the past. In many cases this means humbly and sincerely asking the people we have offended for forgiveness; sometimes we may need to take the further step of making amends.”

I confess to You right here Dear Lord, it’s far easier for me to look at wrongs I perceive having been done to me than my having done them to others. Please bring to mind [and ability] issues You would have me address. In, with, by, through and for Your strength and power. Never my own.

Thank You for the writers of Your Word. The Truth You knew we would all need to embrace in tough times. Continue Your work in teaching us the power found in a simple, well meant, “Thank You.”

Do all You must in using me exactly as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want You as absolute Lord of my life. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(353 words ~ 4:58 a.m.)

identity, purpose and daily actions

 Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (5:49 a.m.)

Blessed God,

How truly I thank You. For changes. Discoveries. New thoughts. And most of all, Your love.

Yes Father. Thank You for loving the world so much that You sent Your Son here (John 3:16a). Not to judge it (v.17a), but to save it (17b). Through Him.

Thank You for knowing each and every single one of us (Psalm 139:1-16). Far better than we can ever know ourselves.

Thank You that You know the plans You have for us. Plans for good and not for evil. Plans to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

I confess to not having a clue what those plans are. Yet there is a curiosity. An excitement. A true belief that when we pray, You will listen (v. 12). When we look for You wholeheartedly, we will find You (13).

By seeking Your kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33a) You will provide all that is needed (33b). We don’t have to worry or be anxious about tomorrow (v.34a) because it will have its own troubles (34b). We don’t have to add to them (34c).

Lord God, You have known from the very beginning of time exactly how You would have our lives play out. Here I ask (Matthew 7:7) You to continue Your work in preparing me for the changes needing to be made.

I’m first to admit I can be resistant. Reluctant. Reticent. 

In, with, by, through and for You I am able to become eager. Excited. Willing. Ready and raring to go. Do all You must to this end.

There are changes that need to be made. Discoveries yet to be found. I want the courage it takes to embrace the process and sift my focus. Leaning on You and the Holy Spirit through it all.

You are able to empower me in shedding old habits. Renew my mind. And allow Your love to shape my identity, purpose and daily actions (AI Overview).

Do all You must Dear Lord. I want to live and love for You. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(358 words ~ 6:32 a.m.)

embracing second sleep

•  Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (5:56 a.m.)

Glorious, Awesome, Wonderful, Loving, Perfect, Father God,

Thank You!

It’s taken almost an hour of reading about embracing second sleep for me to become as excited as I am at the moment. It really is the simplest things in life that bring me the most delight.

Earlier it was the smell of coffee that brought my first, “Thank You, God.” Followed almost immediately by the opportunity of helping our neighbor in regards to her not yet emptied trash carts.

Becoming excited about what has been written about You and our circadian rhythms opened the door to seeing today’s date written out numerically. 06/16/26. Thank You for the joy I find in the simplest things Lord.

Now, about this internal clock business…

You well know the issues I’ve had with continuous sleep throughout the decades. And my resistance to taking any sleep-inducing enhancers.

As I’m exploring what other’s have written in this regard I’m smiling bigger at the words, “God’s primary aim is… that we enjoy the richness of experience in our daily lives…” Yes! Father, I very much want to enjoy all the richness You provide. Very akin to glorifying and enjoying You forever!

I’m asking (Matthew 7:7) You to teach me to sleep as You would have me sleep. Soundly. Interrupted. Broken into parts. Do all You must that I will learn to embrace wakefulness as being a special gift from You.

(7:53 a.m.)

Wanting to get started with the day “with no particular place to go” I look to You for guidance. Direction. Strength. Power.

I want very much to serve and represent You well. 

Here I borrow King David’s words as my own. Psalm 119:57-64. The Message.

“Because You have satisfied me, GOD, I promise

to do everything You say.

I beg You from the bottom of my heart: smile,

be gracious to me just as You promised [Numbers 6:25].

When I took a long, careful look at Your ways,

I got my feet back on the trail You blazed.

I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet,

was quick to follow Your orders.

The wicked hemmed me in-there was no way out-

but not for a minute did I forget Your plan for me.

I get up in the middle of the night to thank You;

Your decisions are so right, so true-can’t wait til morning!

I’m a friend and companion of all who fear You, 

of those committed to living by Your rules.

Your love, GOD, fills the earth!

Train me to live by Your counsel.”

And if this counsel is that I learn to embrace second sleep with You, so be it! I love, need, trust and want You Blessed God. Do all You must that I learn and put into practice all You have for me. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(485 words ~ 8:14 a.m.)

 

digging deeper

 Monday, June 15, 2026 (4:53 a.m.)

Father God,

Thank You. For so very many things.

Coffee. Comfort. Challenges. Hope. Truth. Your Word. Your promises. Mm. Yes. Thank You that You do know what You are doing. You have a plan. And You know what it is.

(5:36 a.m.)

How blessed we are for the privilege of having ready access to Your Word.

Thinking I was going into its pages to study more of Your plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). I am more than a little surprised at the various directions I am headed instead.

First to James 1:2. Considering troubles as opportunities for joy. Being very glad when trials make us partners with Christ in His suffering (1 Peter 4:12).

Glancing at the surface of the verses, I know I want to dig deeper. We are to be earnest and disciplined in our prayers (v. 7). Continuing “to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins” (8).

In order for us to do this, we must learn what love really is. Again Your Word (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) helps in this regard.

Learning more about loving Your way, I am reminded of the importance of using discretion. Not taking offense. Forgiveness. Taking nothing personally.

These are tall orders Lord. Thank You that we are able to turn to Proverbs 19:11 and dig even deeper with You.

Insight. Good sense. Wisdom. Experience. Learning. Understanding. All of these teach us the power and love involved with being slow to anger and quick to forgive.

Continue Your work in growing me as You know is best. I love, need, trust and want Your presence in every avenue I encounter. Use me as You know is best. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(301 words ~ 6:15 a.m.)

the truest home

 Sunday, June 14, 2026 (4:32 a.m.)

Thank You God.

I woke up singing again. This time with a tune, words and title I recognize. Trouble is, I’m not sure it’s what I want to be singing.

It’s interesting that I was all for it moments ago. Now that I’m examining the lyrics I’m uncertain.

♪… paradise… streets of gold…

Father’s house… many rooms…

… I’m Homesick For Heaven♪

Okay. I’m convinced. Let’s look at it further.

(4:56 a.m.)

Thank You for this opportunity to explore what is obscure to me. Thoughts of eternity in a truly unknown place.

Much is written. Many points of view. Imaginings. Wonders. Opinions. And even a planned church service detailing another’s understanding is scheduled for later this morning.

Father, thank You that we have You, Your Holy Spirit and Your Word to guide and inform us. Various translations. Many descriptive words. All leading to awe. And wonder.

There’s the tiniest glimpse of a feeble “Yes!” before more questions take it over. This present curiosity is far from the angst of my childhood which filled me with a dread of eternity. “Forever” and “never ending” always seemed much too long for my developing brain.

Thank You for continuing to grow the trust I have in You. For the faith described in Hebrews 11:1. Being “sure about the things we hope for…. in our minds about things we cannot even see” (EasyEnglish Bible).

Yep! Described in one article as the truest home, I know I want to experience Your streets of gold. Thanking You face to face. Seeing the ones I love. Running as fast as I can into Your arms. What could possibly be better?

The apostle Paul told the Philippians (3:20a) that “our citizenship [conversation, home, government, living, belonging] is in heaven.” Father, I want to well represent that colony (The Passion Translation). Clinging “tightly to our life-giver, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Yes! I can confidently sing ♪I’m Homesick For Heaven♪ Thank You Father. Praise You. Use me as Your representative of our truest home. Amen.

(345 words ~ 5:43 a.m.)