"calm"

Monday, June 5, 2017 (7:08 a.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Blessed, Holy God,

Thank You. A five year old's description of the early morning lake as “calm”. Mm, thank You for the things we get to learn from this astute young man. The differences between frogs and toads. His ability to consider other kids as “friends”. Mm, change my rigidity Father.

I confess a past resentment Lord. A year old slight against this same little guy. One that he has completely forgotten and I struggle to forgive.

My stance? Protect him at all costs. Avoid those who may hurt his feelings again. Change me Father. Allow me the freedom to live in the present just like this five year old.

I work to help him overcome fears. Bears. Cold. Bugs. Scary parts of movies. I turn to You again in helping me overcome the wary bitterness I still hold against the parents of all these youngsters. Teach me to drop the guard I continue holding.

Let my love for You reign supreme over the rigid stance I would much rather take.

Thank You for the Psalty song that started singing to my mind and soul this morning. ♫I want to let Jesus love me. Put His arms around me Fill me with His perfect peace And make me beautiful. I want to let Jesus love me Put His arms around me Lift me high so I can see The beauty of His love♫

Perfect peace. “Calm”. Hmm... Yes. Father, let this little child continue teaching us. We love You. Make us beautiful. Thank You. Amen.

(257 words ~ 7:45 a.m.)

twenty-four steps

Saturday, June 3, 2017 (5:24 p.m.)

Tahoe Vista, CA

Holy, Loving, Perfect God,

Thank You! I don't have complete thoughts. Just words. And tears. SO many tears!!!

Twenty-four steps from the deck to both my feet in the water. Thank You Father. Praise You!

good times

Saturday, June 3, 2017 (8:24 a.m.)

Boomtown

Verdi, NV

Holy God,

Thank You. We are having safe travels and good times. Mm, yes... good times.

Mm, yes, Blessed God, You provide us the blessings to enjoy ourselves. I didn't expect to be reading in Ecclesiastes this morning, but here I am.

“So I concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13).

Holy God, I confess to You right now, there have been plenty of times that I have felt guilty for doing exactly that. Enjoying the fruits of our labor. Because You have blessed us so abundantly, I never want to take it all for granted.

You have provided us every opportunity to learn to work hard, care for our bodies and communicate in healthier ways. All this leading us to enjoying the fruits You so generously provide. The truly good times!

The Life Recovery Bible footnote explains “3:12-15 Here the Teacher gives us a practical alternative to the desperate search for ultimate meaning in life. We are to responsibly enjoy life as God's good gift to us. The Teacher wanted people to enjoy life more and to spend less time and energy trying to make sense of it all. Verse 14 sets parameters around our enjoyment of life. Everything we do must be done with the recognition that God is in charge. Our actions should demonstrate our respect for Him. This will prevent our enjoyment of life from becoming selfish hedonism.”

Mm, yes! Verse 14. “And I know that whatever God does is final. God's purpose in this is that people should fear Him.” My understanding of fearing You is not that we be afraid of You, but that we fully esteem and revere You. Mm, Father. Keep teaching us I pray.

Let our good times reflect the ultimate respect and admiration we have for You. It is only because of You that we are able to wholeheartedly sing ♫Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see: All I have needed Thy hand hath provided – Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!♫

Thank You Father. Let us use this day that You have made to fully rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). Make it so our good times reflect You at every turn. We love You Father. And we are so incredibly grateful. Thank You. Amen.

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

wonder-working

Friday, June 2, 2017 (7:35 a.m.)

Hidden Valley Village

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Holy God,

Thank You. Upsetting dreams throughout the night led me to singing a praise song to You that I couldn't remember until I started talking to You about it. Just as I was prepared to say “can't remember”, there it was!

♫There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r In the blood of the Lamb; There is pow'r, pow'r, wonder-working pow'r In the precious blood of the Lamb♫

Mm, Father. Thank You for the ways You speak to us. Thank You for taking me from upset to power-filled all because of the precious blood of Your Lamb. Your Son.

Thank You for the opportunity to read of this power-filled blood in the book of Revelation (7:14-17; 12:7-12). The word pictures presented here are absolute causes to pause and consider. Thank You Father.

(8:38 a.m.)

We have all the markings of an emotion-filled day. Father how I invite You in to be Master of every single decision we make. I love You Lord and I ask that You would lead and guide us through Your wonder-working power.

We are supremely blessed by You and we are grateful. Thank You. We love You. Amen.

(205 words ~ 8:41 a.m.)

skills

Thursday, June 1, 2017 (7:36 a.m.)

Hidden Valley Village

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Holy, Holy God ~

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You! Time away with loved ones. Learning new skills. Skiing. Communicating. Oh yes! Communication skills ~ so very important.

The Preacher/Teacher of Ecclesiastes wrote of the skill that will bring success (10:10). Illustrated Bible Handbook describes verses 9:13-10:20 as teaching the importance to “Follow Wisdom's Ways.”

Oh, keep working in us Blessed Father. New Living Translation says, “Since a dull ax requires great strength, sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed” (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

Oh, yes Father, teach us to sharpen our blades of healthy communicating. Yes!

gratefulness

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 (2:07 p.m.)

Mammoth Mountain Main Ski Lodge

So, God,

More than a little grumpy mixed with a TON of grateful. Yes! Let's go with the gratefulness shall we?

completely grateful

Tuesday, May 30, 2017 (6:31 a.m.)

Blessed God,

Thank You! You worked in us and through us this past weekend to accomplish a huge goal. We had some unexpected tasks and more than a few changed plans. But we saw it all through to the end and we are grateful Father. Completely grateful to You!

Not only have You been working for us to come to value teamwork, You have provided us the tools. This is huge Father!

We used to question and doubt one another. So sure that our own way was the best. Thank You for working to change our thinking. YOURS is the best Way.

Mm, yes. Your Way. Jesus!

Thank You that I get to sit here loving You. Breathing deeply. Considering all You have done for us through the years. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Thank You Holy Spirit.

♫Amen, Praise the Lord♫ Found here in Psalty's Kids' Bible right across from John 14:6 with the preface, “You can use the words of this song to praise Jesus for Who He is and for all He has done for You.”

And I do Jesus. Yes. I do! ♫I'm gonna jump down, turn around, Touch the ground and praise my Lord♫

For this same section of Scripture, The Learning Bible tells me “Without me, no one can go to the Father: Jesus here claims that He is the “Way” people can learn the “Truth” about God and find “life” with God.”

Oh, amen. Amen. Amen! Thank You Jesus for BEING the Truth and setting us free (John 8:32). Yes. Yes. Yes!

Use us this day exactly as You wish. To Your good and to Your glory! We love You Lord. And we thank You. Completely grateful as we are. Amen.

(295 words ~ 7:24 a.m.)