Praying to God

While working on the previous post, I began to wonder what is the proper way to close a prayer. What is the proper punctuation? How do I pray in Jesus name?

I did a quick search on the Internet and pulled myself to the example provided by God through His Holy Word for instructions. It really is pretty simple. Prayer is directed to God the Father in the name of God the Son (Jesus) delivered by the groaning of God the Holy Spirit.

"Father God, I am clay in your hands, help me to stay that way through all life's demands cause they chip and they nag and they pull at me." (Lose My Soul, Toby Mac) This is the beginning of my current favorite song. It starts the prayer properly and is an awesome example . While the song does not directly follow the example provided in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, it is none the less a heartfelt prayer. And while the words were not originated with me, they are also my heartfelt prayer.

I've heard so many times that the words of the prayer are not what are important but that God hears the cry of the heart. I believe this to be true. Prayers can be offered in many ways and it is the position of the heart and the words of the heart that God hears and acknowledges. When my heart cries out to Father God, He hears. God is so great and awesome. I'm excited as I learn more about Him.

(Father God, I am clay in Your hands. I know that You fashion me to be what You desire. I also understand that while I am clay, I have a free will - unlike earthly clay. I can make decisions that cause Your perfect plan to be marred. Yet, You quickly and wonderfully fix, smooth, rework, and perfect the clay. You don't remove the consequences of my bad decisions You use them to Your glory. I stand amazed at all times at how You can continually do that without losing it. Thank You Father God for loving me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.)

Desires of the Heart

I've been pondering the desires of the heart a lot during the last few weeks. Why does God create desires in our hearts? How does He change those desires? How does He fan those desires? How do I know the desire is one that He placed there while He was shaping me before I was born? I know the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. But as I've blogged before, God gives us a new heart when we trust him. So, now my heart, the innermost part of me, the part that is truly me - wonders what is the desire from God and what is my own flesh being influenced by the media and society? I seek to know the very threads that God used to weave me together.

I want to know the desire and passion that He placed in me for my job, for my family, for my ministry. I'm am steadily tapping into that fundamental desire to know Him. Intimately. Deeply. Personally. Without fear. As I get to know Him, I want to know my purpose for Him.

(Father God, thank You for all that You do. I know You see the confusion and desires of my heart. I know that You have a plan to prosper me and that You direct my paths. Yet, Father, I feel so alone at times. Please help me to hear what You have for me. In the name of Jesus, Amen.)

CHRISTmas!

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this day that our nation has set aside to celebrate as the day You were born in flesh. I pray that every person that hears the phrase Merry Christmas knows that it really is about You.

I praise You for what you did for me. This gift of salvation so freely offered but at such a great price to you. Thank you.

I love you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Rejoicing

Mom has been doing great through the tests and today's treatment. The chemo went great today and now we will watch closely the next couple of days to make sure that nothing goes wrong.

God is so gracious to allow this time and to move Mom through each step with His strength. I am learning so much about the nature of God through this. He is so in control.

(Lord, God, I praise you for all that you do. Thank you for carrying Mom as she faces this challenge. I see your strenght even in her weakness. You are an awesome God. Thank you. In Jesus' name, amen.)

Christmas Lights

I love Christmas lights. Every single twinkling one of them reminds me of Jesus as the light of my life and the true light. I go nuts at Christmas decorating the yard and the inside of the house. I don't need the presents, the wrapping paper, or the ornaments - although I do enjoy those things also. Every once in a while, I get to combine the lights and penguins. Aren't they cute. I can NOT image Christmas without the lights. No matter the color each one of them dispells the darkness. I cling to that promise from God.

1 John 2:8: Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth.

I praise God that He loved me before I even knew of Him. That He sent His Son to be the light. My heart is filled to overflowing.

(Lord, I thank you so much for light. In Jesus Name, Amen.)

What comes next? Random thoughts...

We are preparing for chemotherapy around here. My brother is mad at me because I don't call exactly when he wants. I'm beginning to really struggle with maintaining my own household while caring for Mom. And, I haven't even begun the difficult part of caring for mom yet.

I hate cancer. My heart breaks when I see Mom. She's not that old. She shouldn't look like my great-grandmother. As a child I remember seeing great grandma and thinking that she was so old. I couldn't understand how she was still alive. Now, mom reminds me of that and I just hate it.

I thank God that things have worked out for her treatment. I know that she would not have been able to go through this back home. God really has something going on here, I just don't know what. I'm not scared of losing mom. I know what the future holds and I know that God holds her. That's enough.

I will admit though that I don't know that I have the strength to get through all this. My heart desires a physical presence to lean on through this. I admit that I envy others in relationships where when they are caught up in a sad moment, they turn to their spouse and rest there. I desire that.

(Lord, I turn these desires over to you. Please carry them for me. Thank you. In Jesus name, amen.)

Cancer = Caretaker

Well, it's official. My mother has cancer. And God is calling me to be her care giver while she undergoes treatment. Please pray for me. I must rely totally on God for this ability as it is not something that comes to me naturally.

Every cancer is different. Every treatment is different. While there may be some similiarities in the way the cancer presents and is treated, ultimately each one is unique. When dealing with cancer and cancer treatment, the way it's approached is as unique as the situations.

The adjustment is somewhat of a shock. Yet, I don't think there is anything different I can do. Mom is living with me for awhile. God knows if it's going to be for a long period or no. There's so much that I want to do but I don't want to overdo. I pray that God gives me the strength to do as He desires through all this. He has a reason. I'll listen to hear what He says.

(Lord, I pray that you will wrap your love around my mother and keep her close to your heart. Thank you for this woman that has cared for me, taught me, disciplined me, and listened to me. I pray that you will keep my perspective on you through it all. My heart cries for relief for Mom, yet I seek your will. In Jesus' name, amen.)

It's Thanksgiving!!

I love Thanksgiving. I like the holiday and the time off but I really love thanks giving. I love to thank God for the many wonderful blessings that He has bestowed. I'm thankful for my health. I'm thankful for the children that God has allowed me to parent. I'm thankful for my pets. I'm thankful for Christmas lights. I'm thankful for a vehicle that runs. I'm thankful for a bathtub. I'm thankful for the Internet. I'm thankful for words. I'm thankful for the food that fills my belly. I'm thankful for pickles. I'm thankful for the wind. I'm thankful for laughter. I'm thankful for friends that surround me. I'm thankful for cinnamon. I'm thankful for being able to read. I'm so glad that God is. I'm so glad that He gives. I'm so glad that He lives!

(Dear Lord, I do thank you. Thank you for being my strong tower. Thank you for allowing me to lean on the everlasting arms. Thank you for sheltering me under your wings. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for taking the price of my sin. Thank you for not letting me know just how much that cost. But, mostly, thank you for my salvation. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.)

Thoughts of My Father

I've been thinking about my father a lot in the past few months. Since his passing in September 2006, I've often thought of him and missed him yet there seems to be something different about these thoughts. In some ways, I did not know my father well. I knew him only as my father. He was a very private man. Dad did not waste his words. He preferred spending time in the woods over spending time in the city. He provided for his family. He protected us. It is my shame that I never got to know him as a person. I hunger for that knowledge now. I want others to tell me what they knew about him.

Mostly, I want to know his relationship with Jesus. He never talked about it. I search my memories for how Dad was an example of Christ. I diligently seek to identify those characteristics from Galations 5 in his life.

(Dear Lord, thank you for the earthly father you gave me. Help me to identify Your presence in his life. Help me to make sure Your presence is evident in my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.)

Awesome God

Yes, my God is awesome. He is so good, faithful, and consistent. He cares for me. He is orchestrating things for my good even when I don't know it. Yes, He is awesome. My work was overwhelming me. The project could not be accomplished in the time frame given. I sought God's protection and relief through prayer. I prayed, my family prayed, my church sisters prayed. But, God had already been at work on the hearts of those at work. He brought us to a place of understanding so that the project time line was extended. It happened in the time that He wanted. I was in a position of lost power and humility. He is great. He shows His power in these -- uh -- magnificent ways. There is no fan fare to it. It is in the things taken for granted. We, no, I have to stop and see them.

(Lord, thank you for taking care to put everything in place so that I would not be broken. Thank you for being in the little things. Your power is magified there. In Jesus' Name I pray, amen.)

Energy Drain

Ever had that feeling that your life energy is being sucked out of you? That feeling sorta like wind blowing over your skin as you move through it- only it's the stuff that keeps you going that is blowing away?

It's been like that for about 5 weeks now. There is so much going on in my head that I don't know what I've thought or what I should think next. There is much around me that pulls the energy away. I know that our battle is not flesh and blood but spiritual.

Television shows that undermine the authority of parents, shows that glamorize death, shows that promote indecency of all shapes and sizes. Music that plants suggestions in the minds of our youngsters. Enraged drivers without self-control and foul mouths all pull away the energy that sustains me.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

This is what energizes me. This is what brings me life. Jesus.

(Lord God, thank you for the life that you have provided for me to live. Thank you for the blessings that line each and every moment of my existence. Thank you for the reminder that you provide life and when you provide life it is good life. In Jesus name, amen.)

So much...

I have so much on my prayer list this evening. Each of the blogs I follow has something that I want to bring before our Great God. My day has many items that I know He knows but I want to discuss with Him.

I have so much for which I am thankful. I am reminded that the volume of the books could not hold all that Jesus did during His earthly ministry. My mind can not hold all my thanks or my requests. I have to give them over to God.

(Lord, I'm in an attitude of prayer even now. Hear my voice. Give me the grace to accept the answer to each request as You provide it. Give me the grace to accept Your will in every situation even and most especially when it is not what I'm requesting. Thank You, in Jesus' name, amen.)

Fireproof - Oh, yes!

http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

I am a movie nut. I love going to the movies (except those stupid horror flicks that have NO purpose on the screen at any time or in any place). A good action film and I invest my emotions into the characters. I watch movies in my head as I read a book. Take for instance the Biblical book of Ruth. When I read, my mind's eye develops the scene and my mind's ear hears the dialog. I invest in these historical characters with the same gusto as I do the movies on my TV. I cry when the heroine/hero is hurting. I laugh when she/he laughs. I fall in love with the good guys and hold the bad guys at arm's length.

So, I must confess. I spend money on movies. I try to be discerning about the movies. I am only willing to spend so much money on any particular movie. When I learned that the movie ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church released a good movie. I determined to spend money on the movie at the theatre (twice) and to purchase the DVD. Then, I waited patiently for the next release (okay not real patiently).

My daughter and I went to see Fireproof this weekend. I will be going back with my son next weekend. My heart broke during the opening of the movie. I thank God for the clear message. There is much more I'll blog about this movie and my own personal experiences as time goes along (and the Lord tarries).

If you want to put your money where your mouth is and back up your Chrisitian values, go see this movie. Honor God with your presence there.

(Lord, I thank you that you have forgiven my sins. I thank you that you created marriage and that you gave it to mankind. I thank you for a movie that helps show what a marriage that honors you takes. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.)

Messing with Technology Interfaces

It is amazing the knowledge that we have gained and use collectively as a society. Yet, the simplicity of the foundation on which all that knowledge rests is incredible. I

• updated my Facebook,
• updated my blogs,
• transferred pictures from my camera, and
• updated a web site.

Those were the things I did for myself. As an IT professional, I do those types of things (and more) every day for other people. It never ceases to amaze me what we can do with zeros and ones. Yes, that really is what it's all about... 101100111100001101011010... zeros and ones. It's a zero or a one. It's on or it's off. It's either charged or not. I'm alive or I'm not. You believe or you don't. How simple is that?

(Lord, thank you for making it so easy. Forgive me when I try to add to it and make it difficult. Thank you for being the great I AM. In Jesus' name, amen.)

Heavy Confused Heart

Tonight I have a heavy, confused heart. I know that our heart is decietful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9) but I also know that God gives a new heart at salvation (Ezekiel 36:26). Then, I know that those two hearts struggle one against the other (Galations 5:17) as I live out my daily life. Why are people so unwilling to follow the rules? Why are we teaching our children that the rules don't apply to them? Why? How can we expect them to believe that salvation in Jesus is the way when the rules get changed or ignored? Isn't the logical thought process to then believe that if the rules can be changed for me about the class I attend the rules can also be changed for my salvation? Oh, how I wish I could make them understand how dangerous this path is!

(Lord, God, You know what burdens my heart this evening. You know. Please let me hear Your voice as I try to fulfill the work You've called me to in Your church body. Don't let me be distracted by the devil's ways. Thank you. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.)

Fireproof the Movie

Why would a single mom experienced in divorce recommend such a movie? I recommend this movie because one of my greatest heartaches is the loss of my marriage. I never want anyone to experience the pain of being ripped in half emotionally. God is good. He will heal if we turn and seek Him.

From the first time that I heard Sherwood Pictures was doing a third movie, I could harldly stand the wait. And now, the movie release date is near (Sept. 26). I praise God this group of people are willing to put it all on the line for the message He wants us to hear.



(Lord God, I pray for the message this movie delivers. I pray that You will use it to touch hearts lives and marriages in a mighty and obvious way. I pray that it will also touch the hearts of single men and women to know the love You give is greater still than any other. Thank you. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.)

Smoking a Camel

I remember my attempt at smoking cigarettes took place somewhere in my grade school years. Mom and Dad both smoked at that time. I checked Mom’s pack of light filtered cigarettes but there were too many in it. She’d notice if it were gone. I checked Dad’s pack of unfiltered Camel’s. Hmmm, there were only three in it. I could sneak that out and no one would really notice. I crawled under the house (out of sight and hiding; or so I thought) to begin my smoking adventure. Well, what an adventure it was. I lit that cigarette, gently sucked in and … Oh! that! hurt!! Cough, cough, cough, spit, spit, and cough some more. OH! That really hurt!! My one and only personal adventure with a cigarette was now complete.

Don’t try to tell me God doesn’t know what He’s doing. It was not coincidence that I ended up with Dad’s nasty, nasty cigarettes. And, even if I was under the house out of everyone else’s sight, God knew where I was and what I was doing. “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.” (Job 42:2) Thankfully, it was God’s way of keeping me from an addiction.

(Lord God, thank you for seeing the big picture. I only get to see the pieces of the puzzle that are close around me. I don't always know or understand why things happen in the way they do but You know. That's enough for me. I miss my dad. In eighteen short days it will be two years since he passed. Thank you for holding me close through these days to come. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.)

Alcohol and Spirit

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Ephesians 5:18

Many, many moons ago, I regularly partook in intoxicating beverages. When I drank I was making a specific choice to do activities outside my "normal" characteristics. I chose to make decisions I could then blame on the alcohol. Was I an alcoholic? Did I suffer from alcoholism? Well, in order to answer those questions I had to determine how alcoholism is defined. Here's what I found at dictionary.reference.com...

• habitual intoxication; prolonged and excessive intake of alcoholic drinks leading to a breakdown in health and an addiction to alcohol such that abrupt deprivation leads to severe withdrawal symptoms
• an intense persistent desire to drink alcoholic beverages to excess
• a chronic disorder characterized by dependence on alcohol, repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages, the development of withdrawal symptoms on reducing or ceasing intake, morbidity that may include cirrhosis of the liver, and decreased ability to function socially and vocationally.

Did I need a drink when I got up? No. Did I need a drink just to make it through the day? No. Did I need a drink every day? No. Did I suffer withdrawal symptoms after stopping the intake? Mildly and only occasionally. When I examine my use in black and white it is crystal clear. I used alcohol to act like a fool, a choice I consciously made.

Augh, forgive me! I have no words to effectively express the cry of my heart at this depth of realization here.

Today, this confession carries great grief and intense sorrow. I am a wretched sinner saved only by the grace and mercy of the eternal I AM. God is so amazing. (I can't say that enough.) He loved me even when I chose to act like a fool. Christ paid for that foolishness so that it would not be beaten out of me. It was an exacting price far beyond my ability to pay. Yet, He has forgiven me. Totally. Completely.

My grief and sorrow over the choice help keep me from returning to it. However, the Spirit is the antidote. As long as I keep the Spirit fed with fervent prayer and consistent scripture intake so that my relationship with Jesus flourishes, the effects of the poison are countered.

Lord God Almighty, Gracious, Merciful, thank you for the forgiveness that You offer and for the faith to accept it. In my finite mind, I can only minimally grasp the magnitude of Your love and it overwhelms me. Hallelujah! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Back to School!

Yup, it's back to school time in my world. Off-spring are back in their respective schools and we've made it through the beginning of the session at work. I think I'd like the greener grass of year round school. It seems I might find it easier to keep a routine going. However, not ever having done year round school, it's only speculation at this point.

In any case, with the return of routine comes the return of blogging. God is faithful to keep me sustained in Spirit and Truth.

(Dear Lord, I pray that you will protect the teachers under your care. I thank you for the familiar routines of Autumn. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.)

Faithful and Correcting

This may seem like an odd title for a blog entry but it is very representative of my past few weeks. My body is physically tired from the stress of my job and the mental work that seems to surround every day. God has been faithful to provide a job for me. The job allows me to have a place to live, food to eat, and stuff I want. I have allowed the physical tiredness to distract me from the provision of God. Tonight, I was corrected.

Yes, God is faithful to give me what I need in the form of physical things. He is also faithful to give me what I need spiritually and mentally even when that means correcting me. Our church has a visiting evangelist this week. Tonights lesson was for me. It was all about being a mature Christian. 1. Mature Christians do not gossip. There is always an encouraging, uplifting, building message from a mature Christian. God showed me that I have some growing up to do. 2. Mature Christians see the blessings of burdens. God has been faithful to call to remembrance how the trials and burdens I've been through have been for His purpose. He's been working with me on this for some time. 3. Mature Christians know that to live IS Christ and to die is gain. God has much for me to learn here though He only gives me what I can handle each time.

(Lord God, forgive me for my loose lips, for the hurtful things I've said, for the negative tone about my church, for each time I have fallen short. Thank you for bridging the gulf between us so that I can know You. I cannot do this under my power, You alone are the power needed. I pray for that power to be evident through my life. Thank you for the salvation You have given to me. In Jesus name, I pray.)

Stonecipher

Between my house and my mother's house on the path most often taken, is an exit to "Stonecipher". When I passed this sign on our recent trip that way, I thought of the original Stone Cipher. Now you have to understand that I don't always jump at the first meaning of a word. Take cipher for instance, the first meaning of cipher is the number zero. Later meanings deal with coded methods of writing. Yes, I like the later meanings.

So, when I think of the original Stone Ciper, I think back to Moses. And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God. (Exodus 31:18) God is the One that wrote on the stone a code for us. The Key to that cipher died for the sins of the world.

(Lord God, I thank you that the message is simple and easily decoded. You loved me. You made me. You died for me. You wanted me. I accepted you. You will take me to heaven someday. Simply written. Simply perfect. You. In Jesus holy name I pray, amen.)

Information Overflow

Today has been a great day of learning. Our Sunday school lesson was from Daniel. Our pastor preached on creation for the morning service. The evening lesson was from 2 Thessalonians dealing with the end times. It was wonderful. I have much to consider and much for which I am thankful.

It was incredibly comforting knowing that God revealed himself to a worldly leader in Daniel. It was the king who saw that it was the Son of God with the 3 believers in the fire. I mused at the thought that others can see God with us during the times of the hottest trial if we rely on Him as they did. I also noted that it sometimes takes the times of trial for us to seek God's very presence in our lives and that God will bless that in accordance to His glory.

But, satan has reared his ugly head in our family. I am embarking on a study of how God views hate. What does it really mean when we speak, "I hate you"? How do those words affect God? Is this a serious offense in His eyes? If so, how serious? And finally, how can we replace those words of hate with words that are encouraging and peaceful?

(Lord God, I ask that you empower our search for Your answers on hate. I ask that you keep satan or his emissaries from meddling in our search for the truth. Build a hedge around us as we endeavor to seek Your face in this matter. Thank you for the words of encouragement in Daniel and the promise that You will never leave us. Thank you for the beautiful creation that You placed around us. Thank you for creating me in Your image and for Your purpose. Thank you that You loved me. In Jesus precious name, Amen.)

Speeding Along

During this weekend's travels I found myself speeding along the highway. I was convicted. Wow, it seems like such a small thing just a couple of miles over the speed limit - 67 in a 65. Yet, God used that to speak to me. It is rebellion. Rebellion against the governing laws. If I'm comfortable speeding along in defiance of the country's laws, am I also willing to continue on sinning in defiance of God's laws? Am I speeding along in my little sin ignoring God's call to obedience and repentance? That sin could be a continual lie, not providing all my tithe, gossip, undermining the authority of the scripture, drinking alcohol, cursing, or any number of things just barely over the speed limit. I slowed down those two miles per hour and set my cruise control. Now, I'm seeking to slow down the sneaky sin and let God be my cruise control. I love the way God shares with us when we are open to hear His voice.


(Lord God, I pray that you will reveal the speeding sin in my life. Help me to turn to You for my cruise control. I thank you for being the govenor that keeps me from running away crazily. In Jesus name, Amen.)

Absence Explained

Yes, I've been away from the blog for a couple of weeks. There have been some changes at work that required extra thought processing and that increased my stress level exponentially.

And, I was preparing for a Mother/Daughter retreat at my mother's church. Mom lives 240 miles from me. It's interesting trying to make sure I understood everything that was going on for the retreat. (I didn't.)

I'm aware that there really is no normalcy about my life. Yet, I am making time to get back to this. I distracted myself so that I might be able to enrich my relationship with both my mother and my daughter in accordance with God's desires for us. I know it was the right thing to do because Satan tried to interfere using my work. He was not successful. God did enrich my relationship with Him, Mom and Daughter.

(Dear Lord, thank you for the travel time and the retreat time with my female family members. Thank you for the ones willing to care for my male family member in my absence. I pray that I will be able to take the things that You spoke to me from the retreat and use it for Your glory alone. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

Mundane and Not Exciting

My evening described in just a few words. Cleaning, laundry, dishes, and lectures were the mundane items. None of them were exciting. I would have much preferred to be studying and seeking treasure from God's Word. Instead, I was folding t-shirts and underwear. I have a hard time getting excited about chores. I'm not good at them. I haven't (even after all these years) figured out how to do them efficiently.

But, the sense of work done keeps me coming back. I know it's a never ending job. There will always be one more piece of laundry, one more dirty dish, one more crumb on the floor, one more leaf to rake, one more blade of grass to mow, one more, one more. I like having clean clothes and dishes. I like having a floor that your shoes don't stick too. So, I'll keep doing as many of these things as I can.

By the way, I got a new penguin this week. I'll post him as soon as I get him photographed.

(Lord, thank you for the things that should be done. My heart could get into a lot more mischief if I didn't have those things. I get into enough as it is. Guard my heart and keep my focus on You. In Jesus' name, Amen.)

Thorns, Briers and the Kings Kids

Read Judges 8:16-23.

Gideon gave a Bible lesson using thorns and briers. Praise the Lord I missed that one.

Consider the testimony of Gideon in this passage. "As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king." Even as as he taught with thorns and briers, demolished a tower and fought men to the death, he carried himself as a child of the King. What is it about Gideon that these men recognized? I believe our answer to be found a few short verses later...

And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the LORD shall rule over you.

There it is (verse 23). The Lord ruled Gideon's life and it was obvious to all who came in contact with him.

(Lord, thank you for the scripture from which I can learn. Help me to be recognizable as a child of the King no matter what I'm doing. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

God Moments - March

I'm enjoying a study of the God Moments in my life. It's loosely based on the book "God Moments" by Alan Wright. It's basically a study of the feasts of Israel taken from Leviticus 23. My homework for each chapter is to journal, blog, photograph or otherwise capture a memory that God brought to mind during the study. I have truly enjoyed rehearsing these God Moments thus far and am so excited to see what God reminds me of in the future.

So, the assignment for March is to capture 3 moments. One is a moment of "Holy Attraction", another is an "Amazing Rescue", and the third is what ever God brought to mind. (In reverse order...)

1. God pricked my heart to really remember why I collect penguin items (and to showcase them). He asks me to remember what it is about penguins that reflects Him. I've given a few glimpses (here and here) into what penguins mean to me but there is much more that I've not been able to verbalize just yet.

2. Amazing Rescue - God filled my mind with scenes from my childhood. I grew up in the country near a creek with two older brothers. Yes, I followed them through briars, trees, fences, and mud. I followed them down snowy hillsides onto the ice covered creek. I followed them and their friend as they forged through the creek waters swollen from the rain. Rushing waters that knocked a young girl off her feet and sent her spiraling and bobbing into deep water. I never lost conciousness and I survived that day. My brother's friend pulled me from the water. I lay gasping for breath and spitting up water on the grassy bank that spring. It is a memory forever etched in my mind - a time when God's supernatural protection abounded.

3. Holy Attraction - It was 1986, I was a freshman in college. I was not walking with God. There was too much that I had to experience. I wanted to make decisions for myself. After all, I had new found freedom. There were six of us in the dorm room that day. Someone unfolded a small foil package. There it was. Crack. The presence of the Holy Spirit within my own body was so intense. Leave. Now. Get away from this. I did. It took less than a minute after seeing the drugs for me to be away from that room and that temptation. In some ways it was less of an Holy Attraction and more of a Holy Aversion. I have never used illegal drugs because I knew that God did not want that for me. I have never been interested in doing drugs. Even now I am careful of the prescription drugs that I take. Why did I feel compelled to leave that room so strongly? I rest fully in the knowledge that it was God that drew me away from that. I wish I could say that it was a major turning point in my life but I had much learning to do still.

(Lord God, I thank you so much for Your presence in that room. I thank you for Your strength which drew me away. I thank you for Your presence at the creek. I thank you for Your strength through my human rescuer that day. I am truly humbled that you would keep me from harm in so many ways. I am awed that you would draw me to yourself even when I was too blind to recognize it. Forgive me. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

Spring Break - Over

Yes, spring break is over. The kids and I will get back to our routine beginning tomorrow. I have one that is excited to go back to school and one that, well, isn't.

I miss the routine when it's not there. Oh, don't get me wrong, I fight routine. I don't really "like" it. Routine is boring. Routine is the same ol', same ol'. Ugh! Routine doesn't allow for the creativity my mind thinks it craves. Yet, I know that routine is good for me. Physically, it's good to get regular sleep. It helps cut down on stress and weight gain. Mentally, it's good to know what's expected next in the day. So, sometimes I find myself wandering about aimlessly when the routine has been interrupted.

I believe that can also be the case spiritually. God calls us to consistency in our relationship with Him. He is always consistent. (He is never boring and He is very creative so I'll not describe Him as routine.) When I lose the routine, consistent time with God I begin wandering about aimlessly in the spirit. God wants me to be focused on the hope of His return.

Tonight I am thankful that spring break is over and the routine returns.

(Lord God, Thank you for the blessed hope that Your resurrection brings. I am so glad that You made a way for us to have a relationship that is intensely personal. Your love is amazing and beyond the boundaries of my feeble mind. I thank you that You loved me even before I knew I needed you. I praise you for the sacrifice you made. I'll never know what it means. I'll never be able to fully comprehend the depth of love and pain you experienced. Thank you. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

Sharing the story with caution

I am so thankful for those that God has called to share the intimate details of a specific journey. The Adams family as they share the journey of their family dealing with an adopted child with transplanted organs. The Lawrenson family as they share the journey of a preemie and mom with Cystic Fibrosis. I hesitate to get too involved with some of the other blogs that I've visited. I invest a lot emotionally. I spend enough time keeping up with just the two. It can get very distracting to chase rabbits on the Internet. (Yet, I still do it.)

God calls me to share my own story. The story of His moments in my life. The great! The good, and the incredible awful things as well. I've worked in the Information Technology field long enough to have heard almost every single horror story associated with sharing too much. I have to know the legal ramifications of what I'm doing as well. That's why I won't share the names of my children. You may hear about them or know situations in their life but you will never get the complete picture or specifically any pictures of them. Not because I am ashamed but because I must protect them. There are some readers of this blog that do actually know me. Most will not and will only know the things that are provided in writing here.

There are parts of our story that will be terribly difficult to share, especially in an anonymous exchange such as this blog. Yet, I know they must be shared in order to recognize the fullness of God's mercy, grace, salvation and glory. I do not share my story or observations to invite comments (I moderate all comments). I do not share my story or observations to invite theological debate.

I do share my story and observations to encourage another that might be struggling. I do share my story and observations to answer the call God has made. I do share my story and observations so the God may be honored.

(Lord God, please use this blog for Your honor and glory. Please help me to focus on what You have to say with each post. Make it an honorable thing. Thank you for the families that You have called to share their journey through this format. Thank you for showing Your strength, grace and mercy through each one. Thank you for the encouragement they are. Hinder any attempts by the enemy to twist Your work. In Jesus name, Amen.)

Powerful Prayer and Inspiration Locations

Today God reminded me of how powerful He really is. I've been struggling with stress at my job and I've asked the ladies in my Sunday School class and the prayer warriors in Wednesday Prayer Meeting to remember me as I deal with the situation. God is faithful. He has answered the prayers of His children. I have been able to concentrate and get tasks completed in face of the stress and struggles. I've been able to come home each day with a tired body but a calm spirit. My heavenly Father God is incredible.

Where do I get my moments? I draw inspiration first from God's own Word, the Bible. That's the reason I have sixty gazillion little scrap pieces of paper with a reference written down on each one. (I have no doubt that some of them are duplicates.) Next, I draw from the feeding I get from my fabulous Pastor who uses the Bible as his primary resource. For day to day pick-me-ups, I visit Our Daily Bread Online and Proverbs 31 Ministries Blog Online. I have various study guides and topical books although I am careful to read these in the light of scripture. It seems that just because something claims to be a Christian book it might not be so on the pages.

There are so many other books, songs, people, things, etc. that God uses to make a moment in my life. I am truly blessed.

(Lord God, thank you for holding me together during this time. I know it's not over and I can't see the end but I know that YOU can. That's all that really matters. Bless each one that has lifted me up in prayer this week, please. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.)

Faithful Promise - From the Archive

Date Unknown.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)

Just when things seem to go the worst, remembering that God is with me brings a measure of confidence. Most days, I read my devotional and then read the section of scripture that goes along with it as the foundation for my day. This has made it easier for me to be calm throughout the day. I find that I am not as quick to anger. I tend not be critical and degrading to others. And pleasant thoughts come easier. I know that Satan will attack and I know that God will overcome. I can usually tell when I have not spent the time securing my foundation for the day. There is so much that I want to do for God and sometimes I feel like I can never get any of it done. I will try to call on God's promise and know that I can do whatever He desires of me. While I know this in my head, applying it to my heart is where the difficulty comes in.

(Lord, I am so glad that Your promises are faithful. I am weak and blinded. Your thoughts are so incredible that my mind cannot grasp the fullness of them. I pray that You will fill me with Your spirit so that I might fully see Your promises. I pray that organizing these thoughts and sharing them (even after all this time) bring honor to You. I pray, Lord, that I learn what You would have me to know from all this. Again today, I thank You for loving me to death and life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen)

Pack Rat Traits

On occasion, I loose sight of the penguin traits that I'd like to emulate and take on the incredible traits of a pack rat. Okay, often I do. I have many many boxes of children's school papers that I have kept. And, I've been culling the ones that have come home since 6th grade. So, I have all these boxes of papers in the attic that I should go through.

I also have just about every scrap paper on which I've written a reference to a verse. Now, some of them have other statements besides the verse address. But, many do not. Some of them are references from a sermon or lesson. I have no idea what that verse meant to me at the time I wrote it down. AUGH! It was a shiny button or trinket that caught my eye at the time. I carried it off to my nest and put it with the rest of the glittering objects.

I don't know if pack rats go back through their treasure but God calls me to do such a thing. He repeatedly tells me to remember His mighty works, to remember who He is, to remember what He has done for me. Today, I remember that He wrote my name in the book of life. He has removed my sin and remembers it no more. He has transformed my deceitful heart and given me a heart of life. God is awesome.

(Lord, thank you for saving my soul. Thank you for remembering my sin no more. Thank you for the only way to know you. Thank you for the wonderful treasure You give me through Your word. Thank you for the grace and mercy that You personally extended to me. Thank you also for the judgement. Thank you for the rules that keep me safe. Forgive me when I so bluntly ignore them. Help me to accept the necessary chastisement. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.)

Feathered Refuge - Author Unknown

(This is a devotional given to me by a friend many years ago. I wish I knew who wrote it so that I could credit them properly.)

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91:4

Living in the extreme ends of the earth, emperor penguins are the only warm-blooded creatures to live in the coldest reaches of the Antarctic in July, the worst part of their perpetual winter. The climate is most inhospitable. They live in close huddles numbering into the thousands. To retain enough warmth for survival, they shuffle continually, taking each their turn on both the inside and the outside of the circle.

When the mother penguin has laid her egg, she will leave. She goes to feed in the cold sea water, waddling long distances over the ice to do so.

Meanwhile, the father balances the egg on top of his shuffling webbed feet. There it rests, swaddled under an "apron" of fine feathers. No matter how bitter the cold around him, the temperature there holds at precisely 98.6 degrees F. After sixty-five days the baby chick hatches. Should it accidentally fall from its low perch and out of the warmth, it would last only two minutes in the intense cold. It remains in its warm covert until the climate takes a turn, and the temperature inches up to a more moderate level.

After awhile the mothers return well fed, now able to feed each one their own fledgling with regurgitated fish. Next it is the fathers' turn to go and feast.

When a little older the youngsters gather in large groups in a bird-kind of daycare. It is warmer by now, the water closer. When the mothers return from fishing, they look for their babies. Among all the thousands of chicks, they find each their own by the sounds they make.

I thought about God's plan for us when I read of the penguins. We, too, live in an inhospitable cold world. Here our young are born, and here is where we raise them. As innocent children, their souls are safely in the Father's keeping, sheltered under the feathers of His grace.

But parents need to forage for food. No matter how cold the sea, we must feed on the Word so we have the right diet for our children. Unless we nurture the spirit within us, we have nothing to give them. We need to make God's word digestible for them. Breaking the truths we have been shown into small enough pieces, they can assimilate them better.

Penguins are equipped to live in cold climates. The Creator has seen to that. But one penguin alone could not survive the winter. They need a huddle, just like we need the church. However, no matter how large the grouping, if the penguins would not keep moving, they could hardly survive. Should believers become inert and frozen, having left the warm wings of God, they cause the death of many others.

Today I want to keep close under His wings. Hiding there, His life within me, I want to feast on His word. If I don't, I will have nothing to feed "my young."

(Father God, thank you for reminding me of the care You put into all of your creation. Thank you for sheltering me, feeding me, and warming me through the harsh winters of my life. I pray that I might not forget the things You have shown me and that I would show them to my own. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.)

Why Penguins?

Many years ago, my mom gave me a penguin lamp. Then, I found two candles in a store. They were green holiday penguins. I thought they were so cute. (Years later they got melted out of the original shape when left in a hot place.) Then I started actually looking for items to add to the collection when my mom gave me a ceramic cookie jar.

Over the years, I've gotten small items and large items. Stuffed penguins, stickers, ornaments, candles, magnets, material, earrings, clothing, pictures, glass, and many other items are all a part of my eclectic collection. I'll share pictures along the way.

Why penguins? Back when I started, they were hard to find. Very few people were interested in them and I wanted to collect something that was out of the ordinary. In the past few years, it seems like they have come out of the woodwork and are everywhere. Of course, my favorites are the ones that are truly unique. It's fun to get the mass produced items from the discount store but I really love the ones that come from unusual places. I'm looking forward to sharing them and their stories - at least the ones I can remember.

(LORD, thank you for the penguin. It is one of the greatest testimonies of Your creation. In Jesus name, Amen.)

Flashlights and Candles - From the Archives

July 23, 2003

Psalm 18:28, 32
For thou will light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
It is God that girdeth me with strength and maketh my way perfect.

Sometimes when there doesn't seem to be anyway out of a bad, undesired situation, there is a light in the darkness. It may only be a small flicker at first but God reveals himself and the darkness disperses. Then, He clothes me in the strength to do what needs to be done. God is my modern candle - my flashlight - in a dark world. He reveals the traps and snags along my path so that I can walk safely around them. He shows me the beauty so that I might stop and enjoy. His light shows me His perfect trail ahead.

For further reading ... Psalm 18: 21-32

Defining the Archives

I have many scribbles, sticky notes, marked bulletins, study guides, and sheets of paper with references to specific verses in, on, or around my desk. I am a pack rat. I have a desire to put these tidbits all together in a devotional book or some semi-organized format. The random scraps of paper aren't doing anyone good.

On this blog, when I refer to the archives, it will be one of those scribbles, devotions, or notes from a sermon that touched my life in some way. There are only so many days in a year. If I can organize even some of these oddball papers onto this blog, I will be fulfilling the desire to share what God has spoken and done for me.

(LORD, I come before You laying my desire at Your feet. I pray that You will cultivate this desire if it aligns with Your will. I pray that You will use it for Your glory and honor. Thank You for making the way for me to know You. This I pray in Jesus name alone.)

Single parenting with the crazy flu

Well, the flu knocked me off my high horse this week. Yup. I've been struggling to maintain a complete thought since Tuesday. It's been a long time since I was this sick. My head has been in intense pain. The doctor gave me some great medicine and I'm on the road to recovery.

When I became a single parent six years ago, it did not come to mind to prepare for this. Someone still has to get the kids to school. Someone still has to clean the house. Someone still has to fix meals. Someone still has to pay bills. Someone still has to take out the garbage. The kids do a good job of taking up some of the slack but some of it they just can't do. And, they are not supposed to do it yet. They are still kids. Neither of them have a drivers license or job.

It's times like these when I really have to cling tight to Jesus. I'm hundreds of miles away from my family. God is teaching me to rely on Him through His family, the church. If it weren't for the church, I would have no support here. Yet, I find it difficult to call on them for assistance. My pride thinks I can do this all by myself. And we all know that pride comes before a fall.

(Lord God Almighty, thank You for the love You show me each and every day in the small and sundry ways. Thank You for the love You show each moment in the great salvation You so freely offered. Thank You for the flu which reminds me that I don't have all the answers but that You do. Forgive my pride, I pray. Thank You for being my Great Physician. I pray that Your will be done in Jesus name alone.)

Mom and Blogging

My mom came to spend a week with us. It was wonderful having her here. It was a most special time because we did not "do" anything extra ordinary. We went shopping, had meals, talked, laughed, and spent quiet time together. It really doesn't get any better than that.

(Lord, please keep my mother safe. Draw her near to you and bless her. Thank you for placing me in her care so many years ago. Thank you for the wisdom that she shares with me. Thank you for the extended family she has found since Daddy passed away. You are truly awesome. In the name of Jesus, I pray. )

Tired and wondering...

I haven't posted in a few days because I've been so busy at work that my mind is exhausted by the time I get home each evening. This evening, we went and had a great meal so I've got a bit of my mind back.

Please pray for Ashley tonight. She is in significant need of the Lord's intervention for her health.

I'm wondering if those of us calling ourselves Christian know what we are doing in this election cycle. Are we educating ourselves to the true nature of the candidates? Are we scrutinizing the candidates for honesty and consistency? Do we believe that we will never be persecuted for our faith? Are we asking God to raise up a righteous man to lead our nation? Are we asking God to forgive our national sins?

I'm wondering what our lives will be like in one year? Will the LORD have raptured out His bride? Will we be hiding our Bibles to keep them from being confiscated and burned? Will we be holding church in basements to keep our faith from being discovered? Will our fellow church members be killed or imprisoned because they believe in Jesus Christ? Will the tares among the wheat be turning us in? Will we be that close to the tribulation time? Are we that close now?

(Lord God, please forgive me for not memorizing Your Holy Word more fervently. I pray for focus to do that now. Please forgive our sin as a nation. Forgive us for putting other idols on Your throne. Thank you for the salvation that you so freely gave to me. Raise up a righteous and God-fearing man to lead our country. For when a righteous man leads, we will rejoice. I praise Your Name. I pray in Jesus name alone. )

Today, I saw the face of God...

Now, someone might say, "Huh? That's just Nathan."

God says He knew me before I was knit together in the womb (Jeremiah 1:5, Isaiah 44:2). He says that He loved me before I knew I needed His love (I John 4:10, Matthew 6:8). He says that He loved me so much that He was willing to die in my place (2 Corinthians 5:21, John 3:16). He joyed in me at His salvation (Luke 15:7, Psalm 105:43, Zephaniah 3:17).

I was so helpless, so tiny, so small when I sought Jesus with my heart. My age didn't matter. What mattered was God's love for me. I wasn't perfect, mature or even big enough to be on my own, yet He overlooked all that to see something more. I was His creation, fashioned in His image. He knew I wouldn't do everything right. He knew there would be times when I intentionally sought things not good for me. He knew. He still loves me.

I see these beautiful pictures of Nathan and Gwyneth and wonder. Do you think God snuggled each of His children like that? I do. Do you think He holds each one and looks down in love? I do! Do you think He looks through tears of love and joy at us? I do! Do you think He carefully, gently wraps His hands around us and pulls us up close to His heart? I DO! Ahh, dear friend, I saw the face of God today. Did you?

(Dear LORD, thank you for showing me this side of You. Thank you for putting it in Nathan's heart to share this journey so that You might encourage me and so many others. I pray now that You will continue to bless this young family. Continue to use them for Your glory and honor. Thank you. In Jesus' name alone. )

Encouraged

Yes, today God encouraged me through the two blogs that I follow a bit fanatically. Both had awesome answered prayers. (Thank you, LORD.)

Well, my birthday approaches. If you have a December - February birthday in Oklahoma you'll know what that means. You can plan a party but expect rain or snow if you do! As a child I would be so excited that I was having a party. Yes! No! If it was cold enough, it would snow and no one would venture out on the hazardous roads. If it wasn't cold enough, it would rain so much the creek near our house would flood and no one could get in (or out). After a while I just quit trying. I really don't remember if I ever actually pulled off a party or not. I'm sure there had to be at least one.

Somewhere along the line, God finally got it into my head that just like my birthday plans, I can plan my life but if it doesn't fit into what He has planned for me (Jeremiah 29:11) it might be washed out or frozen over. Have you ever read that verse with the surrounding ones? (Jeremiah 29:10-13) Wow, God is great!

Ever had one of those days...

... where you couldn't even complete a thought? I've so much going on in my mind that nothing gets to completion.

I am so thankful that our God is not that way. He is perfect - perfectly just, perfectly good, perfectly loving, perfect. Everything He does gets completed. It shows in the way He creates a life and fashions it to His glory. It shows in the way He provides salvation for each one willing to accept it. Those are complete things. They are done perfectly.

I also am thankful that He doesn't require me to be perfect. Today was a shining example of how far below the mark I really fall. Even now, there is a struggle to complete this writing.

(Dear Lord, I pray for a focus now to get down this God Moment. I have no strength or power of my own to accomplish it. You and You alone can bring it to fruition. In Jesus' name I pray.)

Wow, look at that! He completes. When I turn to Him, He completes. There is nothing more that I can add.

Thankful for ...

... a car that fits in the garage so that I don't have to scrape the ice off of it in the mornings.
... a garage big enough to fit my extra stuff and the car.
... four walls and a roof to a house that protects me from the wind, ice and other elements.
... enough food to keep me from going hungry.
... a big warm coat to wear if I just have to get outside in the winter.

Yes, they may seem like small things to some people but on days like today I really am grateful that they all exist in my life. I'm just not an overall fan of cold weather. I have a tendency to curl up in front of the TV with chips and soda to eat and a blanket to keep me warm. I'd build a fire if it meant that I didn't have to get out from under the blanket. Winter depresses me. I realize that I would not appreciate the warm weather if I never had the cold to compare it too. I know me. I'd take that warm weather for granted. It's odd that I would be so attracted to penguins based on my aversion to being cold. I adore all the penguins but the ones that live in the harshest, coldest climates fascinate me. I'll tell you more about that another time.

I'm glad you stopped by to observe the ramblings of a simple mind. See you next time.

Bridges and Babies

My mind has been swirling with the difference God makes in a life. I hear and know of wonderful families that are so thankful for the miracle child they have. Then, this week carries the news that a father has thrown his 4 children off a bridge to their deaths. The gulf between depravity and love has become a little more clear for me.

Gwyneth Rose has been honored with parents - Nathan and Tricia - that cherish her immensely, even in times of trouble. Their faith is obvious and strong. At 24 weeks gestation, she made an early entry into this world. She is beautiful. The details of her tiny body declare boldly of a Creator God who put a lot of thought into His creation. I praise Him for His wonderful works. Thank you, Nathan and Tricia, for being willing to share your story. I've only been reading a few days but it has truly blessed me.

Ashley Kate is a transplant survivor. Her parents cherish her all the time, even when her ornery streak shows. Their faith is obvious and strong. I've kept up with Ashley's story from the very beginning. The miracles that God has worked in her life and through her life are numerous. He even used her to open my heart.

Yet, my heart is broken each time I see the news reports on the 4 children thrown from the Dauphin Island Bridge by a father mad at the children's mother. I don't even have the words to express how heart wrenching this report is to me. How can a person be so selfish? What filled his life that would allow those thoughts to take over? And then put action to those thoughts? I just don't understand.

Do you see the difference? Parents that value life because they know God gave that life are such a contrast to a parent that has no regard for life.

(Dear God, forgive our nation, forgive our sins. Please Lord. Forgive us for letting the value You placed on lives go so far away. Thank you Lord.)

Oklahoma Pineapple

I've always enjoyed pineapple - from a can or even fresh. It is a sweet juicy fruit that comes in a pretty, prickly, unique container.

I learned a valuable lesson from a pineapple one summer. I had purchased a fresh pineapple for a family treat. I cut off the top, cut away the core and the rind to reveal the best part. Then, we tasted the sweet fruit. It was an every day event. Only, this time I asked my son if he wanted to plant the top.

Sure, okay. Well, we didn't really plant it. It stayed on the kitchen counter for a couple of days until I decided to do something with it. It wasn't carefully planted, I just sorta dumped it there in the compost pile with the rest of the trimmings. And then, I ignored it. But, God didn't. There was enough rain that summer to keep it watered. Then, after a period of time, I noticed that it was putting out new leaves. Hmmm... It had put down roots and begun to grow. How exciting, a pineapple in Oklahoma. This thing had been chopped off at the heart and abandoned in a pile of rotting stuff. Yet, God added some fertile soil and just enough water to cause new growth. Oh, God is good!

Did my pineapple produce any fruit? No, the harsh Oklahoma winter killed the plant before any fruit could be seen. (Of course, I didn't protect it from those harsh elements and if I had the outcome might be different.) Did that make it any less of a pineapple plant? No way. When a Christian has been cut up and tossed out - emotionally, spiritually or even physically - by this world, God still provides the soil of His Word and the water of His living Spirit to produce growth. And, for that I praise Him.

There is more that God wants to tell about Oklahoma pineapples... Stay tuned.

Work Routine

I forget how quickly I get caught back up in the work routine. I'm amazed how much energy my job takes some times. My kids think I just sit in front of a computer and play... Resolving issues, researching future projects, and keeping the current systems going requires a lot of focus and energy. It's been a good couple of days back. I thank God for the renewed appreciation He has given me.

My daughter brought home an assignment for me. I was to describe what I thought would be qualities that she would pick in her "perfect" mate. Then, I had to describe what I would pick for her in her "perfect" mate. She had already made her list of qualities. I didn't get to see her list until after I had finished mine. Incredibly, we had several things in common. She took it for granted that her perfect mate would have a sense of humor and I took it for granted that he would have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the only begotten of God.

Well, sleep is trying to take over so I'll be going for now.

Breath and Challenge

Well, it's almost time to get back into regular work activities. I'm thankful for the job that I have even though I don't always treat it honorably. There are times when I just get tired of getting up and going to the stress each day. This week I'm looking forward to addressing a couple of items that have been hanging on for quite some time. I'm sure there will be other things that interfere with the primary plans but I'll be seeking a singular focus from God in order to do the job He gave me for His glory.

Today's God Moment happened as I began praying for this week's work activities. God reminded me that He has the power over it all. And when I dwell on that thought, I recall that He has the power over my next hearbeat. He and He alone has given me breath. Just as He give power to the stars to light the night sky. How awesome.

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. (Job 12:10)

Our pastor challenged us today to live our life pure as if we know that Jesus is returning for His church at a set time some few hours in the future. God is good and will help when His children ask. There are times when I'm comfortable and don't consider how soon the return might be. Yet, I long for Christ to come. He has promised that we won't have the same struggles in heaven as we have on this earth. I desire that struggle free time. I desire the time when I can praise and honor with abandon knowing that the world and this flesh no longer have influence on me.

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9)

Thanks for listening.

Passing of time

Today was a sad day. The Christmas lights came down. I love Christmas. It is such a joy to see the lights and know that the Perfect Light came to us. Now my lawn looks bare and it's dark out there. I have one single penguin, Penjamin, left out. He's a lawn ornament that has a hat and bow tie that can be changed based on season. He's been wearing the Santa hat and red bow tie. I think I'll change the hat but leave the bow tie. So for Valentines Day, he'll be wearing his black top hat and the red bow tie. Yes, that's good.

Vacation is winding down and it's nearing time to get back to routine. It will be good. Ya'll have a great evening.

New Year, New Post

Surprise, I'm posting a new entry.

I've been land locked for some time. I am now hoping to get back to my daily swim in the blogging sea on a regular basis. I've refreshed my mind with the original intent of this blog and am looking to God for what comes next.

Psalm 4:2, 8

• O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will you love vanity and seek after leasing? Selah.
• I will both lay me down in peace and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

My mind races with questions. The first word that jumped out at me was "leasing". Did it mean the same thing at the time it was translated as it does now? Leasing a house, leasing a car... these are the things that come to mind in my little world today. Would that concept apply here? And, what word was it translated from? Might it have other meanings? Boy, I need to get some research tools.

God is talking here and He's talking to me because I'm one of those humans - those "sons of men" even though I'm a daughter. How long will I love vanity? Wait, what does vanity really mean in biblical terms? Let's go searching... The best online tool I've ever encountered is located at http://www.biblegateway.com/. There's a dictionary tool at http://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionaries. Searching Easton's dictionary for vanity doesn't provide a definiton. But, searching for leasing provides that it's an old English word meaning lies or lying. Hmmm... In the mean time, I found a biblical definition of vanity - "emptiness". Looking over the entry from http://blueletterbible.org/ which references the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, I see that "breath of air, vapor" would also be an appropriate definition.

Now that I'm armed with those definitions, let's see what God is asking me today...

• O human, how long will you pervert my reputation with sin? how long will you prefer emptiness and seek after lies?

The question cuts to my soul and echos in my mind. What about yours? How can I go forward? I'll start with confession of my daily transgressions in conversation with God even now. And reading on, I find solace in knowing that the Lord is the only one that provides true safety, peace and sleep no matter the circumstances. Thank you, LORD.

Good evening (oops, morning) to you all.