Beginning a Treasured Year

Today begins a Treasured Year. Yes, I'm teaching a 5th grade class and our theme is "A Treasured Year". God has been faithful in providing for me. He's made it possible for this position. He's showing His control. It's an awesome thing.

I love 5th graders. They have a zest for life and learning that is contagious. It's incredible. We'll be learning about what real treasure is. We'll find out who has treasure and how to get more treasure. We'll be learning nautical terms, music, drama, visual arts, reading, math, science, and history. Oh, it will be exciting.

(Father God, thank you for the blessing and opportunity to teach. I stand amazed at your goodness, grace and mercy. You are an awesome God. I pray that you will watch over each child in class and grant me the ability to show them just a little bit of you. Thank you. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Marriage and Job - Update

As I was reviewing my blog the other day, I realized there were many entries concerning the stress of my job at the University. Well, I no longer have that job. When the job went, so did the stress. I have been continually amazed at what stress I was under without realizing it. The peace that fills my soul now is incredible. I believe that God provided that job for as long as I needed it to keep my family stable but He had something better in store for me.

Oh yeah, God placed a wonderful man in my life and we got married. I made reference to this exciting event in these entries:

• Fallen in Love (3/11/09)
• Mary Kept (2/18/09)

(Father God, thank you for giving me the strength to wait for what you had in store for me. I am so blessed to have my sweet husband by my side. Please bless him now. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Mom and Cancer - Update

One of the first things that I needed to update is how my mom is doing with her cancer. Praise God, she is doing wonderfully well. She has completed all her chemotherapy. She has completed all the radiation. She has had her first follow-up visits and the doctors are pleased with her progress. A scope has been done on her nasopharynx and it looks clean with only minimal scarring.

However, she is having difficulty eating. The radiation basically destroyed all her taste buds and nothing has much flavor so she doesn't enjoy eating.

She has returned home and is no longer living with me. We are thankful but still we miss her.

For background information visit these blog entries:

• Rejoicing (12/16/08)
• What comes next? Random Thoughts... (12/9/08)
• Cancer = Caretaker (12/2/08)

(Father God, thank you for working in Mom's cancer situation. Thank you for placing everything just where you did and just when you did in order to ease the stress. Thank you for giving the doctors the knowledge to attack the cancer cells. Thank you for healing that comes only from you. Now, Father, I ask that you touch mom's taste and heal there as well. Encourage her to taste You through Your Word daily. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Going Over Things - Reviewing Blog

I reveiwed my blog yesterday. I wanted to make sure I didn't duplicate any blog entries and I discovered that there are some things that need to be updated. So, over the next couple of days I'll get updates to you on various topics. But first, let's review the purpose of the blog...

If you wonder what this blog is about, visit these entries:

• Welcome to the Daily Swim
• Sharing the Story with Caution
• Slack and Stopping Slack

If you wonder why penguins, visit this entry:

• Why Penguins?

If you wonder what the archives are, visit this entry:

• Defining the Archives

If you wonder what the soapbox is, visit this entry:

• Soapbox - Chain Letters

That should get you up to speed on the purpose of the blog and it's features.

(Father God, thank you for the ability to share about you. I pray that You will use this blog for Your glory. Help me to keep You as the center of it. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

All or Nothing and Treasure

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” (Exodus 19:5)

Okay, I got all excited about finishing my room for this academic year. I have this tendency to focus on the one thing that excites me and I put off doing everything else. So, my blog got ignored, again.

God is trying to teach me some balance. He's placed a faithful, loving, balanced man in my life. He is doing a good job of being an example that I can emulate. I just have to pay attention.

School starts next week. This year our theme is "A Treasured Year". We are exploring for treasure. We are defining treasure. We are sharing treasure. We are treasure. Yeee hawww!!

As we discover new treasure, I'll share bits and pieces along the way.

(Father God, bless this academic year with peace and wonder. Help us to find the treasure that You place value on. Help us to remove the things that are not True treasure. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Forgotten

Read chapter 8 of Deuteronomy.

Did you notice how much the United States has become like the people described there? We have plenty. And, we have forgotten the commandments of God. We are in a good land. Yet, we have forgotten that He is a holy God. We eat sumptuously. But, we have forgotten that He is a just God. We have a land that brings forth much produce. Still, we have forgotten He is a jealous God. We are full. None the less, we have forgotten that He is a perfect God. We are wealthy. And, we have forgotten He is a living God. By forgetting all these things about God, we are making our own false god.

It is our turn to pray as Moses did in the next chapter (9:18, 26-27). We must pray that we will not be destroyed. We must pray for remembrance. We must pray for mercy. I wonder what "work" God will do to the USA if we are subjected to Psalm 119:126 because we have made God's law void.

(Father God, I thank You for the bountiful land that You have provided these United States. I bless You for the good land which You have given us. I am thankful that we have eaten and are full. I praise you for the water, the wheat, and the honey. Oh, Father God, it is Your power that has made this possible. It is Your power that has made us wealthy. Please remember us and grant us mercy because we have forgotten You. I remember You, O LORD. I remember to walk in Your ways and to fear You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Giving My Best

Deuteronomy 17:1 "You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination to the LORD your God."

My God doesn't want rotten service. He wants the best. He gives the best, why should He expect anything less in return? As a matter of fact, anything less than the best is an abomination.

Consider that - an abomination. The society around me has watered down words like abomination. Oh, that's bad. No, that's fearful. If something is an abomination to you, you refuse it. You go above and beyond to make sure it never gets in your sight. You take the long way around to keep from being near it. You burn it. You stomp it under foot and grind it to powder. Yes, sloppy service on my part is an abomination to God.

I've not always been good at giving my best. When I'm sick, when I'm tired, when I'm bored - those are times when I have a tendency to give less than the best. Thankfully, God has pointed this out to me and is helping me get better. I'll never be able to give the best under my own strength because I don't have the best to give when it's of myself. My heart is deceitful. It will lie like a sneaky snake. It is only through the shed blood and resurrection of the only begotten Son of God that I can be found worthy.

I am so thankful that my God is gracious and full of compassion. He has inclined His ear unto me. Yes, my God is merciful. He preserves the simple - that's me. He brought me low and He helps me. (Psalm 111:4b, Psalm 116:2a, 5b, 6)

(Father God, thank you for examining my heart and trying my reins. I have been found lacking, LORD and it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Please forgive me and help me to correct my service. Be my strong tower, my help and my shield. I trust You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Soapbox - Chain Letters

I'm starting a new feature called Soapbox. Yes, it's where I rant or rave about something that annoys or excites me. This week's feature is Chain Letters.

Why do people ruin a good email by ending it with a "you must forward this to 5 (or more) people in order to receive a blessing?" There are so many emails that I get that "have" to be forwarded in order to get the answered prayer or the benefit of it. How insane! Why can you not just tell the story and leave it at that?

I mean, really, how often do you tell a good tale in actual conversation and then follow it with "you have to tell five other people about this in order to have your prayers answered?" Can you imagine what your dinner conversation with your husband would be like? Or, what lunch with your girlfriends would sound like?

I refuse to forward them on in that manner. If I like the story and feel like it needs to be shared with others in my life, I delete all the "works" at the end of it and send just the blessing.

(Father God, thank you for the shared blessings of life. Help me to always remember that I do not need to add anything to what You have done for me. Help me to remember You own the cattle on a thousand hills and all the gold underneath. Your blessings are bestowed as You see fit. Thank you! In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)

Hair Color - From the Archive

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

"Coloring the hair is about a youthful attitude." My friend relayed this sentiment while we were discussing hair stylist options. My mind turned this thought over and gnawed on it in the same way a dog badgers a bone. However, I can't find truth in it. Coloring my hair may give one a younger appearance but the truth is - I'm not young.

I feel old. I feel the weight of my duties and responsibilities and that weight won't be lifted just because I color my hair. The weight (emotionally and physically) of stress shows in the lines of my face. My frown lines are evidence of more duty and responsibility than fun. The stretched skin over my (okay, I'll say it) - fat - waist and thighs add to the older appearance. That won't go away if I color my hair.

I actually like the color of my hair. I'm even okay with the gray that is in it. Gray that is more evident when stress is taking it's toll. Healthy hair is a part of a healthy body. Coloring my hair will not make my body healthy.

I want to seek a healthy attitude. A healthy attitude will reflect a youthfulness.

(Father God, help me to be healthy. Replace my deceitful heart that cries over the harshness of this task with a new heart rejoicing in Your strength. This won't be easy for me during stressful times. This won't be easy for me over the long run. I am grateful that you are carrying me through this. You are my strong tower, my mighty fortress, my mercy, and my river of life. Thank you. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.)

It's Christmas! Hurry up and slow down.

Luke 10: 38-42

Martha was a woman of means. She loved her family. She cared for her friends. She was courageous. She welcomed the needy. She could have been any one of us during the busy Christmas season. We get together to exchange ornaments, cards and gifts. We enjoy food and more food. We are constantly on the look out for that perfect gift for that special person. We plan dinners and schedule family visits. Our shopping list is long. Our days are jammed with activities.

Like Martha, our minds are occupied with doing things. Somewhere along the way, we've lost sight of necessary time with Jesus. When we don't fill that time properly, the result is bitterness and resentment. We are offended that Aunt Sue didn't remember to bring the salad dressing. We can't believe that Cousin Jill forgot our present. And, where is Uncle Steve? He promised to be here. We get stressed and anxious trying to do it all in a hurry with everyone.

Let's not.

This Christmas, don't get so busy with doing and doing for that we miss the blessing of enjoying. Stop moving. Be still. Rejoice. The sabbath was a gift of rest. Christmas is the time set aside to remember the earthly beginning of the gift of salvation. Delight in the Lord's presence. Do NOT miss it.

(Based on notes from December 7, 2008 sermon delivered by Pastor B.)

Considering Ways

Haggai1:1-2:23

Consider your ways. Again, consider your ways. The Lord God is with you. Be strong the Lord of Hosts is with you. Consider from today and onward. Again, consider from today and onward.

In two short pages, God asks us to consider four times. Twice He tells us what to consider and twice He tells us when to consider. I teach 3rd-6th graders each week. Our public schools have fallen down on the job of teaching vocabulary and I love words. Words are my love language. So, I've come to the realization that many people don't understand what God is trying to say to us through His love letter, the Bible.

What does "consider" mean? What did it mean when the Bible was translated from Hebrew and Greek? Does it mean the same thing now that it meant then? A little research will show you that the word hasn't really changed in meaning over the years. Some words do but this one hasn't. When we consider something we look at it closely and think carefully about it.

So, God asks us to look closely at and think carefully about our ways. What are we doing? Why are we doing it? What is the desired outcome of what we do? This includes everything we do. Our ways are our day to day activities, our habits, our speech, our interactions, our money, our food, our clothing, our movies, our books, our friends, and so on. We are to look closely at and think carefully about each.

Remember that the Lord God of Hosts is right there with you. He sees your activities, habits, speech, interactions, money, food, clothing, movies, books, friends, and so on. As we consider our ways, do they please Him? Do they honor Him? Do they bring glory to His Name? Or, do we shame the fearful Name of God? Do we embarrass Him? Do we cause Him to turn away in disgust? He's right there with us. Consider it.

When are you to start considering your ways? Now. Then, continue on tomorrow and the next day and the next. That's pretty clear. Don't wait.

God repeated Himself. He said each thing twice. That's like saying, "HEY! PAY ATTENTION TO THIS! IT'S IMPORTANT!!"

(Father God, help me to consider my ways beginning now. Thank you for being there with me. Forgive me for the shame and disgrace that I've caused. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Catching Up

Well, I caught up reading the blogs that I normally follow today. I was only a few weeks behind so it worked out well. I am so thankful that God has blessed me. I stand in awe of what He has done. I am reminded that He is.

Vera is such a beauty. She smiles and I respond. Her life has a purpose. Her life glorifies God.

God blesses me by showing her to me.

Ashley holds a special place in my heart. I know a new love because of her. Her life glorifies God. God blesses me by showing her to me.

Tricia and Gwenyth are roses personified. Each life glorifies God in a unique way. God blesses me by showing them to me.

Now, I'm known to chase rabbits when I visit each blog. I follow off on links and end up with tears of joy and tears of sadness sometimes but always I am blessed. I shy away from following too many blogs though. I could invest a lot of time and emotions following all the wonderful stories.

(Father God, thank you for all the reminders of just how gracious and merciful you are. Thank you for the blessings of each blog. Thank you, Lord, for loving me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Slack and Stopping Slack

Okay, okay. I've been slack in posting lately. I've been re-thinking what this blog is about and how I want to use it. I am very protective of my privacy but I don't want anyone thinking I'm a fake either. And, I want someone other than myself to read it.

So, I'm searching for that middle ground where I can protect what needs to be protected and share enough to be interesting.

I'm going to concentrate on some devotional type postings for awhile. Tidbits of information, insight, and things that God has pointed out through reading or everyday life. We will see how that goes. Sprinkled in every once in awhile will be some personal news. This is a doable thing.

Now, it's off to regular posting...

(Father God, thank you for our electronic age. I am so amazed by what you have allowed us to learn and the knowledge that you've sent before us on which we build. Technology is a wonderful tool for sharing about you. Please encourage me as I endeavor to use this blog for your glory. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Itty Bitty Bunny

I have an itty bitty bunny living on my back porch. Now, I live in a non wild area. Yes, there's some trees and stuff around but there's not a whole lot of places this bunny could have come from. And finally, today, my cat saw the bunny from the kitchen window. I'm not letting that cat out today. No way.

I'm always awed by God's provision for even the least of His creation. I love seeing this little bunny as it ventures out to get food and water. It's quite a treat to see.

Now, I'm amused by my cat as she is intently watching this little bunny. She wants out there very much. But, I'm protecting that itty bitty bunny. My husband said to me, "God will provide for that bunny." And I told him, "Yes, and He's gonna use me to do it."

That little bunny is teasing my cat. He's just sitting there watching the cat. The cat is pacing in the window, breathing hard, whipping her tail around. Okay, maybe that shouldn't be funny but it is.

Itty Bitty has gone into hiding. The cat's still looking for it, though.

Luke 12:6-8

6) Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7) But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. 8) Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

(Father God, thank you for the reminder of your daily provision and care for even me. Thank you for using an itty bitty bunny for that purpose. Please use me as a vessel to care for your creation. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

What about Memorial Day?

Jeptha Wilson Frunk was my great-uncle, the oldest brother of my grandmother.  He never married, nor had any children.  He served in the US Army during World War II and died in action July 3, 1944, in France.  He is the closest relative that I have lost to combat.  Yet, each time I see my own son’s name, I am reminded of the sacrifice that Jeptha made.  You see, he carries Jeptha’s middle name as a constant memorial.

I am considered a part of Generation X.  We are so comfortable with technology- using it, always having it.  I even drafted my notes for this on my cell phone.  But, technology has removed the personal touch of war.  I am a US Navy veteran that served stateside support during the Gulf War, a conflict marked by the use of technology.  Casualties of this war for us were few.  Of the 575,000 troops and support sent, there were 148 combat deaths.  So, in general, my generation doesn’t have a clue about Memorial Day.  We have redefined this day to meet our own selfish desires.  Sadly, Memorial Day has become the beginning of the summer pleasure seeking season.

I challenge those of you that fall in Generation X and beyond, to not let the true meaning of Memorial Day get lost.  Today, with your children and parents, search your family tree.  Find out who didn’t make it home from conflict.  Post their photo on your wall.  Celebrate their life. Talk of their sacrifice.  Add them to your Facebook or My Space page.  Twitter about them.  Share with any who will listen that the honor with which these service members gave all, is an honor to God.  As we are instructed in Psalm 78:4, do not hide this from the children.  Show this to the generations to come.  Show the wonderful works that the Lord has done.  

(Father God, thank you for this country in which I live.  Thank you for the service members that honor you by giving their life for the liberty we possess.  Please bless their sacrifice.  In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)

Mowing the Grass

I couldn't stand it any longer and I mowed the front lawn today.  Today was one of the first opportunities to mow without rain changing the plans.  

I only mowed the front.  As I was pushing the mower thinking about only mowing the front, I began to wonder.  Are you a Christian that has mowed the front lawn of sin so that your house looks in order, clean, neat, and tidy but has a jungle for a back lawn filled with pride and rebellion?

Oh, I pray that I have mowed the grass and tended to the garden in the back as well as the one that gets seen from the street.  How sad it would be to have Jesus return and I'm like the whited selpchure.  

(Father God, please mow the weeds of sin from my life, outward sins and inward ones.  You are the one that can mold me and make me to what you'd have.  My desire is to be the wife and mother in this place at this time as you'd have me to be.  Thank you for promising to grant wisdom and knowledge.  In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.)

Issues of Life

What are issues of life?  The King James Version of Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life."  Other versions translate the issues of life as the source of life or the well spring of life.  The New Living Translation says, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."  The verses before and after all speak to listening for God's wisdom, seeking His understanding, avoiding evil, and doing all this continually.

Sounds pretty important to me.  I must watch my heart daily, hourly to make sure I stay with the wisdom that God provides.  I must take captive thoughts that might lead to wickedness.  I must keep God's word deep in the midst of my heart and soul.  Without God's word, I would quickly turn back and forth between ideas.  I would look upon and follow evil easily.

(Father God, thank you for your Word that keeps my eyes looking right on.  Thank you for the time to ponder the path on which I go.  You are my source of stability.  You are my confidence. Let me never lose sight of that.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Precious Life

I've been reflecting on how precious life is to God.  He thought so much of each life that He became victorious over death so that we could live eternally.  Wow.

Over the past couple of years, I have been exposed to lives that are not easy living.  Each life is a miracle.  Not just because the over come some incredible odds but because God has a purpose for each life.  Ashley is a transplant child.  Vera is a Trisonomy 18 child.  Gwyneth was born very premature.  Each of these has touched my life in a way that I never expected.  My emotions have been pulled and pushed as I've followed each of these lives through a blog.  There have been days when I cried tears of prayers for these and days when tears of joy came unbidden.

As I reflect on all that God has taught me through these lives, I realize that He holds each life precious.  So precious, that He was willing to give His own life in place for them.  He holds the life of babies, mothers, grandfathers, great grandmas, and great-great grandpas precious.  If we ignore the preciousness of infant life, we soon lose track of the importance and preciousness of teenage life, young adults, "middle" aged, and the elderly.  

I've followed these young lifes but obviously I've missed the other stages.  I'm challenged to find a blog that shows precious life at each stage.  Keep an eye on the blogs I follow, there may be some additions over the next few weeks.

(Father God, I thank you for the reminder of how precious life is no matter the stage.  I pray that you will lead me to the blogs that honor you in all.  I thank you for finding my life precious and for making a way that I can know you eternally.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It's raining, AGAIN!  After a recent diagnosis of anemia, rain just isn't my favorite thing.  The doctor has prescribed time in the sun as part of the healing process.  Cloudy, rainy weather only aggravates my depression which is a symptom of the anemia.  It's a vicious spiral.  Without the sun, I get depressed.  When I get depressed, I want to hide in my cave with a gallon if ice cream.  A sure fire way of avoiding the sun which only makes me depressed.

So, when the rain started just a bit ago, I cleared away the remnants of my lunch and spoke with frustration.

"It's raining, again.  Ugh, I need the sun."  Immediately, I reflected that this statement is so true.  The rain does a good thing, it waters and cleans.  Just as storms in our life can be used to water and clean our soul.  But we need the Son.  Yes, NEED.  The Son is the only way.  

Without the Son in my life, I would be holed up in the cave of sin indulging in those things that are right in my own eyes.  I wouldn't be able to see the healing power that comes from the Son.

Ah, the rain is still coming down but now my sight is focused on the eternal Son.

(Father God, thank you for the earthly rain that brings reviving nourishment.  Thank you for the trials and storms that bring change to our spirits.  Thank you for the reminder that I need the sun and the Son.  Thank  you for the salvation that You offer so freely.  Thank you for the grace and mercy that I don't deserve.  Thank you.  Thank you.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Trust

Have you ever considered just how trusting we really are?  I've heard people say and have even said myself, "I just can't trust him/her/them."  Yet, we drive to work, school or play each day trusting that the other people on the road know the rules, are following the rules, have good vehicles, and are paying attention to what's going on around them.  We trust that the person in the other car will keep that car in their lane.  We trust that the other person will not run into the back of our car.

Oh, I know that trust is sometimes broken.  But in reality, we trust in big ways.  Most of us trust that our co-workers won't bring a gun to the office and go on a rampage.  Most of us trust that our homes will still be pretty much in the same shape when we get home as when we left it. Most of us trust that a foreign country won't invade us.  Most of us trust that today will be.  

So, I am amazed with the amount of trust floating around out there that people don't trust God.  Even myself, I think I know so much more than I really do.  I think I've got this life thing all figured out.  I trust myself.  And, wow, that is the wrong thing to trust.  God is faithful.  He is just.  He is honest.  He is.  And, He is always those things.  Now, me, I'm not always those things.  I don't always play fair.  I've told lies.  I'm not always faithful in doing what I've committed to do.  I'm not always trustworthy.  God is.  If I can trust all those people driving around, surely I can trust God.

(Father God, help me to trust You in all things.  You alone are completely faithful and trustworthy.  Thank you for the examples of trust that are evident when I look.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Fallen in Love

I've fallen in love.  No, I was not planning on falling in love.  After being a single parent for 7 years, adding another person to the mix was just too complicated.  The logistics of blending a family has not and does not appeal to me.  The practical things that have to be addressed require way too much work on my part.  Yet, God is using this.

When in love, it's easy to want to spend time with the object of your affection.  I constantly think of and about this new person in my life.  I can't wait to see him at the end of a work day.  I look forward to the day we can wake up together.  I enjoy what ever the thing is that we do together.  I dislike and am impatient when we are apart.  

But then today, I got to wondering.  Do I seek Jesus as the object of my affection?  Is my relationship with God on the same level as (or higher than) the relationship with this other person? What can I learn about my relationship with God because of this relationship with him?   If this relationship is the answer to my prayer for a relationship that honors God, then I better be learning something from it.  

So, I'm learning that I don't worry about the logistics of my relationship with God.  I'm going to let it fill my senses the way a new romantic relationship does.  I am allowing God to create in me the desire to spend time with Him.  I'm allowing Him to distract me from the day to day activities for thoughts of joy and peace.  When I do, a loving smile settles on my face.  God is faithful.  He loves you  and I with a love beyond what any human does or can.  He has our best interest in mind even when He chastises us.  Isn't that amazing and desirable?

(Father God, thank you for the perfect relationship that You - and You alone - provide.  Thank you also for the human relationships that show me about Your love in a way that I can grasp and understand.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Mary Kept

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart."  Luke 2:19.

After the angels announced the birth of Peace on earth and the shepards came to see the Saviour, it was told far and wide about this event.  These shepards just had to tell everyone about Jesus.  It was an exciting time for them.  But, Mary didn't tell.

This is the way I feel right now.  God had blessed me in a way that I wasn't expecting.  And, I'm keeping so much of it and pondering it in my heart.  I know this is an exciting time that others want to be a part of.  Yet, I want to savor this time with God.  Thanking Him for His provision. Praising Him for His faithfulness even when I waivered.  Rejoicing in His timing and handiwork. Thanking Him for the exercise of waiting.  Letting His grace and mercy fill every fiber of my being and soul.

(Father God, thank You for loving me beyond measure.  I thank You for the gift of salvation and the joy of it.  Forgive me when I lose sight of You.  Thank You for the reminders of how You work in my life even when I'm not looking.  Thank You for this unexpected place.  I am overwhelmed at the demonstrated love.  Oh Father, place Your protection around it.  Show Your grace, honor and glory through it.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Chasing Dreams and Passions

How do I find a dream today?  How do I locate my passion?  Oooh!  Let's ask God.  Sounds so simple to ask.  What comes after asking is the difficult part for me.  The waiting.  Waiting on God to answer the way I want Him to.  Yeah, I'm being a spoiled child.  I want the answer the way I want it.

Yet, God calls me to wait for His answer.  He calls me to listen for His plans.  He gently asks that I seek what He desires for me.  As a flawed, human parent I sometimes think that God might actually answer the way I would.  Thankfully, He reminds me that He is the great I AM. 

I know that God is not limited by human thinking or desires.  I know that He knows the big picture and I know that I am only a little puzzle piece.  Sometimes, I want more.  Most times, I want more.  Today, I want Him.  That is all, that is enough, that is the best.

(Father God, I will never cease to be amazed at You.  I am giddy with anticipation of what it will be like to be in Your physical presence, to be totally engaged with You.  Oh, Father, how incredible and terrible at the same time.  I want a little bit of that today.  I want to be aware of Your goodness and Your justice.  Your goodness blesses me.  Your justice keeps me on the path You set.  Your justice keeps me mindful of just what sin does in our relationship.  In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)

Just another new year?

I don't make new year resolutions. What is the point? I am not guaranteed tomorrow. I have today with God, my family and friends. I should make the most of today.

God doesn't want me to worry about tomorrow or if I'll loose 60 pounds this year or if Mom's chemo will destroy the cancer in her body over the next 3 months. He wants me to focus on Him today. Not next week but right now even this very moment.

Sometimes, this is extremely difficult for me. I want what I want and I want it now. I have become ingrained in this "fast" food society of America. I sometimes forget that delayed satisfaction is most often much better than anything that "satisfies" my flesh instantly.

Having said that I also wonder what a new year will bring. Will it bring the return of my Lord? Will it bring a husband? Will it bring a new place to live? Will it bring the close of any personal relationships? Will it bring the close of mom's earthly life? Will it bring a drivers license for my daughter? What will this 2009 look like?

(Father God, I am so thankful that You care for me. You are the holy and true God. You alone are mighty and wonderfully just. Forgive me where I fall so short of Your Perfectness. Thank You for making a way for me to partake in Your Perfectness through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Keep me focused on You each day so that I may know You and love You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.)