My Heart Is Fixed. . .

We have Christmas lights in the bushes and trees in our front yard.  I loved seeing them all shining brightly at night.  It just made my heart sing!  A few days ago we had a rain storm and now none of the lights are working.  We have made several unsuccessful attempts to find out what is causing the problem.  Without their glow, it now makes my heart sad!  

                                                                Psalm 57:7
                          My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed;  
                                        I will sing and give thanks.

This Christmas season we may be facing some storms in our lives, causing the light in our hearts not to glow.  Our hearts may need to be fixed!  When our lights aren't shining, it causes others to be sad as well.  Fix your heart on God and this will make your heart sing and give Him thanks for His Son, Jesus Christ who was born on Christmas Day, bringing to us the most wonderful gift of salvation!  

                                                                Morning Prayer
Dear God,
    This Christmas Season, my heart will be fixed on You!  My heart will sing and give thanks to You!   Amen ~ 

"Happy, Kind & Content" . . .

At the Christmas party Saturday night we all listened intently to Dallas, as she shared her memories of her recent trip to India.  It was simply amazing to hear the severe circumstances that many are living under.  She spoke of families making their homes on a cement slab with no belongings and no walls for protection or privacy.  Clean water is non-existent and food is very scarce.  Even more amazing were her words to describe these precious people as, "Happy, Kind and Content".  

                                                                          1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain; For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  

Gain does not bring us happiness. . .  because enough will never be enough and it will never satisfy our soul.  Godliness and contentment are the riches we are to pursue.  My desire is to be like those precious people.  I want to be "Happy, Kind and Content". 

                                                                            Morning Prayer
Dear God,
    Forgive me for my discontentment, when You have blessed me with more than food and raiment.  I live in such abundance and my eyes often do not see all that You have provided for me.  Stir my heart to give You thanks for everything.  Amen ~ 

       

Constant State of Celebration!

As a child I remember counting down the days until Christmas.  I loved the holiday festivities with the Christmas Choir performance at school and the exchange of gifts at the school party.  I got to sit on Santa's lap and tell him my heart's desires.  I also remember how I so enjoyed all the lights on our Christmas tree!  My heart was in a constant state of celebration as I counted down the days until Santa came!     

                                                                          Psalm 90:12
              Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

During this Christmas Season, I am counting each day and I am gaining a heart of wisdom to know and understand how precious each day truly is.  I am enjoying all the festivities and my granddaughter's Christmas Choir performances.  I no longer sit on Santa's lap, but I sit at the feet of Jesus and tell Him my heart's desires.  I now understand  how quickly time passes and I want to cherish each moment.  I want to have a child like heart that is in a constant state of celebration, as I count down the days until Jesus comes!  

                                                                           Morning Prayer
Dear Jesus,
     I'm counting the days now, until I see you face to face!  That will truly be the most glorious celebration ever!  Amen ~ 

"How Can I Not Trust God?"

For many years I carried in my heart the question, "How can I trust God?"  I had a list in my mind of so many hurtful experiences in my past.  The longings in my heart to be loved and accepted never seemed to be satisfied.  I always had a sense of being less than what I should be.  The more I seemed to climb out of my pit, the deeper I seemed to go down.  So much of my life was out of control and those things I could control, I would simply fail.  "How can I trust God?" when nothing seems right?"

                                                                 Ephesians 1:17-19

Paul prayed, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.  The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints."

Today I still carry in my heart a question, "How can I not trust God?"  I have a list in my mind of so many hurtful experiences in my past that He has brought me through.  The longings in my heart to be loved and accepted have fully been met in the wisdom and revelations of God's love for me.  I am growing in my understanding of the hope of His calling upon my life.  I now can see the hand of God reaching down for me to pull me up when I fall down.  The eyes of my understanding have been enlightened and I now can see the riches of His glory passed on to me through Christ Jesus.  "How can I not trust God?"

                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear God,
   I pray that each of our hearts would carry the question, "How can I not trust God?"  May each day the eyes of our hearts be enlightened, as we grow in wisdom, revelation and knowledge of You.  Amen ~ 

Keeping His Words . . .

In our search for Christmas decorations in the garage, we came across a very heavy box.  I asked my husband to check out the contents and was amazed to find it filled with my old journals.  My heart leaped as I fondly browsed through the decorated books that contained the words that I had written many years ago to God.  I know in my heart that because my family loves me, they will not casually discard these journals when I am no longer with them. 

                                                                      John 14:23
Jesus answered, and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

I know that each of us have at least one copy of the Bible, which is God's journal of His Words.  How can we possibly be casual about this wonderful treasure?  Wow!  Jesus is saying here that in reading His words and keeping them tucked in our hearts, He and His Heavenly Father will come into our hearts and make it their home!  Sometimes I have a hard time wrapping that around my brain!  It's simply amazing that He lives inside of us and that His very Words have been written for us to live on!  I will always treasure my Bibles, because I love Him.  And I know my children and grandchildren will always treasure my journals, because they love me.

                                                               Morning Prayer
Dear Jesus,
    May each day I continue to keep Your Words in my heart, simply because I love You!
Amen ~   

My Closet . . .

I have been blessed with a large master walk-in closet.  The two sliding doors entering the closet, are full length mirrors.  I have more than enough poles on both sides for hanging garments and consequently, I have more clothes than I really need and should give many away.  I have an ironing board set up for removing wrinkles however, I get lazy and avoid wearing garments that need to be pressed.  The end wall has ceiling to floor shelving, which holds boxes with contents that I have no memory.  When visitors come,  I am quick to close my closet doors, because it's a mess and desperately needs my attention. 

                                                                    Matthew 6:5
                                                      (Jesus speaking to his disciples)

When you pray enter into your closet and shut the door, pray to your Father, who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

Before I enter my prayer closet, I need to spend time reading God's Word.  It's like looking into a mirror so that I can see my true reflection as the Holy Spirit convicts my heart to truly reflect the image of  Jesus.  As I enter in by faith, I will choose the garments of salvation that God has purchased for me to wear.  I will pray and ask God to reveal to me any spots or wrinkles that I need His forgiveness.  I will not only be concerned about my own needs, but prayerfully ask God to show me what I have that I can give to others.  I will pray and ask God to show me those things in my life that have no eternal value and discard them.  When Jesus comes, I don't want to be quick to close my prayer closet door because it's a mess and I regret never giving it any attention. 

                                                                    Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    May a day never be that I don't enter my prayer closet to be with You.  Amen ~

What Do You Want For Christmas?

During the holidays we are frequently asked, "What do you want for Christmas?"  Our list can be endless, sending our loved ones out on a wild goose chase, in effort to grant our every wish.  Have you ever noticed that upon receiving those treasures we seek and desire, there is still something missing? 

It's not what we need, it's who we need for Christmas?  We all need Jesus Christ.  We need more of Him everyday in our lives!  Isn't it ironic that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas, the gift of Love from God and yet we seek after every other thing under the sun, except the Son?  There is nothing that we could ask and receive on Christmas morning that would change our lives now and forever, than to open our hearts and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Only Jesus Christ can make us whole and fill our empty souls.  Only through the Son, will we truly find life and the purpose for our lives.  

For those of us who have Jesus in our hearts. . . when probed with the question, "What do you want for Christmas?" our heart's response will be, "Thank you, I already have everything I need. . . I have Jesus!"
                                                                    
                                                                    Philippians 4:10
And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

                                                                     Ephesians 1:7
In Him (Jesus) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

                                                                     Morning Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
      Thank you that the most wonderful gift that any of us could open for Christmas is the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ!  May we open our hearts to Him more and more each day to receive the fullness of His joy!  Amen ~

Unwrapping the Gifts. . .

I was nine years old and so excited about Christmas!  Days before the tree was  decorated and presents were already under the tree.  It was very clear to me which ones had my name.  I was so tempted to touch the packages and feel them, but I knew I would get into big trouble!  However, no one said I couldn't stare them down?  So I spent a lot of time sitting in a chair closest to the tree,  studying those presents intently until I was able to identify the contents of each one.  Christmas morning proved that I was right on!  I remember receiving a Barbie doll, Barbie clothes and pajamas.  I was a very happy and thankful girl! 

                                                                   Ephesians 1:3 (entire chapter)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.......

I am now sixty years old and I am so excited about Christmas!  However, it's no longer about the presents under the tree, it's now all about the presence of Jesus Christ in my life.  I am spending time in my favorite chair and I'm studying the gifts that are mine in Christ Jesus! 

These are the gifts of God's Son unwrapped:  Acceptance* Adoption* Blameless* Blessed * Chosen* Forgiveness* Freedom* Holiness* Love*.   I am a very happy and thankful woman!   

                                                                    Morning Prayer
Dear God, 
     This Christmas, may the eyes of my heart be focused on unwrapping the gifts that You have given to me through the birth of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  I want to receive all that You have chosen for me.  Amen ~

Give To Him a Call . . .

"Now where did I put my cell phone?"  This morning I was anxiously looking all over the house and  couldn't find it anywhere?  I usually panic when I lose it, because that is my lifeline to communicate with my friends and family and what would I do if I had an emergency?  I carry it by my side all day long, for fear that I might miss a call!  After exhausting my search I asked my husband to call me, so that I would hear the ring and locate it.  He laughed when I answered the phone and said, "Hello this is your crazy wife!"  I had plugged it into the wall to re-charge.  Wouldn't you have guessed that this would have been the first place I would look?      

                                                                     Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

When I find myself being anxious, I must ask God in prayer, to give me a call so that I can find my way back to Him.  He is my true lifeline to peace.  Often I need to ask Him for direction in my life or help in emergency.  The greatest benefit is the fellowship we spend together.  Each morning my soul needs to be plugged into God and re-charged.  He must be by my side all day long, because I never want to miss an important message from Him. 
Call me crazy but it's true!
                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    You give to my heart such peace, knowing that You are always by my side and available to hear my calls.  What would I ever do without You?  I love you Lord.  Amen ~ 

   

Prayer For Cold Food . . .

After shopping for hours my sister and I needed some food to boost our energy, so we made a quick drive-through Burger King for french fries.  They were fresh out of the fryer and they smelled so good!  Karen reached in the bag and grabbed a hot fry and said, "Deb, let's pray."  So . . .  I began to pray and I thanked God for my sister and our time together and our shopping success and safe travels, etc. etc. etc.  She finally said, "Debbie!!  My fries are getting cold!"  Well excuse me sister!  Ha! Ha!  Later in the day, she hesitated to let me pray over the next meal.  Imagine? 

My daughter Kelly had prepared salads for our lunch and she asked me if I would like to pray.  As I was praying I was so moved, that I began to get misty and when I said, "Amen" she said, "Mom it's only a salad!"  And we both just laughed. 

                                                                 Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow as we gather around our Thanksgiving Table, I hope that we will be so captivated with our thankful prayers to the Lord for all His blessings to us, that our food gets cold!   After all, it's not just about the food. . .

                                                                  Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Tomorrow, may our hearts be consumed with thankfulness  to You and Your goodness to us.  Amen ~  

A Thanksgiving Table . . .

My daughter is very busy making all her plans and preparations for our family Thanksgiving Holiday.  She will have a lovely table all prepared with nice linens and of course handmade place cards with each of our names.  She will have beautiful centerpieces of fresh flowers and candles.  The kitchen island will be loaded down with the most delicious foods and her homemade pies are just out of this world!  We will have more to eat than what we can possibly consume!  So much to be thankful for.

                                                                       Psalm 23:5-6
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  

A true Thanksgiving Table is set for only two.  The Lord has prepared a table for each of us and He waits daily for us to come and dine with Him.  When we accept His invitation, we will find our name inscribed upon His hand.  The fragrance of His love and the light He brings to our soul, is truly captivating!  His daily bread is more than what we can possibly consume and we understand that He has blessed abundantly above all that we could ever fully express our thankfulness for.   

                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     I pray that each of us will accept Your invitation to sit with You at Your Thanksgiving Table.  We have so much to thank You for . . .   Amen ~   

Over The Bridge . . .

This weekend we wanted to be with our family, so we made reservations at a Hotel in Lake Havasu. The map indicated that it was located just West of Hwy. 95 on McCulloch Blvd.  Sounds pretty simple until you try to find this place!  We finally humbled ourselves and called our son telling him, "We can't find the Hotel!"  In order to get there, we had to follow John in his car.  We did not know that in order to go West on McCulloch, we had to go East and then head West again and cross over the London Bridge.  He told us, "Dad, there is no way you would have found this place on your own." 

                                                                 John 14:6
              Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life;
              no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

Someday we all want to go to Heaven and be with the Father.  We imagine in our mind that we know how to get there.  We may think it's pretty simple to just live a good life and be a good person,  but God knew we could never get to Him on our own merit.  So He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to be a bridge that we may cross over to be with the Father for all of eternity.  If we humble ourselves and cry out to Jesus Christ, He will show us the way.  Jesus told us, "There is no way to the Father but by Me."

                                                                Morning Prayer
Dear Jesus,
     You not only became the bridge for me to see the Father, but You have also invited me to walk with You on my journey to the other side.  You knew from the very beginning that I was terribly lost and needed direction and You alone have paid the price that someday I will see You face to face.  Thank you Jesus!  Amen ~ 

My Favorite Dwelling Place. . .

My favorite place to dwell is in a small community, nestled up close to the White Tank Mountains called Verrado.  Most of the homes have front porches, different styles of architecture and the streets are all lined with trees and grass.  Our "Main Street" has a grocery market, drug store, bank, pizza place and of course, an ice cream shoppe!  We are located twenty five miles west of downtown Phoenix.  There is such a sense of community here and the residents are so warm and friendly.  I love, love, love the quiet, peaceful atmosphere.  The crime rate in Verrado is next to zero and you will rarely hear any sirens.  You might see Mule Deer crossing the street or hear the coyotes crying at night or perhaps a few scorpions, but it's such a safe and lovely place to dwell.  I never want to move away from Verrado.

                                                                        Psalm 91:1-6, 9-11
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."  If you make the Most High your dwelling - even the Lord, who is my refuge - then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent.  For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

My other favorite place to dwell is in the shelter of the Most High God.   I love to rest in Him, knowing that I am covered with His wings of protection.  I just love the quiet peace that He brings to my soul.  I relish knowing that I am a part of His community of believers and I'm surrounded with loving people.  He gives to me eyes to see His beauty all around me in this beautiful world He has created.  He is my favorite dwelling place . . . a safe and lovely place to dwell.   

                                                                         1 John 4:13
Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us because He hath given us of His Spirit.

                                                                         Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     You are my favorite dwelling place and I never want to move away from You.  Amen

With Great Expectation!

I'm heading out the door this morning to meet my daughter, Katie at her doctor's office.  She is "expecting" a baby boy in December.  Even though she has had many moments of suffering, I have watched her with great expectation of becoming a Mother.  I have been blessed to see the ultra sound pictures of his little face.  The images are not super clear and at times hard to see, but I love him just the same and I know he is beautiful!  Little "Lucas" has not arrived as of yet, but he is still in our midst!  I can't hardly wait to see him.  The Mother of expectation is patience.

                                                                      John 16:16-22
In all truth I tell you, you will be weeping and wailing while the world will rejoice; you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.  A woman in childbirth suffers, because her time has come; but when she has given birth to the child she forgets the suffering in her joy that a human being has been born into the world.  So it is with you; you are sad now, but I shall see you again, and your hearts will be full of joy, and that joy no one shall take from you."

I also am expecting just any day now, the return of Jesus Christ.  My days can often be filled with sorrow and suffering, but there will come a day, when my heart will be turned into joy!  I will see him face to face and I will know Him just as much as He knows me!  Even though Jesus has not arrived yet, He is still in my midst and I enjoy His presence in my life every single day.  Waiting patiently in great expectation is the foundation of a life in Christ.   

                                                              Morning Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,
    Thank You for the promise of Your return for us!  With great expectation I know we will have joy unspeakable on that day!  Until then, I will enjoy Your presence in my life.  Amen

Gift of Love . . .

My daughter's baby shower was coming up and even though I had purchased several lovely gifts for the baby, I knew I needed to give a gift of love. . .  I prayed and asked the Lord to lead me and as always He answered my prayer.  On Sunday at her shower, I gave  Katie a frame that says,  "Grandma" on the front and on the back I glued a recorder with my voice singing the lullabye that I used to sing to her.  Wow!  I will never forget the look on her face and the tears that just flowed when she pushed the button and heard her Mommy's voice singing. . .

    "Go to sleep my baby,
       close your pretty eyes,
         Mr. Moon is peepin 
            way up in the sky.
         Mr. Moon is peepin
             to see if you are sleepin.
      Go to sleep my baby,
        close your pretty eyes."
          
                         Love is truly the greatest gift that a Mother can give to her child. 
                         Love touches a place in a heart that nothing else can come near.

                                                          Colossians 3:14
             And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.

                                                          Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     You take such delight in revealing to each of us, creative ways to express love to one another.  You gave to us the most beautiful example of love by sending Your son,  Jesus Christ to reflect Your love.  Lord, help me today to seek ways to express love.  Amen    

His Gracious Work

Dear Lord,
    We can say anything with our lips but do we really mean it?  Often times we don't truly know ourselves.  We like to think we have faith and trust in You, but only the tests we face will reveal the truth.  You don't test us to condemn us but to reveal either our flesh or our faith.  If we pass a test in faith, it's only because of Your gracious work in our hearts.  

                                                     James 1:2-7
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything..

I will trust You . . . .

                                                                Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    In our trials, Lord, you are doing and completing your work.  Your work is in our hearts teaching us your lessons of love, forgiveness, patience, kindness, goodness, meekness and self control.  You are purifying us!  We often ask that you remove the trial from us and question why you don't?  Perhaps your work is not completed as of yet.  I will trust you in the trial and I will trust your timing as well.  How Lord, can our minds possibly conceive of the work you are doing on our behalf?  Today, I will give you thanks.  Amen

                                                               1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

"Howdy Doody!"

Mother was telling me the story of how she would walk by my sister's crib and look in at Shirley and say, "Howdy Doody!"  One day to her delight, she walked by and Shirley said back to her,  "Howdy Doody!"  Mother's heart was so delighted!

A precious memory I have from my trip to Indiana was spending a moment of silence in the sanctuary at Winchester Friends Church.  In the still quiet, we heard a baby cooing and babbling and it was the sweetest sound ever!  Her words made no sense at all, but the sweet sounds from that baby truly blessed us!  The Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Often your words to me are simply babble, but they still please me!  And when I hear you speak my Word that I have taught you ..... I'm am so delighted!  

                                                                       Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.   

                                                                   Romans 10:17
                Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.


                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
   It's so hard for me to understand how You, the creator of this world would be so attentive to me and my babbling words.  Why would Your heart leap to look upon me and smile when I call out to You?  Each day You are teaching me the language of faith and watching me grow in my understanding of Your love.  Thank you Lord and "Howdy Doody"!  Amen

My Every Need. . .

                                                      Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know unto God.

I have been anxious about using the traveling portable concentrator for my oxygen needs when I travel to Indiana next week.  It works well using electricity, however the battery usage is very limited to just a couple hours.  I have been looking so forward to attending my nieces wedding and reception but also concerned that I would have to be attached to an electrical cord stretching across the reception room floor. Ugh!!  Then I realized my Heavenly Father has blessed me with this wonderful trip and He will also see that my needs are met!  After prayers and phone calls and God's direction and provisions . . . I will have the same equipment that I have here at home and I will be free as a bird!  I received free delivery, 2 free tanks and the free carrier to use through the local hospital.  The Lord also graciously met the financial costs of my freedom through my loving family!  Thank you Lord!

Why do we fret and worry about our legitimate needs?  Why do we question God's gracious provisions for us?  We often have not because we ask not.  He delights in revealing to us His glorious love and riches!  We may be tempted to settle for less than God's very best because we do not make our requests known to Him.  

                                                              Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

                                                              Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Help me to turn my anxious thoughts into anxious anticipation of Your answers to my every need!  You invite me to come to you about everything. . .  oh that I would do just that!  Amen ~

Things Not Yet Seen . . .

In July, I received a "Notice of Award" letter from the Social Security Administration.  The letter explained the benefits that I am to receive now that I am eligible for disability.  The letter indicated in detail the amount of money that I should expect to be deposited into my account for retroactive pay from the following year.  However, the letter did not indicate the exact date that I will be receiving these funds.  So with great anticipation, I daily check my bank account to hopefully find these funds deposited.  As of today there is no evidence of this promised deposit.  I choose not to get discouraged because with full assurance in my heart, I believe I will receive the amount that has been promised to me.

                                                                         Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
                                                        
                                                                         Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Daily we can embrace God's Word, which is full of wonderful promises to those who believe.  We must not become discouraged when we do not see the evidence of these promises in our lives.  By faith and patience we can anticipate with full assurance that we will receive all that God has promised to us. 

                                                                          Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Sometimes I do get discouraged because I am not seeing the evidence of Your promises fulfilled in my life.  Some days my faith account just comes up empty and I question where You are?  Oh Lord, help me to cling to Your promises to me in Your Word and strengthen my heart with faith and patience to continue to believe in the evidence of things not yet seen.  Amen ~



                                                                          

"Pink Piggy Bank". . .

Early Friday morning the grandchildren and I were searching for lunch money for school.  Little Nick who is seven came to me with a hand full of change.  "Grandma, I want you to keep this money."  I gasped because this was pretty much all he had in his bank!  "Oh Nick!  I can't take your money!  Honey, you keep it in your bank."  He was insistent... "No Grandma I want you to have it!"  So reluctantly I put it in my wallet.  I was tempted to just put it back in his little bank, but something told me that would be wrong.  Here we are wanting to teach our children to be kind and loving and giving and then discourage them?

Sunday morning at church I spotted our "Pink Piggy Bank" that is for collecting money for the children's church supplies.  After the service I called Nick.  "Nick, guess what you did with the money you gave me?  I put it in the "Pink Piggy Bank" at church.  You gave to the children at church for their craft supplies.  Nick, today you gave to God!"  This really pleased him . . .

                                                                   Matthew 25:40
In as much as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.

                                                                    2 Corinth. 9:7
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Nick runs from me when I want to give him "Grandma kisses", but I knew this little gift to me was his way of expressing his love for me and my heart was so touched!  I wanted to take this love gesture and let him know that when he gave to me .... he also gave to God!

                                                                    Morning Prayer
Dear God,
   Just like a little child, from a loving heart, may I be a cheerful giver.  Please bring to my remembrance that when I give to others, I am really giving to You!  Amen~ 

The "Rich & Beautiful"

The most beautiful sound in my ears is the pounding thunder of the ocean waves!  This is music to my soul and I can hear God speaking to me so clearly!  I just close my eyes and listen with my heart.  The most "Rich & Beautiful" people you will see with your eyes are on the beach!  Johnny and I walked hand in hand with our eyes bugging out of our heads and our jaws dropping!  Their sculptured tan bodies on their bicycles, skateboards and skates were quickly passing us by!  Hey!  I have wheels too!  Mine are just attached to an oxygen machine!  We looked at them and then at each other and couldn't  help but laugh!  We hardly appear to be the "Rich & Beautiful" people of the world. 

On our walks I could hear the Lord speaking into my heart, encouraging me that I no longer walk in fear of what people are saying about my physical image.  He truly has healed my heart from emotional disturbance that comes from comparing myself to others.  My home may not be on the beach, but He dwells with me and that makes my  home beautiful.  My heart no longer envies the "Rich and Beautiful" people of this world.  In the fullness of His joy I could fully celebrate His life in me!

                                                                       Psalm 65:7
(The Lord) who stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves and the tumult (emotional disturbance) of the people.  

                                                                       2 Corinthians 10:12
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Thank you that I am "Rich & Beautiful".  Rich in Your love and Beautiful because of the Holiness of Jesus Christ my Lord, who lives inside of me.  Amen ~ 

The Love We Shared. . .

Our vacation last week was nothing at all like we had originally planned.  Our Lord had His own plans for us and as always they were for our good.  Johnny and I spent 3 days in San Diego just the two of us.  My original plan was to spend hours sitting on the beach drawing closer to God. However, God's plan was for me to spend hours sitting with my husband and drawing closer to him.  This was the first vacation for my husband in ten years. . . I just wanted him to have a wonderful time.  Johnny knew how much I wanted to go to the ocean and all he wanted was for me to have a wonderful time.  So our hearts were bent towards one another, caring more for the other than for ourselves.     

The Lord blessed us with such a lovely little place to stay and the weather was perfect!  Everyone we met was so friendly and courteous.  We found a great place to eat and the shops were fun to browse.  Nothing at all could have been more perfect!  However, the love we shared with one another will always be the utmost and forever in my memory. 

                                                                     John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

                                                                    Morning Prayer
Dear God,
    Thank you Lord, that your heart is always bent towards watching your children show love for one another.  You take such pleasure in this!  As our love grows for You, our love will continue to grow for one another.  Amen ~    

We can surely know......

It's been ten years since Johnny and I spent time with our close friends at some beach front property in California.  I remember not feeling very well and within a couple weeks was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis.  On Monday we will be returning to the same location with the same friends, however I am surely not the same.  I can't begin to share with you how God has truly blessed me, in spite of many trials these last ten years.  He has fulfilled His promises to me in every single way.  My heart overflows with thanksgiving to my precious Lord.  I'm so eager to sit quietly with Him by the ocean and pour out my praises to Him for all His goodness to me these last ten years.

                                                                       Isaiah 43:12
Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  When thou passest through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  

We never know what trials we will be facing in our future.  But we can surely know this one thing!  God calls us by name and we are His.  He will not allow us to be overtaken by our troubles.  He will take care of us!

                                                                       Deuteronomy 31:8
And the Lord, He it is who doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee; fear not, neither be dismayed. 

                                                                        Morning Prayer
Dear God,
    We can face our tomorrows with a knowing in our hearts that You will never leave us or forsake us.  Each day, You will draw us closer to Your side and show us Your love and faithfulness.  Thank you God.  Amen ~  

The Words that I Speak....

                                 "Who's words have made the most impact on your life?" 

If your answer to this question is, "my own words" then you have answered this question correctly.  Yes, you can be influenced by the words of others however, until those words become your words, they have little impact upon your life.  What we speak influences our own soul even for all eternity.  

                                                                   Romans 10:9,10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

If I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God who came to pay the penalty of my sins and sits on the right hand of God interceding for me ..... I will speak it and the impact on my life will be for all eternity.

                                                                   Matthew 10:32,33
                                                                    (Jesus speaking)
Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father, who is in heaven.  But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father, who is in heaven.

                                                                   Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Give to me ears to hear the words that I speak as they influence what I believe in my heart.  I pray Your praises will continually be in my mouth.  Amen

Turn Your Eyes.....

                                                          Turn your eyes upon Jesus
                                                          Look full into His wonderful face
                                                          And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
                                                          In the light of His glory and grace.

Four nights in a row during my sleep.... as I rolled over and my eyes momentarily opened, I could see the moon shining in my window and reflecting it's light upon my face.  My heart smiled and I was filled with His peace, knowing that God watches over me even in my sleep.  When my eyes are opened and I am looking into His face . . . there is such a sweet presence of His glory and grace.

                                                                             Psalm 33:18
Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, upon those who hope in his mercy.  To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.  Our soul waiteth for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.  For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.

                                                                     Morning Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
    I will turn my eyes towards You and I will look fully into Your wonderful face and the troubles in my heart will grow strangely dim because of Your glory and Your grace and Your love for me.  Amen ~ 

Birthing Pains....

I remember asking the nurse during my labor, "Are the pains going to get harder than this?"  So far I knew the pain I was going through was bearable, but I didn't know how much more I would be able to tolerate?  I thought to myself, "If only I could know what was around the corner for me?"  Well that was thirty-seven years ago and I not only survived those birthing pains with my first child Kelly, but later gave birth to Kimberly and Kathleen.  As I matured, I learned with my last two deliveries not to focus on the pain, but to focus on something else and not fight the suffering.  What a huge difference that made the whole experience!  And I praise God for the fruit of my womb! 

Today in our suffering and pain, we may ask the Lord, "Is this situation going to get worse?  What are we going to do next month?  Where is all this all going to end?  I don't know how much more I can tolerate!"  We are not only experiencing the pain of this day, but taking on the pain of our future.  We feel so out of control of our tomorrows.  If only we would learn to focus on the Lord and trust Him for His faithfulness and His good purposes  in our lives.  We will someday praise God for the fruit produced from our times of difficulty.  

                                                               Matthew 6:33-34
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.

                                                                  Isaiah 50:7
For the Lord God will help me;  therefore shall I set my face like a flint and I know that I shall not be ashamed.   

                                                                 Don't try to escape your suffering .....
                                                                 Try to learn from it.
                                                                 Don't pray it away....
                                                                 Pray that you receive the full value!

                                                                 Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Help me to focus on You and not my trials and pain.  I want to fully trust and obey You in these difficult times and receive the full value of Your will in my life!  Have Your own way with me Lord.  Amen ~ 

Grace....

                      Grace:  Divine influence acting in man.
                      Gracious:  Having a showing of kindness, courtesy, mercy, compassion.  

When I met Naomi Wright, thirty five years ago, she was truly an example of a gracious woman.  The divine influence (Holy Spirit) living and acting in her made such an impact in my life!  She was so loving, kind, humble, gentle, compassionate and merciful.  Honestly, she took my breath away.  I was so forever inflenced by her example of the love of Jesus Christ.  

Each morning when we open our eyes . . . little do we know and understand that Jesus Christ is right there by our side waiting to be gracious unto us.  He longs for us to fully know the fullness of His love... His kindness.... His humble heart.... His gentle ways.... His compassion.... His forgiveness for our sins.  

Oh that we would know His grace and become a divine influence to others.

                                                                      Ephesians 3:19-20
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we might be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

                                                                     Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
    Thank you Lord for your grace extended to me.  May I be mindful today of extending that same grace to others....  May your divine influence be evident in me today.  Amen ~


 

Even The Smallest of Details......

Last week I promised my sister-in-law that I would take her to run errands on Thursday.  This week has turned out to be very busy for me and my energy level just hasn't been up to par.  I have wrestled back and forth if I should call her and break my commitment to help her.  However, I just wasn't feeling right about doing that because I want to be a woman of my word.  I prayed to God that He would help guide me and that I would trust Him for the right outcome.  "Lord, please work this out according to Your will for me."

                                                                   Psalm 62:8
Trust in Him at all times, ye people, pour out your heart before Him.  God is a refuge for us.  Selah

Early this morning my phone was ringing.... it was my sister-in-law. "Debbie, I have been thinking about Thursday and I'm going to have my granddaughter take me to run errands.  I'm not at peace about you doing that with all that you have going on right now."

                                 The Lord spoke to her heart on behalf of me.  Wow!

                                                                   Psalm 71:1-3
In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be put to confusion.  Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape; incline thine ear unto me, and save me.  Be thou my strong habitation, where unto I may continually resort.

                                                                   Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
       Wow!  Thank you Lord, that no concern of ours is too small for Your concern.  No burden that we lay at Your feet will escape Your thoughtful consideration.  You take such delight in revealing Your love to us even in the smallest of details.  You are our Lord who we may continually resort.  Amen ~  

"Secret Words"

Looking back thirty-three years ago, I remember attending a weekly Bible Study with a few close friends.  We looked so forward to being together each week.  We loved singing the worship songs and listening to the speaker.  We had small classes for learning different subjects.  We met so many other Christian woman and our children enjoyed playing in the nursery. We also enjoyed meeting at my friend's house afterwards for some great fellowship!  We could secretly smoke our cigarettes and slander some of the ladies at the study that we didn't care for.   We felt comfortable doing this secretly amongst ourselves, after all..... we were good friends.  

                                                                 Psalm 102:5
                                                                    (of David) 
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, him will I not endure.

I am thankful to report that I no longer feel comfortable smoking cigarettes or talking 'slander' about other people.  I have asked the Lord to forgive me.  However, our own personal convictions are not always the same with our neighbors.  We may have co-workers, family members and others who insist on reporting to us negative, slanderous reports about others.  How do we put them to silence as David's Psalm indicates?  

                 *   We can remain silent and pray.
                 *   We can change the subject.
                 *   We can express how we value that person.
                 *   We can just simply remove ourselves from the conversation.

                                                                      Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

                                                                       Morning Prayer
Dear Lord,
     Oh please forgive me for all the many times I have participated in slandering others.  Those conversations come from haughtiness and pride which is sin.  May there be a lock on my mouth from speaking . . .  and a lock on my ears from listening to such unwholesome words.  Thank you for Your mercy that is new each morning.  I love you Lord.  Amen ~