A prayer for safety...

Today so much is going through my head. Loved ones traveling, storms lurking, little frustrations looming... I'm in the boat and the fear is crashing in with each wave. The wind whips around constantly reminding me of the worries I can't seem to shake.

But I am choosing to believe in the Savior walking on the water. I am going to choose to hear his voice as he commands the troubles to "BE STILL." I am going to choose to trust.

That is simply all I can do. For alone I am helpless. With God I can be strong. And at peace.

"Lord, protect those I love today. Calm my fears and wash me with your peaces. Amen!"

Thank you

Lord, thank you for once again reminding of your pr essence. Thank you. I know I can't go this road alone. Thank you for being my walking buddy. It makes the journey all the more beautiful.

Protection for the heart...

Words were said in haste. I feel like a child who doesn't understand. A little piece of my heart breaks off over nothing. Why? Why are there days that I feel so vulnerable. Every word said, the tone used or even the time spent in conversation all affect the "mood" I end the day on.

It is moments like this that I have to shield my heart in the knowledge that even those I love the most are just human, going through their day to day life, struggling like me to meet the needs of everyone around them to. How many times have I regretted my own tone of voice or the words that escaped my lips before I could hold them back? Today was a domino affect. Something was said to me, I in turn took it out on my child, etc... These are the days we have to shield our hearts in the knowledge of the unfailing love of the Heavenly Father. Every one else is not perfect and will fail us every once in a while.

My comfort comes from Him and Him alone. And the person who hurt my heart? I know he loves me too. He just had a human moment.

Lord, protect my heart on the "off" days. Let my mood be one of hope and praise, even when words and actions temporarily hurt.

Muddy Waters

What do you do at the end of the day when you look in the mirror and you are not happy with yourself? For whatever reason you feel BLAH! Bad hair day, big zit on the end of your nose, feeling the extra pounds you are carrying, frustrated with self and all that entails... Or maybe you're snappy with the kids, selfish in your marriage, feeling very alone and fighting the need to have a big 'ol pity party. Seriously, what do you do?

I do the only thing I can do...PRAY!!!

I have found I can't fight the blues alone. It is a process, for I have to constantly remind myself that although I certainly don't deserve the grace and love of Jesus Christ, He is there to carry me through the tangled messes I weave both in life and in my head.

"Thank you, Lord. Once again I come before you asking for your forgiveness for my selfishness, for my greediness, for my laziness, for the ugliness that infects the beauty of knowing you and talking to you daily. Help me let go and allow myself to be carried, for it is muddy waters in which I stand. I will sink deeper, if not for your strength, your grace and your love. When I look in the mirror I long to see the beauty that is all you. AMEN."

I truly have to let go, for my first inclination is to go build a boat to sail away out of the muck into the clear waters. However, in the time it would take to build my boat, my Savior could have already walked me across the river. Oh, if only I would learn not to have to have control and do things myself all the time! I get on to my children all the time; "It isn't all about YOU!" When was the last time I really heard my own words. When was the last time I was truly selfless?

Something to ponder... Something to PRAY about! Words to remember and live by.

Just another day...

I hit the alarm more than I needed to this morning. I sat up in panic, realizing my oversleeping was going to make my whole family rushed and maybe even late for their own adventures... As I watch my kids getting ready, one fussing about a pimple on picture day, while the other can't find all his stuff, I realize we have been here before in this moment. Wasn't it just yesterday...

We never know how long we have in this world full of accidents, disease and old age, but we can have peace.

There is guilt when I realize I haven't been taking time out of my busy schedule to talk to my best friend... I so take HIM forgranted at times...

Yes, today was so similar to the day before and the day before that. Why? Why are we rushing, going through life and letting it pass us by without a care?

Today was just another day, but I want it to be different. I want it to be filled with an awareness of my Lord.

Thank you Lord, for loving me and being there even when I don't stop to acknowledge it.

Psalm 62

Last night God gift wrapped Psalm 62 and gave it to me...

Thank you, Lord...words of prayer and praise from David, that gave me hope in the middle of a restless night.

May I know that you are my salvation when all this world holds presses against me...
May I know you are my rest when I am oh, so weary...
And my strength when I do not want to do battle in this sinful world.

As David wrote;

"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him..." Psalm 62:5

3:00a.m. wake up call

It is 3:00a.m. and I can not sleep. I tossed and turned until I couldn't take it anymore! Whether from the dull ache in my mouth from dental surgery, a worried heart over sick family members I love or simply God saying "I need you to talk to me tonight." I dragged my weary head out of bed.

For the last 40 minutes I have prayed. Or maybe I should say I praised. I spent time praising my God for who He is...my Savior! He held my hand when I was afraid. He encouraged me when I was down. He has been my strength when I have felt so weak.

The last few days He has shown me His loving touch in so many little and big ways:
-The loving touch and care from my husband while I have been healing
- The mac and cheese made for me by my son when I could not cook for myself.
- The "you are missed" at my work place.
- The homemade chicken soup and cornbread made for me by a loving friend.
- The prayers prayed for me.
- The kiss good night I received from my daughter.
- The laughter of family spending time together.

These were my hugs from a God who cares, who knew I needed some TLC.

As I sit here praising him tonight, I realize that if a little dull pain and restless sleep, make me seek His face, then it was worth it. After all, what is my little pain in the shadow of His cross of mercy.

I serve a loving and caring God. He is my rest. He is my peace. He is my strength. I will trust in Him. I will cast the burdens of my heart on Him, for I believe He loves me.

I pray for my nephews who need His healing touch right now. I pray for a work place where people are so angry, let me be a beacon for you. I pray for healing. I pray for my husband as he manages to serve you. I pray for my kids that they will be strong in this crazy world. I pray for the building of our church, may it glorify you. I pray that you will help me reach out to the unlovable.

Thank you Lord for staying up with me, for listening to my cries and hearing my praises. Forgive me and help me forgive myself. Help me live for you today in all that I do.
AMEN