 The start of a journey takes only one step and sometimes those steps are backwards as mine have been many times. For years I have struggled on what to do when I grow up. My first career was in the travel industry and while I was able to travel the world, meeting new people and having experiences some only dream of doing listed on their bucket list; most of mine was done alone and was physically, mentally and spiritually exhausting.
After more than a decade, I sold most belongings, quit my job and went to school full time earning multiple information technology engineering certifications to propel me into the exciting field of IT. Well, sometimes it was exciting, but honestly, configuring a NIC card or hypervisor is also as exciting as watching a nail rust. From growing up on a farm, a career in the travel industry then IT, I find myself, again starting something different; theology studies. I really have no aspirations of being a pastor, reverend, rabbi, i.e. leading a church or congregation, but do want to server God, share the love of Christ while doing more than I am currently doing in the progression of positive living and helping my fellow children of God. I would also like to include in my studies astrology, numerology and other ‘mystical practices.’ Practices I used to think were more on the white magic or pagan scene. However, the more I study and the more I pray about this, the more God leads me to the conclusion that, duh – God created these said mystical practices and even the wise men used these tools to follow “the star” and find baby Jesus. It is now November 2017 and I start my journey by stepping forward and not backward, propelled by a new support system I met through Open Door Workshop, by Cecilia Rose. Hope you will enjoy the journey with me while providing encouragement. Dear Mother Father Creator God, oh you who created and knitted me in my mother’s womb, already know the course I will take. I pray it will be a vast exploration, fun exciting and rewarding for your kin-dom. Thank you for your continual strength, guidance and protection. In your many names – amen. Jeremiah 1:5 NIV "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Galatians 3:26 NIV “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,” John 1:3 NLT* God created everything through God, and nothing was created except through God. Deuteronomy 31:6 ISV* Be strong and courageous. Don't fear or tremble before them, because the LORD your God will be the one who keeps on walking with you and won't leave you or abandon you." * inclusive language used – whereas the masculine nouns are replaced thus removing God from the masculine box ** The photo is my presentation given to my Board at the Open Door workshop, depicting where I was at the start of the class, where I am and where I am heading. At the start of the class, I felt as if I were under water, but with help, I can start taking baby steps towards a life that I love; teaching, presenting, learning and money good money.  For 24 to 48 hours I was pissed. For 24 to 48 hours I could not look in the direction of my neighbor. For 24 to 48 hours I seethed, boiled, loathed and just shut down. Yes, if they saw me I would wave and say hello but that was it - the conversation could not continue.
Then the election came, went and I knew they hated me. I recoiled. I would go to work and stay off social medial. Stay off email and stay away from news. I hid. I avoided the break room and open areas where conversations could and would occur. I even avoided calling my sister and mother. I went dormant. Yet, I prayed. Yes, I did pray - I prayed for forgiveness; I prayed for strength; I prayed the night would end. Mostly, my prayer was to “love my neighbor as myself” because at the moment I could not. Jesus teaches we must love one another and by this we will be known as His disciples. At this point, I need to be me. I need to stand strong. I need to grasp hold of Jesus Christ and the principles of Christ. I need to live one day and one moment at a time, trusting that Christ who lives within me will continue to guide and protect. AND I need to live and love my neighbor as myself. Dear Creator Mother Father Sustainer God – I believe and know in my heart, you already hear and feel our prayers. Our needs are many. Our pain is great. We know and believe You are greater and will hold, keep and comfort us in and during all adversity. In your many names. Amen. John 13:34-35 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Mark 12:31 (ESV) “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”  On my birthday, before I entered the shower, I looked in the mirror, buck naked and said “Well this is what a 51 year old body looks like”. And I smiled.
I smiled as I am healthier and stronger physically, mentally and spiritually than I was 25 years ago. Do I have 6 pack abs? No, but my waist is smaller and stomach flatter. Now, I am not a fitness guru, but currently eat more organic and natural foods than in my past. At the age of 26 I had three main food groups; aspirin, coffee and vodka, always accompanied with a cigarette or two. At 51, I have cut down on all and eliminated tobacco. So proving it is true; we are what we eat. Mentally I feel stronger. Little things don’t bother or upset me as they did in the past; and thank you Lord I am not a crotchety old man (I think I have at least 30 years to go on that one)! In reality, there are some things that really get my blood boiling and have to caution myself, hold my tongue and let go. Things such as charities that are not charitable or people who claim to follow Jesus, but follow their own agenda and leave no room for some of God’s children at the communion table. It is times like this, when I have learned to depend upon those who came before me, such as the wisdom of Shirley Chisholm, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." We are all children of God and always welcome at God’s table – each and every one of us. Spiritually I feel stronger. Am I doing the work God has put into my being? Probably not up to my full potential, but I do know I am on the right path and learning day by day to live day by day and allow God to lead. Of course, this is also a learning process and I will just blame my slow learning and slow following on my dyslexia and ADHD. I have a feeling, there have been times in my life when God has shown me the way, but like a dog seeing a squirrel, I ran in the opposite direction. Yet, I am where I need to be, in this very moment, at this very time and for that I acknowledge and am grateful. On this day, the start of my 51st year on earth, I proclaim it to be grand. I proclaim to continually grow stronger physically, mentally and spiritually with each passing day. I proclaim and intend to be true to God, true to myself and true to others. And with that said, amen. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb” Psalm 139:13 NIV Another good scripture read is Ecclesiastes 9, the Contemporary English Version with the title of “One day at a Time.” In reference to Shirley Chisholm: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35057641 And thank you Susan Falk for teaching me “I am where I need to be, in this very moment, at this very time”.  Our worth does not come from a paycheck.
Our worth does not come from social or economic position. Our worth comes from God and we are all God’s children. Our self-worth is then derived from our knowing, accepting and believing this true fact: We are Children of God. At times, and perhaps more than I would like to admit, this is a jagged pill to swallow. Jagged in that while we connect and join in oneness with God, feel God, know God, and experience God, we still have not turned off that small voice of resistance. The resistance voice that says we are not measuring up to <fill in the blank here>... It is especially times like these when we can turn, walk, run to God, and be held within the arms of Jesus for that pure essence of understanding and acceptance - which only God can provide. So when life and the world just gets too much, when all around appear to be doing better, making more, looking better, remember God does not compare us to anyone else. In God’s Eyes, we are all deeply loved, perfectly made, unique, lovable and quirky kids. In this moment, it is time to be - just be with God Be held by the love of Jesus. Be still. Be strong. Be you. Be accepting of the love you are. Let God into your heart, mind and soul. Dear Loving Sustainer Creator God, oh how I need this time with You. Be with me now and always. Be strong for me when I am weak. Help me to turn off the voice of resistance and continue to help me grow in You - to just be... Just be the wonderful person I am now. In Your many names. Amen. Helpful verses “Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!].” Hebrews 13:5 AMPC “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. “ Psalm 139:13 NLT "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 NIV "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 NIV "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10 NLT And a side note: While writing, the song “You Learn” by Alanis Morissette came to mind as it is about growth, growing and learning. Happy growing!  Dear Mother Father Creator – My personal Healer Today I praise and thank you for my healing In this moment I feel your healing power I acknowledge and welcome the healing power of Jesus Today I praise and thank you for my healing In this moment I can feel my body getting stronger In this moment I can feel my mind growing stronger In this moment I can feel my spirit gaining strength In this moment, I am healed and I praise and thank you for my healing This short prayer is for all those currently within a healing process from disease. It does not matter which disease, what matters is our connection to our great physician, healer, sustainer…. Christ; and to allow the healing process to complete. Throughout the bible there are many verses reflecting upon healing, here are just a few. My prayer for us all today is that the Lord continues to bless and keep us with the safe and healing arms of Jesus. John 14:12 NIV "I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works…” Mark 11:24 NIV "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Matthew 11:28 NLT Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Parables within Luke 18, especially of the Blind Beggar 35-43: “…“Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Verses have been changed with inclusive language. You’re welcome. Dedicated to Dan, Laureli, Kathryn, David and all  Sometimes we just need to be physical angels, physical beings and physical boundaries for those who are persecuted. Sometimes God sends and directs us to places way outside our comfort zone. And, just as God promised; “I will never leave you…” Recently was one of those times and it started when our pastor invited all and anyone who could attend a counter-protest at a Gender Infinity conference. We were to stand in-between the hate and attendees, helping to shield, detract, send and spread God’s love. And so, as the week passed, I did not accept the invite to attend, only reluctantly prayed and thought about attending. All during the week, I kept chanting inside my head, what would I do? What can I add? What would I say if approached? The simple voice in my heart just kept telling me to go and be. Be a witness. Be a friend. Be the physical presence of Christ and just stand there. So I went. Although I did try to turn around many times and kept getting lost, each time, telling myself this was a sign to go home. But, God had other plans and soon I found myself standing off to the side, then to the corner of a busy intersection, standing between the haters and those that the hate was aimed. At the start there were about eight or so and soon a small crowd, maybe around 40 or 50 people all being seen as a positive force. A friend of mine, Kym, was there with me too, and soon she pointed across the street and said “they are moving, [the anti-conference protestors] we need to cut them off!” – So we went to the other corner. This would mean love on two corners and haters on one. We stood at that corner alone, both of us scared as its one thing to see vile and hate on TV, it is another to see it live and in person. We stood. We stayed. We prayed and held out our hands sending God’s love. Soon, others started to join us, so we did what God directed – we crossed the street to the median of the busy intersection, now only two traffic lanes away. We must have been a positive force, as soon others joined us on the median; still holding signs, still praying and sending love. God prompted again, and soon Kym pointed to the corner diagonal from us. There was no one there. “Let’s go!” So off we went, passing right in front, inches from, the anti-conference group to the opposite corner. While passing, we must have looked very determined as a police officer held out his hand to stop us, so we explained we would simply like to cross the street, not cross paths. He then held out his arm, shielding us from them. Love was now on three of four corners, including the median for the remainder of the counter-protest while we continued to smile, start conversations and share Christ with those around. We were there to just be and all the while, felt God’s presence, God’s security and the peace of Christ within and around. Dear Precious protector and savior, oh at times it is hard to love our neighbor. Thank you for directing, leading and being with me always. Thank you for peace and may I and all continue to be the love of Christ and peace to this hurting world. In your many names. Amen Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “… Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; and will never leave you nor forsake you. Mark 12:31 (NIV) The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Verses changed with inclusive language, your welcome. For over 11 years, I have depended upon my less than $10.00 sub-generic coffee maker to make me hot water for tea almost every workday morning. Recently, however, I noticed the water was not staying very warm and at first did not think much of it. Then the unthinkable happened. Not only had the warmer plate stopped working, the heating element stopped working as well!
In total disbelief, I just stared at it. Then started to trouble shoot. Plugged it into a different socket, picked it up to gently shake it and even opened and closed the lid a couple times, as if the plastic connections would produce hot water. Was this the day? A rainy cold day when I would go without hot water. No warm mug in my hands to provide the comfort I am so accustomed to? Is today the day my routine is being shattered and an end to my daily morning routine? I could not grasp the reality, so I turned away from the pot and just left it plugged into the wall, sitting there in silence. Then, after about 20 minutes the pot started to gurgle and produce hot water. Now I was in disbelief as it appears the pot is possessed! This makes me wonder. How many times am I the pot? How many times has God poured goodness into me, waiting for me to produce and I do not. How many times has God covered me with Grace, protected me from the evil one and led to me green pastures. Only to have me sit, stare and do nothing. Oh Lord, please forgive me for the times I have not shared your love. Please forgive me for the times I just sat and did nothing when injustice occurred around me. Please forgive me for times you poured life into me and I did not share life. Oh Lord, I cry out to you this moment, to hold me and to hold me up, so I can and will share your love, your life and stand up to injustice. Dear Mother Father Creator God – oh how I love you. I love you for yes, you first loved me, and more so that you continue to be my steadfast rock. Now, today and going forward be with me to be your voice, your conduit, sharing your love and life with the world around me. Thank you for staying with me, now and forever. In your many names. Amen. Psalm 23 NLV: The Creator is my shepherd; I have all that I need. God lets me rest in green meadows; and leads me beside peaceful streams. God renews my strength and guides me along right paths, bringing honor to God’s. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Almighty forever. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; [and] will never leave you nor forsake you. Proverbs 31:8 NLT “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” ** Psalms and Deuteronomy have been changed using inclusive language – replacing He with God and Lord with Creator and Almighty. You’re welcome.  Thank you for your Healing.... Thank you for being here, always here, with me now. Thank you for your Grace that protects guides and assures me. Thank you for your healing powers, the healing powers of Jesus which heals and transcends within. Thank you for your guidance. Today I choose to seek your guidance. Today I choose to listen to your guidance... ... and today I choose to follow your guidance. In your many names. Amen.
 We pray for comfort. We pray for protection. We pray for prosperity..... we pray and pray ..... and ask and ask
- maybe it is time to take pause and give back. With all the turmoil and seemingly ‘world going to hell in a handbasket’, maybe it is time to pause and give back. Take pause, reflect and pray so we may all be slow to anger. Take pause as not to get caught up in a world in which we do not belong. Take pause in order to give back to God. Giving God praise, thankfulness and the simplicity of adoration for all the many blessings God has already and will continue to bestow upon the Children of God – you and me. And above prayers of thankfulness and praise, give back to God in the form of sharing the love of Jesus with one another. Give a smile to a stranger. Offer our time, talents and financial gifts to an organization that promotes the love of Christ. Give back to God by being the hands and feet of Christ and then, the world will know. Know the love of Christ revealed within each and every one of the Children of God. Dear Mother Father Creator God, oh how we thank you for your goodness. We thank you for your blessings upon each and every one of us. And, oh Lord, help us to use our blessings, from you, to help others in time of need by simply showing your love. Help me to take pause and know that you are God. In your many names. Amen. John 13:34-35 (NIV) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” James 1: 19-21 (NLT) “…You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” John 17:16 (NLT) “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV) “…“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NLT) “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” Psalm 86:2 (NLT) “With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever” Today I am joyfully numb, yesterday I was angry, afraid and on the verge of tears as my heart hurt to the point my body and mind became numb. Numb from all the unrest and hatefulness filling news headline after headline of senseless acts of horror – and not just locally, but on a global scale. But I cannot and will not allow the evil one to steal my joy and neither should you. Yes, there are circumstances that are beyond our control and beyond our own imaginations; circumstances that might cause our being to become numb, emotionally, physically, mentally and at times even spiritually. Yet, it is in these times we can find refuge in God, in God’s word and refuge in the God within each and every one of us. We need to reach out, away from ourselves as not to suffocate. Be there for one another to provide comfort and share joy. One simple way to spread joy and sharing the love of Christ is to simply smile. Smile with our mouths and smile with our eyes. When an elevator door opens, smile as people enter and leave. As you walk a busy street, smile and be aware. If passing individuals and not within a crowd, make eye contact and smile with both mouth and eyes. A smile is contagious and even if the person(s) does not immediately smile back, you shared joy with them beyond what we can imagine. Yes, today I choose joy and by doing so will become less and less numb so that I can be here for God, myself and others this day and always. Dear Mother Father Creator God, this day there are many who are hurting. This day, there is much turmoil and unthinkable tragedy within the world. This day, oh Lord, please hold me. Please hold your children so we may all feel love, Your Love. This day, oh Lord, please let us share Your Love with one another so that this day will pass with peace and joy in our hearts. This day and always, thank you for Your Peace, Joy and Protection. In your many names. Amen One song that helps me during tragic times is “Let There Be Peace on Earth”, by Vince Gill. There are many versions on the internet for your listening pleasure. Also the verses – (inclusive language) "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10 (NLT) “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust God with all my heart. God helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 (NLT) And a verse known as The Shepherds' Prayer, A Psalm of David: Psalm 23 (NLT) 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2 God lets me rest in green meadows; and leads me beside peaceful streams. 3 God renews my strength. and guides me along right paths, bringing honor to thy name. 4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. 6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.  Vacations are great – taking a break from our routines are great – getting away or staying at home, whatever and wherever, just so we break out of our routine, try new things, enjoy old things more – ah, just the bliss of a break. Only, for me, I personally find when I do take an extended break, such as vaca or staycation, my time with God starts to break also. This is not because God leaves or I leave God, it is because I did not have the foresight to build into my vaca-staycation time to communicate, pray and have a dialogue with God when I am out of my typical routine.
I really try to end and start my day in a dialogue with God. When I go to bed, I talk to God about what is on my mind, turn over (OK, try to turn over 100%, still working on this – LOL), my worries and the decisions that I have to make and direction I should go. I also praise and thank God for a wonderful day, the blessings that have been open to me and to allow myself to be open to even more blessings. And no matter how much time I have before the alarm goes off, I also ask God to pull me out of time, so I can have the equivalent of the perfect night’s sleep so when wake up, I am refreshed and ready to serve God in all I do. When I truly communicate with God like this before I fall sleep, I almost always awake still in a prayer-like-state, speaking and listing to God. Typically, my first thoughts are of praise for being alive, being me and that God loves, protects and keeps me. Then I will continue to thank God for my blessings and to help keep, love, and protect me for the day to come. My problem is when I take a vaca-staycation, for some reason or another; I stop this routine and then find myself getting disconnected from God. And even though it takes a couple days to get back into the routine of a dialogue with God, even moments without a strong connection seem like forever. So note to self and all – when and while on vaca-staycation – take God with us and never stop the dialogue with God! Dear Mother Father Creator Sustainer God, thank you for vacations, breaks and staycations and Lord, please oh please forgive me when I break my communications with you. Thank you for not snubbing me when I return and welcoming me back with open arms. Oh, Lord, please also help me to remember this breakage so on my next vacation, I will not be vacating you. In your many names. Amen “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) “Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 (GNT) And give thanks for everything to God in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 (NLT) *inclusive* Do you believe in angels? Have you seen angels? One aspect I love about praying at night, when all around me is so dark I cannot even see my hands before me, is I see angels. I see lights fluttering before my eyes, brilliantly lighted orbs descending from above and surrounding me. At night, I know what I am seeing, as it is not with my eyes, but with my heart and soul. I have also seen flashes of light during the daylight as well. I remember the first time this happened was when I was in such a low place and just cried and cried for God, as I just knew God left me. Then a flash of light lit up the room and it was almost blinding. Not a light from a source I have ever seen, such as a camera flash, a light so pure and bright it both comforted and startled me. I knew I was not alone. You see, the word angel comes from the Greek word aggelos meaning “messenger,” I knew God was there and did not leave me and the angel was reminding me “…never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Prayer is our connection to God and messages are often received through angels. So in this time of turmoil, seemingly endless hate, violence, distrust, lack of honor and support; it is times like this we need to actively seek God’s angels and BE the angels for others. Even in the darkest hour, God is there and God shows up when we show up. Show up for ourselves. Show up for each other and collectively, we will show and shine the love of Christ to and within this world. Love does and Love will conquer all. Dear Mother Father Creator God, thank you for your angels. Open my mind, heart and soul to your messages through your angels. Thank you for the peace of knowing I am not alone and I am yours. Use me at your will to carry messages to others. Open me to receive and help me reach out away from myself to help others understand and receive. Oh God, thank you. Amen Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) “…Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV) "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."  Quick and efficient is how I like to grocery shop. Having a complete list in hand, written out to follow the lay-out of the store; produce, then bread, then spices, then…. you get it… in and out in less than 15 minutes, that is the goal. So there I was, rushing, rushing rushing; I just wanted to get home.
It was a Monday afternoon, a very long Monday and I was exhausted; so when I looked at my list and had everything I smiled and headed to the check-out. Then the thought went through my mind; “where could I get sleep?” What isle would rest be in? “Oh excuse me Associate, what aisle is Sleep located?” When I am tired, even the most absurd things and thoughts make me laugh, as I chuckled inside and smiled at the absurdity of finding rest at the grocery store. Then the phrase popped into my head; find rest in the Lord, at the moment I did not know it was a bible verse, I just kept repeating “find rest in the Lord.” This made me smile even more. So while we cannot purchase rest or sleep in a grocery store, yes items to help us rest and sleep, we can find rest in the Lord as we have God within. All we need to do is look within for rest. Calm down, relax, smile and stop running and rushing around as if we are part of the world and not within the world. Rest in the Lord and share this rest with others. Smile at the other shoppers. Let someone in line ahead of you. Share God’s love through example, calm pleasant examples – being still and feel, really feel God within. Dear Mother Father Creator God, please forgive me when I rush and run, hither here and there, far and wide and forget about you within. Thank you for this reminder of your ever omnificent presence within ME and allow myself to show your love to the world through simple actions as politeness and a genuine smile. Thank you for rest. Thank you for rest and peace within. In your many names. Amen. Oh and PS Lord, help me to work on adjusting and honing in on my sleep time management too. Amen. Psalm 37:7 * Rest in the Lord and be willing to wait. Do not trouble yourself when all goes well with the one who carries out their sinful plans. *Inclusive John 17:16 (NIV) “They [you and I] not of the world, even as I am not of it.” Dear Lord, I thank you – oh Lord, I praise you. I thank you for your goodness. I thank you for your protection. I thank you for the many blessings I have been given and the many more to come.
Dear Lord, please be with me this day and this moment. Oh, Lord, I cry out in praise and with praise for all you do. Give me the strength to allow your Light to shine within me, sharing your Light and Love to those around me. Oh, Lord. Thank you Psalm 145: 1-21 David’s Praise After working most of the weekend in the yard; pulling weeds, planting, re-planting, spreading two truckloads of mulch on top of the flowerbeds and garden walks, it was time to fertilize the plants with my new fertilizer sprayer. So off I went, and trying to minimize overspray, honing in on only the vegetables and plants that needed the most fertilizer. I was also getting impressed and a little curious/worried as to why the fertilizer seemed to last, a lot longer than the older model. Were the plants getting the needed amount? Was there a clog somewhere prohibiting the mixture to come out? But, I just kept feeding away or I thought. After yet another bed, where I was still being so matriculate as not to overspray, curiosity or perhaps rationale, got to me and I opened the sprayer. Lo and beyond, there was a plastic seal prohibiting water to mix with the fertilizer! Yes, I was simply watering and not fertilizing. Aauuuggg!!!!!! When I posted my stupidity/silliness on Facebook, “This is a public service announcement.....one must remove the plastic seal on the new fertilizer bottle, otherwise one is just watering!” A friend commented that the statement was a profound message. At first I did not think anything of it, but then thought yes it is, as when we are closed up and off, then how can we share God’s love from within ourselves. And more to the point, if and when we are closed up, then how can we allow God’s love to enter ourselves? If and when we are closed off, we get closed off not only from ourselves, but God and others as well. First, we need to be open with God and allow God to work within and through us. Simply have an open mind and honest conversation with God. If this is new or if it has been a while, simply close your eyes and listen for God’s love to start penetrating your heart and soul. Soon, you will hear and soon you will respond. When we are open and have an honest dialogue with God, then we can and will be filled with God’s love and in turn able to share God’s love with others. Dear Mother Father Creator God, Please speak with me today. Take my troubles from my shoulders, my mind and my heart so I am open to hear and see you. Open so that I can share your love with others. Oh, Lord, you are my Lord and Savior, thank you for your forgiveness and thank you for your Love. Continue to hold, protect and keep me all of my days. In your many names. Amen Verse references: Proverbs 1:33 (NIV) “… whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Romans 10:9 (NIV) “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Mark 16:15 (NLT) “And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” Psalm 46:10 (AMP) “Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth.” And just because of all the politic turmoil that seems to always go on and on… The Message (MSG)* has a smack-on version of Psalm 46:8-10 “Attention, all! See the marvels of God! [God] plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across [God’s] knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” *I used inclusive language with [God] and not He .  Sometimes it is harder than other times to be happy, smile, joyful and just an all-around great person. Now I am not going to paint a doom and gloom picture because I learned a long time ago, that no matter what, God has my back, God is protecting me and God has greater things for me to come. However, there are those days that the clouds start early in the morning and won’t seem to clear. I have been in one of those moods and yet, I am trying to rejoice.
Yes, there are those days when the clouds appear to be darker than usual, heavier and daunting. It is also these days when we need to dig deep inside and find the silver linings we stored for ourselves on brighter days. Reflect upon the days when the skies were clear and bluer than blue. Reflect upon the songs that make your heart sing. Reflect upon the smile on your face, and causing a fellow being to smile back at you. Reflect upon the love within you, and soon the clouds will start to clear away, your lips will start to curl into a smile and your heart will start to warm. Yes, there are those days and then there are these days. The days that everything is good right and just. The days, just like today, when you feel the warmth of God’s love and others feel it through you. This day is that day and what a joyous day it is! Dear Sustainer Creator Mother Father God, thank you for the smile on my face, in spite of the clouds and interruptions today. Please help me to continue to reach within for you. Reach within my memory banks to remember better times. Remember joyful lessons you taught me through nature, friends, the scriptures and song. Remember to live today. Today; one day at a time and thank you for reminding me I am loved and I am joyful and wonderfully made. In your many names. Amen Psalm 118:24 (ESV) “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV) “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Matthew 6:34 (NIV) “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Romans 12:12 (NIV) “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (MSG) ”Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.” During the day, I try to take a quick walk in the morning and afternoon. Since this is a quick walk for exercise, I usually listen to dance re-mix music. This is contrary to what I listen to in the car and at home, which is NPR or a local Christian rock station. One particular walk, there were three songs that played in a row that struck me. The first was a song by Above & Beyond, with the chorus lyrics of “I cannot resist your call”. The next titled, “Just Be" by Tiesto and the third was, “Be Still” by The Killers. It was after, “Be Still” that I literally froze and had to reflect upon just what God was telling me.
You see, at the current moment I am starting a transformation and feeling a little like a butterfly within a cocoon. However, with that said, I am at the very beginning as I am just starting to admit that I am changing, change is coming and I want this change. Also, I really do not know yet what butterfly will emerge. This is all exciting and scary at the same time. I am admitting out-loud to only those I truly trust (until now publicly) what is going on and how I feel I should proceed. Of course, if we want to hear God laugh, tell God our plans! So with that, I am trying to let go and let God lead, and really trying to listen. So when three dance mix songs come into my ear and touched my inner being, “I Can Not Resist Your Call”. “Just Be,” and “Be Still”; I think it is time to take notice that God, not always, perhaps gently whispers within our soul through the scriptures or religious song, but through secular dance and re-mix music. Lord, did I hear you today? I am posting and proclaiming I am starting a transformation. Transform to, into whom, into what? I don’t know. But know I am safe and secure, as God already knows my comings and goings and knew me in my mother’s womb, so what makes me think that my future will and is anything but bright! Oh Lord, my Creator and Sustainer God, please continue to hold, keep, direct and lead me into the future, while holding and keeping me in the here and now. Be with me when I am still, knowing and feeling you as my God. Allow me to continue to just be me, just as you made me and allow, prod and direct me to become the true Child of God you intend. In your many names. Amen Jeremiah 1:5 NIV “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Psalm 121:8 NIV “The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 46:10 NIV “… “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Above & Beyond, "Sirens of the Sea" Tiesto “Just Be” The Killers “Be Still” The Houston area is prone to heavy rains which many times will cause flooding; last Sunday was such a night. Upon waking Monday morning, we learned of the devastating floods throughout many parts of Houston, causing the entire city to freeze as travel was impossible, thus I was trapped in my home. Blessed with no flooding in our house and with electricity, I took advantage of the situation. I cleaned out some kitchen drawers, completed laundry (which is typically done over a three day period), read a couple chapters in a book; as well as some magazine articles and simply tried to relax while praying for those who were not so dry.
By mid-afternoon, I was pleased that the last of the laundry was completed and I smiled as I would have the remaining evenings this coming week free of laundry and chores. I felt as I was given much needed free time and quickly started to think of neglected projects to fill up my free time such as cleaning the garage and working on minor house repairs. Little did I realize this newly given free time, was not for me only, but given to me to share. The sharing of time was to share with others, my chosen family, whose home was flooded. We removed wet carpet, flooded items, and moved and re-grouped other items. Besides aching muscles, which made Ibuprofen my new found friend, it was time well spent sharing Christ’s compassion and love. This was time freely given to me and through God’s grace I was able to use it to help others. This makes me reflect and hopefully more aware in the future, that when I am given free time to ask; is this time for me or time to share with others? Now, I am not saying we need to be continually busy and doing something, as there are times we need rest and we are taught to rest and be still. What I am saying, and telling myself, is to use discernment when any resource is given. Are these resources given to us, may it be in time, monetary, or skill-sets ours to keep or are we to share with others? Dear Mother Father Creator and Sustainer God, oh Lord, thank you for your many blessings. Thank you for your many gifts to us all. Please help us to utilize our God given gifts to honor you, honor ourselves and honor others through your love and light. In your many names. Amen. And dear Lord, please be with all those affected by the floods or whatever our situation. May recovery be quick, resting upon your strength and sustaining love. Psalm 46:10 NIV “… “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” I admit I like that I am a little quirky and have said for many years that I am not normal. Please don’t call me normal. Some may be asking why? Well, to me normal is boring, bland, like a drone, never up, never down, never changing and I really truly do not think this is what God expects of me or anyone else. But, each to their own, this is my truth.
I like to think outside the box; and at the same time get very frightened when I do step beyond the safety of my box. Changes are not my strong suit and therefore use my quirky sarcasm as a defense mechanism, and then I remember (daily reminders) to focus on God, prayer and the bible. I say remember, as like us all, too many times I fall to the side and forget to pray, forget to focus on Christ and forget to read and remember the bible and life lessons held within. So, God sends us reminders to return; return to Christ and return to the life lessons within the verses of the bible. One such reminder was a Facebook post. The post, “Today is the day that the Lord hath made...I will rejoice and wear a raincoat.” I absolutely love this post as it is a perfect example of how to learn and live the scriptures. The actual verse is Psalms 118:24 and reads, “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” To me and I assume the author, it is a reminder that our Lord is here, always here, even when it is raining and in all situations – AND it also reminds me of the verses and lessons within Ephesians 6:10-18, that discusses the armor of God and how when we “…put of the full armor of God…” we can stand against “…the devil’s schemes.” Just as a raincoat protects us from the rain, putting on the full armor of God protects of from “…the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil.” Today and always, let us remember that “Today is the day that the Lord hath made...I will rejoice and wear a raincoat.” Dear Mother Father Creator and Great Protector God, oh how we praise you for your Word. We praise you for little reminders of you, through simple posts and conversations. Let our eyes, hearts and souls be open to your wondrous works all around for today and all days is the day the Lord hath made, may whatever our situation, be glad. In your many names. Amen. Laureli S. December 3, 2013 “Today is the day that the Lord hath made...I will rejoice and wear a raincoat.” Psalm 118:24 NIV – “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” Ephesians 6:10-18 NIV - The Armor of God: “10 finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Sometimes this is just what I need to do. Stop the madness. Stop letting and allowing outside distractions to penetrate my inner being, taking my focus away from God and away from Christ and his light. Because when I do, turn away from the true light, mine starts to grow dim, smolder and at times seem to go out completely.
And just as we are taught that we are salt of the earth, and when salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer any good. This is the same for us as God’s children. If we cannot be God’s Light to the world. What good are we? And, just as many, my light too starts to go out, smoldering if even that. However, God is much greater than I and even when my light appears to have gone out, there is still a spark within and all God asks is to allow it to be ignited once again. Yes, letting go and letting God is my lesson for the day…. Only wish when I learn it, it would stay with me! This is my human condition, learn, forget, remember and return. Of course, isn’t this why we have Jesus? When we do fail and we will. When we do forget and we will. When we stray from God and we will, God is always waiting for us to return to the open arms of Jesus. Let us never forget or at least the next time we do forget, too quickly stop it! And just as quickly, be reminded to renew our mind by praying and mediating with God, allowing God to surround and hold us once again. Dear Mother Father Creator God, oh dear Lord, thank you for your ever presence within me. I thank you for the reminders to “just stop it,” when I stray and allow the outside world to smother me; putting your light within to grow dim. Thank you for ever loving me as I am, as you made me. Thank you for protection, salvation and the ability to share your love with others, so they also will know your presence. In your many names. Amen Matthew 5:13 – Salt and Light - NIV 1 Corinthians 16:23 MSG – open arms Psalm 5:11-12 MSG – open arms Ephesians 4:23 KJB – renewal your mind Psalm 139:13 NIV – created my inmost being When six lanes of traffic converge into one, making a twenty minute drive into an hour; what to do? Praise the Lord!
Praise God in the highest, for the skies above. Praise God for my safety. Call out to God for those directly involved in the accident; asking God to send comfort, healing and calming love that will overcome all frustration of those directly and indirectly involved in the accident. May those praising and praying in these situations, be stronger and overcome those who are allowing frustration and anger to overwhelm their minds, hearts and souls. Perhaps getting stuck in this traffic jam was divine intervention, so I would set aside or in this case, forced time to reflect. Maybe this is just another lesson of how to communicate with God and how to handle external situations. As I sat in the traffic jam, speeding along at 3MPH, I was surprised at how relaxed and calm I was. I looked at the horizon and smiled, praising God for the beauty of the morning, listening to praise and worship songs on the radio and simply relaxed. All while remembering a time in my life when I would have been close to screaming, if not already yelling at the cars around me. Clenching the wheel, starting to sweat with anxiety, as I would be late for work and being reprimanded for being late, from a cause out of my control. This is another reason to praise and pray. Praise God, as I am not in a situation where I will be reprimanded for traffic accidents and pray for those who are. There might be people in the vehicles next to us, who do not have an understanding boss. There are those in our same traffic jam who are on their way to an interview. There are those around us who may be on their way to an operating room, to help God save a child from cancer. Whatever the situation, we are here to praise God for God’s goodness and pray for others so that God and God’s goodness will prevail over and over again in all situations. Dear Mother Creator Father God, Oh Lord, my heart sings out in praise of you. My soul is filled with praise in all you do. You sustain and protect me from external forces, including myself. May my soul continue to praise you in all situations. May I continue to pray, support and send your love to those in need. May our anxieties be calmed by your love and peace which is everlasting! Dear Lord, thank you for holding me in your arms and thank you for holding all your children; even when we don’t know it. In your many names. Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” “Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; God is the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:6 MSG
This story is how I strive to actively ask, listen, hear and follow God’s direction. I say strive, as I am a work in progress and these are steps I strive to get stronger. One of the organizations I support had stopped making an automatic withdrawal. Of course, once they caught this, they called and asked if I would like to make up the many months that had lapsed. I was just about to say yes, then stopped in mid-breath and told them I would get back with them. That night there was much discussion as to where to place this money. Keep it, give it to the earmarked purpose or support another organization? The internet is where I went, feverishly looking up and reading in detail other organizations that from one time or the other, I wanted to support, but just never got around to it. However, with each organization, there was something nagging me that this was not right and my money would be better served elsewhere. I just did not know, so I asked God to reveal in my sleep, what to do with my financial find. That morning, while sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee and still really not awake enough to comprehend anything, the name of a friend, David Pettitt, Pastor without Borders with Nueva Esperanza Puebla popped into my mind. This was the answer revealed from God and I heard it. Thank you Lord. After the deposit was made, I sent a quick note to David simply saying a deposit was made and Merry Christmas. I had not communicated with David for a couple months and did not know of any projects or if the church had a need for the funds. It turns out the church did have a need and the deposit made was enough to complete a project already in motion. The project was to increase the sanctuary seating capacity from around 20 to 80 people and when the project started, many kept asking David, “how will this be funded” and “how can we do this?” For as long as I have known David, his reply is simple; “God will provide” or “God knows.” As I mentioned earlier, my hearing is a work in progress, as well as my following through with actions. Isn’t this always the case with most of us? We go about our days so busily that we stop communicating with God and others. So our lesson once again, takes us back into the scriptures, Proverbs 3:6, “listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; God is the one who will keep you on track.” Dear Mother Father Creator God, thank you for letting me hear you and acting upon your direction. Please help me day-by-day to seek you for direction, listen for your answer, hear the answer and the courage, grace and wisdom to act! In your many names, amen. Below is the thank you letter from David Pettitt, Pastor without Borders with Nueva Esperanza Puebla, Puebla Mexico. Dear Ron and Vince, Back in September, during a worship service, I had this incredible vision come to me: Change the direction of the sanctuary and we’ll more than double our current seating capacity. At that time, we could expect around 15 to 20 in attendance. There was no overwhelming need to do this. Besides, logically this will create an expenditure we currently cannot fund. Yet, this vision kept getting stronger. Periodically, the devil would whisper in my ear in an attempt to dis-courage me. Sorry Charlie… I’ve been at this long enough to know that in God’s scheme of things, first comes the vision, which is followed by God’s provision. Has never failed! So without asking or advising people of our need, here is what happened. I got a call advising me of someone who felt a need to tithe to our church off an unexpected income – this amounted to $300. Next day, I was sent an additional $100, followed by another gift of $250. Then that Saturday, I was handed $80 by an unexpected visitor from Houston. This amounted to $730 and I imagined this is what the project would cost. Wrong! This only covered the construction of the platform needed because of the new distance this would create. So, since we were about to begin the holiday season, we rested. I knew full well, if this was truly of God, it would be funded and in God’s perfect timing. Then, the other night I was asked about when I expected to complete this project. I said I have no idea, but God Knows! The very next day, I was contacted by yet another individual who had earlier that day deposited another $500. Now mind you, 3 of these 5 donors had never contributed and not one of these five was even aware of our need. If this is not the Hand of God working on our behalf, then I have no clue how to explain this. There are a few things I know with absolute certainty: #1 there is no way you can bless others, without being blessed also. #2 no one was aware of the need; they just spontaneously acted on a prompting from God’s Spirit. #3 this has consistently happened throughout my 20+ years of full time ministry. The fact that not one person instructed me how to use it, also is an important side note. I recognized the provision and the purpose. Yes, I certainly have personal needs. But, God always sees to these as well. I shared this story to help anyone who might feel these promptings but fail to respond for whatever the reason. You could say, this is about living through your giving. The absolute joy-filled people in this life are those who have learned the Joy of Giving! Thanks for allowing me to share this, david The bible verse used is Proverbs 3:6 from the Message, using inclusive pronouns. “Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; God is the one who will keep you on track.” I consider myself happy and on most days, extremely happy. I feel blessed and honored by those around me and by God; especially God within. While researching just what happy means; I found143 examples within the bible, although I am sure there are more. According to Webster’s dictionary, happy is “experiencing the effect of favorable fortune; having the feeling arising from the consciousness of well-being…” My own definition is the holy contentment which is within, allowing God to be felt and experienced.
So does this mean God is not within those who are unhappy? I do not believe that. I believe we all have God within us and at any moment in time, we can allow to feel and experience God. Yet, I hold this true as well; for one reason or another we build up walls of resistance to the point we no longer feel God within and then unhappiness over shadows our thoughts and essence. My prayer goes to everyone who is in this situation now. I ask God to remove the walls, brick by brick, so the glory of God within will be known to us all. So each and every one of us will know we are a child of God and loved beyond our human comprehension and imagination. Yes, [they] people walk among us who for whatever reason, do not feel God within so it is up to us, followers of Christ to reach out to them. Through our thoughts, words and actions we must show them God’s love, so bit by bit, piece by piece the real and imaginary walls come tumbling down, so that God will be felt and realized from within us all. Dearest everlasting and loving Parent, Please help me to reach out to those needing your touch, your joy and happiness. Remove I any walls I may have that are blocking me from you so I may fully feel and experience your love. Allow me to feel your joy and happiness within, more and more each day. Oh, loving God, I cry out for your divine intervention now and to reach out to others through my thoughts, words and actions, so they too will know your love. In your many names, thank you for my joy and happiness within, that comes from you. **1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. At any given moment, we have the ability to share everything and anything and some do. We share photos of our dinner, we share pics of our cat, we share jokes, songs, home and others video’s. We communicate to achieve a sort of psychological and emotional inward tuning to bond and reflect with others. We share our dreams, laughs, poems that make our soul smile and jokes that make us laugh. And albeit virtual when sharing electronically, we want to share what makes us happy.
And yet, there are times when what we find the absolute funniest and true to the core is distasteful and offensive to others, even when it is not our intent. Unfortunately, with so many avenues to share and with an audience so very large (the world) we do and will offend someone, and sometimes many simultaneously. So when we read an email, receive that offending Tweet, or skim the Facebook post noticing our eyebrows rise while our jaw hits the floor; take a breath. Try to understand the sender, the senders’ mood, contextual nature and if still offended we have a choice. Get mad, stay mad, then reply to all rebuking the sender publicly; or approach and confront the person in the way Jesus teaches us how to re-post, to care and love the offender as our sibling. In the parable, Matthew 18: 15 – 20, Jesus is talking about sin within the church and since believers make up the church, the parable can apply to all situations. The parable outlines situations when a brother or sister ‘sins’ we should point out their fault to them, in private. If they do not listen, bring a friend to further the conversation and if they still do not listen, bring some more to the circle of friends. Now after all this, your brother or sister still does not listen, then we are to take the situation to the church. So before I make this short parable any longer, if and when someone upsets, offends, or disgusts us, start the conversation just between the two of you and only if a resolution cannot get resolved, solicit the help from another and then others. Jesus did not say ‘rake the offender over the coals by rebuking and embarrassing them publicly by replying to all, re-tweeting to all, or re-posting for all to see’. Dear Mother Father Creator God, oh Lord, please keep my sharing pleasing to you. Keep my thoughts and conversations supportive of my fellow siblings. Keep me slow to anger and give me the courage, wisdom and grace to confront those who offend me on a personal level with you in our midst. Thank you, oh Lord, for your strength, love and guidance. In your many names, amen. Matthew 18: 15-20 NIV “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. [Love thy neighbor, as yourself]. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” For many years I held a position where I enjoyed my job. I enjoyed my boss, my co-workers and did not mind working nights and weekends. I really enjoyed my work. Now I find myself in the same company, new position, new boss, new co-workers and on the verge of really disliking my job, to the point I am becoming miserable around the clock.
I am sharing this as a part of my healing and to help those in similar situations. Yes, I know we can make our own reality, to be happy or to be miserable. I am aware and believe God lives within me. Is a part of me and shines within. So why is it so hard to let God have a life within and shine through me? Am I going through some metamorphosis phase and just have not arrived or learned my lesson yet? Perhaps yes. In order to obtain a glimpse of guidance and peace, I turned to a scripture I have read multiple times before, hoping, this time the words would penetrate my heart and provide the strength I need, In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells us “…do not worry about your life…” and as I gazed upon the words, they were almost too familiar and said nothing to me. Then my eyes fell downward on the page and there in verse 33 was the silver lining I needed; “…Seek the Dominion of God above all else, and live righteously, and [God] will give you everything you need”. That was my ‘aha’ moment. I had become all too comfortable in my job, too focused upon myself and stopped seeking the Dominion of God. Somewhere, somehow I strayed and stayed away from God, until God stepped in, calling me back by changing my employment. Dear Mother Father Creator God, oh how I struggle with change and how I am slow to learn and let go; allowing you to live and shine within and through me. Oh how I am fast to become upset, even when I know better. Oh Lord, thank you for staying with me. Guiding me, protecting me and your continual calling me back to refocus on you and your Will for me and not on my job; as no one can serve two masters. Dear Lord, in your many names, thank you. Matthew 6:24-34 |