YOU Choose Your Attitude - Good Morning, God!

This is the day the Lord has made,we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24  (KJV)

When I wake up in the morning I make lots of choices. Everyday I choose what I am going to wear, what I’ll have for breakfast; IF I will have breakfast, or if I will stop at my favorite coffee shop for a cup of coffee or tea to start my day. 

I have made it a habit to wake up and say “Good morning, God, thank you for this day." I try to start my day by choosing the attitude I am going to wear throughout my day.

I'm not perfect and I don't live in a perfect world. Sometimes circumstances in life get in the way of how I want to approach my day.Through the years I have learned that I need to look for the good things in my life. Even in rough circumstances I can find good things happening in my life to focus on and help me through! As I do this I am reminded that God has always helped me through and I can trust He will again and again.

With God’s help and the right attitude, we can awaken refreshed and our lives can be renewed each morning. 

Let’s try this, when we wake up in the morning let’s think on Psalm 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made, [I] will rejoice and be glad in it.  We can choose our attitude and refuse to let anything or anyone take away the joy the Lord wants to give us for the day.

Today's Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for each day He gives you. Thank Him for the joyful blessings He gives you each day. Ask Him to help you live an attitude of gratefulness and love each day, regardless of your circumstances, so others may see the joy you have in Him.

Take off the Masks

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)

I remember driving by a parade of preschoolers in their Halloween costumes. They were being led around the block by a small band! Some kids were walking on tiptoes; others were stretching arms and legs. They were having so much fun! It was entertaining to watch them pretend to be someone or something they weren’t. Little kids love to fantasize.

Many adults are good at pretending. They wear masks as they walk through their day. I’ve seen smiles hide anxiety and constant pain. I’ve recognized anger coming from deep hurts and addictions. I’ve heard excuses meant to cover fears and uncertainties. I’ve been there as well.

Some adults decide to take off their masks. The realities of life become too difficult to carry and too difficult to hide. For adults it can be a real struggle to reveal personal stories. Being honest can bring consequences. Some consequences are perceived but honesty can also lead to traumatic experiences. What will people think? Will I appear weak or out of control? Who might be affected by what I reveal? How much is too much to tell?

It is not easy to reveal the realities of our lives. It requires us to be honest about where we are in life, what we are doing, what we aren’t doing, what we could be doing, and why we are holding on to things that are taking us places we don’t want to be going. Asking friends for support, to pray with us, and hold us accountable helps us overcome our obstacles in life.

For me, being honest starts with the person who is first in my life. Is it me or is it God? Is God leading me or am I going it alone? Am I feeling God’s comfort and peace or am I responsible for my trouble and sadness? When I do the things I don’t want to do, do I remember that it is God who will save me, forgive me and put me on the right path? Do I hold in my heart the One who created me and do I believe that He is THE ONE that is best to help me get on the path I am to follow? Adjusting my life to more of Him and less of me is what is needed to go where I need to be.

Live Outside Ourselves

Carry each other's burdens, and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

I read in the newspaper about a 66 year old man who had seriously injured his knees. He was unable to walk, had surgery, and had to stay in a rehabilitation center. His inability to function within his two-story home kept him from being able to go home. 

A neighbor of his had purchased their home from a handicapped person. They heard that their elderly neighbor’s recovery depended on his ability to return to a comfortable, easily accessible home. They immediately offered their handicapped friendly ranch home to the man and his wife. The neighbor didn’t have a problem knowing that the man’s recovery could take several weeks or several months. 

The elderly couple was reluctant at first, but eventually accepted the kind offer. On the day the man was discharged, the two neighbors exchanged homes.

The article continues relating how these two couples and other neighbors, who joined in, helped work through a very difficult situation together.

Isn’t this an awesome story of loving and caring? The couple, who offered their home didn’t think twice about doing what they did! They said that they just felt it was the right thing to do!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your mind
and with all your strength.' The second is this:
'Love your neighbor as yourself.

'There is no commandment greater than these.
Mark 29:30-31 (NIV)

My Thoughts for Today

I want to share how much God empowers my life. I love Him so greatly, it is difficult to explain except to say: He gives peace, direction, and purpose to my life. Without focusing on Him and the Scriptures I would become lost in the world. Without His direction I would be overcome with worry, devastated by grief with no peace, joy, comfort or love.

I am created “in the image of God.” I pray that when He looks at me, He sees something of Himself in me. Love is what God is all about. Loving is what I try to be about in my life. 

God’s Word holds me accountable to strive to be the best I can be under any circumstance. I don’t always succeed, but I always feel His loving forgiveness even when it is hard to forgive myself.

It is sometimes a challenge to love those around me, but I have learned that I can find something to love about every person if I look hard enough. I have to take judgment out of my heart and mind; take myself out of my prides and prejudices to find what God wants me to see. It isn’t easy, but God asks it of me, so I work at it.

God has shown me that the person needing the most love is the one not feeling loved. Everyone is important to God and therefore they ought to be to me as well. 

When life is overwhelming, I know God is there. His Words come to me when I need to hear them. He wraps me in the peace and comfort of His Words.

Everyone’s relationship with God is unique and personal. Your relationship and journey is different because God has unique plans for your life. 

However, God’s message remains the same for everyone: For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16

I pray these words touch your heart as they touch mine.

Keep these words on your heart and mind always. Reach out and claim the love He has for you throughout your day.

Live Outside Ourselves

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

When “we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.” God puts opportunities in our path. Helping others and serving is not voluntary. We are to help and serve ALL people. That includes nonbelievers and believers. Our focus should be “the family of believers” regardless of church or denomination. However our helping and serving should reach outside to nonbelievers as well. Doing so will open ears and hearts to hearing and experiencing the good news.

Betty has serious health problems and is on oxygen. Arriving at therapeutic water exercise class in a wheelchair, she needs help entering the pool. The length of tube running from her oxygen tank allows her to move the width of the pool. 

The first time I met her, she told me she had not walked across the pool. As we talked, for whatever reason, we began walking toward the other side of the pool. Betty's face lit up with a beautiful smile of accomplishment upon reaching the other side.

I asked her if she wanted to walk back. “Only if you go with me, honey,” she said. 

Our laughter caused others to gather around us. Betty's pool friends were aware of her needs. One voice started, then others chimed in, "Go, Betty. Go Betty." Eventually everyone in the pool, with arms raised and chanting, walked with Betty across the pool. When she touched the other side, high fives, clapping, and laughter echoed around the pool area. Betty shed happy tears.

Betty walks across the pool frequently now. She gets tired and progresses slowly. Sometimes she has to stop. When she moves it's always with an attitude of happy commitment. 

The support of pool friends lessens the burden of her poor health. She needs people continuing to cheer her on, give her hope, and encouragement. Her smiles reflect a grateful and peaceful heart.

Look around you…reach out…whose burdens
need to be lightened today?

Live Outside Ourselves

Carry each other's burdens,
and in this way
you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

We are to share, in love, the struggles and problems of others. The “law of Christ” is His command to “love one another” [John 13:34]. When we carry “each other’s burdens,” we fulfill the law of Christ.

I heard about a man who turned bitter and helpless when his request for a parking variance on his home was turned down by his neighborhood commission. 

His gravel driveway didn’t meet the paved surface required by city code. He had been in a terrible accident and, as a result, health problems had forced him to retire. Although he was sometimes confined to a wheelchair, he still managed to do some work to pay his bills. The 64-year-old needed to park along his fence to use it to support himself while he climbed in and out of his dump truck.

Everyone wanted to help him out but he didn’t have the money to install a parking pad. One person said he couldn’t get the situation out of his mind. He stepped forward and took action. He called several concrete companies to meet him at the sight, talk about it and come up with a way through the dilemma. The workers, without hesitation, volunteered time and supplies and finished the job in short order.

The man was speechless. He cried. He thought no one really cared. 

I don’t know if the man realized it or not but he had experienced God’s love. These were ordinary people who were drawn by the love and caring in their hearts to help someone in need.

God calls us to love Him and to allow His love to overflow into reaching out and loving others.

Let's think on what sort of burdens our family, neighbors, co-workers or friends are carrying, especially during these difficult times. How can you [or do you] help carry their load?

God's Creation

For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD;
I sing for joy at what your hands have done.  Psalm 92:4

Have you noticed the blaze of color that surrounds you? The leaves on the trees seem to have turned overnight and the weather has encouraged them to hang on for a while.


Yesterday I took a shortcut through a neighborhood to get to our home. As I rounded a curve, I was startled by a huge tree. It stood by itself, completely filling a front yard. It thrust a bright sunshine of yellow leaves into the sky. It was breathtaking.


I was driving to make my way home but my eyes were drawn to all of the trees lining the streets and the mixtures of color. I decided to take an extra loop around the neighborhood to enjoy more and give my mind a break from the day’s routine. It was a great distraction and I felt recharged when I pulled into the driveway.


I thank God for putting this display in front of me. This beautiful distraction reminded me to pause in my hectic day and praise Him for His awesome blessings. I need to pause during each day to refresh my heart. I need to thank Him for the blessings I have received and those that are new with each day. God is good to me…all the time!

Prayer - One Verse, Many thoughts on Prayer

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 saints. Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

 “Pray in the Spirit,” is how we are to pray. God is with us. We are further told to pray “on all occasions” using all different kinds of prayers. Included in the different prayers are our “requests.” Knowing this we come alive and alert in the Spirit.

We should always pray for all our brothers and sisters in the faith.

Remember that God will help us when we can’t put our thoughts and requests into words. We can ask HHim to help us calm and focus our thoughts. We will be able to put our requests before Him.

We must remember to pray not just for ourselves, but reach outside ourselves to include others we may or may not know.

We should be especially mindful of praying for the needs of others during the current hard times. 

God is always with us, but He does his most powerful work within us when we are with Him. 

When we find we don’t have a quiet place, or find it difficult to spend time in prayer each day let’s remember the p-word, persistence.

Persistence will bring us toward God and He will come closer to us. 

A list of the verses we have looked at on prayer are listed below. I have memorized some of my favorites. I encourage you to memorize your favorites.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Mark 1:35

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7

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 saints. Ephesians 6:18

Prayer - God Wants Us to Ask So He can Bless Us

Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
Matthew 7:7 (NIV)

We are to ask, seek and knock, and be persistent and constant in prayer.

We should watch and listen for God’s answer to our prayers. 

We should give thanks when answers come. This doesn’t mean that we will get everything we ask for, only that God will answer. His answer may be yes, no, maybe, not now, or not in your way. Also, no answer is an answer. 

God only wants the best for us because He loves us. Keeping close to Him in prayer allows Him to bless us. He blesses us with His will for us, not our desires.

Prayer - Paul Instructed Christians to Devote Themselves to Prayer

Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 (NIV)

Paul instructed the Colossian Christians to make prayer important in their lives. Further they were to be watchful and thankful anticipating when the Lord would return. 

This is the third Scripture we have looked at that points to prayer as an important part of our lives as Christians. 

We need to ask ourselves: How are we doing setting aside quiet time each day to be with God?

Not quite there yet? Don’t give up! It’s not easy in a busy world of demands on time. We need to keep vigilant and work on reordering our lives to include more time for prayer. 

Sometimes “Hello, God,” is all that’s needed to bring God into our day!

Prayer: Jesus Told His Disciples to Always Pray

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Jesus gave this instruction to His closest followers: pray always and with persistence.

Knowing this each of us should ask ourselves: Am I persistent in prayer… praying every day? Do I pray during the good times as well as when facing hard times, conflict, and challenges?

What can I do to commit more time in my day to talk and listen to God? If I find myself not spending time with God each day, what has replaced him in my life? What has become more important? What obstacles do I need to remove?

Jesus directed his disciples to “always pray.”  As His disciples we are to do the same. 

How different each of our days would be if we persistantly set aside time for prayer!

Prayer: Jesus Prayed in Solitary Places

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.  Mark 1:35 (NIV)

Where and when do you pray…

Have you gotten up early in the morning when it is still dark to pray? Have you thought of leaving your house, your friends and family, to find a quiet, solitary place to pray? 

You may want to consider what it would look like for you to spend quiet time talking and listening to God very early in the morning.

You may not like to get up early in the morning. You may not be able to push aside the morning routine of your family. The point is: Do you have a quiet place and do you pray sometime during your day?

What keeps you from a habit of prayer? You are the only person who knows your schedule. Make an appointment for prayer just like you make any other important appointment. 

Time in prayer is the most important conversation you can have in your day.  Starting your day with the right attitude and with peace in your heart will help you jump over hurdles during your day.

Lydia, a Woman of Influence for God

LYDIA – PART FIVE

This week’s Scripture: Acts 16: 6-40 (read on Biblegateway)

What I heard Lydia whisper in my ear over and over this week was, “be still.” Lydia had a lot of things going on and carried a lot of responsibilities but she always took time to NOT be busy so she could meet God in prayer.

There are times when my life gets weighed down with things to do, expectations and responsibilities. Those are days I need the strength and calm that comes from time alone with God. However, time with Him on occasion gets pushed to later in the day when the chaos has passed. How different the days are when I start off in God’s power. Time in prayer sets my attitude for the day. God reminds me I don't have to run through the day hopelessly focused on things! He helps me prioritize. I choose how my day is going to be with Him by my side; remembering His love and peace.

The story of Lydia is a remarkable one. What a significant part Lydia played – one woman in the right place at the right time with the right heart and right attitude for God to use her. Because of her qualities and who she became she grew to be a woman of influence for God.

What did Lydia whisper in your ear this week? What can and will you allow God to do through you? Take time out of your busy day, everyday, to open your heart, listen, and be obedient to His vision.

Scripture for today: …be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

Think on this week’s verses. Memorize your favorite.

Monday - But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15 NIV)

Tuesday – That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

Wednesday – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Thursday - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  (Colossians 3:1-3)

Friday – “…be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV).

NOTE: I encourage you to read Philippians. The book of Philippians is about the first church of Europe. Who could have known what Lydia’s generosity would bring about! Paul was sitting in jail in Rome writing them a note praising them for their support (Philippians 1; 4:10-23)

Lydia, Business Woman

LYDIA – PART FOUR

This week’s Scripture: Acts 16: 6-40 (Read on Biblegateway)

Lydia is a very successful business woman. She sells purple cloth that is sought after by people who have the money to purchase the expensive fabric. She is able to meet and conduct business with people of all levels of life (and I think my life is busy). Lydia is strong, competent and intelligent. 

Lydia manages her business as well as a large household of servants. She must be warm and caring with a good heart as it seems her household respects her greatly.

What I am thinking about today is that Lydia had her priorities straight. Although her life was filled with things going on, things to do, and people to care for, she attended prayer meetings on the Sabbath. After her conversion God was certainly a priority! The Spirit moved her powerfully into a new life of service. She reached out to others by providing a place to worship and honor God.

We don’t know what became of Lydia’s business. We do know that God had given her a new job working for Him. I have no doubt she liked her new boss!

Scripture for today: ^“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. “ Colossians 3:1-3

Pray [in your own words]:  Thank God for the many blessings He has given you. Thank Him for being present in every part of your life. Ask God to help you focus on what really matters in your life, HIM. Ask God to help you prioritize. Ask God to help you let go of things you have in your life that keep you from spending more time with Him. Ask God to help you be open to Him with the desire to reach out to others sharing His message of hope and love.

Lydia, Beyond the River



PART THREE – LYDIA

This week’s Scripture: Acts 16: 6-40 (Read on Biblegateway)

Lydia's excitement about her new faith, and her new life, causes an overwhelming desire to share what she knows with others. She opens her house to help Paul and Silas in their ministry.

When Paul and Silas are in jail, Lydia visits them and takes care of their needs. Later when Paul and Silas are released from prison “they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.” (Acts 16:40) We can see Paul, Silas, and Timothy praying and sharing their message with all who wanted to hear.

Through Lydia’s efforts the gospel reached into all parts of society. I don’t think Lydia missed an opportunity to share her faith. I imagine that she not only practiced hospitality when she wanted, but also at times when someone just turned up at her doorstep needing shelter, clothing, or food.

Lydia is known as the first European convert. There were no more prayer meetings at the river. Lydia opened her house to the believers in Philippi. The people in Christ met and worshiped Him in her home, the first house opened to Christian outreach and worship in Europe.

We shouldn't miss God at work in Lydia’s story. Paul’s obedience to do what God was asking of Him led him to Philippi where he met Lydia. Paul allowed God to speak through him to Lydia. When God opened Lydia’s heart, things began to happen in a big way.

In my time I have seen the difference in people's lives that can happen when one person, honoring God, tells others the Good News of Jesus. Lydia made a huge difference in other people's lives by being devoted to spreading the Gospel. Her faith had given her new purpose and she moved forward with God.

What I learned through Lydia's story today: It's about using the skills, gifts and influence God has given each of us to further His work in the Kingdom. It's about being open to opportunities to share our faith without hesitation. It’s about letting go and trusting God; allowing Him to work through us.

Scripture comes to mind: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Pray [in your own words]: Thank God for the lessons you have learned from Lydia’s life. Ask him to keep you open, loving, and caring for others. Ask Him to give you the desire to be hospitable like Lydia, ready to share your home, time, food, and faith story with others. Thank God for the blessings He has given you.

Lydia Listened and Responded

PART TWO – LYDIA

This week’s Scripture: Acts 16: 6-40  (Read from Biblegateway)

Paul spoke to the women at the prayer meeting by the river on the Sabbath. Lydia listened to Paul speak of his faith. Lydia was quick to respond to Paul’s message. She publicly accepted the life-changing words and confessed she was a believer. God opened Lydia’s heart to hear the words and believe.

There at the river Lydia listened, heard, believed, and confessed. She realized that everyone needed to hear Paul's words and accept the Savior about whom he spoke. In her excitement she immediately shared her saving knowledge of the Lord by witnessing to her whole household! Lydia and the members of her household were baptized. They buried their old life and took on a new life with God in charge.

I am impressed with how quickly Lydia heard and responded to God opening her heart. We can learn from Lydia: when God takes a step toward us, our response is to step toward Him!

I can understand Lydia’s eagerness to learn all she could about God. I have the same hunger. I can imagine her quietly leaning in as Paul talked to her group about things she had never heard before.

Paul talked about a real person, Jesus. He was the long awaited Messiah. Jesus died for her sins, was resurrected, and was in Heaven with God to intercede for her. Her hope was now in Christ and His resurrection. Because of Jesus, Lydia could ask for forgiveness. She could rest on Him for her salvation. Lydia listened, learned, believed, and acted on her faith. Lydia’s life changed as a result of her response.

Lydia was the key person to spread the gospel which increased the number of Christians in Philippi and beyond. She was willing to seek God, follow Him, be obedient, and devoted to Him. What she did had no limits because God has no limits in what he can accomplish through one person who is willing.

What I learned through Lydia’s story today was: believing and worshiping God is not enough if we are to grow in our faith. Hearts need to be changed. A desire to be obedient and devoted to God must come into being.

Scripture comes to mind: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:9-10 NIV)

Pray [in your own words]: Praise God for Lydia’s faithfulness in being a part of the prayer group at the river and her acceptance of the gospel of Christ. Ask God to melt your heart like He did Lydia’s so He can fully come into your life. Ask God to knock down any walls that prevent Him from moving in your life. Ask God to help you encourage others by telling them what He is doing in your life and the hope He has for them.

Lydia, Faithful in Worship and Prayer

PART ONE - LYDIA

The sermon I heard yesterday focused on being "hopefully devoted" rather than "hopelessly devoted" as heard in a popular song of the late 70's.

What would it be like to live a life hopefully devoted to God? Keep coming back each day this week for some thoughts.

Lydia is one of the remarkable people in the Scriptures who became hopeful and devoted to God. Though Lydia lived a long time ago we can learn a lot of lessons from her story.

Read about Lydia in Acts 16: 6-40 (Go to Biblegateway here)

Lydia was someone I would have liked to have known and worked beside. Lydia seems strong and competent, warm, openhearted and caring. I would have learned a lot about priorities, prayer, worship, and keeping God first in a busy life. I would have learned as well about managing a thriving business, maintaining what must have been a huge home and (without hesitation), offering my home to a crowd of strangers.

As I read about Lydia the Fruit of the Spirit pops into my mind: The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5: 22 NIV). Lydia’s life is a remarkable example of someone living in the Spirit!

We are introduced to Lydia on the Sabbath at a gathering of women in prayer. There is no synagogue for worship in the city. The women gather for prayer and worship a little distance outside the city. They meet by the river under the open sky. I can imagine the women gathered in prayer discussing what they had heard about and read from the Scriptures. They probably recite many prayers together not realizing that this day will become very special for one of them.

It seems Lydia believes in and is a faithful worshiper of the one true God, but her mind has not yet been opened to the Good News. She doesn’t fully comprehend who it is she worships.

Paul, searching for a place to pray, sits down, and speaks to the group of women. As a result, Lydia experiences the joy of a brand new faith. She will never be the same.

The challenge I see coming through Lydia's story today is: to be in the right attitude with the right heart, open and ready to be used by God; to be hopeful in Christ and devoted to being right with God. This life lesson needs to be a focus of every day, not just on occasion.

Scripture for today: But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. (Luke 8:15 NIV)

Pray, ask God to open your heart and the heart of others who need to hear the message of hope found in the Good News. Ask God to help you be His messenger to people who need to hear and see Him. Thank God for people like Lydia, who teaches us the importance of being hopefully faithful in prayer and worship.

God is With Me

It happened in just seconds. Looking out the window of the plane as we were landing, I noticed another plane taking off on the same runway almost below us.

I grabbed my husband’s arm. I managed to say, “We’re not going to…”

My response was cut short by the sharp upward turning of our plane. My ears closed as I felt the pressure inside the cabin increase. The eerie crackle of the plane under the stress of being forced up mimicked my own response to being lifted unexpectedly. I felt my hands grasp the arms of my seat.

As the plane shook, luggage shifted and alarms rang, my attention was drawn to a puff of air on my cheek. It was refreshing and comforting in spite of what was happening.

In my head I heard a familiar soft firm voice speak, “It is okay. I am here.”

After what seemed to be forever, the plane leveled off, made a wide circle back to the airport and landed. I noticed how calm, kind, and patient people were as they left their seats to depart from the plane. All was okay. Peace had replaced fear.

The experience confirmed that God was with me. He protected me, cared for me, and gave me His peace.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)

Choose Your Today

“How are you today?”

I smiled at the clerk and responded, “I am fine. How are you today?”

As my eyes met hers, her face lit up and with enthusiasm she reported that she was doing great.

“I start every day telling myself it’s going to be a great day. I continue telling myself throughout the day that it will be a great day. It works. I always have a great day.”

The clerk showed me the aisle to find what I was looking for as we continued our conversation. She disappeared around the corner.

As I drove home, I kept thinking about our conversation. It is true for me as well. My day goes better when I decide, right at the beginning of my day, that it is going to be a great day.

In the spring and summer when the sun comes through my window, it is easy to greet the day with a smile and a prayer. Now that fall is here and winter approaches, I am missing that sunny reminder. But enjoying an extra few minutes of warmth under the blanket now gives me a perfect place to be thankful for the day.

Scripture Thought for Today: Rejoice in the Lord always.
I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

Filled With Joy

I was sitting in an atrium within a medical complex. I had taken along my computer for catching up on some writing while I waited on my husband to finish physical therapy. 

I looked up lost in thought and noticed an excited little woman entering the area. She was holding a sheet of paper in front of her. She walked with a limp and little quick steps. I watched as she walked to each table within the atrium. She wore a long cotton three-tiered aqua skirt topped with a bright yellow shirt. Yellow sneakers peaked out from her skirt.

Everyone greeted her with friendliness. There was a high-five, a clap, and as she did a little dance to one table, the young lady joined in swaying to the silent music.

I wanted to know what the paper said. It seemed forever before she was moving to my table. She quick stepped over. As she stood in front of me, I came face to face with the most joyful blue eyes! Her smile was crooked due to a large scar on the side of her face. She gave me a thumbs up as she pointed to her sign. My thumb went up to meet hers as I read, “God is good to me.” She drummed on my table and sped away.

On her way she waved to each individual table as if to say, “Be happy. God is good."

As I went back to what I was doing I couldn’t help but think about the sweet lady and the message she brought for us to pause and appreciate. Some of her troubles were obvious. I’m sure there were more that only she knew. But, in spite of her pain and maybe because of her pain, she was finding joy in knowing that God was by her side…and she wanted to share her peace and happiness.

The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

Take Time to Rest

I don’t need an alarm clock. I always awaken to the bell on my cat’s collar as she dashes up the steps and gently pushes open the bedroom door. The squeak of the door announces “Ruthie time”. She jumps gently onto the bed. I can feel the give of the covers as she marches up slowly to sit near my face. She stares at me wanting me to acknowledge her presence.

I tease her by lying still with my eyes closed. Ruthie increases the intensity of her purr and places a paw on my nose.

I open the covers, hoping she wants to cat nap a few more minutes. Ruthie responds by nuzzling my arm and padding in a circle. She flops down in anticipation of her morning ear rub. I can’t resist her sweet impatience. I rub her ears, under her chin, and all the way down her back ending with a quick slide off her tail. Her jet black fur feels silky and warm as she cuddles against me. She brings smiles to my heart as I lay back and relax during our morning routine. I enjoy this quiet time of peace and comfort before my hectic day.

***
Ruthie came into our family [that’s another story] three years ago. She has stolen my heart and adjusted my perspective on life. She has shown me how to take time to just relax and enjoy the day.

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest"— Proverbs 6:10

Keeping God in My Day

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."
(Psalm 118:24 NIV)

I like my busy days filled with purpose. My mind and heart are renewed when I am productive with my time; especially when I am aware of God's presence.

Today my busy day has felt like I have been on a treadmill heading no where. I have been pulled here and there. It has been a difficult day to focus on anything that really needs to be done.

I feel a pity party ready to launch.

As I pull into my driveway, I catch sight of the Rose of Sharon lining the back of my yard. While I have been busy hurrying here and there flowers of pink, purple, and white have burst into bloom. As I walk to the back yard I am amazed at the beautiful display.

I spend time walking along the row of flowers. I pull some branches down to look closer at the beauty of the colors and their rich centers. I take some pictures. I feel myself enjoying the pause in my day. I am feeling refreshed.

Spending time in my garden has brought God closer. I have a better perspective and attitude within. I have found joy and happiness in my day.

My prayer for today is that I don’t lose sight of God throughout my day; that I guard my time, not allowing busyness and distractions to crowd out the blessings He has for me.