Saturday, May 31, 2014


I need to exercise more.  Where do I begin?  How do I fit one more thing into my already busy day?  This has been my problem over the last few years but I cannot continue to do nothing, I just can’t.  Why haven’t I asked God for help with this too?
I have pushed this need along with a few others aside simply because I cannot figure out how to accomplish them.  I put those needs and desires on the back burner and ignore them but they really do not go away.  They just simmer for a while and then they require my attention again.  Of course all things seem to come due at once and I rise becoming overwhelmed.
Today I turn this need over to the Lord.  I called a friend that will help me with exercise and encouragement.  I asked my spouse to help me as well.  I trust that the Lord knows what I need and he will help me with those as I seek his kingdom and his righteousness.  His word is true, thanks be to God!

Lord God,

Thank you for your promise to care for our every need.  Thank you for the birds that we see every day as a reminder that you care for us even more.  Help us seek you first knowing in our hearts that as we do you give us what we need in our lives.  Please help me take care of my body, mind and spirit through you for you.  Amen. 

Friday, May 30, 2014


I cannot remember this verse without songs running through my head.
There are so many recordings with this verse in it, just search the internet if you doubt it.  There are days that it can be hard to find anything to rejoice in, I know.  As I read the passage containing this verse it gave me more reason to rejoice than I woke up with.
It says he answered me and has become my salvation.  Then it goes on to remind me that my foundation is built on the chief cornerstone, the one the builders rejected.  This is a marvel, indeed and it is the Lord’s doing.
If you are having a hard time seeing the light in the midst of the fog or if you are in a moment of joy where you can dance I encourage you to speak this passage, sing this passage, and soak in this passage.
He is our salvation.  He gave us the chief cornerstone in which we can build a foundation that will never fail.  His doings are marvelous and we can rejoice in this day that the Lord has made.

Lord,
Thank you for this day.  Thank you for nature that moves in rhythm to your music.  Thank you for Christ and the gift of salvation he made real to me.  Thank you that I am able to lift my heart and voice in rejoicing song to you this day.  Let my song lift the hearts of others in glory to you.  Amen.  


Thursday, May 29, 2014


What can I give to my child that is of real value?
Today my little boy is five years old.  He is no longer so little.  He has learned to run and ride his bike, he knows how to speak well and help around the house.  He has been given many things to learn with and toys to play with.  What more could this sweet boy need?
All of these things he has learned and all that he loves mean nothing without the love of God as well.  Two of the friends he plays with are girls.  One went to the preschool he went to and, through that program, attend chapel and sang songs about the Lord.  The other one has had no training in the Lord at all.  Recently I heard her ask one of the other kids what heaven is.
I give my children knowledge in the Lord; it is the most precious thing I can give.  I try to love as he loved me and as he calls me to love.  I pray that they will learn to love as they are loved by God.  His love is everlasting, Hallelujah!

Lord,

Thank you for birthdays.  Thank you for celebrations of life and the blessings my children bring me every day.  Help me instill love for you in them.  Guide me in keeping your commandments so they, too, learn to keep them.  I ask these things through Jesus, the one who taught us to love.  Amen. 

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

A message of hope is good for the soul.
Throughout the time I have been writing, I realize that there are times I am burdened with the brokenness within me and around me.  It is easy for me to wallow in grief and lament to the Lord in those times.
In his unending mercy, he does not leave me there.  Invariably he leads me to passages of hope and promise.  I read words of salvation and renewal.  In the midst of the brokenness there is a song of joy to be sung.
The pains of this world will not likely end today or tomorrow but God’s word promises it will end.  What feels like an eternity to us is merely a breath, a flash in God’s time.  Until the time when he comes and brings unending joy and end of sorrow, wholeness in place of brokenness, this message gives us direction.
He calls us to maintain justice and do what is right.
Today is a new day, the sun rises and the birds sing.  Release your burdens to the Lord and step into the promise of his salvation.  Then, we can rejoice!

Lord,

Thank you for the promise of wholeness even as we struggle with the brokenness of today.  Thank you for bird song to remind us there is much to sing praises for.  Lift our hearts and our eyes to see you and your love.  Guide us to do right as we wait for the day you come in deliverance.  Amen.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014


Fasting has been on my heart again.
I know of several situations I lift in prayer every day but there is a small whisper needling me to consider fasting as well.
There are many times in the Bible that fasting and praying are mentioned and as I meditated today I wondered when and where fasting stopped being practiced.  Whenever there was a problem or a serious matter at hand, the faithful people of God turned to prayer and fasting.  Why not so much anymore?
This passage in Daniel speaks about him fasting and praying for all of the people of Judah.  He laments the sins of the people and calls on God’s mercy and forgiveness.  It is a beautiful and deeply felt prayer to God.
Maybe the majority of people have no interest in this practice of fasting and praying.  It is inconvenient and hard to manage with work and our busy schedules, right?  Life was different back then; they had time to do it...
What are our priorities?

Lord,

We come to you in prayer and supplication.  We come in praise and adoration, we come filled with so much but are we missing something?  Continue working on my heart, Lord.  I want to grow more deeply and passionately in love with you.  Guide my path toward that goal.  Amen.

Monday, May 26, 2014


Today our country celebrates Memorial Day.  It is a day set aside to remember the soldiers that have died in service to this country.
When our country was founded, it was built on biblical principles.  People came here to worship God in the way they felt it should be done.  The writing of the Constitution includes the freedom of religion as one of our inalienable rights.  With freedom comes much responsibility.
Since that time our country has gone through many growing pains.  The struggles to maintain freedom and maintain order are ongoing.  The religion of the founding fathers is not likely to be the religion any of us truly follow today.  Things have changed in the life of this country.
I look at this country and see so much that is wrong.  I look around the world from my small view and I see nowhere else that I would live.  This is my home and so I pray for the military people that serve to keep our freedom.  I pray for the leadership, that they would be open to God’s leading.  I pray this verse of Hezekiah’s prayer.

Lord,

As a person I stumble and fall, I fail and cry for mercy.  As a nation, we are no different.  Thank you for protecting us and keeping us safe.  Open our eyes to see the true enemies and open our mouths to call on you during battles.  I give you all the glory and honor for the freedom I have today.  Amen.

Sunday, May 25, 2014


We have had rain for several days in a row now, it seems it will be a wet spring in Colorado.
Yesterday I was sitting with a neighbor hoping it would not rain on our BBQ.  She said we need the rain and as dry as Colorado usually is, that could be true.  The soil is saturated now though and until it dries up a bit, the rain just runs off.  The ground is not drinking up the rainfall.
We are all busy planting our seedlings and flowers into our gardens now that the danger of frost is gone.  As I dug in my garden I noticed a few weeds already taking root.  They are much easier to pull when they are small, if I neglect them now they will take deep roots and be troublesome in weeks to come.  If I were to ignore them completely, they might choke out my strawberries and tomato plants along with every other good thing I am growing.  My garden would be a waste.
As I weed and seed, I pray this passage will linger in my heart and in my mind, as well as yours.  I pray we will be ground that received the rain of God, producing good crops useful in his kingdom.

Lord,

Weeds seem to grow so much more easily than the good crops do.  Search us for weeds and pull them while they are still small.  Till us to make us soft and ready to receive the rain you provide so lovingly and help us produce useful crops that we willingly share with a needy world.  I pray this in Jesus’ holy name.  Amen.

Saturday, May 24, 2014


I love going to the beach.
The feel of the soft sand and the sound of the waves meeting the sand are things I treasure.  Part of it may be that I live in a land locked state so I do not experience these things very often.  When storms come to the shore, I am glad I live where I do.
I also love to visit lighthouses on sea shores.  Again, since we have no ocean or sea where I live, we have no lighthouses.  The lighthouses are strong and tall, built to stand against the raging sea and its storms and be a beacon of light and safety to anyone lost in the storm.  I have never seen a lighthouse built on sand, have you?  They are built high and on solid rock, a firm foundation, to stand against time and weather.
I know enough about storms to know this:  I do not want my house, my faith, to wash away in the storms or fall because of shifting sands.  I build my faith on the Rock, growing tall and strong to be a beacon to those who may be lost in the storm.  I am a lighthouse for God.

Lord,
Thank you for Jesus, my true foundation.  Thank you for the light you have place in my soul.  Help me stand tall and strong on my foundation and shine your light brightly.  I pray for all those lost souls to seek a light and come safely home to you.  Amen.

Friday, May 23, 2014


I love the late afternoon sun.  It shines into my home and that is a time I can use the bright light to do things that are normally harder to see.
I used to be able to see so much better, and I don’t think I am that old!  It is harder to thread a needle or hand stitch with thread that is the same color as the fabric.  I can still see easily to read but I need my glasses to read music.
Sometimes I get caught up in a good book and I do not realize the light has faded and I am now struggling to see the words clearly.  Once a light is turned on it makes such a difference!
How often does this happen to us in our spiritual journeys as well?  We start off seeing so clearly, our vision is good and the light is strong.  We get caught up in things and are unaware that the light has faded and we are struggling to see clearly.  It is time to get more light into our lives.
Jesus came that we should no longer live in darkness, he is the light.  This morning I pray that darkness would be dispelled in all our hearts and light will remain strong!

Lord,

Like shadows of the late afternoon, darkness eases in without as much as a whisper.  Thank you for being the light of the world and for our souls.  Search us and banish any darkness within so we shine your light brightly and without blemish.  I ask this for your glory and honor.  Amen.

Thursday, May 22, 2014


My kids love flashlights.
They will take flashlights into a closet or a bathroom with no windows so that they are sitting in darkness.  Then when the beam of light shines in the darkness they are excited.  On some small level I can understand that feeling.
I remember camping in the summertime as a kid.  We had to bring a flashlight because it gets dark at night in the mountains.  There were no street lamps to shine and dispel the darkness, just the small and steady beam of light from our flashlights.  That light was necessary so that we could see where we were walking and not stumble over a rock or stump in the path.  It helped me stay on the path and not wander off.
God’s word is truly a lamp; a light to see the path in the darkness.  If we do not use it, we are likely to stumble over a rock in the path or wander off.  It is waiting and ready to help guide us on the way.  Just like we need a flashlight to see in the darkness of night, we need God’s word to see in the darkness of the world.

Lord,
Our eyes were not built to see well in the darkness, we need light to assist us.  Thank you for reminding us again, what our light and lamp is to see the path more clearly.  Plant your word in our hearts so we have light with us at the ready whenever darkness falls.  I pray for your light in this world, through Jesus, the Word, and our Lord.  Amen.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014


Have you ever used a compass?
I guess people don’t really need compasses, as such, anymore now that there are GPS tools at our fingertips.  My grandpa used to have a compass on his windshield.  The direction “ball” floated in water and when he would turn the car the ball would spin to match the direction the car was headed. The compass does not tell you which way to go, it tells you which way you are going.  From that you might be able to alter your path or remain knowing your way.
The Lord is the best compass.
He searches our path and our resting places; he knows all our ways, inside and out.  Before we take one step, before we even begin our journey, he is pointing us in the right direction.  If we are paying attention, we will stay true to the path and not get lost but if we do not heed the Compass, we end up wandering in the wilderness.
Pause for a moment.  Do you sense the compass of the Lord?  Check in with him, listen to him and follow him.  He knows us to the depths and is faithful to us.

Lord,
If true north points to you, let us never waiver from that direction.  Forgive us for losing sight of your direction and guidance, then getting lost.  Teach us to check in and follow the way you lead us so that we are faithful to you always.  I pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014


I do not have a pedigree like Paul.  He had his Jewish heritage and working well in it until that day Christ came into his life.  I am not a “blue-blood” and I will likely never be in a position to even mingle with such people.
I do not have my family line to cling to but I have plenty that of things that could keep me from following Christ with all that I am.  I make music, I school at home with my two young children.  I am close to my family and friends.
What are these things?
They are all nothing compared to Christ.  Without Christ nothing else matters.  If I cling to anything but Christ, I have lost all.  Paul is right when he says everything is loss when I consider the surpassing value of knowing Christ.
Don’t throw out your things and don’t leave your family.  Just put Christ before all things and watch what happens.

Lord,
You know my plans, but do I know yours?  Forgive me for stepping forward without looking for you first.  Help us keep clear perspective in our priorities, you are first and foremost.  All other things fall in line behind you.  Help us know you and your love more and more each day, I pray.  Amen.

Monday, May 19, 2014


Today we finally get to plant our garden.  The snow from last week has melted and the true warmth of spring is upon us.
My daughter has planted seeds in cups and has been watering them and my son has a little plant from preschool, these seedlings sprouted weeks ago and we have been nursing them until it was safe to put them outside for the rest of the season.  We will plant many seeds and tend the plants that have already sprung forth.
As we spend time outside today playing and planting, watering and weeding, we will take time to see the spiritual side of this as well.  Just as the verse above reminds us “God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up...”
Look for the signs of spring in your heart.  Are there seedlings growing where someone planted seeds a while back?  Is there growth in the garden of your soul?  Ask God to nurture your soul’s garden and praise him for all he has done so far!

Lord,
Thank you for the righteousness and the praise you give us.  Open our eyes to see the growth you have caused in us.  Help us see your righteousness and lift our voices in praise.  We join the trees in clapping our hands and the birds in singing; all nations will hear of your glorious deeds!  Amen.

Sunday, May 18, 2014


When I picture jars of clay I see brown earth colored pots that crumble and break so easily.
Once the potter has put them in the kiln and fired them they are stronger and much sturdier.  Sometimes they are glazed or
painted to look more beautiful to the eye and then they are fired in the kiln again.  Regardless of the decoration on the outside of the pot, it is as useful as it was before it was decorated.
We are jars of clay made by the potter.  It is only through the Spirit of God that we can serve well in his kingdom.  It is through his grace and mercy that we provide grace and mercy to others.  It is through his words that we are able to proclaim his message to others.  The struggles and weaknesses we endure serve to remind us that it is not us, but he who works through us.  He does not allow us to be crushed, brought to despair,
forsaken, or destroyed.  He renews us and we persevere so that his glory shines on.
There is joy in this passage, let us all be vessels of Light and Love and spread that joy to others.

Lord,

Take this vessel and use it to your glory.  I am yours and you are mine.  Help all that I do and say, all that I think and pray, glorify your holy name.  Amen.

** This is a post pulled from the archives.  I hope it speaks to you today as it did to me.

Saturday, May 17, 2014


If you have read very many of my writings you know I can get into a good lament over things.
There is much to lament over.  I know of relationships in dire straits and relationships that have been broken and seem dead.  I know of illness that does not seem to get better or ever go away.  I know of death and dying, deceit and dishonor.  People around me and among the nations have forgotten who they are and how to love.  They have lost hope.
I look back on my life and at the times I shook my fist at the heavens asking the Lord why something had to be.  I remember the prayers for healing I lifted for years not seeing any outward results.  Healing came and clarity of why things had to be came as well, in God’s time.
It is hard to release all our burdens and hope in the Lord.  When we do, the load is lifted and we are able to see his steadfast love and mercies in a whole new way.
I pray that we all will find it within ourselves to find hope in the Lord, his steadfast love and mercies never end.

Lord,
You know the burdens of our hearts.  You know the tears we do not cry for fear of not being able to stop.  Speak to our hearts, Lord.  Let us hear your voice, feel your love, and accept your mercy.  Fill us with hope despite our struggles.  Our hope is in you, Lord, only in you.  Amen.

Friday, May 16, 2014


The people I see that are in need do not often ask for much.  They are just trying to get by.
I hear both sides of the story when there is discussion about the people who stand on the side of the road with signs asking for money.  Some say they are taking advantage of the good will of others and that they are lazy, trying to make an easy buck.  Maybe that is true, maybe not.
When I see folks asking for help I give them non-perishable food.  I hand them easy open cans of soup or cans of fruit and a plastic spoon so they can eat without difficulty.  It is not my place to know their hearts.  I cannot know their motivations.
When I think about these “beggars” I do not think they have chosen the easy way out.  There is something broken in them, whether it is physical, mental or spiritual.  If my simple gift to them can bring a moment of grace or love, we have both been blessed.
I have not experienced miraculous healing like Peter and John gave that day but our generosity and willingness to love beyond barriers brings healing too.  Share God’s love today.

Lord,
I know I will likely see some people in need today.  Open my heart and my eyes to see how I can assist.  Use me as a vessel of your love and grace that can be poured out to others, shared with all.  All glory and honor to you.  Amen.

Thursday, May 15, 2014


Studying is a lot of work.  This week there are many kids wrapping up their studies in college and coming home for the summer.  I have not heard one wishing they could just keep on going.
Each morning I get up and spend time in prayer and meditation on the word of God.  Each morning I write my pondering thoughts and share them with those who will read them but do I study?
My dictionary defines study as “the pursuit of knowledge, as by reading, observation, or research.”  When I seek to gain knowledge I need to learn what the passage means.  I need to understand it, not only in message but in context.  Then I can turn it around and apply it to my life more deeply.  Then I am able to share my knowledge with others with more confidence.
Ezra studied the law of the Lord, he did it and he taught it to others.  I will continue to study the law of Love, do it and share it, God willing.

Lord,

You laid this quest on my heart years ago and it has never wavered.  Guide each of us in your ways so that we may each serve and honor you in the path you have chosen for us.  Whatever we do, I pray that we glorify you and your kingdom in it today.  Thank you for your Word and your Spirit to guide us.  Amen.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014


If I do nothing else with my life on this earth, I pray that I draw someone to salvation.
We all come into contact with people that are kind and generous, friendly and helpful.  We do not know their hearts or their beliefs because we do not know them.  Then there are those we know well and care for.  All of them come into our lives with different history and paths and none of us walk the same journey; we are individuals with unique souls. How do we find salvation?  How do we find God?
Why do some quit searching and longing, why do they stop listening to the cry of their souls?
I pray each morning for many people, Christian and non-Christian alike.  I know I have salvation but I also know I am not immune to the deceit and lies of this world.  How much more susceptible are those who do not have the Holy Spirit as a guide?
The time is drawing near and the crying souls are heavy on my heart.  Kyrie Eleison.

Lord,
Only you know the timing of your glorious return.  I am thankful that I will be with you when that time comes.  I am heartbroken for those who have not heard and do not yet believe. Lord, have mercy. Help those of us who blaze with your Spirit draw others into the warmth of your love.  Help those of us with only embers draw closer so we, too, can blaze.  I ask this through Jesus, my Redeemer.  Amen.

Monday, May 12, 2014


One of my favorite things about mornings is hearing the songs of birds as the sun rises.
There are so many things that weigh on my heart; it seems that I have and endless list of things I pray for.  I think of homeless people who struggle to find shelter and food.  I pray for the people who work in service to others.  I pray for the churches who struggle to keep the lights on.  I pray for war torn places and the people who live there.
I could list so many more prayers...
God knows our hearts; God knows our every need.  Just as the water from snow nourishes the plants that shiver underneath the flakes, his Spirit nourishes our souls.  Just as seeds from growing plants and bugs that hatch feed the birds of the air, so God nourishes our very being whenever we need it.
No matter what else happens in my days, each morning begins with bird’s joyous songs fill the air.  Their songs are a lesson to my soul.

Lord,
Let the bird songs remind us of your care for them and your care for us.  Your word promises that you give us whatever we need.  Open our hearts and hands to receive what you give.  Help us recognize our needs clearly and use what you give as you intend it.  I ask this through Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.

Sunday, May 11, 2014


We are waiting for a spring snow storm in Colorado.  The snow will start sometime today and fall through the night into tomorrow.  The weather forecast is for several inches to fall and the snow will be very wet and heavy.
What does snow have to do with the lawless one, you may ask?
Spring snow is destructive.  It comes and weighs down everything that has begun to grow.  Trees that have leaves on them risk broken limbs or worse.  Flowers and vegetation will be buried alive.  This is not the end of the story though.
Once the snow comes and does its damage, the water in it will turn to moisture for nourishment.  The warmth of spring and the sun will come again and the thing that caused so much destruction will be turned and used for benefit of the earth.  New growth will come out of destruction.
As we prepare with brooms and shovels, boots and coats, let us remember the lawless one.  He wreaks havoc but he will not prevail.  The breath of Christ will annihilate him and we will be redeemed forever!

Lord,
Help us see the beauty beyond the destruction.  When we are broken and weighed down, remind us that you are stronger and your love prevails.  We call out your name to protect us, to heal us and to renew us in your everlasting love.  Amen.

Saturday, May 10, 2014


Do we seek the Lord; do we search for him with all our hearts?
I thought of all the people we seek out for wellness in our lives.  We call doctors and seek their medical knowledge and treatments to keep our bodies healthy.  I visit my chiropractor regularly as a part of my health regimen.
I call my family and friends on the phone or seek them out on social networks as well as visit them in person to keep in touch with them; I seek them for relationship and love.
As I ponder how I seek the Lord I know already there are blessings because I seek him.  The struggle comes in seeking with all my heart.  I am often distracted and unfocused in my time with God.  My mind wanders off on tangents so easily.  I am learning to bring myself back into the moment but it is an ongoing process to be sure.
There are times, when I am centered well, that I find God in profound ways.  There are moments I am seeking him with all my heart and he is there.  These are treasured times and I continue my journey, learning to seek with my whole heart.

Lord,
Help me shut out the busy schedules, the noise and distractions in the world around me and in my own mind.  You know my limitations better than I do and I ask you to teach me, grow me and stretch me to new levels of intimacy with you.  You are always there, help me find you.  Amen.

Friday, May 9, 2014


We all have five senses that we use, more or less, to determine the world around us.  We touch, taste, smell, hear and see; these senses are vital to us.
We cannot see the wind but we can feel it and we can see the effects of it.  We cannot see galaxies and planets beyond our line of vision but we trust that the telescopes sending pictures are reporting truth.
As I get older and my eyes do not see as well I am required to lean on other senses more.  As my ears struggle to hear as well as they used to I am even more hindered in my five senses.  What am I to do?  What about those who are missing sight or hearing; how do they know and learn?
The good news is this: the Spirit guides our hearts.  We cannot see him but we feel him and see the effects of him.  We may not hear him but our souls speak with him when we seek him.
We rejoice in things we do not see because we see with our hearts.  We rejoice in our salvation!

Lord,
Thank you for our senses, help us rely not only on them.  Move us beyond tangible into deep spiritual sense so we continue to grow in you.  All praise to you, my Savior and Redeemer.  Amen.

* All scripture references are verified through www.biblegateway.com

Thursday, May 8, 2014


I have friends and family that fall into this group.  It is heart-wrenching.
Paul has written in other letters to turn these types of people over to Satan and it seems he has washed his hands of them completely.  When I read this passage it is clear that his heart still aches for all people to come to the cross as believers.
My daughter, 8 years old, point-blank asks people if they are Christian.  It has been interesting to observe these interactions on occasion and touching that she comes to me to report their spiritual status.  I am amazed at her ability to put them on the spot; most people respond to her question openly.  I remind her that the best thing we can do for those who are not Christians is pray for them.  We can live and show the love of God to them and maybe they will come to see the blessing of Christ; maybe they will leave their earthly ways and step into a journey of faith.
My tears fall while there is still hope.  I cry to the Lord for those who do not hear and do not see.

Lord,
Let me continue to be a beacon of your light and love for all those around me so none will be lost in the end.  Amen.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Romans 8:18-19 “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God.”

We haven’t seen anything yet.
As I look around my world, both near and far, the sufferings of this present time are great.  I do not know them all and if I tried I would get so bogged down in the suffering I am afraid I might not climb back up from them.  We could easily make a very long list of the sufferings we know.  Can we make a list of the glory we see as well?
If we are watching, we catch glimpses of the glory about to be revealed.  There is love and compassion in the midst of hate and hardheartedness.  There is mercy and forgiveness in the midst of judgment and denial.  These are glimpses of the glory that is coming.
I hold these words to the Romans close to my heart today; “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed” – I join all of creation in eager longing.

Lord God,
We wait.  Our hearts long for the day when there are no more tears, no more sorrow and no more suffering.  Help us see beyond these worldly, temporary things to the glory that is here and now.  Guide us to manifest your glory by sharing your light and love, healing and mercy to those in this world who need it.  We do this as we wait, until you come in all your glory.  Amen.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014


The retreat I attended gave me new insight about myself and my spiritual journey.  The danger for me is this:  when I begin looking at myself too much I begin to lose focus on the one I need to be looking at.
There are so many tools and journey guides available today.  They all claim to bring us to a truer self and assist us on your spiritual journey.  Do they also draw us away from truth?  I am learning that when I study disciplines designed to enhance my journey I need to see God in the process.  I need to pray to the Spirit for protection against deceit and for clarity and discernment in my search.
Search for tools to enhance your spiritual journey but remember to seek through the heart and mind of Christ.  If we allow the Holy Spirit to be our guide he will protect us from captivity to deceitful practices and keep our focus on the one true God.

Lord,
My heart longs to be closer to you each day.  Please keep all of us close to you and focused on you, and your truth.  Protect us from deceit so that we do not fall prey to the enemy, but we stay strong in your love.  I pray this through Jesus, our Lord.  Amen.

Monday, May 5, 2014


I have just returned from a weekend retreat.  There were almost forty women gathered in the mountains for a weekend of learning more about our individual spirituality.  It was such a blessed time.
I came home relaxed and filled with new knowledge and insight.  My family was excited to see me and it was good to be home again.  It did not take long for the kids to get back into their routine of picking at each other and by the evening my four year old had already told me I was the “worst ever.” What did I expect?
There is a difference in me.  I received insight and blessing.  I gained perspective and knowledge.  I renewed old friendships and gained new ones.  These are the awesome deeds I see his deliverance in at this moment.  Through these things and many more, he gives me hope.
The world around me is much the same.  Troubles and struggles remain.  God is awesome and he delivers us; he is our salvation.  It is in him, we find hope... there is hope!

Lord,
My hope is in you.  Your steadfast love and redeeming grace stand waiting for me to receive them.  Pour them out over and into me.  Open my heart and the hearts of all people to receive your blessings in abundance.  Thank you for the gifts of love that touch our everyday lives.  Guide us to share that love in the lives of those around us.  Amen.

Saturday, May 3, 2014


Is my heart upright or does it have a slight bend in it?
As I read this scripture I picture my heart. It looks tired and a little droopy, it might even need a cane to help it along. Why is this so? Have I kept my eyes fixed on God's commandments? Have my ways been steadfast in his statutes? Ah, my humanness... what to do with it?
We all are human and we all fall short, I am constantly reminded of this when I see that I have stumbled again. As I sit in the beautiful mountains of Colorado I know there is no escape that can cleanse me and renew me unless I seek the Lord in that time as well.
I come to his throne this morning seeking cleansing. I come seeking renewed spirit and strength to serve him.
As I prepare to lead people in his word, I pray this scripture over my soul. He is faithful; he cleanses and strengthens us. Step into this beautiful day and praise him. Allow him to lift the burdens that weigh down your heart; praise him with an upright heart. See him in all his glory and splendor as we keep our eyes fixed on his commandments.
If your heart is upright, rejoice in him. If you heart is burdened, seek his statutes, his commands and his steadfast love; rejoice and praise him today!

Lord,

O that I may be steadfast to you in all my ways! You know my heart. Thank you for allowing us to come to you whenever we want to and cleansing us, renewing us, healing us. Help us feel your statutes, your commands and your Spirit guiding us. We lift our hearts and voices in praise to you this day. Amen.

Friday, May 2, 2014


Kyrie Eleison: Lord have mercy.
Yesterday was a gorgeous spring day in Denver.  We went to the zoo for a field trip and enjoyed the day with sunshine, no wind (it has been very windy!) and just the right amount of warmth.
My kids were excited to see friends and experience the animals together with them.  The excitement seemed to erase any sense of normalcy my children hold in their hearts.
The infractions started off small and insignificant.  I allowed them in the spirit of the day.  The problem started when the normal boundaries we have continued to be stepped over by bigger and bigger leaps.  By the time we left to come home, I had lost my patience.  It took me hours to release the anger and frustration I held in me.  What were my kids thinking?  What had they done with their brains?
This morning I see myself in this story.  My infractions against the Lord start out small and seem insignificant but it is so easy to allow those to grow into boundary breakers without any thought.
I come to the Lord asking forgiveness and seeking renewed hope in my heart.  Kyrie Eleison: Lord have mercy.

Lord,
Please forgive my anger toward these children you placed in my charge.  Please forgive my sins that I so easily brush under the rug.  Fill me with hope.  Fill me with love and grace that I can share with all your children.  Amen.