A Time for Everything

Good morning! Today is Wednesday, the third of November, 2021.

May the peace of God reign in your heart today!

Day 23,246

Nine days until C’s birthday!

And we have a birthday gift on the way. Besides the fact that we are taking a trip to Indianapolis the following week (after her birthday), we are getting a new garage door opener soon. I’m pretty sure the one that is currently installed, and not working, is the original one, installed in 1999.

Of course, the next order of business, garage-wise, is getting room to put a car in there. I told C that wasn’t happening for her birthday.

Last night was a fine evening at the library. I got a full cart of books sorted and shelved, and then there weren’t any more in the hall to sort, so I spent the last hour walking the shelves looking for stray books. If we find books that were pulled off the shelves but not checked out (we do prefer that the patrons not attempt to re-shelve them), they are marked “used” in the system and placed in the shelving area for the next day. This tells the librarians that there was at least some interest in the materials . . . someone at least touched them.

Every so often, some “weeding” is done, in which a librarian marks material for removal/discard (the official term is “deaccession”), based on when the last time it was checked out. Marking items “used,” at least shows that there was some interest in them.

While I was there, I discovered, thanks to the help of one of the assistant librarians, that our library holds one copy of the 1963 film, The Haunting, so I checked it out. This black and white film is based on Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, which I recently finished.

I just remembered that I forgot to post my current read, yesterday. I am currently reading The Divine Embrace, by Robert E. Webber, subtitled, “Recovering the Passionate Spiritual Life.” I decided to dig deep into my “want to read” shelf on Goodreads. This was added to my list back in May of 2008. Seriously. That’s how far back my TBR list goes. I still had my copy of the book, too. So I’m reading it, now. I haven’t gotten very far into it, yet, but hope to make some serious progress over the next couple days.

I plan another trip to the grocery store, this morning, probably right after I finish the blog. I do believe it has finally quit raining for a while. I changed my mind. I’ve ordered Albertson’s for delivery, instead. Not leaving the house unless I have to.

Oh, and lest I forget, the Braves won the World Series, dominating last night’s game six with a score of 7-0.

Today is Cliché Day. I want all of you to get out there and give 110% today! Seize the day! And whatever you do, be sure and run upstairs when the chainsaw-wielding maniac is chasing you.

The word for today is maringouin, “a mosquito, especially a large swamp mosquito.” Why?? Why, dictionary.com, do you wish to put that image in my brain??

Today’s quote is from James Thurber, American author. “Love is what you’ve been through with somebody.”

Birthdays on November 3:

Stephen F. Austin, founder and colonizer of Texas, 1793-1836
Bob Feller, American HoF baseball pitcher, 1918-2010
Charles Bronson, American actor (Death Wish, White Buffalo), 1921-2003 (I met him once, in Colorado)
Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie (aka Lulu), Scottish singer (To Sir With Love), 1948 (73)
Dwight Evans, American baseball player (Boston Red Sox), 1951 (70)
Roseanne Barr, American actress and comedienne, 1952 (69)
Jim Cummings, American voice actor (Winnie the Pooh), 1952 (69)
Kate Capshaw, American actress (Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom), born in Fort Worth, TX, 1953 (68)
Dennis Miller, American comedian (Saturday Night Live), 1953 (68)
Stuart Goddard (aka Adam Ant), English rocker (Goody Two Shoes), 1954 (67)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYERS

Be sober-minded;
Cast all your anxieties
On Him who loves you.
(1 Peter 5)

Open to me
the gates of righteousness,
that I may enter through them
and give thanks to the LORD.
(Psalms 118:19 ESV)

Today I am grateful:

1. that You have given me a thankful heart
2. that I am alive and breathing
3. for my job at the library
4. that there is a time and a season for every purpose under heaven
5. that You have given me a love for Your Word

Scriptures and Prayers from Seeking God’s Face: Praying with the Bible through the Year

ORDINARY TIME – WEEK TWENTY-FOUR – DAY FOUR

INVITATION

Our God forever,
who guides us till the end of time.
(Psalms 48:14 MSG)

As I pause in the quietness of the morning, interrupted only by the amusing cat next to me, who is pawing at the front of the computer, non-stop, I consider the love and grace of God Almighty, who condescends to even think about us. What are we that He is mindful of us? Yet He is, even to the point that He desires for the children to be brought to Him.

BIBLE SONG

Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.
Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.
Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.
Redeem me from human oppression,
that I may obey your precepts.
Make your face shine on your servant
and teach me your decrees.
Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.
(Psalms 119:129-136 NIV)

BIBLE READING

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV)

DWELLING: SILENCE AND MEDITATION

As I read these passages again, perhaps even out loud (in ancient times, Scripture was heard more than seen), I ponder how the Word of God has moved me, this morning. What has connected with my heart? What has my mind observed? I pray these things back to the Lord as I turn my thoughts toward Him and enjoy His presence.

The celebration of the love of God’s Word continues in Psalm 119. I love the thought in verse 131. “I open my mouth and pant, longing for Your commands.” Our desire for the Word of God in our lives should supersede any other desire. Reading and meditating on God’s Word should be like breathing to us, just as prayer should be. The love of one flows directly out of the love of the other, perhaps even feeding off of each other.

I love, also, the idea in verse 132, the the Lord always has mercy on those who love His name. Just as, I believe, all who love His name should be sorrowful when His Word is not heeded or obeyed (verse 136).

There is much love and appreciation for the passage from Ecclesiastes. Most people my age are familiar with the song, written by Pete Seeger, “Turn, Turn, Turn.” Here’s a beautiful version by him and Judy Collins.

I do love the wisdom of these words. There is, indeed, a time for each of these. The wisdom comes in knowing when those times are. When are the times to weep and mourn; when are the times to laugh and dance? There is way too much tearing down, right now, in our world. We need to do more building up. I love to embrace; I’m a hugger. But the last year has been a time to refrain from embracing. Probably the most difficult is knowing when is the time to speak and time to be silent.

For many years, I’ve loved the last line of the song, “a time for peace, I swear it’s not too late.” But there will not be everlasting peace until we are Home. But we could certainly be striving a little more for it.

Father, there is, indeed, a time for everything. I pray for wisdom to know when those times are. Help me to be, though, one who works more for peace then fighting. I pray that I might be willing to be silent when silence is needed, but also give me the right words when speaking is called for. Help me to be one who builds up more than tearing down. Thank You for the love You have placed in my heart, love for Your Word, love for You. I pray that the thirst for Your Word will always continue, driving me deeper and deeper into it. I pray with great sorrow, that Your Word and commands would be revered more, in this world, today.

I lift up a prayer, this morning, specifically for my aunt, uncle, and cousins. You know the circumstances, Father. Healing is needed and desired, physically and beyond. I pray for Your intervention.

"God for all time,
assure me that no matter the moment,
I belong to You.
Whatever the season -
whether in cold stillness,
budding brightness,
full bloom,
or loss and decay -
I trust all my times are in Your hands.
In my faithful Savior's name,
amen."

BLESSING

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution.
The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”
(Matthew 5:10 MSG)

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
(Isaiah 58:8-10 ESV)

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

May Your light shine in and through me, Father, as “borrowed light.”

I pray for peace in our nation, peace in our world. I pray for racial injustice to end, and I pray for the pandemic to be over. Above all else, though, I pray for Your will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Break forth, like the dawn!
Light! Shine out in the darkness!
Gloom! Be as noonday!
(Isaiah 58)

Grace and peace, friends.

Individualism

Today is Friday, November 3, 2017. Day 21,785.

Two more days until Daylight Saving Time ends.

Bob Feller, who was born on this date in 1918 (died 2010), said, “I would rather beat the Yankees regularly than pitch a no hit game.”
BrainyQuote

The word of the day, from Dictionary.com, is ebullient, an adjective, meaning, “overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited.” Also, “bubbling up like a boiling liquid.”

Today is Cliche Day. I challenge you to use as many cliches as you can today. Go out there and give it 110%! But don’t put all your eggs in one basket, and don’t count your chickens before the cows come home.

Day two of C’s recovery was good, but mixed. There was a lot of pain, but part of that was because she tried to go too long between pain medication doses. I think she may have learned her lesson about that. A nurse came over and talked with her, and it was determined that she did not need that service on a regular basis. Later, a physical therapist came over, worked with her a little bit, said she was doing great, and that the regular PT visits would begin next Monday. It sounds like C wasn’t even supposed to get released until yesterday, but she was doing so good, they let her out early. We wonder if they say that to everyone.

Not much else to talk about, since baseball is over. I’m heading back to work, this morning, in what has been one of my strangest weeks. It’s always weird, having days off in the middle of the week, but I’m pretty sure that this is the first time in my life that I have ever worked every other day in a full week.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYERS
All Scriptures are from the ESV unless otherwise noted

(From The Divine Hours)

But I call to God, and the LORD will save me.
God will give ear and humble them, he who is enthroned from of old, Selah.
Psalm 55:16, 19
Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
Psalm 50:3
For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 
Psalm 25:11
Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!
Psalm 109:26
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
John 3:17-18
Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!
Psalm 109:26
He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 
And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!
Psalm 107:20-22
Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love!
Psalm 109:26
O God, come to my assistance!
O Lord, make haste to help me!
The Cry of the Church

(From Practice Resurrection)

(Pages 112-113)

Before Paul can get into the meat of “church,” he has to “guide us through the thorny branches of individualism.”

What is individualism? It is “the growth-stunting, maturity-inhibiting habit of understanding growth as an isolated self-project.” It is “self-ism with a swagger.” This person is one who believes that he can serve God without dealing with God. Or that he can love his neighbors without knowing their names. “This is the person who, having gained competence in knowing God or people or world, uses that knowledge to take charge of God or people or world.”

We take note that God does not take away our individuality when we enter the church. “Church, rather, is where we cultivate a submission to the care and authority of God.”

Here, in America, though, we live in a society that, “compounded with a degraded form of evangelicalism, is the individualism capital of the world.” As long as this individualism has “free rein in our lives, we will not be capable of embracing church.” It can even be fatal, if left unchecked.

Paul has shown us (in the previous chapter of the book, earlier in Ephesians 2) how grace and works are integrated. They cannot be separated, lest they be a “breeding ground for individualism.” In short, we cannot specialize in grace “without being bothered with people,” and we cannot specialize in people “without bothering with God.” And there are plenty of people trying to do both.

But in Jesus, we are shown that there is “no perceptible dissonance between grace and good works.” Jesus’s being and his doing were fused together, as one. And it is in Him that we are “growing up. If we focus on Jesus instead of ourselves, I don’t think it is so difficult to understand.” And that is what we must get used to. We need to be less full of ourselves and more full of Christ.

Father, you are rescuing me from individualism. I praise you for this. It has not been an easy thing for me to let go of. It’s not hard for you, of course, but you have been patient with me, drawing me further and further in to your heart, which has allowed me to gradually release this individualistic way of thinking. I still have far to go, but you are faithful, and will finish what you started.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Grace and peace, friends.

Hallelujah!

“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failures behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day, and that’s the way baseball is.”~~Bob Feller
(BrainyQuote)

Today’s word of the day, from Dictionary.com, is one of those words that looks like it should mean something else. The word is tonsorial, and it means, “of or relating to a barber or barbering.”

Today is Deep Dish Pizza Day. Mmmmhmmm. I do love pizza, and I enjoy a deep dish pizza, occasionally.

I did not, as predicted, go to band practice last night. I came straight home from work (well, okay, I did stop at Sonic on the way), we had dinner, watched two episodes of Jane the Virgin, and went to bed at around 8:00 PM. We were both pretty tired. I slept fairly well, and this morning, it’s a mixed bag. Over all, I think I feel better, but I’m at the horrific coughing part of this stuff. It’s good, because it means the stuff is working its way out; it’s bad because it kind of hurts.

The Rangers won Opening Day yesterday, 3-2, vs the Seattle Mariners. It was an interesting day of milestones. Cole Hamels, the winning pitcher, had the first Opening Day win of his career. Felix Hernandez, the losing pitcher, had the first Opening Day loss of his career. The Mariners, who had tied the modern MLB record of nine consecutive Opening Day wins, were denied the record tenth win. And all because of a booted double play ball in the fifth inning. In other words, the Mariners actually lost the game more than the Rangers won it. But, as they say, a “W” is a “W.”

The Red Sox/Cleveland Opening Day game was postponed. Because it was cold. Apparently, it was below freezing, with snow flurries. Hopefully, they will get that game played today. It is scheduled for around 1:00 PM today.

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL

O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;
for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them.
You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!
Through you we push down our foes; through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
For not in my bow do I trust, nor can my sword save me.
But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us.
In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah.
Psalm 44:1-8

Even though there is dismay over what is happening to his people (beginning in verse 9), the psalmist “experiences his present trouble in the perspective of the long-term faithfulness and power of God.” One of our greatest assets is a good memory of what God has done for us in the past.

“By your grace, God, I will meet challenges, disappointments, joys, and sorrows with a smile packed with lively memories of your power and love, knowing that what you were yesterday you will be today and forever, even in Jesus Christ. Amen.”

(From My Utmost For His Highest)

“His Agony and Our Fellowship”

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”
Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
Matthew 26:36, 38

Let us make no mistake. “We know nothing about Gethsemane in personal experience. Gethsemane and Calvary stand for something unique; they are the gateway into Life for us.”

Jesus did not fear death on the cross. That is not what caused the agony at Gethsemane. And there was no danger that he would not get through as Son of God. But as Son of Man, it was different. This is where Satan attacked. Back at the temptations, early in the Gospels, it is said, And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:13) That “opportune time” was in the Garden of Gethsemane. “In Gethsemane, Satan came back and was again overthrown. Satan’s final onslaught against our Lord as Son of Man is in Gethsemane.”

The agony in Gethsemane is the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Saviour of the world. The veil is drawn aside to reveal all it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. His agony is the basis of the simplicity of our salvation. The Cross of Christ is a triumph for the Son of Man. It was not only a sign that Our Lord had triumphed, but that He had triumphed to save the human race. Every human being can get through into the presence of God now because of what the Son of Man went through.

Hallelujah!!

Father, may I take this seriously in my life! This is powerful! There are times when I live as though I do not believe this. The things I go through every day, and my reactions to them, sometimes indicate that I put more stock in the things of this world than I do the Gospel. Burrow deep into my inner being with these truths, Lord, to the point where disappointments in the people and places that I work for do not mean anything. What can they do to me?? Nothing! I am your child, and my destiny is secure, no matter what happens in my daily life.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Grace and peace, friends.

Unbroken Communion

Good morning. It is Thursday, September 13, 2012. There are a ton of different “holidays” listed today (you would think that they would save some for those poor few days that don’t have any!), but the one that intrigues me is “National Defy Superstition Day.” So go ahead…step on that crack while walking under a ladder, purposefully allowing a black cat to cross your path. Yeah. That reminds me. When I do resistance training at the gym, I do two sets of THIRTEEN reps. So there. No triskaidekaphobia here, sir. Nope.

On this date in 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
On this date in 1916, Roald Dahl was born. Willie Wonka for the win! Gene Wilder’s version. I like Johnny Depp, but I’m not fond of his version.
On this date in 1990, one of the longest running primetime drama series in history debuted. Law & Order went on to spawn several spinoffs.
On this date in 1936, Bob Feller, at the age of 17, struck out 17 batters in one game. At the time, that was an American League record. The current record is 20, held by Roger Clemens, for the Boston Red Sox. Kerry Wood also struck out 20 batters in the National League, for the Cubbies. In his rookie year. He’s from Grand Prairie, Texas, just a few minutes up the road from where we live.

---

Christi has an MRI scheduled for Friday morning at 745!! That’s one answer to prayer. She still hurts pretty bad, though, and had difficulty sleeping last night, because of it. Please keep praying for relief for her.
Some friends of ours had a new baby last night (as opposed to an “old” baby, I guess). Stephanie and Jason welcomed Charlee into the world at 958pm last night (on Stephanie’s birthday, no less). Blessings and congratulations go out to them. Charlee had some difficulty breathing at first, and was whisked away to NICU, but further updates seem to indicate that she is okay. We have another friend, Amber, who began early labor yesterday, but, as of yet, has not gone to the hospital. We’ll definitely be praying for her today.
The Red Sox lost a close one to the Evil Empire last night, 5-4. The Orioles won again, though, maintaining their tie for the lead in the AL East. The Rangers beat the Indians again, bringing them one game closer to another division championship in the AL West.
Tonight, our lifehouse gets going again, after a few weeks of hiatus. It will be good to gather again.

---

Father, I pray for light this morning. Bring light to my spirit as I read your words and meditate on your precepts. Fill me with your Spirit so that rivers of living water may flow out of me.

---

Today I’m reading Psalm 105. Another of the slightly longer psalms, this one gives thanks for the wonderful works of the Lord.

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered,
O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! (1-6)

I like the verse that says, “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” It kind of goes along with the idea of praying without ceasing. We should always be looking for the presence of the Lord in our lives, yet I know that I fail to do so.
The psalm speaks of the permanence of the covenant of God in verse 8: He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations…
Then, in verses 12-15, it speaks of God’s protection of Israel, even while they were wandering in the wilderness.
When they were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it,
wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account,
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

Verses 16-22 recount the story of Joseph, being sold into slavery, but eventually becoming second in command in Egypt. This is followed by verses 23-25, which briefly describe Israel’s increase in Egypt, but the growing hatred of the Egyptians toward them. Verses 26 to the end tell of Moses, Aaron, the plagues, and the exodus from Egypt. It closes out with these verses:
For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.
So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.
And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,
that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the LORD! (42-45)

How does this apply to us today? It is always good to see the great works of God in the lives and history of his people, to know that he remembers his covenants and promises, and to know that he provides for and rescues his children.

---

My Utmost For His Highest

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. John 17:4

The greatest crisis in life is the one of the surrender of the will. Chambers says, “God never crushes a man’s will into surrender.” I’m pretty sure I disagree with that. Paul’s experience on the Damascus road was pretty crushing. God did not give Paul a whole lot of choice in the matter. I suppose Paul could have refused, and then remained blind for the rest of his life.

Jesus says, “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” Once we begin to understand what salvation means, we begin to surrender our wills to Jesus. Sometimes, this takes years, nearly a lifetime. This surrender is truly a giving up of one’s rights to self. I surrender my rights to Jesus. I have not right to myself. I am fully his. Whenever I occasionally take those rights back, I begin to slip, to stray off of the firm foundation of his words. But as long as I remain firmly planted, my life will be a manifestation of this surrender. And as long as I stay surrendered, I “do not need to care what [my] circumstances are, Jesus is amply sufficient.”

Chambers cautions against “surrendering” during a moment of ecstasy. Who among us has not been guilty of that? Those “surrenders” never last, for they are not truly surrenders. To be truly surrendered means to be bound to death, even more binding than the marriage oath, “until death do us part.” “It is a question of being united with Jesus in His death until nothing ever appeals to you that did not appeal to Him.” I can tell you that I have not yet reached that point!

“After surrender–what? The whole of life after surrender is an aspiration for unbroken communion with God.” That sounds so beautiful! “Unbroken communion with God.” The very idea brings shivers up my spine. That is my desire, and I pray that this is what I am working toward.

---

Father, I desire this kind of communion in my life. I desire the complete surrender of the will that leads to “unbroken communion” with you. I desire the kind of devotion that obeys the command of Psalm 105 to seek your presence, constantly. I pray that you would fill me with your Spirit to the point that I do seek your presence at every moment of the day. I can still do my work and be a productive employee while being aware of your presence with me all the time. In fact, I believe that awareness of your presence, and relying on your Spirit to enlighten me, would make me an even better employee. Give me that surrender, Lord, for I believe with all my heart that even the surrender of the will is a gift from you. Show me how…teach me your ways, that I may walk in your truth.

I pray for this day, Father. I pray, still, for relief for Christi. I will not back down on this prayer, though I am not demanding anything from you. Rather, I plead for relief for my beautiful wife. Relieve her pain, please. I do pray for something positive to come from the MRI tomorrow…something that will give us some kind of solution to the pain. I pray that surgery will not be the necessary solution, though. I pray also that Christi would have a good day at work, that her thoughts might be drawn to you during her day, and that it be stress free. I pray the same for my work day as well. I pray that you would prosper the companies that we work for. I pray for Stephanie’s day, that she would have thoughts of closeness to you during this day, being drawn to read and think about your words.

I thank you for the birth of Charlee last night, and pray blessings on her parents, Stephanie and Jason. I pray that her health will be stable, and that you will give them wisdom from your Spirit as they begin to teach this child. I pray for Amber, that her labor would progress today, so that her baby would be born today.

Give me clarity and focus as I continue to pray this morning.

---

No matter what my circumstances, Jesus is sufficient. I work on surrendering that will to him.

Grace and peace, friends.