craigslist

Dear Lord,

Thank You for craigslist, and for its utilization by our friends for their recent Garage Sale.  I never would have thought that we’d receive an email in regard to one of the items that we posted would be available at the garage sale:  lacrosse gear.  Yet we did!  We hadn’t sold it at the garage sale (most people wouldn’t look there for something specialty like that), and two weeks later received the emailed question as to whether or not we still had it.

Thank You for the money that its sale might bring in during this time when my husband is going to school and only working ten hours a week.  As you know, every little bit helps, and the gear isn’t doing us any good sitting in our garage.  I pray for those who might purchase it, that it would bless them, and I thank You for getting the word out to them via craigslist!

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Playgrounds

Dear Lord,

Thank You for playgrounds to go and enjoy with my little family.  My two-year-old certainly enjoys them, and my husband and I rather enjoy him enjoying them.  My husband took us to one today that was called “Sherwood Park” and themed a bit medieval.  There was a dragon coming out of a ruined castle, a sword in the stone, a bridge fashioned to look like a drawbridge over a moat of sorts, and two great playgrounds surrounded by stone benches and climbing rocks.  We enjoyed ourselves!

Little Man most enjoyed the slide that was actually made of rollers (each about three or four inches wide) instead of one plastic slide.  He would put his feet down so that they hit every single roller on his way down and practically vibrated down the whole slide.  He found that to be great fun.  Thank You for playgrounds, and for the particular creativity that went into this one.  It’s a wonderful and free way to enjoy ourselves as a family, and I thank You for the opportunity.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Your Faithfulness

Dear Lord,

My constant prayer seems to be that You would continually point me back to You and that my focus wouldn’t stray.  I know that focus on You is where I want to be, and yet, my focus constantly strays - mostly to myself.  Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness (and answer to prayer) to point me back to You.  Thank You that You orchestrate each moment, circumstance, etc. toward Your purpose of making Your children more like Your Son - including even me.

Your faithfulness pairs with Your Grace and Love to bring me back to You.  I cannot conceive of such love and forgiveness.  Thank You so much, Lord.  I do pray that You continue to do so - if only to keep my focus on that fact that You will.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Living By the Book

Dear Lord,

Thank You for using this DVD series to initiate discussion between my husband and me.  You used that discussion to reveal more of my pride to me, and eventually, to show me how to deal with that pride.  It can be discouraging to see my sin, but I thank You that You are faithful to show it to me with the purpose of Teaching me how You overcome it.  Thank You, too, that I don’t have to be discouraged by my sin, but that I can look to You.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Vitamin E

Dear Lord,

Thank You for watching over my son this weekend while he played with us outside.  Sunscreen hadn’t even crossed my mind as we worked to ready part of my in-laws’ backyard to put sod in.  It wasn’t until my father-in-law said something later in the day that I realized the red on his cheeks probably wasn’t from the strange rash he’s been getting, but from a little too much sun.  Through my own sunburn experiences (and the loving ministrations of a friend), I thank You that You had already taught me the wonders of Vitamin E!

Again, thank You as You watched over him.  You know that he woke several times that night - I can only guess from having rubbed his cheeks in his sleep - and he also came down sick with a cold shared by his cousin.  I spread that E over his cheeks twice in the night, and by morning, I could barely tell that his cheeks had a little extra pink.  Thank You for my previous experience (and the knowledge of the concentration of no less than 12,000 IU), and for Your healing.  It didn’t even seem to bother him the next day.

Lord, when I fail according to the world’s standards, You are there to show me that everything is in Your hands.  You turn and use those “failures” for Your glory, and make Your Victory known.  Thank You for healing my son through Your gift of Vitamin E!

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Your Timing

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the perfection of Your sovereign timing.  Last night was a bit of a rush to get a few chores done before bedtime.  I knew the kiddo might wake during the night, as he wasn’t feeling well, and brushing on his poor sunburned cheeks hurt.  Thank You that I had finished the necessary chores and was just about to go to sleep when he woke up the first time.  To be able to give him my full attention when he’s not feeling well is a blessing, as I’m less prone to stress and more prone to keep my focus on serving You by serving my little man.

Thank You for orchestrating his wake-up with my readiness to deal with it, and I thank You, too, that You do that throughout my day.  I know that I don’t always notice it, but I do wish to express my thanks, as I know that You are always at work in my life to conform me into the image of Your Son. (Romans 8:28-29)  Thank You for that work, and for Your perfect timing.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

The Perfect-Sized Chair

Dear Lord,

When I sat down in our rocker to put our little man to sleep, I had to thank You that the chair was the perfect size.  My head leaned luxuriously onto the back of the chair, but my bun slipped just over the edge so as not to thrust my head forward, and it didn’t even pull my hair.  You quite literally gave us the perfect-sized chair.  After a day of shoveling dirt while watching the little man, that little perfect detail was incredibly appreciated.  Thank You for that gift.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Off Early

Dear Lord,

I’m glad that You have helped me come to a point where I’m not so anxious about my accrued work hours.  Rather than trying to get as many as possible in - period - You have taught me to have a goal, and upon reaching that goal, to consider taking more time to be at home.  I enjoyed the anticipation today as I had planned to take off an hour early from work - and then I enjoyed the hour off.

Thank You for the gift of that hour to get off early.  It was actually a bit difficult not to get too excited about it and to even place some of my hope in it and on the extra time I’d get to spend with my husband.  We didn’t plan for what exactly we’d do with the time, and I was tempted to be a little disappointed with what we did do, but I thank You that You kept my focus on You instead.  Thank You for the relaxation and the extra time spent with family.  It really was nice to get off work an hour early.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Fantasy

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of fantasy.  Books and stories draw us into a world of creativity and adventure - a “place” away from our own lives.  It can be so fun to lose ourselves in that for a time.  When I think about fantasy, I often wonder what it will be like with You in heaven.  Not that it wouldn’t be a reality, certainly, but what a world of wonder and things that we can only imagine now.  

Will You grant us more power to effect things, or will we use our infinite time to learn more and create more?  What grand things will we create or build for You?  How will our relationships serve You?  Will it be rather similar to the way things are now, with the exception that sin will be absent?  It makes for diverting thoughts.

My one request in this would be to help me not lose myself in it so often that I begin to shirk my responsibilities.  That can be a very real temptation for me.  Thank You for Your discipline, and for bolstering my self-discipline.  Help me to use my love of fantasy to serve You.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Garage Sales

Dear Lord,

Thank You for our friends who just put on a multi-family yard sale.  Their willingness to take our stuff, man our tables, and give us the whole sum was a true blessing and a reflection of You.  Thank You for giving them such willing servant’s hearts.  Thank You, too, for the proceeds we received from the sale; it will help to alleviate the month’s budget a little!

I pray Your blessing on our friends, and that they felt the reward of their service.  To magnify Your glory is a blessing, indeed.  I pray for Your strength in the upcoming week, that I might keep in mind that it is You whom I serve (Colossians 3:24).  May I lift all that I do in praise and thankfulness to You.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

God's Orchestration

Dear Lord,

Your Word says in Ecclesiastes 3:1a, “There is an appointed time for everything.”  I love that You don’t just say that there is a time for everything - You say there is an appointed time for everything.  A time appointed by You.  Today was a day in which I could truly see Your orchestration throughout my family’s day.  You orchestrated everything perfectly into a flow that we could handle well, and thus, reflect Your glory back to You with the talents You gave us.  It doesn’t hurt that it feels good, too!

Whether it was taking photos at the church; visiting friends at a garage sale; returning to purchase photos and tend the little man while we chose which to use; making calls to have missed staff photos taken; or even getting home in time to get lunch and a nap for the little man while we played League of Legends with friends - You orchestrated the day in such a way that it all worked smoothly.  We may have played a small part in planning, but You had the reins and truly steered the day.  Items came up just as we were finished with another, or in time before we were finished to be ready for the next.

Thank You for Your orchestration, and that You don’t confine that gift to moments or even days.  You are always orchestrating our lives, and I truly appreciate that.  You cause “…all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to [Your] purpose.” (Romans 8:28)  Help me to keep that focus in mind from day to day and moment to moment.  “Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.” (Psalm 63:3)

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Good Photographers

Dear Lord,

Thank You for overseeing our photo session at church today for the directory.  You gave our photographer quite the talent for getting kids to have fun and smile during their portrait session!  She was great with our two-year-old, and we got some great photos.  Thank You for providing funds, coupons, and discounts, too, so that we could purchase the rights, and a three-photo framed ensemble, and two 8x10’s of our little man!

Thank You for the talents of a good photographer.  Thank You, too, for the different talents that You gave to me.  Continue to teach me to use them for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Fire Stations

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the realization today as I played with my two-year-old in the park that I could walk him to the fire station that sits on the far side of the park.  A large park, granted, length of nearly two football fields, but still not far.  I’m not quite sure why it hadn’t occurred to me earlier in his life, but I thank You that it did today.  (And I thank You that such a great park is only two blocks from our home!)

It’s fun to see his interests, and he definitely has the boyish interest of fire trucks (and trash trucks, for that matter).  I admit I was a little surprised by his shyness with the kind fireman who gave us a tour; passing up the opportunity to sit in the driver’s seat because he was shy was not something I had expected.  He still enjoyed it, though, and I was glad to see his little grin behind the fireman’s back!

Thank You for this opportunity to be a parent, and to catch a glimpse of what the world is like behind those young eyes.  Sometimes, You seem to remind me of Your wonder through them.  Today, it was Your wonder of a fire station.  Please help me to share with him that the wonder - and the orchestration of it - is Yours.  May he grow to be a light for You.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Godly Perspective

Dear Lord,

As I consider the state of my house, I thank You for Your perspective.  There is more to be done than I have time for, and that’s okay.  Thank You for that blessing as You help me to keep my priorities better in line with Your will.  

Time with You and listening to You in Your Word are more important than the chores.  It doesn’t matter if the chores aren’t accomplished at the utmost of my ability because I’m also watching (and incorporating) my two-year-old son.  It is, in fact, better for my son that I incorporate him, since it helps to build his excitement about chores and also teaches him better coordination.  

It’s really cute, too!  Thank You for the enjoyment of teaching him to shake the clothes during the transfer from washer to dryer.  That cute little shake of an armload of clothes - especially paired with his pleased smile - makes for an adorable moment.  Thank You for the gift of my son.

Lord, I pray that You would continue to help me prioritize You and Your own priorities.  You’ve made it clear that everything else “falls into place” as a result, because I can recognize what truly needs to be done, and what to leave for later.  Thank You for Your strength to do those tasks, and for the peace of knowing that You are in control.  You are my treasure - and I thank You, that I am Yours, too.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Reading

Dear Lord,

Thank You that You created reading, that not only might we read stories and instructions, but especially that we might read Your Word.  “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)  I love that verse because it reminds me that it is important to meditate and reflect upon and to live out Your Word.  When I walk in the way of Your Word, my path is clear.  In order to do all of this, I must read Your Word, and I thank You for the ability and the privilege.

Your Word is so pure.  With it, I can wash my mind of the day’s filth, whether apparent or concealed.  Your Word helps illuminate what is concealed.  It brings it to light and helps me to see it in Your light, not mine.  Thank You for renewing my mind through the true knowledge of You (Colossians 3:10), obtained by Your Word.

Continue to cultivate my desire for You and for Your Word, Lord.  Thank You for such an amazing tool and foundation of following You.  I pray for those who don’t have it, yet, or have limited access.  Continue Your work through Your saints and smooth the way before them that we might spread Your good news.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Foam Rolls

Dear Lord,

Thank You for my foam roll that I use for my physical therapy exercises.  Thank You that I no longer have to go to physical therapy and that I can simply do my exercises at home to maintain my health.  It feels quite nice to be able to lie down on the roll and essentially readjust my back myself.  That ability is quite huge.  To be able to do it myself and not to have to pay for someone else to, and for it to last longer is a beautiful gift from You.  Please help me to keep up with the exercises so that I don’t fall back into numbness.

Lord, Your love is amazing, and You have captured me with it.  Help me to be mindful of that throughout each day, and of the reflection I am of You.  Even as I do my exercises on my foam roll.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Fewer Interruptions

Dear Lord,

Thank You for carrying me through the months since September at work, when everything is a bit of a flurry.  I truly appreciated your orchestration of fewer interruptions at work today.  It seems as though I have finally caught up from the craziness of those months, and I feel as though I can relax a bit now.  That’s always a nice feeling.  Those interruptions can take quite a bit of time, and the last couple weeks of fewer interruptions has really helped.  Thank You for orchestrating my work days, and for giving me a time to not have to have everything done right away.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Catch Phrase

Dear Lord,

There are many party games that You have allowed out there, and while there are a number that I don’t care for, Catch Phrase is definitely one that I enjoy.  Thank You for the time my husband and I got to spend with our Community Group tonight just playing Catch Phrase together (after the songs and prayer, of course!).  It’s nice to get to hang out with them without an agenda.  Thank You for our fellow believers, and for the opportunity to have fun with them!  Thank You that You shine Your light through us even as we just play around with games like Catch Phrase!

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Casual Atmosphere

Dear Lord,

As I attend the third level of the Cornerstone Biblical Counseling Training Center classes, I find myself reticent to take part in the counseling practicum.  You know that I don’t plan to become ACBC certified and that I have attended only to learn more about Your answers for my own life and to better counsel my friends.  I thank You for Your instruction from Your Word, and for the practical application that You are teaching me through the class.  Yet, the formal setting of counselor and counselee is daunting to me.

Thank You for the casual atmosphere of the class, and that I am surrounded by women who are at the same level as me.  We differ in our talents - and some are meant to become certified, but they can use just as much help at this stage as I can.  They are encouraging, give constructive feedback, and even portray good examples of certain of the goals that we want to accomplish in counseling - which can be carried over to the counsel of friends.  Thank You, too, for the woman that I “counseled.”  She was really nice in actually helping to guide me to what I needed to do as the counselor, even as she role-played my counselee.

Yes, the idea of me participating in a formal counseling session as the counselor is something that I haven’t the faintest desire to do.  Quite the opposite, as the very idea brings a feeling of nausea to my stomach.  I knew that I needed to deal with that fear, though, as it meant that I wasn’t fearing You more than the situation.  So I thank You that You helped me to face my fear, and for the casual atmosphere that You orchestrated for me to wet my feet in.  Thank You for making it easier.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Making Faces

Dear Lord,

Did Jesus ever explore his facial muscular capabilities after He grew up?  I don’t know how many other of Your children do it, but I find myself occasionally happening upon a movement that makes me curious.  I imagine I looked rather funny as I made faces to test the difference in the stretch of my cheek muscles on either side.  As You know, I burst out laughing thinking about what You must have seen.

Thank You for those moments, Lord, to see Your humor in every day life.  As I work to “practice Your presence” each day, I find so much joy in the little moments; joy in You.  Things are really much brighter in Your light.  Thank You, Lord, for saving me, and for the joy that You love to bestow.  Thank You for the humor of making faces.

In Jesus’ Name, amen.