Give ALL?

It's a little hard to read from the picture above, but it says, "They gave from their ABUNDANCE . . . She gave ALL she owned, ALL she had to live on".  NASB says, They gave "out of their surplus" . . . she gave "all she had to live on."  This is Mark's rendition of the story of the widow's offering (Mark 12: 41-44 - and also in Luke 21:1-4) - four short verses that pack a powerful punch!  Jesus told the disciples that the widow, in giving 2 tiny coins, gave more than any of the others with their generous gifts.

I sat there pondering these verses.  God, is this what you expect of me?  Am I to give all I have to live on?  What about prudently setting aside for retirement?  As I sat with these questions, I realized how challenging that would be for me to do!  But as I continued thinking about it, that still small voice whispered to me, "Cheryl, while I might require that of you some day, that is NOT what I'm asking today.  Today this concept applies to a different resource - your time!"  

OUCH!  That morning I had been doing a bit of whining to God (yeah, I know, not my best choice!).  But I had been feeling so overwhelmed.  My current job, which I believe he has called me to do (at least for now), keeps me SOOO busy - with very little visible return for such an investment of time!  Before I had such responsibilities, I used to be much better able to meet the needs of friends and family, making cards, spending time thinking about and making gifts, making meals & entertaining, talking for hours on the phone, . . . .   But with this current job, it is SUCH a challenge to do any of that.  And yet I KNOW people are the most important, and showing them that I care - and through me that God cares - is an important part of my ministry!  I felt challenged enough when wanting to spend quite a bit of time with my daughter to help her celebrate her birthday, but now my husband's aunt is getting to the point where she really needs an assisted living situation - and might need to stay with us while that situation is being worked out.  How can I do it all and still have the time for myself that I need to stay sane?  

This was the mind-set from which I approached my devotions yesterday morning.  Frankly, I was sort of hoping that God would say I could quit my job to have more spare time for these other things.  But that wasn't His response.  I'm not called to give of my SPARE time.  I am called to give ALL of my time - including that which I feel I need to myself in order to stay sane (all I need to live on). 

Now, I want to make this clear.  I wasn't told to give all my time to other people.  I was told to give it to GOD.  Despite my selfish tendencies, I know this is indeed the right thing to do, and that as I do so, I will once again find that "His yoke is easy and His burden is light."  I just have to be willing to totally let Him set my priorities and have ALL of my time.  I KNOW I can trust Him to provide for my needs time-wise, just like He does financially, and spiritually, and in so many ways.

Father, I have heard you, and I choose to follow your direction.  Father, I give you my schedule - all of my time.  It's not mine anyway.  I'm merely a steward for the gift of time you have given me.  Father, I seek your guidance for how you choose it to be distributed, and if I forget, or get off track, please remind me and keep me on the right path.  As I pray, He whispers to me, "I will, child.  I've promised to make your steps secure so your feet won't slip."(Ps 18:36). Thank you, Father!   

Me and My House

As for me and my house . . . I've been pondering this verse for several days.  At first, it was in conjunction with the idea that each morning I can make new choices, and the importance of making a new choice when I'm not happy with the old one.  

This is an important reminder for me, but this morning as I was again thinking about this verse, something else jumped out at me - "as for me and my HOUSE". I've always thought of this as simply saying, "me and my family" - or perhaps "me and my household".   I'm sure it DOES mean that, but it means more than that.  The word translated "house" can be used in the widest of meanings.  One of which literally means HOUSE.  

Me and my HOUSE - do they BOTH serve God?  I know that there are several ways in which my house does indeed serve God.  For example, I often host dinners in my house and I know that showing hospitality is one way that Me and My House can serve God.  But this morning, as I lay in bed thinking about this, I could see the mess on my night stand, the carpet that needed to be cleaned, etc. And the answer came back - no, there are aspects of my house do NOT serve the Lord.  I was again reminded of the verse in Colossians 3:23 - "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men".  I need to continue with the project I started several months ago to streamline things in my home so I can keep it clean with less fuss.  It doesn't matter if it's a room that others are less likely to see - God sees it!  I want my entire home (as well as myself) to serve the Lord. 

As I continue to think on this verse, I realize there is another meaning for the word "house" that is important for me to think about.  My BODY is the temple or "house" of God.  How well is THAT house serving God?  Once again, there are certainly several ways in which it IS serving God.  But I certainly have some house cleaning to do there too.  There is still plenty of room for improvement so far as regular exercise and other healthful practices are concerned.  As for me and my house . . .

Father, I love you!  You are so gentle as you point out changes I need to make in my life!   Father, I want both me AND my house to serve you in every way!  You know the challenges I face with time constraints and prioritizing the many things on my list - to say nothing of energy and willingness to do things I find less inspiring.  Father, thank you that you continue to work in me both to WILL and to DO of your good pleasure (Phil 2:13).  Father, may my choices - this day and EVERY day - be in alignment with your will.  May both ME and MY HOUSE serve you this day, Father!  Thank you!

A New Creature

Recently as I was lying awake talking to God in the early morning hours, I was feeling pretty discouraged.  I had been working to establish better eating habits, and had REALLY blown it the night before.  When I awoke I not only felt bloated, but felt like giving up completely.  Father God, why is it that it is SOOO easy for me to fall back into my old eating habits?  Father, you've promised you have the power to heal this in me.  What is wrong?

That still small voice came back to me saying, "Daughter, this is a new day.  Choose again." Two verses immediately came to mind (my paraphrase):

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creature.
•  Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's love and mercy is renewed for us every morning.

I know this is where I need to put my focus.  God is creating a NEW creation in me and His mercy is new every morning.  Yesterday is gone.  I may be disappointed in myself for actions taken yesterday, but rather than wallowing in my discouragement, I need to seek forgiveness and open once again to God's power in my life to make a new choice.

It's really very simple - though not always easy.  Make a new choice.  Choose THIS day whom I will serve. (Joshua 24:15).

Father, It's so hard for me to fathom your loving kindness, your mercy, your willingness to forgive!  I can get so frustrated with myself and so discouraged when I find myself doing things I do not want to do (like Paul talked about in Romans chapter 7). When I feel my own discouragement, it can be really hard to believe that you won't give up on me!  Thank you for your promises to me and for your unfailing love that renews EVERY morning!  Thank you that Jesus overcame the things of this world and that you are working IN ME to destroy the power that sin holds over me.  I see this sort of as a cancer, eating away at me causing things in my life that I DO NOT WANT.  I am so grateful that you as the Great Physician are performing the necessary surgery and any necessary accompanying treatment (chemo? radiation?) to totally remove that insidious contagion from my life!  Thank you for the promises you've given - that I am a NEW CREATURE in Christ and that your love and mercy are new every morning.  Father, once again this day I choose to serve YOU!!!  Please work in me to bring my will and actions into alignment with your will for me.  I love you, Father!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As usual, you can read more about how I created this page on my papercrafting blog here. 

The Door Is Open

A few days ago I posted about the OPEN DOOR mentioned in Revelation 3:8.  At that same time, as I delved deeper into the meaning of the words in the original language, I was given a paraphrase of the passage in Revelation 3:7-13 that had a great deal of meaning for me.  It felt like God's voice directly to me speaking about some issues I was facing and questions I had about my work life in particular.  What a blessing to be given such a direct answer to my questions!  

The summary of the message was simple.  Cheryl, the door is OPEN.  Don't hesitate to step through, the prize on the other side is meant for YOU!

Yesterday, as I was preparing to post the page about Jesus stilling the waves on the sea, I was reminded of this paraphrase, and decided the message belong in my Bible, on the back of the picture of the open door.  You can see the result in the picture above.  The private message is printed on a hidden panel attached with washi tape on one side and a velcro closure (hidden behind the heart) on the other, but the summary of the message is on the visible side of that panel.  (NOTE: This only works because it is attached to an insert page.  Please do not try adding a velcro closure to a delicate Bible page!)

It reminds me of the importance of stepping through the open doors God sets before me with gratitude and praise.  And I find myself thinking of my blog readers.  What open doors has God set before YOU?  

Father, today I am so grateful for the open doors you've set before me!  Thank you for the courage you give to step through each one, and the opportunities and blessings you give!  Father, I think in a special way of my blog readers today.  What doors have you opened for them?  May they be filled with your courage to step through those doors you've set before them, and experience the peace that you give that is not dependent on circumstances.  Thank you, Father, for your guidance, for the wisdom and strength that you give to see us through the tasks you give us each day. I love you, Father.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more on how I created this page - check here.

A Spirit of Fear?

Yesterday was our first day back from a vacation focused on much needed rest and relaxation.  Since it was Sunday, I continued my rest and relaxation to a large extent, but this morning as I awakened, I had my mind on the many things that needed to get done - things to do to take care of my spiritual health, things to do to take care of my physical health, things to do to take care of my home, things to do to perform the work-related tasks that were before me. . . .  As I contemplated the many things I could do with my time, I recognized a bit of anxiety welling in me.  So many things - so little time.  What was the best use of my time?  Where should I focus my energy?

As I lay awake talking to God about my to-do list, and visualizing the various tasks, I heard that still small voice whispering to me.  "Cheryl, you are worried about many things. (Luke 10:41) I came that you might enjoy life and live abundantly. (John 10:10)  In fact, the JOY of the Lord is your strength! (Nehemiah 8:10) It saddens me to see you so worried about what you should do.  I've told you 'whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might as joyful service to me!' (Eccl 9:10, Col 3:23) And  I've encouraged you to ask for wisdom, spoken of the perils of being double-minded, and explained the importance of living your life with "no wavering." (James 1:5-8)  No matter what you would choose to do in your current mind-set, you would be anxious!  But I want you to live a life of joy! (Phil 4:4)"

I was immediately convicted.  I knew He was right.  I had been allowing the spirit of worry to live through me no matter what decision I made about what I would do.  But that wasn't the spirit I wanted within me!  I want God's spirit of love and trust and joy within me - ALWAYS.  Father, forgive me!  Thank you for showing me what I was doing! Please cast out that spirit of worry and replace it with your perfect love, peace, and trust in you.  Thank you, Father.

The picture that came to mind immediately after that realization and repentance was of the disciples in the boat on the lake - terrified of the waves that were being whipped up by the gale-force winds, while Jesus slept in the back of the boat. (Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25) The picture was more compelling for me because we recently spent time on a lake in a kayak, dealing with waves that were by no means whipped by a gale, but were frightening enough for me since I haven't spent a lot of time in a kayak and hadn't expected to see any waves on the lake at all.

This story of the disciples facing the waves is FOR ME!  And Jesus' words are also for me.  To that anxious voice in my mind, Jesus says, "Peace, be still" and then asks me "Why are you so timid?  How is it that you have no faith?"  As I feel the calm settle over my soul and as I remember the truth that God is in charge and is working ALL THINGS for my good (Rom 8:28), I am SO grateful!  Grateful for the reminder, grateful for the truth, grateful for the peace and joy that comes with remembering the truth.

Thank you, Father!  I am so grateful that you are in charge of my life and that I can trust you.  Father, please banish these pesky anxieties from my life.  Instead, I choose to trust in your gift of faith and to trust you to give me the direction I need.  Thank you that you are the loving God that you are!  I'm so grateful to know that you want me to ENJOY life!  How much better it is to trust you and perform the tasks you set before me with joy and praise instead of with worry!  Indeed you have not given me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind! (2Tim 1:7) Thank you, Father!!!

Leaping for Joy?

As I was leafing through my Bible this morning, this drawing of a linen ephod jumped out at me and I started to read about it.  It turns out it is a representation of the fact that apparently King David was wearing one when he came rejoicing with the Levites who were bringing the ark to the place David had prepared for it in Jerusalem.  As I was reading the story this morning, the last verse of I Chronicles chapter 15 really jumped out at me.

"And it happened when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and making merry; and she despised him in her heart."  I Chronicles 15:29

King David, despised because he was "leaping and making merry."  Have you ever been there?  Been despised because of expressing joy?  Told you're making a scene?  Being undignified?  I have. Plenty of times.  One that comes to mind was when I was in college - probably about 18 years old. I went to the city park with a date.  I don't remember the young man's name or much about him, except for his disapproving stance as I chose to start climbing the marvelous trees in that park.  I was expressing joy, but got the message loud and clear that rather than partaking in my joy, the young man was simply seeing me as childish and was rather embarrassed to be seen with me.  Sometimes disapproval of the way I expressed joy was stated clearly, but often, just as Michal despised King David "in her heart", those despising me left it unexpressed except through body language and behavior.  But I certainly recognized it anyway, and I realize now that each time it happened, I became more cautious about expressing joy.  No wonder God has had to keep speaking to me about the importance of joy!  He keeps reminding me that the joy of the Lord is my strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)  But I've learned to become dignified enough that I am cautious about when and how I express joy.  

Perhaps this is why we speak of some older adults as "experiencing a 2nd childhood."  Perhaps they've somehow managed to throw off the restraints of societal disapproval, after decades of conforming, and are once again choosing to express joy!  

Father, I want to be more open in expression of the joy you place within my heart!  Thank you for this joy and the peace that passes all understanding - going beyond circumstances and anything others might understand.  Thank you for the strength your joy brings!  Father, I CHOOSE joy this day!  I recognize the efforts of the enemy who tries to steal my joy, because that is a very real way of stealing my STRENGTH!  Father, I ask that you keep my mind focused on JOY as I go about the tasks you have set before me.  And may I be a joy ENCOURAGER, rather than a joy discourager, Father!

As I recognize the way joy has been stolen from me in the past, I have to ask myself the question - have I done that to others?  And the unfortunate answer is that I'm sure that I have.  Sometimes it's been about dignity, but sometimes it's been because of my focus on what needs to be done.  I've wanted folks to "quit goofing around" and get back to work!  I know the enemy doesn't care WHY the joy is stolen - just that it is (because stealing joy steals a person's strength!).

Father, forgive me for my tendency to judge others with disapproval - whether overtly spoken or not.  I know from my own experiences that one doesn't have to be overt for the message to get across.  Father, I don't want to be a joy stealer!  I want to be a joy GIVER!  Father, please work in and through me to share your joy with all I meet, that you may be glorified, and they may be strengthened.  I love you, Father!

I Rejoice!

The story of Hannah as told in the first few chapters of 1 Samuel is quite moving.  And I find Hannah's prayer as recorded in the first 10 verses of chapter 2 quite thought provoking.  Hannah has been tormented for years, wanting a child desperately and having Peninnah goad her about her barrenness.  She promises God that if He will just give her a son, she will give Him to the Lord.  She is given a son, and when he is weaned, she brings him to the temple to leave him with the high priest to be raised by him in service to God.  The prayer I mentioned in chapter 2 is her prayer when she brings Samuel to stay with Eli.  Can you imagine how she must have been feeling, knowing that when she returned home, it would be without the son she had prayed for so long?  

I know if it had been me, I'd have had a hard time behaving as Hannah did.  I'd probably have been really torn.  Having made a promise to God, I would want to fulfill it, but could have found all sorts of reasons why it might not be a good idea to leave him with Eli.  Just look how his OWN sons turned out!  I'd likely be quite worried about leaving my son, and very sad about it at the very least.  But that is not Hannah's attitude.  She is clearly a "cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7), focusing not on her impending loss, but her immense gratitude for God's giving her a son.  In her prayer, she says:

"My heart exults in the Lord. . . I rejoice in thy salvation" (I Sam 2:1, NASV)

and goes on to talk about how wonderful God is.  And lest you think she was just one of those mothers who didn't care about her child, that thought is dispelled by the fact that she carefully made him clothes each year and brought them to him (I Sam 2:19).  Remember this was before a time when one could just go out and purchase cloth and zip something up with an electric sewing machine!

For me, this story speaks to me on so many levels - especially about the power of prayer, and the importance of cheerfulness & joy - especially when giving gifts to God!

Father, once again I am reminded of how you encourage us to rejoice and give thanks in ALL THINGS.  I am so grateful for your love and care for me!  Thank you for this special time of rest and relaxation that you have provided, and thank you for the renewed energy to return to the work you have given me to do.  May I do my work cheerfully as a gift to those I serve, and in gratitude to you for the many gifts you have given me - including these current tasks! (Eccl 3:13)  Father, I love you!

Knocking

Recently I was quite taken by the contrast in messages between Revelation 3:8 and Revelation 3:20.  Revelation 3:8 is the text that talks about how God has set before us an open door:

Revelations 3:20 gives the all-too-often unfortunate contrast of our own closed door, where God stands asking us to let Him in:

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. . ."

It's rare, but I HAVE had a close friend who had an "open door policy" - where I knew I could just announce myself and walk inside without standing at the door - waiting and hoping to be let in.  Even then, I don't think it was a true open door policy, as there would have been times when I would not have been comfortable doing that - for instance late a night after my friend was asleep.   

But as we see in verse 8, God has a very clear open door policy with NO EXCEPTIONS.  How amazing is that?  The King of the Universe does not stand on ceremony, but welcomes us to just come right on in!  What is my own policy?  Is the door to my heart open? closed? or even locked?  Is it wide open for my Heavenly Father to come in at any time? Is it open to those around me? Or do I hide behind a closed door?

As I think about this, I start to think about WHY.  Why might one choose to keep a closed and maybe even locked door?  The clear answer seems to be fear and a lack of trust.  Fear that someone will walk through that door and hurt me; a lack of trust that my Heavenly Father will protect me.

So, here we have two contrasting ways of behaving.  What is my choice today?

Heavenly Father, I want to be more open in all my dealings - with you and with others. This is a scary thing for one as private as I tend to want to be, but I choose to trust you more and ask that your perfect love cast out any vestiges of fear in my life.  Father, once again today I open my heart to you and ask that you come in and fellowship with me this day.  I look forward to a day full of fun and fellowship!  Thank you, Father!

SWEET!!!

Today's journaling is based on Ezekiel 2:8-3:3:

"Now you, son of man, listen to what I am speaking to you; do not be rebellious like that rebellious house.  Open your mouth and eat what I am giving you. Then I looked, behold, a hand was extended to me, and lo, a scroll was in it.  When He spread it out before me, it was written on the front and back and written on it were lamentations, mournings, and woe.  Then He said to me, 'Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.'     So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll.   And He said to me, 'Son of man, feed your stomach, and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.'  Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth."

As I was reading this passage, I was really struck by the fact that the scroll tasted SWEET, even though it was filled with lamentations, mournings and woe!  As I contemplated this idea, several texts came to mind in rapid succession (emphasis mine):

"TASTE and see that the Lord is GOOD" (Ps 34:8)

 "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS"(Phil 4:4)

 "In EVERYTHING give thanks" (1 Thes 5:18)

I am still FAR too quick to want to avoid lamentations, mourning, and woe - and far too quick to complain to God when these cross my path.  I KNOW better!  I've seen time and again when He brings great good for me out of situations I thought I didn't want.  

Father, forgive me!  I KNOW that your path is the path of peace and joy!  I KNOW you can be trusted with my life - far better than I can on my own!  Forgive me for those times when I've been one of the rebellious ones that didn't want to eat what you were giving me if I saw they might include lamentations, mournings, and woe - or even if it just wasn't what I thought I wanted at the time!  Father, I want to do your will.  I want to walk the path that you've set for me, regardless of my comfort level.  Thank you for not giving up on me when I have grumbled and complained!  Father, please fill me with your joy and your peace that I may willingly digest whatever you give me and recognize it's sweetness!  I love you, Father!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To see how the bible journaling page was created, check my papercrafting blog.

An Open Door

I am SO grateful for the way God leads me!  This text from Revelation 3:8 has been a specific promise to me for some time regarding the career path into which God has lead me.  Too often along the way I have seen challenges ahead, or unexpected tasks being presented to me, and been afraid.  It feels like SOOOO much to take on, sometimes, and I can feel so inadequate at times! But God tells me that His strength is made perfect in my weakness! (2 Cor 12:9)  

Today God's promise to me, hidden in these verses about the church in Philadelphia, is that his miraculous power is up to any challenge He sets before me and I only need cling to Him and trust His leading.  God says to me, 

"I know your deeds.  See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.  I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." Rev 3:8-9, (NIV)

As I turned to some of my Bible study aids to better understand God's promise and direction to me, I heard His voice gently saying, "Cheryl, I see your labor.  Look, I have given you opportunities that you can't pass up; because you are open to a small amount of my miraculous power working through you and you heed my guidance and accept my authority."

Father, thank you for the opportunities you bring my way.  Thank you for your many promises.  I am so grateful that you've promised to complete the work that you've begun in me. (Phil 1:6)  I am so grateful for Your many promises of strength and guidance as I walk the path you've set before me. I see you doing things in and through me that I never before thought possible, or was afraid to wish for!  I am so grateful that I don't have to face these challenges alone, but can trust in your strength and guidance as I move forward. You are an amazing God and Father!  I love you!  Please keep my feet on the path you have set for me and don't let me wander away from it!  Thank you, Father!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bible page insert created from a page in the coloring book, "The Word in Color"  by Christian Art Publishers. 

Understanding

Recently I read a very thought-provoking novel called "The Designer Bag at the Garbage Dump".  It really made me stop and think about my interactions with God.  How obedient am I?  Do I still put myself or things or other people ahead of Him, making them my gods?  How well do I listen to His direction in my life?  

As I pondered the story, one of the things I found myself thinking about was the tendency I have sometimes to simply set aside Biblical passages that I find hard to understand.  While this process has sometimes worked for me, allowing me to come back to the same passage later with clearer understanding, it struck me that perhaps I wasn't always being respectful of my Heavenly Father by relating in this way.  

I realize that in my interactions with others, if they don't understand something I've said, I much prefer that they ask me about it rather than either just making an assumption or ignoring what I've said.  As I pursue a relationship with my Heavenly Father, wouldn't He prefer I relate in a similar way?  It's one thing if He tells me that something is not for me to understand at the moment, but do I always ask???

The verses I've been looking at this morning are the first several verses of Proverbs chapter 2:

". . .  if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,  turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:1-6 (NIV)

This whole passage is such a great promise!  Not only does it promise that God will give me wisdom as it comes to understanding Him, but as I read the next few verses I find He promises SUCCESS!

"He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you." verses 7-11 

Then He goes on to address a topic I've too often been concerned about - that of having someone take advantage of me.  I've been able to relax about this more in recent years as I've learned to trust that my Father is in charge and won't allow anything to affect me that is not in His plan for me.  However, the next few verses in this chapter really address this issue!

"Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways." verses 12-15

Wow! How much better is my life as I seek God's wisdom in all that I do?  Do I really understand and appreciate all He does for me?  I know I don't, any more than a child really understands everything their parents do for them.  But I understand enough to know how blessed I am to have such a loving Father!

Father, thank you for the way you take care of me!  Thank you for your love and care!  Thank you for your gentle guidance.  And thank you for your promises.  Father, I seek your wisdom this day as I continue to pursue a closer relationship with you and as I go about the tasks you have set before me.  I thank you that you've promised to meet my needs - including the need for wisdom and understanding.  Thank you, Father!

It Is GOOD!

This morning, unlike the morning of my last post, I did NOT wake up with a song in my heart.  I woke up with concerns about a busy day ahead of me and a minor challenge facing me this weekend. However, I'm very grateful to say that did not last long.  Almost immediately the first verse of Psalm 92 came to mind, "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord." (KJV)  

Too often I've thought of giving thanks as some sort of dutiful fulfillment of a social obligation.  I was taught always to give thanks when someone gave me a gift.  Whether I liked the gift or not was immaterial.  What was important was that I expressed gratitude and acknowledged that the person had thought enough about me to give me something.  I think sometimes I carried this sort of thinking into my expressions of gratitude to God.  

Now, there's certainly nothing wrong with expressing gratitude for a gift.  It's important to acknowledge the thoughtfulness of those around me!  But giving thanks to God is much more important - and not because God needs my thanks to feed His ego or something.  I NEED to be THANKFUL!  By making a conscious choice this morning to give thanks to God for the many blessings He has given, it transformed my attitude from one of worry and fretfulness, to one of joyful peace!!!!  What an amazing thing! It is indeed a GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS! It is transformative and magical! 

Father, thank you so much for all you do!  I am continually amazed at the way the gifts I give you turn out to be even bigger gifts for me!  Giving thanks is such a great example of this.  I give thanks as a gift to you and get an even bigger gift in return!  The peace and joy you give is amazing and I am so grateful, Father!  That you can lift my burdens so easily is such a marvelous thing.  Thank you, Father!

For more on how I created this page, check my papercrafting blog.

I Will Joyfully Sing in the Morning

Today's page emerged from another experience of awakening feeling very grateful, with a song of praise in my heart.  I already had done a page about singing to God in the morning (one of my favorite pages), but I knew there were similar verses and went looking for another one.  I found it in Ps 59:16 - "But as for me, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning, For Thou hast been my stronghold, And a refuge in the day of my distress." (NASB)

The saying I put in the upper right corner comes from a stamp that says "Music washes away from the Soul the dust of everyday life." And I am once again reminded of the importance of starting my day with joyful praise.  It is so easy to get caught up by the "dust of everyday life" and become distressed - forgetting that God is keeping everything running right (Ps 119:164, The Message Bible).  But joyful songs of praise and a focus on appreciation for God's lovingkindness can go a long way towards cleaning me from that "dust".

This morning, as I was singing those songs of praise, I was able share via e-mail with a kindred spirit about our spiritual walks with God, and it was a wonderful time of praise for both of us.  I LOVE when I get to do that!

Father, I am so grateful for all you are and all you do in my life!  Thank you for the opportunity to share with a kindred soul about your love and kindness to us!  Thank you for being my stronghold & refuge. Thank you for the way you ensure that ALL things work together for good.  Thank you for the way you keep everything running right and and the way you guide my steps - keeping my feet from slipping off the path.  I am so grateful.  I love you, Father!

----------------------------------------------------

As usual, the "how I did this" can be found on my paper crafting blog - here. 

Relic or Relationship?

For several days I've been thinking about the stories in the first seven chapters of 1 Samuel.  I've already shared some things from the first three chapters.  Today's illustration focuses on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th chapters where we hear of how badly Eli's sons abused the office of priest.  And how God warned Eli that they would both die on the same day.  Today's story is the fulfillment of that promise.  When the Israelites went to battle with the Philistines and were defeated by them, they started asking why God hadn't given them the victory.  They decided they needed to take the ark of the covenant with them into the next battle to ensure their victory.  So Eli's sons brought the ark to the battle.  The Israelites were soundly defeated, the ark taken by the Philistines, and Eli's sons killed.  The picture I have in the upper left corner of the page (created using a free download from Kidco Labs), really speaks to me of the lack of respect Eli's son's were showing as they carried the ark into battle.

As I pondered the story, I began to contrast it with the story of King David's relationship with the ark as recorded in 1 Chronicles.  He said to all the people, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the Lord our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul. (1 Chron 13:2,3 NIV)  In the next couple of chapters there are several examples of Him asking God about going to battle with their enemies and proceeding as God told him to proceed. 

I realized that with the lack of respect for God, the ark, and the office of the priesthood that Eli's sons exhibited, the ark had been relegated to a religious relic - an artifact that they began to believe had power in itself to win their battles.  By contrast, King David treated the ark with utmost respect as a reminder of the need to seek God's guidance.  So, what about me?  Do I relate to something as a relic when I should be focusing on relationship?

Father, do I ever treat religious objects as what has the power, rather than looking directly to You? My first thought is, certainly not! I don't even have any "religious relics".   Quick on the heels of that thought, however is the thought - what about the Bible?  Are there time's I've been content to simply read the Bible and feel I've "spent my time with God" - rather than taking the time to listen deeply within my soul for that still small voice of God speaking to me?  

As I ponder these things, I find myself right back where I was as I create the previous page!  "Speak Lord for thy servant HEARETH!" (1 Sam 3:10 KJV).  Father, you know that right now I need your direction in my life in a special way.  You know the challenge I am facing and how I'm really not sure what to do.  Father, please give me direction and make it very clear to me how I should proceed.  I don't want to be in the position of straining at gnats and swallowing camels.  I don't want to be so rooted in legalism that I make life harder than it needs to be.  But I also don't want to ignore things that are important.  Too often, I don't know where I fall on that line, Father, but you do.  Please guide my thoughts and actions as I seek to do Your will, Father.  May I be courageous enough to do what you would have me do - even if that is a very uncomfortable place to be.  But may I also be willing to bend if that is what is called for.  Father, please direct me this day!  Thank you!

Speak Lord

As you may have noticed by the words on my Bible Cover, I want God to speak to me.  I want Him to guide and direct me in my life.  But as I was contemplating these words in I Samuel 3:9&10, I realized a very important concept that Eli taught young Samuel.  He was to say, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." (NRSV)  

LISTENING!  Why is it so much easier for me to focus on what I want from God, instead of what He needs from me?  I want Him to speak, but how much focus do I put on LISTENING?  

This brings to mind the passage in John where Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27, NRSV)  I note that this is the prelude to one of the promises I cling to.  As the Names of God version puts it: "My sheep respond to my voice, and I know who they are. They follow me, and I give them eternal life. They will never be lost, and no one will tear them away from me. My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than everyone else, and no one can tear them away from my Father." (John 10:27-29, NOG)

Father, I am so grateful that NO one can pluck me out of your hand - not even me by doing something stupid!  Father, I choose to LISTEN and RESPOND - to FOLLOW you however you lead.  Thank you for holding me in your hand and keeping ANYONE from snatching me away from you. 

Increased Stature

1 Samuel 2:26 says:

"Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people." (NRSV)

This verse really caught my eye because of its similarity to Luke 2:52:

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and with people." (NET)

Most of us want to be in favor with God and with people. There are two ways to increase in stature - the literal physical way, and the more figurative way of increasing in visibility and power.  Most of us are finished with the physical increase in stature.  So far as the figurative way is concerned, some of us want to increase in stature and some of us don't.  I'm one of those who isn't so interested in increased stature, preferring to quietly go about my work behind the scenes.  But that's not the way God is leading in my life right now.  Just as a child has no control over his growth in stature, if I continue to do as God directs, it doesn't look like I'll be able to avoid such growth either.  What I DO have some say in is growth in favor with God and people.  Proverbs 3:3-4 says:

"Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man." (NASB)

This is my prescription - focus on kindness and truth if I want to grow in favor with God and people.  Each of these can indirectly be a challenge for me, though I care deeply about the people around me and try my best to always be factual in my dealings.  

For example, I choose to focus on kindness, but I can have "tunnel vision" at times.  I can be so focused on my current task, that I don't pay attention to the people around me who need kindness from me.  Obviously such behavior can detract from finding favor with people! 

The other piece of this - truth - is an interesting concept.  What is truth?  Jesus said that He is "the way, the truth, and the life"  (John 14:6 - NASB)  The challenge for me with truth is that I can get so caught up in human perception of things that I miss the truth of God's power and grace that can improve any situation.  THAT is the truth - not the appearances all around me!

Father, thank you for your truth!  Truly in "Your presence is fullness of joy"! (Ps 21:6, NASB)  I am so grateful, Father!  You always have my best interests at heart.  Life goes so much better with you in it!  Father, I ask this day that kindness and truth be a continual focus in my life and that I am able to continually be aware of the needs of your children when you want me to be interacting with them in a kind and loving way!  May I always remember the truth of your power and goodness rather than believing in appearances, Father.  I love you!

What God Chooses

While this page may look a bit cluttered, it has a lot of meaning for me.  The top portion reminds me of things this passage suggests should be totally demolished.  The bottom is symbolic of things I am encouraged to do in this passage.  Throughout the "picture/collage" one thing stands out - the yellow "light".  This is the promised result of living in the way depicted in this chapter - Isaiah chapter 58.

This is the passage that lead to the creation of this blog in the first place. At the time, I was ill and feeling frustrated that recovery of my health was taking so long.  A portion of Isaiah 58:8 jumped out at me "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily".  That's what I wanted!  A speedy return to health.  So I read the rest of the chapter to understand what needed to happen so that promise could be fulfilled.  You can read how that resulted in the starting of this blog here, but the short story is that I came to understand that "sharing my bread with the hungry" goes much beyond sharing physical food.  It's also important to share my spiritual food!

I've recently returned to this passage, and just as last time, I see the importance of figurative meanings - not just literal.  I had been brought into contact with someone who was feeling discouraged, and trying to understand God as a loving God when circumstances made it seem that God was punishing them.  This passage kept coming to my mind.  God says, this is the fast I choose:

"loosen the bonds . . . let the oppressed go free . . . divide your bread with the hungry . . . bring the homeless poor into the house . . . when you see the naked, cover him . . . don't hide from your own family . . . don't point your finger at others . . . give yourself to the hungry . . . take care of those who are troubled"

Father, what is it you want me to do in this situation?  What do these words mean for me today?  As I contemplated, I realized that just like bread can represent spiritual as well as physical food, the other things listed can have spiritual meanings as well. While I'm not suggesting we ignore physical needs, I'm very aware that many times the spiritual needs are more pressing.  

"Loosen the bonds - let the oppressed go free".  How can I do this TODAY?  The friend mentioned earlier was clearly feeling oppressed - how can I help free this friend?  

My friend doesn't need a physical house, but do I perhaps need to share my spiritual shelter?  Maybe help bring my friend into a deeper understanding of God's love and care?

My friend has physical clothes, but may be feeling naked and vulnerable spiritually.  How can I help cloth my friend?  I think of my recent study in Proverbs - "Strength and dignity are her clothing" (Prov 31:25 NASB).  How can I be a part of clothing my friend in strength and dignity?

I note particularly the phrase "give yourself to the hungry" (NASB) or as the ISV puts it "pour yourself out for the hungry".  Clearly we're not expected to encourage cannibalism of ourselves to satisfy someone's physical hunger.  This is about sharing of our SOUL to feed a much deeper spiritual hunger. 

And we're told the results of living our lives this way:

"THEN your light will break out like the dawn and your recovery will speedily spring forth . . . you will call and the Lord will answer . . . your gloom will become like midday . . . and the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones" (NASB) 

Father, thank you for your promises and for your love for me!  I want to do your will this day.  Please work in and through me to loosen the bonds and let the oppressed go free, to clothe the naked and give myself to the hungry.  Father, you know the many things on my to do list today.  I trust you to manage my time and energy that I may accomplish those things that need to be done as easily as possible.  May all who come in contact with me see you within me and feel your love for them through me.  I love you, Father.  You are such a gentle and loving parent and teacher!  Your love for me shows in SO many ways.  Thank you for the many blessings in my life this day and every day.

Healed & Happy

I've spent the last several days pondering the story of Hannah. Clearly she had a caring husband, who noticed how sad she was and that she wasn't eating.  He tried to cheer her up, but no amount of attention on his part could have taken away the pain she was facing. To want a child so badly, watch a rival have child after child, and then be harassed about not being able to conceive would have been so hard.  And then to make matters worse, as she was praying to God with all the pain and longing of her heart, the priest accused her of being drunk!  

One of the things that stood out to me was that when her prayer ended and she was done talking to Eli, she went her way and "ate and her face was no longer sad". (1 Sam 1:18 NASV).  It reminded me of Psalms 40:4 that says "Happy is the person who trusts in the Lord" (NCV).  When we truly believe our prayers have been answered, our behavior will change - even before any outward sign of the miracle has shown up.

And yet, God whispers to me that this is not an act.  This is not us simply saying, okay God, I'm going to trust you and "act as if".  Sometimes when we do that, we're actually in the state described in 2 Tim 3:5 - "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof" (KJV).  I find myself comparing Hannah's story with a couple of others:

• Jacob wrestling with God and saying, “I won’t let you go, unless you bless me.”  
• Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane saying, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" and later "O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done."

The picture I see here, is one of praying until we CLEARLY receive an answer.  This isn't just a quick prayer and an "okay I'll trust you, God".  This is praying until we KNOW the answer is on its way (whether it's what we wanted or not!) and we can face the situation, filled with God's power.  Jesus spent hours praying about the situation He was facing.  How can we think we can get away with less?  

Father, I want this experience with the challenge I am facing right now.  I want to pray until I KNOW healing has occurred!  But I really don't know how to do that.  Once I've discussed the situation with you, what more is there to say?  I know you love me and want this healing for me.  What is it that takes it from "want" to "happening now"?  What is it that must occur so that you can fill me with your power?  

In the past, I've struggled with the concept of persevering in prayer.  I know even Jesus taught that it was something we needed to do in the parable about the widow and the judge:

"And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? (Luke 18:1-8, KJV)

I've found this concept hard to understand.  If we keep badgering God about something, isn't that the same as not trusting Him? But the picture that is emerging is about praying about something until we receive an answer and a sense of peace about the situation.  As long as we are struggling within ourselves about the situation, we are NOT there yet!  We need to "badger" God until we are!  

I think of a story I've read recently about a woman who was quite ill for YEARS. She sought God about it all that time, and only after many years did she experience full healing.  I suspect the story of Hannah represents something similar.  Though the story here in first Samuel doesn't specify, I suspect that this was not the first time Hannah was distressed about her barrenness and prayed about it.  Clearly part of the answer is that the time was not right until this point.  So I'm once again back to the question.  Don't we need to trust God that He will bring about the healing when the time is right?  How does that jibe with continuing to badger Him about something? 

Father, I really want to understand this.  I KNOW it is an important piece for experiencing your power more fully in my life. Father, how do I get there?  It's like I can see the destination, but there is some sort of invisible wall preventing me from reaching it.  What needs to change, Father?  I want the healing and I know you want me to have it.  What needs to change?

As I write these words, I hear my Father's still small voice in my heart saying, "Really?  Do you REALLY want the healing?"  And I realize that is the issue.  I am still wavering about it.  James 1:6 says "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." But I realize I am indeed wavering.  I want the healing, but I don't want to make changes I know I need to make for it to occur.  I want the healing, but I'm afraid of changes in how people will relate to me when it occurs.  I'm of two minds about it.  I want healing now - but I'm not sure I do!  I'm in the exact boat that James was talking about, and of course I can't receive healing when I'm not even sure I want it!  Is this then the reason for continued prayer about something - for "badgering" God?  Is it that we need to continue to pray about a situation until all parts of ourselves line up in agreement about it?  In Matthew 18:19, Jesus promised that if two of us agree about anything we ask God for, it will be done.  But here I am, and I can't even get the one of me to agree! :)

Father, I DO want this healing!  I've tasted bits and pieces of it here and there, but I want the whole thing!  I want to be COMPLETELY healed - including a healing within about the way I think about it.  I want to be TOTALLY willing to make any change necessary, and I want to eagerly embrace your healing, regardless of what others around me might think, say, or do.  Father, I ask for willingness to change, for a clear understanding of the changes that must occur, and for the power to make those changes.  And I ask for your love to fill me and cast out any fear that I have associated with thoughts of healing.  And I intend to continue to ask for these things until all parts of me that are not in agreement have been brought to light and healed so that the full healing I seek can occur.  Thank you, Father, for your continued work in my life and for the promise that the work you have begun in me will be seen to completion!  I love you, Father!

Family Matters

Today I'm writing about something I never thought to journal about - all those "begats" in the Bible!  (You know, this person begat that person begat another person.)  I started reading this morning at the beginning of 1st Samuel:

"Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite." (WEB)

Though in this case it used the phrase "the son of" rather than "begat",  I caught myself thinking "Here we go again.  All these begats.  Why waste time & space with this stuff instead of getting on with the story?"  Immediately the answer came.  "Roots.  Family history is important.  It's important to understand where you come from."  Of COURSE there's a REASON!  It's not wasted time or space!

In the past, when I've tried to gain some meaning from similar passages, I've done so by looking up the meanings of the names to see what that might tell me.  While that can be an interesting exercise that sometimes brings intriguing insights, it was something like focusing on the trees and missing the whole idea of the forest.  While there's something to be said for tree study, today was time for me to see the forest.

The reading of this passage and the focus on roots and family came to me in the context of a question I had been sitting with about time devoted to extended family.  It was as though God Himself was saying to me, "Cheryl, family history is important. Roots are important.  Think of all those passages about family heritage in the Bible.  You've wondered about them for so long, but totally missed the point.  Time was taken to list all of that heritage because it's IMPORTANT!"

I find myself wondering why.  Why is it important to note the family relationships with people that are no longer living or are more distant relations?  Why not focus on immediate family and those nearby?  Anyway, isn't the most important family history my adoption as a child of God?  These are questions I still sit with, but I know I don't need to know why. I just need to move forward as directed.  If the time comes when it is helpful for me to know why, I will be given those answers. They're not important before then.

Father, thank you for your guidance and your love.  May I fully understand and act on that which is important for me for now.  I trust you with that - and with the rest of it Father!  Thank you for the family I have.  Too many people have such challenging family relationships!  Father, thank you for bringing my daughter back to me and for the love you put in each member of my family.  Again today may I be filled with your love such that it overflows to each person I interact with.  I ask Your blessing on each family member and friend in a special way, Father.  Once again I thank you for all you do for each one of us.  Thank you for peace and joy and love.  I love you, Father.

My Cup Overflows!

My cup overflows!  God is SO good!  Mo matter what I may be facing, He guides and protects me and causes everything to work for my good!!!

Father, you are so generous and surround me with beauty!  What You provide goes way beyond my basic needs!  Father, I am SO grateful for everything!  I could never list all your blessings.  I am so grateful for health and strength, for redemption and power, for joy and gladness, for my food - physical and spiritual, for sleep, for energy, for air to breath, for the beautiful birds & their songs, for the fragrant beauty of the flowers, for art supplies and ideas, for working through me to create things I know I could never create on my own.  Father, it's sooo wonderful to be a partner with you in creative endeavours.  It's so much fun to see the beauty that comes from your Word.  Father, family and friends are such a gift, and I am so grateful for them.  I'm grateful for the way you bless my work and see that everything unfolds as it should. I'm grateful for guidance as I work through the tasks before me. And most of all, Father, I'm grateful for Your love.  May it flow through me today in all my interactions.  I love you, Father!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This page utilizes stamps from HOTP.  To find out more about how it was done, check out my papercrafting blog here.

My Shepherd

I really like the way this page turned out, and it has a great deal of meaning for me. (For more details about HOW the page was done, check my papercrafting blog here.)  Psalms 23 is one of the better known passages in the Bible, and a promise to which many people have clung - especially in challenging times.  And it DOES contain some wonderful promises.  There's also some real food for thought here.  

Though I've memorized this passage and contemplated it many times, there are several things that jumped out at me this time that I haven't considered in the same way before. The Psalm starts, "The Lord is My Shepherd".  I've often thought of this in the context of Jesus' story in Matthew & Luke about the shepherd with 99 sheep who is missing one (Matthew 18:10-14, Luke 15:3-7).  This time, a couple of other verses came to mind.  First was a verse in Isaiah:

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way;"  Isaiah 53:6 (KJV).

Just in case I didn't get the message about who's got the power (see this post), this verse makes it pretty clear to me.  When sheep go astray, as in the parable of the 99, only the shepherd can find the missing sheep and bring them back.  It's very unlikely the sheep will find its own way back!  Father, thank you for searching for me and bringing me back when I've gone astray!  May I rely on the power of Your Spirit within me.

Then another verse comes to mind - 

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27 (KJV)

If sheep listen to the shepherd's voice and follow him instead of getting side-tracked by whatever they're doing in the moment, they won't go astray in the first place!  Father, may I always HEAR your voice and FOLLOW!

This brings me to the part of Psalm 23 that I have been pondering the most:

"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Comfort from the rod & staff?  When I hear the word "rod" I tend to think of the saying, "Spare the rod and spoil the child".  I don't like the idea of being hit by my Father.  I really can't say that idea is very "comforting".  Frankly, it's also not the way I've experienced God working with me, either.  My experience with Him is of much more gentle correction and guidance.  "Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."  Really, Father?  How can that be?  The Amplified Bible puts it this way:

"Your rod [to protect] and your staff [to guide] they comfort and console me." Psalm 23:4 (AMP)

The rod is for protection?!  Oh, Father, of course you protect me.  How sad that my first thought is of being hit myself, when you use that rod to protect me!  When I look up the original words in Strong's concordance, I see that the word translated "rod" simply means a stick (used in many contexts), while the word "staff" comes from a word meaning "to support".   After reading about shepherds and sheep from a variety of sources, I feel I understand this better.  While the rod can indeed be used to administer discipline to a stubborn sheep, it also is used to protect them from danger - snakes, wolves, etc.  And clearly the amount of force used, and exactly how the rod is used, varies depending on the goal - discipline or protection.  The staff is used to give the shepherd something to lean on, but also to reach out and grasp a sheep to protect them from harm or to rescue them when they've gotten themselves into difficulty.  

I think of children.  Those who have studied child-rearing know that children need discipline.  They need to know that their parents care enough about them to protect them - even from themselves if need be.  Such discipline makes them feel safe!  Obviously that is different from abusive beatings that make a child afraid of a parent.  Most of the time gentle guidance, or a determined word is all that is needed to correct a child.  Occasionally more is needed.  I can trust my Heavenly Father to know EXACTLY what I need and to guide me in the best way possible.  I can also trust Him to ensure that I am protected - even from myself and my own stubbornness if necessary!  And if I get myself into difficulty, even if it was because of going my own way, He will seek me out and rescue me from my difficulty!  What an amazing God and Father.  So many people say things like "You've made your bed, now you have to lie in it".  But that's not the way my Father treats me. While He doesn't save me from all the consequences of poor choices, He assures me that NOTHING can take me out of His hand (John 10:28-30), and He is willing to rescue me even if I'm the one responsible for getting myself into difficulty in the first place!

Father, I am so grateful!  You are such a loving Father!  As I think about it more, I realize that your rod and your staff definitely comfort me!  I can trust you to protect me, even from myself - administering guidance and discipline as needed to keep me safe and close to you, My Shepherd.  Thank you, Father!  No wonder you tell me not to be anxious about anything.  You are in charge and taking care of me.  Some hired shepherds might be lazy, but You are not.  You don't slumber or sleep and nothing gets past you.  You know everything and work all things for my good.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Father I WANT your gentle guidance - and your discipline when I need it.  And I'm so grateful that you care enough to guide and protect me, even if I get stubborn.  Knowing you do so does indeed comfort me!  And thank you for guiding my hand as I drew the shepherd and sheep.  They came so easily that I KNOW it was the miracle of Your guiding my hand!  And thank you for bringing the transfer technique to mind.  It's been a LONG time since I used it!  This time spent with you is so wonderful!  I love you, Father!