Still

My eyes are tired
from trying to see
in the darkness

My ears are ringing
from trying to hear
over the boom of life

I'm laying down my head
to close my eyes
and rest
And turn down the volume
around me

When the time is right
for me to set out along
the path

Please help to light my way
please help me hear the melody
that You're playing

And I will move
with You
towards the celebration

Today I Pray...

...for a quiet moment

...to connect with You

...to speak to You

...to hear You

...to fully put my trust

...in You


"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10

Kisses from Heaven

A midday walk
under sunny skies

And as I look
at my world

All I feel are
kisses from heaven







Today I Pray...

...for the joyful heart
and uplifted spirit
that comes
from knowing

...that God has given me
permission to shine

Stay Positive

Today I Pray...

...in quiet simplicity

...help me to keep my head up

...and stay positive

Give me grace to stand tall
even if others try to knock me down

And if You could

...please give me a sign

It needn't be much

...just something
for me to hang on to

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Philippians 3:13

For You

As sure as the sun rises
This prayer is for you

Thank you for being here

For tuning in
and standing close

Sharing yourself
so that I'm not standing here
Exposed
Afraid
...and Alone

I am forever grateful

...for you



Today I Pray...

...for you

May your days be filled with peace
Your life abundant with joy

May you look around
And appreciate the beauty

And know exactly where to turn
If you lose your way

Thank you
for helping me be a better person

Thank you
for being my friend

Be My Guide

Following carefully
As you light each step

We've come so far
But I suddenly feel
Very afraid

Like I'm standing in darkness
And the path has disappeared
Leaving scattered stepping stones
In a swirling stream

I know You are with me
But I can't hear you
Over the rushing waters

I don't know
Where we're going
Nor do I know my way back
From where we came

Please don't let go
of my hand

Forever be
my Guide



Today I Pray...

...for open ears to hear You

...for Your light on the Path

...for inner peace that comes
from putting my trust in You

"Behold the rainbow! Then bless its Maker, for majestic indeed is its splendor." Sirach, 43: 11

Simply Living

Wake up
Thank God

and invite Him
to stay for the day

Stretch
Breathe

Hug your loved ones
Feed your pets

See His presence

...Everywhere

Earn your living
Return home
To your sanctuary
Your haven

Hug your pets
Feed your loved ones

Breathe
Stretch

Thank God
for spending the day with you
Rest



Today I Pray...

...for simplicity
...for focus
...for an appreciation of this life
...for Your amazing grace

Live Simply. Love Life. Thank God.

Long Day

It's hard to believe
But the sun is already setting
on this day

The day went so fast
I barely had a chance
to catch my breath

...nor thank You
for the gift of another day

...and the beauty
of the world around me

I was caught in a maze
of "To Do's"

and kept running
into dead ends

I kept searching
for the finish line

Head down
anxious
frustrated
dejected

I should have stopped
And come to you

I should have bowed my head
and prayed

Or raised my eyes
to the heavens

I'm sorry
I let the sun go down

before stopping to say
hello

You deserve better

...but I thank you
immensely

for being so present
with me right now



Today I Pray...

...for forgiveness

I didn't mean to shut You out

...please help me to remember

next time I'm feeling overwhelmed

that Your waiting quietly

to help me carry the load

Summer Morning

A still Monday morning
Quiet bliss

No school buses purr
down the street

No back packs overflowing
with books and papers

Just dewy grass
shimmering in the early light

Cool morning air
Thick with the anticipation
of the day

Summer morning splendor



Today I Pray...

...a summer blessing

...for rest and rejuvenation

...for days filled with fun and laughter

...for summer angels to keep us safe

...at play and at rest

...safe travels, safe fun

...Summer Blessings

More Answered Prayers - DaySpring

Please forgive me for not writing this in any sort of poetic style, but some things are not conducive to creative writing style. As some of you know, for some time now I've been praying for guidance on life's journey -- particularly around my writing. Your comments and feedback have truly been uplifting to me, and your presence here at Today I Pray has been a gift.

For the past 6 months or so, I've realized that I feel a real "draw" towards writing. Truthfully, if I could, I would spend all day writing creatively and snapping photos to share with you -- but there is a simple reality about life, and that is that I need to work and contribute to my family's monthly budget. Needless to say, I balance my writing with work (as an marketing consultant and a Wildtree representative).

The "pull" towards writing has caused me to pray every day for that light bulb that would illuminate the way for me to keep writing...and keep contributing as needed to the family budget. Yesterday, I saw the first inkling of opportunity, and as always -- when I know God is answering my prayers, I want to share it with you.

I have established an affiliate relationship with a company called DaySpring. Maybe you've heard of them? Perhaps you've even shopped with them?

DaySpring is a leading manufacturer and distributor of Christian cards, gifts, jewelry, art, decor and more! They offer more than 1100 products online and touch more than 850 million people each year. Based in Arkansas, DaySpring has a staff of over 300 employees and is a subsidiary of Hallmark.

So what does it mean that I have an affiliate relationship? Quite simply, when people go through this website to shop with DaySpring online, I earn a commission. Yes, you could shop directly with them -- but I'm praying and asking, that if/when you are looking for that special gift or keepsake, you'll consider coming to my site first and shopping through me.

As you may know, there are thousands of companies out there with whom web publishers can establish affiliate relationships. But I don't want to just put a bunch of random affiliate links on my website -- I want to provide connections to companies that I know will provide value for you. DaySpring is definitely one of those companies.

I will be incorporating a permanent link to the DaySpring online store from this webpage, and on an ongoing basis I will pass along any discounts or special offers that I can. I hope you'll take a look at their site, and keep them in mind in the future.

As a special introductory offer, I am very pleased to be able to provide these offers good through July 2009.

$10 Off Orders of $60 or more - Use Promo Code: 10off60

$20 Off Orders of $100 or more - Use Promo Code: 20off100

Thank you so much for reading this much longer than usual post -- and for keeping this company in mind. They really do have some wonderful products.

Today I Pray...

...with gratitude for the light bulb that went off

...for the special people who visit this site and provide comments that lift my spirits and give me confidence to move in the direction of my dreams

...for the prayers You answer

...and the ones You don't

I am blessed.

God Spoke

I asked for sunshine
And woke to blue skies

Grateful for the gift
I hurried out
to celebrate the sun

Rain drops glistened
on the branches and the leaves
A daybreak festival
of shimmering lights



As quickly as the sun awakened me
I watched the grey clouds
reclaim the skies

Why, Sun, why?
Why must you surrender?

God whispered softly
....for my eyes to hear



Words escaped me
Tears did not

...I stood humbled
...and embarrassed by my selfish plea

Today I Pray...

...with a humble and grateful heart

...thank You for making the greatest of all sacrifices

...thank You for today

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." James 1:17

Walking in the Rain

There must be a reason
why the rain keeps pouring on.
Perhaps our souls need cleansing

I'm laying down my umbrella
...and I'm going to walk in the rain

Let it wash away my worries
and refresh my soul

Let the gentle beat of the raindrops
be a drumbeat on my heart,
to awaken a sleeping spirit

So that when the sun shines
As I know it surely will

I'm renewed
And ready
...to grow



Today I Pray...

...for a renewed attitude
...an uplifted spirit
...and sunshine

Louder than Words

It's easiest said with words

Yet most sincerely
with actions

A thoughtful gesture
An act of kindness

Patience
Compassion
Honesty
Empathy
Generosity of spirit

A gentle touch
A hug held a moment longer

Quiet company
That listens
...And shares

A smile
A thank you
A kiss goodnight

Actions speak...
...the heart listens

Today I Pray...

...that my actions say
"I love you"

...louder than my voice
could ever speak

Happy Endings

We grow up on fairy tales
And dreams of happy endings
Believing
In infinite possibilities

Then life happens
Hopes shatter
Dreams fade
Our perspective becomes jaded

How sad
That we lose sight
Of the happy-ever-after
That is fully ours

When we learn
To trust
To believe
And to love and be loved
By God

Today I Pray...

...with a faithful and hopeful heart

...for true contentment

settled deep within my bones
...for peace where there is unrest
...for joy where there is sadness

Be Joyful. Be Faithful. Find Peace.

Send Me an Angel

Feeling so fragile
So frightened and so small

Please send an angel
To catch me if I fall

Today I Pray...

...that you hear me
even though I can't find the words


...I know not what I want
please bring me what I need

Jubilation!

Through my open window
I hear birds singing
a triumphant song

...The storm has passed! Alleluia!

Undaunted by the grey clouds
Forming in the distance
The birds twirl and dance
Against the blue skies

A joyful celebration of the here and now!



Today I Pray...

...for faith to move mountains
and free my mind of worry

...help me learn to trust

...so that like the birds
I sing a song to celebrate the moment

Deliver Joy

I stand in awe
of the those
Who consistently go the extra mile
to extend their kindness
...just a little further

You are the ones
Who bring hope to the hopeless
And raise the spirits
of the down trodden

You are the difference
Between good intentions
And true kindness

You are joy
...Personified



Today I Pray...

...for a selfless heart
...for the right words
...and the right actions

to deliver joy...

...to my neighbor
...to my family
...and to the Lord.

Enjoy the Silence

I asked and
You answered

A gentle quiet has settled
in my mind
Like the hush that
Overcomes an audience
When the house lights dim

For this moment
I enjoy the silence
and wait
in quiet anticipation

Watching
...Listening carefully
...for the Conductor's cue



Today I Pray...

...for patience as I wait
...for open ears to hear
...for confidence
...to know what note to play

What a Surprise!

What a wonderful surprise to receive a message from Sandy at One Day at a Time telling me that she left an award for me at her site. This is the first award I've every received in the blogging community -- and I'm humbled. There are so many incredible bloggers out there who do so much in their lives -- this award really means a lot to me. Thank you so much Sandy!

The description of this award is:
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.
~~~~~
Now, I would like to pass this award on to eight others who deserve it.
~~~
1. Kristen-Over at Lady Bug Blessings
2.Nicki & Mathis-Over at The Kenningtons
3. Beth & Ezra- Over at Manic Mother
4.Joy-Over at Joys of Home
5. Rebecca -Over at Chow and Chatter
6. Angie-Over at Angie's Appetite for Life
7. Tabitha -Over at A FiveOh4 Uplifting
8. Mimi-Over at Devotional Daze
~~~
If you have a moment, stop by and congratulate them
and spend a little time visiting them.
These are some very special people who share their blessings through their blogs. I'm very happy to have stumbled upon their sites -- and I hope you enjoy them too.

Today I Pray...

...with gratitude

for all the new friends that I've met

since starting this blog

...thank you for sharing your life and

your talents so freely with the world

...your blogs motivate and inspire

Uplift and refresh my spirit.

Clarity

Optimistic eyes
See life as opportunity

Dreams are boundless
Possibilities -- infinite
...sometimes dizzying

Like a merry-go-round
Spinning so fast

Sometimes it's a challenge
...to find clarity
as the world is passing by

...or to keep sure footing
as you move about

Don't lose your balance
By trying to move
too far, too fast

Steady yourself
Hold tight
Find clarity
Enjoy the ride



Today I Pray...

...for a better understanding of where I stand
on this merry-go-round of life

...for focus within,
steady footing,
and clarity of purpose

Help me to quiet my mind so that I can...

...hear Your call
...enjoy the sweet melody of life's carousel
...and proceed in the directions of my dream
with sure footing and clarity of purpose.

Bask in the Sun

A weekend filled with celebration
for many people I hold dear

Old friends
Reunited
Remembering bygone days

A celebration
Honoring achievements
A thank you
For being you
and giving so much
to community

And closest to home
The end of an era
for childhood friends
About to embark
Upon the next phase
of the amazing journey
Called life

Today I Pray...

...for college friends
...for Jen
...and for my beautiful Amy and her friends



That you bask in the sun of celebration
Enjoying every moment to the fullest

You make the world a better place.

Enjoy. Have Fun. Safe home.

No One Knows

Even though they called for rain
She left her umbrella behind
Though the needle pointed to "E"
She drove that extra mile

Why it came as a surprise to her
When she found herself walking in the rain

No one knows

No one knows what's in her heart
Or what it's like to be
A believer in a greater plan
That's beyond you and me

She doesn't test the odds by choice
She tries to do her best
But when she comes up short and fails
She doesn't fail the test

She kept walking down the road
Towards the glowing neon sign
With ten dollars in her pocket
She knew she'd be just fine

When the car pulled up beside her
And offered her a lift
Why she didn't hesitate

No one knows

The driver looked so weary
And the baby longed for food
Ten dollars in her pocket
She knew what she could do

She bought herself one gallon of gas
Enough to get her home
Then gave the driver all the rest...

...angels never work alone



Today I Pray...

...for a generous heart that gives more than it takes

...for open ears that don't just hear, but listen

...for never ending faith, to keep believing
even when the chips are down

More Gratitude

It's time for more gratitude...

I love to watch the butterflies...
...their flight is pure whimsy
...fluttering freedom

They happen into our lives by chance
Graceful lovely butterflies

Today I Pray
...for the graceful butterflies that have happened into my life
...your kindness uplifts me

I created this little "award" for you...

Judy at http://justalittlesomethingforyou.blogspot.com/

Sema at http://affirmart.blogspot.com/

Angie at http://angiesappetite.wordpress.com/

...To thank you for the amazing gifts you each have given me.



Place it on your blog
share it with someone who lifts your spirit
it's yours to do with as you'd like.

If there is someone you would like to publicly recognize, please leave their website in the comments below, or email me and I'll add them to the list of special people in the blogosphere.

Waiting for the Storm to Pass

Outside my window
Grey skies
Ominous clouds
Looming over the mountain

And to the west
A ray of hope
Sunshine slicing through the clouds

Much to do
No time to waste
Head out or wait
for the storm to pass?

Why wait?
It's only rain.

One step, two steps
A mist of rain
Then a steady shower
Like a wake up call from the heavens

Further along the path
The sweet fragrance of renewal
As the rain washes over me

Then sunshine
To welcome me home



Today I Pray...

...for the wisdom
to know when to let the storm pass

...and when it's better
to walk in the rain

Anxious

The alarm clock buzzed
And my heart raced
Immediately anxious about a day
That holds unpleasant challenges

The truest sign of an internal struggle



A war between want and need
Fully aware of what's best for me
At odds with what's best for others

Trying to summon a refreshed attitude
Answered only by a heavy thumping in my chest

Today I Pray...

...for strength
to carry me past adversity

...for light
on the path that I am meant to walk

...for a calming breath
to overcome the anxiety

Breathe In. Breathe Out. Find Peace.