Glorious Life

The warmth of Your sun
on my shoulders

The touch of Your gentle summer breeze
across my face

A chorus of birds singing
Your favorite song

Cool dewy grass
tickling my toes

I am alive
and very much awake
in this beautiful world You've given me

Thank You for another glorious day



Today I Pray...

...that this feeling of awareness
and deep appreciation
stays with me every day

...it's so easy to get caught up
in the rush of the day

I don't want to miss a moment
of appreciating

...all that is You

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11

Chasing

Like a dog chasing his tail
Running in circles
Exhausting myself
Getting nowhere

Maybe I'm just
chasing dreams
That can't be reached

Or maybe
I'm so busy looking back
That I'm forgetting
To see what's right
In front of me

God heard my mind racing
and He whispered in my ear:

Silly dog
Stop chasing your tail
Sit
Stay
Rest for a moment
Undizzy yourself

Then look at the world
That lies before you

Go on a long explore
Start moving forward
Sniffing your way
Down new paths

You'll find your way
Just stop chasing your tail


image from Google images

Today I Pray...

...for Your help in stopping the
negative self-talk

...help me to remember
that I can learn from the past
without being fixed there

...and that resting
and looking at what lies ahead
is OK

...but I will never get anywhere
if I don't start
walking the path

My Day

Dear God,
I could really use a hug.
Love,
Me

Puzzled

Like a puzzle
that I just can't finish

I'm challenged

I've studied the image
on the box

I've sorted the pieces
and grouped them

Edges
Middles
Dark shades
Light

The frame is complete

And every so often
I find a piece that fits
...Effortlessly

Smaller sections
are formed
outside the borders

I see where they could fit
but I can't find
the connectors

Are pieces missing?
Can I make sense
of this jumbled mess?

Challenged
Frustrated
Tired
of trying to force
the pieces to fit

I'm starting to wonder
if seeing the picture on the box
completed
is worth the frustration

I know it is

I've been admiring this picture
My whole life

This picture is my life
And the pieces of the puzzle
Are the key to my dreams



Today I Pray...

...for patience and perseverance

...for the ability to sort through
the pieces
and put aside the ones
that have gathered
that don't fit this puzzle

...and focus on the ones that do

I pray for Your guiding light...
...and Your steadying hand

...and if, sweet Lord
this picture is not meant to be

...I trust in Your greater plan

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3

Sweet Tiny Rose

Tiny rose
So beautiful
So bright

Dainty flowers
Miniature leaves
A brilliant burst of
colorful blooms
Such a sight to behold


Photo credit: borrowed from mooseyscountrygarden.com

Days pass and I watch
as her leaves
turn brown
and her blooms fade

Before my eyes
sweet, tiny rose
gives way

Don't give up
I whisper
As I pull away
the dried leaves

And nip away
the faded blooms

Leaving nothing
but barren stalks
in a pot of rich soil

Don't give up
I whisper each morning
When I give tiny rose
A drink of water

Sweet tiny rose sat
Still and lifeless

Don't give up
I whisper
You can do it

And she did

Tiny rose dressed herself
in a new cloak
of brilliant green leaves

Now she's stretching
towards the sun
and getting ready
to bloom again

Oh sweet tiny rose
...Don't give up


Not the most beautiful picture...but this is tiny rose coming back to life.
If you look closely you can see the remnants of the dried up leaves.


Today I Pray...

...a special prayer for the many people
I know who are fighting a health battle

...and with gratitude for the blessings
of good health for myself and my family

...whatever your circumstances
remember tiny rose

Take time to nurture
yourself and others
who need a hand

Give yourself
a chance to rest

Stretch and reach
towards the sun

quench your thirst

and most importantly

...feel the strength of prayers
...hear His whisper
...and don't give up