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There’s an APP for That

Posted in Appreciation, Encouragement, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, tagged 2 Corinthians 10:5, Gratitude, Gratitude improves attitude, Positive Thinking, Power of Prayer, Praise and Worship, Praise for God's Attributes, Praise to God, Prayer, Psalm 34:1, Psalm 84:11-12, Psalm 92:1, Psalm 92:4 on April 27, 2017| 13 Comments »

Each spring, as the outdoor temperatures finally climb to comfortable levels, we can hardly resist opening wide the windows to allow fresh breezes and full sunshine into our homes.

We breathe deep the pure air and revel in the bright light–until we notice the smudges, dirt, and grime, undetected during the dim days of winter. Suddenly we’re overtaken by the urge to polish the windows, Swiffer baseboards, reorganize closets, and capture dust bunnies under the beds. We embark on spring cleaning, full sweep ahead!

Any concerns of how to clean in the fastest, easiest ways can be researched online. And even the APP Store can help. BrightNest offers organizing and cleaning tips, a personalized cleaning schedule, and reminders. Chore Monster will get the kids to help (so they say).

I can’t speak for you, but there’s another area in my life that needs cleaning. In addition to the dusting, scrubbing, and polishing throughout our home, a little spring-cleaning of my mind will be beneficial, to remove any melancholy, anxiety, fear, and other muck from my thoughts. There’s an A.P.P. for that, too:

A is for APPRECIATION. Nothing wipes away the grime of doldrums like gratitude, because gratitude leads to joy.

“What a beautiful thing, God, to give thanks,

to sing an anthem to you, the High God!

You make me so happy, God.

I saw your work and I shouted for joy.

How magnificent your work, God!”

–Psalm 92:1, 4 MSG

P is for PRAYER. Sweep up the swirling dust bunnies of worry with statements of trust, based on God’s reliable promises:

He will never leave us to struggle through trouble on our own (Deuteronomy 31:6).
He will always provide what we need (Matthew 6:25-27).
He is a God of infinite power and might, ruling over all people and all circumstances (Psalm 103:19)
He is a God of goodness and righteousness, love and compassion, grace and mercy (Psalm 145:7-9).

P is also for PRAISE. Polish every day with worship, commending God for who he is and what he has done.

“To worship is to…purge the imagination by the beauty of God.”

–William Temple (1881-1944), Bishop of the Church of England

Notice this A.P.P. of Appreciation, Prayer, and Praise, is all about words that don’t even have to be spoken out loud. Is it really possible that mere words can cleanse away hurtful or disturbing thoughts?

Yes! Words are powerful (Proverbs 18:21). Even self-talk wields great influence, because thoughts produce emotions, emotions produce attitudes, and attitudes produce behavior.

For example:

Thoughts of Appreciation, Prayer, and Praise create a clean, positive atmosphere in our spirits.
That atmosphere allows the emotions of peace, joy, and contentment to shine.
From a contented heart come the positive behaviors of cheerfulness, perseverance, faith, and strength—to name a few.

But just as some spring-cleaning tasks require extra effort, ridding our minds of negative self-talk often requires extra effort as well. Our thoughts too easily get mired in complaining, anxiety, and fear.

How do we redirect our thinking? We take our negative thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5), trapping them like dust flecks in a Swiffer! Then we use our A.P.P (as described above) to add the luster of positivity.

There’s nothing like a good spring-cleaning to increase the pleasure we experience in our homes. And there’s nothing like a good cleansing of the mind to bring supreme pleasure to life.

“The Lord is a sun and shield;

The Lord bestows favor and honor;

No good thing does he withhold

From those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty,

Blessed is the man who trusts in you.”

–Psalm 84:11-12 NIV

(Art & photo credits: www.publicdomainpictures.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.ourdailyblossom.com; http://www.pinterest (2).

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Prayer for a Newborn

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged Ephesians 2:10, Prayer for baby, prayer for newborn, Psalm 127:3, Psalm 139:13, Psalm 139:14, Psalm 139:15, Psalm 23:6 on January 19, 2017| 37 Comments »

(Granddaughter #3, Maarit Anne*, was born on Sunday, January 15.)

Creator of Maarit Anne and Heavenly Father of us all,

We praise you for this precious gift of new life—

A delightful reward from your gracious hand of love.

Already she is a blessing as we cuddle her tiny form,

Caress her downy head, and kiss her soft cheeks.

We marvel how you wove together so many disparate parts

To create this unique little person,

Evident in her distinctive collection of family traits:

Mommy’s dark hair and Daddy’s brow line,

Auntie Heather’s long, slender fingers, and

Grandpa Terry’s narrow feet.

In more ways yet to be revealed Maarit is an exemplification

Of your exquisite workmanship—

a heavenly piece of poetry—

in mind, body, soul, and spirit.

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We praise you for the perfect life-course

You’ve already planned for Maarit—

A future gleaming with hope because

You’ve set her apart and equipped her

For special purpose to accomplish your good works.

May her eyes be drawn to you and your Word,

The wondrous splendors of your creation,

And the signs of your love all around her.

May Maarit’s mouth be filled with praise,

Declaring your glory all day long.

May her ears be quick to hear your voice,

And her heart be delighted to respond.

May Maarit’s spirit grow strong

In the loving care and nurture of Jesus.

May she wear your instruction

As a garland of praise.

Give to all who love and care for Maarit

The wisdom and grace to guide her in all your ways.

Protect and provide for her all the days

You’ve ordained for her.

These things we ask for our Maarit Anne

In the Name of Jesus.

Amen.

(Psalm 127:3, 139:15; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 119:18; Jeremiah 1:5, 29:11;

Psalm 71:8; Proverbs 23:12; Psalm 119:35; Proverbs 1:9; Psalm 139:16, Psalm 23:6.)

*Maar (rhymes with bar)-it is a Finnish name, meaning “pearl,” in honor of our daughter-in-law’s Finnish heritage on her mother’s side. Maarit’s middle name was given in honor of Hilja’s grandmother–and me, a delightful, humbling surprise.

Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pinterest (3), http://www.ourdailyblossom.com.

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A Heart Full of Peace

Posted in Christmas, Encouragement, Faith, God, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's peace, Luke 2:14, Peace of Mind, The way to peace on December 22, 2016| 6 Comments »

Sometime on Christmas Eve, after the kids have finally fallen asleep and the last gift is wrapped and all do-ahead preparation is completed for Christmas dinner, peace on earth will at last settle in many homes. Such peace is characterized by contentedness that everything is ready for tomorrow. There’s also a sense of good will toward mankind–even toward the eccentric relatives who’ve come for the weekend.

But of course such peace doesn’t last long. The children awake and the noisy celebration begins—way too early in the morning.

Truth is, throughout recorded history, peace on earth has always occurred in small, intermittent fits. Since 36 B.C., the world has seen 15,000 wars.*

So it seems incongruous that the angels told the shepherds, “On earth peace to men” (Luke 2:14)–until we read the rest of their proclamation: “On earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

We have to understand: the heavenly choir was not proclaiming universal, political peace but individual, internal peace to those who enjoy God’s favor (same verse, ISV).

So how do we access this favor and receive God’s peace? It occurs as we:

Accept Jesus’ invitation to be in relationship with him.

He is the way God has chosen for man to be reconciled to himself (John 14:6).

Some people want to believe all religions should lead to God. It doesn’t seem fair to them that one is deemed better than another. But if we look at the situation from God’s point of view we realize: It’s not necessary there be dozens of ways to him. He chose one way, through his Son, Jesus.

And those who accept him into their lives do indeed receive great favor. They become the children of the King of the universe (John 1:12)–forever.

Learn more about God and his attributes. “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord (1 Peter 1:2, NLT). For example:

He knows all (Romans 11:32-36)—every worrisome situation and how he will resolve it.

He is all-powerful, able to do anything (Job 42:2). If, in his wisdom, he chooses not to rescue us from our circumstances, then he’ll see us through.

Everything is under his control (Psalm 103:19)–even those inexplicable, puzzling events that throw us into a momentary tailspin.

Everything he does is good and right (Deuteronomy 32:4).

He makes perfect decisions, including how and when all events will unfold (Psalm 147:5).

The more we know, the more confidently we can rest in our powerful, all-wise God.

Review his promises.

At the first sign of worry or fear, we can replenish our peace with a scripture promise. A few of my favorites include:

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24).

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

“My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Pray.

Our prayers about the situations that troubles us can include praise that God’s glorious attributes are already at work, his promises never fail, and his blessings continue to flow. Worship is the way to peace (Philippians 4:6-8).

Practice God’s presence.

Strive to live aware of God’s presence at all times, in every place—even at the kitchen sink, in the car, at the mall, in the office.

And during those rather mindless moments while washing dishes, sitting at a stoplight, or walking from one store to another, we can enjoy his company and affirm our trust. Strong trust results in peace (Isaiah 26:3).

To enjoy God’s favor and peace does not mean we are devoid of emotion or concern. It’s when concern is accompanied by unbelief in God’s attributes or promises that worry and fear result. But if concern is combined with prayerful faith, then perfect peace is the outcome—peace that will not only pervade the mayhem of Christmas morning, but also the maelstroms of life.

What helps you open your heart to God’s peace? Tell us about it in the comment section below.

*John MacArthur, www.gty.org , “The Gift of Peace.”

(Art & photo credits: www.imgur.com; http://www.indulgy.com; http://www.pinterest.com (4); http://www.flickr.com.)

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An Advent Adventure

Posted in Appreciation, Christmas, Hope, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, tagged Christmas, Gratitude, Hope, Prayer, Romans 12:2 on November 28, 2016| 10 Comments »

We’re off! The race to Christmas has begun.

The next twenty-six days will include shopping, wrapping, sending, writing (the Christmas cards), decorating, cleaning, baking, attending, final rehearsing and performing. Did I leave out anything?

No doubt some of you are far down the track. Your house is already decorated, the cards are nearly finished, the cookies are baked and tucked in the freezer. You started preparations weeks ago.

I am not among you—never have been. What would Christmas be without a little hustle and bustle to get the adrenalin flowing? Except I almost always become overwhelmed, which leads to frazzled nerves.

This year I want to maintain (or recapture as needed) an Advent perspective of tranquil expectation and worshipful celebration—even when the schedule and the to-do list get a little crazy.

How? The following three ways might be a good place to begin:

1. Gratitude.

Gratitude will prepare the way—the way to salvation from discontent and agitation, the way to the presence of God.

(“He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me

and prepares the way

so that I may show him

the salvation of God.”

–Psalm 50:23)

Gratitude renews my mind and spirit as I remember: “The things [I] take for granted, someone else is praying for”–things like:

Colorful Christmas cards in the mailbox
An ample supply of sugar, flour, and butter for cookies
A Christmas tree filled with treasured, memory-laden ornaments
Loving family gathered to revel in each other’s company and hear the story of Jesus’ birth once again
Presents aplenty under that tree, to express our love

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” – William Arthur Ward (1921-1994).

What better time than Advent to be more thankful, to experience more joy, to take note of our many blessings in the ordinary? M-m-m. ‘Think I’ll reflect on that question in my journal during these days leading up to Christmas.

2. Prayer.

If someone asked me, “Is there a scripture about the impact of prayer on a person’s emotional state?” I’d steer them to Philippians 4:6-7.

“Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

Which transcends all understanding,

Will guard your hearts and your minds

In Christ Jesus.”

How easy it is to steer others in the right direction, but not take that route myself.

So these reminders are for me:

Be anxious about nothing – including the long task-list that requires completion by Christmas.

Pray with a grateful heart about everything that needs to be done – including what to say on the Christmas cards, what gifts to give, what is needful to accomplish and what is just my OCD in over-drive.

Pray for godly perspective. The result will be as he has promised: peace that transcends understanding.

To keep mindful, I’ve put Philippians 4:6-7 on the bathroom mirror.

3. Hope.

Yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, we focused on the word, wait –an action often accompanied by impatience.

But in the ancient language of the Bible, Hebrew, the word wait is the same as the word for hope. How appropriate—hopeful waiting—waiting that includes positive expectation, confident assurance, and absolute conviction, because our God is the One and only God of hope.

And because of him we have confident assurance of:

Strength (Psalm 31:24)
Blessing (Jeremiah 17:7)
Joy and peace (Romans 15:13)
Eternal life (Titus 1:2)

What a glorious list. And that’s just the beginning.

If I focus on my God of hope and all his benefits, my attitude will be transformed (Romans 12:2). If I turn my face to the Son, the shadows will fall behind me.*

Too often in the past, my attitude has turned the season of Advent into an adversary to be beaten.

This year I want Advent to be an adventure of gratitude, prayer, and hope.

*Based on a Maori proverb

(Art & photo credits: www.flickr.com (2); http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.pixabay.com.)

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How to Pray for Difficult People

Posted in Prayer, Uncategorized, tagged Challenging people, Difficult people, Ecclesiastes 2:13, God's Sovereignty, John 16:13, Matthew 5:16, Matthew 7:3, Philippians 1:6, Proverbs 15:14, Proverbs 19:21, Proverbs 2:6, Psalm 103:19, Psalm 119:130, Psalm 37:17, Psalm 51:1, Romans 1:20, Romans 3:23, Romans 7:18 on June 13, 2016| 24 Comments »

Some years ago I started keeping prayer cards instead of a prayer list. A 3x 5 gives plenty of room to record updates and answers. Another benefit: It’s easy to rotate through the stack, praying for ten to fifteen people/organizations per day.

One card in the stack trips me up. At the top is written the name of “a difficult person.” He’s arrogant, dishonest, and unreliable.

I know I need to include him in my prayers, but I hardly know where to begin, except for “God, help this man!”

So I finally did some reading on the subject of difficult people, to find out how to pray for such individuals. Below are several suggestions I found helpful. If you have challenging folks in your life, perhaps you’ll find these thoughts useful also.

First, I need to begin with repentance. Before I pray about the faults and shortcomings of others, I need to address my own (Matthew 7:1-5). In addition, before I look at the person to be forgiven, I must look to God for the power to forgive.*

Second, I can ask God to:

Open the heart of this person to the error(s) of his ways.

Reveal the truth of the gospel to him—that Jesus is the only Way to salvation.

Grant the person self-awareness so he’ll see how his choices and behavior negatively impact others.

Curtail his influence so that innocent people might be protected.

Bring godly people into his sphere, to exemplify the God-enhanced life.

Cause circumstances that draw his attention to God.

Reveal the difference to him between godly wisdom and human foolishness.

Third, I can praise God that:

He is sovereign over all—even difficult people.

He can cause positive outcomes—in spite of erroneous judgments.

“Mistakes” on their part can actually produce God-ordained benefits.

And just how might such a prayer unfold? Perhaps something like this:

Oh, God, as I pray for those who

cause great frustration and even suffering for others,

it’s easy to lose sight of my own sinfulness.

I have not lived free of pride, dishonesty or unreliability either.

Forgive me, Father, for the many ways

I fall short of your desires for me.

Thank you for your grace and love that

prompt you to accept my confession and

prod me toward greater reliance upon you,

to become a better version of myself.

Because I fall short

(even though I know you as my Savior and Master),

it is with deep humility I pray for Mr. X.

I am no better than he is.

First, may he recognize the truth of your Word

and the reality of salvation through your Son, Jesus.

I pray Mr. X will seek the Light of your wisdom to guide his way.

May your Holy Spirit shed Light on the choices he’s already made,

and reveal to him the full, true consequences of his behavior.

Guide him to change course to your ways.

I thank you, Lord, that every day you are

sending Christians into Mr. X’s life as bearers of your Light,

to draw him to you.

You are engineering circumstances that highlight your power,

and using that sovereign power to curtail his influence.

I thank you for your ability

to produce positive outcomes even through difficult people.

The story of Joseph is one example.

In addition, even mistakes on the part of Mr. X

can actually produce just and righteous benefits.

Oh, how I praise you, Almighty God,

that you have established your throne in heaven,

and your kingdom rules over all—

even over difficult people.

(Psalm 51:1-5; Romans 3:23; Romans 7:18; Ecclesiastes 2:13; John 16:13; Psalm 119:130; Matthew 5:16; Romans 1:20; Psalm 37:17; Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 103:19)

*Ralph Sockman,The Higher Happiness, Pierce & Smith, 1950, p. 107.

How do you pray for difficult people? Please share your insights in the Comments section below!

(Art & photo credits: www.fotosearch.com; http://www.pinterest.com (5), http://www.ourdailyblossom.com; http://www.pinterest (2).

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Every Day

Posted in Appreciation, Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, Joy, Praise, Prayer, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized, tagged celebrating simple pleasures, counting blessings, daily delights, savoring the moments on May 16, 2016| 12 Comments »

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(“Every day we should hear at least one little song,

read one good poem, see one exquisite picture,

and, if possible, speak a few sensible words.”

–Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1838)

Author and lawyer, von Goethe, was much too easily satisfied.

Yes, a day without music would be dreary.

Poetry does feed the soul and intellect in ways that prose does not.

An exquisite picture does lift the spirit.

It’s also true that sharing a few words of wisdom can be satisfying.

Yet, is that enough for one day? What about:

Offering the music of “thank you” or “you go first” or “I love your smile?”

Reading and pondering several verses of scripture? That will feed the soul and intellect even more than poetry.

Creating an exquisite picture of kindness by finding ways to be helpful and engaging? Such artful living often impacts people more than we realize.

Speaking a few sensible words of encouragement, and feeling uplifted ourselves?

But beyond von Goethe’s suggestions of music, poetry, art, and wisdom are many more possibilities for a day full of delight. We can:

scooter-girl

Savor a pleasurable moment or memory–better yet, when the two happen back-to-back. Just today a neighbor girl whooshed by on her scooter, and I was reminded of happy, long ago days doing some whooshing of my own on bicycles or skates. I smiled.

Make a discovery or learn something new. Read. Listen. Think. Recently in C. S. Lewis’s The Weight of Glory (Eerdman’s Publishing, 1949), I came across this statement: “Obedience is the road to freedom, humility the road to pleasure, unity the road to personality” (p. 36). Well deserving of some careful pondering, I think.

Celebrate at least one small miracle of nature: a magnificent cloud formation, bright green growth on the tips of evergreen boughs, a cardinal’s song echoing through the woods.

Engage the creative side: draw (even if it’s doodling), paint (even if it’s adding color to someone else’s art), or write (even if it’s in a journal that no one else will see).

Offer a smile–wherever we are. “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. Peace begins with a smile” (Mother Teresa). Better yet, add words–a cheerful greeting, a compliment, a bit of gratitude.

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End the day by counting blessings. Drift off to sleep in an attitude of prayer–a prayer such as this:

* * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Father, for your gifts that offer daily delight–gifts like the warm pleasure of childhood memories bubbling to the surface unexpectedly, discoveries that challenge the mind and inspire the soul, and miracles of nature that amaze.

Thank you, oh God, for creating us in your image, including the ability to imagine, design, and produce. Thank you for the deep satisfaction of the creative process.

And thank you for the astounding privilege to be a positive influence in this world, an ambassador for your Son.

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(Art & photo credits: www.doublequotes.net; http://www.beactive.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2).

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Breathe/Live Deep!

Posted in Encouragement, God's Presence, God's Provision, God's Strength, Intimacy with God, Joy, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Renewing the Mind, Uncategorized, tagged Deep Breathing, Deep Living, Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, Ephesians 1:19, God's Presence, God's Strength, Gratitude, Joy, Meditation on God, Practicing God's Presence, Renewing the Mind on May 12, 2016| 4 Comments »

(reblogged from 10-24-13)

“Mail’s here early today!” called Lorna, as she entered the kitchen.

Oh, that was good news. Living far from home in Quito, Ecuador made letters a very precious commodity.

“Terrific!” I responded, and dashed upstairs to get my keys.

Lorna and her husband, Elbert, served as missionaries with HCJB. I was a short-termer, living with them for the four months of my assignment as a preschool and kindergarten teacher.

The compound was only a brief walk from the house. Once there, it was just a matter of unlocking the gate, heading down the main walkway a short distance, up a few steps, and into the post office alcove where all our mailboxes were located.

I jogged the whole way there and back, excited to read my mail. But no sooner did I return home than my head started to pound, nausea engulfed me, and all I wanted to do was lie down. Never mind those coveted letters!

My problem was not a sudden onset of the flu, but mild hypoxia–oxygen deprivation. Quito is located 10,000 feet above sea level in the Andes Mountains.

My experience (as well as those of countless others) proves: we humans require oxygen—lots of it.

Even folks who live near sea level can suffer from lack of oxygen, because they’ve become accustomed to shallow breathing. Their bodies never receive enough oxygenated air, causing them to feel short of breath and anxious.

On the other hand, research has proven that deep breathing helps us manage stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and even spark brain growth. By not taking slow, deep breaths now and again, we deprive ourselves of these benefits.

M-m-m. Reminds me of Ecclesiastes 2:10-11, where King Solomon lamented the results of shallow living: chasing after wealth, accomplishments, and pleasure. In the end, nothing gave him lasting satisfaction and fulfillment.

Shallow living brings on symptoms in the spirit, similar to oxygen deprivation in the mind and body: heartache, fatigue with life, nausea from repetitive, meaningless activity, and shortness of temper.

In contrast to Solomon’s lament in Ecclesiastes is Paul’s praise to God for the power and strength of deep living:

“Oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength” (Ephesians 1:19, MSG)!

Deep living happens when we breathe in God’s strength with a prayer, his wisdom and encouragement with a scripture, his joy with a song.

Deep living happens when we practice his presence as automatically as we breathe.

And how do we do that, “practice his presence?”

By pausing frequently throughout each day, to turn our attention to God.

I might say such things as:

Thank You, Lord, for this new day. Work through me to accomplish your purpose.

I love you, Heavenly Father. Thank you for filling my heart with peace and joy every time I turn my attention to you.

Thank you for your power at work in me as I complete this task.

The wonders of your creation–graceful tree branches dancing in the breeze, lyrical songs of the mockingbirds, delicious aromas of pine and orange blossoms–They make my heart sing with praise!

Oh, Lord, I shouldn’t have spoken to Mary like that. Forgive me, I pray. Help me to think before I speak. And yes, I will apologize to her.

Refreshing. Energizing. Purifying. Like a deep breath of oxygen.

Shallow breathing causes a lesser quality of life. So does shallow living.

Deep breathing fosters strength of mind and body. Deep living does that and more.

Deep living radically transforms the spirit.

Let’s breathe/live deep!

* * * * * * * * * *

What deep living habits help you practice the presence of God?

(photo credit: http://www.wikipedia.com)

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A Christmas Prayer

Posted in Blessings, Christmas, Encouragement, God, God's Goodness, Jesus, Meditation, Praise, Prayer, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Emmanuel, Glory to God in the Highest, God is Sovereign, God the Father of the heavenly lights, Isaiah 60:1, Jesus is the Light of the World, No one like God, Philippians 2:14-15, Psalm 104:2 on December 24, 2015| 10 Comments »

Dear Father,

Christmas 2015 is almost here. Soon, all preparation will have to cease.

However (as You well know), my to-do list is still not complete; I’m going to have to prioritize and leave some things undone. That’s probably just as well, so my OCD tendencies don’t win over reasonableness!

But even as I try to settle myself, to pray and worship You on this holy day of Christmas Eve, distracting thoughts continue to ping around in my brain:

Did I dust the windowsills in the guest room? ‘Can’t remember.
Hey! We now have an evergreen tree in the yard. I could clip off some low branches and put them in the deck planters. That might look pretty.
Don’t forget to make sure the oil lamp is clean and ready for lighting.

I keep writing these thoughts down so they’re on paper and not in my head, because what I really want to do in these quiet moments is focus on You. I want to wonder again at the magnificent mystery of God becoming man. And I want to thank and praise You for sending Your Son to save me from the consequences of my sins.

Hush my mind, Lord; still my spirit as I pray…

You are the God of the heavenly lights who lovingly sheds Your radiance over us.

With the angels, we praise You: “Glory to God in the Highest!”

All honor, splendor, and glory are Yours!

No one on earth or in heaven is as perfect and splendorous as You.

Who else can wrap himself in light as if it were a robe (Psalm 104:2)?

No one. No one is Your equal.

What a comfort to know that Someone smarter and wiser than mere man is Sovereign over all.

What peace of mind You provide when I turn over to You the concerns of my life.

Light of the World, Lord Jesus,

All praise to You for leaving Your glorious, heavenly home to dwell with us.

You are our Emmanuel—God with us.

More astounding yet, Your dwelling is not a general presence in the world, but personal.

You actually reside within each of us—when we invite You to do so. Another magnificent mystery.

And You have promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

In addition, Your Light provides guidance for our choices of action, strength to meet all life’s situations, confident hope for our future in heaven with You, and more.

Help me, I pray, to rise up and shine like a brilliant star, because Your. Light. Has. Come (Isaiah 60:1; Philippians 2:14-15)! What a glorious privilege–to reflect Your Light, pointing the way to abundant life in You.

How I praise you, Lord Jesus, that Your glory, splendor, and power have risen upon me–an incomparable blessing I now enjoy in part, but one day in resplendent totality!

(Photo credits: www.talkofjesus.com; http://www.themelight.radiantwebtools.com; http://www.eso.org.)

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The Drift into Distractions

Posted in Encouragement, Perseverance, Prayer, tagged Dealing with Distractions During Prayer, Distracted Prayer on October 29, 2015| 13 Comments »

Are you ever distracted while trying to pray? I am! One minute I’m deep into intercession for a friend, the next I suddenly think to purchase Christmas cards today (triggered by thoughts of friends, you see).

Why is it my thoughts can drift so easily? How is it possible to lose focus while in the presence of Almighty God? Such a frustration. Guilt-producing, too.

Perhaps strategies such as these will be helpful:

Light a candle.

Let it symbolize the presence of Jesus, our Light of the world, with us as we pray.

Picture a quiet place with Jesus.

For years my quiet time took place in the early morning hours before anyone else got up. For Bible study, I spread my books and papers across the kitchen table. For prayer time, I spread my arms across the table, visualizing Jesus sitting on the other side from me and holding my hands.

Our current home does not lend itself to this arrangement. My quiet time space is in our guest room/office at my computer armoire. There’s no table to spread my arms across. I need a new visualization.

Perhaps this photo?

I can imagine Jesus and me sitting lakeside, enjoying the stunning view as I present my requests to him (Philippians 4:6). We can still “hold hands,” as I rest my arm on the arm of the office (imaginary Adirondack) chair.

Keep the to-do list handy.

When a task or errand comes to mind, like purchasing Christmas cards, write it down. Then those pesky thoughts beginning with, “Oh! Don’t forget to…” can be put aside.

Pray about the distracting thought, if it’s related to a present concern.

For example:

“Lord, I’m sorry the meeting this afternoon keeps popping into my mind. Help me to rest in the knowledge you’ll be with me, providing the words to say as I rely on you. Thank you for your promise in James 1:5 that assures me of your wisdom, simply for the asking. I’m asking! And I trust you for the results that will most benefit everyone involved.”

Pray out loud.

Even whispering the words may be enough to foster focus.

Pray the scriptures.

The psalms work well for this exercise. Skim-read until a key word catches your eye. (If you’ve underlined meaningful passages, focus on those.) Chances are it will not take long to identify an applicable verse.

For example, a friend is very unhappy in her current job. How can I pray for her? Skimming quickly through the underlined verses of psalms, I come to:

(“From the Lord comes deliverance.

May your blessing be on your people.”

— Psalm 3:8)

And I pray:

Oh, Father, deliver Emily** from her situation at work by removing her from that office, changing circumstances within the office, or giving Emily a fresh perspective that releases her from the stress. Surround Emily, I pray, with blessing: delightful coworkers who will bring her joy and affirmation, encouragement from her boss, and maybe even a raise!

As my mind focuses on ways the verse might apply to Emily, I find distractions are held at bay.

Yet, in spite of our best efforts, lapses into distractions will occur. I take great encouragement from the wisdom of St. Francis de Sales. Perhaps you will, too: If all you do is return to God’s presence after distraction, then this is very good prayer. Your persistence shows how much you want to be with God.

* * * * * * * * * *

How do you counter distractions during prayer? Please share your strategies in the Comments section below!

**Name changed.

Art and photo credits: www.printmytract.com; http://www.refiningtruth.com; http://www.pinterest.com (3).

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Patient Pursuit — Revisited

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Maturity, Perseverance, Prayer, Waiting on God, tagged Faith in God, Following God's Plan, God's Ways, God's Will for Our Lives, Godly Character, Learning self-discipline, Perseverance, Spiritual Growth on October 12, 2015| 6 Comments »

(Steve and I are enjoying time with family this week. I’ll return soon with new posts. Meanwhile, I’ll reblog previous ones. Hopefully you’ll find them meaningful again, or perhaps for the first time. The following post was first published September 13, 2013.)

Women's Bible Study

“I know we have to persevere and not give up on what we sense God wants us to do,” Melissa shared at Bible study. “And from the lives of Joseph, Moses, Daniel, and others in the Bible, I know God rarely smooths out the path perfectly. But what I want to know is how to proceed. I’d like steps to follow!”

Heads nodded around the table, mine included. Wouldn’t it be nice if God laid out for us to see ahead of time step one, step two, and so on toward his perfect plan?

That idea has been circulating in my brain for nearly a week now. Here are some observations.

1. God values our growth in faith more than our comfort in a revealed plan.

If it was best for us to know his plan in advance, then that’s what God would provide. Instead, he allows our faith to be tested, in order to build our character. That is important to him:

“The Lord detests men of perverse heart but he delights in those whose ways are blameless” (Proverbs 11:20).

2. God values the process of spiritual growth, not just the final outcome of a purpose fulfilled.

Times of challenge give us opportunity to develop maturity more readily than times of ease. What might that development include?

Self-discipline–when we tackle difficult tasks. Granted, the Holy Spirit empowers us (Galatians 5:22-23), but we must give ourselves over to him. How? Through frequent prayer, offered throughout the day, consistently asking for his guidance and help.

Self-denial–by doing without. However, the attentive person will soon discover much to celebrate that may have been missed otherwise: the stunning display of God’s creation, the joy of love and laughter with family and friends, the peace and strength from frequent communion with God. Suddenly, gratitude flourishes in the heart, and what has been given up doesn’t seem so important anymore.

The full meaning of love–when given opportunity to respond in kind ways to difficult people.

None of these valuable traits of discipline, selflessness, and love would fully develop without lessons of experience.

3. God values the development of our prayer lives–not for his benefit, but for ours.

Jean Nicolas Grou, a Jesuit priest of the 1700s, described healthy prayer as humble, reverent, loving, confident, and persevering. As we practice those traits in our prayer lives, surely they will overflow into our character, in our actions and reactions.

Patient pursuit, then, is best applied to God’s ways, and then to God’s plan.

(photo credit: http://www.st-tims-church.org )

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Patient Pursuit — Revisited

Nancy Ruegg

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