"MOTHER, DO YOU KNOW HOW TO READ A MAP?"

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: EXODUS 23:20

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."

"MOTHER, DO YOU KNOW HOW TO READ A MAP?"

I am not sure what to write. So much has happened in the last couple of weeks. Do I tell you about the amazing flowers in Hawaii? Do I tell you about a VERY long flight? Do I tell you that Terri thinks I tried to kill her? Do I tell you that I am glad to be home? Do I --

Oh, you want to know about me trying to kill Terri? It is not true!!!!!! She is just saying that, but I will tell you my side. She can leave a message with her side, if she chooses.

We were on Maui and decided to go for a drive. With Terri driving, we turned left out of the hotel. The map showed a nice wide road. And it was. A nice four lane. Then a nice two lane. The ocean - all blue, with waves and sun - on one side and rolling hills on the other. A very good road. I looked at the map and saw that this road went all the way around the west side of the island and ended up on the north side. I did see there was one stretch that was marked as steep and narrow, but that was a long way off. On the north side of the island and we were safe on the southwest side. Nothing to fear.

There was one slight problem with my logic. I am used to reading a map (And yes, Terri, I do know how to read a map, even if you doubt my skills.), but I am used to reading a map for big areas, like the whole state of Indiana. Or Alaska. Or Montana. I am used to an inch representing 50 miles. Or even 100 miles. I sorta miscalculated. I failed to realize I was looking at a large map for a small island. And there were no towns or mileposts to mark our progress. Just more ocean. That is my story and I am sticking to it!

Back to our drive -- We were just going along. On that nice, not very wide, but paved road. Enjoying the ocean. Enjoying the sun. Enjoying - oh, what did that sign say. Narrow. Winding. Well, duh. The road we were on was winding and narrow. About then Terri went white. Too late.

This was not narrow and winding. It was one lane. Very winding. Very steep. AND NOWHERE TO TURN AROUND. NO WAY TO STOP. Then we realized there was traffic coming at us. At least we were on the inside. We were not going to fall off.

Okay, I will end the story. Terri really was frightened. She had never been on a road like this. We knew we had to get off somehow. That is when we saw a pull off. Relief - at least for a moment.

Then we found our guardian angel. A man was waiting in a car while his wife took pictures. I got out and asked if they were headed back down. He said yes. I then explained and asked if we could follow him. He said yes. We said, "Thank you Lord."

We did follow him down. As our guardian angel passed each car, he asked if they would allow the car behind him to go through also. Each driver nodded to us as we passed by. As Terri saw our guardian angel's car get by other cars without falling off the edge, she realized she could get through too. Yes, when we safely arrived at the bottom, we thanked our guardian angel!

Sorta like life. Sometimes we start out on a road that is fine. Fun. Pretty. Safe. Then before we realize it, just one miscalculation lands us on a very narrow, very unsafe road. All it takes is one word. One thought. One action. And we have nowhere to go. Nowhere to turn around. We just keep our hands on the steering wheel, afraid to let go. Afraid to go on. Afraid to go back. Afraid until we find our guardian angel.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

When have you been afraid?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Thank you Lord. Thank you for sending guardian angels. I do try so hard to stay out of trouble. To stay safe. How grateful I am to know that I can always turn to you. That no matter where I am you are right there with me. When I am afraid, you can calm my fears. When I feel I cannot go on, you are reaching out your hand to help me with the next step. When I am afraid to go back, I know you will be turning back with me. To help me no longer be afraid. Amen

PLEASE CONTINUE YOUR PRAYER. Tell Jesus what makes you afraid. Tell Him your concerns. Trust Him with every care, concern and worry you have.

Isaiah 41:10 -- So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Greetings,

We are all home safe, sound and very tired. Funny, but gaining 6 hours going to Hawaii did not seem to change my energy level. I can not say the same for giving those 6 hours back when we returned.

Hawaii is a beautiful state and I can now say I have been in all 50 states. WHAT A WONDERFUL COUNTRY WE LIVE IN. We are certainly blessed. Mountains. Desserts. Oceans. Rivers. Trees of every kind. Flowers. Oh, this could be a very long list.

I am sorry that I did not post a blog yesterday, but yesterday just got away from me before I realized it was Friday. A new blog will be posted Friday, April 3. Check back then.

Have a great day. Enjoy life and look around as spring is beginning to wake up the flowers, grass and trees.

PACKING

Just a note: I will not be posting a blog March 20, 2009. That is unless I happen to find a computer handy. Celebrate each day, Mary

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MARK 6:7-9

Calling the Twelve to him, he sent them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. These were his instructions: "Take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic."

PACKING

I can tell you one thing about the trip Jesus sent the Disciples on -- They were not flying to Hawaii. Take nothing. No money. No bag. Wow have times changed!

Packing for our trip --- I better update you: Bill and I have been to 49 states. Every state except Hawaii. I am going to go to Hawaii. You will notice I did not say Bill and I are going to Hawaii. Bill says he might go when he can drive there. Knowing that was not going to happen anytime in my lifetime, our daughter, Terri, offered to go with me. Isn't she just the sweetest daughter? So Sunday, Bill is dropping Terri and me in Indianapolis and he is then heading to Arizona to visit a friend. He did say he would slow down long enough for us to hop out and grab our suitcases.

Terri and I fly out the next morning and will return the 27th. Flying makes packing a bit of a challenge. You see, ever since we went to Alaska and I found out how easy it was just to pack everything in a big blue tub, we only use a suitcase for the things we need to take into the motel each evening.

I had forgotten how limiting suitcases are. Do you realize how much space extra shoes take up? And those undies that were stuffed in plastic bags and stacked in that blue tub seem to use every corner. The swimsuit had to be packed instead placed in a beach bag and thrown in the back. And -- Well, maybe you have flown lately and are an old hand at packing light. I have been used to years of "sure go ahead and take that, there is room."

What, God? "Take nothing for the journey except a staff -- no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra tunic."

Wow, how did they do that? My bags are packed. I am ready. I am excited. I am so thankful for this opportunity. If God sent me, would I be able to walk out the door, wearing one set of clothes and trust God to provide for all of my needs?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you like to travel? Do you go visit family? Friends? Travel for work? How do you pack? Could you go as Jesus sent the Disciples?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Jesus, Sometimes it seems I am so like the Disciples. Learning. Trusting. Spreading your word. Then I read about going out with nothing. No money. No bread. No extra clothes. Then I wonder if I have enough faith. Lord, help me trust. Trust that you will provide my every need. Lord, help me trust you to…………….. Amen

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 4:6

For God, who said, : Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ."

LET THE LIGHT SHINE

Let the light shine! That is the new motto in our neighborhood.

We had an ice storm last December. Trees down everywhere. Many people were without power for days. It was a great big mess.

Our neighborhood has a constant reminder of that time. No, not limbs still stacked everywhere. The town finally came and got those. No, not even the fact that you can see where many trees were cut down. We have a unique situation.

When the storm hit and the trees fell, one tree decided to do some extra damage. Not having a house to fall on, that tree knocked over one of the streetlights. AND IT IS STILL LAYING THERE! ! !

Every evening, the streetlights come on and guess what -- so does the street light lying on the ground. It shines all night. Then in the morning, when the rest of the lights turn off, it does the same. Every night on. Every morning off. All the time lying on the ground.

It looked pretty at first. Shining through the ice. It even made a soft warm glow when the snow covered it. Now? It just looks strange.

There it lies. Damaged. Fallen. Bent. BUT STILL SHINING! ! ! Still lighting our street.

Do you see a message from God here? No matter what happens. Someone may knock us down. We may be damaged. We may fall. We may be bent. BUT WE STILL NEED TO SHINE! We need for the light of God to shine in our lives, so others can see where our strength comes from.

Have a great day. A great week. A great life. And no matter what comes your way, SHINE.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Has anything knocked you off your feet lately? Are you feeling down, not broken but maybe just bent? Are you having trouble letting your light shine?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear Lord, I am like the light pole. Sometimes my light burns bright, as I stand firm in your word. Sometimes my light is sparkly as if reflected by ice. Sometimes it is just a warm glow. Sometimes I just feel like it does not matter if my light shines or not. Sometimes I just want to lie down and turn off the switch. Let me always remember that it is YOUR light that shines through me. That YOUR light is in my heart. - This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.… Amen

SILENCE TO AWESOME

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Silence:

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:21

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Awesome:

For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. Deuteronomy 10:17

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! Psalm 47:2

I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Isaiah 6:1-3

SILENCE TO AWESOME

Silence - Silence is a wonderful thing, because when we are silent we can listen. We can hear God telling us, "This is the way, walk in it." And when we are still, we can know God.

Then you have to consider our five year old grandson's birthday party. Timothy turned 5. He will be known as Timmy for the rest of this writing because he is - for sure - more Timmy than a dignified Timothy.

Timmy and his brothers recently received puppies. (Link: My Hectic Life with 4 Boys) Their father (notice I said father) thought this would be a good birthday gift for Timmy. I asked Timmy if he wanted things for the puppy and he thought that would be a good idea for birthday gifts. So shopping I did go.

A box of dog treats. A dog toy. A Dr. Seuss book with dog in the title. Coloring books about dogs. And because Timmy is a five year old, a Spiderman gift just for fun. Off we went with his gifts and the ice cream. Grandpa has become the designated supplier of ice cream for birthday parties.

Currently, Timmy's favorite word is awesome. He looked in the sack and saw five wrapped gifts. "Awesome." He unwrapped the dog biscuits. "Awesome." He unwrapped the dog toy. "Awesome." He unwrapped the Dr. Seuss book. "Awesome." He unwrapped the coloring books. "Awesome." He unwrapped the Spiderman toy. "Awesome."

Now I want you to go back and read that last paragraph aloud. When you come to the word Awesome, I want you to jump up and down and say it in a voice that could shatter windows and set every dog in the neighborhood howling.

Silence and "Awesome." Quite a contrast, but isn't that what our lives should be? We are constantly being told to be still. To wait in silence. To listen. BUT have we lost the "Awesome" part? When was the last time you saw something and said, "Awesome." ?

If you saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his robe filling your church, would you shout Awesome?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

When needed, can you quietly wait for God to direct you? Can you sit in silence? BUT -- When do you say "Awesome."? When do you get more and more excited? When are you thrilled at a box of dog biscuits?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

To an Awesome God, To the Awesome God that created this world, Who created me, Lord, when I wait, silently to hear your voice, let me have patience. Give me patience to know you are God and that you will show me the way to walk. As I walk your path, turn my eyes to the east and west and let me say, "Awesome." As I walk, turn my eyes to the north and south and again see your wonders. "Awesome." Lord, lift my eyes up to the heavens and let me shout, in a voice full of excitement and wonder, "AWESOME." To you, the Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Almighty, I bow my head and gratefully say, "Awesome."… Amen

FEBRUARY IS ALMOST OVER

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:1-3

When the lord brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:1-3

FEBRUARY IS ALMOST OVER

I don't know about the state you live in, but February in Indiana is just yucky. Yes, the sun does come out - occasionally. And yes, the snow looks pretty. But February is like being in the middle of nowhere. It isn't winter and it isn't spring. When the snow melts, it is muddy. And you see all the trash people have thrown out. The sky is usually a drab gray and the air is damp. It is still dark when you wake up.

Bill says there is a reason there are only 28 days in February. We couldn't stand it if there were 30 or 31. Of course, every four years they have to make it worse and add a day. They couldn't put that extra day in a good month like September when we would appreciate another nice fall day.

Do you get the idea that I don't enjoy February? My mother never did either. She would start to get that shut-in, give-me-some-sunshine feeling. That is when she would come stay with us for two or three weeks. I think like so many people, mother had seasonal depression. The weather just plain got to her.

Mom would come and we would get out the card table so she could work jigsaw puzzles. She and I would play Rummy Cube, in the evenings. She would request mashed potatoes for every meal and spoil the kids.

When she visited, one thing mother enjoyed was being able to laugh. She said when you lived by yourself you just do not laugh aloud. One night we left her with the kids and they watched a movie. When we came home we could hear them laughing before we opened the door. They were laughing so hard they had tears running down their cheeks.

Was the movie that funny? I don't know. All I know is that the house was filled with a wonderful, joyous sound. I know that mother got to laugh out loud.

In Psalm 61, the people were down. Their hearts were growing faint. In Psalm 126, joy was restored. Mouths were filled with laughter.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ever depressed? Does the weather get to you? What does make your heart grow faint? Where do you turn to find your way back? Do you look for someone "higher than I?"

I want you to know that I am not taking depression lightly. IF you suffer from depression, do not try to hide it or think you can handle it on your own. Please consider counseling and medication.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

My Dear Lord, Sometimes I wake up and it is still dark outside. I just want to stay in bed and pull the cover over my head. Sometimes I just feel off. I am not sure what is wrong. It is a sadness. Sometimes a lonely feeling. When times like this come and my heart is faint, let me look up. Up to one higher than I. And let me look up until that time passes. And I know it will pass. Just like the month of February, my drab, gray time will turn to spring. And my heart will be filled with laughter. … Amen

WATCH WHERE YOU GO

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Mark 13:32-33, 37

(Jesus speaking) "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. …… What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

WATCH WHERE YOU GO

When you walk, do you look at your feet? Do you watch each step? Or do you look ahead?

Sunday, February 1st, I played hooky from church and instead celebrated Sunday by taking a grandson shopping. When our daughter's boys reach seven, we go birthday shopping. Noah turned seven in December and we finally found a day that worked for both of us.

Much to his disappointment, the first stop, in Target, was to buy clothes. Then we found the toy aisle and Noah picked out a toy. He also spent his it-is-yours-to-spend-how-you-want ten dollars. Hey, I think clothes, a toy and ten bucks was a good deal.

Noah has been to Wal-Mart and thought that is a big store. He had never been to a MALL. As we walked through the mall, Noah noticed all the stores but was more interested in stepping ever so carefully that his feet were always in the middle of the tiles. He did not want to step on a crack. This was fun and he thought the only thing we were going to do now was get something to eat. So he kept his eyes on the floor. Not looking ahead. (That was my job.) Not looking at anything except those tiles. Not looking up until --

"Oh Grandma, look at that. Do I get to ride?"

You see, Glenbrook Mall has a two-story carrousel and Noah looked up just at the right moment. I am glad I had not told him about it, because the look on his face was one of wonder. Yes, he rode. And on the top story. All smiles as it went around and around. A perfect way to end our shopping day.

I wonder how often we keep our heads down. Looking at each tiny step we take. So concerned about 'stepping on a crack' that we miss the wonder waiting for us.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ridden a merry-go-round lately? Have you almost missed something wonderful because you failed to look ahead? Or failed to look up?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

What do you have in store for me Lord? What wonders await me? Will I go around and around with joy? Smiling? Or will I miss out because I cannot take my eyes off the ground? Will I forget to watch? Let my steps be sure and straight so my eyes can always be on you. Let me lift my head so I may see the wonder of your creation. And let me bow my head as I offer my humble prayers. Dear Lord, let me always watch, because, when the time comes for Your return, I want to be ready. Amen

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PS -- Susan Ring has posted the painting I described in my January 16 blog. Go to www.susanringart.com. Then click on gallery page and then oils. Coming home from Culver is the first picture on the left. Enjoy

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RANDOM THOUGHTS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 143:8 (One of my favorites!)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Today's blog is random thoughts. They are in no particular order and written for no specific reason. Just random thoughts that have entered my tiny brain this week.

I shouldn't admit this (and hope you don't think less of me), but I do watch the show Saving Grace. It would be X rated because Grace is not ashamed of her bare backside and Grace does not follow the Ten Commandments. The show is about an angel trying to save Grace. The other night we caught a rerun of the first show. In that show, when the angel and Grace were talking, she asked the normal questions. Why this? Why that? The angel said, "If you had all the answers, you would not need faith."

Unending -- That is how I would describe laundry. Our daughter, who has four boys, five if you count her husband, would love to have my unending laundry. Hers is more like an un-scalable mountain. The trouble is that the laundry is never done. No sooner do you set the empty hamper in its proper location, than someone will decide to take a shower. Or toss a shirt in for no reason other than they have worn it for the last four days. Unending laundry. Oh, thank you God that we have clothes to wear. That we have a washer and drier. Thank you God for unending laundry. Another sign of a blessed life.

Leftovers can be fun. When trying to decide what to fix for dinner, I remembered the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. So I used the turkey and made a big pan of turkey and dressing!!! Boy did it taste good. I asked our son if he would like some for his supper. He said no. Guess what -- Once mentioned, the turkey and dressing kept sounding better and better. Yes, I received a call saying, "Can I take back my no?" Leftovers taste good and these leftovers brought back pictures of a Thanksgiving table and family. (A note to Terri: I froze some for you. Will bring it over next Friday when I come to spend the night with the boys.)

I am going to try to insert a picture. Other than pictures of our children and grandchildren, this is the best picture I have received in an email. Just look at the picture. Allow yourself to feel. Look at the smile on Jesus' face. Look at the calm on the face of the girl. May the picture give you comfort this week.

It did not take long to find this picture. I just googled Jesus hugging girl. Here is the link.

http://www.zinch.com/TalentShow/ViewDetails.aspx?FileId=362192&CatId=27649&SubCatId=27653

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you need all the answers before you have faith? Have you ever considered laundry a blessing? Have you ever said no and then changed your mind? Can you imagine what it would feel like to have Jesus hug you?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Jesus, I have come to talk to you. I am thankful that you are never too busy for me. That you strengthen my faith when I have questions. I ask that you open my eyes so I see my chores - laundry, washing the car, fixing the garage door, all those jobs - as blessings. Give me wisdom to know when I need to change my mind and the courage to do it. And Jesus, I do picture myself in your arms. I can imagine what it must feel like to be safely held. Surrounded by your love. And feeling the joy of your smile. … Amen

JUST A THOUGHT

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 32:1-2, 10

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.

JUST A THOUGHT

By now, I hope you have seen the movie Fireproof. This was in the theaters last fall and released for sale January 27. If I wrote about this before, sorry. Fireproof is a movie about a troubled marriage. A marriage where the husband and the wife have to learn to love. To respect. To believe. To trust. If you have not seen this movie, WATCH IT. (How is that for being bossy?)

This is a film for anyone that is thinking of getting married. Anyone who is having trouble in their marriage. Anyone who has a happy marriage. Actually, the lessons this movie offers are good for each of us. Who doesn't need to learn more about respect? Trust? Love?

A song from this movie is Slow Fade. It is by Casting Crowns and is a lesson for life. Slow Fade tells how our downfall never comes quickly. It starts slowly. A look. A word. A touch. Each a simple, single act. Nothing to fear there. Just as the first drink is harmless. The first lie is small. The first -- Well, the first time is usually innocent.

When we did a study of David, we saw David have a thought. Not a good thought about Bathsheba. Now, that thought wasn't all innocent, but it could have stopped there. BUT David did a slow fade. He went from thought to the next step. And the next. And the next.

The movie Fireproof portrays a couple working on a troubled marriage. Each wanting to be forgiven for things that went from slow fade to big problems. David turned to God to be forgiven for his actions that went from slow fade to big problems. As I watched a video of Slow Fade, I realized how easy it is to get on the wrong path. All it takes is the next word. The next drink.

The Good News here -- Through God you have the courage to NOT take the next step. God has His hand ready to take yours and lead you back to the right path.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you ready to allow God to lead you on the right path? Do you recognize areas of "slow fade" in your life?

PRAYER

Each person is strong and weak in different parts of their life. My prayer would be different from yours. This week ask God to give you strength when you need courage.

Have a blessed week!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Shack

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1:8

"I am…

THE SHACK

I love to read. I am not big on history. Or books where "girl sees boy and hates him instantly." You know immediately that they will fall in love and all will be right with the world. Sometimes I read books that jump off the library shelf and sometimes books that are recommended. Let me tell you about one of those recommended books.

My friend, Sharon, asked me, "Have you read The Shack?" I answered her, "No. I have not heard about it."

I happened to be in Joy Christian Bookstore and there it was. The Shack. I bought it, laid it aside and now wish I had read it immediately. WOW! (www.theshackbook.com)

Is this an easy book to read? Yes and no. The novel is about (from the back cover): "Mackenzie Allen Philip's youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later, in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. ----- In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question: Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain? The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!"

Eugene Peterson -- "This book has the potential to do for our generation what John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress did for his. It's that good!"

Michael W. Smith, recording artist -- "The Shack is the most absorbing work of fiction I've read in many years. My wife and I laughed, cried and repented of our own lack of faith along the way. The Shack will leave you craving for the presence of God."

Everyone has different types of books and specific authors they like to read. BUT -- If you are willing to allow a work of fiction to increase your faith, please read The Shack. I read this book quickly. I wanted to find out how it ended. I now plan to read this book slowly. Taking time to absorb every word.

Did you think I used a short scripture today? Or that maybe it didn’t all print? Actually, "I am" is all I intended to use. A quote from The Shack: God speaking: "I am a verb. I am that I am. I will be who I will be. I am a verb! I am alive, dynamic, ever active, and moving. I am a being verb."

God is a verb! God is alive. God is dynamic. God is ever active. God is alive, dynamic and ever active in our lives. TODAY.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What books have you read that helped you? Please use the comments to let us know.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

To the great I AM, I AM. Not I was or I will be, but I AM. O Lord, that makes me want to shout with joy. I AM. That means You ARE here for me now. You ARE helping me understand when times are tough. You ARE hearing my prayers. You ARE caring. Right now. Right where I am. Right here. As I say this prayer, You ARE active in my life. To the great I am, … Amen

THE ROAD

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: Psalm 89:15

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.

THE ROAD

I had hoped to put a link to a painting so you could see it, but of all the paintings Susan Ring (www.susanringart.com) has posted, Going Home From Culver is not one of them. You are going to have to use your imagination. I would tell you to close your eyes, but then it would be hard to read, so keep those peepers open.

Picture yourself standing on a small country road. One with no center stripe and no white lines along the side to guide you. Then notice the grass growing to the edge of the road. Like a border. Now add trees. Trees that cover the road like a canopy. Can you picture this? Add a small bush with blue flowers to your right. And ahead of you -- that is what is so great about the spot where you are standing.

Ahead of you, the road is unending. The sun is shining because the tree canopy ends. It is as if you are going out of a dark tunnel and heading into a warm inviting light. Now, close your eyes for a minute and see if you can place yourself in this picture.

Could you feel it? When I look at this picture, it is as if I am looking at hope. At peace. At comfort. When I look at this picture, I know that Jesus will be sitting, just up the road a bit, waiting for me. I can picture him, relaxing, as if he had all the time in the world. Waiting just for me. Waiting, with a drink of water and a piece of bread. Waiting to take my hand and say, "I knew you would be coming down this road. May I walk with you? I have so much to share with you."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Have you ever been on a road like this? Where you felt an instant feeling of calm? Peace? As if, you were not alone. As if wonders waited, you if you just stayed on this particular road.

Please finish this prayer in your own words --

LET US PRAY

My Dear Jesus, I know you are waiting for me. Patiently waiting for me while I work through all of my questions. My doubts. My fears. Sometimes I do feel like I am in a tunnel. When I am in that place, let me always keep my eyes open so I can see the light. The peace. The hope. The comfort you offer. Jesus, right now I want to tell you about ........ Amen

If this does not post correctly, I apologize. For some reason, many people are having trouble with spacing, font size and funny labeling under the list of blogs when they post. I tried what they suggested and hope this works. Guess I will see when I hit the post button. Have a blessed day, Mary

TIME?

TODAYS SCRIPTURES: ECCLESIASTES

3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:

8:5 Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.

8:7 Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?

TIME?

I am late in writing this. Why? Yesterday I ran out of time. I do believe there were a few hours missing, but Bill assured me that Thursday had 24 hours as normal. Or maybe my, "I can get this done today" was an unrealistic expectation. I did accomplish my main goal, but that meant I had to put off writing my blog until this morning. Usually I have an idea of what I want to write, but today I am not sure what to share.

Time: Remember I told you I was going to give the message at church? Sunday was the day. Even though I am always nervous, I had a ball. The power point presentation worked and no one fell asleep. That is always a good sign.

Time: December 31st was our "almost retired" day. That was the day Bill retired from managing farms. That meant I would soon be relieved of my duties of preparing farm reports. This week I prepared them for the last time and, as I write this, Bill is putting them in the mail. I said almost retired because Bill is going to continue to do farm real estate sales and farm real estate appraisals. I have a feeling he also has some other ideas about filling up his time.

Time: Bill has been a bit lost the last few days. Trying to figure out this new time thing. I can see that I will also be wondering around a bit. The things that have taken so much of our time for over 30 years will now be taking up someone else's time. Someone else can pay those bills. Have the responsibility of making decisions that affect others financial resources. Someone else can write letters and prepare those farm reports. Someone else can answer the phone at 11:00 at night and on Sunday afternoon. But what will we do with the time we now have?

We included a letter with our final farm report. Bill thanked our management clients and than said, I could add the closing. I would like to share with you a bit of that letter.

"During the last 33 years, Bill and I have experienced the highs and lows of life. We have watched markets rise to levels old timers would never have believed and then fall to levels that devastated dreams. We have managed properties that have been under Halderman's care for generations and added new properties as owners needed our services. Reports were once prepared on a typewriter and now I would hate to do away with my computer. We have moved from "just a phone" to telephone, answering machine, cell phones and email. We have had the joy of working with tenants who did their best for you. We will not miss dealing with the Farm Service Agency and the government's obsession with needless paperwork.

Personally, during this time, we have each experienced the death of our mothers. The deaths of owners, tenants and other Halderman employees. Joyfully, we watched our children grow from ages 9, little Bill, and 4, Terri. They now have families of their own and we have six grandchildren. We have been fortunate to travel. We have been fortunate to share our lives with each of you. Retirement has been described as many things but I would like to quote two. Our son called it Endless Possibilities. A farm owner called it opening a door to a new life."

I do know: We are very grateful to have had work. We are very grateful to have had clients from Florida to Michigan. From California to Connecticut. Over the years, these clients trusted us with their farming investment. They trusted Bill.

Time: As I read over this, I realized that time is so many things. When we think back over 33 years, it seems to be filled with work. What I realize is that, although our lives revolved around work, work allowed us to support our family and educate our children. Work allowed us to travel and see so much of God's creation. Work - because Bill and I were a team - allowed us to spend time together.

Time: What will we do with our ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES? What will we do with the DOOR THAT IS OPENING TO A NEW LIFE? I am not sure.

I did not know where this was going or that it would be this long, but I know where it is ending. It is ending, with Bill and me opening that door. And what possibilities are on the other side? Only God knows.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Do you have a job? Are you retired? How do you fill your time?

Today I ask you to pray this prayer for us. To offer this as a blessing. Thank you!!!

LET US PRAY

Dear Heavenly Father, Bill and Mary stand before the door ready to walk through and begin a new phase of their lives. Please allow them to be wise in their decisions. To trust and obey your commands. Let them leap with joy at the endless possibilities you have prepared for them. Amen

HAPPY NEW YEAR

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:4

"Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8

HAPPY NEW YEAR

As so often happens, I think I have an idea of what I want to write and then WHAM something pops into my little brain and this blog takes a completely new direction. That is what happened yesterday - January 1, 2009.

You see, for the last, I am not sure how many years; I have worked a New Year's Day consignment sale. This involves local farmers bringing in items to sell. Tractors. Combines. Trucks. Snowmobiles. Cars. One year, some children brought a litter of puppies to sell. You name it. We sell it. Big items and small. So far, we have never sold any wives or children, although knowing farm wives I am sure a few have considered selling their husbands when they came back from the auction with an unexpected purchase of yet another tractor.

The cashiers arrive at 7:00 AM. We set up and from that time, until we leave it is non-stop. We register bidders. We file bid tickets. We check people out. We count the cash. We add the clerk sheets. We add the checks. We put it all together, balance and go home. It is one very hectic, busy day. And usually, very cold.

As I said, it is non-stop. It is hard to find time to leave the cashier trailer to take care of the call of nature when that morning coffee decides it has been in your system long enough. And even though you are thirsty, you dare not drink too much for fear of having to make another nature call. I will say this - the line of men, dressed in winter coveralls, hats and gloves, waiting at the port-a-pot are always very generous and allow the female members of the sale crew to step in line.

Did I tell you how busy we are? One of the problems with being that busy is finding time to eat lunch. As I was pulling on my long johns, three pairs of socks, turtleneck, sweatshirt and jeans, as an afterthought, said, "I wish I had gotten some turkey and made a sandwich." I then got in the truck and, because the sale is just down the road and parking is at a premium, Bill took me and dropped me off.

GUESS WHAT -- Bill returned with a turkey sandwich, chips and some sweets for my lunch. Even though I had not directed my comment about the sandwich to him, he had heard me. He realized my need and took care of it. What an amazing feeling I had when Bill handed that sack lunch in the window to me. The kindness of his consideration washed over me.

GUESS WHAT -- Our God knows what we need before we even ask Him. Isn't that great? We don't have to verbalize. We don't even have to think it. God knows!

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

What act of kindness has someone given you? What need does God find in you?

LET US PRAY

Today, use your words to thank God for all the blessing you have received without asking. Offer thanks for all the gentle, considerate acts of kindness you received in 2008. Ask God to be with you in this New Year. Ask God to use you to show acts of kindness to others. Then humbly say Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Since 1985, I have written a poem or writing to put in our Christmas cards. This is what I wrote for 2008.

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CHANGE

It was a normal day. The sun came up as usual.
People woke up. They went to work.
There were meals to fix. Children to tend.
There were lessons to be learned and laws to be observed.

Bethlehem was busier than usual. So many strangers coming into town.
The inns were full and the streets were jammed.
This was good for the merchants, but not so easy on the travelers.
The travelers were tired. Some were confused and lost.

People came home from work. They prepared for rest.
It had been a normal day. Bethlehem and the whole world went to bed.
Each person thinking tomorrow they would do it all over again.
But before the next sunrise, there would be a change.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Few people even noticed the change.
They just went on with their lives. As if, the sun had come up as usual.

Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:22-23

My prayer for you, this Christmas, is that you will notice the change.
That you will celebrate this birth.
That you will reach for the hand of a baby.
That you will take the hand of God.

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I hope you had a Blessed Christmas,
Mary

PLAYING CHARADES

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1 -- parts of verses 5 - 25 - the Birth of John the Baptist Foretold (please read verses 5 - 25)

(Zechariah went into the temple of the Lord) Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, …… "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. ….. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. ….. Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." The Angel answered, …… And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time." …….. When his time of service was completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion.

PLAYING CHARADES

As I was preparing the Sunday School lesson for this week, I had to laugh at the image of Zechariah coming out of the temple. The people were waiting on him. What did his face look like? It says they realized "he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them." Were his eyes big with wonder? Was he standing taller? Did his face show puzzlement? What signs did he make to help them understand what had happened.

And then it was time for him to go home. Can you picture Elizabeth opening the door and saying, "How was your day at the temple dear?" Then, and this is where my imagination really took over, can you picture Zechariah trying to explain - without speaking - that she was going to have a baby?

Remember, Elizabeth was "well along in years." The pregnancy would be the easy part. Of course staying "in seclusion" for five months would be a bit of a stretch. Pregnancy is followed by a delivery and a delivery before the medical breakthrough of blocking the pain with drugs. Then would come changing diapers. Potty training. The terrible twos. Dealing with a teenager. And all the time making sure this child John did not drink any wine or fermented drink. Plus the fact that he would be filled "with the Holy Spirit even from birth."

Now wouldn't you think Elizabeth would be just a bit upset? And scared?

If Bill came home and told me that he had a vision, a visit from an angel, and that I was going to be pregnant, I would probably take him to the emergency room. Why? Well first, I would think he was hallucinating. Second, he would need stitches from the injury he received when I whacked him with a ball bat.

Elizabeth had quite an adventure, which began because she and her husband were "upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly." Can you picture Elizabeth as she finally figured out her husband's game of charades? Did she have a smile on her face as she realized she was going to have a baby?

Are you ready for verse 25? Was Elizabeth upset? No. "The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people." She wasn't upset. She was thrilled. She was thankful. Humble.

Then Elizabeth was visited by Mary and the baby "leaped in her womb." Luke 1:41

QUESTION AND ACTIVITY OF THE DAY

Can you imagine what Elizabeth must have felt like? Now go a little crazy. Act out this lesson. Try being Zechariah telling the people. Then try explaining to Elizabeth what was going to happen. Remember, you cannot talk.

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

Dear God, As we prepare to celebrate the birth of YOUR SON, we see so many people being prepared to play their part. Mary would be a willing servant and mother to YOUR SON. Elizabeth would deliver the child who would prepare the way for Jesus. The shepherds would hear the good news and then visit the Christ Child. The wise men would travel far, to honor a baby that had been placed in a manger. YOUR SON came to earth for all - the humble servants like Mary. The upper class like Elizabeth. The poor like the shepherds. The rich like the wise men. Thank you, Heavenly Father. Thank you for sending YOUR SON for me. Amen

MERRY CHRISTMAS - MAY YOUR LIFE BE BLESSED BY THE BIRTH OF THIS BABY. --- Mary

EXCITED

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: LUKE 2:10-12

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

EXCITED

I am writing this Wednesday evening and I am excited. This has been one busy day. Terri, our daughter, and I are going to bake tomorrow. Almost every Christmas, we bake. We bake cookies. We make candy. We talk. We laugh. We celebrate together.

So today, I shopped for all those supplies. They are waiting on the kitchen counter. Along with the measuring cups. The mixer. The recipes. Waiting until Terri gets here. I have done some prep work. I have one batch of cookie dough in the refrigerator and have the party mix done. The rest will happen tomorrow. I am s-o-o-o excited.

I am excited because, not only is this a day with Terri, it is a time we share the fruits of our work with others. A time when we knock on friends doors and say, "Merry Christmas."

I also received a phone call today from our minister. I had told him I had an idea for a Sunday message. Amazing as it sounds to those who know me, occasionally they do allow me to be the speaker. He wanted to know if January 4th would work. I said, "YES."

You see, this is a message I have been working on since April 2008. If you go back and read my blog for April 25 and September 26, you will know what message I plan to deliver. One grandson has offered to help me put together a power point presentation. I am excited because I will tell the congregation about my nine-month adventure of finding God in unexpected places.

I am glad I will be talking after Christmas. You see, I want to ask the congregation where they find Jesus. If they find Him in unexpected places? After all, who would have thought to look in a stable for the Son of God?

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you excited about the Christmas season? Do you have a tradition that you look forward to? Do you find Jesus in your celebrations?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

It is almost Christmas. Almost your Birthday, Jesus. And I am excited. The shepherds had to go to a stable to find you. The wise men traveled a long distance. How lucky I am that I know where to find you. Your Holy Spirit is with me always. I find you everywhere I am. Amen

DECORATIONS

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: PSALM 104:5

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.

DECORATIONS

So do you have your Christmas decorations all in their places? Isn't it funny how you put Santa in the same spot each year? And the tree sits where it sat last year. And the nativity rests in its familiar location. The angels know where to go as soon as you open the box and the lights could hang themselves. That is how it always is. Once you find just the right spot, you "set Christmas up" the same each year. That is unless you move.

That is my dilemma. I did put the Advent candle on the television. That is the only Christmas display that stayed where it had always been. Our 43-year-old nativity will go on the table beside the front door. With angels around it.

But where do I put the Christmas tree? And Santa? And the snowmen?

The tree we put up on the loft area, overlooking the living room. We like it there. The lights shine down on us. It makes a colorful glow because I am a multi-color person and have never gone in for just one color of lights.

I am beginning to find spots for the snowmen and think I know where to put the Santas. It will be interesting to see if it all works together to make a festive season. I am having fun (and Bill is tolerating) "setting Christmas up" and finding new locations for our favorite Christmas decorations.

Know what? Next year we may decide to put the tree in a new location. And the snowmen might be grouped differently. And who knows where Santa will recline. Yes, things can be moved around but it is wonderful that we can rest assured that God "set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved."

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are your decorations up? What is your favorite? What decoration would you hate to break or loose?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

The Christmas season has begun. Dear Jesus, I am so excited to begin this time of celebrating your birth. To think that you came to earth for me is such a humbling thought. Let your birth be the foundation of my celebrations. Keep my belief in Your Holy Birth on such a strong foundation that it can never be moved. Amen

THANKSGIVING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 12:28

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

THANKSGIVING

I am writing this Wednesday evening, but by the time you read this, the left over turkey will be in the refrigerator. The dressing will be waiting to be eaten for lunch and I will still be wondering why Bill likes Mincemeat Pie. Thanksgiving is Bill's favorite holiday and I do love fixing the meal.

This year we had an added surprise when a beautiful centerpiece was delivered. One of our farm management families sent it to thank us for years of service. Bless their hearts. Every woman loves unexpected, fresh flowers.

I started on Wednesday baking and getting ready. The piecrust stuck to the counter and I ended up patching it. The Jello turned out just right. Then I made a peanut butter cake. (I know that is not traditional, but our son and I love peanut butter cake.) The cake was going good until I realized I did not have quite enough brown sugar. No problem. I just added a little white sugar. Then I realized the cake batter was thicker than usual. I checked the recipe. Right there it said 1/3 cup of peanut butter. Below that was one cup of something. Guess why the batter was thick. You are right. I had put in one cup instead of 1/3. A problem? Not sure. The cake looks okay and it baked fine, but I guess the taste test will come tomorrow. I put on extra icing just in case the cake is only fair.

If this is a normal year, the turkey will look like the picture in those cooking magazines, but will fall apart when we cut it. I guess we like ours actually cooked all the way through. Bill will mash the potatoes and I will make the gravy. The cranberry Jello salad will be eaten by some and some will turn their noses up.

I have the table set and it looks pretty. I had planned to use the everyday dishes that could be stuck in the dishwasher, but then the flowers arrived I changed my mind. The table is set with our 43-year-old wedding china (a gift from my parents), the good glasses and coasters that belonged to Bill's uncle. When we sit down to the table, we will miss having our daughter and her family, but will welcome our son's friend and her children.

I can see why Thanksgiving is Bill's favorite holiday. It is a day to enjoy family. It is a day to reflect on blessings. The big ones we notice -- Health. Family. Friends. Home. The small ones we almost forget and take for granted -- Electricity. Water. Laughter.

Today my biggest blessing is faith. I had religion a long time and I found there is a big difference between faith and religion. I will take faith.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

What were you thankful?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

Friday morning: A note before I post this: The cake was tremendous. I will put extra peanut butter the next time too. The turkey was drier than usual. The dressing (stuffing to you city people) was very good this year. And Bill was the only one to eat the pie. Know what? Dry turkey or not - IT WAS A WONDERFUL DAY. Of course, I will have to write about the kids saying someone is at the door and finding a police officer ready to ring the bell. And no, he was not going door-to-door for charity.

LET US PRAY

Today, please offer a prayer of your own. Use simple words. Or exquisite words. Offer a prayer thanking God for all He has given you.

A DRIVE ON A DARK MORNING

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 35:8

And a highway will be there; it will be called the way of Holiness.

(Please read Isaiah 35. This is a wonderful chapter.)

A DRIVE ON A DARK MORNING

On my November 7 blog, I wrote about talking to God while I was driving. Today I want to tell you about an early morning drive I had. For those of you who do not know it, I cashier auctions and those auctions are not always close to home or easy to find.

In the fall and winter, thanks to our Indiana legislature, we experience dark mornings because of Eastern Time zone/daylight savings time. Bless their hearts. (Sarcasm there.) Early one morning. A dark morning. I left for an auction. Did I tell you it was dark? And early. That meant the deer would be meeting in the fields for their breakfast and morning gossip. That meant I had to watch out for deer.

Being dark also meant I had to dim my lights for oncoming traffic and I had to squint when those same cars were not as considerate. Bill had made me a map and I was sorta confident as to what towns I would be going through, where to make turns and how to get to the auction.

What I found, as I drove, were a few unexpected curves that looked like straight lines on the map. I also found I appreciated the reflectors down the center of the road and the white line on the edge of the road. These helped keep me in my own lane on that early dark morning.

Know what? That drive is like traveling the road of life. Life is not always sunny and bright. Sometimes it is dark and danger starts early in the day. The deer and bright oncoming headlights are like sin, ready to step in front of you at any moment or blind you to the truth. The other side is that God is like the reflectors and the white line. He has laid out a path for you - yes a path that has many curves and unexpected turns, but he does have a road for you to travel. The headlights on your own car? The light of God showing you the way. And the map? The Bible.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

As you travel, what is trying to distract you? What light is shining in your life? What do you use as a map?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

A highway will be there; it will be called the way of Holiness. My God, I want to be on that road. As I travel through life, light my way. Protect me as sins and false gods try to distract me from my destination. Let my eyes see the reflectors and white lines so I do not veer off your highway. Give me wisdom so I can understand your map - the Bible. .… Amen

HAVE AN EXTREMELY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I WANT IT NOW

TODAYS SCRIPTURES:

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. Colossians 1:10-12

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Titus 2:11-13

I WANT IT NOW

Do you watch commercials? I try not, but you cannot avoid them. Some are not too bad and if I were looking for an advertising agency, I would find the company that represents Target. Their ads are good. Bright. Active. Gives Target a good image. I would also find out the ad agency that Volkswagen uses. Now just how stupid are their commercials that say, "They got pregnant so they could buy a Volkswagen." Brooke Shields may look good in those commercials, but I would not hire that agency to advertise my product. Is that really the best they could do? Volkswagen needs to talk to Target.

Have you seen the ad where the guy is watching television and the picture goes out? His wife then says, "You are right. We need a new TV." The next shot is of this guy in a store saying, "I want it all. I want it now."

That is one ad I do not like and would love to see taken off the air. The trouble is that is the attitude most people have now days. "I want it all. I want it now."

Remember when you loaded film into a camera. You took pictures. Then waited with great anticipation for days until they were developed. Now you can get same day prints. Or better yet, one hour. Oh, that is right. Now we have digital.

I will take a picture of one of the grandchildren and they instantly say, "Let me see it." (I want it all. I want it now.)

Fast food restaurants. Instant mashed potatoes. Frozen meals. Meals in a bag. Instant coffee. (I want it all. I want it now.)

Overnight shipping. Faxes. Email. Instant messaging. Text messaging. Cell phones. (I want it all. I want it now.)

DVD's that tape one show while you watch another. The newest Wii. The latest video game. A really, really big screen TV. (I want it all. I want it now.)

And heaven forbid if we have to wait in line. Do people not know how important I am? I have places to be. Things to do. I do not have time to wait. (I want it all. I want it now.)

Patience. Waiting. Okay, I am not always good at the patience part. But I do try. I think we lack patience and the ability to wait because we are putting so much "activity" into each day.

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY

Are you in an "I want it all. I want it now" mode? Are you short on patience? If you have to wait just a few minutes, does it throw your whole day off? Are your days so full of "activity" that you have no time to live?

Please use this as a beginning of your prayer. Finish in your own words, words from your heart.

LET US PRAY

To my glorious God and Savior, I come before you and for this brief time retreat from a hectic world. I come asking for the strength to live my life in such a way that it is of worth to you. I do need patience. Patience to live in a hectic world and not to forget what is truly important. Lord, teach me to wait. To wait and not develop an "I want it all. I want it now" attitude. Allow my eyes to see all the blessings I have and the patience to wait for all of the blessings you have in store for me. … Amen

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear Mary, Happy Birthday to me.

Did you guess that it is my birthday? I am 62 today and counting. I love birthdays. It reminds me that I am special. That God made me. Is that not the most amazing thought? God made each of us -- each unique.

When it is your birthday, celebrate. Enjoy. We are God's sons and daughters. Now how much better can it get? Enjoy today's blog, Mary

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

TODAYS SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be they name.

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

Sometimes I enjoy driving by myself. I can listen to the music I want. Or listen to a sermon. I can drive in silence. Or I can talk with God. That is what happened the other morning.

It was early. Barely daylight. I said, "Good morning God."

I wondered how many people were praying at that very moment. I wondered what that would sound like.

"O Lord. What does it sound like? So many prayers being said at one time. So many people asking for help. So many people sending up praise. So many languages. What does it sound like?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What is it like to see your children turn from your way? What does it feel like to see even one of your sheep lost?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What does it feel like to see a child born? To see new life and then to see that life taken in anger. Or neglect." -- And, with tears in my eyes, I thought, "I can only imagine."

"As you look at this great world, what does it feel like to hear words spoken in anger? To see your sons hungry? To see your daughters thirsty?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What did it feel like to watch your Son nailed to a cross? To watch your Son die?" -- And, thankfully, I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What did you feel as your Son rose from the grave? To see Him alive and coming home?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What does it sound like to hear thousands of voices singing? Joyfully singing songs of praise. Declaring You the Most High. The One True God. What does it sound like? Is it music to your ears?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"What does it feel like to see one of your treasured children come back to you? Like something missing has been returned?" -- And I thought, "I can only imagine."

"God, what do you feel when you -- See tears of joy? Hear the laughter of a child? See people reading the Bible? Watch someone slip from earthly life into eternal life? How does it feel when one of your children opens their heart to accept your offer of peace, comfort, hope and grace? God, what do you feel when you see one of your children reach out their hand to another?" -- And, with a humble heart, I said, "I can only imagine."

(Today there are no questions and no beginning prayer. Take time to talk to God. He will listen. He is waiting for you.)