Well, we moved, again. We have been in Florida for a month now. It is winter everywhere else in the Northern Hemisphere, but winter eludes Florida. Yes, there are a lot of older people. Yes, many men wear Hawaiian shirts, my husband included. And yes, it is a tropical paradise. Our home has a beautiful pool and great kitchen with granite counter tops, the kids have made lots of friends and work is going well for J. But I miss North Carolina. I miss long walks in the woods, coffee and lunch with friends, and I miss Seminary. Every Wednesday morning I long to be with my Bible study group who have been faithfully covering my family with a blanket of prayer.
However, we are instructed not to dwell on what we do not have, but to praise God for the present. So I spent my morning refocusing my heart by creating a praise list. It is very easy to come up with 10, 20 maybe even 30 generalizations. So after excluding those I was left with some specific praises, I hope you are blessed by this entry. And I pray that you will be encouraged to redirect your heart as well.
Rom. 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Lord, I praise you for:
1. D climbing on my lap to read this morning. You have blessed him with a unique curiosity and an analytical mind challenging me to experience this world in ways that only his presence in my life can bring.
2. My husband’s kiss this morning. Help me to continue to put his needs before mine and to be generous with my mind and body regardless of how I feel.
3. An email from a new friend. Being new to this area has isolated me again, but You have been faithful in sending people to encourage me and befriend me even when I am not looking for them.
4.Sending Dr. Geisler to speak in Tampa Sunday. He delivered a message that I know blessed many. Please send someone in my path this week who needs to hear about God’s providence and help me to reproduce the message accurately.
5. My morning cup of coffee.You are faithful to meet me every morning, renewing my strength for the day and showering me with new grace. I pray that my words and actions, even my impulsive words and actions will be pleasing in Your sight. Without faith it is impossible to please You, so Lord help me with my unbelief. Strengthen my resolve so that I may live a life without compromise.
Crave 