Easier Said Than Done

Dear God,

You have commanded us to do everything with charity, or love.  That is quite a tall order...  I mean, I love my kids, my DH, and I want to show them my love each moment, each waking hour I spend with them; but when it's disciplining time, or to make it more concrete -- when it's 3:30 a.m., and one of them is still up, frustration and desperation set in, and love goes into hiding.

Oftentimes I am aware that my kids are not tired enough, and need a loving, disciplinary reminder that he or she must go to bed even if he or she does not want to.  Other times, when one of them is too engrossed in a  book, or a television show...  Please remind me, Lord, of the times that I could use a loving hug.

Please help me to put my need to rest or sleep aside, to draw my kids close, and to assure them of my love and, more importantly, Your love.

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:14

Your Kind Of Caring

Dear God,

When in the midst of a crowded place, I feel so alone...  I don't know anyone... no one knows me... It makes me think; does anyone ever care that I can be hurting inside?  I feel as if there is no safe place anywhere for me.

Perhaps, this is the way my kids felt when I sent them off to school for the first time... or to kids church, where they also didn't know anyone... were they lonely in the middle of a crowd, just like me...?

At times, the journey of a Christian can be exhausting.  I remember Elijah in the Bible, and how discouraged he became.  He thought he was alone, but You showed him that he wasn't deserted...  Lord, thank You, that You care for our souls, and for every part of our very being.  Thank You, that You are there to keep us from being truly alone.

Look and see,

there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
    no one cares for my life.

Psalm 142:4

Filled With Joy

Dear God,

Life can embrace a person so much.  One blessing that You have given me is motherhood.  There is so much joy and happiness included in that gift...  Like, watching a new achievement excites me.  Seeing my son and daughter grow up before my very eyes -- when both, during each of their toddler years, walked on the floor, trying to balance themselves on their feet -- a newly acquired achievement for each of them -- reminds me that You are in charge of even those natural skills in life.  You will give the ability and strength when the time is right.

I remember, joy filled my life when my kids often asked me to read a book to them, and each would pick a book about You.  You know that my son's favorite song was, "When You Believe," and I cherish all those days when both my kids were little, and learned many things about You.  I pray that they will always have a close walk with You.  That will surely bring the greatest amount of joy, not only to them, but also to me.

You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

Acts 2:28