Like Jewels In A Crown

Dear God,

When I sometimes think too deeply about it, I get scared and worried of the thought that my kids won't be walking right with You.  I fear at the very thought that I would be separated from You still.

But my verse for today is such great comfort, Lord.  You are the sole author and architect of my salvation.  And all I have to do is turn to You, and You will do the rest.  I can safely place my children in Your hands because You are an all-sufficient God and Heavenly Father to us all.  You will protect my kids, because You love them even more than I do!

Father, please cleanse me of my ungrounded and baseless fears.  Please fill me with enough confidence that I can share it with my DS and DD.  You are the strong and powerful protector, Lord.  And I am thankful that because of Your Son, Jesus, we will be lifted up as jewels in a crown.

The Lord their God will save his people on that day
as a shepherd saves his flock.
They will sparkle in his land
like jewels in a crown.

Zechariah 9:16

Lift Me Up

Dear God,

In this world, honor and reward play a very big part in our lives.  We usually do things to look good in the eyes of other people...  We become conceited when we are praised...  And of course, working toward this kind of praise is a good motivational tool too.  But on the other hand, I know that there is danger in this kind of focus that is being misplaced.

I am aware that it is so much more important to be pleasing to You.  You have given me many great tasks, and being a Mom is one of my greatest favorites.  But, it can also be humbling at times.  I guess that is good enough for me, though...

Lord, please help me to do my job humbly and to rely solely on You.  I know that this is what would please You most, and that reward is the best motivator I could ever ask for.

Humble yourselves before the Lord,

and he will lift you up.

James 4:10

I Prayed For A Boy And A Girl

Dear God,

Thank You so much for granting my request two times :) And receiving a beautiful family from You is my greatest blessing in life.  Father, as Hannah did, I give my children back to You.  My prayer now is that each of my kids, my DSM, and DDG -- would accept You as their personal Lord and Savior.  And then I also ask that You would use each one of  them someday, for Your greater glory.

Father, please help my M and my G to dedicate themselves to serving You in whatever capacity You would call them.  Please be with them as they both face the many possible temptations that abound in this world.  Show them both what convictions to establish and give them the strength they need to stand firm and planted in those convictions.  And please protect them from spiritual and physical harm, and give them both sound minds and bodies as they face each new day.

I thank You in advance for answered prayers, dear Lord.

I prayed for this child,

and the Lord has granted me

what I asked of him.

1 Samuel 1:27