Thank You For Your Promises

Dear God,

Becoming a wife and mother is one of the most precious blessings I ever received from You.  It brings so much happiness, and it fills my heart with a fresh, and special kind of love everyday.

My DH, DS and DD complete me, and they allow me to keep a very special memory etched in my heart; first, when I got married, and second, when I gave birth to each of my children.

But even though my life as a wife and mom is filled with love, joy, and all kinds of happiness, it is also laced with fears, doubts, and endless questions...And at times, the demands are overwhelming.  I thank You Father, because You do not expect me to accomplish my tasks alone.  Your Word is filled with so many promises.

And so I thank You, because I can always draw comfort from Your Word, and claim Your promises for my own life.  It is also my prayer that my personal, and fellowship times with You will always be a source of my strength and encouragement from You.  Amen.

The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises
    and faithful in all he does.

Psalm 145:13

Do Not Worry

Dear God,

Often I am such a worrywart, and my worries drive me crazy after they pile up in my mind.  I try hard to convince myself  that it is just a healthy concern for the family, but in my heart, I know better.  I know it's nothing short of worry, and Your Word tells me it shouldn't be part of my life.

I should "not worry" about anything.  And there are so many other constructive things for me to do each day, and worrying consumes so much of my energy.  At times, it seems to affect almost every area of my life, and dampens my joy.  It sometimes harms and affects my relationship with my DH, DS, and DD, including some other people that surround me.

Please, Father, I do not want worry to overtake my life.  Help me to give my concerns up to You, and to concentrate on the work You have for me.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,

for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

Wisdom and Kindness

Dear God,

You have said it clearly, that one requirement for being a virtuous woman is that the words I speak be seasoned with wisdom and kindness.  By that I know I must be careful and mindful of how I speak, not only to my DS and DD, but also to my DH, and other people.

It is definitely not an easy task to achieve, because many times my reactions are quick and foolish, and mostly, regrettable.  And then when it is too late, I stop to consider the effect my words or actions have had.

Dear Father, please help me think before I speak!  Put the right words in my mouth so I could build up others and not tear them down.  My greatest desire is to be a virtuous mother.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Proverbs 31:26

To Be Victorious

Dear God,

You have said in Your Word, that I have a place with you in Heaven.  Not only that, but You also said that I will be seated with You in Your throne!  I cannot fully understand how that can happen, but I am humbled and awed by Your promise.

Being victorious isn't something I can do on my own.  And without constant encouragement and example, my kids won't be able to avoid doing the wrong things and stick to the right.  When I show them and tell them about Your ways, then they will be able to experience victory as they learn more about who You are.

There will be certain times, I am sure, when I would be needing You and Your Word to guide me as I journey the road.  Please help me become victorious as I look forward to that day when I sit with You in heaven.

To the one who is victorious,

I will give the right to sit with me on my throne,

just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelation 3:21

Get Wisdom

Dear God,

My quiet time verse for today tells me to get something -- wisdom -- being the first, and clearly, the one I should prioritize.

I shared with my DS and DD that in order for them to gain wisdom, they need to be obedient to all the rules and statutes You give us.  When we are obedient, we can fully, and truly understand who You really are.  And with everything in us, we should strive to be wise and to know You in all Your power and glory. 

Father, please help me to show my kids the importance and need for them to be self-controlled, and not to give-in to the lures and temptation of sin.  When we turn our backs on sin can we only and truly get an understanding of wisdom.  We need a boost of Your strength to help us reach this important goal.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

Peace That Is Perfect

Dear God,

We live in a world full of chaos and turmoil.  There doesn't seem to be any peace either from small neighborhoods to even those in the other side of the world.  There is rampant fighting, wars, bombs, threats, and so much more.  How can we ever find peace, solace, and tranquility around us?  Reality bites -- no earthly army can protect us from harm.

But, my quiet time message today promises that when we trust in You fully, we will experience peace.  The kind of peace that transcends all kinds of understanding...  The peace that we all need amidst wars and rumors of wars...  Our reliance on You alone can only bring us unexplainable comfort and contentment. 

As I explained the real meaning of peace to my kids today, they understood that it is the very core of calmness deep inside us.  No matter what happens to tilt us on the surface, You are in our innermost being, bringing peace, harmony and comfort in our lives.  Thank You, Father, that we can always trust in You.

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.

Isaiah 26:3

So Many Reasons To Give Thanks

Dear God,

Like Daniel, I thank You for answering my prayers.  There are so many answered prayers in my life as a whole...  You have said "yes" to my prayer for a husband and children...  You have given me wisdom as You promised...  You have provided financially and physically for us, even when circumstances made it impossible...  It is a wonderful assurance  to know that we have a God who delights in hearing and answering our prayers, and I am glad to be able to give thanks.

Lord, I want my heart and mind to be able to continue to be filled with praise and thanksgiving to You.  Please continue to keep me anchored in the thought that all You do is for our own good, and for your honor and glory.  You deserve our worship and praises, so please accept our hearts that is full of thanksgiving.

I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.

Daniel 2:23

Standing Our Ground

Dear God,

I am aware that in this world, there are a lot of temptations that are hard to see.  The devil fights against us and I see his subtlety in the ways my DS and DD are tempted by their friends, peers, and the influences of society in general, to do wrong.  I am not immune to it either, Father.

But I thank You for always providing a way out so we can be protected from Satan's lies.  I shared with the kids how You cover us from the top of our heads to the very soles of our feet.  All we have to do is make the decision to put on the armor You have provided.  When we are properly dressed in Your protective gear, we can always stand against evil and  temptation, no matter how deceptive it can be.

Therefore put on the full armor of God,

so that when the day of evil comes,

you may be able to stand your ground,

and after you have done everything, to stand.

Ephesians 6:13

Sound Doctrine

Dear God,

I thank You for giving us sound doctrine.  I know You have set boundaries for e that I can follow and also teach to my kids.  We don't have to guess what is right or what is wrong.  All we have t do in our part, is look to You and Your Word for guidance.

Lord, please guard my tongue as I teach my DS and DD.  Do not let me say foolish things that will lead to confusion or doubt, causing them to stumble or be led astray.  Instead, please do let me be a constant reminder of the way You want us to walk right beside You.  Season my speech with love and grace to encourage both my kids to walk in Your path. 

I praise You, Father, that Your Word is a light for us to follow, a glorious lamp in the darkness of this world.

You, however, must teach

what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

Titus 2:1

Being Overjoyed

Dear God,

The day will come when your glory will be revealed to all of us...  Our earthly lives will come to an end, and we will be in heaven with You.

What a joyous time that will be!  The bible promises that there will be no more pain, no more tears, and no ore suffering.  I cannot begin to imagine what that day will be like, but I look forward to that time with great longing.  The biggest joy will be sharing that tie with You, Father. 

In the real world, there is always some kind of suffering in all of us, so I must always remember that my kids' suffering is every bit as real to them as mine is to me.  I need to show compassion, and to also show them that they are facing exceeding joy because of these trials in life.  Thank You, Father, for allowing us to partake of Your suffering.

 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate

in the sufferings of Christ,

so that you may be overjoyed

when his glory is revealed.

1 Peter 4:13

My Portion Forever

Dear God,

It's like TIME is rushing past me swiftly.  Some days I feel so weak and old.  I don't have the energy I used to have when my DS and DD were younger.  I love my family, but sometimes I get so worn out when I am with them.  Physically, and because of Diabetes, I am wearing out.  And it doesn't feel very good.

In my innermost being, and in my heart, I still feel strengthened by You.  No matter how slow I become, or how feeling weak at times I feel, to get up in the morning, I still want to serve You, and offer my day to You in any way I can.  I can pray for my DH, DS and DD during the rest moments I need.  I am truly grateful for those times, Father.  What a blessed promise that this inner strength will be my portion forever.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever. 

Psalm 73:26

Living A Truly Fruitful Life

Dear God,

Ever since becoming a Christian, I have been familiar with the fruit of the Spirit.  I also told my kids about it too, and find refreshment when I hear messages about it in church, small groups, or even in seminars.  But I quickly realized I have been partial to the fruit, and favored hearing messages about the topics of love, joy, and peace.  After all, those traits are easy to apply and practice in life --- or at lest, it's easy to pretend that they are present in my life...

But self-control???  Well, that's a personal matter.  I feel it is none of any preacher's business, right?  Okay, Lord.  I know that it is conviction I am faced with when the preacher talks about it.  Your Holy Spirit tells me that self-control is not one of my strengths.  And I need to work on that area faithfully.  Rather than feeling offended, please help me to turn my struggle over to You and allow You to develop self-control in my life.  Thank You, Father.

But the fruit of the Spirit is

love, joy, peace, forbearance,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

gentleness and self-control.

Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

You Are My Salvation

Dear God,

When my kids were little, I remember when each had their first taste of going to the big school, and I was not allowed to go inside their classrooms anymore.  I could see the trepidation in their eyes, and knew that they were afraid.  So I reminded them of one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  I often reminded myself of that verse whenever I was in an uncertain situation too.  The words reminded me of You, and Your saving grace, and the promise comforted me.  I was reminded to trust in You, Father.

Because You are my salvation, You truly are my strength, and my song...  I can teach my kids to sing, no matter what is going on around them.  And I want us to make a joyful noise to You --- the anchor and finisher of our faith.  We will praise You with every note we sing.

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself,

is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

A Life Of Praise

Dear God,

Thank You for the gifts you have been giving me.  Somewhere along my life, You know the trials I have faced... 

Today I heard my kids pray for me.  Their words are simple but heartfelt, I was overcome by joy and gladness within.  The times that You have allowed me to teach them to talk to You, and follow You, have given them an understanding of who You are.  They know You hear, listen, and answer their prayers.

I pray that my life will be a sacrifice for You, Lord.  Please help me to live a life of praise for You before my DS and DD.  Guide and direct me in showing them both how to make the sacrifice of praise to You.

I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.

Psalm 54:6

Your Expectations

Dear God,

Thank You for giving me a life full of wonderful blessings.  You have also said that because of this, You also expect greatly from me.  I know that more blessings are in store if I am faithful in fulfilling the tasks that You have given me.  On the other hand, chastisement and discipline  await if I am disobedient to Your call.

I know from experience and from watching my very own kids that discipline is not fun. We would all rather receive rewards, and as a mother I would rather give away pleasant things.  I believe that You, my Heavenly Father, are like that too...

Please help me to be faithful and true to these expectations, Lord.  Instead of making excuses for why I failed in my responsibilities , I want to be bale to carry them out with joy and cheerfulness in my heart.

But the one who does not know and does things
deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded;

and from the one who has been entrusted with much,

much more will be asked.

Luke 12:48

Gaining Honor

Dear God,

So sorry for being a nagger...  I really don't want to be like this, but  I forget and begin to be one when the kids take long in obeying or doing things I've told them to do.

I remember a Kids Pastor say that after you've told someone three times, it's no longer telling, but nagging.  But what about, say, (more than) the nth time?!?  I'm afraid I might be guilty of this, and I think I am not teaching my kids respect for me anymore.

I think if I respect their ability to do whatever I asked of them, I can perhaps stop repeating myself....  Then if they don't do as I have asked, they should face the consequences.  That way, I guess I will be more likely to retain honor and they will learn to respect themselves and me too.  Please help me in achieving this, Father...

A kindhearted woman gains honor,
but ruthless men gain only wealth.

Proverbs 11:16

Remind Me To Be Humble

Dear God,

Every time I try to be humble, my pride gets in the way.  I begin to think more highly of myself than I should.  And it's even harder to become humble about my children!  I love them very much that I want to brag about them all the time.

Lord, I need to encourage my DS and DD but not to be boastful, so I won't lead them to be prideful.  Finding the middle ground is difficult, but I know You will be faithful and steadfast to remind me when I get off the course.  (And I need that reminder all the time!)

I have to thank You, Lord,  for the times that I am reminded and humbled.  Because You are always there to listen, forgive, and most of all, to restore and heal.  Please help me to have a repentant heart, and to be willing to be brought down on my knees.  Please heal me, Lord.

...if my people, who are called by my name,

will humble themselves and pray

and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from heaven,

and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Praiseworthy Thoughts

Dear God,

There is an image of motherhood that is somewhat idealistic but not exactly realistic ---  That very image shows me a perfect lady, always smiling and cheerful, helpful, and never speaks harshly, so full of wisdom, patience, and grace.  I think it sounds too wonderful, and at the same time, too good to be true.  Thing is, I know You want moms like me to have those character traits.  But I also guess moms like me would likely be that kind of mom if we only concentrated on pure thoughts.

I am aware that most of the time I get to focus on negative, ugly thoughts...  And sometimes still, my thoughts are clouded by impatience, envy, anger, or even resentment!  I know this is all wrong.  So please Father, help me focus on You alone.  Fill my heart and mind with pure, loving thoughts.  Amen.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

whatever is noble, whatever is right,

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable —

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy —

think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

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

Telling Other People

Dear God,

Were you blessed today at the way my kids praised and honored You before other people?  My heart was bursting with joy as I watched and observed them.  As the day moved along, they were singing of Your love and grace.  Everyone heard how they praised You.  Yet, they were doing it for their own benefit, and were praising You because they love You.

How often do I become tongue-tied when I know I should talk to others about You...  Your Word says we should come to You as little children, and I hope to get my eyes off myself and praise You because of who You are.  I want to follow the example of my kids.

Thank You for this very valuable lesson, Father.

Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion;
proclaim among the nations what he has done.

Psalm 9:11

Faultless

Dear God,

I can't believe my quiet time for today calls me, "faultless!"  What???  How can this be true, while I make so many mistakes in raising my kids?  What wondrous power can do this?

On second thought, my verse today says that You are able to keep me from falling, and I begin to look back at the mistakes I have made, and I see the tremendous but gentle power You have done to change me.  It has enabled me to become a better Mom through Your guidance and direction, Father.

Someday, when the time You have designated finally comes, You will present me as faultless, and cleansed by Your blood.  What happiness and joy there will be --- all my sins erased and taken away, no record of my weaknesses.  Only the proof of Your power to lift me up and make me whole and blameless fills me with excitement and anticipation.  I praise You forever and ever, Lord.

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling

and to present you before his glorious presence

without fault and with great joy —

Jude 1:24

When You Hear My Cry

Dear God,

I just had a comforting promise in my quiet time today...  If  I patiently wait, You will listen and hear my cry.  Psalm 40:2 talks about being in a "slimy pit..." and of being in "mud and mire..."  I have thought about the times when my troubles dragged me down like sticky, clinging, mushy mud, and yet You were always there to rescue and pull me out.

Lord, please put a new song in my heart.  Let my DS and DD see me as a patient mom waiting on You, no matter what difficult situation I am facing...  Help them learn by heart the same joyful song you are giving me.  Altogether we can sing praises of love and honor to You.  You hear us, Father.  You are our mighty Savior.

When I learn to be patient and trust in You,  I know that You will hear my cries and I will be blessed.  Thank You for  this rich blessing.

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

Psalm 40:1

My Desire To Obey You

Dear God,

Always, my intentions to obey are good.  I have read Your Word, and I know what You expect from me.  I want to obey all our commandments, but honestly, I am weak.  So may times I fail and fall short because I rely on my own strength and righteousness.  Lord, please give me Your righteousness.  When Your power is within me, I know I will be able to follow Your commands.

Sometimes, I watch and observe the look on my kids' faces when they are about to take action on something.  They know and perfectly understand what I expect of them, but their desire to do their own thing overtakes them.

Lord, please help me to help my kids do what is right.  I am depending on You alone to show me how to do it with Your gentle strength and grace.  Make us all more willing to accept and obey the help You offer.

How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.

I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.

Psalm 119:40, 44