Dear God,
I know it’s going to be a struggle, but I want you to change me into the person you want me to be. I’m not asking you to change my best friend, my spouse, my partner, my children, my boss, my friends or my church folks, I’m asking you to change me. Amem
Dear God,
Thank you for bringing me through last night’s storm. Thank for hearing my prayers each time I asked you to quiet the storm, the winds hushed. I was amazed! All I could do was keep my focus on you, not the possibility of trees falling through my windows, not the possibility of being in the dark, or having to evacuate my home. Lord, thank you for the victory through the storm. You gave me power throughout the night. You gave me peace, for I was not anxious or afraid.
I’m grateful for the friends that sent me a text to see if I was okay. Lord, bless them to know your sweet favor, and how you care for those who love you in the storm and out of the storm, physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually.
Lord, I praise you for never leaving me, for never forsaking me, as you say in your Word, which is true and everlasting. Amen.
Dear God,
A storm passes through many states. Help us to hold fast through the storm as the hurricane swirls over and around us with limited damage, hardship, and anxiety, preferably none at all. Father, in this time of need for those that are alone, for our elderly, for those in remote places send a helping hand, your peace, and your strength. Remind us, all, that through the storm, through the rain you have us in the palm of your hand. Amen.
Dear God,
You are a gracious and welcome guest in my heart. Enter my heart and guide my prayer.
Thank you for all the opportunities and pleasures to keep today holy. Thank you for prayer and worship. Thank you for the books and music that uplift me, and the friendly chats with people. Thank for the peace that rules in my heart.
Dear God,
Everyone at one time or another has been foolish, disobedient, deceived, and followed their passions and pleasures. There is not one person who has not been hated or hated back, walked around with a chip on their shoulder, or envied another.
I know, I’ve been there, done that, worn the T-shirt. Forgive me when these emotions and reactions rule over Your Word, Your Way, and Your Will. Thank you for your mercy that I’m not destroyed. Your loving-kindness is new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.
Dear God, Hear my prayer.
Dear Beloved, It’s a come-as-you-are-affair. I am inviting you to come home to where you belong, to come home to that for which you were created. My arms are stretched out wide to receive you. My heart is big enough to take you and all others in.
For too long, my Beloved, you have been in a far country of noise, hurry, and crowds; climb, push and shove; frustration, fear, and intimidation. Come home to serenity, peace and joy, home to friendship and fellowship and openness. Let’s have a simple conversation with each other: intimacy, acceptance and affirmation.
Remember, I listen and answer.
I
“I can do the job better than those with Masters and Ph.D.s,” the woman said.
“A woman who has a degree and has stayed at home to raise a family is usually the best candidate for the job,” the other woman said.
“They have more time, more organized, and career-driven.” Woman looked at text iphone message. “After raising kids,…”
“And caring for parents,” the other woman interjected.
“Less life interruptions,” the woman said.
“We’re better candidates, volunteerism and community service alone is major experience.” “You have a Masters,” the woman said. “And even freelance experience.”
“Yeah, but a Ph.D. got tenure track, not me,” the other woman said.
“Does she have children?”
“Two toddlers and a baby on the way,” the other woman said.
“I can’t imagine trying to take care of my babies and a full-time job,” the woman said. “But I made the sacrifice, family first.”
“Our life is in God’s hands,” the other woman said.
“His plans are always better than my plans.”
II
Two days later the women talked over the telephone.
“Speaking of plans have you been writing down your ideas?” The other woman said.
“Not really, working two jobs is exhausting,” the woman said.
“Do you know if you write things down it happens?” the other woman said.
“Please, Girl,” the woman said.
“I’ve been journaling for years, but last week I started rereading old journals and…”
“What did you find?”
“A list I wrote in 1999 and all things happened. Even you, a dear friend that I could trust,” the other woman said. “That’s not all. After the divorce I wrote a letter to God describing my next husband.”
“Did it happen?” the woman said.
“Money, homeowner, no kids; but he was creepy.”
“So sometimes we don’t know what we want even if we write it down, or not,” the woman said.
“Taught me a lesson, I need to leave room for God,” the other woman laughed.
“Did you throw that list away?”
“No, I crossed it out, and wrote Lord, you know best.,” the other woman said. “Now, when I look at that page in my journal, I’ll know who’s in charge.”
“Good way to look at it,” the woman said.
“I did have a fabulous summer traveling, and that was one of my prayers…that I wrote down.”
“Maybe I’ll try it.”
III
Three weeks later, the friends talk again.
“I got the full time position, a raise, and the company is paying for me to go back to school.” The woman throws her hands in the air. “Oh, my daughter is engaged. She’s waited for that man to propose for three years.”
“I’m happy for you.” The other woman smiled.
“I did what you said, I wrote it down.”
Thank you Lord for seeing beyond the surface of my heart, and seeing what I will become, not what I am at the moment. Thank you for shaping me into what you designed me to be, the best for you. Amen.
angchronicles 