Day of Return

Wow! It's been a few months since I've posted my prayers. I've missed this forum! Where have I been you might ask? I think God might've been asking the same thing. Strangely, it wasn't as if I had some "shaking my fist" at Heaven period wondering where God was in my life. Thankfully, I know He's always present! Regrettably, it was human emotion which separated me from hearing Him and recognizing His presence.

Many things have occurred in the last few months, not particularly those one generally likes to share publicly. Of course, I tend to shy away from what the public generally does; so, in due time, I'll share some of these "what's been going on" things. In fact, as if you couldn't already figure out, I don't mind sharing my life's ups and downs; joys and sorrows; and, trials and tribulations, especially if my experiences can offer some support or connection to shared experiences. For this return prayer, however, I'm going to focus on His magnetism.

Webster's defines magnetism as "a quality that makes someone able to attract and hold the interest of other people." If we are created in God's image, why is it we step so far out of His reflection and our interest in Him appears to waver?

Think about it! God tells us to trust in Him for answers, but our human impatience seeks direction in "experts." God tells us to lean on Him for strength, but our human weakness guides us toward worldly dangers. God tells us to look to Him for direction, but our human pride and greed gravitate toward unhealthy desires. God expresses His love for us, but our human observation of what we're doing to ourselves leaves us exclaiming "what love?" All our tendencies seem to reflect the opposite of our Heavenly Father...frankly, they make me go "hmmmmm." The only conclusion I can draw is He knows within our core we will in fact be drawn back to Him and be able to reflect His image because of His grace. How awesome is that!! This is exactly how I describe parenting to my children!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for your constant presence in my life even when I choose to distance myself. Thank you for your powerful magnetism fighting against my human will!

God, you are indeed amazing! Not like the "omgosh, dinner was amazing!" or "what an amazing accomplishment!" You leave me in constant wonder and surprise by your grace. There are so many times if I were you, I'd say "well, so much for that." But, you never give up. You are working constantly within my core to reconnect...to start the communication over...to refresh the "how do you dos." Thank you.

Father God, I ask for you to humble my heart. I ask for your strength to share my vulerabilities. I ask for your direction to guide those I encounter. I ask for your grace when I falter. I ask for your connection when I'm alone. Most of all, Lord, I ask for You!

I love you to pieces!!

Source: http://www.gracechatting.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/magnets-thumb.jpg

Day of Comfort

When we learn someone is suffering from physical ailments or emotional pains, we hope for comfort and healing. Often those around us offer their thoughts, prayers, and words of support, but expect some otherworldly source to actual provide it. In fact, I'm ashamed to admit, but I've used the coined phrase "I'm praying for you," but only in the moment did I actually pray. Think for a moment when you've shared such words. Was it the standard response, a nicety if you will? Did you fully intend to pray, but failed to execute beyond saying those words? Did you genuinely spend time with God asking for His healing hand on those suffering.

This week marks another death of someone for whom I cared deeply, my former father-in-law. Regardless of the circumstances causing my divorce, my daughter's dad and I are friendly. I remain up-to-date on the ups and downs of his family as he has of mine. I'm thankful we have a mature relationship like this, if nothing more than to demonstrate to our children how to interact with others by showing God's love even when it's difficult or against human response.

I pray as this family receives an outpouring of condolences and offers of prayer, these words are genuine. I pray prayers of comfort and healing are extended to God with expectation He, in fact, can heal. The loss of a father (in my case, a grandfather who was like my father) doesn't get easier. I visit my grandfather's gravesite twice a year and ball my eyes out nearly six years later. But, with time and through God's loving hands the loss is easier to cope. 

Day 72: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and support, comfort and healing. Thank you for always being available for our needs, but requiring us to reach to you. Thank you for your grace when we so often take you for granted and just expect this and that without putting in any work.

Lord, I pray you wrap your loving arms around this family consumed with grief at the loss of their patriarch. I know he is with you in the kingdom; what great warmth that brings to my heart. But, God, our loss of his presence is still painful. Although we should be celebrating with adoration and joy his physical battles are over and you've called your son home, but our loss of his presence is still painful. Even though without a doubt he is with you enjoying Georgia peach ice cream and sharing his orneriness, without being able to turn to watch him, our loss of his presence is still painful.

So, Father God, my plea is for comfort. Heal our despairing hearts as we mourn the loss of a compassionate, loving man. Dry our countless tears as we celebrate his life, but regret all those who did not get the pleasure of his acquaintance. Lift our bittersweet spirits as we joyously lift him to you, but desire to pull him back for one last smile, one last hug, one last kiss. Strengthen our worn bodies as the dust settles, the grieving overwhelms, and reality sets in. Despite our human grief, I am comforted to know your devoted servant trusted his life to you and ran into your arms when he was finally home.

I love you.

Day of Simplicity

I've always thought my ideas of fun were a bit quirky, quite a bit dorky, and viewed by most as boring. It turns out, I might not be living in my own world after all!

I read an article today by Darlene Schacht titled "15 Date Night Ideas That Don't Break the Bank!" I was surprised by the number of activities to share quality time with someone without taking out a loan to impress. Some of my favorites: having a picnic, playing a board game, and taking a forest walk. How awesome to share similar ideas and receive several nods of agreement. 

My versions have a few twists:

- Evening coffee/tea/hot chocolate and board game fun at your favorite coffee shop

- Grab a basketball and head to the court for a rousing game of HORSE...if you're both terrible shooters, the howls of laughter from missed shots will make lasting memories

- Relive childhood joys at the playground swinging away on the swings, sliding down slides, and playing on the monkey bars followed by a PB&J picnic

- Sharing a picnic meal downtown with the homeless

So, either there are several people who live in Jasmine's quirky, dorky, boring world or I've been enlightened to more people enjoying simple things than I once thought! It seems to me the less distracted we are with the "what to do together," the more we can cherish the "person with whom we're spending time!"

Day 62: Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me to enjoy simplicity! Thank you for my quirky, dorky, lighthearted demeanor! 

Lord, as I read the news today, it was incredible to read the prevalence of the political turmoil facing your people throughout the world. Coupled with this worldly upheaval, so many of your people face personal battles with bills, addictions, and sinfulness. Please help me share calming words and offer simpler techniques to help others experience joy in little things and love for others even when surrounded by many worldly and personal afflictions!

Father God, I thank you for providing your people a magnificent roadmap to follow in order to experience Heaven on earth. Your Word provides the guidance needed to live rich fulfilled lives through simplicity! My devotion to you is pure and simple, maybe that's why I'm attracted to simplicity! Thank you for creating me to be who I am!

I love you.

Picnic background source: http://www.yumsugar.com/Picnic-Planning-Tips-22441374