Precious moments

This moment happened when our daughter and her littles were staying with us.

Our son-in-law was working out of the state and since our daughter is still experiencing a lot of morning sickness, we offered for her and the grandbabies to stay with us while he was away.

One afternoon, our youngest grandbaby was just falling asleep.

She’s getting big, now that she’s a year old, and my arms needed the support of my rocking chair.

I moved it to the middle of the floor so as not to squish any toys.

Our Faye, came out of the play room and saw me rocking Joy.

She surprised me by turning around and running back into the play room.

I soon heard her moving a piece of furniture.

She drug the child-sized rocker from the play room and set it next to mine.

She disappeared back into the room and came out cradling a stuffed teddy wearing a diaper.

She announced, “I’m rocking my baby too. He’s tired and needs a nap.”

All smiles, she plopped down next to me and looked up with such an expression that brought tears to my eyes.

When her mommy came from the other room, I requested she take a picture of us.

Not just to preserve the memory, but to be a reminder.

A reminder to think before responding, because I also had a moment of embarrassment while they were with us.

It was their last day and I was trying to help them get things packed up.

Our puppy had been struggling to behave himself, especially that morning.

His excitement at the bustle and business was to let his bladder run wild.

(Imagine my horror as he left rings of urine around our grandchildren when they stepped onto the back deck!)

Obviously, I wasn’t impressed.

So, Basil had to be locked up.

Understandably, he was very loud in his protests of this.

Continuing noise drives me crazy, so his whining/barking was making my skin crawl and I was struggling to hear the requests of my daughter and grandchildren over the din.

I’d tried talking to Basil nicely several times, but the minute I walked away he’d start again.

I finally had it and told him to, “Shut up!”

He did.

I resumed my tasks and when our daughter came back inside from putting a load in the Suburban, she looked at me with a strange expression.

“Umm, Mom, did you yell at Basil or something?”

I nodded, not proud of myself and she pointed at her son.

He was playing at the coffee table with a metal car and saying something, but I hadn’t stopped to listen, assuming by his tone and actions he was talking in his play.

So, I stood still and listened.

“Shut up, Basil. Shut up, Basil. Shut up, Basil. Shut up, Basil,…”

I apologized to my daughter and then spoke to Bubba.

“Honey, Grammy should not have said that. It’s not nice.”

“It wasn’t kind to say, ‘Shut up’. You shouldn’t say it either.”

“Grammy is very sorry for saying something not nice.”

He studied my face.

“Will you please forgive me?”

He nodded.

“Please don’t say that any more, okay?”

He nodded again.

Both moments with my grandchildren are precious; they are a reminder to apply truth to my behavior.

Children are especially quick to duplicate our actions, our attitudes, and our choices, but it’s not just children that are influenced by us.

People are affected by how we speak, what we say, how we respond.

We never live in a vacuum, where our actions don’t have consequences.

Thus, the moments in life are precious, because each one is an opportunity.

An opportunity to live unto the Lord Jesus.

I love that through Jesus Christ each person can be made new, and that the process of being made in the likeness of Christ is a daily one.

And since all of us have moments we regret, let’s find peace through Jesus’s forgiveness and courage to live differently, no longer doing those things which we are ashamed of, but rather being renewed.

that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22‭-‬24 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your gift of children! What blessings they are! Lord, thank You for the innumerable ways You teach me and hone my heart. Lord, I am ashamed of myself and the poor example I was to my grandchildren. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for teaching me through this. Lord, please keep me on a short leash, that I might not grow accustomed to any sin and allow it to become a lifestyle. Lord, help me to build my relationship with You and others that I might honor You in all things. Lord, thank You for showing me so many things as I walk daily with You. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach me Your will and guide me through Your Word. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.

“Grammy, I did it!”

“Wow! Great job!” I replied with enthusiasm.

Our granddaughter and grandson are here today and we were doing some preschool projects when Faye announced with pride she’d finished her page.

Of course Bubba was quick to finish and show his off as well.

“Watch! Grammy! Watch!” Was heard frequently.

Which caused me to pause and think about this tendency to show others our abilities or to share what our children or grandchildren have accomplished.

Is this desire simply the flesh nature which wants to be praised, in other words is this simply about pride?

Although, I think it could be, but at the ages of 2 and 3, my heart is inclined to believe that their desires arise from a different desire.

God created people to be in a relationship with Him and with one another.

My grandchildren’s words were an effort to share their accomplishments, their experiences with me.

And all this made me think of my Heavenly Father and my relationship with Him.

As it blesses my heart to have our grandchildren calling my name, eager to share things with me.

I can’t imagine that it doesn’t bless my Heavenly Father when I come before Him in prayer, enthusiastic about sharing my day, my experiences, and my heart.

Of course it’s a bit different.

I’m learning to say, “Father, what do You want me to do?” rather than, “Watch this!”.

I’m growing in patient, waiting with, “Lord, lead me,” and less often saying, “I do’d it!

My heart has been blessed by both the love of these precious little ones and by the love of God Almighty, my Heavenly Father through the gift of Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:9-10 NKJV — In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your salvation. Thank You for walking with me and giving me so many blessings, teaching me through the little and the big. Lord, please call to grow me up in You and Your Word. Please help me get walk with You, waiting upon Your guidance and direction rather than walking in my own ways. Lord, please help me to have self-discipline, that I might not sin against You or anyone else. Lord, thank You for Your gift today, an opportunity to share in our grandchildren’s lives is such a blessing. Lord, thank You for loving me even more than I can imagine. Thank You for sacrificing Yourself for me. Please use my life to reflect Your light. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Precious little blessings

“That would make a great picture,” she turned and smiled at me.

I hadn’t seen what she was looking at, out the window, so I asked her what she meant.

“Oh, the guys in the garden with their cowboy hats on.”

I looked and agreed with her.

Our oldest granddaughter looked too and announced, “I put my shoes on!”

I asked her momma if she could go with me to the garden.

As we stepped off the deck stairs her little voice surprised me with a giggle, then she told me why she was laughing.

“Oh! The cowboys!”

I laughed too.

“Yes! Let’s go see them.”

We found Papa setting Bubba down on the metal bench to eat the fistful of green beans he had.

He gladly chopped away while Faye pointed with concern at a grasshopper.

I agreed they are not welcome in the garden, but it would probably leave soon.

She turned to smell a sunflower.

I asked her to do it again so I could get a picture.

When Bubba had finished his green beans, they each found a strawberry to enjoy.

Then my husband walked them to where the carrots are.

He pulled one and the children’s surprise at the carrot popping out of the ground brought smiles to our faces.

Of course our grandson needed to pull his own. (He only had a little help from Papa.)

His was covered in dirt, so I got the hose and began washing it off.

Soon both children and Papa were enjoying fresh carrots.

We decided the tops would be a nice treat for the bunnies and headed over to their cages.

Faye pointed to our female, “The Mommy one! Where’s the Daddy one?”

“He’s hiding right now, but wait, he’ll come out when I put the carrot tops in.”

Of course he did and she giggled.

Next, we went to feed some undersized corn to the sheep and goat.

As Faye petted the sheep she commented, “Soft.”

Papa fed the chickens in the run so the kids could watch them.

Faye pointed to our rooster, “The Daddy chicken!”

“Yes, that’s right. He’s the Daddy, the rest are the Mommy chickens. The Daddy is called a rooster.”

Her attention soon turned to the neighbor’s beautiful gelding.

He’s a pinto and very friendly, but today he didn’t come close.

He’s not used to little children.

She waved at him and told him “Hi!”.

Our grandson had lost interest and they’d already returned to the house, but Faye wanted to check the nesting boxes.

Our son is very good at keeping the eggs picked up, but I told her we could look.

To my surprise, there was an egg.

Faye was glad and as I held it, the warmth against my palm told me it was fresh.

I told Faye, “We will put this one in the carton and you can take it home.”

As we reached the deck and Faye proudly lined her clogs next to our rubber boots, I smiled.

My heart thanked God for His blessings which I’m able to share with our grandchildren.

My husband’s expression told me his heart was also thankful; equally blessed by our time with our grandchildren.

Our daughter related what occurred when she told the children they were going to Grammy’s.

“Their little eyes got huge and they ran to get their shoes on. They were so excited! Then, Faye proceeded to list everyone who lives at Grammy’s house, including the sheep, goat, chickens, and two rabbits!”

I had to chuckle.

Children are such incredible blessings from God.

They have such a unique perspective.

Their joy is contagious.

They are greatly valued by God.

Matthew 18:10 NKJV — “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for the gift of children. You have blessed us with children and now grandchildren. We are so thankful to You for each one. Lord Jesus, please continue to teach us through these precious people. It is in Your Word that we realize just how blessed we are and how each one is a priceless treasure. Lord, only through Your Word and Holy Spirit can we find truth and understanding. Only through Your salvation can we be saved. Only in the security of Your redemption can we find peace. Lord, please help each of us to be an encouragement to the children around us. Please teach us how to value others, how to train and exhort, how to love unconditionally, and how to share You with each one. Lord, I lift up these precious people. Please speak to their hearts, train them up in Your truth, and give them the true understanding of Yourself. Thank You. Amen.

An example of love from a child

Our grandchildren were over last weekend.

They have been a wonderful example of how to love.

Both our granddaughter and grandson love their baby sister.

Now that she is sitting up and crawling they are rejoicing in the opportunities to spend time with her.

They give her toys.

They talk to her.

They hug her and kiss her often.

(Which is what Faye is doing in the photo above.)

While we were watching the children, Joy took a nap.

I was blessed by each of her siblings reactions to her waking up.

I was holding her, when her sweet eyes opened, she blinked, smiled, and sat up.

Faye noticed first.

“She’s awake!” She squealed, dropped her toy, jumped up and ran over to grab Joy’s hand and plant a kiss on her head.

“Awake! Awake!” Little brother sang as he too jumped to his feet to come smiling over and at look baby sister like she was a brand new gift he couldn’t get enough of.

The exuberance quickly abated, as littles don’t have a long attention span, but their celebration over their sister brought me nearly to tears.

Our children are wonderful examples of how a family should love each other.

They dropped what they were doing to welcome their sister, although she’d only been “gone” sleeping for a couple hours.

They were nearly excessive in their showering of affection, but Joy loved it.

Their joy and excitement over this beautiful new life is inspiring.

And their priority of making a point of welcoming and loving their sister is a reminder to me to be mindful of my own behavior.

Do I welcome my family to our home as warmly as I do visitors?

Am I putting my children, my husband, and others before my own tasks?

Have I been thoughtful about expressing my joy and love to those precious to me?

Has my appreciation for the gift of each life become dulled by my familiarity and self centered perspective?

Do I look on people and really appreciate how precious God views each?

I’m so thankful for our grandchildren and the inspiration God has brought through their example.

Matthew 18:4 KJV — Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18:5 KJV — And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for children! What an incredible blessing they are. Please continue to hone my heart and help me to apply these lessons You are teaching me. Lord, I want to come to You as a child, with trust and humility. Lord, please restore my child-like love, while retaining the wisdom of adulthood. Lord, I know You have an incredible love for children and I want to love as You do. You loved mankind to such an incredible point that You sacrificed Yourself for us! Wow. I want to love like that. Please help me to understand Your Word, and obey the direction of Your Holy Spirit. Please continue to protect the innocent and supply the helpless. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

“Broken, broken”

That’s what he said multiple times as he carefully handed me each piece.

Our grandson is 1 and his vocabulary is growing like crazy, so are his fine motor skills.

As this toy is evidence.

I’d handed him the toy a bit earlier and had noticed the bottom of the van was loose in one place.

If Bubba had simply driven it on the floor it would have been fine.

If he’d simply carried it around the house, as he often does with cars, it would have been fine.

The toy was simply old and had come loose in one small place.

But that one tiny area grabbed his attention and he pulled on it until it gave way.

Without the base there was nothing to hold the wheels in place, so he removed them too.

With these things done he looked it over and said, “Broken broken!”

I chuckled, “Because you broke it.”

He couldn’t understand me, but wasn’t upset.

It was soon forgotten as he went off to play with something else.

I put the pieces out of reach and out of sight.

This morning I scooped up the pieces to throw away.

But my heart pricked me and I took a picture of them instead.

Isn’t this a perfect example of what happens when I focus on the one thing which isn’t perfect rather than enjoy the opportunity?

Too often I’m robbed of the joy or the time with others because I’m focused on one thing which isn’t quite right.

I want everything to be a certain way, and when it isn’t I can fall into the trap of the enemy.

Allowing the enemy and my own sinful desires to rob me of what the Lord has given.

And if I choose to pick at the problem, take it all apart, I might even mess up what God had given in the first place, because instead of rejoicing in the gift, I’m complaining about what was given.

The book of Numbers shows clearly why complaining is a bad idea and how God feels about it.

I don’t want to ruin the blessings He gives by my poor attitude or sinful perspective.

I don’t want to miss the gifts of the Lord.

I don’t want to pull apart something He gave me and hand it back with the words: “It doesn’t work, it’s broken” all because I broke it.

Instead, I want to use the things He gives me with joy and gratitude.

I want my words to bring Him glory.

I want my perspective to be based on God’s Word and walking in faith.

After all, He’s in the business of using those who are broken, weak, and insignificant in the eyes of the world.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 NKJV — But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are,
that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Truly, everything we have the ability to do or make is because God Himself gave us the ability.

It is truly folly to glory in ourselves or other creations when all honor, all glory belongs to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31NKJV — But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for this reminder. Thank You that although I’m not always quick to be thankful for things, I know You are teaching me how to be. Lord, please continue to help my tongue to speak words that edify, that I might benefit those who listen. Lord, I thank You and praise You for all these things, both the lessons and the ways You teach my heart. Please continue to hone me into Your likeness, that I might bring glory to Your name. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

*Just because we think something is “broken, broken” doesn’t mean God can’t put it back together, just like my son repaired the toy.

In all things…

It’s best to just praise the Lord.

Because today has been an unusual morning already.

Our daughter and grandbabies are here.

I was surprised by my husband bringing our nine month old grandson to me before I’d gotten out of bed.

He smiled and explained that our daughter was busy with her daughter and he needed to leave for work.

Upon reaching the down stairs, I realized our family was experiencing stress.

Just adding three people brings change, but a toddler and baby bring a completely different dynamic.

It’s wonderful, but requires a great deal of energy.

Does it really matter if you have baby food on your shoulder because your shirt became a napkin?

Is there anything as sweet as a little girl cuddled in loving arms experiencing complete contentment?

How is it that after running the dishwasher three times yesterday, there’s still dishes?

What heart can resist little chubby arms raised in request to be held?

How can little lips slurring a song with the wrong words rival a choir’s beauty?

These moments are brief and will pass with lightning speed.

Through it all, I am praising God.

Because He is faithful and He gives good gifts.

Deuteronomy 7:9 KJV — Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

James 1:17 KJV — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

No circumstance changes the goodness of God.

Therefore I can praise Him in all things.

Philippians 4:4NKJV — Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

He is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.

Revelation 4:8 KJV — And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for today. Lord, thank You for walking with me through these things. Thank You so much for our family. Thank You for children and the incredible things we can learn from them. Thank You for Your gifts. APlease continue to teach and guide me as I walk in today. Please help me to be creative and flexible, understanding that You have a perfect plan and all I need to do is listen and obey. Thank You for Your goodness, faithfulness, grace, mercy, truth, and love. Thank You for being holy. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Embracing change

Because change is good, it’s healthy.

The older I get, the more I find myself learning this truth.

As a young woman change was terrifying.

I lived in fear of bad things happening and did all I could to ward off danger.

But after living through years of loss, I learned change is healthy.

He used those years to teach me about the frailty and blessing of life.

Not to waste my time trying to avoid whatever may come (because many things are completely out of our control), but instead to invest in the day I have.

Which is why I can walk through our current changes and smile, even though my heart aches.

Our son-in-law and daughter and the grandbabies moved almost three hours away last weekend.

Our youngest daughter will move in a few weeks.

Our home will hold just three people, something we’ve not had in over twenty years.

Yes, my heart is missing them.

Yes, it’s a time of grieving a loss.

No, I’m not unhappy.

Because God is doing this and I’m so thankful for His guidance in each of their lives.

I’m practicing praise.

Praising Him for all He has given us.

Worshipping Him, so thankful He is directing their lives.

Honoring Him, because these people, who began as babies in our arms, never belonged to us, they have always been His.

I’m expectant, because although I don’t know what the future holds, I know Who is holding us.

May our lives, wherever we are, bring glory to His name.

Psalm 86:12 KJV — I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for change. Thank You for using life’s changes to shine into my heart and mind those things I would not have willingly learned otherwise. Lord, thank You for the patchwork of experiences which have brought me to this place. Thank You that You are using life to hone our hearts and help us learn dependence upon You. Lord, I rest in the knowledge that You have each of these dear people in Your hands and I thank You for all You are doing in their lives. Please continue to grow them in their walk with You. Please continue to provide for their needs and guide them in each day. Thank You for these dear people we love so much. Thank You for using them to teach me about You and Your love. I praise Your holy name, Jesus. Amen.

The joys of silence

Although we normally stay home in the morning and homeschool, I felt it best to run to the store early.

Later in the day more people are out and it means everything takes longer.

First, I drove us to the nursery.

I want to plant a few shrubs along the fence and I only have one.

Maybe it was the pollen, maybe it was because my asthma has been kicked up, but whatever the reason my voice disappeared at the garden center.

Jase was with me and I was signing to him.

I couldn’t find the plants, they were not where they’d been.

Finally, I decided to ask someone.

I was a bit nervous as to how this was going to work, because Jase was struggling with reading my sign.

When we walked over and stood quietly nearby the worker, I prayed.

She finished what she was doing and turned to help.

I signed and Jase said what I was saying right up to the plant name.

Most names you have to finger spell and I did.

Jase simply read each letter as I spelled it and I was so thankful the lady listening was able to catch the name.

It was an answer to prayer, because I had no idea what else to do other than spell the name.

I’d forgotten my paper and pencil, so I couldn’t write it down.

(I will be asking the Lord to remind me the next time!)

The worker explained why I couldn’t find them, they were sold out.

Thankfully they are getting more in about a week.

We’d barely arrived home when Sis dropped in.

She needed to run to Home Depot and asked if I wanted to ride along.

I was happy to, although I still couldn’t talk.

Jase had school work he could do without me, so I hopped in.

As she drove I signed and we had a nice conversation.

She smiled at the stop light and said, “When I was part of the Deaf Bible Study I kept wondering why God would have me learn sign.”

“I thought maybe we would have a deaf child. I never thought I’d need it for you.”

I smiled back and signed to her how much I appreciate her knowing sign so I can converse.

We got to the store and put the babies into the cart.

As we shopped I continued to sign about the plants or other things.

Sis needed a new bathroom sink and vanity.

It was in the midst of looking them over that I looked at our granddaughter.

Her eyes were fixed on mine and I realized:

She was signing to me!

We’ve been teaching her signs along with words.

She had been watching me sign to her Mommy and wanted to be part of the conversation.

My heart overflowed!

What a precious gift!

Our family has learned and is continuing to learn a second language because of my silence.

I noticed a few people’s surprise at watching me sign to our granddaughter.

It just added to the joy.

Truly, the struggles and difficulties which life can bring God will use for good if we will surrender ourselves completely before Him.

Yesterday, was another precious reminder of God’s faithfulness.

Watching our little grandbaby carefully signing: “Yes, flowers, yes!”

She liked the plants I had placed in the cart next to her.

Proverbs 17:6 KJV — Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your faithfulness. Thank You for Your Word and Your goodness. Thank You for my family, who cares so much for me. Thank You for ASL and for teaching our family. Lord, thank You for the previous moments yesterday. Thank You that each day holds blessings from You. Please help me to be aware and thankful. I love You, Jesus. Amen.

Legacy

Five generations

When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. Therefore, I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
II Timothy 1:5‭-‬6 NKJV

Timothy’s mother and grandmother gave him a legacy of genuine faith.

Definitely, a treasure worth passing on.

This genuine faith wasn’t a happenstance, but a choice by both women to follow God and in their devotion to the Lord they planted seeds of this same faith into Timothy.

We must be purposeful if we want to leave a legacy like this.

Our faith must be genuine as well.

Romans 3:25 NKJV — whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed,

For those who have believed and received salvation it should be evident in lives surrendered to Jesus.

Our choices, our time, our character all plant seeds for the future.

And God’s Word makes it apparent, our lives today leave a legacy for tomorrow.

God’s Word also clearly commands we live out our faith daily, especially before our children.

Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV — “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,

Both Lois and Eunice followed this verse.

And it’s truth is as applicable today as it was thousands of years ago.

For the Bible clearly teaches us we leave a legacy of one kind or of the other.

Proverbs 3:35 NKJV — The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

Proverbs 11:29 NKJV — He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.

All the truths of leaving behind a godly legacy can be true of leaving behind a poor one.

Galatians 6:7 NKJV — Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

It is not difficult to leave a legacy of ungodliness.

History is full of those recorded for all to remember their folly or their evil.

And for each one whose life made enough ripple to be written down how many more are there who simply chose to live unto themselves rather than in service to others.

But there is hope.

It’s never too late to begin leaving a legacy of genuine faith.

It’s never too late to speak words of humility, apology, encouragement, truth, or wisdom.

It’s never too late to seek God personally so your life can be used by Jesus to plant seeds in the future.

What kind of legacy are you planting today?

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for truth. Lord, please make me like Lois and Eunice, please continue to build and grow genuine faith in my life and use my life to plant seeds into our children and grandchildren. Lord Jesus, help me to see opportunities You give to encourage, love, support, and bring Your Word to. Please keep me from causing harm in anyway, but instead please use me to touch others. Lord Jesus, on my own I can do nothing, it is only in You working through me that I find ability. Thank You. Thank You for all You have done and are doing and will do. Amen.

October 25

Today’s prayer:

Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,
Deuteronomy 4:9 NKJV

Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for truth. Lord, please help those who are called by Your name to walk in Your ways. Lord, help each of us to take heed to ourselves. To be diligent with our relationship with You. Please help me to be diligent. Lord, help each of us to be servants before You, humble and grateful. Lord, help us teach our children and our grandchildren about You. Please Lord, let each and every one of us learn to love as You do. Lord, I believe, help me with my unbelief, help me trust You more, help me rest in Your peace, please help me let go of expectations and simply love You. Lord Jesus, I trust You with all things. Lord, I realize that my perspective is very limited and instead of looking at circumstances, I will look to You. I praise You, Lord, for You are worthy of all praise. Thank You, Jesus for everything! Amen.