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The Tragedy Of Life

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged on June 17, 2014| Leave a Comment »

the meaning of life

 

 

Ecclesiastes 2:17-23

17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest.This too is meaningless.

 

The last few months I have watched with growing concern as a nurse in my workplace worked herself to exhaustion. She would work over any time she was asked, even though it was visibly taking a toll on her. I voiced my concern to her on more than one occasion, telling her to just tell them, “NO”. She would sigh and say, “I know, I know”. Finally she confessed to me that she was afraid that if she said “no” she would lose her job. Over the last 3 months or so, she had been dealing with an illness that caused her obvious pain and suffering. This wonderful woman passed away early this afternoon.

She worked herself to the point of not having the time or energy to really enjoy life. Why do we work? Most of us simply work to pay the bills, to survive. We are born, we work, we die. Is this really what life is all about? It makes no sense to me. I know that there has to be more. This can’t be all that God has planned for us. We go through the motions of life like robots because we are to tired to enjoy being alive on this earth. What are we working for? None of it will matter when we get old. We have to sell it all anyway when we are placed in a nursing home and all of our hard earned possessions will be gone.

Inside I am screaming, “What is the meaning of all of this?” “What is the purpose of life, if we have to work to live until we are to old to even care anymore?” None of it makes sense. I feel like the author of this passage in Ecclesiastes; like everything is meaningless.

There has to be more to life than this. I don’t know the answer and I know that God owes me no explanation on why He does what He does. I do know, that the next few weeks will find me prioritizing my life and I will be reflecting on what brings true meaning to my life. What changes do I need to make to realize those burning desires of my heart before its to late?

I have felt utter shock and disbelief at the loss of this beautiful lady. I have also cried tears of heartache and sorrow. I will find the meaning to all of this insanity. I will…

Peace be with you, my friend, Denita Morris.

 

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Mercy For All

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , , on May 27, 2014| 2 Comments »

mercy

 

 

 

As an employee of the Sisters of Providence, I have come to respect and embrace their charism of Love, Mercy and Justice. However, I have had a hard time understanding why they oppose the death penalty and care so much for those who have committed such horrible, unthinkable crimes against others. After all, they have to be hardened murderers to be on death row, right? So, why would the Sisters choose to have mercy on and even pray for those on death row?

Every month, the Sisters post the names of those awaiting execution that month, along with the date of the execution. I know they pray for these individuals and for the abolishment of the death penalty itself. I love Jesus and I hate injustice, but I could not understand why they would pray for these horrible criminals. I was talking to a co-worker one night and we were in agreement that these men and women deserved everything they got. We agreed that they should die the way their victims died. NO MERCY!

And then, very softly and with the gentlest whisper in my spirit, I felt Jesus speak to me. This has happened all within the last week or so. Within a day of my conversation with my co-worker, I heard that those inmates that were to be executed by lethal injection had had their executions stayed because the injections were said to be inhumane. My immediate reaction to this news was, “Who cares? They didn’t have any compassion for the ones they murdered.” I still did not understand why society should care about these inmates. How could the Sisters pray for these monsters? How could God have mercy on these inmates? What was wrong with them?

I started reading a book called, Mercy in the City: How to Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Visit the Imprisoned, and keep your day job…by Kerry Weber. In it, Kerry describes her visit to San Quinton and the conversations she has with a group of inmates who are participating in theology classes with the Catholic chaplain. In these conversations, the men express their sadness at being judged by their crimes and not for who they are now. They all agreed that they are not their crimes and that if God could save someone like Saint Paul, then maybe there is hope for them. As I read, I felt God asking me, “Who are you to play judge and jury? If I choose to have mercy on the sinner, that includes you too. It was MY decision to send MY Son as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of the ENTIRE human race, not just a chosen few. If they choose me, I will prepare a place for them with me in MY kingdom.”

The question soon became, what is wrong with me? For someone who claims to love Jesus, for someone who hates injustice, why do I have such a hardened spirit when it comes to these men and women who are living in spiritual darkness? If I can’t find mercy in my heart for those on death row, then do I really love Jesus as much as I say I do? That question stung.

I felt immediate remorse for my attitude and the words spoken by Jesus as he hung on the cross burn deeply in my heart, “Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

If my beloved Savior, Jesus, could forgive those killing him, even as He hung there wounded and bloody, how can I NOT follow his example and show mercy for those inmates on death row and otherwise. Maybe the Sisters have it right. They must since it seems God is answering their prayers.

I still struggle with this. I feel that I am betraying those that have lost their lives at the hands of these men and women. I have to remember that justice belongs to the Lord. It isn’t up to me.

I have decided that I will join the Sisters in their prayers of mercy and I will pray for those who are unfortunate enough to find themselves on the monthly list of executions. I will join the Sisters in their prayers for an end to the death penalty, thus allowing God to be God.

If you would like more information on the Sisters of Providence, visit their website at http://www.spsmw.org.

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A Time Of Silence

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , on May 15, 2014| Leave a Comment »

silence

 

 

I know that I have not written for about 2 1/2 months. There have been times when I wanted to, but I couldn’t find the words. It has been a tough time and I have felt lost. I still feel that way to some degree, but I am trying to fight my way back. I felt like there was a part of me that was withdrawing from the world. Sometimes, we need to withdraw to gain perspective or simply to find the strength and courage to go on. I could not give up writing for to long. All these thoughts and feelings were bottled up inside of me and this ongoing need to write about Jesus. I feel so filled up with Jesus and the Holy Spirit that I feel that I will explode. If I am silent, the stones will cry out (Luke 19:40). I understand that verse now. It is how I feel. All these feelings and words are jumbled up inside of me and writing this blog is my only way to get it out. I will explain some of what I have been going through.

I am the blessed mom of 5 kids in 5 different phases of life. It isn’t easy and sometimes it can be downright overwhelming. My oldest, Cherokee 20 and my granddaughter Ava moved to North Carolina at the end of March. Cherokee is adjusting to marriage and motherhood. She is finding that these roles sometimes come with heartache. Kiowa, my 19 year old daughter has just finished her first and last year of college. She decided it wasn’t for her and is now in the process of joining the Air Force. Cree, my 17 year old daughter is a junior in high school and is struggling to decide what she wants to do after high school. That transition to adulthood can be a tough one. Talon and Ty, 14 and 12 respectively, deal with peer pressure and inappropriate behavior in their public schools. I talk to them about how they want people to see them and how they want to see themselves, but sometimes it is hard to be the only one outside of the circle. Sometimes it is easier to join the crowd, especially at their young ages. I see them having a harder time of this then the girls did. I wish I could protect them from this, but they have to find their own way and decide how they want to act. I’m not always happy with their choices and I worry about their futures and then I see that glimmer of Jesus and it gives me hope that they will turn out just fine. God has a hold of them all. I know that, but my mother’s heart still worries.

Personally, I have had to make some changes. I had to add a few more hours to my work schedule, due to the need of a few more dollars in the bank. I went to the doctor in early April and was told that I needed to limit the stress in my life, as she upped my blood pressure medication. I have come to the conclusion that the only thing I really can control is how I react to the stressors in my life. I can’t let the little things effect me or I will have a heart attack at the age of 44. I could hear the concern in her voice. I have to lean on my heavenly Father more than ever. I have to calmly deal with what needs dealt with and let go of everything else. I need to find that place of peace and joy in times of chaos and refuse to let go of it. More than ever, I need to let God be my rock, my protector, my provider, my peace, my joy, the one in control.

I am glad that I am back. I couldn’t stop writing and I won’t stop writing. I know I used to write 3 or 4 posts a week, but given my new work schedule, I will have to cut that down to 1 post per week. I am still here for you, my friend, and I encourage you to contact me. Thank you for your patience and God bless you always.

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1 Year And 100 Posts

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , , on January 15, 2014| Leave a Comment »

100 posts

I have reached that milestone and celebrate 100 posts and my 1 year anniversary of the birth of this blog. I have always loved to write, but I never could have imagined the joy I would have from this journey. 

3 years ago, I left the church we had attended for 6 years. I had had some doctrinal issues with the leadership and there had been personal attacks made on my family. I have attended various churches these last 3 years, but have not found that church “home” yet. 

In these years, I have still remained close to my Father in heaven. I left the church, I have not left my God. This last year has been a growing experience for me. Through the writing of these posts, I have grown in my knowledge of God and have become a missionary to the online world.

This blog has gone through a metamorphosis in the last year and I now have something that I am proud of. This has become more than just another blog. It has become a ministry for me and I know that God will grow it in His timing, as I continue to be faithful in writing content that can be used to expand the kingdom of God. 

Writing these posts has been healing for me. It has allowed me to focus on God and those in the world who are desperately seeking God and using the internet as a search tool. 

My passion is for all people to know how much God loves them. I am not a Biblical scholar. I am not a well-known ministry leader. I am an ordinary, quiet, plain woman with a love for God. What I write is simple and from my heart. 

I am looking forward to this next year and to see where God will lead in the writing of the next 100 posts. I write for God and I write for you. I am always here for you. Contact me and let me know what is going on in your life and how I can pray for you. You are a miracle, my friend and I look forward to getting to know you. 

God loves you and so do I!

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Saint Nicholas: The Original Santa Claus

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , on December 23, 2013| Leave a Comment »

St. Nick

 

 

I really starting thinking about Saint Nicholas, when my son Ty, recently asked me if Santa Claus was real. Ty had just turned 12 the day before and I could tell that he really wanted the truth. I hesitated for a brief moment, not wanting to see my youngest child grow up, but decided to tell him the truth, which brought up the subject of Saint Nicholas.

Saint Nicholas was born around AD 270 in Patara, Lycia, in Asia Minor. He was born and raised by christian parents, who modeled for him lives surrendered to God.

Nicholas lived a life centered on Jesus. He cared for those in need and worked to bring justice in his sphere of influence. When Nicholas was a young man, his parents died, leaving him a wealthy young man. Instead of blowing the inheritance on himself, he chose to use the money to glorify God and help those in need. There are many legends of his generosity.

In AD 300, at the age of 30 he was made a Bishop in the town of Myra, in Asia Minor (the town is now known as Demre, Turkey). This was the time of persecution of the church and Bishop Nicholas, being an outspoken christian was tortured, arrested, and imprisoned with other Christians. He was eventually released when the christian Constantine came to power.

He was said to have been present in the council of Nicaea, in AD 325. He was said to have destroyed pagan temples, leaving evil spirits howling before him. Saint Nicholas was known for his generous heart and his unwavering support of those who were struggling with the injustice of the world.

Bishop Nicholas died in AD 343, but his legacy continues:

Saint Nicholas is the original Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas is known for sneaking coins into the shoes of children as they slept. To honor this gift giving Saint, December 6th has become Saint Nicholas day, to celebrate the day of his birth. Parents in many European countries still observe Saint Nicholas day, by placing small gifts, chocolates and other sweets in the shoes of their children on the eve of Saint Nicholas Day.

Over time, this tradition has evolved into the legend of Santa Claus and has become the focus of the Christmas season.

Santa Claus is about commercialism of the season. Saint Nicholas was all about Jesus and he would want our focus at this time of the year to be on Jesus and giving to those in need.

I shared the story of Saint Nicholas with Ty, along with the most important gift we have all been given, the gift of eternal life with God, when we receive the gift of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Jesus gave us the most important gift we will ever be given: His life. It is all about Jesus and that is the way Saint Nicholas would have wanted it.

In this Christmas season, remember Jesus and make that decision to accept Him into your heart. I am here to walk you through this most important decision you will ever make.

I obtained the information on Saint Nicholas from http://www.stnicholascenter.org.

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Anger Management

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , on November 1, 2013| Leave a Comment »

 

anger management

 

Ephesians 4:26-27

26 “In your anger do not sin”. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Anger has been an ongoing emotion for me in the last few weeks. It has been very difficult for me to bite my tongue and not say something damaging and hurtful in defense of my daughter.

Without going into specifics (that is not the point of this post), I can tell you that my daughter has been under attack from people, who have for some reason decided to hurt her. My daughter is 20 years old and so I have tried to step back and let her handle the situation. It hasn’t been easy for me. Any one who knows me, knows that I have had some anger issues when it comes to my kids and those I love. This isn’t anything that I am proud of, I am simply telling you this to say that I think God is changing me. I have not flipped out like the old me would have done. I have found comfort under the wings of my Lord and protector.

It has been stressful. I feel her pain and it breaks my heart, because I feel so helpless. I have raged against the hateful, insensitive way that people can treat other people. I have raged inwardly against these people who find it funny to bully my 20 year old daughter who is sweet and loving and would never hurt anyone.

God has been speaking to me through this situation. George Verwer (founder of Operation Mobilization) visited my church this past weekend and what he said Sunday morning really touched me. He said that he has made a practice of not letting the sun go down on his anger. He, also said that, he never let the sun go down without forgiving those who had harmed him that day. I knew that he was speaking to me.

The other part of the passage in Ephesians 4 says, “in your anger do not sin”. I admit that I have come close. What stops me is this overwhelming feeling of not wanting to disappoint God. I want to glorify God. I do not want to open the door for Satan to step in. I do not want to give Satan a foothold in my life.

This situation has led to the establishment of a new bedtime ritual:

1. Surrendering the anger- Every evening I say a prayer, letting go of any anger that I have built up against anyone during the day. I voice it and surrender it.

2. Forgiving- In that evening prayer, I forgive anyone who has hurt me in any way during the day. Even when that means forgiving the same person, day after day after day.

During the day, when that feeling of anger comes poking its’ head around, I try to surrender the anger immediately. I say try, because I am not always successful. Sometimes I fail miserably! But, I try. I surrender the anger and make a decision to act in a way that will bring honor to my heavenly Father.

If you are dealing with anger, you are not alone! Anger is an emotion we all feel at one time or another. It is a part of life in this fallen world. Acknowledge the feeling and let it go. Make that commitment to act with integrity, no matter what the situation. If you need some encouragement, contact me. God loves you, single mom, and so do I!

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Love: A Call To Action

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , , on October 20, 2013| Leave a Comment »

love in action

“Our love for others is a call to action.”  Pastor Alfy Austin, World Gospel Church, Terre Haute, Indiana

Our sermon this morning was taken from John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I have lived my entire life in fear. I have been afraid to step out of my comfort zone and live my life in radical obedience to Jesus. What Pastor Alfy taught really touched me and convicted me of my inability to get past my fear and allow my love for others motivate me to action.

God loved the world so much that He allowed His one and only son to be beaten and crucified, so that we might have eternal life with Him in heaven. God LOVED us enough to put His love into action. The love of our Abba Father was not just a feeling He had towards us, His love became action.

I have wanted for many years to start a local single moms ministry here in Terre Haute, Indiana. I feel guilty that this has not happened yet. The single moms here still suffer in isolation and still are in need of a ministry that will fill that need for God in their lives. I have had some difficulty in finding a home church myself, but I have to admit that my fear outweighed my love for these moms and their children.

I am so ashamed that I have not loved these women enough to take action. I have a passion for them. God has placed a burden in my heart for them, so why is my love not enough to push out the fear that I feel? Why is my love not enough to push me into action? Honestly, this realization breaks my heart. There are approximately 1,500 single moms in the Wabash Valley and very few attend church on a regular basis. I am ashamed that my love has not pushed me into action.

God loves me and He acted on that love. My daily prayer needs to be for an overwhelming love to pour into my heart and push out the fear.

Dearest Abba Father,

I am praying that the love you feel for me will so fill my heart that any remnant of fear will be gone forever. I do have a passion to see these single moms and their children know you the way that I know you. I want them to know that you love them, the way that I know that you love me. Fill my heart with an over abundance of your love so that I will be confident enough to put that love into action. pour out your love, Lord. I don’t want to miss this blessing of obedience because I allowed my fear to outweigh my love. I ask for your forgiveness that I have not trusted you enough to step out of my comfort zone. Forgive me for not having enough faith to act in obedience regardless of my fear. I love you, Jesus. I don’t want to disappoint you. I don’t want these moms and their children to not know you because of my disobedience. Praise you, Jesus!

Amen

The worst thing would be to stand before God and have to answer for my disobedience. My heart is filled with disappointment because I know I have disappointed Him. It is not to late to act. I still have time. I must act now! I must allow my love for these single moms be a call to action and push me to start this single mom ministry.

The above message has been the ramblings of an imperfect woman of God. Life gets messy, but it is never to late to make things right.

Praise you, Jesus!

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The College Debate

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , on October 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »

college ahead

When the kids were growing up, I always insisted that all 5 of them would go to college. I did not do well in school. I hated it and finally graduated from an adult school when I was 20. I did make a couple of attempts at college and finally earned an associates degree in 2011, just before my 41st birthday. I wanted more for my kids and always pushed them to value their education.

I always assumed that they would want college as much as I wanted it for them. As they have started to grow into adulthood, I have realized that I may have to change my expectations.

My 20 year old daughter, Cherokee, graduated from high school in 2012 as a member of the National Honor Society. She had taken several AP classes in high school and was on her way to college. She did start college in the Fall of 2012. She was going to apply for nursing school and become a pediatric nurse or a medical missionary. That was the plan. Almost immediately, she started to falter. She realized that she doesn’t like hospitals or needles. She really did not have any idea of what she wanted to do. In October, she found out she was pregnant and left school after one semester. She talks about returning to a community college. She is intelligent, independent, and motivated and I have no doubt that she will figure it all out. At this moment, she is working and focused on being mommy to a beautiful baby girl.

My 18 year old daughter, Kiowa, has surprised me by being the one who is in college now. My surprise is only because Kiowa has always hated school. She is smart, but academics has not come easy for her. She graduated high school this past June (2013) and started classes at our local community college in August. She is majoring in visual communications. She wants to do video in a news room. I think this college experience will open many doors for her and I think she will stick with it. She still struggles academically, but she is determined. She is the one I didn’t think I’d see in college and she is the one who will make it work.

My 17 year old daughter, Cree, is a lot like Cherokee. She has always done well in school. She is taking AP classes as a junior in high school, but has no idea what she wants to go to college for. She loves art and is a budding artist, but isn’t sure if that’s really what she wants to go to school for. I sat down with her and we discussed her options. As I have become enlightened, I have realized that college is not for everyone. Some people will never go or simply need some time to experience the world. As my girls have become young adults and have struggled to find themselves, I have discovered that 18 is such a young age to know what you want to do with the rest of your life. Cree is a student leader in her youth group at church. She loves the camps and retreats. She went on a week long camping trip to a youth center in Colorado in June and loved it. She loved Colorado. She is seriously considering doing a year long internship at the center when she graduates high school. I think this would be a great experience for her.

I have two sons Talon, 13 and Ty 11. My sons are not academically inclined. Talon is doing well in 7th grade, but does not like school. He talks about college, but time will tell. Talon likes to fix things and build things. Ty loves cars and nothing else. They both love being outdoors. I am excited to see what the future holds for these two sons of mine.

My kids have taught me these last couple of years not to push my own agenda on them. I want the best for them, but they need to find out for themselves who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Even if they make mistakes. I need to allow them to spread their wings and fly. It is a hard thing for a mom to do. I hate sitting back and watching a potential train wreck. I want to run to them waving a red flag in warning. We can’t always do that. At some point we have to let them choose their own path. They know that I am always here for them, but I can not live their lives for them. At some point I need to place them lovingly into the strong hands of our heavenly Father and trust that He will guide them in their journey through life. This does not happen without tears being shed. I am excited to see what great things they will do, but I also want to hold them close and protect them from the pain of the world. College is not everything. Life is a classroom and sometimes we learn our most important lessons there.

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The Road Less Traveled

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , , on September 17, 2013| Leave a Comment »

the road less traveled

Are you traveling on the road that will take you where you want to go? If not, Why? What is keeping you from making a U-turn and heading down the right street?

I have wasted to many years traveling down the wrong road. The main reason, for me, was because I simply didn’t know where I wanted to go. At the age of 43, I think I’ve finally figured it out! I have found the right road for me. It is a fairly deserted road. Every once in awhile, I bump into someone to share the journey with, but for now I’m traveling alone.

My road is all about living in community and sharing the Gospel with others. It is a road less traveled. I hesitated at the start. I could see all the pot holes, the ditches, the mud I might get stuck in when it rained, the isolation. It seemed so much easier to pick another road. A road that every other ministry leader was going down, the road of evangelism and modern day crusades that end up being all about the money. I could not travel that road. God was leading me elsewhere and I had to follow Him. I need to live in an intentional community like those of the early Church in the Book of Acts. Sharing our resources and serving the poorest of the poor. I am still searching for that community, but I will find it.

In my experience, I have found 6 reasons that we avoid the road that takes us where we want to go:

1. We don’t know where we want to go. It took me 43 years to figure this out! If you are struggling with this, take it to God. Ask Him where He wants you to go. What are you passionate about? What cause, people group, etc. has God given you a burden for? God usually gives us the talents and skills to match His purpose for us. What are your skills? What talent has He given you?

2. We are fearful. It is easy to look down the road, see the obstacles and become paralyzed with fear. I have been there. God never promised that our lives would always be obstacle free. Every road has it’s share of pot holes, ditches and mud. It will rain. God did promise that He would travel the road with us. He sees all. He knows all and He will guide us if we ask Him to.

3. We get distracted. This has been a big issue of mine. I start down a road and then I realize that this or that needs to be done. I start to question whether I really have time for this. If it’s a passion, if it gives me joy, if it fits into God’s will then we need to find the time. Get a planner and start scheduling time into your day to take steps down the road you have chosen. Even if it is baby steps and you don’t seem to get to far, get started. One day you will look back and be amazed at how far you really have gotten.

4. No support. It is hard to do something that people in your life don’t agree with. It is never easy to go against your loved ones. I understand this. Sometimes we have to follow our hearts, regardless of what others think. If God is leading, then we MUST follow. He is the only one that matters. Be respectful of the opinions of loved ones, but if you know you are in God’s will, then follow Him.

5. We can’t see the end of the road. I always like to know the end result. I like to know that what I am doing will be a success. Unfortunately, we won’t always know the end result. We won’t always know if what we are doing will succeed or fail. What matters is the journey. Knowing that we are in God’s will needs to be enough. He knows what the end result will be. If we walk with Him, more than likely we will succeed, but if we wander off the road, we will most likely fail. We have to trust God and simply obey.

6. We don’t want to travel alone. I completely understand this. It is hard to be the only one championing a cause or serving a people group. There are times when we may the only ones with the life experience or skill set that can do the job God wants us to do. We are never really alone. God is with us. He is all we really need.

Where is God leading you?

What are you afraid of?

What is distracting you?

Do you have the support of loved ones?

Can you see the end of the road?

Are you traveling alone?

Ask yourself the questions above and write down whatever is on your heart. Use these questions as a tool for communicating with God. Ask Him to show you His heart and He will.

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Wholly Committed

Posted in My Daily Life, tagged , , , , , on August 25, 2013| Leave a Comment »

radical obedience

I have found myself contemplating this week, what it means to be wholly committed to God. What would my life look like if I lived my life in radical obedience to God?

The one thing I came up with is that I don’t want to just BE a Christian, I want to BE a follower of Jesus Christ. I want to BE an example of Jesus in this world. But how?

Jesus knew his Father. He was intimate with God through the Word. I need to know the Word of God, so when I am dodging the fiery arrows of the enemy, I will be prepared. I need to know the Word, so when I have an opportunity to witness to someone, I can do so in confidence.

Jesus prayed. Jesus spent many hours in prayer and communication with his Father. I want my prayer life to be about open communication with God. Jesus listened, as much as he prayed. I want to listen to what my Father is telling me. I want to have an open heart, exposed to my heavenly Father.

Jesus obeyed. He never questioned what his Father told him to do. He obeyed even to death on the cross. I want to obey regardless of the consequences. I want to obey without fear, knowing that my God has my back. I want to be zealous for God, never questioning His will.

Jesus loved. Jesus loved everyone. He knew his mission was to the Jews, but that did not stop him from loving and ministering to the Samaritans, the adulteress, the woman with the issue of blood, the leper, etc. I want to love like that. I want to look at everyone around me with eyes of love and not judge because someone may have greasy hair or may smell. Love does not judge!

My Savior Jesus,

Give me a heart like yours. I open my heart to you. Come dwell within me to the point that those around me see more of you, than of me. Teach me to pray like you pray. Teach me the Word of the Father, so that it will be hidden in my heart. Teach me to obey without question. Teach me to love without judgement. My one desire is to be like you. I never want to be cut from the Vine. I am wholly committed to you, Jesus!

Amen

Being wholly committed means that when people see me they see Jesus. I fall flat on my face, at times. My one desire is to be Jesus to this broken world.

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