Monthly Archives: July 2011

What went right today…

My ipad was on the bathroom counter (note to self: never take the ipad into the bathroom… what was I thinking?!). I lifted a hand towel and watched helplessly as the ipad tumbled toward the toilet (note to self: remind family members to put the toilet lid down…I know it’s hopeless cause but one can always keep trying.). Then something incredible happened, instead of crashing into a watery toilet grave, the ipad took a totally unexpected turn and fell harmlessly onto a padded carpet.

In the span of 5 seconds I felt horror, despair, anger, relief, joy and exultation… it wasn’t even 7 a.m. and I was exhausted!! I stared at the ipad and thanked God. Something that could have gone terribly wrong, went right.

Every day there are hundreds of things that “go right.”  Even on those terrible, no good, very bad days we can find something that went right. Each one is an opportunity to thank God and fix our eyes on the Author of faith, hope and love.

The enemy wants you to focus on what goes “wrong” today. Refuse to give him any ground. Thank God every time something goes right! Then, just to remind the enemy of joy Who’s really in charge… thank God for the things that go wrong.  Claim His power, sovereignty and promise to cause all things to work together for His good!

What’s gone right for me so far today…

*ipad saved from a watery grave!
*I don’t have to tell Brad my ipad met a watery death!
*Beautiful day for a morning walk!
*Fresh blueberries!
*Quiet Time with God in the midst of busy schedule.
*Took my daughter to get a haircut and she likes it!!!
*Diet Pepsi for $1.50 for six pack!

What’s gone right for you? Ask your kids what’s gone right for them today and enjoy giving thanks together!!!

Sweet sleep in the palm of His Hand

My heart is confident in You, O God;
My heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Psalm 57:7

How confident are you in God? It’s easy to let worry rob us of joy, peace and sleep.  Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with concerns of family and the world flooding my mind. Worry constricts my heart and my thoughts zoom into overdrive. Hours later I finally get up and face the day with major sleep deficit!

Can you relate? What do you do? I’ve tried everything. I heard that a piece of bread releases the chemicals that allow you to sleep. So in spite of the late night carbs, I ate some bread… unless you’re hungry and don’t mind the carbs, don’t bother. I’ve tried reading, but I’m usually too tired to read. I’ve tried praying, which is a good place to begin, but sometimes praying keeps my mind working and makes sleep even more elusive.

So what works when worry threatens to steal my sleep? Doing what David did.

Psalm 57 was written from one of the caves he used as a hiding place. King Saul had been trying to kill him for years. Imagine being told that you are God’s chosen ruler and then spending most of the next 14 years running for your life!

In the dark corners of the cave David focused on God’s character. David claimed God’s Mercy, Sovereignty and Power to protect him from his enemies. David fixed his heart and mind on the reality of God’s unfailing Love and Faithfulness.

God was with David in the cave and He’s with you and me in the dark hours of the night. I picture myself sleeping in the palm of His hand… there’s no safer place to be.

*He loves me and He’s always with me.
*His unlimited power is at work on my behalf 24/7.
*I claim confidence in His faithfulness and in His promise to give me the strength I need for every situation.
*I surrender those I love into His capable Hands—knowing that He loves them even more than I do.

The list goes on, but you get the idea. It works! Before I know it, my body relaxes and sleep finally comes.

Immerse yourself in the character of God dear friends. As your confidence in Him grows so does the peace that is truly beyond understanding!