Paper complete and
in Bruce’s inbox. I have cleared the active shelf and made space for my last
two classes at Brite this fall.
Prayer: Lord of joy, the sacred scriptures tell us
that Your joy is our strength. You call us to live joyfully in the midst of our
struggles. We pray, pouring out our hearts to You and then wait for the changes
You desire for us. Sometimes when our prayers are not answered as quickly as we
would like or with the answer for which we hoped we get discouraged. Lord, when
this happens I try to remember that You are sovereign overall and remember in
trust that You take care of us. Lord, in Your mercy, hear this prayer. Amen.
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and
his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name; for the LORD is
good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all
generations.”
Psalm 100: 4-5
This is one of the
psalms read at my Mom’s memorial service. It is loud, noisy and full of praise
and worship for the God of our salvation. This extraordinary gift of joy is a
gift we are asked to be received joyfully with a glad and thankful heart.
Lately, I have felt less than outwardly joyful, but when I seek God’s face
instead of dwelling on the situation causing me sadness and grief my heart gets
lighter and I find myself praising God with the sacrifice of praise. When I
offer the sacrifice of praise I make space for the God of thanksgiving to enter
in and take away the sadness and restore my hope that someday this situation
will be resolved. But you know, even if the situation never resolves I am still
God’s child and live in His sovereign world protected and covered in His
unfailing love and as the psalmist says, “enduring love,”
with the promise that His love endures forever and his faithfulness (always
greater than ours) is never ending.
Tonight when I say
my, “nightie nights” (I had a principal who used to refer to her bed time
prayers as her “nightie nights”.) I will first give thanks as I enter the gates
of God’s love with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.
Take joy in the journey remembering that
hope does not disappoint and God’s love for us endures forever. Wear
comfortable shoes, cast your cares upon the Lord, give thanks with a heart
filled with gratitude and thanksgiving and get some sleep. God is up all night
anyway and there is no reason for all of us to be up too. Love you all, Bruce
and Gaylene.
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