just a spoon, but the set was not complete without it . . .

Lost . . . but now found.

now complete!

I bought a special clear glass tea set last year after Christmas, I had admired it, watched the selection in the store decrease until at last the price was 75% off - then I bought it. I have so many tea pots and yet I wanted a clear teapot for the purpose of serving flowering teas - teas that blossom as they steep, teas which are delicious but beautiful, teas that make you stop, watch, savor,

and you want to share the occasion with others.

The last phrase is why I serve tea. . . it invites you to ask others to join you for one-on-one.

I happily brought it home, unpacked it, set it up, have used it several times. I kept wondering why the sugar bowl had a little spot for a spoon for in the store's display there was no spoon. And then I saw the same tea set in a store in Houston and noticed it came with a spoon. . . my set at home was minus said spoon. Could it have come with one? How could this be?

I had cleared out the box and it was long gone in the trash. I was sad about this from that day this past August. I knew I could not find a spoon to 'fit' the sugar bowl, I had to live with it, all the time having to accept this little small detail: I had thrown out the box with its carefully shaped styrofoam insert that held each piece of this tea set in place knowing that I had tossed out a little sugar spoon along with it.

My mind initially even thought of where it might reside - in the local dump, buried in mountains of garbage, Can't consider that. I pondered asking the store where I purchased it if they could help me obtain another spoon, but I thought better of it, it was my own fault. I did not want to buy another entire set just for a spoon, no way, what a very self-indulgent American thought that was, fleeting though it was. ;-)

And as I used the set, I enjoyed it but always knew, that due to my lack of giving it the full attention as I unpacked it that I had lost part of it. My focus was on the teapot, the fact it came with a sugar bowl and creamer was secondary, that it has a matching spoon was teriary. Sigh, yet it still bothered me a teeny bit.

Until today - in all these months of using it, enjoying it, and sharing cups of tea with friends, family, and neighbors. . . . it wasn't complete. I knew it, I told others about my mistake, they knew it. They felt for me. They wished they could help me and offered any number of work arounds. .

I appreciate their kindness, but I considered it a lesson to pay more attention when I do make purchases.

How not unlike us to accept things as o.k. when a part is missing, to think I'm godly enough, I'm saved, I'm going to heaven. I may even know there is something missing, that I am not enjoying life as some fellow Christian is, they seem to have a bit more, maybe even a little bit more,

but I'm o.k. because after all 'no one is perfect'.

In scripture when we are called to be perfect. . . the meaning of the word is not what our American ears hear, it is fuller and richer than that. No, I don't mean one must try harder, be 'better', be more 'holier than thou'. Perfection, being perfect is becoming complete. . . becoming all that God has created us to be, all He knows we can become as we yield to His Spirit and live for Him, learning the joys of choosing Him,

His ways, and not looking to our ways, our desires, our hopes,

and our dreams as the set goal, set pattern of our life.

I want to become complete in Him, to be complete to serve Him fully, like a complete tea set.

I know that I will become completed, fully perfected when I die or when Christ returns

but I can move toward Him as I learn who God is by His Word,

let His Word impact my heart, my life,

my ambitions, my goals, etc.

And one day, when we least expect it, . . . I will be.

Today I was rummaging in our garage, being very careful to stay within my 10 lb. lifitng limit. and found a box that had a jingle bell in it, curiously I thought 'what is this Christmas box doing out here?" and it was lightweight so I brought it to a surface on which I could open it and found a box, fairly large,

it was sealed up. I opened it and discovered the styrofoam that had held the glass teapot,

creamer, sugar bowl, sugar bowl lid . . and did I dare hope? did I?

YES!

Reflecting the light of the garage, nestled into the white styrofoam,

still taped into its little spot was the clear blown glass spoon!

God had somehow let me think I had tossed this box out last January. .

I really thought I had tossed it in the trash months ago.

And yet I had not!

It was within my home all this time, near, but misplaced.

And so my glass teaset is now complete.

It is complete in His time, in His way, and my joy is unspeakable for it shows

in an oh, so material, teeny tiny way, the great love, watchful care,

and delight the Lord has in providing for us.

I rejoiced aloud, found my husband who was raking leaves in our back yard,

showed him the spoon - shared my thoughts on God's love, care, watchfulness,

and on and on (you can just 'hear' it no?)

And his reply?

You want to know that isn't it?

He said "Let me get this right, so today's motto is: don't clean up after Christmas, for you never know what you might toss out, keep every box you get and don't throw it out."

He said the above with his usual cheshire cat grin.

No, that is NOT the motto. . . but that is for another post on another day, dear reader.

You get the motto, the lesson, the Word. . .

He cares. . . . even about such things as my carelessness. Sometimes He will fix things we have done unintentially. He honors us, He is the BEST Father.

And can you not imagine my gratitude towards Him for caring about such a tiny material thing?

It leads me to be more humble and grateful for the things in life I know matter more. . .

like unsaved family/friends/and co-workers,

ill friends, family, and co-workers,

immature-in-faith people,

distance between people both geographical and relationally.

He cares,

He knows.

And sometimes He shows it in ways such as this one today.

This reminds me that He desires that we be complete in Him,

we do our part In Him,

and He makes the changes in our heart,

our mind, and our lives as we set our will toward Him.

Truth For Life

In a word, what I'm saying is,

Grow up.

You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it.

Live out your God-created identity.

Live generously and graciously toward others,

the way God lives toward you."

Matthew 5:48

(obviously the Message version)

Got 28 days for spiritual growth in 2010?

Putting first things first. . . may I recommend planning 28 days and purchasing this book, working through daily to begin 2010 with purpose, focus, and truth that changes you from the inside out.

I am currently working through this book and my, oh, my how I am enjoying it immensely. Each day I can hardly wait to see what portion of scripture will be used for study, for seeking, and for responding. I am so excited about this little book that I am looking forward to leading it in a group study late spring/summer 2010. (why not sooner? I have already committed to completing 2 Samuel with a class and another course following that) I can't wait to talk about it, to share its impact on my life. . . to witness as to the changes and 'ah ha' moments I am finding. If you study this book, write me! I'd love to discuss it with you even if by email!

I will be recommending it to my friends as a 'must read' for their Christmas gift lists.

Do you ever think to include things on your Christmas list that are luxuries for your spiritual growth and development? I am odd in that I do that. I keep lists of recommended books and when I am asked by my dear husband, I share with him my list. I also share where I have found them on sale or used. I keep a 'gotta read' section in our long hall bookshelf. And when I have the need for a new book I know just where to 'shop' for it. I am never without a book to read, or two or three.

I'm home healing from a recent surgery and it requires rest, lots of rest. And I am loving it. I have been given the orders to take it easy . . I knew it was coming and so I planned ahead with knitting projects, Bible study, good deep books for growth, and tasks that I've not been able to find the time to complete. . this opportunity is golden. I am happy to report that I am making good progress in the past week on meeting some of those personal goals/desires.

I know this Sabbath Rest, of sorts, is a treasure. I pray to take what I gather during this time and live from it today and continuing into the weeks ahead when I am once again back 'out there' serving, teaching, working, helping, learning from and listening to others.

In the meantime I am delighting in this time to look to God, to focus on what is truly important in life. Its a pause, a Selah, in the music of life. Its a precious time to reflect, to be grateful more verbally to my dear husband and grown son who have served me in innumerable ways to keep our home going, to help me rest, and to be closer as a family as I heal.

So, dear reader, I plead with you to make it your goal to grow this year, spiritually by:

#1 read your Bible thoughtfully cover to cover this year

and

#2 to purposely, carefully pick out book that lead you to inner change and outer change as you read His Word and see what we are called to, equipped to do, and must do as His children.

Don't just pick out the top 10 best selling Christian books. Consider this truth: best sellers are RARELY about dying to self and growing in Christ (topic for another day)

Lets grow up, becoming mature children of God as we love Him, cling to Him, obey Him, and live to honor and glorify Him.

Set your resolve with me! Join me in this year, make your plans now, how will you do this, with whom will you share this, and what tools will you need?

Long term investing takes planning and action. Eternal investing takes no less.

Truth For Life

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Hebrews 5:12-14

They are weak but He is strong. . . .

What does one do when you learn a friend's daughter has given birth

to twin boys who weigh just under and over 2 #?

You knit hats, if you know how!

And so, I searched for preemie hat patterns for their wee little heads to keep them warm as they grow and develop in the neonatal intensive care unit. . .

not an easy task given their wee sizes.

As I searched for patterns, I prayed for them.

As I purchased yarn, I prayed for them.

As I knit, I pray for them.

It is a way to help, a means of caring when you can not hold them,

hug them, touch them, and yearn for them to grow and develop into godly men.

And when the hats are completed,

I will contact the friend who will take them to these grandsons.

Not everyone is strong, not everyone is able to care for themselves, and so as believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we watch for and offer help to those who are weak. Our world boasts of strength, leaders, not followers, not weak. . . . the Word tells us otherwise.

Have you ever sung the song Jesus loves me? Did you ever sing all the verses? They are amazing!!!! I offer them to you before I close, may they minister to you, dear reader.

Jesus loves me!

This I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak but He is strong.

Jesus loves me!
Loves me still,
Tho I'm very weak and ill,
That I might from sin be free,
Bled and died upon the tree.

Jesus loves me!
He who died
Heaven's gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me!
He will stay
Close beside me all the way.
Thou hast bled and died for me;
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Chorus:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

--Anna B. Warner, 1820 -1915

Truth For Life

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle,

encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Let us give thanks together

......and eat pumpkin cake!

I can not enter the fall season without hungering for foods that feature pumpkins and other forms of squash. I LOVE watching, waiting, and enjoying the change of the leaves on the many types of trees in our city, state, and neighboring states. I seek out verses that remind me to be thankful for all God provides, for He provides everything! And I look into His word for verses that speak to this. I'm posting them daily on Facebook and Twitter to share this encouragement. It is a season of thanks in our home once we turn our calendars to October.

It is also a time of baking - the grocery stores are stocking up on not just holiday decor but the ingredients we look for at this time of year - baking items, turkeys, cranberry sauce, etc.

Perhaps you are considering baking for the first time? Or maybe you are wanting to bake but your personal schedule is overloaded (read previous post). I offer this recipe you may have but its time to do it again . . .its easy, its simple, and its low fat, and it delicious!

Pumpkin Spice Cake

1 can of pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling, just pure pumpkin)

1 box of cake mix (spice cake or carrot cake)

1/2 cup water

Cream Cheese Glaze:

3 oz. cream cheese (I use the 1/3 less fat cream cheese), room temperature

2 tablespoons milk

1/2 cup or less powdered sugar, follow recipe

Walnuts

1/3 cup, chopped coarsely

Preheat oven to 350. Grease well, then flour a bundt pan, set aside. Mix cake ingredients - yes, there are only 3 ingredients! Pour into bundt pan, smooth top. This will be thick. Bake for 28 to 40 minutes or until toothpick stuck into cake comes out clean without sticky cake goo on it.

Let cool in pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Turn out upside down onto cooling rack. When cool, transfer to serving place or cake stand.

Prepare glaze by creaming cream cheese, slowly add in milk, then add tablespoons of powdered sugar JUST until it is smooth and still will drizzle over a cake. Pour over the top of the cooled cake, allow it to drizzle over the edges, 'help' it with a knife if needed. Then sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top.

Let sit for 30 minutes or more and serve to family and friends with hot tea (preferably. . . but I know my readers often prefer c******). Make copies of the recipe, you will be asked. And, by the way, if asked, this is VERY low fat and has lots of fiber, etc.

Details: And yes, the photo is of my cake, 2 days out, still moist, perfect for breakfast, too! And the cake makes great pumpkin muffins - just bake them in paper liners in muffin tins. . . bake for 23 - 30 minutes or bake in a 9 by 13 inch pan for 32 - 35 minutes. Can serve with dollops of Cool Whip or whipped cream if you prefer.

Truth For Life

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—

for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior

1 Timothy 2:1-3

A note to the church in America. . . .

When you go into church this week, begging for more time for fellowship, for refreshment, for connection. . . stop, whoa! Is that what you are really there for? Consider how your time gathering with the body of Christ is meant to be spent at this time. Are we asking the wrong things of the wrong people/organization on the wrong occasion?

All week we rush, hurry, pack our days, from dawn to dusk with more than is humanly possible, we live frantic, crazed lives, live beyond our hours, live beyond our finances, live with little time to offer hugs, doing what we want to do / "have to do", no time for listening, no time to notice much less to care for the needy, the wounded, the hurt, the poor. No time to share a laugh, share a simple meal at home, offer hospitality, much less to to share the good news of Jesus Christ. . .

but on Sunday when we worship (or Saturday night, etc.) we beg for more time for 'us' to connect, we are weary, heavy laden. . . but is it the time for this? Is it taking our need and pointing the finger at the wrong source to meet it?

Should we not instead . . . order our weekdays, to honor Him as we let Him be God and not try to be ourselves God doing everything everyone on Facebook, Twitter, etc. is doing? Need we have the newest DVD's as soon as they are released? Attend every show that arrives in town? Take our children to every imaginable fun activity we can pack into a weekend? Insist they play every sport? And ourselves to play every sport, rush for meals on the go, usually eaten with money we should spend on current and future needs rather than just for this stressed moment?

Or should we recreate in our later years, fill our time as we see fit, doing pretty much what we want when the mood strikes, letting others serve, care, listen, hug, help, and tell others about Jesus and eternity?

We can not become holy in a hurry or at leisure.

We are missing life because we are living it at ethernet speed or a calm slooooooow pace.

We want the best, the fastest, the newest, the safest. . . and we share, care, and give so little to those we love, those who are truly in need. . and our lives are lived taking on more meds, more vitamins, special waters, more conferences, more vacations bigger houses, newer cars. . . when what we need is to

Cease and know He is God

Take inventory of our list and highlight what He has actually called us to do

Fast from media long enough (I hear your screams of 'this woman is NUTS!') to listen, look at your life today. What has God truly called you to do? How much has He asked of you? What are you assuming as you long to be with more people, doing more things, being out and about, so you can list all you have done in the day. . . . is your hunger, insatiable hunger due to the fact that you are longing for true food, true life, true meaning? You already know where that is to be found but you are listening to other voices more than His. Honestly, how many hours, well, lets say minutes, do you really give to listen with your full attention to God in His Word on any given day, week, month, year?

Consider the cost:

your body can only take so much

your soul can not grow with this lack

your relationships will only take so much neglect and rushing about

your witness - how are you a light to others? how are you like an example to God's presence in a life. . . .

We all hear media influence us to be unfulfilled, they promise much but they are not giving us what we truly need. They move the goal further beyond your reach every day. Every day.

What is The Goal of your life?

How much time do you truly give to fellowship with the body of Christ outside of church worship time? Is it because of your schedule? Your choices? Your driving inner urges to keep up, live on adrenaline?

Practice seeking God first every day with time spent quietly with Him, reading His Word with a plan to read it book by book rather than a quote here and there. Listen to His voice before you hear the voices of the World, eat the true and life giving eternal food before eating your breakfast bar on the run. Shhhh, listen, read, then listen again. Ponder what you hear.

Meet with others and look into His Word together. His ways are the best ways, He won't deny you, He will give you the life you are really seeking in all the hurry, scurry, and blurry. And you will find richness, meaning, and time for that fellowship you ask, beg, and often demand of the church when you meet for worship. Your times in the Word getting to know His voice will birth within you a love for His people, a love for all people, and desire to share, care, and make time. It takes time for this. . . can you spare that kind of time?

Then come and enjoy the weekly time to worship with your body of Christ, His Bride, corporate worship together for His Sake. Enjoy, anticipate, and delight in worshiping the God of this universe, The God whom you know, and enjoy doing so with your fellow believers. It will not be primarily for you, but you will find blessing and refreshment in it.

Church of today - awaken to His still small voice which is still there, offering direction for your life.

Humbly yours,

Denise

Truth for Life

This is what the Lord says:

“Stop at the crossroads and look around.

Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it.

Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.

Jeremiah 6:16

A Work of HeART

from our granddaughter Avery

age 18 months

Isn't it interesting how the art work of children delights their parents, grandparents,

uncles, and aunts? The beginnings of expressing themselves pleases us and we want to place it on our refrigerator or walls.

I plan to make color copies of this art work which was created in Sudan, hand carried to the U.S. of A., mailed to us from Texas, arriving in Oklahoma at our mail box just last week.

It brought smiles, giggles, and warmed our hearts. This is our very first gift of art

from our very first granddaughter. A treasured work of heART.

The impact of this page pictured above has caused me to reflect upon how God responds to our efforts to please Him, to praise Him, to give to Him. . . . we use the gifts and talents He gives us, we mature in their use and offer more 'mature' praises, talents, and gifts as time passes and we grow up.

Our greatest joy is to use them as He leads for His glory.

What has He given you and me?

how are you using it?

are you giving?

are you sharing?

or

have you received 'art work' from others?

have you received them with joy,

with praise, with delight?

Do you appreciate where someone else is in their growth and development?

something to think about . . .

the best gifts are from the heart,

especially a heart that is His.

Truth for Life

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us;

establish the work of our hands for us - -

yes, establish the work of our hands.

Psalm 90:17

Up with the sun, walking the hills for:

Operation Sudan Or Bust

2010

We took a wonderful trip last month, 7 beautiful days on a cruise to Alaska from Seattle, Washington. It was a trip to celebrate our upcoming 35th anniversary. And it was fabulous.

We have spent the past year since 7/4/08 saving, planning, dreaming,

working, waiting, and then going!

We shared the trip with 4 other couples from our Sunday school class and that added moments of shared fun and pleasure. It was a vacation of good memories - some time in the near future I'll share a few of our 450+ photos. Just a few, I promise. ;-)

In the meantime, we begin our next major trip preparation. . . this next trip will be a trip of the heart, a trip to connect and love on our daughter, son-in-love, and granddaughter who now live and work in southern Sudan. They rest and recoup in Nairobi, Kenya every couple of months so we'll share time in both Kenya and Sudan. We are saving money, working on getting fit . . and so my morning walks have begun this week. Got to be ready for next summer.

I live in the south and our weather has been as HOT as a firecracker the past few weeks. So getting up just after dawn is the best time to pull on shorts, tank top, socks, shoes, sip some water, and get out on the road with the dogs.

Its pleasant, the sounds are wonderful, the traffic minimal, the the temperature is just right.

I used to listen to a podcast as I walked, loved listening to Revive Our Hearts, still do, but for now, I'm practicing being present in the moment. I'm taking in with my eyes the plants, neatly manicured yards, seeing wild birds, pets, and other walkers. I'm hearing lawn mowers, water sprinklers, and tinkling wind chimes. I'm smelling flowering shrubs and fresh cut lawns. I'm feeling the cool morning, the breezes, and at times the sprinklers that are watering the street.

In the time it takes me to walk my set path

I feel refreshed, awakened, peaceful,

ready to go home, take a cold shower, dress for the day

open God's Word, meditate, memorize, and study.

Ponder what I'm hearing and learning,

looking over my to-do list,

eating breakfast, and

moving out into what this day holds on the schedule.

My days go SO much better when I take the time to listen to God's Word before hearing man's word, eating the bread of life before eating breakfast,

savoring God's creation within the blocks of my neighborhood before working inside a climate controlled, antiseptic setting with people from all walks of life.

It gives me fresh perspective.

His view.

How do you begin your day, dear reader?

Truth For Life

And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to

fear the LORD your God,

to walk in all His ways,

to love Him,

to serve the LORD your God

with all your heart and with all your soul.

Deuteronomy 10:12

Happy 4th of July!

Get your oven runnin'

Find a stars and stripes container of Pillsbury white icing 

and a box of Betty Crocker 1 Step Angel Food cake mix.

Stir in 1/2 the packet of stars and stripes into the batter just before baking. . . and then ice with a simple vanilla glaze.

Vanilla Glaze

Melt 2 tablespoons butter or margarine with 2 tablespoons milk

Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk into 2 cups sifted powdered sugar

Pour on top of cake and allow to drizzle over the edges

Let 'set' for 30 minutes or more then serve.

I saw a can of Pillsbury cake icing with red and blue sprinkles and stars atop to put on an iced cake and well, that got me to thinking.

The brand of angel food cake mix my family has always used and adored is Betty Crocker. Its a simple 1 step cake mix. Some times you can find it with a packet of sprinkles you add into the cake batter just before you pour it into the cake pan. The sprinkles 'melt' into the batter leaving colored spots that make the cake festive. So, one time I measured the amount the packet provided and learned it was 1 tablespoon. If you have some jimmies or sprinkles in your cupboard you, too, can make a fun colorful cake.

So, you can see from my photos that is just what I did.

Enjoy!

P.S. : Share your favorite recipes for summer time holidays!

Truth For Life

In him (Christ) and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Ephesians 3:12

"Missed it by that much"

Maxwell Smart

There are moments in our lives when loved ones who live far away attempt to contact us. They leave a message by phone, email, or text. And if you are, for a brief time, away from that source of receiving the message . . . you miss that message.

I did that today.

Missed a chance to "Skype" with our daughter by phone, at her request, missing it by a mere four hours! Our time difference is 8 hours and well, its the wee hours of her tomorrow as I type this, so I will fight the urge to give her a call.  When a grown adult child wants to connect - you long to connect immediately without hesitation.

Sigh.

And yet there will be another time.  I sent her a reply email explaining my silence and offered other times we might try to connect.

Can't wait for that time, but we must. 

We will. 

Sigh.

"At times Sudan is farther away than at other times." 

Denise Rounds

(yes, you may quote me on this!)

Truth For Life

In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice;

in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.

Psalm 5:3

Mother's Day came and went. . . but the memory lives on.

I got to spend it with our family at church followed by a lovely buffet lunch at my mother-in-loves retirement community. I wore a new dress and a corsage made with a rose my daughter had arranged to be delivered by her best friend so I'd have a white rose. (my daughter lives in southern Sudan) A white rose corsage is my tradition each year  in remembrance of my mom who died at age 57 from Lou Gehrig's disease.

It was a relaxing calm quiet day - perfect! I was with family and for a very brief time I got to speak with our daughter via iPhone and Skype! That was the cherry on the top of the day.

That morning at church was busy - I was given the unexpected honor or reading the scriptures in one service before which I had volunteered to help hand out free Bible study books for all women who attended church as they departed from the earlier service. It gave me the chance to hug, greet, and speak to many women, a treat for me!

I have not posted in a while due to various computer, router, and iPhone difficulties. All fixed now, PTL! It took time but all worked out. Got a new hard-drive in the laptop and they replaced my laptop keyboard frame to boot! (I had a tiny split edge which I kept firmly affixed with a piece of clear tape.) Happy Day when I got it but I still need to reload some software and then put some of my backed up files onto the new hard drive. 

Perhaps this long Memorial Day weekend will be just the ticket.

Memorial Day 

How can we Americans say thank you for our freedoms? First with thanks to God, then with thanks to the men and women who have served or are serving our country. For their valor, we are still free. I'm blessed to be born in America.  I have done some travels out of our country and when I return home I am always grateful to be a citizen of the United States, we have many privileges, rights, and responsibilities that no other country has. That said, I will end with a verse that challenges and humbles me.

Truth For Life

Much will be required of everyone who has been given much.

And even more will be expected of the one who has been entrusted with more.

Luke 12: 48b

Truth For Life

Be joyful in hope,

patient in affliction,

faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

I am having the great joy of witnessing others initiating faith in Christ. . . one is just now seeking Him out in the midst of painful circumstances, bad history, and former hopelessness. I am crossing paths with points in lives that shout out "God At Work Here, Now!"

I am in awe of these conversations in my relationship with these people. Another is seeking God out but has chosen for now, a path that does not lead to truth, but into a cult. Another has an ailing parent, their other parent is newly deceased and they have become the ailing parent's caregiver/counselor. They are weary, beaten down by some things, lifted up by other's, showing by their actions, words, and life that they know life doesn't have to be as it has been. They are seeking, asking, looking, and reading the Bible regularly. Some ask me questions about scripture passages or quotes from their reading material and God has provided me guidance for when to speak and when to listen, when to question them, and when to hug, encourage, and rejoice with them. I pray for daily light and truth as these precious ones seek Christ.

As these encounters are occurring more regularly in my life this year, both at places of work and in my neighborhood, I am finding the above verse to be truth I have newly experienced. It is humbling, scary, and exciting. It gives me greater hope, a willingness to be more patient with them and God working in them, and to be all the more faithful in prayer.

I love technology and use it daily, by choice, for my work doesn't require much use of it on a day to day basis. But I love to learn how to use what tools I have so I can benefit from them as much as my life requires for ease in scheduling, remembering people, events, and to-do's. All to find balance so I can enjoy live, respond to others rather than reacting; I do not use technology for the purpose of organizing (read: stuffing) MORE into my day for the sake of getting MORE done to get MORE done. . . but to gently remind me at appropriate times in my day what to remember and not forget so the essentials are pushed to the side by the cares and worries of this world.

One way I do this is to use my phone's calendar reminder component to remind me to pray for specific people at times of day that 'fit' who I am remembering in prayer. Have you ever used your phone's calendar or computer calendar for such reminders?

It has helped me SO much as I awaken before dawn to begin my day with thanksgiving and prayers in my heart and on my lips for my husband and son who rise first. At noon I remember a friend whose class room is unsettled due to a student breaking a law and becoming incarcerated. The friend needs peace wisdom, courage, and boldness, the students need peace, perspective, and focus. In the evening I pray for recently widowed family members who are only too alone as the moon arises each evening. And I pray as I close my own eyes for my daughter and her family who are just then rising from their beds to begin the new day that God has already created.

Tell me what tools assist you in remembering to pray for those you pray for on a regular basis. I'd love to know and dear reader(s), we will learn from one another.