Day 96 6-26

I felt like I had a lot of little deep moments in connection with God today, which was really cool. It should be like that everyday really, like the sermon mentioned today about learning to recognize the presence of God. Some of those moments were... 

-thanking God for my family while watching Mark play with the kiddos at the pool

-falling asleep with my sweet June Bug under my arm. It was simple and peaceful and I thanked God for this moment and for bringing her to my life

- reading the Word (1 Pet 3) at the coffee shop tonight as I waited for my MOPS meeting to start.

Ended the day with reading some of Ch. 2: To Communicate, Decipher the Code in the marriage book Love and Respect. The main concept I took away from this chapter was on page 32...
"Often, we focus on our needs and simply overlook the needs of the other person. The wife needs love; she is not trying to be disrespectful. The husband needs respect; he is not trying to be unloving."

Day 95 6-25

I love the book of Titus in the Bible. It's one of those books that isn't real popular, but it contains so much awesome stuff. I decided during my quiet time today to simply read Titus and see what happens...

I read Titus 3:1-11 and got stuck on v. 7 

"having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life"

I got to thinking about it and read this over and over. What is the hope of eternal life? What does this mean to me? I thought of another reference to this in 1 Pet 3:15 that talks about always being ready to share about the hope that I have. So I just started jotted down what I think this hope means to me and I guess what I would say if someone asked me...

- I get to be with Jesus Christ forever, protected and surrounded by His love

- I get to be with my loved ones who have chosen to follow Christ

- I get to be in a beyond comprehension beautiful place where there is no evil, no hurt, no pain

- What will I do for eternity? forever? What will my job, responsibility be? I don't know, but what I do know is that I will be home.

Day 94 6-24

Continued in my quiet time today with reading the last chapter in Job-Shadowing Daniel which focuses on being filled with the Holy Spirit. Things that stuck out to me...

- "So God intends that all His people constantly live by the power of the Holy Spirit in their everyday roles- including their work lives"

- "every believer may claim the promises of God to be filled, taught, led, and made productive by the Holy Spirit." This was cool to read and empowering.

- "Only the generous presence of the Holy Spirit explains how Daniel remained true to the sovereign God all across his long career"

- This is the last chapter in the book and after I read it I put several large exclamation points in the margin. It is a great summary of what this book is about and I loved that this is how it ended. I felt very motivated and empowered! Thought I would share it below...

"As a Christian, you are a portable 'tent' where God's Spirit lives. Every dry and darkened workplace in the Babylon of today's world cries out for the living water and the light that only the presence of the sovereign God can supply. And you, like Daniel, have the high privilege of carrying His life-giving, life-shining presence into the very heart of that thirst-filled darkness. For you to be sent into your workplace in today's Babylon is a privilege - a high and holy calling." 

Day 93 6-23

Job-Shadowing Daniel Ch. 12 takeaways from my quiet time...

Just like Daniel... 

- May my power come from being filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit

- May others know me and hear that the Holy Spirit is in me

- May I live and do my everyday work under the control and in the power of the Holy Spirit

- May I recognize that everything I do is made possible because of the operation of the Holy Spirit in me

- May I be challenged by praying for and truly expecting the filling of the Holy Spirit within me every day

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Prayers today:

- treasure these memories in my mind and heart of my kids while they are young

- healing for Patty's husband, comfort and strength for family

- Lana to find wisdom and clarity and to lean on You for strength

- comfort and ability to grieve for church family who's brother was killed in Iraq

- safe travels for everyone coming and going to a family wedding to Lawrence tomorrow

Day 92 6-22

Today for my quiet time, I am finishing up the second to last chapter in 

Job-Shadowing Daniel, Ch. 11.

So, how did Daniel not only survive in the world he was living in, but also thrive and remain strong??

- p. 169 Daniel found His strength not in outward circumstances but in his inner connection with God cultivated by...

    1. PRAYER and being regularly anchored in the hope and faith in the permanent kingdom

    2. STUDYING AND BELIEVING IN GOD'S WORD

    3. FASTING Denying one's self to the normal comforts of life helps one to concentrate on 

         the sovereign God who rules the eternal kingdom (on occasion or for special 

         circumstances)

Other notes...

- Do my work to make God look good

- Don't expect church attendance on Sunday to provide the power that only a living and daily relationship with Christ can provide (173)

- Definition of spiritual disciplines (178)

"activities of mind and body purposefully undertaken to bring our personality and total being into effective cooperation with the divine order"

Had to read this several times because I do not have logical brain, but I love it once I could really allow it to resonate with me!!

Day 91 6-21

After several dumb spats over the past weeks, Mark and I finally realized that we needed to nurture our marriage a bit more as we have been in survival mode for a while and felt distant from one another.

This happens occasionally with us, more so after the addition of two little ones, but luckily we are both not okay with how we had been living and treating one another and want to make changes individually and as a couple together. We want to grow closer to one another and know each other better, especially how to love the other in a way he or she responds to and, of course, to grow closer to Christ together. So we got down to the basics and simply decided (as we had had on our goals for the past couple years) to pray with one another every night before bed and read Scripture together (we didn't designate when). This is the same command we are given in Scripture of how to simply know God better, pray to Him, and read His Word.

I also wanted to do a study or read something more on marriage and was led to our bookshelf to the book Love and Respect by Eggerichs. Right away, I was happy with what I read and it lined up with exactly what I was looking for. It talked about being willing to submit myself wholeheartedly to this Biblical design for marriage that he describes...

Eph 5:33  ^"However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." 

Also, the author talked about this cycle he has seen in marriage..."without love from him, she reacts without respect; without respect from her, he reacts without love."  God has ordained that wives respect their husbands as a method to win husbands to Himself. These things really resonated with me and I am excited to read on.

Day 90 6-20

Focused my quiet time in reading Job-Shadowing Daniel. Some notes...

- We should always be looking to work as a team as God Himself does as the Trinity

- We need to see the value of linking hands with other believers in our working circles. Mine would be MOPS which I value very much and am so glad I have.

- Intentionally connecting with believers in any workplace can help take you out of your comfort zone, which is good in my opinion. I need to to be challenged and pushed more often.

-Although we are called to link up with and support our brothers an sisters in Christ, it is very important to continue interaction with unbelievers (the great commission)

-Daniel shows respect and courtesy to the earthly authority in his life by making requests, not demands. He regards others with his actions.

- May my spirit reflect the light from our greater source as Daniel's did. May others see Jesus, the friend of sinners, in me.

-"Just because God rescued us in Christ does not make us superior to those still groping around in that darkness." Someone (Jay LaVergne)  helped me see the light and loved on me so I should as well.

- A light bulb just went off...Never saw this truth in 1 Pet 3:15 before...

"Always be prepared to give an answer TO EVERYONE THAT ASKS YOU to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." I should live my life so that others are curious about the God who lives in me and are driven to ask about it.

- along the same lines... I should "make the teaching about God our Savior attractive"

- I should "avoid giving anyone any reason to dislike or avoid Christians or Christ

- God will direct me to help someone see the divine hand at work. It will happen on His timetable, not my own.This will most likely resist measurement and demand long-term commitment.

Day 89 6-19

As I am wrapping up my study of Daniel, I thought it would be a good idea to go back and try and summarize the book in my own words...

1. Most likely as a young teenager, Daniel was forced into service for the king of Babylon when his home town was taken over

2. He carried himself with excellence and dignity, maintaining his own identity as servant of God, a citizen of heaven, and an Israelite. He did this while respecting everyone.

3. He was highly successful at his job and moved up in the ranks with much responsibility.

4. Was given the gift of special circumstance dream interpretation.

5. Earned respect, but also was hated by fellow employees because he was so good. Continued to pray to His Lord 3x a day even though there was a law in place against this trying to catch him.

6. Was saved by God in the Lion's Den. 

7. Amazingly loved, admired, and respected by a secular king.

8. Visited by angelic heavenly beings who told him of the fate of his people, the Israelites.

I could have done a better job, but those are what came mind. Also, I just started rattling off questions as I debriefed the book...

What happened next for Daniel (he was near 85 at the end of the book)? What did he do with this knowledge given to him? Did he understand it all? Where is he buried? What will his role be in the new heaven and earth? What did I learn about God's character from this book? 

Day 88 6-18

Still studying Daniel 12 in my Quiet Time. I am so glad I feel better. 

I got caught up in Dan 12:13 today...

  

“As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” 

This is a promise to Daniel from the angel standing before him bringing a message from heaven. Basically, he this is saying that Daniel will die and then at Christ's return, he will resurrect and receive his award. Is this more than eternal life in heaven? It is speaking of a specific role he will hold in heaven. It seems as though it is talking about something unique to him with the use of "allotted", or it could be the general allotment of heaven that all Christ followers are promised. It doesn't really matter to me honestly, but knowing that we will be given different levels of responsibilities/jobs/roles in heaven, then I'm confident that Daniel will be in charge of something super special and he will do it with excellence! 

Day 87 6-17

I woke up sick today with aches, chills, weakness, and a few bathroom runs, but I still decided to spend some time crawling up with my Lord today, even though, it would have been super easy not to. I let Him know, I wasn't sure I give it my all, but I would do my best. 

I read Daniel 12 again today and parked in v.2...

"Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." 

It was always my understanding that only the righteous believers would be resurrected or awakened from the dead at the time of Christ's return, but it makes sense that all (both sons and daughters of light and darkness) souls will go to their place, whether it be hell or heaven. Maybe I am thinking about in the New Testament when Jesus died on the cross and tombs burst open and the righteous walked out and visited their families.

It's a comforting phrase, "everlasting life". Does this phrase only occur here in the OT?

Day 86 6-16

Prayed and simply read Daniel 12 today.

Day 85 6-15

It's the middle of VBS week and my kiddos are a little off their routine to say the least and are tired. So, here I sit snuggled with my Sam on the couch doing my Quiet Time as he watches Bearstein Bears. I know the TV is on and I am not alone to focus my whole mind and attention as I should during my QT, but it is what I have to do today to spend time with the Lord. There is something peaceful right now about holding my son and drawing near to the Lord. I decided to read through Daniel 11 again and for some reason, v.35 really stuck out to me so I parked on it for a little while.

³⁵ Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.

Day 84 6-14

I ended up parking in Daniel 11:36-45 today. Read more on the anti-christ. It's just interesting to me and I'm still wondering how we claim to know what we know with not a whole lot of info here. 

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Spent my time lifting up VBS in my prayer time today :) 

Day 83 6-13

Reading Daniel Chapter 11 for my Quiet Time. Had some things come to mind as I read it...

Thought it was cool and interesting that the angel talking to Daniel, Gabriel I think, was sent on a mission, from my understanding, to encourage and protect the pagan king Darius, the Mede? You always think of angels protecting believers and children, not adults who have made the choice to not follow God. This was His plan though in ensuring the care of His people and the earth I guess. What's awesome is that these kings who ruled Daniel came to respect and appreciate Daniel's God. 

The book of Daniel has clearly switched gears to a prophetic style of writing that is sometimes hard to follow, but that's ok. From reading the notes provided in my Bible, it seems to be overwhelming accepted that some of the prophecies mentioned have been completed already. How do we know this? (the kings of north, south, etc.) Again, obviously, smart people before me have studied this intently. The anti-christ is before Jesus comes to my understanding right. I've always heard that and accepted it, but this is where it is spoken of, probably in Revelation too I imagine.

Day 82 6-12

I'm parked in Dan 10 again today as I'm still intrigued about the "Book of Truth" in v.21. I decided to go to my study Bible notes on this verse and see where it leads me. It references "writing of truth" as the divine record of the destinies of all human beings. Not a light subject :) What a book to possess. I went on a word study as the notes led me to Scripture references throughout the Bible.

Dan 12:1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered."

Psa 9:5 "You have rebuked the nations, You have destroyed the wicked; You have blotted out their name forever and ever."  (blotting out referencing to Book of Life I am assuming?)

 

Psa 51:1 "Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions." (same thing here)

Psa 69:28 "May they be blotted out of the book of life and may they not be recorded with the righteous." 

Ex 32:32 "But now, if You will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!” 

As I read Dan 10, I am still torn in the difference between prophesied events that already supposedly happened versus future events that are to come in the "end times" and how do we really know anyway? and should we claim to know that what is talked about here did come true already in some instances. Yes, history has shown that some past kings actions lined up with the events described, but how close? how accurate? I am just being a student here and not believing something just because someone who has more letters after their name thinks something. No disrespect to them and I am sure they wouldn't have posted these notes if there weren't careful investigation and hours and hours of studying. I just think we should always be careful to assume we know what is going in the Bible all the time and that we understand God's plan. I want to constantly remind myself that I am just a speck on sand on the beach and God is in control and knows everything and sometimes our little minds don't have to understand everything and that is OK.

10:21 also talks about no one standing firm with him (I think the angel Gabriel) "except Michael (the head angel in my understanding). This didn't make sense to me because shouldn't and wouldn't all the angels be standing firm together? Is Michael, Daniel's designated guardian. That is a sweet deal for Daniel if so.

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Continued prayers for VBS, Life Group, and clarity in Warrior Dash??

Day 81 6-11

It turned into another crazy busy day today in Russell and Mark and I crashed when the kids napped. I was bummed because really one of the main things I wanted to do while I was here in Russell was to have my quiet time at my dad's grave. Unfortunately that didn't happen, but I did get to spend some time at it when we headed out of town, but we had to hurry because there was a big storm coming and we didn't want to get caught driving home in it.  So, it's around midnight again, but I have a little mental energy so I think I am going to go back and read Daniel 10 with my study Bible to see if I can gain more understanding of what is going on and what I am supposed to take away from this.

After reading the chapter in NASB version, the language was interpreted different than my NIV travel Bible, and I enjoyed it more. It made a little more sense and I understood it better. I forget to look at other versions sometimes when I am not quite understanding something, and I am glad that happened this time, even though I didn't intentionally do it.

Day 80 6-10

This is the first time in a long time that I can remember forgetting to do my quiet time today. In the hustle and bustle of all the activities today in Russell, I simply forgot and I was so wiped out that I crashed at bedtime. Luckily, however, as I drifted off to sleep, I was immediately awakened and pretty much scolded by an inner voice to get my butt up and go spend some time with the Lord. It is officially after midnight I think, but I guess I will cut myself some slack and count it. Thanks God for setting me straight. I went to the Bible to continue my study of Daniel and picked up in chapter 11 where I left off. I kept having this peaceful feeling and inner prayer for me to allow my heart to be penetrated with the Word as I prepared to sleep and be ready for the next day.  I read 11:1-19. It is super interesting, but very confusing. I don't really get it and want to look more into it, but not when it is this late and I am super tired. What is the "Beautiful Land" the author talks of? What is the North v. the South Kingdom? Is this future events or did they come true? I don't have my study Bible with me, but I will look deeper into it when I get home.

Day 79 6-9

I'm in Russell for the once every decade celebration called Prairiesta. My kids are in bed for the night and everyone is out so I get to spend some time in quiet at my Grandma's Marie's old house. I decided to pick up in the Bible in Daniel 10. 

I found this chapter curiously interesting and intriguing if that even makes sense. Right away I was drawn to v. 12 which states "Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them."   

What an awesome affirmation of faith. This is so encouraging and empowering for me. God hears us and knows our heart. Also, three times, the angel speaking to Daniel, calls him "highly esteemed." What a baffling honor. The Lord and the heavenly hosts give Daniel the ultimate compliment. He is highly favored in their eyes and that is all that matters in the world. I hope to have that designation. This angelic encounter that Daniel is experiencing is incredible. In what the angel is saying, in my opinion of course, is that it's evident that they (the angel army) really are fighting at war right now in a different spiritual realm, though we can't see them obviously. I totally believe this battle is constantly going on even as I sit here. Even though we know the ultimate outcome, there is still fighting to be done now. Both sides want our souls so bad and they will do whatever it takes to win our hearts. The Bible talks about God being a jealous God because he wants our souls and is so sad when we don't choose Him.  I am glad mine was won to God's army. They are doing their job to protect us. There are stories all the time about people believing angels protected them.  Humble submission in recognition of angelic heavenly presence was a thought that came over me.

One question I ran into is, what is the Book of Truth that is brought up in v.21?

Day 78 6-8

I decided to have my quiet time today as I waited for my co-leader for VBS to come over to work on stuff together. The kids were sleeping. The house was quiet, still, and peaceful. It's nice to have this time to slow down from the fast pace of life and be refreshed and rejuvenated as I sit at Jesus' feet. I sat on the couch and simply prayed for a while. For the upcoming MOPS season (positions to be filled, etc.), for people's lives to be changed as they encounter Jesus at VBS, for homes to be changed and filled with Jesus as kids come home and share what they learned, for strength and energy for all the leaders, and for me to be willing to obey God when He leads me wherever and whenever and that I am willing to be used for Him.

Day 77 6-7

So after life group last night, I was flooded with thoughts about what my roles are right now in this life and how I am I doing them. Do I do them with excellence? I just began frantically writing all of them down...

I am a ...

child of God, His ambassador here on earth

wife

mother

daughter, aunt, sister, sister in law, daughter in law, cousin, etc.

Friend

Life Group Leader (shepherd)

MOPS Discussion Group Leader Coordinator (shepherd)

member of my local church

member of my community, state, country, world

I was convicted last night that I needed to step it up and take my role as a Life Group leader more seriously and be more intentional, specifically in my communication and encouragement during the week with the girls. Do I know them well? Do they know me? Do I know their struggles? Do I pray for them regularly? Do they feel comfortably coming to me? Do they know I care? How am I deepening our relationship? What am I doing to encourage and spur them on spiritually? Do I call when they are gone from group? Do I have coffee dates?

Now I realize that this is just one role of mine.  How does one do it ALL with excellence? All the time? What's my accountability? I thank God for these gut checks, especially as a leader accountable for others. I need to constantly keep myself in check and in line with the Lord. Simple obedience to the Lord's commands are tough. Why can't I just do it? Because this world is dark, broken, and temptations loom around every corner. It's not the natural thing to do here on earth, at least not for me. That's why Jesus instructed us so many times to daily commit oneself to the Lord. He knew how hard simple obedience would be in this broken world. It was hard for Adam and Eve in a perfect world, think how much harder it is today.  I was spurred on to do a quick word study with my concordance on daily meditation of the Word...

"It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees." (Deut 17:19)

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Josh 1:8)

"Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." (Psalm 96:2)

"The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad." (Psalm 118:24)

"Give us each day our daily bread." (Luke 11:3)

"Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)

"Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23) 

 

This gets be back on track Lord. Thanks!

Day 76 6-6

Spent time reading Daniel 9:20-27 and had a lot of interesting take away points and questions...

- v.23 the angel (swift flight) Gabriel tells Daniel that he is "highly esteemed". May I be described like that by my Lord.

- Prayer is powerful. God listens and it works. "As you begin to pray...an answer was given" v.23

- All the 7's mentioned gets quite confusing. What does it all mean. A lot of numbers used to determine the events to come. Is it important for me to understand this more? Why include this? Why communicate to us in this way?

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My prayers....

- for my eyes to continually be opened to the big picture purpose, to move when You call, and to carry out Your will

- for strength, clarity, and wisdom in preparation for VBS, positions to be filled, etc.

Day 75 6-5

Continued my Quiet Time today focusing more in the Integrity chapter from yesterday.

Some of my take away points...

- I love that no one could find fault in Daniel's work (6:46) so they moved on to attacking his faith. I think we are to expect this in this world at some point.

- Pg. 99 says "God's work is never corrupt, the products of human effort fail."

- Jn 17:4 talks about Jesus completed the work He was assigned on earth and I wasn't quite sure what that fully meant. He did not leave His work on earth 1/2 finished. His work was done? but ours begins right?

- loved the way the author talks about how we who are being renewed in the image of our creator are to reflect Him in the way we do our work!!

- expect co-workers to watch the way I work

- EVERYONE deserves respect because they were made in the image of God

- make God's teachings attractive to others

- so why work in the first place... To glorify God and enjoy Him forever, to image Him (image as a verb)

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General prayers for VBS to run smoothly and for hearts to be won for Jesus

Day 74 6-4

My prayers today...

- for MOPS positions to be filled for the Fall season; clarity for Katie and Dawn

- praise for summer and its adventure filled free spirit; played at SM Beach today with the kiddos and it was a blast

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Focusing today back on the book Job-Shadowing Daniel, specifically the chapter on

Integrity: Working to Mirror God...

I thought it was interesting that integrity has been one of the top looked up words on the online dictionary. The authors define it as incorruptibility, soundness, completeness, and honesty. 

Answered my time question from earlier. More than 60 years had passed between Dan 1 to 6. That would make Daniel 75+ ? when appointed under King Darius. 

What I strive for is integrity in the Lord in this world. What are some examples of this for me? 

Day 73 6-3

Today my focus was on examining Daniel's Prayer in Daniel 9...

It's as if Daniel knew his people would be going through a terrible time as Jeremiah described as "horror" (Jere 25:11-12) for 70 years and he believed God was true to His Word.  So how did Daniel prepare for all this? What did he do first? He did what we all should do. He humbled himself and got down on his knees and prayed to His heavenly Father. Daniel was in tune with the Lord's character. 

I believe he's saying Lord we messed up big time and just like You and the prophets said would happen, we are in a nasty time, solely because of our rebellion against You. We deserve it and I know it and I include myself in this because I am not separated from my people or above them.  Lord You are righteous, holy, and awesome. I do ask, Lord, for your compassion. I plead as a representative for my people. Turn your anger away and allow others to see Your light in us by taking this embarrassing shame away. I am your servant God and I love You and trust You. Please forgive us quickly and restore our dignity as Your people. I believe we do, deep down, want to bring honor to Your name once again. We have not done anything to deserve Your mercy, but I do ask for Your grace today. To You be the glory God. I trust in Your plan. 

Day 72 6-2

Today I focused my QT on reading Daniel 9:1-19.

This passage is interesting and really sticks out because it contains a specific prayer of Daniel which is so amazing and important because Daniel is known as one of our major prayer warriors and an example. I thought it was cool Daniel contained in his prayer plural words like "we, us, our", not them. He always included himself when talking about the failures of his people even though he clearly was not a part of their rebellion from the Lord, but he is still a sinner and  one of them and never severed that tie or distinction as an Israelite. I believe he truly loved his people and was pleading in behalf of them. What a great example of prayer that honestly I have skimmed over in the past I think. I love how Daniel opens in humble adoration to the Lord, lifting Him up. Then he confesses right away which is so key when we come before the Lord. Also, he clearly knows the history of the Lord's character. God will follow through with what He says!!

Day 71 6-1

I was flooded with prayers today as I sat down to have my QT with Jesus. I prayed for...

- my kids to be protected in general spiritually and from physical harm, to be lights wherever they are especially as they participate in public school, to choose wise friends who love You, to help others, and to choose to follow You everyday

- me to be You in a way to them and teach them about You every opportunity I can

- me to be confident, joyful, a light, and diligence in spending time in the Word with You everyday

- my husband to be the light at his work, making holy and wise choices that honor You

- Linds mom to choose You today to follow and cling to

- a friend's heart to be softened and disturbed until he receives You

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Read Daniel 8

Is Gabriel an angel? the same angel that spoke to Mary? I think so. Daniel never says angel I don't think but I think it is assumed. Gabriel interpreted Daniel's dream for him immediately and was standing next to him right then so those are some indications.

Day 70 5-31

Finished Chapter 5 in the book Job-Shadowing Daniel, we are studying in our Life Group. 

Some of my takeaway points were...

- How does my work provide and/or protect the earth and its people?  Even though my work may be a little more obvious than most people's jobs in terms of answering the question, I am going to spend some time really thinking about this in detail and what it means for me.

- We should view work as a God-given instrument for carrying out His agenda in the world!

Day 69 5-30

I love You Lord and I see Your work alive and at work in my life. I trust You and I pray that I don't miss opportunities in front of me to show Your love. Thanks for the nice weather, which has allowed me to meet more of our neighbors. May I get to know them and may they see You in my family and I.

We visited Great Grandma Lois today and I just felt a tug on my heart to pray during my QT for the workers there, specifically the one that helped us find Grandma and was in the rec room with us spoon feeding a man his lunch. I was just taken back by her servant's heart and her dedication to maintaining her patient's dignity. She talked to him, even though he never responded back and she just sat with him. 

I believe it takes a special person to take care of the elderly full time and I don't mean that in a condescending way. I couldn't do it because I get so stinkin sad. But, she did it with grace and I am glad that there are people like that working in the facility where Lois is. I made sure I let her know that she was doing a good job and I appreciated it. I didn't use to do that, but maybe my age and season of life has changed that appreciate within me. I don't know. It may also have to do with my mom being a nurse and I see how much of a special people they are to take care of us in our time of need.

You are great God.