CHECKING MY ROUTE
Today's reading:  Hosea 9-14

"...The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.  But sinners stumble and fall along the way."  Hosea 14:9 NLT

I have to occasionally check the route I'm traveling.

You see, all of my intentions are to follow God.  My heart's desire is to do what He wants, go where He needs me to go and become who He intends for me to be.

But I'm easily distracted.

I'm also bossy and controlling and full of my own plans.

And that, dear friends, is a recipe for disaster!

I cannot allow God to guide and direct my life if I am not allowing Him access to the 'steering wheel'.

Today is one of those days I've set aside to listen more closely to Him and for He and I to spend a little one-on-one time going over His plans for me.

I can trust Him for the best.  I can depend upon Him for everything.  I can rely on Him to see me through.  I can be assured the paths He leads me on will be the ones where I'll receive the most of His grace, mercy and love--and His personal assistance.

Is it time you re-checked your route, too? 

LETTING HIM
Today's reading:  Proverbs 20-21

"Don't say, I will get even for this wrong.  Wait for the Lord to handle the matter."  Proverbs 20:22 NLT 

Yes, I'm mad.

I've had my feelings hurt.

I'm embarrassed.

Not a nice combination of emotions.

I'm usually mild-mannered, but this has got me ticked!  I could yell.  I could scream.  I could rant.  I could rave.  I could offer alot of words and send off an inbox full of e-mails. 

Or, I can let it go and allow God to handle it.

He knows the whole story.  He has seen the big picture, not just the cross-section visible from my standpoint.  He knows the why's, He sees both sides of the story.  He is the impartial party.

He can have it.  It will be one less thing I'm forced to deal with during the day! 

REASON TO GO ON
Today's reading:  Psalm 102-104

"The Lord is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love.  He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.  He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve."  Psalm 103:8-9 NLT

Satan doesn't want you to know the truths of these verses.

Satan doesn't want you to stand on the promises held in this Scripture passage.

Satan doesn't want you to get a toe-hold in this 'faith thing'.

Satan doesn't want you to share this verse with another living soul.

Satan doesn't want you to rise up in the morning with this chant on your lips.

Satan doesn't want you to hold your head up knowing you are a Child of the King.

Satan doesn't want us to prosper, live life at its most abundant or hope.

Satan doesn't want us to go on...isn't that reason to continue?  

  

DISTRACT YOURSELF
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 15-19

"Search for the Lord and for his strength, and keep on searching."  1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT

Looking for strength when you're at your weakest is not the easiest thing to do. 

In psychological circles, this verses suggests a healing process called a 'distractionary technique'.  It's when your mind is averted from your problem or situation by focusing, if only for a while, on something else.

We do it to kids with bandaids and stickers at the doctors' offices.  We practice it on our children with popcicles and ice bags when they've falled and skinned their knees.  We do it to ourselves when we take up an old habit instead of dealing with current stresses.

But do we ever whole-heartedly attempt to look for God's strength?

In our lowest lows do we distract ourselves from the weight of the matters at hand by seeking His handprints in the situation or by looking at His presence and power?

It may be time we begin to distract our minds away from the obvious in orde to see the Awesome-ness! 

LIMITLESS
Today's reading:  Numbers 9-12

"...Is there any limit to my power?.."  Numbers 11:23 NLT

God spoke this through Moses to a mumbling, grumbling people wanting meat for their dinner.

He spoke it to a group of His children who were weary, scared and dust-covered.

He spoke it to a victorious army feeling defeated and lost.

He spoke it to me, just this morning!

In regards to the unsaved family members I keep in my prayers.

In regards to the dear friend facing some huge medical issues.

In regards to the grace needed to cover the Malinda-part of me.

There is no limit to His power!  I have not used up my God-minutes, exhausted His strength or pushed His love to me to the limits.

I will not 'use' Him up or wear Him out--He is limitless!

NEVER FORGET
Today's reading:  2 Timothy 1-2

"This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it:  Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--and I was the worst of them all."  1 Timothy 1:15 NLT

Have you forgotten that?  That you were once a sinner, too?

Or is it more comfortable for you to compare yourself to a non-believer and grade high on the curve you've set?

Once we allow the value of God's salvation for us to slip from our hearts and minds, we lose the desire to reach others for Him.

Once we forget where He found us and what He saved us from, the importance of the task loses its lustre.

May we never forget! 

WOULD I?
Today's reading:  John 7-9

"But no one had the courage to speak favorably of him in public..."  John 7:13 NLT

The changed water into wine, fed 5,000 with a boy's lunch, changed the life of a demoniac, Jesus.

The open blind eyes, heal a cripple, raise a young girl from the dead, Jesus.

The living, breathing, walking among them Jesus--and they wouldn't testify of His greatness?

Would I?

Do I? 

HARD TIMES
Today's reading: Hosea 1-7

"But I will fence her in with thornbushes. I will block the road to make her lose her way." Hosea 2:6 NLT

Probably my favorite verse in all of Hosea.

Proof positive that God's love for us chases, woos and wants to wrap us entirely in it.

Factual evidence that praying God's presence into someone's life will indeed be at times uncomfortable, inconvenient and awkward--but worth it.

Hosea's wife wandered. We wander. Hosea's wife wanted to go her own way. We want
the same. Hosea's wife became a testimony recorded for history to learn and be encouraged from. Ours can too, if we're not fighting the thornbushes and roadblocks!

HARD TIMES
Today's reading:  Hosea 1-7

"But I will fence her in with thornbushes.  I will block the road to make her lose her way."  Hosea 2:6 NLT

Probably my favorite verse in all of Hosea.

Proof positive that God's love for us chases, woos and wants to wrap us entirely in it.

Factual evidence that praying God's presence into someone's life will indeed be at times uncomfortable, inconvenient and awkward--but worth it.

Hosea's wife wandered.  We wander.  Hosea's wife wanted to go her own way.  We want
the same.  Hosea's wife became a testimony recorded for history to learn and be encouraged from.  Ours can too, if we're not fighting the thornbushes and roadblocks!

STANDING IN THE CORNER
Today's reading:  Proverbs 19

"People ruin their lives by their own foolishness, and then are angry at the Lord."  Proverbs 19:3 NLT

I've stood in the corner with my arms crossed and my scowl set across my brow.

I've been mad at myself--and dare I say it, mad at God for making me the way He did.

I've disappointed myself and sought after someone to blame.  I've wanted to transfer ownership of this faulty vessel to its Maker.

I have pulled some real hum-dingers and have repeated them time and time again, expecting God to step in and change the outcome of my hard-headedness.

I've stomped my way through a day wrought with disasters of my own making and have questioned everything related to the universe and how it's run.

I've lived out Proverbs 19:3.  I may be the posterchild for which God fashioned that verse.

But seeing it in black and white this morning?  Well, puts a whole new spin on things!

BOWING LOW
Today's reading:  Psalm 99-101

"Exalt the Lord our God!  Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!"  Psalm 99:5 NLT

Flat out before Him.

None of this slight nod of the head in His direction, but complete honor to Him.

No ritualistic curtsies out of common courtesies, but in honor.

Refraining from 'lowering' ourselves to anyone, absolutely anyone.

I'm convicted this morning about the lack of respect, honor and dignity I show my Savior and best Friend.

PASSWORD
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 10-14

Passwords.

To do my banking online, I must know my password.

To access Isaiah's school grades, I am required to enter a password.

To write and publish this devotion to the World Wide Web, I must give the computer my password.

Everything requires a password.  That's alot of passwords to remember...thankfully I have my little black book!

It's a cheap one I purchased at the Dollar Tree.  It's small.  It's loaded with page after page of my passwords.

I know, I know, you're not supposed to record your special PINs or passwords, they might fall into the wrong hands.

I'll make you a deal:  I'll give my little black book a toss when you start following me around reminding me of what all my passwords are!

My Bible does the same thing.

It gives me access to God.

It reminds me of the power available to one of His children.

It provides me specific information needed to continue on this journey to godliness.

It charges me to pass it on, live it loudly and draw upon it as if I do a breath of air.

Have you picked up your 'little black Book' today?

DAY OF GIFTS
Today's reading:  Numbers 5-8

"The Lord said to Moses, Let each leader bring his gift on a different day for the dedication of the altar."  Numbers 7:11 NLT

My Bible commentary says, 'After the Tabernacle was set up, anointed and consecrated, the leaders of the 12 tribes brought gifts and offerings for its use and maintenance.  All the people participated--it was everyone's Tabernacle.'

I love this!

Maybe you and I were not in a position to use our God-appointed gifts during the church service yesterday.  We don't speak publicly, we can't sing, we were not on the nursery rotation...it's quite possible that today is the day in which you are to present your gift to God.

Where might He ask you to present it?  Home?  Work?  Your child's school?  Wal-Mart?

How might it be presented?  A specific and concerted effort?  A moment of reaction?  A time of habit?

What might it look like?  A kind word?  A deed?  Something costly?  Something free? 

God's Tabernacle is within His children.  It goes where we go.  It takes on the shape, form and personality of us.

What gift will you present Him today?

BACKPACK PRAYER
Today's reading:  1 Timothy 4-6

"But you, Timothy, belong to God, so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good.  Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.  Fight the good fight for what we believe.  Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed as well before many witnesses."  1 Timothy 6:11-12 NLT

I've decided, with God's nudging, this will be Isaiah's 'backpack prayer' for this new school year.

I claim a portion of Scripture each and every August to go with my little guy, who is now as tall as me, to have tucked away in his backpack for his venture into the mission field we call 'school'.

These verses mean alot to me, and will one day mean even more to Isaiah.

I claim the promises and truths of God's Word and want him to do the same.

I believe in them wholeheartedly and attempt to live that belief out in front of my son.

I trust them to be alive and active and able to defeat any of Satan's tricks and pray their protection over Isaiah when he's out of my range of influence.

I believe it's going to be a great school year.  I am trusting that God has placed in our family a teacher who He believes we need--and who needs us! 

A PICTURE OF ME
Today's reading:  John 5-6

"Crowds of sick people--blind, lame or paralyzed--lay on the porches.  One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years.  When Jesus saw him and knew how long he had been ill, he asked him, Would you like to get well?  I can't sir, the sick man said..."  John 5:3-7 NLT

Jesus knew him.  Knew about the thirty-eight years of pain.  Knew his past.  Knew his future.  Knew how many hairs were on his head.  Knew what word, what touch, what bit of mud made with His spit would heal the man.

The man knew nothing.  Had no clue as to Whom he was talking.  Had no idea the potential of the Man to whom he spoke.  Was ignorant as to what the rest of his day would hold.  Thought he knew everything, but knew nothing!

It's a picture of me.  Maybe, just maybe, of you, too.  We tell God what He can and cannot do.  We let Him in on what we believe will or will not happen.  We instruct Him on the plans we have laid out for our life and for the lives of our loved ones.  We pray in doubt.  We claim nothing but fear.

Maybe it's time we realize to Whom we are speaking!

WE WIN
Today's reading:  Daniel 7-12

An old preacher used to say, 'Just look at the end of the Book (Revelations)..you will find out we win!'

But I can 'one up' him...because it's listed in the middle of the Bible, too!  Right here in Daniel.

 "But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever." Daniel 7:18 NLT

That's encouraging to know in the midst of tough times, hard battles and raging storms. Amidst religious animosity and government led bullying, being on the Christian side of things is not the safest or most popular place to be.  It gives us a little more gumption for the fight.  A little more intestinal grit.  A little more determination.  A reminder of what it is we're fighting for!

Go, team!

DOING MY PART
Today's reading: Proverbs 17-18

The word for the summer: Drought.

The crops are suffering. The garden is suffering. The lawn is suffering. The trees, shrubs and landscaping are suffering.

All from lack of enough water. Life-giving, fruit producing water.

I cannot make it rain. But as of today, I'm going to do my part in regards to this drought...

"A person's words can be life giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook." Proverbs 18:4 NLT

I'm going to 'water' someone's life with kind words today!

I'm going to quench their thirst by providing encouragement or cheer!

I'm going to drop at least one drop of love into their buckets--buckets that are usually drained dry by the enemy's attacks on the heart and mind.

I GET IT
Today's reading:  Psalm 96-98

It's listed this morning in two places:

"Sing a new song to the Lord!  Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!"  Psalm 96:1 NLT

"Sing a new song to the Lord, for he as done wonderful deeds.  He has won a mighty victory by his power and holiness."  Psalm 98:1 NLT

Noticing it twice, reading it twice, it grabbing my attention twice--I get it!

Yes, it's been said of that I'm one fry short of a Happy Meal.

That I'm a few peas short of a casserole.

A banana shy of a split.

A few feathers short of a duck.

But I get this!

God's needing to hear something new from me.  He's tired of the same old song and dance number I recite to Him day in and day out.  He's ready to hear me whistling a new tune.

And e s

BECAUSE
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 5-9

"They cried out to God during the battle, and he answered their prayer because they trusted in him..."  1 Chronicles 5:20 NLT

The battle doesn't surprise us.  We've been told to expect it.  We live in a foreign land and we're just pilgrims passing through on our way to bigger, better and eternal things.

The enemy doesn't surprise us.  We've been told to expect him.  We became his rival the moment Christ's blood washed us clean.  He doesn't like clean people.  He doesn't like forgiven people.  He doesn't like God's people.

What surprises us is that God answers!

Our hearts are lifted when we see His hand at work in the battle.

Our spirits are revived when we realize He is with us on the battlefield.

Our strength is renewed when we realize our mustard-seed-sized faith is what drew Him near to us.

Our faith is intensified, enlarged and growing when we realize He has answered because we believed He would!

What a mighty God we serve!  What a mighty God we serve.  Angels bow before Him.  Heaven and earth adore Him.  What a mighty God we serve! 
 

TAKING A HEAD COUNT
Today's reading:  Numbers 1-4

The over-riding theme of the book of Numbers is the two censuses Moses took of God's children, the Israelites.

The first census was taken in order to organize the throng into marching units for the journey through the wilderness--and into the Promised Land.

The second census was ordered, by God, to be taken to assess the army that would need to be mustered as they crossed the Jordan River.

Twice in forty years.  Two times during the entire trek across the lands.  Only a couple of opportunities to be reminded that there are strength in numbers.

The rest of the time? 

Well, the rest of the time, they were just, and what a huge word that is, to trust God.

The Israelites protection and might didn't come from the close to two million men,women and children who had left Egypt.

The conquests and victories has nothing at all to do with the descendants' names assigned to each tribe.

The capture and inhabitation of Canaan never once depended upon the numbers Moses and Aaron tallyed up during either of their counts.

It all depended upon God's faithfulness and love for His ow.

Same's true for you and I!

We may have a prayer team praying for us night and day.  We may have a large Christian family backing us every step.  We may be an active member of the greatest church known the modern .

But our might, abilities and strength come from the One we count on our side...God!

The

LITTLE OLE ME?
Today's reading:  1 Timothy 1-3

"How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve him..."  1 Timothy 1:12 NLT

Trustworthy enough to be Mom to a little man.

Trustworthy enough to be a wife.

Trustworthy enough to lead a group of women on Sunday mornings.

Trustworthy enough to have an internet devotional.

Me? 

How thankful I am that He overlooked my weaknesses and failings.  How thankful am I that He saw a few spots I could fill despite my quirks and characteristics.

How thankful I am!

LESS OF ME
Today's reading:  John 3-4

"He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."  John 3:30 NLT

More of Him, less of me.

As self-centered and self-absorbed as I am, (Oh, admit it, you are, too.) there are so many areas of my life in which I would love to see less of myself and more of Christ.

More of His words, fewer of my own.

More of His will and less of my own.

More of His love and less of what I think is love.

More of His grace and less of my grudge holding.

More of His patience and less of my 'microwave-it-and-be-done' mindset.

More of His characteristics and fewer, a whole lot fewer, of the ones I've brought into the relationship!

More of Him and less of me--yes, that's what I want!

THE REST OF THE STORY
Today's reading:  Daniel 1-6

"The Lord gave him victory..."  Daniel 1:2 NLT

Sounds like the beginning of a great story, doesn't it?

Sounds godly and good?

Sounds like something wonderful is about to happen?

Well, if you'll read the verse ahead and the verses and chapters to follow, you'll find it's not quite what you think--but sometimes, God's ways are like that!

The victory went to the king who captured Judah.  The same king who had his servant deliver to him the finest of young men from the captives.  The smartest.  The strongest.  The ones whose lineage was the most important.

The young men like, Daniel.

Daniel's story begins with the enemy king winning a battle against God's people.

Amazing, huh?

Not like what you thought was going to happen?

Not quite how you'd have planned it?

Sounds a lot like your life?

Well, you know the account of Daniel--the friends who stood in the fiery furnace, the dreams he interpreted for the king, the night he spent in the lions' den, the faith that warranted a book in the Bible.

Maybe, just maybe, that's going to be the rest of your story, too. 

THINKING
Today's reading:  Proverbs 16

"We can gather our thoughts, but the Lord gives the right answer."  Proverbs 16:1 NLT

I have been attempting, as of late, to pause and think before speaking.

Before giving advice.

Before giving my opinion.

Before putting in my two cents worth.

Before placing a comment where a pregnant pause would be more suitable.

And in doing so, I've found it's as hard for me to do as corralling cats!

I feel I have so much to offer.

I have an abundance of words needing to spout forth.

I am filled, beyond my years, with wisdom in varying areas.

But when I stop.  When I turn to God for the right words.  When I curb my tongue and rein in my mouth, I surprise myself.

It's His words that usually come out.  It's His opinion that is spoken.  It's the advice He's already given someone--and it pertinent and proper.

Any time I've sounded intelligent or have been of the most help to someone has been when I've sought His advice first.

Now, just to do it more often!

A REMINDER TO WORSHIP
Today's reading:  Psalm 93-95

"Come let us worship and bow down.  Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.  We are the people he watches over, the sheep under his care..."  Psalm 95:6-7 NLT

Thank for you the reminder, Father.

This week's been crazy.  It's been packed-full of distractions and busy hours.  The days has slid by and I see little I've accomplished

But, it's not about me, is it?

It's all, every day, every breath, every action, about You.  Your glory.  Your presence.  Your power.  Your grace.  Your love.

 And no matter the week I've had, that deserves honor and praise--worship.

You have made me.  You have kept me.  You have watched over me, when I'm out and about and when I'm snoring soundly in my bed, oblivious to Your complete control of the universe.

I am one of the sheep under Your care.  A little lamb in desperate need of Someone to keep track of my every move.  The small fry needing green pastures, still water and protection from the dangerous traps of the world.

You are holy.  You are loving.  You are worthy to be praised and worshipped!

JABEZ
Today's reading:  1 Chronicles 1-4

"There was a man named Jabez, who was more distinguished than any of his brothers.  His mother named him Jabez because his birth had been so painful.  He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, Oh, that you would bless me and extend my lands!  Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain!  And God granted his request."  1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NLT

Sound familiar?

Have you read the little tan book?  Done the study?  Placed the verse on your wall?  Heard the preacher speak on it?

Have you prayed the prayer--and calamity still visited you and your house?

You prayed it word for word.

You prayed it up to three times a day.

You prayed it standing and you've prayed it kneeling.

And bad things still happened?

You are a little miffed with God because He answered the prayer for Jabez, but not for you.

I'm no Bible scholar.  I have no magic portal into the past.  I am not well versed in all things historical, but I have this opinion to offer about Jabez and his prayer:

He did his part.

He asked God to extend his lands and keep him from harm--and then he did everything in His power to move his own boundary fences and stay out of trouble.

That was Jabez's part.

It's ours, too.

We pray--and that's great, but we've also got to put some muscle into what we're praying for.  And?  Well, we need to expect a few tough times!

God heard his request, but I'll almost wager he still had some rough days.  Days when things didn't quite go his way.  Moments when he wondered if God even heard his prayer, let alone allowed scribes to copy it word for word in the Bible.

You will, too. 

FREE
Today's reading:  Leviticus 25-27

"I, the Lord, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt so you would no longer be slaves.  I have lifted the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk free with your heads held high."  Leviticus 26:13 NLT

Are you greeting the world with anticipation or anxiety this morning?

Are you loaded with burdens, guilt and worry--or walking on sunshine?

Are you expecting miracle upon miracle,blessing upon blessing, or are you fearing what the day might hold?

God has not bound us.  He has not burdened us.  He has not placed a load of care upon our shoulders.  He has not left us to our own devices.

He has brought us, and bought us, out of slavery!  He has loosed the chains of bondage and the shackles of fear.  He is our God!

FIRST HAND
Today's reading:  2 Thessalonians

"May our Lord Jesus Christ and God and Father, who loved us an in his special favor gave us everlasting comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and give you strength in every good thing you do and say."  2 Thessalonians 2:16 NLT
Think about it:

The men who penned these words...Paul, Silas and Timothy.

The testimonies they had...Damascus, jail and praying mothers.

The part of history they participated in...salvation of the first Gentiles and the spreading of the Word.

The rewards they received on earth for their commitment...decapitation, segregation and stoning.

The prayer they prayed for us...the ones reading this over the internet, the ones sitting in air conditioning and the ones who will be heading off to worship freely this morning.

Comfort, hope and strength.

If any one knew of God's abundance in these areas, these men spoke with first hand knowledge!

We can trust what it says.

We can depend on His hand to be present in all we do!

PILED UP
Today's reading:  John 1-2

"We have all benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us--one gracious blessing after another."  John 1:16 NLT

"And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace."  John 1:16 KJV

"We all live off His generous bounty, gift after gift after gift."  John 1:16 MSG

Ever paused to consider the blessings/grace/gifts He has piled up in our lives?

The life changing opportunity to know Him as Lord and Savior?

The peace that passes all understanding--ours and theirs?

The eternal inheritance of heaven?

The scope of His love for us?

The blackness of forgiven sins?

The personal relationship we can have with the One who formed us while in utter seclusion?

Our blessings from Him are piled up and falling over--but do we notice?

CONTENTED
Today's reading:  Ezekiel 43-48


"As to property, the priests will not have any, for I alone am their inheritance."  Ezekiel 44:28 NLT

Would I have been content had I been a priest?  To see all my friends mowing their lawns, landscaping their yards, puttering around in their gardens?

Would I have been satisfied to know my lot in life, my calling, my mission, my purpose, my reason for birth was to serve the Lord, in His house, all the days of my life?

Would He have been enough?

Is He?

Contented-ness is feeling or showing satisfaction in one's possessions, status or situation.

Am I content with God?  Is He enough (possessions) for me?  Where I rank in His eyes (status) is it high enough, is His love deep enough, is His grace big enough?  Is where He has me in life (situation) suiting me because I know it's where He needs me for the time being--or from now on?

Being His daughter makes me a priest--He is all I need...but is He all I want? 

GODZILLA
Today's reading:  Proverbs 14-15

"A wise woman builds her house, a foolish woman tears hers down with her hands."  Proverbs 14:1 NLT

I'm having flashbacks this morning of the early 1970's clips of Godzilla.  You've seen the ones.  Ships are sank.  Buildings torn down.  People running.  Airplanes jerked from the sky. 

Chaos, utter chaos.

And to think, I can cause the same destruction in my own home with idle hands, and I don't see it in print, but I truly believe the writer of this proverb could have also mentioned a busy mouth.

Do my sharp criticisms do anyone under my roof any good?  Are my sarcastic remarks, regardless of how witty they seem, esteem anyone?  Do my complaints edify?

Or am I as destructive as Godzilla?

Building up or tearing down?

What will I do with my hands and words today?

SMILE OF APPROVAL
Today's reading:  Psalm 90-92

"And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful.  Yes, make our efforts successful!"  Psalm 90:17 NLT

Lord,

Am I doing anything right?

Society says I'm failing as a mother and as a liberated woman by not grasping the rings of popularity and busy-ness.

Social norms accentuate the fact that I'm a little fish swimming against the current in a very big stream--an average size, not too fancy fish at that.

My enemies are quick to point out my mistakes, shortcomings and failures.

The kid in me just wants to hear, from You, that I'm on the right track, doing the right thing, seeking the proper treasures.

I want to see your smile about how I'm ministering to a hurting friend.

I want to feel You patting me on the back for how I'm attempting to get up and in Your presence each and every day.

I want to know I'm doing what You'd have me do, even when I see no one else walking the path I believe You've called me to walk.

I want to know in my heart that I have Your approval, no one else's, just Yours!