Here's a surprise!

It's been LESS than a year! This may never happen again. Funny thing is, I was surprised I had posted an entry in  January this year. I thought the date was a mistake at first until I saw the Scriptures I had claimed for the year. This will be an uncharacteristically short post because I just want to record my "take-aways" from my quiet time this morning.

From Ezra 6, God showed me he can change the attitude of a king so that God's work can be accomplished. I believe he still can. Not only a king's attitude,though. I believe he can change anyone. I'm praying that he will change Holly and save her from her self-destruction. Praying that God continues to pursue her fervently.

From I Corinthians 3 he reminded me that my "good deeds" can be done with the wrong motives. I want my life to be made of silver and gold, not wood, hay, or stubble. I want to carry on His work with unselfish motives, motives that are to draw people to eternal life, not to increase my glory or rewards.

From Psalm 29 He showed me that He is always on His throne, even in a crisis, giving strength and peace to His people. I am praying this for the Riggins family and the Loska family as they deal with incredible health challenges with Gunny and Robbie. Lord, remind them that you are on Your throne all the time.

From Proverbs 20, God tells me that he can shed light in the innermost parts of a person. I'm not sure what to do with that information today, but I'm going to meditate on it and see what God wants to teach me.

I start back to work tomorrow. A significant school year because my baby is starting her senior year. Lord, help me make this a meaningful year for her. Help her to seek you first and to have a hunger for your Word. Help me to model that for her. Keep her mind fixed on you as she makes decisions about her future. And Lord we are needy people, always in need of a miracle, and it will be a miracle to see you provide for her college education. Lord, make a way. Give us direction and confirmation about what she needs to do. Thank you for doing what only you can do.

Keep growing me, Lord. Thank you for answering my prayer to become more disciplined. I have SO FAR to go, but I see growth. Work on me and make me into the woman you meant for me to be.

Help me be a teacher that makes a difference. I am easily distracted and scattered, so I need your focus to do all parts of my job well. Help me to make a decision about a helper for student council. I need to do that quickly. Help me finish my planning for my classes and get my classroom together. Did I mention I was a little needy. I totally admit I cannot do this life without you. Help me not live as if I can.

You know my financial needs, Lord. It's 2 weeks from payday, and I'm essentially broke, due to my own bad decisions. I need your help, Lord. Staci leaves for Dallas in 2 days. I need to help her with school supplies, books, and school clothes. I owe money to Shiloh. I owe money to all my kids. You have been so faithful to meet our needs. I believe you will do it again, so give me faith and patience as I wait. I need to pay the electric bill tomorrow, and I really don't want to have to use Kyle's money to do it, Lord. It is my responsibility, not his. That discipline prayer needs to take effect in my financial life big time. I feel like I constantly am digging a ditch when it comes to money. I want victory in this area of my life. You are the one who gives victory, so I'm asking for it, Lord. Take away selfish motives, and give me eternal purpose for my money. I want to honor you with how I manage what you give to me, and I know I have not so many times in the past.

Well, this "uncharacteristically short" post has taken on a life of its own. Famous last words. What can I say? I'm a needy girl who serves a big God that can take care of me if I ask Him to. No surprise this is a long post when I said it wouldn't be, huh?