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Misty morning’s soft caress,
Sunlight through the trees.
Songbird singing in the air,
Whispers on the breeze.
+++
Each new morning is a new opportunity
to improve upon yesterday,
while hoping for tomorrow.
Abba, Father,
You know me! You know what I’m doing, how I’m doing, what I’m thinking, you know every minute of every day.
You know I don’t, can’t, tolerate evil. Especially those who lie, manipulate, and control. Grant me a discerning frame of mind, the ability to recognize sin in both my life and the world around me. Give me patience and a clear mind in all of today’s challenges and situations.
Let my love for You grow and deepen. Keep me humble and always mindful of Your grace and forgiveness.
Show me where You are working and let me join You there.
Strengthen, guide, and protect me, my family, friends, government leaders and all who are in harms way.
Make it so because of Jesus and in His Great Name!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
For many years I have written my prayers. I have notebooks and journals filled with 
them. Why? My mind likes to wander and I lose my primary focus – God. So, I write to keep my thoughts centered on the One I am speaking to.
Several years ago my pastor’s wife and still dear friend (They have since moved on.) suggested I use the acronym A.C.T.S. Acclimation. Contrition. Thanks. Supplication. I still use it but have always sensed something was missing.
As I was reading the book for my next review (L.E.A.R.N. Evangelism Handbook by Dr. Marshall M. Windsor) I found the missing piece. I need to add LISTEN. (Of course, now I’ll have to change the letters of the acronym.) In all the years I’ve been talking with and listening for God’s voice I’ve never included a set aside time for listening in my prayers. Time in every prayer where I say, Holy Spirit speak into my heart. Don’t get me wrong, I do listen and expect answers, I just haven’t been specifically listening during prayer. So, When He speaks, and I know He will, I’ll intentionally listen, and write what He says in my prayer journal.
Will I act on His words? Will I share? In trusting Him and keeping the faith, I have learned if I don’t respond or follow through I lose the blessing He had planned for me. Things like:
I did come up with a new acronym… G.R.O.W.L. Gratitude (Thanks). Requests. Offense (Forgiveness), Worship, Listen. The word kind of fits as our prayers go up with ‘utterings and groanings’ before the Lord that might sound like growls if we heard them.
Here’s the bottom line. No matter what or how just keep on praying.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
Have you found yourself in a state of disappointment at times during this unusual season? Are events and normal daily occurrences being postponed or rescheduled starting wear on you? Me, too! So how should we deal with this?
First, and foremost, stay connected to God. How? Read His Word. Pray. Talk to other Believers by calling, writing to them, videos, podcasts… Enjoy His creation by walking, biking, just getting out in some way and focusing on Him.
Are there things happening that you cannot control which lead to a sense of disappointment? Of course there are. Stop trying! Make a list of what is in your control. Be creative! The things I can control, with God’s help are:
Above all focus on how much God loves you! Commit this verse to memory!
“And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us.” – Romans 5:5
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
Whenever I am reading or studying the Word you will always find me with a cup fresh coffee in hand. Often that includes cookies. It just might be that I am the original cookie monster. I would rather have a cookie (Yeah, like I can stop at just one) or two with a great cup of coffee or tea than any other treat.
My husband’s mother, who is now in Heaven, made sure that her cookie jar was 
always full. She was always ready with a quick snack and a cup of coffee when we visited or when the grand-kids came by on their way home from school. Just because that’s how she was. I think she may have been the ultimate Proverbs 31 woman. I’m sharing one of my favorites from her recipe box, with a few adjustments because I cannot tolerate wheat and I try to stay away from refined sugars.
Bon appetit!
Simple Butterscotch Bars
1/2 cup butter 2 eggs
1/2 cup honey 2 cups any nut flour
2 tsp vanilla 1 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
Soften butter, add sugar, eggs, beat. Add vanilla and remaining ingredients. Blend together. If using electric mixer, all can be mixed at once. Spread on greased cookie sheet. Bake 20 minutes at 325 F. Cut while warm.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
A Satisfied Spirit 
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