THE REST OF THE.......SERENITY PRAYER

I don't know about all of you, but I never knew there is a lot more to this often said prayer..After the 'famous' part which is GOD GRANT ME SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE, COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN, AND WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE... comes  LIVING ONE DAY AT A TIME; ENJOYING ONE MOMENT AT A TIME; ACCEPTING HARDSHIP AS A PATHWAY TO PEACE; TAKING, AS JESUS DID, THIS WORLD AS IT IS, NOT AS I WOULD HAVE IT; TRUSTING THAT YOU WILL MAKE ALL THINGS RIGHT IF I SURRENDER TO YOUR WILL, SO THAT I MAY BE REASONABLY HAPPY IN THIS LIFE AND SUPREMELY HAPPY WITH YOU FOREVER IN THE NEXT! AMEN                                            If I'd prayed this  prayer initially, I'd have changed 'hardship' to THANKFULNESS, as a daily, reliable PATHWAY TO PEACE (based on Philippians 4:6-7), and 'happy' toJOYFUL since I consider 'happiness' to be dependent upon circumstances and my attitude... I am sharing this today since I do love the inclusion of 'surrendering  my will to his and the reference to eternal bliss in his presence as well as being able to know 'heaven on Earth,' as I tell others is possible. (Who can argue with TRUE PEACE, HOPE AND JOY being a daily reality for those who count their blessings when they willingly welcome, receive, and delight in, his attentions and intentions towards them?) This is too long already, so I will close for now...May all who read this be glad they are HIS child, or choose to make the decision to become so! 1-888-NEED HIM is a great way to do so! (real people answer the phone!)                 Sorry! ONE MORE THOUGHT!  I have heard it stated that 'MAN'S CHIEF PURPOSE IS TO ENJOY AND GLORIFY THE LORD.' I AGREE HEARTILY.. This prayer reminds me of how true this can be!! BFN

I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR... (repackaged!)

LORD, I NEED YOU                            Lord, I come, I confess

Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You're the One that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

You're my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

OTHER LYRICS FROM AN NEWER SONG... "You are the antonym of me!!"

Somehow, these lyrics don't need much commentary from me.. I just love how they put realities so succintly! May we always KNOW, and acknowledge our need for HIM! He is truly the 'opposite' of 'me'.. self-centeredness!!

LAND OF 'AWES'OME!

Recently, my BSF teaching leader asked us if we live in AWE and AMAZEMENT of our LORD and his ways... I was able to answer a heartfelt, YES! I am attaching AWED and AMAZED, as 'evidence' of such... He truly let me know several years ago that HE intends us to be ones who are definitely amazed and awed! Most all of us know that song that's been around for over 20 years... AWESOME GOD... 

This is the year THE WIZARD OF OZ movie is celebrating its 75th anniversary so this thought about being AWED by our Lord has been on  my mind a lot but I knew that AWE does not have a true plural! Then, today's  pun inclusive title came to mind!. WE can/do live in the 'land' of 'AWES' OME! No fake representations of a mighty being are needed as in the story/movie!                                   One song I love to lead is, MY SAVIOR'S LOVE because it begins with, 'I STAND AMAZED IN THE PRESENCE OF JESUS THE NAZARENE..!' I am also thinking of the contemporary I CAN ONLY IMAGINE...  Do you allow yourself time to not only count your blessings, but also your 'God winks' as HE touches you daily? Sure hope so! May we all be as those Luke gives account of in Luke 5:26  Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."                               Warmly, Sheila     

    AWED

        'by'

         Sheila Dean

Sometimes I wonder just why we wonder-

It’s as if we’re under

   something that mutes your thunder.

This thunder is only your voice which informs-

                     to give us a choice!

Why don’t we receive

       all that you’d like us to believe

            as you speak forth in the most majestic ways?

“Dear one, I intend to bless your days 

                                                 as you grow in my Word. 

          You’ll become living proof of all that you’ve heard!

    It’s not hard to see a lot of my glory displayed

         After you’ve opened your heart to the price I paid.

    You may breathe deeply of the beauty and splendor in

                                                 nature around you, 

        or, you may rejoice in my internal presence as I’m

                                           working to ’ground you’.   

    I’ll be patient as needed while you grow healthy and strong-

        for, being yielded to me, it won’t take long

                             for you to learn and love to SING MY SONG!”                                                                                                                                                                            AMAZED                                                                                                                            

          I am amazed in your presence, O Lord!

                  There’s nothing I need which you’ll not ‘afford.’

         Your attention to details fascinates me,

                  for everything I’ll ever require, you did foresee!

         It’s so wonderful to be yours every day-

                  knowing you’re trusting I’ll hear you say,

                       “I delight in being there at life’s every turn,

                                         as my desire is to help you learn.

                        My lessons for you are somewhat simple and few:

·        I’m ahead of you in all you do!

·        You’re created to desire me in those    moments too.

·        My thoughts about you are NOT only

                                                    a few!”

                    Lord, I know that your ways should NOT amaze,

                              but my awe and delight express themselves

                                                                   this way these days!