Week Ending Friday, January 21, 2022
{quotes}
We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.
A.W. Tozer
There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts.
George Matthew Adams
The prayers we weave into the matching of socks, the stirring of oatmeal, the reading of stories, they survive fire.
Ann Voskamp
The irony is that while God doesn’t need us but still wants us, we desperately need God but don’t really want Him most of the time.
Francis Chan
I am not in control, but I am deeply loved by the One who is.
Glenn Packiam
{blessings}
Know Yourself
The only way to get what you really want is to know what you really want. And the only way to know what you really want is to know yourself. May you be blessed to listen to God’s whispers telling you how to be yourself.
Forgive Yourself
You’re a good person, but sometimes you backslide. Forgive yourself, and may you be blessed to move on peacefully.
Nowhere to Hide
The thing about elephants is, they are too big to hide. The same goes for your problems. It’s better to acknowledge your big issues from the get-go and wait for acceptance. May you be blessed by your honesty. With God, you have nothing to hide.
Chance It
Until you take a leap of faith, you miss out on all the glorious experiences God has for you. Take a chance. Your next step is divinely blessed.
Your Future
No matter what lies ahead, if you have food to eat, light to see, and one little thing to smile about – you’re going to be okay. Bless God today and God will bless you tomorrow.
{prayers}
Simple Affirmation
Dear God. Help me to be, open my eyes to see, your love and grace surround me. amen
Walk Gratefully
Dear God, Guide me to a place of understanding, not cynicism. To acceptance, not judgment. To kindness, not cruelty. Help me grow in holiness as I walk gratefully in Your way.
A Prayer for the World
Let the rain come and wash away the ancient grudges, the bitter hatreds held and nurtured over generations. Let the rain wash away the memory of the hurt, the neglect. Then let the sun come out and fill the sky with rainbows. Let the warmth of the sun heal us, wherever we are broken. Let it burn away the fog, so that we can see each other clearly. So that we can see beyond labels, beyond accents, gender or skin color. Let the warmth and brightness of the sun melt away our selfishness. So that we can share the joys and feel the sorrows of our neighbors. And let the light of the sun be so strong that we will see all people as our neighbors. Let the earth, nourished by rain, bring forth flowers to surround us with beauty. And let the mountains teach our hearts to reach upward to heaven.
Harold Kushner
In God’s Presence
Dear God, when I thought You’d forgotten all about me, You showed up out of the blue with a message, a sign, an unexpected kindness. I know You are near. May I always be present in Your holiness.
For Love to Come
Dear God. You sent the animals two by two into an ark to save the world. Save me and all the people like me, who walk as one. Help me find my soulmate, a friend, someone to love, and someone to love me. Praise to You, Who answers prayers.
{bible affirmations}
Matthew 4:19
Follow me, and I will make you fishers of humankind.
Psalm 112:7
I do not fear bad news. I confidently trust God to take care of me.
Genesis 8:10-11
Noah waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then he knew that the water had receded from the earth. + Hope is the soft bird we send across the sea to see if this earth is still home. We ask you honestly: Is it? Amanda Gorman
John 20:29
Blessed are those who have not seen God, yet still believe.
Psalm 103:2-4
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits— Who forgives your sins, and heals you, Who saves your life, and embraces you with love and compassion.
{features, stories, videos}
Story: Bamboo and Fern
Video: Songs of Disappearance, Bird Calls
Feature: Pew Study on Prayer and Religious Affiliation
Humor: A Dog Named Mace
Video: The Value of Understanding Value
Feature: Night at O’Hare