"The statement we so often hear, "Make a decision for Jesus Christ," places the emphasis on something our Lord never trusted. He never asks us to decide for Him, but to yield to Him— something very different. At the foundation of Jesus Christ’s kingdom is the genuine loveliness of those who are commonplace. I am truly blessed in my poverty. If I have no strength of will and a nature without worth or excellence, then Jesus says to me, "Blessed are you, because it is through your poverty that you can enter My kingdom." I cannot enter His kingdom by virtue of my goodness— I can only enter it as an absolute pauper.

...We always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring." My Utmost For His Highest

My mind is racing with thoughts this morning, Lord. The kids are miraculously still asleep, I'm thinking about an email I wrote last night that I'm a bit nervous about, I'm trying to remember wonderful truths learned from Beth's video last night, I'm thinking about what has to be done to have company over tonight, I'm missing my hubby who's on a business trip this week, I'm tired, I'm anxious to get some things going (like my sis's quilt project)... I submit them all to Your authority. I lay down my pride, my worry, my doubts, my ambitions, my striving, my loneliness, my general physical state. Make me poor before You so that You may bless me with the riches of Your Spirit, Your Love, Your Plan for my day. I don't have the ability to ACTUALLY lay down all those things, but I do have the ability to ask You to do it. Maybe parts of me want to cling onto those things. Lord, I don't even have the ability to WANT to lay down all those things. But You do. Change my heart, oh God. Change my heart oh God, may I be like You. May I desire to love You more than anything else in the world and may You honor that desire by making me more like You and that work bringing You MUCH glory!

Father, I'm feeling clueless right now. I'm not sure what's ahead. I want to get in on a bible study but I keep hitting walls. Help open up a door and point my little head toward it! I remember now some of what Beth was talking about last night. Ambitious prayers. Hmmm... OK - one I thought of while I was watching that tape. I'll ask You again: Lord, I pray You bless the time Jamie and I have together tonight with the kids. I ask that everything go incredibly smoothly, that You help me be an encouragement for her as her husband is away this week, that You put nothing but good words in my mouth, that You block Satan from entering the conversation, that You help us become fast friends. That You empower me to do dinner and house prep. That the kids cooperate with me today! Lord, I'm feeling doubtful of the possibility that Jamie and I would be best friends, but heck - let me lay that down, too, and ask that You make us just that! Can I ask You every time I meet a new person for them to be my best friend?!? lol I know almost NOTHING about this girl, so I have nothing to go by in determining whether she would be a great friend or not. But I know myself enough to know that You made me naturally inclined not to be bound emotionally to anyone except my hubby, so maybe the hardest work You need to do is on my character/attitude/approach. Make me warm, open, receptive, hospitable, loving, caring, and kind.

And finally, Father God. I am getting a little bitter about our old house not selling. I begrudge the extra mortgage payment. I'm pessimistic about any buyers coming. I'm worried about going all winter without getting any bites. I'm frustrated with the fact that to lower the price means we might lose lots of money... But Lord, You just hit me with a duh truth. You gave us a fellow Christian as a realtor. His knowledge and wisdom in the business and insight you give him is leading him to say we need to do this. Honestly, we're losing probably just as much money paying mortgage payments that are mostly interest. And of course, if You ask us to sell below our cost, then You have Your reasons and You provide for us to be able to do it. Sure, so the world's perspective is that we didn't make a good deal. But the great deal was that You were faithful through it all and we can give You many praises! Lord, I thank You for this immediate answer to prayer and I PRAISE YOUR HOLY NAME in advance for the miracle You will do because of our obedience! Continue to guide us clearly the way You want us to go! I love You so much, God. Thank You and million times over for a million ways You bless me.