"Still God often keeps us waiting. Face to face with threatening foes, in the midst of alarms, encircled by perils, beneath the impending rock. May we not go? Is it not time to strike our tents? Have we not suffered to the point of utter collapse? May we not exchange the glare and heat for green pastures and still waters?

There is no answer. The cloud tarries, and we must remain, though sure of manna, rock-water, shelter, and defense. God never keeps us at post without assuring us of His presence, and sending us daily supplies.

Wait, young man, do not be in a hurry to make a change! Minister, remain at your post! Until the cloud clearly moves, you must tarry. Wait, then, thy Lord's good pleasure! He will be in plenty of time!" Streams in the Desert

I was a little impetuous Sunday. I get these ideas in my head of ways I can reach out to people and recently, both my initial "promptings" turned out to be wrong - because either the timing or the way or the will was mine and not God's. I didn't think about it - no, that's not quite right. I didn't PRAY about it and actually wait for an answer. Thankfully, with one case I was able to discern it wasn't the right opportunity BEFORE I asked. But the second, I feel badly about. And I've been turning it over and over in my mind, hoping my words were not a stumbling block or offensive to the person... So Lord, I ask for Your forgiveness. I know I might also have to seek forgiveness from the person, but I trust that You'll make it known if that's the case. OK, I will, then. Thank You for opening up the perfect opportunity to apologize to Michael's brother Tuesday. I pray that You do the same for me with this person.

Thank You for the beautiful weather yesterday, for the strength to be productive, for a good church evening, for my hubby's determination. I feel a bit inept for the day that mom was over. We talked about nothing of any importance. But maybe it's good to do that sometimes so she's not gun shy about coming back or engaging in deeper conversations at other times.

You know, Lord - I know that You know all my thoughts and every word I say or type. But there's such comfort in knowing that I can stop mid-sentence, erase, and state things better. I don't go on as many tangents as I might, and I can stay more focused, and I can actually say what I really WANT to say before I fumble around for 5 minutes. There are drawbacks, too. I lose some of the immediacy of Your presence and the prompting to listen to You.

Thank You for waking me up this morning. I REALLY didn't want to, but am glad I did now. It will make my morning tons less rushed, and for once, I've actually been able to do this entry without cartoons on in the background, or kids climbing on me, or Edward urging me to cheer for the next cartoon, or whining to play computer games with an impish smile on his face :). Forgive me for not fully appreciating what a gift they are. Yes, I do love this time, too. But there is some truth to the fact that I look forward to the time when we can have good conversations, when they don't need me for every little thing, and when I have a break from being a mommy during school hours. I'm not really designed for this stage, Lord, but You are teaching me through it. When things are easy, do I seek You so much? Do I recognize my true dependence? Are my flaws quite so obvious so that I remain aware of my imperfections and still horrifyingly sinful state? Probably not. So do what You need to do, Lord!