A Father's Wise Advice

“My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions.” Proverbs 4:1-2 NLT (http://bible.com/116/pro.4.1-2.nlt)

I'm a father of three wonderful daughters. I pray for them every night that the Lord will give them good judgment. In my 35 years as a father I've given my share of advice. I have given advice on jobs, raising kids, faith, potential moves, and fashion. Yep, they really listen to me on that one! I get frustrated when my daughters don't listen to me. I have 55 years of life experiences and I hate to see my girls repeat mistakes I have made. But, they are adults and sometimes they need to learn for themselves by making mistakes. It still frustrates me and causes me pain when I see them struggling through life's challenges. If they would just listen to me and my experiences, their lives would be so much better!

It's about this time in my thoughts that I realize I have a Heavenly Father thinking the exact same thing about me! My daughters don't always listen to my 55 years of experience, but I have no excuse for not listening to the creator of the universe. Many times I won't even go to him for advice and when I do, I often ignore it. I turn away from his instruction. Busting out on my own without Gods guidance nearly always ends in disaster. Then I sheepishly return asking for forgiveness and a way to make things right. I've never been abandoned. My God is a great father. 

Thank you Lord for not leaving me when I ignore your wonderful guidance. Please be with my girls. Give them guidance, be with them, help them when they fail, and protect them from the enemy. I love you Lord and your grace is amazing. Thank you Lord for your patience and love!

The Storms of life.

The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?”........ (Luke 8:24-25 NLT)

Yesterday wasn't one of my best days. I'm tired, cranky, busy, and stressed. It's times like these I need the Lord more than ever. It's during these "stormy" times, when I am no different than the disciples in the boat. It's times like this I can here Jesus asking "Where is your faith?" I know God is in charge. The storms will pass and all will be calm. I need to let my faith take over and rest easy. I am dissappointed when I let the busyness, stress, and life's challenges get to me. 

Dear Lord, I need you right now. Help me reflect your love even in these challenging times. I love you through it all. Help me get beyond the daily grind and look to you for your guidance. Please keep me safe through the storms and bring the calmness I need. I ask these things, not deserving anything, but through your amazing grace. Amen!

Back to basics!

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NLT)

Everything begins and ends with God. The Bible contains the  amazing story of God, our creator. I have a tendency to complicate life. I think we all do that, at times. I get so involved with daily life, I forget the simplest facts like , In the beginning..... , Jesus loves me, and for God so loved the world..... Those world stopping words are a lot more powerful than anything I can say or hear in the middle of a busy day at school. 

My life always gets so busy. Life gets exhausting, but God did not mean it to be that way. It's us, we are the ones responsible for going beyond his plan. I need to get back to the simple things of life....... God, nothing else matters. I need to concentrate on that one thing, God, my creator, my Heavenly Father. 

God deserves top billing in our complicated, hectic lives. God should not be placed at the end of a long day where he can be ignored when you're tired. He deserves more than a passing word as we wake. He needs to be the center of our universe. He need to be THE focus not A focus.

Dear Lord, forgive me for how I complicate my life, filling it with useless activities that drown you out of my life. Help me to filter those useless moments so I can truly be focused on your. Help me take time to relax in your arms instead of feeling rushed whenever we get together. I praise you that you can still love me despite these huge flaws. Thank you for your love, patience, and kindness.Amen!