August 4, 2025 – Friend
I really wanted to change our plan when the alarm went off at 5:55am and go back to sleep, but since Don went ahead and got up, I slowly did too, and we met out on the porch to watch the 6am prayer service. Getting up was definitely not worth any amount of self-back patting because our original intentions were to actually go to the service. That changed last night as we were later and later getting to bed. Priorities. We have to set them and stick to them (as best we can)!
We had a good discussion afterwards about Daniel having to wait 21 days for the answer to his prayer and about God the King, God the Father, God the Friend and how some people don’t see God as a friend likely because of their relationship with their earthly father. I like discussions with Don and usually wish I had recorded them because I learn so much and they cause me to think deeper.
Utmost Chambers writes, “The Comradeship of God is made up out of men who know their poverty. He can do nothing with the man who thinks he is of use to God….We must never allow anything to injure our relationship with God….The main thing about Christianity is not the work we do, but the relationship we maintain and the atmosphere produced by that relationship.”
JC – “Hold My hand and walk joyously with Me through this day. “We don’t typically hold hands with just anyone (unless we’re in some kind of group or conference where people are forced into a hand-holding circle of some sort). So God is inviting us into a relationship as our Father and our Friend. “Be on the lookout for everything I have prepared for you….” Parents and friends take pleasure in providing and sharing experiences with their loved ones. God sets the example for that. “I am your Guide, as well as your constant Companion….I will guide you carefully along today’s journey.” Thank You for being with us when we go to hear about the MRI and Lord, please help me get in to see the eye doctor for these flashes of light that started last night in my left eye.
Power – “I am sure [Jesus] felt pain just as you and I do when we experience rejection, but He In
JA – “Never underestimate the power of prayer!” Lord, please sustain my eye until I can get scheduled with a doctor. “Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray effectively.”
Streams – John 11:41 – “Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard me.” I try to think of ways to thank God when I start writing and praying (but most times I just start my rambling wish list). Definitely need to remember Jesus’ words, but not only when He has answered my prayer. “In that verse, “…Jesus’ thanksgiving preceded the miracle of raising [Lazarus] from the dead.” I thank You ahead for arranging an appt for me. I kept calling this morning but they weren’t open ‘til after 9 so I made an appt online for tomorrow. Still though I called just after 9 and she’s going to see if they can squeeze me in today as a walk-in. YES! 2pm today. Thank You God. “Praise is actually the most vital preparation to the working of miracles….John Henry Jowett”
It’s interesting that the last paragraph, by Henry W. Frost, talks about “bad news from home, and deep shadows of darkness” while I’m experiencing bits of shadowing on the left side of my left eye. He said one day he “saw these words on the wall: ‘Try giving thanks.’ So I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone….” Thank You that You know and guide us through all that is ahead. I praise You for how You comfort me and provide even written words to show me You are here and will walk with me today (and every day). I fear no evil – I fear no reports. I trust You for healing and guidance.
Max is entitled “A Prescription for Anxiety.” God is aware of my humanity as I wait for the appointments. I am calm because He is with me. I am calm and not anxious when I remember that. Max talks about Philippians 4:4 saying, ‘This verse is a call, not to a feeling, but to a decision and a deeply rooted confidence that God exists, that He is in control, and that He is good.” Amen
Prevail 216 – “Often times when we encounter roadblocks, setbacks, and delays we lose heart, and then we lost focus….” I have to admit that I was pretty solemn last night after I got home and told Don about the flashes in my eye. I found myself wondering how I could keep doing a blog if I couldn’t see well – or at all. I took my concerns beyond the boundaries of the moment. I had to remind myself what I used to (and still sometimes do) tell my children: Don’t borrow trouble. Larson reminds us, “Return first and foremost to keeping God at the center of your life. Seek His kingdom first. Follow His lead. Everything else will fall into place.” Yes Lord. “Help me stay the course and be about Your work on the earth today. I know You’ll provide everything I need. Amen”
(Note: First doctor said torn rotator cuff – surgery Sept 12 and the second doctor says everything is ok with my eye except for a floater which keeps flying across my eye now like a bug flying at me. Doesn’t seem very ok to me but maybe it will settle down. Thank You for insurance to take care of these issues!)
