Simply, Good Morning and Shalom

By Millie Baker

Tammy--Each day is a journey. Millie's morning devotions are so inspiring and encouraging to me. As her thoughts and experiences are applied to the Scripture--it gives me a new perspective for each day. Millie's words come so naturally, and I know it is her Love for the Lord. These devotions help me to stay focused on my journey with my life and my Love for the Lord.

Jessica--I enjoy the morning thoughts. Millie began writing the morning thoughts when COVID began. In such uncertain times it was nice to have a devotional come through reminding us to stay connected to God. Everything--big or little--can be related to God and you can see God working in everything if you just take the time to look and listen to what message the Lord is sending to you and that's what the morning thoughts do for me. I always try to see God in everything and when Millie sends out our messages, it's another refreshing way to open my mind to how much the Lord loves us and cares for us. And as Millie shares them with us, we can send them to others and spread the loving message of the gospel in a way that others understand and enjoy as well. God Bless

Jack--I would like to say that I like to read your little stories about when you and Mitzi go on your days walk. You talk about the weather, the people see, the flowers, workers along the way and how it reminds you of scripture sayings. I really do enjoy them. Thank you for sharing them.

Bob and Joyce--We have been reading Millie's Devotionals for several years now and for us they are very uplifting. They seem to address all the things that are happening in our everyday lives. And out of the darkness of times, today they are a bright spot in our day.

Jim and Melissa--We are amazed at how this sweet, kind soul has opened our eyes, through word, to God's presence- not only on a good day but difficult days as well.

Rich and Lori--"Praise God for Miss Millie's devotion to Christ. These Holy Spirit. inspired writings with concise, detailed connections from everyday experiences help us realize that our God is in every moment. Such a blessing!"

Pastor Jeannine--"I love these devotions because I can read and understand them easily; and I can relate so many of them to situations in my own life as well as others. I anticipate reading the next one and the next one. A daily blessing!"

Kevin--Oh, how lucky I am. And a reminder of how humble I need to be. Daily inspirations with a lesson and guidance from the scriptures of our Lord. Walks with Millie and Mitzi...smiles abound! Everyday messages that speak to splendor of life, or a description of nature's creations, that are around us. A counsel for us to have empathy to hardships and sorrows that others may face. Pausing in my daily tasks--for in each message I may find comfort and some joy, a need to grin, or a need to pray for others, or even a reflection I find I need to take on myself. And how fortunate I am, receiving multiple blessings in each message, as I receive a thought in my own journey with the Lord and a daily walk with her--my mom!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890432155

Book preview

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Simply, Good Morning and Shalom

Millie Baker

ISBN 979-8-89043-214-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89043-215-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by Millie Baker

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Starter

Foreword

January 1

January 2

January 3

January 4

January 5

January 6

January 7

January 8

January 9

January 10

January 11

January 12

January 13

January 14

January 15

January 16

January 17

January 18

January 19

January 20

January 21

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 26

January 27

January 28

January 29

January 30

January 31

February 1

February 2

February 3

February 4

February 5

February 6

February 7

February 8

February 9

February 10

February 11

February 12

February 13

February 14

February 15

February 16

February 17

February 18

February 19

February 20

February 21

February 22

February 23

February 24

February 25

February 26

February 27

February 28

March 1

March 2

March 3

March 4

March 5

March 6

March 7

March 8

March 9

March 10

March 11

March 12

March 13

March 14

March 15

March 16

March 17

March 18

March 19

March 20

March 21

March 22

March 23

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

March 29

March 30

March 31

April 1

April 2

April 3

April 4

April 5

April 6

April 7

April 8

April 9

April 10

April 11

April 12

April 13

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

April 19

April 20

April 21

April 22

April 23

April 24

April 25

April 26

April 27

April 28

April 29

April 30

May 1

May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5

May 6

May 7

May 8

May 9

May 10

May 11

May 12

May 13

May 14

May 15

May 16

May 17

May 18

May 19

May 20

May 21

May 22

May 23

May 24

May 25

May 26

May 27

May 28

May 29

May 30

May 31

June 1

June 2

June 3

June 4

June 5

June 6

June 7

June 8

June 9

June 10

June 11

June 12

June 13

June 14

June 15

June 16

June 17

June 18

June 19

June 20

June 21

June 22

June 23

June 24

June 25

June 26

June 27

June 28

June 29

June 30

July 1

July 2

July 3

July 4

July 5

July 6

July 7

July 8

July 9

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

July 14

July 15

July 16

July 17

July 18

July 19

July 20

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

July 26

July 27

July 28

July 29

July 30

July 31

August 1

August 2

August 3

August 4

August 5

August 6

August 7

August 8

August 9

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

August 14

August 15

August 16

August 17

August 18

August 19

August 20

August 21

August 22

August 23

August 24

August 25

August 26

August 27

August 28

August 29

August 30

August 31

September 1

September 2

September 3

September 4

September 5

September 6

September 7

September 8

September 9

September 10

September 11

September 12

September 13

September 14

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

September 22

September 23

September 24

September 25

September 26

September 27

September 28

September 29

September 30

October 1

October 2

October 3

October 4

October 5

October 6

October 7

October 8

October 9

October 10

October 11

October 12

October 13

October 14

October 15

October 16

October 17

October 18

October 19

October 20

October 21

October 22

October 23

October 24

October 25

October 26

October 27

October 28

October 29

October 30

October 31

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

December 1

December 2

December 3

December 4

December 5

December 6

December 7

December 8

December 9

December 10

December 11

December 12

December 13

December 14

December 15

December 16

December 17

December 18

December 19

December 20

December 21

December 22

December 23

December 24

December 25

December 26

December 27

December 28

December 29

December 30

December 31

Grace—Any Day, Every Day

February 29—Leap Year

Daylight Savings Time

Ash Wednesday

Maundy Thursday

Easter Sunday

Memorial Day

Mother's Day

Father's Day

Labor Day

Thanksgiving Day

Starter

Here's where this book all began. It was one message, and that one message began something I never expected—but then—it's like a small ball of snow beginning to roll at the top of the hill becomes much bigger by the time it reaches the bottom—and this ball has not reached bottom.

I will share with you that message—the thoughts I sent out the first Sunday our church was closed on March 8, 2019:

I am feeling like a fish out of water this morning. I just want us to remember this morning, that our president has declared this a Day of Prayer, and I would suggest that we all think about that for a few minutes. We can say prayers for one another, for our country and all those who are suffering from this virus. The verse that comes to my mind is when Jesus was questioned about coins and paying taxes, he told his disciples to give to Caesar what Caesar's is and to God what is God's.

The fact that we're suspending service is, to me, coming under the fact that we're giving to Cesar what is under his authority. Be it the president, our governor, or our district executive, we are to adhere. But this is the day that God set aside for us to be holy. I would encourage each of you to say a special prayer, maybe listen to some Christian music, or maybe read a couple of verses out of the Bible that you wouldn't normally. Or you can begin with these very familiar words from Psalm 23, The Lord is my shepherd—my shepherd and He is yours as well. My prayers and love to all.

And so it began—writing daily thoughts to members of Diehl's Crossroads Church of the Brethren, a small country church located in the middle of the corn fields in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. My purpose was to keep us unified and to help answer the question, where is God in all this? The answer is, Right here and everywhere as He walks with us and within us. Shalom.

Foreword

Millie Baker is our neighbor and a good friend. As you get to know her, you quickly realize that she has keen insights on even simple topics which point to her love of the Lord and her knowledge of the Scripture. For some time, we have been reading her frequent reflections centered on her morning walks with her cute little dog, Mitzi.

In those reflections, she reveals her reverence for the Scriptures, which she finds in everyday occurrences—the sunrise, the neighbor's greeting, Mitzi's reaction to a distraction, even some small thing which most of us pass without noticing. She then leads the reader to a Scripture passage which she relates to that day's observations.

Millie has shared these brief reflections with many of her friends and acquaintances, folks she has touched through her ministry, counseling, volunteering, and in various other ways. Now, responding to the encouragement of her readers, she has decided to share these reflections with a wider audience in printed form.

The reader will most certainly learn to look forward to turning the page each day to be greeted by Millie's friendly Good morning, today's observations, and closing with her hope that Shalom will fill your day.

Carol and Jim Replogle

January 1

Good morning! On this first day of the year, I was out walking with Mitzi and noticing there were sounds of nature playing out around me—the crackling of twigs from trees and bushes snapping with the frost, the sounds of birds' wings (and they swooped down to grab food from feeders), and the crunch of our own feet as we walked on newly fallen snow.

The lyrics of that familiar hymn, For the Beauty of the Earth, played over in my head:

For the beauty of the earth, for the beauty of the skies.

For the love which from our birth over and around us lies.

Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour, of the day and of the night.

Hill and vale and tree and flower, Sun and moon and stars of light.

Lord of all to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.

Grateful praise—like the words from Psalm 104 where David begins, Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. David goes on to tell about creation and all the majesty of God's creation and gives Him praise.

In this time of winter sheltering in, might I suggest being brave and going outside for a walk, or even open your door or window and look out, and listen to God speaking to you. He created the beauty for you! May you have a day of knowing His love, inner peace, and blessings meant for you. Shalom.

January 2

Good morning. This morning as Mitzi, and I took our morning walk, the van from the tech support was parked in front of a neighbor's house. I wondered if they might be having problems with their TV reception. I chuckled to myself remembering back about 30 years when we got our first satellite dish. It was about 8 feet in diameter and took up a lot of space in our backyard. It was exciting as now we could receive more than 1 or 2 channels on our TV that antenna provided. Technology has certainly changed; now what was once large and expensive is now small and comes with the package.

My thoughts ran to how like those satellite receivers are like our minds. Satellites had to be open, free from leaves and snow and pointed in the right direction. Our minds are the same. They need to be open to receiving truth.

Jesus used parables to teach truths to the people. You will find the full account in Matthew 13:10–17 of what He answered when asked by His disciples why He taught in parables. Verses 14b-15 summarize, You will indeed listen, but never understand, and you will indeed look, but never perceive. For this people's hearts have grown dulled and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes; so that they might not look with their eyes, and listen with their ears, and understand with their heart and turn—and I will heal them.

In our world full of chaos and stress and yearning for more, we often feel helpless and without answers. God has answers for us to cope with it all and find inner peace and even joy, but we must have our receivers on and indeed hear and see what He has to offer. God does not force, but He does invite with open arms. May you find yourself pointed in the right direction today. Shalom.

January 3

Good morning. Everywhere you go people are grumbling. In phone conversations with service people, friends, and even family, it's easy to go to complaining about our situation. We quickly criticize and say, If only I was president, if only I was governor, if only I was… You get the picture. It takes me back to the 2003 movie Bruce Almighty. In this religious comedy film, Jim Carey plays Bruce Nolan, a very discouraged TV reporter who complains to God, played by Morgan Freeman. He tells God he's not doing his job correctly, and God offers him the opportunity to be God for a week. Very soon Bruce returns to God asking Him to take back His powers and fix all the problems Bruce has made. There's more to the story and if you can get a copy in your hands or go online and find it, it would be worth your time to watch.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:9–17 Paul speaks, telling us that God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Instead of complaining about those in authority, he tells us to hold them in high regard and love because of their work. Verses 16–18 tell us what we should do, Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will to you in Christ Jesus.

Let's join together and today and express gratitude in the fact that the Lord is there for us. May each thought, word, or action that we have today be wrapped in that prayer as we live out His will for today and every day. Shalom.

January 4

Good morning. Last evening, I turned on the news to check on the status of the war in the Ukraine, something I find myself doing as I pray to God for a peaceful resolution to all the horrors of this war. A news flash came across the screen of my iPad reporting the injury to Damar Hamlin, a Buffalo Bills football player during a game with the Cincinnati Bengals. The next picture that appeared was a huge huddle of the team all bowed in prayer. No shame, no worry about political correctness, just earnest prayer. Fellow team player's words, Prayer is real, and it's powerful. My thoughts went to that familiar scripture from Romans 14:11, For it is written, ‘As I live,' says the Lord, ‘every knee shall bow to me and every tongue confess to God.' Prayers lifted. This morning the report Damar is still in critical condition from cardiac arrest.

Walking along in the light rain this morning, my mind continued in prayer mode for Damar, and my thoughts went to another aspect of the war, that being how many lives, young and old, are lost because of one evil, prideful, greedy, and selfish man's desires. Why God, why? Then I shake my head to clear my mind as I answer my own question with the words do Job 42:3b, Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. No, I do not know the reasons for so much that happens, yet I am confident in bending my knees and bowing my head and being confident in praying to the only One that knows, for I find myself copying the words of Peter found in John 6:68, Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' Shalom.

January 5

Good morning. This morning as I went to pick up my cell phone off the charger to check the temperature before Mitzi went for our walk—it wasn't there! How could that be? I always put my phone on the charger as I go to bed at night. That way I have a full change for the day ahead. A rapid search through the house located my phone—there it was on the blanket chest where I sat to put on my PJs. I checked the charge—21 percent—not nearly enough to send out morning Thots. After quickly checking the temperature and finding it was only 17 degrees, I plugged phone to charger and after lifting a prayer for a quick charge I began the bundling up process for Mitzi and I to brave the cold.

As we walked my thoughts kept returning to the phone and praying that there would be enough change to send out Thots. God is good and faithful. As we returned to our cottage, I peeled off Mitzi's coat and my own and headed for the phone on the charger—89 percent—amazing. In the mere 30 minutes, hooked to the charger, my phone had gone from 21 percent to 89 percent. Enough for sending out this message. Prayers answered and thanks were given.

As I took off my walking shoes, put on my slippers, and headed back to the bedroom to pick out clothes to head to the shower, my thoughts went to how we all need to recharge ourselves even more than my phone. After all which is more important? Me, a human life, or a mere handheld piece of metal and plastic.

My thoughts take me to Jesus's words in John 15:4–5, Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Staying connected with Him, through prayer, meditation, and the Scripture.

To have the charge we need to face live we need to stop, even for just a few brief minutes, and reconnect with God each and every day. Reflect and refocus so that we are not trying to handle all life's challenges in our own. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. That brings us the reassurance we crave.

Okay—now that we have recharged our own batteries, I wish you strength, love, and peace. Shalom.

January 6

Good morning. Yesterday afternoon, during a break between people to come for their appointments, three of the volunteers at the food pantry where I volunteer, were having a discussion about having difficulty sleeping many nights. As I sat entering data in the computer, I thought about how difficulty sleeping seems to be an issue for many. Joining in the conversation with the women, we soon acknowledged we did not have that difficulty very often. Each of the others had their favored ways of falling asleep, ranging from Tylenol PM, chamomile tea, running a fan for background noise or taking a hot bath before retiring. After the next guests finished shopping and left, I shared a saying I heard years ago, instead of counting sheep, talk to the shepherd." They laughed a bit and one said that prayer was always the thing she did after she got into bed, the other things were before. We took a few minutes to share how some of the best praying time was in bed, with lights out and things were quiet.

I shared how one time, years ago, I was having a restless night, and prayed that the Lord would help me sleep. I fell asleep praying only to awake the next morning feeling guilty for falling asleep on God. Time passed before it dawned on me that God had indeed answered my prayer. He gave me what I asked for; I should've been grateful, not guilty. Lesson learned, and through the years, I have prayed myself to sleep any number of times. The four of us agreed that falling asleep was a great amen to nighttime prayer.

My thoughts take me to Psalm 4, verse 1, when David calls out, Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. I can picture those words coming in a time of restlessness, and maybe, not being able to sleep. Reading on through the Psalm, it ends with these words from verse 8, In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Like many of the Psalms, the author begins with words of distress, and finishes with words of comfort and reassurance he has received. We can take our problems to the Lord and in the conversation, it is possible for us to find answers. Maybe you, too, will find yourself praying yourself to restful sleep. Shalom.

January 7

Good morning. This morning I remember the emergency call I received for a family member of a man that was a part of the church I was pastoring at the time. That evening was a time when the plea went out to the prayer chain for prayers. Thinking back over those next hours, I can see how God answered those prayers. From and ambulance ride to ER treatment to an air flight and middle night emergency surgery in a trauma center, to stop the bleeding from a ruptured aneurism, God was there. Even though things were changing minute to minute and sometimes it was difficult to know what to pray for, He heard our prayers. Romans 8:26–27 says, In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.

Thinking back how this man's life have gone on and things have fallen into place, one can almost picture God using words, similar to Hannibal on the A Team saying, I love it when a plan comes together. We must never forget that there is power in the prayers of many—just like the Bible says. Shalom.

January 8

Good morning. New Year brought in an awareness: as on the last day of last year, I found that there was still a water problem on one end of my cottage. I went to pull my new devotionals from the bookshelf and found the bottom edge had water damage, as did other books. This is the third time that I became aware that there was some minor flooding. After the second a drain grid had been installed, and it was thought that fixed the problem, yet apparently not. So right away, staff here was alerted, and the next step was to move out all the books and lay them out to dry. The next step was the water and mold cleanup. Then came a trip to Lowes for 3 patio blocks to raise the shelf up off the floor. My preparations to prevent further damage. The security person notified maintenance and an experienced man came to check out the problem. His conclusion was that this was no longer a minor Band-Aid repair, and brought management on board, they in turn brought in the construction crew to assess. The conclusion became digging up the drainpipe and put in a 10 inch to replace the 4 inch that was not sufficient to handle heavier amounts of water. Then came the paint markings on the grass, then this morning, more instruments and tools and a visit by the construction crew; all preparations for the backhoe to do its job.

It may seem boring to read all these details and questioning, how is this spiritually related? But thought I want to share is all these steps are preparing for the one really needed, the backhoe and the big pipe. My thoughts take me the words from Mark 1:1–3, The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way, a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

Plans laid in place since mankind first disobeyed God, years of prophesy, then having the right circumstances and people in place; all waiting for the one really needed, a Savior! Preparation—God is the master. Often, we don't see it until the event or circumstance happens, but we can be assured that His eyes see way ahead and His hand is at work shaping the future. Shalom.

January 9

Good morning. For those of you who know my appointment patterns, you know that basically I'm a right on time person. Sometimes a few minutes either way, but pretty much on time. Variances in this can occur if there is a miscommunication; like what happened this morning. Somewhere in making my appointment speech therapy to address my vocal cord damage, three people were involved, the person at my doctor's office, the receptionist at the therapy location and me. Now that I find myself less irritated, though I tried hard not to show it, I find it most beneficial to just take responsibility for arriving at 8:00 am instead of 9:00.

It took sitting in the waiting room for an hour, going through the appointment and then the drive home before my thoughts went to the words of Mark 1:35, Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Or the words of Genesis 22:3, Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. Jesus did it right as did Abraham. Even this morning, when I walked with Mitzi, my thoughts were focused more on making the 8:00 am timeframe to be in Hanover despite the rush hour traffic, than making it God connection time. On the return trip, after taking responsibility for the mess up, and reflecting on these verses and more, I was convicted about I had lost all the good time to pray and talk to God. I had used the time, sadly, to focus on making me the focus of the time. But on the return trip, I, instead, began to express gratitude for the safe journey in, having the Waze app. that guided me to an unfamiliar place, for a warm place to wait, and for a very competent and compassionate young woman, who completed a very complete medical history, to get me started on exercises to hopefully improve voice function.

Back home, as I sit here to share thoughts with you, I hope the sharing my own human weakness will encourage all of us to use these unexpected gifts of time wisely, and beneficially. We can use them to build up our faith, and for the good of others, instead of adding to the negativity in our minds and hearts. That way we can contribute to making this world a better place for us and others—all to the glory of God. Shalom.

January 10

Good morning. As Mitzi and I walked this morning, the image of God's hands came to mind; and then a fleeing thought of How can God's hands be big enough to hold all this stuff that is going on around me? My thoughts then went to Isaiah 40:12, Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Walking on further another scripture came to mind, Proverbs 30:4,

Who has gone up to heaven and come down?

Whose hands have gathered up the wind?

Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?

Who has established all the ends of the earth?

What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!

Continuing on our trekking, I began to sing the song, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands. My steps became a little lighter and as we rounded the last corner, my heart sang louder the words from Eagles Wings,

And He will raise you up on eagles' wings

Bear you on the breath of dawn

Make you to shine like the sun

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

As I opened the door to our cottage and stepped through the door, I said out loud, You bet His hands are big enough! Big enough for all of us to have a spot. Hand your burdens over and find your spot today. Shalom.

January 11

My one devotional today has the key verses from 1 Corinthians 10:23–24, I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others." The verses took me to thinking about a teenager whom I worked with for a number of years in my counseling practice. Though he has some special needs, he was instrumental in getting his family involved in a Make A Wish project for a young boy fighting cancer. Being a part of a plan to give this young boy great joy was very important to him.

Further reflection led me to go back to a time years ago when he was about 8 or 9. He came to meet with me very angry at his teacher's aide. He said he wanted her fired, and when I responded that his teacher needed her to help, he said his teacher should be fired, too, if she couldn't do her job. When I responded that his teacher was there to help the principal because he couldn't teach all the children, he responded that he should be fired, too, if he wasn't doing his job. I tried to reason with him, saying that even if he was angry there were many other children who needed to be taught and helped. He quickly responded, I don't care about them. I have rights!

Though we can chuckle at a young boy's reasoning, I think about how far he has come to where now he is very concerned about others. That's growth and maturity, something we all should do in our faith journey as well, as Paul says in Hebrews 5:14, But solid food is for those who are grown up. They are mature enough to know the difference between good and evil. So something to think about today, can we like this teenager, grow in our faith, and in doing so grow in our compassion for others? Shalom.

January 12

Good morning. During times of stress and turmoil, when floods, violence, and poverty make headlines, one might ask, If God is in control, then do our prayers really make a difference? Going back to Old Testament, in 2 Chronicles 7:14, we find that familiar verse, If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. I stand firm on my belief if God will heal our land, He will heal us as well. And then in James 5, which is believed to be written by Jesus's brother and close follower, we read in verses 16–18, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

I am not wise enough to give you a full explanation on why God answers some prayers with an immediate yes—or even a no. I do not know why at times it seems like God delays. Maybe that gives us time to pull closer to Him. Maybe it is because He is working in the background in ways that are not seen by us. Yet I do know prayer has to be important and it is God's directive. Theologians- those very learned Bible scholars—list about 650 recorded prayers in the Bible. The New Testament records at least 38 different times Jesus himself prayed. He directed us how to pray and gave us examples at least 12 times.

Why all these statistics? Maybe I thought we all needed some reassurance of the importance of our prayers and their value. I did not want us to get tired of praying. Our prayers benefit each of us as we are drawn closer to the Lord.

Blessings on your day as we keep praying, not only for Jim but in all aspects of our lives. Like the sign that hangs in my kitchen that I received from my grandson years ago that says, Jesus said to. Shalom.

January 13

Good morning. After our walk this morning, Mitzi jumped up on her bench to watch out the window. My thoughts took me back to a happening in our prior home. I had a daybed in my home office where she lays to watch out the window to play watch dog or be with me as I work. The bed is ready made up for any company and a blanket throw over it for her, so bedding stays clean. One day, Mitzi began pulling down her blanket and the comforter and then would lay down. Over and over, each time I went to the office, I pulled up the covers and her blanket. The next time I would go back: there the blanket and comforter were again pulled down. Then a light went on in my brain. She was copying my actions when we go to bed at night. Each night I turn down the covers and give her a couple of small treat bones then proceed to get ready for bed myself.

I think of the verses in Titus 2:7–8, In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. It was a major awakening and reminder of the responsibility for the influence I have on her and others. My thoughts go to a daily prayer I have: God, please guide my words, thoughts and actions. Each day I need to take seriously what others see in me and depend on Him for guidance, and then it is up to me to follow. Next time you turn down your bed, think of Mitzi turning down hers. And our challenge for today; next time we speak or act, think of the others watching and be the presence of Christ. Shalom.

January 14

Good morning. This morning the temperature was 27 degrees as Mitzi and I headed out for our walk. 27 didn't seem so cold after yesterday's 12. As we walked along, I smiled inside and thanked God for the warmer start to the day. My thoughts took me to the words of Job 8:7, Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be.

It is often easy to overlook small things as God's answers to prayer. I chuckled as I thought back to the prayer I breathed yesterday morning when I said, God does it have to be this cold? Continuing along, I began to think of prayers that went up and answers that came down. I think of finding special places for a small intimate wedding, a Bible Study that was rich and meaningful, the warmth of our cottage in the frigid weather, warm gloves, special friends to share simple meals with, phone calls to connect with loved one, and we don't even have to go out in the cold for those.

Then there's the opportunity to volunteer at a local food bank. This week extra food came in that needed to be distributed now and yesterday I got to offer this scrumptious cheesecake with a double layer of chocolate brownie topping, drizzled with a caramel glaze to a husband and wife with four children. The excitement and joy brought tears to my eyes as well as the woman's as she said, thank you and thank you God, this is so special. I would never have enough money to buy something extra like this after getting the essentials at the grocery store. Small things yet as 1 Corinthians 1:28 says, And God chose the small things, things that people despise. Yes, he chose even the things which seem to be nothing. He did this to destroy the big things. Big things like cold and hunger and loneliness.

As we round the corner to come home gratitude and praise burst forth from my heart and the words of Psalm 27:6–7, Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

I thought, big things are indeed a lot of little things strung and molded together; and just like a tapestry we often miss the individual threads but when we look at the whole piece, it all comes together. Pray without ceasing—and give gratitude for each small thread. Shalom.

January 15

Good morning. Yesterday morning a pair of geese flew over as Mitzi and I as we walked up our own street to finish our walk. They must have been domestic geese to be here this time of the year. I thought back to a similar pair that was on the street where I used to live. They were walking along and appeared to be looking for something. I thought it was a bit early to be looking for a place to nest as I snapped a couple of pictures of them on my cell phone to share with others. We moved on to finish our walk and prepare for church. Later in the afternoon, I spoke about the geese with my friend as we walked. She shared how last year a pair of geese made a nest in their yard and laid eggs. She said that a predator had broken the eggs so they never hatched. Moving forward to this morning; I thought about those geese that flew overhead, maybe they were looking for a place to nest. A bit early, but they may have more faith than some of us humans. The words from Philippians 4:12–14 came to mind, I do not say that I have received this or have already become perfect. But I keep going on to make that life my own as Christ Jesus made me His own. No, Christian brothers, I do not have that life yet. But I do one thing. I forget everything that is behind me and look forward to that which is ahead of me. My eyes are on the crown. I want to win the race and get the crown of God's call from heaven through Christ Jesus.

I thank God for the reminder He even uses a pair of geese to remind me to stop looking back but instead, to look ahead with hope and anticipation. With Mr. and Mrs. Goose, may we, too, look ahead to the future with anticipation. Shalom.

January 16

Good morning. This morning I had an early telephone conversation.