Lord,
Prepare me for this day that awaits.
Calm my mind so that my thoughts will be centered on you, and in the midst of turmoil and strife I will take refuge from the storms in your abiding love.
Open my heart so that the love you have shown in Jesus Christ will overwhelm me and inspire me to love more deeply than I have thought imaginable.
Open my eyes in the hopes that I will see this world as you see it, filled with people needing love and help.
Open my mouth that my lips shall declare your praise and speak words that bring honor to your holy name.
Fill my soul with your Spirit that I may not doubt your abiding presence.
Guide my feet that I may not wander far from the path but rather make my home in your love and not stray from it.
Make me a window to the cross, that all who peer at me may see not myself but your son, Jesus Christ.
Amen
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Lost Symbol
I just finished reading Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. I've read three of his other books (Deception Point, Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons), and this one was like the others: it was entertaining, it was page-turning, and the story was exactly the same.
Well, not exactly the same. Some of the characters had different names, the devious ideas were different, the symbols were different and required knowledge of different time periods to solve them, but the plot was the same: symbol expert has knowledge of multiple languages and historical facts that are required in order to prevent secret society/person from unleashing chaos on the country/planet. Symbol expert has female companion and escapes death /capture very closely, constantly surprised by others who help/hinder his cause. Insert names and locations, make millions of dollars.
Re-reading that paragraph makes it sound like I didn't enjoy the book. I did. I debated staying up until 3 in the morning to finish it in one day. I ended up going to bed, but picked up the book as early as possible the next day to finish it. I truly enjoyed the ride, but I can't say that my life is enriched or that I would highly recommend this book to someone. If you liked DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons, you'll probably like this book. It'll make for a fun few days. If I was Dan Brown and found a formula that made money and sold books in the quantities this one undoubtedly will, I would re-use it time and time again as well.
I'll be curious to see if churches get upset about the things in this book. I hope not. It's a fictional story. I'm not going to use this book to preach out of or to base my belief in God upon. Sometimes, I simply want to sit down with an enjoyable book and get lost in the adventure. I'm grateful that there are authors out there who write books that provide me with the experience.
Well, not exactly the same. Some of the characters had different names, the devious ideas were different, the symbols were different and required knowledge of different time periods to solve them, but the plot was the same: symbol expert has knowledge of multiple languages and historical facts that are required in order to prevent secret society/person from unleashing chaos on the country/planet. Symbol expert has female companion and escapes death /capture very closely, constantly surprised by others who help/hinder his cause. Insert names and locations, make millions of dollars.
Re-reading that paragraph makes it sound like I didn't enjoy the book. I did. I debated staying up until 3 in the morning to finish it in one day. I ended up going to bed, but picked up the book as early as possible the next day to finish it. I truly enjoyed the ride, but I can't say that my life is enriched or that I would highly recommend this book to someone. If you liked DaVinci Code or Angels and Demons, you'll probably like this book. It'll make for a fun few days. If I was Dan Brown and found a formula that made money and sold books in the quantities this one undoubtedly will, I would re-use it time and time again as well.
I'll be curious to see if churches get upset about the things in this book. I hope not. It's a fictional story. I'm not going to use this book to preach out of or to base my belief in God upon. Sometimes, I simply want to sit down with an enjoyable book and get lost in the adventure. I'm grateful that there are authors out there who write books that provide me with the experience.
Thursday Morning
Lord,
The cedars are shouting with joy. The leaves are dancing during their graceful descent. The dew is sounding the trumpets as it slowly fades with the coming light. The birds are traversing the face of the earth to make sure all of creation hears their songs of glory. The sun itself beams with peace.
All of creation is singing your praises, O Lord. All of your beloved world is shouting with joy at the wondrous things you have done. May my life be a part of this blessed chorus, singing with joy and dancing in love, so that you see my love for you and your beautiful earth.
I love you.
Amen
The cedars are shouting with joy. The leaves are dancing during their graceful descent. The dew is sounding the trumpets as it slowly fades with the coming light. The birds are traversing the face of the earth to make sure all of creation hears their songs of glory. The sun itself beams with peace.
All of creation is singing your praises, O Lord. All of your beloved world is shouting with joy at the wondrous things you have done. May my life be a part of this blessed chorus, singing with joy and dancing in love, so that you see my love for you and your beautiful earth.
I love you.
Amen
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday Morning
Lord God,
Make me an instrument of your love. Fashion me in such a way that my life may be used for your glory. I spend so much time focused on myself that I feel opportunities slipping by to glorify you. I want to praise you, and while my intentions are good, I struggle to know how best to proclaim the goodness of your holy name. I want my life to be about you and your incredible love, but I get so caught up in who I am and who I want to be that I forget about your will.
Sharpen my dulled edges. Hone my vision, prepare my life, so that I will not miss the opportunity to reach out in love, to sing your praises, to proclaim your goodness.
Amen
Make me an instrument of your love. Fashion me in such a way that my life may be used for your glory. I spend so much time focused on myself that I feel opportunities slipping by to glorify you. I want to praise you, and while my intentions are good, I struggle to know how best to proclaim the goodness of your holy name. I want my life to be about you and your incredible love, but I get so caught up in who I am and who I want to be that I forget about your will.
Sharpen my dulled edges. Hone my vision, prepare my life, so that I will not miss the opportunity to reach out in love, to sing your praises, to proclaim your goodness.
Amen
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