An Old Friend

Good morning to you all. This weekend flew by so fast that Monday is here and I am still itching to get back to bed and sleep some more. Whew. I had so many plans and just not enough hours to get everything accomplished. It is a flaw of mine, I must confess. My daughter and I suffer from the same thing, too-many-plans-itus. We are both planners and we tend to "over plan" and then get irritated when we don't do everything on the plan. I am trying to change my attitude in this area and so far I am doing better.... I have a deadline on my planner as to when this problem will be cured. :) I'm just kidding.

Yesterday, I discovered an old friend; I found my old bible. It was the bible I used when I was going through my "growth" phase. I must have underlined, highlighted, notated, and underscored almost everything in that book. I listened to some great speakers during this time and I have some really good notes. Unfortunately, I was using a less than expensive bible at the time and now it is falling apart - beyond repair. So, after searching for the perfect replacement AND not finding it, I resorted to buying one just like it. The only problem is the notes. I didn't copy them over. I thought I would start fresh with new notes in my new bible; however, I sure do miss my old notes.

Last night I decided to leave my old bible next to my bed. I pick up my "old friend" and read some favorite passages and looked over some of my notes. It brings back bittersweet memories of happier times in my life, but it also renergizes my faith and my thoughts. I realized the notes are From me TO me. A gift. I wanted to make sure and highlight things so that if I went back, I would gain something from the notes. I am excited to revisit this old bible and to see what gifts I have left myself.

I would encourage you to pick up your bible. Begin in either Psalms or Matthew. You can't go wrong with those two books. You could always start at the beginning, Genesis, and read that book. See what is in there. Find things that tweak your curiosity and then ask someone you know about it. It is a great conversation starter and it builds your faith in God as you continue to read and question. If you are searching.....God is there to be found.

Dear Lord, thank you for another wonderful day of life. You continually bless us with things we take for granted. May this day be one of that is filled with actions that help others, bring glory to you, and show the people you created how much you love them. Help me to remember that you have placed each person in front of me for a reason. It could be just a simple smile, a kind word, or a listening ear. Help me to discern what their needs are and to meet those needs as you see fit. Thank you for all you do. Thank you for forgiving me when I stumble and when I sin. You are gracious and full of mercy and you love me inspite of all my faults and things I do wrong. It is good to know that you are steadfast, faithful, and true, and you love and forgive me anyway. Thank you.

Have a wonderful day......