fifth wednesday and thursday of lent...

(painting by tom curr)
scriptures:

wednesday... Jesus said, “whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.” (john 12:26, niv)

thursday... "but I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself." (john 12:32, niv)


questions regarding the scripture:

wednesday: given that JESUS knows that HE is about to die...

what does HE mean by "follow me"???

what does JESUS mean when HE says, "where I am, my servant also will be"???

thursday:

by "lifted up" did HE mean on the cross or HIS resurrection???

why would men have been drawn to JESUS when HE was lifted ???


questions about yesterday's scripture:

although He (Jesus) was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered. (hebrews 5:8, niv)

what does this scripture say to you??? unfortunately, many learn obedience through suffering. JESUS being a human was no different. JESUS also knew that HE had to suffer and die; for that was why HE was sent to earth.

why did Jesus have to suffer???
JESUS had to suffer for many reasons:
to bring us closer to HIM.
to fulfill the prophecy of the old testament.
to show just HOW terrible our sins are.
to show that it is right to be willing to suffer for righteousness.
the above are textbook answers, however i think HIS death also had to be so big and so tragic that man would take notice and REMEMBER!!!

memory of the day:

katherine and i shared a girls' day in evansville:)

saying grace:

God in heaven, You are such a wonderful Father...
always here, always willing to steer us in the right direction, always listening,
always answering.

almighty Father,
here am i; send me
if it be Your will to do Your will.

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i, in all humility, lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU are THE GREAT HEALER; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour Your mercy on my friend and heal him!!!) today, especially help him with his itching, please!!!
the mc family (thank You for sending Your reassuring words of comfort to them in Your daily word, and give margaret wilson a hug for me:)
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john (please help to alleviate some of his stress. remind him that he can let You carry his burden so that he can carry on with life.)
john (thank YOU for giving my john some time to rest this week before work gets really crazy:)
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands; stephanie nielson's recovery has been nothing short of miraculous!!!)
the schrijvers (who are dealing with loss.)
tabitha's family (GOD, please unharden these hearts that forgiveness can be attained.)
ava's family (please remind them that You are YOU!!!)
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family (in this time of loss.)
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!! and his prgnant mom!!!
the macs (bless them FATHER with peace in the loss of their beautiful, little cora!!! they are such a witness for You.)
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises (comfort, please.)
the pardues (healing)
phillip shannon (comfort and peace)
ann moore (wow, GOD, 15 lbs and possibly back to bike riding!!!)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

GOD, please protect us all from the wicked forces of the world!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever; and, through modern technology, i've seen it!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self and expecting a new sibling in a few months:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine),and that pat seems to be doing well through his treatments!!! he and his family even enjoyed normal days... may they enjoy many more!!! and ann moore what you have done with and through her is remarkable as well!!! GOd, thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU!!!

in Jesus' name i pray...
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

fourth tuesday of lent...

scripture:

although He (Jesus) was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered. (hebrews 5:8, niv)

questions regarding the scripture:

what does this scripture say to you???

why did Jesus have to suffer???

questions about yesterday's scripture:

john 3
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
(john 3 1-21, niv)

why did nicodemus visit JESUS at night??? nicodemus visited JESUS at night so that none of nicodemus' peers would see him talking to JESUS.

what is required to be "born again"??? being baptized with water (accepting Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR) and being baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT (receiving the GIFT of the HOLY SPIRIT from GOD). i believe with all i am that it takes both; for without the HOLY SPIRIT no true relationship with GOD can be formed.

which of the old testament righteous inherited the kingdom of heaven??? JESUS said none of them did... that HE, the SON of MAN, was the only one to have ever been in heaven (john 3:13, niv).

memory of the day:

katherine and i shared a bowl of popcorn and watched dancing with the stars:)

saying grace:

FATHER in heaven i'm so grateful to you for allowing
me to be grafted as one of your very own,
for blessing me in EVERY way,
and for ALWAYS being there for me.
i am humbled and grateful!!!
FATHER,
here am i; send me
if it be Your will.
my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i, in all humility, lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man and heal him!!!) today, especially help him with his itching!!!
the mc family (thank You for sending Your reassuring words of comfort to them:)
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john (thank YOU for giving my john some time to rest this week before work gets really crazy:)
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family (GOD, please unharden these hearts that forgiveness can be achieved)
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs (bless them FATHER with peace in the loss of their beautiful, little cora)
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (wow, GOD, 15 lbs and possibly back to bike riding!!!)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine),and that pat seems to be doing well through his treatments!!! he and his family even enjoyed a normal day... may they enjoy many more!!! and ann moore what you have done with and through her is amazing as well!!! GOd, thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU for giving pat the good days to enjoy with his family (YOU, know how much i love them.).

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

fourth friday, saturday, and monday of lent...

scripture:

john 3
1Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

4"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

9"How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10"You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
(john 3 1-21, niv)

questions regarding the scripture:

why did nicodemus visit JESUS at night???

what is required to be "born again"???

which of the old testament righteous inherited the kingdom of heaven???


questions about yesterday's scripture:

just as moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. (john 3:14-15, niv)

what is JESUS referring to when HE says that "the SON of MAN must be lifted up"??? HE is referring to HIS being resurrected from the dead.

is believing that JESUS is the SON of GOD the same as believing in GOD's SON, JESUS??? no, in order to believe in JESUS one must have the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT that HE may be revealed in such a way that a relationship is formed.
memory of the day:

on friday, i enjoyed rick's pizza with katherine and chico:)
on saturday, i enjoyed the basketball tournament with kat and jh:)
on sunday my johnny b. came home from lexington:)
today, i received a sweet note from an old friend:)

saying grace:

FATHER in heaven i'm so grateful to you for allowing
me to be grafted as one of your very own,
for blessing me in EVERY way,
and for ALWAYS being there for me.
i am humbled and grateful!!!
FATHER,
here am i; send me
if it be Your will.
my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i, in all humility, lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man and heal him!!!)!!!
the mc family (thank You for sending Your reassuring words of comfort to them:)
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john (thank YOU for giving my john some time to rest this week before work gets really crazy:)
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family (GOD, please unharden these hearts that forgiveness can be achieved)
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs (bless them FATHER with peace in the loss of their beautiful, little cora)
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine),and that pat seems to be doing well through his treatments!!! he and his family even enjoyed a normal day... may they enjoy many more!!! GOd, thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU for giving pat the good days to enjoy with his family (YOU, know how much i love them.).

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

fourth thursday of lent...

scripture:

just as moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. (john 3:14-15, niv)

questions regarding the scripture:

what is JESUS referring to when HE says that "the SON of MAN must be lifted up"???

is believing that JESUS is the SON of GOD the same as believing in GOD's SON, JESUS???


questions about yesterday's scripture:

give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His love endures forever.
let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
those He redeemed from the hand of the foe!!!
(psalm 107: 1-2, niv)

who are the "redeemed"??? the redeemed are the children of GOD who walk in HIS light and live a righteous life.

why is it important for the "redeemed" to praise GOD??? it is important for those who KNOW GOD to praise HIM so that others can hear the truth about HIM and desire a personal relationship with HIM, too.

who is "the foe"??? the foe is satan.

memory of the day:

an old friend had a "normal" day;
and another received wonderful news!!!

saying grace:

my GOD you are and awesome GOD!!!
thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU
for ALL the blessings you have bestowed upon me;
even though i'm am in no way worthy to be called
one of Your children,
You have allowed me to be regardless:)
i am humbled and grateful!!!
FATHER,
here am i; send me!!!
i want to be sent... i am ready and waiting.
my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i, in all humility, lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man and heal him!!!)!!!
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john (thank YOU for giving my john some time to rest this week before work gets really crazy:)
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family (GOD, please unharden these hearts that forgiveness can be achieved)
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs (bless them FATHER with peace in the loss of their beautiful, little cora)
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
the niesons
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine),and that pat seems to be doing well through his treatments!!! he and his family even enjoyed a normal day... may they enjoy many more!!! GOd, thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU for giving pat the good days to enjoy with his family (YOU, know how much i love them.).

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

4th wednesday of lent...

scripture:

give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
His love endures forever.
let the redeemed of the LORD say this—
those He redeemed from the hand of the foe!!!
(psalm 107: 1-2, niv)

questions regarding the scripture:

who are the "redeemed"???

why is it important for the "redeemed" to praise GOD???

who is "the foe"???

questions about monday/tuesday scripture:

monday: they traveled from mount hor along the route to the red sea, to go around edom. but the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against moses, and said, "why have you brought us up out of egypt to die in the desert? there is no bread! there is no water! and we detest this miserable food!" (numbers 21:4-5, niv)

monday: isn't it just the human condition to moan and groan as well as be totally impatient when circumstances aren't meeting our expectations!!?!? this is actually a rhetorical question; but the answer is, "yes!!!". it really is our human condition to complain when things don't go our way. i think the key to this is to give our frustrations over to GOD and 'keep on keeping on' with HIM at our sides (respectively)... HE just wants us to relate to HIM and most importantly TRUST IN HIM!!!


tuesday: but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (ephesians 2:4-5, niv)

tuesday: even now after Christ has come to save us, can we still be dead due to our transgressions??? how/why???
as i have written on many occasions throughout this lenten season, our transgressions (sins... mainly, i think, the sin of having other worldly gods above GOD) stand between us and the LIFE GOD intends us to have through HIM with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT.


memory of the day:

john and i spent a wonderful evening with long-time friends:) and... enjoyed some yummy bread pudding:b

saying grace:

Father, thank You for the peace you have bestowed on me!!!
thank YOU for wonderful friends!!!
thank YOU for turning my attention away from that which may be lost and pointing it in the direction to that which i have:)
i am humbled and grateful!!!
FATHER,
here am i; send me!!!
i really want to be sent; i want you to use me for your good that YOU and YOU alone can be glorified...

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i, in all humility, lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man and heal him!!!)!!!
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john (thank YOU for giving my john some time to rest this week before work gets really crazy:)
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family (GOD, please unharden these hearts that forgiveness can be achieved)
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine),and that pat seems to be doing well through his treatments!!! GOd, thank YOU, thank YOU, thank YOU for giving pat the good days to enjoy with his family (YOU, know how much i love them.).

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

third monday/tuesday of lent...

scripture:

monday: they traveled from mount hor along the route to the red sea, to go around edom. but the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against moses, and said, "why have you brought us up out of egypt to die in the desert? there is no bread! there is no water! and we detest this miserable food!" (numbers 21:4-5, niv)

tuesday: but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (ephesians 2:4-5, niv)

questions regarding the scripture:

monday: isn't it just the human condition to moan and groan as well as be totally impatient when circumstances aren't meeting our expectations!!?!?

tuesday: even now after Christ has come to save us, can we still be dead due to our transgressions??? how/why???

my thoughts about yesterday's scripture:

for the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. (1 corinthians 1:25, niv)

i know what paul is trying to convey: HE is far greater in HIS weakness (HUH???) than the strongest of us:? but, i find it odd that paul used these particular words in conveying this message... as i believe GOD to be neither foolish nor weak in any way, shape, or form!!!

memory of the day:

9 years ago, today, john and i renewed our wedding vows:)

saying grace:

Father, thank You for the peace you have bestowed on me!!!

here am i; send me!!!

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i in all humility lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU and YOU alone are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man...)
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine),and that pat seems to be doing well through his treatments!!!

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

third saturday of lent...

scripture:

for the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength. (1 corinthians 1:25, niv)

a thought regarding the scripture:

i know what paul is trying to convey... but, i find it odd as i believe GOD to be neither foolish nor weak at ALL!!! do you???

my answers to yesterday's question:

"I AM the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. you shall have no other gods before me." (exodus 20:2-3, niv)

what did GOD mean by "other gods"??? other gods are all people or things that are more important to you than GOD is. (family, friends, wisdom, power, wealth, etc...)

do you have other gods in your life??? i did at one time but not anymore:)

memory of the day:

i went to the grocery and took kat, hannah, and jacob. they stayed in the car. i was in there for so long that jacob came looking for me. (i guess you had to be there). it was pretty funny:))))

saying grace:

Father, thank You for the peace you have bestowed on me:)

here am i; send me!!!

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i in all humility lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU and YOU alone are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man...)
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason
shirley pritchet
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine), and that pat was able to have some comfort last night during the prayer vigil... and for puting love and feeling back into my heart... even though it is breaking.

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

the shack...

i had a very good reason for not posting yesterday...
i was curled up reading a book;)



i know... that doesn't sound like a very good reason:
but, it was a book about a father, THE FATHER, THE SON, and
THE HOLY SPIRIT;)))

no, it was not the bible but a book entitled,
the shack.

i picked this book up for the first time on valentines day...
as i was looking for a book to get for my valentine.
my attention was quickly drawn to a book, the associate, which was sitting right right next to it on the shelf in the book store.

john loves john grisham.
john grisham wrote the associate.
john is my favorite associate (tee-hee, "corny" i know).
so, i bought him the associate!!!

anyway, since that day, the shack has been calling out to me.
no one said to me that it was good, that i should read it...
no, no it was nothing like that.
yet, i felt like i was supposed to read it.

on tuesday afternoon, i left home a little early en route to pick katherine up from school. since i had a few minutes to spare, i stopped by the bookstore to purchase this book.
it was the last one on the shelf;
and it was mine:D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

now, i am not going to go into much detail about the book today. however, i will say, that it is a good book. i read about 1/3 of the book on wednesday.
after doing so, i was neither so sure...
a.) i had actually heard it calling MY name
nor...
b.) that i had made a good choice in purchasing it.

for, i found it to be...
1.) very wordy.
2.) a little "campy" (if you will).
3.) slow.
4.) "out there".
5.) and not written well for any level of believer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOWEVER, a friend of mine called yesterday morning. while we were talking, i mentioned that i was reading the shack. she said she was too. i told her my thoughts about the book. since she was a little ahead of me in her reading, i asked her opinion. she said she thought it to be a pretty good book.

maybe i was being a little too critical???

so, when i got off the phone, i opened my copy back up to the page where i'd stopped reading on wednesday and commenced...

when i did??? i felt as though GOD was talking directly to me!!!
through william young's words,
HE answered questions i had recently been asking HIM,
and HE even answered a prayer or two!!!

it was as if, GOD told william young to write this book to me and for me and, furthermore, to bring it "special delivery" to my doorstep with instructions for me to read EVERY word!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

i don't know if this book would "speak" to every one in the same way.
but, with the knowledge that it could,
i would be remiss in not touting the book.
if the shack is calling YOUR name,
buy it, read it...
ALL!!!
then come back and tell me about your experience:)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

prayer list:

pat (GOD, YOU and YOU alone are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man and take away his cancer...)
ginny (thank you, GOD, again, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason (thank YOU)
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine:), and that pat was able to start his chemo treatments yesterday... and for puting love and feeling back into my heart... even though it is breaking.

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

third wednesday of lent...

scripture:

"I AM the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. you shall have no other gods before me." (exodus 20:2-3, niv)

questions about the scripture:

what did GOD mean by "other gods"???

do you have other gods in your life???

my answers to yesterday's question:

to those whom God has called, both jews and greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God.
(1 corinthians 1:24, niv)

why did paul call upon the greeks as well as the jews in this letter to the church at corinth??? the non-jews in corinth were greeks (aka gentiles), hence paul was calling upon everyone as was his mission to share the good news showing no favoritism.

memory of the day:

it's been an emotional day for me today... i know things have happened the way they have for a reason. i just pray that something bigger could happen to bring a situation full circle. in the past i have had to be pruned of "other gods". it hurt then but not as much as it is hurting now.

saying grace:

GOD, please???????

here am i; send me!!!

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i in all humility lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU and YOU alone are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man...)
ginny (thank you, GOD, that gin's test was good!!!)
john
john
the nielsons (thank You, GOD, for covering the nielsons with Your healing hands)
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
ava's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
gene thomason
as well as all those others who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:))) for ginny that her test came back negative (and for mine), and that pat was able to have some comfort last night during the prayer vigil... and for puting love and feeling back into my heart... even though it is breaking.

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

second tuesday of lent...

scripture:

to those whom God has called, both jews and greeks, Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God.
(1 corinthians 1:24, niv)

questions about the scripture:

why did paul call upon the greeks as well as the jews in this letter to the church at corinth???

my answers to yesterday's question:

the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.
(psalm 19:1, niv)

in this scripture, david, is making a point about the heavens only being there to glorify GOD. why??? i think david wanted the heavens/sky only to be marveled as GOD's handwork... as opposed to being used used for telling the future (astrology/astrological signs).

memory of the day:

a long time friend (with a life unfinished) was given some really devastating news.
heartbreaking...

saying grace:

dear Father, i love you and Your way with all i am and all i ever will be.
FATHER i have put in a pretty large request to YOU.
i will continue to pray YOUR will until i receive a sign from YOU.

however...

here am i; send me.

FATHER, please forgive my selfishness and my inability to forgive the way i should; help me!!!
i want to be not only Your child but a child of YOURS of whom you can be proud.

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i humbly lift up the following...

pat (GOD, YOU and YOU alone are the great healer; if it be Your will i ask that YOU pour your mercy on this dear man...)
ginny
john
john
the nielsons
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family (baby elisabeth)
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
ann moore (Father, please ease her pain and suffering)
as well as all those otherswho are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their loved ones
those who no longer have employment
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth (her mommy said she is doing better than ever!!!) and now for k, who is back to his normal self:)))

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

the second monday of lent...

scripture:

the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

(psalm 19:1, niv)

<sup>questions about the scripture:

in this scripture, david, is making a point about the heavens only being there to glorify GOD. why???


my answers to yesterday's questions:</sup>

against all hope, abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "so shall your offspring be."
(romans 4:18, niv)

what is it to believe against all hope??? it is to have total faith; suspending all worldly knowledge.

who are the offspring of abraham??? those who believe in GOD.


saying grace

my Father, in heaven:
You are an AWESOME GOD.
i look forward to spending my eternal life with You when it is is my time to come home to be with you.

until then, please show me what you would have me do here on earth.

here am i; send me.

FATHER, please forgive my sins and help me to be a forgiving, loving soul that You can be proud to call Your own.

my GOD, in prayer of intercession, i lift up the following...

john
john
pat
the nielsons
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
as well as all those who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their jobs
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!

FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth and now for k.

thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

second saturday of lent...

scripture:


against all hope, abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "so shall your offspring be."
(romans 4:18, niv)

questions about the scripture:

what is it to believe against all hope???

who are the offspring of abraham???

my answers to yesterday's questions:

then HE called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
(mark 8:34, niv)

what does it mean to deny yourself??? i think it means to keep your eye on GOD and doing HIS work without dwelling on our fleshly desires. it also means to be WILLING to give up whatever GOD asks of you.

what is your cross??? well, Christ's cross was that upon which HE would surrender HIS life... hence our cross is our willingness to surrender our lives to HIM that we can be made new ie born again.

what does it mean to follow CHRIST??? to follow HIM, means to give the wheel (if you will) and letting GOD be our driver... and DO what's pleasing to HIM.

saying grace

Father, i have to begin by thanking you again for the positive prognosis i received on thursday. as... i am very grateful for the peace that came with the knowledge that all was well!!! thank YOU for always being with me in the good times as well as the bad. thank you to the moon and back for giving me your SPIRIT to be with me through good times as well as those which are not so good:)
being led by YOUR SPIRIT,
here am i, send me:D
please forgive me for my transgressions,
and help me to disarm my heart if that is what YOU would have me do!!!

my GOD, i lift these especially as prayers of intercession.
john
john
the nielsons
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
as well as all those who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their jobs
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!
FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth and now for k.
BABY ELISABETH SORENSON IS HOME WITH A VERY GOOD BLOOD COUNT:)))
K IS HOME TOO AND DOING MUCH, MUCH BETTER!!!
thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.
i also welcome any/all
praises:D

second friday of lent...

scripture

then HE called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "if anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."
(mark 8:34, niv)

questions about the scripture:

what does it mean to deny yourself???

what is your cross???

what does it mean to follow CHRIST???

my answers to yesterday's questions:

all the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before Him.
(psalm 22: 27, niv)


so many times i hear that we in the western world are not mentioned in end time prophecy. do you believe this is true??? i believe "'all' the ends of the earth" pretty much sums it up:)

why is the western world not mentioned specifically by name??? i would say that in biblical times the americas were not mentioned by name because they hadn't been discovered at that time. further, in revelation john described what he saw in terms of what he knew.

saying grace

Father, i have to begin by thanking you for the positive prognosis i received yesterday. i know You are all knowing and that if the news had been negative that YOU know best; but, i am grateful for the peace that came with the good news!!! thank YOU for always being with me in the good times as well as the bad. i am so grateful to have You in my life and the feelings of peace, love, and assurance especially that go along with having been born again of your SPIRIT.
i know it is rather late in the day to ask You to direct me to do your work, however if there is something you would have me do before i lie down my head...
here am i, send me:D
Father, forgive me for my binge eating... too many girl scout cookies too little time:b
forgive me too for my sinful nature and help me to be more loving, caring, and forgiving, please!!!

my GOD, i lift these especially as prayers of intercession.
john
john
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
amanda's family (and her co-worker with tb)
the nall family
the sorenson family
k!!!
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
phillip shannon
as well as all those who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their jobs
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!
FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayers above for elisabeth and now for k.
BABY ELISABETH SORENSON IS HOME WITH A VERY GOOD BLOOD COUNT:)))
K IS HOME TOO AND DOING MUCH, MUCH BETTER!!!
thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.

2nd thursday of lent...

(dani and maggie)

hello, all!!! i am dani, and this is my other blog. i have noticed on my feedjit that i have had several visitors from all around the world:)

welcome, and i invite you to return!!!

further, it doesn't matter to me at all if you leave a comment about the post, itself; but i'd love for you to take the time to say a quick"hello"!!!

also, i wanted to let you know that i have been a blogger for a year and a half or so. you can also visit me at "give me a second to think about it" by clicking HERE.

just so you know, as lent was approaching, i decided to do a daily lenten study and journal: rather than giving up something, i decided to "do" something. the study has, thus far, been really good for me... as it prompts me to delve into the scripture everyday:)

if you are wondering how i decide each day which scripture to use for the study part of my blog, i am using the upper room's daily lenten scripture. i have found that the randomness of using the upper room's scripture has been probably more interesting than choosing scripture with which i'm already familiar.

also, i use the niv (the new international version) bible... as that is the bible with which i am most familiar. if you use a different version, you may have a totally different perspective than i do on the same scripture.

finally, if you would like to add to my answers or even disagree please do!!! i want this to be a very comfortable place for those of any/all denominations to learn, discuss, and even debate... (just keep it nice please!!!:)

well that's all for now...
on to today's post:)

scripture

all the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD,
and all the families of the nations
will bow down before Him.
(psalm 22: 27, niv)

questions about the scripture:

so many times i hear that we in the western world are not mentioned in end time prophecy. do you believe this is true???

if you do believe this is true, why???

if you believe this is false, why???

and...

why is the western world not mentioned specifically by name???


my answers to tuesday's/wednesday's questions:

tuesday's scripture: for if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless.(romans 4: 14, niv)

tuesday's answers...

what does this scripture say to you??? it says to me that if we live by the law and the law alone, faith in Christ and our redemption is futile. it also says to me that we are all doomed because we are sinners by nature; wrath follows sin. however, if we live by faith, through the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are led to live a more righteous life out of our love for GOD, our FATHER, and the knowledge that we have been redeemed by the blood of JESUS.

in the old testament, where was the first mention of "the promise" (the coming of Christ)??? Christ was alluded to for the first time in the book of genesis.

"and I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel."
(genesis 3: 15, niv)

and, by the way, Christ did indeed crush the head of satan when He defeated death.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

wednesday's scripture: when abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless." (genesis 17: 1, niv)

wednesday's answers:

why was it important that abram (abraham) be blameless (righteous)??? it was important that he set the standard for righteousness, for GOD had made a covenant with him that abraham would be the father of all nations. also, so long as abraham was righteous a strong bond would be held between abraham and GOD. (remember to always keep the way clear between you and GOD so that there is nothing to interrupt your way to HIM:)))

what covenant was made with abraham that day??? it was the covenant of circumcision.

what transpired in the house of abraham as a result of that covenant??? all the males in the house of abraham were circumcised... including abraham.

memory of the day:

today, i am patiently awaiting the results of a biopsy.

saying grace:

Father you totally rock!!! You are the essence of good in ALL WAYS ALWAYS. i could never thank you enough for blessing me with allowing me to be one of Your children. i am so grateful to have You in my life and the feelings of peace, love, and assurance especially that go along with having been born again of your SPIRIT.
please direct me today to do what YOU would have me do, to pray for whom YOU would have me pray, to say the things YOU would have me say.
here am i, send me:D
FATHER, i am very aware that i fall short on being the person YOU would have me be, but YOU never fail to bestow my cup with mercy to over-flowing. please help me to be more merciful.

HEAVENLY FATHER, i lift these especially as prayers of intercession.
john
john
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
the nall family
the sorenson family
k!!! (special prayers for k, today, and wendi too, please)
the macs
the skaggs (all of them)
the gaddises
the pardues
as well as all those who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their jobs
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!
FATHER, i continue to praise You for answering the prayer above for elisabeth
BABY ELISABETH SORENSON IS HOME WITH A VERY GOOD BLOOD COUNT:)))
thank YOU again for all YOU are and all YOU do in our lives!!!
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.

1st tuesday/2nd wednesday of lent combined...

(abraham and isaac)

scriptures

tuesday's scripture: for if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless.(romans 4: 14, niv)

today's scripture: when abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless." (genesis 17: 1, niv)


questions about the scripture:

for tuesday...

what does this scripture say to you???

in the old testament, where was the first mention of "the promise" (the coming of Christ)???

for today...

why was it important that abram (abraham) be blameless (righteous)???

what covenant was made with abraham that day???

what transpired in the house of abraham as a result of that covenant???


my answers to monday's questions:

for HE has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
HE has not hidden HIS face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
(psalm 22:24, niv)

why is it always pointed out that GOD is a GOD for all people including the seemingly least??? i believe it is pointed out firstly because it is true!!! however, i also think that GOD wants us all to know through HIS word that though we all have different lots in life on earth that regardless of whether we are rich or poor, sick or well, kings or slaves, etc... in heaven there is no caste system (if you will). HE loves His children the same and unconditionally!!!

are the least of these more blessed than those who are wealthy in all areas such as health, money, education, etc...??? "the least of these" have the propensity to be more blessed by GOD because we have a greater emptiness for HIM to fill with His SPIRIT. it is more difficult for those who are wealthy (in whatever worldly way) to have as great a need for GOD because they are so full of things and self... at least that is what i have noticed and believe.

memory of the day:

one of my dearest friends came over
and visited last night: i enjoyed it so much:)

saying grace:

God you are everything to me. i love You with all my heart and soul. thank you for answered prayer!!! just show me what i am supposed to do and when i am supposed to do it. for You know better than i...
here am i, send me:D
please forgive me my sinful nature. i try but know that i fall short of blamelessness. i am so grateful for your gift of the HOLY SPIRIT as Your SPIRIT is never failing:)
help me to forgive and point out to me those that i need to forgive that i may walk in YOUR light.

HEAVENLY FATHER, i lift these especially as prayers of intercession.
john
john
the schrijvers
tabitha's family
the nall family
the sorenson family
k
the macs
the skaggs
the gaddises
the pardues
as well as all those who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their jobs
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU!!!
FATHER, i have a praise for You for one of the prayer requests above...
BABY ELISABETH SORENSON IS GOING HOME
FROM THE HOSPITAL TODAY:DDD
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.

first monday of lent...

(beatitudes)

scripture

for HE has not despised or disdained
the suffering of the afflicted one;
HE has not hidden HIS face from him
but has listened to his cry for help.
(psalm 22:24, niv)

questions about the scripture:

why is it always pointed out that GOD is a GOD for all people including the seemingly least???

are the least of these more blessed than those who are wealthy in all areas such as health, money, education, etc...???

my answers to yesterday's questions:

Jesus went into galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “the time has come,” he said. “the kingdom of God is near. repent and believe the good news!”
(mark 1:14-15, niv)

believing that repetition is often a great tool for learning, why is repentance important??? repentance (asking forgiveness for sins) clears the way to GOD. it makes forming a relationship with GOD possible!!!

were the galileans accepting of JESUS and His teachings??? the galileans were very receptive to JESUS unlike the jews.

what is "the good news"??? the good news is the promise of salvation (eternity in heaven with the FATHER) through the atoning death of JESUS on the cross and HIS resurrection. it is also the promise of the gift of the Holy Spirit (the indwelling of the SPIRIT of GOD) first given out at Pentecost.

memory of the day:

i've pretty much just have the sorenson's in my thoughts. i hope baby elisabeth is feeling better.

saying grace:

dear Father, YOU are all the good that i am. Your mercy and love is boundless, and i am so thankful for these things, the gift of YOUR HOLY SPIRIT, and all that is of YOU. if someone is reading this is looking for You to fill them up, please be generous. GOD if there is something particular i am supposed to do today to further YOUR kingdom...
here am i, send me:D
forgive me, FATHER, for all my unrighteous thoughts,
and help me to forgive the unrighteousness in others... as i know, it is YOUR place and not mine to judge. help me to pay forward your grace and mercy.

FATHER, i lift these especially as prayers of intercession.
john
john
tabitha's family
the nall family
the sorenson family
k
the macs
the skaggs
the gaddises
those who are suffering
with emotional and/or physical pain
those who have lost their jobs
the leaders around the world
and all others who are crying out to YOU
in Jesus' name i pray.
amen.

love,
dani

ps. if you have any prayer requests,
please let me know in your comment.
i will add it to my daily prayer list.