The Best Part Of Waking Up

     The best part of waking up is a clean cat box in the laundry room.  I didn't encounter that pleasure this morning, neither did I correct it.  Kid Duty!
     "Once Upon a Mattress"!  What can I say........I needed to laugh after the last couple weeks.  My girls were in it as well as my pastor, worship leader.  It was directed by our pastor's wife.  If you're local, go check out the show tonight or tomorrow; it's hilarious and good for what ails you.
     Tim went to the doctor but didn't see the doctor since he was in emergency surgery.  He's rescheduled for Monday.  But praise our compassionate heavenly Father, he is feeling much better.  Thanks so much for lifting us up in prayer.  I was phone-less for a few days and enjoyed listening to all the messages yesterday when I got my new phone.  Actually it's a pre-owned new phone, but hey, it's a phone!
     Been off 3 days and I was in the bed most of that time batting this dang headache thing.  Saw my doctor this week; We're gonna do another round of MRI, xrays, and blood work.  The Lord does always sustain me, even when I don't realize it.  I got a call from my sweet Barbara after the play last night and we talked a while.  That conversation and watching the play with Sis gave me a great lift.
     Scrambled into bed, made room for Gabby, our luscious calico cat, and grabbed my Bible.  It had a few pages folded down just for me.  Turn to Isaiah 50:7 and we'll read it.  From the New Living Translation:  "Because the Sovereign Lord helps me I will not be disgraced.  Therefore I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will, and I know that I will not be put to shame."   Whoaaaaa!  I had to read more above and below that passage for more.
     Being afraid of being disgraced or ashamed.  Has that ever stopped me from telling somebody about Jesus or kept me from testifying to His faithfulness?  Maybe I'm afraid He won't come through and that will make me look bad.  Heaven forbid , but I confess to you that I have allowed my own pride to keep me from doing just that. 
     This muggy August morning in the dark as I write this to you, I have called on the Lord to work in situations beyond my control.  Actually, all of the situations in our lives are beyond our control, we just don't realize it from our self-sufficient persective.  But I humbly claim Isaiah 50:7.  Won't you?
     Dear Lord, we need you this morning to make us more aware of your presence, to forgive us for trying to be so self-sufficient.  Thank you for being our Father and taking such good care of us.  Amen