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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Concentration (07/24/08)
“Good morning, Lord. Thank you so much for the rest of last night, for protecting us while we slept.”

That was some rainstorm in the night. I wonder how long it lasted? Must have been after three when it woke me up. I needed to go to the bathroom anyway. How odd that the water was off at that hour of the morning.

“What a beautiful morning, Lord. Thank you so much for the wonderful sunshine, for the birds that have come to feed this morning.”

Looks like I’ll have to fill the bird feeder again. Those greedy doves clean it out so quickly. I wish they wouldn’t toss the seed all over the balcony though.

“Thank you for the beautiful flowers that are the delight of my moments here in your presence."

They are doing well. I’m just so pleased, though I think I have to cut back that hibiscus. It’s getting so wild looking. I’ve dulled the kitchen scissors on it so I’d better go and buy some gardening shears this week.

“Father, please bless the duties of this day.”

I need to call Gail and find out when she is planning to go shopping so I can keep that block of time available. I hope it won’t be at the same time as the cable guys want to come to do their installation. It will be so good to have some variety on television for a change, not to mention the joy of not having to adjust the antenna every five minutes to get a decent signal. And I must remember to put something out to thaw for supper as soon as I am done here.

“Oh, um, thank you, Lord, for blessing Julie and Rob and restoring their relationship. That testimony they gave yesterday morning about how You have been working in their lives was so neat.”

Julie did look so good. She must have gone shopping while they were away on their holiday. That outfit the baby was wearing didn’t come from any of the local shops, of that I am sure. I’ll bet she spent tons. They were holding hands during the sermon just like they had fallen in love all over again. I wonder if Sam and I need to go away for a while without the kids? It might do us some good. The break would be great.

“Bless Sam today, Father. Help him to handle the stresses of work with grace and wisdom.”

I’d like to wring the neck of that Gus who is always ragging on Sam about being a “goodie-goodie.” Sam comes home so stressed at night. I wonder if he’s going to be late tonight again. Another phone call to make later on so that dinner doesn’t get cold before he walks through the door.

“The kids need you today, Lord. Michael has the exam that he’s so worried about …”

Mind you, if he’d have studied more, he might have less to worry about. Those friends of his are such a distraction. I am not sure I like him hanging around with that Jenn. I should find out a little more about that family.

“ … so help him remember what he studied, Lord. Help him stay calm as he writes. Thank you for both Michael and Lisa.”

Lisa is growing so fast. I swear those new shoes are already pinching her toes, and I was so sure when I bought them that they would last until they were actually worn out this time.

“Lord, this list of sick people just keeps growing. If I forget anyone, I’m thankful that You won’t. Give each of them courage as they face treatment. Give them strength to endure and, if it’s your will, heal each of them. I ask this for Linda, Ginny, Alex, Norm, Deb, Grace, and Marilyn.”

Brother, this cancer stuff is scary. Every one of these people has it, and in every different form conceivable. It must be awful. I wonder how I’d know if I had it? So far, so good, though.

“Thank you for providing for us, Lord. You have been so good, and I am grateful. Help us to be generous with what we have so that we can be a blessing to others.”

I really hate the way the pastor makes such a big deal of asking for the offering, complete with PowerPoint and a different Bible verse every Sunday.

“Thanks for hearing my prayer. Amen.”


Heaven sighed: “Was that what this was?”
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This article has been read 1627 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Charla Diehl
07/31/08
I think each of us at times is guilty of not finding quality quiet time so when we pray, we can focus. Liked your closing sentence which is a great reminder that God wants our undivided attention in prayer.
Yvonne Blake 
08/01/08
Smile..sounds like my prayers.
I think our prayers should be interspersed with our thoughts. "Pray without ceasing."
Thank you for writing this.
Hannah Hunter
08/01/08
This is so true to life. I'm glad God hears and cares about all we say and think, even when we get distracted.
Emily Gibson
08/02/08
Ah, such honesty! God hears it all and we are forgiven for our distraction. Very well done.
Mary Hackett
08/05/08
I struggle with this so often. I think the devil loves to get us off on rabbit trails, seemingly innocent, but detracting from our prayers overall. This is insightful indeed.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
08/06/08
A convicting, well-written story--a reminder for me to concentrate on God's goodness as I pray.
TJ Nickel
08/06/08
I liked the message and the interlacing of thought and speech. I was anticipating something more than the one liner in the sigh from heaven at the end and was waiting for a different twist in the events prayed about. Overall, it stood to make the singular point outlined in the title - the title is what got me. I'd recommend using the title within the story repetitiously, I think it'd bring out that sketch a little stronger. Also, a two sentence intro in non-dialogue might set the character up more at the outset. Great material woven into a story that surely finds many that can relate in this busy world. Thanks for the read.
Loren T. Lowery
08/07/08
This is oh so true. How many times do I find my mind wandering when I should be focused on the One who makes it all possible. Great job and a well deserved congratulations for your win.
Loren
Patricia Turner 
08/08/08
You've been there haven't you? You wrote this too convincingly. Yep, pray without ceasing. Congratulations on your so deserved EC win!
Jason Swiney
08/08/08
Nice writing. Your internal thoughts were very realistic and you perfectly touched on the struggle of a wandering mind during prayer, even when we are alone. Congrats of the EC.