The Finished Product...

David says to Solomon, “This is the plan the Lord gave me. Be courageous and get to work. Don’t be frightened by the size of the task, for the Lord my God is with you; He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.” [1 Chronicles 28:19-22]

Paul, to the Philippians, assures me that, “God, who began a good work within me, will keep on helping me grow in his grace until his task within me is finally finished.” [Philippians 1:6]

When I was young and starting over, I knew I wouldn’t stay down forever. I knew my life would improve, that things would get better. I have not had that confidence this time around. I have been discouraged, a lot by the blood clots, but life in general. I love my wife and miss her greatly. I have no one to lean on but Jesus, and, to be honest, I haven’t done that very often in my life. But he assures me that he is here and has a plan and he will complete his plan. I have to have courage. And I have to get to work on my life. Most of all, I have to trust that he is working according his blueprints, not mine.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Serenity again...

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

I cannot change other people. I must accept this. I can change the situation to protect myself from the things others say or do to hurt me. This will take courage. I don't have to be the victim of someone else's issues. I cannot "fix" their issues, but I can live my life with dignity.

Serenity Prayer

I need the serenity to accept the consequences of my actions. I need to own what I do, good or bad. It takes courage to step up and accept, own, the consequences of my-actions. Sometimes I do-this. Sometimes, I try to mitigate the impact. Mitigation usually is of little value.

Who am I, Jesus, that you call me by name? [Kim Hill]

Who am I on the inside where only God sees?

Who am I? Who is the person God created me to be? How does my life bring honor and glory and praise to you, Daddy?