It is that time of year when Youth Groups from churches all over the country hit the open road.  They do various things when they travel from singing in other churches across the country to painting projects at Boys and Girls clubs, and helping with a spirit of service.

A couple of years ago I got to go on a trip with the youth from our church on a bus for a week.  We went to Wilmore Kentucky and attended a musical event called Ichthus. The locals call it Mud Fest because it often rains or snows and the event is held in a large field containing fine Kentucky soil so famous for growing tobacco, or grazing light, fast Thoroughbred horses.

Wilmore is a lovely place and traveling with the youth of our church was a great experience.

Father God, I would like to pray for the Youth Groups who are traveling this summer.  I ask that you would be with them always.  Open the way for them to enjoy the fellowship they experience within their own group and the places they visit along the way.  Bless them and bless the work of their hands.  Keep them tenderly in your care and bring them all home safely.  Amen

Climbing Yellow Rose Shinkle's yard June 2009

They don’t come with a blinking neon sign that says “Miracle Here, Look, Look!”.   We have to seek them, recognize and acknowledge them.  When you are open to the idea that miracles happen all around us, you can begin to see them.  They come in all sizes, and various shapes and colors.  But only those who seek them, find them.

Thank you God, for the miracles of each day.  Help me to see and recognize them.  I appreciate the miracles in everyone’s lives, not only my own.  Watch out for all of us, and help us to watch out for each other.  Amen

Gunnison River tributary

The most important thing for human survival is clean, life giving water.  My friends tease me about my philosophy on clean drinking water.  Any country who allows human or toxic waste in their drinking water cannot be a world power.  Although I don’t express it quite that eloquently, I think a fifth grader can understand that. So if a government doesn’t understand it, then sorry; no nuclear arms for you.

We use the expression of a “thirst for knowledge”.  It is as old as the earth.

John 7:37 and 7:38 : On the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.’”

My prayer today:

Thirst-quenching God, I have wandered and become parched in a hot and dry land.  Fill me with your word and your life-giving water.  Give me hope and a purpose. Allow me to dwell with you and under your wings I may take refuge.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control. 

Why does it seem as though on any given day my spirit can only produce a few of those?  Patience is continually elusive, self control in some areas but not others.  It seems so simple.  Sometimes I think if we focused on the fruit of the spirit there would be world peace, happy marriages, and no child would go hungry.

Gracious God,  fill my spirit with these fruits of the spirit, these good things that I may share them with the family of God and serve you. Amen

Barely having said “Amen” there was a knock at the door and two young men, Tyler and James wanted to know if I needed my driveway shoveled. I told them they were the answer to my prayers, and in 15 minutes the entire deal was done.   It was beneficial for all parties and that is how it should be. 

Answered prayers can be quick.  I forget how quickly things can come together with some divine intervention. So my prayer for today is praise and thanks.

Father God, I am grateful that James and Tyler came to help today. I am glad I had some cash with me to give in exchange.  They did a quality job and I ask that you are with them, and bless every aspect of their lives.  Protect them, guide them, reveal the wonder of your presence to them.

I thank you God, also for much needed moisture.  I pray for those who must go somewhere today and be outside.  Keep them well and return them home safely.  Amen

Personally I think groundhog day is probably rooted in some northern climate drinking game tradition.  Some group with not much to do and a few beers decide it would be fun to go out and find a hibernating rodent, wake him to see if he sees his shadow. So who thought that up? But it has become a tradition.

We like traditions, they are warm soup for the soul.  (Not groundhog soup.) Traditions and ceremony work like anchors for us in the busy lives we lead. 

Speaking of winter, I would like to ask people to pray for those who are without power and heat due to the ice storms or who are experiencing other hardships this winter.

I received prayer requests for the following people, if you would pray for them as well.

Barb T. – healing for her shoulder and surgery

Donny T. Jr – healing from headaches

Jenny – health and healing, peace in her spirit

Thank you, have a great week.