My last post was just before March Madness was to start, an event that I had worked very hard to prepare for, in order that it might be successful.

There were many times during the year, when I wanted to post something new; there were many things that happened over the last 9 months. But I was kept afloat emotionally by the post, and as the weeks and months went by I actually got stronger, better, than I was. Praise God! Psalms 91 was a special blessing to me.

So to my future self, I list these to mediate on in 2021:

Psalms 18 Psalms 27 Psalms 33 Psalms 144

Ultimately, all battles are about your relationship with God not about winning your battles.

Before and after any Work

BEFORE ANY WORK:

O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, Thou hast said, “Without me you can do nothing.” In faith I embrace Thy words, O Lord, and bow before Thy goodness. Help me to complete the work I am about to begin for Thine own glory: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

AFTER ANY WORK:

Thou, O Christ, art Thyself the fulfillment of all good things! Fill my soul with joy and gladness, and save me, for Thou art all merciful.

https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/prayers/before-and-after-any-work

⁸ Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Gerald: [the men are discussing the prospect of going to war with the North] And what does the captain of our troops say?

Ashley: Well, gentlemen, if Georgia fights, I go with her.

It’s a beautiful Sunday morning.

There is a gentle breeze that moves the various chimes and bells I’ve accumulated, to produce a heavenly twinkling of sound.  The morning sunlight is absolutely GOLDEN and rains have greened the grass and the garden.

I’m on the back deck, studying the Bible, contemplating that which has happened to me, and that which is still to be faced.  My spirit is soaring and I am reminded of this beautiful hymn.

I believe more strongly than I ever have and am, this morning, filled with a sense of gratefulness and praise for this beautiful morning.