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A prayer for Moore

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:53:32 -0500

Ever Present and Almighty God,

In the midst of shattered lives and scattered devastation, we turn to You for our friends and neighbors in Moore, Oklahoma.

Be the Comforting Peace for those whose loss of loved ones seems too much to bear.

Be the Strengthening Power for those whose hands and wills are weakened by the overwhelming extent of the damage.

Be the Unwavering Hope for those whose hearts are overcome by fear or despair.

And be the Compassionate Care that would fill all who respond with an outreach of aid or an offering of gifts.

Almighty God, whose power is greater than any force of nature and whose faithfulness to us and these in need never fails, fill all by the moving of your Holy Spirit.

That each and every one would experience the embrace of Your empowering grace,

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.

Amen

How You Can Help

Communication

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:27:06 -0500

Listen to or read a summary of "Communication," third in Senior Pastor Paul Gould's "ABC's of Relational Vitality" sermon series.

Balance

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:47 -0500

Listen to or read a summary of "Balance," second in Senior Pastor Paul Gould's "ABCs of Relational Vitality" sermon series.

Acceptance

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:05:41 -0500

Listen to or read a summary of "Acceptance," first in Senior Pastor Paul Gould's "ABCs of Relational Vitality" sermon series.

Jesus Q&A

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:16:09 -0500

"Jesus Q&A," final message in Senior Pastor Paul Gould's "Because He Lives" sermon series

An investment in FirstChurch Youth

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:02:54 -0500

Frank and Betty Vines Beverly used to live just a short walking distance from FirstChurch when it was located on 18th Street in Plano.

They were frugal, unpretentious people. Frank inherited and managed his father's small gas station before becoming a teller at First National Bank. He was also a loyal member and long-time secretary of the Plano Masonic Lodge.

Betty was a teacher, then a secretary for several years at Harrington Furniture Store. The Vines family had a farm where Vines Elementary School is now located.

With no children, they decided to invest in the youth of FirstChurch by endowing an annual college scholarship for incoming freshmen.

Applications are now being accepted from graduating high school seniors for the 2013 Beverly Scholarship, Deadline for applications is Sunday, May 12.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact John Cravens, Minister with Students.

Resurrection in Real Time

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:34:39 -0500

"Resurrection in Real Time" from Senior Pastor Paul Gould's "Because He Lives" sermon series...

Sit! Stay! Heel!

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:23:15 -0500

Samantha is home from her two-week training stay. Results: she can sit, stay, heel. Assessment: sweet personality but stubborn. We're going to have to work on "Down." Discipline - much needed and hard to come by. Takes time, effort and consistency. Read my Bible, pray, worship. Help me, Lord! Encourage in me a yearning for a deeper relationship with you, a trust and willingness to follow your lead. Help me see when I need to sit, to stay for a while, to abide in you. When it's time to go, help me follow you and you alone. All this I pray in your holy and gracious name. Amen.

The Confidence to Profess

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 15:21:15 -0500

"The Confidence to Profess" from Senior Pastor Paul Gould's sermon series, "Because He Lives"

Patterns

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:26:04 -0500

I listened with love and sadness, Lord, as she poured out her heart, inwardly acknowledging the reality of heartache in one area of life and amazing joy in another. You called us to be light, knowing that darkness is part of the pattern of our lives. By your Spirit inspire love to bring hope and faith by word and deed. Use me, my Lord, however and wherever you desire as you weave intricate patterns of light, love and hope to bring beauty into our lives. I pray in your name and grace. Amen.

Team Sandy pitches in

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:52:36 -0500

FirstChurch's own Team Sandy makes headlines pitching in to help with Hurricane Sandy clean-up this week.

Games I play

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 06:21:33 -0600

Why do I play games with you, Lord? Hide and seek (can you find me?) ... Red Rover (call me and I'll run as fast as I can to break through your team's line) ... Musical chairs (please don't let me be the one with no place!) ... Dress up (do you know who I am under this costume, this mask?). I long for a growing, vibrant relationship with you, but I hide, take sides, want a place even if it means displacing someone else, pretend. Do you chuckle or weep? Or do you simply love me, your Spirit seeking mine, filling my heart with ebullient joy at being fully known, accepted and loved unconditionally? Is there anything better in life than this moment of knowing and being fully known, my Lord and Love? I think not, and so with a heart full of gratitude and love, I rest in your grace and offer this prayer in your name. Amen.

Do muscles wish?

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:38:15 -0600

My muscles felt as if they were melting into the sheets this morning, Lord. I could hear Gary on the treadmill, dedicated to the task of losing weight and heart health. As much as I wanted to get up and join him, my arms and legs felt like dead weights and I succumbed to their wish not to move. Do muscles have wishes, Lord? Good grief, am I in trouble if they do! Succumbing to the inertia of the moment got me nowhere. You call me up and out to hear your voice and obey your will with strength and energy born of your Spirit. Fill me and use me according to your wisdom and purpose, I pray in your name. Amen.

The eyes have it

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:03:13 -0600

Their eyes linger in my memory, Lord, bright, intelligent, hopeful, joyful, energetic. In their eyes I see lives full of potential and possibility. In their eyes I see your incredible love and grace as together we worked to bring about your merciful and good will. May I never forget their eyes or lose the passion you put in my heart to help their potential become promise and their hope turn to happiness. May your kingdom come, O Lord, in eyes that shine and spirits that burn with your love. I pray in your name and grace. Amen.

Haitian love

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 22:15:32 -0600

From Peguy Ville, Quest, Haiti - How blessed I am to experience your love in new and wondrous ways - young boys surround me to write their names and ages in the sand as a way to exchange information and be in relationship, even if briefly. Church ladies fixing such delicious meals for us and for the community. Andy providing the liaison to the community leaders so work could progress smoothly. Three boys help pick up trash - willingly and enthusiastically! And so much more. Your love overflows from these lives and ours. It's a marvel of grace, and you are the heartbeat. May your name be praised and your love be shared in all ways for all our days. This I pray in your holy name. Amen

Beginning again

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:23:13 -0600

It begins, Lord, a 40-day journey into your heart. Am I ready? Perhaps a better question is am I willing? Packing for Haiti means a whole lot of stuff for them and as little as possible for me. Why can't I get along with little on life's journey? Perhaps that's a lesson I can take to heart this Lenten season. I'll surely fail along the way, but you will reach out - again - and pick me up, dust me off and take my hand to begin again. Yes, Lord, I'm willing, with you. Amen.

A clean heart

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:19:07 -0600

Senior Pastor Paul Gould Ash Wednesday message.

Infinite intimate love

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 09:48:51 -0600

Which one, Lord, crashed into the window and left a little downy feather clinging to the glass? Did it survive, stunned perhaps but able to rejoin its flock? You created that little one and all that is. Your love and unending mercy claims us all. Your grace overshadows us and your presence heals and makes whole. Your knowledge is both infinite and intimate. I praise your name and pray that you will protect, renew and restore me that I might serve you ever more faithfully today and every day. Amen.

Rooster in the mirror

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 09:46:49 -0600

Lord, who is that rooster in my mirror? Hair sticking up every which way, but thank goodness, no crowing! There's a part of me that wants to let that wild hair be, and a part that wants to tame it, bring it under control. The wildness seems so full of energy and reminds me of my youth. But I've learned a few things over the years, and that wildness didn't exactly get me what I needed. I finally learned that I need you, my Lord. Only you can set me free to be. Only you can grow me into a loving and compassionate disciple. So I tame my hair - more fully me than the wild look - and seek your grace to love and serve you with all that I am, as I pray in your name. Amen.

Birdsong

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:05:58 -0600

Swaddled in the covers, Lord, I awake slowly, reluctantly almost. "This is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! " OK. I drift, thinking of the coming day. Birdsong penetrates my thinking-praying; it's time to greet the day. You tell us not to be anxious; you provide for the birds of the air and you'll provide for me, too. OK. Be with me, Lord, in all ways and all things, that I might serve you wisely, compassionately, selflessly, and faithfully. I pray in your name. Amen.

Sunrise, Sunset

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:59:32 -0600

Almighty God, my heart rejoices to see or to remember glorious sunrises and sunsets - masterpieces of your creation. Breath-taking colors, whether vibrantly hued or subtly painted across the horizon, finally yield to the blue of day or the dark of night. Even then the promise awaits; colors now hidden are revealed by the power of the sun to paint another sky, So it is with your love, sometimes vibrantly visible, sometimes hidden to the human eye, always working to bring about your good and perfect will. As I rest and as I work, may my life be painted with the beauty of your grace and the constancy of your love by the power of your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Officer Friendly

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:58:13 -0600

Lord you surely know this man's name. Ever vigilant, he patrols the roads to catch those of us who try to bend the rules - OK, break the law. But Dad told me the police don't pull you over for going 5 mph over the speed limit. Officer Friendly, though, he stopped me and gave me a warning for speed limit plus 5. Good grief! Yes well, limits are there for a reason. May your Spirit continue to help me grow in self-control, gentleness and patience. And always, Lord, help me love as you love, especially Officer Friendly, for I know that both he and I are deeply loved by you, my Lord and my Savior. I pray in your name. Amen.

Deepening your spiritual journey

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:34:02 -0600

Bishop Mike McKee invites us to deepen our spiritual journey during Lent in this post from his blog on the North Texas Conference website.

Stubborn

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:23:25 -0600

What's with that tree, Lord? It still has its leaves. Brown and dry, they stubbornly cling to the branches. Or does the tree stubbornly cling to the leaves? Am I like that, stubbornly hanging on to that which is dry and lifeless in my life? Help me see the habits, ways of thinking, accustomed luxuries that are dry and lifeless. Help me shed these dead 'leaves' that your love might emerge more and more, full of life and able to nourish that small part of the tree that I occupy. All this I pray in your power and grace. Amen.

A bulb's life

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:41:42 -0600

The bulbs' new leaves are just coming up, Lord; such a delightful sight! Even though we tilled that bed last year and some bulbs were no doubt poorly replanted, they still find a way to sprout and bloom. Would that my own spirit, seeking to grow and flower, was so determined and single-minded. For surely your light is life, and you are the way to a love pure and infinite. No matter how sideways or upside down my life might be at times, I pray that your Spirit within will guide me to you as surely as the bulb sends its leaves upward to the light, the source of its life - as you are the source of mine. Hear my prayer, my Lord, as it is in your name and grace that I pray. Amen.

Fog and fogginess

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:26:46 -0600

It’s a foggy morning, Lord, but I suspect you know that. Life’s a bit foggy, too, at times – but I suspect you know that also! Give us wisdom to know when we have strayed from your path and humility to admit our waywardness. Give us clarity, gracious One, to see the way forward. Help us set aside that which hinders our way – pride, envy, discouragement, negativity, hopelessness or any of the other sins which sabotage our relationship with you and others. Let us live out of that which flows from your grace, the lifegiving love, joy, hope and peace of your Spirit, as we pray in your name. Amen.

Dance of life

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:23:29 -0600

Lord, Lord, how I laughed watching a couple supposedly dancing together. The woman was pushing the man where she wanted to go, thinking it was better. He was the expert, though, so she just looked ridiculous. How ridiculous I must look trying to direct you in our dance. When will I learn to follow rather than lead? I know you're the expert, know the plan and how to accomplish the dance in the best way possible. Forgive me, my Lord. Help me follow your lead every day so our dance may truly be a thing of beauty, I pray in your name, power and grace. Amen.

Amazing day

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:45:51 -0600

I sit captivated, Lord, as I watch the inauguration - mindful of the other person honored this day, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the holiday I enjoy in his honor. We have come far in this country in spite of bitter fights and bitter feelings that mar the journey. We're not there yet; racist attitudes, policies and agendas still run deep beneath the surface. Today, though, we celebrate the life of Dr. King, the jump start he launched that enabled this president to be elected by a majority of American citizens. We are blessed, Lord; let me not forget this heritage and seek always to embody your love that all might know the freedom I enjoy. I humbly pray, O Lord, in your name and grace. Amen.

Promise indeed

Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:55:26 -0600

Her face glows in my memory, Lord. Eyes wide and smile as big as all outdoors. The toddler had no trouble keeping up with everyone else. The big girls played "school" while the older boys listened to their music together like best friends. Thank you for the inspiration that created Family Promise and for all the volunteers who make it happen! May your love and grace continue to inspire and motivate all of us to bring hope and light to families in transition. I pray in your name and power. Amen.

White House selects Adam Hamilton

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:31:15 -0600

The Rev. Adam Hamilton, pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan. and an author of popular books on Christian faith, has been chosen to give the sermon at the Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service on Tuesday, according to The United Methodist Reporter.

Uh Oh

Sun, 13 Jan 2013 08:03:59 -0600

Uh oh, I didn't pray. Thank you for the reminder, Lord. Gosh, what might happen if I prayed for all the folks I encounter today: the other motorists, store cashiers, baristas, police ... every person with whom I speak, text, email or otherwise contact? You're already there. Is it possible your grace awaits a prayer's blessing to come alive? How about my prayer? Will you use mine, or maybe another's, or all of us - or perhaps none of us depending on the circumstance - to accomplish your will? I don't know but I will pray, in your name and grace! Amen.

Hacked

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:25:50 -0600

I was hacked, Lord, and I'm a bit hacked off. No damage done that I know of, but what compels someone to break in, to invade another's life, to try to use what's not theirs for private gain? I could just as well ask what compels me to ride another's coat tails ... to fail to defend another who's under attack ... to listen to gossip without saying anything ... or any other invasions that I tolerate or commit. Forgive me, Lord; strengthen me to do and speak what is right and good. Send others to hold me accountable and speak truth in love. All this I pray on your holy, good and gracious name. Amen.

Silk flowers

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:54:05 -0600

Silk flowers and plants can be so beautiful, Lord - every color imaginable, available any day of the year. Sometimes they're so wondrously made I have to touch them to see if they're real. Of course, today's versions aren't silk at all, the handmade artistry of years gone by, but copies of copies. I am ever so grateful that your love is the real thing from which all love arises and finds expression. Help me convey as genuinely as possible the love that you so generously share with and through me. Grow your love in me that others may be drawn to you, the true source of all love, joy, peace and hope in this life and in the life to come. I pray in your name and power. Amen.

Twiggy arm

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:59:12 -0600

I awaken and look out at a twiggy arm reaching skyward, with five "fingers" arrayed at the end. The winterscape out my window reveals the strong bones of mighty trees, old and craggy. And there's this little twiggy arm shooting straight up to find its place among the other older and bigger branches. I'm reminded that you told us to stay connected to you, Lord, the true vine, to be nourished and fed by the vibrant life within, your Spirit, your everlasting gift and presence. I want to be that twiggy arm, rooted in you, Lord, strengthened by your Spirit and nourished by your love. I want to be a stout branch that helps new Christians rise to take their place in your kingdom. Teach me and use me as you need, i pray in your name and grace. Amen.

Day 1

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:45:31 -0600

Looking back over this day, Lord, I find my heart filled with gratitude. We are safe, warm and not hungry. Memories of recent gatherings with family and friends bring a deep sense of joy and thankfulness. But there are many who sleep tonight without such memories, without even the basic necessities we enjoy in abundance. May tomorrow bring opportunities to share your love and grace with others in tangible ways, in ways that bring hope and life. Resting in you, I pray in your name. Amen.

Quiet

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:56:52 -0600

Everybody's gone, Lord, and the house is quiet. I wonder if your family enjoyed a bit of quiet after the hubbub of shepherd visitors telling the whole town about you. Families gathered in caravans to return to their own villages and cities, eventually leaving Bethlehem to its normal quota of citizens. Your daily lives surely returned to normal rhythms of family and infant care punctuated by faith life and religious ritual. May this moment of quiet reflection become a moment of peace to experience your love anew and abide in your grace. I offer this prayer in faith and trust in you Amen.

Head, heart, hands

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:01:01 -0600

My head is full, Lord, with lists of things to do, a hospital visit, preparations for Christmas lunch, a sermon to remember and peace enough to truly worship. Something in me screams "Focus!" Hmmm. What is my focus? Days have flown by, prayers have gone unwritten, dashing hurriedly across my brain like phantoms to land quietly at last in my heart. Focus. There's only one true answer, and that is you. Fill my head with your Word, my heart with your love, my spirit with your peace and my life with your grace. I pray not only for myself but for all who love you and all who don't know you yet, in your name and power. Amen.

Long distance prayer

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:59:55 -0600

Goodness Lord, what a blessing this morning to pray with Jeff who's in the hospital in Temple. I wish I could be there in person but modern technology allowed us to pray together long distance. Sometimes it seems like all our prayers are long distance and we wonder if you're there. We wish for a sign but often wait in silence. No matter. You have assured us that you hear our prayers so we also wait trusting in your faithfulness. May your will be done today and every day, as we pray in your name. Amen.

What to say?

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 08:54:18 -0600

What is there to say, Lord? Lives end suddenly, and families and friends begin the difficult journey of grief. The children seem to be the focus of our national mourning, but adults lost their lives, too - mothers, daughters, friends, loved ones. You love them all and have already wrapped them in your infinite love. Enfold us, too, even those of us who are strangers and yet mourn their sudden loss of life. Enfold the gunman's family and friends for they, perhaps more than any others, grieve this tragedy. Bring good, gracious Lord, bring hope and healing. Use us, use me, as you will. I pray in your name. Amen.

Floaters

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 10:21:18 -0600

Lord my prayers are like floaters these last few days. A name remembered prompts a quick prayer or a deep longing for healing, wholeness, justice or mercy. Thoughts float into my consciousness and prayers float out to you. I hope you're hearing them, and I know you do. Hold us close that we may experience your presence, alive with promise, amazing love and unending grace. Gratitude warms my spirit and faith fills me with peace. All will be well; some day ALL will be well by your power and love, in which I pray. Amen.

Some like it cold

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:25:41 -0600

We're such complainers, Lord - those of us who like it hot are not so happy about these cold temperatures. Others are rejoicing that winter may finally be here. I rejoice in our differences, so grateful that in your creative genius each of us is unique, and uniquely loved by you. Let my focus not be on my own creature comfort but be fired by your passionate love for all people and for the whole of creation. Bless those who serve others, who give that others may have warm lodging, food for the day and clothing appropriate for the weather. Let me be one of those, Lord, one who gives and loves as disciples do, as you taught us. I pray in your name. Amen.

A day to worship

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:24:11 -0600

Lord, you created one day to rest, to be, to contemplate your creation, to rejoice in all that you had made, to hear the angel choirs sing your praises, to exuberantly and passionately love. Cleanse my heart, fill my soul, make straight the paths of my thoughts and energize my body to praise and love you with all my being. This morning will soon be over. Let me not waste a moment of praise, let me not miss an opportunity to love my neighbor and give thanks for all the blessings of this Iife. Let me remember those in need and hold them close in prayer and love. Let your healing, creating grace flow over all the world and over each of us, I pray in your name. Amen.

Mists

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 08:48:50 -0600

Misty dream remnants swirl at the edges of my waking consciousness. Words, names and memories wait just beyond usefulness, frustratingly near, mists waiting to clear. Lord I am ever so grateful for the gift of faith that resides not only in head and heart but in my God-created center. Open my spirit to yours in ever increasing measure. Open my eyes and heart to see and respond according to the will and wisdom of your Spirit. I offer myself to you again today with clear-eyed hope and expectation as I pray in your name and grace. Amen.

Pillars and port-a-potties

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:05:34 -0600

I pass them every day, Lord, those mighty highway pillars and lowly port-a-potties. Today, though, those pillars reminded me of your mighty power. I thought about how you are the one true foundation, the cornerstone of my life and my faith - and that of all who call you Savior and Lord. From God's side you came to live among us, born into a blue-collar family, chased out of town, forced to live in a foreign country from which you finally returned to a backwater town derided by some who said nothing good could come from there. Port-a-potties - lowly but essential on the work site. You claimed no privilege, sought no glory for yourself, modeled servanthood as the way of God and the way to shalom - peace, justice, mercy, love. When I get to thinking more highly of myself than I ought, remind me of the essential nature of port-a-potties and the true foundation of my life, You, in whose name I pray and live. Amen.

Nutgrass and daffodils

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:08:59 -0600

Sometimes I despair that we'll ever get rid of all the nutgrass in the flower beds, Lord. It's interesting that both nutgrass and daffodils grow from a nodule - nut or bulb - that provides sustenance and new growth. What has been planted in my heart and spirit, Lord? There is surely too much nutgrass and so I pray for your help, Master Gardener, to slowly and surely root out the nuts. Help me not just pluck off the leaves, looking good but with a heart full of pernicious nuts. Nourish the bulbs that provide beauty so your love and grace will take over the bed of my heart. I pray in your name. Amen.

Momentum

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:05:50 -0600

Momentum is great, Lord - I get going and think I'll never stop. Then something happens, I lose that momentum and think I'll never get going again. I feel like my Direct Energy usage graph looks sometimes - a jagged line that goes up, comes down, zigs and zags all over the place. In the midst of these fluctuations, though, you remain a constant source of both energy and momentum. I am ever so grateful, Lord, for the people and opportunities you provide and for your Spirit who guides, directs, inspires and enables your will in my life. As this work day nears its end, bring me enough rest to get going tomorrow and enough love to share with all whom I meet. This I pray in your holy name. Amen.

Labels

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:02:39 -0600

We're so fond of labels, Lord; it's too easy to lump people together and then think of them as all the same. Conservatives, liberals, Hispanic, African-American, Native American, white, Asian, atheists, agnostics, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jew, artist, engineer, old, young, etc., etc. I am ever more grateful that you know me by name, that I matter to you, that you love me no matter what. Help me to avoid labeling others and making assumptions. Help me to relate to each person as you do: beloved and special! I pray in your holy name. Amen.

Simple pleasures

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:58:33 -0600

My morning is alive with simple pleasures, Lord! A hot shower, a deliciously crisp apple, newly-planted pansies' bright faces, sunlight brightening red crepe myrtle leaves, zinnias' seed heads' promise of showy flowers next summer, porch swept of at least a million acorns - signs of the abundance of your love. Open my heart to receive your love through the many gifts of your grace. Open my spirit to your generosity in all the simple pleasures you will offer. Open my mind to understand and communicate by word and deed my love for you and for others. May my simple offerings of praise and thanksgiving give you pleasure. All this I pray in your name and grace. Amen.

Tapestry of love

Sun, 25 Nov 2012 08:05:05 -0600

Lord when you created trees did you envision the rich tapestry of color that would adorn the land each fall? Did you design this phenomenon to help us see beauty even in death? I've seen the light of eternity in dear faces, and knew they were headed your way. We proclaim that no matter what, even in the most dire circumstances and we are at the end of our rope, you still are God. The trees will drop their leaves, brown and dead, but your promise of life is ever present in this vibrant tapestry of love. Help me to have such eyes of faith to see the beauty that is before me and the beauty that will come. Help me to celebrate your presence and live from your love today and always, as I pray in your name. Amen.

Improvisation

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 10:43:16 -0600

Thank goodness for creativity, Lord. You give us so many gifts and I'm thankful for all of them. But I'm especially grateful for creativity when the need to improvise arises! You give us so much but sometimes I don't realize you have already met a need if I'll be open to a new idea. Help me, Creator and Lord, to be more aware of and thankful for all your gifts. Help me to embrace new ways and ideas