PRAYER

The other night Masie was holding Gunner and I suggested she pray for him. Her prayer went like this, "Dear God, I pray that Gunner would learn to burp the ABC's and that You would teach him to blow smoke rings like daddy. In Jesus name AMEN!" Now Masie didn't follow a formula or hold back who she was just because she was talking with God. She prayed what was on her heart - even though it was burps and smoke rings. I think this prayer was precious to God - I can just picture the sound of His laugh filling up heaven! No wonder Jesus said, "Let the children come to Me".

My children experienced a God moment this week about prayer and faith. We adopted a new dog named Ruby. We had her for about 20minutes before she ran off. We spent four hours calling and searching for her. Remember we live on 13 acres but are surrounded by hundreds of undeveloped acres. We knew if we were going to find her we needed to do it before dark. Coyotes, hogs and mt. lions are all very real threats...not to mention she has no idea of where she lives now. As Katelyn and I searched she kept repeating -peeese God! Oh peeese God! Masie also prayed for God to bring Ruby home. Masie was especially disappointed when we didn't find Ruby. She said, "But I prayed". Have you ever said that? Two days went by without any sitings of Ruby. Hope was just about lost when I heard a noise on our back deck. There was Ruby bounding with energy and skinny as rail. Her tail was wagging as if to say, "I'm home, I'm finally home!" If we would have found her the first day it would have been possible to see God's hand. However, for her to find us was God's hand and both my girls recognized it. They shouted and sang praises to God for He answered their prayers. Waiting is sometimes part of God's plan- a hard thing to learn.

In my front yard yesterday, my niece Hannah, told me about a prayer she prays. When Hannah goes to bed at night she sleeps on top of her covers (so she won't have to make her bed in the morning:). She covers with a small blanket. When asked if she gets cold she simply replied, "No, I just ask Jesus to snuggle with me...and He does!".

Following is a scripture that I came across yesterday and know that I am to share it with you.

Psalm 116:1-2,5-6 I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers (even if I have to wait). Because he BENDS DOWN AND LISTENS, I will pray as long as I have breath! How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of CHILDLIKE faith.

Burps and smoke rings or serious things

God can take whatever you are willing to bring.

He can find that which is lost

Waiting can be a priceless cost

Ask Him to "snuggle"

He will draw you close

His embrace will comfort you most.

Talk to Him

For He bends down from heaven and gives you his ear.

Come as you are, He is waiting for you

His unfailing love will see you through.

When you cry out, when you lay your burden down

You begin to focus on Him loosing your frown.