My Psalm 182
Almighty Father, Creator of the Universe,
Sovereign Lord over all, Abba Father,
I greet You this day with reverence and praise
And Hallelujahs for Your Majesty.
You Who set the course of the moon and stars
And the rhythm and pattern of the Universe,
Show me the path You wish me to follow today.
You who created each star and called it by name,
And sent its light to us years ago to enjoy tonight,
Take my deeds today to build a lasting legacy
To shine in others’ lives, beginning each hour
That my little life’s candle will brighten the world.
You Who opens each bud at just the right moment
To flower in beauty, to send its fragrance abroad,
To attract others to it, to provide seed for future ones,
Do the same with Your chosen people, spreading
Sweet aroma to the saints among us,
Planting seeds of Your message to flower
At the time of Your choosing, planted just where
You plan to use us for Your glory.
You who control where the sea meets the shore,
Where the river is contained in its banks,
Where each drop of water lands to nourish the land,
So guide each of Your children, controlling our feet
On paths prepared for us, to serve You well,
Creating streams of Your mercy from the tiniest
Aspect to torrents of blessings.
You Who raise up mountains and cause deep valleys,
Prepare Your saints for difficulties and challenges
So that we have nowhere to turn but to You
To provide the strength we need, the very air we breathe
As we pant to accomplish the race set before us.
You Who bring us seasons, today remind us
Of the ebb and flow of our lives,
That we may arise, bloom, bring harvest, and reflect
On our life’s journey in the same pattern
Because of Your grace and mercy.
And to You, author of our faith, bringer of salvation,
Usher us into Your Presence when our tasks are done.
In the blessed Name of Your Son, sent to us
At just the right time, in just the right way
To share our humanity and to teach us to live.
I bless Your Name and bring You
Endless Thanksgiving and Praise. Amen.
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.