Our "Promised Lands"

Today's Reading: Psalm 77

     This chapter begins much like one of David's, with a heart in despair, feeling abandoned by God and longing for his help.  Then his mind shifts gears to all the blessings God has bestowed on him in times past and he is comforted by those thoughts.  He even remembers how God saved His people, the Israelites, from the Egyptians by crossing the Red Sea on dry land. 
     God had a wonderous plan for them despite or maybe along with the hardships they endured.  He has a plan for us to prosper but without hard times we can't appreciate our own "promised lands."

Power Verses:
Psalm 37:23-24
The Lord directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Psalm 68:19-20
Praise the Lord; praise God our savior!  For each day he carries us in his arms.  Our God is a God who saves! The Soverign Lord rescues us from death.
Psalm 32: 8
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you."
Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives his people strength.  The Lord blesses them with peace.

 Power Perks from Espresso for a Woman's Spirit by Pam Vredevelt, chapter 6

Two ladies were travelingwith a busload of sight-seeing senior citizens on a trip to Honduras.  As they approached the town of Tegucigalpa, they started arguing about how to pronounce the name of the city.  Back and forth they bantered until the bus driver interrupted and announced that it was time to stop for lunch.
     At the local restaurant, they stepped up to the counter, reviewed the menu, and waited for the waitress to take their order.  When the young lady behind the counter asked, "Can I help you?" one of the women said, "Yes.  Could you please help us settle an argument?"
     The waitress shrugged and asked, "What's the problem?" 
     "Could you please pronounce very clearly where we are?" one of the women responded.  At that point the young woman leaned forward, and with purposeful, well-defined articulation, said: "Tah-ko-bell."

Warmth, friendliness, and a gentle touch are always stronger than force and fury. --Denis Waitley

Can't you see the Creator of the universe, who understands every secret, every mystery...sitting patiently and listening to a four-year-old talk to Him?  That's a beautiful image of a father.
 --James Dobson

You fathers--if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead?  Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion?  Of course not!  If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.      --Luke 11:11-13, NLT