**Luke 12:6-7, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

**Romans 8:31,32, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, sho can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"

**Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.'"

**But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. Gen. 8:1

Can you imagine being on a boat with a bunch of smelly animals for 150 days? Well, Noah and his family did just that. Some people think they only had to survive on that boat for 40 days and 40 nights, but the Bible says it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, but it took 150 days for the water to go down enough for Noah and the gang to exit the boat.

I'm sure there were days when Noah and his family wished they hadn't been chosen for the ark assignment. But Noah knew God, and he believed that God would deliver them -- no matter how many days he looked outside and saw nothing but water. For almost seven months, the Lord caused the wind to blow and push back the floodwaters. God was working behind the scenes the whole time.

Maybe you feel like your're on a big boat, floating on a sea of insecurities right now. You may not be able to see a change today, but just trust in Him. God hasn't forgotten you. In fact, your miracle may blow in on the very next breeze.

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From "Daily Wisdom for Working Women" by Michelle Medlock Adams and Gena Masselli. Barbour Publishing. 2004.

My husband and I have been trying to conceive a child. One of my friends today told me today that I need to "just pray" about the situation. Later when I was thinking this over I caught myself thinking, "yeah, but prayer can only take you so far." It was then that I realized I have been going about this the wrong way. I have tried to take the situation out of God's hands and put it in my own. I am trying to solve the problem myself (without and luck) and not letting God have anything to do with it.

In fact it should be the exact opposite. I should take myself out of the equation and give it all up to God. The only way my prayer is not going to work is if I don't let God work in my life.

And there is always the issue of God's timing versus my timing. I am sure we are on two very different time tables. I must remember that His is best. Oh, how I want stuff when I want it and not a moment later. It is hard for me to be patient and wait for God to work in my life.

It is a constant struggle. I must always remind myself of these things. I am very grateful to my friend for saying two simple words to me today that put it all back into perspective - "Just pray."

I don't like the phrase, "If God closes a door, he opens a window." It should say "If God closes a window, he opens a door". As human beings, we tend to concentrate on the smaller "windows" in our life. We don't see the big picture. But God does. God doesn't live in the past, present OR future. He IS!! He is completely outside of time. He can coordinate OUR past, present, AND future into one seamless and perfect plan.

If you feel like God has let a "window" of opportunity close for you, just remember that God lives outside that room. He sees all the windows, doors, and everything else. All you need to do is turn around, stop focusing on that particular window, and call out to God to ask him in which direction he is leading you. It's probably not to some poor, pitiful little window. He probably has a nice, shiny, double-entry set of French doors he is waiting to throw open for you.

"Thank you, Lord for this particular window that you closed at this time. That is a sure sign that you have even greater things in store. Please help me to be strong and depend on you in all things. Help me to yearn for things not in this life, but beyond. Keep my eyes, heart, and mind focused on you, Lord."

**Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

I am very independent. I think it goes along with the pride. I am too proud to ask others for help. I seek internally and in my own immediate surroundings or everything within my own reach to solve a problem. I DON'T LIKE to ask for help from others!

Think about this people -- how can I grow at all when I am acting this way?

Today, it hit me what the church is. In a few words - community, fellowship, body. Do any of these sound like just one person could stand alone, call it "church" and be just fine? THERE'S NO 'I' IN TEAM!

So here are my problems - I'm not recognizing the gifts in others. I'm trying to solve all my own problems by myself instead of sharing my burdens with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am too focused on myself and "my", "mine", and "I" to even notice that there is a whole world around me of Godly people.

I appreciate all you christian bloggers out there who are sharing the word with others, sharing your gifts, giving of yourself freely, and even having "church" here online!! You are an inspiration to me.

Lord, help me to remember that I am just a toe, or maybe even a toenail on the functioning body of your church. Help me to work, communicate, and fellowship effectively with other christians.

Today is my independence day! I am free from the burden of having to do everything alone!