As I force myself out of bed at 4am (yes, 4am--though) to meet with God, I am struck by His faithfulness as I shuffle down the stairs! It is not easy getting up so early when my sweetie lies next to me, snoring peacefully and content, warm and cozy. I admit, I don't make it every day, but by the grace of God most week days I do. But as I make my morning tea and settle in for my time with Him, I become excited. How Awesome is He, because he never fails to provide me some insight, revelation, or reveals something completely new to me as I spend my morning studying!

My daily QT has become a source of strength for me, and the more I wake up early and spend time with God, the more I desire that time--in fact, I usually go over my allotted time limit (as I have today--its 5:15!) It orients my day. It usually gives me a piece of knowledge to arm me for the day, apply to a situation, or to just ponder. It keeps me focused, and in a state of praise.

After I study, I usually flip open to a Psalm, and often God has a verse there waiting for me. Here is today's, in the Message paraphrase version, which I just love:

God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I'm alert to God's ways; I don't take God for granted. Every day I review the way he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I'm watching my step. God rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. Ps 18:20-24.

So, I encourage you, my dear crusty-eyed - sleepy - frazzled - disoriented - in - the - early - morning - need - my - coffee (or in my case tea) brothers and sisters in the Lord --Make time for God--whether early, or late (some people just CAN"T wake up early--smile). We are ALL busy (sometime I'll inundate you with a teaching I did on being to busy NOT to pray)! But, just as we schedule time to work out, go to the store, watch a certain show on tv, play on the computer, etc., we need to make room for this time--it truly is a lifeline!

God really has rewritten the "Story of Chrissy"--its an amazing adventure story, replete with tests and trials, but always with a happy ending--after all, we WILL live happily ever after when all is said and done! Definitely a must read! (tee-hee--okay, so maybe not!)

God bless you today!