Day 29: Failure
I used to feel like a failure, often. My older brothers were really good at sports! Me? Not so much. (Not really at all.)
I got a new perspective when I found that a batter only needs to make a hit 1 time in 3 to be a great hitter! Imagine, a .333 batting average is great! This perspective helped me to creep out of the former way of self-doubt and second-guessing, into a way of positive self-care. Thank You, God!
Day 28: Fear
When I think of fear, I can’t help but think of our cat #MaryTheCat. She strikes fear into the heart of any moth, spider or other flying thing that comes into our apartment! She keeps us safe from all pests. 
Thank you, Mary! 
I know this day’s entry was rather humorous, but I am glad Jesus keeps me safe, too.
Day 27: Shame
I was a church music major in undergraduate school. I can remember lots of lyrics from classic hymns.
When I saw the word for today, I could not help but remember this hymn. Thank You, Jesus, for taking away guilt and shame. Thank You, Jesus, that I have been redeemed.
Day 26: Guilt
I am fascinated to see how people are affected by guilt.
Some react strongly to guilt, from their families, houses of worship, and sometimes their own consciences.
Thank God that I don’t have to be guilty. I am forgiven, reconciled and redeemed! Praise God!
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Day 24: Productive
The following verse from Colossians came to mind: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
From time to time, I stop, think, and reflect upon these words.
Dear Lord, these are good words of Paul. Please, help me to follow them!
Day 23: Nurture
Our cat #MaryTheCat is sweet and affectionate.
My husband says she nestles in my lap because I am warm and nurturing, and Mary knows that I am a mama.
That may be true, but I know that Mary is a comfort to me, too.
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Day 22: Alternative
Hmm. Alternative…medicine? Energy? Music? Nope. Doesn’t quite work for me.
How about off the beaten path? Independent? Original? Unconventional? All of those describe me. And, I’m okay with that, God.
Day 21: Wrong
Some days, it seems I can’t do anything right…
I’m running, rushing, going doubletime.
I end up messing up. Doing stuff wrong.
Thank God that God loves me anyway. (Even if I feel wrong.)
Day 20: Diagnose
I’m working in healthcare once again; I am reminded of patients when I hear the word “diagnose.” As a hospice chaplain, the diagnoses my patients have are always very sad. 
God bless all patients in hospice; God bless their families and loved ones, wherever they may be. Dear Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayers.
Day 19: Unproductive
Unproductive? Like the fig tree from today’s Gospel reading from Luke 13?
I have had difficulty with this parable for years. For some reason – probably because I am rather dense – the best I can do with it is think of God’s patience with me (and by application, with all of us).
Dear God, thank You for Your patience with me. Help me be as patient with others. Please.
Pastor, Preacher, Pray-er Journal 