As she begins to take her first steps, awkward as they may be, Casey hears excitement and praise from Amy & myself. Praise, such a powerful thing. We praise a well executed play in the field or court with shouts and excitement. After the conclusion of a song sung well and from the heart, we clap while wiping the tears from our eyes. We come home from school with straight A's for the first time and are welcomed with congratulations from family and friends. Praise, it is our way of acknowledging a job well done, a chance to share in the accomplishment.

    Hear the Good News, when we understand all God has done in our life, we too want to offer our Praise to God and moreover, God wants to hear it. How though, how is it that we offer our praise to God? And is it really about "congratulating" God on a job well done? I don't think so. There is a difference between praising your puppy for leaving their deposit on the lawn rather than on the carpet and praising God for the sound of the wind rushing through the trees on a clear, brisk day. A nap on the hammock in the back yard, or a walk in the park, the silence of our tongue, and the cry of our soul, this is praise to God. Experience God, Experience It. Praise is the attention to all that God has done and the special offering of ourselves, not the mimicking of others, this is how we praise God. Watch. Enjoy. Love. Share. This is praise.

Prayer:  

    Oh Lord, thank You for the blessings of and in my life. My family and the love that is a family. Surprise, I guess this is what captivates me, surprise accompanied by beauty and love. As You search my heart, hear my praise and love for You. The mountains, the trees, they sing of You, the birds and the beasts dance to the rhythm of creation itself. Please accept my honor and praise to You today. Thank You for all that You have done in my life and all You will continue to do, for I ask this through Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.