Lisa Livezey

When we focus on the small gifts from the Lord, we forget our selfish demands.

From the entrance to the fish gate, circling around. – 2 Chronicles 33:14 CPDV An outer wall of innocent flowers encircles the ships, cranes, and concrete comprising this busy fishing port on the North Sea. The fish caught here provide physical nourishment to many, the industry creates financial sustenance, and the fresh beauty of these spring bulbs bolsters the soul and spirit. Prayer Lord, as I walk the working path of life, give me eyes for the beauty that unexpectedly su

A dimly burning wick he will not quench. – Isaiah 42:3 NAB Perhaps it looks insignificant standing on the edge in the fog with an inner light that seems small and dimly burning. Yet that flickering flame may be the only light visible to someone on stormy seas, a weary seafarer struggling amidst the swirling mist. Prayer O Light that followest all my way, I yield my flick'ring torch to thee; That in thy sunshine's blaze, its day may brighter fairer be. (Albert Lister Peace,

We await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our savior Jesus Christ. – Titus 2:13 (NAB) Is He here yet?? Are we even looking for Him? How easy it is to become complacently comfortable or consumed with our daily doings. We forget there is a promised, perhaps imminent, coming of our Savior. Oh blessed hope, let us not abandon thee. Prayer Lord, may I always be anticipating Your second coming. Quote A continual looking forward to the eternal wo

Look up to the skies and see. (Job 35:5 NAB) Copper steeple. Rusted steeple. Classic steeple. Clock steeple. Short steeple. Stone steeple. Clay steeple. Scottish steeple. Patina steeple. Modern steeple. Golden steeple. Skinny steeple. Country steeple. City steeple. All the steeples, all pointing to God. Prayer Lord, we are each unique. Let every one of us point towards You. Quote "Merely to love things above is already to mount on high." // St. Gregory

But you have kept the best wine until now!" - John 2:10 (GNT) Does life seem like it is just barreling along with no clear goal? Surely there is purpose within every place we find ourselves, even when things feel aimless and perhaps used up. See here: Formed barrels sit stacked, awaiting their original purpose. Now, see here! Barrels repurposed, spilling over with beauty. Keep in mind that these barrels endured lacerations and dirt in the enhancement process. Lord, somet

I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. - John 10:9 (NRSV) The gate may appear antiquated, but beautiful nonetheless. Most critically— it is THE gate which the gate keeper opens for those who draw near, seeking Him. My Lord and my God, take from me whatever keeps me from thee. My Lord and my God, grant me whatever brings me to Thee. My Lord and my God, take my self, to live wholly in Thee. ~ St. Nicholas of Flüe, 1447-1

Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat. – Matthew 7:3 DRB Lord, help me to notice the beautiful, perhaps discreet gate that you have opened for me and keep me in Your Way. Amen.

Decline not to the right hand, nor to the left... He will make thy courses straight, he will bring forward thy ways in peace. —Proverbs 4:27 DRB (photo credit: S. Olmstead) Feeling between a rock and a hard place? Wondering how you got here? God's plans extend beautifully beyond the borders of one's mind. Ask Him to show you a way forward in peace. Lord, help me to see the beauty in this moment. Grant me the grace to trust you for the future.