Who can know the heart like You— Its needs and wants, its pleasures small Its grief and joy, its prayers—all Is known and heard by You. All will be answered, all made new.   Who can dream the dreams of God? The breath of life within our souls; The stars above, the fields below; How justice touched by mercy’s rod Can ransom sinners through His blood?   Who else deserves such trusting praise; Whose image shines in every face; Who gives the lonely each a place And is the rest in troubling days, The Promise kept in every age?   Who but You, and You alone; Unsurpassable, not fully known Yet...

I’m sitting at Starbucks, and a tall man at the next table has caught my eye. His hair is graying, he’s wearing fashionable jeans and glasses, and he’s scratching away—no doubt with some form of mysterious male handwriting—in a small black journal.   I can’t tell you how many times I’ve witnessed men writing in journals as I’ve sat at various coffee shops around town. For some reason, it always surprises me. And makes me happy.   Obviously, I find something attractive about it. Whether I end up with a journal-writer or not, seeing these men makes me think that perhaps there is a kindred...

O God of Higher Ways, O Lord of Greater Thoughts:   You have graced my life thus far with more than I could have guessed.   In Your thoughts redemption originated; in Your gift of Christ it was accomplished.   Your heart and mind overwhelm me, yet Your Spirit brings comfort and peace.   Oh Father, You know the full number of my days and the hundreds of little destinies within each one. Open my eyes to see them. Empower my feet to follow You.   I release my limited dreams and desires to You. Sweep me into the star-filled skies of Your possibilities, into the length and breadth...

I almost don’t want to say this out loud, but here goes: When I moved to Nashville as a much younger woman, I was convinced my destiny was to marry a Christian rock star.   With that kind of mindset, I wouldn’t have been very open to non-musicians who came across my path, would I?   Well, I wasn’t. But, of course, a lot has changed over the years, including me (thank God). The things that would prevent me from considering a man now have nothing to do with his occupation or musical talent.   Even so, as an older woman, I’ve traveled a new journey of openness over the last several years....

God, who is my hope, God my deliverance: deliver Your love and mercy in abundance, Your grace and peace.   God, who raises the dead, raise Your song in my spirit, and my heart from the thickness of disappointment and weariness.   Deliver new hope, fresh anticipation of the work that only You can do, the goodness that only You can plan.   God, I hope in Your deliverance, for You are faithful.   Amen.