DEAR GOD: Generations Continue In Your Name~

Posted on October 7, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” —
2 Timothy 3:15 (CSB)

The Light That Lingers: A Mother’s Legacy in the Word

There is a quiet power in a mother’s love—a sacred rhythm that begins in lullabies and lingers in legacy. She may not preach from pulpits, but her kitchen prayers and whispered scriptures shape eternity. Her hands may be weary, but they cradle the Word with reverence, planting seeds in the soul of her child.

As the child grows, the Word becomes their compass. The verses once tucked into lunchboxes now rise in boardrooms, classrooms, and quiet moments of decision. The child walks forward, not just with memory—but with mission. The light of the mother does not fade; it travels. It becomes the child’s own flame, illuminating paths she may never walk, reaching hearts she may never meet.

This is the beauty of generational faith: the Word does not end with one voice. It echoes. It continues. It multiplies.

Supporting Scriptures

Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “Impress them on your children…”
Psalm 78:4 — “We will tell the next generation…”
Isaiah 59:21 — “My words… will not depart from your children…”
3 John 1:4 — “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Prayer

“LORD thank You for the sacred legacy of a mother’s love. For every whispered prayer, every verse spoken over sleepy heads, every moment of quiet teaching—may it bear fruit in generations to come. Let Your Word be the inheritance that never fades, the light that never dims. Bless every mother who sows in faith, and every child who walks in truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Us To Live By Your Wisdom From Above~

Posted on September 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

🌿 Loving God and Living by Wisdom from Above

In a world that often feels loud, fast, and uncertain, the quiet strength of wisdom from above becomes our compass. It is not merely cleverness or worldly strategy—it is the divine insight that flows from reverence, humility, and love for God. To love God is to seek His heart, and in seeking His heart, we receive His wisdom: pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.

This wisdom helps us navigate everyday choices with grace. It teaches us when to speak and when to be still. It shows us how to care for others without losing ourselves. It anchors us when grief swells and guides us when decisions feel heavy. Wisdom from above is not just for mountaintop moments—it is for the kitchen, the town hall, the quiet drive, the grocery aisle, and the sacred corridors of our homes.

Loving God means doing our best not to impress, but to align. It means asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?” and trusting that even in our smallest efforts—feeding a loved one, writing a letter, choosing peace over pride—He is present. His wisdom sanctifies the ordinary.

When we love God, we begin to see that doing our best is not about perfection. It’s about surrender. It’s about letting His wisdom shape our thoughts, our routines, our advocacy, and our care. It’s about trusting that He sees the whole map, even when we only see the next step.

📖 Supporting Scripture

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” — James 3:17

🙏 Prayer for Wisdom and Love

“LORD- You are the source of all true wisdom. In a world that often confuses noise for knowledge, help us to seek Your voice above all. Teach us to love You not just in word, but in action—in the way we care, speak, and choose. Let Your wisdom guide our steps, soften our hearts, and strengthen our resolve. May we be gentle stewards of the homes You entrust to us, faithful in our routines, and courageous in our advocacy. Let Your peace reign in our decisions, and Your mercy flow through our hands. We do not ask for ease, but for clarity. We do not ask for perfection, but for Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Shelter

Posted on September 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)

Drawn by Everlasting Love: The Shelter of Divine Compassion

In Jeremiah 31:3, we encounter one of the most tender declarations in all of Scripture: God’s love is not fleeting or conditional—it is everlasting. This verse reminds us that divine protection is not merely about physical safety, but about being drawn into a relationship of mercy, grace, and belonging.

God’s love is not earned. It is not revoked when we falter. It is a shelter, a balm, and a calling. The phrase “with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” evokes the image of a gentle shepherd, guiding us not with force, but with compassion.

This truth echoes throughout Scripture:

Psalm 91:4 (KJV) — “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Romans 8:38–39 (KJV) — “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”

But how does this Divine love translate into our world today?

Christianity, at its core, is a call to mirror God’s love. Humanitarianism—feeding the hungry, sheltering the displaced, advocating for justice—is not separate from faith; it is its embodiment. When we serve others, we become vessels of the same lovingkindness that drew us.

Yet, in a world fractured by war, inequality, and environmental grief, the challenge is not just to act, but to act with love. Not performative charity, but sacrificial compassion. Not pity, but solidarity.

Reflect on these questions:

In what ways am I embodying God’s unconditional love to those around me?
Do I see humanitarian work as sacred, as part of my spiritual calling?
How can I protect others—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually?

Let us remember: the same love that shelters us calls us to be shelter for others.

“LORD my Everlasting Father, You have drawn me with cords of kindness and covered me with grace. Let Your love be my refuge and my compass. Teach me to see others through Your eyes—to protect, to serve, to love without condition. In a world aching for mercy, let me be a bearer of Yours. In Jesus name, Amen.”

💬

DEAR GOD: Grafted Into Grace By Holding Us In Place~

Posted on September 2, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Jesus True Vine John 15:5 “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

🌿 Grafted Into Grace 🌿
Inspired by John 15:5 (KJV)

I love You, Lord, my Vine divine,
Your life flows deep through roots of mine.
No branch alone can stand or grow,
But grafted in, Your love I know.

You found me dry, with leaves grown thin,
Yet drew me close and pulled me in.
You healed my wounds, restored my frame,
And wrote upon my heart Your name.

I cling to You through storm and sun,
When days are bright or battles run.
Your Spirit whispers, soft and true,
“My child, I live and breathe in you.”

Each fruit I bear is not my own,
But proof that I am not alone.
Your mercy feeds my every leaf,
Your grace outshines my deepest grief.

When pruning comes, I will not fear,
For You are close, and always near.
You cut with care, You shape with love,
To lift my gaze to things above.

I love You, Lord, my soul’s delight,
You turn my ashes into light.
You grafted me with holy thread,
And raised me from the silent dead.

No earthly vine could hold me fast,
But Yours is strong, and built to last.
You wrap me in eternal ties,
And teach my heart to rise and rise.

I bloom because You chose me first,
You quenched my soul when I was thirst.
Now every breath and every song
Belongs to You, where I belong.

So let me dwell in sacred peace,
Where striving fades and doubts release.
Abiding in Your love so true,
Forever grafted, Lord, to You.

I love You, Lord, my Vine, my stay,
In You I walk the narrow way.
And when I reach the final shore,
I’ll cling to You forever more.

************

“LORD- thank You For Your grace, thank You for being the Vine and for grafting me to You in place, I love You, may I forever more be planted and rooted in Your love, and may Your branches sustain me as I humbly serve You in all I do, now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.“

DEAR GOD: I find Joy In You & Your Love~

Posted on August 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Loving the LORD in Today’s Times and Always

In Nehemiah’s day, the people had just rediscovered the law of God after years of exile and spiritual drought. Their hearts were pierced with conviction, yet the prophet reminded them that sorrow was not the final word—joy in the LORD was their refuge and renewal.

Today, in a world of shifting values, noise, and uncertainty, this truth remains unshaken. Joy in the LORD is not fleeting happiness or circumstantial ease—it is a deep, abiding gladness anchored in His presence, promises, and peace. To love the LORD in modern times is to choose sacred stillness over chaos, truth over trends, and grace over grievance. It is to delight in Him not just when life is gentle, but especially when it is not.

Loving the LORD always means remembering that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His joy is not a luxury—it is our lifeline. It strengthens us to endure, to forgive, to hope, and to worship even when the world feels heavy.

Reflective Meditation

O my soul, rejoice in thy Maker. Though the earth be troubled and the nations roar, The LORD is thy portion and thy praise. He hath clothed thee with gladness and girded thee with peace. Let not thy heart be cast down, for the joy of the LORD is thy strength. Lift up thine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh thy help. Thy help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Rest in Him, delight in Him, and be glad in thy God.

“Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the joy that is found in Thee alone. When my heart is weary and my path uncertain, Thou art my strength and my song. Teach me to delight in Thy Word, To rejoice in Thy goodness, And to abide in Thy peace. Let Thy joy be my shield and my song, That I may walk uprightly and worship Thee with gladness. Bless my household with Thy presence, And let Thy joy overflow in every room, every heart, and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Truly The One That Brings Salvation~

Posted on August 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Jesus Salvation

Psalm 62:1 (KJV)
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”

🌿 The Stillness That Saves

In a world that prizes urgency, Psalm 62:1 invites us into a sacred pause. “Truly my soul waiteth upon God”—not with impatience, but with reverent expectancy. This is not passive waiting; it is the soul leaning in, listening for the whisper of grace. The psalmist does not seek salvation from circumstance, achievement, or human intervention. He knows that salvation—rescue, renewal, and rest—comes from God alone.

To wait upon the Lord is to trust that His timing is not a delay but a design. It is to believe that the silence is not abandonment, but preparation. In this waiting, the soul is refined. We learn to distinguish noise from truth, urgency from purpose, and fear from faith. The Lord becomes not just our deliverer, but our dwelling place.

This verse is a love letter to divine patience. It reminds us that the deepest peace is not found in answers, but in presence. When we wait upon God, we are not idle—we are held.

🕊️ Reflective Questions

What does it mean for your soul to wait upon God today?
Where have you sought salvation apart from Him?
How might waiting become a form of worship in your life?

📖 Supportive Scripture

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him…”
Psalm 130:5 – “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”

🙏 Prayer

“LORD- teach me to wait with trust, not tension. Let my soul rest in Your presence, knowing that salvation is not earned—it is received. I surrender my timelines, my striving, and my fears. You alone are my hope In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Hold Us Above The Waters & Shine

Posted on August 11, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” — Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

💬 Comment Insight:

Life can feel like a flood—grief, debt, illness, uncertainty—all rushing in at once, threatening to pull us under. But Isaiah reminds us that God doesn’t just watch from the shore. He steps into the waters with us. His Presence is our life raft, His promises our anchor. Even when we feel like we’re sinking, He holds us up—not always by removing the storm, but by strengthening us to endure it. Somehow, we keep breathing. Somehow, we keep walking. That “somehow” is Him.

Hang in there my friends – life will get better – the LIGHT is always shining – even behind the dark stormy clouds. Amen!

🙏 Prayer:

LORD-when the waters rise and my strength fades, remind me that You are near. Lift me above the flood of fear and fatigue. Be my steady ground when everything else shifts. Thank You for the grace that carries me when I cannot carry myself. I trust You to keep me afloat, to guide me through, and to renew my strength day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Jennifer – A Light That Still Shines~

Posted on August 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

🌟 In Loving Memory of Jennifer Woodley

A Woman of the Word, A Light to the World

Jennifer Woodley was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, chaplain, daughter, sibling, and friend—she was a Godly woman, radiant with the love of the Lord. Her life was a living testimony to the power of scripture, not merely studied but embodied in every breath, every word, every act of compassion.

Across oceans and time zones, her presence was felt—warm, wise, and unwavering. She was a spiritual mentor whose encouragement reached far beyond her physical reach. Her charm, wit, grace, and vibrance were unmistakable, yet it was her gentle strength and deep faith that made her unforgettable.

📖 A Heart Anchored in the Word

Jennifer’s love for God was the heartbeat of her life. She delighted in the Word—not just reading it, but diving deep, mining its truths, and allowing it to shape her every thought and action. Scripture was her compass, her comfort, and her joy. She often said that the Bible was not just a book—it was her lifeline, her daily bread, her source of wisdom and peace.

She didn’t keep this treasure to herself. As a school chaplain, Jennifer poured out her love for God into the hearts of children. She taught them not only Bible stories, but how to walk with Jesus, how to pray, how to listen for His voice. Her classroom was a sanctuary, her presence a reflection of Christ’s gentleness and joy. Children gravitated toward her because they sensed something holy, something safe, something real.

🤝 A Life of Fellowship and Humility

Jennifer loved fellowshipping about God every chance she got. Whether in church, over tea, or through messages across the ocean, she was always ready to speak of His goodness. Her conversations were rich with scripture, layered with grace, and filled with encouragement. She never sought attention or accolades—she simply wanted to glorify the Lord and uplift others.

Her humility was striking. Though she was wise, articulate, and spiritually mature, she carried herself with a pristine gentleness. She never boasted, never demanded, never judged. She lived with quiet dignity, always pointing others to Jesus rather than herself. Her life was a sermon—unspoken but unmistakable.

🌈 A Crown Well Earned

Even as she faced medical challenges, Jennifer never complained. She bore her suffering with grace, always giving glory to God.

She clung to the promise of Romans 8:18: –“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

And she lived by the hope of 2 Corinthians 4:17: –“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Now, Jennifer has received her crown of righteousness, as promised in 2 Timothy 4:7–8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”

🙏 A Prayer of Thanks

“LORD, we thank You for the life of Jennifer Woodley—a woman whose heart- beat in rhythm with Yours. Thank You for the wisdom she shared, the comfort she gave, and the light she carried. We are grateful for her friendship, her mentorship, and her unwavering faith.

Thank You for the children she nurtured, the friends she encouraged, and the Word she lived so beautifully. May her legacy continue to inspire us to live boldly for You. May her crown shine as a testimony to a race well run. And may we, one day, rejoice with her in eternal glory.

Until we meet again, dear Jennifer—rest in the arms of the Savior you loved so deeply. You are missed, cherished, and celebrated, always.

Enjoy the feast with the Lamb – you earned your crown my dear friend – and humble servant of the LORD.

In Jesus name, Amen.

On a personal note –

Jennifer, I know you are in the Presence of the One you loved so deeply, reaping the eternal rewards of a life well lived. I am happy and celebrate you going home in glory, but I miss you already.

I will miss our weekly emails that made me laugh and smile so wide. I will miss your wisdom and unparalleled wisdom in the LORD and scripture.

I will miss your encouragement, your compassion and your valued input and insight. Sunday’s will never quite be the same without your email from Australia sitting in my mailbox. But I am so grateful that God gave me such a gift as your friendship for 15 years. I was blessed and honored to have known you. Losing a loved one is hard, and losing such a close friend hurts to the core, but brings me joy, again knowing where you are, and out of pain and in peace. Thank you for being my friend, colleague, and spiritual sister. You were the best of the best.

And now – I bid you a loving and heartfelt adieu my kind sweet friend.

I will never forget you – and WILL see you again.

Lots of love,

Me~

DEAR GOD: We Are Sheltered In Your Strength & Love~

Posted on August 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” —
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

🌄 Reflection:

Before the world stirs, before the demands of the day rise up, we pause and remember: God is our refuge. Not a distant fortress, but a near and loving shelter. Not just strength for the strong, but strength for the weary, the uncertain, the burdened.

Psalm 46:1 doesn’t promise a trouble-free life—it promises a God who is very present in the midst of it. That “very” is no accident. It’s the heartbeat of Divine nearness. Whether we face quiet anxieties or loud disruptions, He is not just aware—He is active, attentive, and able.

So, this morning, and all throughout the day and night – we don’t need to brace ourselves alone. We lean into the refuge. We draw from His strength. We walk forward not in fear, but in faith.

We know that He is with us through it all. The circumstances in life may be brimming with heartache, pain and odds that seem hopeless – but with God – all things are possible, and He is the Master of the Universe and in control of ALL.

Trust Him and lean into Him – and know that He is working at the helm, 24 hours a day and ultimately – He wants what is best for us – His children.

Isn’t that a comfort knowing He is with us always?

Have a blessed day my brothers and sisters.

🙏 Prayer:

LORD thank You for being our refuge. Thank You for being near—not just in theory, but in truth. When trouble stirs, let us run to You first. When strength fails, let us draw from Yours. Be our peace, our protector, and our provider today. We trust You with every moment, and we welcome Your Presence into every space. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: He Knows Our Name~

Posted on August 9, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Five sparrows by rubingranatkagor on DeviantArt

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” -Luke 12:6-7

“He Knows My Name”

In the quiet spaces of our lives—where worry whispers and hope flickers—God speaks with unwavering tenderness. Luke 12:6–7 is not just a verse; it’s a love letter from the Creator to His creation. The Lord, who paints sunsets and commands galaxies, pauses to count the hairs on your head. Not metaphorically. Literally. That is the depth of His care.

Five sparrows sold for two farthings—so easily dismissed by the world, yet not one escapes His notice. How much more, then, does He watch over you, Camille, with eyes full of compassion and purpose? You are not a face in the crowd. You are a daughter of the Most High, a vessel of His glory, a reflection of His image.

Let us give praise to the Lord who sees the unseen, who remembers the forgotten, who values the vulnerable. Glory to the One who does not measure us by the world’s standards but by His eternal love. Honor to the King who calls us by name and shelters us beneath His wings. Let every breath be a song of gratitude to the God who never overlooks, never abandons, never forgets.

Reflective Question:

If God remembers every sparrow, what might He be whispering to you today about your worth, your calling, and your place in His heart?

Supportive Scripture:

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” —Isaiah 49:15

Prayer:

“LORD- God Almighty, You are the Keeper of sparrows and the Shepherd of souls. I praise You for Your intimate care, for Your watchful eye, and for the way You treasure what the world discards. Thank You for calling me by name, for numbering my days, and for weaving purpose into every moment. Help me to rest in Your love, to walk in Your truth, and to reflect Your glory in all I do. May I never forget that I am Yours—and that You never forget me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Category Archives: faith