Friday, April 21, 2006
A Psalm of Praise
Happy Friday, BGs.
Lots of fun comments yesterday. Congrats again to you Genesis winners who logged in. And I really thank you for the encouraging things you said to me. They were well timed—on a day when I needed to hear ’em.
However, not one of you gave me a single topic idea. Sheesh. Is everybody brain dead out there? I thought it was just me.
Anybody else have less than a stellar day yesterday? On such days, my stubborn human nature would have me wallow in the difficulties. Then after plaguing myself for a time, I’ll think—Wait a minute. Why am I not talking to God about this? Then I’ll wonder what’s wrong with me. Praying should be my very first response.
“Jesus, I’m upset about this. Help.”
And then—I’ll do what He’s taught me to do out of sheer will. Doesn’t matter if I feel like it or not. Grab the Bible and pray a praise psalm. Because He is Lord, whether I’m down or not. Besides, a temporary down—what’s that, in light of eternity? Here’s the Psalm I prayed yesterday--#145. In the BPV—Brandilyn’s Prayer Version (taken from the New American Standard). When you’re down, pull it out. Let God lift your spirit through it.
I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised.
Your greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall praise Your works to another,
And will declare Your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of Your majesty,
And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
And men will speak of the power of Your awesome acts.
I will tell of Your greatness.
I will eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness,
And shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
You are gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
You are good to all,
And your mercies are over all Your works.
I will give thanks to You, O Lord,
I and all Your godly ones will bless You.
I will speak of the glory of Your kingdom
And talk of Your power,
To make known to others Your mighty acts,
And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.
You sustain me when I fall,
And raise me up when I'm bowed down.
I will look to You,
Knowing that You give me my food in due time.
You open Your hand,
And satisfy all my desires.
You, Lord, are righteous in all Your ways,
And kind in all Your deeds.
You are near to me because I call upon You.
I call upon You in truth.
You will fulfill my desires, because I fear You.
You will hear my cries and save me.
You keep me because I love You,
But the wicked You will destroy.
I will speak Your praises, Lord.
I will bless Your holy name forever and ever.
Amen and amen!
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19 comments:
And amen again!
I'll third, or is it fourth? that amen. Thanks Brandilyn. Great words to read before I go take care of patients for the day. May God bless with with joy and comfort today. You've blessed me!
Thanks Brandilyn, I didn't final in the Genesis contest and was feeling bummed...even said, "I give up. I quit."
Then prayed about it and went to my computer to read through what I entered and thought about how I could make it better. So, guess I'm not quitting. Ha.
Now, I'm going to keep reading through that Psalm over and over until I feel better...sigh...
Thanks,
Lynette
Topics, topics, topics. I daresay there isn't a topic that you HAVEN'T covered in this blog at some time, but ... I love the newsy stuff. And the deeper things about being a published author. Think you could talk your editor into doing a tag-team interview with you? Like you ask her a question, she asks you a question? Bet that would be fun.
Brandilyn shows her heart and wit today over at my blog. Check it out at www.relevantblog.blogspot.com.
I believe our ability and tenacity to praise is directly in proportion to our growth in Jesus. Great reminder, Brandilyn!
Thank you, all. For the comments and topic suggestions. You're all terrific.
Mary DeMuth has posted her interview with me today on her blog. It's worth reading because Mary posed such good, fresh questions. Had I known it would go up this morning, I'd have mentioned it at the top of my post. Please check out Mary's blog at: www.relevantblog.blogspot.com
I'll second that recommendation--Mary's interview of Brandilyn is wonderful. You'll enjoy it!
Brandilyn, thanks for sharing more on praying the Psalms. I love reading about how God uses your prayers. In addition to the great topics listed above, I'd enjoy learning more about praying/intercession and incorporating spiritual truths into fiction. Blessings on your day!
Thanks for the encouragement today. It was just what I needed.
Yes, I was brain dead yesterday and couldn't think of any topic ideas. What about physical pain in the writing life? You log some serious hours writing--I've read Randy I.'s take on it in his e-zine, but I can't run out and buy the chair he recommended (although I can and do walk!).
Boy, that sounds like a boring topic!
Brandinlyn, may God bless you for listening to Him.
I was being grumpy with my husband simply because of today's sinus uncomfortableness while he asked for a dinner plan. Plan Schmlan! I felt bad. I took some sinus drugs and still frowned and snarled.
Then I read this praise psalm post.
Big surprise... things changed. Not really such a big surprise. God had pity on my husband and changed the sinus situation and my mood. Glory to God!
The drugs weren't designed to help my mood, but God helps us in all our ways. Praise to the One who is everything we need.
Speaking of being grumpy when you're tired (night owls at Mount Hermon are not exactly the place where I shine), I thought about a topic for discussion.
Research
You've probably covered this very well already, but it's something I've been doing lately. I ran in the motorcycle shop down the road to do research for my character with surprisingly great results. I usually do research online, but was getting no where.
So although I know a mixture of online and in-person research is great, which do you like best? Why?
Also, do we need a BG tour guide to help us visit the "site-seeing" hot spots on the Blour du jour?
Blour de jour. Ha! I love it!
Dear Bradilyn, thanks for sharing. I raised my hands and joined you in praise as I read the Psalm you shared.
As for a topic, how about plotting points? I checked the website and only found one on plotting twists, but how about the nuts and bolts of how you plot out the storyline. thanks, rose
Thanks for the beautiful Psalm, Brandilyn. I figure I have an automatic praise report when I wake up in the morning...LOL...the Lord gave me another day!
I don't remember the the myriad of lessons that you've graced us with. But have we discussed the balance between tight writing and adding enough description while not slowing down the action???
That was a run-on sentence...LOL!
Oooh, I'm late again but, amen and amen!!!
Amen!
How does one go about being on your BLOUR? (Sounds French and flowery.) As for a topic, I would like to know how to address timely topic in your novel, (tough tackles) but keep the novel somewhat. . .timeless? Or am I just being too nitpicky?
Thanks for sharing the BPV of that Psalm with us.
Wait a minute. Why am I not talking to God about this? Then I’ll wonder what’s wrong with me. Praying should be my very first response.
“Jesus, I’m upset about this. Help.”
Thank you for this, Brandilyn. I really needed to read that today. Family crisis has hit hard and that reminded me what I needed to be doing. Thank you!
Wait a minute. Why am I not talking to God about this? Then I’ll wonder what’s wrong with me. Praying should be my very first response.
“Jesus, I’m upset about this. Help.”
well slap me silly why don't ya? Thanks Brandilyn, I needed to read this tonight.
A most excellent psalm! :)
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