Shirlee Abbott

Live at Peace

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

I read the news, and I feel like peace is in short supply.

Romans 12:18 (NIV)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

As far as it depends on me. My attitude. My assumptions. My choice of words. My certainty that I’m right and the other person is wrong.

Everyone. Not only the folks I like. Not limited to people who are nice to me. Not just the ones who agree with me.

Good morning, Lord. Living at peace with others is a choice. Help me to choose wisely. Keep my worldview centered on You, not me and my opinions. Keep guard over my thoughts, watch over my words, guide my actions. May I serve You by being a peacemaker, living at peace with You and those around me.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged peace, Romans 12:18 | Comments Off

The Best Backseat Driver

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Isaiah 30:21 (GNT)
If you wander off the road to the right or the left, you will hear his voice behind you saying, “Here is the road. Follow it.”

The voice behind me — the Holy Spirit — best backseat driver ever!

Good morning, Lord. All too often, I wander off the path of righteousness. I chase after worldly distractions. I think I know a shortcut. I stop paying attention and drift into a muddy rut. Thank You for sticking with me when I go astray. Tune my ears to hear Your instructions. Teach me to do it Your way from the get-go. Keep me moving in the right direction.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged backseat driver, Holy Spirit, Isaiah 30:21, new year | 2 Comments

Rescue from the Potholes

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Where I live, freezing, thawing, and the scrape of snowplows can leave a trail of potholes. They make for rough travel. I try my best to avoid them.

I try to avoid spiritual potholes as well. When I fail, I look to God for my rescue.

Psalm 40:2 (NASB)
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud; And He set my feet on a rock, making my footsteps firm.

I’m sure to hit a few potholes this year. I’m grateful God is watching.

Good morning, Lord. Thank You for watching over me. When I stumble, help me stand up again. Set me back on solid ground. You tell me to be unafraid because You’re with me (Isaiah 41:10) — easier said than done. Truth is, I panic when I fall. But it is by falling that I learn to trust You. Thus, I’m grateful for life’s potholes.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Isaiah 41:10, new year, potholes, Psalm 40:2 | Comments Off

Directions for the Trip

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

You may have heard this joke: Why did Moses wander in the desert for 40 years?

Because he didn’t stop and ask for directions.

Actually, Moses was following God’s directions. Me? Not so much.

Proverbs 3:6 (GNT)
Remember the Lord in everything you do,
and he will show you the right way.

New year’s resolution: When in doubt, ask for directions.

Good morning, Lord. What’s the plan for today? Where are we going?

Teach me to listen to Your directions, to trust that You know the way — this year, this day, this moment.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged ask for directions, new year, Proverbs 3:6 | Comments Off

Bright Headlights for My Trip

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

My night vision isn’t what it used to be. I was delighted to discover the headlights on our new car do a much better job of lighting my way. Yay for new technology!

Psalm 119:105 (MSG)
By your words I can see where I’m going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.

I already have high-tech spiritual headlights — God’s Word. All I need do is open my Bible and turn them on.

Good morning, Lord. I don’t have to move blindly through my day … the wisdom of Your Word is my guiding light. I don’t drive my car without turning on the headlights, teach me to turn on my spiritual headlights; that is, show me how to apply the lessons of Scripture to the path ahead. You are my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1), thank You.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged headlights, light for my path, new year, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 27:1 | Comments Off

I’d Like a Map, Please

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

A new year brings me a new journal where I write down my goals and sketch out my plans to reach them. I try to map out my days, months and year.

Back before GPS, when planning a trip, we’d get a map from the AAA marked with the path to our destination, highlighting stops along the way.

I’d like a map for the new year, please and thank you.

Psalm 25:4 (NLT)
Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.

Good morning, Lord. I make my plans, but You hold the map. Show me where to go, when to turn, when to change direction — today, this week and all year. Keep me on the right path: lead me not into temptation, deliver me from evil (Matthew 6:13). Thank You for Your guidance and protection.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged map, Matthew 6:13, new year, path, Psalm 25:4 | 2 Comments

Snow Worries

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

The noble woman of Proverbs isn’t worried.

Proverbs 31:21 (NIV)
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

In the Old Testament, scarlet described thread woven into the Tabernacle and the priestly garments, Rahab’s cord, and the yarn used for the leper’s purification. It signifies cleansing and salvation.

The Proverbs verse reminds me of Joshua’s declaration:

Joshua 24:15
… But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Clothed in scarlet, we serve the Lord.

Good morning, Lord. I thank You for Your eternal plan, for Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. As for me and my household, let us serve You — today, and throughout the coming year.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged household, Joshua 24:15, Proverbs 31:21, scarlet | Comments Off

The New Year Has Begun

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Shirlee Abbott

Posted in Morning Prayer | Tagged Ephesians 3:17-19, My Prayer, new year | 1 Comment

Snow Quiet

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

I love the way snow muffles the neighborhood noise. I walked the dog in the early morning darkness, soaking in the stillness.

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God.

I can only speak for myself, but God feels closer in the silence.

Good morning, Lord. I know You are present — in the clang-bang of a busy day and in the silence of a country night, in the rush of a crowded city and in quiet moments at home. I am distracted by hustle and bustle, and it’s easier to pray in the stillness. Teach me to walk in constant conversation with You, every step and all the time.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged Psalm 46:10, snow, still | 2 Comments

Snow Plan

Posted on December 30, 2025 by Shirlee Abbott

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps.

By us, a morning snowstorm canceled the last day of school before Christmas break. Months earlier, the school board approved the schedule. It was posted on the school website. The plan was in place … until it wasn’t.

Good morning, Lord. The weather forecasts are better than ever, and they take some of the mystery and worry out of planning ahead. This proves that You plan further ahead than we do — the weather patterns for the next day, next month and next decade are already established. You have the first and final say, so be it. Amen.

Posted in Constructive Thought, Morning Prayer | Tagged plans, Proverbs 16:9, snow, weather forecast | Comments Off