My dad has Alzheimer's disease. Since I live a distance of few hours' drive from mom and dad's home, I don't visit in person very often. About a month ago, I took that trip to see them. As a daughter, I did not expect I would need to introduce myself, but I should have. My dad was trying to hide the fact that he did not know who had dropped in, even though mom had informed him of my impending arrival in a few hours. You could tell he recognized the face, but the name had eluded him.

Later, I thought about my visit and the fact that dad had failed to remember who I was. I was one of the family, but unknown to the parent. What an odd feeling!

Each of us will one day leave this life and be welcomed into heaven, if we are spiritually prepared. It would be sad not be to recognized by the family, but even sadder if our heavenly Father did not recognize us. I am so thankful for the promise God has given us that He will never forget us.

Prayer: Lord, often we forget You because of our busyness or other seemingly more important duties that grab our attention. Thank You for not forgetting us, but instead continuing to love and provide Your grace in our daily lives. Lord, for those struggling with Alzheimer's disease and similar ailments, we ask that You would be especially close to them today, providing them with memory of loved ones. Amen.

Lately, I have been walking in the early morning hours for exercise. Most people who have done this for awhile soon realize they are meeting the same people day after day.

A few mornings ago as I was walking alone, I noticed a man on rollerblades. It wasn't he or his mode of exercise that caught my attention, but his T-shirt, which read, "Endorsed by no one". As he scooted past, I saw his back, and I understood the slogan once I had seen the company name.

To endorse something means to support or approve it. This company was standing on its product quality, thus there was no need for any celebrities to say they approved or supported the product, in order for it to sell.

This made me think. What do I endorse? If someone met me, what would they say I endorse: my home, my job, my family, or my ministry in the church? What about my relationship with Christ? Would there be evidence to show a friend or stranger that I endorse it, by how much I back it, use up my energy in deepening it, or even speak up to tell others about it?

Is the quality of our most important relationship — our relationship with Christ — worthy of His endorsement?

Prayer: Lord, we love You. Sometimes the activities and things of this world, no matter how good or harmless, creep in and take Your rightful place. Show us what we endorse as most important in our lives so that we can correct what is out of place and live a life worthy of Your endorsement. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The sunny weather was wonderful, but the heat and humidity were becoming unbearable — especially for those without air conditioning. Our daughter had just purchased her first home and had not yet taken possession of it. This caused her much concern, as the sod had been laid, and the builder was not watering it. When the rain came, I instantly thanked our Creator, since all lawns needed a good drenching.

Within a moment, however, the rain had turned into a wild storm, which included hail, strong winds, and driving rain. One minute we had sunny skies — and the next, dark, impending skies which threatened to break our windows with the pelting of hail against fragile glass.

Immediately, I thought of Jesus' warning of His return — sudden, without notice. Jesus said, "Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come." (Matthew 25:13 AMP)

Be ready and active for the Lord, and there will be no reason for sudden terror and panic. We will rejoice!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that we can know for certain that we are guiltless and ready to meet You face to face. Our hearts yearn with compassion for our family members and friends who are not ready. Please open the opportunities for us to be actively inviting them to meet You in a personal relationship. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Our son's wedding was a very enjoyable day. We were all relaxed — all except the bride, who had those "I'm-the-centre-of-attention jitters". The bride had nothing to worry about; she was beautiful, and all went well!

As mother of the groom, I purchased a new outfit, shoes, and purse to match. My husband rented a tuxedo, and since our daughter was part of the wedding party, she also had a new outfit for the occasion. Normal everyday clothes were not appropriate.

Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to a wedding. While we all expect to be invited simply because we have a personal relationship with Jesus, are we making the effort to put on the appropriate clothing? To be in the King's presence would call for nothing less than the clean robe of obedience. We are to put on the robe of obedience by learning to hear and recognize God's voice, and then obeying. Let's not make our own plans and then ask Him to bless them.

James 4:17 – Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin. (NASB)

Prayer: Lord, make us aware of how we walk with You. Help us to be ever mindful of a lax attitude in daily living. Show us where we need to repent. Thank You for the invitation to the wedding. We accept! Now, Lord, help us to choose the right outfit: one of holiness, purity, and obedience to You. In Jesus' name. Amen.