My Loving Actions Illuminate My Walk with God   Everything we do touches everybody else in some way, and…as we release our love to others, we each become the vessel God has chosen from the beginning. The Ripple Effect  -  page xvi   Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. Romans 15:2   Father, in all my relationships, help me act in ways which express loving concern.  May I show kindness and an example of light and truth, even to those I do not know.  Make me pure in heart, and bless me to feel joy and fulfillment in telling others of your love.   Affirmation:  I liberally give of my love and am becoming the disciple of God I am meant to be.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

My Spirit Will Live Beyond This Life   In my fears, I had misinterpreted death, had expected something that was not so.  The grave was never intended for the spirit--only for the body. Embraced By The Light  -  page 43   Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7   Father, thank you for sending me here to experience in the flesh this life you so beautifully and carefully prepared for me.  Bless me with sure understanding that I will live on after death, that I will return to your side and know the fullness of your love.  Help me teach others that they, too, are your spirit children, that great joy and peace are had in viewing this life from the broader perspective of your plan.   Affirmation:  Within this robe of imperfect flesh, my glorious spirit resides.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

God Knows My Suffering and Comforts Me   God knows exactly how much suffering we can endure, and he will not allow us to suffer beyond that unless we exercise our free will and demand more.  Regrettably, some people do demand more by their hardness and bitterness and refusal to love and to forgive.  But God is always in control, and if his direct assistance is exactly what is needed for our spiritual growth, he gives it, willingly and lovingly. The Ripple Effect  -  page 54   Behold, we count them happy which endure.  Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.  James 5:11   Father, at times my trials seem so great that I feel I cannot bear them alone.  But I am comforted by your promise not to test me beyond my ability to endure.  Thank you for being with me when I suffer and feel lost.  Your spirit truly comforts me.  I am blessed to have you watching over me.   Affirmation:  I rejoice that God preserves me always, in every moment of pain and suffering.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

God’s Presence Delights Me   I awakened from an afternoon nap to see lights of brilliant colors moving around me…I knew that I was in the presence of angels who had sung to me just before I returned to earth.  With song, light, and brilliant color, they continued to express to me that whatever the struggles I was facing, I was in the right place.  I was surrounded with God’s love, and all was well. The Awakening Heart  -  pages 35-36   The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.  Zephaniah 3:17   Father, I am grateful to feel your joyful spirit and influence when I partake of life’s goodness.  With your blessings I will live a righteous life and feel the presence of your angels and servants to love and aid me.  Your love gives me comfort and peace.   Affirmation:  I feel God‘s compassionate spirit and know I am not alone.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

My Reaction to a Situation Is What Matters Most   True and lasting happiness does not come from circumstance, but from within.  Problems may surround us, but we have the power to transform them into teachers.  It is never the situation, but how we choose to react to it, that really matters. The Ripple Effect  -  page 80   Let not your heart be troubled…  John 14:1   Father, I realize that this life brings hardships and difficult situations.  But I am confident that, with your help, I will respond to these times with nobility and use them for my own spiritual growth.  Thank you for strengthening my character when I react to my trials with courage and honor.   Affirmation:  I respond to adversities with a strong, hopeful heart.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

"Gratitude is an emotion that once put into action, can create an energy of love that will bring joy to both the recipient and the giver."  — Betty J. Eadie, The Gift of a Grateful Heart is God's Love, Embracing Life e-newsletter 8/3/25 Happy Gratitude Friday dearest Waves! Grateful for the start of the weekend and that we can refresh and renew each day and as many times in our day that we need to! I am grateful for the additonal words in Betty's Daily Devotional for today where she says "...praying without ceasing means a continual flow of communication (whether body language, spoken words or thoughts), in our relationship them." I want to get good at changing my body language to reflect I am praying without ceasing and by that I mean take the time to slow down, flow, and be more peaceful in my response to things. There was a couple of opportunities this morning to practice this and I can see I need to practice more! I'm grateful for all of you, for prayer and so much more! With love, Renee'

Placing My Heart in God’s Hands, I Pray Without Ceasing   Christ encouraged his followers to pray without ceasing, meaning our hearts should always be in communication with God.  Our thoughts can be prayers, too.  There are times when, whatever the attitude of the body, the soul can be on its knees.  As prayer warriors, those times would be continuous. The Ripple Effect  -  page 95   Pray without ceasing.  1 Thessalonians 5:17   Father, my heart, mind and soul rejoice when I feel continuously connected to you.  I place my heart in your hands and ask you to mold it to serve your purpose for me.  Father, you know my heart better than I do, and I trust you to guide me through all my decisions.  Bless me to stay this close to you forever.   Affirmation: My soul communicates constantly with my Creator.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

I Judge Myself More Harshly Than Does God   In the midst of my pain, I felt the love of the council come over me.  They watched my life with understanding and mercy.  Everything about me was taken into consideration, how I was raised, the things I had been taught, the pain given me by others, the opportunities I had received or not received.  And I realized that the council was not judging me.  I was judging myself.  Their love and mercy were absolute.  Their respect for me could never be lessened. Embraced By The Light  -  pages 112-113   For if our heart condemn us; God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. 1 John 3:20   Thank you, Father, for your wisdom and love that comfort me when I have feelings of self-condemnation.  Bless me to understand that it is not my place to make judgment, even of myself.  Help me to forgive myself for what I have said or done in my past when I had lesser understanding.   Affirmation: God views my actions in loving consideration of all my circumstances.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

God Opens His Realm Through Visions and Dreams   Dreams have always been an important part of my expanded awareness of the spiritual realm.  They can provide a gateway for communication from our loved ones in the spirit world and can also connect us with our higher self and God, affording us an opportunity to receive messages in the conscious mind. The Awakening Heart  -  pages 77-78   Hear now my words:  If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.  Numbers 12:6   Father, how grateful I am to have dreams that inspire and bless me.  I will remain receptive to my dreams and will ponder and pray to gain insight from their messages.  But most of all, Father, I will awaken to their possibilities and learn to trust when the Spirit tells me they are from you.   Affirmation:  I accept what messages God sends through my dreams, and act upon the knowledge I receive.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

To Embrace Life Is to Embrace God   God’s love and truth are the only things that permanently change hearts.  Anger and insults do not.  Pickets do not.  Bullets and bombs do not.  We are his creation and must stand in line like dominoes--close to each other, filled with love, showing by example and encouragement that the path to happiness lies not in the taking of life but in the embracing of it. The Ripple Effect  -  pages 43-44   Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the other better than themselves.  Philippians 2:2-3   Thank you, Father, for my life which can be filled with joy and happiness.  Help me embrace life to its fullest, to show my love for it and for you, that I may lift others by this example and draw to me in service many whose hearts and thoughts are like mine.  Bless all who love you to stand together in changing the world by radiating only your love.   Affirmation:  I embrace all life because life is of God.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

My Source of Energy Is Rooted in the Power of God   We can recharge our own spirits through serving others, having faith in God, and simply opening ourselves to positive energy through positive thoughts.  We control it.  The source of energy is God and is always there, but we must tune him in.  We must accept the power of God if we want to enjoy the effects of it in our lives. Embraced By The Light  -  page 67   That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:5   Father, your love pours into me when I have a giving heart and do service, when I show faith, or when I open myself to you.  Recharge my weary spirit when I am low.  And keep me grounded, not in my own imperfect wisdom and strength, but in your infinite power to save.  Thank you for your life-giving love.   Affirmation:  Heavenly energy and power fill my life, and in God alone I succeed.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

God Perfectly, Lovingly, Paces My Growth   We grow best when we progress at our own speed from our current beliefs to greater understanding. The Awakening Heart  -  pages 43   Teach me thy statutes.  I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. Psalms 119:124-125   Father, I have much to learn in this mortal life, many trials to endure, and many joys to revel in. I am glad that I may grow toward divinity gradually, no faster than my abilities naturally compel me.  This humbles me, Father, and relieves me of stress and guilt.  I rejoice knowing that, as I progress in your light and truths, they are unfolded to me in greater degree.   Affirmation:  I learn and grow at the perfect rate for my own capabilities and understanding.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

I Open My Heart to All Who Seek God   As our spiritual awareness grows, we must not condemn others who worship differently…After all, most of us will experience several religions in our search for truth.  At each stop we may discover new truths, new opportunities.  Then, if we have grown sufficiently, we may become restless again and open ourselves to yet greater truths. The Ripple Effect  -  pages 115-116   And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followed not us: and we forbad him, because he followed not us.  But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.  For he that is not against us is on our part. Mark 9:38-40   Father, as I search for greater truth and understanding, help me not to condemn others for their belief.  Bless me to honor my commitment to you and lead through example, not by condemnation and reproach.   Affirmation:  I respect and honor the many ways others worship the Creator.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

"Gratitude is an emotion that once put into action, can create an energy of love that will bring joy to both the recipient and the giver."  — Betty J. Eadie, The Gift of a Grateful Heart is God's Love, Embracing Life e-newsletter 8/3/25 Happy Gratitude Friday dearest Waves! I am grateful for many things each day and all week. And I am grateful to come here and share and to read what you share! I am grateful that I was able to get some needed things done around my home. It feels good to be productive rather than putting things off. I pray to continue this day with the rest of those things that are waiting for me to complete and I have hope I have what it takes to do it and that I will. I am grateful for the special moments with my girls this week. I am grateful my sister was moved to another department at work and is so helpful to her new boss and team, she is shining! I am grateful our Lord is always with us, and our Father in heaven too, I love to visualize and imagine it and I can feel my spirit and heart swell! Love and prayers to you dearest Waves!

The Universe Sings with Heavenly Praises of My Lord   Outside the room a glorious vista of mountains and valleys and rivers captivated me.  The scene was filled with life and color and passion.  I have heard the phrase “the mountains will sing at His coming.”  In heaven the mountains sing endlessly.  Everything has energy and tone and love.  Everything is alive and alert and full of joy. The Ripple Effect  -  page 8   Sing, O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein… Isaiah 44:23   Thank you, Father, for the songs of praise and joy that fill all life in heaven with passion. How blessed we are as your children to know that this wondrous energy awaits our return for us to experience and partake in.  Bless us on earth to find fulfillment here, to raise our voices in praise and song and rejoice in our creation.   Affirmation:  I think of heaven, and my spirit is full of song.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

My Inner Voice Speaks to My Subconscious Mind   We each have an inner voice, that deep part of our soul that recognizes pure truth.  It speaks to us, confirming and teaching truth.  It perfectly understands the language of the Spirit of God.  It acts as our conscience, intuitively warning us from danger, both spiritual and physical.   This inner voice has full access to our subconscious memories of the pre-mortal life, and this voice resonates in our beings when a hidden truth from that time is made known to us. The Ripple Effect  -  page 104   Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them… Nehemiah 9:20   Father, I am thankful for the voice within me that witnesses and confirms your truth when I find it.  Though I have forgotten my pre-mortal life with you, my inner voice speaks to me regarding the things I knew there.  Thank you for blessing me with this way to access the hidden treasures of my soul.   Affirmation:  I listen to the whisperings of my inner voice.  It speaks only for my good.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

God Governs Knowledge and Controls Its Power   Now I knew that there actually was a God.  No longer did I believe in just a Universal Power, but now I saw the Man behind that Power.  I saw a loving Being who created the universe and placed all knowledge within it.  I saw that he governs this knowledge and controls its power. Embraced By The Light  -  page 61   He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.  Jeremiah 10:12   Father, how grateful I am to know you and to feel the protection and concern only a loving Father can show.  I acknowledge your supreme power and am blessed to see it in action in my life.  Because of your authority and wisdom, I have confidence in your plan for my life, in your creation and in your love.   Affirmation:  I trust the gentle strength of God’s power.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

My Spiritual Strength Can Overrule My Ego   God knows beforehand what we need, but he wants us to grow by exercising our spiritual strength and constantly seeking his help in the face of opposition.  The world may tell us to rely on our own egos and talents. The Ripple Effect  -  page 97   For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9   Father, when I ask for your help, I know it is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of faith.  Thank you for teaching me that humility shows strength and empowers the spirit. Help me give in less to my ego and more to the promptings you give through my spirit.  Bless me to see that I will have success and joy in my life, not through relying upon my own strength and wits, but through spirit and faith and by your grace.   Affirmation:  My spiritual strength comes from my faith and the Spirit of God.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

The Strength of My Spirit Empowers My Thought   Because I knew that all creation begins with thoughts, I also knew that the creation of sin, and of guilt, and of despair, and of hope, and of love all start within us.  All healing comes from within.  All misery comes from within. Embraced By The Light  -  page 71   There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man…For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts… Mark 7:15, 21   Father, when negative thoughts seem to come from “nowhere,” I will pay closer attention and search my own heart for their source.  Thank you for so powerfully blessing me to have control over my life.  Help me to progress beyond letting my imperfect thoughts rule my life.  And bless me to lean upon your wisdom, understanding and guidance, instead.   Affirmation:  I monitor my thoughts, changing negative into positive, creating healing energies for myself and others.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living

My Closest Friends Are Bonded to Me Eternally   I, too, had met people who had seemed familiar to me.  The first time I met them I felt an instant closeness, a recognition, but hadn’t known why.  Now I knew that they had been sent to my path for a reason.  They had always been special to me. Embraced By The Light  -  page 100   Now when Job‘s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place…for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.   Job 2:11   Father, thank you for my friends who have awakened my love and blessed my life.  My relationships with them are precious to me.  Bless their families and their homes.  And fulfill their needs, and surround them with your divine love forever.   Affirmation:  I give myself to my friends who bless my life with their eternal love.   Embraced By The Light Prayers and Devotions for Daily Living