Nancy Moser

Nancy Moser is the award-winning author of over twenty inspirational novels. Her genres include contemporary stories including John 3:16 and Time Lottery, and historical novels of real women-of-history including Just Jane (Jane Austen) and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). Her newest historical novel is Masquerade. Nancy and her husband Mark live in the Midwest. She’s earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She gives Sister Circle Seminars around the country, helping women identify their gifts as they celebrate their sisterhood. She is a fan of anything antique—humans included. Find out more at www.nancymoser.com and www.sistercircles.com. and her historical blog: http://footnotesfromhistory.blogspot.com/

GOOD MORNING, LORD

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:147
(NIV)


Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.


If this proverb is true, I should weigh 120 pounds, have money totaling six figures in my checking account, and be able to explain to my kids what makes the wind blow.


I’ve always been an “early” person, whether it be for a doctor’s appointment, sending out my Christmas cards, or going to bed. The adage “Better late than never” has been banned from all cross-stitched samplers in our home.


I’m lucky to stay awake for the nightly news. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve kept myself awake for the opening theme song, only to be asleep before the anchor announces today’s top story. And as for staying up until midnight to ring in the New Year? I go to bed at my usual time, content that somewhere, in some time zone, it’s already tomorrow. Happy New Year to all and to all a good night.


To counter my early to bed, I get up at five in the morning. Every morning. Even weekends. Actually, I’ve tried to sleep late—or at least later (until six)—but my internal alarm clock insists on five. So I go with the flow.


Those early morning hours are precious to me. The house is quiet. There are no bowls of spilled cereal, broken shoelaces, or misplaced algebra assignments. One of the kitties may rub against my leg and meow a good morning, but otherwise I have only the snap, crackle, pop of the house to keep me company.


Only that . . . and God.


As I walk to my basement office, cozy in sweatpants and sweatshirt, I snuggle into a chair and open my Bible. Totally rested, and open to suggestion, I let God in.


Good morning, Lord. What do you want me to do today?


I read and pray. And try to listen. The conversation is simple and productive. Where prayers later in the day may be hurried or harried as the obligations of daily life intrude, the prayers said


before sunrise are as soothing and satisfying as an afternoon rest in a hammock. I start the day refreshed of body, mind, and soul. As I turn on my computer to begin writing about Him, I am often reminded of a line from Twila Paris’s song “I Will Listen” that talks about making a choice and sticking with it until God says it’s time to move on.


I’m willing to tolerate the playful jabs made by the ignorant concerning my modest nightlife. What I accomplish in the morning before anyone is awake outshines any nocturnal diversions of the stay-up-late crowd who sleep until noon. They brag that they stay up late because it’s exciting and gives them pleasure.


If they only knew what they were missing, for there is nothing more exciting than feeling close to God. And nothing more pleasurable than taking a quiet stand and listening to his voice—in the stillness of the morning. It’s a new year. Try it.


“Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10 NIV).



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Nancy Moser