THE BEGINNING Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The universe had a beginning. Before God spoke it into creation, there was no universe, no planet earth. The sense of how small we are, how fragile the earth is shows me the creator in all his power and glory. Looking at the stars and galaxies and the order throughout the universe makes us realize that there is a designer. There is a God holding it all together. As we search for meaning, we can know that there is a God in control. We are alive, a speck, in this huge universe, but we are not alone. Prayer # 1 One clear night I looked up and really saw the stars, the galaxies. the huge universe and I felt awe. Then I read in the Bible: "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God; the Skies Proclaim the Work of His Hands." Psalm 19:1 I look at our small planet. It is the size of a grain of sand compared to our universe. How can I not believe that there is a God holding it all together? Let me never forget, Lord, to stay in awe, to say WOW! At the beauty of nature, when a baby is born, how we are suspended in this vast universe. The human spirit longs to experience awe. The ability to awe is the first step of faith. Thank you, Lord, for giving us a life full of awes. Give me the ability to recognize beauty and truth when I see it. Holy Spirit, let me always be open to your promptings---convict me when I am blind and deaf to your guidance. Give me discernment to know evil; if I go the wrong way, help me to quickly turn and repent. Don't let me become spiritually deaf, keep me aware and sensitive so that I will always obey and follow your leading. When I believed and received by your grace my salvation, that was the beginning of my spiritual journey. My soul awoke as from a deep slumber. I felt your love and I loved you in return. Now I cannot live without it.