Two hundred years ago it took longer to get things done. They were busy people. Today technology gives us more time, but distractions like TV, computers, books, sports or recreation steal our prayer time.
 
Jesus was busy healing, teaching, and casting out devils, but he got up before the markets opened down the street, slipped away and prayed. He needed time alone with His Father.
 
We need to find a solitary place to be alone with God – in a closet, Jesus said. He meant a quiet place with no distractions. He wants our full attention.
 
When was the last time you had that special time with God – just the two of you? If we are so busy that we don’t have time to pray every day, we are too busy. We will never achieve God’s purpose for us without consistent prayer. God will accommodate any prayer schedule, but mornings work well.
 
During prayer and bible study, be quiet and listen to what God wants to say. Sometimes words are inadequate, and I just want to hug God for being so good to me.
 
“And He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am his own…”

Mama becomes a wreck when they wheel her baby to surgery. He’s so fragile, and he can’t tell you how he feels. Glad to live in New York City, my daughter knits during the long wait. Dr. Cutting is known around the world for successful cleft palate surgeries. In fact, he invented the NAM device little James wore in his mouth soon after birth until this moment. We are anxious to see his new face.
 
Five hours later she sends a picture of my 3-1/2 month old grandson in recovery. Stitches close the wide gap from lip to nose. I become emotional.
 
I have questions when she calls today. How do they take blood pressure on a baby? “On his leg,” she answers. She said they put him out before putting an IV in his foot. “He’s learned to drink from the special bottle I use to force milk in his mouth. In fact, he’s doing great.”
 
Dr. Cutting said babies who don’t use the NAM device have several surgeries up through their teens. James will have another surgery at one-year-old. Hopefully, that will be all. Medical technology is amazing.

Switching the TV channel from stale cable news, Gale settled on a scenic movie in beautiful Alaska. Soon I was tense, holding my breath.
 
In a deep ravine between peaked alps, the river tosses a kayak with the vigor of a number five hurricane. Riding the rapids, two teenagers paddle and scream with delight with each rise and fall of the angry waves.
 
Delight turns to terror when they come upon a huge waterfall, echoing ever so loudly through the valley. The girl, her brother, and the kayak drop separately. Swimming the cold, beastly waters, the girl grabs onto a huge log. Her brother tries, but the river pulls him away like a magnet. Nearly drowning, he fights the current to the bank.
 
I grew tense again as the couple climbs down a mountain to save their father from an airplane crash.
 
I seldom watch movies, but "Alaska" grabbed me.