Prayer

Taken from: http://www.stacatholic.org/pray

This hasn't always been the easiest thing for me. There are days when I don't feel like I'm worthy of praying or talking to God. Like he won't listen to me because I've sinned too much. 

Some days, I find myself pausing to pray randomly throughout the day and night. Then some other days, I forget. That sounds horrible! How many times have you caught yourself forgetting to pray? 

Then there is everyone telling us that we should pray a certain way, or not ask God for things, or that we have to speak to God a certain way. From my understanding, from Bible verses, as well as studies I've read, God doesn't want us to treat him with this ultimate reverence and like a stranger. He doesn't want us to speak to him like someone we don't know. We should speak to God as our Father; with respect, yes, but with our heart and minds open.  With love and hope and happiness. 

When I pray, there is not much rhyme or reason. I thank God for things blessings I have received, and I end it thanking for Jesus. 

James 4:2 We have not because we ask not.

Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Things I'm learning on this Journey

God gives us people for a reason.

We need fellowship.

We need prayer.

We need support, both his and other Christians.

We should be open to new ideas.

We should learn the Bible in our own way, through various interpretations.

We need prayer partners.

We need earthly partners.

We need Him.

We need life.

We need love.

We need hope.

We need light.

We need his mercy.

His grace.

His forgiveness.

Inspirational Monday! 4

Today's is mostly focused on prayer. It can be so hard, and so difficult, to pray. Sometimes it makes you feel like you are whining, like you are asking for help too often, like God doesn't care about your problems. Think about it like talking to your best friend, partner, or parent, or someone you would feel strange about going a day without talking. That's how it is with God. Unless you build that foundation, unless you build that prayerful relationship with God and acknowledge that you need that line of communication in your life, it will always feel strange or off. He's your God! He has done so much for you, just speak and He will listen. 

Inspirational Monday

Some people are visual people; others like to read and figure it out for themselves. I am a happy combination of both of these, but I think on Mondays, or at least once a week, I will start posting pictures, and images of things I find inspiring or as good reminders of how far my faith can go if I am willing to let it. 

So important. So many of us sit and ask "Why God? Why are you letting this happen?" Without praying and really thinking about it. 

I think this image, and verse, are both incredibly powerful. No matter how dark life gets, no matter how much it seems like we can't come back from it, He is always there. 

Kids and devotionals

My son, like most kids I assume, says things some days that stun me by their logic, reasoning and intelligence. He's only 10 but he's been exposed to a lot and he amazes me daily.

A few months ago, he was excited about a devotional. He doesn't have his own Bible (yet!) but he went to a Christian day care and learned a lot, and has watched me reading my Chronological Bible this year, and regular NIV Bible before this year. Right now he's enjoying Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids.

He really enjoys it, and after he reads his daily devotion, he will sometimes ask me questions without any prodding from me. I love that we have this connection and that he feels compelled to discuss this with me. 

Usually when he gets in one of his sweet moods, he will say he loves me more than anyone. The last few months, he has said he loves me more than anyone except God, because God has to be first because he is first. I teared up and was grateful and blessed that this young child understands. He understands so much more than parents think children do at times. And this was without anyone sitting there telling him that that was how it has to be. He's amazing and I am so blessed that he is my child. 

Interesting links/images

How I Know My Wife Married the Wrong Person


Angie Smith
I started reading her blog when it was only 10 pages long, before she even considered writing a book, before she started touring the world, and it was called Audrey Caroline-after her daughter who passed away shortly after birth. It was one of the biggest motivators in bringing my faith back to me. If she could remain faithful, and love life, even with doubts and questions, why couldn't I?

I will be updating this blog soon with my story. I will probably break it up to one or two a week for however long it takes to explain. :)