Praying for Purpose - day 1-3

On Sunday, I stepped out shopping for a few hours of respite from the trials at home. At the dollar store I stumbled upon Kay Warren's book Praying for Purpose for Women. Knowing that I needed a closer relationship with God, I picked up the book and started studying that afternoon. I have tried to take about 20 minutes a day to focus on God and this study guide. The book takes 60 days to complete and promises a closer relationship to God and an ability to pray better with more purpose. I have always felt a bit amateurish as I prayed. I know that God hears my prayers wherever I am. My pastor in Florida told me to talk to Him as I would a friend. I try to never include the word "just" in my prayers and to remember to thank him for my blessings as I ask for his help with immediate needs. I never ask for things I want only things I need and leave it to Him to decide what those needs are. I have found that my needs have always been met when I give my problems over to him. A mistake I have made recently is not asking for his guidance in my parenting and the situation at hand, other than asking him to make me a more patient, loving wife and mother.

Each day it asks you several questions, one being what insight, prayer or action step has God laid on your heart today.

Day 1 WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

1. What are you afraid of? Losing my husband and being unable to care for Cameron financially and physically.

2. After reading Numbers 13-14, if you had been one of the spies, would you have been described as courageous or fearful? I would hope to be described as courageous. Many times I have spoken out with the truth even when it hurts. Other times, I have not for fear. This is a difficult question to answer.


3. Prayer, etc. - There was a fire in the house across the street and I was pressed to pray for the family of my neighbor who died and for Glenn's friend who was admitted to the hospital in critical condition as a result of the fire.

Day 2 WHAT CONSEQUENCES HAVE YOU FACED FROM A LIFE MISTAKE?

1. What consequences have you faced from a life mistake? For 5 1/2 years, I was forced to answer to others about my actions, where I was, etc. Later, someone used that as a way to hurt my family. In the course, I was away from my immediate family for 5 months and lost my extended family. This still pains me today.

2. After reading Luke 1:5-68, how do you feel about severe consequences? Despite being hard to accept, they are necessary to treat disobedience and teach us a life lesson. Hopefully, those consequences will serve as a reminder in the future to not commit the same sin.

3. Prayer - To take time to be kind and not vengeful.

Day 3 WHEN HAVE YOU PERSEVERED?

1. When have you persevered? When I was in the Navy bootcamp, completing my physical tests was an extremely difficult task. My goal for week 6 was to get through the second PT test. The test included running a mile, I believe. I had never been physically active so completing this task was a badge of honor I still wear today, even though I have gained about 100 pounds and have a hard time walking up hills.

2. After reading Luke 18:1-8, who do you know who has been worn out or beaten down, but didn't give up? I don't know that she was ever worn down, but I would imagine if I faced the same circumstances, I would be. My mother-in-law faced the death of her first-born and 2 failed marriages before finding her true love. She dedicates her daily life to Christ and I consider her a great role model.

3. Prayer, insight - Today I had an insight. Letting Kelly go with a smile on my face and my blessing will help heal our relationship in the long run. I must hide my pain from her. I am not a bad parent, just the parent of a strong, brilliant teenager.

You may ask why I would share these personal thoughts. Somewhere in the foreword, it recommended allowing a close friend or family member read my responses. If I have added you to my email notice, I consider you to be an important part of my walk with Christ. I may not speak to you daily or even weekly. But you are a friend in my heart and you mean alot to me.

This will allow you to know me better and to hold me to completing this path I have undertaken. I truly desire to be a better daughter to our Lord. A better mother to my children, a better wife to Glenn and a better sister to everyone.

I will post my responses daily or at the least every few days as I did here. I ask that you not judge me as that honor belongs only to our Lord and Savior. Just understand me and support me in this endeavor.