Praying for Purpose - day 4-6

Life has been evolving here. They say you learn something every day and no two days are alike. Less than one week ago, I thought my relationship with my daughter was over. I have stepped back and let her make her own decisions regarding her future and it seems that despite moving forward with a GED vs. HS Diploma, she is planning on some form of higher education. A friend in Fla. is planning to go for a 2 year degree in Radiology. She is seriously considering joining him. She has expressed many mature thoughts to me in the past few days. I just wish she would walk away from the toxic relationship she has up here and move on. Dear Lord, I thank you for working in my life to help me quiet my mouth and allow life to flow so that our relationship can heal a little.

I continue to work in my Praying for Purpose Book.

Day 4 - What's confused in your life?

What's not was my first thought, but I tried to delve deeper as requested. Many of my past experiences are clouding my current experiences.

1. What is confused in your life? How do I move on and heal my family relationships. Why was I hurt in so many ways throughout my life, by so many? As a child and as an adult. I had much more to say on this subject, but, put the blog away for awhile. I feel that deleting the rest is in the best interests of the involved parties. At this point in people's lives it could hurt them more than the pain I am dealing with. That pain is between me, the parties and God.

2. Simeon of Cyrene was confused. After reading Mark 15:21, when have you found yourself saying "And just how did that happen?" or "What am I supposed to do about that?" I wonder how I worked so hard to help others, they even said I did, then they turned on me and made me the bad guy and scapegoat for their failures.

3. Prayer- After so much publicity and hostility toward the California woman who gave birth to Octuplets, I feel compelled to pray for peace and well being for her so that she may provide for her 14 children.

Day 5 - How did God use a crisis or problem to bring good into your life?

1. How did God use a crisis or problem to bring good into your life? By allowing those persons to hurt me and imprison me I was able to turn even closer to God. To experience his love. While away I was able to share my love of Christ and bring another to Him. Also, it ended my 5 1/2 year misery, allowing me to move on with my life. Had He not intercepted and opened the eyes of the appropriate people to the truth, with limits, I could have been away from my family for much longer. This time also made me realize how strong my marriage really is and how much my husband does love me. While experiencing a bout of doubt of my marriage in 2006, I prayed a heartfelt prayer to God during the night to lead me whether to walk away from my marriage or to stay. I felt the Spirit move in me to stay. I have never felt the Spirit as strongly as I did that night. Had I not stayed, I would never have had the support of my husband and his family through our rough time and been able to come to realize the strength of our love.

2. Joseph had a series of crises that God used for Good. After reading Genesis 37:23-28, 39:1, 41:39; and 50:18-20, how do you think you would have fared if you were Joseph? Knowing the full story and how Joseph survived his imprisonment, I know that I can survive it. I cried probably 130 out of 150 days. But, I was able to read my Bible and complete study guides that brought me a greater understanding of the Bible. Joseph did not have a Bible. He had to rely on his inner faith. I would hope that had I not had access to a Bible I could have relied on my inner faith. I know that I never doubted God's love for me and reminded myself daily that he was working for the best plan for me and he is my ultimate Judge. I am also grateful that God allowed me to meet such a wonderful man. I met many who had no support of a significant other. I never had to worry if Glenn was cheating on me. I knew he was focused on working, taking care of our home and our child. He came to see almost weekly and made sure I had the funds to meet my needs. Many did not have that.

3. Insight - God truly does bring the people you need in your life at the right time. He does not give you more than you can handle. I may not think I can handle it at the time, but letting it go and giving it to God works every time. His timetable may not meet mine, but He is in control.

Day 6 - What are a few of your talents or skills?

1. What are a few of your talents or skills? I have come to realize recently, that I have a talent for the written word. Could I write a book? Probably not, but someone close to me recently told me she likes to read my blogs and notes. That made me feel special and encouraged to continue to put my thoughts on paper. I thought about it and friendship to me should not be a talent or gift given to me by God. It is a wonderful gift to be given/received among those of us on earth. I, do, have a talent...a photographic memory. This gift/talent has served me well many times in school and work. I can remember where something is exactly on a page or on a desk, etc....as long as someone else..hmm hmm Glenn....does not straighten up and move it.

2. After reading Matthew 25:14-30, let's extend the metaphor to include your natural talents and acquired skills. What would Jesus say to you? Are you using your talents and skills wisely or are you burying them? In the past, I have buried my talents. I did not write. I loved the act of writing, but never put my mind behind it to put my thoughts or ideas into any semblance of order. My photographic memory serves me well daily. I use it to find things for my kids or information for Glenn or my family.

3. Prayer, insight, action - After today's lesson, I find that I need to make a point to use my talents. I will make a point to call at least one friend a week. Someone who has not heard from me in awhile and catch up. Friendships and family relationships are precious. I should not depend on others to initiate.


Writing this blog is helping me in so many ways. I am able to get my thoughts down and not have to tell Glenn every little thing. I know that Glenn is not a reader so he would not be inclined to read my guide. Someday soon, I will send him a link to this blog so that he may read it if he so chooses. He knows I write and I think he feels it is a good thing for me. I have found myself becoming more peaceful. I don't know if it is because of the Praying for Purpose or if it is a result of being able to get my feelings down on "paper." But, Glenn asked the other day if I had taken my pills. When I told him no he was surprised as he said I was handling the stress better and seemed happier. God is answering my prayers.

For those of you who do read this. Thank you. And thank you to those who find the time to send me messages. I read each one and feel encouraged by them. I welcome advice and support.