Intentional Prayer

The last few weeks have been very long and full of worry. It is never comforting to be in the care of multiple specialists who keep scratching their heads because "you're a mystery". However, we all know that we go through tough times in order to grow in our faith and spirituality. I am no exception to this. Since returning to the real world, I can't even put a number on how many people have said, with complete passion, I was praying for you. They didn't just say it, they meant it, 100%. It has made me think... how often have I told someone that I would pray for them? It slides off the tongue pretty easy when you are in a conversation with someone who is struggling. But I have to be honest and confess that I don't always follow through with that promise. It isn't intentional, which is exactly the problem. My prayers are scattered throughout the day as the need arises. I might be in the car, walking down the hall at school, or watching t.v. I don't think this is a bad thing, however, at what point is my prayer focused and intentional?
In James 5:16 it says, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
I am proof that prayer is just that! I had every test imaginable in the past 2 weeks. I went from mono screenings to Spinal Taps to a Bone Marrow biopsy. Things went from a slight concern to major red flags. And then, just as mysteriously as everything appeared, it disappeared....how else do you explain that except for all of those people who were lifting me up so that I "may be healed"?
So many people made a commitment to intentionally pray for my well-being. What I have realized is that I have to make a better commitment to my prayers for others. So my goal this week is:
1. to really keep track of those who are hurting and need to be lifted up
2. to set aside a time where my prayer can be intentional
This may mean that I will be praying in the bathtub instead of watching t.v., but I am committed to making the most out of my prayer this week, and in the weeks that follow.
Thank you to all of you who lifted me up in prayer, may many blessings come your way for your compassion and kindness!

The A-Team

Bill's sermon on Sunday was about God's A-Team. Of course, being a child who grew up in the 80's, I immediately thought of Mr. T and Murdock! That wasn't the A-Team he was talking about, he was referring sports. That's okay because I can relate to that too:) I played plenty of sports and know that the A-Team was the only place to be. He talked about how there were 3 things that God expected of His A-Team:
1. be aware of the needs around you
2. be available to God
3. anticipate great results
While I agree with all of these points, I feel like once you are a child of God you are automatically on the A-Team. The real question is are you playing? As a basketball player, I relate everything to what happens on the court. In order to be an active player, coaches expect certain things from you. They expect that you practice, study the plays, and most of all give 100% at all times. We have to think of our relationship with God in the same way. It isn't something that you just do occasionally and become good at. You too must practice what God tells you to do, study His word, and give 100% at all times to building a relationship with Him. He not only expects it, He desires it. So then why do we choose to "sit the bench" at times? When we are not active in our walk we are sitting the bench and therefore we are not doing anything for the Kingdom.
I know that life happens and gets in the way! It seems like Satan is always there putting an obstacle in our paths to keep us from practice, studying, and giving our all. But it is ultimately our choice as to how we react to that. Do we give in to the world around us, trying to pull us away from God, or do we fight to play in His game?
As I reflect on my own walk, I challenge you to join me and ask yourself, Are you playing or sitting the bench?

Just wondering...

Let's just see who reads this thing! I know that it has been forever since I added anything to this site, mostly because I have just been lazy. At the somewhat subtle request of our fearless leader(even though his family blog is months behind;)) I am going to try to post more often.
Here is something to think about this week:
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14a
I blogged on my personal blog a few weeks ago about this verse. I think it is one that we can't be reminded of enough! How many days do you dread what lies ahead? How often do you doubt yourself or your accomplishments? I think that many of us do this daily! Let's face it, life is hard. We are expected to be everything to everyone at all times! And if you are like me, that is a little overwhelming and just flat out tiring!
As someone who is harder on myself than anyone could ever think of being, Fearfull is my middle name! I am fearful of making mistakes, not having the right answer, not looking perfect, not being accepted...you name it. I am full of fear constantly! But luckily I have been given a suit of armor that will protect me from all of my fears! God wants us to be fearful of Him and humble ourselves before Him, but not others around us. God provides us with the words, actions, or non-actions that we need each day to survive. What a relief, because sometimes it's a good thing that I am not choosing my own words!
In this verse I am also told that I am "wonderful"! When was the last time someone told you that? Maybe the last time you completed a huge project at work, landed a big account, paid the bills???? Yeah right! But you are wonderful! You are a child of God and He loves you just the way He made you! All your imperfections, mistakes, and rough edges. You are wonderful and even in your worst moments, He still believes in you!
So, I hope that you will take the time to think about this verse and God's adoration of you! My prayer for all of us is that we will feel wonderful at least once this week!
If you have something to add or a reflection to share, leave your comment!

***For all you non-bloggers: you don't have to have an account to leave a comment. Type your message and sign you name then publish as anonymous:)

Dave and Busters

Tonight was our night out with NO KIDS!!!! We had a great time bonding at Dave and Busters! There was no talk of how to sit in a chair correctly or having to finish dinner!(Except for Jeremy,, he gets out of control sometimes!) It was also Eric's birthday so Nicole brought along a cake to celebrate! Happy Birthday Eric!
It was a great time for all. So nice to have such a great turn out! The great thing about our group is that no matter how long you are gone, when you come back it's like you never missed a beat! We are great about sticking together ALL the time.
Thanks to everyone who came, it was a blast!

The Start to a New Journey

Here is our first attempt at blogging! The plan is to post events on here so everyone can keep up with what is going on. We will also be able to post pictures of parties and activities for everyone to enjoy. We hope that this blog will be a place that you direct your friends to as an outreach tool.
The Lord has big plans for our group! Let's let our Lights shine!!!!