Prayer Journals

I haven't actually thought about writing or recording my thoughts in quite some time. It wasn't until my trip to Peru that I remembered how therapeutic and useful it was to journal.
Now, something I've always struggled with is prayer and really just letting down my walls and pride to ask for help from God. I truly used to think that I could do it all on my own. What is so nice about writing is that I may start out with feelings on my mind and probably recent events I feel are worthy of recording, but by the end I find myself writing out prayers. It's like I have to use a pen and paper (or in this case maybe a keypad and computer) to move aside all of the thoughts and overwhelming emotions in order to be in a clear and ready mindset to pray.
I tend to write things that I need from God. I ask for courage, or strength - two of my most common struggles. As well as patience and wisdom. There are other prayers where I find myself praising God and truly thanking Him for all of the things in my life He has blessed me with.
Prayer journals are how I meditate, refocus, and reconnect when everything in my life feels shaky or uncertain (which is pretty much all of the time).

Maybe try this method of writing down your thoughts. It has helped me 100% and the best part is looking back at past journals and seeing, not only how you've grown in faith and just as a person in general, but also looking at how God has answered those questions that haunted your mind.


Peace - Love

What is this life going to be about?

Happiness
Love
Knowledge
Giving
Truth

It is time to decide.
What kind of life am I trying to lead? Who do I want to be seen as? Who do I want to become?

"Religious"

A wise friend of mine asked me why I was going to Joplin, Missouri in the near future. I said, "Because I am religious." His expression after I had spoken shocked me. He said, "Oh no, you are not what the word 'religious' is defined as." He explained to me why what I answered with was wrong. He said that too many people think they have some kind of agenda to fulfill in order to be this outstanding Christian. Too many people think that if they do enough good deeds they will receive an automatic ticket to Heaven. He also mentioned how the word "religious" in general can pertain to so many things. Someone could say, "Man, that girl does her job religiously", which would definitely not have been the right word choice either. He used another example like this, "Some people say they are spiritual but you don't know what kind of spiritual they are talking about. Maybe they are practicing some kind of voodoo, but that still defines them as spiritual." I thought about how what I said was the incorrect response I was looking for. I really am going to help the tornado victims so I can be a witness of God's love. I am looking to grow in my faith by changing the lives of those in need by simply showing them love and compassion. I am so looking forward to walking up to those people who have been suffering and in need and to just hug them and let them know that it is all going to be okay. I can only pray that God will give me the right words to say. For those of you who follow my blogs, I ask that you keep such victims as these and all around the world who have experienced such great loss or hardship in your prayers. They need hope and faith more than most of us could even comprehend right now and it is our job as God's children to help one another so that peace may be restored.

Slipping

I haven't bogged in quite some time and sadly it is because I have been extremely distracted. Being on summer break you would think I would have more time to devote to writing but I have drifted a little from my faith and I am not okay with this. Not only have I felt more down and insecure, but my relationship with the one I love has been facing greater problems than ever. I need help seeing the light again and need to have faith and trust that things will work out for the best. I forget I should be letting God direct my way instead of me trying to steer my way through these storms. Luckily I am with a loving and understanding man who is willing to help me become the best that I can be. He has already helped me in more ways than I can imagine and sometimes I take him for granted. I hope he knows how truly thankful I am to have him.

Freshman Year

I cannot begin to tell you how much I have grown this year. My freshman year at U of I is now completed and I have nothing but great things to say about it! The friends I have made, the countless number of unforgettable memories,  the boyfriend I've grown incredibly close to, the faith I have grown in, and the things I have learned here in just nine months have matured me and have helped me become more of the person I want to see myself become. I am still unsure of what path to take as far as careers go but I trust in the Lord and know he will help me find my purpose. I cannot wait to pursue my dreams and see myself do the best that I can do in all that comes my way.
As for now, summer break is going to be insane. I've realized that I only have a few more summer seasons to be a kid so summer 2011 will consist of the crazy, the careless, and the unthinkable.
I will try to get on and blog about all the crazy things I experience in the upcoming months but for now, God bless and for all of you graduates: CONGRATS! You made it out alive! :) Get out there and do great things.

Song of the day: My Sacrifice- Creed http://www.myspace.com/video/vid/36993871

Reality

I should be studying for my last two finals of this school year but I got extremely distracted reading blogs from a character named "Steven Bentley", a true atheist. Reading his comments and remarks against Christianity and honest believers made me nauseous in disgust. I had forgotten how cruel the people in this world could be. I plan to research and defend the Gospel once I am on summer break because I will not tolerate the inhumane things that are said about my God and my faith. I do not want to be labeled as oblivious, rude, naive, or inconsiderate like non-believers say Christians are or can be. I don't see what is wrong with having a firm belief and living my life according to the Scripture.
I do however get distracted. I forget at times that we are constantly at war with sin, Satan, and even ourselves  because we get so easily off-routed by the world we live in.
No matter how bumpy the road may get we have to remember one thing: we were all put on this Earth for a reason. Like many others, I am still trying to define my purpose and that's okay. I trust in God and will do all in my power to be who He wants me to be.