Day of Heart

I think I mentioned in a previous prayer (forgive me for the repeat, but it's a good kind of repeat) there are people who have stated in an ethereal, starry-eyed, softness that Jesus lives in their hearts. In a way, they are right in the sense that after Jesus' ascension, the Holy Spirit filled our hearts with God's eternal presence. (So, just as a reminder, if you think Jesus as the man is literally living in your heart, then a trip to the doctor may be in order.)

Knowing the Spirit is with me provides comfort; but generally speaking, I really only feel the Spirit's literal presence in those arm hairs on end moments. (As an aside similar to if a tree falls in a forest and no one is around type ponderance, if you shave your arm hair, do you still have the joy of feeling God bumps?) Back on topic. I would like to have those moments of reminding me of the Spirit's presence all the time; so, in some ways, although I'm overwhelmingly thankful, I'm envious of a neverending feeling.

Then, God answered! In my Spiritual Gifts class last week, our awesome leader, Sandra, provided the most amazing definition of God's heart. As most of us know and why it's sometimes so difficult to feel connected to our Father in the sky, God's vastness and greatness are beyond the comprehension of humans. Because He knew we could not understand and feel all that He does, He placed a piece of His heart in each of us. How does that hit your chest? For me, it's that out of breath, chest tightening, stomach collapsing feeling to think about God literally being a part of me and a part of you. Holy cow!! I don't know about you, but having a piece of God's heart and the presence of His Spirit certainly provides me that neverending feeling I've sought for some time.

Day 85: Heavenly Father, thank you for trusting me to hold a piece of your heart amongst all my brokenness. I'm humbled by your willingness to place a piece of yourself in each of us when we fall so short to your glory. Thank you for blessing Sandra with such wisdom to relay this amazing gift of yourself.

Lord, I take you for granted. You gave me life, I crave something more. You gave me your Son, my sinfulness killed Him on the cross. You gave me your Spirit, I want more than goosebumps. You gave me your heart, I surround it with impurities. Yet, Lord, you don't give up on me; your faithful to your promises; and, you protect me from myself. I am not worthy, but so thankful you don't give up.

Father God, your humble servants Sidewalk Prophets speak so closely to my desire to be one with you always. They plead for you to "make them broken." All too often, Father, we fail to call for you in all our sorrows AND joys. When we are lost, we beg for your presence; but, when things are going well, we act like it results only from our doing. I cannot ignore you during the ups and demand your presence in the downs; you are a part of me ALWAYS. Thank you for sharing a piece of you within me.

I love you.

Day of Love

Haha! Before we get all "what does she mean?" on me, let me clarify, this prayer is after witnessing something wonderful today at the gym.

When you were younger, did you envision yourself meeting someone, falling in love, and spending the rest of your days together? Well, at least many of us girls had these dreams!! Unfortunately, nearly half of marriages end in divorce; but, on the flip side, that means half of all marriages are going strong! This brings great joy to my heart to know for some, their vows were more than just words. 

Today, as I was doing my own little triathlon (in all the wrong order because my swimsuit was frozen and had to thaw...I'm a dork), I witnessed something extraordinarily beautiful. An older couple was walking hand-in-hand on the indoor track. They were even wearing the same shade of shirts and pants. How wonderful!! After all their years together, still holding hands!!!

Upon my second divorce, I was adamant I would never put myself in a similar situation again. In my pain, I claimed "I'd rather stay at bat, than strike out." But, as the pain diminished and I really started examining God's love, I recognized God doesn't want us to be alone. He designed us to be in relationship with someone. Who knows what great things God has in store for each of us, but I know I'm getting out of His way and just trust Him, even if it's a little scary.

Day 39: Heavenly Father, thank you for creating us out of love. I am filled with an abundance of joy knowing love was your motivation for me, my family, my friends, my church, all your people. Thank you for demonstrating the amazing benefits sharing love for others can bring. 

Lord, your Son's unfettered love for the broken should be a testament that everyone deserves to be loved. Can you reach down and comfort the estranged? Can you massage the hearts of those hurting and remind them of your presence and support? Please heal their brokenhearts and rescue them from their loneliness. Father, please lead us to a place to know love does still exist for each of us.

Father God, there is too much pain and suffering in this world binding people from experiencing the love you expect us to share. How do we overcome these burdens? I pray anyone who shared my sentiment about future relationships learns how reactionary that stance is and not your expectation of us. Thank you for loving me at my highest, lowest, and all points in between. I feel your wrapped arms around my heart and know you protect your children even when we may feel we're alone.

I love you.