what is a better testament to the power of prayer than the fact that the following transformations have taken place within the lives of the nine women in my Women's Book Club/Prayer group in the last six months;
1. Seven out of nine of us are now pregnant, one of which was convinced the only way she and her husband could ever conceive would be through IVF. (They already had one child this way. Our next book is Christopher West's "Theology of the Body", which will hopefully educate us ALL about the sanctity of human life and the Church's teaching.)
2. Two of our husbands (mine included) have had conversions of heart and found Christ.
3. One woman finally sent off her annulment papers yesterday after sitting on them for over a year because of fear and feelings of failure.
I cannot believe the change in direction Steve's and my life has taken. We were talking and reflecting on the past year and all the things that have changed for us. I am so in love with who Steve is. I have a greater respect for him now than ever before. I watch the way he is a leader with our children. I watch they way he instructs them in everything from having good manners, to helping him fix something, to what Jesus is asking of us. I watch the way that he continues to grow in his own faith and continues to force me to stretch myself.
In my own life, I have noticed change. I yell less. I still talk just as much, but, while I used to pray for God to help me talk less, now I realize that it's a gift. The gift of communication. If I didn't speak like I do, I couldn't do what I do. Girls certainly wouldn't confide in me about unplanned pregnancy, abusive boyfriends, or sexual promiscuity like they do when I am open, safe, and comforting. I definitly wouldn't have the beautiful friendship with my husband that I do. All with words. I recently started praying for docility as well. Not patience. I have found that when I pray for patience I am given WAY more opportunites to practice it than I'd like. No, no prayers for patience. Prayers for docility. Docility.
Hopefully in this new year we'll be building a new home, moving from this one into a much smaller rental while we wait, welcoming a sixth member to our family, and Steve will be getting a promotion. I will find more balance, question myself less and pray more. Steve will keep leading this family and gaining more and more comfort to lead spritually as well. We are in process.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22
Pray like it's all up to Him, work like it's all up to you.
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4 comments:
Yes. One of my biggest challenges is to truly FOLLOW Christ Each day. To hear and to answer Him with the diligence of the Magi. I believe prayer is certainly one of the ways we can answer as well as Hear God. Your bible group is a powerful example. Too many days I am as the pharasies and scribes... Life is working for me, going along fine, things are comfortable, I am a Christian and all's well with the world. Complacency. THEN, as soon as something goes amiss....wham! I am on my knees telling God how diligent I intend to be. Ah, to always be as the Magi, crossing hundreds of miles, on foot, to answer God's call. I do believe I am a work in progress.
Such wonderful growth in all respects. May you and Steve be truly blessed.
And yes, the talking thing, it IS a gift. I should know. I am GIFTED as well.
:)
Your and Steve's marriage is such a beautiful and powerful testimony to the importance of always putting God first in your marriage. May God continue to bless you both, as well as the women in your prayer group...what wonderful faith stories you've shared here!
I'm really working on yelling less, myself. I'm trying. And praying. I'm glad you recognize what a gift effective communication can be. It would be such a treat for me to be able to have an actual conversation with you!
What awesome things happening within your circles! Christopher West's books are incredible and life changing. I sent, "The Truth About Sex and Marriage" to a friend who called me just days later to say that he 'unscheduled' his vasectomy to be open to God's plan for marriage and family.
(Gee, I hope all those words don't lead a google search to your blog- sorry!)
Sorry I've been out of touch for awhile. We were out of town, then the kids and my husband got sick...really, though, the blogging break was nice. But, I'm glad to be back reading about your wonderfully articulated thoughts!
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