Holy Blessings, Batman!

I really expected to write in this blog about how hard it is being a Christian - with not being able to indulge in all the sinful pleasures I've always wrapped myself up in, having to study the bible, praying all the time, etc etc.  But, I have to tell you, this is one of the most amazing times of my life!  God has literally been answering my prayers within a day or two of praying them!  He is pouring blessing after blessing on me and my family - so much so that I told Chris the other day that I felt like I would explode from joy.  I don't deserve all of this, and it's so overwhelming that God loves us so much that he will bless us in this way! He has blessed me financially, personally and spiritually this week (more than once) and has totally changed my heart toward many worldly things I've had in my life. 


A Change of Heart
One thing that really surprised me about this whole process is that almost overnight my views have changed on so many different things: I don't think the same things are funny anymore, I don't want to read the same books I used to read, I listen to different music, and many of my (ahem) sinful ways have been pushed in my face until I can no longer ignore them.  You know what's funny, though?  I'm ok with all of it!  I'm very much a control freak, so this would normally be a terrifying experience for me, but I'm loving the way my life is changing and can feel the presence of the Lord in many things I do now.  How awesome is that!?!


I also have a new heart for those around me.  I have more compassion for people (which is hard to do because I've always had a bleeding heart), I'm not angry at those who have wronged me, and I realize more quickly when I have wronged someone else.  I WANT to admit when I'm wrong (ugh) and I am feeling pulled to call those who have wronged me and give them forgiveness.  I've always been a pretty prideful person, so this is a biggie for me.

It's All Fun & Games Until...

This change of heart I've had has made me make some tough decisions that are majorly affecting my relationships with those closest to me...Especially those who aren't believers right now.  I'm not going to go into too many details, because I don't want to put other's personal feelings out there to the world, but God is pressing upon me to make these changes and I have to trust that He will make everything work out.  I've been praying a lot for my loved ones - that God will soften and open their hearts to him.  I see now the pain that we are all in without God in our lives - the strife and worry, the longing and grief - and I want for everyone to be as blessed and happy as I have been.

My future mother-in-law sent me a really awesome prayer that I want to share with you.  I'm starting a new prayer category of this blog that will help some of us just starting out

*** PRAYING FOR RELATIONSHIPS ***

Mt 21:21 Rom 13:11 Rom 13:11 Col 1:13 Rom 13:12 Rom 13:14 Rom 13:13 Ps 119:37 2Tim 2:26 Rom 13:13 Heb 10:22 Mt 5:6 Ps 119:37 Col 1:9 Col 1:9 Col 1:10 Col 1:10 Col 1:10 Col 1:11 Rom 8:30 1Chr 28:9 Ps 32:8 Jas 1:22 Ps 119:97 Ps 112:6 1Cor 10:13 Rom 13:8 1Jn 3:18 Ps 110:3 Mt 6:33 Prov 3:9 Prov 3:9 Ps 111:1 Ps 111:1 Mic 6:8 Ps 112:4 Ps 112:4

Father, I come before You in prayer and in faith.
Your Word says that now is the time for all to awaken from sleep,
For our salvation is nearer now than we first believed.
Lord, deliver my loved ones from the power of darkness,
and cause them to put on the armor of light.
Help them in their daily walk to put on the Lord Jesus Christ
and to avoid the lusts and idolatry of life.
Cause them to turn their eyes away from worthless things,
to come to their senses, and escape the snare of the devil.
Deliver them from immorality, strife, and envy,
and draw them near to You, Father, with a true heart.
Create in them a hunger and thirst for You and Your righteousness,
and revive them in Your ways.
I ask that You fill them with the knowledge of Your will
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
that they might have a walk worthy of You, Lord,
fully pleasing You, being fruitful in every good work,
and increasing in the knowledge of You,
strengthened with all might, according to Your glorious power.
Bring them into the calling that You have predestined for them;
help them to serve You with a loyal heart and with a willing mind,
and instruct them in the way they should go.
Let them be doers of the Word and not hearers only,
meditating in Your Word day and night.
Establish their heart, so they will never be shaken,
and show them a way of escape with every temptation.
Let them owe no man anything except their love.
A love that is in deed and truth, not just in word and speech.
Let them be volunteers serving You in the time of Your power.
Seeking first Your kingdom so that they will reap abundant blessings.
I pray that they will honor You with their possessions
and with the firstfruits of their increase;
Praising the Lord with their whole heart in the assembly
of the upright and in the congregation,
walking humbly with You Lord, being determined to act justly,
loving mercy and righteousness,
being gracious and full of compassion.