prayer.

A while back, I told you about a book, A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller.  This is a wonderful book that really helps one pray God-centered prayers.  It really helped me look at God as Daddy--something I fail to do.  Being honest, for most of my life, I've thought of God as authority--which he totally is, but he is also loving, compassionate, caring, giving, and more and more.  I've  failed to look at God as the best. dad. ever.  So, I started thinking about my own dad and how wonderful he is as an earthly father and then multiplied that by like a ton!  That's God!  Once I had a better view of God my prayers began to change.  Now, I come to God like a child (which He wants), more authentic (as if I could hide anything from Him anyway).

So....for someone who has struggled with prayer for most of my Christian life, I now feel like I am free from some of the hang-ups that once held me down.  Putting away ideas like:  I didn't pray long enough, I rambled, did God get that? (yes, I'm ashamed to say that thought has crossed my mind), etc.

Prayer--prayer has been HUGE for me over the past year.  So sorry if I ramble on and on about it, but it's been an awesome journey.  I've learned more and more about our Heavenly Father which, in turn, has strengthen my understanding of my ever present need of HIM!
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In a few weeks, I will start a discipleship group with a few young moms.  Please pray for us as we complete a book study of A Praying Life.  I'm excited for us to meet together and sharpen one another.
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One last thing:
I love listening to sermons when I'm driving to Tyler, getting ready in the morning, walking, etc.  I have several church apps that I really like:  Ligonier Ministries--R.C. Sproul, The Village Church--Matt Chandler, Desiring God--John Piper, Mars Hill--Mark Driscoll, to name a few.

Particularly, I enjoy listening to Mark Driscoll (second next to my husband!).  Right now, he is finishing up his series through Esther which has totally rocked my socks.  I will never think of Esther in the same way.  God has used Mark to really get to the truth of the matter and uncover so many things that are often times skipped over in ladies' Bible studies.  It's a really great series and I encourage you to check it out.

I said all that to say, Driscoll has as sermon series entitled, Pray Like Jesus that has really been wonderful for me.  It's an older series (2009, I think), but worth recommending.  Check it out.

We live in a culture of prosperity gospel Kool-Aid drinkers that name it and claim it and then are disappointed and blame God when things don't go as planned.  Something that Graham always says, "Right thinking leads to right living."  There's a lot of truth in that.  Get in the Word and search the scriptures.  Allow the Holy Spirit and the Living Word to transform your mind so you can think rightly about God and who He is and you can live for Him and give Him the GLORY no matter what the circumstances of life might bring.

Hope this doesn't sound preachy, that's not my intent at all.  Just wanted to share.