Monday, January 13, 2014

Almost A Month

It has been almost a month. And oh, what a month. I've spent Christmas with my family, with my fiance's family, back with my family, moved and started a new job.

Today, the beginning of my third week with my new company, we had Jumpstart. Named for its intention, jumpstarting the week, the focus is on praising God together. My boss introduced me to the group, and they moved immediately into a prayer for me. And that prayer spoke to my heart. They prayed for what most companies hope of new employees - that I would find my niche within my department, that I would contribute positively and be successful within their ranks - but what they prayed next made me look up (I always feel odd when I look up and around during prayers, but I don't think there is anything really wrong with it if you can keep your focus). They prayed that I would continue to find love and comfort in my relationship with my fiance, that we would find friends to surround us with happiness and support as we settle into a new place and our lives together. That prayer, the prayer that we find friends, find happiness, find love, find a home in our new home, has been my prayer since we have moved.

It is a strange feeling when you hear others, who have never met you, prayer the prayers of your heart out loud. It was powerful, and it was moving.


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The intention of this prayer journal is to write about my conversations with God as they happen. 

My first two posts, however, are retrospective. By writing this down, making my intentions clear, and feeling accountable, I hope that I will begin to better document my prayers. As I continue to keep this journal, hopefully, I (and you) will see the growth, the change and the difference in my prayers as my relationship with God deepens and, maybe, we will all get a better sense of God's work and blessings in my life.

Who knows, by reading my prayers, you might see God's work in your own life, or start your own prayer journal. If nothing else, I hope you will enjoy the journey of my life as a King(ree).

Answered Prayers

If I had written my thoughts and prayers over the past week(s), you would have already known that God has answered them.

  • I have been offered and accepted a position with DaySpring. 
  • I am moving to Arkansas to start my life with my fiance, Adam. (I admit it, I am not officially a Kingree yet, but I thought I'd just jump ahead for the sake of this prayer journal's cohesiveness.) 
  • I have found a subleaser for my apartment.
  • I have someone who can be at my apartment when the movers come tomorrow. 

I had been so anxious about filling my lease and the moving situation, I was having trouble sleeping. That, is not normal for me. Typically, I sleep like a rock. I had been worried about it and praying consistently, and God came through.

I realize now, as I write this, I have the right idea for this journal. But my execution will be so much more powerful when I am consistently recording, instead of this after-the-fact model. I am looking forward to continuing this journal, and doing it right.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the opportunity to talk to you, to record my prayers and to share them with others. Thank you for the inspiration and courage to start this adventure in my life. I pray that I use this tool effectively, that I can see myself grow closer to you, and that others may see that growth as well. Please give me the motivation and dedication to continue this blog faithfully, and to share my life with everyone who wants to take part in it.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

My Prayer Journal

I recently read Mark Batterson's The Circle Maker, and it (along with a longtime hope to start a blog) has inspired me to begin my journey and my journal. The Circle Maker talks about praying big prayers, remembering nothing is too big for God, and the bigger our prayers, the more glory He receives. 

I'm sure if you think long enough, you will remember a time when your hopes and dreams seemed out of reach - too big to accomplish. Maybe you reached your goal, maybe you are still working, but either way, nothing would be possible without God's help. I was recently blessed by His grace, and the blessings he provides are wonderful. 

My fiance, Adam, moved home in August. Since that time, we have enjoyed (that is stretching the truth a bit) a long-distance engagement. He was working with his family, and now, he is starting a graduate program at the University of Arkansas. The plan has always been for me to join him and for us to start our life closer to our families. We have been praying for me to find a job, and God has gone above and beyond. 

Not only have I found a wonderful job, but I found it in time for us to move together. I thought I would follow Adam, not show up at the same time! I am so blessed, but I know I had a part too. God doesn't just work miracles and rain favors, we have to ask. And, we have to work. My favorite quote from The Circle Maker perfectly reflects this idea:

Work like it depends on you and pray like it depends on God. 

If everyone had that attitude, I think we would see a bit more motivation, and a lot more humility.