Last night I posted my column about how prayer and action can work together.  You might describe me as being “quick to pray, but slow to take action.” The first part is good, but I also want to be someone who’s quick to take action once I’ve received godly wisdom or direction. I’m working on that.

The last couple of weeks, I’ve been focusing on getting things done rather than spending a lot of time praying over them. That hasn’t worked so well either. Sure, my to-do list is a lot shorter than it used to be, but I don’t have the sense of peace I used to, and I think I’ve lost some focus on what I’m supposed to be doing here.

So starting today, I’m working on getting back on track.  One thing I’m trying to do more of is praying WHILE I work. I don’t know how you pray, but one thing I like to do is write little prayer notes to God.  This morning I’m keeping a notepad beside me and I’m jotting down little prayers and praises whenever they come to mind.  I used to do this all the time when I worked in an office, and it made a huge difference in my day. Writing down my short prayers and praises helps me focus on what I’m actually saying to Him. After a busy day I can look back and reflect on how God answered my prayers throughout the day.

Blessings,

Denise

So, have you started writing your Christian WAHM article yet?

When you write about your personal journey of faith, God can use your words to touch people in ways you wouldn’t have imagined, and to inspire and encourage them in their own faith journeys!

For example, several months ago, I discovered the website, What is Church. I had been feeling like I needed a change in my church situation, but I also felt really alone with my frustrations. By writing about their own spiritual quest, God used Mike and Amber’s words and experiences to encourage me in mine!

Who can you encourage today?

This past week has been a stressful one at my house. The company my hubby works for has been going through a reorg, and we didn’t know where DH was going to end up.

I know God hears my prayers, and He ALWAYS answers His children when they call.  So, I felt pretty confident when I asked God to give DH a position where his skills and talents could be further developed, where he would enjoy his work… and while He was  doing all these good things for us, maybe He could raise DH’s salary a bit too?

On Friday we found out where DH had been moved to. He’ll be doing work he doesn’t enjoy; his new position won’t utilize the training he’s taken over the past 2 years; and he’ll be home late every evening. So much for our family suppers together.

Although I’m very disappointed, I don’t have to look far to see what’s right with this picture:

1. He’s still employed (Thank You, Jesus!)
2. He’s still working in the IT field, just not the part of IT he enjoys
3. He’s still employed.  I know it’s a blessing that he was able to stay with the same company, without a disruption to our income.

But, I can’t help but wonder, if God is really in control, just what was He thinking? Why couldn’t He have gone the extra step and given DH a job he actually likes, and pays a  little better?

It would be easy for me to think that God didn’t answer my prayer at all. In fact, that was my first response when I got the news about DH’s job.

What I’ve realized, though, is this is one of those times when God answered, but I don’t understand the answer.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.

Isaiah 55:8 (New American Standard Bible)

Thank you Jesus, for answering my prayer. I don’t understand why You answered the way You did, but I believe that Your way is better than my way. Please help me understand Your answer, and teach me what You want me to learn from this.

Amen.

I’m LOVIN’ the new CWAHM! 

Not only can I post my own monthly column, Jill has very graciously given me the opportunity to blog on CWAHM as well.

In the column I posted today (Want to Write a Christian WAHM Article? Here’s How) I talk a lot about prayer. I mentioned my personal prayer life and the importance of praying if you want to write Christian articles.

On the heels of that, I just got a phone call that affirmed even more we need to pray for our businesses every day.

One of my business partners has published a book and she’s sold some in person, but they’re not selling off the website. We’ve been working on this site for over a year. The copy has been perfectly tweaked, the targeted traffic is there, but the sales have not come in!

This week, she committed to pray everyday that she would sell a book off her website… and she just called to tell me she made her first online sale today!

Some might tell me this is just a coincidence, but I have experienced too many of these "coincidences" that I don’t believe that anymore. These days I only believe in "God-incidences."

If your business is stuck, or something just isn’t working, I encourage you to pray about it daily and watch what happens. It may not be what you expect, but God ALWAYS answers when His children call.
 

Blessings,

Denise