Monday, September 13, 2010

Prayer Wardrobe

For some reason I feel like praying when I go into small enclosed spaces. I often pray when I am in the bathroom. Tonight I was feeling really sad and like a little kid I wanted to hide away. So I climbed into one of the empty wardrobes in my dorm room. Immediately, I said a short prayer and then after sitting there for only a minute I got out because I had homework to do. But then I realized that I really did need to pray. Someone actually asked for my prayer so I left my computer and homework and climbed back into the wardrobe with my Bible, a light, a pencil, paper and tape. I taped the paper up and started writing down names and praying for people. Then I read a chapter in my Bible. I didn't feel so alone while I was in there. I'm going to try to pray in there everyday for the rest of the semester.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

A New Attitude

I have been really stressed out and even depressed for the past week or so. Today things are changing. I was in class and I heard exactly what I needed to hear. My professor was talking about stress and she said that what stresses people out is that they are not who they want to be. I realized that I am unsatisfied with where I am right now. I want to be closer to God, I want to trust Him fully, I want to be honest and open with my fiancee, I want to be able to forgive those who have hurt me, and I want to have more joy and fulfillment in life. I realize that I need to change my attitude. Instead of being unsatisfied, I need to be content with what I have. I want my fiancee to be here now but I have to be content with our phone calls for now. I need to have joy in whatever the circumstance and be grateful for what I do have.

There were a few other things that stood out to me and that I want to apply to my life. I need the will to continue to live in the face of challenges and to live joyfully. I need to persevere and have optimism, courage, commitment and dedication. Gratitude is very important as well as hope, faith and forgiveness. "...Forgiveness is not having to understand. Understanding may come later, in fragments, an insight here and a glimpse there, after forgiving."

And above all I need to put God first. That is the only way to insure that my life has meaning and a purpose. For I am nothing without Him.