The power of prayer

I'd consider myself pretty religious. I actually love discussing religion and why people think they way they do which surprises me because I avoid all debates about anything. I especially hate political "discussions" and purposely walk away when Casey gets into it with his dad. But there is just something so powerful in having deep discussions about why we're here on earth, how'd we get here, what is the purpose of our lives, why we are the way we are, and what does the future hold, even after death.

I was born and raised a Lutheran. Church was always a big part of growing up. We attended Sunday school, participated in confirmation, and our family always assisted with church services. My parents continue to be involved to this day. Some of my favorite memories of growing up were church services when I would play the piano. I felt like a performer. That's what I thought was the purpose of my life. I even made a cd with a member of the band who had a studio in his basement. I remember being really little and waking up to my dad watching CNN while ironing his church clothes. I'd eat some cereal, get dressed in my best Sunday clothes, then we'd head off to church as a family where we knew everyone. Even in high school when my parents gave us the option to go or not, I always went. Maybe it was the free donut I got afterwards that enticed me! But needless to say, I always felt better about whatever was going on in my life after an hour spent on a Sunday morning at church.

Out of a family of 4 siblings, I'd say I'm the "most religious" one. And with that, I think they'd all agree that I've had it.. the "easiest" in life. Their excuse is because I am the youngest so life had to have been easier for me. Although some of that may be true (I learned from their mistakes!), I am still a human being and life still has its ups and downs. Even if I am the youngest, I am still prone to the hurt and disappointment life brings. But the defining difference between my "easy" life and that of someone else who's been dealt "harder" cards lies in the power of prayer.

I've definitely been through hard times with family, relationships, personal issues, my career.. I've been disappointed by people and I've been hurt by people just like most I know. But without God's help and guidance in life, I would be just as lost as the rest of them. I could easily shut people out of my life for things they've done. I could wake up every day hating the way my life turned out. I could walk around with a chip on my shoulder for something someone did one day a long time ago. But God's taught me to be better than that and I thank him every day for my happiness, health, and safety.

Now I'm not the "preachy" type by any means. If someone asks me and wants to learn more, I love it. For those that aren't comfortable with talking about religion, so be it. I hope I live a Christian life loud enough for anyone who knows me a little, understands. I hope that people see how happy I am in life and can see my positive outlook and views on not-so-pleasant situations to know that they too, can have an amazing life. Only God truly knows the kind of relationship I have with him and only God, not even Church, can affect my attitude in life day after day. But that's the best part. No one needs to know what I talk to him about and therefore no one can judge me or my relationship with him.

I have been so extremely blessed in life that I only have God to thank. I thank God for my parents for raising me the way they did. I thank him for my sisters and brother who are who they are and without any of them, my family would not be complete. I thank him for the people he brings in to my life who I call my friends. They are there to leave lasting footprints in my life to better it some way or another. And I thank him for my husband. I truly believe that with God at the center of our relationship, we will be this happy and content for the rest of our lives. I couldn't ask for a better life.

I hope to raise a family with strong morals and values just as we were raised. I pray for it every night and believe with all my heart that we will do the best we possibly can.