Julia: Good evening everyone on this rainy Saturday night. This is our first time doing a blog, and we are excited to be doing this as a husband and wife team. I'm not sure why we chose to do it this way other then it sounded pretty good. So I'm Julia and that guy sitting next to me is Doug.
Doug: Blogging is something new and honestly kind of intimidating so we have decided at least for today to blog in a conversation format, so please bear with us.
Julia: This morning we were talking about letting God have control. It feels like whenever there are things that aren't too large, I ask God to assist me. But when something seems really insurmountable, I try to take that on myself. That sounds nuts but let me give you an example. If I want a certain parking space at Target, I just say, "God, please, please get me a little closer to the door so I don't get my hair wet." Now, whether or not my request is granted (I'm not sure God even would consider granting such a "prayer") really isn't of grave concern to me. I just think it might help me out a bit. Now, back to the example from our conversation this morning with Doug…I have struggled for years with keeping my mouth shut. Not in terms of talking too much, but in terms of eating too much. I'm addicted to dieting and borderline obsessive about it (little background on me). Well, a couple days ago, I was listening to Fr. John Karopi and heard him talking about releasing his woes to God. He spoke of praying over and over again that our trust be placed with the Father. That sounded really good. Now, why didn't I think of that? Why in the world do I spend my days mulling over calories eaten vs. burned, Atkins or Weight Watchers, treadmill or ellyptical….you get the point. Why don’t' I just turn that over to God. What is it that stops me from turning to Him when I need help with the "big ticket items" but I'll ask him for little piddly things like a parking spot. What is that about??? What about you, Doug.
Doug: I think your right, we frequently find ourselves praying for silly things or prayers of "request" like please God let the St. Louis Rams make it to "The Big Game" this year. After talking to you about Fr. Karopi I realized several things. I don’t pray enough and I allow myself to pray about those "piddly" things.
Julia: I'm not even sure there's hope for turning it over to God. I've spent so long trying to control my own life that it would require a lot of faith to just simply let go.
Doug: Ahh but you married me which was a HUGE leap of faith!
Julia: Totally.
Julia: You know, I pray the Our Father…."Thy will be done" but have been wondering if I really mean it. If I were more sincere, wouldn't I have handed this whole diet business over to Him a long time ago? In discussing it, I almost think it's about me trying to control things. I forget that God has my best interest at heart and fail to recognize. Such a sad thing to forget that He wants so much more for me that I can comprehend. His gift has been free will and I've certainly taken it.
Doug: I think we need to be opening our hearts and minds to Gods will and letting his will be done.
Julia: Well, here's what has been my mantra this week. When I feel myself trying to control my "dieting dilemma" on my own, I've been saying in my head (or out loud for times when Satan's Snickers bars challenge my will), "Father, I place my trust in you," or "Immaculate heart of Mary, I place my trust in your intervention." It has helped me to remember to turn it over…to chase away the feelings of wanting to control my life without his aid. I'm in a happier place when I allow him to work his wonders. And I'm so grateful for His love that he understands my ignorance enough to forgive me for taking it upon myself over and over again. So this week, I'll continue to pray that I open my heart to His love and desire to take my burdens away. Psalm 25:2 O my God , I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Now, looks like I just need to remember it. Maybe that's the next problem in my life that I need to fix….my memory.
Heavenly Father, help us to rely upon you for all our needs, whatever they may be. Help us to let you guide our paths so we might not stray, to hear you voice when you are gently leading us out of a problem area we've gotten ourselves into, being the humans that we are. May we ever listen to the unction of your Spirit and be delivered from unneeded stress in our lives. We will ever give you the praise, honor, and glory due your precious name. Amen. By Barbra Sanders
Doug: Well I think that gives us plenty to think about for now. We look forward to next week. Now say good night Julia.
Julia: Good night Julia.