Prayer

"As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God(namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part(Matt 7:7-11). Many of the so called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship.

Prayer is the act by which the will of the father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of the God, but to secure for ourselves the blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." ~BD, Prayer

I was reminded of the truth in this quote last night. Reminded of who I am. That I have to do my part to achieve the goals I set. Also, that God is more than willing to help me in my weaknesses. I only need remember our relationship, His and my active roles.

A few differences of God and our fathers here on earth is: He is perfect. He is all knowing. And He loves us, no matter how many times we fall, if we reach for Him as Peter reached for Christ on the sea*, He will lift us up. He will help us brush off and go forward. He gives us strength when we think we have gone as far as we can. He understands us completely.

As I come to understand this more, it is easier for me to turn to Him. It is easier to recognize He really does want what is best for me. In wanting what is best for me He is going to stretch me, sometimes more than I feel is necessary. However, if I am willing to put my trust in Him, His role and turn to Him in humility I can and will find the strength to move forward. I will succeed and I will find true happiness.

*Matthew 14:25-31 My favorite verses of these given are 30 and 31, so I will quote them here:
30- "But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid(speaking of Peter); and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord save me."

now, here is my favorite part:
31- "And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

Now, Peter was chastised for doubting, but of all of the apostles, he was the only one with faith enough to try. Christ loved him enough to reach for him immediately after being asked for help. I just find this comforting.

Thought of a Wicked Step-Mother

Back when I first married I thought of writing a book. The purpose of my book would be to let other wicked-step-mothers-of-doom know they were not alone and that they could make it.

You see, when I was dating my husband I had many people come up to me and tell me my step children were going to hate me for up to 7-8 years. I had others tell me with our age difference there would be problems. Everyone had advice. As they always do (myself included.)

With in just the first year and a half I had many chapters. Some of the chapters were about conflicts I had with our children, some were about miss understandings between my husband and I. But many more were about triumphs and blessings I had felt as we began to mesh together.

After having writen several chapters, a cousin of mine was out visiting. She showed interest in my book, So I asked her to read and critique my writing.

When she had come to the end of my third chapter, I asked for her opinion. She said "I don't see any difference from your experiences and mine." She then explained that many mothers have the same conflicts, misunderstandings and frustrations along with common blessings and triumphs. Boy, that was a reality check for the time, I had almost felt like I had been slapped in the face...seriously. Had I had wasted my time?

Over time her telling me this has brought me much comfort. It has helped me take things less personal (though I still have to remind my self this with even my own children.) It has helped me think that it is very possible that their mother would have felt the same feelings I have if she were here. I then wonder how she would deal with it. Don't get me wrong, we are two very different people, but we do have these children in common, and their best interest at heart.

My book has been put to the side, but I hope that this blog can help other step-Mothers who have their step-children's best interest at heart know they are not alone. It is very possible that many of the children's mothers have gone through the very paces these clever children try to put you through.

Everyone's situation is a bit different. Some are more difficult for whatever reason. However, I solemnly believe if you and your husband act as a team, supporting one another's decisions on raising and up bringing, and include Heavenly Father who knows these children better than either you or your spouse, you will see more silver linings than not. These children you have been given steward ship over will recognize you have their best interest at heart. It is like those many scriptures that ask us to endure to the end. Blessings will be dispersed along the way, along with many tender mercies. With clouds and rain come rainbows and sunshine.