Don't Give Up

Yesterday at my MOPS group (Mothers of Preschoolers), we had a very touching speaker. She talked about how everyone has a story. She encouraged us to look beyond what we see on the outside, and really take the time to get to know people's story. The lady at the checkout counter may be moving slow. Before getting angry and jumping to conclusion, create conversation with them. You may be surprised they need your prayers. She also encouraged us not to give up. We all are hurting and we need to really be there for each other and pray for each other. This really hit home for a number of reasons. I feel that God guided me to this group a few weeks ago to give me people in my life that I can pray with and talk with during this difficult time.

 I also believe he led me to this group to grow in my faith. I was born and raised Catholic. We were married in the Catholic church and have begun to raise our kids Catholic. I love the reverence and the tradition of the Catholic church, but have really been longing to get to really know Jesus and really be taught the Bible. I have began connecting with a few of the other gals in my group and asking questions. It is amazing to me that I formed an immediate connection with one of the gals. We started talking and I just got the chills. She was had gone to the college I went to, had been in real estate and now is staying home to take care of her kids. She also had been a social worker and also loves to swim. I have been talking with her lately about her faith. She is the kind of person that when you talk to her and see her, you immediately see Jesus. I long for that in my life. I long for Jesus to be part of my marriage.

 I realized that as a Catholic you learn prayers, but you really don't learn to pray. I have always wanted to develop that. I started E-mailing her yesterday asking how she chose her church. Little did I know, she was born and raised Catholic and she also was longing to be taught. She got me thinking about how AJ would react to me looking to make a move to a nondenominational christian church. So, I started texting him yesterday. I asked him why we are Catholic? He was a little thrown off by my texts, but it got him thinking as well. We came to the agreement that I am start exploring other options. The church I am looking at visiting also has all of their sermons online, so that AJ could also be a part of the church while he is away. I am excited about this journey. I know that we continue to be Catholics because we didn't know any different. Our families just had been Catholic. My parents aren't practicing and AJ really hasn't been for awhile. I am excited to grown and develop my faith and make it a priority in my marriage.