Prayer

Do I believe in the power of prayer?
I thought that the answer to this question was easy. Of course I do. I've prayed my entire life for a multitude of reasons. It has always seemed to come pretty easily.

Lately, though, I've begun to think a little harder on the subject.

My husband and I joined a small group (Bible study) for parents. The only details I knew, or really cared about, when signing up was that it was for parents and it would meet in the same town on the same night as my son's small group.

I was pleasantly surprised to find, after being contacted by the leaders of the group, that the study would be on The Power of a Praying Parent. I already had the book. I'd bought it soon after my husband and I married. Had I read it? No... I'd started, but then life happened. Doesn't life always seem to get in the way?

So Kev and I began the book. The chapters are short and are followed by a sample prayer and verses. Some are on topics that I've considered, and some have never before even crossed my mind, but I've found that I have prayed on very few of the topics.

Why? Why wouldn't I pray for my children, for my husband, for my marriage in earnest? If I truly believe in the power of prayer, why haven't I used it as the biggest tool in my arsenal? What am I waiting for?

Cleaning out the Clutter

We are pile-makers in my house. I have always been a pile-maker. I married a pile-maker. It's not the best combination for maintaining a clutter free household.

One of the places in my house that is notorious for attracting clutter is end of my counter.

Well, yesterday, I took charge. I moved my beloved KitchenAid stand mixer to the end of the counter.

Aren't you glad I wore pants when I took that?
Not that I wouldn't normally wear pants...

Her (Yes, her. Her name is Ruby.) new location makes good organizational sense for a couple of reasons. First of all, she's beautiful. Why wouldn't I want to display her proudly so she is one of the first things you see upon entering my kitchen? Secondly, I use Ruby quite often. In order to use her, I have to slide her forward, as she's under a under-cabinet-cd player. I won't be able to slide her forward if there is clutter on the counter. Thirdly, the very size of Ruby cuts down on the amount of space available for clutter in that area.

My husband is cynical. I will do my best to prove him wrong. Ruby and I are a team!