...for you I pray.

   You know, praying for my future husband is probably one area that I am constantly in prayer over. I have been battling lately if that is a bad thing. But, I have come to realize that it isn't necessarily wrong to pray for my future husband-- if it is God's will for me to get married. And that--that is a whole other prayer time in itself. However, if it is God's will for me to get married (and I know my mother is on her knees each night praying the same thing, along asking for a grandchild or two) then I know I should be praying for him and for our future.You also have that image of what you look for in a husband. Mine isn't necessarily physical, but more of an emotional and personality traits that I am looking for. I don't like sharing my "traits" a whole lot because these are close to my heart. I like to see if each guy I date steps up and has such traits. I don't want to tell him what I look for specifically because I don't want him to change his true character just to match my standards. I believe that if I am meant to be with this one person, it will be revealed and brought to light over time. I guess that's what keeps me a mystery, and a part of my personality that can drive "The Newbie" crazy.

   I started researching what are some things a single girl should be praying about for her future husband, or even her current love interest. The list became quite expansive, intense, and convicting. Convicting that maybe my heart hasn't always been in the best spot as I have prayed in the past. Intense as these prayers shouldn't be taken lightly and I should be ready for God to move in my heart and his heart for these things to come to light. Expansive because there are a multitude of things that one can pray for husband/boyfriend. When these prayers are lifted up in true love and hope for a future, then I know God isn't going to disappoint.

1. His relationship with Christ. Christ should be and always remain the cornerstone in his life and in our relationship. (Isa 28:16) My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus' blood and righteousness...Christ alone, cornerstone.
2. From what comes from his mouth is an overflow of his heart. Encouraging, a witness, and testimony to God's grace and faithfulness. (Matt 12:34)
3. A man of prayer. He would seek God in prayer constantly and then talk second about it. He would lift me and others up in prayer daily. (James 5:16)
4. A humbled man. A man who knows that in order to have a successful heart, that God must be greater in all areas of his life. (John 3:30)
5. He would build friendships and surround himself with positive men in his life. (Provs 27:6)
6. Endurance and passion. To run with endurance, the race that is set before him, and to focus on pleasing you. (Heb  12: 1-2)
7. Encourager to me and others. (1 Thess 5:11)
8. Continue to develop as a leader for our relationship. (Eph 5:21-31)

These verse are just the beginning for something that could become amazingly crazy. I have prayed these in mine and Newbie's relationship, and it is apparent that God is working. When I have prayed for endurance, Newbie is right there in my face pushing me to the next level, that often comes in the form of a 5:30 AM phone call to get to the gym in the morning, or telling me that I can't do something {because that is my inner switch that makes me prove others wrong}. Or when I see God show how real He can be in one's life and change a man's heart. I think these prayers can be modified as life goes on and as each relationship develops. But for right now, for you I pray.

She brings good, not harm all the days of her life. {Provs 31:12}

Making the best of each situation

We have landed in ATL airport safely. I mean, a flight from GSP isn't a huge deal. But we just learned that our flight has been delayed an hour which has pushed our layover to a 6 hour layover. 

I'm getting restless. Instead of pouting or being bored...

I figured I should use this time wisely. I was sitting here, thinking about just some random things in general (how I should have washed my hat before I left because it stinks, I would love a Starbucks energy drink about right now, how our team looks like a cluster of smurfs in our blue shirts, and I am so glad I upgraded to a hotspot on my iPhone the other week so I would have Internet access for the next few hours). I thought about a conversation I had with a friend last night. We were talking about life, our future, God's will, and just some other random topics (like just how stinkin CUTE my Josie is). And I was reading in 1 Corinthians 7:17 You must accept whatever situation The Lord has put you in, and continue on as you were when God first called you. We are all put into some crazy situations. Some crazier than others. I have had friends tell me several times that one could not make up the stuff I have been through (they're right. I have yet to see a lifetime movie anywhere CLOSE). The Lord had put us in situations that sometimes we don't understand or really want to be in. And in 1 Corinthians 7, Paul is preaching on being married or single. Now there are some other interesting points in that chapter that was brought to my attention that I had never noticed before (I can't even go there right now)  However, we wonder why God has called certain people to remain single, whether it be for a short period or a long period of time, and why others are married (example, Honey Boo Boo's mom- uh, there IS someone for everyone). But we just have to accept that situation we are in. I think back to my mom when she was first divorced from my dad. She had a hard time accepting that situation. But once she finally accepted what had happened, she was able to truly embrace God's will for her life as a single, hot, red headed loud 55 year old woman. And God has taken her on a journey like no other. Being single can be difficult when all your friends are married and starting their families (hand raised, cough cough). Like, nothing special is happening in your life. My most exciting news for most days is that I put on real clothes, make up, and caught two full hours of Beverly Hills, 90210 and my iPhone didn't die on me. But I think it can be equally difficult for my married friends to see someone who isn't tied down to a spouse or a family and just do whatever they want to do. We don't have anyone to think of except ourself. I think both parties can be equally envious of one another. 

And then Paul tells us to continue on as you were when God first called you. I always think about the first of the school year. I am excited. Pumped. Ready to go. I am motivated. On my mountain top!  My kids are going to be the best class ever!! we are going to kill that state test!! Then comes October, and about that time I am trying not to kill myself. I am counting down the days to Thanksgiving break and Christmas. Those once sweet, shy, polite, motivated students are loud, defiant, and have completely wrecked my classroom. I am REALLY digging deep come March and praying that the good Lord sends an army of angels around me and my students to form a bubble between me and them. Same thing as when we are followers.When we are first called or have a total God moment, you are just in awe of Him. Then the real life sets in- we face temptation, frustrations, struggles, highs and great lows. We sometimes aren't very friendly to our family, friends, and heck- even God. But when we get that low, we have to remember the only way is up. Back up to that mountain top. We have to remember to when were first called, dig deep, find that drive and move on. When we are accepting our situation and moving forward, then God will bless us so much more infinitely more than we could ever imagine. 

But whatever I am now, it is because God poured his special favor on me- and not without results. 1 Corinthians 15:10

Disclaimer: typing a blog on an iPad has got to be the most hand cramping experience. Sorry for any obvious typos or misspellings.