When we call a young child “strong willed”, it is not necessarily a complimentary description, is it? They are usually quite independent, determined, and focused on the things that they want. Following the wisdom of their parents or considering the welfare of others is not easy for them. The problem lies in the fact that…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
Lesson 7 – Intro – February 21 – 28 – PRAYING EARNESTLY
We seldom use the word “earnestly”, do we? You might think of other words like soberly or fervently when you hear it. It has a very strong word meaning – “determined or passionate, not trivial or petty.” It infers that you are very serious about the subject or concern that you have and that you…… Continue Reading
Sharing an Insight – Lesson 6
It is quite easy to grasp the need to “pray with thanksgiving, with perseverance and hope, and with expectation and humility.” After all we’re asking God to do what He has promised to do for all those who put their faith in Him. But why does Paul suggest that He “prays with joy”? What makes…… Continue Reading
Lesson 6 – Intro – February 14 – 21 – PRAYING WITH JOY
Do you think there is a difference between happiness and joy? What makes you happy? What gives you joy? Do you use the words interchangeably or do you make a distinction between the two of them in your mind and conversation? Webster’s dictionary indicates that happiness is characterized by luck, good fortune or prosperity, while…… Continue Reading
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 5 –
No doubt you have noticed that there are some people who just make you feel “at home” when you are invited to their house. There is no pretense or excuses for the way things look and there is a genuine warmth and generosity that pervades the conversation and the silence, the atmosphere and the actions. …… Continue Reading
Lesson 5 – Intro – February 7 – 14 – PRAYING WITH HUMILITY
If you wanted guidance or advice about your prayer life, to whom would you go? You might know a friend or a spiritual director who could give you some helpful insight or ideas. There are certainly excellent books that you could read and find many wonderful suggestions. There is no question, however, that looking at…… Continue Reading
Sharing an Insight – Lesson 4
Do you think of yourself as a skeptic? Someone who is prone to doubt and to question, who tends to be uncertain about the claims that people make. The truth is that probably we are all more skeptical than we realize or want to admit. The reasons are obvious, aren’t they? Sometimes I wonder how…… Continue Reading
Lesson 4 – Intro – Jan. 31 – Feb. 7 – PRAYING WITH EXPECTATION
One of the delightful things about young children is their enthusiasm and joy when they realize that something special is about to happen. It might be Christmas or the first day of kindergarten, but it could also be something that would be quite ordinary to most adults, like going out for an ice cream cone…… Continue Reading
Sharing An Insight – Lesson 3
This whole idea of prayer is so contrary to our human inclination and our culture’s values, isn’t it? I want to feel in control, independent, self sufficient and valued. It shows up in such unexpected places and ways. The “voices” around me and in me reinforce the idea that I can make this happen if…… Continue Reading
Lesson 3 – Intro – January 24 – 31 PRAYING WITH HOPE
Did you know “that you and I could probably live 40 days without food, 8 days without water, 4 minutes without air, but only a few seconds without hope”? What is it about hope that makes it so essential to our lives? The anticipation that tomorrow will be better, that change is possible, or that…… Continue Reading