Things I Love - God

I was born and raised catholic 56 years ago. My mother was a devout catholic and did her duty admirably.

We went to church every Sunday and I went to cathechism every Monday after school. Since I never read well, I struggled. But for some reason, I just didn't get into the faith. I was baptized, received my first communion and was confirmed in the catholic church. I believe in God.

But with all the time on my knees, the pounding from the pulpit, the times I was made to feel bad about myself because I sinned and the time I spent worrying about going to hell; I ran away from my faith when I left home at 18. It was just too hard to be a catholic.

I joined the Army, got married, had a child, left my husband (2 times), divorced my husband. It never occurred to me to go back to church even though I continued to pray but my relationship with Him was non-existent.

Eventually I married the son of a methodist minister. Did it drive US to church? Sometimes! But we were more the "comfortable christian". That marriage resulted in 14 years and two beautiful children and another divorce. Did this drive me to Him? No, although I was never without prayer.

Several years later marriage was proposed again. Now, I need to stay focused on God (I don't know if you've noticed, I can get sidetracked).

As with any marriage, you inherit the baggage when you say I do. But since I had been married twice, I wasn't going to settle. Since he had two girls, I prayed for God to allow me to love Michelle and Melinda as if they were my own AND it had to happen before we married. It did, I said I do and it was the one decision that I knew in my heart was the right one.

So I inherited my mother in law. Bad connotation the in law part or even step this or step that. It wasn't easy at first. I had to prove myself to her. Eventually, the walls came down. But back to my love for God.

I was ripping wallpaper in the kitchen, had the music going to KTIS (local christian station but don't ask me why). They were having a share-athon. I listened to the stories people were telling, I was crying, then I was calling my husband to ask if I could make a pledge. That was the beginning.

Two days later, I was brushing my teeth and I looked in the mirror. I didn't like what I saw and broke down crying. I was ashamed of who I was. I was an ugly person and I needed to change.

I cried most of the morning before calling my mother in law. She was a godly woman and would know. She told me to pray about it. How? I pleaded as if she would make it all better. She did in many ways. She told me to pray to Him that I would be made into the person HE wanted me to be. And so it started and continues.

I love my mother in law. She has been to me a great mother, mentor, teacher, listening board and more. She's instructed me on kids, people, sex, men, marriage, death, evil, humility, pride, and much more. She is a godly and giving woman, wrote a daily devotional at 83 years of age and I dread the day she goes home.

I am now a praying machine, waking and sleeping to prayer. I talk to everyone--you never know when God has put someone in your path for something I have taken God off my sleve and wear him proudly on me. I am glad to be his servant and try to be his light every day and every where.

We are all a work in progress. I can only thank God that he stayed with me. I know that I deserted you father, but I sure am glad you were there silently watching over me. Thank you.

May God enrich your lives and show YOU the way as he did mel


God Bless you all