"When our eyes see our hands doing the works of out hearts, the circle of creation is completed inside us, the doors of our soul flies open and love steps forth to heal everything in signt"

-- Michael Bridge

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Taking a tip from "The Help"

Morning friends. So, I finished reading The Help a few weeks ago and went to see the movie this weekend. I liked both a lot!

I don't know, I've been feeling so very overwhelmed lately. I've never been to the movies alone before. It was a welcome experience. I needed a break. Needed some peace. I've been sick with a cold for about a week now and it hit me really hard. Also my kids have been fighting and "screachy" a lot lately. Especially my sweet little Alivia. It's like she grew a mind of her own overnight. Which I want, but it's making me kinds looney. So stressful and it makes me want to cry sometimes. I know it's normal. I'm sure all of you moms out there can relate (please, God, tell me it's NOT just me?!?). All I can do is be consistent and love them.

Anyway... The Help. So, in the book, one of the main characters, Aibileen, spoke about how she wrote down her prayers and then said them. I really like that concept. I pray every day - many times a day. Usually whatever pops into my head, along with the "thank you for my blessings, family, healthy children, that Sal & I are healthy and able to work" etc. Then at work, or through friends, blogs, or church friends I hear things that need prayer and I lift those things up too. But sometimes, I'm so "all over the place". I start praying for someone, and someone else pops into my head. Then it always ends up me praying for myself to be kind, forgiving, compassionate... I know God can deal with me. But it stresses me out sometimes. I feel like he's thinking "...this crazy lady again with the rambly prayers...". Ok, I know he probably doesn't say that, but like I said, it bothers me.

So... I decided I'm going to start writing my prayers down. That way I can gather my thoughts and if I think of something, I write it down. Prayers, thoughts, quotes. No one gets lost in the shuffle of my crazy mind. Also it will help me to reflect on them later. Follow up with the Big Guy ;). I had an extra Composition Book left over from "back to school" and decorated it using Crate Paper's Portrait Collection: I really loved playing with the stickers/chipboard accents in this collection. The back was left pretty plain
I'm going to try to make it a point to write in it every day. Carry it to/from work and be diligent about it. I'm a really bad journaler, so wish me luck.

8 comments:

  1. What a great idea! My mom writes down prayer requests so that she can pray for them consistently. Then when one is answered, she circles the number.

    Like you, I'm more of a journal person, so when I need it, I'll type my prayers in a private blog, but that rarely happens because I need to be at a computer to do it. I really like your idea; thanks for sharing!

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  2. Very nice book and a lovely idea. I should be more consistent with prayers as well. I fuss at myself all the time for forgetting. Perhaps I can do better by your example. :) Thank you

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  3. This book is awesome, both in its idea and execution. You are not alone Heather. Remember that. As a mom of two boys, I tend to think they suck the energy out of me and into them. And then sometimes they use that energy to FIGHT!

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  4. I know what you mean about needing alone time. I went to the movies alone Thursday night. It had been a while since I'd done that, but you know what? I enjoyed myself. And it was nice to sit in a dark theater and not have to worry about putting on a brave face for other people for a while. You know, I'd been down lately. It helped. It really did.

    Please do email me too. I'm doing a little better now and I'd love to chat anytime with you about PCOS or anything at all. penciledwhimsies at gmail dot com is my address.

    I LOVED the movie The Help, and I bought the book -- can't wait to read it. I thought Aibileen's prayer journal was a neat idea too. I LOVE yours! You really put your heart into it, and it shows!

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  5. Heather, this is such a great idea. I can relate to wandering minds when praying. Just take comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit takes our prayers to the Lord and that the Lord knows our needs before even we do. God is good. Thank you for your faithfulness and testimony. And your book is beautiful!

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  6. I just started reading The Help and now I'm even more excited to get into it! This is a great idea and I love the look of it!

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  7. that's such a celver idea.. I read the book months back, don't remember much now :D Got to watch the movie though

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  8. I'm so sorry to hear you've been having a tough time lately. I'll be thinking about you. Your journal is a great idea--I love it! The embellishments are gorgeous. Good luck keeping up with the journaling! :)

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