Hey gang!
I'm thrilled you decided to dig into our prayer blog. I hope it blesses you. When I'm not blogging or killing time in social media sites ;), I like to write Christian fiction, read, quilt, and play with my husband and kids. I talk to God almost continuously as I do these things. It's a good thing He likes to hear from us!
I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was five years old. Too young to know, you ask? Perhaps, but my acceptance was sincere and it held. Through my early years, into my teens and today, Jesus was and is my friend, protector, defender, and love. I owe my life to Him.
In 1997, I graduated from Colorado Christian University with a BA in Speech Communications and a minor in Biblical Studies. For the last three years of my college education, I had the pleasure of living with my grandpa. To this day, the thing I remember most about that period was the time I spent with him, learning from his stories, laughing with him, and loving life. His example of humility, devotion, and quiet wisdom remains my goal.
I married in 1998 and hurried to have children - ten years later. My family is a gift from the Lord. Their love and never-ending patience bless me tremendously.
Shortly after I got married, in a time of uncertainty and struggle, I met Carol through work. We've shared more than one workplace, and when she asked me to partner with her in this prayer bead and blog ministry, I couldn't say no. It's very humbling when someone seeks you out for a partnership of this importance - especially when she could have chosen any number of people in her life. I believe God put us together.
Not only is Carol a faithful friend, she is a dynamite prayer warrior. The Lord moves when people pray! It was obvious from the start that He wanted us to continue forward in this. He opened doors, encouraged us, and provided in ways we wouldn't have expected.
My desire through this blog is twofold. I want to help you learn to pray from the Bible and experience the power of God through it. I also look forward to sharing some of my story with you and encouraging you to look up. After all, where does our help come from? It comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
We live in a questionable world, in unsettling times, and life is not an easy thing, is it? I know my struggles are common to many of you. Aching loneliness, dangerous depression, financial strain, and much more has plagued me. As the Word says, all things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Perhaps, by the grace of God, we can begin to see His goodness in spite of our pain.
So that's it, dear followers. It is an honor to pray with you and for you. Please don't hesitate to make comments, leave prayer requests, share answers and blessings, and generally to join the conversation. Let's change the world and our lives, one prayer at a time.
God's richest blessings on you,
Shelley
