As I grow older, my faith grounds me in a way it didn’t when I was younger. It helps me take adversity in stride. It helps me navigate the highs and lows of life, but most of all, I have a sense of peace I didn’t have when I was younger. Part1 – The Faith of a Few Buckeyes: I was surprised to find this link a few days after the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State players kneel in prayer on field before Cotton Bowl victory Faith is a private thing for me. I usually don’t talk about mine, but I’m happy when people share theirs on TV. This article had links for three videos of OSU football players demonstrating their faith. I picked two of them to share. 1 – This image came from the first link in the article (second paragraph). I stopped the video and did a screen shot. It’s the moment when nearly every Ohio State player was on the field. They knelt and prayed before the Cotton Bowl pregame started. I love my Buckeyes, and I think this is one of their finest moments. Win or lose, to focus your head and heart in prayer before the first play of a big game, that’s a very good thing. #2 – This is the second link (paragraph six). I didn’t see this video until I read the article. This is another screen shot, but it was taken after THE game, the one with that team up north. Yes, Michigan won, and some Wolverines tried to plant their flag in the middle of the stadium, the Shoe. This shot took place during the middle of that post-game chaos. Would you believe two Buckeyes and one Wolverine knelt in prayer? It’s one of the loveliest examples of faith I’ve ever seen. Part 2 – A Prayer Change : It all started for me when Olivia Newton John died. That was back in August of 2022. I read that she started saying the Lord’s Prayer each night during her final bout with cancer. She hoped it’d bring her closer to her daughter, and I read it worked. I thought if Olivia could pray the Lord’s Prayer, I could too. Now I pray it every night before I go to sleep. Three years later, it’s changed the way I pray. ![]() #1 – I began to start with gratitude; then I’d end with the Lord’s Prayer. I never planned it. Gratitude just bubbled up in me each night, and I started thanking God for the blessings He sent my way. Big things, little ones. It didn’t matter. What did – expressing my attitude of gratitude to Him. #2 – Over the years I stopped asking God for the things I need or want. They haven’t changed in years so I trusted God knew about them. That He’d grant them if/when it was time. Then a year ago, I read that we need to keep asking for those things. It gives me peace to know they’ll be granted in His time. So now as I lay in bed, I begin my nightly prayers with gratitude, then my wish list. I end them with the Lord’s Prayer. Most nights I’m asleep in 10-15 minutes, and that’s a wonderful thing for someone who’s struggled with sleep issues. Part 3 – My Morning Meditation: It’s one of my favorite things. I discovered them when I was still teaching. I’ve never been a morning person, but calendars gave me a quick read and food for thought. It set my head and heart in a good place, and if I was running late, no problem! I read it later in the day. Last year, in May of 2024, I bought my first eBook of devotions. The title, Strength For Each Day. Like other devotionals, it begins with a Bible passage, goes into a page to explain/apply it, and ends with a prayer. The best part, each devotion brings me a little closer to my faith. A little closer to God, very good things. This is the first year I’ve done two devotions each morning. I didn’t plan it that way. I saw the author of The Daily Stoic on Fox News talking about his book. That usually doesn’t tempt me, but there was something about his description that did. I bought it that night, and I’ve been reading it since August, 2024. I’m glad I did. I’ve heard of stoics, but that’s it. Reading this book lets me peek into their philosophy. It’s based on knowing and accepting responsibility for the things I can control, and letting go of the things I can’t. Christians have similar beliefs. We believe the things outside our command are in God’s hands. Reading both devotionals helps me focus on the things I can do. It lets me entrust the rest to God.. This is where I am now. I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, next week, or next year, but I’m willing to follow the path God has put me on.
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AuthorWhen I write, I can only have one voice in my head, mine. A little noise is fine. But too much, or worse yet, WORDS, and I must change rooms or pull out headphones. Then I can write on! Categories
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