My Issue with Prayer

Prayer has always frustrated me because of one thing.

I am reading a book entitled The Praying Life by Paul Miller. Today I read a chapter that talked about how prayer is personal and that it is okay to pray for "trivial" things such as a parking spot. He also said that it is okay to pray that it is not your house being burned down when you hear a firetruck siren. (Although some say that is selfish and means that you will for someone else's house to be burned down.) I'm all good with that. I pray for the minute details frequently without thinking I'm selfish. It is okay to tell God your feelings and desires (i.e. I don't want my house to burn down, Lord). After all, did Jesus himself not ask the cup to be taken from him before being sent to the cross?

Miller then talks about those who think, "it would have happened anyways." That is me. That is my struggle. Because I believe that God is sovereign and has a will and a plan and a foreknowledge of everything, does prayer really make a difference? I find myself thinking, "who am I that God would change his will after hearing my prayer?"

I have heard it said after bringing this up to a friend that the most important thing about prayer is that your are conversing with God and spending time with him. I do believe that prayer is time to be intimate with the Creator, but "that man should think he will not receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does" (James) I have to believe that God wants to answer our prayers - in fact he delights in it. But I don't understand how this and his sovereignty make sense!

Mrs. Scalf

Potty Time

Hello all!

On Friday night, Romo and I went to Hollywood Feed to get some bells. The bells are used to help potty train. We hung them by the door that he uses to go potty (or that he is supposed to use). When he starts sniffing around or if he runs to the door, we say, "Outside? Ring the bells!" Then we put his paw on the bells so they make noise. He started jumping to the bells himself, too! He hasn't peed in the house all weekend, which is a HUGE success because he used to pee on the carpet 5-10 times a day.

I decided I wanted to get it on video so that the world can see how smart and well-trained he is... this is what I got:

Accidents happen!

Mrs. Scalf

P.S. Don't you just love that burgandy/navy/hunter green plaid couch matched with the baby blue and light yellow blanket Grandma Daniels made me years ago?! What a lovely living room we have... ;)

Death sounds fun!

I don't mean to be morbid or come across as angry at life, because I'm not.

I was just thinking about the economy and moving to Texas and jobs and all kinds of crazy stuff that life is about to bring. My personal belief is that the economy will not get better, only worse. Maybe that is the cynical me coming out, but nevertheless, I believe it. Then I start getting all worried about life and money and kids and being homeless and it's a slippery slope to the day I'm just going to die of starvation or freeze to death.

Then I remember that I have a Great Savior. I think back to Philippians 1:20 (I think...). Paul says, "for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me, yetwhat shall I choose? I do not know. I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far..." And that's just the dang truth. Departing and being with Christ is the best thing that could ever happen to me. So why do I worry? What is the worst that can happen? I die? Paul says that's actually the best! So... It's all good, really. But I still need to bring my anxiety to Jesus.

Mrs. Scalf

More Photos and Videos of Romo

Do you think I could love him any more? I haven't blogged in a month, but now that I have Romo, I feel like I could blog everyday! Geeze Luoise.

(The other video was supposed to go here, but it won't upload. Just imagine a puppy playing outside with a stick in the grass... cute.)

Here is a funny story:

This morning I decided that it was a swell idea to wake up at 6:00 (instead of 6:45 with 8 snoozes which really means 7:30) so that I had plenty of time to feed Romo and take him for a little walk so he could go potty. That plan worked out well... While Romo was eating, I made PJ's lunch. Then I showered and Romo waited. Then I made breakfast for the Peej (it's going to be a long day at school and he needs some brain food.) Then... we walked.

Try to get a mental picture of this: Leash in left hand... and an umbrella. Coffee (without a lid) in right hand. Romo dragging me. Umbrella hitting me in the head the whole way. Coffee Spilling. Romo tripping over and biting his leash. I try to fix it. He goes for the coffee that I had to put on the ground. Repeat, about 20 times. Oh, and my hair was in my face the whole time because I had to look down at Romo.

At least he went potty...!

Mrs. Scalf

Whine. Not Wine...Whine.

Romo loves to whine. I hope he breaks this habit soon. He hates the back seat of the car, which PJ and I decided was his - no more being spoiled in the front with us. (This may or may not have anything to do with my completely reckless driving on the way to Shelby Farms for a walk... may or may not.) But... At least it's a cute whine ;)

Precious. And here he is taking his first bath! (I think he liked it)

Pround mother of the cutest puppy,

Mrs. Scalf

ROMO

WE GOT A PUPPY!!

His name is Romo and he is soooo.... NAUGHTY! But I love him sooooo much! Here he is scratching at his collar while we were going for a walk at Shelby Farms

Isn't he cute?!

He pees on the carpet a lot and two nights ago he peed on our down comforter... twice. (Like I said, NAUGHTY!) And he likes to bite things (my flesh, for instance). But he gives GREAT kisses and likes to sleep on my feet when I'm doing stuff around the kitchen, which I think is really precious.

Wanna meet him? Just come over!

Mrs. Scalf