Hi everyone, my name is Antoinette although my friends call me Toni for short. I was born and raised on the island of Guam (located in the pacific ocean, 3 quarters of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines) and relocated to New Jersey about 2 years ago. I was guided onto this forum by the administrator who practically knows me so well like the back of her hand. I can honestly say that I'm not one who practices the teachings I was brought up with.. The "you must go to church every Sunday" practice. But! I am one who believes in God and wraps his soul with the flesh of my heart. His strength and belief in me is so pulsing as if it was running through me like the blood within my veins. I am God-fearing. Unlike most people in my family, I pray every day before I drive off to work, before I eat dinner and before I sleep.. While others pray when they "NEED" him. Before I write a book, I'd like to share my morning prayers with you, and you're more than welcome to say this as well. These words are those I have made up, but send a message so clearly to Him, I believe we are deserving of his love and guidance.

"Good morning Lord! *Smile* Thank you for giving me another day to breath, thank you for granting me more time to spend with my friends and family. Lord, I ask that you guide and protect me from those who surround me, continuously guide me from those that I surround. Lord, I love you, believe in you and trust in to you to which is why I come to you and pray. For my brothers, sisters and friends, their children and their children's children. So that all children in my life, and in our world may be guided accordingly in the direction and path that you choose and provide. I ask that today be mildly productive and progressive. Let all those that I live with, work with, who are on the road with me and I meet on the street or online, have patience as I make presence in their lives. I love you Lord. Please tell my mom, dad and sister and those who have gone before me, that I love them, and miss them although I know, believe and understand that in time with patience we will be together again. As always, thank you for the sun as it is well appreciated.. Have a great day Lord, I love you! Amen."

I have said this prayer for about four years now. And continue to although I am far from reach of any of my family members, I believe I have been blessed by the good Lord's guidance in surviving my new adventure here in New Jersey.

May your days be blessed and at peace. May the good Lord watch over you regardless what challenges come your way.
-Toni

Welcome to the board Toni!!!! Thanks for your wonderful introduction!

Toni wrote:

I can honestly say that I'm not one who practices the teachings I was brought up with.. The "you must go to church every Sunday" practice.

God cares nothing for tradition! Remember going to church every Sunday is not something God sees as proof of obedience, love, and trust for Him. Many people go to church on Sunday out of obligation to tradition, yet they are worldly and obedient to the flesh the rest of the week. I would love to do a bible study on this. I'll see what I can find on other Christian websites.

Toni wrote:

But! I am one who believes in God and wraps his soul with the flesh of my heart. His strength and belief in me is so pulsing as if it was running through me like the blood within my veins. I am God-fearing. Unlike most people in my family, I pray every day before I drive off to work, before I eat dinner and before I sleep.. While others pray when they "NEED" him. Before I write a book, I'd like to share my morning prayers with you, and you're more than welcome to say this as well. These words are those I have made up, but send a message so clearly to Him, I believe we are deserving of his love and guidance.

Beautifully said! A relationship with God is the best thing in our eternal life! As far as us being deserving of His love, you are so right!

John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Can you actually love someone so much that you will willingly sacrifice your only son? Imagine your precious, beautiful child! God loves us so much that he gave His only begotten Son so that we could come home to Him!! This is so powerful and incredible!

Toni wrote:

"Good morning Lord! *Smile* Thank you for giving me another day to breath, thank you for granting me more time to spend with my friends and family. Lord, I ask that you guide and protect me from those who surround me, continuously guide me from those that I surround. Lord, I love you, believe in you and trust in to you to which is why I come to you and pray. For my brothers, sisters and friends, their children and their children's children. So that all children in my life, and in our world may be guided accordingly in the direction and path that you choose and provide. I ask that today be mildly productive and progressive. Let all those that I live with, work with, who are on the road with me and I meet on the street or online, have patience as I make presence in their lives. I love you Lord. Please tell my mom, dad and sister and those who have gone before me, that I love them, and miss them although I know, believe and understand that in time with patience we will be together again. As always, thank you for the sun as it is well appreciated.. Have a great day Lord, I love you! Amen."

Beautiful prayer! Thank you so much for sharing it. God is not interested in us taking time to choose fancy words for prayers. He wants us to talk to Him, give Him our hearts. He knows what is in our hearts, we don't need to fancy it up. We simply have to ask.