Today I opened to the parable in Luke about the Sower and the Seed.

Lord, I do not know the fruit that will from me, but help me to cultivate and fertilize the soil of my soul do you can work through me.

Thank you for the faith you’ve given, the words in the Bible to show me the way, the strength, courage, wisdom and awe of the Holy Spirit, the angels you put in my path and the community of church, school, family, friends and neighbors you surround me with each day.

Lord, help me to be more receptive of your presence and give me the courage to keep the temptations of satan out of my life.

Help me to remember my will is your will and I cannot control the decisions of others and cannot judge them if I disagree or feel they are going down the wrong path, give me the knowledge and understanding of their situation so I may pray for them.

How do I fee choked? - By the restrictions of my religion, by people saying you must pray this way or that way or you are not worthy to do or say something, such as receiving only the body of Christ and not both the body and blood.

When do I feel like I’m on rocky soil? - The financial obstacles in our life right now feels like bumps in the road. It is one thing after another to pay, another road block. I feel like these burdens are trying to pile on top of us and bring us down….but our faith is strong and we are not giving up!

When do I feel trampled and picked on? - When I get overwhelmed with commitment and responsibility between being an obedient servant to God, a supportive wife, a loving mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, an employee x2 jobs, a faithful citizen, a volunteer, a coworker, a mentor, taking care of my relationships, my health (eating well, sleeping and exercise), spending time alone with God, with friends and family, making sure there is food and clothes and shelter for family and steering clear of sinful thoughts and options that are present each minute of each day.