Hope this day is finding you well. My husband and I flew to North Carolina on Friday to pick up our daughter, Stephie. She has been visiting my sister Allison and family, and we will be on our way home tomorrow. It is currently raining and thundering here, which happens almost every day in the summer. We all got ready to go to the beach, and as we pulled into a parking spot at Wrightsville Beach, the rain poured down! It was still fun for me, because of the beautiful homes in the area.

It is funny when you leave one state for another how different things can be. It is only 700 miles from home, but life is definitely different. Slower pace, young people seem to be nicer and respectful. There is an expectation by the adults to be called mame, or sir. That's what makes the difference! It is expected and taught at home. I wish I had taught my children this, but then it wouldn't have been supported by our culture, but does that matter?

It's not the words,but the actions that make the difference. My older children are respectful, and courteous to others, so maybe it's more of a mature mindset. As Jesus taught his disciples, they witnessed his life 24/7.  There was one thing that they asked him to do.  They asked him to teach them to pray. Luke 11:1 says "Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."

Jesus couldn't teach them as John did, because Jesus wasn't John! Jesus taught in a very different way than I imagine John would have, and Jesus included all the important things that He knew His Heavenly Father would want Him to. He said Honor God's name above all else, and pray for my Father's will to come and be done on earth! Give us what we need each day, forgive us our sins, as we forgive others.Don't let us yield to temptation. I was taught to say "For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever!" Jesus doesen't care what you say, as much as how you say it. Your sincerity, and heart felt devotion to him is much more important than getting every word right because he already knows what you will say.  He wants your heart. It has to be real.