Daughterhood by Design~ September 3, 2009 in Issue 3 2009 by Elizabeth Ann Silaghi In 2001, I began writing prayer requests and answers in a little notebook. This journal has become a source of inspiration for me in my walk with the Lord. However, I am really keeping this journal for my daughter, Carol Ann. I was single at the time I began the journal; in fact, it was right before God revealed the answer to my prayer for a husband. But I knew if I ever had a daughter, I would want to be able to show her the record of my answered prayers to encourage her that God has a special plan and man for her to marry, just like he did for me. I felt it was the best legacy a mother could give her child. After God answered my prayer for a husband, I continued chronicling more prayers. We were living in Romania when we married, serving in the church there. In my journal I noted God’s provision for every need—housing, clothes, jobs, a car, getting pregnant, a doctor to deliver the baby, clothes for her. Then after four years we moved to the states with only $700 in our pocket and no job, house, church, or car. And God provided everything! We are living a life of faith, and someday I want Carol Ann to be able to read through this journal and understand that God, hearing and answering our prayers, was the guiding force and light for our family. The journal has also been a help to teach me to obey God when the inclinations of my heart or mind were pulling in the opposite direction. To wait on Him for His perfect timing when I wanted to rush ahead in my own “wisdom;” to accept His “Not now,” or “No, never,” and even His “Yes, proceed” has often been difficult. Yet through the process of journaling and remembering how He has led in the past, He has taught me to trust Him implicitly. Perhaps you would like to start a prayer journal, too. It doesn’t matter whether you are already married and have a family, or whether you are still looking forward to that time. Such a journal can be a wonderful inspiration and help in your own walk with God. And what a valuable, inspiring, and interesting gift it could be to your daughter someday! Elizabeth Ann Silaghi is a dedicated mother and youth pastor’s wife. She and her husband serve in the Emmanuel Romanian church in Anaheim, CA. Visit Daughterhood by Design! You may click on it in my links section!