November 11, 2012

Dear God,

I'm sorry I haven't been spending that quiet time with you that you need from me and that I absolutely need to keep me in balance.  I know we will always have a relationship, but I don't want to ruin the friendship.  I am going to make it a promise that I develop that discipline and habit to spend that quiet time everyday this week.

Thank you for giving my friends and I a wonderful weekend.  Thank you for blessing me with great people that I can be myself around.  Thank you for blessing Kerstin and I with a couple that we can have a lot of fun with and be ourselves.

I adore you Lord please guide me to do your will and be and ambassador for you.

Love,

Michael

November 7, 2012

Dear God,

I am sorry for being a crab all day and not being a real joy to others.  Please help me in gaining strength when things are out of my control.  Help me learn to always be uplifting with others and never get down and take things out on others.

Lord, please watch over and bless this country.  Please watch over our leaders and offer them guidance.  Even though I do not agree with who has been elected I trust that you are playing the biggest role in knowing what is best for all of us.

Please give me the strength to really hunker down and be disciplined in spending quiet time with you each and every day.  You bring me to peace and calm me down when I worry.  Please help me overcome my worrisome ways.

Love,

Michael

November 4, 2012

Dear God,
Thank you for blessing me with another wonderful weekend with friends and family.  You have truly blessed me with wonderful people in my life.  I cherish all the quality time I get to spend with them.  I feel like Kerstin and I had a very balanced weekend and communicated very well.  Thank you for watching over us and helping us grow together as a couple.
Please watch over my friends.  A few of them are going through a rough patch in their lives right now and need you.  Some might not try to seek you out, but please watch over them and help them overcome any obstacles they may be having.
Lord, as you know I get stuck a lot in my life.  I feel like I was being called out a lot in the message.  I try to seek you out every time I get stuck and I know I need to do more of it.  Please give me the strength to seek you out every time I am in need and always come to you first when I get stuck.
Help me set time everyday this week to spend some quiet time with you.  I want to grow a relationship with you and have a friendship.  Please teach me to be a better person for everyone that I am close to.
Love,
Michael

November 1, 2012

Dear God,

When I was reading Jesus Calling this morning I feel like your message was directed toward me.  It also made me think of Kerstin and how we were lazy last week in seeing you.  Please help Kerstin and I become disciplined together and always put you first and come to you first.

Thank you for blessing me with Jacob he is such a joy in my life and thank you for making me a joy in his life.  Please help me keep this relationship strong and healthy.

Please always be with me, Lord.  I need you.

Love,

Michael

October 31, 2012

Dear God,

Happy Halloween!  Thank you for blessing Kerstin and me with a wonderful lunch.  It's nice to see my girl in the middle of the work day, especially during a busy day.  It keeps me sane and calm.  Thank you for blessing me with those things that get my mind off work.

Please continue to give me that strength to remain discipline in following your word.  Give me the patience and power to not put so much pressure on myself and not build up guilt that I get when I get lazy.  Help me overcome my pride and selfish acts.

Love,

Michael

October 29, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with athletic ability.  I don't know what I would do if I couldn't do the kind of workouts that Tim gives me.  Each time I get through one of those workouts it makes me feel confident in myself and I owe all of that to you.

I need you to give me strength to remain disciplined in growing a stronger relationship with you.  As I reflect on last week I felt I became lazy.  Because of that I may have loss a little balance in my life.  I am now realizing that if I am not trying to grow closer to you I will lose that balance that I need.  Please help me stay strong in growing our relationship.

Love,

Michael

October 28,2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with everything that I have in my life.  Thank you for a fun and goofy night with my friends.  I need a night like that every once in a while, but I'd rather have Kerstin with me next time.  Even though she wasn't there I had a great time laughing with Semrad and Nicole all night. 

Thank you for blessing Kerstin and I with a wonderful last two days.  I couldn't have asked to spend better time with her this weekend.  I love her more and more the more time I spend with her.  Please continue to bless her and I with great quality time with each other and to keep growing with each other.  Please give me the strength to be the best person for her.

Lord, please help me not to lose focus of your and my relationship and help me grow with you.  You have helped me grow to be a great person and I want to continue to grow with you.  You teach me to be that person that I want and need to be, please help me stay connected to you.

Love,

Michael

October 24, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me a great night with my girl.  I had so much fun with her and all we did was hang.  And I couldn't have asked for a better start to the day than waking up and next to her and kissing her and snuggling with her.  You have truly blessed me with a wonderful person that I can be myself with.  I feel like you are really working on us and teaching us to learn from each other by being more open with each other.  Please continue to be with us as we learn to grow with each other, we need you.

Thank you for blessing JR Prototypes with a whole bunch of work today.  I was getting very nervous that this wasn't going to be a profitable month, but I still kept believing.  You provided us with the work that we needed.  Thank you for giving us a smooth meeting this morning and to be able to pursue other processes for our products.  I was very nervous about this meeting, but knowing you would be with me made me feel very comfortable.

Please give me the strength and confidence to manage Dustin a little better.  I feel like I might be being to light on him.  I know he has a lot on his plate, but sometimes I feel he takes advantage of my laid back personality.

Please continue to be with me and guide me along this path you have chosen for me.

Love,

Michael

October 22, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with wonderful people and a wonderful life.  Without you I would not have been able to find that balance that I needed to be happy and make other people happy.  Please help stay strong on the path you have created for me.

Please watch over the victims and their families of the shooting in Brookfield.  They need you.

Love,

Michael

October 21, 2012

Dear God,

What an exhausting weekend you blessed me with.  I'm not saying that in a bad way, but a very good way.  From Friday night class to grilling brisket with my dad and brother to going out with the boys to trying to play golf.  I can't thank you enough for all the good people that you have blessed me with.  I have faith in you and you will always have my trust.  Thank you for bringing Kerstin back home safely and protecting her on her road trip.

Please comfort and give strength to the victims and their families of the shooting in Brookfield today.  They need you more than ever right now.  Please watch over them.

Love,

Michael

October 20, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with wonderful friends last night during our class. Thank you for blessing g my mom and I with good chemistry to put on a great class, best one yet!

Thank you for giving my dad, brother and I a great day today. We're having lots of fun and the best part is that it's not over. Couldn't have asked you for a better Saturday.

Please keep Kerstin, Sarah and Mitchel safe as they drive back home. Protect them as they drive those crazy highways.

Love,

Michael

October 18, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for bringing Jacob and I together. I felt truly blessed being with him today and acting like a little kid again. Thank you for putting me into his life. He seems very excited and very much enjoyed our time together. Thank you for bless Kerstin and I with more time with each other. I know we live busy lives these days, but I want to thank you for the time you provide us with, I truly value that time.

Please keep her safe as she endeavors this road trip. Pleas keep me strong as you lead me to become the man you intend for me to be.

Love,

Michael

October 17, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving my mom a wonderful birthday. I love when she is happy. Thank you for providing me the strength and metal toughness to get through my workouts today. With the strength you provide for me I am able clear my mind and refocus on the things that lead me to the person I want to be.

Please give comfort to Jacob and myself as we spend time together. Please let us be open and get to know each other.

Love,

Michael

October 16, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you again for bless me with a wonderful group of people at Elmbrook.  I think I can now call them my friends because I remembered their names haha.  Thank you for an eye opening night tonight. It makes me realize that You and I have a long way to go in our relationship.

Please help me to process everything that we talked about tonight and seek a little more clarity.  Please continue to guide Kerstin and myself toward a foundation that can't be broken.

Love,

Michael

October 15, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful family.  Even though we all have our quirks I still love them.  Thank you for playing the song that was stuck in my head all day on K-Love right as I was driving home tonight, it put a big smile on my face.  Thank you for blessing me with Tim.  He certainly pushes me to be the best of my abilities.

Please give me the strength to act the truth of the bible.  I feel as though my mind has been a little foggy and I have been unfocused toward you, but I could be wrong.  I don't know, I guess I'm a little confused, but I don't know what about.  I might just be tired and need some sleep.  Please bless me with better dreams than last night.

Love,

Michael

October 14, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with a wonderful weekend.  I couldn't have asked for a better weekend.  Thank you for blessing me with great friends and putting a wonderful girl into my life.

Please help Kerstin and myself find what our next song is going to be.  I trust that you have nothing but good things in store for both of us in the future.  Please give Kerstin the strength and patience to get through this week so she could have a fun weekend.  Please guide her dad as he fully recovers from his surgery.  Please continue to guide me as I continue to transform into the person I want to be and the person you intended me to be.

Love,

Michael

October 13, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving Kerstin and I an incredible few days together.  I can't tell you how happy she makes me.  I wish she was lying here right next to me right now.  Thank you for putting us on a great path.  Please continue to lead us on this path.  I know we are both happy and I want nothing more but always be this way.  She puts the biggest smile on my face.  I can't wait till the next time I see her, hopefully tomorrow.

Thank you for a fun night with Tim and Matt.  They are so funny and we have the greatest time together.  I could not be happier with who you are molding me into.  I am enjoying life much more and not worrying as much.  Instead I am looking forward to what is next and learning to embrace whatever is thrown at me.

Please continue to guide me with your light and keep giving me the strength to live the life y ou have always intended me to live.

Love,

Michael

October 12, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for this wonderful evening with Kerstin. We are having so much and laughing like we haven't laughed in a long time. We make each other very happy.

Please keep us on a good rhythm.

Love,

Michael

October 11, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing my with an opportunity to get to know, what seems like, a great kid.  I pray that I can teach him a few things and that he can teach me a few things.  Thank you for matching me with a great family.  His mom shows that she loves him dearly and vis versa.  Thank you for blessing me with a call from my girl.  Every time I get to talk to her I lover her more and more.  Thank you for healing my body.  I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger everyday, physically and mentally.

Please watch over Kerstin's dad tomorrow and protect him as he goes through his surgery.  It would be awesome to have him back with no stress.  Please give Dustin and I strength as we meet a very important customer of ours tomorrow.  Please bless me with some sort of yoga teaching skill tomorrow, I'm nervous and need comfort.

Love,

Michael

October 10, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for a very smooth meeting this morning.  I prayed for a smooth one and you gave it to me. Thank you.  I feel things at work are going to go a lot smoother and communication will be better.  Please continue to bless Dustin and I as we try to build our business.

Thank you for the energy at the gym today.  I was not looking forward to a back-to-back workout with Tim and spin.  Instead, with that energy you blessed me with I had a very enjoyable workout that put me in a great and happy mood.  Thank you for such a wonderful day and blessing me with happiness.

Please keep a close eye on my parents and the Wenzels, Jess, Chris, Kerstin, Kerstin's family (especially her dad on Friday), the dogs, my whole family and all of my friends.  Please keep everyone safe and continue to bless them.

Love,

Mike

October 9, 2012

Dear God,

As I reflect on the discussion I had with my church group I want to thank you for blessing me with those amazing people.  I feel you put me with that group of people for a reason.  Some of them have gone through a similar situation that I am going through now.  It was good to hear and reassuring to hear that I am not alone and that you have a plan for us.  They are definitely helping me learn to receive your gift.  The best part of all this was being able to share it with Kerstin and talk to her about everything.  The day/night felt complete after a long conversation with her tonight.  Thank you for blessing me with her.  Thank you for helping us stay strong and guiding us with your light.  I know that you know we're worth the fight.

Please continue to guide us as we take this journey together.  Help us learn to receive and accept your gift.

Love,

Michael

October 8, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for your everlasting love.  Thank you for helping me become the man I have intended on being for a long time.  With your guidance I am living much happier and have a sense of purpose.  I have learned to put all my faith and trust in you and will continue to until we meet.

As I go through this week with a lack of strength to workout please help me stay focused.  I noticed my lack of focus when I was reading my book today.  I had a hard time paying attention.  My workouts keep me focused and keep my head peaceful and clear.  Please release this pain from my legs and feet and help me get back to the gym.

It felt really great today to get back on track reading my book and doing my work for faith foundations. Please help me to stay on track and keep up on my work as I go through the week.  I don't like to get behind and have to rush and play catch up.  This work helps me stay humble and think clearly.

Love,

Michael

October 7, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for the best day today.  Thank you for giving me the strength, legs and mind to finish a strong marathon.  Thank you for a wonderful day with my best friend.  Everything that happened meant a lot to me.  It was fun to have a smile on my face the entire day.  Thank you for guiding me through the marathon and blessing all the runners with great spectators and volunteers.  It was so much fun.

Thank you for Kerstin.  It meant everything that she came and watch my race.  She is my greatest blessing.  It felt great being with her all day and just talking about anything and everything.  I pray that more of days like today are coming.  

Please continue to guide her and I as we try to figure life out with each other.  Please bless both her and I with happiness.

Love,

Michael

October 6, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to go with Elmbrook to the rescue mission.  I had a lot of fun meeting new people and giving back my time.  It was really nice to connect with Henry in the kitchen and get to know his story and help him with his work.  That is one man that I will not forget and will think about a lot.  I hope him and I run into each other again.  That place is really amazing.  I hope you bless me with more opportunities to work there.

Please watch over Corey.  Kerstin said she may be having a hard time figuring herself out right now.  If you could bless her and comfort her and help her find her true self that would make a lot of people happy including her.

Please bless my body and mind with strength for all 26.2 miles tomorrow and watch over everyone racing and keep them safe.  Please give a little extra love to my ankle, it'll need it. I love you God.

Love,

Michael

October 5, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for all the blessings you have given me and for transforming me into the man you intended me to be.  You have set me up on a path on which I can not see myself deviating from.  I have never felt so great in a very long time.  Thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful family that I can depend on and friends that I can have fun with and have no drama.

Thank you for blessing me and putting into my life one of your greatest creations, Kerstin.  She means so much to me and she makes me so happy and I want to make her so happy.

Love,

Michael

October 4, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for that alone time in the cycle studio.  Even though I missed my friend and would have probably been a little more fun I had a great time dancing on that bike.  Great music!  You gave me a little more hope today with a lovely surprise phone call.  That definitely made my day and week.  It was so great to talk to Kerstin.  I don't know what to really expect with her right now and I don't really know where her heads at, but all I know is that it felt right talking to her.  I haven't really had that person to talk to about things that are going on in my life and I need someone like that.  If that person is Kerstin I would be so happy, but if it's someone else that would be great too.  I kind of wish I had that someone right now.

Please watch over me as try not to get sick and please keep giving that strength that my ankle needs.  I am trusting you and your way for me.  I know I may get impatient and frustrated at times, but I do know that you know whats best for me.  Please watch over Kerstin so she doesn't get sick and make sure she doesn't get those shakes when she gets hungry.  I worry about her and think about her.  Thank you for blessing me with wonderful people and a great life.

Love,

Michael

October 3, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me someone fun to hang out at the gym with.  I really need that in my life right now.  Thank you for keeping me patient.  I can feel myself starting to get a little testy with everything that is going on in my life.  I don't want to make someone feel bad by my crabbiness when they have nothing to do with it.  Thank you for keeping me calm in all my situations.  Thank you for blessing me with confidence.  I can start to see my confidence grow as I engage with different people.  I know I am smart. I know I have good ideas. I know I'm not a bad person. I know I have a lot to learn. I am humble. I owe all this to you.  With out you I would not be able to become to the person I am today.

Please continue to give me patience.  I know the best things in life are worth waiting for and that is Kerstin.  It getting more and more difficult as the days go on, but I know that she is worth the fight and wait.  I just hope that she wants to fight for me and for us.  Please help us and guide us as we go through this together.

Love,

Michael

October 2, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the boost of energy I needed today. Everyday I grow closer and closer to you. Thank you for blessing me with a wonderful small group at my church group. They help me open my eyes, mind and heart to you. They continue to reassure me that no matter what happens you love me and I love you.

Please continue to give me the strength to grow into the person that you intended me to be and the person I want to be. I love the feeling of you working in me. I will continue to follow your light.

Love,

Michael

October 1, 2012

Dear God,

It's a new month and I just want to thank you for the work you have done on me the last month and a half.  I have started to create a relationship with you that I can rely on and trust.  I know you love me and want what's best for me.  I trust the light you gave me and I will follow.  Thank you for the patience you have taught me.

I need you now.  I am getting mentally and physically exhausted with all the work I have been doing to be the person I want to become and the person you intended me to be.  I need you to give me the strength to not give up on myself.  I don't know if I'm just tired from the weekend or what, but I am mentally tired.  Please help me quiet and clear my mind.  I feel like I need to be doing my best to help everyone else.  I have focused on myself and am becoming the person I want to be, but I'm having a hard time seeing how it is affecting other people.  I know it probably takes time to see anything and that's probably why you taught me patience.  Please give me the strength I need to overcome this tiredness and rejuvenate me with lots of energy and enthusiasm.  Life is good with you. Thank you.

Love,

Michael

September 30, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with such a wonderful weekend.  It was definitely a roller coaster of a ride.  I had lots of fun with all my friends and family.  I love when you surprise me with spontaneous things.  I trust you.  You are guiding me in the right direction, I promise to continue to trust in you and praise you for all that you have and will bless me with.

Please watch over all of my friends as they travel and protect them.  Please watch over Jake, he needs you more than ever right now.

Please give strength to my ankle, it hurts and it has never hurt this bad before.

Please give me strength to be humble and not arrogant.  I want to be someone who can help others and humility will help me do that.  I am learning that truth is the key to being happy.  I know the truth hurts at times, but it will all work in the end as long as we give you our faith and trust.

Love,

Michael

September 28, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for another beautiful day.  I'm pretty sure fall is my favorite season.  You make the scenery so beautiful this time of year with the perfect weather.  Thank you for blessing us with this beauty.

I have been thinking a lot, since I read "Heaven is for Real," about my baby sister, Christine.  I pray that you adopted her and are taking great care of her.  I wonder what she would have been like and if we would have been close?  How my family's life and my life would be different?   Would i be a better or worse person?  You have blessed me with the most wonderful family anyone could ask for, but I have been wondering how it would be different.  I can't wait to meet her and see what she is like.  I bet she is a lot like my mom and Grandma Jo.  It puts a smile on my face when I think about Grandma.  How is she doing?  Her man Phil is really killing it this week.  I can't believe after all these years I'm finally rooted for Phil Mickelson.  Ha!  Please take good care of my family in heaven and please continue to watch over and bless my family who is down here with me.  I am looking forward to have the chance to meet you face-to-face.  Until then please continue to guide me as I walk through this life journey.

Love,

Michael

September 27, 2012

Dear God,

As I sit here in bed nearly in tears I ask that you comfort me and hold me.  That Grey's episode really hit home and took me back to the hospital room when my grandpa died.  I'm really sad and I think it hit my dad too.  Please watch over us as we are sleeping tonight and bless us with good dreams.

I think you were trying to tell me something like life is too short and not to take it for granted.  I know I was a few months ago and you are changing me for the better.  Thank you for guiding me with your light.  I want to be that better man that you want me to be.  I want to make other people happy and better people.  Life is too short not to be that man.  Please continue to bless me and surround me with wonderful people.

Please bless and watch over the most special girl in the world.  I love to see her smile and wish her a lifetime of smiles.  I know our love is strong for each other and I pray that guide us as we try to work things out for the better.

Love,

Michael

September 26, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for a wonderful ride home from work today.  I needed that more than ever.

I need you now, Lord. I feel like I'm starting to panic and I don't know why I am feeling that way.  Everything in my life is going well.  I think I might be doing the things that I love, but I might be going to fast.  Please give me the strength and self-discipline to slow down and relax.  I am looking forward to tomorrow after work to just rest.  My body and my mind need it.  By resting I will be able to process what I have learned from you and really apply everything to my life.

Thank you for loving me and always being by my side.  I can feel my trust and faith in you grow everyday.  I feel like our relationship is better than it has ever been.  I get anxious to see what you have in store for me.

Love,

Mike

September 25, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for a wonderful day today.  It all started with the podcast on my way to work.  The woman definitely called me out on a lot of things and made me realize that I need to work on a few things for the better.  By trusting in you and with your guidance I know I can overcome these flaws and be a better man.

Thank you for giving me the courage and strength to go to my church group this evening.  I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but was able to meet a bunch of new people.  Thank you for giving me the courage to be open with them and express what I think.  I was very comfortable talking with everyone about you and how I feel.  Thank to you I had a lot of fun and can't wait to take this journey with these people and build a better foundation with You.

Please watch over my small group members this next week as they go through and deal with what is going on with their lives.  Please continue to guide me as I walk this journey with You and get to know You.  With your help I know I can be a better person not only for you and myself, but for everyone.

Love,

Michael

September 24, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for putting great memories of Kerstin and I in my thoughts today.  It really made my day much better after a grueling day at work.

Please give me the strength and focus to get back into the groove at work.  It's not easy getting back into.

Love,

Mike

September 23, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing my family with a wonderful breakfast this morning.  I love how easy going we can be with each other and just be ourselves.  Thank you for guiding me to Gesu Church tonight.  The priest gave us all a very good message during the homily.  Please teach me and show me the way to humility and unselfishness.  Please help me be "a slave to others" and live out your word.  It was really cool seeing a priest gives his vow to you.  I have never seen that before. Really cool.

Thank you for the gift of Cassidy and Emily.  They really crack me up and are really good friends.  It's really nice to have friends like that who you can trust and be honest and will push you to do what is right.  I need them in my life and I hope that we continue to grow our relationships.

Thank you for blessing me with the best girl in the world, Kerstin.  She means a lot to me and I want the best for her.  Please watch over her and continue to guide her with your light.  I love her and she deserves the best even if it isn't me.  I will never stop praying for her, so I ask that you keep a close eye on her and protect her while we take our time.

Love,

Michael

September 22, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the courage to run a great race yesterday. You made it tough, but by doing that you taught me to persevere and grind for whatever is thrown at me.

Thank you for blessing me with my sister. She is so wonderful and cares about me so much as I do for her. Last night was difficult for me in more ways than one. Without her I wouldn't have been able to make it. Please watch over my friends, some of them need your guidance and light.

Please be with me today. I need you. I need your strength and light. I get so far down on myself and I need to learn to pick myself up and move on.

Love,

Michael

September 21, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with such a great family.  They really mean a lot to me and its really nice to lean on them.  We have fun being sassy with each other and talking about everything.  I love them so much.  Please watch over us and keep us close through out our lives.

Please bless me with endurance tomorrow as I attempt another 13.1. I think it will be a tough day weather wise, so if you could maybe tone it down while we are running that would be awesome.  If not, we'll be able to handle it.  I look forward to running with all my friends and tailgating after.  Please protect us through out the race.

Love,

Michael

September 20, 2012

Dear God,

I need you now more than ever. I took some hard blows tonight. Please protect me and give me the strength to not bring myself down. I know I've made mistakes and I'm trying to make up for them. Please lead my with your light to strength and confidence.

Love,

Michael

September 20, 2012

Dear God,

I'm sorry for not writing you the last few days, apparently Europe isn't very wifi friendly. Who knew? Anyway, thank you for keeping Bryan and I safe through out our trip and bringing us back home safely. Well, almost home. Please land this plane safely.  Thank you for giving me a new perspective on what your world looks like and how it operates.  Thank you for putting me in the United States because I don't know if I would have made itin any other part of the world.  Thank you for the gift of Sibes.  Even though there were times when we got on eachother's nerves instill had a really good time with him.  Please watch over him and guide him as he decides what to do with his life.  I know he is looking for something and I think he's looking for you.  Please give him a little extra attention.

Please guide me and lead me with your light and let me shine in it.  I continue to follow you and lean on you as my life moves forward.  As I read the stories from theBi lie please give me the power to understand and concentrate on your readings.  I sometimes stumble and get a little lost. Please continue to guide and comfort me.

Love,

Michael

September 18, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for a very fun night last night and bring some friends to us.  I think both Sibes and I needed that.  Please give us the patience to deal with each other for a little longer.  I'm defiantly home sick. I miss my family and I miss Kerstin.  Thank you for giving me the chance to talk to them.  Please watch over Kerstin as she gives her presentation today.  I'm very proud of her and how hard she works.

Please keep us safe on this upcoming train excursion and please give my head some strength to get over this hang over.

Love,

Michael

September 17, 2012

Dear God,

Sibes and I are starting to get real testy with each other.  Please give us the patience to get along and have a good time in these foreign lands.  Please continue to keep us safe.

Love,

Michael

September 17, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the best day of the trip yesterday.  Even though we were traveling all day you gave me the chance to talk to my girl.  The work to make that phone call was totally worth it.  I love hearing her voice.  It put the biggest smile on my face :) thank you for that gift.  Thank you for getting us through Amsterdam and safely to Munich.  I am anxious about the challenges we'll get thrown at today. I think we're going to visit a few churches today.  Please keep watching g over us and please watch over everyone at home.

Love,

Michael

September 15, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with the navigation skills that I have.  You guided us through unknown places where I have no sense of direction.  There are temptations everywhere and trusting in you and believing that I know what is right gives me the courage to take on anything this world throws at me. There are so many nice people here,but I don't understand why they acknowledge each other? Maybe its a European thing?

I'm going to church tomorrow, well, going to try to go. Please guide me to St. Fancis safely and on time.  I am looking forward to spending some alone time and working my way arou d Amsterdam/Europe with nothing but a compass.  Please give me the strength and guidance to get me to church and back to the hotel.

Love,

Mike

September 14, 2013

Dear God,

Thank you for getting us to Amsterdam safely and soundly. Holy smokes what a creative way of living over here. Thank you for all the omens today and guiding sibes and I through this crazy town.

Please give us the strength to be patient with each other and get along as things start to get a little testy. Please relax us and calm us down tomorrow and settle our nerves.

Please continue to watch over my friends and family.

Love,

Michael

September 13, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the patience that I needed today with Sibes and all my fellow tourists. I'm sorry I didn't have the patience yesterday at Westminster Abbey, but thank you for calming me and giving me the patience to feel your presence and talk to you at the cathedral. I needed that, especially in another country. I feel like I'm in a dream and there is no escape.

I saw a Christian preaching your word and handing out pamphlets. That comforted me bra abuse then I new I was surrounded by fellow Christians. Thank you for guiding us on this trip, and please continue to guide us as we take on this journey.

Please watch over everyone at home I already miss them, especially my girl. I miss her voice and I miss her smile. Please give me an opportunity to call her somewhere along this trip. I love talking with her and being with her.

Please continue to give me the strength and courage to live my life an learn how to be the best person for my family.

Love,

Michael

September 12, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for getting sibes and I here safely. I was nervous, but you made me comfortable by talking to you. You give me strength and courage when I needed it most. I'm sorry I didn't feel your presence as much as I thought I would at Westminster Abbey. I don't know if it was because I felt like it was a tourist attraction more than a place of worship or if I was just in awe of the architecture. I'm sorry if I did not respond when you were calling me. Please help me when I get distracted to pay attention and try to feel for your presence.

Thank you for giving me a great day. I had a lot of fun with one of my best friends, he means a lot to me and understands me.

I thought a lot about Kerstin and how much I want to keep her warm. I would give everything if i could just keep her warm and snuggle with her. I wish she were with me. We would have had fun dancing in your rain tonight.

Love,

Mike

September 11, 2012

Dear God,

Please comfort and protect the families that lost loved ones in the attacks. They need you.

Thank you for a safe and peaceful flight from Boston to Newark. I was nervous and you definitely comforted me. Thank you!

As I sit here on this plane I'm asking for you to comfort me and protect me and everyone else on this plane and give us a safe and smooth flight.

Please watch over my family and friends while I'm gone. Please be with Jake, he is lost and really needs you right now. Watch over the dogs and make sure they come home to my parents safe every night, especially Eddie.

I don't know when I'm going to be able to write to you again, but I'll be talking to you many, many times through out this trip asking for courage, strength, and protection. Please guide Sibes and myself on an unforgettable journey. Please teach us things we don't know about each other. Help me grow towards you.

Love,

Mike

PS please watch over Kerstin and comfort her. She has a lot going on and needs you. She means the world to me and I love her so much and love to see her smile. If you could watch over her and protect her it would mean a lot to me.

September 10, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for everything you gave today. From grandma making me laugh, to the very smooth flight, to calling me out in my book, to seeing sibes and to my happiest moment, a text from Kerstin.

I'm very proud of her. Please guide her and comfort her as she steps into the HR manager role. Please help to calm her and relax her when she has stressful moments.

Please protect sibes and I as we leave for our trip. I got pretty nervous from the time I stepped off the plane, but talking to you asking for a sense of calmness made me feel so much better. Please watch over us and guide us to a wonderful time.

Please guide me to open up to complete strangers from different cultures. I would like to connect with as many people as I can.

Love,

Mike

September 9, 2012

Dear God,

I could really feel your presence today in Madison.  I know you were watching and guiding all those athletes today and helping them accomplish their goals.  I know you were there for me when I was those athletes.  You carried me every step of the way and picked me up when I was weak.  Thank you for being there through the thick and thin of an Ironman.  Thank you for guiding all the athletes today.  You taught the spectators, including me, perseverance and how important it is to persevere through pain and discomfort.

Thank you for blessing me with the running club.  They are so much fun to be with and I learn so much from each one of them.  Please watch over our group and protect us as we do our crazy events so that we don't permanently injure ourselves.

I know there are more athletes out on the run course right now, and I ask that you watch over them because I know what it feels like to be out there at this time.  It's not a great feeling and it gets pretty lonely.  Please comfort them and give them a light to the finish line.

Please watch over me as I fly tomorrow, you know how I get when I fly.  I will be talking to you during the flight asking for comfort, just a heads up!

Thank you for everything in my life.  You have truly blessed me with great people and great opportunities.  I promise to start living the life you have intended for me and not shy away.  Please Lord, continue to guide me on this path you have created for me.

Love,

Mike

September 8, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for this wonderful day. I was so happy to see her beautiful face. Thank you for giving this day to me. She is the most wonderful girl in the world and I want to give her everything and be the best man for her because that's what she deserves.

Please continue to guide me down this path you have created for me. I know it's not going to be the easiest, but I know with you by my side nothing can go wrong. I am enjoying the challenges you bring to me and you are making me a better man for it.

Please watch over Kerstin and I as we go through this journey and eventually gain a happiness we have never experienced.

Love,

Mike

September 7, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with the most wonderful father. Without him I don't know where I would be. Please continue to guide him as he goes through life and keep him around for a long time, a lot of us look up to him.

Please comfort me and give me strength and courage tomorrow and I tell Kerstin how I feel and what she means to me.

Love,

Mike

September 6, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for a nice, quiet lunch with you today. I love talking to you day in and day out.

Love,

Mike

September 5, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me strength, courage and comfort when reaching out to the Kleins. That family means a lot to me and I hope to make them happy, especially Kerstin. I love her with all my heart and want to fight for her.

Please give Kerstin and I the strength to fix what we had and work through it to what we had. Please guide us as we go through this.

Love,

Mike

September 5, 2012

Dear God,

Please help me and give me the strength, courage, humility and comfort to get through lunch today.  I need you, Lord.  I'm climbing up this mountain and I need your help to climb up it.

Love,

Mike

September 4, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the strength and comfort to call Kerstin's mom. Pleas continue to give me the comfort and strength into tomorrow, I'm going to need it.

Thank you for blessing me with wonderful parents. I love them so much!

Love,

Mike

September 3, 2012

Dear God,

I'm sorry I didn't write to you yesterday again.  I promise this won't be a pattern and I will write everyday.

Thank you for getting me home safe this afternoon and keeping me comfortable on the plane.  I had a great time this weekend with Jess and Erin.  Thank you for blessing me with them in my life.  Please watch over them as they decide what the next direction will be for their lives.

Thank you for that romance chapter in Blue Like Jazz. You have been speaking to me ever since I started reading that book and teaching me lessons that I wish I learned a few years back.  Better late than never I guess?  I feel like you are taking me on the right path to Kerstin, the love of my life.  She means the world to me and I feel like you are bringing us back together again.

Please bless both of us with strength and courage as we both move forward in our lives.  Please watch over me and give me the courage to call Mrs. Klein and apologize this week.  I know this is the right thing to do.

Love,

Mike

September 1, 2012

Dear God,

Im sorry I didn't write yesterday, I was lazy. Please forgive me. Please give me the strength to overcome laziness.

Thank you for Erin and Jess they are being great this weekend and I'm having a lot of fun. Thank you for blessing me with such great people in my life.

Please watch over Kerstin and give her strength. Please give me the strength to get her back. She means the world to me.

Love,

Mike

August 30, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of Cassidy. She is a wonderful person an deserves someone that will treat well. Thank you for comforting me and giving me the strength to reach out to her and apologize. I know it meant a lot to her and pushed me to become the man I want to be.

Please continue to guide me as I go through this transition in my life and strengthen me with courage.

Please watch over Kerstin an with her with comfort.

Love,

Mike

August 29, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for teaching me through your words and spirit to put others before myself.

Love,

Mike

August 28, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for the gift of my grandma. She is such a wonderful old lady and teaches me a lot. Even though she may drive my family nuts from time to time we still love her.

Thank you for the gift of Tim. He works me hard and pushes me to be the best I can be in the gym. I am learning to take that good energy and use it in my everyday life.

Thank you for you grace that you give us everyday. Without your grace I would not be able to move on from the mistakes I have made and make. Thank you for your forgiveness and giving me the opportunity to be better.

Please watch over those in the path of hurricane issac and give them the strength to recover when it's all over. Please watch over Kerstin in Atlanta.

Love,

Mike

August 27, 2012

Dear God,

Please protect those down south that are in the path of hurricane issac. They need you now more than ever. Please give them the strength to persevere this storm and have them come out stronger.

Thank you for guiding me on the path that I should have been walking long ago. Thank you for making me stronger, honest, forgiving and generous. I try my hardest to carry out your word. I may trip and stub my toe from time to time, but you give me the opportunity to fix everything. Thank you for forgiving me for my sins and mistakes. Thank you for being with me in my time of need. Thank you for the dreams you give me of Kerstin and I. I look forward to those every night and they put a smile on my face and give me hope.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity be improve myself and be a better person everyday when I wake up.

Love,

Mike

August 26, 2012

Dear God,

I just finished watching a phenomenal movie, Blue Like Jazz.  As I was watching it, the movie made me realize that I am no different than the people in the movie.  During my college career and early in to my professional life I was ashamed of you and really wanted to fit into the crowd.  I was being selfish and unfair to a lot of people and you, oh Lord.  I'm sorry I wasn't living out your word and living the way that you have intended for all of us to live.  We move in this fast world and we forget the meaning of life and become these selfish beings looking out for number 1, us.  I know that I am not perfect and I make mistakes, but I also know that by believing in you and having your forgiveness I will be able to live a peaceful life and have a clear conscience to spread your word.  You put Kerstin into my life to really show me the way and I ignored that, I am sorry I did that.  I hurt her and I hurt You.  I would like to make that up to her and apologize for my actions and ask for her forgiveness.  I know its hard for her to trust and forgive, but I would like to have the opportunity to help her and maybe she can still help me without any ignorance from me.  I love her so much not only because she is the most beautiful human being inside and out, but I can see you in her.   Please give me the strength for affirming our relationship and choosing love over myself.

Love,

Michael

August 25, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for such wonderful friends and family. They mean the world to me. Thank you for giving me the strength to get through the long day and the triathlon. I really needed that.

Love,

Mike

August 24, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me a great challenge at work. I'm up for it an know I can get the job done. Thank you for the gift of Mark. He means a lot to me and is a really good friend.

Please continue to watch over me as I grow through this tough time in my life. I know you are guiding me on the right path. I will continue to spread your word and get better at it as I keep moving forward.

Love,

Mike

August 23, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing me with the running club. They are such wonderful people and always make me laugh and uplift me when I'm down.

Thank you for Emily she was a lovely girl and perfect for me to talk to right now. Its a blessing to know that there are people out there like Emily spreading your word. I hope to do the same and spread your good news.

I continue to miss her even more since I've started making this scrap book for her. It puts a smile on my face going through those pictures, but also makes me sad knowing I hurt her. I want to make this up to her as best I can. I love her so much and I believe we can be a great team in spreading your word and making each other very happy. Please watch over her and all of the people involved with Cru. Bless Emily and Matt as they talk to each other tonight. And please continue to give me strength and guidance as I go through this hard time in my life.

Love,

Mike

August 22, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for providing me with wonderful teachers in my life. Without them I wouldn't be able to learn from my mistakes, keep myself grounded and be true to myself and others. You gave me another great day. I feel your presence everywhere I go, it's like your guiding me down the right path towards righteousness.

I still miss her and wish I could hold her in my arms. I know she needs time, but how much time is enough time?

Please continue to guide me and give me strength to get through this hard time in my life and watch over Kerstin.

Love,

Mike

August 21, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for this wonderful day. I can tell you are making me stronger as a person and I have faith that you will guide me in the right direction of life. I feel like we are off to a good start after my screw up.

Please continue to guide me as I go through this tough time in my life.

Love,

Mike

Ps please watch over KK

August 20, 1012

Dear God,

Thank you for getting me through another tough day. With your grace I know I can get through anything.

Right now I need you more than ever. I miss her so much and just want to hold her close to me and never let go.she is the world to me. Please give me the strength to give her time. I know she needs it and that I need as well. But if you could do me a favor, if I could hear her voice soon, other than her voicemail, that would make me feel so much better. I just want to know how she is doing. Please make her string and guide her to the life she deserves.

Love,

Mike

August 19, 2012

Dear God,

I had a rather interesting day today.  It started off great, you had your palm on my head all morning.  I can't believe how hard you were working on me today.  You got me thinking about me for a change and what would make me happy.  See, I'm starting to realize that pretty much my whole life I was worrying about what other people thought of me and what I did/would do.  That's what caused my selfishness.  I would always be doing what, I thought, others wanted me to do which was the wrong thing because it angered me instead of made me happy.  But now with your guidance I was able to think and open up to my parents about what I wanted from life and how I want to live.  I was able to share what I was happy about and what I wasn't happy about in my life.

Thank you for giving me that strength to be open.  That's how I want to live, that's how I want to be.  I want to be true to you and everyone that I interact with.  I want to be dancing everyday of my life.  I want to be happy every morning that I wake up.  What makes me happy is when I can help someone accomplish their goals.

With your grace and my faith in you, I know that I can live the life you have planned for me.  I know I can worship you great on my own, but I know that with her by my side we can worship you better and spread your word better together than apart.  I am asking that you guide us on our own as we learn about ourselves, but I'm also asking that you guide us back together.

Thank you for this day.

Love,

Mike

August 18, 2012

Dear God,

I was thinking a lot bout her today. I was thinking how our relationship can't end because we have so many more things that we need to do with each other. I know I need to try to move on and live without her and live on my own, but I feel my life is great without her, but much better if we were together. I want to show her how much she means to me. I want to love her like no one has loved anyone before. I've always wanted to be great and the best at something and I think I know what that is. It's to love her and cherish her and our relationship.

Thank you for the fun round of golf today! I need a laugh like you gave us today. It means so much to me when that happens. I know we kid around with each other a lot, but it's all in good fun, we live each other. Thank you for giving me the conscience to pay for the socks. It feels so good to be honest and have peace of mind of knowing you did the right thing. Than you for waking me up this morning and I look forward to more days filled with conversations with you.

Love,

Mike

August 17, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for a great day today. I really needed your strength and you gave it to me. I miss her even more today, but I know with your guidance you will make is both happy. Thank you for my friend, and thank you for my parents. You have blessed me with so many wonderful people in my life. It's now my time to have faith in you and thank you for your grace. I will continue to do that until we meet I. Heaven.

Love,

Mike

August 16, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the strength to with hold my frustration on the golf course. I had a very hard day thinking about her today and a bad golf game didn't help. Thank you for comforting me when I needed it most. I know there will be better days, but I know with you by my side it makes the hard days easier. Please continue to give me strength during this hard time in my life.

I am very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life and I see you in them. Please continue to watch over them and everyone that I love.

Love,

Mike

August 15, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me the strength to be patient on Dustin's and my way back to work after lunch.  He is a good kid and means well, but sometimes he can get to me and frustrate me.  With your guidance  I am able to stay patient and instead of getting frustrated at him, I can learn from him.  When I was talking to you on my way home from spin class today you gave me that beautiful sunset that looked gorgeous in the clouds.  When I see things like that I know your focusing a little more energy at that moment.  Thank you for giving me the strength to get through this day and come out a better person than I was going in.

Love,

Mike

August 14, 2012

Dear God,

Thank you for getting me through this day.  I was worried all day because of my dentist appointment. As you know, I'm not the biggest fan of the dentist.  You gave me the strength to get me through it and thank you for that.  As I'm going through these rough couple of days talking to you eases my pain and comforts me.  Please continue to give me and everyone else the strength and courage to get through our tough days.  I know there will be tougher days as life goes on, but knowing I have you will get me through them.

Love,

Mike

Introduction

Hello Everyone!  I've tried this blog thing once before, but I didn't really know what I wanted to say and how to say it.  I really forced myself into this blog world because I wanted to impress my girlfriend and show her that I can do this, but really I wasn't doing it for myself and wasn't expressing my real thoughts.  So I'm taking this chance to start over and express my true feelings by writing letters to God.

Let me start by introducing myself, my name is Mike Esser.  Some people call me Michael, others call me Mikey or even Junior because my dad has the same name as me.  I love to compete in triathlons and marathons, I love to golf and all around have a good time with others.  My day job is that I work in the prototype industry and help companies design and develop new products.

The reason I'm starting this blog is because I have recently learned something about myself.  I learned that I wasn't living the way or being the person that I want to be.  I was being selfish and made a few mistakes that hurt the people closest to me.  I want to turn things around, not necessarily press the reset button, but I want to start living the way I want to live and be the person that encourages others.  I believe the best way to do this is to have a strong, honest relationship with the guy in the sky, God.

So each day I've decided to write a letter to God......