Feeling Swallowed....

Three weeks ago we started a study through Jonah at church.  I have managed to get my sleepy self out of bed and make it to church the last three weeks!  I never thought I'd have trouble getting up on Sundays, but the last few years, oh my gosh, some mornings its SO tough!
Yesterday's sermon was titled "What Should I Do When I Feel Swallowed Up?"  Jonah 2:1-9
As I made my way into the sanctuary yesterday, I read that title and I thought, "Oh, that's how I feel a lot of the time!"
And I do--thats not a secret.  I feel like Im drowning in a sea of forgetfulness.  I feel like Im going to scream and pull my hair out--though it would do nothing but make my throat hurt and my head hurt--not to mention, I'd be bald like my husband if I pulled all my hair out.  (Sorry honey, just had to use that!)
I have days that I feel like this b/c I am a mother--of a teenager and a 6 year old.  That in itself should explain a lot.  ;o)
However, all of us moms know how crazy things tend to get.  We have our homes to take care of, our families to take care of, some of us have part time jobs, etc.   Sometimes I just feel swallowed up by all of it.
And throw into all of that--diabetes.  It stinks.  It gives my son extra attitude.  And that extra attitude on top of the 'typical teenager attitude'...OH MY WORD!  
As I sat and listened and took notes yesterday, I was reminded that even when I feel swallowed up by every day life, the Lord is always there.  And he always knows how I feel, whether I voice it aloud or not.
I must remember to PRAY--anytime, anywhere--through any emotion in any life situation!
Sermon Notes: Sunday June 18, 2011 Jonah 2:1-9
1.  Know that you never get away from the presence of the Lord. (vs1)
2.When you do not know how to pray, pray scripture. (vs 2-9)
*The spirit intercedes for us.  (Romans 8:26)
*Pray the words of the Bible.
*Pray the prayers of the Bible.
3.When you feel threatened or defeated, remember the faithfulness of the Lord. (vs 6-8)
**We are to remember God's faithfulness to us and the stories of His faithfulness to others.
(remember: mental act of focusing your attention on something)
4.Pray until joy returns, hope comes alive and your heart is changed.(vs 9)
5.Focus on the salvation of the Lord.(vs9)
**Notice the elements of his prayer:
> There is honesty.
>There is confession.
>There are specific details.
>There is thanksgiving.
Conclusion:  
We can pray in any location, through any emotion, through any life situation.