So What Does Faith Look Like?

I go to BibleStudys and I'm baffled. We sit around sharing prayer requests and telling each other how much we need Godly intervention but for the most part we do nothing to live like we mean it. I makes me ask, "What does being a Christian look like"?
I sure hope it's not the "fish" bumper sticker on the car that just cut me off. Is it the woman with the sour face watching the teenagers from the choir? Nah, maybe it's the man on his knees at the front of the church begging God for the money to pay this months bills?
If that's the case, does that mean suffering is what faith looks like?
I've started to ask, "what does a faithful response look like" in my Biblestudies. I get various answers. My standard question is, "if I've cast my cares on Jesus and trust that He's now in charge of them, do I keep praying for the same thing over and over again?" I personally feel that praying for the same thing over and over sounds like a kid trying to wear a parent down. It feels like begging after I've been told NO. I wonder if the act of praying over and over again is a "righteous" way of not really giving it fully to Jesus in the first place.
However, for my Mom and others it seems to cement that it's no longer theirs. They tell me it is an act of giving it to Him daily to ensure they don't hoard a piece back for themselves. It's their obedience.
For me I've decided not to pray for the same thing over and over. I have a house in Denver that is in a short sale. I've given this house and this situation over to God. It's His. I am still responsible for all the earthly things that need to be done but my heart is light now. My worry is over. I'm at peace. So much peace that I'm just sure God has plans for good here. I went and bought a bottle of champange to celebrate. It's chilling in my fridge in ready to hear how God has worked with situation. I truly believe I will get to celebrate this property passing out of my hands any time now. However, since it's now in God's hands there really is no telling exactly how this story will end. My way and His way are not even close. But I plan on celebrating His goodness whatever the answer. I might just have to pop open my bubbly to salute His awesomeness and His love for me not the sale I am hopping for.
That's how I've decided to have faith. By giving over my burdens and thanking God for His answer. Praising Him for whatever solution He's deemed appropriate. Toasting life with champagne. Celebrating that I'm on team GOD.
Living in a peace that baffles those around me.

Feeling Loved

I just finished the CSI marathon. Three hours of depressing reality. It was about a national crime "ring" that snagged beautiful girls and used them in horrible ways. Prostitution, baby breeders, organs.... While for the most part it felt like watching TV there was a scene that tugged on my heartstring.
A beautiful, battered, young woman in in a hospital bed refusing to give up her pimp. "He was the only one who said he loved me." Could that be true? Are there millions of people out there that haven't heard, "I love you". That kills me.
Don't get me wrong I'm not a mushy person. In fact my poor husband is so neglected that the fact I made coffee and pulled out a clean mug for him made him feel loved. However, this thought that people are pathetic empty shells just aching to belong bothers me because I think I can believc it's true.
I've never felt this way. I can't remember a time I didn't feel loved and cherished. My parents drive me crazy but I know they love me. My God confuses me but I feel cherished. In fact I feel special! (not just short bus special either, but take on the world special)
For example, I was at Walmart today. Big surprise there. As usually I was walking around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to remember why I was at Walmart when I needed to be at Home Depot or Sears. I finished up shopping and got to the register confident that I had my debit card in my purse but no. I'm standing at the register searching my purse in vain. My debit card is sitting next to my computer at home. I was too busy buying cute shoes last night to remember to do what I am forever telling the kids to do..."put it away when you're done".
I could have freaked out but instead I found a ten dollar gift card for Walmart. "Well, what do you know, God was watching out for me", I said to the cashier. "Lucky you", she responded. "He does that for me," I replied. "I'm lost without Him". Little did she realize the truth of my words. She smiled at me and wished me a good day. Off I went, carrying my new purchases. Feeling loved and protected by God from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.
Am I the only one who gets this? I sure hope not. Feeling loved is where it's at!