I read this today…. so. so. good.

Often women are overwhelmed by too many things to do (see Luke 10:40) because there are many good choices concerning how to apportion their time (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). To set priorities is to determine what is important to you and how your time is to be apportioned-that is, who and what will take precedence over other parts of life.

Scripture contains guidelines for God’s order:

• Your personal relationship to Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33; Philemon 3:8);
• Your commitment to home and family-especially spouse and children (Genesis 2:24; Psalm 127:3; Ephesians 5:22,25; 6:4; 1 Timothy 3:2-5; 5:8; 1 Peter 3:7) and even to the extended family, as so beautifully portrayed in the relationship between Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17);
• Your responsibility to employer and tasks assigned (see 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12); and
• Your service to God through ministries in the church and involvement in the community (see Colossians 3:17).

Once you have these divinely appointed criteria in mind, you are ready to sort out the opportunities that come (Psalm 32:8) and move forward in the most effective and productive management of time and resources. A very practical way of accomplishing this is to list all the tasks before you, consider each prayerfully as to merit and timeliness (see Colossians 2:5), arrange them in order of importance, then proceed to do the most important things first (see 1 Corinthians 14:40).

To be consistent in your priorities, consider these admonitions:

• Assign God first place (Matthew 6:33);
• Consult with the Father regularly in your quiet time (Psalm 55:17; Luke 5:15-16);
• Examine your own heart (Ecclesiastes 3:1);
• Keep yourself spiritually fit (Isaiah 30:15).

Jesus met with the Father in intensive prayer and meditation to determine his priorities and to prepare himself for each day (see Luke 5:15-16).

Note also these cautions:

• Put people before things (see 2 Corinthians 8:5).
• Do not limit your investment in those you love and others who cross your path, to money and gifts.
• Look for ways to invest yourself, your time, your energies.
• Family must be more important than occupation since
  Scripture clearly states that there is no success if the family is lost (1 Timothy 3:5; 5:8; Titus 2:4-5).
• Sometimes you must say no, as did even Jesus when some seemingly good requests for his time did not fit the overall plan for his ministry (Luke 4:42-43).

The underlying principle in determining priorities is always that spiritual values must overshadow worldly pursuits (2 Corinthians 4:18).

My husband has truly become a fire-making expert.  I truly love to sit in the evenings by the warmth of the flames.  Several times we’ve enjoyed a rented movie, other nights we find ourselves playing a family game or adding to our puzzle table, tonight I had a chance to grab a book, and I find myself reflecting a bit tonight…

It’s been a wonderful Christmas vacation.  The ability to sleep in several morning is such a special treat, we’ve needed it.  Three winter sports have provided several activities, and yet Christmas Day we stayed in our pjs for the entire day.  And then snow!  What a great treat over this vacation time.  We’ve built snowmen and today chose some family sledding time!

We’ve hosted a family gathering time, enjoyed some skating around the roller rink, takin in a movie at the theater, and spent some Christmas money while shopping for special treasures.  We’ve drank lots of hot chocolate, enjoyed our chocolate fondue, and roasted marshmellows for smores in the fireplace.

But more than anything, I’m enjoying time to place some focus on simply cherishing the moments as they come.  I’ve sat with my son as he explores his new technology, asked questions and listened to answers as to who is “texting” what as new relationships develop, and I hear him giggle with his sister over bunk bed sleepovers.  I’ve joined our middle one in painting nails, and shopping for new boots, and setting up activities with friends.  She always remembering to thank me, to hug me, and even to apologize for times when she’s messed up.  I’ve snuggled with the youngest, and sang songs over puzzles, and listened to her retell all the funny parts of cherished movies.  And my heart is full.

And I watch my husband.  I listen to him share.  And I’m so thankful for a job that provides joy, and fulfillment, and satisfaction in taking pride in excellence for the Lord.  And I hear Him dream again.  And it’s music to my ears.

And I know that I know that I know that my heart is content in this family focus.  I’ve noticed how the stretching and the slight off-kilter of a full-time job has rocked my physical body and my spiritual soul.  I’ve needed a time to refocus.  I’m taking better note of what I feed my body.  I’m making sure that I’m looking for opportunities to release some endorphins.  And most importantly, I’m inviting the Lord into my life in perhaps ways in which I’ve slowly neglected Him before.  This sense of off-kilter is a great indicator, and I’m thankful to be able to take inventory.  I’ve realized that sometimes the Lord’s plans don’t include an instruction booklet or a pretty wrapped up bow on top.  Sometimes He simply asks me to trust and obey.

As another amazing year comes to a close, and I think back over the whirlwind of transitions, I am grateful and most proud of one constant – the word of God.  This marks my third consecutive year of reading through the Bible.  I’m not looking for a pat on the back, I’m simply amazed and grateful to the Lord for his patient endurance in loving me and extending grace daily.  This is my act of worship.  It grounds me.  I learn more and more every year.  Whether I grab time in the morning over breakfast, or grab it just before bedtime, this constant shows me one thing – I love to do it.  It’s no longer out of duty, or guilt, or shame, it’s out of love.  Can’t wait to start in Genesis all over again.

From our family to yours, Happy New Year!!

Tomorrow is an important day!  Sometimes I find myself doing a bit of some eye-rolling when it comes to yet the next “holiday” celebration.  Gift-giving is the lowest of my love-languages.  It can cause great turmoil for me as I want to be able to give a special gift, yet feel so lacking in the creative department.

I have, however, been given the blessing of a child who rates gift-giving at the top of her list.  She is just a flurry of excitement when it comes to celebrating, creating home-made items, and planning special surprises.  I’m just so thankful for her.  She inspires me. And, in honor of this very special day that arrives in the morning, I decided to join in her excitement.

You see, I was given a very special gift by this honoree just 4 days ago.  A gift given in honor of our wedding anniversary.  I am so thankful for this gift, for with it, I can speak the language of my boys – the language of technology, (and lots of pictures!)  I can’t spoil all the goodies in store for our special grown-up boy tomorrow, but I do want to leave a tribute to the one my children call… Daddy.

• The smiles on these faces reflect you.
• Austin’s word for you – Hero.
• Emma’s word – Daddy.
• Brynn’s word – well she used several, my favorite was the memories of your funny voices.
• Austin mirrors your… sarcasm… and focus.
• Emma mirrors your tenderness.
• Brynn mirrors your humor.
• Austin doesn’t mirror your… hair line.
• Emma doesn’t mirror your feet.
• Brynn doesn’t mirror your bone structure.  To all these things you would say, “Thank you God.”
• They all hear you say, “I love you”, daily.

• Their zest for life, they get from you.
• Their love of movies and music, they get from you.
• Their sense of style… well, they all like Carolina blue.
• Their joy of the Lord, they get from you.
• The way they love their Mother, they get from you.

Thank you Daddy for loving us with kindness, patience, goodness, and faithfulness.  We are learning about the Love of Christ from the ways in which you love us.  We know that you are not perfect, but you lead us to the One who is. You are helping to shape our character in order for us to walk through the plans, and along the path that God has in store for us.  We feel lucky.  We are blessed.  We love you!

I found myself facing this dilemma today – how do I make a decision when my heart wants to dare to believe and dream, while my head wants to compute things logically, practically?  What happens is I find myself changing my “mind”, too many times to count.  Not sure about you, but this leaves me drained, tired, frustrated.  What’s a girl to do?

Well, my head starts to make lists, and my heart cries out to the One who created it.  In my prayers for wisdom and discernment, I’m often left with… silence.  The phrase, “silence is golden” does have some truth to it, yet it can frustrate the heck out of my emotions.  Perhaps it’s the child in me that wants what I want, and wants it right now.  Perhaps my dilemma lies in the battle between my logical head that wants to keep me from disappointment, disillusionment, and pain, and my heart that dares to dabble in the exciting possibilities of what-ifs.

Either way, I do believe that both are important, both my head and my heart serve a purpose.  If they are at odds, there is a lesson in the middle.  Could it be that therein lies an opportunity for faith?  Could it be that logic dares to tread the line of pride and declaring my ultimate sovereignty?  Could my heart be tossing logic out the window just to follow a whim?

Great things to ponder.  Ultimately, an opportunity to lay my will at the feet of my Jesus, and place myself at the altar of His Will.

Lord, this isn’t easy, yet, you didn’t call me to a life of easy.  My ultimate goal is to live in each moment for You.  Often times it’s not as I would have drawn it up, yet you write for me the reminder that Your ways are higher than mine.  I stand on this truth.  I stand before you with an open heart, open mind, and open will.  Here I am Lord.  Send me.

I’ve found myself in the midst of several great books lately, yet this one has captivated me the most.  Though I would greatly enjoy writing a review, I think God would have that for another day.  What I wanted to mention to you tonight was an activity actually.  It’s one that at first glance sounded simple enough, yet when left to ponder my answers, I found myself looking harder at what my first off-the-top-of-my-head answers really projected. You see, this book is written by a seasoned Mom, and not only that, she’s a  licensed psychotherapist and has a passion for equipping moms for every facet of raising exceptional children.  She’s a straight-shooter and has helped me look at just how to achieve intentional parenting.  As in many aspects of life, it requires planning.

One part that has struck a cord with me is that I need to be intentional in communicating to my children so they may comprehend that they have value simply because they are, not all in what they do.  Here’s the activity that shifted my thoughts:

It is important for your child to know what it is you like about him or her.  Make a list and set aside a time where you can sit with your son or daughter and read the list you have made.  He or she may not know how to react to this moment, but that is okay.  What is important is that you take the time to say it; your son or daughter needs to hear it from you.  Be sure you only say it if it is true.  Be prepared to give examples.

And there you go… try this one on for size!  I felt it impressed upon me to speak these words of “likeness” to our middle child, just a sense from the Spirit that she needed this.  I swing with this child from feelings of intense correction to a lack of attention when all is going smoothly.  With this activity, it challenged me to see her through my “new” mom eyes again, you know, the ones that stared at her in infancy and as a young toddler with awe, wonder, and sheer enjoyment, not from what she could do, but simply for who she was.  I started off thinking of her actions, and yet really wanted to share with her her words of what I like about her heart.  I chose a moment with just her and I.  I admit I began a little guarded, not sure how it would be received, but I have a feeling the words just sunk down to her core.  You know, the place where you go to when the world is crashing around you.  I wanted to plant these words of unconditional love, admiration, appreciation and praise.  So often negativity, criticism, and correction surface so quickly.  I wanted to make more deposits in the bank of encouragement.  She maturely responded with a nod of acceptance.  When asked if she wanted me to go on, she said, “No, that’s okay Mommy” (smirk).  I just heart this child.

SO… one child down, 2 to go – and I can’t wait.  How about you?  Will you accept this challenge and complete this activity?  The character of your child has been entrusted to you, by no mistake.  Remember that God is your biggest fan, and He never gives up on you.  Children know in their hearts that a mother’s love is bigger than their own mistakes.  Enjoy, and report back, always fun to share!