"Many are the plans of a man's [mother's] heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21 Ever see a hamster on a wheel? They run and run, the wheel squeaking and turning, and when they are finished, exhausted, they are still no further ahead, are they? There are days when I feel like that. As the mother of a very busy, intelligent, strong-willed little boy some days I go to bed with dishes in the sink and toys scattered on my living room floor. It can be difficult to order my days in such a way that I am able to accomplish the necessary tasks. Lately, it's been impressed on me that there are three things I can do that will help me to keep my purpose aligned with the Lord's. 1. Get enough sleep. It's hard to hear the voice of the Lord when I walk through my day half asleep. 2. Eat whole, energizing foods. I'm not talking about a diet. This is simple - is the food alive? Eat raw fruits and veggies as much as you can - you'll have more energy. 3. Carve out a few minutes for yourself, even just a few times a week, that you can read a devotional book and get out your bible. How will you know if your purposes fit with God's, if you don't know what his purposes are?... When we can put first things first, we'll find that our life will fall into place. Last night, instead of folding laundry, my son and I sat on the couch and read a book about a porcupine named Fluffy. The laundry will be taken care of over the course of my day, my son will remember what I did - taking time for him - and hopefully connect it with the truth that God will always make time for him, always be interested in his life. God's encouragement for you today? Align your purpose with His purpose and you'll be on the right track! "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
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I am at my kitchen table and the morning sun is breaking through the trees spreading bright light. A cup of coffee, a nourishing breakfast, my journal, devotional book and bible are scattered around me. A sentence in my devotional catches my attention:
"Rest in silence and tranquility." Before I have finished reading the sentence, loud laughter comes out of the living room where Trey is watching Milo & Otis for the 150th time. I look up in time to see him sneaking a cupcake off of the counter, my "Not right now" drowned out by the pounding of his feet as he runs back into the living room. Earlier, I was up at 3AM by his request for milk. Then his 6AM cry for a foot rub. My coffee is preceded by a dash outside to feed and water chickens, rabbits, horse, dogs, and a cat. Trey follows me outside, and a normally quick routine is punctuated by screams of " I lost my shoe!" "I'm cold!" "I want to go inside!" - all said in a screaming voice with as much drama as Bette Midler. Silence? Tranquility? Not today, honey . It's days like today that this verse encourages me: "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you." ~ Jesus (Jn15:4 MSG) Jesus isn't waiting for silence and tranquility before he makes his home in me. Phew. Phones ringing , toddlers whining, dirty dishes - regardless, Jesus is making his home in me in the midst of my life, not in spite of it. I encourage you to make a concerted effort to set aside quiet time for devotions and prayer. But on those days when the only 'quiet' you experience is when your kids are strapped into their seats and you're pumping gas - remember, in this too, Jesus is here. Here in the midst of your life. Jesus is here. |
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