Seeking Him...

I've been thinking a lot about priorities lately.  For quite some time actually.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, 

and all these things shall be added to you."

How do we "seek His Kingdom first" and still get everything done here on earth?  That's been my question.  The answer I've come to is to line up my priorities..

Priority as defined by Webster is:

-superiority in rank, position, or privilege 

-a preferential rating; esp : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply

-something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives

My goods and services are my time and attention and that time is almost always limited in supply.  
We all have the same 24 hours in each day, it's all in what we choose to allocate to that time.

I've always looked at things in list form when possible, just because that is the way my brain functions best.  So here is my list...it's one Chris and I came up with this summer as we put together a mission statement for our family.

First.  GOD.  

Seems obvious, but I've had seasons in life, when HE has slid down the list and before I know it, I've not had a good conversation with Him in weeks.  Maybe busy-ness has taken over and there is a thick layer of dust that has settled on my Bible.

I have chosen to make HIM my first priority.  Daily.  This fall I was part of the Hello Mornings Challenge, with a Twitter accountability group.  It was great.  Every so often, if I didn't check in, someone came looking for me, and I returned the favor...it's a great community.

I see this as such a huge thing because not only am I starting my day right, with the Word and prayer, but I am modeling it for my teenagers, who believe me...are watching everything!

Second.  ME.

This may not seem quite as obvious.  And to be honest, I struggle with it.  It seems narcisitic to me to put emphasis and focus on me.  I'm not talking about perpetual shopping sprees, manicures and pedicures.  

I'm talking about health and exercise, creativity, reading, hobbies, etc.  Things I like to do.  

I'm trying very hard to make time for these things in my life.  It's hard, because as a mom, your needs get shoved to the back burner when other "more urgent" things need your attention.

BUT, if we aren't taking care of ourselves physically, what happens?  We get tired and sick.  What happens when we don't stretch our brains and our creativity, expanding our horizons?  We get overwhelmed and weary in the process.  C'mon moms...we have to look after ourselves before we are any use to those God has given us charge over. {preaching to myself here...}

Third. FAMILY. 
No matter how we shake it out, our family is our priority.  It's two-fold.  Our marriage and then our children.  If our marriage isn't strong and providing an example to our kids, then what?  And if we aren't sowing daily into the lives of our children, who will?

Fourth.  CHURCH.

This one gets a little fuzzy for me, as I work at the church, so I spend a lot more time in the church than your average person.  But I'm coming to realize my view on this one has be askew...I've seen the church as a building.  Because that's what we call it...the church.  

But Jesus - whenever He went anywhere said, "the Kingdom of God is at hand..."  We carry Him, so shouldn't the church go with us?  When we go to the store or the library, shouldn't the church go too?

Now, we operate as usher, trustee, security, Sunday school teacher, and life group leaders, on top of my administrative position, so we have some influence on people's lives.  That's the church I'm really referring to here.  

Fifth.  WORK.

Again, the fuzziness, because of the working at the church thing.  But, my husband owns a business, and that needs attention.  He needs to spend time working the business...you because we like to eat and stuff.  And I am working this blog thing.

But what happens if work/blog rises to the top of the list?  Would that be at the expense of family time? or church responsibilities?  There are seasons, don't get me wrong, when work rises to the top for a short time because of special circumstances.  But it shouldn't be the norm.

Sixth.  EVERYTHING ELSE.

I don't get here very often.  Not really sure what qualifies, except for those things that don't fit anywhere else.  Basically if it doesn't fit in the other categories, then it's probably not going to get a whole lot of attention.

Those are my thoughts.  With two teens, a small business, and tons of commitments, I've really had to put things in perspective so as to not get out of balance in any direction.

Tell me - do you struggle with priorities and balancing your world?

Honored to be Linking up with:
Wifey Wednesday
WIP Wednesday

My thoughts on mentoring

I know I’m a little late getting in on this mentoring conversation, but today’s scripture really struck a chord.  It’s something that’s been on my heart for awhile, but I am really good at putting it on the shelf and “not thinking about it.”  

"...the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed."  Titus 2:3-5

It’s quite obvious from this passage that as “older” (ahem) women, we are to behave in a certain way…reverent, etc.  Why?  Because we are an example.  Like it or not.  In our spheres of influence, wherever that may be…home, church, home, school, grocery store, home, our neighborhood, other women are watching.  You can bet on it.

I have a couple of younger moms at church, who I know watch my children. My children are teenagers now, but they are well-behaved, courteous, and helpful.  And people see that.  Others want to know “how we did it.”  It’s an example to them…a goal to shoot for. 

Are my kids perfect?  No.  Am I perfect?  No.  But they are certainly welcome to follow me as I follow HIM….mistakes and all.  And honestly, sometimes the mistakes are the best teachers.

For over 17 years, I’ve done just that.  I’ve followed.  I’ve watched.  I’ve taken notes.  This is my example….

This is J.  She is about the best example of a wife and mom I know.  Only recently did we tell her and her husband that they were the models we used for our parenting.  They didn’t even know we were taking notes and implementing strategies, based on what we saw them do.  How many younger couples are watching me, that I don't even know about?  Wowza!  That's a big responsibility!

And ohhhhh how she loves her husband!  I think they just celebrated 25 years, and you would think they are but newlyweds….seriously!  I desire that as well...

All that to say this….we need each other.  We need to have mentors and to be mentors.  My prayer is that I could do just that…have and be a mentor.  How about you?

♥Lori

Linked with:

Good Morning Girls
WIPWed

Wifey Wednesday

 

Wrestling With Identity

Early on in life, before I met husband, or even Jesus for that matter, I had visions of myself as the proverbial career woman (I actually have a BS in Accounting) with maybe a husband but definitely no kids.  In 1988, when I met Jesus, things changed. 

Then in 1995 everything changed - I married, and two years later became a mom. 

I found that my vision for my life had not only changed, but changed drastically.

Now, I loved being a wife and taking care of my home and living life with my husband…still do – even after 17 years!!  And being a mom…words cannot describe it! 

I have spent the last 17 years forming my identity around my family. 

I am a wife and a mom.  Period.  And I have no problem with that, I simply have a questioning, a stirring for more….  Could this be called an identity crisis?

Definition of IDENTITY CRISIS
1: personal psychosocial conflict that involves confusion about one's social role and often a sense of loss of continuity to one's personality
2: a state of confusion in an institution or organization regarding its nature or direction

I am keenly aware of how fast my children are growing up.  They are now 13 and 15.  In five short years, even high school will be a memory. 

Then what will my identity be?  

What direction will I head? 

Could / should I be going in that direction now?

I comprehend the fact that I am first and foremost a Daughter of the Most High God. 

But I will also always be a wife and help-meet, and I will certainly always be their Mom. 

I guess my question in all of this is…

As wives and mothers, how do we keep from forging our identities in the roles of wife and mom?  Shouldn’t there be more?  And if so, how do we get there?

♥Lori

Linked up with:

WIP Wed @ New Life Steward

Good Morning Girls

Wifey Wednesday @ To Love Honor & Vacuum

Lessons learned from the Avengers

A couple of weeks ago we went to the movies, something we seldom do because they are so expensive!  But Drummer had been wanting to see the Avengers so we decided to use a gift card and enjoy an afternoon together. 

I'm not real into super hero movies, but every once in awhile I'm surprised.  This was one of those times.  All of us really enjoyed the movie and I even came away with some "lessons" that we talked about as a family later on.

First, teamwork is essential.  Whether you are talking about a thirteen year old baseball team, a family unit, or any other group, working together is what gets the job done.  Each person (or superhero as the case may be) brings a unique and significant element or gifting to the table, and without each one, the team isn't complete, and cannot function to its optimal level.

But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.  1Cor. 12:18

Having the right tools is also an important aspect.  Iron man needed that outfit to succeed.  We each have tools at our disposal. The Word, prayer, fellowship and of course we have outlets like our blogs, etc.  Using these tools we can certainly make a difference in the world around us as well as our own homes.  Having and using the right tools is everything to our success.

A good attitude.  One that never gives up is also imperative to the process.  We need to have the attitude that will not give up...not in the face of the toughest situation.

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 3:14

Along with a good attitude is a sense of humor.  There is just something therapeutic about a good laugh.  I actually have a friend who cracks me up like no one else.  I love to laugh with her!  And if we can't laugh at ourselves, we are taking life way too seriously.  By the way, Iron man cracked me up more than once with his comments.

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.  Prov. 17:22

Finally, my favorite line in the whole movie came at the beginning from who else, the villain.  He said: 

"I am burdened with purpose".  

Whoa.  I have asked myself - Am I burdened with purpose?  What am I doing in my life that is making a difference? Is my attitude reflective of that purpose? And am I using the tools God has given me to accomplish the goal?

It's weird to me how a Superhero movie can provoke these kind of thoughts.  Did you see the movie?  What did you think?  

Are you burdened with purpose?

♥ Lori

Linking up with:
Sheila at Wifey Wednesday 
Angela at Good Morning Girls 
Courtney at Women Living Well 

Rising while it is yet night...

Photo Source

The Proverbs 31 Woman Bible Study has been challenging for me this week.

 

Proverbs 31:15  “She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.”

The part that I have been struggling with is the first part…”she rises while it is yet night”.  I am not a morning person.  I have never proclaimed to be.  And every time I have tried to create that particular habit, I end up not “rising while it is yet night.”

I asked God why I can’t get up in the morning like I want to…you know, the whole “my spirit is willing but my flesh is weak theory.”  He asked me to write down in my notebook that morning’s events…

6:00am – my alarm went off, and I shut it off and rather than get up right then, I chose to stay in bed for another half hour.

6:30am – I realize I have to get up now…kids will be up soon, and things need to get done.  But now I feel behind.  And my feet hadn’t even hit the floor yet!!  I brushed my teeth and went to the kitchen to start breakfasts and lunches…

7:45am – Kids left for school and I head down to the basement to exercise.

8:30am – I shower, eat my breakfast, plan the to-do list for the day, rotate 2 loads of laundry, finish a small pile of ironing, do some basement organizing as I’m waiting for the dryer to finish, and a host of other things I can’t even remember…

10:00am – I sit down to have a quiet time with God

Regardless of how I look at it…I chose to sleep that first half hour and put God last, after so many other things.  Ouch!  Not exactly the Proverbs 31 Woman…

But today was different.  Today I was awake with God at 5:45am, and out of bed having my Bible study at 6am.  And let me tell you.  I am peaceful.  I know that my day is God’s, and that I am able to accomplish everything HE sets before me, and I am fine with that. 

Is my to-do list done? Nope.  But I am sitting here writing.  And that is truly a step in the right direction…

Am I Enjoying the Process?  Oh yeah, painful as it may be, because I know that I know, that as I put HIM first, all things work together for my good...

♥Lori

Linked up with: WIWW and Wifey