What's Important Here?

This is the time of year that we have great reflection on our faith, family and focus (what's really important).
Why do we get so distracted from our focus (what really matters)?  Why are we not a people that can demonstrate our thankfulness more often...throughout the year....appreciate the simple and the extravagant....the sweetness in the chaos....something good in the ugliness? 
For those of you who have mastered this, good for you!  Find some friends and sharpen them to do the same :)
But, for the rest of us, this is a work in progress.  I have become more aware of it the past 6 months as I have been on a spiritual mountain climbing journey with my Lord.  I'm thankful for this growth spurt, even when I am experiencing a growing pain. 
So, how do we keep our focus on what's really important?  First, let's look at what is REALLY important: things that are lovely, pure, right, excellent and worthy of praise.  So if it is anything else that has your focus....you have been distracted, which leads to deception.  And who is the one behind this deception?  You've got it, the father of lies, your enemy, the devil who prowls around looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8)  Now, I'm not one to focus on our enemy, but I do want to understand his objective so I can be smart enough to "recognize" his work.  There is a reason scripture says be self-controlled and alert.  In Proverbs 27:12 he again gives wisdom in saying "A prudent person forsees danger and takes precautions.  The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers consequences." 
How could we suffer?  When we are decieved. Don't feel condemed, we all fall short BUT let's fix it! Deception brings out bad fruit and the enemy moves around in his end zone doing a victory dance and pointing to himself saying "i'm the man!"
Let me give you a little insight.  He is more skilled at being sneaky than "roaring".  For the majority, we can see and hear the "roaring" when it's coming, but it's the subtly that gets us every time.  So my point today is, LET'S GET IT. 
He will try to get you with:

• stupid arguments
• petty issues (ask your self, is this really worth focusing on?)
• greediness
• unsatisfied
• personal attacks
• angry people
• personal conflict
• lack of managment with your time, finances, responsibilities
• and the BIGGEST, offense, leading to unforgiveness.  When you get here, it's harder to get out of than quick sand....and I've never been in quick sand but it looks almost impossible.  :)

Let's focus on what really matters in life.  If I were to die tomorrow, I would want to know that my words, efforts, my energy, my schedule, my relationships were a positive, eternal difference for all involved.
What am I grateful for? A strong, godly, growing marriage. Three girls who love the Lord and hear His voice. My daily needs being met and a bonus round of my desires.  A great team of solid, selfless women that I work with daily. The teachable moments with my students.  The innocent moment of their faces when we do something fun yet simple.  The kind words.  The people who get involved in ministry. A mom who gives her time each week to help me in class.  People who have a positive spirit. People who are problem solvers. People who see a need and meet the need.  People who stay away from drama.  People who work hard and give God the glory for the blessings that follow.   

The enemy will be sneaky and punch you where it hurts!  PUNCH BACK!  Focus on what's really important.  The only way you can have the energy to do this is through HIS DAILY WORD and allow yourself to grow.  I encourage you to start hiking up that spiritual mountain with your Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving!
The Mrs. Pastor

All I See is a Rock

That's right!  All I see is a rock.  My husband was watching a National Geographic show of people digging up rocks in a desolate area.  I know, why would I stop to even see why this would even interest my husband?  He must have really needed a break from his world!  But now I have this post :)

The Geologist (that will be the name I give him) became very excited as he made a discovery.  He began sweeping the rock, then carefully digging around it.  Then some more sweeping and digging.  Yes, this was time I will never get back.  But in that process, he slowly, and I mean sloowwly, pulled this rock out and couldn't have been more excited.  Seriously, all I saw was a rock.  He took that rock and began to clean it and displayed it's beauty to the camera.  All I saw was a rock.  Then he placed it in a beautiful, clear container and displayed it and I "sort-of" saw it "may-be" sparkle?  But all I still saw was a rock.  Apparently this rock was worth more money than I make in almost two months teaching.  Ok, well....that must be more than a rock!  

How many people, circumstances, situations, challenges, opportunites, cross our paths and all we see is a rock?  What could possible come of this?  How is this even worth my time?  This "rock" will always just be a "rock"! 

May the Lord give us eyes that see like He sees....REALLY!  First, God has to give you perspective.  You must ask Him to reveal all things the way He would have you see.  This will revolutionize our homes, churches, and work places if we can grasp this.  Sometimes you can't see the whole picture because YOU DON'T KNOW THE WHOLE PICTURE.  Maybe the Lord doesn't feel it necessary to share that with you at the moment.  Your job is to sweep and dig, and sweep and dig.  I know, you'd rather watch paint dry but let's remember, "His ways are higher than your ways!"

So, get busy.  Change your heart.  Change your words.  See the rock for more than just a "rock".

Have a blessed week-
The Mrs. Pastor