A Cause Bigger than Myself

I subscribe to Rick Warren's daily devotionals. Today's was about discovering causes that disturb you to the point where you say "someone should do something about that." These are the causes God wants to help through you.

I thought for a bit and came up with two things that really disturb me: domestic violence and child slavery. I don't know why domestic violence has pulled at my heart the way it does. While my family has a history of such, I never remember being victim to it. However, even as a child, I felt sick when I watched people hitting each other on movies or TV shows. Child slavery hasn't been such a disturbance until I watched the movies Blood Diamond and Taken.

Because of this revelation, I went to a few child slavery Web sites as ideas of raising money, visiting these safety homes, volunteering went swirling through my head. But then I thought about my own backyard. "Grow where you are planted." God put me in this area for a specific reason. Could this be it? While I don't think the U.S. has a local child slavery center or anything, I did look up the women's domestic violence center in the city. I am going to pray about volunteering there -- to see what God wants to do through me.

Is this something He made me for? He will reveal it in his own time. :)

Wizard of Ha's

Yesterday I watched Veggietales: The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's, a story of the protigal son. While it was very entertaining, the story also spoke to me. Most of the time when we read this parable in the Bible, we relate the father to God. However, I think we often fail to relate the protigal son to ourselves. In the Veggietales movie, Darby took his inheritance and headed out toward The Wizard of Ha's -- the funnest amusement park on earth-- even after his father said no. After spending all his money on fun rides and food, he realized the experience was not as "fun" as he had hoped. He ended up lonely, sad and wanting to go back to his father.

It got me thinking. How often do we take the things God has blessed us with and used them for our own enjoyment without concerning the Lord? How often to we squander these blessings and soon realize we are left empty-handed and sad, and have a longing to return to God?

As a parent, yes, it is important to allow your children to make these mistakes -- to find out for themselves the "fun" they are seeking isn't the type of "fun" which brings full enjoyment. However, as children, can't we take heed when we feel the allure of sin? Can't we already know to sin will come at a high price, won't satisfy and we'll end up longing for our Father in the end anyway? It would sure save us heartache.

Chapter 1: A Heart Devoted to God

1. What meant the most to you from this chapter or offered you the greatest challenge or inspired you deeply? 

First, the chapter talked about priorities and how they should be eternal-minded. When I think about my busyness, I am reminded how I need to choose to play/teach/grow my child instead of rushing to sweep the floor, throw in a load of laundry or check my e-mail. Those things don't matter eternally. But, playing with my son lets him know I love him, which may transfer into how God loves him. This decision has more of an eternal impact than if my house is clean. This seems to be my biggest challenge. I know Satan fills my mind with to-do items in an attempt to steal the time away from spending time with my son. I think understanding how obvious Satan is helps me to overcome his ways and seek God's will for raising my son. 

2. The Story of Mary and Martha. I love how the author says Martha was busy doing things FOR the Lord that she failed to spend time WITH Him. I think this is very obvious in people who serve themselves ragged because they think God wants them to be in every activity/event/committee. For me, I don't spend a lot of time with God. So, when I do things FOR Him (bake for neighbors, kind to others, teach son about God), I feel like that's enough. According to this story, it's really not.

Five actions to put "worship" at the top of my to-do list:

a. Take quiet time to breathe, sit outside, enjoy God's creation and rest

b. Schedule time with God on the calendar

c. Get up early before I encounter distractions

d. Classify tasks as eternal v. worldly

e. Use at least one nap time to study God's word

This next week I will set aside quiet time to be with God -- during one nap time or before anyone gets up in the morning. To truly sit apart from any distractions and be focused on God.

3. Can you think of any area of your life where you are consciously settling for "good" when you know that a "better" and a "best" choice is available?

Most things in my life are just "good" because I never really had to work hard to make anything "best" growing up. So now I think I settle. My relationships, my sex life, my exercise and eating habits, organization, taking care of myself -- all are just "good." Instead of making changes to get them "better" or "best," I really believe as I grow closer to God in this study, He will change these items in my life.

4. Name a time this week where you chose God as a priority over something or someone else. 

I had a play date with Joyce but was kind of nervous/annoyed by the time it was (although I planned it myself). I wanted to call and cancel but I decided to go because Joyce was a Christian friend and I knew she was a good friend to have. I felt like I chose God's choice instead of my selfish nature and Satan saying "You don't have to go, you know."


Memory verses: 
Luke 10:42 - But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.
Proverbs 3:6 - In all your ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths.

A Woman After God's Own Heart

I originally picked up this book because the back was very appealing to me.

With warmth and grace, Elizabeth George shares practical, scriptural insights on how you can pursue God's priorities concerning your walk with the Lord, your ministry, your home, your husband, your children. Let God fulfill His greatest desire for you. Allow Him to transform you by preparing your heart and mind to embrace His incredible work.

I want to have that genuine peace and joy that comes from knowing God and trusting Him. There is a glow and warmth from women who have an intimate relationship with their Creator. I want that, too.

And so my first study on this blog will be this book.