priorities

What are your priorities?  I just read the first chapter in a new book that I'm reading called PUSH by Chalene Johnson.  She started out the chapter by telling us that most people who are unhappy with their lives compared to those who are happy and successful are not setting their priorities correctly.  Either they don't have any or they just don't care enough to have them at the top of their list.  One of my priorities is to let God be the center of my life.  This can be tough when the rest of the world gets in the way or tries to anyway because Satan drags you down each time you do something for God or get closer to Him.  It can be extremely tough.  However, Chalene had also asked a series of questions that helped you think about your top priority and why it's important to you and why it should be your top priority.  She also explained that your top three priorities are the things in your life that if you had them stripped from you would don't know what you would do.  Such as family, faith, career, health.... whatever it may be.  For me, I realized nothing else matters unless God is at the center.  I can want SO badly for my career to change and be successful or my body to change so I can finally be different but without Him being in the middle of it all, none of that matters!  You need to WANT that priority to be the center or at the top at all times.  What good is it when it's not?  What good is God to me when I choose not to put Him at the top?  Or let's rephrase that.... what good am I? 

I am NOTHING without Him so why should I live my life any differently?  After you come up with your top priority, you're supposed to write down a paragraph or statement if you will on how you will do this.  I have not perfected mine yet because I want to choose different words to make it stronger to me but my rough draft is "My number one priority is to put God first in all areas of my life.  I will seek Him first though His word, mediation, being silent and listening intently to what His will is for my life.  To show others what the Truth of God is and allow God to work in others' lives as I am just the messenger.  Be a witness of His love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and joy because He has given those to me.  In return, God's grace and mercy will be shown to those around me and they will see only Him.  My mind, body, and soul will be rejuvenated and restored thank to God's presence in all aspects of my life."

Now, like I said, it'll change a little bit but overall this is my top priority.  What's yours? 

God is in every aspect of life

Okay, I know the title of this seems silly because it really is true.  But sometimes we need that reminder, don't we?  These last few weeks, I've developed old patterns which are not just hurting me physically but mentally and spiritually!  I have the great fortune of having wonderful friends that I've surrounded myself with because God brought them into my life.  Each of them brings something different into my life that is indescribable.  I know for a FACT that those people were meant to be there because God knew I couldn't do what I do without their help.  Obviously, He is the only source to my healthy well-being, physically, spiritually, and mentally.  He does, however, provide those various opportunities and people in your life to show who you can be through Him!  I LOVE THAT! I've been reading and listening to lots of different books and audio lately and let me tell you... first off, it's all common sense I feel but all of it hit me like a ton of bricks because I was actually listening to them this time!  God shows us who He is EVERYDAY! Not just with those around us but look around you at what He's created for us to enjoy!  Hear what people tell you and sometimes yeah, take it with a grain of salt, but listen with an open heart as well in case you may miss something.  Listen to those words sung or spoken around you.  Through the laughter of a child.  Through the calmness of the breeze.  Through the mundane of everyday life... the fact that we have an everyday life... at least for now.  Through the whispers of quiet.  Through the roar of a storm.  Through the fragrance of flowers or the freshly fallen rain.  Where is God around you?  You may not feel Him there, but He is ALL the time!  Where is He?  Are you seeing, feeling, or touching Him?  Are you allowing Him to touch you?  What's holding you back?  What causes you to hesitate?  Embrace all that is around you and ENJOY what He's created for you.  Find the positive through the storm.  Walk around with your head held high because you have a God that LOVES YOU! Show people who gave you that smile!  Show people who gave the passion and desires of your heart!  Show people who created YOU! Do not be afraid to share that with those around you!  For in the end, He's all we have and most importantly all we'll ever NEED!  :)