Peace in the storm

Today I'm reminded that no matter what storm I'm facing... He will always be there to guide and protect.
In Matthew 14:22-33, Jesus meets the diciples in the middle of the lake AND in the MIDST of the storm. I think he did this for a few reasons. To prove to them that he was the son of God and to test their faith. What I like the most about this story is that he came to them in the middle of the storm. And what this tells me is that no matter what I'm going through (spiritally, mentally, physically) - He will be there, reaching out his hand and telling me to come out and walk with him.
My life will never be comfortable, and I don't want it to be. I want to continue seeking and growing. So even when the storm comes, and it will, God will always be there to meet me where I am and carry me through.

Shortcuts

There really isn't such a thing as a shortcut in this journey. BUT there are better ways to do what we were meant to do. Slow and steady. Racing through our journey only causes us to miss all the wonderful 'little' things we would/could experience.

• dates with your spouse
• dates with  your daughter/son
• the opportunity to correct your child while they're young so that they don't experience the heartbreak of disobedience when they're older
• a hobby you love
• being a blessing to others

The list is endless. And having the right attitude/behavior will either shorten or lengthen the time spent in your periods of wilderness or desert. Don't let your journey be like that of the Israelites. It took them 40 years to go through what should have only taken 11 days. 11 days!!! You have this in you. You are called for a higher purpose. Walk in obedience and contentment in ALL things. Pray without ceasing and do not allow yourself to mumble or complain.

Be encouraged, that our Father in Heaven is excited to be on this journey with you. That his best laid plans are right in front of you. That even though our journey sometimes takes us through the wilderness, HE IS ABLE, HE IS PROVISION,  HE IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED.... TRUST AND OBEY.

Psalm 121 'I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from?² My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. ³ He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.⁵ The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.'

Making time...

'There's never enough time' ... Truth be told, you make time for things most important to you. If we're not careful we allow our days (and nights) to be filled with negative steps. My challenge to you... take a chance on God and choose to purposefully change the way you manage your time.

Take a moment and write down 2 things that you want to complete in the next 6 months, another 2 for the next year, another 2 for the next 2 years, another 2 for the next 5 years, and another 2 within the next 10 years. (Habakkuk 2:2 - Write the vision, and make it plain...)

'Making Time'...

• Put God first - Preparing your spiritual self
• Let his Word be the 1st thing that enters your mind when you wake up (it can be from a devotional, proverb, etc)
• Let your first thoughts of the day be those of thanksgiving and worship
• Preparing your physical self
• Take time to get yourself ready for the day
• Not that outward beauty is so greatly important, but take time to take care of yourself
• Examples: get a workout in, do your hair, put on a decent outfit :)
• Prepare your family
• Proverbs 31:15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family
  and portions for her female servants.
• Sometimes easier said than done, but get up early - and set the stage for your family. I like to make sure that my husband's coffee is ready, breakfast is in progress and lunches are packed. When possible, I get dinner in the crockpot (so it can cook all day) or write down what I should make for dinner - so it's not so hard at the end of my day to think about it.
• Work hard, as unto the Lord
• Col 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters
• So whatever you have in front of you for the day, be diligent, work willingly, be productive.
• Allow for downtime
• Give yourself at least 30 minutes of your day to just rest (have a cup of tea, take a walk, read a book)
• Honor the sabbath
• Doesn't always have to be Sunday
• What this means in my family - no working (no conference calls, no yardwork, no meetings with clients), and spending real time with our kids... and resting.

Don't get so caught up with the little things that the 'big' things in your life are never achieved. Allow yourself to practice this lifestyle. Adding more hours to your day doesn't come overnight but taking steps towards better management of your day will lead to a more peaceful journey.

Equipping for the Journey

Before you go on a trip there's always a level of preparation that takes place. If you're like me you have lists, and then probably lists for your list, and then reminders on your icalendar to make sure you didn't forget anything on your list...

I think one of the key elements of success in enjoying your journey is to enjoy all phases of it - from preparation to completion. And in life we'll go through that process hundreds if not thousands of times. Don't be anxious when you're in the preparation phase - understand that the pressure you may be feeling is God's way of testing you and making sure you're ready for bigger and better (remember, He always takes us in steps.... not leaps). And when you get to that next step, it won't always be easy. In fact, if you're in the center of God's will, be sure that you will encounter resistance...'no weapons formed against me will prosper...'

And in these moments.... equip yourself with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor or God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.'

Constantly remind yourself that God has given you all that you need... equip yourself, and your family. Pour over them prayer and God's word. Enjoy the preparation... and enjoy your journey.

Be Anxious For NOTHING....

'Rejoice in the Lord always. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.'
Philippians 4:4-7

I can't get enough of these verses lately. God's word instructs us to REJOICE!
What that means:Your attitude (mind, body and spirit) should be joyful (delighted) in all things and in every situation

Anxiety = nervousnes, dread, unrealistic fear, worry, restlessness and fatigue

Train your mind!!! Your thoughts become your words (out of the abundance of your heart/mind your mouth will speak), and your thoughts become your actions....  Don't allow anxiety to have a foothold in what you know God has planned for you (a bright and prosperous future). Be diligent about this. This mindset will change not only the course of your life but that of your family.