Monkey see, Monkey do

'Stop copying me'.... words I hear quite often lately between our two kids. Whether we like it or not, we're always being watched. And whether we like it or not 'someone' is 'copying' us. I love it when my kids mimic me: speaking God's word, praying as soon as they feel discomfort and pain, being thankful, practicing the spirit of hospitality ... but sometimes I'm also reminded of how much I need to improve so that they see Christ in me. Things like: being quick to apologize, being more sensitive to others, watching my tone of voice...

Funny thing is, what we don't like in someone else is probably an area in our own life we need to work on. Tough pill to swallow. Be careful what you do, how you react, what you say.... your legacy depends on it

- Practice humility
- Accept correction
- Be eager to learn and know God's Word
- Walk in forgiveness
- Be a peacemaker
- Always do the right thing
**These are actually the beattitudes from Mark 5:3-10**

What are your areas that need improvement? Write them down. Work on them. This not only benefits you, but those watching you.

Mark 5:3-10  Blessed are...

• ...the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:3)
• ...those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)
• ...the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)
• ...those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)
• ...the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)
• ...the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)
• ...the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)
• ...those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)

Right to Life

I have been prolife since a was a child. To this day I remember having a dream of women waiting in line at store, giving their babies (who were in a placenta shapped bag) to the cashier, because they didn't want them.... I think I was 9 or 10 years old. Not old enough to know what a placenta was or how babies were even made. But old enough to be sensitive to God's voice, and the cry of the unborn.
Fast forward 32 years later. I am still very much a prolife supporter although I don't actively picket abortion clinics or write my congressmen. I pray. I pray for the unborn. And lately I've been dreaming about it too. My husband thinks it's time to have one more baby :) - and perhaps it is.

All this to say... we have the right to life. And we should live it honorably and with a purpose.

You are unique and have a God given purpose. You have a right to be on this earth. Fight for it.
When you see the broken hearted, lend an ear
When you see the oppressed, give
If you want to grow as a follower or Christ, be actively part of your church family
Surround yourself with people you can be accountable to
Work diligently... and prosper... Proverbs 10:4
Let love and faithfulness never leave you... Proverbs 3:3

Live your life, don't let it just pass by. Too many didn't even have a chance to take one breath. Make your mark on this earth.

Stay Focused

One of the things that can cause the most stress is the inability to start/complete things you set out to do. Things that you feel God has called you to do. My challenge to you today is to be patient and stay focused. Too often we become anxious over big decisions, next steps, new careers, etc.

Some food for thought
Make a list of what you what you need or want to do (write it down)
If you can't sleep peacefully at night over it --- it's not yet time or it's not the right decision to make
 - Remember, God leads us in steps --- not leaps -- so the more you wait on his timing, the steps
   you need to take will become apparent to you (and not leave you questioning if you did the right
   thing or not)
Try to do at least 1 thing on your to do list every day
Don't procrastinate
Be mindful of what you spend your time doing
  - I confess I'm guilty of too much time spent on social media and 'cleaning' and not focusing on
    quality time with my kids
Don't dwell on the past - it can't be changed. Forgive and move forward

God's Word
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on the things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Matthew 6:33
But seek FIRST the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to yuo.
Proverbs 4:25
Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you

We are equpped with everything we need
God will provide
God will sustain
God will give wisdom
Stay focused, you're not alone -- you have the very one who raised Jesus from the dead in your corner. He's there to lead, guide and cheer you on. Let that desire that he has placed in your heart take root and be cultivated in His word. Be patient and enjoy the journey.