First Things First

Have ya missed me? :) I took a huge hiatus to take care of stuff, stuff, stuff! Let's see, I've had the home school curriculum fair, my nephew's wedding, the end of the home school year, and moving into my parents house while they are away for two months. Whew......it's a good thing they have a pool. The kids and I are finally starting our vacation. I'm continuing math and Abby's phonics through the summer, but all other subjects have halted until September. I think I'll start lesson planning in Late July or August, that way I can take a little break to be with the kids.

We recently found a new church home, and we began attending Sunday school, Sunday morning service, Sunday evening service, and Wednesday evening services. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but for us it has been a big change, but a welcome one. Lemme splain-for about 4 years, we have been members of a wonderful, Bible teaching, God-centered church........in McDonough (that's about 80 miles away). Our church had one main service on Sunday, and Bible study on Wednesdays. (The men and women would alternate weeks to meet on Wednesdays.) Our services were AWESOME!! Everything from the music to the message was centered around the Word of God and very meat filled. However, due to the distance and schedule issues, we were only able to attend on Sundays. With the sermons alone lasting approximately 1 1/2 hours, we were definitely loaded for the week. I digress, back to the point. You would think that with attending church 4 times more than I was before, my tank would stay "full." Not so much. It seems that no amount of attending church, going to Bible study, and listening to sermons replace actual individual time in the Word.

Lately I have been convicted that my individual time should be first thing in the morning. I know what you're thinking, "I can't first thing, the kids need breakfast, the dog needs to go out, etc..." I'm right there with you. I'm not saying sit down for an in-depth Bible study while your two year old is helping himself to last year's Christmas candy and chasing it down with Hershey's syrup. I'm just saying the first thing we feed ourselves should be the honey of the Scriptures. Something as simple as the Proverb of the day (there are 31 Proverbs, just read the one corresponding with the current date) will make a profound difference on the way you view the rest of your day. There's something special about our "firsts" we have to offer. God spoke several times about the first fruits. Why do you think those fruits were more special? Why do you think it's important to write your offering check before writing any others? When we give God the "firsts," we are trusting Him for the seconds, and thirds, etc. By giving our time, resources, and offerings right away to Him, we exhibit faith. We don't know if we will have anymore time in the day to study, but we are trusting God to use what we have offered Him to bring glory to Himself.

Bottom line, don't let all the distractions of "doing" your day keep you from being obedient to what God commands of His children. Topping off your tank in the morning will allow you to fill all the other ones in the house. ;) Col. 2:2-3