Fully Invested!

I went to a Leadership Conference for Women's Ministry leaders. I had asked some ladies to go with me but due to their summer schedules I had to go alone, which was OK, and I have to admit, with 4 kids home for summer, I really enjoyed it! But anytime I am going to learn I want to take women with me. As it turned out, God had me there alone on PURPOSE. I needed to hear from Him, I let my guard down and was totally focused on the speakers and what they were teaching. The theme was "Fully Invested", the key verse was Matthew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." hmmm...

I've heard that passage several times and probably even quoted it, but to really stop and think on it and ask myself that question, what is my treasure? What is in my heart? Am I fully invested in anything? God had my attention. I felt like life had become some what chaotic, going in so many different directions, and not doing any one thing really well. Is this what God wants our lives to feel like? So, during the conference I asked God to perform open heart surgery on me and show me how to be "fully invested" in my life. So, I opened my heart and here are some things He showed me:
1) Who or what am I placing my confidence in? Me; which has led to most of the chaos, because I can do it all! (not really), but now it is in Jesus!
2) What am I passionate about? Definitely ministering to women and helping them see and feel God's love.
3) What are my priorities? I was going through the motions like everything was under control. In reality, I have too many things going on in my life to truly do the work God has laid out for me (see Ephesians 2:10, one of my favorites). I will be making some changes, giving some things up and truly "fully investing" in the areas that are important to God. I will share this process in another blog as it unfolds. For now, it will be God, family, ministry.
4) What is my quite time consisting of? I am great at rationalizing and making things look like it is from God or for God, but I don't stop long enough to give Him a chance to tell me if it's what I should be doing. I bought a prayer journal, which specifically leads me step by step during my prayer time to stay focused. One thing I noticed right away is I have been telling or requesting but not listening. Prayer is a tw0 way process. Check out www.oncallprayer.org if you are interested in how the journal works.
5) What is up with my mouth and words? My biggest discovery was the damage words can cause. In my family, friends, and ministry, I don't intentionally set out to hurt; sometimes I just talk before I think about what I am saying. I tend to react instead of responding with kind words or just keeping quite, and especially my tone with the kids. This one is bringing me to my knees daily and Jesus and I are working on it. I bought a blessing bracelet at the conference with Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Check out these great bracelets at www.blessedbling.com.

So, the list could go on and it does, but those are the top ones that hit home. Life continues but now I am back on track and hopefully with less chaos. So, when life seems to be spinning out of control; we need to STOP! Look to Jesus and ask him to redirect us back to what we are suppose to be “fully invested” in to carry out his mission.
much love and blessings,
vonda

Welcome and Here Goes!

Well every one's doing it so me too!



Blogging that is. My hope and plan is to share my life and how God has worked in the past, today and I know He is in my future. I have a strong desire for others to know HIM (Jesus). It is more than head knowledge it is a matter of our heart. To really know Him is to have a personal relationship with Him, Jesus.



What I've learned is I can't make that decision for anyone no matter how bad I want all to become a Christ Follower. So, I hope through my flawed life I can shed light on others of Jesus' Grace, Mercy, and Love that He offers to the entire world. I am not an English major so my writing is flawed as well but I want you to know it is from the heart, and I will be honest, sincere and very transparent. My blog will be my perspective on my life it is not an agenda nor will I use it to target anyone. Feel free to respond, ask questions or share your thoughts. If you want to contact me please email me at: vondacurlee@fellowshipoftheparks.com.



Much Love and Blessings,

vonda