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
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2 comments:
Vonda, I think more than ever, women today are in need of ministry, and examining their lives and priorities. Materialism, pressure to “do it all” just seems to permeate our society. I love the comment about prayer being a two-way communication. You know, I believe that God gives us all passions that we can use to serve him and bring joy to others, as well as ourselves. It’s like one of the gifts he gives us as His children. But, it sure seems like we are just too busy and too exhausted at times to “fully vest” in the true callings He places on our lives. -Susan
Psalm 16:11
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Vonda, I just read your blog from last month.
I felt the same chaos during these past several weeks, the back to school rush, supplies, travel demands, back to school meetings, Schedule conflicts, paperwork flooding in and out the door. After school care, who do I trust? Starting the new routine had me stressed beyond belief.. I have to admit when I was praying over my little girl at night I was praying for her to have healthy friendships and to thrive in her new beginnings.. I forgot to pray and listen and just STOP... like you said and listen to what our father has to say during the hussle of the day. We do try to do IT ALL.. I am guilty as charged. Just reading how the Lord chose to reach your heart makes me aware of how often I live in a moment just to get through the moment. And all I have to do is just simply ask him to lead my steps... and he will.. and he will do it the right way not my way!!
I had no Joy..during what should have been a sweet time and God is always there to remind us that he is a soft place to land if we just acknowledge him and listen. He is interested in every detail of our lives. Thanks for reminding us to just ask for "open heart surgery" so he can reveal himself and we can be better off by yeilding to him instead of living it out on our own. Karen
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