Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Volumes of Truth-- now to put it in practice

More than a month & a half has passed with no post from me. I am a blogger's "DON'T", a poster child for what NOT to do in blogging. 
Knee deep in responsibilities that won't wait, I've been trudging through with all the strength I've got just to keep from getting swept away. 
I know. EXCUSES. Who needs them, right? But in my overwhelmed state, I got to thinking about what's essential to survive...in my job, in my day to day, and for my family.  Guess what got put on the back burner-- this seemingly useless adventure in writing, of course. 
Nobody will miss me, I thought. I shouldn't feel guilty. Not even my mama reads my posts. 
And then one day it happened... someone called me out...sweet, loving, encouraging soul!
"Where are your blogposts?" she said. "I've been looking for them."
OH. 
WHAT?
Hanging my head, I confessed my feelings of being overwhelmed and added, "My life's a mess. Why would anyone want to read what I have to say?"
Without missing a beat, she popped off, "That's your first line of your next post." 
HA! Volumes of truth were spoken to my heart right there in a less than 2 minute span of conversation. 
Oh how my God can turn my mess into a message! He's been doing it for years. 
Who am I to say whether someone will find encouragement or strength or anything from what I do? It's not my job to decide who gets what; it's my job to do what God tells me to do... to teach, to sing, to write, to use what I've got. 
Maybe someone out there feels the way I do. They could be trying to figure out how to sneak in a workout, prep lunches for the day, do laundry, and get the house clean for weekend company, all before getting ready for a long work day that is book-ended with a practice, a ball game, or some other event. Maybe there is someone else who needs a little inspiration to get the day started on a positive note. And maybe I can sing (or write) that note for them. 
I don't think anything is going to slow down around here. Things keep getting checked off my list only to be replaced by new things.  I am victoriously productive one day & feel completely useless the next. 
All I know to do is follow Philippians 4:4-9 and keep on moving. 

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 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. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (NIV)

Bottom Line: With praise on our lips, good things on our minds, and peace in our hearts, we can get a lot done and hopefully bless a few folks along the way. At least that's what I pray will happen.
A few years back, I made up this little acronym that helps me get back on track. I hope it sheds a little light on someone's day today. 

🌟SHINE🌟
Set goals & priorities. 
Honor God & family. 
Inspire others. 
Nip complaining. 
Enjoy life. 

SHINE bright, friends!️ Make a list.📝 Say your prayers. 🙏🏻 Get it all done with a positive attitude!➕😃
Until next time, I wish you GRACE, peace, & productivity from the RED DIRT. 

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