My brain keeps telling me to do bad things

Those were the words one of my grandsons said last night, as he explained why he was so tired.  Oh how I can relate!

Instead of taking my time to focus on God and study His Word today, my attention got distracted by Pinterest.  Arrgghhh!  That site will have one dazzled, inspired, allured, and before you know it, several hours have passed and all of the plans made to be productive are now floundering about in my head as I think of all the things I could make, could learn how to do, and could share with others run haphazardly through my mind.

Distractions.  They surround us.  No matter how focused on a task, they come--uninvited, mind you--to keep one from doing what is right.  That's not to say they are telling us to do bad things but...But if truth be told, if they are preventing us from doing what is our lot in life, then methinks some self-discipline is in order.

In front of me, on the top of my window sill, are the whatevers of the Bible for me to be reminded of doing. 

While spending two or three hours on Pinterest isn't bad, it did keep me from fully focusing on Christ first.  First.  I could justify it and say that the things I was looking at were to further the gospel and fellowship amongst our sisters who join for Crafts Day once a month.  Right?  Couldn't I?  Maybe, had I done this second or even third after.  After putting Jesus first.  After spending some time doing something for Him rather than about Him.  After fellowshipping first with Him then I could perhaps somehow make these past hours have some value to them.  Then I could rationally and fully focus on those whatevers that are lovely, true, right, and so on.  But isn't Christ at the top of this list?  He should be.  He's supposed to be.

My brain keeps telling me to do bad things.  No wonder the kid was exhausted.  

Let's pray.

Lord, with head bowed low and mind tired, I come to You.  Not my first fruits and I wouldn't blame You a bit if you didn't accept my offering now.  You deserve so much more and my shame is great as I contemplate on the time I waste on worldly things when I could be walking with You.  I tell myself these things are done in Your name, for Your people, and for "good" reasons.  But the fact is, Father, that while that all may be true, I need to first sit at Your feet, to choose the better part as Mary did.  Sigh.  We both know I have more Martha in me than Mary.

As my day is halfway over, I purpose to focus on You with it first.  Right now.  May my brain tell me to do good things, Lord.  May my struggles end with the rest found in You is my prayer.  In the name of Jesus I ask for reconciliation with You.  Amen.

That's the Honest Truth!

May 13, 2015

Good morning!  Let's start the day focusing on the true and honest things this day.

To begin with, it's true many of us have to work for a living.  And you know what? That's not such a bad thing.  Seriously, isn't there a great satisfaction from knowing you are using your skills and talents to make this world a better place?  You matter and I daresay that if you didn't show up today, you would be missed in more ways than one.  But I think the real truth that is mentioned in Philippians 4:8 is that of knowing the truth and the truth setting you free.

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?  Do you accept His free gift of saving your soul? He demands nothing from us for this exceptional prize and I think many of us falter in that because we keep thinking that somehow we have got to pay for this.  We don't.  We couldn't!  And that's the truth!

Next, let's talk about what is honest.  As I type, the birds are out there singing.  Reminds me of that Randy Travis song "My Love is Deeper Than the Hollar" when he croons "And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill..."  Honesty is a trait I value most in this world.  If you ever betray my trust, it hurts my soul in a way that is hard to get over.  Not that I hold a grudge and won't give you a second chance and maybe even a third, but I do have my standards.  If you cannot mean what you say, perhaps its best to say nothing at all.  And--on that same note--if you must say something, make sure it is helpful and not harmful.  Truthfully, I do like to be shown the error of my ways so that I may improve, but could you do it in a nice way and not exaggerate or make false statements?  Thanks!

So, true and honest.  Pure would be a good word for these two adverbs.  Let's try today to let our words be few and when they must come out, let's use them to build others up.  

As I started to end this blog, I am reminded of my middle gson.  He messes up and has to be told--gently so as to not ruin a teachable moment--about the error of his ways.  Being that he is only four, he isn't quite ready to admit that he was wrong, much less apologize for any actions that may be deemed in appropriate.  And then, when told he mustn't do that again, I see the doubt in his eyes.  I see the hesitation as he knows he is supposed to agree but also the truth in his eyes that he knows good and well--and if I had any sense, I'd see it too--that he will most likely do this same thing again and perhaps even again.  Am I teaching him to lie, making him say one thing while not believing in the validity of it?  I question myself about this matter.  Knowing something is wrong yet still not wanting to turn from it because it may easily be explained...Hmn.  I can definitely see myself in this situation as I too often argue with God that my way is right or that I am justified in my response to what just happened to me.  Am I or is it my pride, my greed, my need to be right?  Usually the latter three.  

True and honest.  May we valiantly strive to have these characteristics be said about us.  May our actions reveal these traits in our daily lives.  Lastly, may we reflect Christ as we implement truth and integrity into our lives.  Others are watching.  May we--like Jesus was--be found with no fault in us is my prayer.  Amen?