First Things First

First things First is a slogan that refers to putting things in their proper order. For instance, you have 10 minutes before you need to leave. Do you quick check your blog, email, Facebook & Twitter accounts only to realize you're now late, and dash out the door...OR do you quickly fold the laundry in the dryer, and get out of the door on time.

Many of our problems in life may be caused by not putting first things first. We often put off the important stuff that we don't feel like doing wasting time on the trivial. That leads to stress, and even anxiety.

From a Christian perspective, first things first means putting God first. Do you start your day with God? Starting the day with prayer, a Bible reading or devotional is a great place to start. Making time to be still before God and rest in Him. And keeping God present in your thoughts and actions all day.

First things first also means taking care of ourselves. We tend to put ourselves last, meeting everyone else's needs first. But if you are exhausted and burnt out, you can't help anyone. Take time to exercise and eat right. If you are an introvert, make quiet time for yourself. If you are an extrovert, make time to get out with friends. These things will have energize and renew you, allowing you to meet the needs of those you care for as well.

What are you doing today to put first things first?

Matthew 6:31-34 -- So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Guilty by Association

Did you know that as Christians, we are the only Bible some people will ever see? So what are you saying about Jesus, by association?

Join me over at Titus 2 in Action to read more.

Who's at the Helm?

Sometimes I imagine my life as a boat. The photo is the view I should be enjoying, (although I'd have painted toe nails. *grin*). Jesus is at the helm of my boat, my life. My job is to sit back and watch it come. I view the horizon and feel complete peace. Sometimes even the peace that passes human understanding. That is, peace when I see a storm quickly approaching because I know Jesus is in charge. That is the view I should have.

Unfortunately, I must not like peace! Because after I sit and enjoy the view for a moment, I realize I want to drive the boat. So I take the wheel from Jesus. I love the feel of the control in my hands, for a moment. But suddenly the storm takes the boat over and I'm tossing and turning and in way over my head. So of course, I call for Jesus to take the wheel. (yes, I know that is a song, but it's a song about a car. This is a boat).

But as soon as the waves get the slightest bit less choppy, I want the wheel again. Why do I feel that I must control the boat? Things run smoother, and I could relax if I'd just sit down and enjoy the view, knowing Jesus is in charge.

And so I keep learning the same lesson again, and again. Control freak. I need to pry my fingers off the steering wheel and let Jesus take the helm. How about you? Who is at the helm of your boat?

Matthew 8:23-27 -- Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"