Letting God take control

Do you ever find yourself getting so caught up in the day to day activities that you feel as if you are drowning.  Especially after Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years our focus in life can switch.  What gift to buy, who to buy for, how much money will I be spending, I don't have enough money, who do we have to go visit, the money isn't enough, etc.  Then with New Year's comes resolutions, how can I make myself look better, joining a gym, eating better, and trying to fit into the world.

Sadly, we celebrate Christmas and then skip right over where our focus needs to be - on God.  We like to celebrate His birthday, but then quickly forget about him when we make goals for the new year.  Why not make it a goal to grow closer to him, to grow as a christian, and to become a better christian so others may come to know him through our works.

I decided this year I would read the Bible in a year, I would do the 52 scripture challenge, and I would make God more of my focus.  Guess what if you make him your focus then you will begin to eat better, do better for yourself, and in return meet those other goals.

I started off the year reading the daily Bible verses, and spending more time with God.  If you have ever made this a focus in your life then you know what I am about to say... Then satan attacked.  Emma was sick and I stayed home with her.  In the quietness of cuddling my sick child satan started attacking.  I don't make enough money, how will I provide for my child, how did I get myself into the situation I am in, and so the list began.  Attack after attack after attack.  Then satan began playing dirty - attacking God's plan for my life.  Why did God put me in this position, God gave me a child why did he take away the financial peace that I had, etc.  I ended up praying for God to intervene and make satan step back.  I asked God to please let it stop because I do trust the plan He has for my life, I do know He is working for me, and satan needed to step back.

Thankfully God granted me that peace, and I was able to turn it around on satan.  God provided my child, God provided me with a job that I love, God has provided for me time and time again.  No my life isn't perfect, as I am not perfect either.  However, with God working for me I know that there are amazing things happening in my life.  God provided me a job in which they do not hesitate when I say Emma is sick and I need to stay home.

I am not saying that making God your focus for the year will be easy.  Believe me satan will make it as hard on you as he can.  But guess what God is on your side.  You have to just continue to battle satan with God, and God will fight for you.  In 2016 I hope that you will make God your focus and use your knowledge of God and his word to fight back against satan.

Month of being Thankful

November is here and that means the busy holiday season is just round the corner.  We often get caught up in the rat race and don't take time to truly thank God.  I started a few years ago taking time each day to think of what I am thankful for.  Sadly I often forget to do this the rest of the year, but try to do it daily for November.  We should be thankful every day for all of the blessing bestowed on us, not just during prayer on Thanksgiving Day.

 What are you thankful for today?  I will be honest the first few days are very easy for me because they include my Savior Jesus Christ, my family, friends, spouse, child, and all of the everyday people in my life.  Towards the end of the month it gets a little harder. 

So lets start this together!  I will do a post each day with something I am thankful for, and you can comment what you are thankful for.

I started this yesterday in which I was thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ who never turns his back on me regardless of what I do.  He is full of mercy, grace, and love that we can't find anywhere else.  I have walked away from him, and came back knowing he was there waiting for me.  He never turns from me, even when I upset him.

Today I am thankful for the rainy day.  The rain waters the plants, foods, and animals; however, it also typically leads to an evening of cuddles and book reading for us.  I used to love rainy days when I was in school because I would always have soup and grilled cheese to eat that day.  Even then the rain was a sign to slow down and enjoy things.  If it is pretty we are typically outside, running errands, or on the go.  However, when it rains everyone talks about going home, cuddling up with a blanket and a book.  For me I love to hear the rain, especially thunderstorms, and cuddle up with Emma watch a video or read a book and enjoy my evening with her. 

What are you thankful for today?