Family First
It really spoke to me about speaking life to my kids, encouraging them and having them catch me speaking highly of them to someone else.
I've been told that I am encouraging. Would my kids say that about me if you asked them? (retorical question:)
What do others say you are good at? Do you show the same exceptional quality/service to your family? I have to be honest that I haven't. I am however encouraged to change.
Dawson Trotmand said "I believe with all my heart that one of the greatest soul saving stations in the world is the home." I do believe he was referring to inviting people into the home but think about it this way with me.
My family for example. There is Kevin and myself and 4 boys. Now Kevin and I could reach out and "go into the world and make disciples" and we do, however I would go as far as to say I have failed as a mom if I reach out to someone else before my kids. Ladies I've done it and done it lots. I now want that to change. Think about how much more effective it would be if I make disciples of my kids; grow up 4 Godly men. Why add when you can multiply!
Now Ladies I believe you know me well enough to know I'm not saying you have to have kids or lots of kids (you are however suppose to have as many kids as He's called your family to have no more and no less. We'll save that topic for another day:)
Where ever you are at put your family first. God has designed the family to be a unit and has created those people to love you, grow you, prune you into who He needs you to be.
A quote from Femanine Appeal specifically about mom's but if you are alive you are part of a family. So take what God wants you to out of it.
"When onlookers see us thriving in our role as homemaker, and when they observe the exceptional quality of family life that our efforts produce, this can pique their curiousity. They may want to find out what our secret is!" (italics mine)
Does your home have exeptional quality? Some may and there is always room to improve.
"Lord help me to build the kind of home where all who enter find it 'impossible to keep from thinking of God.'" (quote Femanine Appeal inside quote Peter Marshall former chaplain of the US Senate)
Priority number 1 Quality Time with God (make time for this one don't take time - set a regular time)
Priority number 2 Quality Time with Family (it won't become a priority by itself)
Priority number 3 Quality Time with Extended Family and Friends (set time for this however often or seldom it is make sure it is scheduled and important to you - they will see your efforts and appreciate it)
In summary give your best to your family. Prioritize and set boundaries so that your prorities happen.
Bless you as you join with me to make our homes places that family and others find it 'impossible to keep from thinking about God'.
Alanne.