I apologize for taking so long to write another post! I was asked to sub for a teacher for 2 weeks and I forgot how much energy it expends to work everyday full time and take care of my family. It has been a challenge to balance everything...parenting, writing, devotions, sleep! It is a huge blessing to have the job...in fact it was an answered prayer. Right before January started, I had rewritten my wipe off calendar that hangs on our fridge (I have had that calendar since Megan was in elementary school). I had written at the top of it that my goal was to sub 12 days in January. This 2 week job gave me 12.5 days :) .
On Tuesday, the first day of the job, Jack was sitting on my bed as I was picking out my clothes. He asked me if I was not going to wear make up for the two weeks I was teaching. I said that I wasn't. His response was "oh". I asked him if he liked it better when I wore makeup and he said "yes". I let him know that I was being obedient to what God asked me to do and through it I God has revealed some amazing truths. It amazes me that kids are the ones who are talking to me about not wearing makeup!
My focus this week is to "remember who I represent". Who do I want people to know me for? I love the book of Daniel. I love that Daniel knew who he stood for. He based all of his choices on his strong standards and he did not compromise. He didn't waver when others were eating foods he knew he shouldn't eat. Even though they were probably very tempting! He knew that it wasn't right for him. "But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king." Daniel 1:8
Daniel treated everyone with respect. He had integrity. He had great character. "He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy." Daniel 6:4. And because of that God granted him favor.
Daniel was faced with a law that told him he couldn't worship God for thirty days but only worship the king or he would be thrown in the lion's den. "But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day. Just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God." Daniel 6:10
Daniel was thrown in the Lion's Den and he was protected by God. Others came to trust and believe in God because of his deep commitment to the Lord.
Daniel knew what he believed in and he did not waver.
During January of last year, as I was beginning to be delivered from all of my past, I began to realize that I had never made a decision about what I wanted to stand for in life. I hadn't really set up a value system on which I would make decisions or actions. What did I want to be known for?
So I sat down and brainstormed. First I knew that the center of my values must come from my purpose: to bring Glory to God in all I do. So God was my center. And I came up with 3 things that I wanted to be known for. I think I will be adding one as I have gone through this year and allowed God to work in my life. The three are Character, Integrity, and Servant. I want to be known for someone who has good character...who has integrity in all I do, and who has a heart that serves. The fourth I may add is a gentle spirit.
I was going to add a picture, but I can't seem to get it to post where I want it to and I am too tired to fight with my computer! I will try to post it later.
Lately God's prompting has been for me to really know who I represent...to really take a stand for my values...and be true to who I want to be known for in my faith.
The girl's group that I have been hosting at my house has been discussing this very issue. I had them take a piece of paper and write out at least 5 thing that relayed who they want to be known for...they decorated it and took it home as a reminder to themselves. We have spent a lot of time talking about how our choices and decisions should represent this list and how it is a great way to check ourselves to what we are choosing to do.
I pray that you have an amazing weekend...
Blessings,
Teresa
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