My life has always been busy. I complain about this but the truth is, I like to be busy. If there aren’t things I have to do, it’s not too long before I invent something. Duties and/or desires! Some things are a waste of time and some are productive. I don’t always know the difference BUT God always does.

From the journal . . . . July 1989

Lord, there’s so much I’d like to do. I like this time with You. I want to read Exodus, Psalms, and Matthew.  I want to see if I have Matthew 6 and Psalms 139 memorized.  I want to get new verses for the family.  I want to work on the article.  I want to read Spurgeon and The Messiah.  I want to spend time with Karen and Dawn.  I want to see Jean.  I should plan something for 4^th of July.   I also should call Debbie, Shanice, Delina, and Bonny. And I should go thru the clothes sacks upstairs.  There are lots of desires and lots of duties.  Yet, nothing affects my salvation nor anyone else’s.  But some things do show love and provide opportunities to proclaim You.  Lord, take these things and show me what You want.

And I Believe God Said:

Again, I must remind you that in your daily walk, I will bring opportunities.  Use your quiet times in the word, or in writing.  Remember Me always.  Know that I am present.  Look at Me.  See Me.  Hear Me.  Those in your household are your mission field.  They are the ones I want you to focus on. 

1 Tim 5:8.  Titus 2:3-5

It’s difficult for you to keep your eyes from straying to other things. Don’t mistake where your focus should be. I want you to be able to discern what is your responsibility and what is optional.  It’s like tithes and offerings.* You don’t give an offering before your tithe is given. Offerings are beyond tithing.  The time you spend on others, outside of your household, is offering.  Yes, Laura, your mom, and Norm are important.  They are your parents, whom you should honor.*  Listen to My promptings.

Mal 3:8-10.    Lev 27:30    Deut. 12:6. Eph 6:2-3

When the Lord speaks to me, it’s often very personal and sometimes not meant to be for everyone. It’s important to me to keep the integrity of His words, but I often edit out some of the personal specifics. I also may add some words for clarity.  This is tricky because I don’t want to change His meaning, but I do want others to be able to understand.  My editor daughter helps me with this, as well as editing and proof reading.

In this particular entry, I believe He was giving me a warning about putting other ministries ahead of my family. I admit this was very warranted at that time. His desire, that we discern what is a responsibility from what is an option is so good and applies to many things.