When I read this entry to prepare my draft, I immediately thought the sentence about entertainment was irrelevant and would be scratched.  However, it was a case in point because I was complaining about distractions.  I clearly had gotten distracted.  Indeed, we are bombarded with entertainment in our culture, and it is distracting! That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes when life is overwhelming a distraction can be beneficial and a welcome change.

From the journal . . . . February 1989

Jesus, Jesus.  Lord I’m sorry that I get so distracted.  I believe You are preparing me to make a difference but I feel insignificant among those faithful missionary types that go out.  

We have so much entertainment here. 

Lord, I want to be used.  I believe I was sincere when I said, “I am willing.” 

2 Cor 4:¹³ But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”

Lord, where do You want me?

And I Believe God Said:

Right here for now.  Pray for Mark and the kids.  Pray for My people.  Pray for the world.  Go to the al-anon meetings. Be alert to those who don’t know Me.  I’ll give you words and circumstances.  Read The Word and remember what I’ve said. Continually be aware of what is wasted time.

Col 4:5-6 ⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

In 1989 my five children ranged in ages nine to seventeen.  I was finishing my treatment for breast cancer and didn’t know where my life was going, but I definitely wanted to be used by God.  Fast forward thirty plus years and that is still my desire!   What I used to consider distractions, I’ve seen are often opportunities.  I do have to continually use discernment to discipline my thoughts from going astray.  I waste too much time thinking about things that simply are not relevant, but as always, trusting God to change me and make me more like Him.

Col 3:2  Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.  

2 Cor 3:18  So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.

Phil 4:8  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.