Today I read a friends email in which her job requires her to take a "mandatory fun time" from work. You see, she is in the marines and I guess, due to the stress of the job, folks can quickly get so engrossed in work that they forget to have fun. That life can get so stressed that we forget to stop and smell the roses.

As I responded to her email I realized how God has the same things in mind for us all. He talks about the Sabbath and the importance of taking that day off to rest and to worship Him. Because God knows, like the marines that we would continue to just work and work and work and never take any down time. Down time that counts. Sure we might take a nap or watch a movie but do we really have any fun. I mean, when is the last time you really laughed? When was the last time you didn't think about work and your unending list of things to do? When is the last time, you rested with a smile across your face. When is the last time you were family or friends and everyone was getting along. And does this down time only have to occur on Sunday. Should we not work this into our daily schedule?

Hmm, I like the idea of a "mandatory fun time" in my life. So what would your fun time look like? Mine would be fishing anywhere, seeing a really funny movie with at least 8 friends, going on a road trip with friends, spending time with my nieces and nephews, swimming anywhere, talking to anyone about the Lord that wants to hear.

Thank you Lord for reminding me about "fun".

Exodus 16:23
He said to them, “This is what the LORD commanded: ‘Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.’”

Perspective...a little word that has such a huge meaning in life. As i walk this Christian life, I am constantly aware of how all my decisions are made due to how a situation affects me. It's a matter of perspective. Perspective of how I look at a situation, of how its important, of how it will makes me feel, of how it affects my pocket book, my work and ultimately my relationship with others and God. Depending on my perspective, I will do or not do something. My perspective will affect how I vote, how I drive, how I tithe, how I love and how I treat others.

Because of my past, because of my experience, and because of what I know in God's word affects my perspective and ultimately my choices. This has helped me as I minister to others knowing they are also be affected by their past, experience and the Bible. Depending on their knowledge of the Bible, how they interpret the Word, and who is influencing their understanding of the Word will affect their choices too. So what does this all mean?

It means to me how important the role of the Holy Spirit is in our lives. So with all the things I have mentioned, we have the Holy Spirit to affirm or correct. So that all of our perspectives will line up with God's will.

I pray today that even though we are so different, from our past to our present, I pray that we are united in one goal, one direction, one path towards Christ as we are filled and guided by His Holy Spirit.

Well, that is my perspective anyway.

Romans 1: 18-20 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,  since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

While at Church this past Sunday my pastor was speaking on a series called the "Modern Family." One particular phrase he said got me to thinking. Greater on the inside than on the outside..he used Psalm 139:23-24 as the verse of reference.

As I began to ponder this phrase I thought how this could apply to so many areas of our lives. We know everything we do starts with a thought. Sure, we do some things without thinking but even then, we had to have some knowledge to make a choice. Greater on the inside than on the outside ....my pastor is saying is more about how we can dress up, we can adorn ourselves, we can drive a nice car, we can live in a nice house, we can appear to have it all together (all relative) and still be rotten on the inside. We can still be in so much trouble, so much pain, so much sin. Our goal should be inner greatness because HE IS LIVING IN US. Our thoughts, our minds, our hope, our peace, our hearts should all be greater than anything we possess or live in or drive. Greater because of the Holy Spirit.

So how do we get there......Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. ...

Stop and pray today..as David did....search me Lord, test me and all those areas of distrust, of anxiousness of fear of panic....see if there is anything offensive, that's vile, that turns away from the truth, that hurts me and you, that hurts others...lead me Lord, lead me away from the sin, from the fear, from the anger..lead me only to you...reveal it Lord no matter how horrible it is. I want to know. I want to change. I want to more like you on the inside so the outside will match. Amen

I have been babysitting my nieces/nephews this week and having a great time. We have spent each day filled with games, field trips, shopping, eating, watching movies, tickling and laughing.

Yesterday we traveled to my cousins working farm near Sanford, NC. She has 24 horses, 14 geese, 32 chickens, 5 rabbits, 5 birds, 12 dogs, 8 peacocks, 12 ducks, and I am sure a bunch of other animals too. We spent the afternoon walking all over the farm, petting the animals, feeding and carefully avoid the occasional poop. I loved watching my 5 year old nephew find an old broken bucket that he hoped would help him capture a chicken. He would run and run and run after those chickens, crying out, I can't get one Aunt Kristine. We would all just laugh.

Later we sat around the living room sharing past memories of those we loved. It had been a while since we had been to cousin Linda's home. As we started to leave, Linda gave us 2 dozens eggs and stack of peacock feathers. My niece Abby was so excited and wanted to make sure she got some to take home.

As we started the drive back, I know there was a list to do at home. I know I have computer stuff and ministry stuff and phone calls to make, etc. But you know, there is nothing outside of my relationship with God that is more important than spending time with those you love.

Today we made memories and you know, the work was waiting when I got home like always.

Take some time to spend with those you love, it could have an eternal impact.

I was reading the small commentary at the bottom of my Bible when it was talking about blessings while here on earth. It said that so many things we do on earth lead to destruction. Of how, as Christians we should be focused on eternal things, eternal blessings. But there was a side note that really grabbed my heart. The note said, even though we strive towards our heavenly home, we can also enjoy some of the benefits God wants to give us now, on earth due to our obedience.

Isaiah 2:5 Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD.

Hmm, I had to think about this. Do you mean, when I am obedient, I get to enjoy some of what it would be like in heaven? I mean, I always knew when I am obedient life is so much better (not necessarily happier but better due to doing what God has asked of me) but I never equated the goodness with what heaven would be like. It's literally a taste of a fraction of our eternal life. So I am thinking this should motivate us to be obedient, right? Well, it does for me. I know the Lord wants so much more for me and you. I know that this can only happen as we draw closer to Him and do what He ask of us.

Lord, I want to experience all of you, help me to be obedient in ALL things.