Be an Ant

Proverbs 6: 6
Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,

Who is the busiest person you know? We all know this person. They work full-time, run their kids to practice and friends houses, go to church, are on committees, and finding time for their friends. At least we assume they are doing all this. How much of this is applies to you? Are you seemingly busy all the time? Do you keep going at a quickened pace? Do you ever slow down and do something for you? When you keep busy, do you at least keep to what needs done and not what happens to get in the way?

Where do you draw that line? I try and set priorities. I try and put God and family first, then my job. But in the process, certain things don't get done like I think they should. The house is usually a mess, or at least dusty and in need of something. I have a stack of mail that needs attention, and I seem to lack in sleep. On the other hand, I think I have a pretty good family life, I am still learning to be a Christian, and I still have a job. I think I am really busy, so when I do get a quiet moment, I take it. I spend it in prayer, or in a book, or just having quiet time for myself. Take last night for instance. After taking Timm to the chiropractor (shout out to Dr. Hakes!), I came home and began fixing supper. I changed into my jammies, did dishes, a couple of loads of laundry and then I just sat down for a couple of hours. I tried to finish a book, watch my favorite show on tv, and relax. I had no place I needed to be, so that was my relaxing. It doesn't sound like much, but it was nice.

Being busy is good, but having that quiet time or the down time is good too. I think I prefer being busy. What about you?

Today, pray for Jim Cox, Jack Wetzig and the Betty Jeffrey family.

Joyful

I am in a really good mood today. I want to just sing and be happy all day. Now, that may not fly with some people, but I feel it's a choice. I have a great God, great family and friends, and a good attitude. This is a busy weekend, but not so busy that I can't find time for everything. Busyness is a state of mind. Someone once told me how they didn't know how I could fit everything in to my schedule. I laughed at that. I never usually think about it because if I did, I probably would stay home, curl up in the fetal position and never come out.

Today, I work until noon, go home, eat lunch, take the kids to do a bit of school clothes shopping, take Timm to Dr. Hakes, then football.

Tomorrow, we are going to the football scrimmage in the morning, probably some grocery shopping (not sure I really need to yet), plan a birthday party, maybe make some pickles, and then the pool party at the Parson's in the evening.

Sunday, is always church and laundry and probably can some tomatoes. I am trying to rest more that day, but we will see how it goes. Allie's friend comes home from Kentucky Sunday, so Austin may be over at our house or Allie may go over there. Ya just never know what those two will plan.

See, it sounds like a lot, but it's all in the attitude. I love being home, but this is the time of year that I love to go to football games and support the kids and the band.

The saying that comes to my mind this morning is, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." I looked this up to see what the meaning of it was and who actually said it. Here is what I found. There are many variations, but they all follow the same theme: A person who doesn't have something particular to occupy himself with doing will be tempted to occupy himself with sin. The phrasing is not found in the Bible, but like many "chimney corner scriptures" it has its roots in a scriptural idea. 1Timothy 5:13 says "And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not".

I don't want to be any of those things. I want to go about my work humbly, quietly, and without notice. I want to lay up treasures in heaven. I don't want anyone to think I that what I do is something other than for God. So, my mood will remain joyful for what I am doing, going about my business and keeping my eyes on the prize.

TakeTime to Be Holy - words by William D. Longstaff

1. Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
   Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
   Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
   Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
2. Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
   Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
   By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
   Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
3. Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
   And run not before Him, whatever betide.
   In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
   And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
4. Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
   Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
   Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
   Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

This hymn speaks to me in so many ways. Take time is how each verse begins. Do we really do that? Do we take the time to speak with God? Do we take really take time to be holy? I don't always. Sometimes my mind is elsewhere. Sometimes I can't concentrate on what is being said during Sunday school or during preaching (sorry Marty).

The second verse speaks to me as a busy wife, mother and employee. The world is rushing on and I need to spend time in secret with Jesus, praying, reading my devotion, preparing. But I always wonder, how can my children see me reading and spending time in with God in prayer and devotions if it is done in secret? I actually do realize that it really means do not make a big show of what you are doing. Sometimes though, it turns into that without you meaning it to.

Take time to read these words and evaluate your life as this song tells you. What time are you taking?