The FAVOR of the Lord!

I extremely dislike favoritism!! I will CHOOSE the benefits of being in the favor of the LORD and nothing else will matter!!

Those benefits listed:
* Our petitions are more likely to be granted (Esther 7:3).
* God will compass us with a shield (Psalm 5:12).
* We will receive life (Psalm 30:5).
* Our enemies will not triumph over us (Psalm 41:11).
* God will show mercy (Psalm 119:58).

Very recently, I was struggling with this topic. I like things to be FAIR. It bothers me that myself, and certain people dear to me weren't getting treated fairly. I made a choice to rely on and trust my Heavenly Father that He will provide and give favor.

Instantly, there were other means of favor that obviously came from the Father. He brought people, He brought peace, He provided means, He gave clarity, and poured out lot's of encouragement.

I'm in awe of His works!

Vision

Here we are. January 2010. A brand new year.

Did you know January is named after the god Janus from the Roman times? Janus has two faces, and can see both the future and past. Interesting isn't it?













I think it's a wise to take time in January to look back over the last year and to look forward to a new year.

Im not one to set big resolutions, because I usually never follow through with them. But I do try to be intentional by looking ahead and setting goals for me and my family for the year. Proverbs 21:5 says "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but to everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty". I know I want the advantage for my family!

So we take time praying, thinking, talking and casting vision for our family. As we were in the middle of thinking ahead. I was at a Christmas party and found this on a white board.
It read "Vision without strategy is only a fantasy."








I will tell you, it offended me to think that it would only be a Fantasy to have a healthy marriage, or be debt free, or rear up my children right. So I went home and implemented some strategies for these goals.

So, if you havent looked ahead or even reflected on the past, take the time to do so. Think of the things or areas in your life you want to advance.

-Spiritually (Personal, devotional life, disciplines, etc.)
-Mentally (Books, health, mind sets, etc.)
-Family (Time and focus, etc.)
-Financially (Budgeting, giving, working, etc )
-Relationships (Discipleship, evangelism, friendships, etc.)
-Physically (Evercise, eating, sleeping,etc.)

One big goal we have set for our family and implemented strategies for- is to be DEBT FREE. We have hope and vision. If we follow through with our plan- we can do this!

HAPPY 2010!
May it be a year of abundant blessings for you!