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A simple blog about seeking the Lord, savoring life and joyfully serving.


Sunday, March 1, 2015

2 Keys to Success

My dear husband is the inspiration for this post (and let's be real, most things in my life). He possesses a unique wisdom, character and integrity. I cannot tell you how many times people have called upon my husband for his perspective which he graciously offers with humility. I am so thankful the Lord saw fit to make me his wife. They say you become like the one you are with and I couldn't be more honored than to become like my man.
 
Manly men :)
 
We recently discussed two things that were on his heart:
Be intentional and deny yourself.
He believes these are the keys to success in all areas of life.
Face your day with intention. Deny yourself, press on with diligence. This applies for home, church, school, family, friends, work and health.

Be intentional
My husband always says to begin with the end in mind. Luke 14:28 says, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" 

Think of the end of your day, what would you like to have accomplished?  My husband says, "Failure to plan is a plan to fail." Write your goals down. This ensures you will not forget them or get distracted. Create a schedule and fit those goals into time slots throughout your day. Pray for strength, grace, and discipline to carry out your tasks. "Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3
Being intentional is not only reserved for our "to do" lists. What attitude will you exude? Determine before the days starts what type of character you will display. Same goes for health and fitness.
A healthy strong body requires nutrient dense, healing food and a steady workout schedule. 

At the end of the day, I want to lay my head on my pillow knowing that I served my family joyfully and healthily. I begin my day with the end in mind (actually my plan usually starts the night before but that's another post)."Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." Psalm 16:9

Deny yourself.
To be intentional we will be faced with the decision to cave in to our desires or deny ourselves and press on to reach our goals. Luke 9:23-24 says, "And he said to them all, If any will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."  
We are called to deny ourselves. We are not to be weary in well doing for we are promised to reap in due season if we press on as promised in Galatians 6:9.

There is a glaring difference between writing goals, making a plan and actually following through and putting that plan into action.  Believe me, this momma struggles to sit and indulge my flesh. "I discipline my body and make it my slave," as 1 Corinthians 9:27 says. If I begin with the end in mind it will be easier for me to push myself to put the dishes away when I would rather snuggle up and watch "I Love Lucy" or deny myself something to eat that I know will make me feel sluggish and instead, opt for the healthy treat that energizes.  

I believe as parents
we are called consider our children's needs before our own.
 Philippians 2:3-4 "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
This calls for self denial. We are to serve our families as a whole before serving ourselves. This does not mean we neglect our own needs but we must plan carefully to ensure all needs are met.
 This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. So we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 
 
Deny yourself. Be faithful in the little things. Be steadfast, abound in the work of the Lord and know that your labor is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58). Whatever you hand finds to do, do it with all your might (Ecclesiastes 9:10)!


 Please understand, there is balance in all things. This doesn't mean we never have down time or enjoy an occasional slice of cheesecake. We merely understand that in order to achieve our desired results, we must face life with intention, self discipline and a preference for others. I hope my husband's wisdom is impressed upon your heart today and that you find the same value and inspiration in his words as I do.

Grace and peace,
Adoring Family


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