Refocused!

Well, if you are so kind as to check my blog from time to time, you have obviously observed that I have not posted in a month. It has definitely been a month to remember. Following the student ministries retreat in January, our family set off for four straight weekends of watching our oldest daughter compete in Miss America preliminary pageants. From Athens to West Georgia to Macon to Dalton, it has been a whirlwind of gowns, shoes, luggage, hotels and cars arriving from all corners of the state. Coupled with the women's ministry Kick Off 2008 at FBCJ, which was a spirit-filled morning to remember.

With much gratitude, perseverance and due diligence, our daughter did win the title of Miss Carpet Capital 2008 and has earned her first trip to Columbus, Georgia to compete in the Miss Georgia Pageant in June. Congratulations, Lydia!

This past week has been filled with many plans for gown shopping, listening to possible talent music, and attending the Miss Fulton County Pageant last night.

All of this flurry of activity has reminded me just how important my quiet time with the Lord is and how easy it is to become distracted by the "things" of this world. So my determined purpose this day is to refocus my priorities and renew my mind in the Lord! My teaching retreat, The Offerings of My Heart, emphasizes the crucial importance of getting into the Word of God, daily, and renewing your mind. When we fail to do this with determination and purpose, we allow the MOST important relationship in our lives to slide to the back burner.

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..." This butterfly will retreat to her cocoon for a time to be renewed and refocused.

As I challenged my daughter this morning, I would like to challenge myself and each of you to practice Colossians 3:1-4:

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Even good things can be an easy distraction to the pursuit of holiness, this day I choose to pursue holiness!

God Bless!