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“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

I sat on my deck watching laundry blow on the clothes line. Sitting down hasn’t been a practice in my life lately. Responsibilities and endless deadlines keep me from relaxing.  I can get frustrated with what I call the “octopus syndrome’.  Every arm is being stretched and I feel I need more arms or better yet I need fewer deadlines!

Sometimes life’s cycles are just that.  There are times when we have no control over the situation and other times, we have brought it on ourselves. Why is life so busy? Do you experience this busyness too?

Maybe you are a mom with small children trying to juggle schedules and mommy times.  A new career position may have put on more demands than normal.  Perhaps you are pursuing education while working to pay the bills. In addition to our responsibilities, we need some fun recreation time too. In the mix of all this, is the time to worship at church or attend a small group Bible Study.  The list is endless.

What drives us to be so busy?  Do we NEED it to feel important?  Are we running away from a painful situation by keeping the schedule bulging to help forget? Is there a crisis in our family’s life that needs additional attention? When do we start to say NO and realize enough is enough?

Recently, I received an email from a childhood friend. She is dying.  Her body needs a liver and kidney.  It hit me as I began to look over the daunting schedule of my week ahead and realized that at the end of the day, it really only matters what we have invested in eternity and not what I have put on my To Do List.  That should be the foundation for every decision in my life.

My friend desires to be in Heaven with Jesus free from pain, but on the flip side she wants to stay with her family. The apostle Paul said the same thing. He writes:

“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:8-10).

Paul had such a desire to be obedient to the Savior on earth for what he was called to do and yet he wanted to be at “rest in the Saviors arms”.

What is on your To Do list today? I love lists and that is how I get things accomplished. Today’s society praises us more for what we do than for who we are.  What kind of legacy will we leave behind?  Would you take a few moments with me and think of some possibilities? Spend time reading books to enhance our character (that means sitting);  investing in a small group Bible study to learn more of God’s word (I know–more sitting); spending a few moments each day in the pages of Scripture; investing time with those who hurt with your listening ear. We don’t have to go far to sit in front of our computer and take an on-line Bible study course. Spend time with your spouse growing in love. Take your child on an adventure whether an outdoor picnic or a trip to the library. Book a time to go out for coffee with a girlfriend and share hearts.  This is just a start.  You have your own story and timetable.

We don’t know when we will exit this earth.  Our list needs to be filtered through the eyes of Jesus.  He will help bring balance and prioritize the schedule.  Ask what His personalized To Do list is just FOR YOU.  The One who created the earth and all the intricate time schedules of our universe can help with this list.  He is just a prayer away. Can I challenge you to make one change in your life that will make a Kingdom difference for a more balanced life? As we prioritize our life, we will feel less like an octopus and more like a human on planet earth.

Father God, I pray that as each of us asks for a new TO DO list that we will hear Your heart.  I pray that we will evaluate the most important.  Give us Your Wisdom to do the best while placed on earth.  Thank you.  In the all-powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:  Embracing stillness

Questions: What is one change that you can make in your life that will make a Kingdom difference for a more balanced life? Has your TO DO list been filtered through the eyes of Jesus?

About the Author Linda McCutcheon

God knows…God Cares…God loves You…There is hope. We’d like to pray for you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“Am I growing or eroding in who I am becoming?”

A wise woman grows in becoming diligent.

A diligent woman looks at the tasks at hand and does what needs to be done. She does her best. She does not shrink back from her work nor procrastinate to the point of defeat.

She is wise in understanding that sometimes it is better to say “no” to a new task than to hinder her effectiveness in her other responsibilities. The diligent woman knows life comes in seasons and each season will bring new opportunities. Each season has both pleasure and challenge all of its own. She does what is in front of her with her whole heart even in seasons that are not to her liking.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23, NIV).

Ask God to help you know how to carry your load and when to say “no”. Ask Him to help you in each task and through each season. Do the best you can as you do it for Him.

Father God, I confess that I sometimes feel overwhelmed in this season of my life. I know I often try to do more than I should. Help me to know when to say “no”. Help me to tackle what is in front of me today with diligence. I need the help of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I feel resentful of all that is required of me. I lay my “to do” list in front of You today and ask for Your help and strength to do the best I can. Empower me with Your strength and wisdom and give me joy for the day.

In Jesus’ powerful name I pray, amen.

Questions: How would you describe a “diligent woman”? Is there something that is keeping you from being that woman?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Are you confused and have too many responsibilities? One of our mentors would like to listen to you.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

Susan sat by the window with her pen and paper on her lap.  A few quiet moments were hers to contemplate the things going on her life right now!  Today she found herself a bit anxious about the future.  She felt less in control then ever before.  She jotted down some definite actions she would make a point of pursuing.

She made a quick list of the things beyond work and home responsibilities that she had committed to.  She knew she needed to be deliberate in her choices to continue in some and not in others.  She paused to ask God to guide her in her choices and her plans.  He knew every detail of her live and He was the one who could give her direction.

As she prayed a verse came to her mind.  She thumbed through her Bible looking for it.  It brought a perspective to her mind and heart.  A perspective that put life into bite size, manageable pieces.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him”  (Colossians 3:17).

Whether the big picture ahead brings you excitement or anxiousness, God gives a formula to live by daily.  He tells us that in whatever we say or do we should consider our words and actions to be representing Jesus and to display a thankful attitude.

Try it. Take your day one conversation and one action at a time.  Recognize yourself as a representative of Jesus and His love and values as you move through your workplace and your home.  Ask Him to cultivate thankfulness in your heart even in the situations that frustrate you.  You will be surprised at the peace He gives as you hold His hand throughout each part of today. It will carry you, step by step and day by day, throughout the planned and the unplanned events of your life. It will revolutionize your days!!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me just the way I am today.  Father God, You know the things that I need to change. You know the things that excite me and the things that worry me.  Thank you that You give me instruction in Your Word about how to face each new day.  I ask You today to help me speak and act in a way that represents You to those around me.  Father, there are people and situations that annoy and frustrate me. Please help me to cultivate a thankful heart even in the midst of frustrating moments. Help me to live, in everything today, in the peace that following You brings to my soul.  Guide me I pray. In Jesus name, Amen.

Questions: Is your life in a state of confusion? Why? How can you start to get your days more manageable and less hectic?

About the Author Gail Rodgers

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“How precious are your thoughts concerning me…” (Psalm 139:17).

It had been anything but a “quiet” time. Although I had closed the door and opened my Bible, my attention skittered between meetings just attended, people needs for which I felt responsible, and future events crowding the calendar. A glance at the clock too soon revealed that it was time to leave my private chamber and tend to the day’s responsibilities. “So much for spiritual preparation” was my somewhat whiny comment to God.

Then came His voice speaking into my heart—as clearly as if He had been physically standing before me: “That’s okay, my daughter. I just wanted to sit here with you. I’ve enjoyed our time together.”

We delude ourselves into thinking that our quiet times are primarily for our own benefit. We are intellectually aware that God is always with us, that His eye is not only on the sparrow but on each of us. We claim a personal relationship with Him yet are slow to understand much of what that means.

How different would be our attitudes if we began to learn that we come into His presence to give Him joy.

God, I am so grateful for Your personal love for me. To think that You simply desire me to be in Your presence is overwhelming. I love You.

Questions: Sit quietly and imagine the look on God’s face as you come into His presence. What words of welcome might He be saying to you? How would you respond?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Quick and Powerful, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“Stop!” Samuel said to Saul “Let me tell you what the Lord said to me last night” (1 Samuel 15:16).

We found it by accident. After a brisk winter walk in a park north of New York City, we were ready for a hot cup of tea or coffee. After parking the car, we began walking toward the town center. And there it was—a cozy tea room with small tables, friendly staff and quietly conversing customers. The thick menu described hundreds of teas and several appetizing food items. With our selections finally made and the aromatic brews poured, we visibly relaxed. With a plaintive sigh, our daughter asked, “Why don’t I stop for this every day?” She is a high school teacher and her many responsibilities and relationships seem to fill every waking moment.

Time for a cup of tea—or coffee or hot chocolate—or it may not involve any beverage at all. The importance of the ritual involves stopping. For the follower of Jesus, stopping is crucial—stopping the whirl of activities, stopping the ever-present household or career responsibilities, stopping well-meant ministry. Just stopping. Stopping to hear and drink in the quiet voice of God.

We read that Jesus often left the crowds with their deep physical and spiritual needs to stop. He even stepped away from his disciples to whom He would soon entrust the Kingdom. We must do no less. When will you stop for your cup of tea today?

Lord, stopping seems so unproductive! I have been trained to believe that to stop means an interruption in moving forward toward success. Please continue to remind me that I will only hear “what the Lord said to me” if I stop.

Questions: What are some ways that you take the time to “stop” and listen to what God has to say to you? Why is it important to you to take that quiet time with God?

About the Author Marilyn Ehle

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Becoming like Jesus is a Slow Process, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

**Everyone is entitled to set boundaries. What are some ways you can implement boundaries into your life? What are some things in your life right now that you should be saying ‘no’ to?  http://thelife.com/study/wisetimemanage.html?section=time_management

When I ask my friends “How are you doing,” often they say, “I am so busy,” as if it’s something to be proud of. It often appears that those who feel “very busy ” think of themselves as productive. God’s Word never tells us to be busy, overworked, or stressed. However, it does tell us to be fruitful.

Being busy is defined as engaged in action or full of activity. Being fruitful is defined as yielding or producing fruit, bringing results. There is a difference. Being busy with what we think we need to do or want to do, doesn’t always make us feel good about ourselves.

Jesus said in John 15:16, “I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name” God wants us to enjoy life but He also chose us to go and bear lasting fruit. Many of us struggle with our self-worth. Could it be that obeying God’s Word and bearing fruit, not just being busy, could actually affect our self worth?

Our lives are full of many responsibilities, however sometimes we must examine our motives and ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this? “ Am I doing it for selfish motives or am I doing it out of obedience to God?”

The first thing we need to do to take control over our time and energy is to learn to use our time wisely. The Holy Spirit is waiting for us to ask Him to show us the changes we need to make for balance in our lives. Each day ask God how He would like you to use your time. When we accomplish His purpose for which He created us, we will be fruitful, resulting in satisfaction.

David tells us in the Psalms blessed is the man who delights in God’s Word, meditating on it day and night, and then he will be fruitful and prosperous.

Satan steals our joy if we choose to be too busy instead of fruitful. One of Satan’s priorities is to distract us with busyness so we won’t spend time with God and not be effective. We will be tired, overworked, and stressed. When we’re obedient, fulfilling His purpose, we will be satisfied and fulfilled.

We are responsible for the use of our time and for using it wisely, it is not redeemable. Our good intentions without obedience don’t bring satisfaction.

~ Lord, I ask you to show me how to balance my time wisely. Forgive me for the many times I have wasted your precious gift. I choose to spend more time reading and meditating on your Word. I want You to guide and to direct me to use my time for the purpose you created me so I will experience a fruitful, and fulfilled life. In Jesus’ name. amen.

Questions: Do I spend my time in ways that fulfill God’s purpose? Would God want me to make some adjustments? What specific changes would God want me to make?

About the Author: http://thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/lillian-penner/

**Are you struggling with a burden today? We would love to pray for you. http://retirementwithapurpose.com/chat/share.html

Recently I have been trying to intentionally move toward a more sacred way of living. This does not include plans to move into a monastery—though on especially frantic days, that thought has appeared delightfully inviting—but rather a disciplined attempt to purposefully stop at appointed times of the day to turn my thoughts toward God.

A stumbling block to this spiritual – sounding plan has been the many mundane responsibilities of life. Some days the list includes committee meetings, business-oriented telephone calls and factual correspondence. Other days the hours are filled with tasks falling into the column of housewifery: grocery shopping (prices always increasing), laundry (permanent press a blatant lie), removing grime from corners and ridges of woodwork (why, oh why did we choose white wood trim?).

Behavioral experts teach that in order to form a new habit, time and attention needs to be paid to the process. Often we need reminders to move toward the desired change, and while sometimes the reminders can be pleasurable, others may be unpleasant or painful. To lose weight, perhaps a picture posted on the bulletin board of a new dress in a desired size will be helpful. The individual who wishes to break the smoking habit and move toward healthier living may need to view pictures of a diseased lung, or visit with people undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer.

Several months ago we received as a gift a bronze sculpture, a small replica of the nearly life-sized Max Greiner original entitled “Divine Servant,” which depicts Jesus washing the feet of one of the disciples. This small sculpture on its wooden base was placed on a living room window sill where guests frequently commented on its meaning. As I contemplated my desire to live in a more consistently sacred way, and my frequent failures to do so, I wondered, “Could this sculpture be at least part of God’s answer?”

We read in the Bible how Jesus stripped off his outer robe, then bowed to wash the dirty, smelly, calloused feet of his friends. It mattered not one whit to him that this job was the task of the most menial servants, usually the household slaves. Jesus’ close friend, John, in remembering that important night records the incident with telling words: “He (Jesus) showed them the full extent of his love…”

Jesus seemed to place no higher value on the “spiritual” tasks of calming a sea, healing the blind, touching a leper, speaking salvation to a religious leader or a Samaritan woman. John van de Laar writes that “He (Jesus) is also encountered when we serve ‘the least.’ In this way all work becomes an opportunity to meet Christ again, a potential for receiving and giving the grace of Christ.”1

The small bronze sculpture has moved from a window sill to the shelf over my sink. It has become a highly visible reminder to accept and acknowledge all work as sacred and to meet Christ in the middle of that work. When my eyes rest on the figure of Christ as my soapy hands scour crusty pans, or as I prepare yet another supper, my lips whisper the long-ago words of the menial servant-monk, Brother Lawrence: “Lord of all pots and pan and things…Make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the plates!”

1 John van de Laar. “The Living Sacrament.” Conversations Volume 5:1 Fall/Winter 2007: pp. 50-54.

Questions: What change is needed in your life to allow you a more sacred way of living? What could you do to “bow down and wash the dirty, smelly, calloused feet” of someone?

About the Author: http://talk.thelife.com/experience/devotionalforwomen/authors/marilyn-ehle/