Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Work For God, People Notice

You're sitting in class and the teacher gives out an assignment. Maybe you groan (at least inside) and ask yourself why you have to do this pointless paper. I'm going to tell you now, though, it isn't pointless. You may say, "But you don't even know the subject!" That's right, I don't, but there is more than just a grade at stake for those of us who follow Christ, no matter what task we are given.

There are many ways you can "work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," as Colossians 3:23 says. For one thing, your attitude about work is called to change just by your reading that one verse! When you're working for God, you can't complain and fuss or pout. If you're the only one not complaining, you'll be noticed, and that gives you the opportunity to give God the glory! Is it worth joining in and complaining about a task when you can, instead, shine for Jesus by putting your pride aside?

Philippians 2:14-16 "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.' Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life."

Also, your work ethic is important. A work ethic is the standard to which you do your work, and the manner in which you accomplish it - if you have a good work ethic, your motivation to do your best drives you to complete tasks on time, to produce quality results, and to put true effort into what you take on. You're not trying to be a teacher's pet by doing your best - you're trying to please your Creator, who's given you the abilities to succeed.

Another way you can shine is to make sure you are honest in all manners. This is especially hard for some students. It's easy to copy someone else's math problems when you "didn't have time" to do all of your homework because you were studying for another class's tests; easy, and wrong. It's easy to read something online or in a book, and seeing it is worded just so perfectly, copy that into your paper, and "just not say" it's someone else's words; easy and wrong. It's hard to do the right thing, but it's worth it.

From your thoughts to your actions to your words, you will have many opportunities every day to shine for the Lord. Will you choose to do the right thing, or will you choose the easy way out?

 







Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Day One - No House

So today was Day 1 of not having a house. True, most of my stuff is still in the house, but I didn't sleep there last night. And tomorrow I'll sit in that house and watch it all get packed up. But today I'm at work, finishing up two projects, and I didn't have to run the dishwasher and throw in laundry before I left, which is kind of a weird feeling. I'll still have to do laundry at some point, of course. But just saying...

If it entertains you, I kept some really funny things with me. I have all my Christmas cards and letters, all my Christmas gift bags, some Christmas gifts, 120 GGFG books, lots of snack foods, a small box of crafts and note cards, and 3 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes - none of which are going with me when I leave.

Unfortunately, I think I forgot to run the last load of dishes... and I forgot to get the placemats out of the dryer. And I need to take one last load of trash out. But I think I'm good besides that... we'll see what tomorrow brings (or breaks).

Thursday, October 10, 2013

What would you do all day?

I would wake up around 8 am, eat some breakfast, and do the dishes. Half an hour and I'd be ready for the day. I could throw in a load of laundry or run the dishwasher.

I'd go to the gym, work out about 45 mins, and then take a shower. Maybe I'd run to the bank or the grocery store on the way to or from. I'd have time to return things, or pick up dry cleaning or a headlight bulb for the car. There's always some little errand that needs to be done.

I'd have lunch, and, depending on what I'm making, I'd start on dinner. I'd sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, scrub tubs and sinks and toilets, wipe down counters and clean the stove, fridge, and microwave.

I'd re-order contacts, call about appointments, and pick up things that get left undone. I'd do simple repairs and replacements. I'd volunteer at church, I'd bring someone a meal when they are sick, I'd take the time to write letters and cards. I'd call a friend.

I'd do emails for GGFG, book marketing, still would manage incoming articles and scheduling... I'd work harder on the second book.

I'd have evenings with my husband.
And I haven't even thrown in kids, yet!