A List of Reminders

The world seems like a cacophony of voices right now. I made a list of reminders for myself. Perhaps you may need to hear them too.

I cannot do everything. It’s ok to say no to some things. God gives us the freedom to choose and the guidance to know how to choose well. Just as each of us chooses how to spend our money, we must also learn how to choose to spend our time and our energy.

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” ~ Luke 10:41-42

I am responsible for my life (not anyone else’s). This includes but is not limited to my choices, my thoughts, my commitments, my words, my desires and my actions.

So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. ~ Romans 14:12

God has given me a unique set of talents. I have the responsibility to steward them. It’s ok – and even good – that my talents aren’t like everyone else’s. This is part of how God equips his church for his ministry. (Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:11-14)

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord ~ 1 Corinthians 12:4-5

I must let go of some things. Let go of the mistakes I’ve made. Let go of the hurt and resentment I hold against others. Let go of the worries that try to trip me up. Think of the symbolism of trees in autumn – the leaves must die but even in their death and their release, they are beautiful and changed. And in letting go, the tree can have the rest and rejuvenation it needs for new growth in another season. (Ephesians 4:31, Matthew 6:25-34)

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead ~ Philippians 3:13

I need to pray often. It’s good to place my heart, my loved ones, and the lost into God’s hands each day in prayer, hopefully multiple times throughout the day.

Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

I need to read more scripture. God’s word is incredibly, richly rewarding. Reading it with an open heart and mind always changes me for the better. (Psalm 119, Matthew 4:4)

Open my eyes, that I may behold
    wondrous things out of your law. ~ Psalm 119:18

Sometimes, I just need to breathe. This too shall pass.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

I need to listen more – to God, to children, to spiritual mentors, to the lonely. And it’s equally important to mentally discard unspiritual, worldly advice as just that – bad advice. (James 3:13-18)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger ~ James 1:19

My job right now is to nurture and spiritually equip my husband and kids. This is a God given task and one that can help us get to heaven. This counts as “ministry” in and of itself. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. ~ Titus 2:3-5

I need to rest. Even Jesus slept during the storm. Our bodies, our minds, our spirits all need rest. (Mark 4:35-41, Mark 6:31)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  ~ Matthew 11:28

Finally, I must continually choose trust. God is utterly trustworthy and I always have a choice to trust, even and especially when I do not understand the “why’s” of life (Job 13:15)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6