This past week was, to put it mildly, an adjustment.  I got home from Myrtle Beach Saturday night, started my first graduate-level class at Miami University on Monday, and catapulted myself into a jarring week of transition from vacation back into being a full-time student, leaving Reed after being with him full-time for 10 days, and staying up late each night writing and doing homework.  It was a fantastic week, but I have been ready for bedtime since about 4:30- maybe earlier?  It is weeks like these that I find myself susceptible to stress, fatigue, possibly some crankiness, too.  Is anybody with me?

Even in this hectic week, I managed to steal away each morning and get a few quiet moments alone with God.  Because I know I couldn't do any of this without him.  Some days I was able to focus and get 45 minutes, other days I was scatterbrained and just managed a small devotional.  But people, you don't want to know me without my armor on!  Because without it, that stress, fatigue, and crankiness can sink my day, and I will easily take my family's day with me.  And I know I'm not the only one out there!  Paul writes about this armor in Ephesians 6:10-18, ​if you are interested in reading further.

Spending time with God each morning helps me put on my armor and get spiritually dressed for the day ahead.  And that part of my day has become pretty routine.  My problems usually start when the people come out.

Are you the same?  I do great when I'm by myself, drinking my coffee, reading my Bible.  I feel so strong in my faith at that point in my day- it's really funny when I think about it.  Driving in my car and listening to worship music is easy-peasy.  I feel so connected, so spiritual.  I feel the glow around my head (just kidding... maybe).  I don't even have to mess with traffic when I'm driving at 6 AM.  I usually rely on my armor when the people come out- whoever the people might be.  Kids, spouses, students, coworkers, teachers, neighbors, bosses.  People on the road, people in the store, people on social media, people texting, people calling.  Because I want to love people well, as soon as the relationships start, I need that armor!

So what to do?  Of course I rely on the armor, I pray, I try to remember what I've studied in the Word.  But honestly, most of the time my life is so CRAZY BUSY that I need a little extra reminder.  And, as any teacher will tell you, when we need a reminder we pull out our secret weapon:

POST-IT NOTES
(cue superhero music)

I tend to take the Bible literally. (Silly me!)  Although many people agree that this group of verses is a metaphor, asserting that God's word should be the focal point of our life and home, I certainly don't think there is any harm in taking it literally.  Ultimately, the gospel should be our obsession and passion.  I looked up "frontlets between your eyes."  Yeah, I'm not ready to get that literal.  But I will write on my walls!

About a year ago, I painted a section of my wall in chalkboard paint.  Unfortunately, I don't have the "barista" talent to write and draw creatively on my chalkboard (like Aunt B), but every so often I scrawl down a new verse to fit what I need to work on in the moment...

When I was in college working toward a career, one of the most important factors in my decision was the benefits of the teaching profession.  A consistent schedule, holidays and summers free for family, good insurance, maternity leave, and retirement were all very important to me.  It is a job with pretty great benefits, and I am very blessed!  Serving Jesus comes with great benefits, too- way more amazing, actually!  David lists many of them in Psalm 103:

Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits--
who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103: 1-5

This psalm has been my favorite to read all week.  Reading and  journaling by the beach, watching the sun rise, and hearing the waves crash on the shore has been my favorite part of each day.  Here is a little excerpt from my journal:

My favorite part of this psalm (this week) is where David lists the "benefits" of loving God.  I believe he gives five in a row in the first few verses:
1) He forgives all my sins
2) He heals all my diseases
3) He redeems my life
4) He crowns me with love and compassion
5) He satisfies me with good things

I think many people in "the world" are deceived into believing that a lifetime spent with Jesus is a restricted, limited one.  And I think that deep down, some Christians believe this, too.  This idea breeds discontent, envy, or covetousness, then compromise, and finally sin.  And sin always costs us something.  The longer I run this race, I think "compromise" may be the most dangerous, deciding force when it comes to eternity.  The Bible is full of stories and verses about compromises that led to destruction.  I just read one this week.  Paul writes,

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3 (NIV- my emphasis added)

Yikes!  Not even a hint!  Friends, we must not give  Satan a foothold, not even an inch in our lives, homes, and families.  Oh, it may seem silly and harmless at times, but don't be deceived.  Be alert! Satan is a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8).  Father, reveal areas of compromise in my life.  Let me not be deceived.

I think this is part of the reason why David instructs us to "forget not" the benefits of serving the Lord.  When I meditate on the five points listed in Psalm 103, I am reminded of the goodness of the Lord and the importance of being heavenly-minded, and I am overwhelmed by His love for me.  I am reminded that His ways are higher and better- all of the time.  When I look at my family and my life, I want to do everything I can to draw near to God, know Him more, and receive his favor and blessing.  Psalm 103 reiterates this reminder of the lasting effects of serving God.  Verses 17-18 (NLT) state: 

But the love of the Lord remains forever
    with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
of those who are faithful to his covenant,
    of those who obey his commandments!
​
When we do our best to trust and obey God, he is faithful to extend salvation to our future generations.  It's a promise!  And like any mother, I want God's best for my children.  If there's a promise concerning Jacob or Reed, I'm claiming it!