Are You Trusting BUT First?

Okay so you've got to admit that "But First" can really bring up some funny imagery - especially when we are talking about healthy and fitness.  But the reality is, when God tells us to trust Him completely there is no "if" "and" or "but" about it.  However, we tend to put a "but first" before we give it up to God.

Trusting God is easier said than done for those of us who like to be in control and know the plan and exactly when things are going to happen and when we will get results.  Not to mention when and if we do decide that we want to surrender and let God help us with our problems Satan starts to encourage impatience.  So we start to think I want God to act by a certain time or in a certain way.  We want it our way and we want it now.  We want to see instant changes.  That’s probably why we are so drawn to the 30 day plans or the quick weight loss programs that give us results that either won’t last or are not typical.

We say we trust God yet we take it to him and say “God help me, ‘but first’ I’m going to order this food plan”  or “but first I am going to take these weight loss supplements and drink this over priced miracle juice” or "but first I am going to try what my friend told me about" or “but first I have to figure out how it will fit into my budget and schedule”  and then we say we will give it to Him.  As if we want to help Him get started on our plan rather than being led by Him and following the word.

If we are truly trusting God, He does not want our ‘but first!’  He wants our complete surrender.  Proverbs 3:5 says trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean NOT on your own understanding.  Now if it said “some of your heart” or “most of your heart” and then went on to say and “use your own logic and understanding to start off then I will pick it up from there,” then we might be on the right track.  But that’s not what’s in there.  Check your Bible and tell me what you see too.

When we trust we can rest assured that he will not tempt us beyond what we can bear and will always give us a way out (1 Cor. 10:13).  We just have to look for it.  We can trust that He has a plan and will work out our schedule with out us having to know how or when (Jer 29:11).  We can trust that he loves us more than we love ourselves and wants what is best for us (1 John 4:9-10).  That if we delight ourselves in Him he will give us the desires of our heart (Psalms 37:3-4).

So our actions when trusting and surrendering are to acknowledge Him, delight in Him and Commit to Him.  No more ‘but firsts!’

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed – Proverbs 16:3

Back To School Game Plan

The wave of children heading back to school as begun along with football practice, cross country, piano lesson, etc. I don't know about you, but I am thrilled that we get to go back to a steady routine. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVED having my kids around all summer and the lack of schedule, but I appreciate God's wisdom in having us live life in seasons.  No one season lasts forever but it's there for us to enjoy then move on to the next.  So since we enjoyed summer, just wanted to share a "Back to School Game Plan" to help us help our kids have an incredible school year:

o   Pray for the School Year:  This can be the most amazing school year for your children if you give it to the Lord right from the start.  Create a prayer journal just for school related prayers and keep track of how God comes through as the year progresses.  Also, commit to praying in the car, before the kids catch the bus or before your homeschool session starts every morning.  

o   Plan and Prioritize: Purchase a family calendar and write down all school and extra curricular activities for the rest of the year.  Mark busy days and nights and think about what meals will work well on those days and set up your grocery list accordingly. Call family and friends ahead of time for the support you may need.

o   Connect Healthy Food to Great Grades:  Discuss the importance and connection between healthy eating and ability to focus and concentrate and get good grades. Check out www.laptoplunches.com for a few quick easy tips and ideas for lunch.  Purchase a stainless steel water bottle and set water drinking goals during the day. Hydration is especially important now in the heat.

o   Rest:  If you have started school, make sure that you are no longer keeping summer hours, even on the weekends.  Sleeping and waking come very easily when our bodies are in rhythm so get up early and get to bed on time on the weekends too, even if you have nowhere to go.  It will make Monday morning easier.  If you have not yet begun school start mimicking your school schedules a week or so before school starts.  See what time they naturally get up on their own and implement a set plan on how you intend to “settle down” for the night.

Have a Healthy & Happy School Year!!