Organized Chaos.

As I sit here looking at my computer, I notice the ever-growing pile of mail, bills and file folders sitting on my desk. If I glance to my left, the loft is a mess. The laundry all sitting in piles, and I have the longest to-do-list imaginable. Even as I type, I keep adding to this list. Like clean makeup brushes, drop off the papers for Olivia's baptism, pick up birthday present for a birthday that happened a week ago -- yes, Im your last minute shopper. I actually asked Steven yesterday "how can someone be OCD, but yet still messy?" I get annoyed by everything that is out of place but I simply don't have the time to do it all. I 've always lacked consistency and lets be honest, I'm overwhelmed of being a stay at home mother - who feels the need to juggle it all. At the same time, even though there is clutter everywhere, I still feel a sense of peace. More than I ever have actually. Is everything chaotic? Yes. However, as the kids are off at school, and Olivia is taking her mid morning nap, I've been pulled to sit down and focus on what's most important, and that is God. He is undoubtedly ranked number one in our lives, yet do we really give him the attention that he deserves? I am the first to admit that in the past, my chaotic mess would come first on my list...but today it does not. All that could wait. God cannot.

On my journey to be closer to God, every morning I read "Jesus Calling". It's a daily devotional by Sarah Young. I've decided to dig a little deeper. It's one thing to read scripture and or a daily devotional... but to make it stick, one should interpret how it will apply to your life. To your every thought.

Live first and foremost in My Presence. Gradually you will become more aware of Me than of people and places around you. This awareness will not detract from your relationships with others. Instead, it will increase your ability to give love and encouragement to them. My Peace will permeate your words and demeanor. You will be active in the world, yet one step removed from it. You will not be easily shaken, because My enveloping Presence buffers the blow of problems.

This is the path I have set before you. As you follow it wholeheartedly, you experience abundant Life and Peace.

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord. They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness.

—Psalm 89:15–16

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

—Psalm 16:8

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

—2 Peter 1:2

Here are a couple of things that stuck for me;

Live first & foremost in my presence.

- Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed by life and it's clutter and ongoing, never-ending chaos. - Focus on things you have control over. Focus your energy on God.  Your relationship with him. Be thankful for all that he has blessed you with.
- Know that everything else will be taken care of in its own time and manner.

My peace will permeate your words and demeanor.

-Take your thoughts and turn them into your actions. From the words you speak, to the things you do. - Allow peace to embody every being of you. Mind, body, & soul.
- Peace is a mind frame.  It is not attached to a destination nor is tangible.

This is the path I have set before you. As you follow it wholeheartedly, you experience abundant life and peace.

- When life gets the best of you, don't allow it to effect you. Instead KNOW undoubtedly that the path you are on, God has set, and for good reason. He sees what you do not. He knows everything. Trust him wholeheartedly and the rest will fall into place. 
- He will never fail you. He will never abandon you. 

I hope you & yours have a blessed day,

T