Priorities

Yesterday
Staples in China... doesn't have American stuff because it is too expensive. China might make most of the stuff for America, but it is for export, not allowed to be consumed here. Therefore to import this former export becomes very costly. I just wanted some really nice little Sharpies or these Sharpies, I could keep going all day. I went to the office nearby, got a catalog, found out they don't have a full on store, and their express store is all the way across town.

We had dinner with our teachers... we took them to our favorite dumpling restaurant, the entire meal was a Chinese lesson. Teacher Bai and Teacher Li are wonderfully positive, helpful, and constantly correcting grammar, pronunciation, and everything else. We had a great time, but it wore us out.

Luke 17-20
The Parable of the Ten Minas. Jesus is king, but many are trying to dethrone him, or deny his existence. These people will have a difficult time when the Lord returns. Those who are recognizing his kingship have been given gifts of stewardship. The question presented to us, "What are you doing with the Lord's stuff?" I must use the gifts of God in the service of God, but also remember to enjoy the blessing myself (Luke 15). God didn't bless me so I could be a grouch and bemoan blessing others. He blessed me so that I could enjoy his blessing and show others how to enjoy living in his blessing while sharing it with others.

Power of a Praying Husband - Priorities
We all need to order our lives appropriately. In reading this chapter, I can see how the priorities and "obligations" of a wife are put on trial. Every woman that I have talked with says they fear what others think about them... much more than men do. This judgment in the court of public opinion needs to be turned off, but how? I used to feel judged by everyone, then I decided to set it aside, to only please God. I constantly pray that God will remove worry over others opinions from my decision making process and that God will be the chief reason for my actions (public & private). When God comes first, the outcome should be a loving, compassionate blessing for all. If it isn't, then God probably didn't come first (daily life, not judgment day - of which I have no control).

Prayer
Thank you Lord for giving us your Word which blesses us as we set priorities, which in turn bless our daily life with order and enjoyment. God gives us hearts to enjoy your blessings, to share your blessings, and to increase the blessings you have bestowed!