"Pie Chart"

Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do and encourage yourself. This week I’ve been learning a lot about self motivation and encouragement. I’ve needed to learn these things for a while because neither is a strong suit of mine. Recently, I’ve decided to work from home more so I can spend more time with my child who is growing up WAY too fast. I refuse to miss a first of any sort, and I think that I will be glad that I have chosen to stay home. However, knowing that I struggle to self motivate, and have a real love/hate relationship with procrastination, this choice did not come without its hesitations and fears. I’ve begun to sink myself into researching all the ways that I can cope with being a working mom, but at home. How to balance my time, and organize my thoughts and my life around these new obstacles. (Like trying to write a blog when it seems your kid has a sixth sense as to when the computer opens and instantly wakes up demanding your full attention.) I realize that most of you who read this can’t really relate to the whole work at home mom scenario, but I know you have probably dealt with similar feelings. It’s hard to find the balance in life. School, church, work, home, sports and other activities are a lot of responsibility. Figuring out priorities when you have so much on your plate can be one of the most difficult parts of the process.
We all want to give everything we do 100% of our mind, body, and soul. But we just can’t. Lets go ahead and suck it up as we all admit to ourselves that you have 100% to give, and that 100% has to be broken down and distributed among all of the “stuff” in our lives. Think of yourself as a pie chart (I know... just follow me here) and you only have so much room for each “slice”. So figuring out what our greatest priorities are is essential. The easiest way to start this is to list a top 3. So here are mine. For me #1 has to be my relationship with God. I know thats cliché, but after many failed attempts at doing life without Him being the center of it, I have come to find I need Him to really accomplish anything. I need His direction, especially in times like these when I’m afraid of the unknown. #2 is my family, most importantly my immediate family. Logan and My sweet baby have to come before anything else. I love them with my whole heart, and because of that indescribable love, I would do ANYTHING for them. #3 is my work. G.L.A.M. and school are my work. I am passionate about G.L.A.M. God called me into full time ministry at 15, and gave me the vision for this ministry at 18. I have spent the past 11 years trying to walk in His plan, and make this vision a reality. School is roped in there because of all of you. My purpose is to live my life as an example to you. Part of that is having a good education. I know I can’t stand there and tell you that you have to go to school and study hard to get a degree if I haven’t done the same myself.
Of course, we all have more than 3 priorities in our lives, but having that top 3 makes it much easier to see what's important when faced with the tough decision of having to choose one over another. THOSE... the situations where you have to choose between one or the other are where that ability to encourage and motivate yourself come into play. No matter what, you are bound to feel like you could be making the wrong choice. So, remember this; doubt is one of the devils greatest tools. Understand that change can be scary. Remember that your feelings are valid, but most importantly you will NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU TRY! Trying new things can be exciting! Challenging yourself can be fulfilling and very rewarding. Failure can be a great way to learn.
I keep reminding myself of these things as I step into my new role and this new lifestyle. I hope they can be some help to you as you face these types of decisions in your own life.
Trust God to show you the path He has laid out for you.  Proverbs 3:6-5