A "Simple" Call...

We had friends over for dinner last night. After pizza and cupcakes from the church bake sale today we all settled into the basement for some fun and slightly competitive time around the pool table. My closest girlfriend sat on the couch after beating me (barely...LOL) and we started chatting. I gave her an update and ran down the list of things we have been doing. We talked about the individual challenges we have been facing lately and I felt heavier and heavier with each thing I revealed. She looks me straight in the eyes and said...."So, what else is going on in the world of Shelli? I mean, it's you and that can't be all you are doing!"

She knows me so well. I am the Queen of Busyness. She went on to ask me about what Bible Study I was thinking of leading next, what family devotional I was writing, personal Bible study I was studying, what my ideas were for reaching the lost...women's ministry...she asked and asked! I felt a bit like I was going through a medieval gauntlet. I mean come on, I don't have the energy to do anything extra right now, but can barely keep my own head above the water. She challenged me! I know she didn't mean to, but none the less, she did. I woke up this morning and in my quiet time I asked the Lord, what is it YOU want me to do? I know I can't do it all.....(normally I think I can), but ya know right now, I just can't!

So here are my top things that I believe the Lord is calling me to focus on right now:

Personal prayer time (1 Chr 16:10-12)
Supporting my husband (Eph 5:22-23)
Family prayer and devotions (Deut 6:7)
Maintaining my home and kids' education (Deut 6)
Caring for my body (1 Cor 6:19-20)
Going to church (Heb 10:25)
Encouraging others along the way/witnessing (Heb 3:13)

But Lord, what about Women's Ministry Bible Study? You study....I teach you!
But Lord, what about small group? You have one....the Chinlund Family!
But Lord, what about accountability? Are you telling me that your kids let you get away with ANYTHING????
But Lord, what about serving? You are my hands and feet...follow me and we will serve constantly.
But Lord, what about people that need me to do things for them? No sweet child...they need ME, not you.

So I challenge you the way I have been challenged. (Remember misery loves company!!!! :) Seek the Lord and answer the call to simplify. If you feel like you have to much time on your hands fill it with a conversation to the Almighty. If we do a little house cleaning we will be able to figure out what we were REALLY supposed to be doing all along!

I ran across this passage this morning...look at 1 Cor 16:12, "Now about our brother Apollos; I strongly urge him to go you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity."

Here are a few things we can learn from this passage:
1. Apollos was not afraid to say no to Paul the apostle!
2. The Lord provides the opportunities and we are wise to follow Him!
3. Do not be captivity to activity!

The world calls us to busyness. The Lord calls us to simplify and focus on HIM! After this mental exercise this morning I feel balanced. It is true, if you follow Him, His yoke is easy and His burden is light! (Matthew 11:30)