I think priorities in life are very important. They help keep you in your lane in this race of life.  They help keep you focused and running in the right direction. I feel that priorities are that much more important in the blender because of the different dynamics already going on in the mix.   I think family priorities should be:

1. God

2. Spouse/marriage 

3. Kids

4. Work/friends/anything else you want to fill in the blank

Today, lets focus on priority #1.  I strongly feel that as a Christian, God should be your first priority.  It can be very hard to do this, I know.  You have the husband, the kids, the job that demand every thing from you, so how can we possibly put God first?  Well, actually, I think it is more simple than you think.  Psalm 119:15 “I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.”  As a christian I believe you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you.  (1 Cor 3:16 NLT says the Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you.) That tells me to really listen to that voice inside of me that’s telling me whether this feels right or not.  You have heard the expression “go with your gut”.  Well I feel that God through the Holy Spirit is my gut.  Yep, sounds a little weird but think about it…it makes sense!  Another very easy way besides listening to the Spirit in your heart is to memorize scripture and repeat it to yourself during those difficult times.  I struggle with anxiety and have since I was in high school.  Some times I feel I have victory over it and some times it rears its very nasty horrible ugly head!  During these times I have found that if I repeat some verses that mean a lot to me, it helps me to get through that anxious moment.  (this for me is meditating on His word)  One of my favorite verses is Joshua 1:9 “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  (If you really want to have a good time, read Joshua 1:7-9!)  Another thing that will help put God first is PRAYER!  When I first wake up in the morning before my feet hit the floor, I say a prayer.  It isn’t a long drawn out thing, just a quick prayer for me to get my day started, to pray for mine, my husband’s, and my children’s day.  If you read in Luke 18 about the Pharisees you will find that although they were very well respected in society, they were also very self righteous and viewed themselves better and more “spiritual” than every one else.  To put God first in your life does not mean for you to be a Pharisee (just practicing religion).  It is not about showing up every time the church doors are open, praying the loudest, or knowing the most scripture.  It is about meeting God right where you are in your little corner of the world.  Keeping Him in the forefront of your mind and letting him quietly lead you in your heart.  It’s living up to the potential he created you to be.  (for more of that refer to my previous post “Great Expectations”)  Everything else will follow according to His path if you just start where you are….  Next post is about Priority 2 (marriage) Yikes!