Every Day Focus

​I have developed habits that I use every day to get my focus off myself and my own desires and circumstances and redirect it toward the Lord and His desires for each day.

The first thing I do as I am getting dressed each morning is I mentally put on the Armor of God - Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith and Shoes of Peace (as my daughter calls them).  Then I pray that the Lord would equip me to fight any spiritual battles I might face that day.  Next I pray the Lord would help me to show His love toward everyone I come in contact with, beginning with my husband and children.  I pray for safety and protection during the day’s activities and I thank Him for hiving me the strength to accomplish His purposes as He presents opportunities to me each day.

My next habit is to write in a “Thankfulness Journal.”  A little over a year ago I dedicated a journal just for writing things I am thankful for and then determined to write in it at least 1 thing I was thankful for each day - before doing anything else.  And just over a year later I have found that I somehow have more and more things to be thankful for and my journal is almost full.  Some days all I can think of to be thankful for is the energy to get myself dressed but most days I find myself trying to narrow down my list because I need to get to my Bible reading.😃 

These habits really help me to keep my eyes on the blessings of the Lord and to rely on His strength and wisdom.  And they help me to roll right in to discussions with my kids - asking them if they put their armor of God on as they sit down to breakfast.  I am able to start my mornings off with a smile and upbeat attitude with my husband regardless of the mood he is in.  I look for opportunities to show love and kindness at the grocery store, gas station, in our neighborhood.

I have MS but the Lord provides me with the energy to serve Him at every opportunity He presents and I am so blessed!