Two Thousand Eleven!

Here we are.  Two. Thousand. Eleven.  Can you believe it? Have you set plans for this year?  Do you have goals? Are there things that you would like to accomplish?  I can say yes to all of these.  Some of these plans are still in formulation, but one thing is for sure:  I cannot plan alone.  Being a wife & mom, photographer, and a mixed bag of many other things can take me in a bazillion directions at once.  Prayer is an absolute must in order to gain direction for a New Year.  As I pray, I begin to prioritize my various roles in life to keep things in check.  I'll give you a little sneak peek into my brain {pretty scary-I know}.

1. God :: Communication with the Lord is my highest priority.  Without this, I am doomed before I even take the first step.  This means prayer and Bible reading consistently.  It is as essential as eating regular meals.  It is the food for the soul, nourishment to my character.  All those around me suffer when this is neglected.  He is what makes me worth anything to anyone at all.
2. My Marriage  :: What would it be like if you only cared for one half of your body, but neglected the other half.  How about if you only washed the right side of your face but never the left?  When we join together in marriage, the Bible says that two become one flesh.  If I only care for myself, but not my husband, in essence, I am only caring for one half of my body.  Life is busy, and sometimes it is hard to take the time out to care for our spouse in the way that they do not feel neglected, especially when there are children to be cared for.  When I place my marriage at the top of my priority list, right under God, I not only honor God, but I give my children a stronger home.  I pledge to do even better in 2011.
3. My Children :: As parents, we are commissioned by God to train up these children in the way that they should go, so that when they are old, they do not depart from it.  Sometimes I have to ask myself if we are training them in a way that I would want them to carry out for the rest of their days!  I just keep on pointing them to Jesus, and pray that they will stay on the path that will bring them joy like no other.
4. My Contribution to the Marketplace :: Each of us are blessed in various ways with talents that become creative outlets for glorifying God, blessing others and as means to provide for our families.  Each of these outlets are opportunities for meeting new people and affecting the lives of others.  The Proverbs 31 woman is a great example to pray upon while considering this area of my life:

{Proverbs 31:13-31}

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

I pray that your New Year's Planning is underway in a great way! Make 2011 GREAT!