The Distracted Heart

Day 19: The Distracted Heart

09.20.08 by Kimberly Wagner
Scripture Focus: Psalm 34

“Martha was distracted with much serving.” —Luke 10:40, ESV

“When you and I sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to His Word and then sit at His feet and lavish our worship and love upon Him, there will be an impact. . . . True worship and devotion will make our lives fragrant and will perfume the environment around us. Our homes, our churches, even our places of work will bear the sweet scent of our devotion. Most importantly, the Lord Jesus will be pleased. And ultimately that is all that really matters.” —Nancy Leigh DeMoss

How often, like Martha, are we tempted to place our hands on our hips, wagging an accusing finger in Christ’s face while verbally assaulting Him with our orders? Perhaps we’re not even aware of times when we’ve done this. It is easy to become so preoccupied with activity (even ministry activity) that we lose sight of what is most important. When we are so busy that we neglect to sit at our Master’s feet, we have developed a distracted heart.

Because women generally multitask easily, we may be more prone to functioning spiritually with a distracted heart, whizzing through our quiet-time exercises without ever experiencing God’s presence or even remembering what we’ve just read or who we’ve prayed for. Have you ever found yourself running to the next ministry opportunity or Bible study while spewing out impatient or unkind words to those who impede your progress along the way? What about becoming so busy preparing a meal to “minister hospitality” to friends that you injure your family with your critical or demanding spirit? All of these can be the effects of a distracted heart.There is nothing—nothing—more important than spending time each day at the Master’s feet. Without the intimacy that this intentional devotion provides, our hearts will grow weary, we will spend our days without clear direction, and ultimately our hearts will become dry and barren.
Take Time to ReflectSit at your Master’s feet today and use Psalm 34 as a prayer of worship and adoration. Don’t be in a hurry! Where is your heart right now? Although you may faithfully be working through this heart preparation guide, you can be guilty of functioning with a distracted heart and “checking the box,” using this exercise as just another spiritual “duty.” Stop and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the true condition and needs of your heart.

Our Hero's

I've been doing a lot of praying lately...and these men have been a hot topic of conversation between the Lord and I. We are just so blessed to have them in our lives...to have them for our sons! I just feel like I can drop the "in-law" word b/c they don't feel like what "in-laws" should feel like! Both of these men have such wonderful qualities and so perfectly matched for our daughters. Honestly, if I could have lined up every man on the face of the earth and chose for myself a husband for my girls...I could never have chosen as well as the Lord did! My heart is just overflowing today, with thanksgiving for these "Hero's" in our life! We LOVE you Adam and Brian! Thank you for loving the Lord and putting HIM first in your life...for it is then, that love spills over to your wives. And that is pleasing to the Lord!

graphics: Grungy Grub, Flash graphics, Shabby Pumpkin,Wordart: ScrappinDaisies

Our Family is growing by 2 more feet!

We're so excited for Brian and Amy!! We can't wait for May!! God is so gracious to bless you with this precious little life and we can't wait as your quiver begins to fill! We're praying that you're feeling better real soon and thanking the Lord for Brian, who has such a servants heart as he cares for you while your body adjusts to this new life inside! Children are a GIFT from the Lord! Congratulations!!!
word art: ElegantWordArt2
graphics: paper by Raspberry Road Designs, heart on calendar: AloDezigns, photo: snagged from an insurance ad that came to my spam box! It reminded me of Amy's feet! I take no credit for the originality of the snap, but it sure is cute!

Bald Faced Hornets reside there!

Okay....the verdict is in! Thank you all for sharing your wisdom. (except for the first piece of advice that came in. I thought I raised you better than that!!) You all knew right away what it was!! I thought it was a result of Dennis watching too many Sci Fi movies and they began to gravitate to our house for later abduction! After spending a couple hours on here last night, I think I've identified it and yes, we will be leaving it alone. Merry Christmas CKH!! (SHE WANTS IT!) If you want to read more about these interesting insects, look here!
This is exactly what I have (from the looks of it!) I'm headed out with binoculars so I can get a close up visual of the workers and hopefully, the little shot of wasp killer that Dennis so bravely sprayed from 10' away last night got one down so I can give it a full physical examination! Dennis is in bed with a 101.2 temp. today. I think it scared him sick!! Ha!

WHAT...pray tell, is THIS???

Okay girls...or boys who may get dragged into the computer to identify this 'thing" growing in my tree out front....WHAT IS THIS??? Okay, I know it's a nest of some sort. We see some type of "bee" or "wasp" going into it. Acutally, I think there's a block party going on in there b/c they are coming in far and wide! This honker looks to be about 18" long x 12" wide or so. I'm not sure, b/c I didn't get up there with my tape measure but OH MY GOODNESS...it's BIG! Now...WHAT do we do with it?? I want it GONE, but Mr. said he's not going to be the one to cut it down. When we looked at the pics close on the computer, (I zoomed the camera to get the shots) we can clearly see that the branches are part of their interior decorating b/c they go THRU this thing, so it's not like you can beat it off like a pinanta' of whatever you call those things with candy in 'em. No...there's no candy in this hummer...so I'm not touching it! Who do we call?? I'm thinking 911~!!!

Does anyone know the name of this??

I think it's Sedum, but then there is also a small creeper plant called sedum with yellow flowers...then there is one that has tiny leaves and red flowers. No matter...THIS is the prettiest these plants have looked the entire 9 years we've lived here! They must be water lovers! Ha! Wanted to share the LAST of our summer garden. The only thing left to bloom are the beautiful whispy plumes on the grasses...which are well on their way! Then...it'll be time to put the garden to bed for the winter. Only to look forward to next spring, when signs of life once again emerge from the ground! That makes me smile!

Today, Rylie Morgan turns 4!!!

Today is Rylies Fourth Birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY little cupcake! I know you won't be able to see this birthday greeting on your special day, but when you get back to Daddy and Amy's, it'll be there waiting for you! I hope you like "Doracita" on your page!! Can't wait to see you next month!! I have something special for you to play with waiting on your bed! Yipee!!

I love you TTMAB,
Grammy Cheryl
graphics by: http://ellielash.com/blog/ and Andrea Dickenson