To-Do List

I love making lists! No, I mean, I really love it. We are getting ready to go on vacation in a few weeks and I am having to hold myself back from making my packing list for the trip. I make lists for everything: vacation, groceries, housework, projects. I love the organization process. I love to see it all written out in perfect detail, a perfect little step-by-step list of what needs to be accomplished.

So why not make a list for my Christian life. A blueprint, if you will, for what to do every day. Seven little things to do make my walk with Christ easier and help me be the best Christian I can be. So here are my 7 to-do’s that help me.

Number 1: Wait patiently — God tells us on numerous occasions that we are to wait for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Everything is always made perfect in God’s timing. Patience is a virtue, after all, and learning to relax and wait for God’s gifts is number one on my list. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

Number 2: Have faith — “Have faith” is such a simple phrase but it carries so much weight. Placing your faith in Christ does not mean that we are just to sit back and let things happen to us. It means that we work hard every day to be the best Christians we can, having faith that God will help provide for our needs. There have been numerous times that we weren’t exactly sure where the money for the electric bill was going to come from, but lo and behold, a job would come through and we would always have enough. Having faith leads to so much peace in your life. You know that you will be okay, no matter what. “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Number 3: Pray — Just pray about it! Sounds simple right? Ummm, no! As a Christian, you would think that praying would be easy, it would just come naturally, but honestly it doesn’t. I find myself struggling to remember to pray. When I am fully invested in my prayer life, I do honestly feel a closeness with God. It is just staying in the habit of prayer that I seem to struggle with. I need to do better with this part of the to-do list for sure! “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Number 4: Think of others — We are called as followers of Christ to put others first. Putting the needs of someone ahead of your own will bring you joy. We are to have the same mindset as Christ. He lived a life where he placed the needs of others ahead of himself, and we are to follow his example. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Number 5: Trust in the Lord — If you haven’t noticed by now, you will by this point notice that all of these items on the list piggyback off of each other. When you wait patiently, have faith, pray, and think of others, your trust will be in the Lord. Having full trust in someone means that you know they want the absolute best for you and that is true of the Lord. He is our heavenly father, and he wants the best for his children. Trusting in the Lord, like the other items on this list, offers you great peace. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Number 6: Read God’s word — My husband and I are on our second time reading through the entire Bible, and it has made such a powerful impact on our lives. Every night we read just one chapter. Seems simple, right? Well, honestly, it is! We decided to take our time, not rush, and go at our own pace. We have grown so much as Christians and have grown so much closer to each other. Reading God’s word every day will truly change your life for the better. “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Number 7: Give thanks — Is it easier to be thankful or to be ungrateful. Think about someone that is ungrateful and how miserable they are. Do you want people to think of you as someone who is ungrateful or thankful. Well, thankful, of course! Being thankful makes you a much happier person. You are able to see your blessings more clearly and truly see how God is working in your life. Be thankful! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

I hope you add these 7 simple things to your Christian to-do list. It will help with your walk with Christ and I truly feel it will help bring you peace and happiness

Football season is here and sometimes it can be difficult to find something healthy at the tailgating party. Well, here is a great recipe that people will love and won’t even know it is healthy! We love it and I hope your family does too. As always, feel free to adjust this recipe to make it your own!

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4