24958358_lToo busy to spend time with your kids or hubby? Too busy to clean your house? Too busy to carve a day out of your month to have lunch with a friend? Too busy to call your mom or dad to see how they are doing? Too busy to take a personal day for yourself or plan a weekend get-a-way to get refreshed? Too busy to pray or spend time in God’s word? Too busy to do what you KNOW God has called you to do? Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m just too busy?”

Listen my sister. Life is too short for you to be too busy to spend time doing the things that really matter the most. Yes, we have work to do. Yes, we have a To-Do-List and things need to get done. And yes, women are busier these days than years past (especially with the modern-day way of life). BUT…we still have to make time for God, others, and for the things that really make a difference.

Trust me. I would know! I tend to say, “My life is on fast play!” My mom often tells me, “You are the busiest stay-at-home woman I know!” My baby sister actually says the same thing. Yes, I am busy. Yes, I have a LOT to do. Yet, I still must have my priorities in order and balance in my life. And so should you, my sister.

Simply put, we can’t be so busy that we miss opportunities to be a blessing to those whom we love or to connect with the One who created our work and families in the first place. Remember, He is a jealous God and He longs for us to stop and spend time with Him. Whether this is in prayer, devotion in the morning before leaving for work, or right before you go to bed. Make sure that you take time to bask in His presence and connect with Him. It’s a lifestyle.

Remember the story of Martha and Mary in the Bible? Martha was so busy trying to prepare and do everything perfectly for Jesus’ visit and the party guests that she totally neglected to stop and actually spend time with Him (Read Luke 10:38-42). How often do we do that to Jesus in our day and time? Are you so busy doing things for Him that you neglect to spend time with Him?

I want you to write something that I read this week that really caught my attention from the book, “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. It reads…

“Linger in my presence a while. Rein in your impulses to plunge into the day’s activities. Beginning your day alone with Me is essential preparation for success. A great athlete takes time to prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle. Similarly, your time of being still in My Presence equips you for the day ahead of you. Only I know what will happen to you this day. I have arranged the events you will encounter as you go along your way. If you are not adequately equipped for your journey, you will grow weary and lose heart. Relax in Me while I ready you for action.” AMEN!

Whether you are just waking up or on your morning drive into work say, “Good morning…” to the Lord. Meaning, acknowledge Him before you take on the demands of the day and housework. Ask Him what He would have you to do for that day. Ask Him to help you to accomplish what’s on your To-Do-List. Ask Him to lead your conversations with family, friends, co-workers, leaders, or those whom you encounter in your community. And consult Him before you make major decisions or walk out your own plans. Proverbs 16:3 tells us, “Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed.”

And if you need a break or need to lighten your load, ask Him. Jesus promises, “Come to me, all who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NLT) He’s got you covered sis!

So do what you need to do. But prioritize, while being sensitive to the Holy Spirit for the direction of your day. Because ultimately, we can do nothing on our own. And be sure to keep in mind that being busy doesn’t always mean productivity. Examine your load and make sure that you’re doing what really matters.

Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to nurture your relationship with Christ, while taking care of you and loving those around you (and getting your housework done). 😉 Amen! Watch out for being too busy my sister, and I will too! #balance

Remember Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

***Oh, and don’t forget to join me TOMORROW NIGHT on “Let’s Talk” @ 8:30pm (CST). I will be talking about, “Managing Your Anger.” We all experience anger at times, but the key is learning how to truly manage it well. SAVE THE DATE and don’t miss this life-changing LIVE call! The call # is (218) 936-3436, Code: 12345#. Tell other women you know about it! Thanks and talk to you soon!

Thanks for reading this post! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened. If you have any comments or questions feel free to leave it here or email me @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I’ll get back with you promptly. Don’t forget to visit my website @ www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org for additional growth in your faith and leave a donation if Inside Out with Courtnaye has been a blessing to you. Also, “LIKE” my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye, and follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/InOutwCourtnaye. Thanks and God bless you my sister!