A few weeks back I wrote about “Why I’m working on putting my family first.” I promised to continue this discussion, and I received lots of comments regarding this post through various mediums. It struck a chord.

Let me back up to the reason I wrote the blog in the first place: I was struggling with my natural tendency toward serving outwardly (not in my home) more often than in my inner sanctum.

This hit me profoundly one day a few weeks ago when I was making dessert for our marriage class small group. I had to make something with ingredients on hand, so I began a cut-out cookie adventure at 7:15 a.m. that day. (I’m not an early riser!) By the time I had mixed, rolled, cut out, decorated and tended to each heart shape cookie with more time and “love” than I necessarily had to give that day, I was into this extravaganza for 3+ hours. Maybe a pan of brownies would have been easier????

But what happened somewhere during the 4th rolling of the dough and the end of the whole matter was the realization that I was working so hard to create beautiful treasures for someone else, and hadn’t even thought about my own little treasures…my kids!

Thankfully, I had the presence of mind to cut out 3 large heart cookies before the dough was all gone. Then I decorated them specially for each of my children. And somehow, God multiplied my time and I wrote each of them a love letter telling them what I appreciated about them.

When they each got home from school their note and cookie were waiting on the counter…AND I had a beautiful tray of heart cookies to share with my small group that night.

This may seem elementary to you, or even second nature, to think first of your kids…but what I have been taking to heart is that I have to be conscious of my time, talent, energy, passions and resources. And I have to be certain that I’m using them in my home – while I have these little people (not really, they are 15, 12, 10) in my home!

For one day, at least, I had a small, shining example of success giving my more of my firstfruits to my family.

Has this conversation compelled you to see your family differently? Any successes you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them in the comments below.

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My husband and I were preparing for our upcoming “SAFEguarding your Marriage” talks this weekend, so we sequestered ourselves in his office last Saturday. He happens to have a very large whiteboard on his wall, which often becomes canvas for various artwork by my daughters, but also doubles as a brainstorming space. We seem to do our best work with a clean slate, so I duly erased the last meeting’s content and grabbed the dry erase marker.

I want to share what I learned from the whiteboard that day, because I think it can benefit all of us:

1. Sometimes we gotta get up to get something done. I can sit at my desk all day with every intention or idea of greatness floating around in my head, but sometimes you just have to get up! If you work anywhere at a desk for any period of time, you know what I mean. The ACTION of getting up to write on the Whiteboard got my brain working differently. So get up, go somewhere different and start fresh!

2. There’s something to be said for limited space. Maybe you’re not like me, and you are able to edit your thoughts down with ease. However, I can’t always get to the point if I have lots of room to keep rambling. For example, I LOVE a clean notebook, with no writing on the pages, or a gorgeous to-do list with nothing on it just waiting for my tasks to be etched on the page. But if I have endless capacity – I have endless capacity. Get my drift? I’m sure you do, if you know me at all.

But a Whiteboard causes me to consolidate my thoughts and think in outline form. Not novel. This pleases my husband, since he’s the one usually listening to the novel…

3. Make the mundane more FUN! Preparing talks (or whatever your “work” is) can often be tedious or challenging. That day we were re-writing a talk…well that’s even more painful than writing it the first time! Especially when there’s 2 of you weighing in. Perhaps you’ve created a Powerpoint presentation for work, school or a committee with a group and you understand. Maybe you do mundane tasks every day that weigh you down. So why not break out the “whiteboard” (or the cranked up music while house cleaning, or doing laundry) and turn something you don’t love into pleasure? I cranked out that outline (and a whole blog concept) in 5 minutes while my hubby was cutting and pasting a handout. All because I love a blank “page” and filling it up!

Whatever your “thing” is…just embrace the Whiteboard, and give it a whole new LOOK.

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As a busy mom of 3, with a traveling husband and a part time career in ministry, I realize how easy it is to be overextended. I used to think “when my kids got older” I would achieve “nirvana” – all sorts of free time! Now the needs are just as pressing, even if they don’t include diapers, Sesame Street or piles of toys to traverse on my way to conquer mountains of laundry.

Which brings me to examine my use of time and who’s getting my best, or first.

God commands us to give our “firstfruits”. In biblical references, this is means the first – BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE – of what we have, presented to him. Whether is was grain, wine, olive oil, honey, livestock, they were to bring the BEST first to God as an OFFERING. This could also have been called a tithe (10% of wealth/possessions.)

We learn God should be first. But after that, does my family come next?

Or do I relinquish my “firstfruits” to other people, needs and obligations outside my inner sanctum?

This concept of firstfruits has been haunting me lately, as I openly admit to you, I am not naturally inclined toward giving my family the first, best of me. I know this might sound harsh, but it is a struggle I’m sharing with you on the blog, because I think some of you might relate.

After all, isn’t it at times easier to pick up the phone and spend 1 hour counseling a friend in need than to sit on the floor playing barbies or Legos for the millionth time? Or isn’t it more satisfying to spend my “extra” time volunteering (or even being paid!) to do what I love, as opposed to filling out more school paperwork, helping with homework (that I often can’t do anyway!) or cleaning a house that they’ll just mess up within 10 minutes of arriving home?

At the risk of sounding like I don’t love my kids, playing with or spending time with them, hear me out.

I think why I am drawn to the outside world when it comes to giving of my time, talents and efforts is because usually I get more return for my investment “out there.” At least by measurable, worldly standards.

When we serve on a committee, accomplish a task that needs doing, comfort or help a friend in need, make a meal for a neighbor, organize an event, or volunteer at the school, most of the time we get some sort of recompense at the end.

A Thank You.

A “Well Done!”

An Appreciation.

An Acknowledgement.

When we serve, often times tediously, in our homes to spouse or family, this might not always be the case.

Here is what God has caused me to ask myself lately: What will it take for me to give my family my “firstfruits”? Can I put them first even if I get no worldly commendation, praise or even thanks?

To be continued…

Do you relate? Share your successes or struggles in the comments section below.

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Guest blogger Clay (aka Craig) here. Long time no post, but I have a great story to share. We recently had a scavenger hunt team building event at my new job. We had around 120 different items to capture on cell phone cameras. I thought this was a lot for 2 hours, but as my partner and I were running up and down the street and already had 20 items or so, we checked our time and were only 16 minutes in the contest. So we slowed down a bit and enjoyed the journey.

One of the more obscure items we were to find was a bacon tie. Ultimately, no team found this tie, which was in a novelty shop in the window down the street, but what we found was even better.

As my partner and I were reading our 5 page list on the windy street, we happened upon a very enthusiastic fan who asked us what we were doing. We mentioned a scavenger hunt and his eyes lit up and he offered to help. The first item we asked him to help us find was a Christmas tree, (the hunt was in January). He quickly said, “Follow me,” and lead us toward a dumpster around the corner. As we looked at each other uncertainly, we did as instructed and he reached into the dumpster and pulled out his Christmas tree he had thrown in there just that day!! Picture taken, we were ready to move on when he said, “Anything else?”

So we asked if he knew a store that sold ties with a bacon image. He did not, he admitted. But again said, “Follow me, I have a better idea.” We did as we were told, after all he hadn’t led us astray with the Christmas tree. But this time, he turned on his heel, marched us into the restaurant right behind where we stood, through the dining room, directly into the KITCHEN! We reluctantly followed, again looking at each other silently asking, “What are we doing here?”

Our new found friend approached Chef Claus in the kitchen and told him he needed a bacon tie. This unusual request amazingly did not phase Chef Claus one bit. He immediately went to the walk in refrigerator, pulled out a box of bacon, and proceeded to construct a beautiful tie out of bacon. He crafted a knot, sliced the edges, and wrapped it on a board with plastic for safe keeping, and sent us on our way!

Here is the tie that WON us the scavenger hunt - solely based on bonus points for creativity! Our scavenger hunt “fan” was the owner of the restaurant if you hadn’t guessed. If you ever make it to Albuquerque, NM look him up at La Provence Nob Hill .

Our exuberant fan is how I like to picture Paul, the author of much of the New Testament and the original traveling road warrior. He spread the Good News Gospel message by meeting strangers where they lived and making an impact. The only way Paul could have had as much success as he did was to embrace and help out perfect strangers just as our fan did. Without question or concern for his standing he jumped in with both feet and got his hands dirty. Our fan went way above and beyond for someone he did not know. As you read Paul’s letters I am convinced he also went above and beyond for those he did not know.

Sometime next week try to do the same. Go above and beyond to help someone you just met. Be a fan!

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I love Christian music!

But honestly when I was first exposed to it, I didn’t so much. I was kinda freaked out by songs about Jesus that used his name so freely.

But now…I can’t get enough of it!

I think that’s what happens when God makes us a new creation. Things that used to “offend” us, now draw us closer in worship. Because we’ve let go of our inhibitions and judgments. We know that our life is never the same once we’ve truly let Him in.

Every once in a while on the blog, I recommend artists that move me (and even shake me!) This last few months, since the release of her new album, “One Song at Time”, Jamie Grace has had me rocking! Her voice is bright but deep with soul, and her lyrics are catchy but authentic. Every time I hear her music, I find myself cranking the car radio and singing out loud.

Now that’s the kinda Christian I wanna be!

So get your toes ready to tap and your lungs ready to sing, and check out my 2 new favs by Jamie Grace… You won’t be sorry you spent the 4 minutes listening, and I guarantee you’ll want to download her stuff.

The first song is “Hold Me” featuring Toby Mac. But my latest favorite is “You Lead” (just ask my kids. I downloaded it and played it like 5 times in a row this weekend and they were not happy watching me dance and sing around the kitchen…)

So pull me outta this mess I’m in, cause I know I’m wanderin’, lead my soul back home again, I’ve always been yours.”

is one of my favorite lines in “You Lead.”

What’s yours?

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