Fridays are my favorite: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

I loved waking up at nine a.m. this morning, and not having to pop out of bed like a piece of toast waiting to get all warmed up and buttered. I enjoyed my cold cup of chocolate milk and a bowl of lucky charm's cereal. It's the simple joys in my life that make me smile. Like, walking up with a Build-A-Bear teddy bear and three pillows hugging you. But, teddy bears and pillows won't pay the utilities bill.

I remember watching VH1/Vh1 when I lived at home and had cable (the good days) and I would watch ridiculous shows like "Lifestyles of the ____", whether it be of the "famous", "rich", "spoiled heirs/heiresses", and it made me a little sick to my stomach. Here are these famous celebrity teens/young people who are squandering away generations' worth of a trust fund on clothes, shoes, jewelry, you name it, and they wouldn't care.

It reminds me of a story in the bible about a guy who was (I think) a tax collector and he wore many robes of purple (purple was considered expensive and associated with royals) and he would feast upon meals every day that were worth an average man's annual salary. He was arrogant, greedy, and only wanted more and more. But what happens when we can't fulfill our "need" of wanting more? I felt the same emotion when my bowl of lucky charms was empty, and so I opened up the bright box again and filled it up. My point is, why are we investing so much of our hopes, desires, and emotional aspects of our lives into material wealth? Maybe because the world ingrains the concept into our brains on a daily basis. Any more, you could turn on the t.v. that talks about you needing to "invest" in a pair of shoes, a membership at a gym, a plastic surgery, a _____.

When I think of the things I can't possibly live without, I don't think about my clothes, or shoes, or jewelry (well, maybe my teddy bears... :) ), but I tend to think of other priceless things:

1. My salvation with Jesus.
2. My family, friends, and acquaintances.
3. The right to pray in public, talk about God, and speak my mind.
4. The right to go to school and continue my education.
5. I could probably think of more...

Those few things are my favorite things. It's the simple things that make life so much more unique, and that's what we're all trying to go for... right? :)

Challenge: Read that verse I have above, and let it soak in. How does it apply to your (my) life?

Much love,