Priorities...

1. FAITH

2. FAMILY (including friends and community)

3. ME

4. THE REST

That's my list of priorities going forward. A year ago, that list would have been all kinds of jumbled. It probably changed daily. Matthew 6:33 says "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (ESV)." When I heard this for the first time in a book, I re-read it about a million times. The next week, it was the topic of our sermon at church. Then, the next book I read was based on this verse! It's crazy, because I have had some tough decisions to make over the past few weeks and I have made them based on putting my priorities in that order. 

Without a lot of prayer, discussion and thought I probably would have made some terrible decisions. Without God, I have nothing. Without Jesus in my heart, I am empty. I have been the happiest I have ever been over the past 6-7 months since I have made some spiritual changes. I have always believed in God and that Jesus died on the cross to atone for our sins. However, I didn't necessarily live that way! 

Some will say that "THE REST" is too vague and that things in there (work, especially) should be higher on the list. I mean how else can I take care of me and my family without money and how can I have that money without a good paying job? Well, the answer to me has become pretty simple...In order to have the life I want and provide for my family the way I want, then I have to fulfill God's purpose for my life. Everyday when I get to work I say a little prayer thanking the God for another day on earth and for this job that allows me to provide for my family and touch other people's lives! I don't thank NC State for the degree required for my job, or the recruiter that handled my paperwork. I thank the Ones that is responsible for me having the job that I have, God and Jesus.

It's pretty simple for me. If I live for and follow Jesus, then the rest will be taken care of. Of course, it requires hard work on my part. Faith is faith, not a crutch to rely on. However, the powers of prayer, God and Jesus are much stronger than the powers of Ray Guy. 

Since, I made the decision to put my Faith first, I have been more fulfilled. I have a better family life. I have had more opportunities in this half year or so than I have ever had in my entire life! It's incredible what Jesus can do when you let Him in and allow Him to live in your heart. I am a more motivated individual in all areas of my life (spiritual, emotional, professional, socially and personally)! I read more, I write more (obviously) and I am just more well rounded. 

Thanks for reading! Good afternoon and God bless! 

Here's a glimpse into my next post...Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

New Year's Reso..Theme?

This year I decided that I would do something a little different. As opposed to having a New Year's Resolution that I wouldn't take seriously and I would just forget about, I decided on a New Year's theme. Now, I know what you are saying, "Wow, Ray, that's got to be pretty vague!" Quite the contrary! And, it sounds even more weird that this post is about 22 days late!

Anyway, here is how it works. I selected a theme and then listed goals that had payoffs that would lead me to get to accomplish that theme and make it a realization. To me the "resolution" is to see it through to the end. It's a process, so why not select a theme and work on several parts of my life to make me more whole?

All two of you who will read this are asking at this point, "Well, what's your theme, buddy-o-pal?!?"

Simply put, it is to be a more Godly man! How do I get there I asked myself? The answer is, myself. I must work on myself in several different lights in order to live out this theme in 2014. I can't do it alone. I would love to think so. However, I need to keep my eyes focused on the present and future. I need to leave the past where it is...In the past! I need to understand that my sins have already been atoned for by Jesus. My slate was wiped clean about two-thousand years ago on a cross. That doesn't give me a "license to sin." Though, it sure does make temptation a little less tempting knowing that I have the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

So, for accountability purposes and maybe a little inspiration for you I have my New Year's theme and Goals listed below! Enjoy!

Theme: To be a more Godly MAN

Goals
1. To be a better husband, father, son, brother and friend
     A. How?
         1. Be the spiritual leader in my house, allow my wife to flourish in her walk with Christ, impress upon my children the love of Jesus Christ.
         2. Be there more for my family and friends. Make myself available more. Listen more, talk less (or, when needed).
         3. Tell each and everyone of them just how much I love them every chance that I get.
     B. Payoff - Better more fulfilling relationships. Happier life!
2. Focus on my personal well being
     A. How?
         1. Focus on writing (off to a slow start...oops!) and reading
         2. Walk or run for at least 30 minutes a day and increase activity level month by month.
         3. Pray Often...Pray Hard...Pray Through
     B. Payoff - A better Ray...My wife asked, "Is that even possible?!?" HAHA!
3. Focus on the task at hand
     A. How?
         1. Focus on goal 1!
         2. Be more focused at work and see things through
         3. Pray for opportunities that I want and stop reaching for every straw that I see on the market!
     B. Payoff - I will be happier at work, happier at home and happier in between. The people around me (family, friends, direct reports and peers) will be happier and get more out of what I have to offer.
4. Be more active in the community
     A. How?
         1. Stop deleting those e-mails from church asking me to get involved in Upward, prison ministry or parking attendant!
         2. Devote at least 1 hour a week to the local Boys & Girls Club (What an amazing organization!)
     B. Payoff - Better community, bigger sphere of influence, stronger family, stronger families and what an early influence for my children!

Of course this is not all encompassing. There will additions and subtractions to what I have notated on the first page of my prayer journal. But, it will lead to a much better 2014. Not that 2013 was bad, but I know I have much more to offer than what I have been delivering in recent years. Anyway, I have taken enough of your time. Until next time, enjoy and God bless!!