Proverbs 31:28-31   Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:  “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”  Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates. I just had the privilege of going north to see my Mom, quite possibly for the last time here on earth.  She is just the sweetest woman you could imagine!  We had some great laughs over things we, her children, did when we were younger but I have to admit I wondered why God has allowed her to suffer with this disease years past what the doctors thought she would, then it occurred to me that even though she is in a nursing home and is more than ready to “meet Jesus face to face” she is such a bright spot in everyone’s day!  All of her children do rise up and call her blessed.  She took great care of her family and she loved and feared God, she didn’t worry about having the best, she sacrificed and set a great example for her family. It is always a great reminder to me of what is important in life.  When I die do I only want to be know for having the best of everything in life, Coach, LV, MK bags, my nails done perfectly, a beautiful house and great cars, or do I want to be known for more than that?  There’s nothing wrong with nice things unless they become more important to you than being a godly woman.  What is your god today?  If having those things means more to you than your walk with God then you know what your god is.  If having those things has become a pride issue then give them away, don’t allow them to interfere with what is truly important. Remember the Rich Young Ruler in Luke 18: 17-23, he felt as though he should be safe to enter the kingdom of heaven because he had “kept all of the commandments” since he was young but when Jesus told him to go sell all that he had and give it to the poor it made him sad and he walked away.  Jesus didn’t say there was anything wrong with him having those things, Jesus just knew his heart and knew those things were more important to him than having a walk with God. How about you?  What is most important in your life today?  Is there something you will ‘just die’ if you don’t get it?  Do you feel that strongly about your walk with God?  Spend some time today getting to know Jesus a little better.  I’m not saying He wants you to sell all that you have or to not buy that nice car or bag, I’m saying make sure He is first in your life and that you have your priorities straight on your possessions.  If you are struggling with this ask God to give you His priorities and to give you the strength to know what is right for you.  God loves to bless us with nice things just like we love to bless our children with things they want, but He still wants first place in your heart!  What do you want to be remembered for when you pass? Quote:   “Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass…. it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”