Matthew 6:33
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

I've always liked this verse because of the last part: "all these things will be added to you"  My mind went crazy on what great things will be added to my life.  Today, this verse is something different to me.  So when I read it, I had to ask Jesus a few questions!

1) What the heck is "His Kingdom"?

2)  What does "His Righteousness" mean (sounds unattainable)?

3)  What are "these things" that will be added to me?

4)  And really what does "seek" mean?

Jesus was preaching about worry!  The thing that erodes away our peace and happiness.  The verb that tends to rule a momma's heart- 24/7!  Jesus wanted to make sure His audience knew we did NOT have to dwell in that anxious, unsettled world we tend to stay!

HIS KINGDOM-  At first glance, I tend to think of Heaven. Pearly gate; streets of gold; little cherubs singing on the corner.  But, I believe, the word KINGdom is really indicative of WHO rules.  A kingdom usually has a KING- a monarchy and a place ruled by ONE.  In this sense, Jesus is reminding us we have a KING that is in charge!  Put HIM as your goal-  Go after that understanding HE is in charge!  He is the King and we are the princess....no need to worry! Our Kingdom is secure!

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS-  Finding HIS righteousness is almost opposite of seeking His Kingdom.  In my mind, a King sits on His throne and barks orders all day.  Jesus wants us to learn and understand GOD's character.  Yes, He is monarchy King, but He is good, pure, righteous and all together lovely.  Seeking and learning WHO HE IS will prove to us He has our best interest at heart.  Righteousness IS His character- His personality.  Jesus wants us to know that! and KNOW HIM!

THESE THINGS- (ok this is good)  In the previous verses Jesus is literally referring to eat, drink, and what to wear.  You may take it literally.  Jesus wants to remind us, that EVEN the little day to day details are taken care of by the almighty King, who has a righteous heart.  He will provide our basic needs.  He does for the grass, for the birds, for kings.  "You of Little Faith!" Jesus exclaims in vs.30.  "Will He not much more clothe you?"  Why worry about it?  He's got it all taken care of! ALL of these things!

SEEK-  Although I do not do it often, my kids LOVE to play hide and seek with me.  I remember early on, when I would be the 'hider' and they the 'seeker', my kids would go around the house calling my name.  "mommy, where are you?" they'd exclaim, almost too scared to look under the covers, or behind the shower curtain.  Eventually I'd make a sound so they would be able to find me.  I believe Jesus is asking us to SEEK like an adult would seek.  Not merely calling out His name, but TURNING rocks over, opening doors, pulling back the curtain.  He wants us actively and engaged in a full SEARCH for HIM!  In every faucet of our lives, where is HE?  Not that He is hiding from us, but in our busy-worried-filled life, we will MISS Him.

How many times have you gone through your glory-filled day, filling cups, dotting i's and crossing t's, and NEVER see Him?  It's a definite intentional verb.  SEEK Him.  KNOW Who He is.  BELIEVE what He will do.  AND guess what?!  Dinner is ON HIM :)

So you want to write?

Yep, that was the title of a blog I found when I was trying to find the email of some of my favorite authors.  You see, writing a book as been on my bucket list for a long while now.  15 years ago I actually started one. (it's a fictional love story based on true events- I actually have the first couple of chapters)      I do not know how it has been resurrected, but it is strong, and I just can't fight it!  So, like any other profession that I have no idea on, I go to the experts.  An editor friend of mine sent me a lot of "articles" and "lectures" to read.  My sister said it was awesome, and when I'm done, she'll buy my first copy. (she has to say that). Then I went looking for some of my favorite authors to get their advice.  Bob Goff still hasn't returned my email, but I am not giving up.  Oswald Chambers is out of reach,  Ann Voskamp is kinda out of my league and so that left Jen Hatmaker.  A fellow Texan, whom I feel I know intimately (If you have ever read any of her posts, blogs, books, you'll know what I'm talking about); I figured she'd have plenty of time to read my first chapter.

Well, I couldn't find her personal contact information, (I know right?! Really...I must've deleted her contact information by mistake)  but I did come across a recent blog of hers: Becoming a Writer.  (How cool that her website is just Jenhatmaker.com. Maybe I should go secure Heidimckee.com right now....well, dang- it's $3000! Really?!)

Omigosh this is getting really long for my short point.(see I have a long way to go)  Basically- Her blog about becoming a writer was inspiring but scary.  She said it's hard.  She said you may have to stay up at night.  She said you may neglect your family at times (check). Be she also said GO FOR IT! 

#jenhatmaker (not sure if that works on blogs, but maybe if she sees I'm hashtagging her she'll become a mentor or something)

I'm taking her advice at heart and starting my blog up again. Can you believe it- 5 1/2  years ago was my last post! We could've had a zombi-apocolypse and never knew!

I'm not sure who, if any will follow me, but I'm here to practice. I'm here to inspire.  I'm here to pour onto paper what is bubbling in my heart!  I want to MOVE people with words! I want to SHOW people what God has done for me!  I want to become a writer--even if it is just my story that will bless the legacy of children!

So thanks Jen for coffee the other day (yes, I read her blog over coffee)  Thanks people in my life that have actually produced some really great material I can actually write down!  And thanks honey for not laughing at me!  (Wow, I already have my dedication down!)

THE END

Note from the author (totally practicing here)

What is something burning in your heart that you've been wanting to do?  Why haven't you started it, done it, asked for it, became it?  What is holding you back?  Maybe you want to invest in something big? Maybe you want to sell everything and be a full time missionary.  Maybe you want to go back to school.  GO ahead!  I'll support you!  We can do this crazy endeavor thing together!  And you might find lots of good information on the internet......  Good luck! Work Hard- and GO FOR IT!  I am :)