Where Is My Focus?

Written :  4, 23, 2012
Third of Six Blogs on God's Faithfulness concerning my AR RDH Boards 

As I have been thinking back, I can't believe that about the last 1 1/2 yrs; (beginning June 2011 until the present); it has been very busy to say the least.  Here is a little of what we have been through part of this year alone: preparing for a move, buying a house, moving (& all the emotion that goes with it), setting up into a new home, enjoying all our children (who live close by), holidays, death of my Daddy, making several long trips & preparing for my AR Dental Hygiene Board.  With all this said, it reminds me of two sisters in the Bible that I can identify with: Mary & Martha.

Martha is the busy one, looking to the needs of everyone.  We always find Mary at Jesus' feet drawing from Him.  Well, I have to admit that with all this going on I feel I have been a mixture of these two women.

Since my Daddy's death in January, these last 3 months I have thrown myself into a full-time commitment & totally focused on preparing for THE BOARD.  Trying to find a patient that meets the perfect criteria to take to the Board Exam can blow your mind.  I am very grateful that in preparing for this exam, I have had the opportunity to have the Dental Hygiene School at UAMS to guide me.  I didn't have this advantage when I took the NC Board 2 1/2 yrs ago.

At the beginning of this Board season of my life, again!; I felt that God gave me Ex. 31:1-5.  (If interested, read my blogs: Marinate or Faith? Part 1 & 2 to get the entire picture!)  Not only have I been claiming these verses, but I have also been bombarding the Throne of Grace with Ps 61:2 & 8; and Zech 4:6-7, especially on my clinic days.

Ps 1:2-From the end of the earth I will cry to You,

       When my heart is overwhelmed (I am overwhelmed by this situation);
       Lead me to the rock (Jesus, who) that is higher than I.
    :8-So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
        That I may daily perform my vows (service).

Zech 4:6-So he answered and said to me:
             “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel (me-Ann):
             ‘Not by (your) might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’
             Says the Lord of hosts.
           7-‘Who are you, O great mountain (Board Exam)?
              Before Zerubbabel (Ann) you (it) shall become a plain!
              And he shall bring forth the capstone
              With shouts of “Grace, grace to (over) it!”’”

[PS Statement-These verses were taught at my Women's Retreat this Spring.  If you don't go to Women Retreats.....GO...!!!]

Now, I have not had a good day in clinic since this journey has begun.  On top of all this, every patient that I have examined for this exam, have not totally met the criteria.  Even the Dentist in clinic said, "I could write a book of this subject."  

Through God's grace & faithfulness, I am grateful to write that I do have a patient to take to the exam.  God gave him to me at the very last moment.  I already know that he doesn't meet the requirements for the exam, so I know I will take a hit going into the exam.  In other words, points are already taken off before I even begin the exam.  I will have to take the exam & be perfect.

The exam is Saturday (Apr. 28th, 2012).  This past weekend I had time to regroup.  During these last couple of weeks I have really had a chance to be in God's Word.  Interesting enough Mt 6:25-34 has been coming at me from all sides, even on a beautiful mug that some dear friends gave me months ago.  

In this passage, Jesus mentioned 3 times- DO NOT WORRY about...   Well, it finally occurred to me I better take heed.  What really spoke to me was in verse

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  

What is the kingdom of God you ask?  

Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Reality Check!!!

Where God wants me to put my focus is own His righteousness, peace & joy in the Holy Spirit during any situation.

It is time for peace & joy.  He wants me to go into this exam with peace & joy; not after the Board & no matter if I pass or not. 

One thing I have learned through this preparation is becoming aware of where is where am I getting my significance; my identity.  Knowing Who is my identity & Where my significance comes from gives me peace & joy.

                                   ann :)