“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” Deut. 11:18-19.

Have you ever noticed that in America we tend to compartmentalize our lives? There is Home, Work, Religion, Friends, and perhaps also Sports or Hobbies. Each is a separate and distinct category, with very little crossover. But here’s the problem: Religion is a waste of time. You heard me.

A Relationship with Jesus is what makes the difference, now and forever. And that is a relationship that should not be restricted to a time and place. It should be an essential part of your identity that cannot help but to overflow into all aspects of your life.

How does your faith inform how you live daily? It should influence what you do, say and watch, as well as how you treat family, friends and strangers. It should have a direct impact on your character and integrity, which is reflected to the people who live in closest proximity to you.

Ever heard the question: If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Are you a “Closet Christian” who feels like Religion is a private matter that should not be openly discussed? Are you afraid that people may not like you or think you are a religious freak?

When you love someone deeply and passionately, people don’t have to guess how you feel because you talk about them all the time, show off pictures and call them on your lunch break. It isn’t out of obligation: it’s natural and spontaneous. Do you love the Lord that way?

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13

As I confront the ramifications of losing my full-time job, I can relate to the character of Rebecca Bloomwood in the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic. Let me clarify that I’ve never been a true shopaholic: I could never afford it and I don’t believe in accruing debt. But I did enjoy a good shopping spree now and then, even if everything was on clearance. But now I’m forced to stop and evaluate: “Do I need this?” When your budget dramatically shrinks, every purchase has to be thoughtfully analyzed.

When I see a beautiful pair of boots, I release a deep sigh of longing. How I would love to bring them home with me! Just as Rebecca confessed that when she shops, all is right with the world, then it isn’t, and she has to go shopping again—I think most of us can admit we’ve experienced the elation of therapeutic shopping. Now deprived of this pleasure, I must readjust my thinking and my expectations to meet the reality of my financial situation.

And you know what? I don’t need another pair of boots (as my daughter would tell you) and after the initial feeling of longing, I actually feel a certain amount of satisfaction walking away from them.

I have everything I need to live well. I have a loving family, a roof over my head, food to eat, and plenty of shoes. Above all, I have a relationship with the Creator. I am truly blessed.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country… and go to the land that I will show you. …So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed.” Genesis 12:1-4.

God could have given him the name of the final destination, an estimated travel time and maybe a few road marks along the way. But I guess Abram would have relied on the map instead of faith, and God is in the business of building faith.

A few weeks ago I learned that my job as teacher’s aide was hinged on the receipt of Pre-K contracts. Without this job, I cannot afford to send Grace to the Calverton School. I told Grace we must trust that God’s plan is the best plan, and accept it whether we like it or not. My Plan B was to homeschool.

The day before school started I received the official word: no job. Grace and I were both disappointed, but I had my Plan B—God’s Plan A—ready to initiate. As I move forward with it, God is providing the right people and resources for us and already I feel blessed to be where he wants us to be. I am excited about this new phase in our lives. I have learned that God’s plans are for my ultimate good, if I am willing to yield my life to his wisdom. God will not lead me anywhere he is not willing to accompany me.

I’m still working out details about income, and trying to assemble an expert curriculum for Grace. But one thing I know: God will lead me and he will provide for us. I will choose to trust him, despite any pangs of anxiety.