Iron Sharpens Iron

I am so incredibly blessed to have grown up in church.  I feel even more blessed because I had awesome youth pastors!  My youth pastor, Jimmy Kirby, challenged us to learn the Word, study it, memorize scripture.  "Put the Word in you when you don't "need" it and it will be there when you do!"  Understand that we always need the word, but his point is that we go through highs and lows in life.  When you have studied and hidden the word in your heart during the high seasons, it's there for you in the low seasons.  I have found this to be so true in my life!!!  Jimmy started a discipleship class for us, and I think about a dozen or so youth signed up.  At the time we were running probably 75 strong in our youth group.  This was a lot back in 1990!  Anyway, in discipleship classes, we were asked to memorize LOTS of scripture, make sacrifices in our tv and radio time (this is a big deal for a teenager), and study the word.  One of the scriptures that mean so much to me is Proverbs 27:17 (AMP) "Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend [to show rage or worthy purpose]." 

I was thinking about this all day today.  We were made to sharpen each other.  I am so thankful for my small group friends, who challenge me in the way I think and the way I approach God.  I am thankful for the women God is placing in my life to challenge me in all aspects ranging from physical, financial, spiritual, etc.  These ladies sharpen me, they make me want to strive to be better.  I miss some of the older, wiser women who once were prominent in my life.  I don't see them much anymore. 

This leads me to what I really am writing about.  One of my goals for this year is to not be lazy.  I'm not off to a great start, but I am slowly making changes.  I think in my head, I envisioned the starting line to a race and that I would take off in a blaze of glory.  Not happening.  So, keep me accountable, friends.  Sharpen me!  Give me tips for saving money, getting organized, achieving goals, being a better mommy, wife and friend.  I know you can't make it happen for me; I need to get moving and do it myself.  However, if you would just continue to encourage me to be productive, I would really appreciate the sharpening!  I'll sharpen you as well!  Love you girls!!!