Happy Monday. What is important to you today?
You may know that I just had a “BIG” birthday.
It was special. My Sunday school class gave me a party at a tea room, called “Chocolate Angel.” (yum)
My family treated me special.
Birthdays are fun from childhood on. The gifts, candles, just being the center of attention for a day.
As the years add up, things do change and what was once important begins to fade. Perhaps that’s because we gain a little wisdom.
It reminds me of a story I heard years ago.
A motivational speaker stood before a group with a large, wide-mouthed mason jar, into which he carefully placed big rocks to the brim.
He asked, “Is it full?”
The answer, “yes.”
He proceeded to pour some gravel in and let it settle around the rocks.
“Now is it full?” he asked.
“Well, maybe not,” the answer came.
Then he took some fine sand and poured it in. It filled in around the other contents.
“Is it full now?” he asked.
As no one ventured to guess, he then poured in water to the brim.
He emphasized, “Now is it full?…But you must remember, the big rocks must go in first or they won’t fit.” That’s the point.
What are the big rocks in life?
1. Time with family?
2. Time with God?
3. Time for your dreams?
4. Time for your neighbor?
Jesus put it this way in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (emphasis mine)
I’m sorry to say, it took years for me to learn this lesson.
Figure out today what really are the big rocks in life.
Then, put them in first.
Monday with Beverly 
Thank you so very much for your wonderful insight on our daily lives. I really look forward to reading your blog every Monday. Love you so very much, Mrs. Hyles, I am so glad you had such a wonderful birthday. You deserved all that was done for you and more. Joyce Kiefer
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Happy Birthday Mrs. Hyles, a little belated, but its still birthday month, as we say. You are still our sweetheart and the family loves you very much. Enjoying your weekly posts. 🙂
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Mrs. Hyles, so glad you had a wonderful birthday. I always associate valentines with the powerful influence you have had on my life. Thank you so much for this blog, what a blessing your encouraging words are to me.
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Happy Birthday. Thank you for Mondays with Beverly. Thank you for your encouraging words.
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Wow, what a great thought! Exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you, Mrs. Hyles!
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Thank you, Mrs. Hyles, for being such a wonderful influence in my life throughout the last three and a half decades! Your books are still teaching me. Your life example teaches me. The last time you spoke at my church, Metro Baptist in Michigan, you touched my life in such a special way. You were full of grace and poise, as always, but something was different. You were more open and relaxed than I had seen you before. Your wisdom excelled as you taught us many truths wrapped in joy and humor. You were my Pastor’s wife when I was a young bride and for the first five years of my marriage. Thank you for the wonderful testimony you were and still are! I have taught a ladies Sunday School class for over fifteen years now, teaching my ladies so many of the things I learned from you. I thank you from the depths of my heart for the way you have given yourself to the ministry of influencing the lives of women. Only Heaven will tell how my life was changed because you were in it! I am so happy to have learned of your blog. I will visit you often here. God bless you!
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Thank you so much; I needed that reminder again!! I’m so glad to hear that you got spoiled on your birthday. God bless you.
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So glad to hear that you had a wonderful birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us at Oakwood Baptist! Love and miss you!
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Well said, as always! I am still working on that lesson! Happy belated birthday; we have been blessed to have you as a part of our lives and to have your influence in mine over the years! God bless you!
Alicemarie Johnson
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I am so glad you had a very special birthday. A tea party what a special time too with friends and family. Thank you for the illustration about the mason jar it gave me food for thought. Have a great day and love ya lots. Mrs. Lee Ann Gray
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I am glad you had a happy birthday. May you have many more unless Jesus comes for His own and that I am praying to happen soon. “Even so come Lord Jesus.”
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Oh that I had learned this as a young preacher! Thank you for being used of the Lord to touch my heart this morning. Bro. Crowson
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Thanks for Monday!!!! Such a treat to hear your wisdom, instruction, and love for life !!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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Happy Birthday, Mrs. Hyles! I am so glad you had a great day!! Thanks for this message! I pray that I can remember this every day!!
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