Distractions

My mind is full of them today--distractions.  After working Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I need to regroup.  Luckily I'm off work today, the kiddos are in school and Ryan is off to the paint store (he's building a great bay window bench/cabinet for my mom and stepdad's house!).  I'm trying to read my Bible, yet struggling to focus, thinking about things I need from Target, Valentines for classmates, Valentine cookies that have yet to be made, Carson's passport, Caden's science fair project, Cali's 100-days-of-school project, my dear friends that I don't see very often because life is busy, my stepmom who's birthday happens to be Valentine's day (praying for her comfort as my dad isn't here to be with her), missing my baby boy who isn't home yet, starting to wonder if maybe we SHOULD take down the Christmas tree and put Carson's presents somewhere else, wondering if I should register for medical conferences knowing that I may not be able to attend because I may be in Haiti (then wasting money...) and the list goes on and on.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who's mind is distracted like this... right ??  Is this due to my own type A personality or is this also due to the scheming of the devil to keep me from strengthening my relationship with my Holy Father?

Paul writes: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11)  He states that we should begin each day with this armor of protection:
the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace (shoes), shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the word of God)...and pray in the Spirit on all occassions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Ephesians 6:14-18)

Please God, help me to stand firm in faith with the armor of protection everyday. 

May your week be blessed.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth