Time. It's what we all feel like we lack, and it seems to always be running out. We are currently doing a Bible study on Time with Andy Stanley, and it has been really eye opening. In many ways it's reminding me of things I already knew, but like so many things in life, I need that reminder!
For years I've had a jar of rocks and sand sitting in my kitchen. The illustration is that if I had put the sand (the little things in life, like Facebook, this blog etc.) in first the rocks (or the big things in life, like God, my family, friends, job etc.) won't fit. Yet when you put the rocks in first, the little things still manage to fit too. I'm sure if you really need to see the demonstration for yourself you could google something about jar illustration for rocks and priorities and find it. I know that I need to put certain things first, and most days I do pretty good at that. Just the same, I'm trying to focus more on those big things. Andy Stanley stated "Priorities determine capacity" and that is so true. When we make the priorities come first than we do have room for the nice, but not as important things.
With that in mind, I've realized that while I'm still reading my book, right now unless it's a day off, I really don't have time to do the Martha Challenges. I've still been trying to squeeze them in, but we're in the final stretch of school so that means work stuff for me, and stuff for the kids, and those things need to come first.
Day 9 Was about Tornado Cleaning. I feel like that is a great way to clean on a fairly regular basis. It gets done, and you can move on. It's not a deep clean, but it is certainly picked up and gone over. Which for me is important. Actually accomplished the Martha challenge as I did vacuum the living room! Whohoo!
Day 10 Slow and Steady. That's my declutter and reorganize method. One step at a time, one room at a time and I will eventually get it done. Sometimes it's even one pile at a time, not even one whole room and that's progress. Maybe you need to be packing things up right now. One box at a time is progress too!!! You can keep moving forward and that is the key.
Day 11 (today) is about your home being a reflection of you. Who are you, and how do you want your home to look? I want people to know they can come in and relax. I like my home to be organized, as I'm a bit organized (stop rolling your eyes people who know me well!). At the same time, when people come over I hope they know they can put their feet up and relax, and that when they are over I do the same and stop worrying about what else needs to be done.
I hope you find this book, and it's ideas useful! Kick back and remember slow and steady wins the race. Even the turtle learned that when he was up against the rabbit!!!
Monday, April 25, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Making dinner can actually be dangerous!
Today's post won't be very long as it's hurting to type. I had a little accident involving my thumb and a kitchen utensil last night. Cooking really isn't always good for your health! (just kidding...mostly!)
Here we are on Day 8!! Today is actually my day off so I managed to get caught up on few, not involving water, activities like straightening the pantry, fridge and freezer as well as all bathroom cupboards. I'm slowly catching up which feels great!
Yesterday was about discovering your cleaning style and I think the author summed it up perfectly when she said on page 64, "I do think we nee to identify our style and go with it, because taking tips from others is helpful and good, but trying to be like others is damaging and demeaning." So true. We all have things that work well for us, and sharing those tips may help others, but we don't need to try it that way just because so and so does it that way. Find what works for you and do it!
Along those lines I've found that dusting the house and vacuuming from top to bottom works well for me. Unless I"m doing a deep cleaning it also doesn't take long because I do keep things fairly tidy. Just the same I like to get that done once a week, usually on Friday or Saturday before we host our small group bible study on Sunday night. With that in mind I'm skipping the Day 7 Martha challenge because I will be dusting on Saturday and everything is currently picked up.
Day 8 is about making your style work for you. Like I mentioned early I like getting it all done in one day. Sometimes with music sometimes without. It's a mood thing!
Keep plugging away, thumb is throbbing so typing needs to stop! UGH!!
Here we are on Day 8!! Today is actually my day off so I managed to get caught up on few, not involving water, activities like straightening the pantry, fridge and freezer as well as all bathroom cupboards. I'm slowly catching up which feels great!
Yesterday was about discovering your cleaning style and I think the author summed it up perfectly when she said on page 64, "I do think we nee to identify our style and go with it, because taking tips from others is helpful and good, but trying to be like others is damaging and demeaning." So true. We all have things that work well for us, and sharing those tips may help others, but we don't need to try it that way just because so and so does it that way. Find what works for you and do it!
Along those lines I've found that dusting the house and vacuuming from top to bottom works well for me. Unless I"m doing a deep cleaning it also doesn't take long because I do keep things fairly tidy. Just the same I like to get that done once a week, usually on Friday or Saturday before we host our small group bible study on Sunday night. With that in mind I'm skipping the Day 7 Martha challenge because I will be dusting on Saturday and everything is currently picked up.
Day 8 is about making your style work for you. Like I mentioned early I like getting it all done in one day. Sometimes with music sometimes without. It's a mood thing!
Keep plugging away, thumb is throbbing so typing needs to stop! UGH!!
Monday, April 18, 2016
Did you blink too?
Wow! Did that weekend fly by. We were out of town celebrating my Mother-in-Law's 80th birthday, so needless to say I did not get a chance to use my "catch up" on my Martha challenges days, Saturday time slot.
Don't know if this will help motivate you or not, but...I still need to wipe out my fridge (doing tomorrow as it's garbage day) go through my pantry (again garbage day's tomorrow!!). Wipe down my cabinet doors, and mop and clean the microwave. My bathroom's are clean for the most part which is a wonderful thing, yet I still need to go through the cabinets. Put that on my list for Wednesday, which is my day off!!
In reading chapter/day 6 I come to realize I need to overcome the curse which for me is complaining about the work and being to tired to do the work. I'm trying to really focus on my attitude and be thankful for the things I get to do to take care of my family, and ultimately thankful that I have the ability and in many cases the finances to be able to take care of them. Loading and emptying the dishwasher can be annoying, but we are blessed that we have a dishwasher to empty and enough dishes that I don't have to run it everyday. I need to turn my attitude towards gratefulness more often to help me keep my focus on what really matters!
Post is short today as it's a sunny 80* day in Ohio...not wasting that by sitting around at my computer for too long!
Keep plugging away, and reading!
Don't know if this will help motivate you or not, but...I still need to wipe out my fridge (doing tomorrow as it's garbage day) go through my pantry (again garbage day's tomorrow!!). Wipe down my cabinet doors, and mop and clean the microwave. My bathroom's are clean for the most part which is a wonderful thing, yet I still need to go through the cabinets. Put that on my list for Wednesday, which is my day off!!
In reading chapter/day 6 I come to realize I need to overcome the curse which for me is complaining about the work and being to tired to do the work. I'm trying to really focus on my attitude and be thankful for the things I get to do to take care of my family, and ultimately thankful that I have the ability and in many cases the finances to be able to take care of them. Loading and emptying the dishwasher can be annoying, but we are blessed that we have a dishwasher to empty and enough dishes that I don't have to run it everyday. I need to turn my attitude towards gratefulness more often to help me keep my focus on what really matters!
Post is short today as it's a sunny 80* day in Ohio...not wasting that by sitting around at my computer for too long!
Keep plugging away, and reading!
Friday, April 15, 2016
25,000 Advice boiled down to 6 things!
It's Friday!!! Week 1 is done, and yup, I'm a few jobs behind. Add to it that we are headed off for the weekend so on Monday I'll be even further behind BUT...
I have accomplished a few things in the last few years that allow me to say...it's ok to be behind!
Day 4 was about making it workable and I have found this is so true. I usually spend some time on Sunday getting an idea of what lies ahead and writing it down in my planner. I've also discovered there are certain days of the week, Tuesday and Thursday, where I simply can't do any more. Those are my all day work days and by the time I get home I want to focus on my family not on the house. With that in mind I have developed workable routines for the other days of the week. There are days where I typically clean, do laundry, shop etc. Those workable routines help me stay grounded in what really has to get accomplished and not jump from thing to thing and forget what I needed to get down.
With Day 5 we learn about the 25,000 piece of advice and the list of 6 and that has been a huge help to me too! There will ALWAYS be a list. It's annoying, but it's true. So each day you really have to decide what is the top priority, and what can be left till another day. Yes, usually my day has way more than 6 things on it, but once I've completed the 6 I feel like I've at least gotten somewhere with my day.
Those of you reading along I hope are learning a few tricks that will help you continue to focus on the important and feel a sense of peace about your home.
Have a great weekend, whether you're catching up on jobs or just relaxing!!!
I have accomplished a few things in the last few years that allow me to say...it's ok to be behind!
Day 4 was about making it workable and I have found this is so true. I usually spend some time on Sunday getting an idea of what lies ahead and writing it down in my planner. I've also discovered there are certain days of the week, Tuesday and Thursday, where I simply can't do any more. Those are my all day work days and by the time I get home I want to focus on my family not on the house. With that in mind I have developed workable routines for the other days of the week. There are days where I typically clean, do laundry, shop etc. Those workable routines help me stay grounded in what really has to get accomplished and not jump from thing to thing and forget what I needed to get down.
With Day 5 we learn about the 25,000 piece of advice and the list of 6 and that has been a huge help to me too! There will ALWAYS be a list. It's annoying, but it's true. So each day you really have to decide what is the top priority, and what can be left till another day. Yes, usually my day has way more than 6 things on it, but once I've completed the 6 I feel like I've at least gotten somewhere with my day.
Those of you reading along I hope are learning a few tricks that will help you continue to focus on the important and feel a sense of peace about your home.
Have a great weekend, whether you're catching up on jobs or just relaxing!!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
I'm not a failure, but yeah, my fridge didn't get cleaned yet!
For those of you taking the 31 Days to Clean Challenge with me I have a confession. It's day 3 and my fridge is not clean! It's organized, I'm a bit type A, but it's not wiped down, and I haven't gone through all the contents yet. Yet, I'm not a FAILURE, and neither are you! (assuming you too have not cleaned out your fridge)
My old self would be yelling at me right now, for having failed to follow through on the assignments and it's only day 3. My new self knows that my priorities for today, my typical day off, did not include getting the fridge cleaned out, and that's OK!
What I've learned in the first three days of this journey are that I need to be a life giver. I need to invest in the people around me that are important and make sure that they are are feeling love. Sometimes I give life to those around me by making sure my home is in order and clean or at least straightened. Sometimes it's by providing clean clothes and having the dishes where they need to be to be used, or on today's list purchasing food. Other times it's by not making my family feel like they have gotten in the way of what I had planned for the day. For instance, today my son needed to go downtown to the Clinic for an appointment. He shouldn't feel like it was a hassle for me to take him, and that it messed up my schedule. He should know that I love him, and that despite the reasons for having to go downtown, I enjoyed the time I got to spend with him. Otherwise, by making him feel burdened by "having to go downtown" I'm no longer giving life to our relationship. This lesson mainly came from day one.
In day two we learned to define our vision. This quote from page 25 speaks loudly to me " I need clarity and peace and space to think, both physically and mentally. When there is a mess swirling around me on the outside, I internalize it. For me, chaos outside equals chaos inside". I know this about myself. I need things to be organized and tidy before I can even start working. Knowing that, I have established that I need a clean home for me to feel less frantic and chaotic. If I'm less stressed my family is less stressed. How does this play out in my life? It that means that I will make it a priority to straighten the kitchen first thing in the morning, or put the mail away as soon as it comes in. That works for me, as then I'm able to focus on other things. Sarah Mae reminds us that we need to have a vision or purpose or we will stay in a rut. The Mary Challenge was particularly good this day. It helped us seek out why we do what we do. I hope those of you following along were able to determine your vision and are looking forward to working on making it happen.
Today, Day 3 helps us to discover our rhythm. We all have a different rhythm. Living out the priorities we set is not always easy. We need to discover, as I did today, what has to happen, and what we can let go. For me letting go of my time with God is something I don't want to do. I try to make that my first priority after getting the lunches ready and kids mostly out of the door. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I have to find the time later. Regardless, I know it is what keeps me moving forward. Yes, I would love to be done with this study in 31 days and have a perfectly clean house at that point. It may happen, but I'm ok with being behind because I know that today I got done the things that had to get done today. While making dinner I still may take the time to straighten the fridge some, yesterdays assignment, or wipe down some cabinet doors, but if I don't get to those things until the weekend that will be ok too.
Moving forward is more important than sprinting and not learning anything. Keep your eyes focused on your vision. Take a step a day, and know that our journey might not always be identical but regardless we're all in this thing called life together. We have hills and valleys and sometimes beautiful country roads and sunny skies!
Happy Reading and cleaning! Off to accomplish the next priority which has to be the load of laundry that needs folded and put away!
My old self would be yelling at me right now, for having failed to follow through on the assignments and it's only day 3. My new self knows that my priorities for today, my typical day off, did not include getting the fridge cleaned out, and that's OK!
What I've learned in the first three days of this journey are that I need to be a life giver. I need to invest in the people around me that are important and make sure that they are are feeling love. Sometimes I give life to those around me by making sure my home is in order and clean or at least straightened. Sometimes it's by providing clean clothes and having the dishes where they need to be to be used, or on today's list purchasing food. Other times it's by not making my family feel like they have gotten in the way of what I had planned for the day. For instance, today my son needed to go downtown to the Clinic for an appointment. He shouldn't feel like it was a hassle for me to take him, and that it messed up my schedule. He should know that I love him, and that despite the reasons for having to go downtown, I enjoyed the time I got to spend with him. Otherwise, by making him feel burdened by "having to go downtown" I'm no longer giving life to our relationship. This lesson mainly came from day one.
In day two we learned to define our vision. This quote from page 25 speaks loudly to me " I need clarity and peace and space to think, both physically and mentally. When there is a mess swirling around me on the outside, I internalize it. For me, chaos outside equals chaos inside". I know this about myself. I need things to be organized and tidy before I can even start working. Knowing that, I have established that I need a clean home for me to feel less frantic and chaotic. If I'm less stressed my family is less stressed. How does this play out in my life? It that means that I will make it a priority to straighten the kitchen first thing in the morning, or put the mail away as soon as it comes in. That works for me, as then I'm able to focus on other things. Sarah Mae reminds us that we need to have a vision or purpose or we will stay in a rut. The Mary Challenge was particularly good this day. It helped us seek out why we do what we do. I hope those of you following along were able to determine your vision and are looking forward to working on making it happen.
Today, Day 3 helps us to discover our rhythm. We all have a different rhythm. Living out the priorities we set is not always easy. We need to discover, as I did today, what has to happen, and what we can let go. For me letting go of my time with God is something I don't want to do. I try to make that my first priority after getting the lunches ready and kids mostly out of the door. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I have to find the time later. Regardless, I know it is what keeps me moving forward. Yes, I would love to be done with this study in 31 days and have a perfectly clean house at that point. It may happen, but I'm ok with being behind because I know that today I got done the things that had to get done today. While making dinner I still may take the time to straighten the fridge some, yesterdays assignment, or wipe down some cabinet doors, but if I don't get to those things until the weekend that will be ok too.
Moving forward is more important than sprinting and not learning anything. Keep your eyes focused on your vision. Take a step a day, and know that our journey might not always be identical but regardless we're all in this thing called life together. We have hills and valleys and sometimes beautiful country roads and sunny skies!
Happy Reading and cleaning! Off to accomplish the next priority which has to be the load of laundry that needs folded and put away!
Sunday, April 10, 2016
BUT...I don't have time to read a book, or get organized or...
No matter who you are you have a list, either physical or in your mind, of what you need to or want to accomplish. Some of those things are items that need to happen today, some of those are items that you dream will someday happen, but they are there, in a list waiting. So why aren't they being accomplished? Or, if they are being accomplished why do we often not feel the joy of having them accomplished.
Starting tomorrow, Monday, April 11th, I invite you to join me on a journey of rediscovering how to get things accomplished and find joy at the same time. We will be reading through and discussing the book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way 31 Days to a Clean House and A Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae.
Here's how I envision this working. Sometime today, or maybe tomorrow, read the introduction. This section explains better how the book is set up and some background information on the author Sarah Mae. It's about 20 pages all together, and the longest reading you will have to do. Then over the course of the next few weeks we will read a chapter a day, (Monday-Friday only) which will usually be about 2-3 pages, complete a short activity designed to help get our homes in better order, and spend a little bit of time in reflection of scripture and God's design for our lives. Because we all have different schedules, families and responsibilities I find that it is best to do the readings 5 days a week with 2 days allowed at the end of the week to catch up on anything you may not have accomplished. Yes, that means you will learn to have a Martha home the Mary Way in longer than 31 days, but I'm ok with that if you are!
I am planning on posting a short reflection on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays here on my blog, as well as sending the link to this blog to Facebook. I'll be taking the journey with you, and sharing with you how I've begun to discover how to find joy despite the busy in my life.
Here's what I've learned from the introduction:
We have a skewed sense of our worth. Many of us think we are worth something more if our homes and lives run smoothly. We aren't! We are worth what we are worth because God loves us and was willing to die for us, despite how our house looks, our kids behave, or what job we have.
"I love the freedom that comes from knowing I am already-from eternity's perspective-perfect and complete for all time. I don't have to do better or be better; I just need to walk faithfully with my God as He molds me. And so do you" (Sarah Mae, xvi).
We are often so caught up in what others have, or are doing that we miss what we have and what we are doing. We need to learn how to make good choices everyday, with discernment as to what His plan is for our lives. That is where we will learn to find the joy, and quite often in the process the rest will fall into place too. Sometimes that means doing what we can as we can and not worrying about our inabilities or what doesn't get done. I have come to the conclusion as long as we are alive there will be things we need to get done. Somedays I will succeed and get things done, and other days I won't get as much done. On the days I don't get as much done I am not a failure! Even if I don't get as much done because I made choices that caused me to be delayed in what I was doing, I am still not a failure. I will make mistakes, I will mess up. Just the same I am a work in progress and I can keep moving forward.
I hope and pray that you will be encouraged as you read this book. As Sarah Mae so beautifully chose for the quote for Day 0 (which is incidentally today!) "The secret of getting ahead is getting started"- Mark Twain
Happy getting started! Let the journey begin!
Starting tomorrow, Monday, April 11th, I invite you to join me on a journey of rediscovering how to get things accomplished and find joy at the same time. We will be reading through and discussing the book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way 31 Days to a Clean House and A Satisfied Soul by Sarah Mae.
Here's how I envision this working. Sometime today, or maybe tomorrow, read the introduction. This section explains better how the book is set up and some background information on the author Sarah Mae. It's about 20 pages all together, and the longest reading you will have to do. Then over the course of the next few weeks we will read a chapter a day, (Monday-Friday only) which will usually be about 2-3 pages, complete a short activity designed to help get our homes in better order, and spend a little bit of time in reflection of scripture and God's design for our lives. Because we all have different schedules, families and responsibilities I find that it is best to do the readings 5 days a week with 2 days allowed at the end of the week to catch up on anything you may not have accomplished. Yes, that means you will learn to have a Martha home the Mary Way in longer than 31 days, but I'm ok with that if you are!
I am planning on posting a short reflection on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays here on my blog, as well as sending the link to this blog to Facebook. I'll be taking the journey with you, and sharing with you how I've begun to discover how to find joy despite the busy in my life.
Here's what I've learned from the introduction:
We have a skewed sense of our worth. Many of us think we are worth something more if our homes and lives run smoothly. We aren't! We are worth what we are worth because God loves us and was willing to die for us, despite how our house looks, our kids behave, or what job we have.
"I love the freedom that comes from knowing I am already-from eternity's perspective-perfect and complete for all time. I don't have to do better or be better; I just need to walk faithfully with my God as He molds me. And so do you" (Sarah Mae, xvi).
We are often so caught up in what others have, or are doing that we miss what we have and what we are doing. We need to learn how to make good choices everyday, with discernment as to what His plan is for our lives. That is where we will learn to find the joy, and quite often in the process the rest will fall into place too. Sometimes that means doing what we can as we can and not worrying about our inabilities or what doesn't get done. I have come to the conclusion as long as we are alive there will be things we need to get done. Somedays I will succeed and get things done, and other days I won't get as much done. On the days I don't get as much done I am not a failure! Even if I don't get as much done because I made choices that caused me to be delayed in what I was doing, I am still not a failure. I will make mistakes, I will mess up. Just the same I am a work in progress and I can keep moving forward.
I hope and pray that you will be encouraged as you read this book. As Sarah Mae so beautifully chose for the quote for Day 0 (which is incidentally today!) "The secret of getting ahead is getting started"- Mark Twain
Happy getting started! Let the journey begin!
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Two Sisters, Two Styles OR Can They Work Together?!
Mary and Martha, have you met them? Have you wondered what life was really like for them? Were you annoyed or at peace with their story?!!
From Luke 10:38-42
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”
41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
I've read this Bible story before, perhaps you have too, of these two sisters that Jesus visited. They stand out to me as a homemaker because I have longed to be the "Mary" the one sitting around doing nothing (ok, that's not really what she's doing, but tell me that's not the impression you get at first!) Yet, I've found myself for years only being the "Martha" running from thing to thing, making sure everything got done, and so distracted over the process that I've sometimes forgotten the people. I don't want to miss out on the people though!
Is it possible to be a combination of both?
Sarah Mae in her new book Having a Martha Home the Mary Way takes a look at that age old question and discovers an amazing truth. IT IS POSSIBLE!
First, I know that we can all feel overwhelmed and the thought of reading a book to help you feel less overwhelmed may make you stop and ask "do you think I have time for that?!" The truth is, YOU DO! One of the things I love about this book is that it is broken down into doable chapters. The introduction, with some background information on Sarah Mae is a little longer, but then there are 31 chapters, one for each day. Each chapter has a short reading/reflection on life, usually giving us a peek into Sarah Mae's life, then a Mary Challenge which is a few minutes reflecting on God's Word, and then a Martha Challenge which is a few minutes doing something to make your home a cleaner more organized space. Still feel like you won't have time for reading and the activities? Save the Martha challenges for a weekend, and get the family involved!
"I need clarity and peace and space to think, both physically and mentally. When there is a mess swirling around me on the outside, I internalize it. For me chaos outside equals chaos inside." (Sarah Mae, pg 25) Yes, yes and yes!!!! This is me. I can't think with a mess. So I've had to learn little tricks to keep the mess under control in order for me to find inner peace. This book has a wealth of tips for finding that inner peace. Again, all the tips and ideas are in doable amounts.
You don't have to be a "Martha" doing it all and never having time to stop, but you also don't need to be a "Mary" only ever stopping. You can be combination of the two, and have inner peace and a peaceful, restful home. Will you take the time to find out how?
Join the challenge, and find the calm! The book is available now visit http://sarahmae.com for more information about this fantastic book and to order your copy! Don't miss out, it's simple, it's direct and it will make a difference!Monday, February 22, 2016
“She needs to sort out her priorities” -Ron Weasley
Most of us have a list of priorities. Sometimes we have the life "priorities" the things that we feel we need to put first in our lives, and sometimes we have the daily priorities. The fight is getting the two sets to line up. When we don't we end up making statements like Hermione did in the movie. We end up giving up, throwing in the towel and essentially going to bed before someone comes up with that plan that will wreck what we were thinking.
Proverbs 16:1 says "We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer" NLT
So, how do we go about making plans, that the LORD will give the right answer too? Plans that line up with Him? I've been spending a lot of time thinking about that again lately. I'm a list maker, a planner, an organizer. Yes, I know that means I'm type A and possibly rigid with my planning, but that's the part that I've really been working on.
It's been a multiple year process and one that will most likely continue to need to be revived. Here is where I'm at now though.
I start, as so many have suggested, with my list of things that I find important.
1. My relationship with God
2. My relationship with my husband
3. My relationship with my children
4. My relationship with other family members
5. My relationship with friends
6. My job
7. My home
8. My health
9. My hobbies
10. My goals
From there I try to build my day. There's a list for me, there's always a list, but sorting out my priorities mean that on any given day I'm willing to let the list go, or rotate what is taking the top position. Yet, how do I do that? One of the things I do is make sure I don't have too many things on the list. I've heard the number is 6 I've heard the number is 10, but regardless we need to keep in mind we can't do it all in one day!
Next I spend time thinking about the things that are non negotiable.
I need daily time in the Word. When I don't take the time for that, I loose my focus and my plans, no matter how well thought out, tend to get messed up. Are there days that I don't get this time first thing? Yes. Life does happen, but my goal is to make time first thing in the morning to spend time with God in His Word. When that doesn't happen I purposely leave my Bible out on the kitchen table so I don't forget.
The other non negotiable items rotate. There are days when the projects or appointments the kids have to get done or get to, need to take priority over other things that are on the to do list. Three days a week my job has to take priority over my home, as those are the days I teach. Regardless, I try to take some time for each of the things on my priority list at least once a day.
So what does this look like in real life?
Let's look at today.
6 am- Up, dressed, finished packing lunches FAMILY PRIORITY
6:15 am- son asks me to drive him to school (Priority interruption taking place!!) He's been sick, so getting him to school needs to outweigh some other things on the list.
6:15am-6:45 Time in the Word RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
6:45 am Make sure daughter is up and then out the door with son, prayer time in the car on the way home RELATIONSHIP WITH KIDS
7:00 am back home. Took 10 minutes to complete a form that son needs for school tomorrow-which was on the to do list for the day HOME LIFE STUFF
7:10 am out the door with daughter RELATIONSHIP WITH KIDS
7:30 am arrive at a local middle school to borrow music for my band program
and catch up with friends that teach there JOB AND FRIENDSHIPS
8:00 am Grocery store HOME LIFE
8:45 am Home, Groceries away, laundry started, and getting ready for work HOME LIFE/JOB
9:30 am Finishing this blog!!! HOBBIES/GOALS
9:45 am OR AT LEAST THIS IS THE CURRENT PLAN
Out the door for work
10-3:45 pm Work JOB PRIORITY
3:50 pm Take daughter to appointment KIDS
5:00 pm Make and eat dinner HOME LIFE/FAMILY TIME
6:00 pm Walk dog with Hubby RELATIONSHIP TIME
6:30 pm Rec Center for Workout Class HEALTH
8:15 pm Home for rest of laundry, homework, and any chores that need done FAMILY AND HOME
10:00 pm Read for 20 min. GOALS
Obviously, I'm only to the 9:45 am time frame so things may change, but this is the plan at the moment. Keeping in mind that God may have different plans for my day helps me to be more flexible. Knowing that His ways are perfect and that I can rest on Him, also helps me to realize that there are days when the list doesn't get done and instead of saying "I got nothing done today" I'll know that my priorities may have changed, but that I tried my best to put first what needed to get done first and let things that could wait be pushed aside so that the people and things that need to take priority don't get neglected along the way.
Got to run! As, the time is now slipping away! But, being a bit flexible means I'm not in panic mode, but relaxed because I got to spend a few minutes on my hobby!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Never Thought This Would Happen!
Trying to get back on track with an eating program, fitness program, or just plain healthier lifestyle is not easy. We've all read and heard what we are suppose to do, and how to do it. The true secret to anything though is just doing it! Yet, we struggle. We don't want to fail, so often we don't try. I'm as good at the excuses as anyone. Just the same January of 2014 I decided I was done with the excuses and I was going to change.
For several months I did try on my own using the app MyFitnessPal, which I highly recommend, but I was using it to log food and exercise and then if I was still hungry quickly exercising to get more calories so I could eat more. What a crazy cycle. It did work though to the tune of 20 lbs, so I was ok with it. That was the year when all the stations and magazines were advertising the quick weight loss pill that would attack the fat cells and strip them away. You don't even need to exercise they all claimed. Sounded too good to be true, but I wanted to kick start my weight loss in a big way so I talked to my friend who's a nutritionist to get her take. She told me they weren't FDA approved, big surprise, and so I decided not to go that route.
Instead, she invited me to come see her. She told me she had a program that she was using with clients to really get them going and while it was hard maybe I should consider it. I figured I'd tried so many other things why not. This program has to be monitored by a nutritionist and doctor, so I'm not going to share many details here, but basically it's a carb free diet. I started September 1, 2014 a year later I was down 110 lbs! The crazy thing was it was the easiest thing I had ever done...when I remembered to stay focused! Over this fall I'd lost my focus a little and let myself splurge a little too often. In the process I gained back 15 lbs. Ugh!
I knew what I needed to do so January of this year I decided to get back into a healthier lifestyle, by eating better and working out more. I really wanted to focus on toning so I joined the Mofit classes up at the Rec center with Maureen Hausler. In a month I can already tell a difference in my strength level. I went from 5 lb weights in January to 10 lb weights as of today. I've met some really encouraging people, and various exercises that I couldn't possibly do before, I am starting to be able to do. In fact, you can ask my husband, I'm even bowling better as I can now really throw a 11 lb ball. Not that I'm great at it, but still it's better!
But that's not what I never thought would happen....
I'm not sure what it is about running into people you knew back when that makes us self conscious, but there's just something about it. I've always struggled with feeling inadequate when I've run into people from the past. Like I was being judged for how I looked or what I did. In truth I don't think the people probably even cared, but I felt that way just the same. Since starting to lose weight and be healthier I've been a bit less self conscious, but still when walking into a gym/rec center I'd still shy away from people I knew.
Today, I crossed over the bridge of worrying about it because I realized I'm at a place I never dreamt I'd be.
I was running late to my class this morning and when I walked in there was someone I knew from High School. We had some classes together, but over all ran in different crowds. Of course to make matters worse it was a guy. (No offense to him, but just a disclaimer I never had a crush on him. Thought I'd better make that clear!) Everyone got started working out and half way through class it hit me. I'm not sure what Maureen even said now, but I remember saying "I'm in better shape then I was in High School"
Seriously!!! I've been out of High School for almost 25 years, and I'm in better shape now!? Life takes us on many adventures, but finding the focus to become healthier was an adventure I wish I had taken sooner. Yet, instead of dwelling on the past I know I am determined to keep moving forward.
God works in mysterious ways. Yesterday I received a package in the mail that was supposed to have a small treat in it, mine came without the treat helping me to maintain my focus and not eat those empty calories and carbs. Today He put someone from my past in my path and helped me to see that I am healthier now then I was ever then. Something I truly never thought would happen!
The journey isn't over, but I can't wait to take the next step!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
When did they get this old?!
Just got off the phone with the Ohio BMV, scheduling my son's driver's license exam!! When did he get that old? Further more, when did I get that old? Time sure is flying by. I wouldn't want to change it, except to maybe slow it down just a little bit. Too soon we'll be finalizing all the collage stuff! It's unbelievable.
I've said often to parents of little ones when they have asked with huge eyes of concern "does it get easier?!", that unfortunately "No, it just get's different!" I suppose that's not entirely true, some things get easier. They can get dressed, and take care of their basic needs on their own. Most of the time they can finish their homework on their own. But instead of he or she stole my toy, it's does he or she like me, and then it's my girlfriend or boyfriend hasn't texted me back today, do you think there's a problem? Things that once took a hug to fix, now take hours of pondering together. Yet, that's kind of nice too. Especially since for the most part they are still wanting to ponder those things with me!
The one thing no matter what age the kids have been at I've found is that being there for my kids is vital to their health. Being there for their friends is vital for their relationships. I always wanted to be the house where the kids want to hang out at. Yes, sometimes that means there are times when I'd love quiet and instead I get teenagers. All too soon the house will be empty and I can have all the quiet I want. For now, I'll take the noise, the video games, the movies and the drama! I'm blessed to be their mom and to be able to talk to them, and guide them, to train them in the way they should go. Hoping and praying that when they are old they won't depart from it as scripture says. I'm glad their friends/girlfriend/boyfriend, talk to me too! If I can continue to invest in all their lives and help them to be better people I'll willingly take the time to do just that!
So, having a driver before the end of the month is just the next step in this journey God has given me. A journey I'm blessed beyond belief to have!
I've said often to parents of little ones when they have asked with huge eyes of concern "does it get easier?!", that unfortunately "No, it just get's different!" I suppose that's not entirely true, some things get easier. They can get dressed, and take care of their basic needs on their own. Most of the time they can finish their homework on their own. But instead of he or she stole my toy, it's does he or she like me, and then it's my girlfriend or boyfriend hasn't texted me back today, do you think there's a problem? Things that once took a hug to fix, now take hours of pondering together. Yet, that's kind of nice too. Especially since for the most part they are still wanting to ponder those things with me!
The one thing no matter what age the kids have been at I've found is that being there for my kids is vital to their health. Being there for their friends is vital for their relationships. I always wanted to be the house where the kids want to hang out at. Yes, sometimes that means there are times when I'd love quiet and instead I get teenagers. All too soon the house will be empty and I can have all the quiet I want. For now, I'll take the noise, the video games, the movies and the drama! I'm blessed to be their mom and to be able to talk to them, and guide them, to train them in the way they should go. Hoping and praying that when they are old they won't depart from it as scripture says. I'm glad their friends/girlfriend/boyfriend, talk to me too! If I can continue to invest in all their lives and help them to be better people I'll willingly take the time to do just that!
So, having a driver before the end of the month is just the next step in this journey God has given me. A journey I'm blessed beyond belief to have!
Friday, January 29, 2016
"They" say it takes 21 days to make a habit, are "they" right?
Sometimes I think what "they" say isn't always true. How many times have we heard from our kids or ourselves, well..."they said!", only to discover it wasn't a true statement at all. I've been reading through the book of Job this month and have really had my eyes opened to the fact that "they" can say a lot of good things. Things that make sense, things that are sometimes even based on some truths, but just the same aren't truth at all. Scripture tells us that Satan is the father of lies. It also continually shows us how he knows the truth and often uses it to try and get us to believe what he's selling. If you sprinkle a little truth on anything it seems to be right, until you start digging down. Which brings me to the "it takes 21 days to make a habit statement" is that truth?
My experience has been that I can do anything for 21 days. I think we all can, but habits, in order to be life changing and stick through time, require a heart change. Yes, if you start something and make it a goal to go 21 days, chances are good you will get into the routine of doing that thing and then want to or be used to doing it enough that you will, in a lot of cases, continue. But...(sorry grammatical friends rolling their eyes for me starting a sentence with that word!) if you're heart hasn't changed to believing whatever it was is truly beneficially after awhile you will once again slack off and then have to start the whole process over again.
How do you get your heart to change then? Here is what I have discovered has helped me sometimes make the change from my heart and not just from needing to complete a set of steps to get to the 21 day goal.
1. Ask why am I doing this to begin with?
There are a lot of things that we do because others tell us it's right. Let's look at scripture reading first. A Bible believing church will tell you and encourage you to be in the Word daily. Truth is God wants us to grow in our relationship with Him, and in order to do that, like any relationship, we need to spend time investing in it. However, if we are only doing it, for 21 days, or longer because someone told us to or to check it off our list, are we really investing in that relationship? I know, I know you have to start somewhere and I wholeheartedly agree. At different points in my life when I found myself having stopped taking the time to spend with Him each day, I would write it on my to do list. I knew for me if I got to the end of the day and still saw "devos" listed I would feel the need to complete it. So, yes, start somewhere. As you start though, keep asking yourself am I doing this for me, or for others? Maybe that sounds selfish, but too often we are motivated but what others are asking us or telling us to do, and when that is our motivation it will only last as long as we care what they think. At some point you have to make a determination that it is valuable, that it changes who you are, or who you want to be, and that the time and effort it takes to make those changes is worth it. Until it becomes personal it truly won't stick. That's what I mean by a heart issue. It needs to be about what YOU want and desire, not because someone, no matter how smart they are, told you to do it!
2. Am I willing to make the time for whatever it is?
We live in a culture of busyness. We are always too busy for everything and everyone, although somehow we have plenty of time to be on our phones, watch tv, sleep extra, yada, yada, yada! I'm right there too a good deal of the time. So how do we combat that? We look at what is important in our lives, and begin to sort out our priorities. (for those of you Harry Potter fans can you just hear Ron saying that, or is it just me?) How do we do that? For me it's about asking myself usually daily, what is most important today. What do I need to get done? What do I want to get done? Who do I want to invest my time in? I'm a list maker, and typically have a home list and a school list, BUT I give myself permission to not complete them when other things come up. I've discovered that I need to spend time with God each day. It helps me stay focused on what is important for the day ahead. I'm willing to make time for Him, which means I will need to sacrifice time doing something else in my day, one of those things on the list might need to move. That's ok, because I know for me that has to come first! After that I based my need to do and want to do lists on where I am. I'm blessed that my career requires that I be at work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. So on those days my need to do list has to be focused first on work items. However, I'm a teacher so, my school list tends to come home with me and be with me on my days off too! On my day's off though I try to focus on what my household needs to have done first. Sometimes for my household to function better I need to finish up lesson plans while the family is at work or school so that I can properly invest time in them when they are at home. That leads to question three...
3. Is this something that will improve who I am not just for me, but for the people I come in contact with?
Losing weight is an admirable goal. My weight has been an issue for a long time. Until I realized first, that I needed to do it for me, not for those telling me to. (answer to question one) Then I needed to be willing to take the time it would mean to make healthier food choices, add in drinking water (which does take time as you have to keep making stops in small rooms!) and getting proper exercise and sleep. In the past year and a half I've lost 110 lbs. In that time I realized that first of all that was for me. That my heart's desire was to be healthier and it was what I wanted. Mom couldn't make me do it, my doctor couldn't make me do it, my family couldn't make me do it... I needed to want to do it. Then I needed to make time to do it, and make it a priority. Finally, to make it last it has needed to become something that improves me for me and for those I'm with. When that last step happens it's the heart that really has learned. I've learned that when I eat better, get some exercise in, and sleep better I not only feel better, but I act better too! Which means it does improve who I am for the people around me.
Perhaps this is just rambling to some, but I've learned in life, through scripture, and through others that when "they" say something, I need to make sure it's truth, that it is important and that it is something I'm willing to take time for.
My experience has been that I can do anything for 21 days. I think we all can, but habits, in order to be life changing and stick through time, require a heart change. Yes, if you start something and make it a goal to go 21 days, chances are good you will get into the routine of doing that thing and then want to or be used to doing it enough that you will, in a lot of cases, continue. But...(sorry grammatical friends rolling their eyes for me starting a sentence with that word!) if you're heart hasn't changed to believing whatever it was is truly beneficially after awhile you will once again slack off and then have to start the whole process over again.
How do you get your heart to change then? Here is what I have discovered has helped me sometimes make the change from my heart and not just from needing to complete a set of steps to get to the 21 day goal.
1. Ask why am I doing this to begin with?
There are a lot of things that we do because others tell us it's right. Let's look at scripture reading first. A Bible believing church will tell you and encourage you to be in the Word daily. Truth is God wants us to grow in our relationship with Him, and in order to do that, like any relationship, we need to spend time investing in it. However, if we are only doing it, for 21 days, or longer because someone told us to or to check it off our list, are we really investing in that relationship? I know, I know you have to start somewhere and I wholeheartedly agree. At different points in my life when I found myself having stopped taking the time to spend with Him each day, I would write it on my to do list. I knew for me if I got to the end of the day and still saw "devos" listed I would feel the need to complete it. So, yes, start somewhere. As you start though, keep asking yourself am I doing this for me, or for others? Maybe that sounds selfish, but too often we are motivated but what others are asking us or telling us to do, and when that is our motivation it will only last as long as we care what they think. At some point you have to make a determination that it is valuable, that it changes who you are, or who you want to be, and that the time and effort it takes to make those changes is worth it. Until it becomes personal it truly won't stick. That's what I mean by a heart issue. It needs to be about what YOU want and desire, not because someone, no matter how smart they are, told you to do it!
2. Am I willing to make the time for whatever it is?
We live in a culture of busyness. We are always too busy for everything and everyone, although somehow we have plenty of time to be on our phones, watch tv, sleep extra, yada, yada, yada! I'm right there too a good deal of the time. So how do we combat that? We look at what is important in our lives, and begin to sort out our priorities. (for those of you Harry Potter fans can you just hear Ron saying that, or is it just me?) How do we do that? For me it's about asking myself usually daily, what is most important today. What do I need to get done? What do I want to get done? Who do I want to invest my time in? I'm a list maker, and typically have a home list and a school list, BUT I give myself permission to not complete them when other things come up. I've discovered that I need to spend time with God each day. It helps me stay focused on what is important for the day ahead. I'm willing to make time for Him, which means I will need to sacrifice time doing something else in my day, one of those things on the list might need to move. That's ok, because I know for me that has to come first! After that I based my need to do and want to do lists on where I am. I'm blessed that my career requires that I be at work Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. So on those days my need to do list has to be focused first on work items. However, I'm a teacher so, my school list tends to come home with me and be with me on my days off too! On my day's off though I try to focus on what my household needs to have done first. Sometimes for my household to function better I need to finish up lesson plans while the family is at work or school so that I can properly invest time in them when they are at home. That leads to question three...
3. Is this something that will improve who I am not just for me, but for the people I come in contact with?
Losing weight is an admirable goal. My weight has been an issue for a long time. Until I realized first, that I needed to do it for me, not for those telling me to. (answer to question one) Then I needed to be willing to take the time it would mean to make healthier food choices, add in drinking water (which does take time as you have to keep making stops in small rooms!) and getting proper exercise and sleep. In the past year and a half I've lost 110 lbs. In that time I realized that first of all that was for me. That my heart's desire was to be healthier and it was what I wanted. Mom couldn't make me do it, my doctor couldn't make me do it, my family couldn't make me do it... I needed to want to do it. Then I needed to make time to do it, and make it a priority. Finally, to make it last it has needed to become something that improves me for me and for those I'm with. When that last step happens it's the heart that really has learned. I've learned that when I eat better, get some exercise in, and sleep better I not only feel better, but I act better too! Which means it does improve who I am for the people around me.
Perhaps this is just rambling to some, but I've learned in life, through scripture, and through others that when "they" say something, I need to make sure it's truth, that it is important and that it is something I'm willing to take time for.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
New Year...well at least it's still January!
Good morning world or at least those who may choose to wander onto this post. I've missed writing, but life priorities don't always allow me the time I'd like to do that one extra thing. Just the same, I may try to start fitting it in again.
So, what's been going on?! Well since my last post in April of 2015... a LOT!
1. Became the mother of 2 teenagers!!
2. Hired as the Music Teacher at Parma Heights Christian Academy
3. Celebrated our 19th anniversary!!
4. Started balancing working full time (yes, technically part time, but ask my fellow staff members I tend to forget it's suppose to be my day off and go in anyway!) being a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend...you get the picture!
5. Celebrated my 1 year anniversary with my nutritionist and down 110 lbs!!
6. Survived my first Christmas program with 154 students
7. Reached a new year with new goals
8. Restarted my focus on decluttering the house using http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com, declutter calendars...actually did this some last year so I've already crossed off items through March! Also reading
and referring to http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net
9. Started these amazing workouts with Maureen Hausler who is a personal trainer who runs her Mofit business, and is encouraging, engaging and pushes her students to keep moving forward without making them feel like they are under pressure to do more than they are capable of.
10. Decided to try and get reorganized with writing again!!
That's where I'm at. I've allowed myself a few minutes today to start to kick this back off. We'll see what happens. This fall a friend commented on my Facebook wall that they were still looking for my organization/home management book to come out. (haven't even written one!), but that inspired me to relook at my life and what I can accomplish and what I should accomplish everyday. I guess if that interests you then tune in. Hopefully the routine I've begun to create will inspire you in some way!
Today's Agenda:
Wake up earlier than normal (only by a minute- but hey I was out of bed at 6am, instead of hitting snooze and calculating how much longer I could lay in bed and still get my kids lunches together and them out the door!)
Spend time in the Word. As our youth pastor, Dan Adams, just preached on we need to be Scripturating! I've discovered getting up, even a couple minutes earlier has allowed me extra time to be in the Word and not feel rushed! Currently reading through Exodus with my First5app, and Job with http://womenlivingwell.org, and then recently the message at church was focused on the book of Romans, so trying to read through that as well. Usually only get through a chapter in all three books if it's my day off. I also use the youversion app and am following their pray through the daily verse plan right now.
Get kids off to school
Make a list of what I need to get done for home and work. Have jury duty in 2 weeks so need to write sub plans!! UGH! While on that topic, yes I know it's my civic duty, but, I know people who would love to do it, so could we have them called instead?!?
Workout in my Mofit class! Can feel my legs and arms burning already
Meet with my daughter's counselor to review the plan for classes for the next few years
Get stuff done around the house
Get dinner, homework and those things started before heading off to church
Help with choir practice tonight as the assistant director can't be there.
A pretty full day all things considered.
This is a day the Lord has made! I can choose to rejoice and move forward or grumble and complain. It's entirely up to me, and at least today, I'm ready to choose joy!!
So, what's been going on?! Well since my last post in April of 2015... a LOT!
1. Became the mother of 2 teenagers!!
2. Hired as the Music Teacher at Parma Heights Christian Academy
3. Celebrated our 19th anniversary!!
4. Started balancing working full time (yes, technically part time, but ask my fellow staff members I tend to forget it's suppose to be my day off and go in anyway!) being a wife, a mom, a daughter, a sister, a friend...you get the picture!
5. Celebrated my 1 year anniversary with my nutritionist and down 110 lbs!!
6. Survived my first Christmas program with 154 students
7. Reached a new year with new goals
8. Restarted my focus on decluttering the house using http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com, declutter calendars...actually did this some last year so I've already crossed off items through March! Also reading
and referring to http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net10. Decided to try and get reorganized with writing again!!
That's where I'm at. I've allowed myself a few minutes today to start to kick this back off. We'll see what happens. This fall a friend commented on my Facebook wall that they were still looking for my organization/home management book to come out. (haven't even written one!), but that inspired me to relook at my life and what I can accomplish and what I should accomplish everyday. I guess if that interests you then tune in. Hopefully the routine I've begun to create will inspire you in some way!
Today's Agenda:
Wake up earlier than normal (only by a minute- but hey I was out of bed at 6am, instead of hitting snooze and calculating how much longer I could lay in bed and still get my kids lunches together and them out the door!)
Spend time in the Word. As our youth pastor, Dan Adams, just preached on we need to be Scripturating! I've discovered getting up, even a couple minutes earlier has allowed me extra time to be in the Word and not feel rushed! Currently reading through Exodus with my First5app, and Job with http://womenlivingwell.org, and then recently the message at church was focused on the book of Romans, so trying to read through that as well. Usually only get through a chapter in all three books if it's my day off. I also use the youversion app and am following their pray through the daily verse plan right now.
Get kids off to school
Make a list of what I need to get done for home and work. Have jury duty in 2 weeks so need to write sub plans!! UGH! While on that topic, yes I know it's my civic duty, but, I know people who would love to do it, so could we have them called instead?!?
Workout in my Mofit class! Can feel my legs and arms burning already
Meet with my daughter's counselor to review the plan for classes for the next few years
Get stuff done around the house
Get dinner, homework and those things started before heading off to church
Help with choir practice tonight as the assistant director can't be there.
A pretty full day all things considered.
This is a day the Lord has made! I can choose to rejoice and move forward or grumble and complain. It's entirely up to me, and at least today, I'm ready to choose joy!!
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