Are You Bored?

Someone sent me an email with the title Are You Bored?

And, it reminded me of when my kids were young...and they said that they were "bored". :)

Well, they found out quickly that you weren't allowed to say that in our home.

We should never be bored!

My remedy?

I made up a list of Productive Activities and posted it on the frig.

If all of their school work and chores were done, they could choose something off of

this list to do.

If they didn't do this--and slipped and said that they were bored--they got a really crummy job to do instead. I had a list for those also for me to choose from. :)

Like...cleaning the grout with a toothbrush :)

Some ideas from the list:

• Write/make a card for a grandparent
• Read a book
• Gardening
• Memory Verse
• Play with Legos or Lincoln Logs
• Walk the Dog
• Play the Piano

I had quite a few items on the list, so that there should be plenty to choose from even over a period of time.

It solved our problem, and helped them to develop a good habit of using their time wisely.

I try to apply this to myself too. I try to have plenty of things "waiting in the wings" for me to do, so that I never feel bored.

Hope this inspires you today to find some new, creative things to use your time.

Almost Time...

My times are in thy hand: Psalm 31:15a

Well, I have spent the last couple of weeks busily preparing for my upcoming surgery on Wednesday.

I had about 2 weeks to get my Christmas shopping done and wrapped, cards out, and decorations up.

It was just enough time!

(Plus, I had excellent help!)

And, it kept me busy, and my mind off of things...

It also made me think about TIME.

We think we're in control of it, when actually, all of it is in God's hands.

It is a lesson I have learned these last few weeks....that all is in God's control

And, that's a good thing!

When you face something like cancer, it puts so many things in perspective.

Like...what's really important.

Like... am I spending enough time in the Word, and in prayer?

Is my focus on the Lord-and His timing---or, is it on mine?

I'm learning, and growing through this whole situation, and I covet your prayers.

Specifically: That they can remove the spleen and no further treatment is required.

And, that I will have a speedy recovery from the surgery.

May God get all the glory!

Every year I try...try...again!

I'm an organizational wannabe... every year it's on my resolution list.

I ran across this article, and thought I'd post these tips here in case anyone else is trying to make strides in this area too!

A Dozen Time Management Tips:

DON'T . . .

rush ahead of the Lord--His timing and wisdom are crucial
try to meet all the needs, it's impossible!
get side-tracked, even by "worthwhile" things
allow too many outside activities to rob you of family time
let the enemy rob you of your joy--it's your strength
confuse the urgent with the important

DO . . .
Pray for the Lord's guidance and help each day
Look to Jesus as your example. Study His Word, His life as revealed in the Gospels. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do in this situation?"
Plan for interruptions and needed breaks
Put on the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3) and do your work as unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:23-24)
Take time to enjoy your family.
Stay focused on what God has called you to do and seek to view everything in light of Eternity.

Encouragement from Scriptures:
14But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
15My times are in thy hand...Psalm 31:14-15

23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. --Colossians 3:23-24

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." --Ephesians 5:15-17

"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..." --1 Peter 3:10-12

"Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore." --Psalm 86:11-12

Offer up each day unto the Lord and ask Him to guide you by His Holy Spirit! Ask Him to help you use your time efficiently and to keep you from being so rushed that you neglect to hear His Voice. Take time to appreciate and treasure the people He brings across your path each day--especially your family. The Lord has given us a gift of 24 hours, that's 86,400 seconds today. How many of those seconds have been spent praising the Lord, encouraging our children and family, speaking LIFE to others instead of death, BLESSINGS instead of curses and grumbling? Let's make a positive difference in someone's life today! Each day is a new beginning, a fresh start. God wants to do beautiful things in and through us as we yield to Him!