Yes, I survived. My house survived. My family survived.
After putting everything into practice for 6 weeks while I worked a full time and part time job, I can now completely prove it works. (And completely prove, I am not a 5 am morning person, no matter how much sleep I get.) Setting a bed time for myself, a schedule for the family and household chores, and meal planning to fit our schedule worked.
While I would be exhausted after two jobs in one day, my body still got the required sleep it needed. I continued to use the morning commute for worship and time in God's word (with the occasional disruption of moody children.) Scheduled family chores kept the laundry done, kitchen clean and house picked up. And thanks to a persistent 5 year old, we still had family prayer time. While there were not so perfect moments, all in all it went better than I thought it would.
So what did I learn through these six weeks? I think my quote would say, "While life around you may get chaotic, you can choose to outwit the chaos." It may take a little planning and sticking to a schedule, but in the end you have time to breathe and avoid becoming overwhelmed because things do not pile up on you.
Whether you have snickered or rolled your eyes at my theories on choices, I am here to say they do work. Simple daily choices make a huge difference in your life. So, may I encourage you to choose God, choose rest and exercise, choose to make your home a place of refuge. It is the only way to survive this chaotic world and whatever it throws at you.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
4 weeks and counting
"Survival of the fittest"
"Only the strong survive"
"Where there is a will, there's a way"
Survive, strong, will, way? After the first two weeks of a crazy schedule with two jobs, I am so glad I do not live by motto's. I rejoice that I do not have to depend on my own strength and will to survive. How excellent it is that there is someone who sees the bigger picture and is someone I can depend on yesterday, today and tomorrow.
My God is truly awesome in the fact how He has been preparing me for this time even if I did not realize it. All my studying and writing were a training ground for now. But the funny part is I was writing for you because I did not know God had this season of extra serving planned for me. A smile just comes to my face when I think about it.
Even though not everything has been perfect and patience has been lost, priorities have stayed in place. With careful planning, family dinner has stayed in place. God has stayed a priority in my own life and the kids have not lost their focus. And the best part, we have still had the energy and time to open our home on the weekends to other kids. Oh, and there has been the miracle of getting to bed on time.
My goal this week is to find a little more time to workout a little longer. Being in a computer lab means sitting a lot more. I am going to have to increase my workout or find a creative workout at the desk.
My journey has been interesting. I am finding my strengths and weaknesses. Four more weeks are left on this journey and though I may grow tired I look forward to what God has to teach me. And so far I have learned whether you are the strongest or the weakest, I serve a mighty God who will win.
Can I get a WOO, WOO?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Control
Well, I cannot believe things are going so well. Chores are staying done and on time. I even had myself ready and cooked a healthy TAKS breakfast for the kids and still left the house by 6:30 a.m. Plus having bathroom duty at the school meant I got to read a whole book.
As crazy as it seems, the chaos is not controlling us, we are controlling the chaos. Our biggest problem yesterday was an argument over the correct size of a bite. Evidently, it is a hard concept for a teenage boy to understand. And there were a few minutes of a sibling spat. But really yesterday and today have ran smoothly.
Making the most of every opportunity has been crucial. Using the morning commute for worship has been wonderful. While the girls are taking a bath, preparing lunch or items for dinner the next night gives me more time with them or time for sleep later. Making sure everyone lays out their clothes the night before saves so much time in the morning. (And making myself stick with what I picked out for myself helps too.) Using bathroom duty to read a good book was enjoyable. And using the lack of quality television to be in bed at nine, well, let's just awe! God, communication, organization and not worrying has made this crazy time very enjoyable.
I have to laugh at myself for thinking God was crazy for asking me to step up and the finish the school year. It seemed maybe he had lost his mind. So God was right when he said "trust me."
So three more days of subbing and two clients do not worry me at all. We will survive and when I think I might not at least I know who to lean on.
As crazy as it seems, the chaos is not controlling us, we are controlling the chaos. Our biggest problem yesterday was an argument over the correct size of a bite. Evidently, it is a hard concept for a teenage boy to understand. And there were a few minutes of a sibling spat. But really yesterday and today have ran smoothly.
Making the most of every opportunity has been crucial. Using the morning commute for worship has been wonderful. While the girls are taking a bath, preparing lunch or items for dinner the next night gives me more time with them or time for sleep later. Making sure everyone lays out their clothes the night before saves so much time in the morning. (And making myself stick with what I picked out for myself helps too.) Using bathroom duty to read a good book was enjoyable. And using the lack of quality television to be in bed at nine, well, let's just awe! God, communication, organization and not worrying has made this crazy time very enjoyable.
I have to laugh at myself for thinking God was crazy for asking me to step up and the finish the school year. It seemed maybe he had lost his mind. So God was right when he said "trust me."
So three more days of subbing and two clients do not worry me at all. We will survive and when I think I might not at least I know who to lean on.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Here I go...
*In case you do not know: Last week a teacher unexpectedly passed away. The principal asked me to finish out the school year in her computer lab. So, I am working full time at the school, keeping my own business going, being a mom of four and continuing my writing. Therefore, I am using this blog to journal the next 5 weeks because everything I have been teaching you on choices to have less mess and stress I will have to put into practice.
My Monday actually started last night at 5 p.m. After a wonderful morning of worship and an afternoon of rest in the sun, the family and I started preparing for our week. And I was actually pretty proud of everyone for their effort.
(Part of surviving the next five weeks will only work and be enjoyable if it is a family effort. Last week I made a chore chart for each day of the week so every one knows their responsibilities. We had a family meeting to discuss how important it was for everyone to pitch in.)
At 5 pm on Sunday, laundry was sorted and ready to be washed. The boys finished up the yard work since we had been out of town. My girls cleaned up their toys and pulled out their outfits for Monday. Even my five year old packed her bag for granny's house, shoes and all.
After such a great group effort, we all sat down for dinner at 6 p.m. Of course after dinner, everyone helped with clean up (it is on the chore list) and I even packed my lunch for today. Following dinner, bath rotation and devo time started.
I even got in an ab and leg workout while talking to my mom on the phone. (which is easy since she does most of the talking. Love ya, mom.) Plus all the laundry was washed and sorted by person so they can put it up when they get home today. (tip: I start with the smallest and fastest drying loads and end with the biggest and slowest drying load)
Even though I was in bed on time, 5 a.m. came very early. My body is still adjusting to 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. I was able to be ready by 6 a.m. and get the kids up to get ready. Even with one extra person in our house, we were ready to leave at 6:30 am. All beds were made and house was neat (because of cleaning up last night). We will come home to put up laundry and fix dinner.
My commute is 45 minutes to the school. It is a great time to crank up the worship music. Listening to the words of the song and watching the sunrise over the beautiful fields is a great way to start the day. And thanks to technology, I read a couple of Psalms on my phone. No, I was not driving. And just before arriving, I used the chorus of Brandon Heath's song, Give Me Your Eyes, as a prayer for myself. It is so important that I truly do see each of these students through God's eyes and let God use me to reach them.
Now, it is time to sub. My goal today is to figure out some desk workout moves since I am sitting at a desk more. Plus be there for any kid who needs me. And I am very excited I only have this job today.
My Monday actually started last night at 5 p.m. After a wonderful morning of worship and an afternoon of rest in the sun, the family and I started preparing for our week. And I was actually pretty proud of everyone for their effort.
(Part of surviving the next five weeks will only work and be enjoyable if it is a family effort. Last week I made a chore chart for each day of the week so every one knows their responsibilities. We had a family meeting to discuss how important it was for everyone to pitch in.)
At 5 pm on Sunday, laundry was sorted and ready to be washed. The boys finished up the yard work since we had been out of town. My girls cleaned up their toys and pulled out their outfits for Monday. Even my five year old packed her bag for granny's house, shoes and all.
After such a great group effort, we all sat down for dinner at 6 p.m. Of course after dinner, everyone helped with clean up (it is on the chore list) and I even packed my lunch for today. Following dinner, bath rotation and devo time started.
I even got in an ab and leg workout while talking to my mom on the phone. (which is easy since she does most of the talking. Love ya, mom.) Plus all the laundry was washed and sorted by person so they can put it up when they get home today. (tip: I start with the smallest and fastest drying loads and end with the biggest and slowest drying load)
Even though I was in bed on time, 5 a.m. came very early. My body is still adjusting to 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. I was able to be ready by 6 a.m. and get the kids up to get ready. Even with one extra person in our house, we were ready to leave at 6:30 am. All beds were made and house was neat (because of cleaning up last night). We will come home to put up laundry and fix dinner.
My commute is 45 minutes to the school. It is a great time to crank up the worship music. Listening to the words of the song and watching the sunrise over the beautiful fields is a great way to start the day. And thanks to technology, I read a couple of Psalms on my phone. No, I was not driving. And just before arriving, I used the chorus of Brandon Heath's song, Give Me Your Eyes, as a prayer for myself. It is so important that I truly do see each of these students through God's eyes and let God use me to reach them.
Now, it is time to sub. My goal today is to figure out some desk workout moves since I am sitting at a desk more. Plus be there for any kid who needs me. And I am very excited I only have this job today.
Friday, April 23, 2010
It is Well
I am postponing writing about my day. Today, my heart mourns as we lay to rest a precious teacher, mother, grandmother and friend, Mrs. Patsy. Yet I rejoice because she has gone home to be with the Lord.
This week and the following five weeks, I will run her computer lab. It is very difficult to sit in her room, but at the same time witness all the lives she has touched. Mrs. Patsy worked 27 years at this school. What a blessing she has been to so many faculty and students!
While we mourn, she is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. And the song, "It is Well With My Soul," seems to be appropriate when you face a loss like this one.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
What makes this song hit home is the story behind it. The article below is from http://christianmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/hymn_it_is_well_with_my_soul
Text Author and Hymn-Writer Horatio G. Spafford
Spafford was born on October 20, 1828 in North Troy, New York. He was a successful lawyer in Chicago who maintained a keen interest in Christian activities, deeply spiritual and devoted to the scriptures.
Chicago Fire and a Son's Loss
Sometime in 1871, a fire in Chicago heavily devastated the city, and months before that , Spafford had invested hugely in real estate by the shore of Lake Michigan. The disaster greatly wiped out his holdings. Before the fire, Spafford also experienced the loss of his son.
Calm Before Spafford's Worst Life Storm
Two years after the fire, Horatio Spafford planned a trip to Europe for him and his family. He wanted a rest for his wife and four daughters, and also to assist Moody and Sankey in one of their evangelistic campaigns in Great Britain. He was not meant to travel with his family. The day in November they were due to depart, Spafford had a last minute business transaction and had to stay behind in Chicago. Nevertheless, he still sent his wife and four daughters to travel as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre, expecting to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship laden with his wife and daughters was struck by the Lockhearn, an English vessel, and sank in few minutes.
__________________________________________
After that tragedy is when he wrote the song.
I do not know what tragedy is in your life. You, like me, may be mourning the loss of someone close to you. Maybe you are in a battle for your own life. Maybe you have lost everything financially. May you, like Horatio, feel God's presence and comfort in your life today.
Listen to the words and picture a man out at sea mourning the loss of his family. Listen to it again and claim those truths for your own life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOKQu4-ZVlk
This week and the following five weeks, I will run her computer lab. It is very difficult to sit in her room, but at the same time witness all the lives she has touched. Mrs. Patsy worked 27 years at this school. What a blessing she has been to so many faculty and students!
While we mourn, she is rejoicing in the presence of the Lord. And the song, "It is Well With My Soul," seems to be appropriate when you face a loss like this one.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
(Refrain)
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
What makes this song hit home is the story behind it. The article below is from http://christianmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/hymn_it_is_well_with_my_soul
Text Author and Hymn-Writer Horatio G. Spafford
Spafford was born on October 20, 1828 in North Troy, New York. He was a successful lawyer in Chicago who maintained a keen interest in Christian activities, deeply spiritual and devoted to the scriptures.
Chicago Fire and a Son's Loss
Sometime in 1871, a fire in Chicago heavily devastated the city, and months before that , Spafford had invested hugely in real estate by the shore of Lake Michigan. The disaster greatly wiped out his holdings. Before the fire, Spafford also experienced the loss of his son.
Calm Before Spafford's Worst Life Storm
Two years after the fire, Horatio Spafford planned a trip to Europe for him and his family. He wanted a rest for his wife and four daughters, and also to assist Moody and Sankey in one of their evangelistic campaigns in Great Britain. He was not meant to travel with his family. The day in November they were due to depart, Spafford had a last minute business transaction and had to stay behind in Chicago. Nevertheless, he still sent his wife and four daughters to travel as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre, expecting to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship laden with his wife and daughters was struck by the Lockhearn, an English vessel, and sank in few minutes.
__________________________________________
After that tragedy is when he wrote the song.
I do not know what tragedy is in your life. You, like me, may be mourning the loss of someone close to you. Maybe you are in a battle for your own life. Maybe you have lost everything financially. May you, like Horatio, feel God's presence and comfort in your life today.
Listen to the words and picture a man out at sea mourning the loss of his family. Listen to it again and claim those truths for your own life.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOKQu4-ZVlk
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Hello
I hope you have started the Choice and Consequence Journal study. I just finished writing Week 2 and will have it on the website sometime on Thursday. I am really excited about us looking at the choices we have been making and learning.
And coming in the next couple of days, I will be blogging my own personal journey of choices each day. Everything I have written I will have to put into practice to survive the next six weeks. Stop by and see how I am doing.
Remember the Choice/Consequence Journal Study is on the website http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
Plus check out the family devo and prayer journal.
And coming in the next couple of days, I will be blogging my own personal journey of choices each day. Everything I have written I will have to put into practice to survive the next six weeks. Stop by and see how I am doing.
Remember the Choice/Consequence Journal Study is on the website http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
Plus check out the family devo and prayer journal.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
New Study...Sort of
God has really laid on my heart to continue with the Choice/Consequence Journal. I have already put the first week on my website. Since you will need to be writing more on this one, it will be available to download on my website. It is still free so do not worry.
You will have a topic to think about and then will fill out the journal. I encourage you to do the journal. I truly feel it is the next step in making better choices.
I will also be posting some other material on scheduling, action plans and organization real soon. Plus I will be adding family workout videos to the website in the next couple of days. And be sure to check out the Family Devotional and Prayer Journal on my website too. It is all free to download.
Please continue with me as we get rid of the mess and stress. And let God get control of our body, soul and home.
front page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
Body page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/biography.html
Soul page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/discography.html
Home page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/shows.html
You will have a topic to think about and then will fill out the journal. I encourage you to do the journal. I truly feel it is the next step in making better choices.
I will also be posting some other material on scheduling, action plans and organization real soon. Plus I will be adding family workout videos to the website in the next couple of days. And be sure to check out the Family Devotional and Prayer Journal on my website too. It is all free to download.
Please continue with me as we get rid of the mess and stress. And let God get control of our body, soul and home.
front page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
Body page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/biography.html
Soul page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/discography.html
Home page: http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/shows.html
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