I keep meaning to write. I have so many things that I have learnt and want to pass on. I have posted so many times on my creative blog. It seems easier. Its not that I have nothing to say I have just been doing it. Living life and having a chance to write about it are each a full time thing.
So when I sat down to check out some of my favourites for some reflection and inspiration I was amazed just how relevant they are for me right now. And I had to share it. I have been asking a lot of questions lately and the answers keep on coming.
I started here at A life in need of change and here at Big Mama.
One thing that I have really been wanting to post is my word for the year - be {a whole post in itself}. Reading these really reiterated why I chose this word. To know oneself and what one ought to be and be it.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Monday, November 15, 2010
What's on my mind?
With all my sorting and organising I have been thinking about a few things that I wanted to get down to try and clarify why I do what I do. So here goes.
One of my biggest motivators is something that seems to come up time and again through things that I hear and read, is that I have enough hours in a day to do all the things that God intends. Phil 4:13 says 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength'. Notice it isn't I can do all things. I'm not supermum! So how do I know what I should be doing? The answer lies in being in tune with God. Knowing his voice when I ask just what I am supposed to be doing. It usually starts with a feeling. Whether I have a peace about what I am going to do. Then looking at the options. What is important vs urgent. Something I learnt from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. My key bible verse at the moment is Rom 12:2 which you will find at the top of my blog. We live in a busy time, rushing from one thing to the next and it is so easy to overcommit our selves and our children and not really enjoy anything that we are doing. John 10:10b says 'I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Daily we need to make a commitment to stand out from the world and do what is right with God
This leads me into my next train of thought. If there are things that I should be doing does it mean that I have to leave the things that aren't a priority? One thing I have heard countless times as a mum is the old adage that the washing will still be there tomorrow so we can leave it and do what is more important like playing with our children. They grow up so quickly etc etc. True but along with that days washing comes tomorrows and soon we are overwhelmed with the day to day things that drive us crazy. So I find I have adopted more of a theory of the need for balance. While I would love to plan my days and be organised for what is coming up I have learnt that my circumstances do not allow for it. At the moment I have an overall picture of what I what to get done and do things one at a time. When I feel I haven't been doing something in one area say creative I make time to do something. The same goes for time with my husband and children, organising, business opportunities. One thing that I am beginning to understand more is how to use my time more effectively. My thinking was I needed long stretches of time to really get things done. But I would be waiting too long because it just doesn't happen. So I found that spending small amounts of time on one thing gets me that much closer to my goal. It is amazing what you can do in 15 mins. A tip I picked up from my reading and notes about scrapbooking that I have been reading. While some might call the things I do over organised. The systems I have put in place save me time that I can use for other things. And ultimately I can enjoy my life.
One of my biggest motivators is something that seems to come up time and again through things that I hear and read, is that I have enough hours in a day to do all the things that God intends. Phil 4:13 says 'I can do all this through him who gives me strength'. Notice it isn't I can do all things. I'm not supermum! So how do I know what I should be doing? The answer lies in being in tune with God. Knowing his voice when I ask just what I am supposed to be doing. It usually starts with a feeling. Whether I have a peace about what I am going to do. Then looking at the options. What is important vs urgent. Something I learnt from 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. My key bible verse at the moment is Rom 12:2 which you will find at the top of my blog. We live in a busy time, rushing from one thing to the next and it is so easy to overcommit our selves and our children and not really enjoy anything that we are doing. John 10:10b says 'I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. Daily we need to make a commitment to stand out from the world and do what is right with God
This leads me into my next train of thought. If there are things that I should be doing does it mean that I have to leave the things that aren't a priority? One thing I have heard countless times as a mum is the old adage that the washing will still be there tomorrow so we can leave it and do what is more important like playing with our children. They grow up so quickly etc etc. True but along with that days washing comes tomorrows and soon we are overwhelmed with the day to day things that drive us crazy. So I find I have adopted more of a theory of the need for balance. While I would love to plan my days and be organised for what is coming up I have learnt that my circumstances do not allow for it. At the moment I have an overall picture of what I what to get done and do things one at a time. When I feel I haven't been doing something in one area say creative I make time to do something. The same goes for time with my husband and children, organising, business opportunities. One thing that I am beginning to understand more is how to use my time more effectively. My thinking was I needed long stretches of time to really get things done. But I would be waiting too long because it just doesn't happen. So I found that spending small amounts of time on one thing gets me that much closer to my goal. It is amazing what you can do in 15 mins. A tip I picked up from my reading and notes about scrapbooking that I have been reading. While some might call the things I do over organised. The systems I have put in place save me time that I can use for other things. And ultimately I can enjoy my life.
What's on my nightstand?
Being the night owl that I have become since my boys go to bed so late. I have been doing a bit of reading. I love to read and relish curling up with a good book. So I thought I would share what I have been reading of late.
I started the Janette Oke series Love Comes Softly a while back and have got back into reading it. These are the last two in the series and I am getting through them at a fast rate. A great read! Part of my defining me material is thoughts and reflections on the books that I read. I have a section where I jot down things that I get out of books and movies and character qualities that I am inspired by.
When I picked up these ones at our library at Northpoint Church, Christine Cain's Stop acting like a Christian just be one caught my eye. I have heard her speaking so am looking forward to getting into this one. Especially when a recent teaching I heard reminded me that we are 'human beings not doings' Something I have been dwelling on of late.
As the boys go through changes as they grow I thought I would dig out a favourite from Ian Grant 'Growing Great Boys'.
And last a book that a friend lent me after talking about what I have been doing to get organised and here on my blog 'More hours in my day' by Emilie Barnes and Sheri Torelli. Interesting reading. Lots of things I am already doing and a number of pointers that I would like to put in place. Alot of what I want to share on my blog is about this. The things that I do to create time for what I want to be doing. There are alot of things that I wish I had known a long time ago and set up. Its taken a lot of time but I am getting there and it feels good. Love that it is from a Christian perspective
Will have to keep you posted about what comes from it
Sunday, October 24, 2010
One word 2010
I read this awesome post from Ali Edwards at the start of the year. Be sure to check out the links as she explains it really well
My word for this year is
BREATHE
I chose it because I am focusing this year on decluttering and simplifying. I want to be enjoying life and I am certain that the process I am going through is going to enable me to do the things that I want to be doing. I realise just how important it is to stop and breathe. To think before I act and to slow down and take in all the things around me.
My word for this year is
BREATHE
I chose it because I am focusing this year on decluttering and simplifying. I want to be enjoying life and I am certain that the process I am going through is going to enable me to do the things that I want to be doing. I realise just how important it is to stop and breathe. To think before I act and to slow down and take in all the things around me.
Present box
We were invited to birthday party on the weekend and I had the chance to use my birthday box so I thought I would share what it is. I love giving gifts even something small. While I like to personalise it for the person I am giving it to, sometimes they are on the spot invites so I thought I would get better prepared to save the stress. I have a box that I keep little gifts for different events: baby, children, female, male. I also grab a large roll of wrapping paper from office products stores that suits all including Christmas if I can. Every so often I spy bargains that I add to the box. I am also building up presents for Christmas for the boys. I do need to make a few more cards to add to it though.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Where have I been?
I have been quite absent of late. I have had several things that I have wanted to post but haven't quite got here. Then I read a blog in passing where someone had been taking a break and related the story of the rocks. You know the one? There are several variations of it.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly, picked up a very large and empty jar and start to fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up the box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends and favourite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for life. It you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm so glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
So as the blogger said "I am taking care of some of my rocks". I discovered that I needed to take out a lot of sand to do this. My main thing being clearing my space and finishing tasks that I have begun so I can do what I really want to do. It has taken alot longer than I thought it would. I am nearly there.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly, picked up a very large and empty jar and start to fill it with rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up the box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends and favourite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for life. It you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm so glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'
So as the blogger said "I am taking care of some of my rocks". I discovered that I needed to take out a lot of sand to do this. My main thing being clearing my space and finishing tasks that I have begun so I can do what I really want to do. It has taken alot longer than I thought it would. I am nearly there.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Feeling guilty
I have been absent of late as I mentioned in this post I have been working mainly on clearing my pile of to do's. In doing so I have been reflecting on the big G - guilt. It has been lurking there and as I do got to thinking. Heres what I came up with.
I began thinking about guilt when I came across a video from Cheryl Richardson talking to 'supermoms' about how to say no. The number one reason we can't say no is because we feel guilty. She says that in feeling guilty we should embrace the guilt as our friend because it means we are doing something for ourselves.
Every day I make decisions about what I am going to do. And whatever I choose to do I generally end up feeling guilty because someone misses out or I do something that I could be doing better. And that is not okay. So I have made a decision. I will not feel guilty. Sounds great but is it that easy? In short no it's not. What you need to do is start small. With one step. I like to remind myself that I can do what I can with what I have. And we are so good at thinking about what we don't have and what we aren't doing. Start thinking about what you are doing and have done that is making a difference. You might be surprised at how much it boosts you.
John 10:10b 'I have come that they may have life and have it to the full'. Whatever I choose to do I want to enjoy it not be constantly thinking about what else I could or feel I should be doing.
I began thinking about guilt when I came across a video from Cheryl Richardson talking to 'supermoms' about how to say no. The number one reason we can't say no is because we feel guilty. She says that in feeling guilty we should embrace the guilt as our friend because it means we are doing something for ourselves.
Every day I make decisions about what I am going to do. And whatever I choose to do I generally end up feeling guilty because someone misses out or I do something that I could be doing better. And that is not okay. So I have made a decision. I will not feel guilty. Sounds great but is it that easy? In short no it's not. What you need to do is start small. With one step. I like to remind myself that I can do what I can with what I have. And we are so good at thinking about what we don't have and what we aren't doing. Start thinking about what you are doing and have done that is making a difference. You might be surprised at how much it boosts you.
John 10:10b 'I have come that they may have life and have it to the full'. Whatever I choose to do I want to enjoy it not be constantly thinking about what else I could or feel I should be doing.
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