Archive for September 20th, 2007
There is no way that I can get everything done on my to-do list in the amount of daylight that is available to me. It’s easiest to cut corners (like skimping on my prayer and study time) in order to try to get it all done, but that usually ends up back firing.
The best way for me to have a day where everything that needs to be done actually gets done is to start the day focuses on God and keep that focus without hesitation. That sometimes means doing something different than I thought I needed to do, but it all works out in the end. It still amazes me how God can do that.
I have to have a day that puts God first and that keeps God centered in order to have a day that is complete. Now, if I can just get me out of the way I should be alright.
Thought for the Day: God will complete what God leads me to do.
Psalm 37:5 (KJV) “Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
Suggested Reading Psalm 37
Lord, Please let my heart be so tuned into You and Your direction that it knows nothing else.
September 20th, 2007
Our electricity was out all day yesterday. There were no electronics to play, no television to watch, and no internet to surf. As a homeschooling family, it could have been time to panic. Facing a beautiful, crisp fall morning, we just headed outside.
Because of the extreme heat this summer, I had forgotten how much fun it is for our family to spend the day in the open air. The kids played on the trampoline and rain through the field. We even had a picnic (because I wasn’t able to cook indoors) and heated ravioli on the grill.
What are some ways you can get your family up and out now that the weather is calling?
1. Plan a picnic. It doesn’t have to be fancy and it doesn’t have to be far. I plan to eat outside at least once a week if the weather permits. It’s a nice way to boost the energy just when I want to slow down.
2. Have a cook out. Last fall, we decided that we would cook out once a week – and that my dad and mom could come out and enjoy the grandkids – which lasted about three weeks. I’m determined to follow through this year. The kids (all boys) and the hubby LOVE to build fires. I enjoy experimenting with just what you can cook in an open fire. Plus, I always keep hotdogs around, just in case.
3. Take a walk or a bike together. Walking is easier for us – we live out in the country. I try to make time for a walk with each of my children individually. This gives them so alone time with mommy and builds a sharing time that will help them talk openly with me as they grow.
4. Play a game. Getting a Frisbee or soccer ball and playing a make shift game not only gets the adrenaline pumping, but it will definitely get the laughter flowing when mom and dad are involved.
Fall is a great time to get outdoors. Be creative and make special attempts to enjoy the weather as a family.
September 20th, 2007
There is no way around it. You can write down as many budgets as you want. Graphs and charts can cover every wall. If you don’t keep up with what you are spending, it might as well be wallpaper.
Our family has been working hard to get completely debt free for the last seven years. We have paid off all of our debts – except for the mortgage (and we are tackling that one almost daily). I work on our budget every couple of months, as our expenses or income adjusts, but I still ran into trouble this last month.
It’s my own fault. I got lazy. I quit writing down all the expenses as we spent them. I just wasn’t concerned because I “knew” we had enough money. It turns out that no matter how much money you make, you never have enough. We spent twice as much on groceries as I have budgeted for AND we spent about four times what we normally spend on entertainment (which includes eating out).
OUCH!!
Now, normally, it might not be a problem. But we also had to trips to the emergency room, two car insurance payments, and new tires for the van. Panic was the first thing I thought about doing. I took some deep breathes and remembered that I had started a savings account for just such emergencies. We were saved – this time.
I’m back to recording our spending. It’s important to know where the money is going, why it is going there, and whether or not it needs to be headed in that direction. If you don’t keep up with expenses as they happen, you may not be able to plug the leak before your boat sinks.
September 20th, 2007
