Organizing the Inside 365 Days
Empowering Christian Women To Get Organized and Discover God's Plan for Their LivesArchive for Time management
Organizing the Inside – Day 355 Don’t Save Time Instead Use It Wisely
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
If you’re like me you try to find ways to save. I’m an occasional coupon clipper too. Have you ever spent so much time looking for cheaper gas that by the time you found the lower priced gas station you realized you probably spent all your would-be savings traveling the added distance? Maybe you enjoy shopping at the outlet mall because of the discounted prices. Have you ever considered the extra costs incurred in time and money, because it’s located 60 miles away?
Time is a precious commodity, right? I often wonder if you can really save time. Somehow that theory just doesn’t add up. Time keeps moving and we attempt to track it with clocks and calendars. However, we cannot see it as it passes, nor can we feel it move. When it leaves, when the future becomes the present and the present becomes the past where does it go? Increase your efficiency and stop trying to save time, simply focus on using it wisely. Life is a culmination of what you have spent time doing. Time spent is equivalent to life lived.
Planning is a key part of time management. Putting God first will enable you to be more effective throughout your day. Make God an essential part of your plans and you will not only be more efficient you’ll become more effective. After all it is God who guides us in wisdom and knowledge, and we can’t be successful without Him. One clear way to waste time and end up having to start something over is to not acknowledge God from the start. Put an end to those prayers of negotiations and seek God before beginning something new. Don’t wait until you’ve made a mess of things to ask God for strength and guidance. Ask Him for help during the planning process. Make God your planning partner, and you will find great success, while reducing frustration and eliminating stress.
Organizing the Inside – Day 260 Getting The Most Out Of Time
13Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15
Planning how you will use the gift of time is wise. Have you ever looked up and noticed almost the entire day had slipped away? Have you felt disappointed when you were unable to complete all the things on your “to do” lists? Time is a very important part of our Christian life and whether we’ve used it wisely, I suspect is something we will have to give an account for. The compulsion to rush through to get things done is an extremely stressful way to live, especially if it is unending. If you want to make the most of your time each day, giving your plans to God is the best way to ensure a positive outcome. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) The value you place on time and the way you spend it will have eternal and lasting consequences. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV)
God has a timetable that we must adhere to. There is an appointment in time that each of us will have to keep. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) Being ready for that appointment has everything to do with what we do and how we use our time on this earth. 15See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17 Knowing God’s purpose for your life will allow you to reach unimagined potential and accomplish more than you ever thought possible in far less time. By committing each day to God and submitting to His plans you’ll find the confidence needed to face the difficulties of today and overcome the obstacles of tomorrow.
If you need to refocus you attention to do those things that are most important to fulfilling God’s plan for your life, take time now to consider what needs to change. Do it now! By putting it off for later you likely won’t get around to doing it. Make a list and start changing how you spend your time. Ask God two very important questions about your time:
1. What things are you spending time on that He wants you to stop doing?
2. What things are you not spending time on that He wants you to start doing?
For more helpful Tips on Time Management check out this article.
Organizing the Inside – Day 220 Nurturing The Seed
22The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. Matthew 13:22 (NLT)
The seed parable warns us of the dangers of living a disorganized life. When we run around pursuing one thing after another, while trying to get it all done, the Word is choked out. Those things that need our attention, those competing priorities take our focus off living the Word.
Do you remember the Word that was recently planted in your heart? Slow down today, set aside time in your busy schedule to nurture the Word. Allow God to speak to your heart through His word. The Holy Spirit will bring to your remembrance all that you have been taught. Nurturing the Word that is in you will restore calm and order to your life and enable you to bear fruit that endures.
Also read Matthew 13:3-8
Organizing the Inside – Day 157 Leading Lady
1The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. 2He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. 3He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. ~Psalm 23:1-3
She chose the role of martyr again.
You’ve done it again. You’re sacrificing something else in order to do for another. You often feel like you’re being pulled in ten different directions and you try to pretend you don’t know how you got here again. Everybody wants a piece of you and you tend to feel obliged to break off just a bit more. No one seems to be concerned with what you need, not even you. In spite of the frustration you are experiencing you play the leading lady as though the role was created and scripted just for you. Give yourself a much needed break, before you are completely emptied of the little you have left to give.
The thought of saying “no” or “no thanks” goes against your grain.
Why must you typecast yourself when actually you have options? You can choose to say no. Yes, I said it you can choose. Although, if you are a caregiver you are particularly prone to taking on this role and you do it with great honor. I’m not making light of your sometimes consuming responsibilities. I realize what you do is meaningful and a blessing to you and those you care for. I am however suggesting that just because there are people in your life who demand time and attention, you are by no means required by anyone (but you) to always give 100 percent. Giving until you can’t give anymore is likely not the most prudent way to go about serving. People have a tendency to call upon you to come to their aid. They’ve taken on more commitments than they can handle, and now they want your help. Suddenly you’re not only responsible for your own commitments; you’ve found a way to also be responsible for theirs. You probably have the gift of helps or service and maybe mercy too. Those gifts are perfect gifts for you, but you have to practice balancing your gifts in order to stay fit for service.
Stand up for you and give yourself respect and honor.
I don’t want you to neglect your responsibilities, but I do want you to find a way to take care of you. Keep in mind you choose to do what you do. Whether you’re assuming the role of martyr by default because there is no one else, or you just really love all the work you do for others, either way you have a choice. Try to find a way to do something to break the routine. Do something you enjoy and allow God to refresh your spirit. Chances are the unending lists of tasks and commitments will still be there when you return.
God sees your heart and all that you do for everyone else. Now, allow Him to do something just for you. Announce your plans to all parties involved. Keep it sweet, kindhearted and simple, but let them know this time is for you. Slip away, and as God renews you on the inside you’ll be better prepared to play whatever role your busy life has to cast.
Organizing the Inside 365 Days 