Time Management

I am once again dealing in my mind and heart about my time management.

I have a lot of ideas and dreams bouncing around in this head of mine... but am having a hard time even beginning ANY of them.

I also have a few assignments that I really need to be working on... that is also not taking any form as of yet...

I am trying to figure out how to structure my day in such a way to get it all - or even any of it done.

Let's just take a couple of writing assignments for examples:
** I write a small "treasure box" for a monthly newsletter. It is due EVERY month on the first. I have been late submitting it for the last several months.
** I am going back to the She Speaks Conference again this year. I am going to be attending the writer's track this time. I have a couple of assignments to have written before I get there. I have not even started.

Then there is the Sunday School Class that I have taken:
We are studying the book of I Peter together. We have only had one lesson. I have much studying to do and much preparation to be ready to teach these college kids. I want to learn and I want them to catch the vision of really studying the Word and letting it be applicable to their lives today. I do not want to ever go to class without begin prepared. But this takes time. Much time for me.

Hal and I are already talking and thinking and praying about our ministry to families. Specifically, the opportunity to teach/lead in Marriage Conferences. We had the opportunity to lead in three last year. We are already planning on another one for the young couples at our church for January or February of 2010. We will probably will add the co-ed 3 class too. It will either be a completely different trip or we may decide to have a combination of the teaching time with different Chalets for the different age groups. We are already discussing the topics and each are beginning our study. But once again - the time issue is at hand. It takes time. (And remember the different preparation approach between us... adds an entirely different factor to be considered. You can read our different perspectives from last year - here and here and here.)

And on the note of our ministry to Couples/Families - since neither one is a professional counselor, and yet, we are "counseling" more and more couples each week... We are beginning to think that maybe God is calling us to a COACHING ministry of sort. While we are meeting with many on an on-going basis at the time, we are both sensing a burden to refine/define our approach and our goals as we help precious families to survive in this world. And then ultimately, we hope to be able to guide them into a lifestyle or homelife of THRIVING together for the Glory of God.

And then there is my ministry to the women of our church... and the studies that I teach them. And the opportunities that I have had to speak at Women's Conferences. I absolutely love my ladies... and have a heart to minister to them. Here again is an area that I have ideas and dreams in my head and heart... but need to get it refined and prepared.

Which brings me back to the issue at hand. TIME MANAGEMENT.

We all have 24 hours in our days. We have families. We have jobs. We have children (and some have grand-children). We all have lots to do. But there are those who are efficient in using their time wisely. Time invested in Eternity. That is what I desire. That is what I am seeking.

I would absolutely LOVE for you - my readers to give me some ideas. Could you tell me how you order your day. Seriously, you can comment anonymously if you would like.... just give me some ideas to chew on. (you can email me if you are not one who usually comments or if blogger is not letting you comment. That has happened alot lately - halanddd@charter.net) Share some ideas and suggestions and let me see if they will work in my world. I thank you in advance.... You are blessings to me.

(I did not even mention this ministry here on my blog - or the desire to be consistent with the family blog and the devotion blog.)

I am looking forward to hearing from you....

Plans for My Blogs

During our time away, I decided to make some divisions in the way that I handle my blogs. This "No Greater Joy" Blog will be for our personal lives. I will post pictures – I will let you in on the lives of Hal and DeeDee and our families: Our walk/Our joys/Our struggles/Our daily life.

I am saying “our” – but in reality, I guess I really mean - mine. I am the writer. It will be from my perspective. Hal has his own blog - you can read from him at Gripped by Grace. Also, since I know how life can be - this will be my primary blog... where you will find me the most.

I have been working on new layouts for these next two... make sure you check them out and tell me what you think :) The wonderful part - is they were FREE.

Together we will work on the "Helping Homes" Blog. This will be from both of us. We have a burden for the family in general today. This is a small way that we hope we can be of help/support/encouragement for you and your family. By doing so together, we can address different issues from both perspectives. Husbands and wives. Fathers and Mothers (and grandparents too). Men and Women. We hope that you will join us on some discussions. Let us know if you have questions. Let us know how you feel about what we are addressing. We are trying to decide if/when we will start the chats again.


Then there is the "Holding On" devotional Blog. This began as a blog for several ladies to do together. But with life being as busy as it is – this has been hard to maintain. They all have their own blogs and you will be able to see what God is doing in their lives from their particular blogs. I have decided to use this blog as my own devotional blog. I plan to use it as a means to share with you what I am learning from God’s word. (They may still send me a post along the way – maybe…hopefully) I am no theologian. There are many means where you can go to get theological discussions and teaching. But I will share with you as I learn or should I say... try to learn from God’s Word. And now with Jonathan's coming deployment... I am sure that I will be "holding on" during this journey AGAIN.

I desire to hold to the truth of God’s Word in all of my life. “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own… I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus… Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Phillippians 3:12, 14, 16.) I hope to be able to share this part of my journey with you. I am HOLDING ON.

So, join me
As I have “NO GREATER JOY”
As we “HELP HOMES" to Survive and Thrive in this world”
As I “HOLD ON” to the truth of God’s Word.

Hal's Perspective

Hal has posted on our Helping Homes Blog about his perspective of last week.

Blessings,
DeeDee

Helping Homes Blog

We really are re-starting the Helping Homes Blog.

I have posted a blog giving a little insight to our "planning" time away. - Day One .
www.halanddeedee.blogspot.com


:)

Blessings,
DeeDee

Chat Tonight is Cancelled

Sorry ... we will not be available to chat tonight....



Lots to do before our Jonathan comes home

Helping Homes Assignment # 1

First assignment on Helping Homes Blog.

Would you visit with us there and let's have some Friday Family Fun!

Looking forward to hearing from you.