AmazinglyBlessed

Focusing on priorities

font-family: Georgia, verdana, arial, serif; 07:43 AM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. 7 comments .. Link

I haven't been posting entries as often these days, but for very good reasons. There is only a block of time in the day to be busy and getting things done, and I've been working on getting my priorities straight.

I've also been trying to analyze my reasons for having website and blog, hoping that it's not a result of pride. I've decided that pride is part of the equation and I must work on changing that. Wanting a big and beautiful blog because others have one is not for me. Others may have the time and a meek heart about it, but I have to be careful.

Managing time is a skill that I still haven't mastered, and what a blessing it will be to my family when I have mastered it! A friend wrote about getting all the family sewing done: Maybe you are of the few fortunate ones who has been taught how to manage time! Most important though, is to walk in the Spirit of God, but even this helps us to not waste time in "making provisions for the flesh to fulfill the lust thereof". A lot of time can be wasted in stress due to pride, lust, anger, jealousy, fear and distrust."

Whew, where to start? First, I haven't mastered managing time. I still waste too many hours in the day. Second, is there some stress worrying in anyway about what others think? Worrying that I have my place on the net? Do I have any envy of others having the type of home business I would like to have? Do I trust that Yahweh God is the one that leads me and does it give me the rest in knowing that He is in controle? A small yes and no to all of these questions, sadly. So I've decided to work on those areas. Finding contentment with just being a wife and mother, providing for my family, and not being driven to make my mark out there on the net is what I want. That doesn't mean that I won't be online or have a sewing website, but it won't be with a prideful heart and it will not come before my family's needs; it may be often one week or not at all an other week.

It feels good to write all of this down. Sort of confessing my sins?

Blessings,
Christina

time

08:46 AM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by mccrjill
I know what you mean by wasting time on blogs - I know there oodles of things I could be doing instead, but I have learned so much from people around the country (and world) and I enjoy other's like-minded lifestyles. All things aren't the same - but basically similar interests. I don't know how you could think you are lazy with all you do with sewing, goats, gardening. God bless! Jill

oh Christina

05:29 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by jackiebridgen
This post spoke to my heart. I am also trying to stop wasting time on the computer and learn contentment. The learning curve this week has been less of a curve, more of a precipice :(
May God bless you as you struggle with the flesh. I know the struggle only too well.
Blessings
Jackie
(I sent you an email, so if you don't get it, shout!)

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07:48 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by countrydreamn
I'm here with you. I am great about planning my life on paper but still haven't figured out how to make it happen it the flesh. I just got the MOTH schedule, and I am going to try it again. Only this time I got the CD's for DH to listen to, because he is supposed to help me plan the schedule for the family.
But I am a big time waster always have been.
I just know that one day the Lord will smack me with that 2x4 and it will all click finally. Until then I seek his guidance and wisdom and take baby steps to getting it done as He would like.

Blessings,
Debi

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Debi, I tried to use the MOTH book but I just couldn't make it work for us. With the husband home of and on, how can we have a regular routine? (no offense dear hubby!) The best I can do is regular morning and evening chores. After that, it's up in the air.

Christina

Edited by blessedmama on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 09:24 AM

Thank you for sharing

08:13 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by maa
I have much respect for you and I only know you through your writtings. You always glorify God (Yahweh) in your writtings. I wish I did this more in my writings. I try to in all of my actions and speech but I don't do this much in my writting.

I am thankful that you do share your valuable time blogging because you are an inspiration to me and others.I am sure that God(Yahweh) will make the time for you to blog if it is his will.Do you agree??

Pride is not an issue for me now, maybe it is my age. When I was younger and more involved with worldly ways I was prideful and I am ashamed of it. I look back at how foolish my thinking was.As for you, I have never seen any signs of pridefulness in your writing.
maa's mom

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Yes, I agree that Yahweh will prompt me to write if it's His will. I just have to be very careful that it's not my will that takes over.

Even though I don't come across as being prideful, the heart may tell differently. Constantly watching over the motives of my actions is necessary in order to keep pride away.

Thank you for your kind comments,
Christina

Edited by blessedmama on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 09:04 AM

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09:45 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by shelley43022
I enjoy reading your blog, and I do learn from you. I hope you continue to blog, and I also just signed up for your yahoo group. I agree about blogging wasting time sometimes, but I don't think you do that.

joyful homemaker

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I've added you to the group Shelley. Please send in your introduction!

Christina

Edited by blessedmama on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 09:05 AM

Hmmm.

10:13 PM, Thursday, March 8, 2007 .. Posted by mulberrylane
Very similar thoughts going on in my head as well. I've been working on a new schedule and it is coming, but I still am not there. I loved your honesty and I also struggled with not having my own blog template... everyone's looks so nice... I felt "left out". But, I really don't have time right now. Just getting my posts and reading a few quips is all the time I have for blogging... so I just have to let it go. Glad to hear that I am not the only one struggling. But honestly... I never knew you struggled. Funny how we are... secretly wishing for that we can't have. Ahhh. Oh to be free of a covetous nature. I am glad that each day we can start anew!
Warmly, ~Melissa

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Melissa, it would probably surprise us to learn who struggles with pride. Probably everyone, in different areas and degree? I've been concerned that the good people on Homesteading blog may think that I'm a much better person than I really am!, so I though that a good confession would be encouraging to those who struggle.

Looks like we are both restricted with time. We just have to remember that we can't take our blog or website to the Kingdom, so it doesn't mattern if it's nice or plain if we are pressed for time. But it does matter if we neglect important duties because we don't manage our time wisely.

Christina

Edited by blessedmama on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 09:20 AM

You're Not Alone...

09:19 PM, Monday, March 12, 2007 .. Posted by rellamom
I too have found I need to be very careful! If I get online to "blog", the time can pass so quickly! Before I know it an hour or more can pass if I let it!

I've discussed this very thing on my own blog ("Too Much Time On the Internet, Mom?"). I found a good solution that works for *me*. My husband works 2nd shift, and doesn't get home until well after midnight. So, after the children are all in bed, and the house is nice and neat... I can get online to relax.

My weekends I find little to no time, though, for "blogging". Sometimes in the evening when "daddy" is reading a story to the smallest four children, and the older three are doing chores... I get online to check email. But there's not much time to do more than that.

Prioritizing is probably our biggest task, as wives, mothers and homemakers! -- It's something that I work daily at! I am doing better, but still have a way to go!

Putting a schedule on paper does little for you unless it "mimics" the way your day usually flows. From THIS you can build a routine (written) that *works*.

Simply know you're not alone! Many of us women struggle with the same issues that you mentioned!!!

Carrie