My hubby, and countless others I know, actually plan for the extra 10, 20, or 30 minutes of "snooze" time before they get up. Not me! Seems a bit silly to trade "true" sleep for "snooze" sleep. The wake up, snooze, wake up, snooze concept is (frankly) a bit annoying to me.
But I do appreciate a good snooze. This morning was one of those wonderful occasions.
Following a week of getting up every day before dawn to cook feasts and treats for my little family and my HUGE extended family --- I needed a snooze this morning. (grin)
You will not find my "snooze" button on the alarm clock by my bed. Nope, it's on the jet button on the jacuzzi. To each his own ... nothing resets the stress of the fullness of a week like "the snooze" button. : )
What is your "snooze" button?
How long has it been since you pushed it?
During the fullness of the holiday season ... don't forget to hit the "snooze" button occasionally.
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Sat(her)day may be done on any day (that works well for you) of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women in leadership to plan time for themselves at least once a week. My Saturday blog has proven to be an effective means of holding myself accountable. I hope it inspires you to the same accountability. : )
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Give Thanks
Psalm 100 - A Psalm for Thanksgiving.
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth.
Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
Know that the LORD Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
For the LORD is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
"Sat(her)day" - Celebrating A Sweet Traditon
It has become one of my sweetest holiday traditions ....
The Saturday before Thanksgiving is a time the women of my church have set aside for celebration and anticipation of the upcoming Christmas season. Approximately 200 women gathered together today to laugh, share ideas, eat, praise God, and exhort one-another to keep our focus on Christ this Christmas.
I walked away refreshed by spending time with girlfriends. Inspired by new ideas for making Christmas memories. And encouraged by examples of how to keep from being distracted by the busy-ness that makes Christmas feel heavy.
My main take-aways from today were:
1) Keep your Martha in check. Your family & friends would much rather have you than a stressed out perfectionist stuck in the kitchen ALL day. : )
2) You are the gift. Imagine yourself with a big bow tied on top of your head. Through your countenance, your presence, and your attitude be a blessing. Smile, show kindness, and speak encouragement to everyone who crosses your path this holiday season.
3) This one is for us married gals. ~~~ Keep the SIZZLE. Kiss for 5 seconds! (My hubby liked this one - grin) It may sound silly, it did to me too. But with the extra activities and excitement that accompany the holidays, it's easy to get into the "quick peck" mode. The "quick peck" mode is when you're running in two different directions and are "pecking" at each other as you run out the door. Try the 5 second kiss. Count it (One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three... ) by one thousand five .... it's a sizzle. And a sizzle beats a peck EVERY time. : )
From one (easily distracted) girl to another ... Keep the focus and ENJOY the holiday season.
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Sat(her)day may be done on any day (that works well for you) of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women in leadership to plan time for themselves at least once a week. My Saturday blog has proven to be an effective means of holding myself accountable. I hope it inspires you to the same accountability. : )
The Saturday before Thanksgiving is a time the women of my church have set aside for celebration and anticipation of the upcoming Christmas season. Approximately 200 women gathered together today to laugh, share ideas, eat, praise God, and exhort one-another to keep our focus on Christ this Christmas.
I walked away refreshed by spending time with girlfriends. Inspired by new ideas for making Christmas memories. And encouraged by examples of how to keep from being distracted by the busy-ness that makes Christmas feel heavy.
My main take-aways from today were:
1) Keep your Martha in check. Your family & friends would much rather have you than a stressed out perfectionist stuck in the kitchen ALL day. : )
2) You are the gift. Imagine yourself with a big bow tied on top of your head. Through your countenance, your presence, and your attitude be a blessing. Smile, show kindness, and speak encouragement to everyone who crosses your path this holiday season.
3) This one is for us married gals. ~~~ Keep the SIZZLE. Kiss for 5 seconds! (My hubby liked this one - grin) It may sound silly, it did to me too. But with the extra activities and excitement that accompany the holidays, it's easy to get into the "quick peck" mode. The "quick peck" mode is when you're running in two different directions and are "pecking" at each other as you run out the door. Try the 5 second kiss. Count it (One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three... ) by one thousand five .... it's a sizzle. And a sizzle beats a peck EVERY time. : )
From one (easily distracted) girl to another ... Keep the focus and ENJOY the holiday season.
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Sat(her)day may be done on any day (that works well for you) of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women in leadership to plan time for themselves at least once a week. My Saturday blog has proven to be an effective means of holding myself accountable. I hope it inspires you to the same accountability. : )
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
"Sat(her)day" on Wednesday????
I've always said, "Sat(her)day" may be done on ANY day of the week.
Today, I am living it out...
Still "heavy" from the emotional roller coaster I've been riding over the past week it would have been REALLY EASY to pull the covers up over my head and stay in bed. I am thankful I have a friend who gave me reason (and accountablity) NOT to do that this morning.
The hour was early.
The weather cold and wet.
The traffic was insane!
But the company, conversation, and "girlfriend" time were well worth the effort. Funny how simply sharing a cup of coffee (for her) and tea (for me) would give me the strength to face my day with a spring in my step. (smile)
Sometimes life can become so "heavy" we might be tempted to withdraw. In those times, we are blessed by friends who will not let us. : )
Proverbs 27:17 speaks of the power friendship has in changing our countenance.
I spent my better late than never "Sat(her)day" on a Wednesday having my countenance "sharpened" by a friend. And it was good!
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Sat(her)day may be done on any day (that works well for you) of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women in leadership to plan time for themselves at least once a week. My Saturday blog has proven to be an effective means of holding myself accountable. I hope it inspires you to the same accountability. : )
Today, I am living it out...
Still "heavy" from the emotional roller coaster I've been riding over the past week it would have been REALLY EASY to pull the covers up over my head and stay in bed. I am thankful I have a friend who gave me reason (and accountablity) NOT to do that this morning.
The hour was early.
The weather cold and wet.
The traffic was insane!
But the company, conversation, and "girlfriend" time were well worth the effort. Funny how simply sharing a cup of coffee (for her) and tea (for me) would give me the strength to face my day with a spring in my step. (smile)
Sometimes life can become so "heavy" we might be tempted to withdraw. In those times, we are blessed by friends who will not let us. : )
Proverbs 27:17 speaks of the power friendship has in changing our countenance.
I spent my better late than never "Sat(her)day" on a Wednesday having my countenance "sharpened" by a friend. And it was good!
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Sat(her)day may be done on any day (that works well for you) of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women in leadership to plan time for themselves at least once a week. My Saturday blog has proven to be an effective means of holding myself accountable. I hope it inspires you to the same accountability. : )
Sunday, November 15, 2009
What Could Have Been - Part 2
The service was simple .... but powerful.
The pastor began by reading my uncle Danny's obituary.
... just a few words which had been chosen by his family to represent (in print) his contribution and his impact during his 62 years of life.
And then the pastor began to share (from the fullness of his own heart) the transformation he had witnessed in my uncle Danny during his final days on earth.
There was a change. A dramatic change. A change in my uncle's heart and mind.
What was the change? His surrender to Christ.
My uncle Danny first met Jesus when he was a child but he didn't bow his knee to Him until just a few short days before he died.
There wasn't a dry eye in the chapel as we listened to the pastor describe the change that had occurred in my uncle Danny's life.
The JOY.
The CONTENTMENT.
The PEACE.
The LOVE.
The change that occurs when we surrender ourselves to the LOVE of Christ.
I just can not tell you how happy I am that my uncle Danny experienced the fullness of Christ's Love in his final days on earth. But I know my uncle Danny would want you to know ....
Our time on earth is short. The Bible describes it as a vapor. It goes quickly!
We have no promise of tomorrow.
We are told ... TODAY is the day of salvation.
Today, if you hear His voice DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART.
And we are promised .... ALL that call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
Have you called upon the name of the Lord.
Have you been changed by His Love and His Grace?
The pastor began by reading my uncle Danny's obituary.
... just a few words which had been chosen by his family to represent (in print) his contribution and his impact during his 62 years of life.
And then the pastor began to share (from the fullness of his own heart) the transformation he had witnessed in my uncle Danny during his final days on earth.
There was a change. A dramatic change. A change in my uncle's heart and mind.
What was the change? His surrender to Christ.
My uncle Danny first met Jesus when he was a child but he didn't bow his knee to Him until just a few short days before he died.
There wasn't a dry eye in the chapel as we listened to the pastor describe the change that had occurred in my uncle Danny's life.
The JOY.
The CONTENTMENT.
The PEACE.
The LOVE.
The change that occurs when we surrender ourselves to the LOVE of Christ.
I just can not tell you how happy I am that my uncle Danny experienced the fullness of Christ's Love in his final days on earth. But I know my uncle Danny would want you to know ....
Our time on earth is short. The Bible describes it as a vapor. It goes quickly!
We have no promise of tomorrow.
We are told ... TODAY is the day of salvation.
Today, if you hear His voice DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEART.
And we are promised .... ALL that call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
Have you called upon the name of the Lord.
Have you been changed by His Love and His Grace?
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
What Could Have Been
I am writing these words with a heavy heart. For days, even weeks now, I have been burdened to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write about the cost, and the consequences of sin.
I didn't think it would be today, and I didn't think I would be opening the subject in this way but ... I received news this morning of the death of someone I dearly love. My uncle Danny.
My uncle Danny was so handsome. He looked a lot like Elvis, but in Elvis' good-looking days. : )
My uncle Danny was so funny. He had an infectious laugh, and an irresistible personality.
My uncle Danny was so smart. Next to my daddy, my uncle Danny was the smartest man in the world!
My uncle Danny had a passion for life. Even a simple dinner was a celebration for my uncle Danny. How I miss the way he would make "ummm, ummmm good" sounds at our dinner table.
And my uncle Danny always had time for me. One on one time. Like a game of chess, or a knock-knock joke marathon.
That's how I remember my uncle Danny. Sweet memories of my favorite uncle. A man who had everything. Unfortunately, those memories are from many, many years ago.
Childhood memories of before ....
Before what?
Before the decision he made which altered his life forever. The sin that stole his future.
Today, I am grieving the loss of my uncle Danny. But more than that, today the scab has been ripped off the wounds from many years ago. The wounds of the cost and consequences of sin. The deepest wound .... of what could have been.
My uncle Danny's sin did not cost him his life but it was costly ...
A bullet to the head cost him his brilliant mind, his infectious personality, and his striking good looks. After he recovered from the head injury, he spent many years in prison paying for his crime.
Even as I write these words, I am second guessing my decision to put these words in print. But I know this ... my uncle Danny, the one I remember from my childhood, would want you to know SIN IS COSTLY!!!!
The Bible says sin is fun for a season. But .... at the end of the season you (and those who love you) WILL pay the cost.
I didn't think it would be today, and I didn't think I would be opening the subject in this way but ... I received news this morning of the death of someone I dearly love. My uncle Danny.
My uncle Danny was so handsome. He looked a lot like Elvis, but in Elvis' good-looking days. : )
My uncle Danny was so funny. He had an infectious laugh, and an irresistible personality.
My uncle Danny was so smart. Next to my daddy, my uncle Danny was the smartest man in the world!
My uncle Danny had a passion for life. Even a simple dinner was a celebration for my uncle Danny. How I miss the way he would make "ummm, ummmm good" sounds at our dinner table.
And my uncle Danny always had time for me. One on one time. Like a game of chess, or a knock-knock joke marathon.
That's how I remember my uncle Danny. Sweet memories of my favorite uncle. A man who had everything. Unfortunately, those memories are from many, many years ago.
Childhood memories of before ....
Before what?
Before the decision he made which altered his life forever. The sin that stole his future.
Today, I am grieving the loss of my uncle Danny. But more than that, today the scab has been ripped off the wounds from many years ago. The wounds of the cost and consequences of sin. The deepest wound .... of what could have been.
My uncle Danny's sin did not cost him his life but it was costly ...
A bullet to the head cost him his brilliant mind, his infectious personality, and his striking good looks. After he recovered from the head injury, he spent many years in prison paying for his crime.
Even as I write these words, I am second guessing my decision to put these words in print. But I know this ... my uncle Danny, the one I remember from my childhood, would want you to know SIN IS COSTLY!!!!
The Bible says sin is fun for a season. But .... at the end of the season you (and those who love you) WILL pay the cost.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
"Sat(her)day" ~ A Time to Ponder
I had such high hopes for the past week. Key word here is had. My shattered high hopes pale in comparison though to the lessons (I've had time to ponder this week) which I learned on the island.Lesson # 1 - It's not wise for someone (like me) who battles fall allergies to visit a paradise with no seasonal irritants (smile) and return home before the season is over! Yes, I believe my next trip to Jamaica will NOT be in the fall. If it is .... I will simply have to stay until winter. (BIG smile)
Lesson # 2 - How quickly our priorities change when we are forced to focus on our basic physical needs. During my time of inconvenience (minor discomfort associated with allergies & sinus) this week, I was reminded of the Jamaican culture and their simplistic approach to life. Because of their extreme poverty, their focus is simple ... providing food and shelter for their families.
Lesson # 3 - How insignificant many of the things which clutter my mind are and how they choke out my peace and contentment. Again I was reminded of the peace/joy/contentment I witnessed in the Jamaican culture.
Lesson # 4 - How fulfilling it is to return to a simplier way of thinking, of being, and of doing.
The following words were spoken by a young Jamaican man my hubby and I had opportunity to get to know a little bit on our trip. He said, "I study Americans. This is what I have observed, you Americans have everything but you live as if you have nothing. That's very sad."
My husband and I could only agree with his observation. Very sad, indeed. I pray I will never forget this young man or his observation of our culture. As an American, I pray I will never forget how blessed I am. As a Christian, I pray I will never forget that I do (in fact) have everything.
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Sat(her)day may be done on any day (that works well for you) of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women in leadership to plan time for themselves at least once a week. My Saturday blog has proven to be an effective means of holding myself accountable. I hope it inspires you to the same accountability. : )
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