"Sat(her)day" - Surviving the most wonderful time of the year!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!


With the kids jingle belling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer"
It's the most wonderful time of the year


It's the hap-happiest season of all
With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings
When friends come to call
It's the hap-happiest season of all


There'll be parties for hosting
Marshmallows for toasting
And caroling out in the snow
And tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago
It's the most wonderful time of the year


There'll be much mistltoeing
And hearts will be glowing
When love ones are near
It's the most wonderful time of the year

It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time
It's the most wonderful time .... of the year!


The above lyrics are from one of the most popular Christmas songs ever. If you haven't heard it yet this season, you will! One of the reasons it is so popular is because it lists many of the traditions we fondly associate with Christmas season. Family traditions are blessings, and should be enjoyed at Christmas. But .... If we're not careful, these very same blessings can end up wearing us out at Christmas.

Because I speak from experience in this area of distraction, I MADE MYSELF "be still" this morning and honestly evaluated my expectations for the holiday season. This is how I spent my "Sat(her)day" morning ... and it was good. : )
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. : )

"Sat(her)day" Snooze Button. : )

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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. : )

"Sat(her)day" Stuffed French Toast!

One of my absolute favorite things to do is to be creative in the kitchen. Unfortunately, most of the meals I make are of the "hold the creativity and get it on the table quickly, please" variety.

Yet .... my passion is making the "over the top" yummy Martha Stewart type of meals for my family. (You know the ones we "real" moms and grammas just don't have the time to make very often)

This morning, I chose to use my "Sat(her)day" time allowing the creativity to flow ....

What was the creation? Strawberry/Chocolate Chip/Stuffed French Toast. It was a WIN-WIN, slam dunk. I had a BLAST being creative in the kitchen. And my family stumbled into the kitchen all smiles when they awakened.

What do you enjoy doing? Maybe it is time for you to make a hole in your schedule to accomodate it. : )
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. : )

Help, my house is Out of Control!

Today, we are turning our focus to regaining balance in "keeping" house. If you're out of balance, obviously what you're currently doing is NOT working. So let's begin with a new plan of action. Being "keeper" of the house DOES NOT mean you MUST do all the work yourself. This can be liberating to a woman who thinks she MUST do everything. Many times, we're out of balance as a result of our attempt to do TOO MUCH.

For example, if you are working outside the home, are home-schooling your children, or have a house FULL of children ... you may need to give yourself permission to get some help.

As "keeper" of the house, we must have wisdom in determining what only we can do and what we can enlist the help of others to do. You must determine what is the best fit for you (and your family) during this season of life.

Give this some thought and then ... make a list.

There should be two columns. The left column should read "Things ONLY I can do" and the right column should read "Things I can DELEGATE & oversee"

When you have made your list, review the things you listed on the "ONLY I can do" side. Are these really things ONLY you can do, or are you just unwilling to delegate these things?

Join me tomorrow for more. : )

Sat(her)day - Morning Coffee Talk!

When my head finally hit the pillow last night I knew it would require true-grit determination to drag my buttocks out of bed this morning, and it did. After hitting snooze three times, I showered, dressed, and kissed the sleeping fam goodbye. Then I was off for my Sat(her)day morning coffee talk with the girls.

The absence of people on the road was a stark reminder that the majority of population was still enjoying a Saturday morning sleep in. My mind drifted back to my nice warm bed. : )

After parking my car (right up front!) I walked through the doors of Panera and was greeted by the most wonderful aroma ever .... freshly baked bread, pastries, and an assortment of other breakfast items. Oh yeah, this was worth getting up for! I took a glance around the restaurant and spotted our hostess. The woman who had been responsible for planning this Saturday morning coffee talk. I ran over for a quick hello and hug, then walked back toward the wonderful aroma to get my breakfast ... : )

Decisions, decisions, decisions. I blurted out, with great enthusiasm, I'll have a bagel! My decision may have startled the young man behind the counter just a bit but .... to a woman who has been eating just enough calories to keep her alive and working out like a mad-woman for 3 weeks, a bagel is a pretty BIG deal! : )

And so is some much needed "girl" time. One by one, our group assembled. We sat, talked, laughed, and ate "treats" together. And it was good.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

When is the last time you got together with the girls?

Is it worth giving up an hour of sleep on a Saturday morning?

Work it into your schedule, you won't regret it. : )

Regaining Proper Balance - Part 3

I promised you an answer and an answer is what you're gonna get .... over the long haul, the only way to stay in balance is to maintain the balance. Regaining (and keeping) the proper balance will require diligence. Determination, hard work, and maintenance!

Yes, regular maintenance. How often is regular? You will determine ... quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily? But regular maintenance is what's gonna keep you out of the ER (so to speak) and trucking along in balance.

If you're married:

• begin by discussing the areas which may need adjustment with your husband. Ask his thoughts on where you may need to "turn up" or "turn down" the intensity.
• pray together.
• be willing to adjust the balance according to the needs of your family as it grows/changes.

If you're single:

• consider discussing the areas which may need adjustment with a trusted friend. Ask for their thoughts on where you may need to "turn up" or "turn down" the intensity.
• ask them to pray with you as you seek proper balance.
• be willing to adjust the balance as your season of life changes.
  

Whether married or single, do NOT neglect that which is most necessary ... Prayer. Your husband or your trusted friend may know you better than any human on the face of the earth, and may love you enough to tell you the truth but ... God is truth.

He knows what was, what is, and what is to come. Ask boldly and in faith for the One Who Sees to help you plan ahead for what you can not see.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Join me tomorrow for more ... : )

Regaining Proper Balance - Part 2

Once you have tracked and color-coded your calendar for about a month, you should be able to see which area may be in need of an adjustment. Keep in mind, your colors will not be even. Most of us have one area (color) that will be predominant but the other areas (colors) must be part of the mix. For example: If you're calendar is nearly (or completely) void of ...

• red (marriage) ... you may be feeling more like a room-mate than a wife these days. :)


• pink (home/parenting) ... you may have no clean towels, an empty frig, and hungry kids. : )


• green (work) ... you are probably fighting a losing battle with your desk, inbox, or project load. : )


• blue (leisure) ... you may be saying things like, "welcome to my world!" instead of showing compassion. : )


• yellow (worship/quiet time) ... you may not even remember how to show compassion. : )


• purple (ministry) ... you may have lost all desire to show compassion. : )

Once you have identified which areas may need to be adjusted in intensity ... If your like me, your natural response will be to turn all your attention to the area most neglected. Although this may be necessary from time to time, and a good short term fix ... it is NOT the most effective long term practice.

What is?

Join me tomorrow for more ...

"Sat(her)day" Reflection

My "Sat(her)day" time was nothing fancy today ya'll but ... oh, so good! And oh ... so necessary!

In closing yesterday (see "The Balance Battle"), I suggested we identify areas (extremes) in our lives that need to be lessened in intensity. So, resisting the urge to go ice-skating, I stayed home and did just that. : )

You may be wondering if ice-skating is really an area that needs to be lessened in intensity in my life. Right now, it most certainly could get out of control. But there have been (and will be again) other leisure activities I enjoy like ... reading, swimming, cooking, gardening, and riding roller coasters that have required a lessening in intensity to regain proper balance.

There are also the areas of work and study that can consume us. Even as a wife, mom, or grandma there will be times it is necessary to adjust the intensity to regain balance.

And I have saved the most dangerous for last ... dare I say ... our ministries. This one is tough because it is so difficult to consider this area may be in need of a lessening in intensity. But hear me when I say, ministry can become an extreme, and it will ... if left unchecked.

All of these things are good. All of these things are for our good. But all of these things will clean our clock if we don't keep the proper balance.

Today, on this rainy day in September, I spent my "Sat(her)day" in reflection.

Identifying the "good" things needing to be lessened in intensity to regain balance.

I invite you to do likewise.

Still wondering ... yes, but how? Join me on Monday for more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sat(her)day" can be done on any day of the week. It is meant to be an encouragement and a reminder to women of our need to be nurtured so we do not grow weary of being a nurturer.

The Balance Battle

I am absolutely convinced ... balance will be a LIFE LONG struggle for me! Seriously, EVEN in my quest to regain balance ... I can get out of balance!

You would think, knowing my propensity toward extremes and the number of times I have had to adjust my behavior to regain balance, I would no longer be surprised ... : ) Anyone relating with me here? Maybe just a bit???

The secret's out ... I am a woman of extremes. You know, the girl who is either ALL IN or ALL OUT! This is not necessarily a bad thing ... my hubby has never once complained during one of my cooking extremes. He has (however) reminded me of my need for balance when I am in one of my no-cooking extremes. : )

And so we are back to that ... balance.

The need to modify our behavior to regain balance.

The need for moderation.

------------------------------------------------------------

Moderation : Webster's defines it this way ...

To lessen the intensity of extremes.

------------------------------------------------------------

Are you out of balance?

If so ... your behavior needs to be modified.

Begin by asking, in what area (extreme) do you need to lessen the intensity?

"Wounds of a Friend"

As I confessed on Monday my life would be a little less stressed if I had taken advantage of the "heads-up" I received in July. (See: "Movin' On Monday" - Its easier to "be ready" than to try to get ready!)

You may be saying ... "Come on, Patty. Do you really believe the God of the Universe cares about your weight?" Yes ma'am, I absolutely do. But much more than my need to drop a few pounds ... He cares about my deepest need - - - to KNOW Him.

I love how He delights in showing Himself faithful to us in ways so unique and personal that WE CAN NOT MISS HIM!

Well ... lets just say ... He has my attention!

And this I know ~ ~ faithful are the wounds of a TRUE friend.

The only acceptable answer (even when our feelings are hurt) is, "Yes, Lord"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6

"Moving On Monday" - It is easier to be ready than to try to get ready!

Somewhere between my "swings & hindu pushups" this morning, a conversation I had with a friend in late July came back to my memory ... I had just returned from "SheSpeaks," a women's conference for speakers, writers, and teachers when I confided in my friend there were two main take-aways for me from the conference ... 1) to lose some weight. 2) to respect my husband.

No, that was NOT the topic of the conference. What woman would attend a conference on that topic?!? No, this little baby was just for me ... It was a message I was getting in private, loud and clear. And I was none too happy about it. To which my dear friend and ministry partner replied, "Now, that's blog-able!"

Easy for her to say! There was NO WAY I was going to blog about God taking me to "SheSpeaks" to tell me I needed to drop some pounds! Some things are just plain private. Right? Obviously not. : )

Today, I am laughing. And I am in complete agreement with my friend that this is in fact ... "blog-able!"

There was no way for me to know in late July that today I would be preparing for a trip. A trip my husband and I have been dreaming of for 15 years! A trip that I would have only 5 weeks to prepare for!!! But God did. : )

If I had only listened to Him in July, I wouldn't be stressing out today over things like ...

Just how many days can a girl go without food anyway?

And

How many "swings" & "hindu pushups" will it take to not giggle?


Needless to say, the message I received in July is a little easier to accept knowing what I know today. And may I add, I have a new take-away ... It is much easier to "be ready" than to try to hurry up and get ready. :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Has God given you a message (in private) you were not expecting?

Something you are none too happy about?

You have a choice friend ...

you can listen to God and "be ready"

or you can continue to be offended by the message and do nothing

Either way, what is coming WILL come.

And (take it from one who knows) it is MUCH easier to "be ready" than to try to get ready.

Sat(her)day - Preparation

Today, my "Sat(her)day" experience was a celebratory time of preparation.

Allow me to explain ... My husband and I have been dreaming of a romantic get-a-way for 15 years! A trip for two ... to paradise. Unfortunately, every time we have planned our trip, we have allowed the pressures of life (fear) to redirect our paths.

This past week, we determined to begin taking the steps necessary to bring our dream to fruition ... its been a FUN week of preparation.

Today, during my "Sat(her)day" time, I am celebrating what is yet to come ... : )

------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your dream?

Have you allowed the pressures of life (or fear) to redirect your path?

Have you made the preparations necessary to bring your dream to fruition?

Take your dream, your fears, and your priorities ... to God.

Allow Him (and only Him) to redirect your path.

Blessings to you as you continue to DREAM! : )

Sat(her)day - Drive

This has been a week of extremes.

Extreme highs like, a wedding celebration, a speaking engagement, the start of a new session of Bible study, and some precious time with a young friend while his parents were away.

And extreme lows like, heart-breaking stories of divorce, unwed pregnancy, custody battles, terminal illness, job-loss, financial struggles, and drug addiction.

Yes, it has been a week of extremes.

Extreme weeks call for extreme measures! So for my "Sat(her)day" time today, I put on my favorite convertible ball cap, put the top down, and was off for a mid-day afternoon wind-down ... drive!

First stop - my favorite "drive-thru" for a strawberry mango freeze. Then on to my favorite driving stretch by the lake. Sipping on my freeze, singing along with my favorite CD, while driving alongside the lake ... I spent my "Sat(her)day!" And it was good. : )

Sat(her)day K.I.S.S

Following my confession yesterday (see "God is Faithful ... but are His people) my Sat(her)day plan for today is to : "Keep It Simple, Silly!" And so far its going great ...

No alarm was set.

No morning agenda.

No expectations of a well-executed plan.

Just a good old-fashioned sleep in, boy was it good!

I slept better than a baby. I slept like a woman who had fresh perspective of the peace that follows giving up the right to do things "her" way.

Today, I choose to enjoy a "Sat(her)day K.I.S.S. by keeping it simple, silly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your struggle?

What is wearing you out?

Give up the fight .... and choose to "Keep It Simple, Silly!"

Enjoy the peace that follows ... : )

I have LEARNED to be content ...

If I am completely honest with you, and myself, I knew LONG BEFORE I was willing to accept it that God was calling me into a public ministry. And even now, I struggle with "putting myself out there" when I speak, teach, and write. By nature, I am probably the MOST private person on the face of the earth! Which, to say the least, makes my job a bit challenging. The mere thought of hitting "post" on some days sends waves of nausea over me. Yes transparency, especially in written form, makes me want to change my name, change my hair color, and run to a new city? Monday was no exception. (See Chick-Fil-A, part 2)

When my head hit the pillow, my mind was flooded with thoughts like:

• How could you be so silly?
• Why would you need to be reminded something so basic?
• How old are you?
• What are people gonna think?
• You big dummy!
• Why would you admit it in writing?

Totally exhausted by my thoughts ... I closed my eyes, and prayed.

The verse that calmed my heart and mind was a familiar one ... I have LEARNED to be content.

You may remember this verse is spoken by Paul and is right before one of the most quoted verses in the Bible. ... I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.

Isn't it good to be reminded we have to LEARN to be content.

And we (just like Paul) will learn to be content, over and over again, as we walk through new circumstances.

How?

By walking in the strength Christ gives us for each "new" circumstance.

These are certainly "new" times in which we live today in America, and in our world.

We are seeing, and experiencing things we have never seen in America.

Many of us are facing financial struggles we are not prepared for.

Most of us have become very aware this is a new day, and a new time.

Take heart in knowing ... this is an opportunity to LEARN to be content in a "new" circumstance.
And whatever "new" God brings you, you can rest in knowing He IS able!

Stand firm in faith and you (like Paul) will be able to say ...

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Philipians 4:12,13

Blessings to you as you continue the journey of LEARNING to be content. : )

Aaaahh, Chick-Fil-A - Part 2

The more to the story (see part 1) unfolded as I was sitting quietly in my booth, enjoying my Chicken Minis, strawberry smoothie, and my September edition of "P31 Woman" magazine ...

Enter stage left: A Party of 6. And 1 of the 6 was bearing a beautiful gift. Being a people watcher, and a girl who appreciates the beauty of a pretty package, this display captured my attention. I began to wonder ... What's the story here? What's the occasion? What are they celebrating? Why at Chick-Fil-A? I was intrigued, and deeply distracted, as I tried not to stare. There was something about this party, something different. Something that compelled me to stay awhile longer.

After ordering their food they walked toward me, closer and closer, until they settled in the booth directly in front of me! I had a front row seat, and was going to get to see it - - Who gets the gift? What is the gift? I was so excited!

They ate, they talked, and then the gift was presented.

It was given to a young woman, approximately 20 years old, from the older men and women in the party.

What was the gift? A pair of athletic shoes.

What was her response? Sheer delight! She actually squeeled! It was fun to watch.

Unfortunately, I have no idea what they were celebrating. It didn't appear to be a birthday. And their table talk was no help at all! But I did get the answer to one of my questions ... "Why Chick-Fil-A?" So I could see it!

As I watched her receive the gift. A gift she obviously needed, and wanted! A gift she would use with great joy! My mind went back to the reason I had needed to escape my house that morning, my cluttered closets, cabinets, drawers, and garage.

This is when it became clear I was NOT there by chance. This is also when God got all in my business of clutter.

Don't laugh...

Possibly for the first time in my life, I realized I buy things (a lot of things) that I do NOT need. My cabinets, closets, drawers, and garage are proof of that pattern.

Sure, by the time it ends up in my garage, I donate it. Donating is good, right? But better would be to buy only things I will use and enjoy. This would clear my clutter and UNDOUBTEDLY free up money I could use to buy specific things for ... specific people with specific needs. Now that's a win-win combination!

I can still hear the sound of delight in the young woman's voice when she opened her athletic shoes. I hope I always will. : )

Sat(her)day - Aaahhh, Chick-Fil-A ...

This morning it was quite necessary for me to get out of the house. I needed some space ... Space from all the weekend distractions of home. You know things like ... closets, and cabinets, and drawers, and a garage (oh my!) that have become so cluttered they sometimes keep me awake at night. (Sorry if this comes as a shock to you but yes, I battle with clutter!)

So I did what any woman in my position would do - I ran away from home! It was the only way I was going to meet my "Sat(her)day" deadline! On the way out the door, I grabbed the September edition of "P31 Woman" and was free, free, FREE! I would escape to a place where they are always kind, always happy to see me, and where its their "pleasure" to serve me! Chick-Fil-A, of course!

Followng a brief surprise encounter with one of my dearest friends, I settled into a quiet table and began to devour my chicken minis and my "P31 Woman" magazine. It was a nice 30 minute diversion. And I am once again glad I opened my BIG mouth a few weeks ago making myself accountable to a weekly "Sat(her)day" blog.

I enjoyed my time out of the house, and was refreshed from a mentally exhausting week. But it got even better, join me on Monday for the rest of the story... :- )

"Sat (Her) Day" - Keeping It Real

What was I thinking? Why in the world would I write on humility? Obviously, because I would be "living it" all week! I will spare you the details and simply say ... the humility lesson from "SonDay, Sunday!" is fresh and new "in" me! : )

This week has made me glad I opened my big mouth last Saturday (see "Sat Her Day! - Over the Top Good") because without the accountability of those strong promises ... my day would not have started the way it did today.

Last night, knowing I would need to hit the ground running to attend to all the FULLNESS of this day of celebration, I set my alarm extra early. When the alarm went off, I retreated to my sanctuary (a.k.a. the bathtub!)

I know this may be a little much for some but ... there in the stillness of the (EARLY) morning, while soaking in a bubble bath - - I met with my God. I allowed the bubbles to take away the physical stress, and I poured out my heart (worries, concerns, hurts of the week) to my God.

That is how I did something "good" for me today. It required an adjustment in my schedule but it was well worth it! ... I am off, and running! Taking the time "for me" this morning to prepare physically, mentally, and spirtually was a good investment.

Gotta run, my son is here in ten minutes with his little birthday girl, and grammy is equipped to make this a day to remember for the most precious little 8 year old who ever lived, and her daddy! : )

How will you "prepare yourself" this week?

"Sat (Her) Day, Saturday!" - Over the Top Good

This morning was "over-the-top" good ya'll ... and it wasn't even planned!

I was awakened by the silence of an empty house. No, that's not the good part and before rumors start flying around - there's no trouble on the home front. Hubby was simply playing an early morning round of golf. :- )

My "over-the-top" good morning began in the kitchen, when I did the UNTHINKABLE task of ... preparing a fantastic breakfast JUST FOR ME! I enjoyed my "girly" favorite, veggie omelet and an assortment of fresh fruits, and discovered cooking for one is fun, and yummy!

After cleaning up the kitchen, I got dressed and went to the gym. (Proof-positive of the connection between food and behavior ... Let's just say, I have never gone to the gym at 7am on a Saturday after eating an EggMcMuffin!)

After a shower, with the spontaneity still in the air, I remembered an unused gift certificate I had been given for a manicure & pedicure ... and it was calling my name! Mani & Pedi - here I come!

That's how my Saturday morning turned into "Sat (Her) Day!" morning.
I'm NOT writing this to brag, I'm writing this to encourage you to "go and do likewise" ...


Easy now, hang on - - Am I saying, kick everyone out of the house on Saturday? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, cook for only yourself on Saturday? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, to spend every Saturday at the gym, or getting a pedicure? Certainly Not!

Am I saying, to seek an "over the top" good "Sat (Her) Day!" experience every week? Certainly Not!

What I'm saying is ... my "over-the-top" experience reminded me it is okay and (dare I say???) HEALTHY to do "good" to ourselves on a regular basis.

That said, in an effort to hold you (and myself!) accountable, "Sat (Her) Day!" will be a regular feature on my blog. Every Saturday, I will share how I have chosen to do "good" to myself (some weeks may be an entire morning, other weeks might be just 5 minutes) and I will encourage you to do likewise ... by doing something "just for you" on Saturday, or the day of your choice during the week.

It will be fun, and encouraging, as we hold one another accountable in the weeks ahead ...

CAUTION - This practice of doing "good" to yourself will greatly affect your attitude while doing "good" to others. Be prepared to be caught smiling more often! :-)