Stitches Thru Time: Saving Time

The Bible declares:

A man's heart devises (plans) his way,

but the Lord directs his steps.

--Proverbs 16:9

I firmly believe that planning your life--along with God's direction, is the best way to travel through our time here on earth. Granted, not everything can be foreseen: the unexpected happens, plans change, and our life in general changes. But there are some simple ways to save time and keep stress at a minimum.

Spend time in the morning in devotions. This is a quiet time, reading the Bible (and/or devotional books, encouraging books), meditation, reflection and prayer. This will lead to not only listening to God's encouragement and instruction for the day, but strength for what the day brings. A willing, steady, obedient heart is much more pliable to God's will.
Set goals for the day. Whether you homeschool children, work outside the home, volunteer, or have a quieter (?) day at home all day, goals will help you keep focused on what you want/need to accomplish. Obstacles and changes in the day may upset your plans, but don't let that UPSET you. Realize that life is uncertain, at best, and lean on God to direct your path as you handle your life.
Take a few minutes in midday, if at all possible, and relax. Walk, read a few pages of a good book, nap, get to a quiet place and study nature...whatever relaxes you, do it! It will give you a break from the daily toils and infuse you with a bit more energy for the rest of the day.
Try to accomplish one special--extra goal a day. By that I mean, make a list of things you'd like to accomplish whether losing weight (walk! do light exercises, cut out a certain food), catching up on a project (fifteen minutes is something!, making calls (parents? a friend you've lost touch with? sending a card of encouragement, etc.), home projects (cleaning one shelf at a time is not un-permissable. Do it!, walk the dog, work in the garden for fifteen minutes, ride a bike, etc. Whatever the special goal is, doesn't matter. Small or large, fun or serious, it's important. This will give you personal satisfaction in obtaining something that seems impossible as far as time goes.
Try to eat a healthy but delicious evening. Crock pots are life savors. If you have a family, this is the time to share the good times of the day. Make it a simple, enjoyable time whether for yourself or family or friends.
Relax. Work on a project, Finish up a few, easy tasks of the day, prepare for tomorrow, soak in a tub, read, listen to music, watch the sunset, whatever you can do to prepare for a good night's sleep. End the day with thanks.
If you can, get the sleep you need. Soothing music, soft lights or dark, warm covers (or cool, depending on what you need) and pleasant thoughts create an atmosphere of relaxation. Figure out what works best and get into the routine an hour or so before bedtime.

Not everyone's life can revolve around what I listed, but figure out what works for your lifestyle. Some people like less structure, and that's okay. You make your plans and follow in God's steps.

Some quotes for good admonition:

“Be careful to make a good improvement of precious time.” David Brainerd
“Time is your most precious gift, because you only have a set amount of it.” Rick Warren
“Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit, and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time, fill them up with holy service.” Charles Spurgeon

Happy day!

WEEK'S GIVEAWAY:

A Flute in the Willows

Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other's love...and keep the German enemy at bay.

She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she's scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?

Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamorous life...especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife's life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can't stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.

These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their own selves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Check it out on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1492661357&sr=1-1

Comment on any post now through March 25th to get your name in the drawing! Winner will be announced in the March Weekly Windup. Paperback giveaways are for U.S. residents only.

About Carole:

Besides being an active participant in many writing groups, Carole is an award-winning author and enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense, tough topics, romance, and whimsy into her books and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?