It's Wednesday, with only five days left to finish up my article for next Monday's deadline. I'm not worried because I have made a schedule to follow. Today I will finish up my research, including some online searches for updated information. Tomorrow will be my writing day.
Sticking to a schedule has greatly helped. I have met the daily objectives that I had set, which has caused less stress on me and my family. I plan to send my final draft to my editor on Friday.
If you have a tough project ahead, try to break down your tasks by handling them step-by-step. It will help you daily get closer to your goal, while still leaving you with some sanity.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Crunch Time Note
It's crunch time. I have a deadline and some other commitments that will keep me busy this week. It's these kind of weeks when I have to really concentrate on the tasks I need to do and not overwork myself on those extras that can wait a little longer. It's hard sometimes, because I want to do it all.
So excuse the short posts. I will be able to write some longer ones next week.
So excuse the short posts. I will be able to write some longer ones next week.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Buffeted
We had a very windy day yesterday. In some nearby areas the winds were over 30 mph. I happened to be in one particular blustery spot getting some gas, and I had to literally take a step backwards because of several strong blasts.
When the gusts blow like this, it's pretty difficult to walk . You are constantly battling that invisible force that wants to push you in a direction you do not want to go. Sometimes we are personally challenged by the invisible forces of self-doubt and discouragement. Instead of looking at life optimistically, we are buffeted by thoughts that attempt to side track us from living a fruitful Christian life.
In the real world we have to wait for the winds to subside in order to walk without hinderance. In the spiritual world we need to call on the One who rebuked the wild winds on the Galilee when He said, "Peace, be still! (Mark 4:39)" If we trust Him and constantly call out to Him, He will calm our hearts and minds, allowing us to continue forward with a firm footing.
When the gusts blow like this, it's pretty difficult to walk . You are constantly battling that invisible force that wants to push you in a direction you do not want to go. Sometimes we are personally challenged by the invisible forces of self-doubt and discouragement. Instead of looking at life optimistically, we are buffeted by thoughts that attempt to side track us from living a fruitful Christian life.
In the real world we have to wait for the winds to subside in order to walk without hinderance. In the spiritual world we need to call on the One who rebuked the wild winds on the Galilee when He said, "Peace, be still! (Mark 4:39)" If we trust Him and constantly call out to Him, He will calm our hearts and minds, allowing us to continue forward with a firm footing.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Lord's Leading
The prophet Jonah was distinctly told by God to go to the pagan people of Nineveh and preach to them. He refused, not necessarily by words, but by his actions. He didn't want them to receive God's grace and mercy. They were a wicked and ruthless people, and Jonah wanted them to pay for the troubles they had caused. Instead of following the Lord's leading, he ran away.
But Jonah's disobedience led to consequences: a trading ship lost its cargo and the crew could have died. Jonah skin would have been severely altered because of the stomach acids he sat in for three days in the belly of the fish. Situations would have been different if Jonah had just obeyed the Lord's directions and submitted to His will.
There are times when we absolutely know what God wants us to do. We feel Him tugging at our hearts or we know He's trying to address a particular issue in our lives. We have a choice to either obey or turn in another direction, knowing full well that there will be consequences for that choice. My advice: Follow the Lord's leading. It will bring more positive and productive results.
But Jonah's disobedience led to consequences: a trading ship lost its cargo and the crew could have died. Jonah skin would have been severely altered because of the stomach acids he sat in for three days in the belly of the fish. Situations would have been different if Jonah had just obeyed the Lord's directions and submitted to His will.
There are times when we absolutely know what God wants us to do. We feel Him tugging at our hearts or we know He's trying to address a particular issue in our lives. We have a choice to either obey or turn in another direction, knowing full well that there will be consequences for that choice. My advice: Follow the Lord's leading. It will bring more positive and productive results.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Taking a Break
My son has been working on a school book report for the last few weeks and he's finally in crunch mode since it's due this Friday. He got a bit nervous over the weekend, since he couldn't seem to understand the last two points he needed to answer. He even got a bit teary-eyed. I told him to take a break.
Sometimes we are too close to a situation that we can't think or see clearly. Everything is swirling around in our thoughts, and although we know that the answer is within easy reach, we can't quite seem to grasp it. So we need to take a break. We need to step away for a bit and do something that will distract our minds so the solution will be easier to see when we look at our situation once again.
Are you looking at something too hard? Take a break so you can see things anew.
Sometimes we are too close to a situation that we can't think or see clearly. Everything is swirling around in our thoughts, and although we know that the answer is within easy reach, we can't quite seem to grasp it. So we need to take a break. We need to step away for a bit and do something that will distract our minds so the solution will be easier to see when we look at our situation once again.
Are you looking at something too hard? Take a break so you can see things anew.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Superhero Syndrome
“It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Super (Fill in your name) !”
Do you have Superhero Syndrome? It’s easy to recognize. You want to jump in and handle all the crises of your friends and loved ones without hesitation. It’s a noble attitude, but it may not be what we’re supposed to do.
God doesn’t want us helping everyone with every situation. There are some things that He wants to do; some lessons that a friend or family member must go through on their own to learn they need to rely on the Lord for their ultimate help. Does that mean we aren’t supposed to extend a hand? No, but if we step in without asking God if we’re supposed to act, then we can be out of line with God’s plan. We could be hindering His work.
We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). But if God is directing us to step back so He can step in, then we can best show our true love by entrusting them to the One who loves far more than we will ever be capable of.
Let God be the Superhero. Perhaps He’ll allow us to be a trusty sidekick when the proper time comes.
Do you have Superhero Syndrome? It’s easy to recognize. You want to jump in and handle all the crises of your friends and loved ones without hesitation. It’s a noble attitude, but it may not be what we’re supposed to do.
God doesn’t want us helping everyone with every situation. There are some things that He wants to do; some lessons that a friend or family member must go through on their own to learn they need to rely on the Lord for their ultimate help. Does that mean we aren’t supposed to extend a hand? No, but if we step in without asking God if we’re supposed to act, then we can be out of line with God’s plan. We could be hindering His work.
We are called to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). But if God is directing us to step back so He can step in, then we can best show our true love by entrusting them to the One who loves far more than we will ever be capable of.
Let God be the Superhero. Perhaps He’ll allow us to be a trusty sidekick when the proper time comes.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Fast Food Friendship
Fast food has permeated the lives of many Americans. Because of our busy lifestyles, it is more convenient to drive thru and pick up our meals instead of spending time fixing our food ourselves. We are so used to quick, easy, and immediate access that we sometimes pass this ideology onto other things in our lives, including friendships.
We want fast responses to our questions. We want others to immediately understand what makes us tick. We want the ease of camaraderie in a moments worth of time. And that may happen with some friends. But any good and long lasting relationship takes time to develop.
We may have a quick attraction to another’s personality, but only after in depth conversations and a willingness to understand and engage one another can we honestly develop a true and deep friendship.
Don’t try to fast food your friends. Take the time to get to know them. I have found in my life that it is well worth the time and effort.
We want fast responses to our questions. We want others to immediately understand what makes us tick. We want the ease of camaraderie in a moments worth of time. And that may happen with some friends. But any good and long lasting relationship takes time to develop.
We may have a quick attraction to another’s personality, but only after in depth conversations and a willingness to understand and engage one another can we honestly develop a true and deep friendship.
Don’t try to fast food your friends. Take the time to get to know them. I have found in my life that it is well worth the time and effort.
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