What Paul said...(or "My Fall From Alacrity")

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Romans 7:15

I hate to procrastinate - or rather I hate what results from my procrastination.  But I keep doing it!  I sit and think "I need to do this, that, and the other..." and yet - I sit and do none of them.  I've gone from someone who used to be the one always a little early - just in case - to someone who's hubby tells her daily that she "really need[s] to work on time management".

Last night I seriously prayed about this and asked God to show me how to be more productive and overcome this issue in me.  Here's what I was led to:

* Set the Blackberry to "phone only" during work hours.  No more checking every text message, email, Facebook reply, or Tweet as they occur.  If it's important (my kids, hubby, mom, etc) - they can call me.

* To Do Lists aren't just for enjoying the pretty, colored Post-Its dotting my desk.  I need to actually start DOING the things on them.  Knocked out at least 1 item this morning so far.  Actually 2, if you count the one that says "Blog!" on one of them.

* Possibly, maybe, perhaps....give up the Blackberry altogether. 

I'm still struggling with this last one - however, it would certainly help my first goal, and be cheaper! Since Lent starts tomorrow (thanks for the reminder, Joan!) I may just use that as my "excuse".  More updates on this matter as they arise...

So, those are my three short-term goals.  Oh, one more - get to work before 10am from now on - which means I gotta go!

Happy "gravitationally challenged" Tuesday, everyone!!

Exemplify - new meme!

I'm more than a little nervous today.
The new ExemplifyOnline meme, The Weekly Wednesday Whatever debuts today! I am so honored to be part of the amazing group of women at Exemplify, and I thank Kristen and the team for trusting me to write this weekly feature.
It is truly humbling to be used in the company of such godly women writers and ministers!

My prayer is that whatever is written will be from Him and used by Him for HIS Glory. I pray that as you read each week, you are blessed by what God gives me to ponder... and that it will draw you closer to Him.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!

Are you a 5:16 Gal?

What is a 5:16 gal?

A 5:16 gal is a gal who has decided that she wants to redeem the time with her Savior. She is choosing to rise early, before the day takes her away, to sit at the feet of Jesus.

What is the 5:16 club?

The idea for the 5:16 club originated here, and began as the 5 am club. While the ultimate goal is to rise early, circumstances don't always allow (pregnancy, new baby, illness, etc.). The real purpose of this club is to encourage and journey with one another as we seek to spend time with the Lord every day - whatever time of the day you are able.

Why 5:16?

Ephesians 5:16 says, "making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." The literal meaning is "redeem the time." We are seeking to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity to seek the Lord with all our hearts. Why? Because the days are evil. We must prepare for battle each and every day - sometimes just to get through the day!

Where do we "club?"

We "club" over at the 5:16 forum where we study scripture, pray for each other, and encourage one another in the Lord! Come join us for our latest study! If you're on Twitter, you can find the gals at the 516 Twibe where you can chat live!

Morning musings...

This morning, I wasn't feeling very well when I woke up. I decided to stay home from church, which I hate to miss. :( But since the stomach bug is going around and IF that's what's coming on me, I certainly don't want to 'share' it with my friends!

I took my coffee out to the deck for my morning Quiet Time. I opened my Bible and it landed on Isaiah 41. As is often the case, I've read these verses many times before, but today I read them in a new way... Beth Moore has a book called Praying God's Word - and it's really amazing what a comfort you feel when you apply the Bible to you. I read over and over these verses this morning, then it hit me right in my heart....and I couldn't help but sit there smiling ear-to-ear:

⁹ I took you from the ends of the earth,
from its farthest corners I called you. --- He took me from my own pit! He saved me?! Me??
I said, 'You are my servant'; -- He thinks I am worthy of serving Him?? Me??
I have chosen you and have not rejected you. - after all the sins and weakness I have, the truly horrible things I've done? He doesn't reject me!? Ever??

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -- This speaks for itself...these promises are worth more than anything that this world can give!

¹¹ "All who rage against you
will surely be ashamed and disgraced; -- I need not worry about those who hate me, God is in control. My time is better used focusing on HIM.
those who oppose you
will be as nothing and perish. - they are "nothing" to me, they no longer matter!

¹² Though you search for your enemies,
you will not find them. -- because of the change in me, I can no longer find the many 'enemies' of my past...my heart has changed toward others --- simply put: no more drama!!
Those who wage war against you
will be as nothing at all. -- How can I let others bring me down when I have the love of GOD?? How can I let those who hate me affect my daily life, when Jesus is my best friend??

I don't know what our sermon was about today at church...but I'm really glad that God saw fit to give me my own lesson this morning on the deck, out with the birds and the cool spring breeze. I still feel queasy physically, but my emotional state is so uplifted!