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You can Accomplish More with Less Stress

8.5 qt Paula Deen Air Fryer from My Family

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Do you make resolutions? Keep them? I have so many things I’m gonna do, people I’m gonna visit, calls…you get the picture.

I can proudly say I have made and kept mine! Okay, so I know the year is young. But, seriously, for me this is life-changing. I believe these tips will help you, too. Trust me. I do NOT want you to make a year’s resolutions. This is far better and more fun! (Wait ’til you see what takes priority in my weekly schedule! This is more than doing everyday chores.)

There are legitimate reasons our plans go awry. Schedules are interrupted, health and finances change, priorities change. Let’s face it, we simply forget them in a week or so.

Are you ready for my secret? First, I must tell you, my kids sent me a Paula Deen 8.5 qt Air Fryer for Christmas. So my first priority had to be to clean and clear my small countertop to give it a proper home.

Here is the bottom line. I am able to do more with less stress this year one week at a time! Seriously. With a blank page for each week in January, I first listed my daily priorities: Bible study, prayer time, preparing to lead lessons. Then things I should be doing each week such as healthier eating habits and a reasonable exercise routing. Finally I choose two or three mor major things I would like to accomplish.

IMPORTANT: High on my list are people. Russell and I “meant” to visit so many, yet somehow never “find” the time. I determined to choose one person/family each week to visit. Into the fourth week, I have had three amazing visits. Two are homebound and were elated to show their family photos and memorabilia. This, for me, will be a priority each week.

I ADDED DOLLARS TO MY BANK ACCOUNT. For over a year when we got our satellite provider bill, we talked about calling them. It seemed to get higher every few months. Because I put their number on my list of projects for last week, I made myself take the time to call them. I now have an extra $30 a month to pay on bills (or lunch out). It only happened because I had it scheduled.

A PERSONAL NOTE HERE. Russell has been gone for over five months. I do not have more time than those working outside the home. I manage DCASB office in my home, plus I have my writing schedules. I actually have less time. Scheduling myself one small week at a time has made life so much easier. I have peace and contentment even though there are a plethora of projects that I may never finish. To be sure, I will do the most pressing first and what isn’t done is okay.

Your list will look different from mine. Daily I have Bible reading, prayer, study lessons I am to lead. I list calls I need to make to banks, companies, etc. I chose one (only ONE) cleaning project. Cabinets the first week. In the second week, organize my desk.

I schedule exercises I need to do for strength and mobility. Not every day for me right now, but say three times this week. For the correspondence, I write down a few names I want to send cards to this week. If too many, I move some to next week; the same with any unfinished projects. As those get done, I can add more.

God has enriched our lives with families, friends, homes and jobs. Whatever our physical or financial situation is, we have much to praise Him for. Pray with me that we make sharing Jesus our number one priority; Heaven awaits.

Hugs,

Admit Honestly Your Limitations and Prepare to Celebrate

Mom and Daughter at Mel’s Diner

“Carrol Sue, I don’t care where you want to go! I am comfortable right here and this is where I am staying! You can trudge up and down the hills and do whatever you want! I will be here!”

Twenty-five years have passed and I can still hear Mom’s voice! When she used my full name, I knew I was in for it! This was not the journey we had planned! I was crushed. Living out of state for a few years left me unaware of the toll time had taken on my sweet momma.

From the late sixties, Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO had been our go-to place. Often joined by Cousin Penny (Trudi) and Aunt Josie, we spent days scouring those hills, enjoying the rides, the shows, and the shopping, smells, and the foods!

Daughter Laura and I carried on the tradition as often as we could. However, three years had passed since our last Branson trip.

I barely keep things going at home without my precious hubby’s help. In other words, I knew there was no way I could navigate those Ozark hills or tackle the malls and shows.

Here is where the Lord took over. Not wanting a rerun of my mother/daughter experience, we discussed the trip before leaving home. I had to admit honestly to her what I could and could not do; she told me of her most important desires for the trip. We scheduled a motel a few miles from Silver Dollar City so that, should I wear out, Laura could bring me to the motel and then go back and finish her day. (Thankfully that didn’t have to happen!)

Learn to celebrate every day by pondering these scriptures: https://www.openbible.info/topics/celebrate

The agenda for two days was well planned. We arrived at Silver Dollar City early so Laura could do the Marvel cave tour just inside the gate while I made my way through the gift shop and into the park itself. Perfect!

We had the best time. I spent hours getting acquainted with people from all over our country. Often I played photographer for families and friends so they all could be in the pictures. Such fun! At Silver Dollar City, we met together to watch the tree lighting from the warm, cozy ice cream shop. Did I have a sizable portion of yummy ice cream? Some things are better off not told.

The next day I introduced Laura to Mel’s Diner with the singing waiters, and the adjoining Village Shoppes! Oh, mercy me! As she shopped after lunch, I sat on cozy benches outside the diner chatting with folks, handing out little Bibles to kiddos, and Scripture candy to adults. Played photographer often. Laura would bring me a goody now and again or a cup of tea and check on me.

The next stop was The Landing: Paula Deens, and more shops-of course! A stop at Springfield Sam’s Club for berries and fruit was a must before enjoying another full meal together by the cozy fireplace at Cracker Barrel! What a schedule!

Here’s the truth of the matter–your take-home advice from this blog. When you are scheduled to go with another person or group, admit honestly about your limitations upfront. Earlier I had been so wrapped up in old good times with Momma, I failed to think of the years that had passed. Momma and I did quickly get past that first bump in the road and had a fabulous vacation.

And Laura and I thoroughly enjoyed our days together. Nothing was left undone, and each had a fantastic time! I was with her at every stop. Did I climb the hills, tour the cave, shop all those stores? Absolutely not! But, we planned ahead and gave each other space as needed!

As we begin this new year, my prayer for each of you (and myself) is that we are honest and face our limitations boldly, adjusting our lives accordingly. Celebrate what you can do. Learn to enjoy life and those around you in a new way. Focus on the positive; trust God to lead. Remember, relationships are more important than what we can or cannot do.

Hugs and prayers for a Christ-filled 2022,

Tips on Giving Meaningful Gifts

In Lieu of Flowers from Teen Great-grandson TJ Cardwell

Wanting to give meaningful gifts this year? Overwhelmed with ads wooing you?

I say let’s get back to the basics; giving more from the heart than from the wallet.

These simple tips go beyond Christmas or birthday gifts. Giving includes bereavement, hospital, nursing home, thank you, and other occasions.

Be inspired by some of the most meaningful gifts I have received.

PRAY ABOUT THEIR NEEDS
Seriously, God cares, He wants to help you. The richest persons in the world still have needs; could God use your simple gift to cheer and encourage someone?. The needs may be obvious; other times you have to look for them.
The photo above pictures a gift I received from my great-grandson, TJ. He knew with Grandpa Russell gone to Heaven, it might be a long, lonely winter for Grandma. He included a boxed puzzle, assorted puzzle books, snacks, and a drink. That took thought, planning, and a caring heart. One simple gift in a cardboard box—priceless.

2. HOW DO THEY SPEND THEIR TIME AT HOME?

Does your gift recipient have hobbies? Read? Write stories? Cook? How about a book on gardening or cooking or hobby? Gather some supplies for them to have on hand during a long winter. If they feed birds, buy bird feeders and seeds.

Perhaps they enjoy writing letters and sending cards. Give stamps, pens, specialty note pads. Above, TJ included pens with my puzzles. Several people included books of stamps in their condolence cards to me. How easy it was to mail my thank you cards a few at a time from home.

3. LOOK AT YOUR OWN SITUATION

What could someone give you right now to show their love, simplify your life? Here are some helpful, inexpensive ideas. As leaves fall and snow begins to fly, a small broom to keep the porch swept off; a bag of ice melt for the steps; defogger/de-icer for the car windows; heavy gloves, scarf, and a cozy afghan or small blanket for car. I have already been gifted a first-aid kit and shoe snow treads to keep in the trunk.

4. THINK INSIDE THE BOX

Make even the smallest gift festive. A beautiful, small box containing gift cards from DQ, McD’s, Hardee’s or local drive-thru can be life-savers on a busy day. Add small candies, mints, tissue. Get creative with your giving.

5. GIVE YOUR TIME; USE YOUR TALENTS

No matter how busy we think we are, most of us find time for the things that are important to us. Again, what are the needs you can meet with your gift? What do you have to give? A song? A manicure? A pedicure? Do their hair? Offer to do help them decorate for the holidays? How about taking things to the recycle place. If appropriate, check their vehicles for winter; the list is endless.

6. GET PERSONAL WITH YOUR GIVING

Be sensitive to those confined to home, recently widowed, or in a new place in their lives. Days can be long and empty. Consider writing small notes: memories you’ve shared, things that made you laugh, Scripture that encourages, little funny stories. Use colorful papers and stickers. I have two envelopes of such notes like these. One by a young married girl with little ones to care for and little money for buying gifts; the other an old (OLD) friend. I treasure them more than many of the more expensive gifts I have received.

7. REMEMBER THE GREATEST GIFT

Pray for them daily, let them know. Pray with them if that is appropriate, remind them Jesus loves them and that you care. And, prepare ahead to give. I never miss a closeout box, who knows what little token I might find that will bring another great joy.

My greatest gifts are wrapped up in special people like you; you bring me joy by staying faithful as I journey through this stage of my life. You inspire me to keep going. YOU are my encouragers.

God richly bless you as I send hugs,

Looking forward to hearing what your greatest gift ideas are.