Just 4 Today

Busy weeks and super-busy weeks seem to be the two choices that most people I know operate with. To-do lists, appointments, work, errands, paying bills, care-giving, running a house….need I continue?

That’s why I like the concept of Just 4 Today. Sometimes the lists get rather overwhelming. That’s when it’s time to break it down – especially the least favorite tasks. It brings to mind Mary Poppins and her famous ability to “Snap” and make the job a game.

So today, I decided to revive my Just 4 Today list. 4 actions that I can take that will move me toward a bigger goal… just one day at a time. Here’s my list:
1) Exercise at least 30 minutes
2) Count points and record everything I eat. (The little things add up, Beverly, remember that concept??)
3) Write 2 notes of appreciation and mail them.
4) Accomplish 1 task from my list for my ministry leadership position.

A little of this and a little of that, some for them and some for me. Reminds me of the best boutique name I’ve ever seen, “Two for me and One for You”. Have a terrific weekend. Hope you get lots done... or not!

Ingenious Invention - It Works for Me!

The cleaning gene skipped a generation in my family. Cleaning house is not on my list of things I like to do, so when I got excited this weekend about cleaning with Uncommon Blonde’s new SteamFast machine, it was an unprecedented occasion. The fact that I’m blogging about anything related to cleaning house is nothing short of astonishing.

I actually couldn’t wait to see what it would do, so I started with the dirtiest thing I could find; the exhaust vent in the kitchen. I was happy with the minor effort it took to take care of my least-favorite cleaning task so I proceeded to clean all the appliances in the kitchen and then moved to my shower. I appreciate my oversized tile shower until it’s time to clean it. It’s going to take more than one steam cleaning to get it up to par, but I was very pleased with the results of the first “treatment”.

The greatest benefit is that there are NO CHEMICALS when cleaning with this product, just steam! Most effective cleaning product products produce killer fumes (no kidding), so this is a vast improvement and requires very little “elbow grease” as well.

I’m sold. This particular SteamFast unit costs about $100. One review at Amazon states that the Italian (more expensive) units are much more powerful. In my cleaning frenzy I took some paint off the wall by my shower, so I really don’t think I need more power.

Since you wouldn’t use this machine all the time, if my best friend lived nearby (which sadly she doesn’t), I would split the cost and take turns keeping this at my house.You can go on over to Shannon’s Works For Me Wednesday for hundreds of ideas to make you smart & efficient. Sounds exhausting doesn’t it?

Fast and Stop

I have been described as having 2 gears - fast and stop. This week I have alternated between feeling like my head is going to explode because there's too much in it and falling asleep at my desk and planting my face in the keyboard. So I suppose there's some truth to the 2 gear analysis. I have no energy to write anything brilliant, but comic relief is always a good thing so here you go:

I didn't draw the pie - but I note that alas, it does not have exercise in it. We'd better get with it people! Will you do mine for me? Just this week?

Sitting Down on the Inside

I have 2 speeds: fast and stop. Since I don't sit still very often when I am awake, I have had to learn to "sit down on the inside".

Now that all the activities of the New Year are cranked back up, I am reminded of this prayer that a friend shared with me years ago. I keep it in my Bible and it is so worn out it’s hard to read. It’s a takeoff from the 23rd Psalm written by Marian Wright Edelman. I find that when I am awake at night thinking of all the things I have to get done, they seem so much more overwhelming than when I just get to the tasks. Worry is so counterproductive! I want to banish it from my life. Sometimes I am more successful at that than others. This is my reminder to me that instead of counting sheep (or ticking off the to-do list!) when sleepless, I will talk to the Shepherd. He is faithful and true!

The Lord is my pacesetter, I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals;
He provides me with images of stillness, which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,
And His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for His presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my activity by anointing my mind with His oils of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruit of my hours for I shall walk in the place of my Lord and dwell in His house forever.

I wish you strength for the day and rest for the night!!