We are each designed for a unique and divine purpose. Live yours!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

A Gift of Time

I feel almost decadent today! I have spent the entire day doing "ME" stuff! I was scheduled to work yesterday, but calendars got mixed up and the family I nanny for didn't need me so I came home and did a lot errands and stuff around the house. It was nice because I hadn't planned it, so I really felt as if I had accomplished quite a bit at the end of the day.

Today though . . . it's been all about me! I have set up my recordkeeping for next year - income and expenses and articles/poems submitted tracker. I've been reading others' blogs, researching some 'techie' things I'll need to know when I start my column later in the month at Christian Women Take Root, and then I actually did it: I came out to my office/studio/writing space and cleaned up, organized and straightened up! Oh, my gosh, I dusted and rearranged and even managed to throw out a lot of old papers and outdated stuff I haven't really needed in a long time.

I am far from where I would like to be in terms of organizing my office, but it was a good start and feels like a workable space again. I have my 2009 goals and Scripture focus printed off and posted over my computer and my new calendar (Christmas gift) posted, my new copy holder (also Christmas gift) ready to go.

OK, I admit it, just to have a place to actually put the copy holder required about 30 minutes of de-junking and sorting piles of notebooks, books, papers, etc.! But wow! I feel really good!

Oh, over at Christian Women Take Root we were asked about our resolutions for the new year and what theme or scripture we would be focusing on. This is a (really small copy) of how mine turned out. Basically I have 4 "action goals": Pray More, Write More, Be gentler with myself, Spend more time with God. (These are in the blue sections). The blocks that correspond to each goal give one or two concrete steps to accomplish the goal.

My scripture focus is John 16:33. I am using the Amplified Bible, because it really spells things out in no uncertain terms -- and I like that:-)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] [John 16:33 Amplified Bible]

7 comments:

Marie A. Levy said...

Mary,

I know it must feel great to get alot of things out the way. It somehow clears the path to go forward. I also have alot of clearing out and organizing to do. I'm praying to tackel it in small time frames so I don't become overwhelmed. I'm looking forward to what God can do in my life.

Marie

Edie said...

Hi Mary! I am working on getting organized around my home too. I just finished painting the living room and getting it mostly put back together and it's feeling so good!

Shauna said...

~HAPPY NEW YEAR~ Just wanted to remind you the Happy New Year offer ends Mon. Jan. 5th at noon for the free 8x10 print. Spread the word for people to post and e-mail David Bowman by then :) Have a beautiful Sunday! ♥ Hugs! Shauna

Spring M Fricks said...

Good for you! That is so awesome. How nice it is to have things in order, even if it is only for a little while.

I have a question for you. I remember in an earlier blog you spoke of how you research characters. Is that right? I am wondering if you know of any good books or sites that would help me research the life of Mary, mother of Jesus. I am trying to write a new devo series and could use some research tools. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year... 2009! God Bless

Andrea said...

Mary,
What an awesome way to start your new year. Blessings as you continue to purge the old and make room for the blessings of the new!!
Your crazy friend, andrea

Pen to Paper; Spirit to Soul said...

OOOO, a workable workspace, how awesome!!! I know you are very thankful for the gift of time!

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog. I know this is God's leading, just having a hard time truly wrapping my head and heart around it all!

Your prayers are so appreciated!

Pamela in TX

PS I am also a nanny, plus wife and Mom to my brood (girls 18 & 15 and 40 yr old hubs!!!) She is a sweet 8 mo old that I do get to watch in my home...which I love!