Hi Ladies,
Want to join me in slowing down a little? In creating more calm and less overwhelm as we enter this holiday season?
Here's my plan:
I am scheduling myself 24 hours worth of "downtime" for October. Sounds like a lot, but I figure it represents a mere 5% of my entire waking hours for the month. That breaks down to 6 hours a week. Whether I'll do it in one shot or spread it out we'll have to see. Part of my strategy will be to swap a play date with a friend and have the middle of the day wide open. Also, I'm going to declare the guest room as my retreat for one of the nights. No matter what, I'm going to write it in my planner so I make sure it happens.
So far, this is what my "downtime list" looks like: 1. see a matinee 2. read a book on our deck 3. nap in our hammock 4. think deep over a cup of tea 5. walk aimlessly in Target...with a bag of popcorn 6. study the Bible for fun 7. leave my designated scheduled downtime open and wait and see what I'm in the mood for.
You know, we're like a sponge. If we wring ourselves out, we have nothing left to give, not a drop left. But if we take time for ourselves, we find our sponge re-moistened, ready to be squeezed all over the ones we love!
Come, take the challenge. What's your plan going to be?
The "Downtime" Challenge
Hello MOPS moms from Flagstaff!
I had a great time getting to know some of you this morning. Here are the titles and authors of the books I referenced: Raising Kids for True Greatness by Tim Kimmel and The Path by Laurie Beth Jones. I'd love to hear how your vision of motherhood is coming together. Share it in a comment...and some strategies you're planning to implement to support it! Remember, our vision has to be something bigger, stronger, and more compelling than what we experience in the "dailies" of living if we're going to be wise women building strong, joy-filled homes (Proverbs 14:1).
God is never in a bad mood!
Some friends of mine and I have been watching a Beth Moore DVD on Biblical happiness. She said something that makes me smile everytime I think of it- God is never in a bad mood. What a relief! I know how my parenting skills, decision making process, and total demeanor quickly go down hill when I'm in a bad mood. Thank God (really) that His mood never changes. What assurance it gives me that He isn't flippant, exhausted, or grumpy- EVER! He doesn't need eight hours of sleep to think level-headed. He doesn't need His morning coffee to wake up to the day. He doesn't need to be validated or empowered to feel good about Himself. He is always at His "prime," acting in His "sweetspot," overflowing with love and excitement over each of us. Just wanted to share that piece of good news.
Beyond Skin Deep- Your Mental Picture
Share about the freedom, confidence, and healthier self image you've discovered.
Beyond Skin Deep- Laughing at the Culture
Share what you find comical or exhausting about being a women in our society.
Beyond Skin Deep- Closing the G.A.P.
Share how you are giving yourself grace, acknowledgement and permission.