Are you a “rapid remover,” former procrastinator, or a “Let ‘em linger” type? Whenever you tackle the job of un-decorating, it’s a pretty big task. I call the big take down “Boxing Day.” (No, it’s not the English holiday.) My Boxing Day means corralling the decorations, boxing them up and returning them to storage. These tips help me clean up without being wiped out. Make your return to “normal” easier and enjoy the transition to a new year. Which new…
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Simplifying Christmas – Say “Yes” to God
It could be, former procrastinators, that your Christmas season is just right or could even use a few additions. But for many of us the idea of simplifying the month of celebration is very attractive. We just put off doing it. We wonder if it’s even possible and how to go about it. First, we need a why. The biggest why is to focus more on the worship of the Lord Jesus. That’s a big “yes” to God. Second, we…
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Calculate and Make Margin – Say “Yes” to God
Every year, former procrastinators, we make our Christmas calculations for two reasons. The first is to prompt ourselves to get right to work because we have less time to prepare for Christmas than we anticipate. The second reason is so that we will have the margin to enjoy this season. We say “yes” to being blessed by God and to being used by Him to bless others. Follow these steps to get a realistic perspective on the time you have:…
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Ever Fruitful Stages – Say “Yes” to God
Now, the senior years, former procrastinators. Do they seem far away? Inching closer? For some of us, here we are! And how did we get here so fast? Particular saints in my life – women in their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s – have shown me what it is to be green, growing, full of sap in old age. (Psalm 92:12-14) I want to flourish like that. In our senior years, we can say “yes” to God and bear fruit. There are…
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Grateful in Every Stage – Say “Yes” to God
Those middle years, former procrastinators, were stretching. A husband gone several days a week, homeschooling, helping care for parents in another state, children stretching their wings. Joys and challenges. During those years each area was intensely demanding. And God was intensely faithful. Looking back, I see increased dependence on Him, much evidence of His protection, and provision that surprised. Homeschooling was a staff in my hand that helped me develop and use skills. Traveling to parents opened doors of conversation…
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Our Staff, Our Stage in Life – Say “Yes” to God
There’s a good chance, former procrastinators, that most of us have a job right now we wish we did not have. Moses objected to the job God had for him. (Exodus 3-4:17) He did not want the responsibility of leading the Isrealites out of Egypt. “They will not believe me… I don’t speak well… Pick somebody else.” God asked Moses, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff.” Then God showed Moses how He’d use that staff to give Moses…
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Stages in Life – Say “Yes” to God
Happy Fall! It’s my favorite time of year, former procrastinators. What’s yours? I like crisp air, crunchy leaves, snuggly sweaters, reds, yellows, and oranges in the turning trees. Those leaves fall. It all changes. Where there has been green and hot weather, there will soon be bare limbs and cold air. Each season holds a special appeal and brings with it opportunities unique to itself. Each has its challenges and delights. I’ve been thinking lately that seasons – or the…
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