When the plate of duties overwhelms the timeframe allowed. Here's what to do.
Decide what is important and what is urgent first.
Prayer and devotions are paramount and MUST be done first. The Holy Spirit will help carry the load with you when asked.
Then think of the day like a jar with different size rocks, pebbles and sand to all be packed into the jar.
If you put the smallest in first and then try to put the big pieces in, it's impossible. But when you put the big ones in first, the other little sizes all slide in and it all fits!
1. Make a list of everything to be done.
2. Divide the morning actions from the afternoon.
3. Pick out the biggest- most time sensitive duty and do it first.
4. The rest will flow in around the big things - and by the end of the day..... it's all done.
I observed two different perspectives from a parent and a child recently. A dad and his daughter and the two worlds they operate within.
Daddy is trying to fish and enjoy himself, the daughter is chattering and happy to be with her Father. After a while he decides to maybe teach her how to fish to entertain her....
She is only thinking of how fun it is for Daddy to be with her. She is not in learning mode, simply happy to be sitting beside him and him looking at her paying attention to her.
He is trying to catch a fish..... and keep her line from tangling in the quiet evening.
She is giggling and thrilled he is there beside her. He is getting a little tense by her disinterest in the goal of learning how to fish. She fidgets, talks loud, touches him constantly, smiling and glowing from his closeness. In his mind he is trying to get her to focus, pay attention to the fishing pole, the line, the water, just to catch a fish. She really does not care about learning, it's all about being TOGETHER with her Daddy in her mind. Shes laughing.... he's serious....
The birds ignore the mini drama going on beside them...... And the gentle lapping of the waves keep swishing over the sand again and again. The balance of life goes on all around the two people not quite in unity with each other.
I watch the differences between male and female that is happening even between father and daughter. It's the same issue I see over and over again between men and women. Man is focused upon challenges, goals and winning. Woman is focused upon relationships, bonding, and communication.
He is focused on the project.... she is focused on the relationship.
Can we all learn something valuable from this? Here's your picture!
It takes both perspectives to give life richness and joy!
In my yearly personal inspection it's important to see what's been read and what area I should be studying next. A variety of books is interesting, educating and so good for mental training. I have 4 books going this summer..... and enjoy reading each of them.
Sharing books is one way to encourage reading in those around me. Pastor's wives often need the impute of other lives to strengthen or educate in important areas of which they are responsible for. Also I find that reading important works is the way to truly grow mentally. Wait, before I show you maybe I should tell you that I am married to one of God's Generals in this generation. Pastors everywhere recognize the extreme spiritual warfare that the church at large is involved in. The intense battles of financial burdens, complicated legal systems, social and political pressures of increasing city and township inspections, rulings and ever encroaching building codes and regulations weighs heavily on Ministers today. They face pressures unlike any other generation before has experienced in ministry. It's complicated, full of pitfalls with sensitive hurting people, and must provide for costly programs of provision in every church and ministry family.
Bishop Gregory L Holley and I stand together working in these minefields, daily carrying out spiritual warfare on behalf of the church both locally and nationally. I hear many conversations my husband has daily with ministers across America who all are under the gun battling for their churches.
We made a decision some years ago to raise up the next generation of Ministry here carefully and well equipped. My husband works hard to raise up and imprint, impress, educate, support and train well ahead of the curve of the full weight of ministry for the young Pastor here. We want his shoulders to be strong, and to see that he is well equipped for the challenges he will face in the coming years.
So how do I handle all of this as a wife? I read. And here is the current book I am studying personally that is fascinating. It's about another great 'war hero' in the earth. Sir Winston Churchill. His battles, pressures and the forces against him are all insights for me as my General also in in a war.....
Winston Churchill CEO - 25 lessons for bold business leaders. For every Bishop and Pastor who provide leadership for the lives of others, this book is a wonderful resource! And for Pastor's wives? Essential reading material!
This is my current study book.... it's a good thing.
I just have to share this fabulous book with you! If there is just ONE book I could inspire you to get for the health of your family, this is it. It's called, 'Eat This Not That'. A Supermarket Survival Guide.
The reason 'regular' food keeps packing on the pounds is all the hidden fats, sugars and chemicals that manufacturing companies are sneaking in processed foods. This guide shows you which foods are the safest ones for actual human consumption.
With all the advertizing hype it's hard to know whats really the truth. Here's your answer!
Did you know that high fructose corn syrup added to foods, actually will 'help' you to gain weight? Here's a list of juices and the truth about each one.
You know you need these two pages! An ice cream guide to help you choose wisely. I bought the right one - a true ice cream and wow it is good. No more chemicals!
Now this page is important. Ever wonder what all that 'stuff' that can't be pronounced in the ingredients list is? Here it is...... Along with the safety or dangers each one is.
This book helped me to find the first lunch meat product made without sodium nitrate (a known carcinogenic that I can't believe is legal to put in food) I found it at my local grocery store and we had lunch meat for the first time in years!
Get this book - your health is worth it!
