Like many of us, I've only recently woken up to the fact that Christmas is next week. Not sure why it took me so long, but it just seemed like I had plenty of time. I was meandering my way through December, and it seemed like a lot was getting done, but really, apparently, not as much as I thought.
On Sunday, I reached the conclusion that the handmade gifts I still had to do were not going to get done. Once I faced that fact, I went to the grandkids' Amazon wish lists and chose substitute gifts to be sent to their home. I then focused my attention on the gifts that I did have that needed to be wrapped and sent, and yesterday I got a lot of that done along with baking and candy making. Last night I got a box packed and scheduled a carrier pickup for it. (I could have done both boxes, but didn't have another one the correct size. I always ship Priority Mail flat rate to Nevada. It's the only way to go for shipping such a distance.)
This morning during my prayer time, I turned to the section in my prayer journal where I pray about issues relating to health, energy, and purpose. I keep a marker in the various sections of my prayer journal, and pray through them a page at a time. The page I "happened" to arrive at today was about keeping a schedule.
Proverbs 16:3 (at top of post) was the first Scripture listed on my prayer page. The first point was *Be sure to pray before you make your plans. There were four other points on the page:
*Add structure to your life.
*Plan ahead and reap God's blessings.
*Always allow for Plan B, God's plan!
*Seek to live an ordered life.
I prayed through these points and the verses relating to them, but still ...
Later I sat down at the computer to print postage for an Etsy order. I noticed that one of my favorite bloggers had a new post titled Help for Your Scurrying and Worrying. Did that title ever jump out at me! Even though I really didn't have time, I clicked over to read it. And wow, was I thankful that I had done so!
This post was exactly what I needed to read today. I didn't think that I was worrying, but I sure was scurrying!
Interestingly, the Scripture verse Denise chose to use for her encouraging post was Proverbs 16:3.
I read the post out loud to myself. Then I took the time to pray through the 5 points Denise shared, including confessing my sin of fretting.
After I finished, I felt so much better! And I was able to ask myself what really had to be done today. I know God doesn't want me to neglect showing love to my family, so obviously their gifts and packaging stayed on the list. I know He wants me to get exercise and spend quality time with people, so my walk stayed on the list. And everything else that needed to get done did get done.
Later today I looked at my email and found one from Dayspring titled "How to Intentionally Plan for Rest." What Scripture do you think was used? Yep, Proverbs 16:3! No question; God was speaking to me today. So thankful I took time to listen!
Well I shall certainly follow your link... Sometimes I find myself getting frustrated when the inevitable interruptions like bad weather interfere with my plans. It's times like these when I need to relax and realize that I am not in control and that I can trust Him with what is going on. I found those Amazon wish lists very helpful this year. Of course, I am mildly confused by who wants want so some packages are marked "Wish List" and they can figure it out. ☺
ReplyDeleteI hope it was a blessing to you, Vee. I found myself returning to it on Christmas morning, as I was a bit frustrated with myself. But you're right -- I needed to relax and realize that I am not in control and I can trust the One who is. I needed to be reminded too that none of this is about me in any way.
DeleteYes, wish lists are great. All but a few of my grands have their own specific wish lists and it does help so much. Glad you could make use of them this year!
Mrs.T,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this post. It's sure what I needed to read. "Something" has been constantly stealing my joy as I try to prepare and celebrate during this glorious season....worry over any and everything, regrets of how things use to be, fear of dreaded loneliness, unfulfilled wishes for my child, resentment from situations at work....I let myself get bogged down and, as you probably suspect, don't count my blessings, which are many..and your weekly list is always an encouragement.
You may have already posted about this, but, maybe in the new year, I wish you would share how your prayer journal is organized.
Thank you for writing in both of your blogs. I enjoy each post.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Blessings, Linda
You are so very welcome, Linda! I felt the same -- it seemed something was constantly trying to steal my joy as well. Some of the things you named were some of my joy-stealers too. I had to go back Christmas morning to this post and the one that I linked to from Denise. And that in spite of the unexpected opportunity to attend a Christmas Eve service with the most encouraging, edifying message!
DeleteI have indeed posted about my prayer journal in the past, and the posts on it have been some of the most-read on this blog! Just click on "prayer" in the label cloud to get started.
Thanks so much, Linda, for your encouragement to me in mentioning that you enjoy each blog post. That was such a blessing to read -- as this is the main reason why I blog, to encourage other women in their walk with God.
I hope that you and your loved ones had a wonderful Christmas!
My baking certainty isn't getting done...this weekend, I promise, smiles.
ReplyDeleteThere were a few kinds of cookies that didn't get baked and at least one kitchen gift that didn't get made here, but it is okay!
DeleteThis is something that I have been needing also. Thank you for posting this. Life goes so much better when we allow God to structure our days for us. Then we get the important things done and the rest will come in appropriate time and order. I need this, especially at Christmas time. I am having to let go of some things that I thought I just had to do, and must concentrate on those things that really are a priority. Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself last = JOY. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post, Mrs. T. Going to go check out Help For Your Scurrying and Worrying now. ;^)
ReplyDeleteI hope it was a blessing to you, Becki! I will admit that I found myself going back to it on Christmas Day, as I was getting a bit stressed. I'm glad it was there to return to!
Delete