Trying to Keep It Simple...

We all long to learn simplicity; how to prioritize, bring order to our homes and lives in general. I read this today and thought what practical wisdom for walking out simplicity with meaning and productivity in our daily lives. Certainly something I feel God is speaking to His Body in these days. Enjoy and... "Let's Keep It Simple"... or at least give it shot.

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say "No" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the "Kid" in YOU everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best
they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.
"If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

50 Random Things About Me

1. What color is your toothbrush? Teal
2. Who made you smile today? Darrell, my sweet husband.
3. What were you doing at 8am this morning? Driving into the parking lot at work.
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? Just getting back to work from lunch at home.
5. What is your favorite candy bar? Most anything that is dark choc.
6. Have you ever been to a strip club? No way, NEVER...never WILL go to one either! I pretty much HATE them!
7. What is the last thing you said aloud? "Who signed for that package and didn't deliver it to Kevin?" (found the package!! YEA!)
8. What is your favorite ice cream? I'm not much of an ice cream eater, but choc. mint is yummy
9. What was the last thing you had to drink? Water, of course.
10. Do you like your wallet? It's all right as far as wallets go. Doesn't fit in my purse that well, but I guess that could be because of all the other junk that's in there.
11. What was the last thing you ate? Gibbie juice (CranGrape juice, renamed by Claire-bear), almonds and a granola bar
13. The last sporting event you watched? Baylor basketball; guess I should go to some BU baseball games too one of these days.
14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? Just plain ole popcorn w/tiny bit of salt
15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? I don't text, but I could if I wanted to. Good grief! I tried texting a couple times, but it takes too long and I'd rather just talk to the person which is much more relational and personal in my opinion.
16. Ever go camping? Yes. I love it! Especially in the mountains...but anywhere pretty will do... I agree with Sara. Haven't been camping in years though. Maybe it's about time.
17. Do you take vitamins daily? No, but I'm thinkin' about it.
18. Do you go to church every Sunday? Every Sunday that we can
19. Do you have a tan? No, but I'll probably get a little toasty the more I get on that riding lawnmower this summer.
20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? Definitely Chinese
21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? I don't drink sodas that much, but yeah, I like straws.
22. What did your last text message say? Didn't have one.
23. What are you doing tomorrow? Listen to music, straigthen the house, work, sit on my porch swing, love on the dogs (better known as "the girls"), read. What a life, huh?
25. Look to your left, what do you see? A rack of Baylor athletic posters
26. What color is your watch? Gold and silver
27. What do you think of when you hear Australia? Crocodiles, kangaroos and koalas
29. Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive thru? Mostly the drive thru window
30. What is your favorite number? 4 because that always reminds me of my children.
31. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone? Irma
32. Any plans today? Have a nice dinner (I put chicken in the crock pot during my lunch hour; yummy!) and go to Lifegroup.
33. How many states have you lived in?Texas, Iowa, New Mexico, Oklahoma; so that would be four.
34. Biggest annoyance right now? The disco music on my co-worker's computer and having a hurt back. However, it's tons better than it was this morning. Thank the Lord!
35. Last song listened to? That darn disco music. :0)
36.Can you say the alphabet backwards? No but I admire those who can.
37. Do you have a maid service clean your house? No, but I have a sweet friend who helps me sometimes.
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Hmmmmm.... I don't like shoes, but I guess my sparkly flip flops would be the closest thing to a fav.
39. Are you jealous of anyone?No. I hope not! I used to struggle with that... alot, but then the eyes of my understanding were enlightened and I realized that God Himself loves ME and He has a hope and a calling on my life that is unique and personal; He has given me gifts and a personality unlike anyone else. Every person is special and God doesn't have favorites, so why should I?
40. Is anyone jealous of you? I don't know. I hope not.
41. Do you love anyone? Yes! Oh my, yes!
42. Do any of your friends have children? Most of them
43. What do you usually do during the day? I go to work daily, but I try to make sure work is not my life. I enjoy puttering around my house and yard, spending time with my hubby and friends on occasion. Darrell is a daily treasure for sure.
44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? Absolutely not!
45. Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.
46. What color is your car? white- 1998 Camry
47. Do you like cats? Yes, I adore them, but I can't have one because of allelrgies. If we didn't have dogs I would have some yard cats. At least I could pet them if I washed my hands right away afterward.
48. Are you thinking about someone right now? Well not David Spade for Pete's sake. That is hilarious Sara. I'm thinking about Darrell since I just talked about him.
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes, I LOVE Six Flags! I used to love Roller coasters, but they jar my joints too much now. I don't like the lines though, so since we can't really enjoy roller coasters, we haven't been in years.
50. How did you get your worst scar? I guess that apendectomy in second grade. I was sure proud of it at the time though. Got alot of pampering and my classmates treated me like a celebraty for awhile.