Saturday, July 31, 2010

Commitments

No news to my followers, but recently I have been responding to the ever so gentle, yet persistent beyond ignoring. poking of the Holy Spirit in the area of self-discipline. At first all I could do was whine (ineffectively I might add) "Do you want a little cheese with that whine my dear?" Then I agreed with Him (always a good plan) that I had let things get out of control and needed some revamping. Finally I simply gave up and said "What do You suggest?" fully expecting a long to do list that would be unbearable.

But No! Instead with mercy and grace that He alone possesses, I have a list of four things. That's it! Four things! I can count them on one hand and can seriously commit to accomplishing them daily! Only God would be so dear to give me challenge AND encouragement at the same time!

SO here are my commitments to Daily Discipline:

1. Bible Reading (which I referenced in my last post)

2. Do something strenuous

3. Do something creative

4. Write something

Obviously there are other things in my life that need to be done as well, but these four things are my divine to do list that absolutely feels so life giving and freeing to me!

What do you do that is life giving?

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Inspiration for Balance



Isn't this a great photo?

I enjoy hunting for photos to go along with my topic; it's even more fun to be the photographer. This one is not mine though.

Anyway...

the other day I asked for your ideas and input regarding time use and staying organized.

Didn't hear back from any of you 50 plus people who read my post Tuesday but I digress...

I started to think through the issues for me in being consistent in the area of self-discipline. There are quite a few to be honest but one of the biggest issues is me not pushing back against anything that comes along to sway me from what I had started to do. In other words I have a hard time saying No.

No to being lazy and not exercising.
No to eating what I know isn't the best for me.
No to staying up too late (that keeps me from getting up on time)

So I said Yes to several things that encouraged me:
• A Bible reading plan found here
• An exercise plan (with a trainer in my face 2x a week)
• writing something daily
• doing something creative daily

Most of all I want to share with you the real inspiration for balance in my days: My Relationship with Christ. His grace to me when I don't follow through with my commitments to myself helps me so much to begin again from whatever point I stumbled.

No shame.

No guilt.

Just a precious undeserved LOVE that allows me to be me and inspires me to move forward.

Enjoy this quote of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Temptations which accompany the working day will be conquered on the basis of the morning breakthrough to God. Decisions, demanded by work, become easier and simpler where they are made not in the fear of men but only in the sight of God. He wants to give us today the power which we need for our work."

I pray that you are inspired to balance in your life today.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Live What You Believe

So today's post title is a challenge to each of us. I am being poked by the Holy Spirit in one big area right now: self-discipline. Ouch!

But it's summer! I whine (ineffectively)

My use of time is the biggest culprit but there are more subtle ones too like my eating and exercise habits, (non existent), taming my tongue (yikes I thought I had that one down...), what my thoughts are of people (sometimes critical and judgmental...sad face)

I have wanted to blog more since I have more time, but I have come to this point of getting poked to realize I need to make some serious course corrections right now. Hence this point of confession.

I would love your help. What are your tried and true techniques for managing life? Exercise? Eating habits?

Suggestions are more than welcome. In fact, greatly desired!