Stop Doing That!

I receive a monthly publication at work called "Administrative Professional". It's a great publication that is jammed packed each month with practical ideas and time-saving tactics. I love getting it!

There was an article in last month's issues that caught my attention called "Stop doing that... and that." The article was about beginning a "stop doing" list. The first line reads "If your job squares with the Pareto Principle, 80% of the results you get comes from 20% of your work." "So", the article goes on to say, "you're probably investing much of your time on assignments that yield little return." The article suggests casting a critical eye on your task list to spot 3 areas of ripe removal: 1.) Tasks that you can not do. (ie: skipping a meeting that will not allow you time to get the work done that you NEED to get done) 2.) Tasks that you can do less frequently. (ie: ordering fewer shipments of office supplies by tracking inventory better & following-up once with a phone call instead of 3 times by email) and 3.) Tasks someone else can do. (ie: Cross training someone else to handle the lighter load like stocking paper in a copier and being able to delegate those things that, let's face it - maybe someone else prefers to do more than you!) :)

Recently at our church, we have been talking about making an "I don't list" rather than continually focusing on our "to do" lists. I have to admit, when I first heard about it I felt a little uneasy. I am BIG on to-do lists. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a planner. I LOVE to plan and make "lists". I have them at home, at work, in my bathroom, on my mirrors and even in my car. It's a sickness, I know, I know! But, by nature, I am the doer. The planner. The organizer. The ONE in charge.

I took a class recently at church taught by my senior pastor, Scott Winstead, and our Executive pastor, Rick Mink, called The Next Generation Leader. It is based on the book written by Andy Stanley of Northpoint Community Church. It's a great book and was a great class... but I have to tell you, I was not totally "bought-in", right off the bat, with this whole "don't do" list. I got to thinking - you know, some people have to do lists so that they can prioritize their days. Other people have them to show how busy they really are. I think I have them because I like to see the work get done. I like to look at the list first thing in the morning and be able to cross them off throughout the day and then see a completed list at the end of my day. ACCOMPLISHMENT.

From a biblical standpoint, we discussed in our class about saying "no" to some things means being able to to say YES to the bigger things. For instance - saying no to TV at night to say YES to reading story books with your children. Saying no to working late to say YES to a long-over due date night with your spouse! Even saying no to those French fries to say YES to the salad that is a healthier choice for you. But even more importantly - saying no to the things that take you away from the word of God and YES to making it priority to spending time with Him each day.

Let's face it - we could ALL use more hours in our days! No doubt about it... but I am truly convinced that if I actually WERE given more hours in my day - that would just allow me more time to FILL them up with unnecessary things.

So - would you join me in beginning a quest for the "STOP DOING" lists? I am going to begin this week saying no to some things. It will hurt, at first, I know it will - but it's time that I start prioritizing my time better.

Our pastor said something this past Sunday that has really stuck with me.... and I am going to incorporate it in my "stop doing" list. He said this (and I am paraphrasing): We get to make a personal appointment with God each and every day. God was waiting for you last month. He was waiting for you last week. He is waiting for you right now. God will meet us where we are, no matter what.

I'm going to start that "stop doing" list so that I can begin to focus on the things that really matter - - - what about you.

I'd love your feedback!

The Bigger Plans!

I remember when I was thinking about leaving my former “career” in the real estate industry. I had been in the field for almost 9 years and I really loved my job. I knew it well – and it gave me much satisfaction. I was “comfortable” in that environment. I knew the work – I liked the work and I did it very well. For me, this was safe. For me, my “story” would begin and end there…. But that was before I was presented a great opportunity.

When I was faced with a decision to leave my old job to join staff at Crossroads Community Church, I was a little confused. After all – there was nothing about my former job I didn’t like, however, I felt this “tug” at my heart. You probably can relate. The tug from God leading us down a different path. He had bigger plans for me and I did not see that right away.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Christian band, Casting Crowns, they are fabulous! When I purchased their CD, one song really spoke to me – and hit home with what I was going through at the time. For those of you who have not had an opportunity to get the CD – do it! You won’t regret it – these guys are awesome! Here are the lyrics that helped me to make a great decision to join the staff at Crossroads – and I have not looked back. I love it here. I cannot imagine being ANYWHERE else.. I know, now, that I am exactly where God wants me to be – without a doubt!

The Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
Oh what I would do to have The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
On to the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand.

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The waves they keep on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
The Voice of Truth.

Oh what I would do to have The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone.
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand.

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
The Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe
The Voice of Truth

I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the Voice of Truth!

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

So I was driving with my 4-year-old daughter, Chloe, the other day and she begins to talk to me in a pretty profound matter about death and dying and Jesus Christ. We were driving home from school and she asks me this - "Mom, what happens when we die? Will it really be beautiful like you said?" After almost rear-ending the car in front of me from the question itself I tried my best to pull over to have this "heart-to-heart" conversation with her that really called for more attention than I was actually able to give her being in the front seat of a moving vehicle. :)

My reply to her was simple "Yes, honey - when you get to heaven, it will be a beautiful place." AND THEN she responded with this "Mommy, did you know Jesus is in my heart?" I could barely wipe the tears from my eyes fast enough and I replied with "How do you know He is, Chloe?" I tell ya - out of the mouths of babes.... her repsonse.. "Because I can feel him in there... silly Jesus!"

Although, on the surface, this appears to be one of those "silly" stories, you know the whole "kids say the darnest things" scenario.... but to me it was much more. For me, it was more about the fact that she understands what it means to have Jesus in her heart. Okay - so she was a bit confused about Him actually being in there and making these "fluttery" feelings (as she said) in her heart - but I believe she is "getting"it. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to teach her about Jesus and how much He loves her. I feel so blessed to be able to witness to my OWN daughter about how we accept Jesus into her life and that with Him all things are possible. I pray that she will continue to ask all of those questions and even more that I will be able to answer her and asssit her through all of her life-altering decisions.

God NEVER gives us too much!

I was thinking today about something... How true it is that God never gives us more than we can handle. Sometimes in the midst of pain and suffering, it is our natural tendency to complain or get discouraged... isn't it? I know sometimes I get down a bit if I am struggling, or if I am going through something that is difficult. About 2 1/2 weeks ago I was involoved in a minor slip and fall accident at work which resulted in a badly sprained ankle. I remember when I first did it - my first reaction was - NOT NOW, GOD... I can't possibly have this happen now.. I am too busy! I've got way too much on my plate to have THIS tradgedy happen to me! Why is that so often the case that we tend to ask those questions - WHY ME? For me, this situation was a lesson about to be learned! Of course the lesson didn't begin to truly unfold for me until after the pain had somewhat diminished.. :) Ha!

The lesson that was as clear as daylight to me in the days and weeks that followed was that it was NOT all about ME! I was doing WAY too much for me and God was trying to tell me to SLOW IT DOWN. Part 2 of that lesson included praising Him even when I don't feel like it. So often we get so "busy" and "wrapped up" in our daily living that we forget the One Thing that is the most important - praising and thanking or awesome Savior for all that He does and for all of the blessings that we have.

It's true, God never gives us more than we can handle - but somtimes it takes a busted ankle to get our attention. Slow down - take time to do the things that are the most important and PRAISE and thank Him daily for all the blessings in your life - - after all - He was the one who gave me the ankle to stand on in the first place!

This is a picture of my beautiful daughter, Chloe and I on Christmas Eve, 2004 

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!!! Since I am new to this whole thing - I am just running a test to see how this whole thing works. :) Thanks to Brian Glass for getting us started on blogging...

I thought this would be an awesome way to journal and share with my readers some of my thoughts and feelings. Also - a way cool way to communicate with others who are in the field of Church Administration like me.

Well - thanks for checking in and I will write more after I get this whole thing figured out..

In HIS Grip,