“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Do you make resolutions? Keep them? I have so many things I’m gonna do, people I’m gonna visit, calls…you get the picture.

I can proudly say I have made and kept mine! Okay, so I know the year is young. But, seriously, for me this is life-changing. I believe these tips will help you, too. Trust me. I do NOT want you to make a year’s resolutions. This is far better and more fun! (Wait ’til you see what takes priority in my weekly schedule! This is more than doing everyday chores.)

There are legitimate reasons our plans go awry. Schedules are interrupted, health and finances change, priorities change. Let’s face it, we simply forget them in a week or so.

Are you ready for my secret? First, I must tell you, my kids sent me a Paula Deen 8.5 qt Air Fryer for Christmas. So my first priority had to be to clean and clear my small countertop to give it a proper home.

Here is the bottom line. I am able to do more with less stress this year one week at a time! Seriously. With a blank page for each week in January, I first listed my daily priorities: Bible study, prayer time, preparing to lead lessons. Then things I should be doing each week such as healthier eating habits and a reasonable exercise routing. Finally I choose two or three mor major things I would like to accomplish.

IMPORTANT: High on my list are people. Russell and I “meant” to visit so many, yet somehow never “find” the time. I determined to choose one person/family each week to visit. Into the fourth week,  I have had three amazing visits. Two are homebound and were elated to show their family photos and memorabilia. This, for me, will be a priority each week.

I ADDED DOLLARS TO MY BANK ACCOUNT.  For over a year when we got our satellite provider bill, we talked about calling them. It seemed to get higher every few months. Because I put their number on my list of projects for last week, I made myself take the time to call them. I now have an extra $30 a month to pay on bills (or lunch out). It only happened because I had it scheduled.

A PERSONAL NOTE HERE. Russell has been gone for over five months. I do not have more time than those working outside the home. I manage DCASB office in my home, plus I have my writing schedules. I actually have less time. Scheduling myself one small week at a time has made life so much easier. I have peace and contentment even though there are a plethora of projects that I may never finish. To be sure, I will do the most pressing first and what isn’t done is okay.

Your list will look different from mine. Daily I have Bible reading, prayer, study lessons I am to lead. I list calls I need to make to banks, companies, etc. I chose one (only ONE) cleaning project. Cabinets the first week. In the second week, organize my desk.

I schedule exercises I need to do for strength and mobility. Not every day for me right now, but say three times this week. For the correspondence, I write down a few names I want to send cards to this week. If too many, I move some to next week; the same with any unfinished projects. As those get done, I can add more.

God has enriched our lives with families, friends, homes and jobs. Whatever our physical or financial situation is, we have much to praise Him for. Pray with me that we make sharing Jesus our number one priority; Heaven awaits.

Hugs,