By Eileen Koff
Reduce Junk Mail
It’s not the mailman’s fault! Stop the junk mail from coming into your home forever. You can fight back. There are many services to help you eliminate junk mail on the internet. Some provide a free service. For example, go to http://charityguide.org/volunteer/fifteen/junk-mail.htm. It will only cost you time, recording unwanted catalogue titles and other unwanted mail. Or, for a small fee, you can go www.41pounds.org and they will take your information and do it for you
Give Your Papers a Home
Many times paper piles accumulate because they have no home. Current papers that come into the home such as bills, upcoming events, information that belongs to someone else and items that need reviewing for decisions are just a few categories for incoming papers.
Desktop File for Action Items
Give those papers a home by using a desktop file system. A desktop file can be purchased at www.thecontainerstore.com, www.RoseLaneCottage.com, or at your favorite office product store. Their main purpose is to keep all action-oriented files in one neat and accessible place so that you aren’t hunting for papers beneath mountains of piles.
For example, if you have five envelopes in your mailbox- two are bills, one is an invitation for a birthday party, one is a school-related item for your daughter and one goes to your husband for review, you can quickly organize them with your desktop system. Set up a file labeled for each related item. The bills will be housed in your bill folder, your up-coming event will be housed in a folder called “Events,” your daughters’ school information will be housed in a folder with her name on it, and any information needing your husband’s attention will be housed in his folder with his name.
Remember, these are NOT resource files, but an action system that is to contain only those things that are action oriented or those things that need your immediate attention. My clients create what I call a “hot” red folder for any action that must be completed within a 24-48 hour period. The key is to remember to use your system everyday. This maintains the inflow and output of your folders, insuring that your items receive daily attention.
Warranties and Instructions
Most of my clients have bulging file cabinets because their warranty and instruction manuals are placed there. I recommend getting a file tote instead. Find a decorative tote in which you can customize the labels. Go room by room and find all the items that have warranty information.
For example, in your den you may have a TV, stereo equipment, DVD and gaming equipment. Label a section in your tote “Den.” File all warranty and instruction information for each product under the specific room, not under what the item is. A filing system works well when information is easily accessible and retrievable.
To learn more on paper management, contact Eileen at www.tothenextlevel.net
Friday, January 1, 2010
Biblical Resolutions
By Mindy Ferguson
Are you planning to make any resolutions this New Year’s Eve? I must confess, New Year’s resolutions have never really been my thing. But, as I prayed about the coming year, I sensed the Spirit’s prompting to research a few of the resolutions that are recorded in Scripture. I think you’ll be as challenged as I was by what has become my list of Resolutions:
Resolve to Inquire of the Lord
The first resolution I came upon was Jehoshaphat’s resolution to inquire of the Lord. Jehoshaphat was told that a vast army was coming to make war against him. But before he ever rallied his troops or formulated a battle plan, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:3). The people gathered together and Jehoshaphat prayed earnestly before the entire assembly. He ended his prayer by declaring to the Lord, We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you (v.12).
Undoubtedly the year ahead will, for many of us, bring about situations for which we have no answers. But regardless what struggles lay ahead, we can take comfort in the fact that our God sees our need (Genesis 16:13), hears our cries (1 John 5:14), and knows us intimately (Psalm 139:1). He is never caught by surprise or left without a plan. When we don’t know what to do or where to step, we can resolve to inquire of the Lord and fix our eyes upon Him as Jehoshaphat did.
Resolve to Guard My Mouth From Sin
The second resolution I found is a challenging one. In Psalm 17:3, King David resolved that his mouth would not sin. Can you think of any words that you said this past year that you wish you could take back? Ephesians 4:29 tells us, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. It’s a lofty goal, but even if we fail from time to time, just imagine the impact we can have on the people around us if we will choose to say only those words that will build up or benefit others. It is an aspiration that is well worth the effort.
Resolve to Guard My Purity
The third resolution I discovered was Daniel’s resolution to keep himself pure. When Daniel made that resolution, he was surrounded by a culture that was replete with idol worship and completely opposed to the standards of the God of Israel. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8).
Sadly, our society is growing more and more opposed to the standards outlined in God’s Word. We are bombarded by images on our televisions or movie screens that threaten to desensitize us to evil, immorality, and violence. Lines are being blurred and boundaries are being crossed. But Romans 12:2 warns us not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We are to be distinctive and committed to purity. We can’t always control our culture, but like Daniel, we do not have to allow our culture to control us.
Resolve to Keep Jesus as my Primary Focus
The final resolution is my favorite. The Apostle Paul resolved to keep his focus on Jesus. As Paul reflected on his ministry in the city of Corinth, he said, “For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 AMP).
It was Paul’s passion to wholeheartedly keep his focus on being acquainted with, displaying the knowledge of, and being conscious of our glorious Savoir. What greater resolution could there be?!!
So I challenge you to join me in making these four New Year’s Resolutions. Display them where you will see them often. Pray often and confess when you fail. I pray you have a blessed and resolute new year.
Learn more about author Mindy Ferguson at www.Fruitfulword.org.
Are you planning to make any resolutions this New Year’s Eve? I must confess, New Year’s resolutions have never really been my thing. But, as I prayed about the coming year, I sensed the Spirit’s prompting to research a few of the resolutions that are recorded in Scripture. I think you’ll be as challenged as I was by what has become my list of Resolutions:
Resolve to Inquire of the Lord
The first resolution I came upon was Jehoshaphat’s resolution to inquire of the Lord. Jehoshaphat was told that a vast army was coming to make war against him. But before he ever rallied his troops or formulated a battle plan, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all of Judah (2 Chronicles 20:3). The people gathered together and Jehoshaphat prayed earnestly before the entire assembly. He ended his prayer by declaring to the Lord, We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you (v.12).
Undoubtedly the year ahead will, for many of us, bring about situations for which we have no answers. But regardless what struggles lay ahead, we can take comfort in the fact that our God sees our need (Genesis 16:13), hears our cries (1 John 5:14), and knows us intimately (Psalm 139:1). He is never caught by surprise or left without a plan. When we don’t know what to do or where to step, we can resolve to inquire of the Lord and fix our eyes upon Him as Jehoshaphat did.
Resolve to Guard My Mouth From Sin
The second resolution I found is a challenging one. In Psalm 17:3, King David resolved that his mouth would not sin. Can you think of any words that you said this past year that you wish you could take back? Ephesians 4:29 tells us, Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. It’s a lofty goal, but even if we fail from time to time, just imagine the impact we can have on the people around us if we will choose to say only those words that will build up or benefit others. It is an aspiration that is well worth the effort.
Resolve to Guard My Purity
The third resolution I discovered was Daniel’s resolution to keep himself pure. When Daniel made that resolution, he was surrounded by a culture that was replete with idol worship and completely opposed to the standards of the God of Israel. But Daniel resolved not to defile himself (Daniel 1:8).
Sadly, our society is growing more and more opposed to the standards outlined in God’s Word. We are bombarded by images on our televisions or movie screens that threaten to desensitize us to evil, immorality, and violence. Lines are being blurred and boundaries are being crossed. But Romans 12:2 warns us not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. We are to be distinctive and committed to purity. We can’t always control our culture, but like Daniel, we do not have to allow our culture to control us.
Resolve to Keep Jesus as my Primary Focus
The final resolution is my favorite. The Apostle Paul resolved to keep his focus on Jesus. As Paul reflected on his ministry in the city of Corinth, he said, “For I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 AMP).
It was Paul’s passion to wholeheartedly keep his focus on being acquainted with, displaying the knowledge of, and being conscious of our glorious Savoir. What greater resolution could there be?!!
So I challenge you to join me in making these four New Year’s Resolutions. Display them where you will see them often. Pray often and confess when you fail. I pray you have a blessed and resolute new year.
Learn more about author Mindy Ferguson at www.Fruitfulword.org.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
A New You in the New Year!
Lisa Morrone, PT
10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
As women, so many of our New Year's resolutions have to do with the care and maintenance of our bodies. We often vow to loss weight, to eat healthier, and to exercise more. And we start out with such good intentions - hey, even great intentions! Yet sometime before January has turned into February, the resolution we were so passionately pursuing at first has faded into the background of day-to-day life.
The reason our resolutions fail to become resolute is because we often begin our "health pursuit" at a great disadvantage. You see when we seek wellness solely for temporal reasons (to look great or feel better) we will usually get temporary results. But if we pursue our renewed health for spiritual gain, then long term success is more likely to be had. Here's how you and I can start off on the right foot:
The right motivation:
Your physical body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and a gift from God - similar to your finances, your children, and your talents. Honoring God by improving the care and maintenance of your temple is not only an act of good stewardship; it is also an act of worship as well (Mark 12:30). By pursuing a healthier you, you are pledging that as far as it depends upon you - you will obtain and maintain a body which allows you to live long and serve strong as God's hands and feet - well into your golden years.
The right information:
Before you begin your transformation or attempt your tune up, it is a good idea to know the present "health state" of your body - specifically your body mass index (BMI) and your waist circumference. Your BMI is a measurement calculation which takes into account your height and weight, and your waist circumference is easily measured with a tape measure run round your midsection at the height of your belly button. Together these two pieces of information can tell you what your present risk status is regarding diseases related to overweight or obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, and breast cancer to name a few. To learn your BMI and your associated health risk status, simply visit my website: www.RestoringYourTemple.com and click on the BMI Calculator, plug in a few numbers, and voilĂ - you will be in the know!
The right preparation:
In all honesty, the reason a New Year's resolution of this sort must be put into practice is because we have either abused or neglected the gift that is our body. I believe our first response to this acknowledgment should be to repent and ask God for forgiveness. Once we have done that, we need to get empowered for the road ahead. This comes from asking the Lord for His power for success (no more relying on Mr. Will Power - whoever he is!). The second part of preparation is to define a "ways and means" protocol that will move you towards where you want to be. In other words, be specific as to the method(s) you will use to achieve your goal. Get counsel if you lack wisdom. Plan ahead and you will be rightly prepared.
 Lisa Morrone |
The right dedication:
Health is a journey, not a destination. It is a life-long pursuit and practice. Better "practice" today than yesterday is a victory for you and for the Kingdom of God. Adopt changes, habits, and lifestyles that you can live with. Slow and steady wins the race (the one Scripture says is "marked out for us"). And when (not if) you backslide, repent quickly, forgive yourself, and continue on. Health is one good choice at a time, one day at a time.
The right communication:
In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon writes that "a three strand cord is not easily broken". In terms of renewing your health, those three strands are you, a support system, and Jesus. If you try to go it alone and keep your new pursuit to yourself, success will likely elude you. By staying in communication with your Savior and a supportive friend, family member, or even a group of people with similar goals, you will have both a cheerleading section and a renewable energy source - and that, my friend, is a winning combination!
New Year's resolutions can become New Life Resolutions - the difference is in the way you approach them. Let's you and I seek to age well so we can live long and serve strong!
Lisa Morrone, PT is passionate about three things: her Savior, her family, and her calling, "To equip the Body of Christ to age well, live long, and serve strong!" A physical therapist, professor, author, and speaker, Lisa began her company, Restoring Your Temple® in 2006 as an avenue to educate, heal, and empower the Church to do the work of Christ. Lisa is the author of three books including her latest, Overcoming Overeating: It's Not What You Eat, It's What's Eating You! She has been featured on the 700 Club, multiple national and international radio broadcasts, and the Proverbs 31 magazine. Visit her website: www.RestoringYourTemple.com.
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