Where's The Sun

Do you ever feel like the sun will never come out again? I live in Buffalo NY. We haven't seen much of the sun lately. In fact, most days it is cold, and we have received over 3 feet of snow in the past two weeks.

I don't say this to complain (although this weather does wear on me). I know that there is a sun hidden behind those clouds. I know eventually it will shine again, even though at this time I feel like it's not there at all.

Sometimes we face clouds and obstacles in our own lives. We may wonder where the sun is, or we believe God may have forgotten about us as we struggle though the days. However, I am reminded that, although He may not be "shining through" at the moment, he is there behind the "clouds" of our difficult situations. Eventually we will again feel His light and warmth.

Just as we know that summer is coming again in the not too distant future, we can also know that, if things are difficult now, brighter days are not that far away. We definitely have great things to look forward to : )

Have an excellent day!

Time Management Tip

Time is such a precious commodity. It is something we often feel we never have enough of, especially during the Christmas season. So how do we find more of it? Or can we?

Earlier this year I read a great time management tip, one that has helped me more than any other. I've written about it before, but as I am feeling a bit of a time crunch these days, and many others are too, I feel the need to share again.

This time management tip comes from author Jim Britt in his book, "Do This Get Rich". It is very simple, and if followed, can have dramatic effects on your productivity. I've seen it in my own life. He suggests breaking the day down into 15 minute chunks. He says thaHe He points out that, in an average day, we have 60 of these blocks. By focusing on each of these 15 minute blocks, it helps us become more aware of the time and using it effectively. He says 15 minutes works best because it is enough time to get something done, and it is short enough that, if adjustments need to be made, they can be made without a good part of the day being wasted.

It's amazing how well this can help organize your day and increase the amount you accomplish. When I organize my day this way, I find that I am more focused and more aware of what I need to get done and what I can get done. Also, I don't feel so overwhelmed and disorganized. Almost magically, the to-do list decreases, and the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment increases.

I strongly suggest you try this method of the 15 minute breakdown. I believe you will find yourself accomplishing more, and will feel more peaceful during this sometimes hectic time. And please use one of your 15 minute chunks to share about your success : )

Have an excellent day!

Guaranteed Success

Are you looking for ways to guarantee success? One of the most basic and direct ways to accomplish the success you are looking for is found in Proverbs 16:3. It says...Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Three simple words. Commit to the Lord. That leads to success. Is it that simple? I thought about this and researched it further. I believe the commentary in the Life Application Bible puts it best...It says to maintain a balance of trusting God as if everything depended on Him, and taking action as if everything depended on us.

Success is something we all want. It is also something we can all have. By following the above guidelines, it can be certain every time. When we trust God and have faith all things are possible. When we take action, we are doing our part, as God would want us to do. Sometimes we don't know exactly what we need to do. When that happens, we just need to pray and continue to trust. When we do, the answers will be revealed to us. Trust, obey, and act. When we follow those steps, success is guaranteed! I dare you to try it. Please share your success stories.

Have an excellent day!