FEAST Time Wasters

Time... how do you spend yours?

Does it seem like you don't have enough hours in the day, or do you have time you don't know what to do with?
Time is something God has given us. He has said there is a time for everything {Ecclesiastes 3}. When we are good stewards of our time, we will accomplish more, our lives will be in order, and we will be able to do enjoyable things without leaving our house in chaos.

Recently I have been convicted to identify 'Time Wasters' in my life. What do I waste my time on during the day that is ungodly, unnecessary, and unproductive?

*Do I watch TV to fill a void?
*Do I gossip chat on the phone for hours?
*Do I surf the web too much?
*Do I stress over a perfectly ordered house?
*Do I enlist the help of my children, not to make them slaves to me, but because work produces character and it teaches them life skills?
*Do I insist that my child's chores be done perfectly and redo them when they are not?
*Do I get lost in my snail mail, mindlessly looking through all those magazines?
*Do I sit and wonder what to do next or do I have a plan?

There are many things that have the potential to waste our time.
Do you know what your time wasters are?
Take a moment and write them down. Acknowledgment is the first step in correcting a problem. Now think about a way to fix it, find a solution.
One of my time wasters is the mail. I enjoy sorting it, looking at the magazines and reading the newspaper. Is this a sin? No, not at all. But, I get distracted by it. School and work get pushed aside. Things don't get done when I get the mail in the morning. I have made it a habit not to get the mail until my afternoon chores are done. As silly as it may sound, it helps. I look forward to getting the mail and taking a 5- 20 minute break in the late afternoon to look through it. Another thing I have done is physically time my 'dreaded' work. Yes, I have work I really dislike doing. Putting clean sheets back on the bunk beds is one of them. When I realized it only takes 7 minutes, I decided it really wasn't that bad of a thing :)

In the end, it comes back to my attitude. When my attitude is right, I accomplish more. I do my work better, my children are willing to help (with a happy heart), and by late afternoon, our work is done. We can spend the rest of our day playing. When dad comes home, the house is in order, dinner is prepared and we are all happy because we had time to work and play.

What habits do you need to work on?
How do you deal with 'dreaded' chores?

Proverbs 6:6 "Go to the ant you sluggard; consider its ways to be wise."

Proverbs 14:23 "All hard works brings profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Proverbs 15:30 "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

FEAST - diet coke why I quit

...Pull up a chair, it's a little lengthy today...

I first became serious about cutting it out of my diet when I realized I was addicted. It took me a long time to fess-up to that.
I am embarrassed to say how many I would actually drink in a day. I would drink bottles, as opposed to cans, because I didn't feel like I was drinking as much. You know, 1 bottle 2 cans. We can all count, 1 is less than 2. haha I know, dumb reasoning.
I knew I couldn't shake my habit on my own, I had tried countless times. I began to pray. It seemed like a silly prayer, 'God take away my diet coke addiction'. But He cares! He wants me to be healthy, He wants me to lead a full life and He wants me to be free from things that imprison me. God began to take away my cravings. The stuff, I once craved, began to look gross to me. I still kept choking it down, but it slowly began to churn my stomach.
I was listening to Family Life Today one morning and guess what they were talking about? Addictions. The speaker defined an addiction as something we couldn't function in our day without. Sure enough, that was me and my diet coke.
****
Ok, let's just break for a minute, remember my Monday post? Well, I talked a lot about ice-cream. And I am sure you are all judging my ice cream addiction habit already, remember Judging is a sin:) Just for the record, I CAN live without ice cream. I do not eat it every day. However, I do really like it and I prefer to eat it every day. But I also eat vegetables every day. I am not addicted to vegetables, I know they are good for me. I know I need dairy to keep my bones strong, so I eat ice cream on a regular basis :) 'nuf said
Back to diet cola's
****
I couldn't function without diet coke. It was bad. Then I started to become aware of how it effected me. When I drank one, I wanted another, then another. I also craved sweets. They went hand in hand. Diet coke, piece of candy, diet coke, piece of candy... When I didn't have my 4:00 fix I was growl-y and could feel the headache coming on. I continued to pray about it. I knew it wasn't good for me.
Just look at the stuff.
Really, take a minute and look at it.
It started to gross me out. I didn't stop drinking it yet, but with every sip, I cringed. I began to wonder what was in it? And what was it doing to me?
INGREDIENTS
Carbonated water -Caramel color -Aspartame -Phosphoric Acid -Citric Acid -Potassium Benzoate -Natural flavors -Caffeine

So what are these things? Do you know what they can do to you?

Phosphoric Acid: In a more concentrated form, it is used to remove rust. The amount in diet coke is small, but if you drink a lot, you should use a straw because it can cause damage to your teeth enamel.. Lovely.. It also blocks the absorption of calcium and magnesium. In some studies it has been linked to kidney stones.

Potassium Benzoate
A known carcinogen (cancer causing agent). Hello, I was willingly drinking this???

Caffeine: It stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenalin into the blood stream. Giving you a lift. Just like any other drug, your body adjusts to it. Which means you need more to give you that lift. Side effects of caffeine are: jitters, insomnia, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, elevated blood cholesterol levels, vitamin and mineral depletion, breast lumps & birth defects.

And what about the artificial sweetener?
Aspartame: This artificial sweetener has been discovered to cause harm to the brain and nervous system. There are over 92 different health side effects; spasms or shooting pains, numbness, tinnitus, depression, impaired vision, memory loss to dizziness, brain tumors, high blood pressure, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and epilepsy/seizures are just a few. When stored for longer periods of time, aspartame changes to methanol. Methanol is a known poison.

Do I occasionally have a sip? No. Do I ever let my children drink pop? Yes, once in a while.

Diet Coke, in and of itself, isn't a sin. But I was consumed by it. I was, in some ways, controlled by it. You may not be imprisoned to diet coke like I was. But most likely you have some habit that isn't the best for you. It might be too much TV, excessive shopping, salty snacks, perfectionism, the fear of germs, or the lack of exercise. I don't know what you struggle with, but God does.
He cares. He really does.

Matt 10:29-31 "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Isiah 61:1 "..because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has set me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Don't give up!

Isaiah 40:28- 31 "Do you not know, have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the earth. He will not grow weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

FEAST Attitude

Food
Energy
Attitude
Schedules
Time

Your attitude plays a big part in what you get done, how your children behave, what type of relationship you have with your husband, how you feel about life, yourself, and what you do with your time.
How you respond, to every situation, leaves a lasting impression on those around you. You might be able to fool the world with your smile, but when you are in the privacy of your home, your family will know your heart.

Proverbs 4:23-24 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips."
Ladies, Listen up: Your Attitude Starts In Your Heart. What you submerse yourself with will eventually be what comes out.

Do you fill your mind with trashy TV? Do you lose yourself in a slutty romance novel? Does gossip flow from your lips? Do you look through magazines, wishing 'you had it all'? Eventually those things will contaminant your heart. They will make you unsatisfied with what you have and bitterness will flow from you. Your attitude will go down hill. Your contentment in life will fade and you will search for worldly things to satisfy you. You won't want to be the keeper of your home. You won't have the desire to serve your husband or your children.

If you have time, read about the Proverbs 31 Woman. She is amazing. Have you ever read what the Bible says about her attitude?
verse 12: she brings her husband good, not harm
I bet she doesn't nag him and insult him
verse 17: sets about her work vigorously
she works hard!
verse 25: she is clothed in strength and dignity & can laugh at the days to come
she knows who she is in Christ, she has a sense of humor
verse 26: speaks with wisdom
she gets her wisdom from a relationship with God (vs 30)
verse 27: does not eat with the bread of idleness
she does not waste time
verse 30 tops it all off: a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
...................................

at·ti·tude

1. A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself

2. A state of mind or a feeling; disposition
3. A reaction you choose (OK I added that one, it wasn't in the dictionary, but it fits!)

Your attitude sets the mood for your house. Work can be fun, it is up to you to make it that way. When your attitude is right, your energy level will be up. You will feel like taking care of yourself, your family & your house.. Your children will respond to you better, your husband will want to come home, you will begin to desire to serve and nurture as God created you to.

TIPS on creating a house full of Happy Attitudes...
*Examine your heart... are you content?
*Is your outlook on life Positive?
*Give coupons to benefit good behavior. Coupons can be for:
cleaning pass~ picking dinner ~game~ movie ~ computer time~ special dessert~ date with mom or dad~ finger painting...
*Make a game out of the work, have races & challenges
*Be an encourager
*Punish negative attitudes, don't tolerate them
*Adjust your own attitude when needed & ask for forgiveness when you have been crabby
*Turn up the music
*Make the child go back out of the room and return with a smile
*Go on a scavenger hunt for good additudes
*Add humor to the situation, it is one of the fastest ways to turn a frown into a smile

Granola Bars
*1/4 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
*2/3 cup natural peanut butter
*2/3 cup honey or agave nectar
*2 T water
*2 tsp vanilla
*2 1/4 cups old fashioned oats
*3/4 cup oat flour
*1/4 cup ground flax
*1/4 cup wheat germ
*1/2 cup sunflower seeds, we like honey roasted
*1 - 1 1/2 cups raisins

** Mix brown sugar, agave, peanut butter, water and vanilla until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Press into a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350* for 15 - 20 minutes. Cool before removing.

FEAST * Food & Energy

Food
Energy
Attitude
Schedules
Time

Welcome to week one of FEAST!
These are my energy shoes. When I put on my shoes, I get so much more done. Not sure why, they are just Nike 360's, but oh so comfy.
Try it!
Put your shoes on.
Now, let's get started...

QUIZ time...
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?

a) Cereal
b) donut or something else fried/baked or sugar laden
c) something that you can pronounce all of the ingredients on the ingredient label, if it has a label
d) coffee
e) nothing

My answer: c

What time did you go to bed last night and what time did you get up?

a) around 11/11:30 pm & 6:00/6:30 am
b) around 9/9:30 & 5/5:30 am
c) around 1/1:30 am & 6:30/7 am

My answer: b

Why is sleep important? Why is breakfast important?

Sleep lays the foundation for a successful day. When we sleep our bodies repair muscle and cells, release growth regulating and appetite hormones, and combine memory functions. The lack of sleep has been linked to decreased immune function, obesity, increased risk for cancer, impaired judgment...Personally, when I don't get enough sleep, I tend to be a crab. I feel run down and depleted before the day even begins. I tend to get sinus infections and throbbing headaches. I need sleep!
However, sleeping in isn't an option for me. I get up early. I have learned to love the early morning hours. I know I am better equipped to face the day if I have a few hours, of a quiet house, to prepare my mind. I need to have time with God before the noise begins. I exercise in those early morning hours, (some mornings I have to force myself, but the feeling I get when I am done is worth the suffering) and it is easier to prep the house/school/schedules for the day without little ones under foot. I know I need around 8 hours of sleep to feel my best. When my day starts peaceful and un-rushed, my day continues that way. When my day starts rushed, stress has set the tone and it is hard to turn it around.

Food is fuel for the body. When our bodies don't get the proper foods, they don't run efficiently. When I don't start my day with the right foods, I feel sluggish, down and lazy. I have found that with the right foods, and proper sleep, I feel like the energizer bunny! My mind is sharper, my attitude better and my mommy skills increase. (And no, I don't get that feeling from drinking coffee) To achieve this energy, I go for complex carbohydrates (for energy) and protein (for endurance). What do I (& my family) eat? A combination of the following...
Fruit & Kefir Smoothies
Whole Grain Toast/Mini Bagels/Pancakes
Eggs
Fresh Fruit
Nuts
Old Fashioned Oatmeal
Kefir/Yogurt
For some recipes go here: Breakfast

This weeks challenge:
Eat a healthy breakfast & try to get 8+ hours of sleep for one week.
And, if you're an over achiever, try exercising 3-4 days.
Let me know next week if you feel energized :)

I am trying to figure out show to make a link badge for FEAST. Any blogging wisdom out there for me?

FEAST

Coming soon (Lord Willing)...
..FEAST..

Food
Energy
Attitude
Schedules
Time

...These are my secret weapon...
(I'll tell you why later)

FEAST will focus on how food effects your energy, how your energy effects your attitude, how your attitude effects your schedule, how your schedule effects how you manage your time and how you manage your time effects what you decide to fill your body with to provide you with the energy and attitude you need to effectively schedule your day. Whooh, that was a long sentence! I plan to include an easy, healthy recipe each week as well.

Let me start by saying, I am a work in progress. I learn each day how to better spend my time, what foods provide me with more energy and how to effectively run our house.
September 23rd, 2007 I decided to cut soda from my diet. Period. My goal was to go 30 days, I really wanted to go a year, but that seemed like a very long time to go with out my favorite drink. I didn't know if I could survive with out my late afternoon caffeine boost. I didn't tell anyone the first few weeks because I was afraid I would fail. I didn't want to be a loser. Well I made it 7 days, then a week, then a month and now it has been over a year! Laugh if you want, I was addicted. Diet Coke was my drug of choice. I would start drinking around 4 or 5 in the afternoon & have one in hand the rest of the day. My shopping cart was an oxymoron, organic produce and organic dry goods right along side my case cases of diet coke.
If I can stop drinking diet coke, anything is possible.
Be sure to join in.
I'd love to hear your comments & suggestions!