So you need a Schedule...

It has been more than 10 years since the birth of my first child, 5 for the 2nd, nearly 3 for my 3rd and 19weeks since the birth of my 4th child.  It has also been 11 years since my husband and I got married, and almost 15 years since my husband and I met online!  WOW!  Where has the time gone?  It seems like yesterday I was pregnant with my first child.  But as I see each of my child in various ages and activities, I realize just how precious life is.  It goes by all too quickly.

Each day seems to go by quicker than before.  Between school, extracurricular activities, Church, group activities, cleaning house, laundry, driving to and from places it seems like every minute of the day is spent doing something.  But is it being done effectively?  Are you managing your minutes effectively?  So many days it seems like I am doing something but nothing gets done!  That is quite frustrating for this mother of 4 children.


Lorrie Flem, a mother of 8, also had to deal with managing her minutes.  She wants to help mothers so much that she wrote a book about time management.  "Managing My Minutes.  Do I Really Need to?" was written to help give guidance to moms about how scheduling will help you accomplish more with your time.

I can't tell you how much I needed to read this.  It gives so much inspiration and hope that I know I can do it!  But it won't just be through my own strength, it will be with God's help!  For it says in Philippians 4:13 "I can do ALL things through CHRIST who strengthens me." (NKJV)  I have struggled with schedules and routines.  Reading and coming to understand that I am not the only one is refreshing.  Not that I delight in others troubles, but knowing I am not alone is somewhat helpful.

Lorrie gives some GREAT Biblical advice and support for schedules.  You maximize your time when you are on a schedule.  She explains the difference between schedules and routines and how to implement them.  I feel so much better having read this and am now ready to tackle the scheduling of my family.  This is something that we shouldn't be afraid to do.  It will not only benefit you but others as well.  When everyone is on track there seems to be more time.  I can't WAIT to get the rest of this bundle so I can work on my schedule!  :)

"Managing My Minutes.  Do I Really Need To?" is part of Lorrie's Scheduling Bundle.  The bundle has 3 parts to it and this is just one of them.  It is due out in the Eternal Encouragement store SOON!  As soon as it arrives there I will post the link for the actual product.

UPDATE:  The product is now live!  :)  Here is the link as promised.  http://www.attentionmoms.com/

 ** I was given this product in exchange for my honest review of the product and was not compensated in any other way.

The Unexpected...

What happens when the unexpected happens?  We started school back in July.  With 1 subject at a time we slowly introduced a new subject every 2 weeks.  Well on Sunday, August 19th, I suffered a major gall bladder attack.  I wound up going into the hospital on Wednesday.  What I thought was going to be a simple gall bladder removal wound up being 6 days and 1 surgery.  My extended stay wound up being due to liver and pancreas issues as well as my gall bladder.

Needless to say, our school schedule went absolutely out the window.  Friends and family rallied to help us with our 3 boys that needed to be watched as I was in the hospital with my husband and Cordelia.  Our school plans that I had worked on got derailed and now I am in the process of re-evaluating and organizing.  I think from now on I am going to plan maybe 2 weeks at a time.  To quote the late John Lennon, "Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans." 

Today is our first day back and we are going slow.  But that's ok.  I am only 3weeks post-surgery.  Still have to take things easy.  My husband has been great!  My kids are adjusting to the schedule and necessary things they need to do to help around the house.  It has been a challenge.  We had things we planned on doing this summer that just haven't worked out.  Life goes on.  We are adapting.  It's good to be flexible.  I applaud my family for being so resilient. 

So in the end, if life throws you a lemon, make the lemonade and enjoy it.  Work through the challenges and changes that are thrown your way.  Do what you can to be flexible.