Growing Through Challenge - The Challenges Of Time

December 20, 1986

I am going through a tremendously busy time, with many different demands and commitments. I can become terribly frustrated, or I can savor each separate task and moment, remembering that with the presence and personal help of the God of the Universe I can be more and do more than I ever dreamed.

January 28, 1987

"Dear Holy Spirit of the Eternal God, I need to slow down, be quiet, and experience Your quietness, peace of mind, and satisfaction of soul.

When allowed to, my life quickly turns into a blur of activity leaving me drained and feeling unproductive.

Perhaps in the silent moments of waiting and listening, You could communicate Your will for my day, and grant me an unwavering determination to do that will.

The more rushed, demanding, and "action oriented" my world becomes, the more I need Your help to be focused on the quietness of heart and the depth of soul that comes from time with you."

September 22, 1988

"Too many people see life as a problem to be solved, instead of an adventure to be experienced." _Tim Hansel

What would the Father say to me regarding the growing stresses of my work responsibilities, and the time management issues that I feel at this moment? Perhaps He would say...

"Dear one, savor this precious and unique... never-to-be-repeated moment that I have given you, and remember that I am with you and will help you. Some situations you can fix... and some you cannot. Sometimes, especially whereas the opinions and attitudes of others are concerned, you definitely cannot... nor should you try to "fix" the situation into something that is more suitable to your own liking.

Some people in authority are quick to give out responsibilities to others... but without the authority to accomplish the time-sensitive tasks at hand. Do not despair, but utilize the intuition of my Indwelling Spirit to determine what is truly yours to accomplish, and what is in fact the authority of another, releasing that task back to them. In all... do this "in character" as though I were visibly present and accomplishing these tasks with you. Above all, remember... this task and this moment is not something to just 'get through', but something to be savored in My presence. I will strengthen you... I will help you... for I am the God for whom nothing is impossible."

October 11, 1990

I need to remind myself daily that God's plans for me... in time... and for eternity... are "ever widening spheres of opportunity for exhilarating service, matchless adventure, sublime uncertainty, and boundless attainment."

These strong beliefs are things I cannot 'prove', but somehow 'know' to be true...otherwise, what is FAITH for???

March 14, 1994

Again I need to challenge myself to use my time wisely, remembering that in the business world, "It is not what you do, but what you get done that counts..." as it relates to my daily "to-do" list. Concentrate on staying focused and with the task until it is finished!

January 11, 1995

As I turned 50 two days ago, I wanted this to be a fresh start and make some changes in my life. Already, however, I find myself falling into the same patterns I don't like...
     1) over-committing my time
     2) overwork
     3) not allowing time for the things I really care about
     4) not allowing time for leisure and relaxation
     5) rushing
     6) little joy or happiness in what I do

If I feel my life is out of my control, who's fault is that? The environment? Other people? Could it be mine? There is always time to assert control and make different choices now! Just remember... don't be driven... drive!

February 16, 1995

I am working at taking the words "I should have", "I ought to", "I would have", or "I could have" out of my vocabulary. Whereas time is concerned, either "do it now" with joy, or embrace the joy of the moment as I schedule the task yet to be done. If we are "present-moment oriented" and thankful to God for the good things we have now, we find that we can be happy doing whatever the task is at hand.

August 20, 1995

"Father, I still seem to struggle with that feeling... a feeling I have had as far back as I can remember... of always feeling like there is not enough time to do what needs to be done, even in leisure. There seems to be so many things that I want to do that I can't seem to focus on any one thing. Help me to learn to rejoice in the fact that I have been given all the time there is... all twenty-four hours of every day... and to see that focusing on one thing is the only way to accomplish any task. Thank you for your gentle reminders."

June 22, 1997

I believe I might hear the Father saying to my heart...

"Dear one, remember that you have all the time you need to do what I hope for you to do with this day. Relax... enjoy... and let me help you focus as we savor these moments together. Whatever you are doing, let's lose ourselves in it together!"

October 3, 1997

To become more Christ-like... staying "in character"... doing as Christ would do... and to enjoy more of the tasks at hand, I will seek to move through each hour in a calm, unhurried, determined attitude, just as I believe Christ would do were He here beside me. I can imagine that He would be focused on and losing Himself in that one task. So, with each task, each day... one minute, one hour at a time... I will endeavor to lose myself in each priceless moment of the day, just as I believe Christ would do.

December 26, 1998

"To live well, live well today! You cannot live well tomorrow unless you practice living well today!"

The time you have today, right now, is the most important time you possess!

January 1, 2011

Random thoughtc as I contemplate my attitude toward Time in 2011…

1. To become more mindful of the gift of the Present, take a moment every hour just to look around in gratefulness… with all senses intensely attuned to everything about this present place and moment. Don’t miss NOW!

2. Trust the help of Jesus Christ who “was never in a hurry” and for whom “nothing was ever so important as the individual who chanced to be in his immediate presence”.

3. Change from a “TO DO” list, with its emotional baggage of “obligation”… to an “OPPORTUNITY” list.

4. Throughout all of the stages of Eternity, nothing will ever be more important than being fully invested in the ”Eternal Present” in which I find myself.   Thus, in God’s grand scheme, the “ordinary” is always waiting to become an awe-inspiring present moment experience of the ETERNAL NOW!

5. Jesus could live His life in the present moment of joyful, selfless service because of His absolute confidence that His future was held in the unwavering overcare of His loving and all-powerful Father.

March 25, 2011

Since my Heavenly Father continually and instantly fully understands my deepest heart and thoughts, words (and the time they take) are not always necessary if my focus is needed in a present activity. It can be enough to just lift a loving, longing, and thankful thought heavenward. I can be always assured of His tender constant whisper to my heart, “I Know”… for He always does truly understand. No passing of even one second is needed for such eternal transactions of faith.