Yesterday…feedburner (the service that handles my blog subscriptions) mysteriously sent out an email saying that I had posted…which I hadn’t. When it was brought to my attention my first thought was – Is someone “hacking” into my blog and getting ready to send out some evil or ugly post to my subscribers which now number close to 600? I quickly logged into my wordpress account and could not find any evidence of foul play. Then I thought perhaps one of my kids accidentally got on to my blog site and hit “publish” of a non existent post. Of course this is a real possibility as I have posted from every computer that has ever been in this house and have saved my log in information on them all…even baby Daniel could probably randomly hit the right keys and pull off an empty post being sent. (after all he is brilliant!) Or perhaps it was just some glitch in the feedburner system? Who knows.
Update– Just as I was about to post today, my feedburner account once again sent out an email today with one of the last posts I had wrote over two weeks ago – yikes! What is happening?? Does my awesome personal “IT” guy, Jeff have any thoughts – or any others out there who might be able to give me any ideas as to what is happening?
Either which way….it made me desperatly long to spend some long overdue time blogging. You see, I love to write. I love to inspire, encourage and bless others. I love to challenge peoples thinking. I love to share bits and pieces of my unique life (complete with photos). I love to make a positive difference in lives. In fact, besides public speaking, writing is one of my greatest passions. On top of that, without sounding presumptious – I believe it is my calling and that I have been gifted by God in this area.
Why then have I not written in over two weeks? If I really truly love to do this and feel it is a calling and gift, then why am I not doing it? I could throw out the time factor – after all I am the mother of seven (who are currently playing on five different sports teams, one is rehearsing several times a week for a major musical, three of them are being homeschooled and I have a 17 month old that is in himself a “full time job” – as are all toddlers!) , I am working from home at my Creative Memories home business and putting in over 20 hours a week for JECHS, leading a homeschoolco-op, managing our home, helping out friends in need yada yada yada … (not trying to get into the boring “I am so busy” wars)
But I have NEVER really bought into the “I don’t have time” excuse. We all have time. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. We all choose what to do with that time and how we choose – is a dead give away as to what our true priorities are. So I must say that writing, inspiring and motivating through this blog has simply not been a priotity as of late.
Well even as I write that, it doesn’t settle well with me. (as in I have to say – ouch!) This is a priority in my life and therefore I need to carve out the time to just do it. (Just as I do my other priorities – my relationships with the Lord, my dear darling husband, my children, friends & family and my personal passions and pursuits)
What about you? Are there things in your life today that you say are priorities but that you are not putting time into? Are you using the “I just don’t have the time” excuse? Perhaps we should replace the often used excuse of “I just don’t have time”, to the reality – “This is just not a priority”. And if that statement stings a bit – then perhaps it is time to reevaluate where your are spending one of your most precious resources – your time!
Inspire Ministries 
actually it was your blog and Barbara’s at Mommy Life that inspiredme to blog, now I am addicted to it but I know what you mean.
I hate to use the “I don’t have time” excuse but find that I use it on something that should be a priorty to me – MYSELF.
I take bird baths because I don’t have time.
I barely brush my hair because I don’t have time.
I rush through my homework because I don’t have time.
etc, etc., etc.,
and now expecting baby No. 6 I will continue to put this stuff on hold.
I am trying to get better at it but it is so difficult – I promise myself I will do better! Yes! I will do better!!
Well put! And exactly what I needed to hear today.
I’m a writer and haven’t been writing – haven’t prioritized it high enough on the list of to-do’s. And there’s no excuse, especially after reading your to-do list 🙂
Thanks for the helping me see where I need to spend my time – and why.
Oh have I said that to myself this week. I seem to be taking care of so many people my family and also about 5-9 other children on any given day at the end of my day after picking up the house the last thing I want to do is go get on my treadmill which i need to do so badly I was in a great habit, but have recently ran out of time and motivation because I am just to tired!! I need to make the time 1/2 hour early in the morning just been putting it off..thanks so much for this word I needed someone to kick my bottom in gear and make time for me to make me a healthy mom and wife :)!! I always look forward to your Blog please dont ever stop writing it is truely a GIFT from God..just waiting for a BOOK :)!!!!!!
Time…interesting subject to come up. We are starting a new Veggie Connection Sunday School Quarter entitled: The Time Connection and the Memory Verse is Psalm 90:12 – “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
“Time” has taken a new meaning with me since I was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer and I’m 7-days on the other side of my 1st treatment! I’ve found this week that I can’t do everything I did just 7 days ago but I’m learning that’s o.k. There is a “time for everything” To me I’m learning to “listen” and then to follow what I sense at that time.
I’m finding that time with God, husband, calling or emailing family/friends about my condition are top priority-they are my cheering squad, my prayer partners-I need them. My job, being a pastor’s wife and CM have to fit in there as well but that’s where my obedience needs to come into play. Someone told me, ‘I give you permission to not….this week.” I needed to hear that. I needed to release that “to-do” item and realize something else was more important—me, and my resting!
I have the same 24-hours as the next person but now it seems that it’s not how “much” I get done as was it the “right” thing I got done? I’ve gained a lot of “wisdom” this past week and I have a feeling there’s more on the way!
“Life is fragile, handle with prayer.” Blessings –
mom how do you think of these
things to talk about
“I don’t have time” places blame outside. “I don’t make time” put the blame on the inside and is more uncomfortable. I am a recovering “Yes”-sayer. I tend to get excited about things, over-commit, then have difficulty prioritizing. A few years back, I came upon this phrase, which helped put things into perspective (it might have even been from one of your old Monday Motivation emails, Beth!):
“Say, ‘No’ to the good so you can say, ‘Yes!’ to the best!”
This phrase has really helped me. Before making a new commitment, I ask myself if this is the best opportunity NOW and the best use of my precious time NOW. I also think about what I need to give up to make room for saying yes, be that personal time or another activity. I believe that I *can* do it all, I just can’t do it all all at the same time!
I am also very thoughtful and clear about the length of time I am committing. No open-ended committee commitments for me! I tell them up front, “I am trying this for a year,” or however long my commitment is. In this way, people know they are getting my full energy and attention for that time frame, but do not expect me to continue on. Or if they DO expect me to continue on for some reason, I can leave that commitment without guilt.
Good thoughts Debbie. I agree with you and love how you stated it. Go for it!