Sabbatical Sunday: How I Combat The Summer Rush, Or Any Rush

It is such a busy and rushed world these days. Summer is now upon us, the kids are out of school and we have plans, plans, plans.

I raised my sons in a very rural part of Virginia. We were transplants and hadn't been there long. We didn't have a lot of connections or social engagements. A lot of our summers were spent doing very simple things. We took walks, we played with various toys, we listened to the insects singing in the evening and we had fun with the sprinklers and our dog. Many times, I let my oldest son go out into the rather thick woods next to our home, it was called 'Black Forest Estates' for good reason. He had many an adventure, but thankfully never got hurt.

All in all it was very relaxing. Don't get me wrong, we also had camp, play dates, baseball practice and other fun things. I'm just saying that every single section of our months weren't planned with big engagements and vacations.

When asked what his favorite part of the summers were, my oldest talks about the things above. He talks about when I spent time with him, his time having adventures in the woods and times spent together as a family.

Now he's in the National Guard at Officers Training School. And when he's done with his day, he likes to go and commune with nature. He loves hiking, hunting and fishing. All of these activities are done alone and in the quiet of nature.

I am an undiagnosed, but most likely ADD adult, who is very distracted by noises, comings, goings, hustle, and bustle. I must get away for a period of time each day to get a breather from it all. I have done this for a long time now, have made my own ritual. My dog, Evee, is an essential part of my present routine. I go on hikes with her, away from the well-traveled trails of the local park. We go out where fewer people venture. Less traveled, probably, because there is wild life and one can never predict what one will come upon when you're out so far. But my dog is a companion and she is a protector. We help each other. I walk her daily and she protects me as I take a few minutes in our travels to stop, sit, meditate and pray. It gives me strength and fuels my creativity and my plans. I know there is an inner voice that I am able to hear, listen to, and then to follow. A very wise man and esteemed apostle said:

If you don't have a time during your day to just stop and be at one with silence, with the intent to listen to your calm, still, inner voice, I highly suggest you try it. Try going out on a walk, in the early morning or late evening. Find a nice, quiet place to sit for a few minutes. If you aren't too distracted by things around your home, find a quiet place specifically for quiet reflection and meditation. Set it up with whatever you need to sustain calm, focused, thought. Spend at least 10-15 minutes thinking about calm things. Let the thoughts be healing and positive in nature. Focus on your relationship with God. Pray, if that is in your practice. You will be enriched after you make it a part of your routine. You will begin to crave it, because of the strength and focus it brings into your life.
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I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I rest, reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a short sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  Although I don't ask anyone to follow anyone else or promote, I'd love it if you'd leave a comment!  Of course anyone is more than welcome to check out the other links and sites!  That's what you do on a Sabbatical!

To Shine On! And #MyPostMonday Link-Up

Many of us love things that are pretty, shiny, and sparkly.  I know I do!  But I think that our inner glow is the thing that reflects light the most.  I believe that our souls reflect who we are.  When we can up the soul-light wattage, it is better than any fashion trick we can conjure up!  If we work at it, we can shine very brightly because we are reflecting light from within!  How do we do that?  By being true to ourselves and doing those things that attract light to our lives.  Here are a few things I thought of right away:

1) Read good books.  I like to read books that leave me with a good feeling.  I believe that what I read influences my thoughts and my feelings throughout the day.  If I read things that are really depressing and without any means of hope, I find myself thinking hopelessly.  


2) Stay positive.  The mind is so good at latching on to what we intentionally think and will attract positive influences, if that is what we so choose. I've used positive affirmations to stay positive and be more productive. I think it is worth the effort!  If nothing else, smile!  It releases endorphins!

3) Help those around you.  Once we help ourselves, we can then go beyond ourselves to spread light.  It is said that when you help others with something you know or have extra of, it helps you even more than the one you are helping!


4) Exercise daily.  Recently it was found that just 15 minutes per day of simple walking reduced the likelihood of getting a number of diseases by 25%!  Anything beyond that was minimal in comparison.  If you can't do more than 15 minutes per day, that's OK!  You've helped yourself immensely!


5) Eat good food.  Eat whole and stay away as much as possible from sugar, simple carbs and whatever else makes you feel bad.  Some people stay away from gluten, others shun dairy.  Know what foods you need and what foods hurt you.

6) Pray.  For yourself, for your loved ones, for those who have hurt you, for things that you need, for things that you want, for things that you believe in.  Prayer is a wonderful way for us to show faith and learn about the power of prayer in our lives:

 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.

 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.

  Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.

 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.

Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.

Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

  But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you. *

In this day and age, there are many things that could be, and are, troubling.  But we can alleviate so much by cultivating that inner light to guide us each and every day!  Be blessed!

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Welcome to #MyPostMonday! It's all about original content from bloggers who care to share what is on their minds--from Crafts to Camping, Wellness to Wealth, Fashion to Food, and whatever else is on the brain!  I open up with a post of my own and then follow it up with a linky of the week's best original content! It's all about what the writer thinks, believes, and knows. If I happen to find a great original, non-sponsored post, I'll link it up and share it with you here and on Twitter (maybe even Facebook and Instagram as well) via the #MyPostMonday hashtag!  It's like being featured!  I can miss some amazing posts, but I don't want to!  So, in addition, if you'd like to link up yourself while the linky is open that week, you can do that too!  I'll visit your site, comment, promote and publicize! Remember, any link to your posts helps your blog numbers increase! (Affiliate links welcome!                                                                                               *Alma 34:18-27, The Book Of Mormon, Another Testament Of Jesus Christ

Sabbatical Sunday Link-Up

Hello and welcome to Sabbatical Sunday!  I hope that your holidays are going well!  I am very happy with how mine have gone so far and am loving the rest and relaxation!

I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I rest, reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a short sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  Although I don't ask anyone to follow anyone else or promote, I will do that for up to 25 link-ups.  I will promote you on at least one of my Social Media sites.  I will try and link back to you so you'll know!  That's just 'cause I love you!  Of course anyone is more than welcome to check out the other links and sites!  That's what you do on a Sabbatical! 

Sabbatical Sunday Link-Up

I've changed the title to this link-up.  It used to be Sabbatical Sunday "Weekly" Link-up, but since I've totally missed posting it for 3 weeks in a row, I think it should be Sabbatical Sunday -Whenever I Get Around To It - Link-Up. 

But seriously, life just gets too crazy and I get too tired and then what goes out the window?  My blog.  I know, how am I ever going to be one of those big-income, big-time mom bloggers if I can't even stay current?  Just forget about it, I'm destined to be mediocre.  I need to embrace it.  Jesus loved the humble folks! 

I think our football season is just about done.  Timpview High School won their last play-off game.  Now it's the big one.  The state championship game is next week!  I'm so excited!  
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  I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays, including my blog.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I go to church, I reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  If you post a link, won't you take some time to check out the other links and follow, comment or share!   

Sunday Re-Cap

   This week has been crazy!  Some of the highlights were parent night at Timpview HS! The T-Birds have not lost a game yet, and after one final game, will be headed to the state play-offs.  They have won 10 state championships in a row, starting in 2004 and I hope that they continue the trend for at least one more year!  But my highlight was getting the flower from the coaches and having my son with me. 

   I had a walking date with a friend of mine who I've been wanting to get to know better for quite awhile.  She is so amazing!  She has a Brazilian resteraunt at the South Towne Mall.  I haven't tried it yet, but I know it's good because she is a wonderful cook!  We talked, laughed and had a great time.  I'm looking forward to trying it and coming back to tell you about it. 

   I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays, including my blog.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I go to church, I reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  If you post a link, won't you take some time to check out the other links and follow, comment or share!   

Sabbatical Sunday Weekly Link-Up

 I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays, including my blog.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I go to church, I reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  If you post a link, won't you take some time to check out the other links and follow, comment or share!  

Sabbatical Sunday Weekly Link-up

 

 I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays, including my blog.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I go to church, I reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  If you post a link, won't you take some time to check out the other links and follow, comment or share!  

Sabbatical Sunday Weekly Link-up

 I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays, including my blog.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I go to church, I reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!  If you post a link, won't you take some time to check out the other links and follow, comment or share! 

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Two Ways To Have More Faith In God

1) A simple admonition given by D. Todd Christopherson “Let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power." struck me.  How many times do we worry, fret and stew so much that we can do nothing else?  It's so unproductive!  Many times the best way we can know that God has been there for us is when we come up short but leave the rest in God's hands and somehow He comes up with the balance.   What a faith strengthener!  
Something very simple happened to me the other day, helping me to understand that.  I had misplaced my phone and had looked everywhere to find it.  It was like I had cut off my pinky finger!  I needed it badly.  I was immobilized without it.  Even my husband got involved looking for it.  Finally I asked him if we could say a prayer because I had looked everywhere that I knew.  So we did.  As we said the actual prayer, the thought of where I had last used the phone came to me and along with it, the place where I had left it.  It was really quite amazing! But the help came only after we had done everything we could do and came up short.  That is when we left it in God's hands. When I quit worrying and being frantic, the answers came.


2) "Everything that invites and entices us to do good comes from God."  -David Bednar.  Have you ever wondered if the thought or idea you just had is your own thought or did it just come from above?  Maybe you haven't prayed for awhile and all of a sudden you can hear your mother telling you to say your prayers, like she did when you were a child.  (If you were so fortunate!) 
 I believe that God uses others to deliver personal messages, in this case, through memories of one's own mother, to remind of things already known but forgotten along the way!  Why would He do anything else if we already have had or now have a good example in our lives? And it applies to us too! We can be angels to those around us if we keep our eyes open and an open heart.  Basically all good comes from God, so when in doubt ask yourself, is this something that is good?  Or is it selfish, prideful, or coercive?  If that is the case, chances are it isn't from God. 

An Amazing Example
 I have to think about Mariam Ibraheem, the Sudanese Christian woman who was held captive, sentenced to die for not converting to Islam.  She was married to an American and wanted to leave Sudan to be with him.  I don't believe in religious coercion and any person, group or organization who tries to force a religion on anyone else is plain evil in my book.  This woman was firm about her belief in Christianity and despite very difficult conditions, including lack of help from the U.S. government, held firm.  Her faith was amazing. She knew that being a Christian was what she wanted and that it was good.  So she held on to that belief.  Finally she was released, after giving birth to her baby boy in a filthy prison, with chains on her ankles, after being pressured by Islamic Imams to switch religions, and after looking death in the face. 
It is through examples like this that I look at myself and wonder just how strong I might be in similar circumstances and realize that I need to be more proactive in my stand for good.  And thus this post. 

Sabbatical Sunday - Taking A Break From The Routine!

I like to take a break from the regular routine on Sundays.  It gives me a chance to clear my head, re-set priorities and appreciate the many blessings I've been given.  I go to church, I reflect, and I try to find ways to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, Christian, and person.  Sundays are my day to take a sabbatical!  If you have a post that you'd like to share that is a little different from the ordinary weekday post, feel free to link up here!  We'd love to have you!