I thought I had the intentional living thing down as far as my schedule was concerned. I don’t have my 4 year old in any regular activities. The only thing we have scheduled is my Monday mom’s group because it helps keep me sane. We don’t run all over on play dates — there is PLENTY of unstructured free time.
So this month, I decided to undergo a self-imposed no-spend challenge. Between Christmas, our vacation & lack of good record keeping, I wanted to have a better idea of where we were financially. It’s hard to catch up when you are adding to the problem :). As a result, we haven’t gone out much. I mean, why bother? I can’t spend anything anyway.
Whilst, and at the same time this started (Muppets anyone?), I got an MP3 of Just Say No as part of the Gabby Mom’s program. Can you say brick? She said something that really struck me. She said that her husband told her to cut one of the co-ops, something she wouldn’t have even thought of being unnecessary. And it really got me thinking.
I realized that I’m not as good about being intentional with my time as I thought. In addition to spending money, I’ve been spending tons of time. Now that I’m not spending my time at a store, the house is clean & neat. As clean and neat as it can be with a one year old, anyway :). I don’t yell as much. I guide more. I’ve done homeschool work or fun projects with my daughter almost everyday. I’ve even been to the gym and we are getting rid of the cable AGAIN on Monday.
I seem to have found a natural rhythm to my days. I get up, eat, clean & shower (yes, usually in that order). We eat lunch. Itty bitty goes down for a nap. Lil’ Bit does school. Baby gets up and a little while later they are playing quietly together. I say my Rosary and then get a 10 minute cat nap. Then we read and play together until daddy gets home. It’s truly peaceful.
Do you crave more peace in your day? Check out Eternal Encouragement for resources like “Just Say No.”
Disclaimer: This post was written as part of the Gabby Mom Blogger program. I received a copy of the MP3 recording in exchange for an honest post. As always, all opinions are my own.
5 Comments on Just Say No {Gabby Moms}
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[…] What Matters in an Age of Distractions by Arthur Boers as a part of the Patheos Book Club. As I had mentioned earlier this month, I’m not as intentional, or as focused as I think I am or want to be. This book was a […]
Betsy Price
28 February 2012 at 7:44 PM (13 years ago)So cool how your been trying to live out the message of the MP3 even before you got it! What great confirmation.
Betsy Price´s last blog post ..March Calendar Celebrations
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Laurie
24 February 2012 at 8:16 AM (13 years ago)Intentional…..I need to be more intentional. This sounds like a much-needed message from Lorrie.
She does have a way of encouraging you right where you need it most, doesn’t she?!
-Laurie, a fellow Gabby Mom
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Cindy
23 February 2012 at 4:22 PM (13 years ago)Very clever how you linked in previous reviews 😉
Amazing how staying home more can bring some wonderful ‘time’ to our family
Great review THANKS
Cindy´s last blog post ..I survived day 1 of the 30 Day Shred Challenge……barely!
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Mukkove
19 February 2012 at 2:15 AM (13 years ago)What a wonderful picture of how our days can be meaningful if we focus on the blessings God has placed before us. Thank you for sharing.
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