Making a List & Checking it Twice
As I sit here writing this blog post on the 24th of November, the realization hits me that a month from tonight is Christmas Eve! Can you believe it??
Honestly, I'm not sure I set out to do any of these things this weekend, but yesterday, after a four hour ride home from visiting with family over Thanksgiving, I unpacked my luggage, and then just started decorating the house. That wasn't my intention when I woke up that morning. lol. And then today, because of the pleasant temperatures outside, my husband took advantage and decorated the outside of the house.
There is definitely something to be said for just going with the flow. If you're a procrastinator, just diving into something without extensive planning or forethought is a great motivator to complete the task. Once your in it, you realize, this isn't so bad.
As my husband and I have gotten older, we tend to take a go with the flow attitude on vacation. Instead of planning every detail of every day, we just wake up and let the day lead us wherever it takes us. It's much less stressful that way because you don't have predetermined expectations.
Apparently I'm becoming more easygoing with age. lol.
My 80-year-old dad said something to me the other day that made me laugh. When I said to him, "it's just so good to be here", he responded, "its good to be anywhere!". Haha! A lighthearted approach to advancing age. :-) Although, I'm pretty sure my dad is in waaaay better shape then I am. He could run circles around me! lol.
Now I haven't totally lost my senses where I go with the flow with everything. lol. I am a list-maker by nature born out of being a results oriented person. I will write lists when I have a lot to do in preparation for an event at my home, and gain much satisfaction as each item is checked off completed.
Packing lists are a great way to keep from becoming overwhelmed before a trip. I know once I have my packing list established, I can relax. The packing is then easy because the list guides me along and keeps me free from worry that I will forget something.
Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
Proverbs 21:5 MSG
As God's Pilgrims on earth, we are sojourners passing through until that great day when we cross the River Jordan into the Good Country where we will meet Jesus face to face.
In the meantime, this pilgrimage is a lifelong trip. One that could lead to trouble if we adopt a go with the flow attitude where self rules...
There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him,
but at the end of it is the way of death
Proverbs 14:12
Or one that is lived out in great joy when it seeks the Lord's wisdom at every turn and follows the great Lists written out by the Lord where His love provides the means for our obedience when we trust in Him.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
If we were to compartmentalize the Bible into lists, we would see...
A list of the many ways God loves us
A list of the many ways God provides for us
A list of the many victories God has won for us
A list of the many ways we are to obey God
A list of the many sins God warns us about
A list of the many ways God is merciful to us
A list of the many ways God shows His grace to us
A list of the many ways God is faithful to us
A list of the many ways God gifts us
A list of the many miracles God has performed
A list of the many ways God is patient with us
A list of the many ways God banishes our fear
A list of the many ways God brings us peace
A list of the many ways God heals us
And a list of God's great and many promises
The Bible contains the ultimate culminating lists for life and living. When we follow God's Word and let it guide our lives, we won't be anxious for anything because we are resting in the confidence of the Author and Perfecter of our Faith.
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Truth spoken here.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda, Amen!
DeleteBlessings,
I am 55 now and trying to find a balance between going with the flow and doing enough planning so that things don't all fall apart. I find I am a bit more stressed about planning things now than I used to be.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to that too! But it seems the Lord has been putting me in situations lately where my husband and I are in a role of needing to take the lead in hosting fellowship times and through those experiences, the Lord is loosening me up and showing me, "He's got this." :-)
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by and for your honesty.
So encouraging to visit with you today, sweet friend. We, too, have gotten to where we travel very slowly and just allow God to lead the day as He chooses. We sort of have to do that and pace ourselves, due to health issues. I think we do mellow and slow down as we age, maybe it is mostly out of necessity, but it sure does relieve a lot of stress when we just learn to go with the flow. I look at life now and then compare it to how it was ten years ago, and I see SO much simplification and peace that has taken place. Thank the dear Lord for that. I hope you are enjoying this Christmas season to the full, and trust the Lord will bless you abundantly! Sending much love and many hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Sweet Friend, Oh I've missed my visits to your precious blog! Things are finally calming down, and I will be catching up on all that I've missed. I can't wait! :-)
DeleteI think you're right, it probably is out of necessity that we slow down and go with the flow. And as you state, the Wisdom to look in the rearview mirror and learn from it.
I start an Advent devotional today and I can't wait! I already have everything done for Christmas prep and can now just enjoy the Lord Jesus during this Advent season.
I trust you are enjoying it as well and that the Lord will bless you and your special family beyond measure.
Sending you lots of love!
Hi Karen ... yep, I'm a list maker from long time back. But you're right, the older I get, the less urgent life seems and the more I'm prone to go with the flow. In the light of eternity, only a few things are needed.
ReplyDeleteBless you ...
Hi Linda,
DeleteIndeed, in the light of eternity, all we need is Jesus.
Thanks so much visiting.
Blessings,
I love your lists from God! I'm a list maker and love it when I don't lose the list! God is always on time, we are the ones with fast watches! (my mentor told me that one!) Blessings, sue
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, So very true! Great words of wisdom from your mentor!
DeleteThanks for visiting.
Blessings,
I'm definitely a list maker but I think these are the best lists of all! Thank you for the inspiration and blessings to you this Advent season.
ReplyDeleteHi Marva, Amen!
DeleteYou are very welcome. It was so nice to have you visit! :-)
Blessings,
I would love to start making lists and working more diligently to fulfill goals. This post really inspired me. Thanks for linking up with us at the #LMMLinkup.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I'm glad you found inspiration here! :-)
DeleteYou are very welcome.
Thanks for stopping by. :-)
I so really love your list of the Bible, which is also many things to be thankful for. I may need to print that out if you don't mind as a good reminder of all the lists of blessings in the Bible. Great idea. I've always been one to be organized in my un-organization. When I worked, in comparison to my friend's desk who was very neat and tidy with her organization, she use to comment on how she never understood how I knew what I was doing. I guess I had to have it in front of me to see it or I would not have accomplished all that needed done in a day. I'm the same at home, but I do also make lists. Love your dad's quote. Since beginning my 70's, I also am glad to be anywhere, and am thankful everyday to God for my wake up. lol
ReplyDeletePeabea, Indeed, you are so right, all things to be thankful for. Of course! That's a great idea actually to print it out.
DeleteMy co-worker and I were the complete opposites. My desk is neat and tidy, and she has piles of papers everywhere, but she knows EXACTLY where everything is. She calls it controlled chaos and it works for her. lol.
I always enjoy your visits. Thanks for stopping by. :-)
Thanks for sharing this encouragement at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
ReplyDeleteTina
Hi Tina, You are welcome!
Delete