What's Going On Here?

As you've probably noticed, I'm not content to set up my blogspot and then leave it alone.  When I put the picture of crafted halloween stuff at the top of my blog I thought it was seasonally cute.  But I got tired of it really quick.  Plus, it was directly oppositional to my philosophy of halloween. 

The traditional American halloween is alright for kids, you know, letting them have fun and getting an orange or black pumpkin full of treats that will most likely last till Christmas or Easter.

Several years ago I decided to adopt the more Christian observation of All Saints Day.  It's a time to remember the deaths of saints, known or unknown, in the Catholic Church.  As a protestant I have chosen to commemorate the deaths of martyrs of the Christian faith, as well as relatives and friends who have died. 

I still hand out treats to the cute trick or treaters.  Usually I try to find something other than candy to give them.  Microwave popcorn and bubble gum are popular as well as Hot Wheels and toys you can get in the party isle at Walmart.

Wikipedia has the history of Halloween which you can read by following this link  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

Getting back to my blogspot.  As in a lot of areas of my life, I get bored with the sameness of things.  Variety is the spice of life.  I wanted to share this quirk of mine with whoever reads my blog and wonders what's going on with all the changes. 

It might be my perfectionism that also motivates my tendency to change things around me.  If something on another blog catches my fancy I want to try it too.  I'm always looking for that "just right" addition that makes my blog a place I want to come back to again and again.

When I was in junior high and high school, which was when I finally had the "girl's room" to myself, I rearranged the furniture at least every other month.  It was a way of having a fresh start, a new perspective, a starting over, putting the past behind me.

I'm aware of the psychological possibility that it's easier to change things outside of myself rather than work at changing myself from the inside out.  However, God has placed just enough obstacles and/or trials in my life to necessitate change.  I'm not sure I like or understand His sense of humor.

Change is hard work, especially when I don't accept change and end up digging in my heels and resisting it.  Thank God for his patience, mercy, and grace. 

I sometimes make the mistake of thinking I've matured enough to accept that change is inevitable and I'm ready to go along with whatever surprises life throws at me.  Ha!  Then pride or fear rear up and bring me face to face with my human fallibility. 

Perhaps my resistance to change actually has a physical component to it which would explain the chronic pain in my feet.  (You're supposed to laugh with me here, but perhaps it's too relevant to be a joke).

My friend, Red, likes to say, "The only constant in life is change."  So, we might as well get used to it, right?  Recently this came to my attention about change:  Change is inevitable [Red is right]...you can either roll with it or be rolled over by it.  Choose the former. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Philippians 4:13

But there is one sure thing, in a world of change and shifting foundations, we can have security in "Jesus Christ [who] is the same yesterday, today, and forever."  Hebrews 13:8.  He never changes.

Time for...what?

Has it really been over a week since I posted?  Time seems to slip through my fingers like falling leaves.  Only sometimes time slipping by isn't as colorful as the beautiful leaves. 

I can't get my "act" together like I used to. In the good old days I kept a calendar/planner which helped me manage my time faithfully.  But when I had to quit working sooner than I had planned my time management slowly fell apart.  Now, I can't seem to keep up.

I know I've slowed down considerably, physically that is.  My mind still goes 199 miles or more a minute.  This keeps me from settling down and focusing on one thing at a time.  My body isn't keeping up with my mind like it used to.  


(http://www.bling.com/  Search "time")

Do I need more motivation or do I need less things to do?  What am I going to cut out?  Writing and reading blogs?  Don't want to.  Cook less?  I'm already doing as little as possible, especially when hubby is on the road most days.  Less T.V.?  Not a problem as I rarely watch most of that stuff and nonsense anyway.  Visit my grandchildren less?  No way!  Shopping is hardly a problem as it wears me out after an hour or two.

I'm considering a dishwasher would help me save time.  I could certainly get more time for what I enjoy doing if I had a housekeeper to clean, cook, and load the dishwasher (if I had one).  Our granddaughter is too young and my daughter is expecting her fourth and doesn't have the time. 

I must give my hubby a lot of credit.  He helps as much as he can on the days he doesn't have sales appointments.  I enjoy making meals when I know he's going to be home for them.  Soon we'll be getting a freezer, and I'm looking forward to cooking ahead and freezing casseroles, bread, and desserts that can be warmed up quickly for our meals or for guests.

Something I've always thought would help me be more efficient and give me more time is decluttering our home.  Getting rid of stuff and nonsense that needs cleaning, moving around, or is lost when I'm looking for it would free up time to do more enjoyable things.  But decluttering takes time.  When would I do it?




(http://www.justkidsstore.com/prod/bon-bebe/hurry-up-i-m-late-for-my-nap-onesie/white via http://www.bing.com/

 

When my thoughts start going around in circles and too much stuff and nonsense starts cluttering my mind I feel like the best action I can take is to lie down and take a nap till it all goes away!  Did I just hear a collective gasp?  I'm just kidding, of course.  Altho' I could probably take less naps...but what would there be to look forward to?