October...

A brand-new month.  October.  As we turn the page and hide the cram-packed month of September, I cannot help but turn my thoughts to gratitude.  Gratitude in that the Lord helped me through a busy, busy month.  And gratitude that He has allowed me another day to serve Him.  

September was full of activities.

Travel out of town

A surprise birthday party

A sad goodbye 

A salad supper

Farmtastic

Assembling a gazillion invitations

A leisure weekend

Choir practice starting up again

A change in Sunday school roles

Many intense projects at work

A coffee outing with the girls

Jury duty

A haircut

All of these items took time.  I've been thinking a lot about my time and how I allocate my time.  Rushing from one event to another leaves little time for rest & true relaxation and it also leaves me vulnerable for coming unglued.

A September ended, I prayerfully made a resolution to keep my October from getting over-stuffed.  Before saying "yes" to anything, I am going to pray and consider each item.  I've asked the Lord to help me in this endeavor - as it is my natural response to say, "Yes" when I should maybe say, "No, thank you."   I have a tendency to get so wrapped up in wanting to be helpful that I forget that saying, "No" is equally helpful -- it's helpful to me.  Saying "No" allows someone else the opportunity to be a blessing.

How does my October look...
Week #1:  Ladies Bible study, dinner with a friend, and Christmas Cantata introduction party
Week #2:  Columbus Day holiday -> stamping with Nancy
Week #3:  My last sad goodbye & celebrating National Boss Day.
Week #4:  Stamping extravaganza @ the end of the week
Week #5:  Celebrate the beginning of November