From Distraction to Order
August 6, 2009 : Filed under Mentoring, Women in Leadership
Beba Schlottmann
Some years ago I wrote a poem about distractions. At the time I was in the middle of a busy schedule and felt as if I was going to lose my mind. Instead of lashing out at those around me out of frustration or having a breakdown, I put my thoughts to ink and paper. Journaling has proven to be a helpful approach for me during times of stress over the years.
It is amazing how much you can encourage yourself by simply taking time to organize the thoughts and emotions that could easily influence how you deal with life. When you have order in your life things seem to fall into place and God’s voice is clearer. But let’s be honest, order does not come easily for those of us who are constantly on the go.
I do not claim to have a magical prescription for a stress-free life, but here are my top five suggestions for a more stress-free daily routine:
Do not neglect your devotional time. You can do all things through Christ and He is more than willing to help you get through everything but you need to spend time with Him for guidance, direction, and order. I cannot think of a more peaceful time than when I am at the feet of the Master enjoying His presence.
Work on a personal schedule. If you work on getting yourself on a schedule, you will find things will slowly become less chaotic in every aspect of your life. There are many ways to develop a schedule. Choose a system such as a calendar, day planner, cell phone (many cell phones now have calendar and organizational software), among others. I meet regularly with my family to schedule chores and important dates. I thoroughly go through the calendar in order for everyone to understand what my time limitations will be at specific times, and it helps keep everyone on task.
Ask for help. One thing we fail to do many times is simply to ask for help. If you have older children living at home, have them help younger ones in order to free you up for other things that need to get done. Train your older children to cook, wash, and do things that usually super mom is expected to do. Ask friends to come and help with one-time big projects (you will be surprised how much people enjoy helping out each other). Ask your husband to help lighten the load without adding more stress to his own schedule. Remember, the point is to have order not chaos.
Take regular time-outs. Do not just take a time out when you feel upset or overwhelmed, but make it a habit. Take time out just to be by yourself for the purpose of doing absolutely nothing but relaxing.
Have fun! Who says your daily schedule has to be all work and no play? When I do my least favorite chore (laundry), I put on rocking music and sing along. I even throw in a few dancing moves here and there! You could put in your ear piece and make phone calls while you clean house–that is the hitting two birds with one stone approach.
Meditate on these scriptures as you develop your schedule:
Psalm 18:32
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
Psalm 22:19
But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
Distractions
Beba Schlottmann
Distractions, distractions, distractions
Just like yesterday, they are here again
No matter the time of day, shape or form
They’ll drag me out of my comfort zone
A needy friend that just couldn’t wait
A pile of bills that must be paid
Loud sounds from my neighbor’s stereo
My children starving for my attention
Distractions, distractions, distractions
Today I’m lacking compassion
Throughout the day and in the night
I’m yelling quietly in my mind
Should I disappear while doing errands?
Seems unfair to give in to daily demands
What if there’s something lacking in me?
If I sift through the chaos, what would I see?
Distractions, distractions, distractions
Is the static a reminder to take action?
What if by giving my time away
I’m helping someone on the way?
Though there are things I can’t control
Those I can, I must
I’m learning to stand still and know
To recognize the voice that calms my storms
Keeping the Tongue in Check
June 29, 2009 : Filed under Seasons of Life, Women in Leadership, Workplace
Beba Schlottmann
Nothing will tarnish your testimony more than engaging in back-stabbing gossip and slander with co-workers. I recall one of my husband’s assignments to minister at a church–we had just been hired and were having lunch with the staff. The pastor could not come with us so for the entire meal we listened to the staff members talk about their pastor. It was the most uncomfortable experience I’ve had.
My husband and I could not get up and leave because we had ridden with some of those attending so we were at their mercy. However, after a while of complete silence from both of us it finally dawned on them what was happening. They changed the subject and we finished our meal. I tell you though, the damage was done. We felt detached from this group of people for the first few years of our ministry at that location. It took a long time for them to gain our trust.
A word of advice, don’t gossip! It affects the people you talk about, but it also affects those around you and your image and testimony. Most of all, it brings shame to the gospel of Christ.
Politics in the Workplace
June 9, 2009 : Filed under Seasons of Life, Women in Leadership, Workplace
Beba Schlottmann
Avoiding office discussions on politics these days can be hard to do with all the attention our government is getting. Politics is one of those discussions that can lead to arguments which can cause bad blood between co-workers and make the workplace a dreadful place each day. Try to focus conversations on subjects that will encourage and inspire people. There is nothing wrong with having challenging discussions among colleagues, but know how far you need to take your conversations and when to draw the line.
