When I look at my calendar it scares me.  Actually, it doesn't.  I am thankful that I have a calendar to help me to schedule myself.  I have been so busy with many things lately it isn't funny.  On top of all the things scheduled on my calendar many unexpected things have been thrown in.  Just two weeks ago I was to be at four different places at the same time.  Impossible yes, but I did manange to cancel one thing, get a substitute for another, my son went to the third to represent the rest of the family and then I went with my husband and daughter to the last event.  It took some doing by I managed to get organized and have an enjoyable time.  My main thing is that I have to learn to say, "NO".  I go on guilt trips and I have got to STOP and think.  I need to pray and not just ask, "What would Jesus do, but does God want me to do."

At this time I am a little overwhelmed and it is for many reasons but a main reason is because I feel that guilt feeling.  I teach and work with children at a couple of MOPS groups.  I also help in our church nursery, lead in our local AHG troop, teach during woman's Bible study and homeschool my kids.  I started helping with the one Mops group because I thought I would enjoy it, and I do, and to help make a little extra money.  Well, I then took on a 2nd MOPs group and then a Women's Bible study.  I got a phone call yesterday from yet another MOPS group.  I had to politely turn them down.  I did give them references.  I felt bad but then after my day yesterday was done I thanked the Lord that I didn't feel guilty and felt I did the right thing.  I plan on finishing out the 10 weeks of the Women's Bible study and I know they mentioned me coming back in January when they start again but I'm am seriously thinking about NOT.  I will continue the MOPS. They don't meet everyweek and they aren't as stressful.  I teach 3 year olds at one and take care of 1 year olds at the other. 

I need to focus on "ME" a llittle more.  I am finding that in scheduling on my calendar there is no time for "ME".  Now I don't want this to sound selfish but I got to thinking.  With no "ME" time then what good am I.  I need time to refocus and regroup.  I am no good to anyone if I am run down, worn out and overwhelmed.  I am finding that even though I do good things in the church I have little time for God.  I do read my Bible but I have put it aside to let other things be put into the forefront too often.  I need time for "ME" so I can read my Bible and reflect on what I read.  I need time to take care of my personal needs, such as a good long soak in the tub so I can re-focus and clear my head.  I need time to relax in the evenings so I can get a good nights sleep.  I need time to spend time taking care of myself and my family.  I am still working on the re-organization and I had to put a lot off because of the many things that took place this summer. 

I have stained my front porch and painted the face plate.  I have put away some of my dad's things that I brought home with me.  I have been reorganizing my school room.  I have moved some furniture in my ohter rooms.  I am getting ready to re organize the closets.  I have also been working in the garage and basement.  I do have the help of my family on most things.

I have many things going on on my calendar like the schooling, MOPS and the childcare for the women's Bible study.  I also have my AHG meetings and next weekend I will have a group of girls camping out at my place, the next weekend we are attending a PJ party for AHG and the girls will be working the awards ceremony plans (which I am in charge of), the following weekend some of my husbands relatives are planning a visit (they have never been to this house, and we have lived here two years and they have only been to our old house about 6 times in 25 years with the last time being for about 2-3 hours in 2005), then we have the AHG awards ceremony.  Needless to say I am keeping my November as free as possible.  My plan for November is to only do the things I have already committed to EXCEPT for one thing.  That this is my son's EAGLE ceremony.  It will either be in November or early December.  I haven't decided yet.  I am looking forward to it but it will be a lot of work to prepare so I need some free time to prepare for it.

I need some "ME" time.  We all do.  I don't think it is being selfish but necessary.  I hope you all can find some "ME" time.  I will work on this and let you know later how it is working.