...are super cute, but just as difficult to photograph!!!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Press On
"Don't let the struggle define you; use your true identity to properly define your struggle. Make your adversary your friend. Let it help you prove who you are rather than deplete you and drag you along its path of despair. Make your overwhelming project your friend. Let it teach and strengthen you rather than control you."
(Self Talk, Soul Talk - Jennifer Rothschild)
"Recognize that who you are and what you struggle with are not the same thing."
(Self Talk, Soul Talk - Jennifer Rothschild)
(Self Talk, Soul Talk - Jennifer Rothschild)
"But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way." (Hebrews 10:39 MSG)
"Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries."
-James Albert Michener
-James Albert Michener
"For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised."
(Hebrews 10:36 AMP)
*all photos were taken Labor Day weekend 2011*
Saturday, September 17, 2011
For Such a Time as This
"Each soul is like a carefully wired circuit breaker that can function splendidly when operating according to its design but which, when overloaded, crackles with the sparks and shorts of a system bearing more than it can hold." -Rob Schwarzwalder
I tripped an emotional breaker last weekend. It was not good, friends. The 8-hour work days lasted about two days and by last Friday I was back up to 10 hours. I ended up going to the office Saturday and Sunday as well, so I worked a record 11 days in a row. I was under a lot of pressure because of a huge deadline that someone else had failed to prepare for, and I was so mentally, physically, and emotionally drained that I was not functioning well. It was one of those times that felt like the whole world was falling apart.
God reminded me that it was just a season; since He called me to this place, I was exactly where He wanted me to be. "And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?" (Esther 4:14) This company needs me right now and without my commitment and sacrifice, it would not be able to run smoothly. I was well aware that I was sacrificing for the greater good, and I may not ever be rewarded here on this earth, but I have an eternal treasure in heaven which can never be destroyed.
God also used this experience to help me realize that I am burned out. Burnout is defined as "a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding situations." I have been in this situation for a long time, but working overtime since July has been the final blow that caused several meltdowns. It made me aware of the vital necessity of rest.
How providential that the chapter I am reading this week in "Self Talk, Soul Talk" is about this very thing. Jennifer Rothschild made a statement that has echoed in my heart because it is so true of me. "I have always had trouble saying no because I don't like to let anyone down. But in saying yes too often, I let myself down." She references Rick Warren's formula for rest: Divert daily. Withdraw weekly. Abandon annually.
I must work on implementing this in my life if I want to avoid more meltdowns and burnout. There will be seasons of stress, like this summer. But there is always hope on the horizon: business usually slows down for us in the winter so it is only a matter of time. I had a ray of hope yesterday when I got to take off work early (of course, I already had my 40 hours in anyway!). This weekend I am trying to recuperate and get back on track with my housework, checkbook, etc. I think the next couple weeks will be better.
I tripped an emotional breaker last weekend. It was not good, friends. The 8-hour work days lasted about two days and by last Friday I was back up to 10 hours. I ended up going to the office Saturday and Sunday as well, so I worked a record 11 days in a row. I was under a lot of pressure because of a huge deadline that someone else had failed to prepare for, and I was so mentally, physically, and emotionally drained that I was not functioning well. It was one of those times that felt like the whole world was falling apart.
God reminded me that it was just a season; since He called me to this place, I was exactly where He wanted me to be. "And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?" (Esther 4:14) This company needs me right now and without my commitment and sacrifice, it would not be able to run smoothly. I was well aware that I was sacrificing for the greater good, and I may not ever be rewarded here on this earth, but I have an eternal treasure in heaven which can never be destroyed.
God also used this experience to help me realize that I am burned out. Burnout is defined as "a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by long-term involvement in emotionally demanding situations." I have been in this situation for a long time, but working overtime since July has been the final blow that caused several meltdowns. It made me aware of the vital necessity of rest.
How providential that the chapter I am reading this week in "Self Talk, Soul Talk" is about this very thing. Jennifer Rothschild made a statement that has echoed in my heart because it is so true of me. "I have always had trouble saying no because I don't like to let anyone down. But in saying yes too often, I let myself down." She references Rick Warren's formula for rest: Divert daily. Withdraw weekly. Abandon annually.
I must work on implementing this in my life if I want to avoid more meltdowns and burnout. There will be seasons of stress, like this summer. But there is always hope on the horizon: business usually slows down for us in the winter so it is only a matter of time. I had a ray of hope yesterday when I got to take off work early (of course, I already had my 40 hours in anyway!). This weekend I am trying to recuperate and get back on track with my housework, checkbook, etc. I think the next couple weeks will be better.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
miles to go before i sleep
"...The woods are lovely, dark, and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
~Robert Frost
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Someone sent me a smile
Apparently my coworkers have noticed that I haven't been smiling as much lately. One of them sent flowers to me and the other secretary to cheer us up last week. How kind!
I did get to take a full lunch break today which hasn't happened in months; it was quite nice. It feels good to get back down to only 8 hours a day. We shall see if it lasts all week!
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