{Hope for the Home}: Taming the Worry Monster

Click image to download. Keep card with you as a daily reminder.

Hi, my name is Melanie. I am a wife and mom who loves to belly-laugh and savor each moment of this precious life. I write at Only A Breath to encourage others and share the hope of God's unfailing love.... and as far back as I can remember, I've been a worrier.

When I was younger, I would worry about school, or homework, or problems with friends, or ... boys. I always thought I would outgrow the worry habit when I was older and more mature. It only made sense that as my life matured, the worry would cease. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

You see, as adults we just have different -- and often more serious -- issues to worry about. Now, the worry monster creeps up and wants to whisper in my ear about work deadlines, comparisons to other women, concerns over my children's safety, and so many more.

I used to think that worry was no big deal... I mean, it's not like worry is a SIN, right?

Yes, sweet friend, I think it is...

When we worry, essentially we are claiming control of a situation, be it real or imagined. We roll the situation around in our mind, knead it as if a ball of homemade bread dough, and take ownership of it. In this, we tell the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth that we don't really need his help yet.

We've got this.

We keep God on standby just in case things get a little crazy, but overall, we cling to our worries and refuse to share them with the Father. Things are that bad yet, so why bother God, right?

May I whisper a truth to you that has opened my eyes? God doesn't want us to wait until our worries hit emergency status. He wants us to pray every day and pour out our hearts to Him.

"... for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him..." ~ Matthew 6:8

I have felt very convicted in my life of guarding my worries as fiercely as precious valuables. It amazes me that worry, like cancer, eats away at my heart and life, and instead of wanting to rid myself of it, I cling tightly to my worry.. as for dear life.

Would we cling so tightly to any other disease?

I challenge each of us, myself at the top of the list, to give our worries to God. He already knows what they are, and He also knows the bigger picture! He desires that we come to Him to acknowledge our need and admit our complete dependence on Him. Could we take this step together?

God already knows what tomorrow holds. Let's hold to His hand and we step into tomorrow, knowing that God has all of our worst fears and concerns in His control.

... because they weren't really in our control to begin with.

{Free Friday}: Weekly Organizer

I have seen an endless amount of {free} printables floating around blogland over the past week that are designed to help you organize something.

It's that time of year where people are trying to set goals, make a fresh start and follow-through on their new year's resolutions.

So, whatever it is that you are trying to organize right now, I guarantee you there is a chart out there to help you.

I have seen everything from small business checklists to wedding planners to calendars to organizational charts. You name it, there is a resource out there to help you organize it.

My personal favorite is this weekly planner designed by my friend Melanie at Only a Breath...

You can download it for free here.

The planner is formatted to be 5 x 7 inches to print and tuck into your regular planner or attached to your refrigerator, whatever works for you! You will need the free Adobe Reader to print it because it is formatted as a .pdf file.

It allows you to set a few manageable goals each week and to make a list of things that you need to accomplish. You can also check off the {exercise} box each day that you workout, to make sure that you reach your weekly number of workouts goal. You can even check off a {drop of water} each time you drink a glass of water so that you get in your 8 glasses a day. There is a place for you to check off the important {homemaker} type stuff so that your meals get planned and your house stays cleaned, without you getting overwhelmed. And best of all, there is a place for you to write down which memory verse you are going to focus on that week as a reminder of something you are struggling with, a truth you want to focus on or in order to memorize it.

I love it! It includes all of the things that I need to accomplish each week to ensure that my home is happy and healthy, physically and spiritually. And it is great follow-up to our 25 Days of Fitness journey, to help us continue the journey.

If you want some accountability on memorizing those verses or on incorporating some bible study into your life, be sure to follow along with Melanie at Only a Breath, as she strives to memorize 2 bible verses a month and as she hosts an online bible study. Be sure to let her know that I sent you!

I hope 2012 is off to a great start for you!

Do you have or have you seen any great organizational printables out there that you can share with us? Feel free to leave a comment with your link.