Hello,

I read somewhere once that if you want more time, do less. That sounded pretty simplistic, but when I stopped and thought about it I had to agree.

The biggest complaint most of us have nowadays is that we are just far too busy. Over the past few decades as women have added jobs and careers to already full family calendars, our time has become even more crowded. But we all have the same amount of time to use – only twenty-four hours a day. If we think of those hours as a container to be filled, it helps to visualize how our time is being used.

Consider that eight hours of the container are taken right off the top for sleeping. If you are not using at least eight hours for sleep, you are probably not taking good enough care of yourself. If you work at a job for eight hours you'll also have to add the time it takes to commute, so let's say that requires a half hour twice a day. We're now down to seven hours remaining.

When I was working at a job outside my home, it took me an hour and a half from the time I rolled reluctantly out of bed until I locked the house door to head off to work. So, I'm guessing it is about the same for most of us. From the time you walk back in the door after work it will likely take about two hours to prepare, eat and clean up after supper.

Now there are only four hours left in your container. During the week, these are the golden hours, the ones where time is discretionary. This is the time to do what really matters.

Several years ago, I was on a plane returning alone from Europe after a family tragedy. The long trip home afforded me the distance to view my own life with objectivity so I asked myself what I would like to change. Immediately it came to me that I was making much too large a sacrifice of my time and my life by serving on a couple of committees. I really wanted to read more and paint more. As an artist and writer, these were extremely important pursuits. As soon as I returned home, I resigned from those committees and never looked back. I knew that if I wanted more time for things that brought me joy and reflect my purpose in life, I had to do less of what did not.

This is the bottom line. We are free to choose how our time is spent. When we examine what really matters to us, it gives perspective. Are you spending your time on what really matters? Are you aware that life is precious and too short to waste on meaningless activities? Does how you fill your time also fulfill your life, or not? Choose wisely how you fill your time and you will never feel deprived of it.

During this Christmas season remember, if you want more time, do less of what does not give you joy and more of what does.

Many Blessings,

Wendy

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The Christmas Story

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. All returned to their own towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was obviously pregnant by this time.

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snuggly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, and angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid," he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!"

Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God:

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors."

When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had said.

From Luke Chapter 2, New Living Translation Bible.

May you have a wonderful and blessed Christmas filled with love and joy.

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To save time with holiday entertaining try my favourite dip recipe. It is quick and easy to make and receives rave reviews from guests every time.

Artichoke Dip

One can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup of mayonnaise
2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 small can green chilies

Mix ingredients together. Spoon into a small casserole dish or two onion soup bowls. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Serve hot or cold with crackers.

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