My apologies for not getting the blogs up last week. I won't bore you with excuses, the fact is I didn't plan and prepare well last weekend. This lack of attention spilled into the week. In addition to my four cooking classes, two workouts at the gym, working 5 days, and the everyday items...I failed to get everything done.

This past weekend I had a choice, get my act together or spend another week chasing my lists and struggling with time management. Since you are readinig this blog, you know the road I chose. I opted to dedicate time on Sunday afternoon to write and schedule my blogs. I recorded and scheduled my podcasts for the week. I organized my list and agendas for each day of the week, and geared up for the last full week of school before Thanksgiving break. It was a productive, and relaxing, weekend.

Next month, or early January, my first devotional releases! I'm so excited! In order to maintain healthy sleep and exercise habits, a successful Independent consultant with Epicure, lead an Advent Bible study, work on my next couple books, and work full-time...I MUST GET ORGANIZED, and stay this way.

Here are some of the things I do to maintain organization on a daily basis, and especially when life is crazy busy. Feel free to use any or all of them, or skip over and share your own in a comment. During this time of unknowns, it's a great time to share, encourage, and help others.

• Daily Lists (prioritized and color coded)
• Reminders on my phone for the important/MUST DO items
• Scheduled time to relax (read, sew, crochet)
• Work Time blocks  (Epicure business, writing, editing)
• Exercise 3-4 times a week
• 7 -8 hours a sleep a night
• Learning to say no when asked to do something that doesn't fit in schedule
• Ask for help/delegate when possible

I didn't get to specific so you can make it your own. One thing with getting, and staying, organized is to have a plan that works for you. What works for me may not work for you but sometimes we need to try different things to truly figure it out. I have a book that might help you figure out how to set your goals and reach them, click her to learn more. Good luck! The first step is to put a plan into action. It might not work but until you try, you won't know how to revamp and modify to fit your needs. You can do this!

Last week's podcast message talked about goals and desire. This week I focus on thankfulness and where are we directing our gratefulness. I noticed a recurring theme over the past two weeks.

The theme of seeking God's will and direction in our lives, instead of our own. As I looked for an illustration or picture for today's blog, this showed up in the gallery and spoke to me. It's an important and powerful reminder, one I needed and thought you might too.

"The will of God is not always easy but it is always right." 
Pastor Matthew Hagee

 As I reflect on life, there have been many times I struggled, strived, failed, and modified plans to reach my goals. And more often, no matter how hard I tried, success wasn't before me YET it's because of God steering me away from MY goals and desires to align me with HIS WILL. Some of the learning hurt my pride, was a financial hit, or broke my heart yet in the end, I am thankful that God worked His will out, in spite of my foolish trying. When somethings don't work out, take time to pray and listen, are you seeking God's will or yours. It's something to think about.

A late post as I didn't do well with my time management this past weekend, looking to do better this weekend. The good news is that I realize how much the way I've been organizing my time has helped me during the work week. Maybe I needed the reminder that a few hours on Sunday save me at least an hour a day during the week.

I'm also thankful I didn't post already because I have exciting news to share. This past July I signed up as an Epicure consultant and I enjoy this on so many levels. Not only has my health had a positive impact, I'm having so much fun sharing health, wellness, and time saving tips with others.

Tonight I closed my first $500 cooking class. I think I may have been even more excited than my hostess, yet it may be too close to determine. To celebrate I tossed confetti (paper shredding that was set by the door for recycling) in the air. My lawn looks like it snowed and my heart is overflowing.

I appreciate ALL my hostesses and customers so much! I've met some cool people and learn something from each one. I wasn't sure I'd ever be the consultant for a $500 cooking class yet I was determined to have one before year end and I accomplished this...tonight!

I share this with all of you as an encouragement! Don't give up on the goals you set. Set them high and strive to reach them. In addition to this wonderful journey with Epicure, my first devotional releases in January!! It's an Lenten Devotional. If you'd like to be a part of my promo team, email me: livinwithlisa.keepingitreal@gmail.com. I hope to kick off the promo after Christmas and through January, leading up to Lent. God is good, I'm grateful for the encouragement He showed me tonight and on this journey. #KeepingitReal