What Is Saving My Life This Christmas?

November and December usher in colder weather, the Advent Season (celebrating the Coming of Christ), and our primary fundraiser for the entire year.  As a pastor, alongside my husband, I plan programs for the weekly church service, preach the weekly sermon, and coordinate weekly services including youth, Bible Study, Men's Fellowship, and Women's ministries.  I am already tired just thinking about it.

As the director of a non-profit, we have many roles during this season as well.  My husband handles the logistics of our Red Kettle Fundraiser, but I coordinate volunteers.  I also am responsible for the Angel Tree Program that provides new clothes and toys for children in our community who are need.  All of this on top of Emergency Social Services, Shelter, and a Thrift Store operation that provides money for our programs all year.

It is definitely a lot to handle, and couldn't be done without being deeply rooted in Christ for our strength.  Many of my Officer comrades in The Salvation Army can feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities.  As a parent, there is the added feeling of not being able to be there for their family with all of the added events.

Over the last few years, I have been trying to live more simply.  Less Stuff, I have heard, will give us more time for what matters most.  But when you are in the thick of ministry and fundraising, how can we make sure that we are focusing on what truly matters, without shirking our responsibilities?

I don't have it all figured out, but in my 16 and a half years of this ministry, I have figured out a few things.  So today I am giving you 8 time saving tips, so you can spend more time with your family during this busy season.

1.  Save Everything.  It has been a great thing to be able to reuse forms, instructions sheets for angel tree, etc.  I keep everything in a binder, and electronic copy in my resource folders on my computer.  Each year, in October, I go through and change the dates and reuse again.

2.  Use a master calendar for all of your Christmas season tasks.  This helps me keep track of everything that needs to be done. 

3.  Prepare All of Your Meals in Advance. I have done this in many ways.  You can check out Salliemoms Kettle Cooking Challenge on Facebook to see what is cooking up this season!

4.  Intentionally Combine Events.  Christmas can be a wonderful time for multigenerational service projects, Christmas Parties, and dinners.

5.  Plan your Advent Sundays in October.  Every year I fail at this, but my life would be a lot less stressful, if I would get this done ahead of time.  I do get it done by the first Sunday of Advent, and I do five weeks of Sundays, so it still saves me time the rest of the season.

6.  Buy a gift card once a month so that at Christmas, you already have 12 gifts to give to your family and friends.

7.  Decorate for Christmas early.  Listen, I am not skipping Thanksgiving, I just know that later on in the season, there won't be time to really savor putting up the tree.  Our Thanksgiving is just a little more red and green!

8.  Don't schedule activities on a Sunday.  There are six other days in the week to make this happen.

Bonus tip!  Take time for you!  Take a sabbath. Steal away 15 minutes for coffee on a kettle run.  Go see a movie!

Do you have anything saving your life this Christmas season?

Connections Matter!

      Last night, I had a conversation with two of my friends discussing Super Bowl Parties.  None of us really cared too much about the football game, but loved the aspect of fellowship.  Many corps parties we have been a part of had options for our crafty people so that they weren't bored during the game.  And of course, who doesn't love football food? Whether or not we watched the game, we had a great time together. The conversation got my wheels turning though, and it made me think about how we connect with others.
     Community Cares (The Salvation Army's Outreach ministry to Nursing Homes/Prisons etc.)  is really about connections.  Connections to the least of these, the forgotten, the sick, and the lost.  It is about connecting with our neighbors by providing a service, or just offering a listening ear.   I would think that having a Super Bowl party for your neighbors could absolutely count as Community Care if you were intentional about the fellowship aspect.
      But why wait for a special occasion like the Super Bowl, or a Holiday, like Christmas to make connections?   I realize that monthly visitation by the corps CCM (Community Care Ministry) group is encouraged, and in some places that works marvelously...but that isn't what I am really talking about here.  I think there comes a point, as we are discipling others, that it has to be more than us just facilitating a visit to a facility for our congregation or CCM group. Our corps people must be able to make connections themselves.  They don't necessarily have to invite people to their homes. Although what better way to live in community?  They could make a connection at the grocery store, at work, etc. They can go and visit a nursing home...on their own...because it is woven into their life as a child of God.
    While our intentional/ facility visit program is still viable, shouldn't the heart of Community Cares be woven throughout all we do in discipling our congregations with the many programs we already offer?  For those that struggle with time or with having able bodied or willing people, this is vital!  You may not have a lot of people that want to do CCM, but you can utilize your present groups either by scheduling or inspiring them to visit on their own.  (I would rather they be inspired!!!!)
    Think of Community Cares, as Community Connections. Your corps could be keeping track of the "connections" they have made.  Following through on a few connections, could turn into discipling others.  I wonder if our impact would be greater, even if there were fewer "connections"?   You could even do a social media campaign, like #connectionsmatter or #communitycare to motivate your corps people to make connections.
    As you plan out your Community Cares this year, consider the resources you already have.  Your character building groups, women's and men's ministries, and Sunday Congregation.  Remind them, that they are the body of Christ and that community starts with them.  They don't have to wait for you as the corps officer to drive them to a Nursing Home.  They can start it at a Sunday Night dinner in their home, or in a conversation with the cart attendant at the grocery store.  Connections matter.  Inspire them to start making them today!
     

Goodbye Summer...

This summer has been good to us.  We started it early by pulling our kids out of school three days before it ended.  (Don't worry, in our state we can fill out a form for educational outings.  This allowed us to take those days as excused absences!)  We decided to take a cross country trip to California.  Not only did we drive...but we camped too!  One night, we even camped in a teepee!  It was a cold 32 degrees that night!

We got to experience the Grand Canyon in all it's beauty.

 We got to spend time with our brother and sister and cousin.    And Beach time!!!

We stopped a lot along the way, seeing the Hoover Dam, Mohave Desert, Gateway Arch, and just the beauty of our country.

We drove two weeks through 13 states and loved every minute of it!

We still had a ton of summer left, but were never bored.

We had VBS, a thrift store remodel, Cadet intern, two camp assignments between us, things one and two spent three weeks with Grammie and Papa T, and we had one fabulous week at TYI.

We ended our summer the way we love to.  Together.  Oh and some fishing.

 

Now on to fall and all that comes with that.  Of course, we weren't expecting to experience two first days of school.  That my friends is a story for another day!  Until then, farewell Summer 2015.  You were awesome on so many levels! 

Simple Sallie

For the last four years, I have strived to live a more simplified lifestyle.  I have discussed it a few times on this blog, but recently I have been asked more questions, and thought it would be easiest to put it here to begin the conversation.

Why Minimalism?

My husband and I didn't realize it at first, but even after our first and second moves we were headed in this direction.  We were packing up boxes upon boxes of unused items, half-empty bottles of shampoo, clothes we no longer needed.  We took a van load to the donation box before the move and one after we moved that second time.  By the third move, we were done wasting our energy on stuff we never used.  So we made a rule:  Each room 5 boxes or less!  That's right.  In any room of our home, we can pack it in 5 boxes or less.  In many rooms, it is much less.  What began as a way to increase productivity in our move, became much more.  Today, I can pack a five bedroom house in about 20-30 boxes!  This does not include Christmas decorations, but I am slowly getting those down as well.

Because we had less stuff, we had more space.  More space meant less to clean.  Less to clean meant we had more time to spend with each other!  The benefits of less stuff far outweighed any regret of losing an item.

The Process.

I read a book entitled, The House That Cleans Itself.  (This link is for a newer version) This book laid out a plan to go through the entire house and find the problems in each room.  I created a notebook that included a page for every room or zone in the house and wrote the problems and then potential solutions for each area.  I methodically went through each space, cleaned, fixed broken furniture, and purged in any unneeded items.  The kids' rooms definitely took the longest, but they are now involved in the process as well.  When they discovered that cleaning their room was much easier with less stuff, they were on board.

I also read books and blogs about minimalism.  Jen Hatmaker's 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess.  My favorite resource is Joshua Becker at Becoming Minimalist.

Let It Go!

The hardest part is letting go of the guilt associated with getting rid of items that have sentimental value or that were given to us by someone.  There are things I will not part with (i.e. baby books, pictures, baby blankets).  But not everything that is gifted to us will remain with us.  When I let go of the guilt, it was easier to let go of the items.  More often than not, we are able to bless someone else by donating it or giving it away.


It Went On From There...

After decluttering physical items, we started simplifying our food as well.  I try to buy fresh produce and meat, and other than bread, rice, and spices, we really only have to shop on the outer rim of the grocery store.  Less items, means less time at the grocery, and more time for us!   It also makes us healthier!  Bonus!

After this last move, we made the decision not to purchase a cable plan for our home.  We instead invested in a good antenna.  You can read about our decision to cut the cord here.  We figured out how to install it in the attic and now have 20 channels to choose from, all free!  We do have an internet subscription and stream Hulu and Netflix.  We limit our children's screen time anyway and we really don't turn on the TV much.  We are saving a ton of money and we have the added benefit of limited commercials!  We aren't having to shield our children from the horrible things on the screen, and we are not battling the "I Have to Have this Toy" because they see it on a commercial.

We are limiting chemicals in our home.  I now make all of our cleaning products and laundry detergent.  My goal is to be completely chemical free this next year.

We no longer buy movies, books, or video games.  Our local library offers a great selection of these items.  We utilize the library weekly!!  We rarely even spend money at the Redbox anymore!

The Benefits Are Endless...
We are spending less because we are intentional about what comes into our home.
We have more time to spend with our family because we aren't spending time cleaning and decluttering, or watching TV.
We are not bogged down with stuff, instead enjoying a clean; freeing space.
We have time to spend on the things we are passionate about.

We Are a Work in Progress
We still have a way to go.  I would like to purge more of my clothing and paper clutter.  My husband may or may not have shirts he wore in high school. My kids love Lego's!  And people love my kids.  They get gifts like any other 9 and 11 year old!  We continually have to purge and edit to make sure the clutter stays at bay.  We have a plan, and that is the most important piece of simplifying.

In what ways have you began to simplify?

Answer to Prayer and Great Things to Come

I have had a vision for this blog for a long time.  I see a place where ideas and resources are shared.  I love writing and I love helping others along this journey.  But I tell you, it has been hard.  My family and appointment have to come first.  Yesterday, I met someone who has had the same vision as me, but on the opposite end of the country.  And for the first time in a while, I see the vision acutally working!  I am not sure what it will look like, or if it will be here or somewhere else, but great things are coming.  Officer moms throughout the country will have a place to connect, share, and encourage one another. Instead of one or two or forty, there are now 500 Salvation Army Officer Moms connected on one facebook group.  That is an amazing thing!  For years, I have scoured the internet for other Salvation Army Women blogs, and there aren't many!  In the meantime, pray for this group.  Pray for the Officer Moms out there who are needing encouragement and friendship.  Pray for this blog.  As busy as I am, I know this is a ministry too.  I know that there is a reason I haven't deleted this space yet.  I know there is a reason that I keep being called back.

You may be hearing more from me again.  I hope you will stick around.

~Sallie*Mom

Silence

Tonight was a hard night for the kids.  I found myself looking out the window a few times to check to see if there was a full moon.  There was a moment where I thought that solace would never come.  Thing Two was having a moment of sadness (which is a nice way of saying she was having a total melt down for almost an hour).  Thing One had his toe stubbed by the bathroom door, because he was intruding on his sister's privacy.  The proceeding scream told me he was really hurt.  The next three hours were filled with crying and agony from a boy that had to learn the hard way that somethings take time to heal.  (Wow!  That's a sermon illustration for another time!)  Three hours later, there is finally silence.  Well, aside from a snoring dog taking up entirely too much space on the couch.

The Silence is nice.  I should be going to bed at this late hour, but I am basking in its glow.  I think I have been craving silence.  I typically like a little back ground noise.  Maybe a fan or a little music to soften the space...but lately I have felt like I am in some sort of wind tunnel.  Too many distractions are taking up my time and my thoughts.  In the silence, I finally can steady my feet.  I finally can find what I think I have been missing.  I finally can focus on the One Thing I should be focusing on!  Him!



"Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 New American Standard


"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  Psalm 46:10 New International Version

I am enjoying being still.  I am embracing the silence and it feels good.

Why We Cut the Cord and Never Went Back

About two years ago, I set out on a journey to simplify my life.  This included aspects of my ministry and my family/home life.  It is still a work of progress for sure.  Different seasons breed different kinds of chaos, but for the most part we are on our way to a simplistic lifestyle that is fine tuned to our family.  One of the great pieces of advice I've been given was to cut out screen time.  At first, I was leary of that even being possible.  I have always been a techy kind of girl..., although in small amounts, we let our children delve into the world of video gaming, there are tv shows that I regularly tune into, and we love movies.  There was a small voice however, tugging at the back of my mind.  "Carey, how much time do you actually spend on the screen? Not to mention the monthly cost of even the most basic service."  My self-analysis was startling.  I was spending more time on TV and screen time than I was with my kids and my husband!!! 

And most of that time was spent changing the channel because there was nothing to watch!!!  The price of basic service even in a bundle was $40-50 a month.  $600 a year that could be spent on something more worthy.

I knew something had to change.

After we received the call that our appointment was changing in June, we made a decision to live at the apartment attached to the building while we were cleaning the house and getting it ready for the next officers.  During that time, we didn't have cable, only a small antenna we had found in the back of the closet.  There were an abundance of channels available and it got me to thinking, if we can live two weeks without cable, we could go a few months...and if we could go a few months without cable, I don't think we need cable at all.

So this June, my husband and I made the decision to not get cable service hooked up to the house.  Seven months later, and we are still cable free.  

Why We Don't Regret the Decision

Less Commercials:  With Netflix, there are no advertisements.  Now when my children watch kids shows, we have the added benefit of them not asking us for the new and latest thing!  With that also comes shortened episode time, and less time on the screen!  

With PBS kids programming, I also know that the advertisements are appropriate for children and don't have to run to change the channel if a less than family friendly commercial comes on.  

Digital HD Picture:  The picture quality on the channels we get through the antenna are Digitally projected in HD!  The picture has been better than it was when we were connected to cable!  I am sure that will differ depending on how close you are to the broadcasting channel, but it was definitely a great surprise.

Spend Less Money:  Paying for cable was hurting the pocketbook as well.  A basic service here in Ashland, even bundled, was going to be $55 a month.  We just knew that wasn't a necessary expense.  We opted to get an internet service that would allow us to stream netflix and content from the networks instead. We are saving $600 + a year and all we did was buy an antenna from Wal-mart. 

More Health Conscious:  We are no longer just sitting on the couch.  We are up playing outside, riding bikes, or hanging out with friends.  We are exploring our town and the benefits of living here are endless.  We have cave systems, museums, and a national forest at our fingertips!

More time on what matters:  Now that we only have 15 channels available, we don't spend much time channel surfing.  If there is something we want to watch, we either watch it then or wait until it is available online.  We typically don't watch much TV anyway, especially while the kids are awake, so we wait and watch after they go to bed.  We now have more time to spend doing something productive or fun with the kids.  

Don't Be Afraid to Take the Leap:  

The customer service representative at your local cable company will be quick to tell you that your other bundled services like phone and internet will cost more if you cancel cable.  Don't listen to the hype.  I would argue that even if that were true, the benefits of not having cable outway any savings you may have bundling.  Cable companies can charge more for commercial spots based on the number of subscribers they have.  They will do anything to keep you!  

Yes, there are times we miss it.  Especially, ESPN and HGTV, but most major sports events happen on network tv, and our local PBS station has many programs that mirror what HGTV and Food Network provide.  We did also agree to pay personally for a Netflix subscription which gives us access to movies and past seasons of many TV shows, especially Children's programming.   Hulu + is another subscription service that allows you to view recently aired tv shows and some movies.  Many cable channels like HGTV also run episdodes on Hulu+.  Even that is worth $8 a month and while there are commercials they are considerably shorter than regular TV.

While we haven't completely turned off the TV, our time spent watching has been cut down drastically. We may watch 5- 6 hours of TV a week instead of a day.  That is more time spending it with people we love and on things that are most important to us.

We aren't perfect.  There are days where we watch more TV than I intend...but all in all we are working to improve our quality of life and have drastically reduced our dependence on TV.  We have cut the cord and have no intentions of going back!

Ideas on Inspiring Service and why It Is Important for the Congregation...and YOU!!!

Our busy season of fundraising in the Salvation Army has come to an end for another year.  Many outside The Salvation Army would recognize a bigger presence outside local department stores, groceries, and pharmacies in their local town during the last few months.  Perhaps a few more articles in the newspaper or personal interest stories on the TV are also noticed.   But that season is so much more than that.  Our corps (church) activities continue, feasts of celebration for Thanksgiving and Christmas still go on, and a special season of Advent each Sunday.  Many of our corps also coordinate gift giving to local nursing homes, special meals for the community and shelters, and the list goes on and on.  Along with our ministry with The Salvation Army, many of us have families either at home or far away.   The kids have special school programs and projects, our long distance families long for plans to be made for visits, and sickness can also pop up along the way.  I don't really think I have to list it all for you to get the drift...many of you live the same as I do and recognize, there is no way we can do it all on our own.

During the month of January, it has been my custom to take a look back and reflect upon what worked and what didn't over the last few months.  I dropped the ball on a few things this season and that is a reminder that I need to enlist the help of my staff, volunteers, and corps members.  I have always struggled with taking on everything.  My reasons vary, (I do have some controll issues), but I also hate asking people to do something!  I don't want to be an inconvienience to someone.  But I have realized lately in both experiencing this Christmas in another new appointment and in Bible Study that it is a believer's duty to serve others.  I am essentially taking that opportunity away from the congregation, when I do things on my own.

As this New Year begins, I am working on new goals for myself and for the corps.  One of the big ones is giving our corps members the opportunity to use what God has given them to the serve the church and community.  This is a win-win for our corps.  It allows them to grow spiritually in the spiritual discipline of serving and it takes a little weight off our shoulders.  Honestly, it may take a while for this to take effect.  Time issues, insecurities about abilities, and a myriad of other things will distract us from our goal, but I truly feel God is leading us in that direction.  So here are the steps we are taking to lead the congregation in this direction.

1.  Identify the Strengths of the Corps Members.  

There are many evaluation tools available to do this.  Probably the most prevelant is the Spiritual Gifts Test or Assesment.  An internet search will provide many free assesments as well as more in depth tests that can be purchased.  This allows the congregation to answer honestly.  In previous appointments we have done this on a Mid-Week Service or during a weekend seminar.  Once the test is scored by the individual, the test can give them their bigger strengths.

2.  Identify the Needs of the Corps and Community.

List all of the needs of the corps (and possibly the community).  Include tasks big and small.  You may have individuals physically unable to do some tasks, so having those will help them feel utilized.  You may also categorize these to make it easier.  Include local officer positions as well.

3.  Match Gifts with Needs.

Most decent spiritual gifts assesments will come with the gifts categorized as well.  Match your corps and community needs into those categories.  Once the self-evaluations are completed allow the individuals to choose their service opportunities with their gifts.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies -- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.  To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever.  Amen.  1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV

4.  Commitment Service

During a worship service or special commitment service, have a special prayer time where your congregation can write down the service opportunities they would like to participate in.  They can do this privately on a small piece of paper or you can place the giant post-it notes sheets all over the wall with the areas of service and allow them to sign their name below the gift.  

5.  Follow-up and Accountability

Very soon after the prayer service, contact each individual and talk to them about their gifts and if possible place them into their service opportunity or position.  If more training is needed, also set that up.  Regularly check up on their service areas, making sure you equip them for their task.  Between six months to a year, check up on them to see how they feel, how they have grown.  

"Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;"  1 Peter 5:2 ESV

"to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ," Ephesians 4:12 ESV

6.  Celebrate

At the end of the year, thank them for their service and commitment.  Gifts don't have to be elaborate.  Even a card or certificate may do.  Lots of ideas on pinterest for candy bar grams.

"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone and especially to those who are of the household of faith."  Galatians 6:10 ESV

The important thing for you to do, is LET THEM DO IT!!!  

"Is anyone among you sick?  Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of The Lord."  James 5:14 ESV

I also would caution you to not always pick up the slack on things that maybe the corps members didn't sign up to do.  (We may hear gasps from above!!)  I preface this by saying, by no means does this give us an excuse to not do anything!  But I am saying if you and your congregation have decided what is important to them, then you may want to evaluate the other ministries to see how important they are.  Some are still very vital, but some may not be needed.  If you have a shortage of volunteers check to see if the ministry can be included in an already existing program.    A lot of our ministries go hand in hand and can be consolidated if needed.

I believe that Community Cares is one of those programs.  Many of our other ministries such as Home League (Women's Ministries) and our character building programs have service project components to their programming.  If you don't have many (or any) volunteers to help with your nursing home visitations, utilize the service components of these other ministries and help with those visitations.

What happens if something does fall through the cracks?

So confession time!!!  Its not always so pretty on the other side of the tunic is it?  With everything going on this Christmas season, my corps ministry fell short.  Christ should have been the focus, and I got caught up in the worries of Angel Tree and Kettles, and didn't always put my full attention on the worship aspect of Advent.  I also did not schedule Community Cares Visitation.  (Gasp!!!)  I know, that after the stats are evaluated, I will get that dreaded email.  I am sure some of you may even be thinking, "how could you?"  I am planning a Valentine's Day event to help fill the gap (just so you know)...but I should have asked for help from our corps members and groups but didn't.  

Sometimes things fall through.  I am not making light of the situation nor am I advocating for all of us to drop things for the heck of it!  But when things like this happen, try not to let it get you down.  I try to teach my children daily how to take full responsibility for their actions.  Good or bad, they must accept the consequences for the actions with integrity and humility.  I too will have to face the "music" (may it be the "Imperial March" or something more dreadful), and then...I move on.  I don't have time to dwell on it, I have to move forward, because tomorrow the guests in our shelter, the congregation, the thrift store, and the community may need me.  And I have to be there.  I can't be there if I am burned out.  I can't be there if I am dwelling on mistakes.  And now, I know I can't be there alone.  So utilize your corps and community and try not to do it by yourself.  Take it from someone who experienced it recently.  

A Dream Lost? or Found?

I have had this dream.  I have had it for quite a while, actually.  It never fails though ...work...ministry...family...life... happens...and my dream falls through the cracks.  It doesn't completely go away however... every once in a while, I feel this twinge of hope that it is still around somewhere.  It's happening as we speak.  That spark of light that could fuel a flame, IF everything was at the right place at the right time.

Do you ever feel that way?  Has God placed something on your heart?  Maybe an idea or a project, but then things...life get in the way?  I am often left wondering if putting something else on my plate is the right thing to do. I can't help but feel however, that He is leading me in that direction.    So I have to push through I guess.  Pray about it some more.  Pray "circles" around it like Mark Batterson talks about in His book, The Circle Maker.  I will have to work hard not to forget it this time.  I have a choice and I want to let those sparks be a catalyst for something God worthy!

Psst...I am still here.

Maybe I should remind myself of that.  My goal of writing a few times a week, got side track this past month...life just happened...again.  October 1st, we connected with Practice Hospitality's Whole30 Cleanse.  While the last few days at officer's councils did not go as well as it should have with the eating, I am happy to report we have definitely made changes to our food that will carry on past the 30 days.  Although we have not been able to follow everything to a T, we are on our way to a better, healthier eating lifestyle.  I still crave the nightly bowl of cereal, but having my husband on board has helped a lot.

My mom came in to watch the kids while we were away, and I am so thankful that family has been close enough to watch them during those times.  Its hard to be away from them.  I feel like I miss a lot, but with Skype and Facetime it has made being away a little easier.  I also have gotten to spend a few extra days with my mom, and that doesn't happen very often.

The next few weeks start another busy season for us, as it does for all of you Sallie*Moms out there.  If you have any ideas for Christmas Parties, organization ideas for Angel Tree or Kettles, make sure you post on the Facebook Page. 

One of Those Weeks

We all have them every once in a while.  One of those weeks that you are burning the candle at both ends.  Last week was one of them.  My husband was gone on a well-deserved trip with his dad.   Somehow we all made it through unscathed...well almost.

The bus did get a flat tire while I was picking up kids for youth activities.  Thank goodness we are all safe.

I had to be in three places at once on several occasions.  Thank goodness for great leaders and a wonderful mother - in - love who wasn't afraid to take home a route for me.

I had planned several big events this week...I will think twice about that next time.

I over slept one morning after staying up way too late working on things...thankfully mother-in-love was here to take the kids to school.  

Have I told you how awesome my mother-in-love is?

Works for Me Wednesday - Electronic Filing

As I am venturing out into the digital world (you know I love my gadgets), I am loving that I can merge my minimalist - no clutter lifestyle (well I try anyway!) with my planning.  There is a handy app named Evernote that keeps me organized.  I can take a picture of notes I have taken, Agendas of meetings and file it in a electronic notebook that is accessible on my tablet, phone, or computer.  I can even email documents and emails I have received to certain notebooks in my Evernote Account.

All though I am certainly not an expert yet, I have loved getting to know this great app.  (I have no affiliation with the Evernote people, I just love to use it).  When I am emailed or given an Agenda for a meeting, I simply send it or snap a photo and file it in the appropriate notebook.  Then I don't have to take a ton of papers with me!  I can even take notes at the meeting and file them in the same way.  (I have a wireless keyboard for my tablet or I can use the keyboard provided on the tablet as well.

I have used a paper planner for a long time and it has been hard to let go, but having these apps have certainly lessened my need for the paper planning.  The tablet or smart phone fits in my purse so I have also lightened my load! 

 

It works for me!!!!

Friendships and Haircut...two bits....

As a Salvation Army Officer, we move around quite a bit.  One of my concerns after a move is always about my children.  Will they like their new school?  Will they find activities that they enjoy?  The big question is:  Will they make new friends?  The answer to that has always been yes, in our experience.   Praise the Lord!  It is always around this time, however that I begin to feel a little lonely myself.  I have always enjoyed having friends in my life.  These women have gotten me through some pretty rough stuff!  But when the kids start school, and we begin to settle in to routine, I have found myself again longing for friendships.  I am sure I am not the only one who feels like this so I thought I would put together a few ways to find friends in your new appointment.

Your Corps:  Now this may seem like common sense, but sometimes this gets neglected. We have great women in our corps.  Get to know them and let them get to know you!!! 

Divisional and Territorial Events:  If you are moving to a new division, make sure you get to know your fellow officers.  They will be the ones that you call on to ask about policies, and will know the heartbeat of the division.  Camp assignments, divisional local officer trainings, and soldiers rallies are great events to attend.  Some divisions even offer a New Officers Orientation.  This is a great way for you to get to know the divisional staff officers and employees.

Civic Clubs:  As an officer we have the opportunity to meet others in our community who have a desire to help those that are in need.  A civic club can help connect you to people who not only are great partnerships in ministry and social work but in friendship as well.

Your Neighbors: Our kids are pretty outgoing so that has helped a lot.  They are not shy about inviting themselves into the houses, but we have a rule that they are not allowed to enter into a house until we have met their parents.  This serves two purposes.  One of course is safety!  We wouldn't want our children to go into a home of a stranger or someone we didn't trust.  Number two, it gives us the opportunity to meet others! 

Your Child's Sports Team:  Thing 1 loves baseball.  With at least one practice and one or two games a week, we had the opportunity to talk to the parents that are cheering their kids on.  I met one of my dear friends at those baseball practices and struck a friendship that lasted way longer than the baseball season!

Birthday Parties:  Thing 2 was invited to two birthday parties this weekend.  Because of a conflict we were only able to attend one.  It was really awkward at first honestly, going to a party and not knowing anyone, but I knew it was important for me to put myself out there!  Don't be afraid to step out and meet new people.  No one has to know that you are using the party as an excuse to talk to other moms! 

Your Child's School:  This has worked well for me in the past and probably the number one way to meet women who are at the same point in life as you are.  You automatically have some things in common as far as your kids go.  Volunteering for events in the class or at the school also gives you a common goal to work toward.

A Great Haircut: I know what you are thinking.  How in the world does a great haircut help?  Believe me, if you would have told me this before yesterday I too would have said you were crazy.  Yesterday, as Thing 2 and I were heading to the car from lunch, a woman chased me down.  She just loved my haircut and wanted to know who my stylist was.  (Thanks Melissa at Bella Si!!)  We struck up a conversation and I was even able to pray with her right on the spot!  God uses things, even hair cuts, to help us connect to others!  We have a few things in common and I look forward to getting to know her better.

The great thing about making friends in your appointments is that they can stay with you even through a move.  It can be kind of scary to meet new women, but I can tell you my life is much fuller because of them.  In each appointment I still have those special friends that keep in touch and even visit from time to time.  With Facebook, Skype, and FaceTime our kids have the opportunity to stay connected to friends and that has really helped them, especially though this last transition.  I cannot close without mentioning the friends that have stuck with me since high school and college and I am so thankful for them.  They are truly how I have gotten this far.  Friendships whether they are old or new, are how I am able to function as a person!  I am grateful for all of the connections that God has given me over the years!  Here's to many more!

Works for Me Wednesday - Scritpure Memorization Cards

We have been pretty faithful in our family devotional time, and recently have taken some time for Scripture Memorization with our kids.  Last year I was browsing Craigslist for some Bible curriculum and came across these cards and now we are using them in our memorization routine.

I think I paid around $1  for them!  Each card has a Bible Verse that starts with the corresponding letter.  Our family is doing one or two letters a week and we are now through letter H!  So in a few weeks time we have memorized 8 verses and will know 26 by the end of the set!  We are so excited and the kids are having a lot of fun.

These particular cards were published in 1975 as a part of the A beka curriculum.  You can order a set here or browse Craigslist and Yard Sales like I did. 

We have seen how an intentional devotional time has benefited our family and are pretty sure it will benefit you too!  It may not be for everyone...but these cards work for us, and they just might work for you too!  Happy Memorizing!


Disclaimer:  I do not have any affiliation with A beka.  I just really like their cards. 

Absence Makes the Heart Grow...Fonder???

After weeks of camps, TMI, and TYI, we are all finally back under one roof. That means that we are sharing living space again with each other. It means that we are doing laundry for four people (and a dog) instead of just ourselves.

It means cooking full meals instead of "grabbing what we can."

After four weeks of separation, we have to learn how to navigate between the piles of laundry, the library books, and dog toys without stepping on one another. It means that family meal times are back in play with devotions, and soon homework time will fill our table with pencils, paper, protractors, and rulers! My husband and I have to relearn how to share bathroom space, coordinate schedules, and tiptoe around each other when the other is sleeping. In fact, I have had to find a new place to blow dry my hair.

Although our world on this side of the tunic is chaotic, I wouldn't trade it for the world!!!

New Appointment...New Vision...Same Awesome God

Since my last post...I am sure my few readers have abandoned me for bigger and brighter pursuits, we have seen much change since February 2013.  March and April were busy with school activities, Divisional Music practices, and reorganizing.  It seems that the looming late April date of marching orders calls always puts me in a mood to organize and purge "just in case" we get a call.  This year, we received the call.  We were moving from Music City (Nashville, TN) to a small town named Ashland, KY.  May and June were filled with packing, more organizing and purging, divisional weekend camps, and many hard goodbyes. 

We have done quite a bit of goodbye - ing in our 11 years of ministry, but Nashville Citadel, being our longest appointment (4 years), was a hard appointment to leave.  Our children were hit hard and many prayers were said along the way as we struggled to deal with heartache and nervousness.

June and July were spent unloading, unpacking, and wrapping our hands around a new town and corps.  We were very thankful for the week we were given to explore and allow our children to acclimate to their new surroundings.  We are learning a lot already and are excited to see what God has in store in Ashland.  

School starts tomorrow and Thing 1 and Thing 2 are looking forward to meeting new friends.  This will be the true beginning of their adventure here as they begin to make connections that will last a life time.  How do I know that is so?  Because we have friends from 5 other appointments in our ministry and they are still strong today.  We may have a new house and a new town, but God has stayed with us and given us people to love and love us along the way!

Here is to another appointment filled with love, laughter, and service together in His Name!

When Sickness Prevails...

I have been struggling to keep up with writing, but hoping that some new found motivation will keep me on a more consistent path.  The last few months have been filled with meetings, kettles, Christmas, a trip to South Carolina, and more recently...sickness.  First Thing 2, then a week later Thing 1, a week after that it was my turn.  Being sick or taking care of sick kids can wreak havoc on a ministry that depends on you for guidance and implementation.  Thankfully, in our current appointment, I have some fabulous leaders that can step in, in a pinch.  Of course, it doesn't stop my husband from hyperventilating at the thought of running things by himself in my absence. 

The past few weeks were a good reminder that developing leaders for all of our programs is essential.  There are many appointments, where this may seem like a huge feat.  In fact, it might be impossible.  So what happens when the kids are sick, and your spouse is left to fend for himself during youth activities?  I asked my friends in the Sallie*Mom Facebook group and they come up with some fabulous suggestions.

Create a "Sick Bay" for your sick kid to hang out in, perhaps in your office or other room in the building.  If your children are too young to stay in a separate room on their own, this may not work, unless you can find a responsible teenager or adult to watch them.  This would be perfect if you are short staffed and the sick one is responsible enough to stay in the room.  When Thing 1 got sick last week, my husband was in charge of the guitar class.  I had no alternate teacher.  Thing 1 was able to stay in my office and watch a TV show through the internet until the guitar class was finished.  I was able to take over activities from there, and they were able to go home for the rest of the night.

Find a Sitter.  This may not always be possible, but would be beneficial if the child is too sick to even venture out doors. 

Stay Home.  Sometimes you just have to stay home with the kids.  It may require some creative solutions on your part to get your activities done.  Last week, we were short staffed, so we made a decision to have movie night for youth activities.  It kept the youth entertained and contained! 

The important thing is to do what works for you and your family!  In what ways have you had to creatively provide for your sick kids?  What things do you do, when you find yourself short-staffed for activities at the corps?

~C

Simply Living Update

A few months ago I posted about a more simple lifestyle.  I posed a question, could a Salvation Army Officer live a simple life?  Honestly, I'm still ironing out the details, but I do think it could and actually should happen.   Since posting I have done well in some of the areas, and not so well in others, but we are all works in progress right?  One thing I have noticed however is that the more I read about a simple/minimilist lifestyle, the more I want it.  I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that is where I am headed.  I believe whole heartedly as well that it will not just be in my personal and family life, but in my ministry as well.

So here is my Simply Living Bucket List and an update on how I am doing.

Healthy Living
Natural/Whole Foods/Unprocessed                Hoping to do better with this
Excercise                                                         Walking and Jogging
House Beautiful
Continue going through house                         In progress
Weekly cleanings                                             In progress

Green Living
Recycling                                                         Need to do better
Composting

Gift Giving
Handmade or buying local                              Have already made some things, including pepper jelly

Spiritual Living
Studying the Bible More (we just recently finished reading the Bible in a year together, and hope to incorporate another reading plan this year.)      Continuing reading and studying
Continue Devotions at the Dinner Table            Doing these but not consistently

No Distractions
Less TV/Computer time                                  Recently, I cutout facebook, I am back on but limited                     
                                                                         amounts

Renewing our Mind
Reading both for education and pleasure        Have read several books lately

Replenishing Family Relationships
Family Nights (fishing, movie nights, etc.)    Did a lot through the summer, hoping to do more during 
                                                                        fall

Ministry
Authentic Missional Ministry                         More on this soon
Equipping our congregation move toward God and service to others.   We want to be more intentiona
Using Our resources wisely.                           Working on this
Decluttering storage rooms.                             Never ending!  

Blessings,

Salliemom

The Crazy Comes Out in My Kids When Daddy Is Away

Does that seem to always happen to you? We have chosen not to put our children in childcare during the summer. Partly because we are gone for a lot of it, but mostly because it is so expensive! But when one parent is away, it can really make you rethink the no summer care decision! So what usually happens when one parent is away you ask. My kids go crazy. ( I have learned this happens more when daddy is away. When I am away they are perfect little angels...what is that about?) So how do I fix the situation? Thursday was a prime example, of crazy kid behavior. Daddy was heading out of town, so we waited to see him off. I had a few things to finish at the office, but not without moaning and groaning to leave. So I packed up my things, and made an office at McDonald's. Free Wi-fi is my friend! The kids could play while I checked emails, and finished reports. Plus unlimited refills :). While its not optimal, it did allow me to get a few things done. In hindsite, I should have taken a picture, I was in uniform to boot. I was probably the subject of many stares, but I was too busy drinking my coke and eating the new smore's pie (yes, it is really good!) Friday was a tad trickier. Programs had to be printed, and that has to be done in the office. I had to break our "no video game on the week day" rule, so I could get a few things done. I managed to stay until 11 am before I couldn't stand one more drawer being opened. We packed up and managed to squeeze errands to the post office and grocery store in. Thankfully neighborhood friends saved the day. I was able to work a little bit on my sermon and mow the grass! (It was becoming the jungle of the neighborhood...again) Saturday a trip to camp was just the break we needed. Camp staff was coming home, so we left early to let the kids enjoy camp before packing the staff up and bringing them home. Although very whiney, we managed to make it home in the mini-van with five of us, and a summer's worth of luggage for two teenagers. Even a bike! (Why am I not taking pictures of all of this hilarity?) We will see what next week holds. I will be sure to use my camera! It should be a funny sight.

By Golly...I've found it...

For the last year, I have been craving a simpler lifestyle.  One with less clutter, less mess, and less distraction.  I didn't have a name for it, but I knew what I wanted.  Then I came across the word minimilist.  When I looked it up, it encompassed everything I have been striving for!  With less stuff comes more time for Faith, Family, and Friends.  (not to mention, more space!)  The things that are most important in my life. 

Most recently, in my quest for less distraction, I decided to leave facebook.  I was spending way too much time on there.  Although it has been an awesome way to connect with friends and corps members, I just knew I needed a break.  I have felt God calling me to a life free of clutter.  Facebook was one of those things clogging up my life.  I want more time with my family, and more importantly with God.  Perhaps one day I will return, but for right now, I have peace knowing that this is what I am supposed to do.  Who knows, maybe I will have more time to write about the things I love on here.