The following is a “too true to life” scenario, that we as Christian Women leaders may or may not have faced. Can you send in your suggestions on how you would handle this challenge?

It’s the beginning of a year, Lucy is determined to be more organized this year. Here is some suggestions for Lucy from Sandy Phillips, Coupeville, WA.

When my husband and I got married, one of our first commitments to each other was to always live within our means so that when we had children, I could be a stay at home mom. The Lord has always honored that commitment and blessed us, causing our ends to meet! But sometimes, a stay-at-home mom gets a bad rap—as if they change diapers, eat bonbons and have an abundance of free time to do whatever, whenever, go wherever anyone asks.

I learned an extremely valuable tool/word several years ago that had helped immensely in keeping my time focused before the Lord, my husband, my children, my ministries and my family and friends. I learned that it is necessary to say “NO!”; politely, but firmly, not always, but sometimes. This little word was truly a godsend—and a tool of freedom. As January quickly came many requests for my time, money, talents, etc. have been asked of me. Each one, I take before my Lord and pray about them. Each one gets answered—“yes”, “no”, or “wait”. What peace, joy and freedom knowing I am doing the Lord’s will for the life He has blessed me with! My husband and children are happy, content and full of confidence knowing I’m where I need to be; doing what ‘this season” of my life is bringing me.

All the things and cares of my family are written on the calendar hanging on the fridge. When someone asks something of me, I check the calendar, check with the Lord and my husband—and if I need to, I say “No, but thank you for thinking of me”

Here is a web site that also gives many practical suggestions: This is a great site with many different helpful ideas, from cleaning, to bill paying!  www.organizetips.com