Adapting to a new job routine

I took a step back from my usual approach to engaging in a new job. My usual approach is to jump on a train that is going 100 miles per hour. It's not pretty, fun, or safe but that's what I've done in the past. 

I decided to offer myself grace. I decided to give myself 3 months to fully adapt to this new job and the routines that come along with new ventures. 

3 months is a good amount of time for learning to happen. You have time to learn the best way to get home. You have time to learn traffic patterns. It also gives you a good start with people. I don't know a human being out there that can be completely known in 3 months. All we can do is start the journey. 

Here are a few things I learned during this time of adaption:

* Morning routines are important and unique. Just as each season of life changes, so do the needs of my family. My morning routine is not a solo routine because the kids and I rely on one another to start the day with family, faith, food, and encouragement. It looked complex and tight at first. I learned to ask for help. I also learned to help myself. Preparing the weekend before is how I help myself. Praying is also how I get all the help I need for the day. I'm grateful we established a new routine that works for us. 

* Stress is manageable. I noticed I was stressed during my commute. Side note. My commute can be an entire blog post. It has been a delight to find out that I can manage stress. I learned to include God in my commute by listening to an audio Bible. The Bible has changed my mindset. I now think of what I am hearing. Faith, peace, and encouragement are constant companions during my commute. I appreciate this extra time with the Word of God. 

* Resting well at night starts with going to bed on time. I learned to stop whatever activity I am doing to prioritize sleep. Sleep is the key component of an energetic day. There are multiple challenges to getting enough rest at night. The benefits outweigh those challenges. I am determined to get the proper amount of hours per night so my days can be energetic. 

* Fight the proclivity to feel sorry for yourself. I'm often tempted to get on the 'woe is me' bandwagon. While this makes me human, it also makes me lean toward negativity. I can't afford to drag myself down. I fight when I use my tools. They are spiritual discipline, physical discipline, and good ole reaching out to a friend. The fact is, I'm blessed. The fact is, I prayed for 15 months and waited for this opportunity. I'm grateful to God for entrusting me with the blessings I enjoy. 

* Preparation can lead to progress. I made peace with the immense preparation I practice during the weekends. Each task leads to progress in an area of life. For example, last Saturday, the kids and I turned off the wireless and we chose to prepare our home for the following week. There was a lot of cleaning, decluttering, food prepping, and laundry folding. Last night, as the kids and I read a few bedtime stories, I looked around. We were all at peace, ready to rest in tidy rooms. Dinner, which was prepared on Saturday, was delicious and nutritious. I didn't worry about it during CrossFit a few hours before. All we had to do was eat. Peace is the side-effect of preparation. I will pay the price for peace. 

I have more lessons but I will stop for now. I bet if you look back on your life, you can identify lessons for your journey too. 

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Everyday actions

Small actions matter. Don't take yours for granted.

I've been amazed at the power of small actions. I'm especially grateful to them when I have a large project ahead of me. 

Running my first marathon seemed quite unfathomable if it wasn't for the power of small actions. 

My first action was to sign up for the race. My next small action was to join a running club. The club gave me a plan that helped me go from couch to marathon. My next small action was to follow that plan each week. My finisher medal proves that small actions matter. 

You probably practiced small actions before. They led you to graduate from high school. Small actions led you to your wedding day. Small actions are powerful if we use them. 

This past week, I used small actions to lead me to a healthy week. Some of my kids had been sick. I had household chores and work to do. While everything felt overwhelming, I decided to stop and think about any small actions that could help me be healthier. My motivation is to be strong to take care of everyone and everything God graciously blesses me with. 

Here are a few small actions I took:
• I isolated the sick kids
• I made a list of medicines and groceries I needed 
• I cleaned bathrooms as needed (there was a bit of body fluid going on)

• I decided to wash dishes as soon as I used them
• I canceled all my appointments 
• I decided to rest 
• I set a goal for exercise for that week 

I'm grateful to God my kids got well. Shortly after, we had guests at home. Small actions I took allowed me to get our home quickly ready. 

The reason why I was able to get my home quickly ready for guests, it was because I decluttered our home consistently. Because things were decluttered and organized, I was able to find everything I needed for our guest. 

The small actions I took that led me to quickly get ready for guests:

• I decluttered the guest room
• I decluttered our linen closet
• I decluttered the guest bathroom
• I put everything my guest needed in the guest bedroom 
• I cleaned the guest room

The key for me was not to get overwhelmed with the enormity of the tasks but to take small actions daily. 

I breakdown my small decluttering actions in the following way:
• Get all supplies ready (trash bags, cleaning supplies, water bottle, cell phone)
• Start the timer in my cell for 45 minutes 

• Declutter for 45 minutes 

• Rest or do whatever I want for 15 minutes 

Following this process has led me to get and stay organized. 

Recently, my small action was to prep and pre-pack 3 days of food for myself. I prepped grilled chicken, broccoli, salad, hummus, and chicken salad. These foods were easily accessible and they allowed me to add a lot of nutrition to my week. When I eat better, I feel better.

I remember being overwhelmed by so many different projects. I remember thinking that the enormity of the tasks meant they were impossible to accomplish. Now I know that small actions matter. I no longer take them from granted. 

Which small action will you take today?

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There's no place like Work

"Commit your work to the Lord, 

and your plans will be established." 

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

After almost three months of search, I've been blessed with a new job. I am thankful to God for this new opportunity. The jobs I didn't land taught me a few lessons. You can read the first set here.

I also learned that God is in control. He called my family to relocate and He has an assignment for us in this wonderful place.

I have done so many job interviews that I've learned to read interviewers and a room really well. I believe that no matter what, I should do my best during an interview while trusting God's provision for me.

Sometimes, you have to knock on a door to make sure it is really closed. The second job I applied for was not my opportunity. I was okay with that answer. I knew I had prayed that God closed the doors that were clearly meant to be closed.

I was taking care of the family when I realized I was between a closed door and my next opportunity. 15 minutes passed by and I got invited to a new job interview. I promptly accepted.

The interview was that same day and it went well. Everyone was engaged, attentive and interested in what I had to say. These things are a gift when you are discerning where you should work.

A week later I was blessed with my new job which I started last month. I am very thankful to God for this amazing opportunity.

I've learned to have compassion for those looking for jobs. My family has been there, more than once. We know it is difficult and we pray fervently for those looking for their next opportunity.

I have learned to trust God to put me where He needs me. This also means that I am responsible for updating my resume and sending it out. I'm also responsible for opening my mouth and asking about jobs.

I am learning how to use my time wisely. Great opportunities come with great responsibility. I have been praying for wisdom, persistence and favor among other things.

I'm not sure if you've been where I've been. What I do know is that God is great in wisdom concerning your life. He knows your next step because He planned it. Take care of family, love your friends and rest assured that God will open doors for you too. He is faithful.

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App Rupture Part 2

Last week, we talked about the need to get our faces out of our phones. Here's the fact: we can all improve in that area. Let me be transparent and tell you how I'm doing.

Three weeks ago I got a good measure of my usage (yikes!). Two weeks ago, my usage decreased 4 percent. Last week, my usage was down 5 percent. I also noticed that my work, business and personal productivity increased. My goal is to get my usage down to 2 percent by the end of the year.

Way before IOS and Droid software engineers made their time measuring apps public, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my need to be free from such bondage. I knew I couldn't quit cold turkey so I set the goal of improving in that area.

God was the initiator. He touched my heart. What the software engineers did was help me measure my progress in the changes I was willing to make. Nothing more, nothing less.

The first step always needs to take precedence in the heart. The heart is the fertile soil where lasting change can happen. Your heart’s submission to God’s plan will determine whether your change of habits can last.

An app can't set you free from your phone addiction. Let’s think about an addiction to potato chips for example. If you have an addiction to chips, you won't be set free from it by staring at advertisements of new flavors of chips. You will not cure your addiction by buying magazines filled with cute photos of chips from 150 countries in the world. Limiting your exposure to images, ads and the taste of chips will help you overcome your addiction.

Likewise, an app cannot set you free from your phone addiction. God can because He has the correct strategy for you. He always starts His work in the heart. His freedom is lasting and it will make you a better person.

I don't think God wants us to make a mass exit from the digital world. I do believe He doesn't want us to be enslaved by it.

Let me tell you a secret. I work with brilliant computer scientists. Their areas of research have applications in many facets of life, including the apps you and I use daily. I often ask them about their phone usage. They tell me that they are not bound by the lure of their phones because of the priorities they have set for their lives.

These scientist are high achievers. Some are world renowned in their areas of expertise. Friend, you and I can't accomplish our priorities if we are easily distracted.

You and I are experts in our “fields.” I'm a field expert in being my Zeke’s wife. I'm an expert in mothering my sweet children. I’m an expert in my own health and fitness. As a professional, I'm an expert in marketing and communications. In the light of eternity, God will hold me responsible for my areas of expertise. I can’t be distracted multiple hours a day because of phone addiction.

I don't want God to find me staring at my phone while I could be growing in my expertise.

Here’s a review:

Monitor your heart. The work starts in the heart. Search your heart and ask God to direct your time.
Measure your current phone usage. You can't manage what you won't measure.
Manage your phone usage. You’re not an ER Doctor on call. You don't need your phone as much as you think you do. Get your priorities straight. Turn off those needless alerts. Get some freedom step by step.
Meditate on your Priorities. When I think about my family, I find great reason to unplug from the needless use of my phone. I also think about the repercussions of my behavior. What am I teaching my children about technology and relationships by my current example? I want to exemplify freedom. I can only do that if I walk in freedom.

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Putting all the pieces together when you feel overwhelmed

My mother was visiting me from Brazil this summer. She helped me a lot by doing a lot of small things. Doing small things with love amount to big things.

The reality is, I'm not an only child. I'm one of five. The reality is, mom had to go back to her life and I, to mine. So we parted ways at the airport and I moved on with life.

As I was watering the plants tonight, I remembered how afraid I was of managing my schedule this Fall.

I was nervous about making all the pieces fit together. I learned a long time ago that I am not supposed to take on a lot. I am supposed to listen to God and follow His plan for my life. His plan includes taking care of my family. If any activities interfere with that, they has to go.

This Fall, I am learning that I can do small things with love. I am discovering that I can take my time to get tasks accomplished, even if it takes me a week.

My mom left a bunch of meals cooked for me when she left. We ate the last of it this week. I called her and told her that in a sad yet thankful tone of voice. In her determined fashion, she responded, "time for you to cook another batch."

She's right, life goes on and we keep moving with it. The way to put all the pieces of my life together is the way of simplicity and humility. Simplicity because I can't afford the side effects of a complex life. Busyness is a side effect of a complex life. Busyness is a complex lie. We think that an impossible schedule is a reflection of our sense of importance. Our health and close relationships always suffer. Ask me how I know.

Humility because that's what it takes to recognize that I'm not self-sufficient. My sufficiency comes from God who has a plan for my life this season. I humbled myself before God and I confessed I didn't have what it takes to lead my own life in the Fall. God blessed me with strategy, help and peace. Humility is a gift.

I know that in the life of a young family, there's always work to do. The key thing is to remember what's really important.

God comes first. Family and health are priorities.

There's grace to do what God has called me to do this season. I am encouraged to keep doing small things with love, simplicity, and humility. 

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What I learned this Summer

Another season has come and gone. Here are a few lessons.

1. Love is sacrificial 

My husband and I agreed this was the absolute top lesson this summer. We may use the word love a lot. Only when we are tested through it we learn that sacrifice is part of it. I’m glad we had a chance to learn such Godly lesson. We’re better for it. 

2. Having a de-stress routine is a necessity 

I have been managing stress naturally for years but it wasn’t until the summer that I realized I needed a routine. I know I need to rest more, I just didn’t have the need to be strict with it until the summer. I have several de-stress things I do and they are simple such as taking a hot bath, doing my own mani/pedi or cutting the day short by going to sleep. I learned that adding such strategies to my week was very wise and I was able to benefit from it. 

3. Setting a summer goal is smart 

Before the summer started, my friends were asking about running with me. I decided to listen to them but to include the goal of running during the week twice a week. That simple act helped me achieve my weight loss goal for the summer. I think gained other things through setting that simple goal. The main lesson was that setting a goal is just smart. No matter how hard they seem, we always benefit from having focus.  

4. When I’m in despair, I need to look up 

Last summer was hard so this year, I thought a lot about the past year. We had no jobs and then Harvey hit. I learned then that when I'm in despair, I need to look up to where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 

5. Helping other people reach their goal is the best

I didn’t realize that when I invited my friends to join me during my runs would be so fulfilling. We started together in the beginning of the summer. Some people had not been running on a regular basis, others took some time off. I’ve been able to watch their consistency and dedication. I am seeing many reaching goals they didn’t think they could reach. That feels lovely. Here is the other side of the coin: it takes unselfishness to do that. It takes a total abandonment of one’s ego because it’s not about me, it’s about others. I love helping people reach their goals. I hope to continue to help others. 

6. Making a summer to-do list was a good idea 

I made an “18 for summer 18 list” and it was a good idea. I reached most of the goals I set there. I made sure they were not long-term, difficult goals because the summer was quite intense. It was lovely to do things such as sit down with a friend and swim.

What did you learn last summer?

More in this series:
• What I learned this Spring

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How to add Renewal to your Day

Sometimes life make me wish I could be magically transported to somewhere magical - without the long airport lines. But then I remember I can't.

Instead of feeling down because my life doesn't resemble a movie (the only place where people randomly take off and go to fun places magically. Well, within 2 hours anyway), I've learned to do a few things to bring renewal to everyday life:

• Take a 15 minute walk. I know it is summer. This is not power walking. I simply walk one direction for 7 minutes then I turn around and go back to where I came from. There's something about walking that clears the mind.

• Do a craft project. I'm not a craft person, yet, I sometimes engage in a project. The satisfaction of finishing something I started that will hang at my house, is heart warming. The simpler the better. There's something about using my hands that clears the mind.

• Talk to a friend. But the friends need to exist in real life. It takes intentionality but we synchronize schedules. I sometimes arrive at our meeting super stressed. I never leave the same way I came. There's something about sharing my heart that clears the mind.

Life is not going to be perfect. Because of that, I learned to recognize the tools I have that can add much needed renewal to my day. What's in your tool box? Does it clear your mind in a natural way?

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Don't speak out of your wound, speak out of your wisdom

People are always looking for peace. They just don't know it.

I look for peace when life gets out of wack. The unexpected illness shows up. The friendship turns toxic. Family harmony turns to family hate. Life has a way of mixing all the pieces we carefully put together.

When such moments happen, we have the tendency of using our mouths. My advice is, "don't speak out of your wound, speak out of your wisdom." If you haven't arrived at wisdom yet, do yourself a favor and cultivate quietness until peace comes.

You and I probably spent a lot of time reading/watching/listening to people speaking out of their wound on social media and in real life. Here is what I do. If it is a close friend who will be able to receive advice, I discretely tell them they might want to reconsider their wounded words.

This habit of speaking out of your wound has become acceptable because it has earned the title of "real (add profanity here)." Somehow, watching people bleed while doing absolutely nothing to help them, has become an admirable character trait.

I went to a hospital today and I can tell you exactly what they would recommend if someone was bleeding. The first step is to stop the bleeding. The second step is to treat the cause of the bleeding so the person can heal.

We don't behave this way online. We have accepted the internet as the primary place to bleed (or vomit) while many applaud it without questioning the health of the wounded person.

What happens when the person speaking out of their wound is the one reading my words? The first step is to recognize you developed such habit. You need help. I am not implying that one should be fake online. I am advocating for wisdom to arise out of the deep hurts we all experience. If it can't help, it shouldn't be said. A close friend, a counselor might be a better audience for such words. There are always proper places for our words. Wisdom comes when we can discern where those places are.

Please don't think that you shouldn't say what you feel. My friend, you certainly can. Feelings were given to us for a good reason. I believe that sharing wisdom is more effective than sharing the wound only.

Let's get real (without the cuss words). I know that this post will not turn the internet into a wisdom-only place. Darkness will always be out there. The truth of Jesus compels me to believe that darkness will not overcome His light. We can all make a difference if we change our behavior. How do we do that?

We can use silence when the pain is working its way through our being. We can all take a break from  shiny screens so we can focus on the lessons learned out of pain. We can reach out to a person, in real life, that can benefit from our story.

If you are looking for peace tonight, be sure you take the time to find it. Reach out to a good friend. Turn off your screens for a while. Turn on your heart and know that God can redeem, restore and renew. Let's get to wisdom.

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Moving Homes the Best Way

God has blessed our family with some interesting adventures and moving is one of them. I'd say we don't move a lot but we've moved enough for me to learn some awesome things. 

• I'm amazed at how staying organized has helped the process. I'm the person who found an organization process that worked and I decided to stick with it. I use it all the time. I used it today. It works and I'm so blessed because of it. 

• I've been pacing myself. I'm giving myself time to pack and to get ready so I don't have to do it all at one time. 

• Peace is key. I have heard that moving is one of the most stressful events a person may face in life (in America. Let's be real, people in other parts of the world might have a different opinion).  I also realize that with God's peace, the process is much different. I'm not dreading the move. I prayed about it and I rely on God's peace to lead the way. 

• Friends are a treasure. God always sends us friends to love and help us in ways that are beyond my resources. I'm grateful. 

• Donate before during and after the move. The only way to stay light is to donate. I'm a believer in freely giving from the much I have received. 

• Unboxing deserves a party. I know that people often throw parties when they need to get their stuff in boxes but I think that unboxing deserves its own party. Everything else that's left boxed for years enters the 'pet' category. I don't know about you but I never throw my pet boxes away. Oh well!

Whether we have a company helping us or we are doing the move ourselves, we can always count on God to make transitions what they're meant to be. Just transitions. 

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The Category Struggle

This is me after my 'tech check' for Merry Ministries

I find it difficult to put myself in a box, but sometimes you just end up in a category. Some categories are easier to accept than others (mom, runner for example). A category I find myself in is Bible Teacher. I didn't ask for it, I kinda fell in it.
I'm a person who learned to love the Bible organically. I was taught the Bible and I saw it being lived out by real people. I also saw many people around me read the Bible all the time.
I found an increased interest for the Bible when I was by myself for the first time in my life when I moved to the U.S. 18 years ago. I figured out then that most of the advice I got over the years came from Proverbs (well played grandma!).
God knows I was here as an immigrant to get higher education degrees. I read the Bible, went to church, taught Sunday School and got good grades in grad school. I thought at time time that I was going to seminary. My pastor at the time told me to be open-minded cause some people go to Seminary after they get into their secular careers. I didn't like his advice at the time but it was wisdom.
I got into my career, got married, became a mother and I find myself not interested in attending seminary. I figured that if God wants me to do that, He'll have to make it extremely clear to me. I am not anti-seminary, I'm just content with my Masters Degree in Journalism.
The interesting thing is that instead of seminary, I enrolled in the "School of the Holy Ghost." I am having the opportunity to learn spiritual formation from women in my local church and community. I found mentors and people who keep encouraging me to serve God with gladness and study His word with passion. The goal is not to get a title but to get to know the God of the Bible better.

Oh, I am blessed to have many family and friends who went (or are going) to seminary and Bible School. When I have questions I take advantage of their fast knowledge without having to sit in school for years. That's a great deal in my mind!

This Spring I had the opportunity to take a Bible Study Methods class here in Houston at the College of Biblical Studies. I made it clear weekly that I was a "one and done" student. God opened that door and of course, when He opens another door I'll walk through it. He knows I'm satisfied with my level of eduction and a (free, fully funded) Ph.D. in Communications is what really makes sense in my mind. We'll see what happens!

Why am I telling you all this? Because this summer I am co-teaching Merry Ministries (our local, non-denominational women's Bible study) with two of my mentors.
I am honored, thankful and humbled by this opportunity. I have learned a lot from our teachers and it is an honor to be mentored by them.

I am not planning to take my show on the road once we are done with the summer series (are you serious? I have dishes and laundry waiting for me #glamlife). The real plan is to be planted under Godly, Bible based ministries such as my dear Merry Ministries.

It's funny to be put into a category such as Bible Teacher but I'll accept it as long as the first thing people sense is my love and fascination for the God of the Bible. I'm looking forward to teaching and having fun with the ladies this summer at Merry Ministries.

• Do you struggle fitting into a certain category in your life? Do you think this is really a God calling in disguise?
• Merry Ministries Website link

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Why Declutter? To save Time, Money and Stress

Hello! It's me! Your favorite Christmas countdown! Just kidding. I wanted to give you an update on my plans not to be surprised by the holidays.

To be honest with you, I have more time to dedicate to my home this year than last year when I was working outside of the home. Either way, all of us have the same amount of time (24 hours in a day) and the challenge is to use it wisely. Let's talk strategy. 

I work very well with lists. I have a mental list of what I need to accomplish within 75 days. The goal is not be stressed by last minute prep so that I can enjoy the season with my family. Every day I work on one or two items on my list. I still use my faithful 45-minute solution (read about it here) and so far I've organized my closet and the kids' toys using this method. My kitchen is next on the list.

Christmas 2014.

Let's proceed with the big why. Why should you get organized within the next 75 days? Simply because organization saves Time, Money and Stress.

Time - yesterday I spent some time doing the "Big Listenbee Closet Overhaul" which included the kids' toys and my closet. The results? When Christmas comes, we will not be overwhelmed with extra toys. Because I completed this project, there's actually room for more (yes, I've been donating toys and clothes all year). The time I spent working in my closet saves me time because I know exactly what I have and what I need. I also had help from a Fashion Designer (see Sophia Adodo) who helped me rethink my fashion options. I still have a few sessions with her but the first one was really productive.

Money - We have a tendency to buy things we already have because we don't know where they are. Because I'm organized, I don't have to spend money on stuff I already have. The problem with clutter is that it hides the things you actually like. It may seem like it's a lot of work to declutter but living clutter-free saves you a lot of money.

Stress - I know the holiday season brings out extra stress anyway so clutter will not be a source of extra stress this year. Being prepared with organized spaces allows me to feel more at peace. One of my upcoming organization projects includes putting all my holiday recipes in one place. I also plan on finding my address book and having it ready to go so I can mail our Christmas letter. Being stressed is no fun so if I can prevent it, I will! A good exercise is to identify your greatest source of stress during the holiday and make an effort to prevent that this year. If it's people related, come back to the blog because I have a few posts about it.

I hope you are inspired to get a list of projects together that will make your life easier come Christmas week. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out for help. I am sure that if you reach out to a friend, they will come to your rescue and make those 45-minute sessions feel like 10 minutes. It's important to let pride go and accept the help that's available to you. I have actually paid people to help me declutter and it was a very smart choice.

Have a blessed and productive day friends! 

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Mid-year Goals Update 2016

This is a great time of year to review the goals you and I set in January. I asked myself many questions that led me to my goals for 2016. I also looked at my goals as a map. Here's my update:

• Decide where you want to go – I did. I have been revisiting my goals because after the school year was over I felt a little lost. Revisiting my goals also allowed me to find new strategies to get there. Now is a good time to think, "do I need a new strategy?" 
• Follow the map – I can say that because I have reviewed my (Fitness, Family, Faith, Business and Other) goals, I got a new strategy to reach them. Some of the goals I set have already been accomplished but there are many others that are in the process. Following the map I set for myself is a sure way to get to my destination. 
• Expect Detours – who you're telling? Detours have been the word of the year therefore, the need for new strategies. I know there is a lesson in dealing with detours on the way to reaching my goal. I have learned not to get mad at the detour in a way that it paralyzes my progress. As I expect detours I become more flexible and even more determined to reach my goal. 

Here are the three questions I asked myself before setting my goals. I believe they are still relevant now:
• What do I most want to be thankful for one year from now? - I want to be thankful that I invested in my family and in my health. I want to be thankful that I was able to help others through my career.
• Which activities in my schedule aren’t delivering the results I want? - This is a tough one but so worth evaluating. I find that this tough decisions can catapult me into my goals.
• Are you buying what you’re selling? - I am. I totally get the fact that after God, family is the most important thing to me. I totally buy the fact that health is important and it's imperative to invest in it. If I can make it fun (my definition of fun is running marathons), even better!

I want to challenge you to review your goals and to ask yourself the questions that will catapult you to your destination. It's worth it because you are worth it my friend. Have a great day!

Previously in this series:
• Goals as a Map
• 2016 Goals you can Reach
• Mid-Year Goals Update 2015

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Life as a Marathon

I started my marathon journey this long ago.

summer of 2013

I had this crazy dream that I had what it took to run a marathon and change my life (thanks MTA). Marathons are not easy and somehow, I find that I need them in my life.
It's a big task: months of preparation, a lot of training and you never know what awaits you until the big day. You go through ups and downs and at the end, you know it was all worth it.

I could not have earned my 4 marathon finishes without my husband's support. Even my mom, dad and siblings helped me with the kids when they were around. Running kept happening and it has become a habit.

Running has a spiritual side to it as well. I have learned what persistence looks like. I have learned to call on God and literally run with Him by my side. I have learned that no matter how big the task I can run and not get weary. I can press forward to finish what I started.

Circumstances in life seem like a marathon at times. Difficulties seem unsurmountable, unless I take one step at a time. Pressure mounts up and at times it feels like I made a big mistake to begin with. The thing is, I've ran too far to stop or turn around so I might as well finish. It's when I get close to the finish line that the challenges seem bigger. I have learned that if I keep going I will eventually get to the finish line.

Today, no matter what challenges you face, remember that if you take one step at a time you will reach the finish line. Oh, and help always comes when you need it the most. 

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2016 Goals You can Reach

Think about your greatest achievements in life. They were not an accident, correct? It took hard work, persistence and determination. I dare to say, it all started with a goal. You and I have 37 days left in 2015 my friend. Today I want to help you reach your goals through these 3 questions:

• What do I most want to be thankful for one year from now? - this week we are counting and naming our blessings. I challenge you to look further and decide how will you insert certitude in your goals. When you answer the question I just gave you, you make a decision to put some boundaries in your living. Isn’t it what goals do so well? They help us establish our margin and they solidify our path towards a better future. Name your blessings now and start working towards them as you set your goal.

• Which activities in my schedule aren’t delivering the results I want? - I am fascinated with this concept. I read about a man who reviews his previous year and makes decisions on what he won’t do in the upcoming year. He just doesn’t quit the things he hates; he quits the things that aren’t delivering the results he wants. In other words, he kills his darlings. It’s not easy but it is freeing and I have found that rectification brings affirmation towards the path you really should go. In a gardening sense, when you trim a tree or a bush, you are setting that plant up for success. The pruning will cause more growth. The same thing happens when we choose to kill the activities that aren’t delivering results we want. We are really freeing our lives for successful activities.

• Are you buying what you’re selling? - every time we woke up for the past 327 days, we were selling something. We sell that “something” through the way we live what we believe. This past year I tried to sell the fact that putting my family first is a good deal. I tried to sell the fact that resting must be included in one’s daily schedule. I also sold long distance running, reading the Bible in one year, being a friend who connects offline often. My immediate family and close friends also know about the bad sales deals I tried to give them. My lack of patience, my shortcomings and lack of wisdom in some areas were bad deals no one should dare to buy. What did you sell this year? Would you buy it? Get rich quick schemes and shortcuts won’t do. The way of integrity is the way to go. I challenge you to think of yourself as a salesperson and evaluate what you sold to others this year.

My friend, let’s make time to answer these 3 questions and write our 2016 goals. I pray that as you reflect on these questions your heart is filled with hope and excitement. You have a world of possibilities inside of you. Establishing your 2016 Goals will help you get them out.

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40 days

89% Of this year is gone. While we can't do anything about it, we can live the next 40 days with purpose and passion. I want to encourage you to set aside time to write down your 2016 goals. I also want to encourage you to come up with a list of things you can do in order to put purpose into the end of 2015. Here is my list:

1. Finish reading the Bible in one year (I use the YouVersion App)
2. Call family who lives far away
3. Connect with friends I haven't talked to in a long time 
4. Write in my journal 
5. Write down my goals for 2016 
6. Review my goals for 2015 
7. Find daily ways to be Thankful to God and others 
8. Organize that space that's driving me nuts!
9. Write Christmas letters to my children
10. Take a family photo
11. Send Christmas cards to friends and family 
12. Bake a for my family
13. Get lemons out of the lemon tree 
14. Volunteer for a charity near my heart 
15. Run
16. Teach my kids a new Christmas hymn or two 
17. Have a great attitude when others are stressed out 
18. Put a smile on someone's face 
19. Give out sincere compliments to others 
20. Encourage my husband and children
21. Rest 
22. Pray for those who are suffering in this happy season
23. Get to know my city better
24. Listen to someone closely 
25. Call an elderly family member and connect with them 
26. Tell my children stories of my childhood
27. Honor family traditions with my immediate family 
28. Forgive those who have wronged me and let go of that pain
29. Help friend
30. Practice generosity with my time 
31. Laugh a lot 
32. Let go of frustrations from the past 
33. Encourage a young person with my words 
34. Honor and obey my husband 
35. Bless my children 
36. Practice creativity 
37. Never lose hope 
38. Spend less time starring at a screen 
39. Invest in my health by eating the best nutrition for my calories 
40. Live what I believe 

 • How will you put purpose into these last 40 days of 2015?

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How my Child Potty Trained Herself

The two most feared words in parenting (in my opinion) are Potty Training. I avoided it as long as I could but by the time my youngest child needed to be potty trained I did what I've done before: tried to get someone else to do it. 

Here's my potty training history: I was changing 3 diapers when my youngest was born. My mom, who was visiting us from Brasil, potty trained my oldest. I was down to changing two diapers and decided to potty train my second born. It was a bad experience for both of us. I'll never forget her sitting on the potty and screaming "what's happening to me?!" That lasted a whole day and she was back in diapers. My amazing mother was visiting us again a couple of months after that episode and potty trained her in a day or two. I know, my mom is amazing. 

This time around the clock was ticking - the "your child needs to be potty trained in order to be part of certain summer activities" clock - so I decided to take advantage of a local Potty Training 101 class for parents. I was least experience person in the class and I learned a lot! I decided to start with the easy stuff: "use potty training language" and "be on constant training mode." When I started doing this, something clicked in her mind. My daughter started asking to be potty trained. I'll be honest, I would easily give up when an accident happen. I also would resort to diapers because of the many activities we're involved in. Putting her diaper back on gave me the assurance that I wouldn't need to potty train on the go. This process happened a couple of other times but last week, my daughter decided to pee and poop on the toilet all by herself! 

When she did it for the first time I was in the kitchen, busy with household chores. She kept making progress and we celebrated her big accomplishment! I will not lie, that encouragement really boosted her morale. The fact that she was now equal to her siblings when it came to using the potty was also a great incentive. 

So, here's how it happened for us:

• I had no courage to do it but the clock was ticking;
• I went to a class to educate myself;
• I used "potty training awareness language" (mothers of preschoolers are never alone, so there was daily theory classes going on if you know what I mean).
• She decided not to wait for me and do it herself;
• I made sure she was really making process and cleaned the occasional accidents;
• I also let her school and church teachers know she was potty training for additional support;
• We are down to night time diapers only. Yay!

I hope my story can encourage you if you happen to dread Potty Training or if you are far away from that stage but want to know what's up. I know I'm the exception to the rule. I also know that God can give you grace, wisdom and the ability to laugh through this amazing milestone in the life of children. Happy Potty Training friends!

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TV Show Challenge Update 2

Hey! The last time I checked, my sister Simone, my friend Jaime and my friend Addie agreed to this challenge. Any more takers?

2,352 hours is what we have left for 2014. I'm challenging YOU to count how many hours you will spend watching your favorite shows and apply them to the goals you set at the beginning of 2014. Let's remind ourselves of the challenge rules:

TV Show Challenge Rules: 
1. Count the hours you will spend in front of the TV watching your favorite Fall TV Show;
2. Apply those hours on your goals for 2014.
3. Come back and let me know how your TV Show Challenge is going!

Update: I have 1 our of 16 hours completed on my challenge! I timed myself for 1 hour and worked on my book project. I am a writer and it is my goal to put out a body of work that would add value to someone's life (and that would look great on their shelf AFTER they read it). 

Now let's talk about TV!!! I only have time to watch it when the kids have been in bed for a while and I am tired. I often sit in front of the TV with my computer, mindlessly pinning things. My husband is currently watching an old 80s series and although I got him interested in it, I refuse to watch it. My beloved shows have started their new seasons but I just haven't had the energy to watch it. It does take energy to watch The Blacklist and I like to watch 60 Minutes uninterrupted. What will most likely happen is that while I'm recovering from the Chicago Marathon I'll probably have time to watch my favorite shows. 

Time is valuable so through this challenge you and I will make the best out of it. We will be able to look at 2014 and say "Man I'm smart!" Here's what we're working with - because time does not discriminate: 

• We have 64 days til Thanksgiving
• We have 91 days til Christmas
• We have 98 days til December 31

Let's work on our goals today. Even 15 minutes a day will do. Don't procrastinate success my friend. Leave me a comment and let me know how you're doing, okay? Have a productive day! 

• TV Show Challenge
• TV Show Challenge Update 1 

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Getting Ahead in 2013

If you keep living life the way you are now, what type of results will you get decades from now? Let's think short term: what kind of results will you get at the end of the next 22 weeks? Now it's the perfect time to change some things or recalibrate the great things you have happening.  

There are 156 days til the end of 2013. How would you look if you were 22 pounds lighter? How would you feel if you could run 3 miles without stopping? How would your health benefit if you were drinking more water and being less angry?

Today I want to encourage you to think about the results you'd like to see in your life at the end of 2013 and start acting now. Here is an exercise that will help you. You can write this down and post it somewhere you can see daily:  

"By December 31, 2013 I would like to _______________ (list your goal). The obstacles I will most likely face are _________________. The people or organizations I need to work with in order to reach my goal are ____________________. This is how I plan to reach my goal ______________________ (write your plan of action). Here are all the benefits I will enjoy by reaching my goal _______________ (list all the benefits). Inspirational quote: ____________________ (Add an inspirational quote or verse at the end of your document.)"

I think that results scream louder than words. You have 22 weeks. YOU, yes, you my friend, have 156 days in order to reach your goal. Whether you'd like to read more, stop procrastinating or overcome unforgiveness, there is time and grace to change now. If like some of us you have many things you'd like to change, I'd start by choosing something that's impacting you more than the other things. I pray this post helped you. Leave me a comment and tell me which area of your life you hope to change now so by December 31st you will have the results you are hoping for.

Related Post: 
• 7 Steps Toward Success

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Camp Listenbee: an Experiment

My nieces spent 6 weeks of their summer with us. My mother, husband and I felt like we were running a camp thus the name Camp Listenbee was born. We figured out that we needed a schedule pretty quickly which included daily music classes (Kindermusik style).

Here's my baby snatching toys during Kindermusik

 We also created what we call Splash Day. Once a week we let everyone play in the water and that was also a lot of fun for them. Even the baby enjoyed it to my surprise!

Campers enjoying Splash Day

 The thing I didn't expect was the amount of drawing that Camp Listenbee involved (partly because I haven't bought a printer since we moved to Texas). I googled stuff like "how to draw a sheep" and I followed the instructions. Then I thought about how we can make this even fun so we came up with this: 

More Camp Listenbee Art ideas on my Pinterest

 My nieces and kids are young enough that they may not remember this summer at all but I will. I thank God, my husband and my mother for the amazing help they gave me. I don't think our camp could have been successful without their love and support. I am also thankful for some amazing friends who came to my rescue and gave me rides so I could take the big kids out for playdates and even to a fancy restaurant! We practiced table manners in the restaurant and the kids did a remarkable job! 

I found most camp supplies at the Goodwill. Great prices!

 My nieces have been back to their hometown and our fun continues. Yesterday I googled how to draw a monkey because the kids keep playing that they are having a birthday party for Mr. Monkey, so I thought our craft time should follow that theme.

My "Happy Birthday Mr. Monkey" drawing skills

I have also been helping all my kids to learn how to hold a pencil and how to color as well as reinforce some of the things they learned in school. I don't have a call to homeschool but I do know I am responsible for helping my kids to develop a love for learning.
My prayer is that God will continue to give me creativity and enthusiasm to keep our little camp going til school starts again. We have another VBS to look forward to as well as another family birthday before the end of the summer. I'm thankful for summers and I am thankful for the opportunity to experience different things such as being more purposeful about what the kids are learning.

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From Procrastinator to Proactive

I see Procrastination as the delay of responsibilities. It is a bad habit that needs to be broken any way we can. Here's another way to think about it: What stands between you and the success you want? Be sure to get Procrastination out of the picture and you will get there.

It was in college that a professor told me what "Procrastination" meant. The word, which is pronounced [proh-kras-tuh-ney-shuhn] is the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention. The kind professor went on to explain how Procrastination would harm us in college. That simple but powerful 30-minute class stayed with me for years. I learned that taking immediate steps towards my goal helped me get a degree.

Whether success means a degree, healthy habits or a clean closet, don't delay your responsibility. For some of us success means making a phone call to say "I was wrong, I apologize." Don't delay making peace if it's up to you (Romans 12:8).

The Bible is a book of action where I find inspiration to leave procrastination behind. Laziness is condemned in the book of Proverbs while following after wisdom is encouraged. The book of 2 Timothy is also a great one to find inspiration to get things done. Paul writes "be ready in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2)." What does that mean to you? God has given you dominion as a mother, professional, pastor, etc. How can you be ready in season and out of season? Get procrastination of out of way and you will be ready.

Action Item: Identify what stands between you and success and do it now.

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