How we manage our busy schedule

Easter Sunday in 2023

Spring can be busy but it doesn't have to drive us apart because of stress. Today I want to tell you about how our family manages busy times. 

Busy means different things to different people. Some families prefer to have heavy schedules. Others opt for lighter commitments so they can enjoy being together more often. The truth is that everyone gets busy at times. 

Springtime brings lighter temperatures and lots of activities for our family. My husband is a pastor so the church's schedule affects our schedule. Easter is a big season for us. Right after Easter festivities are done, we manage all the end-of-school-year activities. 

The kids have final exams, recitals, concerts, musicals, and sports. These additions to full-time jobs can be stressful. 

I want to offer a few simple suggestions for those looking for inspiration to thrive during a busy season. 

1. We talk about our week before it starts • we have a habit of looking at our schedule before the week begins. We talk about it as a family as well. Now that the kids are bigger, they can remind us of any important dates or pick-up times. Everyone in our family has a favorite way to keep up with a calendar. Speaking about the week before it happens has helped us cover busy weeks as well as offer assistance where needed. 

2. We help each other - When we speak about our week, we may notice someone with a heavier dose of commitment. One time, one of the kids qualified for an all-state clinic. The clinic required extra practice and travel. Our family came together to help one another so we could be sure all the kids have everything they needed. 

3. We ask for help - We learned not to be embarrassed to ask for help. I tend to try to do everything by myself. Asking for help allows us all to reach our goal of thriving during a busy season. I learned to ask for help with chores. I'm amazed at how it frees up my time so I can do other things. 

4. We schedule time together - my husband is especially gifted in thinking about how we can spend time together during busy seasons. The simple act of sitting down together to share our hearts is especially meaningful. We always feel better and we agree that we needed that boost of love and encouragement. When it comes to spending time together as a family, dinner time is our way of joining forces. It takes effort and planning to have meals on the table during busy weeks but this is a well-established habit for us.

5. We schedule rest time - A rested family is an effective family. We learned that being busy does not mean being restless. Sure, there are early mornings and late nights at times. We learned to cultivate the habit of resting adequately so we feel refreshed most of the time. To put things into perspective, we may decline a few invitations if it means we get multiple hours of rest before the busy season begins. I remember saying no to hanging out so we could spend a full day at home resting and recovering. We say yes to going to be earlier than most people. Resting well allows our bodies and minds to function at their best. The only thing about rest is that you can't put it on a pill. You just have to make it happen. 

6. We celebrate each other's accomplishments - We are teaching the kids to celebrate one another. During busy seasons, we stopped to celebrate big and small accomplishments. Celebration brings about extra joy. It seals happiness in the heart. It also allows us to see that all the work to get us where we are was worth it. Celebrations are part of Christian living. We want to be habitual about our celebrations. No need for a big banner and a marching band. To hear "well done" and to receive an affirming hug is all the soul needs. 

7. We practice JOMO - I've seen tears being shed over this practice. It is a difficult one to practice yet worth it in the end. Recently, I saw a particular family member adding a lot of extracurricular activities to our family schedule. One day during a way, we talked about our goal for this season as a family. We talked about the impact of the extra activities. Something had to give. JOMO is defined as "the joy of missing out." I honestly told the kid, "You can't do everything. You are very talented but wisdom comes when we only do what God gives us grace to do for that season." The kid cried. I didn't cry because I know how much it hurts to do the opposite of what I was proposing. JOMO does not show up until you gather the courage to say no. Families are the places where we can gather our courage together, coupled by the wisdom of the previous generation and the grace of God. 

I hope you and your family are well-equipped to thrive this Spring season. You have what it takes. With God and the love of family, you can do hard things. 

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Which Church should you visit on Easter?

Have you been bombarded by Easter invitations everywhere? Believe it or not, so have I. I'm here to help you make a decision on which Church you should visit on Easter.

Here's the reality: not everyone will go to the same place. The issue sometimes is finding the right place for you. Here are my suggestions:

1. Do your homework and go to the church's website. Chances are, you will find a video or podcast of their previous services. I'm all for you knowing what you're getting yourself into before you get there. Trust me, I do this all the time and I highly encourage my friends to do the same.

2. If you have no idea of where to go, join a friend who is going. Here's the thing about your friends: they wouldn't take you to a bad place. Going with a friend also guarantees that you will not be alone. Arriving with a friend guarantees that you will know where to go and how to navigate the place.

3. Go with your family. I bet your family will be overjoyed that you joined them for Easter. If you want to score high points with your folks, take them out to lunch afterwards. I'm serious.

4. Accept an invitation from a friend who's been inviting you for a while. They'll be happy to see you there and remember reason number 2: you'll have an immediate church GPS.

5. Go to a Bible believing church you've been casually following on social media. You  see their sermon highlight or music posts. You think, "this sounds good" but leave it at that. Well, Easter is a good time to see the entire thing in person.

If you are still having a hard time deciding where to go, be encouraged. God wants to see you in His house more than anyone else. Remember you have Christian friends who can help you as well.

If you are a local friend, come to my church! If you've seen my social media posts, you know we have a great time and I'd love to see you there. 

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Beautiful Body

Before I became a mother, I made peace with the body God gave me.
I learned that negative feelings backfire.
I learned to be thankful and to accept that God only gives good gifts.

When I became a mother, I made a treaty with the body God gave me.
I pledged to give it enough rest and nourishment.
I pledged to be wise with how I use my energy.

Now that I am 39, I renewed my commitment to the body God gave me.
I'm committed to glorify God with my body.
I am not my own, I belong to God entirely.

I hope you remember that God gave you the body you have.
Even if you struggle with its quirks and shape
Know that God is pleased with you, just as you are. 

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How my friends and I read the Bible in One Year

It was the end of 2016 when four of my friends accepted this challenge:
"P.S.: I will be reading the One Year Bible in 2017 and I've been encouraging my friends to do the same. It takes 15 minutes of each day. It's totally doable and you will love what it does for your inner life."

One friend successfully finished reading the Bible in One Year, and I am on track to finish it on December 31. I've been part of the group who couldn't swing it one year. How did we manage to succeed?

1. We set the goal. We decided to read the One Year Bible.
2. We got the book. Or the App. Either way we were equipped to succeed.
3. We put it in our schedule. One of my friends read ahead because she knew the summer would be busy. I put it in my schedule first thing in the morning. Planning to succeed often helps us get there.
4. We decided to stick with it day in and day out. We read through every kind of weather (Hurricane Harvey included) and each small step got us to the end.

Reaching this goal is exciting. I also understand what it feels not to finish (that was me last year). I didn't abandon the Bible, I just couldn't read it all in one year. What matters is that my heart and mind are forever changed because I dedicated my time to the reading of God's word. Faith did come and faith is what I needed to weather the storms of life this year.

Congratulations to my friends who finished reading the Bible in a Year. Congratulations to my friends  who will try again next time.

I want to invite you to join me in 2018 as I dedicate 15 minutes a day do read the Bible. I'm changing the translation as well as the format. I'm stretching myself so I can grow and mature in my faith. Join me?

More in this Series:
• Bible Study Lady
• One Year Bible: Time Management
• Bible in a Year: Half Way to my Goal
• 5 Strategies to Actually Read the Bible in a Year

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Outono nos Estates: minhas 5 Atividades Prediletas

O Outono chegou, e com ele muita coisa legal que a gente só faz uma vez por ano. Hoje eu quero falar sobre as nossas 5 atividades prediletas do ano.

Esse é a "surpresa de abóbora" o bolo que o
meu esposo faz uma vez por ano. Ganhou até prêmio na igreja!

• Campos de Abóboras (Pumpkin Patch) - Essa é a melhor época de achar abóbora de tudo quanto é tamanho e forma. As mais tradicionais são aquelas enormes que o pessoal compra pra enfeitar a casa ou pra fazer esculturas. Muitas igrejas compram um número imenso de abóboras pra angariar fundos. Daí eles põe atividades para as famílias e muita gente passa várias horas lá olhando as abóboras, comprando e tirando fotos. Essa é umas das tradições da nossa família. Eu até inventei uma musiquinha pra animar as crianças (rs!) todo ano. 

As crianças adoram os campos de abóbora

• Festa de Outono na Igreja (Trunk or Treat) - Nossa igreja usa o dia das bruxas como um dia de evangelismo pra comunidade. Nós oferecemos o estacionamento da igreja com brinquedos, música evangélica e muito doce pras crianças. O pessoal enfeita o porta malas do carro e as crianças param de carro em carro pra pegar doce. Nossa igreja também prega o evangelho e muita gente aceita a Jesus naquela noite. Meus filhos adoram essa atividade!

como crescem rápido!

• Desfile de Personagens de Livro - Na escola das crianças, eles tem o desfile de personagens de livro. Você compra uma fantasia que têm haver com um livro. Essa é uma forma de animar as crianças a ler sempre. É bonitinho e as crianças adoram ir pra escola de fantasia. Falando nisso eu tenho que decidir as fantasias aqui de casa. 

Nossa família em 2013

• Fotos de Familia - Eu aproveito a animação dessa época pra tirar as fotos que vão no nosso cartão de natal. Depois de Outubro vêm as festas do fim de ano e com tanta coisa pra fazer é bom ter as nossas fotos prontas. 

• Decorações de Casa - Ano passado minha filha do meio perguntou quando nós íamos decorar a casa pro outono. Fui correndo na loja comprar umas decorações. Comprei mais umas abóboras, uma daquelas bandeiras que se coloca na lareira e em vez da grinalda comprei uma abóbora de madeira com a inscrição "rendei graças." Esse ano coloquei no início do mês porque na sexta-feira de ações de graça a gente arma a árvore de natal. Também comprei flores (flor do mum) e colocamos na porta de casa. 

Nossa família em 2014

Meu objetivo como serva de Deus, esposa e mãe é de ter uma atmosfera de gratidão a Deus por todas as bênçãos que Ele nos concede. Em vez de focar no que não acredito, prefiro lembrar de todas as benignidades que Deus tem nos dado. Um abração e um ótimo dia pra você amigo/a! 

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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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Feliz 1,826 dias!

Hoje é o seu aniversário! Que essa data se renove em muitos anos. Estamos agradecidos demais a Deus pela sua vida e pelos anos que Ele tem te dado. Como você está crescendo em estatura e graça na presença de Deus. 

 Hoje corri 5 milhas pra comemorar o seu aniversário. Daqui a pouco mudo isso pra kilômetros. Rs! 

Você pediu por café da manhã na cama com o seu cereal predileto e com donuts. Cantamos parabéns e o seu pai orou por você. 

Ontem uns amigos vieram comemorar o seu aniversário conosco. Desejamos que você continue crescendo com sabedoria e graça na presença de Deus. Fico feliz pelo coração grato que você tem. Também dou glórias a Deus pelo jeito único que Ele te criou. Feliz aniversário querida filha. Nós te amamos e bendizemos a Deus por mais um ano de vida abundante! 

Previously:
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4 

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Happy Anniversary Zeke

Our wedding day in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.
There was a total of 9 people there and it was wonderful!

Our family was born 9 years ago. We exchanged vows and started the journey that led us here. It hasn't been easy but it has been worth it. We thought it'd be fun but it's been more than fun. I have learned that you are reliable. You are faithful, true and amazingly supportive. We are your priority. You show that by choosing us over and over again over other things on your platter. You have been flexible and understanding of the different seasons of marriage. You have been an example I follow in just adapting with joy knowing that the God who created marriage knows just how we can be successful at it. 

It has been fun. We've experienced a lot of firsts together and the joy I have is that there are more adventures waiting for us. 

It has been challenging. We have been through tough seasons that helped us grow. I appreciate you for your commitment to our marriage and our family. 

Today I thank God for the gift that you are. Today I realize that as our family was born, the foundation of life for our children also started. Thank you for loving me and for being the best blessing that God gave me this side of heaven. I love you more than words can say. Happy anniversary dear husband! You are a constant source of joy. Let's celebrate!

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2014 Health Goals: thankful!

13 days till the new year! I want to do a wrap up on my goals for the year. I wrote a 2014 Goals Update in May where I took a further step and added some Action Steps for my Health Goals. Today I’m being painfully honest about the results and extremely thankful to God for the opportunities I had in 2014. While these are Health and Fitness related, I also set goals in other categories. Here are my updates:

Houston Mile 22: my friends show up when I need them the most!

1 • Rebuild my running base in order to be always ready to run a half-marathon – DONE. I was blessed to stick with my running group off season and it was awesome!

Sweet Victory! I finished the Chicago Marathon thanks to God!

2 • Sign up for at least one marathon this year – DONE. Thanks to God for the gift of running the Chicago Marathon! It was a dream I had for many years. I’m so grateful for that experience. 

3 • Arrive at a normal BMI - NOT DONE. I pretty much maintained my weight this year.  

No major weight loss but I'm not who I used to be!

4 • Break my PR for both a half marathon and a marathon - NOT DONE YET. I have never ran a half-marathon and I did not PR in Chicago but with God’s help I will in Houston.  

Running with my husband was amazing. So thankful for Zeke!

5 • Inspire and motivate people who want to run – I HOPE SO. My husband is now a runner training for his first half-marathon. One of my friends told me I inspired him to run a marathon. I pray that my journey brings glory to God and motivation to people.

One of my personal goals was to be 'present' when talking to people. The pursuit of this goal made me a better friend and listener this year. I also set to write more qualitative pieces for the blog this cutting down in the amount of posts I put out. This goal helped me to be a more efficient writer. I wanted to read the whole Bible this year and I did not accomplish this goal. I hope to be able to do it in 2015 tough. I am happy with the amount of Bible study that happened this year. I also set Parenting and Financial goals and thanks to God I saw a lot of learning in both of these areas. 

I like the accountability of writing down my goals. I like the stats that say that people who write their goals are more likely to accomplish them. I also enjoy the fact that if I set out to reach nothing I'll hit it every time. 

I thank God for a year of growth and learning. I pray for the courage to set more goals for 2015 that will glorify God and bless others. 

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Amazing Father

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. 

Psalm 127:3-5

The kids now at know how to celebrate others. They know what their dad wants for Father's Day and they love to wish him a Happy Father's Day. This year we celebrated early because Sunday is a work day and it is our younger daughter's birthday. 

As each year goes by I am more thankful for the father Zeke is to our children. He is loving, and compassionate. He delights in his children. He loves spending time with them. He knows how to have fun and make great memories with them. He also knows he doesn't know everything and always seeks wise counsel from people he respects. Zeke is very involved in our children's lives. No detail is too small: he cares about it all. I can see how much our children love their father through their eyes and their eagerness to always be with him. I pray that their relationship will continue to grow stronger. 

I thank God for my husband and the blessing he is as a father. I pray for many, many more years of laughter and love. Happy Father's Day Zeke! You are amazing as a father!

All about Fathers:

• About Incredible Dads
• Zeke's Approach to Fatherhood
• About Fathers
• Father's Day Dia dos Pais

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Running, Dallas, Mother's Day and Chicago Training

We are 150 days away from the start of the Chicago Marathon and I am already training. I guess I never stopped training once I crossed the finish line of the Houston Marathon. I consider myself a full-time runner (meaning no break from training) so training is what I do. Good thing it's super fun. One of the joys of training is the beautiful places I get to see while running. 

I saw my Doctor last week during my long run and that was a lot of fun. I don't think she recognized me but it was nice to see that she practices what she preaches. She's completed a tri and the Houston Half in the past. I went out of town so I fit my long run a bit earlier than usual. It was so nice to have my buddy Janica with me! Those miles went way faster because we were together. 

We took a quick trip to Dallas and of course we had to visit Southfork because my husband is a big fan of Dallas. It was lots of fun as you can tell by our faces. The kids were a little tired but they really enjoyed seeing the animals in the ranch. 

I was so blessed to meet Digital Mom during this trip and to top it off, I got to see my dear friend Amanda. We haven't seen each other in person for a few years but we've managed to skype often. There's nothing like hanging out in person tough.

Sunday was Mother's Day. It was a different Sunday for me and that's always cool cause I had a lot of time to myself. I ran 6 miles (the last time I ran on Sunday was during the Houston Marathon), went to church and spent a lot of fun time with the kids. This was our attempt to get a "nice" Mother's Day Picture. 

As I approach the summer and Fall Marathon season I keep believing God to provide everything I need to get to the finish line. I have faith that God will do exceedingly, abundantly above than all I can ask or imagine. I appreciate your prayers for me friends!
Have an amazing rest of the day!

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34

birthday lunch with the kids. almoço de aniversário.

I am so thankful to God for another year of life. I have learned that birthdays are to be celebrated because it is good to be alive and it is a blessing to be alive and well. I am well loved, that's for sure. My incredible husband celebrated my birthday for 3 days. We went out for a comedy and dinner the day before my birthday. We badly needed the laugh and to our surprise there was a karaoke night happening at the place where we had dinner which brought on even more laughs. My cute kids were super excited to celebrate my birthday. It was funny to look at their confused faces when we announced 3 birthdays and thanksgiving in 35 days. We went to a salad/soup restaurant with the kids. They sang happy birthday and it was so beautiful. I am thankful to God for the beauty and simplicity of childhood.

2 dias de festa. 2 days of celebration.

My incredible husband and I went out that evening and drove around some of the marathon route. It was great to see some of the mileage I will be covering. We closed the night with Indian food and chocolate. Saturday I had a long run and I met a few of my friends for lunch. We went to a Brazilian restaurant and everyone enjoyed themselves. I was excited about spending time with my dear friends. 

Friends and tambourine playing. Tocando pandeiro e
as amigas.

Zeke has taught me a lot about celebration since we've been together. He has taught me to enjoy the abundant life God has given us. I am so thankful that I have him as a constant reminder that God is good and celebration is in order. 

Meu querido esposo. My dear husband. 

I am thankful to God for 34 years of life. They have been blessed no matter the highs or lows I've faced. I am assured that God will continue to be the stability of my times (Isaiah 33:6). I'm taking this to the bank this year and for the years to come. God is faithful and I am thankful for to have life and to have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

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Turkey Trot Birthday Recap

What an amazing weekend this has been! God is good and we are thankful for all He has done. We started a family tradition this past weekend. We got bundled up and went to cheer Zeke on his first Turkey Trot! Our local race is a 5-miler. 

It was really cold but our hearts were filled with joy and excitement as we cheered Zeke on! 

It was super cold for Texas. I was pushing the kids around for a bit and my toes got REALLY cold. There was a grocery store open so we went there to warm up a bit. The girls were happy about their arrangement in the stroller. Big brother was happy to help me push it.

Here we are at the finish line! I am so incredibly proud of Zeke! I prayed for this day for many years and it finally happened. I am so excited Zeke joined the running community! He has even set some goals for himself. I'm super excited and thankful to God for this blessing.

The day after Thanksgiving was Zeke's birthday. The kids and I took him out for lunch. Everyone had a great time and we took this picture before we left.

Zeke wanted to celebrate his birthday at a Brazilian restaurant (yes!) so a couple of our friends joined us there for great food and red velvet cheesecake. It was so much fun!

I'm so happy that Zeke enjoyed his birthday. Honestly, it is one of my favorite times of the year.

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