8/31/2004 12:50:49 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

The next 52 changes is up:

Tiny Change #40: Make sure your work chair and desk are ergonomically correct

|||109392796956845001|||ergonomically correct8/29/2004 05:36:49 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

In my newest Church Herald an article on self-care and caring for others caught my interest. Many volunteers suffer burn-out because they think that their only choice is between self-centeredness and selfishness. Bill Hybels writes, "Many Christians live the phrase 'busyness is next to godliness.' But, anyone who is truly self-less all the time will probably end up in an institution. The middle ground of self-care is essential for preserving our giftedness, our sanity, our relationships, and our heath so that we can engage in continued service. Self care is not an option. It's a necessary component in the life of a joyful, effective, long-term servant of Christ."

Some resources that article listed:

The Overcommitted Christian: Serving God Without Wearing Out

Beating Burnout in Congregations

Burning the Candle at Both Ends

Understanding Church Burnout

|||109381620678102426|||Self-Care and serving8/28/2004 02:07:22 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

|||109380338288465497|||Seasonal Checklists8/27/2004 02:16:44 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

We are enjoying our garden bounty, especially the ripe, red tomatoes.

|||109380346920768362|||Garden Bounty8/26/2004 02:26:46 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Our tree is in bloom. We love the purple flowers. Especially while laying in the hammock in close view. Does anyone know what kind of tree this is? The lovely tree was here when we moved in.

|||109380407947115232|||Tree in bloom8/23/2004 04:16:06 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Money Instructor helps you teach your kids or students about money management. I might pick up a few things myself. Lessons on budgeting, estimating groceries, buying a car, renting an apartment, credit cards, balancing the checkbook, and even investing!

|||109329270610877451|||Teach Kids About Money8/23/2004 03:03:45 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

My cousin spent two weeks at Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp. I am amazed at how hard they worked. They practiced their instruments 5 hours a day, sometimes more. Most wanted to be there. The dedication of these students was amazing. They learned difficult music in 12 days of practice.

I was able to enjoy the resulting concert with some aunts, uncles and my son. My son was duly impressed. He thinks he might actually practice his baritone this year.

|||109372002634912914|||Blue Lakes Music Camp8/22/2004 02:13:58 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

My husband, son and I had family fun at my husband's company picnic. The setting was a beautiful horse farm next to a small pond. We bounced along with some bunnies on a hay ride. We rode horses (this was my son's first time and the last time I rode a horse I was 18). We bravely got on the Dakota and Shadow. The ride turned out to be gentle.

We also received a carriage ride around the large property. Jonathan beat me by 3 points in frisbee golf and got slobbered on as he fed hungry goats. Cotton candy and snow cones were a fun treat. Jonathan painted a t-shirt and bounced in the bouncy gym.

I love times when family can enjoy time together. We missed Brea who is still at my parent's house, but I am sure she is having a fantastic time with family, too.

Have you had some family fun lately?

|||109371737853546639|||Picnic 8/19/2004 02:22:15 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

While camping we were describing a perennial we got last fall, but had no idea what it was, to some friends. This astounding, big red burst of flower they told us was a Hibiscus.

|||109380395037165777|||Hibiscus8/18/2004 02:03:52 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Are you trying to declutter your home? Here are some how to's for decluttering:

http://www.addresources.org/article_fear_roehl.php

http://www.demesne.info/Home-Maintenance/August-Maintenance.htm

http://a1priorities.com/page110.html

http://dir.jayde.com/profile010288745.html

|||109380279643584027|||Decluttering Links8/17/2004 01:26:54 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I adore camping- relaxing, being in nature, no computers, seeing the chipmunks, squirrels and birds, going to the beach, not following a plan, feeling like a kid.

I am also very thankful when I return home. I become grateful for a shower with no sand on the floor and indoor plumbing. My cozy bed. Lights indoors. A dry table not covered with dew to eat breakfast on.

Cicada

|||109380073165408987|||Camping in South Haven8/14/2004 12:11:08 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

As we hit the back-to-school season, it might be time to do a clearning. Clear out your head of those to do's and organize them into a feasible plan. You can do it!

|||109245678871937538|||Clearing8/13/2004 12:13:34 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I love the question in this article. "I've been asking the wrong question," she said. "Instead of asking, ‘How can I do more?' I should be asking, ‘Why am I trying to do so much?'"

Where can you reduce the busyness?

|||109245693461724114|||Reduce the busyness8/11/2004 02:19:15 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

We moved our Clematis from a pot to a birdfeeder pole outside. We were worried it would die, but it bloomed gorgeously.

|||109380373577908613|||Clematis8/08/2004 12:50:02 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

I read a great article in Prevention Magazine, about why women have a tendency to nurture until they drop. It's biological:
Compassion Syndrome. Nurturing to women, actually reduces stress. Up to a point. When women start doing too much for others, without taking time out, they get tired, cranky and irritable. They start going into an overwhelmed state.

Some tips they offered:
1. Notice the difference between compassion and co-dependency. Are you always rescuing someone, so they don't learn from consequences?

2. Pay attention to when nurturing becomes overwhelming.

3. Don't do things for people who can do things for themselves on a regular basis.

4. Hang out with your friends who are another great source for reducing stress

5. Practice compassion as a family- visiting the eldery, sending care packages, etc.

|||109194108251058846|||Nurturing8/01/2004 04:05:06 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

This weekend I went to my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary party with 180 of their closest friends and family. How does one make it married to the same person for 60 years? And not just married, but happily married. They still laugh, talk and act affectionately every day.

My aunt said a speech in which she summarized how they made their marriage work.

1. Keep your eyes open before you are married. Make sure you know their faults beforehand because you can't change them afterwards.
2. Overlook annoyances (like Grandma leaving her purse everywhere and Grandpa never making decisions)
3. Have fun together. My grandparents travel all the time, go camping, do church activities together, socialize with friends, read and do lots of fun things together.
4. Show respect and love towards each other. They may argue, but they never disrespect each other. There isn't name calling and nastiness in their relationship.
5. Have faith. They show gratitude, charity, hospitality, kindness and love. And they know where all their abundance comes from.

Happy anniversary Grandma and Grandpa!

|||109139148630961112|||Marriage advice from 60 years of marriage Go to the Archives, and click 'republish all'.