A to Z Blogging "M is for..."

Morning Blues—and how to Beat Them!
From Lifehacks for Christian Moms
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times newspaper

Mornings can be hectic—whether you have kids at home or are just getting yourself ready for the day. Here are some tips to take the “blues” out of the morning.

•  Start the morning on a positive note with the Lord’s words: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) and “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!”  Psalm 118:24).
• It’s hard to start the morning facing a sink full of dirty dishes or overflowing garbage can.  Every evening take a few minutes (it takes less time than you think!) to clear off the counter and start the dishwasher and take out the trash if needed. Pick up dirty towels in the bathroom and toys and shoes and books scattered around the house. This is not deep cleaning but a quick pick-up so you don’t have to face chaos and clutter in the morning.
• Plan breakfast the night before and have a back-up in mind in case the bread is green or last bit of milk is spilled in the morning. It’s OK to eat supper for breakfast, too! Cody’s favorite supper/breakfast was meatballs and
  
  mashed potatoes. String cheese and baby carrots are another alternative. Have breakfast bars on hand in case breakfast has to be eaten on the way to work or school.
• Before bed, choose clothes for the morning; lay them all out, including underwear and shoes. If it’s the first cold spell of the fall also hunt down gloves and hats.
• Gather your purse, library books, backpacks, and everything else that needs to leave the house with you. If something needs to stay refrigerated until the last minute, put a sticky-not reminder on the door or your purse.
• Make a checklist for your kids (and maybe yourself) of morning “to-do’s”. This will also teach your kids accountability and time management.
• Make it a priority to start the day on a positive note. Grit your teeth through spilled milk or lost library books. Send your family off with a smile; the time to discuss changes in the morning routine is not when you’re in a hurry, but when you have time to discuss it calmly.

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download soon.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging "K is for..."

"Keeping It Honest (and Trying to Keep My Eyes Open)!" and "Kids...Bringing God into their Lives"
From the series "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times newspaper

First, keeping it honest (and trying to keep my eyes open)...I am TIRED! On Monday and Wednesday every week I get up about 4:15 AM to get to my job at an outpatient surgery center (we do mostly cataract surgeries). I LOVE my job, the people I work with, and our patients! On Mondays I take people to and from the Operating Room and am part of the team caring for them in the OR. On Wednesdays I work in Pre-Op, getting people ready for surgery. Our center is very fast-paced--the days just fly by! And I learn something new every single day. Today was no exception! It was a good day. But it was also a long day, and an early day. 

After work I came home and blogged on my other blog (Nebraska Family Times), visited a friend, and

walked with a friend. I made an unplanned trip to the grocery store when I realized that if I was to continue in my good habit of eating a salad every day, I needed more salad stuff. And now I'm home...and tired. (And a little embarrassed...I didn't realize how smushed down and at the same time sticking up in fully places my hair was, after being under a surgery cap for 10 1/2 hours...and I was seen by a LOT of people in public!) And I still get to do the most important thing of the day, spending some time in Bible study and prayer. 

So today, I'm going to re-post a post from last year's challenge (with a slightly different title). I hope you will enjoy it if you missed it last year, and if you saw it last year I hope it will give you some new ideas...or at least that you'll have enjoyed reading a little about my day. 

God's blessings to all of my readers! 

Kids--Bringing God into Their Lives

(Also in the A to Z Challenge, hints for taking your children to church and making God part of your life every day. 

To instill a love of God in your child, God must be a part of your life every day—at home, at school, wherever you go and whatever you’re doing. Here are a few tips to make God an integral part of your life every day.

• When you read to your child, include Bible narratives. When your child is old enough to read, provide Bible stories; give tweens and teens Christian fiction to read.(Caution: read the books first, to be sure they are really “Christian” books.) Consider subscribing to faith-based magazines; again, preview them first to be sure they give the message you want your kids to read.
• Give each child a Bible of their own; consider a study Bible so they can learn even more from the study notes. Give them highlighters so they can mark in their Bibles too, and encourage them to write down what they’ve learned and questions that come up as they read.
• Have Bible-study/devotion time as a family. Teach what you learned in Bible study, or read and discuss passages from the Bible. Many Bible study and devotion books are also available.
• Write Bible verses on note cards and post them around the house. Encourage your kids to do the same so they memorize verses or are reminded of God during a tough time.
• Pray for your kids…and with your kids. Ask them what they would like you to pray for, for them. Pray that they will desire to have God in their lives and follow Him. Encourage them to start a prayer journal, recording their requests and God’s answers.
• Set a good example of showing Christ’s love wherever you go. Be polite even if the checker is rude. Return change when too much is given. Give to charity as you feel led. If you lose your temper with another driver, apologize, explain why what you did was wrong, and ask God’s forgiveness out loud.
• Bring God into situations in your child’s life. When she talks about a new child at school, encourage her to talk to him and explain how Jesus was kind to everyone. If a teen at her high school gets pregnant, talk about the consequences of not obeying God’s laws and the impact on the rest of that teen’s life. You can also use this as an opportunity to talk about choosing life, and God’s forgiveness.  
• It’s normal for teens to ask questions about faith and your religious denomination. Allow them to ask these questions (I think God is glad when we think about Him and His Word and ask questions!). Discuss them as a family; find the answers if you can, or ask your pastor or priest. Even if kids are questioning their faith, make attending church a rule.

How do you make God a part of your kids’ everyday lives? Please leave your comment below! 

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.”  Today's post: "K is for...Kids Behaving Badly".

A to Z Blogging "J is for..."

"...Just Say "NO"!
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, Nebraska Family Times newspaper

From "Mommy, can I have juice?" to "Where are my socks?" "Do you have just a moment to hear about our amazing new product?" "Can you teach Sunday School tomorrow?" "Will you take Dad to the doctor?" "Please bring my lunch to school--I forgot it!" "Will you be a sponsor on the field trip?" "Can you donate to our worthy cause?" "We're looking for donations for our fundraiser" "I'd love for you to join our group!" and ending your day with, "One more drink of water mommy?" and, "Honey, will you rub my back?" you probably receive dozens, if not close to a hundred, requests every day. 

It may be tempting to say "YES" to every request, but you'll quickly realize that doing so may lead to feelings of dread, being overwhelmed, and exhaustion. 

What should you consider in deciding whether to say "no"? 

• All of the details--how much time is involved, if it will cost money (and if so, how much) how many meetings or get-togethers are required, exactly what your job involves, etc. 
• How would this commitment fit in with your other commitments? If it is something that has many benefits, you might decide to fit it in. If not, you might choose to spend your time on other things.
• Would saying "YES" to the request get you any closer to your
  
  
  other goals, or take away time you could spend pursuing your other goals? 
• If it's a personal favor (like giving a loan, washing a teenager's clothes, doing an errand, trading hours with someone who forgot about another commitment), will saying "yes" truly help the person asking, or allow them to avoid responsibility and/or consequences?
• Have you enjoyed doing this sort of thing in the past?
• Would you learn a new skill, or use a skill that you have and enjoy using?
• Prayerfully consider the request, and open your heart to God's direction. He might urge you in a direction that you'd rather not go, but listen to Him anyway.
• Don't automatically say "NO", even if the request is outside of your comfort range. As Christians we are to be open to helping others, especially those who don't have anyone else to help. 
• How will you say if you say "yes"? Relieved? Excited? Full of dread? Overwhelmed?

What to say when you need time to think about the request:

• "I need to check my calendar before I make a commitment."
• "My husband and I have an agreement that we will not commit to anything before talking with each other."
• "I'll have to see if I can find a babysitter for that night." 
• "That is a big commitment and I need to pray and think about it before I make a decision. I will let you know next Tuesday." 

Principles of saying "NO":

• It's ok to say no for any reason...or for no reason. God says "NO" to many of our requests when He knows they are not right for us. If you are confident in your reasons to turn down a request, you have no reason to feel guilty about it. Although you might give a reason to close friends or family members, you don't "owe" anyone an explanation. 
• No one can "make" you feel guilty about saying "NO". If you
  
  are confident in your reasoning, you have no reason to feel guilty; it is your choice to feel guilty. 
• The person asking might wait silently after you've said no, hoping that you'll give an explanation or change your mind and say "YES." Or she might be bold enough to challenge your answer and demand to know why you said "NO." Don't be intimidated or bullied. Calmly repeat your answer as needed. 
• Don't cave into the pressure of giving an answer immediately. If someone continues to pressure you, simply say, "If I have to make a decision right now, my answer has to be "NO"."

How to say "NO":

• "Thank you for thinking of me, but I just cannot take on that responsibility right now." 
• "That just won't fit in with my schedule right now; we are making family activities a priority this year." 
• "I'm sorry, I already have plans." (Even if they are plans for a quiet day at home.)
• "I know I helped last year, but I just can't this year."
• "I can't help with the fundraiser this year, but put me down for next year"! (Only say this if you mean it; you will get called next year!)
• "That is not one of my skills or interests, but I could help by..."
• "Honey, you need to learn to do your own laundry. I will show you how!"

Have you ever regretted not saying "NO"? How do you turn down requests?

Watch for "Y is for...When to Say "YES"!" on the second to last day of the A to Z Blogging Challenge!

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging "I is for..."

"...In-Laws and Extended Family Members...Setting Boundaries"
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
by Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the Nebraska Family Times newspaper

In-law issues have been a part of life almost since God created humans--and they sinned. In Genesis 29, Jacob's prospective father-in-law made him work for seven years to earn his daughter for a bride--and then tricked him into marrying the wrong daughter! Jacob, however, loved Rachel so much that he worked for another seven years to earn her. In Genesis 25, Rebekah helped her favorite twin son, Jacob, trick his father out of his brother Esau's birthright. The Old Testament is full of examples of lies, manipulation and deceit among family members. 

Extended family members can be a blessing or...not a blessing! On the good side, you have a history of shared joyful and sad events, you share the burdens of "dirty little secrets" and help each other through hard times. 

On the other hand, extended family members can have a significant negative effect on your family. Some do not respect limits or seem to enjoy embarrassing others, or manipulating or expecting you to conform to their idea of what is "right". Some relatives criticize, manipulate and interfere so much that to protect your immediate family, drastic measures are necessary. If you are troubled by family dynamics but aren't sure if or how they're affecting you or your family, speak to your pastor or a Christian counselor. 

Setting boundaries is just one way of dealing with difficult family

(from Google Images)

members. Setting boundaries means clearly establishing the terms of your relationship and interactions, shows your independence as a family and sets limits on the behaviors that you will and will not tolerate. When you've made your beliefs and expectations clear, no one has any false or unrealistic expectations. 

Boundaries: 

• will be different for each family. Some parents don't mind if their kids stay up waaaayyyy past their bedtime, and have donuts for breakfast when they're with their favorite aunt; others may not want their kids to adhere to a strict bedtime and have a balanced breakfast. 
• may change as circumstances and issues change throughout the years. 
• can be easy to set; safety issues, like using a car seat or seatbelt, should be non-negotiable and not open to discussion. Others may be unique to your family. Few boundaries are "right" or "wrong" but if they are "right" for your family, it's ok to insist on them. 
• should be agreed upon by husband and wife; showing a united front is vital to protecting your family from manipulative or bullying family members.
• will probably elicit protests and arguments from the people for whom you're setting the boundaries. Don't argue or give in; repeat what you've said and stick to your boundaries. 

To set boundaries: 

• Consider how often you see the person (or people) that cause stress. It might not be worth conflict to insist that once-a-year visitors don't bring candy to the kids, while stricter limits might have to be set with someone who is a frequent visitor.  
• Consider the seriousness of the issue. My son's grandfather talked for weeks about how he was going to give our weeks-old son a taste of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving. While I wouldn't have chosen to give him any solid foods when he was that young, I realized that a small bit wasn't going to hurt him. 
• Consider the person who needs the boundaries. Some people

  

  (from Google Images)

  understand exceptions to the rule (like an occasional late night) while other people, given an inch, will take 10,000 miles. 
• Discuss the boundaries with your spouse and, if age appropriate, your kids. Define the consequences if the relative breaks the boundaries and determine who will talk with the person about the boundaries. 
• Some boundaries might be "private"--known only to you and your husband, like an agreement that neither of you will commit to going to a holiday gathering without talking with the other, or that you will pick the kids up at grandpa's house by 4 PM because he routinely gives them a bowl of ice cream at 4:30 and ruins their appetite for supper.
• Remember that you might have to remind people several times of the new boundaries. 
• Prayerfully ask the Lord to guide your words and your attitude. Remember the wise words of Solomon, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs anger." (Proverbs 15:1). With difficult family members it's often tempting to speak harshly or critically, which will not get your point across and will probably lead to another argument. Plan your words and speak objectively and firmly and unemotionally. Don't get caught up in an argument; you have the right and responsibility to protect your family physically and emotionally. 
• If a family relationship is destructive and it seems nothing you try helps, consider talking with your pastor or a Christian counselor, with that person (or people) if they are willing. 

What to say when setting boundaries:

• "The kids are too young to understand the danger of guns. It's not safe for them to be anywhere if the guns are not locked up. We cannot allow the kids to be at your home until the guns are under lock and key."
• "We usually don't let the kids eat doughnuts for breakfast but it's ok if they do for a treat, when they stay over at your house. But please also give them a glass of milk or a banana or some yogurt so it's not all sugar!"
• "You're distracted when you drive and you drive too fast. It's not safe to ride with you. You are always welcome to ride with

  

  (Google Images)

  us but we will not be riding with you." 
• "No, we don't allow smoking in our home, but you can go out back and smoke." 
• "Please call before you come and visit to be sure that we don't have other plans", or, "You don't have to call ahead to visit; just please don't come before 9 AM or at nap time, 2-3PM." 
• Be kind and considerate when possible; "I would like to host holiday meals at my house from now on; you've done it for many years and deserve a break! Will you continue to bring your famous dinner rolls?" is much more likely to result in change than, "It's always hours later than planned when we eat and it grosses us out when the dog eats from your fork, right at the table."
• "Taking the Lord's name in vain offends me. Please don't do it anymore! If you continue to, we will ask you to leave." 
• "We have all been hurt by the negative and critical remarks you make about our jobs, weight, or the people we've married. We want you to attend family get-togethers, so please, don't be critical at the next reunion. If you are, you won't be invited to them any more." 

Enforcing boundaries can be difficult if you feel intimidated by others, but if you're doing what is best for your family, you're doing the right thing. 

Have you had to set boundaries with extended family members? 

How did you do it? What are your hints for doing so?

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.” On Tuesday ("L"  Day) the post will be "Limiting or Cutting Contact with Family Members". 

A to Z Blogging..."H is for..."

"...Husband Having a Bad Day and how to Support Him" 
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the "Nebraska Family Times" newspaper

You might be able to tell from the moment he walks in the door from his slumped shoulders and subdued "Hello." Or perhaps it will come out later, when you're talking about your day. Or maybe he won't talk about it at all until you specifically ask what's wrong. Eventually, though, through subtle clues or his outright declaration, you'll discover that your husband is having a bad day. 



How can you help his mood?

• Know your husband. He might prefer to be alone for a little while to decompress from work, or he might want to sit with you quietly. Perhaps he'll want to talk about every detail, or maybe he won't want to talk about it at all. If you're not sure what will help, ask him. "Honey, I can tell you had a bad day. Do you want to tell me about it now or do you want to talk about something else? Would you like a hug or would you rather go out in your workshop for a little while?" Invite him to talk about it later, if he wants to. Respect his way of dealing with a bad day and know it's not personal if he prefers to spend a little time alone, and/or not talk about the problem.
• If you know he's had a stressful day, consider making his favorite meal or picking up his favorite kind of ice cream during the day. Give him a backrub. Remind him of his accomplishments. Encourage your kids to give him a big hug when he comes home. Offer to pray for him (ask him what he'd like you to pray for specifically) or with him.
• If he is dealing with long-term stress (due to problems at
  
  work, conflicts with extended family members, financial issues, etc.) your support is very important. Work "behind the scenes" to make your home a haven for him. Give him a funny card. Make his favorite meals. Give him a funny card or write him a from-the-heart letter. Leave little notes where he'll find them throughout the day. Assure him of your support and love and commitment. Pray for him and tell him you are doing so. Plan a fun night out ("kidnap" him if necessary). Ask him frequently if he wants to talk about the problem, but don't insist on doing so; he might need a break. This does not mean to cater to your husband to the exclusion of your own needs, but showing him your love and support as his lifetime partner.
• Share encouraging Bible verses. Read the verses to him or write them out and leave them where he'll see him. A few suggestions: "Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9. "Jesus said...'I have said these things to you that you may have peace, In the world you will have tribulation, but take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). "...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:7. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10. 
• If your husband shows signs of depression (weight loss or gain, a dramatic change in eating or sleeping habits, loss of interest in usual activities, etc., or he says "I feel so depressed/down/sad", suggest he talk with a pastor or counselor. Assure him that it's not a weakness to be depressed or seek help; a few appointments can make a huge difference. 
• Pray for him daily, whether he is having a bad day or difficult time or not. Pray for God to give him wisdom, protect his heart, to guide him to make good decisions, and that he will feel God's leading and presence and peace. 

How do you help your husband through a bad day? If you 

are a husband, what is the most important thing 

 your wife can do to help you through a bad day?

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” 

by Shelly Burke. 

This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at www.nebraskafamilytimes.blogspot.com, with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging..."G" is for...

...Guilt 
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher of the "Nebraska Family Times" 

Mommy guilt. All the moms I know, including myself, have suffered from mommy guilt at one time or another (usually many times...sometimes many times daily). Moms have the ability to conjure up guilt about almost anything--what the kids ate today...and what they didn't eat. What they said, or what they didn't say, and how they said it...or didn't say it. If they hid in the bathroom (or closet) for just a few minutes of "alone time". The books the kids read...or the fact that they only read the cereal box. Did you save every single piece of artwork? 

Moms of older kids experience guilt too! Did we teach them enough...or did we expect too much? Was every birthday and holiday Pintrest-worthy?  Will not enrolling them in Advanced Haiku Writing or Baby Babbling classes hurt their chances of getting into college? Do all of the meals you cook contain at least one serving from each food group, no sugar, no processed foods, and at least one child's favorite food? 

The "experts" can be more "expert" at inducing more guilt, not relieving it OR even helping us be better moms. Our kids are supposed to "eat more vegetables" and "watch less TV" (I think the recommendations now are less than 8 seconds of TV a day). We're supposed to "plan stimulating activities" and "teach them to live in the real world...but not too quickly". Are you a "mean mom"? 

At the least, guilty feelings give us an uncomfortable twinge or the

nagging feeling that you "should" be doing more or something else. At their worst, feelings of guilt can cause undue anxiety and even the inability to make a decisions due to fear of making the wrong one. As these guilt-inducers build up you might feel as David did when he wrote, "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear." (Psalm 38:4)

How can you deal with these usually unproductive feelings of guilt?

• First, determine whether you're feeling "good" guilt--the kind that is an appropriate action to something inappropriate you did--maybe blaming a child for something you later find he didn't do. "Good" guilt can motivate you to change your behavior for the better. For example, if you can't remember the last time your kids played outside (putting in a DVD is easier) or you can't remember the last time you actually sat down and talked to your teenager (it's easier not to deal with the moodiness and sullenness), or the last time you went to church was...well, you can't even remember (due to any number of excuses), the guilty feelings are a sign that something in your life should change.
• If you are feeling guilty for something you were in the wrong for, ask God for forgiveness and remember that when you are truly repentant, He always forgives, through His grace and the death of His Son. Ephesians 1:7 reassures us that "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us." 
• Guilty feelings are not all bad--they are a reminder not to repeat the action. Acknowledge your guilt, rethink your priorities, and make goals and plans for changes. 
• Remember that some potentially guilt-producing feelings are beyond your control. You can't protect your child from every single owie or not-so-nice remark a classmate makes. Sometimes a family is broken by divorce due to another person's choices. Do the best you can to protect your child from injury, comfort him when his feelings are hurt, and deal with feelings about unavoidable events. 
• One thing I've realized as my kids got to be older teenagers and are now into their early 20's is that they are responsible for the choices them make, good and bad. I can offer advice and prayers, but they are going to make their own choices--and when they make the not-so-good decisions, it is not a reflection on me and not a reason to feel guilt. Of course I will continue to pray for them and offer advice (if it's an important issue, I gently offer advice even when I'm not asked--and then back off!), but I need not feel guilty for their decisions and choices.
• Ask yourself if your guilt is a result of unrealistic expectations.
  
  If you expect your house to be perfectly clean every day, or decide that every meal will be homemade, delicious and adhere to the recommended daily allowance of all vitamins and minerals, as well as appeal to all family members, you are probably expecting too much of yourself. Look at your life objectively and see if you are expecting too much of yourself. Pray for God to guide you and show you what you should be doing. 

What are your hints for dealing with guilt? 

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This post is an excerpt from the book 

“Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. 

This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, 

available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at The Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, “Words Matter.” 

A to Z Blogging...F is for...

...Fifty-Five things that take Only Five Minutes
From "Lifehacks for Christian Moms"
By Shelly Burke, RN, Author, and Publisher, "Nebraska Family Times"

 Your toddlers are totally engrossed in the last few minutes of their favorite TV show. Or you're waiting for your kids to find their library books and backpacks so you can take them to school. Or your husband is finishing a phone call before you leave for an evening out. Or you're all ready to go but your walking partner isn't due for a few minutes.


Rather than check Facebook or wander around aimlessly thinking "I should be doing something", put that time to use! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in just five minutes. (Disclaimer: None of the photographs are from my home...but they inspire me and I hope they inspire you too!)

In your bedroom:

1. Organize one dresser drawer.
2. Straighten your shoes.
3. Sort the stuff on your bedside table.
4. Give your husband a long hug and big kiss.

In the kitchen:

1. Clear out the dishwasher.
2. Discard the oldest, most unidentifiable, and/or scariest leftovers from the refrigerator. 
3. Go through the cupboards and make your grocery list.

   

   From Google Images...although I've had all
   of these things in my refrigerator...

4. Start your meal plan for next week. 
5. Straighten one cupboard or drawer.
6. If you're waiting while cooking, brown an extra pound of hamburger, or chop an extra onion to prepare for a meal later in the week.

In the bathroom:

1. Fold a load of towels.
2. Toss your old toothbrushes and get out new ones.
3. Clean off the counter.
4. Clean the mirror. 
5. Chock your supply of toilet paper, soap and other "bathroom" items and add them to your list if necessary.

In the car:

1. Sort through the glove compartment. 

   

   From Google Images...not my
   glove compartment!

2. Close your eyes and daydream.
3. Read a magazine article.
4. File your fingernails.
5. Do an isometric exercise, like tensing and relaxing your abs or biceps. 
6. Pick up all the sippy cups, tissues, animal crackers, water bottles, and scraps of paper in the back seat.

While you're talking on the phone:

1. Set the table. 
2. Sort laundry.
3. Lotion your legs.
4. Iron.
5. Sit with your feet up. 

   

   Google Images...but I wish my cupboards
   looked like this!
   

Before bed:

1. Get out the clothes you'll wear tomorrow. 
2. Put dishes in the dishwasher.
3. Wipe down the counters and cupboard doors.
4. Get the first load of clothes ready to wash.
5. Talk, really talk, to your husband.
6. Read a short devotion or a chapter of Proverbs.

In the living room:

1. Straighten the DVDs. 
2. Turn over and fluff the couch cushions.

   

   From Google Images

3. Water the plants.
4. Pick up everything off the floor so it's easier to vacuum.
5. Play a game of Chinese Checkers. 

At your desk:

1. Write a thank-you card or encouraging note, or get a birthday card ready to send. 
2. Look at your birthday and anniversary list for the next few months and check your supply of cards. 
3. Jot down ideas for your next project. 
4. Check your supply of stamps, paper clips, pens, envelopes, etc. 

Throughout the house (or a few rooms):

1. Empty all the wastebaskets.
2. Pick up all the stray coats, shoes, socks, etc. 

   

   From Google Images...this inspires me!

3. Collect all of the glasses, soda cans and dishes.
4. Spray air freshener in every room. Have a tickle fight!
5. Call a friend to say "I am thinking of and praying for you!"

For your health:

1. Jump rope. 
2. Learn to take your pulse.
3. Walk around the block, or up and down the steps in your home. 
4. Stretch.
5. Eat a piece of fruit.

With the kids:

1. Ask them about their day.
2. Say a prayer together.
3. Play tag.
4. Hug! 

What is your favorite thing to do in just five minutes?

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This post is an excerpt from the book “Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom’s Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home” by Shelly Burke. This post is part of “Lifehacks for Christian Moms”, available for download May 1^st.

I’m also blogging the A to Z Challenge at 

Nebraska Family Times, with the theme, 

“Words Matter.”