"...not given to much wine..."

I have enjoyed alot of time with Kevin this week.  He works and I play on the computer.  Life is simply day by day here.  I am learning alot about the value of time. It seems many hours can go by and nothing contructive is accomplished.   It's not that I have to fill every moment with duties and productivity.  I just must use caution.  I must not neglect reading my Bible, time in prayer, and maybe even study something rather than fill my mind with entertainment. 

I am reflecting on time management because during our women's Bible study on Tuesday, we were asked to individually pray and ask God what our vice(s) are.  The verses studied are Titus 2:3-5.  It is stated "not to be given to much wine".  Some may not have issues with alcohol but we may all have a hindrance to putting God first and hindering our character.  I have some vices in life that aren't daily or domineering and though I am not making excuses for them, I will say they rarely take over my priorities.  When I genuinely prayed, I kept thinking of the word "Leisure". 

Ladies, I am all about comfort, beauty and entertainment.  I love my 2 hour baths, lots of candles, good classic movies, computer time...facebook, blogging, stumbling, googling, and emailing.  I love to read magazines and all types of books.  I watch lots of cooking shows, home improvement shows and even some mindless TV.  None of these are bad things in and of themselves but they can distract me from doing whats best for my family and my health.  Perhaps, I should actually cook one of the meals I watch being prepared.  Maybe I should exercise and move more.  I still clean and organize but it's not as frequent because it is not as necessary as before.  We are very close to empty nesting and we live in the office.  So believe it or not "Leisure" is my vice.

I have made some changes since Tuesday night.  Yesterday I placed a bike in front of a TV in our den.  I can ride and stop and ride while watching the morning news.  I put a treadmill back in my bedroom for when I want to read. I can read and walk which is amazing.  I also replaced my desk chair with a large exercise ball.  It keeps me bouncing and I stretch on it.  I am re-reading a good novel, but only for a bit before bed.  I plan to go on that schedule I blogged about a while back.  It isn't rigid but it's a plan for any leisure time that opens up in my day.  I will still watch TV, take a 2 hour bath, etc., but I won't do them all in one day.  I would consider a job for help in our finances but until my health consistently stables, I am not a reliable help.  I am still going through some tests and hopefully soon my doctors will find the source of my anemia, etc.

My life isn't perfect but it can be better.  Today is a good day to open my mind and let the good Lord once again freely direct my steps.  I am so happy for Godly intervention.  We just have to open up our ears and listen...."This is the way that you should go."   The path may be rocky and narrow but we are not alone.