2014: Happy 1st Day of Spring!

March 20, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

It’s here – whether it feels like spring or not.

The time to replace hats, scarves, and gloves with umbrellas, raincoats, and rubber boots has arrived.

With spring maintenance underway, we are getting our house pressure washed and the heating and cooling systems inspected.

We are welcoming the spring season with the scent of lemon wafting through our home since cleaning is on the back burner while I have maintenance personnel traipsing through our home.

In celebration of this first day of spring, we will head to our local Rita’s for a FREE Italian ice this afternoon and then watch our brackets as March Madness starts today.

Though we are not focusing on the upcoming allergies, pollen, and spring colds, we are watching for birds, flowers, and baby animals.

The sun is peeking out of the rain clouds and chasing away the cold. Enjoy today as we say goodbye to winter and welcome spring with open arms.

Happy 1^st Day of Spring!

Question: How are you celebrating today?

2014: Happy Valentine’s Day!

February 14, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

With little tokens of friendship all wrapped in pink and red, I love the celebration of hearts on Valentine’s Day.

Realizing that many look at Valentine’s Day as another opportunity for stores to sell trinkets, candy, and expensive cards, I choose to invest in those I love.

Miss 6 awoke with excitement in her eyes as she anticipated the day’s activities.

From special printable packs full of games and coloring to getting little notes from her classmates and friends, Miss 6 is continuing her celebration with joy and laughter.

May you find the excitement found in a 6-year-old child to embrace and love on those family and friends, whom you hold dear.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy 3rd Blogiversary, Using Time Wisely!

February 13, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

Look who’s turning 3 today! My husband jokingly refers to Using Time Wisely as my fourth child. In some ways, he is correct. In other ways, I do abandon the blog when life happens, and I never would abandon a child.

Gratefulness doesn’t seem to fully express how much I appreciate each and every reader. I am so honored you would use your time to subscribe by e-mail, follow on Facebook, and visit the website.

You amaze me with your consistent reading.

I am still very much learning how to blog. Having spent some time in the past week updating the Using Time Wisely sidebar, I have come a long way. I am thrilled with the progress made, but I have much I still want to do.

The site in general needs updating, and I would love to roll out a new look this year. With the program purchased, I might have to build the site back up from the ground. I am still in the research phase which is why the design has not changed.

On this third blogiversary, I am making some noise and celebrating you! Thank you for being part of the Using Time Wisely community. I appreciate the accountability provided within our community as we journey on to using time wisely. Happy celebrating!

Happy 3^rd Blogiversary, Using Time Wisely!

Question: What do you like or dislike about Using Time Wisely?

2014: Happy New Year!

January 1, 2014 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

One of my favorite parts of New Year celebrations is viewing other countries’ fireworks and light displays.

Seeing the Sydney Opera House and Eiffel Tower glowing in the background amid the beautiful light displays mesmerizes me as I bask in the splendors of all the color combinations.

Planning to spend time with my family ringing in 2014, I am taking the day off. As we enjoy watching the bowl games, playing games, and hanging out together, I wish you all the happiest of New Years as we venture into 2014.

My heart is overfilled with gratitude for each of you. I am amazed at your kindness in reading and commenting. Using Time Wisely is a great place because you are here. How blessed I am to be a part of the Using Time Wisely community. I look forward to learning more from you in 2014.

Happy New Year!

2013: Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2013 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Ewan Traveler)

Did you hurry and scurry this week to get ready for today? I did. With help, we cleaned the house, worked on laundry, finished the shopping, looked at Christmas lights, wrapped the presents, did more laundry, baked cookies, attended Christmas events, prepared the reindeer food, and still working on laundry.

In all the bustle, I was not finding peace and joy in the sibling quarrels, the constant chatter, or the work at hand. Not because peace and joy could not be found, but because I was too busy to stop and enjoy the process. I focus too much on the task at hand when Christmas is not about the doing but rather about the giving.

Entering into this Christmas Day and reflecting on what Christ gave, I stop amazed. Giving up the glories of heaven, He was placed in a dirty manger that no mother would choose for her newborn baby. Though manger scenes display the baby all snug in the straw, the reality is that straw and hay are not comfortable – even for a baby. Yet, He allowed the barn atmosphere to be his first home with pokey straw and smelly animals.

As my children are snug in their comfortable beds in a heated home and dreaming of the gifts under the tree, I am blessed because of Christ’s gift – Himself. As Isaiah prophesied, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ESV).

God sent His only Son, Jesus, to a dirty stable in lowly Bethlehem. He entered this world for you and me. May you find the peace and joy of Christmas from the gift of Jesus Christ. This greatest gift is better than any possession you will find under the Christmas tree this morning. All the hustle and bustle items will fade away, but Jesus is eternal life, joy, and peace.

Wishing you a Christmas filled with peace and joy because of God’s gift to us, Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas!

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