Christmas Symbols, Traditions, and Their Meaning

Have you ever thought about the meaning of Christmas symbols and traditions? You might be surprised at what you might find. Let’s take a look.

   

***Thankful***

1. Christmas Tree

Did you put up a Christmas Tree this year? According to World Atlas.com

Evergreen trees that were used as Christmas trees were used as protection against evil spirits and diseases long before the birth of Jesus and was said to have originated from Germany. They further added that Martin Luther King introduced the decoration of the Christmas trees using candles.

2. Mistletoe

The mistletoe has its origin in ancient Celts, a sacred plant that was capable of offering protection against poison, granting fertility and life. World Atlas.com further adds that the tradition has emerged over the years whereby couples kiss under it to make peace or as a promise to marry.

3. Candy Canes

I remember hanging candy canes on the Christmas tree. The red represents the blood of Jesus and white represents purity according to sofestive.com. They also added that Christmas lights represent the new light that Christ is.

4. A Rooster

Did you know that Bolivians celebrate Christmas Eve with people bringing roosters to midnight mass to symbolize the belief that a rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus Christ. That is according to greenglobaltravel.com. They further add that Guatemala’s local men dress in devil costumes and appear on the streets chasing children during the first week of Advent. It is amazing how different countries have different traditions.

4. Poinsettia

Have you ever received a Poinsettia plant or possibly gave one as a gift to someone else? I remember one Christmas my husband bought me a Poinsettia. I have now had that Poinsettia about 9 or 10 years. I did not know they could last that long. It only bloomed with the red leaves when I first received it, but the green leaves are still blossoming and are as beautiful as ever. Wilstar.com states that Poinsettias are native to Mexico; named after Joel Poinsettia. The Mexicans in the eighteenth century thought the plants were symbolic of the Star of Bethlehem.

5. Gifts With a Bow

I learned something new. I have wrapped Christmas presents in the past and put a bow on them. I did it because it looked good, but I never thought of the meaning of doing it. Spruce.com talks about the men who brought their gifts to honor the birth of Jesus; Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar brought gifts of gold incense, and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus and a ribbon is tied around a gift to represent how people should all be tied together in bonds of unity and goodwill during the holiday season. This reminds me of an opening song that we used to sing at the beginning of our church service. It was called “Bind us Together.” We sung about the Lord binding us all together with cords that cannot be broken. That is a powerful song.

6. Red and Green Colors

Spruce.com also talks about the color red.  It is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross; this is also reflected in the color of holly berries, which also had pagan symbolism during the winter solstice celebrations in ancient Rome.

7. Wreaths

I discovered I really love a variety of wreaths. They are so beautiful. Countryliving.com mentions that Christmas wreaths were originally believed to be a bi-product of the Christmas tree tradition begun by Northern Europeans in the 16^th century. I have seen breast cancer wreaths, summer wreaths, fall wreaths and Christmas wreaths.

8. Stockings

Countryliving.com also mentions that hanging stockings has been a tradition since the 1800s. One popular legend says a man with three daughters was worried about finding suitable husbands for the them’ Hearing about the family, St. Nicholas snuck down the chimney and filled the girls' stockings, set by the fire to dry, with gold coins.

9. Snowmen

Do you remember building a snowman when you were growing up? Over the years I have observed various creative-looking snowmen. I used to love to build a snowman and lay in the snow making an angel symbol. Snowmen symbols were especially popular during the Middle Ages, when many lacked the proper resources of outlets for artistic expression. That makes since. Snow is free and making a snowman is a great way to show creative and artistic talent. According to rd.com Michel Angelo was even commissioned to build a snowman for the ruler of Florence? Do you remember what your first snowman looked like. I believe people sometimes take some things for granted. There are so many free resources to become creative and snow is one of them. Although I could do without the snow and the ice now that I am an adult, I did love it growing up.

10. Skating

How many of you like to skate? In Venezuela they have all-night skating which ends with everyone skating to Mass at dawn. It is like a mini-festival where lots of people turn up in a park and there’s music. Can you imagine?Americanmagazine.org further states that it is a family affair and the roller skating is very much tied to the Catholic faith. They further add that it is normally nine days before Christmas although others do it just on the weekend or on Sunday and the songs being sung in the park are religious songs written specifically for Christmas. Can you imagine. I definitely could. While I like to skate I do not know that I would want to skate all night though.  

What are Christmas traditions for your family? Will you share?

Photo Caption:

Pixabay, Ccats/

Pixabay, SilviaP_Design

Source:

6 Famous Christmas Symbols And Their Origins

12 Popular Christmas Symbols and What They Mean

 

80 Christmas Traditions Around the World (With Fun Christmas Facts)

 

Christmas Symbols and Their History

 

The Meaning of Christmas Symbols

 

Favorite Christmas Symbols and the Meanings Behind Them

 

The Fascinating History Behind These 24 Christmas Symbols

 

The best holiday tradition you’ve never heard of: Venezuelans rollerskating to Christmas Mass at sunrise

 

 

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Merry Christmas from the Asphy Family 2021

We want to take the time to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To my followers I do appreciate you. Remember the reason for the season.

 

Guest Blogging:

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Photo Caption:

pixabay, Susan Cipriano

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Bloggers Meet and Greet December- Christmas Around the World

Merry Christmas.  Have You Ever Thought about how others may celebrate Christmas around the world? Did you know there are some countries that do not celebrate Christmas?

 

Did you know that a Christmas wreath with holly represents the blood Jesus shed (the red berries) and the crown of thorns? That is according to icebreakerideas.com.

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More guests are always welcome as this will provide more networking opportunities for you. Above all be sure that your blog post is family friendly.

Definitely, feel free to take advantage of this FREE networking opportunity.

***Good News***

Let’s see what a few other countries are doing for Christmas.

1. Angola

Keep in mind that different countries have different cultures. In rural parts of Angola families might rear animals especially to eat at Christmas according to whychristmas.com. They further add that the meal traditionally consists of pirao or funge (a type of polenta made of corn meal or cassava flour) with rice, sphaghetti, french fries, turkey, fried chicken and dishes lie ozido de bacalhau’ (cooked cold fish with vegetables), calulu (a dish of fired fish or beef with tomatoes, garlic, okra, sweet potatoes and spinach, etc.

In America Christmas Dinner may range from turkey or baked ham. I have know some families to just have tacos or something simple. Americans seemingly are getting away from traditional foods, but integrating their own traditions for their meals.

2. Egypt

In Egypt about 15% of people are Christians and Christmas is celebrated on January 7^th as opposed to American traditional Christmas on December 25th according to whychirstmas.com. They further add that their Christmas services normally start about 10:30 pm and can last at some services until 4 am following going home to eat foods with eggs, butter,and a popular course of Fata ( a lamb soup which contains bread, rice, garlic and boiled lamb meat.

3. Greenland

Families in Greenlawn celebrate Christmas by visiting each other, having parties, drinking coffee and eating cakes. They further add that when exchanging gifts their traditional presents are model sledges, a pair of polished walrus tusks, or sealskin mitts.

4. Venezuela

Do you love to roller skate? I sure do. Guess what although Venezuela is a religious country in the capital city of Caracas they traditionally close the streets to cars on Christmas morning and people roller skate to church services according to cbc.ca kids. Can you just picture this?

5. Iceland

Instead of 12 days of Christmas Iceland celebrates 13. The children place their shoes by the window and they head upstairs to bed. In the morning they'll either have received candy (if they’re good) or be greeted with shoes full of rotten potatoes if they’re bad. This is according to countryliving.com. I cannot imagine that. What about you?

6. Guatemala

In Guatemala the locals believe that the devil and other evil spirits live in the dark, dirty corners of your home; therefore, they spend the week before Christmas sweeping up, collecting rubbish and then piling everything in a huge heap outside, then placing an effigy of the devil on top and the whole thing is set on fire. Wanerlust.co.uk further adds that it is called La Quema del Diablo, the “Burning of the Devil.” Isn’t it amazing how different countries have their own customs and traditions which may be totally different from your own?

7. Some Countries Don’t Celebrate Christmas

To those of you that cannot fathom not celebrating Christmas, there are countries that do not celebrate Christmas. According to theweek.co.uk Afghanistan, Algeria, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen are just a few of the countries that do not celebrate Christmas. They further add that Yemen has been a war-torn state that has not officially observed Christmas for decades. To those of us that have only known the traditionally celebrated Christmas this may be hard to understand that there are other countries that do not feel the same.

8. Christmas Cancelled in American

Although Christmas had been celebrated for ages in the 17^th century in 1645 Oliver Cromwell vowed in an effort to cancelled Christmas, but Charles II was restored to the throne and with him came the return of the popular holiday Christmas according to History.com. They further add that in the 19^th century Washington Irving reinvents Christmas and started embracing it as a family-centered day of peace and nostalgia; Also around this time Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol.

I can just imagine Christmas in different parts of the world would be an interesting experience. I recall going to Georgia one Christmas. When I left Michigan it was cold, icy, and snowing. I do not like cold weather. As we traveled further south the skys started looking clear and I could feel the warmth in the air. It was such a good feeling. When we reached Georgia the temperatures were in the 50's and 60’s. It felt so good. It was different not seeing any snow. It was different to be able to shed my winter clothing and only wear a light jacket. It just felt good. My first Christmas in the south.

9. A Few Christmas Fun Facts according to icebreakerideas.com

a. Did you know that Franklin Pierce (1853-1957) is believed to have been the first President to put a Christmas tree in the White House?

b. Christmas trees were banned by President Teddy Roosevelt in the White House in 1901 because of concerns about the environmental effects, but his sons decorated a small tree cut on the White House grounds and hid it in a closet until Christmas morning.

c. One can eat more than 7,000 calories at Christmas when you add up the turkey, dressing, mashed and sweet potatoes, other sides, pie rolls, and drinks.

d. Brenda Lee was only thirteen years old when she recorded “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” in 1958.

e. Many people abbreviate Christmas “Xmas,” which is actually based upon X being the first letter of Jesus Christ’s name in Greek.

Remember the reason for the season. How will you celebrate Christmas this year.

Photo caption:

Pixabay, openclipart-vectors/27384 images

Sources:

Christmas in Angola

 

Christmas in Egypt

 

Christmas in Greenland

 

How do they celebrate Christmas around the world?

 

20 Christmas Traditions Around the World That May Surprise You

 

The world’s 13 weirdest Christmas traditions

 

History of Christmas

 

74 Fun Christmas Facts You Didn’t Know

 

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How To Guard Your Heart

Why is it important to guard your heart? Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.  Are you looking for love signs?  Your heart can be affected by so many things.

 

                                                                   Romantic Things

                                                    ***Good News***

1. Thoughts

Did you know your thoughts are very important? Have you ever attempted to read or meditate on a bible verse then right in the middle of it you started thinking about something else? Possibly you started thinking about a previous relationship or even all the bills that you need to pay. Isn’t it something how quickly the mind can wander? That is why it is so important to renew your mind daily; Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

2. Microwave Society

It has been often said that we live in a microwave society. There is the tendency to want everything now rather than waiting. Even commercials are tailored to cause you to take action now rather than waiting. Sometimes it is better to wait. For those of you that like to shop have you ever purchased a dress and later regretted it, because you saw something much better? If only you had waited and not been so impulsive.

3. Chemistry

When you were a teenager do you recall saying, “He is so fine.” “I feel so good when I am with him.” Those emotions may get stirred up. Is it lust or love? It is good to have chemistry with another, but love is more than just chemistry.

4. Time

Possibly you feel time is passing you by and you need to get married soon or have a baby soon. Sometimes rushing can be detrimental. I recall being in an abusive relationship. I recall talking with a dear friend. All of our conversations were, “let’s see what the scripture says about it.” She always emphasized these are not my words but God’s word.

5. Listening

What you listen to can greatly influence you. All music is not profitable for the soul. When you are listening to lyrics in a song that cursing someone or degrading another that can be detrimental to you. Science has even proven words become reality over a period of time. According to Motivation.com if you are always talking about defeat then you are going to live in defeat. That is nothing new because the bible says ,” The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4. Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21. This is just one of my favorite scriptures.

6. Television and Movies

I am not saying do not watch television or the movies, but rather be aware of what you watch. Use your moral compass.    I discovered I like drama pictures, but also discovered watching a lot of drama does affect my spirit. Comedies and romance stories are somewhat lighter. Then you still need to be careful, because what is acceptable in romance stories is much more than what was acceptable 100 years ago. Some romance stories can stir up the lust in a person also. Just be mindful of what you watch in order to guard your heart. There are many good television and movies that have a great purpose and not be detrimental to you. I love audiobooks, but discovered I need to be careful, because I found myself feeling very bad as I listened to some of the characters. Have you ever felt bad after reading a book? Have you ever felt sad after reading a book? The spirit of the book can affect you.

7. Your Surroundings

Have you ever been told to surround yourself with positive people, people that will hold you accountable, people that will push you to be the best that you can be? That is so important. If you are around someone that complains all the time and never can see the good in anything that definitely will affect your spirit. I recall talking with someone that was very negative. This person did not know who I was and wanted to vent, but I unfortunately I had to report this to a higher up. I kept trying to get the person back on a positive note, but that person kept coming back with the negative. So it is important when you are talking with others to keep it as positive as you can as oppose to negative, especially when you might not know that person personally.

Example:

I recall presenting a check in the store and it was declined. I explained I was working at the bank at the time that cannot be possible. Now I could have made a seen and become indignant. People were looking at me like, “Yeah right you work at the bank alright.” I was on vacation. So the cashier offered me to call the bank which I did. I stayed calm and in talking with the bank she explained there had been a problem that everyone’s accounts were showing negative balance. She asked me what I was purchasing and the amount and she okayed it. Now if my attitude had been bad this could have been a different outcome. So always remember what you say is important because besides God watching you, people are watching you.

8. Why Read Aloud

According to Rd.com reading aloud can be away to connect with another. They further added that we are not the only species that enjoy reading. They added that dogs enjoy listening to reading. That does make sense because it has even been proven that reading to your baby in the womb is beneficial as well as listening to music. I can attest to that because my babies would always kick  whenever I played music while they were in the womb.

 

What suggestions do you have?

Source:

Proverbs 4:23

 

romans 12:2

Motivation Everyday

 

Proverbs18:21

 

Here’s Why Reading Aloud Is Good for your Brain

 

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20- Day Gratitude Challenge

Can You practice gratitude? Do you have an attitude of gratitude? Are you in the habit of showing gratefulness to others, regardless how small an act or service may be performed? It might be a good idea to consider being grateful and showing this to others.

***Thankful***

Whether you are in the habit of showing gratitude my challenge to you is to show gratitude to someone on a daily basis for 20 days. This possibly can become a good habit that you might not want to start. I will start by saying I am grateful for you taking the time to read my article and that I do appreciate you.

1. Multiple Ways of Gratitude

Everyone is different. Everyone has their own way of expressing gratitude. What ways do you express gratitude? Several ways of expressing gratitude may include writing a letter to someone, telling someone how much you appreciate them, thanking someone, or even thanking God. I recall my Pastor suggested in Sunday School that we write a letter to 8 people that have helped us and tell them how they helped us and thanking them for it. That was an interesting assignment. Out of the 8 people I chose my pastor as one of them. He also had told us others may have had an impact on our lives, but they might not know it unless we tell them and let them know.

Although you may have your basic needs such as food, water, clothing, and shelter for believers it is important to thank God for this, because as you look over the world there are those that do not have this.

I recall hearing a quote, “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” That is something that I have thought about often. So many times I have heard others say, “If I only had the money that he has.” Why not be grateful for what you do have?

2. Gratitude Journal

I recall I won a gratitude journal online. The great thing about this journal is that I would write the things that I was grateful for and then pass it on to someone else. I did just that. I don not know where the journal is now, but I did pass it one to another friend. I hope that each person wrote something they were grateful for and passed it on to someone else.

Examples of Gratitude may include being thankful for health, being thankful for mentors in your life, writing in a gratitude journal,

3. Magic Words

Has anyone ever told you, “I appreciate you.”? I recall someone telling me that. Those 3 words are so profound. Just the way that they make you feel when they are sincerely said to you. The feeling that you feel when someone shows they appreciate you is so good for your health. When you feel appreciated it makes you want to do more. It empowers you.

I recall standing in a long line for an event. You know people get upset if someone jumps in front of you in line. Well this lady ahead of me looked at me and said, “ I want to let (blank blank) get right here. He is such a kind person.” Now the man she spoke of walked with a walker very slow. He was appreciative and thanked her. No one else in the line got mad or upset. I thought that was very nice of her to make that gesture because people tend to get upset if someone gets in line ahead of them after they have already been waiting for some length of time.

5. Gratitude Works

According to positivepsychology.com gratitude is a selfless act that is done unconditionally to show someone they are appreciated, reminding them of their value, and expressing gratitude for their existence. They further add that you are not asking for something in return. I have never really thought about it like that. That does make sense though.

6. Water

I am grateful for water. Although water is a basic need, I believe that is something we may sometimes take for granted. After our water in Flint, Michigan was poisoned I realized how important water is.   Our bodies are made up mostly of water so water is a necessity. I am thankful for bottled water which was the next best thing after our water was poisoned.

7. Air

Although the air we breath is not perfect, I am thankful to be able to breath the air. I think of many that were on ventilators because of COVID-19. I think of those that still have breathing problems after COVID-19. I recall a friend that had congestive heart failure. She would have trouble breathing when fluid collected on around her lungs. As I watched her wheeze for air, I could not imagine what that must have felt like. Sometimes we take breathing for granted.

8. Peace of Mind

I am thankful for memory. I have seen alzheimer and dementia patient’s. It is not pleasant. Sometimes they may remember you then within 5 minutes may forget who you are. I first dealt with alheizmer with my mother-in-law. I watched as it progressed because there are several stages. As it progressed she sometimes would remember me then other times had no clue as to who I was. Sometimes it progresses fast and sometimes slower in individuals. Everyone is different. I know of a colleague experiencing memory lost now. She will often ask me, “What is that person’s name?” I will tell her patiently. She is aware that she is not remembering and she is progressing in age. I try to always be patient with her, because it could have been me. The brain is so vital to our body. I now understand why it is so important to keep the body moving and in motion. I am thankful for that knowledge, because many people do not know that or even understand the importance to keep moving no matter what.

Now what are you grateful for? I dare you to take the 20-day gratitude challenge.

Sources:

What is Gratitude and Why Is It So Important?

 

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The Power of Love

Do you remember when your parents told you they loved you? What about the last time that they told you? Do you remember the first time someone you loved told you they loved you? How did it make you feel? Love is very powerful.

                                                          I Love You

                                                * * *  GOOD NEWS * * *

1. Feeling Loved

Have you ever heard someone say that they did not feel loved? You can tell someone you love them, but if they do not feel it or believe it your words might not mean anything. I have heard people say, “I really feel loved or I really feel appreciated.” I have even had someone tell me, “I appreciate you.” That is a great feeling to feel love and to know that you are loved. I recall a friend that felt she was the “black sheep” of her family. She shared she had taken a dark path and through it all she knew without a doubt that her family loved her and stood by her through it all. She also shared she had no one to blame but herself as far as the choices she had made in life.  She took responsibility for her choices.  

2. Relationships

Relationships can be very powerful. God’s love is more powerful. I recall when I was in a relationship with a young man I asked him if he was saved. His response was, “No, but I want to be saved I want what you have.” As we were walking on the school tracking field I stopped right in the middle of the field and gave him the plan of salvation. I explained all you need to do now is find a church home. He was adamant that he did not want to join my church, but to find his own. I understood. There are numerous churches all over the city.

3. Prayer

Prayer is powerful. When you love someone you pray for them. Sometimes you may pray for those that you do not know, but you pray for their families and friends. I recall having a health issue and as I left an office I saw my friend and mentioned it to her. I asked her to keep me in her prayers. Surprisingly to me she stopped right in the middle of the parking lot and prayed with me at that instance. I was stunned and happy too. Oftentimes when you ask someone to keep you in their prayers they say ok and keep right on going. Not her. She stopped right there and started praying. I will always remember her for that. I will always remember she loved me as a friend and took the time to pray right on the spot.

4. Growing

Did you know that love helps you to grow? According to wisdometimes.com love feels joy in giving a helping hand to all those in need, misery, or grief.

5. Pure Love

I recall at my wedding I had the song “Pure Love” by Dottie Peoples playing as the guests arrived. I just love that song because it embodies all of the scriptures from 1 Corinthians 13 which is often called the Love Chapter. This is a chapter in the bible that is so powerful because it explains love and exactly what it is.

6. Creativity

God gives us creativeness in our spirit. According to betterhelp.com love boosts your ability to expand your creativity. They further add that studies show love helps people to think outside of the box ad find creative solutions for problems they are facing.

7. Unconditional Love

Have you experienced unconditional love? Parents often love their children unconditionally. This does not say that if their child breaks the law or does something horrible a parent will stop loving their child. I recently watch a picture on television. The parents did not want their daughter involved with a young man. This young man had murdered others and done several despicable acts. They let the daughter know this. She still continued to love him and stayed with him despite the facts that were presented to her. Had he been convicted she probably would have supported him in prison. Now that might not be something you or I understand, but the power of love extends sometimes beyond comprehension. Someone probably might say, “How could she stay with him knowing all the terrible things that he did?”

8. Tough Love

Have you ever applied tough love in a situation? Have you experienced tough love? I’m sure during the time tough love may not feel like love at all. There may be times when you love someone you may apply it for the benefit of the other person and the relationship. There may be times that you need to apply tough love with teenagers or even younger children. Sometimes parents will give their children every and anything they want because they did not receive those things as a child. By doing this a parent sometimes may create a “monster.” The child may not appreciate any of the material things.

As a parent you sometimes may have to make tough decisions. Your child may not understand at the time, but sometimes later in life they may come to understand. I recall a tough decision I made. One of my children’s grades were about average she wanted to go off to college. I was going to let her go, but her father and I talked and he was adamant that she could not go off with those type of grades. So we explained she needed to go to college here at home for a year and improve her grades. She did just that. She brought her grades up, went away to college the following year, got on the dean’s list, and has been upward bound ever since. This is just one example. Can you think of other examples where you experienced or applied tough love?

Sources:

Power of Love

 

9 Ways Love Is Powerful

 

What’s (Unconditional) Love Got to Do with It?

  

 

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Just contact me at anointedtoday@gmail.com and let me know.

Guest Blogging is another avenue for great exposure to your blog.

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How to Increase Your Productivity

 Have there been days that you feel you have been non-productive? Have you used quality management? Possibly there are days that you tried hard, but because unforeseen issues you still feel unproductive. There are steps and tips that may help you become more productive.

                                                        Quality Management

                                              ***Thankful***

14 tips are as follows:

1. Time of Day

If it is possible discover if you work better during the morning or evening hours. Some people are not morning people. I recall my husband was basically a second shift worker. He attempted first shift and seemingly could never wake up on time and was sluggish during the mornings. He eventually switched back to 2^nd shift. To my surprise one of our children was basically the same way. I even recall when she was a baby he would come home after 2^nd shift and just talk with her. She seemingly knew when he was coming home and would be awake. She did not cry or fuss, but just looked and listen. Now everyone does not have the luxury to choose when they will work, but if you do take advantage of it.

2. To Do List

Now it is not enough to have a to-do list. The list needs to be managed and updated frequently. The list needs to be flexible so changes can me made when necessary. Also, remember Rome was not built in a day. Do not try to run a sprint. Possible some things on your list may be done at another time on another day.

3. Prioritize

There may be some things on your list that you want or need to be done before others. You decide which is most important and which is least important. Remember as long as you live you will be making choices. If you have 2 things listed as top priority you will have to make a choice as to which one will be done first. Life is about choices. The choices you make are very important because they could affect the rest of your life.

4. Paperless

Consider ways that you could go paperless. Less paper less clutter. You may consider throwing a bill away once you have written the check for it and the check has cleared the bank. You may not pay all of your bills online, but you might consider paying some of them online. Technology is increasing everyday. Paying online and even shopping online has become so easy and so quick.  Also when you pay online you save an envelope and postage. Most banks and Credit Unions offer free online bill paying.

5. Magazines

Do you save magazines? You might consider throwing a magazine out once you have read it. What about books. With the new technology audiobooks are online and it is so much easier to read a book from your cellphone or your iPad.

6. Goals

Set realistic goals. Determine when you want them met. It is not enough to just set goals, but you need to review them to see what changes you might want to make.

7. Bits and Pieces

Do not try to do everything all at once; Rather take frequent breaks. Take time to stretch in between. Take time to rest your eyes. Remember you may feel like a “lean green machine,” but your body may not. Your body may need to rest.

8. Multitasking

Although in the past there have been those that promoted multi-tasking, but multi-tasking is not for everyone. Sometimes you may just need to concentrate on one task at a time and give that all of your attention. You will need to do what works best for you.

9. Notes

Keep a pen and paper handy or you can make a memo in your cellphone. You may discover ideas that you do not want to forget. I usually just make a memo on my cellphone. For those of you that do not like to write “Siri.” is always available. You can speak your messages to “Siri” on your phone and this technology will automatically write it for you. Or you can record on your voice recorder on your cellphone. Isen’t technology wonderful. It is all about making it easier and faster for you you.

10. Time Management

Although we all are given 24 hours in a day, it is up to you how you manage your time. You want to manage it wisely. This is something that you do have control over to some degree. If you do not manage your time, it or other’s will manage it for you. You do not want that.

11. Intentional

Be intentional and focused on what it is that you want to accomplish. Keep your eye on the prize and always remember the big picture. You may not see it right away, but know that it is coming shortly.

12. Discipline

Self-discipline may not be easy for some, but it can be done. Change your way of thinking. Concentrate on the benefits and what is the end result that you desire. It might be hard in the beginning, but it will be worth it. Practice makes perfect. So what if you fail in the beginning, get right back up, dust yourself off and continue. Persistence will will win in the end.

13. Habit

Make time management a habit. There are bad habits and there are good ones. Being able to manage your time is a good habit to start. You always want to work smarter not harder. Have an awareness and be alert to opportunities to monitor your time. Always think about what you can do better. If you made a bad decision think of how you could do better should a similar circumstance come before you.

14. Perfection

I have learned through the years that no one is perfect. Romans 3:10. “None is righteous, no not one.”

You may strive for perfection. You may strive to be the best that you can be, but do not compare yourself to others because God may each and every one of us uniquely different. Some are good in one thing while others may be good at another.   What Time management tips do you take advantage of?

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