Cindy Rushton

Category: From My Heart

  • Character that is Not Counterfeit

    Cindy Gunter RushtonCharacter. Godly character. There is a lot of talk about character. There is even a lot of ACTION about character. There are even full curriculum and businesses developed around the topic of character.

    We so want it. But!

    The problem with that is that character is not something we can just “put on”. It is not good behavior. Character is not a checklist or a wall chart. Character is not a discipline or a work that we can do for the Lord or others. Those are all counterfeits of the real thing.

    True godly character is the nature of God flowing through us. We work and work with disciplines and things we think we can DO, trying to have qualities of good character but it is sooo much bigger than that.

    True godly character only comes when we allow God full access to every area of our life. It only happens when we allow HIM to flow in and through us. It only happens when we surrender to the complete conformity and transformation that God has to offer…that “entire renewal” of our minds that we see in Romans 12: 1-2 (Amplified)…

    I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

    The Message Version says it like this…

    So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

    Love it! This is what we really want–change from the inside-out. That is real change. That is real godly character.

    Of course, this is also the tough part for those of us who think we can make it happen ourselves. We may SAY we don’t think like this but our actions show what we really think and believe. We have to let go and let God loose to do what only He can do. This requires a work that starts on the inside and works through every “room” of our heart and soul. It requires of each of us a total sacrifice every single day of everything inside and outside. It requires that we let God loose to do that sweet, sweet work that He wants to do inside of us.

    It can’t happen when we are working, working, working to make it happen ourselves in that pursuit of godliness. It can’t happen when we have compromise and “pet sins” ruling and reigning in our lives. It is that place where we realize we can’t live the life we want apart from total surrender to the Lord of lords and total renewal of our minds. That means soaking in His Word and letting His Spirit access every area of our lives to do his great work in us.

    When we dare to let Him loose, we will become the real, authentic, contagious godly men and women we desire to be and not settle for anything less. Only then can we be all He designed for us to be. That is that sweet place where we truly HAVE godly character. Character that is no longer a counterfeit.

  • A Matter of Priority

    Cindy Gunter RushtonOh! Why can’t I get around to working out? And, planning my meals? And, resting? Why is there such a battle?

    Sure, I INTEND to get around to it. Boy, do I INTEND. But, how does it get from an idea, an intention and get ait into my lifestyle?

    Well, looks like there is one big key–it is a matter of priority!

    I know how to stick to my priorities. I know how to get things done. I am really good at it. But what do you do when you have neglected something as vital as getting fit and healthy? And, neglected it for over 18 years? How do you get going again? How do you make it happen? How do you get out of your comfort zone? How do you get out of the “default setting” that keeps you stuck? Those have been my questions the past few months.

    Relate?

    Boy, this is the story of my life! A story that I want to change. A story that needs a new dialogue…a new background…a new plot!

    I really don’t think that is possible without some hard, deep, and relentless work! It is going to take uprooting those deep roots that take me back to default. It is going to take more than another resolution–it is going to take transformation! Transformation from the old-Cindy to the new-Cindy. Transformation spirit, soul AND body!

    Where does that even begin? Well, for me, I think that begins with getting real with myself and asking (and answering honestly), “Is THIS a priority?” Yup! That is a perfect place to begin!

    I can SAY that I want to get fit and healthy. I can also add my goal to my big list of things to do. I can plan my healthy meals. I can set my bed-time at a decent hour. BUT, none of this is going to happen if this is not a real priority–a non-negotiable priority!

    Let’s face it, I DO what I really believe in.
    I MAKE it happen.
    It gets done.
    It is non-negotiable.
    I am intentional.
    It gets on the agenda.
    It happens regardless of anything going on around me.
    There are NO EXCUSES that can derail it!

    So, if I am going through day after day or week after week or month after month or year after year and I NEVER make time to get fit and healthy, what is really going on? You know, don’t you? It is NOT a priority for me. It is still an option. It is a “nice” thing to do…some day. It is a wish. It is a fluttery feeling in my stomach. But it is NOT a priority for me.

    If it has not made it to the to-do list…
    If it hasn’t made it to the schedule…
    If it has just taunted me..
    If it has made me feel guilty, condemned, and full of shame…
    If it is just another failed resolution…
    …Is it REALLY a priority?

    Do you see it? I imagine that you can answer that one very easily. I imagine that you can see the problem clearly. By now, you are probably screaming out–DO IT GIRL! The answer is clear. The plan looks obvious. But…

    How about you?
    Do you relate?
    Have you been wanting to do it but there is always SOMETHING else?
    Or, maybe YOUR THING is something completely different…

    …Writing that book
    …Getting out of debt
    …Stepping out with that business
    …Dating again
    …Getting back in church
    …Reading your Bible daily
    …Getting your education
    …Remodeling your home
    …Reaching for that goal…that dream…that resolution
    …AND, YOUR THING!!

    It is June. One of those resolutions still not a reality? Nagging at you? Got that sick feeling in your gut? Feeling like all of the sudden I am picking on you?

    Well, take a few moments and ask yourself, “Is THIS a priority?”

    Ready to step it up? Ready to make it happen? Ready to finally crush it? Today is the day of NEW beginnings. No more settling for default. No more letting the days…weeks…months…and years slip by. No more regret. Today is the day to step up and step out. Today is the day to make that thing a priority, a non-negotiable priority. After all, sit is all as simple as a matter of priority.

    Let’s rock it!

  • What’s Your Next Step???

    What’s Your Next Step???

    Cindy2015It is a brand new year!

    Are you moving strong…or, still stuck?

    Are you ready…or, are you a bit reluctant?

    Busting at the seams to kick off your New Year…or, are you just sick at the thought of yet another year?

    Reaching your resolutions…or…are they already a bust?

    Are there things that you would really like to see changed by January 2013? TODAY is the day to make that commitment! If you sincerely want to see change, you have to begin today!

    Sunday was a MILESTONE. Did you miss it? It is not too late! Pull away for a bit today. Set your resolutions. Set reachable resolutions.

    1. Start with an honest evaluation!

    Where are you?
    Are you where you want to be?
    What do you want?
    What do you need?
    What is it going to take to get where you want to be?
    Are there things that you want to see changed?

    Don’t get locked into the same old, same old repetive behaviours. Don’t get stuck in the same old rut. If we are not moving forward, reaching for resolutions, goals, and dreams, we are not living the life that Christ died to give us. Where are you now?

    2. Set goals!

    Today, set a goal! It is your NEXT STEP. You may not be able to get where you want to go TODAY…or this week…or this month…or even this year. However, don’t let that keep you stuck in a rut!

    Today, look at where you want to go. Get a vision! Can you reach it? Do you believe that you can? Well, set goals, steps, to get there. Don’t think it is possible? Well, ask yourself–what IS possible? What do you think you CAN DO? Let’s set goals to get moving toward that! Don’t let yourself get stuck! Set goals that will make your proud!

    Test your goals all along the way– is it….

    • Small–Small enough to reach with ONE STEP? Baby steps?
    • Clear–Can you see how to get there or is it still FUZZY? Make sure it is FOCUSED!
    • Purposeful–We must have PURPOSE or otherwise we will fail, fade out, give in to excuses, get distracted, quit, go astray, procrastinate, get off track and misdirected, and GET STUCK!
    • Actionable–A goal that you CAN and WILL dare to take action, massive action, to accomplish NOW. Not a wish. Something that you are READY TO DO.
    • Specific–What, why, and by when? Describe it? Be specific about what you want, why you want it, when you want it done! BE SPECIFIC–the more specific the more likely you will be to reach it!
    • Definable–It isn’t a goal unless you can define what you want. Otherwise, it is just a WISH.
    • Definitive–Get an idea of when you can accomplish it! Set a deadline! No more maybe’s or someday’s. Let’s set a date! Let’s set a deadline of when you can do THIS!
    • Reachable, doable, attainable–No more self-sabotage! Self-sabotage is when we set a goal that we KNOW is just impossible from where we are. We let ourselves down. Then, we get into a place where we don’t believe ourselves any more. Don’t self-sabotage! Set goals that are just out of reach and get moving toward them. You can attain it! You can do it! You can reach it!
    • Realistic–No more pie in the sky goals! Slow down and get realistic! Otherwise, your goals and resolutions will frustrate you and discourage you. You will LOSE your motivation! Let’s set smaller, REAL goals.
    • Measurable–Be EXACT and VERY SPECIFIC about what you want! You need to be able to measure it. Otherwise, you won’t know what is neeeded. Also, you will never know when you have got there!
    • WRITTEN–Write it out! Write it out TODAY! “Goals not in writing are just wishes.” Brain dump! Get those goals out of your head and onto paper! Put them on your calendar. Plan it out–with LOTS OF MARGIN! Put them into your to-do’s each day. Focus on each task until done!

    3. Get MOVING!

    So many people never even try to reach for their resolutions, goals and dreams.

    • They immediately discard them.
    • They don’t slow down to truly SET THEM.
    • They trip up and quit.
    • They can’t seem to work them in.
    • And, many never get going because they never take that first step.

    I have been asking God to show me when I am not moving forward in an area, to help me know that first step, and to give me the power to get moving. That first step is the key! In fact, my preacher said this weekend that the hardest part of working out is “to tie your tennis shoes.” Why? It is that FIRST STEP!

    My dear friend, what is that FIRST STEP?

    I know it can be scary. I know it can be intimidating. But, today, ask God to show you those areas where you have not been moving forward–building a godly marriage, quiet times, ministering to the hearts of your children, getting out of debt, building a business of your own, getting fit and healthy, getting your home decluttered, etc. Ask Him to show you what He wants for you to do and to show you that first step so you can get up and get moving–He will! Ask him to empower you and give you everything you need as you step out. My sweet friend, HE WILL! Just get started with that first step! GET MOVING!

    My dear friend, you have a NEW year ahead of you! It is time for a NEW BEGINNING! Dare to set your resolutions this year. Don’t let this year slip by. You CAN do it! Set those resolutions. Set goals to take you step-by-step toward your resolutions. Keep them before you. MOVE OUT! Celebrate your victories all along the way! You will reach your resolutions one step at a time–what is your step today?

  • What’s Your Next Step???

    What’s Your Next Step???

    Cindy2015It is a brand new year!

    Are you moving strong…or, still stuck?

    Are you ready…or, are you a bit reluctant?

    Busting at the seams to kick off your New Year…or, are you just sick at the thought of yet another year?

    Reaching your resolutions…or…are they already a bust?

    Are there things that you would really like to see changed by January 2013? TODAY is the day to make that commitment! If you sincerely want to see change, you have to begin today!

    Sunday was a MILESTONE. Did you miss it? It is not too late! Pull away for a bit today. Set your resolutions. Set reachable resolutions.

    1. Start with an honest evaluation!

    Where are you?
    Are you where you want to be?
    What do you want?
    What do you need?
    What is it going to take to get where you want to be?
    Are there things that you want to see changed?

    Don’t get locked into the same old, same old repetive behaviours. Don’t get stuck in the same old rut. If we are not moving forward, reaching for resolutions, goals, and dreams, we are not living the life that Christ died to give us. Where are you now?

    2. Set goals!

    Today, set a goal! It is your NEXT STEP. You may not be able to get where you want to go TODAY…or this week…or this month…or even this year. However, don’t let that keep you stuck in a rut!

    Today, look at where you want to go. Get a vision! Can you reach it? Do you believe that you can? Well, set goals, steps, to get there. Don’t think it is possible? Well, ask yourself–what IS possible? What do you think you CAN DO? Let’s set goals to get moving toward that! Don’t let yourself get stuck! Set goals that will make your proud!

    Test your goals all along the way– is it….

    • Small–Small enough to reach with ONE STEP? Baby steps?
    • Clear–Can you see how to get there or is it still FUZZY? Make sure it is FOCUSED!
    • Purposeful–We must have PURPOSE or otherwise we will fail, fade out, give in to excuses, get distracted, quit, go astray, procrastinate, get off track and misdirected, and GET STUCK!
    • Actionable–A goal that you CAN and WILL dare to take action, massive action, to accomplish NOW. Not a wish. Something that you are READY TO DO.
    • Specific–What, why, and by when? Describe it? Be specific about what you want, why you want it, when you want it done! BE SPECIFIC–the more specific the more likely you will be to reach it!
    • Definable–It isn’t a goal unless you can define what you want. Otherwise, it is just a WISH.
    • Definitive–Get an idea of when you can accomplish it! Set a deadline! No more maybe’s or someday’s. Let’s set a date! Let’s set a deadline of when you can do THIS!
    • Reachable, doable, attainable–No more self-sabotage! Self-sabotage is when we set a goal that we KNOW is just impossible from where we are. We let ourselves down. Then, we get into a place where we don’t believe ourselves any more. Don’t self-sabotage! Set goals that are just out of reach and get moving toward them. You can attain it! You can do it! You can reach it!
    • Realistic–No more pie in the sky goals! Slow down and get realistic! Otherwise, your goals and resolutions will frustrate you and discourage you. You will LOSE your motivation! Let’s set smaller, REAL goals.
    • Measurable–Be EXACT and VERY SPECIFIC about what you want! You need to be able to measure it. Otherwise, you won’t know what is neeeded. Also, you will never know when you have got there!
    • WRITTEN–Write it out! Write it out TODAY! “Goals not in writing are just wishes.” Brain dump! Get those goals out of your head and onto paper! Put them on your calendar. Plan it out–with LOTS OF MARGIN! Put them into your to-do’s each day. Focus on each task until done!

    3. Get MOVING!

    So many people never even try to reach for their resolutions, goals and dreams.

    • They immediately discard them.
    • They don’t slow down to truly SET THEM.
    • They trip up and quit.
    • They can’t seem to work them in.
    • And, many never get going because they never take that first step.

    I have been asking God to show me when I am not moving forward in an area, to help me know that first step, and to give me the power to get moving. That first step is the key! In fact, my preacher said this weekend that the hardest part of working out is “to tie your tennis shoes.” Why? It is that FIRST STEP!

    My dear friend, what is that FIRST STEP?

    I know it can be scary. I know it can be intimidating. But, today, ask God to show you those areas where you have not been moving forward–building a godly marriage, quiet times, ministering to the hearts of your children, getting out of debt, building a business of your own, getting fit and healthy, getting your home decluttered, etc. Ask Him to show you what He wants for you to do and to show you that first step so you can get up and get moving–He will! Ask him to empower you and give you everything you need as you step out. My sweet friend, HE WILL! Just get started with that first step! GET MOVING!

    My dear friend, you have a NEW year ahead of you! It is time for a NEW BEGINNING! Dare to set your resolutions this year. Don’t let this year slip by. You CAN do it! Set those resolutions. Set goals to take you step-by-step toward your resolutions. Keep them before you. MOVE OUT! Celebrate your victories all along the way! You will reach your resolutions one step at a time–what is your step today?

  • Why Not Make a Memory This Week???

    Why Not Make a Memory This Week???

    Cindy2015Oh! Anybody else in holiday bliss this week?

    We have changed the pace for the week. A nice welcomed break after a very, very productive season. This week, we are cutting back all of our life to just make sweet memories. What about you? Why not make a memory this week? Want to?

    Here are a few ideas of things that might make your Christmas special while you make sweet, sweet memories. Ready? Let’s dig in…

    * Make Christmas gifts and goody baskets… Christmas does not have to break your budget, especially if we will use some of those extra craft supplies around the house to make gifts or goody baskets. A big batch of cookies in a cute basket makes an adorable gift. Give it a try! Great gift…plus you make sweet memories along the way! (more…)

  • Easy Bible Reading for YOUR Family by Cindy Rushton

    Cindy2015Bible Reading. Sound tough? Do you really want to instill the habits of daily Bible Reading and quiet times with your children, but have NO IDEA of where to begin or what to do? Well, here is a little bit of help!

    • Pray…Never begin a time of Bible Study on your own! As everyone settles in for read alouds, go to the Lord in prayer! Ask Him to teach each of you. He will be faithful to meet you every time you come to Him!
    • Review from your last reading… As we read through our Daily Bible Reading, we begin by reviewing the passage from the day before. I allow our children to do this. They love this!
    • Read aloud from the Bible! Yes, directly read from the Bible. Choose YOUR FAVORITE version. Begin wherever you prefer. Need suggestions? We recommend beginning in the book of John or Psalms. Proverbs can also be a great place to begin.  As for versions, we use a wide variety of versions.  Since my children have gotten older, we often read the same passage from different versions. Talk about enriching our reading and discussion! We begin anew each year reading through the Bible. Each day we read the passage that leaves off from the day before until the “story” or section ends.  Some sections are not as friendly for making a “story.” We read until we get to a good stopping place. The next day we pick up where we leave off.
    • Narrate the story or discuss the principles from Scripture…This is simply letting the children re-tell what the passage is about. If it is not a passage that is easily shared in a story, then let them share their insights into the passage!
    • Discuss ideas, any questions, and any difficult words. Look up any new places on a map. This is WHY you should read/study Scripture WITH your children. This is when you will share insights with one another… glean deeper truths from Scripture…really search for more than the casual glance at Scripture!
    • Mark your daily reading in your Daily Bible Reading Log. We designed a Daily Bible Reading Log for our children to see HOW MUCH they were (and weren’t reading!!) each year! It has been awesome to see how much Scripture we are reading together, individually, and even in our church studies. If you need a log that is ready for your family to use, check out our pricelist. They are wonderful!
    • Pray… Finally, end your Bible Reading time in prayer. Ask God to really work in your lives to make your study applicable in your lives!

    Need more help? Don’t miss Cindy’s AMAZING Half Off Sale! Everything–ebooks, audios, seminars, etc– is half off. Look for our Organized Mom Super Set or our Quiet Times Seminar Set. You will get even more help!


  • Psst! A Secret to Scheduling Success! by Cindy Rushton

    Cindy2015Want to know one of my biggest secrets to homeschooling the easy way? Want to know one of my biggest secrets to scheduling success? This one secret can make your daily schedule finally fit. It can end your scheduling frustrations forever.

    I am not a “schedule by the minute” type of person. (GRIN)  I fail with schedules like that. They don’t meet my needs. My life includes too many areas that have different needs daily. Timed schedules just do not work for me.

    So, what has worked for me? Setting up a framework to my day. This is one incredibly powerful tip. It can make a HUGE difference in your day as well. It just might be the secret that has alluded you through the years.

    Wondering what I mean by a “framework” for your day? By framework, I mean a general flow to each day that includes all of the areas of my life that I juggle. But, how do I do that? Here are some quick tips:

    1. Decide what should be included in your daily schedule.     Look at what you are all about. Look at your goals, activities, values, priorities. Look at your husband’s schedule–wrap everything around him. Look at what you need to include in your day to get everything done–quiet times, lessons, homemaking, read alouds, work, etc. This is important. Otherwise, you will include things in your schedule that may not be the very best choices. And…one big risk…you may never get around to the things that matter the most. Decide what really needs to be a part of each and every day for your day to be successful.

    2. Decide the best time for the tasks you need to complete each day. This will help you get a good flow to your day. For me, quiet times are just best at the beginning of the day. Chores are great right after them–I need them completed so my brain can focus on the table time.  Our business work and errands need to be done in the early afternoon. Read alouds are best before bedtime.  You get the picture. When I tried to read aloud over lunch, we had so many distractions that we could never fit it in. Trying to work the business in the morning would never work…and of course, we couldn’t take care of business errands at night. See how important it is to really look at the best time to get tasks done. Look at the best time for all of the tasks that need to be done. Look at the best flow to get everything done easily each day. You may not get this right at the beginning, but you will get closer and closer each day. You will love it!

    3. Balance your day.     Don’t let any one area of your life get out of balance. Everything that we do in our day has a tendency to grow into a big time thief–homeschooling, homemaking, home business. Those important aspects of our life can easily grow out of their boundaries. While I love each of them, they can get rather exhausting if we don’t keep them in balance with the other things that we have to do. The best way for me to stay balanced is to be reasonable about what I expect for each day, keep things simplified and easy, and keep everything inside of its time of the day. I don’t mind those days that we want to dig deeper in a topic that we are studying. I also don’t mind those days that we tackle a messy room. I don’t even mind those days that we have a special business project that needs more time. But, if those areas were demanding extra time every day, it would be easy to get burned-out, frustrated and battle with our time each day. Want to make it work? Find a balance for your day.

    4. Set up routines.     Talk about a HUGE help for me. Without routines, things can get so frustrating every day–there are constant decisions, there is more strife in the family, there is no consistency. Routines help us to make things go faster, without the strife and struggle of figuring things out DAILY. Routines reduce the stress of making decisions daily. Routines help our children to know what to expect so they can move through all of the things that they need to do each day. Routines are crucial. They assure a smooth ride. They keep us on track. They keep us out of the ruts. They take us in the direction that we want to go. One of the toughest things I ever did was develop routines in my home. However, one of the most rewarding things that I ever did was develop routines in my home. When I got very, very sick, everything kept going. During those times that I have been stretched, things kept on going. All because of routines. Set up routines. Then, your children will know what to expect. They will learn what is next and next and next. The decisions will be made for you. They will be able to “just do it” with or without you. Set up routines for your family. Develop one set of routines at a time–look for the time of day that things go haywire. If it is morning, for example, look at all that needs to be done. Brainstorm. Make a to-do list for that routine. Write it out. Work it as a checklist until it becomes a habit. If you see other things that need to be added into that set of routines, add them. Tweak it until it is smooth. Then, move to the next troublespot. Do this for all of the times of your day. Watch to see how much it helps!

    5. Prune anything that is not necessary. Truth is, we cannot do everything. What we do in our day keeps us from doing other things. It zaps our time, energy, strength. We need to be picky about what we add to our day. Every single thing that we do costs us something. We need to constantly prune those things that are not necessary. Prune anything that hinders, distracts. Be honest. Be ruthless. Prune. Even the good things! Go for the best!

    6. Take the squeeze out of your schedule. Watch out for the squeeze in your schedule. Don’t fill every minute of your day with something to do. Why? Because there are always going to be crisis situations, interruptions, melt-downs, delays. If we have our schedule maxed out, we will constantly be overwhelmed, overworked, and squeezed. Find ways to take the squeeze out of your daily schedule–cut out extra running, watch out for time thieves, prioritize your daily to-do’s (and eliminate any that make the day too tight), cut out extras that are unnecessary, keep the day simple and easy. Keep a relaxed atmosphere. Constantly, take the squeeze out of your daily schedule.

    7. Stay flexible! Stay adaptable! Actually, one of the reasons that we really want to develop a framework to our day is so we have more flexibility, so we have more “space” in our day to be adaptable. We want to be able to seize opportunities that come our way. We want to be able to slow down and enjoy our children. We don’t want to miss teachable moments. These days just go by too fast. We want to enjoy every second. We want to make sweet, sweet memories. This requires that we stay flexible and adaptable. So, take the time to develop your own framework to your day. Do the tough work. Get your plans together. Work on these suggestions. Then, stay flexible. Stay adaptable. Grasp on to all that God has in store for you!

    Need MORE Help?

    Check out Cindy’s New Organized Mom Super Set! It is full of great ebooks and audios that will help take you by the hand and plan the best homeschool year ever!

  • Unplug! by Cindy Rushton

    Cindy2015We just got back from a fabulous trip to Italy. Ok, soak this in…VENICE! Oh! YEAH!

    On this trip, I was able to check off three, yes three, of my biggies on “My Bucket List.” It was a spectacular trip! And, it was more than just the trip or the place, God was speaking to my heart the whole way. In fact, He is still teaching me lessons from Italy and we have been home a week! 🙂 Just today, He taught me another lesson as I opened my laptop! REALLY! Well, stick with me….

    Before I left for Italy, I was on stress overload. I was hoping that Italy would be my “catch-up” time. Well, OBVIOUSLY I had never travelled abroad, much less to Italy. Ha! Italy was perfect for my stress overload. I was forced to getaway, refresh, renew, unplug, and make sweet memories. It was incredible. In fact, I am forever changed from my trip to Italy–more on that in a bit. (more…)

  • TEA-riffic Tips by Cindy Rushton

    Cindy2015Ever wanted to give tea a try? Well, today, I want to help make it DOABLE. Actually I want to encourage you to make tea a tradition in your home. This is an excerpt from my book A CUP OF TEA (Now available as an eBook and HALF OFF–see details below!!). Let me take you by the hand and help you get started making memories over tea…

    Sold!  Convinced! That settles it…you are ready to join the ranks of tea pals!  Only one problem is pounding away…you just do not have ANY idea of where to begin.  Beloved, this is EXACTLY why I have compiled this book.  You CAN begin right where you are.  If you need a little help, let me give you a few of my ideas and tips…

    Be SIMPLE!

    Tea does not have to be STUFFY!  Tea does not have to be FORMAL!  Use what you have on hand. Begin where you are.  You don’t have to be able to recite facts and trivia about tea and etiquette to DEVOUR the passion of tea.  Make your tea time a sweet tradition or ritual. It may be just afternoon tea after the little ones are tucked into bed for their afternoon nap. It may be a morning tea time (Oh, you CAN have coke in your cup while you take that morning quiet time!).  It might be a quiet moment before bed as you settle your mind.  It might be the whole family snuggled up with tea, cocoa, and goodies while you read aloud another chapter of the Bible and a chapter from a great read aloud!  Just bring tea home with YOUR very own style!

    Build Your Very Own Collection of Tea Goodies!

    You can find tea goodies just about anywhere! Take a look for the quaint goodies at yard sales, antique stores, auctions, flea markets, while traveling, at dime stores, gift shops, online…so on! Oh! You may want to take an inventory of what you already have tucked away in your cabinets. I am amazed at the little dishes, doilies, baskets, and other treasures that I had tucked away with no purpose in mind for them. Tea time is the perfect time to bring them out.  OH! And they do not have to match either! The most precious tea parties I have attended, whether formal or friend-to-friend, did not have one thing that “matched.” I am ever amazed at how each piece seemed perfectly “in place” and perfect for the occasion.

    Begin a Tradition by Giving “Tea” Gifts!

    Tea collectibles make perfect gifts for any occasion whether birthdays or holidays or just a little thank you. In fact, my favorite tea “goodies” have a sweet memory of dear friends!  You can give anything from teacups to teapots, from silver spoons to cookie cutters, from recipe books (with YOUR favorites already written inside!) to tea jewelry, so on!  My favorite way to give tea collectibles is to make a “Tea Basket” for those I love.  I fill it with goodies that they can keep AND goodies that they can eat/drink over their Tea Time!

    NO Tea Room in Your Area? What About YOUR Home???

    You are certain to have a perfect spot in your home for tea.  What about a drawing room? A living room? Your front porch? A gazebo? Your deck? The Garden? Fireside?  Outside by a big shade tree?  At the local park (for a Picnic Tea?)  Your bedroom? Your study? Around the kitchen table?

    Get Your Little Ones Involved!

    There is truly no greater place for children to learn the fine art of tea than at their mother’s knee.  From their toddling years, they can learn the etiquette and hospitality of tea as naturally as learning to eat.  If your children are like my children, they will develop a passion for the art of tea.

    How can you encourage that passion?  Allow your children to help prepare for tea time.  They can help to prepare the tea (instructions included on page 43–ALSO FOUND HERE: CLICK HERE) They can help to prepare the dainties.  They can help to select the teacups and linens.  They can even help get the classical music going and to get the latest read aloud out.  The key is to use your very best for your children—they are your very BEST friends!   If it is hard for them to handle your great big teacups, then you may want to get a miniature tea set that is perfect for their little hands and tummies!

    Don’t forget that tea is the perfect time to bring beauty into your home.  Share a great poem…a beautiful art print…a lesson on etiquette…or a chapter from your favorite read aloud!

    A Tea Time Blessing
    Unknown

    Lord, grant that our times
    Together be steeped in serenity,
    Sweetened by sharing,
    And surrounded by the warm
    Fragrance of your love.
    Amen

    Want to grab a copy of my book, A CUP OF TEA? You will LOVE IT! It can be found here at this link: CLICK HERE! Use the Coupon Code: CELEBRATE to save 50%! Yes! If you want to grab other things, please feel free to use the Coupon Code for those as well and save BIG!

     

  • Quick Tips For the Perpetually Late, Disorganized, Stressed Out Mom! By Cindy Rushton

    Cindy2015Does this SPEAK to you? Nothing is more frustrating than great intentions but failure with the time management, organization, and gentle spirit thing! So, what can REALLY help? Need a bit of hope? Practical ideas? Well, beloved, here are a few tips that have made a world of difference for me:

    –> Be sure to slow down and have a quiet time EACH DAY! Take time for God to fill YOUR cup each day. Let Him give you HIS peace, order, and best of all, schedule! Take time to hear HIS plans for your day. Throughout the day, listen to His gentle direction. Be sure that you are willing to let go of the things that God wants to prune away. Without this, all else is only a band-aid!

    –> Invest in a Planner! I am the world’s worst at trying to do it all while trying desperately to remember those incredible details that are doomed to slip my brain! I decided to take a long, honest look at the things that were creating chaos. Most often, the biggest culprit was overcommitment or an underestimate of time involved with commitments. Writing down ALL commitments, along with an honest look at the time commitment involved (even going and coming OR planning the details around that commitment!), has made an indescribable impact on my life! Not to mention, another breeder of chaos in my life was constantly looking for information that needed to be in a dependable place like phone numbers, ordering information, etc. Keeping ONE binder with my information included eliminates the chaos, but it does even more! It gives my brain a rest!

    –> Evaluate to find the BEST that God has designed for YOU to do! Sure, there are many “little things” that must be done to manage our homes, but if you are really struggling with balance, discipline yourself to write down everything that you are doing for a little while. Pray over the importance of each and every thing. Time is so very precious. God gives us everything that we need to do all that He has designed for us to do, but He will not anoint those things that will choke out His best for our lives. So, really pray through…think through…weigh out everything. Listen to God for HIS goals for you. Prune those things that are not in line with His goals for you. Get rid of any time wasters. Prioritize every activity, every day! Combine activities that can be done together to make the most of time. Delegate those things that others can do to help you be a good steward of your time. Then, make the most of your time doing the very best things that God has designed for you to do!

    –> Write IT down! Yep! Give your brain a break! This may seem to compound your problem, but trust me this will help more than you know! It is NOT another thing to do! Rather, once things are written down, the work is done FOR you! For example, keeping a calendar of events in your planner will help to alleviate conflicts in your schedule. Blocking off plenty of time for each entry will help you to give yourself enough margin left over for LIFE! I may live less than five miles from downtown, but if there is an appointment there, I KNOW to give myself 30 minutes to get there! Also, I cannot tell you how much my lists from years ago are beginning to really help me! I have lists for school lessons, shopping, traveling, producing the magazines, speaking, etc. I may have to add to my generic list, but I cannot tell you how many times my lists have helped me to be sure that NOTHING was left out or forgotten. Plus, now the planning process is simplified. I just pull out my list, go over the list, add anything that is missing, and get busy! Several of my lists are typed into my computer, ready to print. Talk about EASY planning! Find ways that you can simplify what you are doing—writing it down will probably be one of your first steps too!

    –> Keep your STUFF ready to use! Whether your planner or your purse or even your Bible/journal for church, get things together and in their special spot, ready to go. I have a tote that includes all of the things that I need for Church. I keep it together, ready to go. Our school books stay in a milk crate (one for each child), ready to use at the table or to grab for our trips with the business. Everything that we need is ready at all times. My planner stays at my chair, ready to grab to leave the house. So on. Decide on what you need for planning, church, homeschooling, or your business. Get everything together. Find its very best spot for it to be easy to use, but not in the way or forgotten. You will be surprised at how much stress this will alleviate!

    –> Put limits on your day! For years, I battled the different aspects of my day that tend to become monsters! Funny thing, I have never seen my family life ever become one of those monsters. My sweetheart and my children are so much more patient than my nasty kitchen! Memories will always wait for schoolwork to be completed. Laughter will always let the business monster rant and rage! The best (but most difficult) lesson of my life to date was that if I wanted the legacy that God had planned for me, then I had to diligently guard the different aspects of life. I had to consciously purpose to make memories and build relationships with those I love much, much more than a clean house or thriving business or successful homeschool. A whole day can zoom by just on the internet with the business…or working through our lessons…or even re-organizing a closet. Plus, those things wear me down till I am completely zapped! Oh, and then, I am not the nicest person on earth! (ouch—confessions hurt!) While these things are precious and wonderful in their boundaries, I have to CONSTANTLY place limits to insure that we have a balanced life that makes the most of each day AND builds a legacy.

    Need MORE Help?

    Check out Cindy’s New Organized Mom Super Set! It is full of great ebooks and audios that will help take you by the hand and plan the best homeschool year ever!