chapter 8: Created for Work

I bet you got really excited when you read the name of this chapter. Just what we all need in our life, a little more work! Really the title of this chapter should be created for blood, sweat and tears! Achieving our goals does take work. I think of a duck swimming on the water, no one sees how hard they are paddling underneath. Underneath the cool, calm exterior of the one who has achieved their dream, is someone who has worked very hard. Well as we talk about work this week, I do hope your summer has some rest planned into it!

I love hearing people talk about their jobs with such pleasure that they feel like work is play. I really believe that we should do what we love and love what we do. I hope that is true for you.

I was once again challenged by Debbie’s words about setting goals. Goal setting is such a valuable life skill. It helps to set spiritual goals, family goals, physical goals, career goals, recreational goals, and financial goals. I think it would be a great exercise to take page 132-133 and place your goals on paper. (I’ve made it your Knit Together Challenge) I have come to see more and more that if we don’t give ourselves something to shoot for, we will never come close to actualizing our potential. We should not be afraid of goals. Often it is because we don’t want to be disappointed. I think Debbie hit the nail on the head that many of us don’t think we deserve success. In my case, I’ve just considered that what I write is for God and His people,and if I don’t get reimbursed for it financially, at least my reward is in heaven…..but I’m changing my tune. I’m getting inspired to get a lot of what I already have done published. I’m renewing my goal list and making it realistic, but also making it something to stretch toward.

Time savers that are mentioned in this chapter are wonderful. I really like her magazine ideas, and her last tip about making sure you give your goals to a trusted friend to keep you accountable. Great IDEA!

I think we should all learn how to delegate or perhaps for some of you how to delegate even better. There are things that others can do for you. (I’m preaching to myself here!!!!) Think of people in your life who have expertise in the area you need help. Paying for their service can free you up to reach your goals.

So true- Statement
“Goals give us somewhere to set our sights. Goals are like target practice-we get ready, we aim for what we want, and we fire away! Goals are not just the destination we’re driving toward, they’re also the painted white lines that keep us on the road!” page 137

Highlight Scripture
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14 (NIV)

Discussion Questions – Homework!
1. Review your goal list from chapter 1. Did you dream big enough? Are you being encouraged to dream big and achieve big? What is your step number 1. Why not make it happen this week?
2. Sit down and write out your schedule. What is erasable and what is combinable. Make sure you don’t allow time wasters to whittle away at your valuable and most precious commodity….time.
3. What is your biggest time saver tip….If you were at our ladies conference the last weekend in April, you heard Wendy Treat’s tip about steamer bags. Do you have one you want to share?
4. How do you react when you miss a goal? Did this chapter help you see that there could be a positive view of maybe reassessing your goal to begin with?
5. Get rid of time wasters. Write down

Knit Together Challenge
Why not use the sample worksheet on page 132 and 133 as your challenge this week. Make the beginning of the school year, and then reassess them and rewrite them the same time next year.

My Prayer for you
Father, we come to you in Jesus name, thanking you for obtaining the best prize ever for us, complete salvation. As we look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we can press on to obtain the prize that you have for us.