Islands of Time

Today, I am reading in my all time favorite book called "Simplify" a guide to caring for the soul, by Carolyn J. Rasmus.  I love, love, love this book!  When I feel out of control, and life is bringing little satisfaction, I often reflect back on this book of inspiration.  Her focus in this book is from these topics:

S - stillness
i - integrity
m - mercy
p - prune
l - let go
i - impossible
f - fortify
y - you

This author refers to Janet Morrow Lindbergh's book "Gifts from the Sea".  Where Janet was able to take a vacation all by herself for a week to the ocean.  She spent this week resting, relaxing, observing the creation of different sea shells, and applying their structure and form to life.  In this book Janet talks about Islands of Time.  A place to get away, to refuel, think, ponder, meditate, a spiritual renewal.

Carolyn Rasmus, in her book "Simplify", refers to "Islands of Time", but recognizes that most of us can't get away for a week to be by ourselves.  She recognizes the need for "creating an island of time, not somewhere on an exotic island but in our everday lives.  Couldn't we carve out just a little time each day to experience time to be quiet, a time when we could just stop what we are doing and experience an island of time.....consider thinking of a time each day that you could call your island of time, a time when you could escape the business of daily responsibilities.  The place matters little - it could even be in a car in some quiet parking lot.  For others, it could be a quiet bench in a park, a library, a bedroom, or maybe even the bathroom.  The place is not important as the quiet you will find - quiet time to be still, to think, to breathe deeply, and to feel His peace".

"As we think to simplify and make it a spiritual quest, we are reminded that the Lord commands us to be still and to listen.  As Elijah learned, the Lord was to be heard not in the crashing of mountains, or wind, or earthqueake but in a still small voice (1 Kings 19-12)."

"The scriptures give us ample instruction about how the Spirit speaks to us, but to hear the still, small voice we must be still and listen."  (Simplify, pg 10 & 12, Carolyn J. Rasmus)

This is my struggle in life to not get swept away in all the events, activities, and needs in life.  We go, go, go to the point of exhaustion, and then loose sight of the joy in life.  I know, when I take quiet time to read, ponder, and especially write about the thoughts or things that I learn; the peace that I feel brings such comfort, joy and satisfaction.  The understanding and inspiration that I receive about life is incredible.  Sometimes, it is a fight to find my "Islands of Time", but so rewarding it is, when I allow this time each day.

May you enjoy your "Islands of Time" this week, and throughout your life.

Marilyn

Let's take our live's back and get out from under all the clutter!

Today, at church one of the speakers talked of getting our live's back.  He talked about the 5 s's used in his workplace for order.  He mentioned that sometimes our lives get so cluttered with things and schedules that we might be so weighted down, that we might miss the important and spiritual things in life just trying to get out from underneath all the clutter.  Because I love order so much, I especially enjoyed his message, and was inspired to set a goal to declutter my life and home, little bit, by little bit this year.  I think if I accomplish this lofty goal, I will be refreshed and rejuvenated in my quest to enjoy life to its fullest.  Please comment and share your decluttering experiences this year.  Below, I will paste the definitions of the 5's business suggestions which I think we can totally apply to our home life as well.  These definitions are taken from wikipedia.

Phases of 5S

There are 5 primary phases of 5S: sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining.

Sorting

Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts, and instructions. Go through all tools, materials, and so forth in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items and eliminate what is not required, prioritizing things per requirements and keeping them in easily-accessible places. Everything else is stored or discarded.

Straightening or setting in order / stabilize

There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly labeled or demarcated. Items should be arranged in a manner that promotes efficient work flow, with equipment used most often being the most easily accessible. Workers should not have to bend repetitively to access materials. Each tool, part, supply, or piece of equipment should be kept close to where it will be used – in other words, straightening the flow path. Seiton is one of the features that distinguishes 5S from "standardized cleanup". This phase can also be referred to as Simplifying.^[1]

Sweeping or shining or cleanliness / systematic cleaning

Clean the workspace and all equipment, and keep it clean, tidy and organized. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and ensures that everything is where it belongs. Spills, leaks, and other messes also then become a visual signal for equipment or process steps that need attention. A key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work – not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.

Standardizing

Work practices should be consistent and standardized. All work stations for a particular job should be identical. All employees doing the same job should be able to work in any station with the same tools that are in the same location in every station. Everyone should know exactly what his or her responsibilities are for adhering to the first 3 S's.

Sustaining the discipline or self-discipline

Maintain and review standards. Once the previous 4 S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain focus on this new way and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways. While thinking about the new way, also be thinking about yet better ways. When an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, review the first 4 S's and make changes as appropriate.

Thoughts to consider:

• A cluttered mind is a devils workshop.
• Create a list of basics needed in our lives as we decide what clutter to get rid of.
• We give our live's to that which we give our time.
• How does our clutter affect our family?
• Am I too busy with things that are taking away from my divine role?
• Keep things simple.
• Choose the simple way.
• Less is more - quality vs. quantity
• God's plan is simple.  How are we complicating his plan?
• Are we reading scriptures in clutter, or praying with distractions?
• If you are not sure you are ready to get rid of something, send it to a holding area, see if you can live without it, give yourself a date to make the final give away decision.
• Order contributes to success.

Thanks to Reece Barker for his comments and challenge for getting our live's back.

Let's lighten our loads, and see the joy of life that will be uncovered.  Please comment on your experiences of 2012.  May we all have the best year ever.          Marilyn