Remember, reflect, renew

 Remember:        Up to this moment, your life has been a series of events – joyful events and trials. Anyone who says they have never been through difficulties is lying or a narcissist.

Trials are hard to endure through, yet we often grow the most in these times – in our character and showing our values, if we are willing to learn from the experience.

“The dry seasons in life do not last.The spring rains will come again.” —Sarah Ban Breathnach

Reflect:                As you reflect on life up to this moment, ask yourself honestly, “How am I doing?” Often, we don’t want to reflect on the challenges, yet when we take the mask off, then reflection can be useful in helping us grow and move forward. Reflect on the positives as well.  What can you be thankful for?

“Reflect on the past, embrace the present, and create a brilliant future.”

 Renew:                In this new year, what do you want to change? What areas of your life need work, and how can you express gratitude? What change will you make in your habits?

“Endings are the launchpad for new beginnings. Take the leap and soar high.”

Roundtable: How can your organization improve productivity and staff inclusion (Listening)

Listening.

This is the third part of our roundtable series.  Previously we considered communication and appreciation.

Do you listen to your team? Do you hear their input or only your own ideas?  I am not talking about hearing the chatter and noise in day-to-day conversations.  Listening is a skill.  It is vital for anyone, especially as a leader. If you want your team to trust you and collaborate with you, then they need to know you listen and that when they speak you are truly hearing what they say.

Choose to actively listen.  Make eye contact, acknowledge, and verbalize what they are saying to you so that you understand the message they are conveying.  Ask open-ended questions and confirm their responses.

Ask them questions that dig into the conversation and cause your team members to clarify the points being raised.  Ask them to discuss further what they have learned through situations and projects.

Don’t just nod your head when they are speaking, respond to the person talking.  Allow each person to express themselves without being interrupted.  Be constructive in your responses – such as, “How can I help you with this idea?” or, “You’ve raised a great point, let’s explore this and see how it might fit in this project.”

Being an active and responsive listener will foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and engagement of ideas across the team.  As conversations take place, ensure those who are quiet are allowed to engage. If your team believes you truly listen to them, this will influence how they act in the workplace and their performance.

You set the culture of the team and the workplace.  How can you actively engage your team by listening?

Roundtable: How can your organization improve productivity and staff inclusion? (Appreciation)

In the first article of our roundtable series, we looked at communication being a two-way conversation.

Let’s turn our attention to appreciation. 

The Merriam-webster dictionary tells us that appreciation is:

• a feeling or expression of admiration, approval, or gratitude.

Showing appreciation to our staff or volunteers, enables them to know they are valued, worthwhile, and respected.  We’re not talking about flattery.  Appreciating someone is recognizing their value and what they bring to the team.  When we appreciate the people in our team, we are acknowledging their worth and what they contribute to the whole.  Positively showing appreciation to our team empowers them to know they are valued, and in turn, they will want to do their best to edify each other and build the organization of which they are part of.

• Acknowledge the work they undertake.

• Enable opportunities for the team to develop professionally.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect among your team and model this in your leadership.

• Accommodate needs within your team where possible.

• Celebrate achievements and milestones.

Showing appreciation to your team empowers them, it affirms them, and amplifies their confidence.

How can you show appreciation to your team today?

The power of friendship - Karl Faase interviews Sheridan Voysey live

Who can you call at 2:00 am when everything has gone wrong?  I was observing Karl Faase from Olive Tree Media interviewing Sheridan Voysey about "The Power of Friendship".

A remarkably interesting conversation and far too short! However, from watching this interview, it is challenging to reflect on:

• busyness.
• valuing my friendships.
• being intentional about growing and deepening my friendships.
• Who are the people who find it hardest to build friendships?
• Friendships include boundaries and respect.
• Social media and how this has changed our relational interactions.
• Having healthy conversations that build our friendships. Healthy conversations also include the difficult discussions that occur.
• Have we lost the ability to handle conflict?

I encourage you to watch the interview and make your own observations.

For more information: www.friendshiplab.org   

Roundtable: How to improve organisational productivity and staff inclusion (Communication)

How can your organization improve productivity and staff inclusion?

In the daily hands-on work of ensuring your business or organization is operational and viable, we may overlook staff inclusion. 

So, how can you ensure an efficient, stable workforce within your organization?

1.  Communication 

2.  Appreciation 

3.  Listening

4.  Being open to ideas from staff

5.  Acknowledgement of work undertaken 

Communication 

Coming from a background of not-for-profit and administration, I cannot express enough the value of communication. 

So often, managers/directors issue directives, only considering their own objectives.  Why should your staff, team, or volunteers listen to you?  If they are not listening, then you need to ask yourself, why?

Communication is a two-way conversation.  Directives are a one-way command giving no opportunity to discuss. 

If your team, whether they are employees or volunteers do not trust you to listen to them or value their input, they will not bring their best to the projects or to the people who engage in the daily course of business.  This will end up affecting the business or organization either by a decrease in income, or less engagement with customers or visitors.

When staff believe they will be heard and conversation is welcomed and valued, they can provide insights into the organization, as they are the on-the-ground, often the first point of contact for potential clients/customers. 

In the next few articles, we'll explore more points listed above.

Preparation is key!

Have you heard the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." There's wisdom in this saying.

I've often heard, "Well I'm spontaneous", or "I'll get to that when I'm good and ready."

Honestly, if I didn't plan and ensure a good workflow, then deadlines would be missed, and people would become frustrated because the documents and information they are waiting on to complete tasks would not be in their hands in time.

I am not saying that being spontaneous is not a good thing.  However, in preparing for board meetings, or any meeting, you should be planning well.

How can you plan well so that you don't fail?

• Planning for a board meeting takes time.  Do not leave planning and preparation until the last minute.
• Prepare your own report and ensure the other board directors are aware of the date and time their reports and any research briefs or sub-committee recommendations are due.
• Prepare an agenda for the meeting and distribute it with enough time for directors to read and make their notes in preparation.
• Ensure you are aware of what recommendations are being brought to the meeting and decisions that require noting.
• Ensure all relevant documents for the meeting are made available to each director and have access to a digital copy.
• Having your 'draft' minutes on hand on your device/laptop can assist in ensuring you record all relevant decisions and information.  If you choose to handwrite, then ensure you have your notepad and several pens (colored highlighters help).
• Have your paperwork and notes ready to go in an easy-to-find location on your laptop or printed in a folder marked for that meeting.
• Ensure your mobile and other devices are on silent so that you are not distracted throughout the meeting.
• Ensure you have adequate hydration, rest, and food before the meeting, and 'be present' in the meeting.  As the person recording minutes, you must be aware of the discussion happening and if you are unsure of a final decision, request clarification.

Planning and preparation are essential elements for any board/executive secretary undertaking a role in the meeting.  

How can you plan well, so that failure is not an option?

Taking a journey

Recently we travelled to a small mining town approximately 88 km east of Charters Towers.  Ravenswood is a historic town that was established in the late 1800s when gold was discovered.

Although you may think there is not much to see, we found that even two days didn't provide enough time to discover and explore.

Setting out on this adventure meant driving hours from the cool tropical area of Yungaburra, down the east coast, and then back inland. However, once we arrived at the Railway Hotel in Ravenswood, we were greeted and provided wonderful accommodation, amazing food, and locals who love to have a yarn...or two!

We began exploring the town and finding all sorts of 'treasures', which we took photos of because it's so important to NOT take things away from the town. There are chimneys, old machinery, and treasures that locals have collected and now display.  If you enjoy looking at historical items and reading about how the mines operated and the stories of people who lived there, you will find a treasure trove of information and items .

We enjoyed coffee at one of the local businesses where the building had many items on display and beautifully painted lofty ceilings. Walking through the buildings around the town, the sense of pride that the original builders is emphasized.

However, the highlight of the trip was the local people.  They are so friendly, providing local knowledge and history, and happy to stop and chat. Calling into the Post Office and general store to have ice cream or visiting the local courthouse museum area, and Catholic Church building or Thorps building provide insight into the history of the area.

This small but memorable town should not be underestimated.  It is worth the visit. Perhaps visiting in the cooler months might be a consideration, but I encourage you to visit the smaller out-of-the-way towns, you will find there is so much to explore and take the time to chat with the locals, they are friendly and welcoming, and you learn so much more than what's in the travel brochures and websites.

Take the first step of the journey, especially in your own backyard, and set out on an adventure!

Self-Management

How often in an advertisement or position guideline do we read, 'self-management' or 'self-organized'?

Whether you are seeking paid or volunteer roles, there are usually position descriptions and guidelines produced so people can read and understand what the position requires and the desired outcomes.

So firstly, let's address what is self-mangement?

A dictionary definition of management is "the act or manner of managing; handling, direction, or control."

So self-management is basically your ability to manage, handle, or control your own work and be productive without relying completely on others to achieve a desired outcome. 

There are those who dislike the term self-management because they are accountable for their actions, and decisions and ensuring their workflow is productive. Work is just a source of income, and little enthusiasm to upskill and grow in their role is shown.

Personally, I enjoy self-managing my day and workflow.  Knowing that people can rely on me to provide communication, information, and research, ensuring deadlines and outcomes are achieved in a timely manner, is very fulfilling. Self-management requires a person to be highly organized, and dependable and monitor themselves, and their team if they have one, to ensure high-quality productivity and outcomes.

Taking time to prepare and consider each job undertaken is important.  Setting goals such as timeframes for research, approvals, communication dissemination,  scheduling, and deadlines may seem paralyzing for some, however, I have found it exciting and a great routine to include in your daily activities.

Self-management is not just for those in paid or volunteer roles.  This can be incorporated into daily life.  We all self-manage at some level.  How?

• arranging medical, dental, hairdresser, and mechanical appointments.
• arranging meetings with educators, and financial and legal representatives.
• researching appliances, diets, medical aids, and educational institutions.
• budgeting and payment of household accounts.
• purchasing groceries, ensuring your vehicle has fuel, and regular maintenance.
• Checking and updating the family calendar so that everyone is where they need to be at any given date/time.

Celebrate successes!  It's important to affirm a job well done.  It might be as simple as a 'thank you' to a team member, or an encouraging email.  You might just want to stop and thank the Lord for the successful outcome.  It may seem minor, but we do not celebrate our successes enough.  Let's focus on the positive outcomes instead of the negative experiences.

How do you self-manage?

Birthdays

How do you feel about birthdays?

It's an interesting topic to observe.  Throughout much of my life, I have worked on my birthday, either in a paid role or a not-for-profit role.  It's been rare that I have been 'off work' on my birthday.  

Last year was an exception and one I really enjoyed. My birthday (the actual day) was day one of a trip to Cape York, traveling along with friends as we explored the remote stretches of Far North Queensland! I had requested and been granted leave for this trip.

However, in all my years of work, both paid and unpaid, I have never taken the day off, just because it is my birthday.  Through the years, I have observed that many people call in 'sick' or just don't turn up to work, because they are celebrating their birthday. Some I have spoken with say, it's their right.  Now, I understand that for some people, their birthday is highly valued, but what they may fail to understand, is that not coming to fulfill your employment contract, simply because you want to celebrate, puts strain on the employer and your fellow co-workers.

So how might you celebrate your special day of birth and still be considerate of others?

• communicate with your employer. If you want the day off work, negotiate the time through annual leave or a rostered day off.
• negotiate time off during the day if you are having lunch with family or friends.
• plan time to celebrate after work with family and/or friends.

What I have written may cause some readers to 'get their backs up'!

Just not turning up to work, creates concern and potential resentment.  Birthdays are important, however, so are fulfilling your commitments to your workplace (whether paid or voluntary) and clients.

Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (NIV)

Celebrating our birthday by serving others - now that is something to think about.

Taking Time

Taking time…to do what?  How many jobs do you undertake each day?  Do you stop and take a breath, to look around and enjoy the day?  So often, we are too busy doing it, instead of taking some time to breathe.

Let’s look at what you may be undertaking each day:

• Preparation of meals

• General cleaning of home (vacuuming, mopping floor, making beds, wiping down                    benches, etc.)

• Laundry

• Gardening and lawn maintenance

• Payment of bills and oversight of finances

• Booking appointments (medical, financial, education, etc.)

• Decluttering and organization of space.

Now take time to stop, grab a coffee (or tea), go outside, and breathe.  Why not take 5-10 minutes to be in the sun, and just enjoy those moments.  Taking time to just be ‘you’.  

Life becomes busy, so how do you stay on top of everything without becoming overwhelmed?

• Write down the jobs you need to achieve each day, that week, over the month
• Declutter and organize your home space so that you can ‘breathe.’
• Look at the jobs you are undertaking and take on one or two each day that you really don’t want to do and then tackle some of the jobs that you know are not too much to get done.

Take time to just enjoy life.  If we are so busy doing things, and not taking time to enjoy life, then perhaps we need to re-evaluate what we value?

How are you tracking in 2023?

At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions.  The reasons to make a resolution/s vary from changing careers to losing weight or becoming healthier.

Interestingly, reading the article from finder.com.au   I noted that having or increasing their families isn't a resolution.  Buying a home is not in the top five activities. However, eating more healthily and saving more money are at the top of the list.

So how are you tracking in 2023?

Our resolutions often are made to improve our physical or financial needs.  But what about our spiritual needs? 

'It takes wisdom to build a house and understanding to set it on a firm foundation; It takes knowledge to furnish its rooms with fine furniture and beautiful draperies. It’s better to be wise than strong; intelligence outranks muscle any day. Strategic planning is the key to warfare; to win, you need a lot of good counsel.' Proverbs 24:3-5 (The Message)

Proverbs 21:2 says, 'A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.'

we need:

• The Lord in our lives.  That is a personal relationship with our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Find out more here.
• Wisdom - we find this by reading and obeying Scripture.
• Allowing the Lord to direct us by the Holy Spirit.
• Living out our faith each day (not just the day you go to meet with fellow believers).

So often, we make resolutions to change something about ourselves or our situations. However, change starts within our hearts and minds, and flows out in our actions.

Do you want to change a habit? There needs to be an action, not just a thought.  To make a change, real change in our lives means being consistent and practicing. Becoming consistent and practicing can be uncomfortable, even challenging. 

Determine to make small, specific steps that build from nothing to something.  For example, you may want to read the whole Bible in one year, yet reading the long lists of names and laws becomes tedious.  You may choose to download an App and action a reading plan that has audio as well as a short devotional which takes 5-10 mins whilst you are having morning coffee to begin your day.

You may like to increase your savings so create a savings tracker, and an account where each week a small amount of money is deposited.  Being able to start an i-saver account in your online banking is so easy in today's world.  This is just one example for you to kick-start ideas.

As you reflect on where you began in January 2023 to now, make some notes and observations on your journey.  How will you adjust what you are doing to reach the resolution?

How are you tracking in your life, in your goals, and in your faith in 2023?

Involved, Invested and Excited

Recent articles that I've read advise against multi-tasking.  If you are multi-tasking, you are likely to become less efficient in your job/role. 

I smiled, reading these articles and social media posts.  One question I had was, 'Do any of these writers have experience as receptionists or front office staff'? 

Working for many years in both front of the office and in the back of the office, I am aware of the different demands on how you manage your time and tasks.

Introducing streamlined processes is not to be less efficient.  Streamlined processes are to ensure that the work requiring detail and research is given sufficient time and diligence. However, if you are tasked to prepare detailed reports, and ensure that the reception area, phone calls, and emails are dealt with simultaneously, then it may become difficult to accomplish all tasks in a timely manner without either a less-than-acceptable report, or staff becoming frustrated and flustered, which unfortunately, shows up with complaints from clients, who do not see the workload imposed upon the staff member trying to juggle many tasks concurrently.

Regardless of whether your staff is paid or volunteers, it is in your interest as an employer, office manager, or volunteer coordinator to ensure that those in the reception areas have support.  Have you ever entered a business or organization and spoken to the receptionist, only to feel that (a) they don't care, (b) they don't value the business/organization, (c) they treat you with the barest civility.

Why does this occur? On occasion a person may be employed who does not care about their job, it is simply a form of income for them.  However, my experience has shown me that most people do want the best for the business they work for, and they do care.  What has happened that your reception staff begin to show otherwise?  

• lack of communication within the workplace,
• managers not rotating staff so that they can accomplish all tasks,
• piling too many tasks on one or two people,
• expecting tasks completed in periods not allowing for continual interruptions due to being at front desk,
• expecting staff to work without breaks or work overtime without compensation,
• expecting staff to take work home to complete tasks in their own time,
• not providing staff with appropriate breaks,
• not working with staff to have streamlined processes,
• not listening to staff who raise concerns or encounter abuse from clients and co-workers,
• your staff/volunteers become burnt out, anxious and exhausted.

Streamlined processes may include:

• emails being assigned to different managers/staff, relevant to each role,
• work being assigned to appropriate managers/staff instead of just one or two staff,
• rotation of staff - i.e. allowing reception staff to have a break from the front desk to the back desk to work on reports, etc that require full concentration, without interruptions,
• any abbreviations used in the workplace are communicated to all staff so that everyone knows what is being communicated.

Supporting your staff and volunteers in practical, caring actions will help them to be involved, invested, and excited about their roles and assisting clients.

How can you streamline processes and assist your staff/volunteers to be invested in the organization you are all part of?

Providing tips to working from home

One of the joys of working from home is that you are in 'your space'.  However, working from home also means organizing, creating a peaceful space to allow creativity and thrive, and keeping it simple.

There are challenges to working from home.  

Simple points such as:

• not being distracted by clutter, noise, or household jobs,
• being present in getting your work completed and not distracted by scrolling on social media,
• ensuring your family and friends know that you have set times when you are working, and not available to socialize, even though you are physically at home,
• keeping your space clean and tidy so that distractions of clutter or accumulation of piles don't deter you from completing assigned workloads.

How could you minimize distractions?

• Set time aside weekly to clean your office space and go through any piles of accumulated paperwork, etc,
• Set time aside daily to ensure that you have completed simple tasks before you begin working in your home office.  (Making your bed, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, vacuuming, etc)
• Set your break times and take them.  For example, morning tea or lunch.  Do not bring your lunch back to your office.  Take time to eat away from your laptop and desk.  This might mean you have your lunch on the back patio or sit in the sunshine for 10 mins.
• Once you have completed your assigned work for the day, leave your office tidy and close your equipment, just as you would when leaving the workplace office.

These are just some ideas.  You will have more ideas that you can implement.

Value your Team

Many people make a team.  How you or management treat can determine whether the team is cohesive, excited, encouraging, and forward-thinking, or, in dissension, disheartening, reactionary, and critical.

So, how can you value your staff and/or volunteers? One simple step is simply saying 'Thank you'! But do not just say the words, follow up with action. You may choose to hold a monthly or bi-monthly morning tea, encouraging your team to engage with one another and build their working relationships and discuss the challenges and successes within their areas of volunteering or work.

Communication 

I cannot emphasize enough how important communication is to value your team, whether paid or volunteer.  Regular, open communication is vital to building an effective team that is cohesive, excited, and working well together.

Equip Your Team

Your team is unable to effectively engage in their roles if they are not equipped with resources and training.  In many industries, "toolbox talks" are held where opportunities to bring up concerns, training requirements, and provide professional development are concentrated on.

If there are courses, and/or professional development opportunities available, ensure your team is aware of them and how they can participate. 

Ensure when fresh staff or volunteers join your team, they are introduced to the whole team and welcomed.  

Reward Your Team

Be available to encourage and reward your team.  Something as simple as a morning tea or doing a team-building activity together.  Saying thank you, giving certificates, or an acknowledgment of outstanding contributions. 

Communication, equipping, and rewarding your team will encourage longevity, respect, cohesiveness, and unity. 

How can you value your team today?

How To

 As a 'seasoned adult', I've had many years of experience in areas of not-for-profit, as well as paid employment.

Having trained several incoming staff through a variety of various positions, I noted it can be difficult to pass on all information that the incoming staff member may require.

Trivial things such as where floral arrangements/wreaths are purchased, or what to remember at various times of the year may not be recorded in the job guidelines but are intrinsically part of the role.

That's where a "How To" document might be helpful.  In this document (which I refer to as a 'living document), you note small incidentals, timelines, and practical notes that can assist the incoming staff member as they learn about what is required, especially after you are no longer working in that area. Looking back, I now realize that such a document in my early years of working in both paid and N-F-P work, would have been invaluable.

This document can be continually changed and updated by those referring to it so that as functions, timelines, and things change in your role, there is an up-to-date place of reference. It is an intentional document and one you are continually updating.

Such a document might seem to be a waste of your time, however, once you are not in that role, it can assist the new person, especially if they cannot contact you. Such a document, alongside the PD and PG, can stimulate conversation and help with communication in the working environment.

One way you might like to begin your "How To" document is by going through your Position Description (PD)/Guidelines (PG) and making notes on the small points that are not listed in these documents.

In some roles, knowing the manager's coffee preference can help set a more positive start to the working day!

Small incidental points, which seem trivial, can help create a positive working environment, or cause dysfunction as people become frustrated because the previous staff member "knew", but the new member of the team does not.

How can you create a "How To" document today and into the future, for when you train someone in your role?

What to do post-meeting

So, you’ve just come out of the weekly/monthly/quarterly general meeting of your organization or not-for-profit. What is next?

Herein lies one big issue. Everyone in that meeting will either be required to undertake actions from the meeting, or you have just compiled a list of notes that are filed away, never to become exposed again.

During the meeting, actions should be assigned to people within the meeting. How can you assist, as the minute taker?

• As soon as possible post-meeting (within 24 hours), arrange concise notes, which clearly show WHO is responsible for an action. Ensure that any relevant points about each resolution are included
• In your notes, include the date, time, and location of the meeting, attendees (include apologies), topics discussed, and all decisions made. Ensure people understand clearly who is allocated to action which resolutions and action items.
• The minutes (or summary) should include the topic/s discussed, the resolution, a timeline, if necessary, what actions are to be undertaken, and who is assigned to complete.
• Ensure you have your draft minutes/summary typed up and approved within the timelines given to you so that distribution to key personnel is timely.
• If appropriate, provide a follow-up email/memo to each assigned person with a summary of the areas they have been assigned.  You may like to provide this in between meetings, as a way of improving communication, but also to encourage them. Often, good managers, will have completed the assigned tasks, or have them in progress, and a follow-up message can be edifying as they read and can say, yes, this is completed and ready for the next meeting.
• When preparing the next meeting agenda, you may choose to include a list from the previous meeting to check through what has been completed from the last meeting.

If there is anything I have learned over 30 years of writing minutes, it is communication is key to ensuring all actions/resolutions are followed up promptly.

What actions can you undertake to improve the timeliness of information reaching assigned personnel in your workplace?

How Tight Do You Hold On?

How Tight Do You Hold On - to people, to things, to past experiences?

Enjoying our relationships, the material items that surround us, and the amazing experiences that we encounter or plan, provide memories that we can reflect on throughout our life.

The ability to let go - of people, items, and experiences is difficult. However, if we hold too tight and are unable to let go, we risk losing the opportunity to meet new people, and experience new adventures or release some of our possessions and bless others by helping to meet their needs.

Why is it hard to let go?  Why do we hold on so tight?  

• seeking affection,
• seeking fulfillment,
• trust,
• encountering a misunderstanding with another,
• wanting to have what we were unable to as a child,
• wanting to give our children or loved ones the things they did not have growing up,
• seeking to fill our lives with things so we appear successful,
• seeking love,
• seeking satisfaction
• security,
• comfort.

“You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.”– Jan Glidewell

"This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." Corrie Ten Boom

I read the following quote by Walt Disney, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

This quote inspires me.  It can be difficult and overwhelming to let go of people, things, and past experiences.  How many more people, things, and experiences will we encounter if we keep moving forward, opening new doors, undertaking new things, stepping out into a new adventure!

Corrie Ten Boom says it well with the following quote, "Hold loosely to the things of this life so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go."

Don't hold onto people, things, and past experiences so tightly, that you are too afraid to open new doors and allow your curiosity to lead you down new paths of adventure.

How do you handle emails?

Have you ever opened your email inbox and then groaned as you read the volume of messages?  

One complaint many business operators, managers, and N-F-P volunteers make is about the numerous emails they receive. Life is busy without the endless stream of emails, often having nothing to do with the day-to-day running of the organization.

You ask for one downloaded report from a specific website, and suddenly you are inundated with emails from that company providing 'offers'. You volunteer and take on a position within a not-for-profit organization and again, you become overwhelmed with emails.

How do you manage the volume and work out what is necessary to respond to?

You may like to consider having sub-folders within your email inbox where you quickly look over emails and then assign them to the appropriate sub-folder in order of importance.

For example, you may choose to have an "Action Now" sub-folder, or several project folders. There are many ways to organize your inbox so that you are not overwhelmed.

• Quickly scan through your inbox.
• Place emails into sub-folders according to the importance of responding. What do you need to respond to today, and what can wait until tomorrow, or be actioned later?
• create a list (either paper or digital) if you find this helpful, to tick off or remind yourself.
• unsubscribe from digital newsletters, catalogs, campaigns, etc that you are no longer interested in.
• every now and then do a thorough clean out of your inbox. You may like to file important emails, but deleting out from your email system will assist in only keeping what is important.

You may choose to have an administrative staff work through your inbox and assign appropriate emails to managers, staff, or tasks.  Then you can focus on the key areas of your role without having the overwhelming volume of emails to work through.

Singing and Shouting

Looking through the Psalms, I've noticed numerous times when we're instructed to sing or shout to the Lord.

Psalm 96:1-2 (NIV) tells us, "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name, proclaim his salvation day after day."

Again, Psalm 98:1 (NIV) says, "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things;"

Some so many talented artists write and record worship songs to tell of what the Lord is doing - marvelous things! There is no reason to not worship the Lord Jesus. We have no reason to grumble that we don't know what to sing!  If you cannot find a song to sing, then I encourage you to begin reading the Psalms.  Are you struggling to pray?  Read the Psalms aloud to the Lord as your prayer.

Out in the countryside by yourself?  Maybe shout out a Psalm to the Lord.  That will get the attention of the local animals 😉 However, you decide to pray - 'singing and shouting' are some ways to express worship.  David, who wrote many of the psalms sang and praised the Lord and wrote down his pieces.  He was a musical and poetical artist. Even today, we are the recipients of these recorded compilations.

After reading some Psalms, you could write a praise piece to the Lord to express your love for him.

Spending time in Scripture and reading (I suggest aloud) some Psalms, helps to reduce anxiety and worry.  Instead of focusing on ourselves, we focus on the One who loves us.

During trials and unexpected life happenings, we can find peace and joy through reading Scripture.  As you read the Psalms, you will find that those who wrote these words also had struggles, and they tell of deep pain, real love, and overcoming.

Something to think about.

Rest

Recently I read a devotional about the importance of sleep. You can read it here.

Reflecting on this devotional, about the importance of rest, brought a realization that whilst we need to ensure we work and meet our obligations and commitments unless we are well rested and refreshed, our ability to do all we've committed to will be comprised.

After so many years of running on almost empty, health and the ability to rest well becomes compromised. Once this occurs, it is difficult to maintain keeping up with commitments, resentment can occur, and work performance and health are impaired.

Psalm 3:5 says, "I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me."

What are some ways we can ensure we are having adequate rest?

• Say No.  There are times when we need to say no. Without refreshment, we cannot fulfill the commitments made. So, review your commitments to helping others, and do a few well, instead of having resentment trying to do many. Be polite in declining requests and be prayerful about what you are to do and what you are not to do.
• Mark your diary by planning time out.  Block sections of your diary out, even on the occasional Saturday! Take this time to rest, to do something different with the family.  For example, you might like to visit a new attraction, or take a family drive, or have a picnic.
• Spend time reading the Bible and praying.  Exodus 33:14 tells us, The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Taking time out to be in the Lord's presence and resting in him helps us to (a) draw closer to the Lord and know him better, (b) not worry so much because we are assured in him, (c) we can be rested and refreshed in his presence.

Now if you are so tired that you have trouble staying awake, you're not going to be able to pray well or make good decisions. If you are running on empty trying to work, care for your family, ensure your home is tidy and meals are on the table, and try to meet commitments within the community, then some tough decisions might have to be made.  

I am not saying that we don't contribute, or that we expect others to do everything for us.  To be able to make balanced, wise decisions, engage with others, work well, and pray we need to ensure we are having refreshing rest so that we can accomplish all that needs to be achieved.