Three Practical Ways To Manage Your To-do List

A couple of years ago, something had to change.

I could not keep up the pace that I was pushing my body. Even though God has blessed me with high energy, I knew that my own strength was not enough. I needed to let go of my ideas and begin my day asking God for His plans for me. 

“God will never ask you to stretch yourself so thin that you don’t have time for Him.”

This quote from Jennifer Dukes Lee’s book, It’s All Under Control is a great reminder that even our God assignments cannot come before our time with God. Below is a practical tool from her book that will help us examine our schedule and place items into one of 3 categories:

“Do: These are assignments that you consider essential or that you simply enjoy.”  

What has God called you to do? Is it leading, volunteering, or writing? I love this quote: “You surrender outcomes, but you don’t surrender effort. God will call you to do hard things, and with his Spirit pulsing through you, you are more than able.” Where do you need to take the next step and do the hard work with God’s help?

“Delegate: These are assignments that you will turn over to someone else.”    

If I am completely honest, delegating is hard for me. Does anyone else struggle with this? I like to be the one “doing” but I am learning to ask for help from others. Where do you need to reach out to someone for assistance?

“Dismiss: These are assignments that you will have to let go of, without guilt.”

I am learning that saying no is a good thing. Jennifer says, “The busier you are, the more you need to rest.” This is so true. I cannot always make it to every social event; my body needs to rest and recuperate. For me, reading a book rejuvenates me! What rejuvenates you? What do you need to dismiss to make time for you?

Friends, this is not easy. I am praying we can live with intention and invite God into our schedules. Jennifer shares a quick and simple prayer in her book that we can say each day:

“God help me to make choices today that honor your plans for my life.”

This is my prayer for both you and me!

Love, Jodi

To hear my conversation with Jennifer Dukes Lee about her book, *It’s All Under Control, check out Depth Podcast Episode 183.