In Whose Strength?

"And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, Eli, Eli, lama saachthani? That is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46)

I have a Christian friend who is raising a child who was born severely disabled. He has had numerous surgeries already in his short life, and has needs that are challenging to meet on a daily basis.

For a time, my friend struggled with depression. She had "been strong" for a long time, held it together well on the outside, while on the inside she was falling apart.

During this time she realized the importance of acknowledging that she is human, that she doesn't have it all together, and that it is futile, even detrimental, to try to conceal her weaknesses and struggles.

I think there are many people who struggle in this same area, who are afraid that if they express their fears, bare their scars, or acknowledge the anguish in their spirits, that their Christian testimonies will be hurt.

They build up walls of brick around their hearts in effort to hide the tumult that is going on within. Yet that is not what the world needs to see...or who.

People need to see that we are real, and that we hurt, suffer, and even question...just like everyone else.

Yet the similarities end there.

As we set our eyes upon the cross, choosing to view things from an eternal perspective rather than a simple, earthly one, then they will see Him.

As we keep trusting that our battles have already been won, and that things will ultimately turn out for our best, and for the good of others in our circles of influence, then they will see Him.

As we seek meaning and purpose in the heart wrenching situations that we are handed, setting our eyes upon Him in the midst of it all, then they will see Him.

Paul's words in a time of suffering demonstrate this truth better than anything else.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Rest in Him, my friends.

Dealing With Anger

It is just human nature to retaliate or respond in anger when we feel that we have been wronged. This response is so naturally ingrained that it happens reflexively, like when the hammer hits that perfect point on your knee in the doctor's office.

Yet as is true in most areas, what the Lord asks of us is in complete opposition to our natural, fleshly inclinations.

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9)

I've been reading about King David's reign in II Samuel. Yesterday I read about the time when his son, Absalom had strategically turned much of Israel against his father in his pursuit of overtaking the kingdom.

As I read about David taking his trusted men and fleeing, I got so irritated as I wondered why he didn't stand his ground and fight like a man.

As I've experienced many times, through further reading I was able to find the answer. As David and his men got to a stopping point in the wilderness, he spoke these words to Zadok...

"Take back the ark of God to the city. If I find favor in the Lord's eyes, He will bring me back and let me see both it and His house. But if He says, I have no delight in you, then here I am; let Him do to me what seems good to Him." (II Samuel 15:25-26)

David recognized that he was not entitled to the kingship in the first place, that it had been a gift bestowed upon him by God, and that He who had gifted him with it had just as much the right to take it away.

His greatest desire was not for worldly position, but to be wherever God wanted him to be. Maybe this, I thought, is why David is often called "a man after God's own heart."

So I have to ask myself...what do I desire more, God's will for my life or my own?

When someone tramples on your heart, can you remember that God in His sovereignty has allowed it, and can use it for your good if you will let Him?

Our greatest desire in these difficult situations should be to respond in accordance with His will.

Choosing to ignore your inner fleshly voice long enough to seek Him for direction can be an uncomfortable and sometimes even, a painful process.

Yet it is one that is well worth the trouble.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He shall life you up." (James 4:10)

There's no worldly position in existence that can trump that.

Be Still

Our world is a confused, chaotic mess. The faster the pace of living becomes, the less apt people are to take time to slow down, process, and adjust their priorities and decisions accordingly.

I am amazed at what a difference sitting still before the Lord makes in my life. Things that were blurry in my mind and heart become sharp and clear. As I surrender my fears and anxiety to Him, sifting them through the truth in His Word, He gives me peace, direction, and confidence.

Through prayer, I reaffirm this truth...

"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." ~Romans 8:28

If you keep your eyes on Him, seeking His wisdom, allowing Him to direct your paths, this will be your reality.

If not, you will falter.

Obviously things in this life will never be perfect either way, but His ways are best. When you begin to view things through an eternal perspective rather than a worldly one, then you are able to see things with clarity.

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." ~Isaiah 40:30,31

So before the busyness and requirements of your day take command, I encourage you to slow down, sit quietly, and look up.

There is nothing more pivotal to your daily peace and success in life than that.

Veggie Scrap Math

I am a firm believer that learning occurs best when it is woven within the fabric of everyday life.

Labor Day Monday was our quarterly Crock Pot Cooking Day.

Our two youngest children joined us at the table as we were chopping veggies. I saw an opportunity in this and grabbed hold of it.

I gave each of them a piece of foil and a variety of vegetable scraps. I also gave my six-year-old a box of toothpicks.

I gave them a short list of activity ideas and then let them go at it. No more suggestions were needed.

My daughter made a playground and then started making veggie people. This open-ended activity really appealed to her creative personality.

 My three-year-old's interests were more varied.

First he borrowed Cassidy's playground idea and went with that.

Then he made a pattern with his carrot and zucchini ends. Truthfully, I didn't know that he knew what a pattern was so I was very impressed.

Next he sorted them by type.

Then I asked him which veggie there was the most of, the least of, how many there were of each, and how many there were in all.

He understood all of my questions, and aside from needing my help going from 15 to 16 as he was counting them, he gave accurate responses to them all.

I have never spent time with him working on anything academic beyond reading books to him. His Daddy counts with him a lot when he reads to him at bedtime and he has picked up so much just from being around his brothers and sisters all day.

It never ceases to amaze me how many math concepts can be taught in a concentrated amount of time with one set of the right manipulatives or every day items.

It is also encouraging to be reminded that when I equip my children with open-ended materials, creativity abounds!

Their creative products are authentic expressions of themselves.

Being able to be here with them as they learn and discover is the thing about it that I treasure most of all!

Keeping the Main Thing...Main

It had been a good day, and a productive one. Having accomplished much, including feeding the kids well, unloading and unpacking from our beach week, completing all of my morning chores, teaching math to my three school-aged children and more, I was feeling nothing short of exhausted.

As I stood at the sink haggardly washing dishes and pondering dinner, I realized that I  might have done too much.

My husband was due home any moment, and rather than anticipating welcoming him with open arms, I was feeling more like falling into his, completely exhausted.

I sat down at the computer and logged into Facebook. (No one is ever too tired for that, right?) Just as I began to respond to a message, in he walked, carrying about ten grocery bags.

Though I might have felt like sitting there, I jumped up instead and started unpacking the groceries and putting everything away. That of course led to starting dinner, tidying up the house, putting away the laundry, and so on.

The surprising thing is that I didn't feel tired anymore.

Though I'm thankful for that, I realized that I can't expect such an energy surplus every day.

I was reminded of the fact that I might need to scale back my daily expectations, that I might need to DO a little less, so I can BE a little more for him in the evenings.

I really like feeling accomplished. I make "to do" lists, and the more items I check off, the more productive I feel.

Yet I am continually reminded that there is one person worthy of my best efforts whose name is usually not written on that paper.

There was a day, one that sometimes seems so long ago and far away, a day in which I promised to love and honor him above everyone else.

There were no stipulations involving kids, a messy house, school work, hobbies, or any type of leisure.

No guarantees were made that it would always feel good, or that he would return the favor either. Yet, I promised to do my part.

It has been deeply affirming to find that the more I stretch myself to honor him, the more I find him doing the same for me.

As for that list, maybe I should start writing his name right in the center of it as a visual reminder that if I don't prioritize my relationship with him above the details, then the rest will cease to exist.

Family Party

I used to be the wife who woke up every Saturday with a "to-do list" longer than her arm. This of course included everything that I wanted my husband to get done. I would become exasperated at the mere sight of him sitting at the computer, idly enjoying his down time.

For shame! What was he thinking...that he might need to get some actual rest and relaxation in on a Saturday? I mean seriously, what right did he have to expect such a thing?

Like an angry toddler, I would share my big plans with him, hoping that he would jump up instantly and get to work.

Well I guess you could say that he showed me.

In his quiet, calm, and peaceful way, he would oh-so-kindly and politely continue his morning routine until he was ready to move on to the next thing. He never showed any frustration, just went on about his business without allowing me to perturb him.

Through the course of the day he would work, knocking off a couple or three of the 19 things I had planned for him.

And it took time, but I learned a thing or two throughout this process.

If I hadn't, I would have ended up like that girl in the Exorcist with her head spinning around madly...completely insane.

Fast-forward five years or so...we returned from our beach trip and my two little girls were planning a "family party" for the following night.

Six year old Cassidy came up with this idea while we were at the beach as a way to celebrate all of us being together at home again.

Annacie decided to bake chocolate banana bread for the occasion, and she and Cassidy made and wrapped presents for everyone in our house. Camden got caught up in the spirit of giving and wrapping as well. On top of this, they had a fun night planned that included a family dance party and lots of games.

Sounds like fun, right?

Well yes, except for the fact that our house was sure to be still in a place of messy transition from our beach trip. Did they actually expect us to stop whatever we were in the process of doing just to have fun?

Well, yes! And that's just what we did.

As I said, I've learned a few things over the years, one of the more important being that if I wait until everything is in order before I do the fun stuff...well then I'll never get to the fun stuff!

Party on!

Beach Week 2014

It feels SO good to be home, and wonderful to wake up from a great night's sleep!

Last week was our beach week. Every year we load up the van and head out to Emerald Isle for a week with extended family on my husband's side. My kids excitedly dive into a week with their cousins, enjoying the sun and sand, the aquarium, putt-putt, and more.

The ocean is my sanctuary. I love the salt, sand, water, and sunshine. I savor the sound of the waves lapping upon the shore and the songs of the seagulls and sandpipers.

We recently read a poem about the sandpiper and found pictures of it on the internet. It was sweet to hear even my 3 year old call it out by name this week when we saw it skittering along the shoreline and pecking at the ground.

The conditions at the beach were perfect this week. Due to sandbars inhibiting the formation of colossal waves, our kids were able to venture out further than they ever have.

Think not for a second that I was complacent. It took me until the end of the week to really settle in and savor the experience, but that's okay. It's just part of being a parent.

Saturday was my favorite day. I tried riding the skim board that we had gotten for Brayden and that was an adventure in itself. It was not an easy ride by any means and a wonderful reminder to me of what it is like to learn new things.

When Annacie skeptically asked me if I had fun doing that, I had to laugh.

Her difficulty grasping that I would do something JUST for the fun of it, and not for somebody else or for any anticipated end result aside from enjoying the moment...well it was enlightening.

 I improved...and let's just say that I'll try again next year.

Shawn was far more graceful in his efforts.

I enjoyed just sitting in the mud next to the water, feeling the tiniest sea creatures crawling underneath my fingers and hands, savoring in some small measure, the depth and majesty of creation.

The smallest things can bring the greatest joy. Or is that just me?

About that time, Shawn came up and set the skim board up behind me and took this picture.

Cassidy spent a lot of time drawing in the sand on Saturday. I love seeing the things my young artist comes up with.

 

Abstract figure/person

Choo Choo!

And now we're home, and ready to dive back into the daily grind.

 

And minus the chores, we wouldn't have it any other way.

Being Fearlessly You

I woke up thinking deep thoughts. It's been a while. I've been busy cleaning (just take my word for it), organizing, planning, and establishing effective routines. It seems that little room has been left to process the pieces. A lot started coming to me this morning, though. Pondering something one of my kids recently experienced served as a catalyst for this...

Most people walk out into the world each day clad with armor, prepared to defend themselves against hurt, condescension, insult...from the pain of being human. We judge in each situation, in each relationship, just how much of ourselves it is safe to reveal.

The cost of this is that little by little, our identities become warped. What we are left with are shadows, maybe even half-shadows of the people we were created to be.

As we allow others' reactions to mold us into their preferred image, we are dulled; we lose our luster.

Why do we do this?

It's a defense mechanism. As men of old used swords and spears to protect themselves from injury, we cover ourselves with layers of apathy and insincerity, a flat, watered down version of ourselves.

A descent into mediocrity.

We are a people afraid to show who we really are for fear of being burned. We're scared to care more, to love more, to share more...so we don't. Our relationships are stunted as a result.

We become numb to everything. We would rather feel nothing than to chance making ourselves vulnerable.

Like the walking dead...

Shouldn't we want more?

Let me tell YOU something. you were made to shine, to dazzle, to electrify, or maybe just to make people think.

So what if their eyes hurt because your light is brighter than what they were anticipating?

They may be surprised and a little uncomfortable at first.

Or they might become just a little more willing to express themselves authentically as a result.

Either way, you're worth it.

 

Redemption

There's nothing about you that is so dirty that God can't clean it up.

There's no darkness in you that His light cannot penetrate.

I love the word redeemed. Just ponder the definition with me for a minute.

I'm not going to look it up, but think about those tokens that you exchange for a prize after you play video games. A better example might be the ones in Vegas that you would exchange to get... your money after you win at gambling.

Now imagine taking yourself, all of who you are right now, with all of your blemishes, scars, and sinful ways...and exchanging all of that for a new creation, molded and made in the image of God.

You walk away with a new lease on life, a hope, peace, and assurance that is incomprehensible.

That's redemption. It's a lot different than the world's version where you get the equivalent of what you deserve.

What you get from God is something that you don't deserve at all, that you are incapable of earning by your own merit.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Because of His mercy, grace, and the perfect sacrifice of His Son on the cross, this can be your reality.

So you might want to stay home and open up your Bible tonight, or swing by a Lifeway store to see if you can find a book that resonates with you, that speaks to your current situation.

Your choices matter. Start making the right ones. None of us are promised tomorrow so there's no time like the present. Just do it.

Cost/Benefit Analysis for Kids' Activities: Is This One Worth Your While? Find Out Here!

I've spoken to several moms lately who are trying to decide whether or not to sign their kids up for certain extracurricular activities. This is a perplexity that most parents deal with at one time or another.

Following are seven things that I've found helpful to consider when making such decisions.

1. Will the value of participating outweigh the time sacrifice that will need to be made to make it happen? I've read recently that "the cost of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it." Will you have time remaining in your schedule to be together as a family every week? Is there any downtime left for you and your child to diffuse and process the things of life?

2. Does the benefit that will be gained outweigh the cost financially for your family? We pay for our kids' piano lessons and sporting events. Yet when it comes to those things that require a greater financial investment such as dance and Taekwondo, our kids use their birthday and Christmas money to pay half. We have found that this not only eases our yearly financial burden but also encourages our children to be more thoughtful and intentional in regard to the activities they choose to participate in.

3. Is your child really interested? There are times we will find that our plans for our children do not align well with their interests and inclinations. Are you signing your child up for this because you want him to do it or because he wants to do it? If it is something that you consider important but that your child is resistant to, you will want to prayerfully consider whether or not requiring participation is a battle worth picking.

4. Is your child old enough for this activity? Will it enrich his life or will he even be able to process what's going on?

Have you ever seen kids standing around in the baseball field plucking leaves of grass or watching ants while they are supposed to be trying to catch a fly ball? Many parents mistakenly perceive this as a necessary step toward becoming an involved team player or worse, they think of their child as deficient in some way.

I totally disagree.

This kind of behavior tells me that a kid would be better off in his own yard with free reign to run, romp, and chart his own course for a while each day. For a child who needs time to diffuse, strict rules and regulations are more confining than they are beneficial. It pays to know your child well when considering these decisions.

5. Is this something that will suit your family well in this time and season? In our family, we do our best to accommodate the interests and desires of our children activity-wise but we will not allow the needs of an individual to trump the needs of our family unit.

For instance, if I had an older child wanting to participate in a time-consuming activity along with a toddler who was having difficulty adjusting to a newborn baby, we would be hesitant to commit to the activity. I would likely think that our time would be better spent in our home environment investing in family relationships than on the road for half the week.

Many would consider this an infringement on the rights of the older child. Yet I think our kids need to learn to be team players, in the field (when it applies) and in the home. They would do well to carry such values into adulthood.

6. If this isn't the best season in the life of your family for this, is it likely that the opportunity will arise again? It's a question worth asking. Most of what we consider urgent really isn't that at all.

7. Can you add this activity to your plate and that of your child and still function peacefully? Will participation fit fairly well into your schedule and be relatively easy to carry out...or do you already have so much on your "to-do list" that it might send you over the edge?

Remember, a kind, peaceful Mama is of far greater value than a stressed-out multi-tasking Mama. You know your limits. I believe it was Joyce Meyer who said (and I paraphrase), "If you can't do it with peace, then don't do it at all."

Time is a precious commodity and we all need to use it well. I hope this post has been an encouragement to you in that regard. Thanks for reading!

Making Changes

Newton's first law of motion says that an object in motion stays in motion and that an object at rest stays at rest.

We're technically objects aren't we?

I look around me and see people going everywhere but in reality, not going anywhere.

A friend of mine posted a status yesterday something like "Everybody wants to be different but nobody wants to change."

That's a profound statement, I think."

The difference in people who are always moving forward INSTEAD of moving sideways or bouncing in place is this.

They realize that they are here for something greater than stagnation AND that "life's a journey, not a destination." (And yes, of course I got that second part from an Aerosmith song.)

I'm writing about my own experience here not because it's the most worthy of emulation but because naturally, it's what I understand best.

Before I continue I want to say that I am not great or even good at many things. Yet when I decide that something is worthy of being a top priority in my life, I persist with it. So don't go out and look at my garden, okay. : )

Seriously though, I've had people say to me that they wish they were as strong spiritually as I am.
The truth is I'm not really THAT strong; I'm just persistent...in spiritual matters and physical ones.

In the summer of 2002 (12 years ago) I asked the Lord Jesus to come into my heart, forgive me of my sins, and to help me to begin walking a new life in Him. Since then I've spent time in His Word every morning with only a couple of exceptions.

I pray either a little or a lot every day.

I'm not gifted. I've just continued.

An area that I've had to make a priority is eating healthy. I was in a situation in which medicine wasn't helping and I could either wallow around feeling miserable, sick, and tired all the time or I could make a change.

I chose change.

For six and a half years, I've been eating a healthier, more balanced diet. It requires me to actually cook real food at most meals and to clean up in the kitchen more than I would otherwise.
I've stuck with it though. I want to be healthy and I want my children to be healthy. The benefits by far outweigh the costs.

So I've continued.

I won't bore you with other examples right now.

Yet the truth is that in this life everybody wants to be on top but few are wiling to put in the effort that it takes to get there.

Everybody wants the winning lottery ticket but few are willing to work hard to acquire wealth.

The truth is though that if it happens overnight, you're far less likely to gain and retain the full benefits of the spoil.

Like children's artwork, most of life is about the process.

Yet if we're too busy longing for the final product to do the day-to-day work that is required to get there, then we'll never reach our goal."

If you are moved by this, I encourage you to pray to God for wisdom and that He will make His priorities for your life your priorities for your life. Then continue to ask Him to do the same on a daily and hourly basis."

Whatever it is that you desire to attain, write it down, break it down into steps put on your overalls, and get to work.

Today is THE day.

Making Math Matter

As a mom of four kids, I'm all about streamlining or "killing two birds with one stone" as they say.

I've learned through my studies in school and from my own personal experience that children learn best when the content is applicable to their lives.

Additionally, as a teacher and lover of learning I'm always excited to discover ideas that integrate different disciplines and that can be used with multiple children at once.

I am excited to share my latest discovery of this kind!

I've found a way to integrate creativity, problem solving, computation, money math, a good work ethic, and greater attention to detail all at once. It's a... (drum roll please)

CANDY STORE!

Note that the kids will only be allowed to buy candy after lunch on days that they eat well. This is their normal time for candy. The main difference is that they will now have to earn it.

Sidenote...I would guess that some of you are befuddled by the fact that this proclaimed healthy mama gives her kids candy every day. The truth is that I feel it would be hypocritical not to. I drink iced coffee after lunch every day so when I get mine, they get theirs.

To earn money for candy, my children must exceed my normal chore expectations of them by...

-doing more than the bare minimum when cleaning their bedrooms and their afternoon cleaning assignments. They must complete their jobs excellently!
-vacuuming carpets without being asked.
-cleaning dirty spots on the walls with Magic Erasers.
-wiping off/cleaning the bathroom sink.

-leaving NO unfolded articles of clothing out on their assigned laundry days.

-washing EVERY dish they are capable of washing on their dish washing day.

You see, my children have been doing chores for a long time but it seems they have gotten slack; efficiency is lacking and I'm hoping this will kick it up a notch.

If a child accomplishes one of the tasks above, then he/she earns ten cents. We have cups set out on the kitchen table labeled with their names where they keep the money that they earn.

My kids (especially my 9 year old daughter) set up the candy store, sorting the candy and pricing the items.

What we consider a regular sized piece of candy costs ten cents. Larger candies OR those with artificial colors (which I discourage) cost twenty cents. They may not spend more than twenty cents per visit.

Today is our first day doing this so I can only share the benefits that I've seen so far...

-As I said, my daughter set up the store, honing her organizational skills, sorting and classifying items, and solving problems as she encountered them.
-My three year old helped his brother clean their room this morning and cleaned up the monster truck mess he made in my room.
-My six year old daughter has reviewed coin names and values and efficiently counted out her money to me when she made her purchase.
-My oldest son and my daughters cleaned their bedrooms completely this morning.

Though this has required little effort and input on my part, I am in anticipation of greater efficiency, less mess, and lots of learning.

If this is something that you might consider implementing in your home and you have questions that were not answered here, please ask.

Thanks for reading!

10 Ways to Get More Sleep

I see so many people, most of whom are women, complaining that they don't get enough sleep. I'm one of them.

It's hard enough to deal with sleep deprivation when you're awake because you have a crying baby or a sick child. Yet it's far more frustrating when the cause of your wakefulness lies within yourself and you can't figure out what it is.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 63% of women and 53% of men report experiencing insomnia several nights a week.

People with insomnia are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These recent finds have served to emphasize how important it is that people get enough sleep.

As I mentioned, I struggle with this as well so I am no expert on the subject. Yet through learning and applying certain principles, the amount of sleep I average has increased dramatically.

They are as follows...

1. Consistent Patterns of Sleeping and Waking- It helps to go to bed at about the same time every night and to get up at about the same time every morning, even on weekends. The more our bodies adapt to certain physical patterns, the more consistently they will respond.

2. Exercise- A sedentary lifestyle does not promote good sleep. If you are in a restful position most of the day, your body may respond at bedtime as if it doesn't need sleep. Working the body and exerting your muscles through physical activity will tire them to the point of needing rest.

Also, exercise increases the level of endorphins in the brain, sending a feel-good sensation throughout the body, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. The peaceful feeling that results promotes good sleep.

3. Minimizing Caffeine Intake- Everybody's different of course but for me this means drinking no more than two cups of coffee a day and having both before 2. I usually go to bed at about 9:30, and I am more sensitive to caffeine than a lot of people so what works for you might look a little different.

4. Rest Time- There are many health benefits to taking a short nap in the middle of the day. Twenty to 30 minutes is ideal, just enough to restore the brain without leaving you feeling groggy.

Our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm. You will find that your body gets really tired at a certain time of day, typically between 1 and 3, signaling its need for rest and restoration. Cooperating with your body's natural rhythm by taking a little time to rest, nap, or zone out will set a pattern for winding down that will produce more effective sleep at night.

Inversely, if you're going full throttle all day long, your body will likely be more resistant to winding down at bedtime, as it gets little or no practice at doing so earlier in the day.

5. Eat Balanced Meals- Eating meals high in protein and veggies with one serving of carbs of the whole grain variety at each meal will help keep your energy levels more consistent throughout the day by balancing out your blood sugar levels.

This will prevent the seemingly unpredictable patterns of extreme alertness followed by the crash that typically results from consuming too many carbs and too much sugar.

If you eat too many carbs or sweet treats throughout the day and especially in the evenings, your blood sugar will be all out of whack and you may find yourself feeling wide awake just when it's time for you to go to sleep.

6. Violence Free Media- Avoiding television shows and movies that are violent or over-stimulating close to bedtime will help your body transition to sleep more effectively. Viewing choices of this nature are likely to get your adrenaline pumping, making it hard for you to settle down to go to sleep.

7. Avoid Alcohol- Drinking close to bedtime has been proven to disturb sleep quality. If you've been drinking, you might find that you're able to fall asleep more easily because it causes your body to skip the initial REM stage of sleep and go directly to a deeper stage.

Yet after a while, the body goes back to the REM stage, which makes a person more likely to wake up before it's time.

Naturally, this results in less quality sleep overall.

8. Dim Lights- Our bodies are naturally stimulated by light. For that reason, dimming lights in your house and especially in your bedroom will help you transition to a more relaxed state. As for sleeping, some people like myself are more sensitive to light than others. For this reason, I cover the alarm clock and use an eye mask for sleeping.

9. Light Reading- Reading something that keeps your focus but that is not over-stimulating at bedtime can help your brain to smoothly transition from the troubles of the day to a more relaxed state. I personally enjoy classic novels and poetry.

Choose according to your own preferences, being intentional about staying away from blood and gore. If you're like me, it won't take long for your eyes to get heavy, enabling you to fall asleep more easily than you would have otherwise.

10. No Work Zone- Do not bring work into your bedroom. Evening is a time best used for settling your mind and body down, not amping them up.

Some of you "go getters" may find it helpful to keep a note pad next to your bed to jot down those ideas and plans that pop into your head as you're settling down to sleep. Writing these things down will symbolize placing them in tomorrow's box, enabling you to wind down for rest more easily.

I hope some of these ideas have been of help to you.

I too am always looking for ideas that will help me to get more sleep. If you have anything different that works for you, please share! Thanks for reading!