Such a Tease | Book Review, Tour, and Giveaway

My Review
I am glad that I got to read book one before this one (you may see my review of it here), as I think it would have made a confusing stand-alone. As part of a series, though, it tied in well and just continued the story that was begun in book one.

It wasn't a particular favorite of mine and I think I discovered why: I was reading it expecting a mystery book, but the mystery was a little too padded in everyday life and social happenings for my tastes. At times, I felt like the mystery was perhaps too cryptic. I enjoyed it more after the halfway point, as that was when it felt the mystery activity truly appeared (and I realized that's kind of how I felt for book one as well).

At the same time, someone who just enjoys a laid-back tale following the various lives of characters would greatly enjoy this book. I think it's the type of book I would enjoy on a rainy day, having no pressure of a deadline by which to read it.

I do really like Madeline. I am a little puzzled with her Christian life because she has so many things mixed up, but she is closer to having them in order in this book than the first. I guess her spiritual walk isn't super prominent, even though it's there. That is one reason I'd like to continue the series: to see what the author does with her.

I did find that Russel seemed to change personalities. I liked him a little better in book one...but then, that too fit his own journey as he was swamped with work in book two.

All in all, Havig's style is unique and a voice I'm not sure I've read elsewhere. I've enjoyed finally reading a couple of her books.

I did find this one quote amazingly amusing:

"Oh, dear me. I’ve become quite the matchmaking romantic. I believe a healthy dose of murder and intrigue will be necessary to set me to rights."

*I received this book from the author and happily gave my review in return*

About the Book

Book: Such a Tease

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical/Mystery

Release Date: March 21, 2017

Madeline, with a little assistance, discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! Can she expose him for the fraud she's sure he is?

Rockland:1901
In book two of the Meddlin’ Madeline series, Madeline Brown has a new endeavor to occupy her time. But is it to keep her out of the way or a reward for her work in Sweet on You? With the help of her young friends, Madeline discovers her old adversary is gaining a following in Rockland! What’s a girl to do?

However, her new position also gives her opportunities to observe, and what she sees sets more than one new investigation in motion. What does her old suitor, Delbert Jackson, know? Why is Mr. Merton giving important papers to that scoundrel, Vernon Smythe, and whatever happened to poor Abigail Cooper?

Add to these intriguing questions Henry Hardwick’s continued attentions, Edith’s newfound devotion to the temperance movement and Madeline’s determination to find her a more reliable suitor, and strange behavior from her Aunt Louisa and things heat up as summer fades from Rockland.

Unfortunately, her dear friend, Russell, busy with an important project at work, finds himself unable to help keep her out of trouble and away from danger. Is Madeline going too far? Will her meddling get her in serious trouble this time, will it destroy her reputation irreparably, or will she rid Rockland of a scoundrel once and for all? 

Click here to purchase your copy.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a Reader’s Teaser Package

that includes:

A paperback copy of both Sweet on You and Such a Tease

A “Tea-for-One” teapot

A Tin of loose-leaf tea of your choice (six options available from our local tearoom)

A pound of assorted See’s chocolates

A set of six handmade antique-inspired note cards

A $25 Amazon Gift Card

And, for the teaser… the winner will also receive the exclusive short story (usually reserved for pre-orders) The Fate of Abigail Cooper!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2b8

About the Author

Author of the Amazon bestselling Aggie, Past Forward, and HearthLand series, Chautona considers herself blessed to live in California’s Mojave Desert with her husband and five of her nine children. When not writing, which she admits isn’t often, Chautona enjoys blogging, paper crafts, sewing, smocking, photo editing, and old (read: before her parents’ time) music.

Blog Stops

March 21: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

March 21: Jeanette’s Thoughts

March 22: Bibliophile Reviews

March 22: Captive Dreams Window

March 23: Blogging With Carol

March 23: A Greater Yes

March 24: Carpe Diem

March 24: A Baker’s Perspective

March 25: Reading Is My SuperPower

March 26: Back Porch Reads

March 27: Splashesofjoy

March 28: Christian Bookaholic

March 29: Lots of Helpers

March 29: The Scribbler

March 30: Neverending Stories

March 30: Bigreadersite

March 31: With a Joyful Noise

March 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

April 1: Pause for Tales

April 1: Avid Reader Book Reviews

April 2: Ashley’s Bookshelf

April 2: A Room without Books is Empty

April 3: The perfect beginning

April 3:His Grace is Sufficient

First Line Fridays | 3.31.2017

I'm veering from favorite authors today and just doing a favorite book. I've read a few of Tracie Peterson's books, but I didn't like most of them near as much as this one.

Far-off screams filled the air and rattled six-year-old Jimmy Colton's bones.

Mama?

(from Beyond the Silence by Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse)

You've got to like at least a little suspense to enjoy this novel. Just saying. My review is here for those interest.

Grab a book near you and share a first line!
Do you like suspenseful books?

~*~*~

Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

Joshua Fit de Battle | Music Video

I'm excited about this week's music video, for a few reasons...

First... it's a piano trio! How fun is that?! I'm going to try to get some of my students to play it for recital this year.
Second... I really didn't think I'd have time or energy to do a recording this week. But once again, God has been good and supplied my need.
Third... it's Joshua Fit de Battle! 'Nuff said.

So, enjoy. :)

Info on the sheet music here.

Scripture Graphics #32

One of the passages I will never lack the need of reading.

In thinking about the relationships surrounding us, in what ways have we yielded to the sins in verse 31? Contrariness, how do we need to repent of those sins and work to apply obedience to verse 32?

Are we actively trying to follow God? Or do we just hope that our life will somehow be like Him without putting any effort there? If we're hardly thinking about following God, are we satisfied there? Or are we making changes so that we can better follow God?

"And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?" Genesis 50:19

Joseph refused to condemn his brothers or use his position of leadership to make his brothers "pay." He didn't have an exalted view of himself, but understood his place under God.

So what about when we refuse to forgive, or desire harsh condemnation on someone else? Is this, in a way, wishing we were in the place of God instead of turning over all righteous judgment to Him?

Something that is grown must be cultivated, if it is to be healthy. Taking that idea to spiritual growth, how are we cultivating grace in our lives? Are we cultivating our knowledge of Jesus Christ? And finally, for what goal? So we can check off the list that we are "better Christians"--or so that God is glorified?

What verses have stood out to you in your Bible reading this week?

First Line Fridays | 3.24.2017

Let innocence be your mask.

(from Ring of Secrets by Roseanna M. White)

I have never, ever read such an amusing character such as Winter in Ring of Secrets. She wears her mask beautifully -- and in such a way that makes me laugh out loud. But that's all I'm gonna say. ;) You may read my review here.

What's your first line this week?

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Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

A Mighty Fortress | Music Video

I personally think that one of the classic Christian hymns second to Amazing Grace would have to be, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." If you've not read the lyrics recently, I recommend you look them up. It will do your heart good.

For info on the sheet music, click here.

What hymns do you consider to be the Christian classics?

Learning Your Writing Style

Today is the first Indie e-Con day! I'm super excited to be a part of this e-Con. Today, our subject is... "Writing." There are a lot of authors sharing from their experience. You may check out the list of authors here.

"Learning Your Writing Style"

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“The best way to learn writing is TO write.”

Agree? Disagree?

What about somewhere in the middle? A quote by C.S. Lakin kind of sums up my thoughts: “Hands-on experience coupled with diligent ‘book’ learning make for a sound education. And so too writers, to construct solid, lasting novels, need both ‘hands-on’ experience and ‘book’ learning.” (from 12 Key Pillars of Novel Construction)

I have learned a lot about writing through reading various books on the craft (and there are some great ones out there)! But more needful than that, by writing, I have been learning MY personal method of writing. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no book out there that will help you know that. Guess what you have to do to figure it out? (*points back to the opening quote*)

From what I’ve read, most authors agree to three main writing styles are: pantser, plotter, and those in-between. But if you read a dozen books on the writing craft, these three main styles are broken down into dozens of different applications and approaches—based on the author’s personal method. Usually, all of these approaches have very logical reasoning. However, it can be frustrating. One book says to spend six months plotting before you even start chapter one. Another book says just write. Yet another book says to make rough sketches of where you’re going. Et cetera, et cetera. It is easy to get swept into trying the dozens of methods and ending up as a big, hot writer’s mess, still with nothing to speak for all of our hard work. Am I the only one who has seen that frustration? What do we do to get out of it? (I shall refrain from pointing up top again)

I can only speak for myself, but something pretty neat has happened in the past year, as I’ve completed three novellas. As I’ve gone from idea to rough draft to publication (or soon-to-be publication for novella #3), I’ve noticed something about myself: I’m a “layer” writer. First, I write down the general story (the basic plot, telling the story). Usually, there are some very strong, key elements missing in that first draft (like Edward’s letter in “Journey to Love” and Belle’s awful sneaking habits in “Befriending the Beast”). But so far, I haven’t been able to discover those missing elements until I’ve actually written something (so, there goes the super-plotting for me; it bogs me down and snubs out my creativity). For all three novellas, I’ve had to write my first draft then sit back and do some planning—sometimes, serious planning (the biggest changes has been in “The Secret Slipper” where I had almost completely rewrite half of the story). The first time this happened, it felt like I was thrown behind schedule. I was ready to be done, yet here I was, making some pretty major changes. Fast-forward to now, and I’ve come to expect it. My first draft will be missing those important themes and clinchers, which the rewrite will improve. It’s just the way I write (might I add that I hope that someday, my brain will catch up and fill in those gaps for the rough draft?).

Another thing I’ve noticed as I’ve written is my writing weaknesses. I’d have to say that number one in my weakness list is probably description (anyone else there?). My beta-readers often come back with, “How did she feel? What did he look like? Where are they?” Whoopsie! However, if I worry about this in my rough-draft, I get so hung up on the description that my story begins to lose its flavor. So, I don’t worry about in the rough draft. I might not even worry about it too much in the rewrite. But, at some point, I will do a thorough run-over my manuscript and think about my story—through the eyes of the viewer. If I need an extra bit of help (which, I usually do), I’ll ask my draft-readers to specifically point out places they thought needed an extra boost.

All of this to say, I’ve discovered that cramming myself into someone else’s mold just doesn’t work. Sure, we can get ideas from others’ methods. We just can’t use them as our law (unless, by some chance, our writing style and method is the identical twin to someone else’s). We have to learn what works for us, what doesn’t work for us, and embrace our own, unique writing style and methods.

What about you? How would you describe yourself as a writer? Have you learned your writing method yet? I'd love to hear how you write!

Scripture Graphics #31

Genesis 22:7-8 - "And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. "

This is such a beautiful picture of our salvation. Sin must be paid for, a sacrifice must be made. However, instead of requiring our lives to pay for our sin, Jesus Christ came to provide Himself for our substitute. Just like Isaac went free while the lamb was sacrificed, so we can be free because of Jesus' sacrifice. What if Abraham had said, "No, I won't receive that ram as a substitute?" It would be absurd. So it is when one reject Christ's substitution.

When was the last time we gave thought to walking worthy of God's calling? When did we last think about lowliness? Meekness? Long-suffering? Forbearance? Endeavoring to keep unity?

How are we applying this list to our relationship with church members? With family members? With friends?

For some reason, I always remembered these verses as separate -- the subject of not being tossed about, and the subject of speaking truth in love. But, they are connected (and are part of a longer passage that is good to read as a whole).

Before we can speak the truth in love, we must grow in God's Word ourselves so that we are not tossed about with various doctrines contrary to God's Word. As previous verses imply, part of our responsibility in this is to be under the pastor God has given us (verses 11-14). As other verses in Scripture teach, we are also to study God's Word for ourselves.

As a new year dawns, what better time to make a commitment for two things? 1) Being faithful in church (not just going, but listening and learning). 2) Being faithful to *daily* read and study God's Word.

What have you read from God's Word this week? Any special verses you're clinging to?

God Loves Mommy and Me | Book Review

By Bonnie Rickner Jenson; Illustrated by Laura Watkins

My Review:

This book. I am not sure how to write a cohesive review of it, because it is just too super cute! It is a children’s board book, full of colorful, soft illustrations and beautiful truths. The words to the book explore the different ways that God loves and provides for both "Mommy and me." It gave a glimpse into the things that mothers and children do together from snuggles to playtime. This book just made me smile when I saw the cover. I absolutely adore the artwork in this book. Not too bold or bright, but cheerful and pleasant. That is probably why I loved it so much! What you see on the cover is the beautiful type of art you get inside. This is just the sort of book that I would read to my children, if the Lord blesses me with them. 

*I received this book from BookLook Bloggers and happily provided my review*

Book Description
God loves Mommy and me, He knows we love Him too, When we pray we always say, “You’re so good, God—thank You!”

Snuggle in cozy-close with a sweet reminder of God’s love for mommies and their little ones. Celebrating loving mothers, precious children, and the God who loves them all, God Loves Mommy and Me will remind parents and little ones of how much they are loved.


Purchase the book here.

First Line Fridays | 3.17.2017

*rubs hands together* Now for my current top favorite author! I'm featuring the first book of hers that I read. Since then, I've read four others. ;) She knows how to write an excellent book!

Temptation sat before her, compelling as the sea. Gleaming silver, green leather, the nearly silent rumble of the engine...

(from The Lose Heiress by Roseanna M. White)

See my review of it here.

And now... share your first line for today!!

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Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

The Secret Slipper | Cover Reveal 09

Here it is!!!! The full cover that you've so patiently been awaiting! What has been your favorite quote so far? The most enticing? The most confusing? ;)

*Edit*
I completely forgot to mention that my friend, Elizabeth, with SunKissed Photography, is the mastermind behind "Lia." You can view her work here.

Wonderful Words of Life | Music Video

Another early-intermediate piano solo! This one I arranged for a piano student back in 2011. It has a simple, repetitive style.

Sheet music available here.

Scripture Graphics 30

I wonder just how much neglecting the story of creation has led to things like abortion -- and even devaluing life itself. There is something awe-inspiring about man's creation that leads to God's wonderful plan and command of procreation. But if one thinks that we evolved, what special value has life? If humans didn't even start out as being humans, in the world's eyes, then no wonder they believe that the babe in the womb is not a living person. How important the truth of creation is!

God saw. Not only did He see man's actions, but more importantly, He also saw their hearts and thoughts.

And when He saw them, He didn't say, "Well they're not really *that* bad" or excuse it with, "That's just how man is." The evil grieved Him (vs. 6) and He sent His judgment through a flood.

If we understand how God views sin from the beginning of time, it will help us to understand His standards, instead of us explaining away our sin.

"And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel...and there Abram called on the name of the LORD....Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD." Genesis 13:3, 4, 18

Why did Abram's and Lot's stories end up differently? Abram had also gone places he shouldn't have, yet God brought him out without the drastic affect like Lot had. I think the answer is in these verses: Abram continually sought God every step of the way. Can that be said of us? Or are we, like Lot, pitching out tent toward the world instead of toward God?

These two concepts are amazing to meditate on. Though spoken to Abraham, we see through Scripture that these promises weren't exclusively for him. God is our shield and our exceeding great reward. Is this enough for us?

I love how, in many Psalms, the Psalmist is so overwhelmed, yet by the end of the Psalm, He is reminding himself of God's character -- how He hears prayers, is merciful, faithful, the list goes on. 
If we pray, but never lose that sense of being overwhelmed, are we truly coming to God and *casting* our cares upon Him? Or are we telling Him our troubles, yet still clinging to them, not certain He'll hear or help? Such shows a lack of faith and knowledge of God. Because He *does* hear the prayer of His child and He does help, according to His wisdom.

Tero Family Singing Video

The other Sunday, I had my brother bring his video camera and we recorded us singing a full service. For the first time in almost ever. ;) I thought some of you might enjoy it.

When God Made You | Book Review

The art was very whimsical and childish. The rhyme was fun to read. A few of the words they used were a little big for children in my opinion (such as “debut” and “revue”). Some of the message was neat to introduce to children – such as them being made in God’s image, God thinking of them before they knew of Him, that type of thing. However, one quote in particular I disagree with: “You being you is God’s dream coming true.” The book seemed to end on an idea of, “Be yourself and God will smile.” I personally believe that the Bible teaches that God’s design in making us is so that we will glorify Him – not just be creative and be ourselves.

*I received this book from Blogging for Book and happily gave my honest review.*

Purchase the book here.

More info on the book here.

First Line Fridays | 3.10.2017

"Damaris! Damaris!"

Damaris Withers shrank back against the hard boards of the attic wall that supported her back.

(From A Woman Named Damaris by Janette Oke)

It has been a couple of years since I've read Janette Oke, but when I last read her, I admired her writing greatly--the way she so accurately depicted real life. And A Woman Named Damaris was one of my absolute favorites.

Grab a book close to you and share the first line!

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Also, be sure to hop along to all of these other blogs and see what First Lines they have to share!

Sarah - All The Book Blog Names are Taken

Bree - Bibliophile Reviews

Rachel - Bookworm Mama

Heather - Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Beth - Faithfully Bookish

Katie - Fiction Aficionado

Lauraine - Lauraine's Notes

Andi - Radiant Light

Carrie - Reading is my Super Power

Robin - Robin's Nest

Sydney - Singing Librarian Books

Kathleen - Kathleen Denly

Jessica – A Baker’s Perspective

The Secret Slipper | Cover Reveal 08

One piece left, folks! Just one more piece...

We Have a Winner | Hymn Favorites Collection 1

The giveaway from last week has ended! :) Congratulations, Marlene! You won the digital copy of Hymn Favorites Collection 1!

Didn't win? You can purchase the digital file here for only $1.99.

Take My Life, and Let it Be | Music Video

Another first for WAJN: Violin quartet. :) I have enjoyed arranging for string ensembles for a few years now, but as with most things, I tend to do it when I have a specific reason to do it. Well, now with about ten violin students, I have a reason! We have a homeschool tea coming up, and one of the coordinators asked if I could get a few of my students to pull something together. The theme of the tea is "Celebrating our Individuali-tea." I thought there was no better hymn to use than "Take My Life," because no matter how different we are, God can still use our lives for His purposes.

I recorded myself (double and triple ;) ) so that everyone could hear the song as a completion.

If you're interested in the music, it can be purchased here.

Do you play violin? If so, have you ever played in an ensemble or orchestra?

The Secret Slipper (and a writing update) | Cover Reveal 07

Just two more pieces to go! Which piece do you think I'm saving for last? ;)

In way of general writing update, I decided to give myself a challenge: 7,500 words this month! Actually, that's just for one of my projects. I'm also hoping to edit some more of Journey of Choice, and, of course, get "The Secret Slipper" closer to publication.

If you're on Instagram or FaceBook, I'm trying to keep everyone updated as close to daily as possible (click on the links to follow me). And...if you want to join in the challenge, go for it! Just set yourself a goal and see if you can read it. If you're on social media, use hashtag #writingmarch2017 so we can all connect with it. :)

Scripture Graphics 29

If this was the description of a nation that displeased God, could it not apply to an individual?

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15

If we took just this verse, we would all have different definitions of what the "love of the world" entailed, and it would lead us to live lifestyles abstaining from certain inventions, maybe even people, and places. However, the next verse defines the love of the world that tempts every single person -- no matter what era or nationality: "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." This is what Eve yielded to. It is what Satan tempted Jesus with. It wasn't about them abstaining from things physically, but about their spiritual focus and obedience to God.

This is Jesus' purpose for coming packed in a one-verse explanation: so that He could give us understanding for us to have a relationship with God, eternal life.

10 Tips for Productivity

I’m going to take a guess that your “wanna-do” list is probably about a large as mine. And guess what? You have just as many hours in one day as everyone else does! How does it all get done? Or will it ever?

Unfortunately, I can’t answer those questions. However, in the past few years, I have found some things to be very helpful in making my personal time more useful and productive. Ready for them? I can’t promise they’ll change your life. But they may help a little. ;)

1. Start the day with God

Giving the first-fruits of my day to God does something. It’s not some “magic potion” for success or anything. I just personally believe that God honors those who seek Him. Plus, how will we know what needs to go on our to-do list if we don’t even ask Him?

2. Serve others

The saying goes “JOY=Jesus, Others, You.” Though Luke 9:23 applies in many spiritual ways, I have seen that when I try to “save” my time, it’s like walking into sinking sand. However, when I “lose myself” to others, God seems to always multiply my minutes.

3. Make a to-do list

Once we’ve done the first two things on our list, what happens when we get to “our” time? First things first: make a to-do list. If I wait to do this until my day is mostly over, I find myself treading water, piddling around, and yep, wasting time. I make my lists either the night before or the morning of so that way, as soon as I’m ready for it, it’s there, waiting for me to tackle.

                                                                                                     

4. Have accountability partners

Differently people use accountability partners different ways. I began by having an accountability partner for writing. Next thing I knew, this friend became my to-do list accountability partner. It helps to have someone to text (even if they won’t reply immediately) and say, “Hey, for the next hour, I’m going to write…ask me later if I kept to that!”

5. Limit distractions

The #1 time sucker is distractions. For many people, it has to do with online interaction (FaceBook, blog hopping, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, you name it). Other times, distractions come with texting instead of working (think about it: if you worked a normal 9-5 job, you’d not be allowed to text unless you were on lunch break). There are a few different ways to limit these distractions. Turn off the internet. Sign out of social media. Set a timer and don’t pick up your phone until the timer goes off. Or set a timer and only be on the internet/phone until the timer rings. Whatever works for you.

6. Notice spare minutes and use them

We daily waste hours of spare minutes. It’s not always easy to realize what gets wasted. Having a to-do list here helps a lot. For example, the other day I needed my brother to bring something upstairs for me to use. While I was waiting, I began correcting a student’s theory work. I was able to get a dozen pages corrected before he came up (which was more than on my to-do list). I could have easily picked up my phone and squandered those few minutes scrolling through social media (but what kind of example would that have made for this point, right? ;) ). It isn’t always easy to see these spare minutes. We have to train ourselves to see them.

7. Prioritize and narrow down

One of the important things to realize is what needs to be done today. What are others expecting me to do? What deadlines do I have coming up? What commitments have I made? Sometimes, when I prioritize (or make micro-lists), I find it helpful to narrow things down. Instead of just having “blog post” on my list, I might have it narrowed down to “write post, create graphics, schedule.” Doing this helps my brain to focus on the steps needed to get things done. At the same time…

8. Be realistic

Here, I speak to the over-achievers (guiltily I raise my hand!). What does not have to be done today? For me, on lesson days, I can’t expect to write 1,000 words, reply to five emails, plan for next week’s lessons (usually 10+ songs), create a music video (micro list: edit song, practice and record, upload to Sheet Music Plus and With a Joyful Noise websites, and create the video), design a book cover, beta-read five chapters for someone else, do things needed for my family, and teach for seven hours. Cramming a to-do list is also a good way to add extra stress to our lives, so we need to be realistic.

9. Reschedule

Part of being realistic is to reschedule. I suppose “be flexible” could also be in here. If something else comes up that needs our time and attention, it’s okay to move part or all of our to-do list to another day. This also goes with prioritizing. If we know what doesn’t need to be done today, it won’t hurt as much to move it.

10. Make free time

Enough said, right? Ahem…here is where I don’t practice what I preach super often: give yourself a break. It is possible to overwork ourselves, whereas if we just took a break, it would relax our minds to be able to refocus and get back to work. When I work, I work hard. It gets a lot accomplished, yes, but it also wears me out physically. As much as I hate to admit it, I’m not some sort of superwoman. ;) I’m flesh and blood and God has made me with limitations. He also gives rest to the weary. Do I take it?

I know that I haven’t even scratched the surface for all that’s helpful in being productive, so I’d love to hear from you! 

Have you implemented any of these tips? 

What have you found helpful? 

What would you add to this list?