I've discovered that there are two things I must figure out for a successful life. How to plan and how to prepare. I'm really good at planning. I make plans all the time oftentimes months in advance. Although, time and time again conflicts arise because I've planned too much without taking into account the preparation that is required to execute my plan.

A plan is defined as a scheme or method of acting developed in the advance: battle plans. Whereas, prepare is to put in proper condition, readiness as in proper assembly: to prepare for war.

I have to say I love how these two words are explained by referring to war. One doesn't go into battle without the proper equipment, training or without a plan of action. So why should we haphazardly run through life with out preparation or a plan. Too many times I have started a recipe without reading it in its entirety and in realizing my error I've had hungry guests waiting for their main course or I am rushed around the kitchen like a mad crazy woman trying to finish everything before my guests arrive. Then instead of enjoying their company I am anxious and anything but a delightful hostess.

I have to admit I find it a little bonkers that Martha Stewart plans out every day of her month at the start of her magazine, but I also realize that there is something to having a plan so I don't wake up wondering where all of my time went. There must be a way to plan, prepare and execute my schedule without being in bondage to it.

I am challenging myself to learn to maintain my home in 30 minutes a day. This includes cleaning, organizing, planning and most of all preparation. If Rachel Ray can make delightful dishes in 30 minutes or less, I am sure there is a way to take a little time each day to maintain our home and life so we aren't left with a huge mess. I plan on figuring it out!

Tonight I saw the film Julie and Julia. It isn't very often that you leave a movie inspired and full of sheer joy. Both women decided to make something exceptional out of the mundane. It reminded me of my own journey and the search for beauty in what can be a monotonous life. I love food, love entertaining and figuring out will to make life fuller, but also simpler. I'm still working on the simpler part, I know there has to be a way!

I've decided I like being busy and that part of my life will probably never change - so I must learn to manage the busy. A friend suggested that I make a daily to-do list and I have to admit it has made a major difference.

A good to-do list is more than just tasks. It also applies the one thing I remember from geometry class about a straight line, it is the shortest distance between two points. When making a list try to figure out how to accomplish the most in the shortest amount of time. For example, if you are starting your day at the gym and you know the post office and library are nearby maximize your time by preparing your packages and remembering to put books to donate or return in your car before you leave the house, thus killing three birds with one stone. It is amazing how a little careful planning can really make the most of life and time.

Luke 10:38-42 "Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, 'Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.' And Jesus answered and said to her, 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.'"

I think I've spent my life being Martha. I'm always busy. Busyness was the original prompt for this major change in my life. It is why I left the 9 to 5. I wanted to pursue the things that matter. So, how is it that in just three short weeks I find myself busier, more stressed, mind bogglingly overwhelmed and injected full of anxiety? How do I fix it? How do I make this change once and for all?

I notice in the passage that Jesus says, "Martha, Martha, (Katie, Katie), you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed,".

Jesus, I lay it all at your feet. I'm trusting you for what's next, because I do not know how to do this. Help me align my priorities.