Pursuing Your Passions and Leaving a Legacy | Time Mastery for Women with Jen Riday

March 27, 2017 by Mrs. Hudson

Remember that workshop my friend Jen Riday was leading and that I encouraged you to attend? Well it was AWESOME!

In the webinar Jen talked about letting go of guilt, perfectionism and the “shoulds” that hold us back (and leave us feeling drained, unmotivated and exhausted!). She shared some HUGE strategies she uses to help her know how to use her time for more “important” things, like her passions, hobbies and even living her “purpose.”

That part about “purpose” is huge. I know so many moms feel like there’s something “more” they need to be doing with their time, but they aren’t quite sure what it is or how to find the time. Jen shared so many great time management tips (like task blocking!! I’m totally going to start doing that!).

If you missed the workshop, Jen has graciously set up a video replay. Be sure to watch it soon because Jen said she’s only leaving it up for a couple of days).

>>> Watch the Workshop Replay [CLICK HERE]

In the workshop Jen also talked about her phenomenal time management program called Time Mastery for Women. TMFW is an extensive online course (created by Jen Riday) that shows you a proven, A-Z system for finding your purpose, pursuing your passions and leaving a legacy (I don’t know about you, but I definitely want my legacy to be more than laundry and dishes!)

I’m a student of the program and it’s excellent. Jen has created 20 videos and tons of worksheets and templates that will help you learn how to…

Spend WAY less time on mundane everyday tasks (that don’t move you forward!) and WAY MORE time on the things that are important to you.
Figure out your top 4 priorities in life and make sure you’re actually using your time for those priorities (and not just endless household tasks!)
How to create a crystal clear vision of what you DO want your life to look like 1, 5, or even 20 years from now! (This is so important because if we can’t SEE exactly what we want in our minds first, it’s never going to happen in reality1)
Get your spouse and kids to be way more responsible at home (includes well-organized charts to help your kids build strong morning, afterschool and evening routines so you don’t have to nag!)
Get control over your life and time and know exactly what’s happening every day, week, month and year (and it’s a system that’s easy and something you’ll actually stick with!)
Build healthier boundaries with your loved ones so you can protect your precious energy and actually have free time for YOURSELF (huge, I know!)
Identify and find significant blocks of time to spend on your passions and purpose – the thing(s) you’re “supposed” to be doing (but haven’t been doing because you’ve been stuck under a pile of laundry, dishes, dinners, tasks…)
Have a place for EVERYTHING that needs doing… aka the art of creating “White Space” in your brain so you can feel lighter again. When you know exactly where to put each “to do” you can relax and know you’ll eventually get to it.
Let go of guilt, perfectionism and the “shoulds” and start doing the things that help you feel the way you want to feel (this last one was a complete game changer for me!)

Time Mastery for Women has been amazing for so many women! Be sure to click here and read about it yourself. TMFW is a game changer that I highly recommend if you want to feel in control of your life and time.

How is Time Mastery for Women different from everything else out there? Because it’s made just for women. Jen, a busy mom of 6, knows just how crazy it can be for moms to juggle all the demands on their time, including work, family, home, volunteering… And Jen knows first hand just how empty you can get when you don’t have a long-term plan and aren’t moving forward or making progress toward a goal. And she especially understands just how much happier women are when they can finally get a handle on their time and spend significant chunks of it on the things that are important (family, health, creativity, volunteering, career…)

How about you? Do you feel there’s something “more” you’d like to be doing with your time? Perhaps it’s a home-based business? Or preparing for that marathon? Or volunteering more? Or maybe you want to learn a new skill like cake decorating or how to play the piano?

Whatever it is, you can’t just dive in willy-nilly and expect to stick with it long term if you don’t have a structured plan in place to help you create the TIME for it.

And that’s why Time Mastery for Women is absolutely brilliant – Jen shows you step-by-step (teeny, tiny, doable steps that won’t overwhelm you!) how to get clear on what you actually want or “should” be doing with your time and life, how to use her digital templates to create consistent routines, a week-at-a-glance schedule, and a year-at-a-glance plan. These are simply HUGE for helping you master your use of time (and NOT feel like time is the master of you).

I love Time Mastery for Women because it’s helped me get in better control of my time, be more productive, and know clearly that I’m doing what I’m “supposed” to be doing with my life. I love being able to balance my time between blogging and family. I just feel more balanced (and happy!)

I highly recommend you learn more about Time Mastery for Women. It’s a game changer!

Click here for all the details!

Learn to be the Master of Your Time with Jen Riday

March 20, 2017 by Mrs. Hudson

Does the day ever slip away from you? I know it does for me more often than I’d like to admit. Join me and become the master of your time with my friend, Jen Riday. She is hosting a free online workshop, How to Know What You’re Supposed to Be Doing With Your Life and Find the Time to Do It! Check it out + get access here!

Now — storytime. 🙂

Back before Jen became a women’s happiness and productivity expert she was a stay-at-home mom for about a decade.

Jen has some great stories about her high-energy kids (like when the principal called to say all 3 of her at-the-time elementary kids had been to his office in one day! Poor Jen. We’ve all been there in some way or another, though, right?)

Like most moms, Jen gave all her time to her family, trying to be the “perfect” mom. But after too many elaborate birthday parties, attempts at gourmet meals and never enough sleep, Jen felt exhausted.

She wasn’t happy.

So Jen set out to fix that. She started taking care of herself. She studied every happiness book she could get her hands on. She figured out how to do spend way less time on the everyday household tasks so she could spend way MORE time on things that actually made her happy (like learning to play the banjo at age 39… I love that!).

When her youngest and 6th child, Cora, was about 18 months old, Jen started to get these nagging feelings that there was something “more” she was meant to do with her life.

But what?

Jen tells the story of lying on her mat at the end of a great workout class, wondering and praying, “What should I do with my life now that I’m done having kids?”

She’d asked this question soooo many times before…

…but on this day she got her answer because she was quiet, relaxed and focused enough to listen and hear the answer.

“You need to become a life coach and help other women learn what you’ve learned about being a happy person.”

Sweet, huh? (And I know we all wish we could have such a clear “do this” answer, right?)

Now Jen is helping thousands of women discover how to listen to their intuition to figure out what they should be doing with their lives.

But even more importantly, Jen’s teaching women her system to create more time for pursuing their passions and living lives of meaning and purpose (It’s one thing to know you have something you were born to do, a passion you need to pursue, a gift or talent you need to share with the world…but it’s quite another thing to know where to find the time for it!)

As a mom of 6 who’s also running a business, Jen knows A LOT about time management. For example, Jen teaches women to create a Week-at-a-Glance so they know EXACTLY what’s happening all week and can get a big-picture view of their life.

She also teaches women how to do “task blocking,” which means chunking similar tasks together so you can spend WAY LESS time on your to do list and WAY MORE time on the things that are important and enjoyable (family, health, creativity, relaxation, fun…)

My favorite part: Jen figured out a system to get her husband and kids to do more around the house (without her having to nag them. For real!)

I love hearing Jen tell this story because she has such a powerful “before” and “after.”

She went from “exhausted, burnt out, do-everything-for-everyone-else mom” to “energized, happy, sharing-her-gifts-with-the-world mom.”

Who better to learn how to be the master of your time from than someone who has done it!

Now, I know some of you out there are thinking, “That’s great for Jen. But I don’t have the first clue on how to figure out my purpose, let alone find time for it!”

Well, you’re in luck. Jen is sharing all of this – for free. 🙂

Check it out:

>>> How to Know What You’re “Supposed” to Be Doing With Your Life (And Find the Time to Do It!)

In this online workshop, Jen will be sharing

How to declutter your schedule and make time for what matters most (learn to be the master of your time and enjoy your family, your friends, joy, and the dreams you’ve left on the back burner for years!)
The secret to letting go of guilt so you can actually enjoy taking time for yourself… even if you’re “crazy busy!”
How to spend way less time on household tasks like shopping, laundry and cleaning so you can have way more time for what you love to do (like watching an episode of “This Is Us” or enjoying a Girls’ Night Out!)
Why most women get stuck in mundane household routines that cause them to lose sight of passions, hobbies and date night. Instead, you’ll learn how to always focus on the big picture and your values…
How to get more organized and feel less overwhelmed through a proven, flexible time management system that you’ll actually STICK WITH long term (really!)
Getting your spouse and kids to do more at home so your household runs more smoothly and you feel more in control and way less stressed.

I’ve personally seen one of Jen’s workshops, and she really knows how to deliver. Not only does she break things down into simple, easy-to-follow steps, but she’s also highly engaging and makes the learning process fun.

If you want to become the master of your time I highly recommend signing up for Jen’s workshop here.

Enjoy!

Give Thanks to God | Stacy Hudson | Better Than Newlyweds

November 21, 2016 by Mrs. Hudson

Give thanks to God. It not only shows our gratitude but it reminds us where all our blessings come from.

In marriage, it is easy to get caught up in the day to day and start to look to each other for what we need. However, we set ourselves and our husbands up for failure when we do that. When we make a choice to give thanks to God it changes our perspective. Sure, our spouses bless us and so we look to them with appreciation but we must be careful not to look to them with expectations only God can fulfill. They are a gift from God.

People receive houses and money from their parents, but a good wife is a gift from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14

We should give thanks regardless of how we feel.

I know there have been points in my life where I did not feel like giving thanks to God… for anything. I looked around and in that moment didn’t see anything good. I wanted to get mad and say anything but words of thankfulness. But I knew that God was still God no matter my circumstances. I knew I should give thanks out of obedience to His word.

Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:4

A Psalm of David when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

In those situations, as soon as I start to give thanks my attitude changes and every where I look there is something to thank God for. Did everything change in that instance? No, what changed was my focus. Instead of giving in to my feelings I decided to give in to my faith. My feelings have led me astray but my faith in Jesus has not. Our feelings and emotions are our flesh. We must do everything we can to welcome God and His presence in to our lives so that we can live by His spirit instead of our flesh.

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool Proverbs 28:26a

The heart is deceitful above all things Jeremiah 17:9a

All the “bad” that was going on… was still going on… but in that moment I could see the good God was working out of the bad.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

We have been married almost 6 years. God has done a lot in those years. We have been through a lot. Sometimes we have felt like giving up. We have wrestled with the thought that our lives would be easier if we didn’t pursue what God was calling us to do. The truth is our lives probably would be easier but they would not be Godly.

The thing that made our hard times harder instead of heavenly was when our focus was on us and not Him. When I was looking to my husband to bring balance and peace to my life it put pressure on him that was not his to bear. And it went both ways. We are getting faster at recognizing when we are doing this. We are trying to realize quicker so that we can readjust. When we are impatient with one another or when there seems to be a lot of miscommunication going on… our perspectives need changing not our circumstances. In those times we need to focus on God and all of His goodness and give thanks.

Would it be easier for us and for our marriage if God would just change our circumstances? YES! Of course it would. But would that be the best for us? Would that prepare us for heaven? Would that draw anyone else to Jesus by our actions and obedience? Would that bring us closer together as a couple? Would that grow our faith and deepen our relationship with God? No.

When we give thanks to God we grow our faith. When we depend on God individually it brings us closer as a couple. When others see how we point to Jesus in hard times they will be drawn to Him. Life is hard. Marriage is Hard. But if we let it… it will prepare us for Heaven.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Life is hard. Marriage is Hard. But if we let it… it will prepare us for Heaven.

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I can Rely On Christ Knowing HE is my ROCK! | Stacy Hudson | Better Than Newlyweds

October 24, 2016 by Mrs. Hudson

“Rely on Christ.” We hear that phrase often but what does it really mean to rely on Christ? In my life, when I think of someone I can rely on it means I can count on them day or night. It means that they would sit with me, fight for me, or hold me up. They would do all three if needed. I find in life that it is usually easier to rely on another person than Jesus because they are physically there in person. However, I have also learned that they will let you down. It might be harder to rely on and trust Jesus but it will bring more peace than you ever imagined. We must rely on Christ knowing that He has good plans for us and that He is our ROCK.

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” Jeremiah 29:11

My husband and I both want to leave a good legacy for future generations. That is why we fight so hard (sometimes with each other) and want to do so well in life. I’ve been thinking though that maybe God is supposed to be the one fighting and doing, not us?

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

I say He is my ROCK. You have probably said it a time or two also. In the story of David and Goliath one of the key players is the rock he used. David gets the credit for killing the giant but it was really the rock. If he had used sand it would have been blown away. If he had used water it would have fallen to the sun scorched ground. David knew what (and who) he could rely on to take down his giant. Once he did his part he just needed to be still and watch the rock fight for him.

My friend Ailie (who blogs at www.p3alive.com) puts the situation a lot of us face into words:

I guess with marriage we are supposed to do and fight. I just don’t know how to get the balance between doing that and trusting God to also fight for our marriage. I think we so often feel we are alone that we forget God is way more passionate about our family and marriage success than we could ever imagine.

We can rely on Christ knowing that He cares about our husbands and our marriages more than we do.

We can rely on Christ knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.

I can rely on Christ knowing that He will sit with me, fight for me, and hold me up. Or all of them combined if needed.

Below are the awesome answers I was given when I asked some fellow Christian bloggers to finish this phrase:

“I can rely on Christ knowing….”

that His redemption is greater than my works.” Lillian Stevens from http://embracingthelovely.com/

that He is bigger than I could ever imagine, wiser than I could ever comprehend, and stronger than I could ever realize.” Becky Lehman from www.SoVeryBlessed.com

I can rely on Christ knowing the end of my story, chapter of my life and the full picture. This steadies my heart. I can trust Jesus to see me through the tough times. He strengthens my heart to endure. He calls me to see from a higher perspective. He encourages me to greater faith and deeper intimacy in my walk with Him. He becomes my anchor in life’s storms. As my ROCK I have a hope that never fails.” Ailie Baumann from www.p3alive.com

He is my Savior, redeemer, and friend.” Rachel Russell from www.soulsparkpublication.com

He will never leave me.” Alysa Friesen from Www.alysalovely.com

I can rely on Christ knowing the peace He and He alone can offer.” Mandi Pimental Http://noshandnurture.com

How my story will end.” Kimberly N’Patrick Dewberry

That I don’t have to know.” Missy Hutchinson Millspaugh

I can rely on Christ knowing that I am His. Looking forward to reading your post.” Lynn Bradley from https://everydaywiththeking.com/

My answer was:

I can rely on Christ knowing that no matter how loud or crazy life gets I just need to be still in His presence and trust Him as my rock to be my defender and firm foundation. “

Share yours below in the comments!

How would you finish the phrase?

“I can rely on Christ knowing…”

In tough times choose unity | Better Than Newlyweds | Guest Blogger: Ailie Baumann

October 17, 2016 by Mrs. Hudson

In tough times choose unity over anger and blame

Unity in marriage is probably one of the best strategies to fireproof your marriage. In the midst of tough times, it becomes easy to get angry with our spouse, jump on the blame wagon or get caught up in the enemy’s attacks.

Of course, the enemy does come to steal, kill and destroy. He is after our families and marriages. However, I would rather focus on keeping a united front with my husband in tough times than give the enemy attention.

Why do I say this? Because one of the best ways to engage in spiritual warfare is to remain in unity with your spouse. Plus, I love being on the receiving end of God’s blessings.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!…For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133:1, 3b

This Psalm is one of my favorites. I love the picture the psalmist used to describe unity. It’s part of our worship to the Lord.

This week God really began speaking to me about unity. My hubby and I have been facing a tough financial year. A couple of weeks ago we found out that our finances were back to where they were in March this year. I felt all our efforts had been for naught.

Still, I wasn’t as confronted with the importance of unity until Wednesday night. I was heading for prayer meeting at my church when I got fined by the cops for not renewing my car license (Grrrr). I don’t know who I was angrier at myself, my husband or God.

As I sat watching a testimony being played off YouTube the Lord gently said to me:

Don’t partner with anger or blame; it will break your unity. Keep a united front with Sean.

Immediately, my anger dissolved. Being angry or trying to blame wasn’t going to solve anything. I messaged my hubby and told him that I didn’t want to partner with anger or blame. We are a team and together we will come through our tough times.

Ok. I admit. This week we still had a quarrel so this is a work in progress. That being said, I am aware of unity in our marriage. The more united we are with our spouse, the more our homes are filled with peace, joy, and kindness.

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

At the end of the day, speaking to our spouse in anger doesn’t accomplish much. I can’t think of one example in my marriage where anger accomplished anything helpful. No. All anger has done is put a rift between me and my husband. Kindness, gentleness, and genuine encouragement serve to keep our hearts connected to each other.

When we present a united front to the world we enter a “force field” of godly protection. Life and the enemy can shoot darts at us but they merely bounce off hitting the ground ineffective and useless. Hurray.

Our marriages thrive in unity. Fun, flirting and joy echoes through your home causing your children to giggle or shake their ends in amusement at their love struck parents. Secretly, your children’s hearts are warmed at the love and security unity brings to them. Choose today to partner with God and choose unity.