Keep It Simple News From Ambassador

Your Days are Written in His Book

2012-05-01T00:00:00-06:00

One of my favorite verses is Psalms 139:16; “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

Just think on that a minute. . . God planned each of us, ordained each day of our lives, “. . . before one of them came to be.” Amazing!

Before Emilie Barnes became an organizational speaker, writer, and had a radio program (KEEP IT SIMPLE), she was a wife and mother who loved her “stay at home” job. She loved organizing a family, cooking and cleaning.

Then one day Emilie found herself with an empty nest. Her children had left for college and with her husband very busy with his work, she felt she wasn’t really needed much anymore.

But, as Emilie says, “God’s plan was already in progress.” He used her homemaking and organizational skills to reach out to others, and her talents became future ministries to individuals and families through seminars, books, and of course her radio program, “KEEP IT SIMPLE!”

Be encouraged! God sees and knows all you are going through today, and if you are willing, He will use it for good, today and in the future – because, all your days are written in His book.

Blessings to you,

Sheri Cooper

Ambassador Advertising

Do You Need a "Time-Out?"

2012-03-06T00:00:00-06:00

Is your life so busy with everyday demands that you don't have any time leftover for yourself -- or even time with God?

With all the demands on our time each day, it's not always easy to take a few "me moments."

Emilie Barnes says the answer is simple! You just need to schedule an appointment time with yourself! She points out that we need to carve out time to not only refresh ourselves, but to slow down be quiet and listen to God.

A few minutes in the Word, a little prayer time, and you can feel rejuvenated! When we're worn out by life's demands, we're not at our best to help anyone else. You can't hear God's voice if you don't make the time to listen.

Why don't you schedule a time-out today? Keep it Simple, and just take a few moments for you and God to be alone. You'll come away feeling much better!

Sheri Cooper
Ambassador

Simple Valentine's Celebrations

2012-02-01T00:00:00-06:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, Emilie Barnes has some great, but simple suggestions for celebrations, just for you!

You don't need to spend a lot of money, or make extravagant plans, to express your love to others. For a really nice celebration just remember (as Emilie says) to KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Here are a few of her Valentine's ideas:

For a family Valentine's celebration, plan a family fun night at home. Make a simple dinner, and just enjoy each others company playing board games. Instead of gifts, agree to make each other Valentine's cards. Not only will they mean more than a store-bought sentiment, but you'll have a keepsake of your time together.

Planning a romantic celebration for two? How about a candlelight dinner and movie at home? Or, even a picnic, and outing for two? Plan a simple meal (home-cooked or take-out), and instead of exchanging gifts, agree to make each other gift certificates toward things like "washing your car," "cleaning the kitchen," etc.

For singles, celebrate with friends by planning to get together for a movie and simple dinner! Celebrate the great friendships you have!

Whatever you plan to do, just remember the best love of all is the love our Lord has just for you!

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Blessings to you,

Sheri Cooper

New Year, New Goals

2012-01-04T00:00:00-06:00

Do you have a habit of putting off doing things that you really want and need to do? Do you let things go until they become huge tasks?

My daughter and I laughingly, share a common saying ... "I'll do it on Monday!" This usually refers to dieting, or a major cleaning task, but I can tell you that "Monday" rarely comes around! Good intentions just don't counteract laziness!

It's a new year! Let's start fresh, with some help from Emilie Barnes. Since most of the tasks we put off are not things we like to do, Emilie suggests the following to help accomplish our goals:

Set manageable, measurable goals: Start with some small, easily achievable goals, working in 15-30 minute increments a day, if necessary, until done.

Make a schedule: Block out time on your calendar for the task.

Be flexible with your goals: You will feel a sense of accomplishment if you start with small goals. This will encourage you to keep going on larger ones. Don't worry if you have to adjust your goal... just keep in mind that they are pointing you in the right direction!

I've set a goal to read through the New Testament again this year. By breaking it up into small, daily segments I know I'll be able to reach this goal.

How about you? I'd love to hear any goals you have set, and would be happy to pray for you!

Blessings to you this year, and remember to KEEP IT SIMPLE!

"Commit your work to the Lord, and then it will succeed." (Proverbs 16:3)

Sheri Cooper

Ambassador Advertising

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-06T00:00:00-06:00

It's hard to believe that another year has gone by and Christmas is almost here again! The shopping, the decorating, the parties . . . and, the holiday stress!

Christmas doesn't have to be a stress-filled time. Emilie Barnes says that if you plan ahead and organize your time you will enjoy the season more.

Start by taking a calendar and marking off days for activities like decorating, baking, and entertaining. This helps you to see if you're over-planning, which can be a big part of holiday stress.

To make shopping easier, Emilie suggests shopping online, buying gift cards, or giving magazine subscriptions! And, money given in a creative container is always appreciated.

For more helpful ideas to make the holiday season enjoyable, Emilie has put together a special week of Keep It Simple Christmas programs, airing December 19-23.

This season, take time to share the true meaning of Christmas with your family and friends, and remember to Keep It Simple!

Unto Us a Child is Born; unto us a Son is given ...

His royal titles: "Wonderful," "Counselor," "The Mighty God." Isaiah 9:6

Sheri Cooper

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