The 4 P’s of Time Management

Life a series of seasons. Sometimes they change quickly, other times we wish they'd change faster. Here are 4 P's of time management from Ecclesiastes. #Biblestudy #Ecclesiastes #WomensBibleStudy #GoodMorningGirls

Time.

We all try to manage it.  We all tend to lose track of it.  We all have the same amount of it.  And we all can’t control it.

Today in our video, I’m sharing the 4 P’s of Time Management from Ecclesiastes chapter 3. So open your Bibles with me and turn to page 131 in your workbooks and join me for the next 8 minutes as I tackle the HUGE topic of time management and simplify it according to God’s Word.

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Ecclesiastes 3 speaks to the times, cycles and seasons of our lives.  They are inescapable.  We can plan for the good but the bad is right there alongside the good.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 says:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.

What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live;13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

Sometimes we are tempted to believe we are the only ones experiencing pain in life – but if we read the scripture above we see – everyone is going through ups and downs.

Sometimes we are full of hope and other times, we want to give up.
Sometimes we are laughing and other times, we are crying.
Sometimes we are gathering stuff and other times, we are giving our stuff away.
Sometimes we are speaking our minds and other times, we keep our mouths shut.
Sometimes there are times when we feel loved and other times, we feel rejected.

Change is a fact of life.

And if we are not careful, we can get so focused on ourselves, that we start to think we are the only ones going through hard times and we can become jaded and cynical.  We can miss the fact that God is at work doing something beyond what we can see in our lives.  He is making all things beautiful in its time.

This should be a comfort to us.

I remember the first time I went repelling.  I was so scared as I began to back down over the cliff and down the rope…but I trusted. I trusted that the guy holding the rope at the bottom was there holding the rope secure.

In the same way, I have found that when I’m in a season of life that is scary – there is a rock that is firm under my feet and I do not fall.

Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
~Psalm 62:2

God is working something beautiful out in your life.  Like a puzzle that is missing some of the pieces – we can not always see the final picture. Those missing pieces are not mistakes.  They are not taking God by surprise.  But when those pieces are finally placed into their position – the picture of your life will be beautiful and you will see their purpose.

Are you in a season of waiting on God?  Waiting is part of His plan because he is changing us through the waiting.

I’m currently in a season of waiting.

My puzzle of life is changing.

One piece of that puzzle is that my children will be going to school this year (for those of you who have followed my blog for a long time, you know that I have homeschooled my children for 7 years).  Someday I’ll write more about this change – that is for another day and another post. But for now – in just 2 short months, the season of having my children with me everyday will end and a new day will begin for all of us.  It’s a little scary but God’s got this.  I know the kids will do well and they are excited to go and spread their wings.

Whatever season you are in today – enjoy the present.  Savor the good gifts that God has given you today.

Enjoy the simple things of life.

Walk with the King,

Courtney

**Chime In**

What season are you in?  How are you able to enjoy the good things God has given you in the midst of the difficult seasons?

What else has God taught your through your study of His Word this week?

If you do not have a copy of the Bible Study Workbook yet –
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44 Comments

  1. First of all I just wanted to encourage you and say that I KNOW your life isn’t perfect! I think people who are most insecure and have personal issues to work through are the ones who hull e-stones atcha. You have been very transparent while respecting your loved ones privacy. You are so right…. oftentimes our stories aren’t just our own. Kudos to you for being so respectful.

    Secondly, I put my kids in public school last year after homeschooling 3 years. If you haven’t read “Going Public” yet I highly recommend it. Helped me work through some fears. I can’t wait to hear more about that chapter of your lives….. WHEN you are ready!

    Lots of love and admiration coming your way tonight!

    1. Hi Mary,

      Thank you so much for your encouragement! And I remember when your kids went to school. I read that post! I’ve been paying attention to other women around me who have made this decision over the past year, as I have sensed that our time together at home was coming to an end.

      Thank you so much for your love tonight.
      Courtney 🙂

      1. I just happened to see this comment. We just completed our first year of homeschooling with our 9th, 5th, and 3rd grader. They were in public school up until then. When it comes to “school stuff” I KNOW exactly how you must be feeling. I wish you lived here in WA so we could hang out and have coffee!! :).

    2. I cannot say how much I enjoy this study. It has helped me to strengthen my relationship with God. It has been a very difficult week but I turned to Him and I glorified His name through the darkness. I thank God for this study and your encouragement through the posts and videos. God bless!

    1. Dear Linda,

      What a beautiful post – I’m so sorry for your losses. I so relate to your heart. I just purchased a leather bracelet with these very words stamped on it – “It is well with my soul.”

      Thank you for sharing,
      Courtney

  2. Thank you Courtney for your encouragement!!! I read your emails daily and watch your videos, life can dish out some pretty big blows, but just know that what God has called you to do in life is reaching out to us in this world who really don’t have it all figured out yet. You are a huge blessing and inspiration!!!

  3. thank you Courtney for your words of encouragement, I was feeling depressed after 3 years of not getting a permanent job and left with almost 6 months before my contract ends. but after reading this blog I feel hopeful that I have a rock which is God who is holding me and wont let me fall in my waiting period

  4. This week has been stressful. I won’t bore you with details, but basically I have to re-review plans that a co worker has already reviewed and approved because they we not review thoroughly and should not have been approved. The stress comes from the fact that I know I make mistakes, I’m not perfect. Yet when I or someone else finds something I’ve done incorrectly or missed something I own it. I take full responsibility for it. My coworker does not. They make excuses and/or lie about it. I jave to be the bad guy and I don’t like that, but what about have learned this week is that God will make something beautiful from all of this.

    1. I’m so sorry for what you are going through Lisa. You are in a hard position. Your company is blessed to have a woman of character there to do the review. Stay strong!
      Courtney

  5. This week has been stressful. I won’t bore you with details, but basically I have to re-review plans that a co worker has already reviewed and approved because they were not review thoroughly and should not have been approved. The stress comes from the fact that I know I make mistakes, I’m not perfect. Yet when I or someone else finds something I’ve done incorrectly or missed something I own it. I take full responsibility for it. My coworker does not. They make excuses and/or lie about it. I have to be the bad guy and I don’t like that, but what I have learned this week is that God will make something beautiful from all of this.

  6. What a wonderful post, Courtney, and a revelation of truth for me. At 53 I realize now that I have indeed become bitter, especially over the last 6 years, with the things that have happened in my life that have been totally out of my control…but totally in God’s. Please join me in praying for myself that God will forgive me and will remove the bitterness and make me the person I used to be….the woman He created me to be!

    1. Kathy,

      Bitterness creeps into all of our lives. I am praying with you right now that God would free you from those feelings and that your joy and strength would return.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  7. I have read chapter 3 many times in my 65 years but vs 6 jumped out at me for this season in my life. I have been struggling with a daughter who has removed herself and family from our circle and I have struggled with feeling guilty about letting the relationship go and this calmed my heart and tells me to count it as lost and move on. Always praying for God’s protection for the family but not losing the joy in the other children and their families.
    Life is messy but He’s in control

    1. Jenny,

      I’m so sorry about your daughter. I can’t imagine the pain you must feel from the loss and heartache. I am praying for you right now. That God would give you peace and joy in the midst of the pain.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  8. A beautiful and precious reminder that makes Ecclesiastes 3 come alive forever in my heart and mind! Thank you, Courtney, for following God’s calling in your life and using your wonderful gift it’s of sharing His world with us, His daughters. Yes, let’s walk daily with the King, our Heavenly Father!
    May He bless each of us with His truths and wisdom all the remaining da as of our lives.

  9. I am coming out of a season of grieving the loss of my spouse just as we were about to renew our vows for our 25th anniversary. It’s been hard but Ecclesiastes has been a source of comfort and as God turns my mourning back into joy, I can see His bigger plan falling into place.

    Sounds like the gal who accused you of having a perfect life was wallowing in a bit of self pity. We have all been in that place too. I will be lifting this sister in Christ up today.

    1. Dear Donna,

      I am so sorry for your loss. I just clicked over to your blog and it is wonderful! Keep serving the Lord and shining for him.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  10. My season is a ‘holding cycle” Spouse diagnosed with stage IV cancer two years ago. You just get stuck.

    1. Dear Jen,

      I have watched others walk through the valley you are in. I know it can be dark and the days long. Keep trusting in the Lord and looking to him for your joy and peace in the midst of feeling stuck. He loves you so.
      Courtney

  11. Thank you so much for putting together and spending time on this Bible study. This has come at the perfect time in my life. Right now I am struggling with most of the same questions as Solomon is in these chapters. I too have been wondering about the purpose in life and I struggle with the feeling that everything is worthless and without reason. I wish I was the kind of person who doesn’t question anything, but I am. I am still battling with these feelings and thoughts everyday, but this study is helping me to work through it.

  12. Another Great Post Courtney, – Thank You! At the very end I think your message gave me permission to turn off the News. Am I understanding this correctly? Where you said to enjoy today the joy laughter, etc because you don’t know what’s around the next corner – – and I’ve found that if I put the News on, I find myself mourning and praying for people all over the world that it makes me sad and takes away the joy and laughter I have in my life today. Then instead of being happy and content, I’m all too often grieving whatever was on the News. So I’ve been wanting to “not” turn on the news. I think that your message is telling me that God wants me to enjoy my life’s goodness while it’s here, instead of going to that dark place whenever the News is on. Am I understanding Gods word? Thank You So Much!
    PS: Love You and All that you do!

    1. Dear Patty,

      I think it sounds like the Lord was impressing this on your heart. The news is stealing your joy. While it’s important that we are informed and care and pray for others who are hurting – it can overwhelm us and cause worries to enter into our minds that God did not intend for us to worry about. God wants us to pray for others but he also wants us to enjoy the good gifts he has given us. Follow your convictions.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  13. I’m a little late in the game and almost did not do this study because I did not start on time. I am an “all or nothing” girl by nature. Feeling compelled to begin anway I was not sure if I should start the beginning or with this week’s lesson. I am glad I chose to start with this week. I heard Courtney encourage us to enjoy the moment we are in right now and I laughed to myself when I realized that is exactly what I am doing by starting in week four.

    “Change is a fact of life” and knowing I can trust God and his outcome for any situation I am in is reinforced by today’s scripture from “Psalm 62:2. I know this to be true as our family’s lives changed forever due to Hurricane Katrina, a move to Michigan as a result, the unexpected death of my 13 year old son, my husband having a stroke…you get the idea.

    Although all of the changes listed have been very difficult to say the least, my husband is doing well, I found a church home and family, found employment, live near my family after moving back to Michigan, made new life long friends.

    While I still struggle with the loss of my son, I have drawn closer to God and learned that my faith in Him was strong until life handed me pain I could not see past, or questions I had no way of making sense of let alone try to find answers that made sense. In that though, I am currently in school earning a degree in psychology so that I can become a grief counselor to help those who suffer from loss.

    The point I am making is not what I have or have accomplished or will accomplish but rather, how God uses our pain to bring about good. It may take time and not always be evident, but we know we can trust as Psalm 62:2 reminds us.

    I enjoy the video format and look forward to continuing.

    1. Welcome Kerry,

      I’m so glad you jumped in right here and are joining us!

      You have gone through so much and are a testimony of a woman who has surrendered her pain to God and is allowing Him to use it for His glory! Thank you SO much for sharing this with us.

      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

  14. Courtney, I am in the Resting, Renewal, Refreshment Season (Retirement?!?). What is that renewal for? My prayer: “Cause me to know what I should do.” My times are in HIS hands!!! I am NEVER alone. HE has promised to be with me ALWAYS! HE will NEVER, NO NEVER forsake me!!! Thanks for ALL YOU DO!!!

  15. I always appreciate your spunky personality and know that we all are not perfect. Keep up the good work for God!

  16. Courtney,
    Thank you for all you do!!! Your words and videos are always such an encouragement to me. I am so glad to have found your bible study last year. I have a son with special needs so it is hard for me to do a bible study at my church because of my sons needs. With your bible study I can go over your blog post and Facebook comments when I get a chance and not have worry about what time it is. Women living well is such a blessing to me and helps me keep on track reading God’s word daily..please know that what you are doing makes a big difference in my life.
    Your sister in Chirst,
    Nancy

  17. Courtney, I just turned 63, retired and live alone. I have three children whom I rarely ever see. My time is now I spend a lot of it searching for God through my quiet time, which last for hours some days. I live alone , but I am not alone. I was saved at the age of nine, a day I will not forget. I know what was playing on the organ that morning, what my Mom said to me, where I was in the church and so on. I haven’t attend church but at different times in my life, but I have always Loved Jesus. There has been joy, divorce, troubles with my children and so forth, but that was a different time in my life. A lot of it I don’t understand, but I trusted God and placed my cares on Him. Now my time is spent getting closer to Our Lord, although I should have done this all along, God has been waiting and I am here!

  18. I’m so thankful for this study. My first study with you was Proverbs. Each one has really touched my heart and helped in grow in his word. I remember writing (I too am a writer) that I was so blessed. My life was complete, not perfect, but really blessed. Then came the loss of my 25 daughter. My heart. She was so filled with love for others. She had such a deep compassion for the homeless and those mistreated. The loss has been so devastating. Thankfully, I have a God of compassion. I know that life is filled with seasons. He gives me strength to keep pushing forward. This life is filled with so many experiences. I know one day death will be no longer.
    Thank you so much for your dedication. I know your children will do great. I know that was a very difficult decision. May God continue to bless you and your family. I love this study!

  19. I just wanted to share a part of the notes in my study Bible about chapter 3. It says the secret to peace is to accept that God’s timing is perfect. I just love that. I’m not saying I’m there 100%, far from it. I’m a work in progress!

  20. Hi Courtney, thank you so much for your honesty and encouragement. You are exactly right, we can become jaded and bitter especially when we are hurt (by other Christians) and we lose our trust in people. This is how I have been feeling and have built up walls around myself to protect me. But in the end I have become isolated and have missed out on the joy of friendship with those who are kind, loving and supportive. Why do we always seem to focus more on the one hurtful person than on all the other good people? Your study in Ecclesiastes is wonderful, just what I need right now. I also appreciate that you are ministering to us in this way by sharing your experiences and encouraging the women of God to live for Him. Thank you for being so positive and building us up even when others try to break you down. I love your positivity even when you may be feeling negative. Thank you so much Kx

  21. Thank you for the encouragement! This past week was a little difficult for me, as I had a few “e-stones” (as a previous commenter called it…love it) thrown at me by a an extended family member from another social media site that I am not even on and haven’t been in nearly a year. But another close person to me saw the posts and sent me screenshots. Looking back, I kind of wish I hadn’t even known. Ignorance is bliss, right?
    I share thoughts or votd’s, ect nearly every weekday from your Bible Study on IG. My thinking is 1. It is our #1 jobs as Christians to share the good news about Jesus and 2. I do use a lot of hashtags, not to get more followers, but thinking that if just one of my posts or reposts reaches just ONE person who may not yet know Jesus or who may wonder about Jesus and if that one person is saved, then I am happy. But, this week, I was criticized for “posting for God and sharing God things” saying that doing so makes me a hypocrite because I have an ugly soul and heart. The words hurt deeply because God knows my heart and He is the only one that I *should* be concerned with but it still hurt. I’m no where near perfect, nor is my life perfect. But, I know I have been forgiven of past sins and I am saved and I am currently working through theprocess of forgiving this person. It is surely not easy but I know that I have to. It is funny how “words” van effect you. It caused me to question or doubt myself as a Christian, like maybe I’m not good enough to share the posts I share on IG…like maybe I shouldn’t. Maybe others see me as a hypocrite too. Even though I clearly heard God speak to my heart saying that it was the work of satan trying to keep me from sharing the love of God and making me question my own salvation, I did indeed slow down and nearly stop posting anything religoous in nature. But to God be the Glory, I finally listened to His voice and despite what that person or anyone else thinks, I will keep on posting and sharing things that I have learned from GMG Bible study and I will pray for this person.

    1. Oh my typos!!! Sorry…was posting from phone. Phones need a keyboard for fat fingers instead of 4 yr old fingers lol

  22. I’m a new reader to our blog but what a perfect post. I’ve felt like my family was stuck in a season of struggle lately, but when I sit back and look at the big picture I realize that this all will pass, and won’t be near as important, and in relation to the battles some are facing, ours are small beans. Thank you again!

  23. Hey Courtney! Can I ask when I can join a good morning girls group? And when will you be starting the next bible study after Ecclesiastes ?

    1. Hi Nelly,

      Our next study is through the book of James – one half chapter a day – and it begins on August 1st.

      We will begin regrouping the last week in August for our fall session. We’d love for you to join a group then – watch for more details! 🙂
      Courtney

  24. Courtney thank you sharing!! I’ve homeschooled for 8 years too and I may be sending my last to school. I can completely understand the waiting in that. I waver between excitement and sadness that a huge part of my life that changed me so much may be over. Thanks for sharing that. I look forward to hearing your thoughts as that creeps closer. The Lord’s timing is always perfect.

  25. I’m going through the Ecclesiastes study now, and how perfect this is for me in this season of life. My husband and I separated about three weeks ago for reasons I won’t go into here, but this reminds me that although there are bad times, there will be good times again too.

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