when all else fails, make a list

I am a writer. I'd like to believe I might write something of importance someday that generations to come will call a classic, but realistically I'm not that good. But still I write. And my favorite genre is the uncelebrated list with the unimpressively short shelf life (written on paper with my favorite fine point sharpie and destined for the trash can). Not impressive, but keeps me motivated, focused, and sane. My list for today includes goals in the following catagories: spiritual, physical, family and household. I also have many other lists that correspond to the areas of responsibility in my life. Some of them include a general to do list for the week; an ongoing grocery list; a running list of items to be completed for a homestudy; a list of homeschool goals and accomplishments for each child; a "to be read" book list; and, my most favorite list, a perpetual list of advice and encouragement for my daughters on keeping house, raising children, and being a godly wife taken from lessons God has taught me from scripture. This one I write in the form of letters that I call "letters of practical advice for my daughters" (clever, huh?). It will never be completed but I hope to give a stack of them to my girls someday.