I had the perfect topic for a blog in January. Really. I bought a new planner. Did you buy a new planner? Are you consistent at using it?

This one has everything I was looking for: a monthly calendar, weekly calendar, prayer journal, a place for sermon or Bible study notes, goals, etc. I had great dreams and “plans” for this 2025 planner, and here it is, March, already. And in case you are wondering, I am old-school. I rarely look at the calendar on my phone. I do look at the one occasionally on email for work, because I have to.

Now it is time for confession: I can probably count on my fingers and toes the amount of times I have opened this planner to be productive. And it even has stickers! I am a sad mess. I am convinced that if a had an actual desk and that it would be by my laptop, I would look at it almost first thing, every day. Except that most mornings, I’m too busy trying to wake up and get out the door for a workday on a project.

This week, I have time to look at my planner. I stuck some stickers on the month of March and wrote a few things in before taking the picture. Does that count? I’m gonna say “no.” But I will be making a better effort to get my act together and catch up on everything I was lax with while doing a painting project at the camp we are at.

Speaking of the painting project, I was using a gift/talent God has given me for helping to paint murals for the camp. I am not gifted with a hammer, but give me a paintbrush or yarn, and I’ll be working on something! Administration? Got it—most days. These are tools God has given me. The planner is a tool. I just need to implement it. I’m thinking my life might get a little easier and with the verses and prayer requests written in, I hope to draw closer to God.

What kind of tools do you have? Are you a carpenter? Gifted with electrical or plumbing? Do you wield a mighty paintbrush? How about mechanical work? We sure could use a mechanic, right now! Maybe you are more of an administrator or delegator. Can you cook for a crowd? Sew? Love to clean? Are you a willing helper and eager to learn?

Are you using your tools in a way to glorify God?

There are many ways to serve our Lord by serving those around us. Do you have neighbors that could use a hand with something? Do you serve at church? Help out a family member? Have you ever thought of home missions and “serving those who serve others” as CWCf does? We are always looking for volunteers to go on our projects.

These are just some thoughts I’ve had as we “tool” around the country.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…” 1 Peter 4:10