Kathy and I met at the Proverbs 31 She Speaks conference when I plopped down at her table completely overwhelmed with the information and calling I felt in my life. I believe Kathy knew exactly what I needed when she introduced herself and handed me her book. So I want to begin by saying thank you Kathy for recognizing and following through with what was placed on your heart. Also thank you for taking the time to interview with myself and my readers. 

Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to write this book. 

I know what it is like to have too many tasks and too little time! As a wife and mother, I worked my way through a diverse career path including two decades in the fast paced world of television news, the pharmaceutical industry, municipal government and education ( Yes! I have done a little bit of it all! A glance at my resume would lead you to believe either”This girl can’t keep a job” or “She has done a lot of fun things!”) I also spent seven years running a Christian television production studio. I launched, produced and hosted daily Talks shows – Celebrate and Red Letter TV that aired on Savannah Georgia’s ABC and FOX affiliates. As you can imagine, my typical day was packed from daylight to dark with deadlines and demands! I was the girl who was checking off all the boxes on my to do list but I was dying inside! I found myself as a tired, overwhelmed church girl (eyeball deep in ministry) with a soul that was starving! When I came to the realization that I need HELP! I turned to the scriptures. The good news I found when I finally took the TIME to really study God’s time management plan was too good to keep to myself. Thus, the book!

Who is this book written for? 

Those who need a time management plan for their time madness problem! When I first wrote the book I thought this short read (who has time to read anyway?) would appeal to young moms (families) with to-do lists a mile long or those in the corporate world who sold their soul to the company store. After it was published, I realized that it had a broader appeal.  As I speak, I often come across people that tell me of yet another kind of time dilemma. Their hours, days and months seem to drag on with nothing meaningful to fill them. God’s plan covers that too! So basically the book was written for and will be helpful to anyone in an earth suit!   

I love how each chapter has the clock face. How did you come up with that?

I am such a visual person! It is the way I process everything! I originally thought the book would contain twelve chapters.  Since there are twelve hours on the clock I thought that will be perfect!
Then, Lo and behold, I ended up with thirteen chapters. What now? One morning in the shower (aqua inspiration), it came to me! The last chapter of my book is called The Cross Cancels the Curse of the Clock. I drew a clock in the steam on the shower wall with the hands forming a Cross. 

On page 24 you said, “I thought that I lacked the time to get everything accomplished… what I really lacked was wisdom.” Do you have practical ways to make the right time investments? 

Yes, I periodically evaluate my life’s goals ( they do change over time). What do I want to accomplish before my time on this earth is up? If my number one goal in life is to have meaningful relationships with my family and to raise children to lead lives based on God’s guidelines, then everything should go through that filter. This simplifies the decision making process. Just ask your yourself – Is this activity getting me closer to my goal or is it increasing the distance between me and my goal?  If the answer is yes, then go for it! If you aren’t sure then pause and examine it. We often give little or no thought to our time expenditures. Often we don’t even stop to whisper a prayer. “Lord, I need your wisdom.”

I absolutely love your “to do” list example. How did you come up with that?

I spent too many years with the 5 page to-do list! I find that this to-do list format keeps it short, sweet and TO THE POINT! I am determined not overload my soul or my schedule with things that won’t get me to my goal (of course this takes discernment and being familiar with what God has to say about how we are to spend our days and enjoy the abundant lives he designed for us). NOW (no more than 3 items here- that must be accomplished before the sun goes down or there will be serious consequences),  NEXT ( exactly that! What we do next upon completion of the Now category), and Not Now (things we are determined to avoid today..This was formerly called the Never category but I decided that was way to final!)

I believe your discovery of the truth behind the Proverbs 31 woman will be a breakthrough for many? How did you discover this? How did this discovery impact you personally?

I have a confession. The proverbs 31 chick made me sick! Now don’t get me wrong her lists of accomplishments were amazing. I just couldn’t believe that she was real. I have been to hundreds of women’s events that had The Proverbs 31 woman’s bio placed somewhere in the program. I was scheduled to speak at a traditional women’s church event and I was informed that my talk should follow the theme. Godly women of the bible…here we go! I could already see Ms. Facebook Fabulous and  Pinterest Proud’s picture on the program cover. My heart ached because I knew there would be so many women in attendance who barely had time to get both legs shaved in the same day much less make their own bed coverings
Only God knows why I turned to Proverbs to RE-READ the exhausting list recorded there!  
AND THERE IT WAS in verse one:
The sayings of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him.
Wait a minute! What? I thought this was God’s to do list for his girls……
When in reality,,,,the sayings of King Lemuel as taught to him by his mother. Good grief….this is a Mother-in Laws wishlist for a daughter-in law. I learned something that day. First of all, don’t just pull out verses 10-31 and skip 1-9 . They just might change the whole perspective! And Secondly, God wasn’t looking for me to check off all the boxes on an unrealistic exhausting to-do list. Okay, so this woman who we have always praised for her poise and productivity is fictitious! No doubt great things for us to aspire to!
A great dream girl list – a gal who would be praised by her husband, her children, her community and yes even her Mother-in Law!
I spoke at that event about Lydia…
A woman, with a name…someone recorded in history, who despite the demands of life, blessed the kingdom of God, who lead her family to God, was smart, was hospitable…and understood the Grace of God….who didn’t have to become Polly Perfect on by her own works.
I have noticed that there is a generation out there crying out for the real deal. They just want the church to be authentic! Real! They are desperate to see examples of God working and transforming lives. The pretty, the polished and the perfect (fictitious) lives that some try to portray leaves the world hopeless with no way to measure up. Instead, We need to strike that presentation and serve up God’s Grace with a side authenticity. God’s work instead of our work. God’s Excellence. That will always be the Real picture of Beauty!

With so many opportunities to advance the kingdom of God we can often be pulled/stretched to do many (page 70). How would you suggest deciding? 

We must ask God to search our souls. Sadly, we often place items on our schedule that will bring US glory. We need to make sure that our efforts to advance the kingdom will truly bring honor to God.  Stretching, Sacrifice and stepping out of our comfortable space is part of the game but I know I need to pray and ask God to give me wisdom concerning the commitments I make. Have I always done this? Uh- no.

I loved the Elenor Roosevelt quote on page 76. What mistakes have you learned from others?

I have made this mistake myself and I have seen it in others….
Not enjoying what God has for me in the moment.
Of course the mistake is more glaring in other people’s lives….hahaha….isn’t that how it always is!  Honestly, it is as if we don’t own a mirror. I hope I will observe others mistakes, look in MY mirror and get myself in order.

You can find this book at Kathy’s website www.PerfectTimingToday.com or on Amazon.