Busy Busy!

I have recently noticed how many people respond the exact same way to the question: How have you been? The response: "Busy." Are we all overcommitted? It sure feels like that sometimes. I do notice that I seem to get a ton done on days when each hour is reserved for something specific. The days I simply stay home and do normal household chores? I can barely finish them sometimes. Hmm. What is going on there? I used to really only feel the crunch right before Christmas. Shopping, plans, parties, meals, baking, etc. But now it seems like there is more to do all the time. I find myself thinking, "As soon as this event is finished, I can relax." Well, there always seems to be another event at the end of the tunnel! Don't get me wrong, I love events! Parties, plays, showers, trips, sleepovers-- my kind of fun! I am just more aware these days that my calendar is full. This fall, we have made a real effort to be at home more as a family. This has meant saying no to some things, but I think it is a good plan. Not only does it save money on gas, but my children are growing up before my eyes, and I don't want to miss it! Okay, back to the subject of busyness. The story of Mary and Martha has come to mind a lot lately. Martha was wonderfully hospitable, but it was Mary who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to Him. I pray that I will not let preparations and plans get in the way of my time spent with God. I pray that God will give me the strength to complete my tasks; but I also pray that God will draw me close to Him when I am consumed with too much busyness.
Here is a recipe perfect for a busy day when company is coming!

Barbecue Chicken
(This recipe is only a guide. I don't use a recipe anymore, and only guessed at these amounts. I would adjust amounts and seasonings depending on amount and type of chicken pieces, and on how spicy you want it to taste.)

Chicken pieces, thawed, rinsed, and drained, put in a 9x13 baking dish

Sauce:
1/4 c. oil or melted butter
1 1/2 c. ketchup
1/4 c. vinegar or lemon juice
2 T. worcestershire sauce
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2 T. prepared mustard
1/4 c. brown sugar

Mix ingredients for sauce in a glass bowl. Microwave until hot. Pour over chicken pieces. Cover baking dish with foil. Bake at 300 degrees for about 1 hour. Serve with rice and green beans. I usually make sweet tea to drink and bake a chocolate chess pie for dessert.