(I’m sharing this piece today originally published by the Ultimate Weekly Planner. I wrote it for them, but it is relevant to everyone these days. And, they are providing two cool giveaways. Don’t worry, it’s not too late to get a free planner! Even if you have one already, you might use a second for a different kind of planning. Menus? Books you want to read or have read? Birthdays, and what gift you could give? Etc.)
Let’s face it. We thrive on routine.
We like our coffee pot to work, not just several times a week, but every single morning. If we want to buy milk at the grocery store, we like to know that we will be able to do so without difficulty. And toilet paper? Talk about a routine that Americans are ill-equipped to abandon. There are plenty of cultures that would thrive without toilet paper, but we are not one of them.
March of 2020 has thrown American routines into oblivion. The monthly breakfast at the local café cannot be carried out because dine-in eating is closed. Parents of school children who planned their day by the arrival and departure of a yellow school bus have lost the anchor to their schedule. Classes, meetings, weddings, and lectures have all spun out of orbit.
I’m glad I have my Ultimate Weekly Planner right now, as you should be.
Why?
- Your planner might keep food on your table. I have an established weekly routine wherein I order groceries for pickup every Monday in the 12-1 slot. Not in March 2020. The order pickup services are running about a day behind. When I checked for times early one morning, I found that there were no pickup slots left for that day. Out came my planner and I wrote Check Walmart pick up, a day ahead of the time I wanted my next order.
- Your planner might help you make better use of the time that has suddenly opened. I had the word Wedding written this Saturday. Now, I’ve crossed it out, and written in Taxes, Visit Grandparents, etc. Hopefully my husband and I can make good use of this day.
- Your planner reminds you of the things that have not changed. There are still seven days in the week. St. Patrick’s Day still came on the 17th. You still need to eat each evening.
- Your planner provides inspiration. For the week of March 16-22, 2020, the verse at the top seems to have been chosen specifically for the COVID 19 epidemic. Look in your planner and see if you don’t agree.
- Your planner enables you to move tasks to the next month. Each month has a page for monthly goals. If the schedule gets too crazy in March, move some of the things you were hoping to accomplish to the “Goals for April” page.
- Your planner can reorient you. If you have more time because of cancellations, but you just feel confused and dizzy, look back at your previous months’ goals and notes to get your bearings.
- Your planner reminds you what is important. Your plans and schedule may have changed, and that can be painful. But there are things much worse than an upset timetable. Even though it seems difficult and annoying, plans can be adjusted. And with the Ultimate Weekly Planner, you will find it easier than ever.
Stay safe and sanitized!
P.S. I’ll give a hint on number 4: The reference is Isaiah 41:10.
Giveaway!
Ultimate Weekly Planner sells a classic planner and a minimal planner. See them here. I will be doing two drawings as follows.
- To enter the drawing for the classic planner, leave a comment on this blog either right here or on the Facebook post.
- You can also enter the drawing for a minimal planner. Go to Katrina Hoover Lee on Instagram, here, and follow the instructions on the planner giveaway post.
Both drawings end Tuesday night.
Thanks, and have a great Monday!
36 thoughts on “Merchant Monday: 7 Reasons the Ultimate Weekly Planner Might Save Your Sanity in March 2020 – With Giveaway”
I love a nice planner. And while I too already have one for this year, I’m always open for different options-the new and better 😀
The planner looks beautiful, and since I didn’t get one for 2020, this one would be a treat! This year has been disorienting, with a miscarriage at the end of January, and now the coronavirus quarantine, but God is faithful, and I am hoping (and praying!) for brighter days ahead.
If I would lose my planner, I would feel like I lost…well…a part of my brain maybe😔🙄
Hello Katrina,
Popping by to say thank you so much for your depression posts… after my two daughters married I became depressed and had all the thoughts (yes even weight gain ) as you did. It’s so good to read about the things you’ve recommended and see in them some i’ve done also! Interestingly I’ve never had need of a planner but with this depression I was planning on getting one, it helps to write down activities and goals. It would give a focus to my day again. So thank you very much and the Lord’s richest blessing to you in these trying times!
Glad to know you appreciated the posts, Sandy. I wasn’t sure that I wanted to share them at times, but if a few people have been benefited, I’m happy.
I love using planners because I have lots of appointments. This looks like a nice one.
I like the layout of this planner. And I can never be too organized! 🙈
I would love to have this planner. I’m definitely a planner person and I’ve been wanting one but wasn’t able to get one. God bless you for doing this giveaway!
This planner looks like something I could use. Thanks for doing a giveaway!
Those planners look nice, I would love to win one!
The planner looks so pretty, I really could use one,but just didn’t get one this year yet.
A quote from today, “What I know about God is far more important than what I don’t.”
(Alicia Bruxvoort) Keep writing and encouraging me.
I already have a planner but I always love something beautiful and useful. 😀 I could find some use!
It’s kind of annoying to me how a beautiful planner is just so much easier to use than I practical ugly one. This year I bought neither. I do agree that the Bible has some pretty special thoughts for us on these days.
Planners are my survival kit! Especially now that I’ve add homeschooling 5 children to my to-do list! If I win, this one may need to be used for tracking my new role. Thanks for the give away, and all the best to you!
I always enjoy your blog posts! And I’m definitely a “planner person” 🙂
I’ve tried a planner ….. But my style would be to do the thing first and then write it down in my planner. 😊
I have been seeing these planners! They look so nice!!!
I enjoy trying out different planners & had never heard of this one. With a sudden switch from sending 5 children off to school every morning, to homeschooling them, I could surely find use for another planner!
Planners are so much fun! When I start a new planner I see pages just waiting to be filled with potential! 😊
I feel the same way but never thought of saying it like that.
Up til this point I’ve always use a single sheet I printed off for each week…and at the end of the week it gets unceremoniously thrown in the trash (well, some weeks it might be a little ceremonious, with its battle-scar coffee stains and all). But those look lovely enough to try and keep beautiful for longer than a week!
There’s nothing I love so much as coffee stains on my planner pages!
I had a beautiful planner last year, I think one of these. I liked it so much I’ve been trying to duplicate it in an art journal. I’d love to win one!
I always like free stuff. 😄 The girls or I would use it somehow I’m sure.
The planner looks beautiful and I like the layout! I could use a planner right now during these next few weeks of homeschooling.
That is a very comforting verse. So glad there is healing (from sin) for all in this old world. Check out the song “Healing for a Wounded World” (Laudate Mennonite Ensemble does a excellent rendering ). Our God is still in control and offering Hope! We may feel things are all rescheduled but this is all in His plans.
Thanks for the song suggestion. I’ll see if I can find it online.
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been wanting a planner!
😀
The classic planner looks great. I appreciate the scripture and the uplifting feel ( look on website)😊thank you for the introduction to the planner.
The wedding you were planning to attend on Saturday was one I was also planning to attend…the groom is my brother. Because of living in Belize and all the uncertainty with traveling at this time it felt wisest to stay at home. It was disappointing to miss the wedding but I’m grateful for technology…I was able to watch the wedding and my family did an excellent job sending pictures!
Yes I was able to watch it as well. It was beautiful!
Wow thanks for this tip!! I don’t need another 2020 planner so you needn’t add me to the drawing. But that classic layout design is exactly what I’ve hunted for for years. I know where I’m getting my 2021 planner. THANKS again!
Glad to point you in the right direction!
That is a beautiful verse! I like verse 13 as well- For I the Lord thy God will hold they right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee!
Also Jerimiah 29:11 For I KNOW the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to PROSPER you and NOT to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a FUTURE! Beautiful promises!
Yes that one is beautiful as well.