I'm trying to get back to the basics, to be simple and organized in my home. I am not organized by nature all though I use to love a neat room with everything in it's place when I was younger. The clutter and disarray in my house drives me crazy! It's amazing how much stuff we think we "need" or "want" and later realize we really DIDN'T need it and now I want it out of my house. I am horrible at de-cluttering though. I have so much mess already, the thought of de-cluttering too seems so overwhelming. I also have a hard time knowing what we need or not, or what toys to keep and not. Then do I garage sale or give away?
I really want to simplify. I know we have too much "stuff" and it makes things harder, I just don't know where to start. I have one of Fly Lady's books and I like it, again I just get overwhelmed and shut down when I start to even think about it.
So there's my rant about wanting simplicity. I've went through a couple bins that had "junk" of the girls in them. Felt really good.
We have boxes and boxes of Misc. stuff in our basement and garage that I am so so tempted to just throw out!! I'm tempted but then I think, well what if there's something I would want or use in them? Maybe I just need to skim through them.
I've learned that you can't "organize" clutter. It just doesn't work.
So I've been praying for the ability to focus on something and begin. To pray when I feel overwhelmed instead of quitting. "I can do all things through Jesus Christ my Saviour." "With God nothing is impossible".
And to continue giving Jesus praise and thanksgiving for all He does in me, for me, through me. All the gifts big and little that I miss, all the ones He's helping me see as I pause and praise. And all of Who He is. It's powerful to praise even when it hurts. Try it! It brings hope in hard times, and it blesses Jesus. Praise has power!
Gifts #224-243
This beautiful necklace that Marc got me for my birthday. I've been wanting it for a long time. I love it!
snow pouring down
sleepover at best friend's house with all our kids on a snow day
friend to share joys and struggles
the things I'm able to accomplish
Give me Jesus Jermemy Camp song linked above
reading the word with a friend over coffee
new twinkle in my husband's eyes
my husband's smile that comes more freely than it has been
My older boys playing Risk
the mind and heart to learn and love
a neatly organized cupboard that had been a total mess (for those who know me this is the train wreck cupboard above the dishwasher). My blender goes on the top shelves but it was down for smoothies. :O)
children- both my own and others
my new little leather bible with a butterfly on the front to keep in my purse
A new purse from my husband that he helped me pick out. It's pink and makes me feel girly
Medication
the ability God gives to trust and have faith when I can't see ahead and can't understand right now.
Being in the NOW
low-fat homemade banana muffins straight from the oven.
my 2 yr old "helping" me make the muffins (and smoothies)
Great word, Becky. We're doing the same! Much love to the Dunlaps. James B.
ReplyDeleteThanks James! We missed church on Sun. Caleb was sick. Love to your family too! How's Rachel doing with school? Becky
ReplyDeleteBecky, I love your list and how Abba's gifts to you of your husband's smile, and the help of your two year old helping, and your older boys playing a game together...every day happenings, but I'm so grateful you see the sacred in them. They often pass us by unnoticed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of the wonderful words of encouragement you've been leaving for me. They mean a lot to me because I know you have a sincere heart. Hugs to you.
When you were talking about wanting to declutter and organize, I thought Fly Lady...then saw you have her book. There was a time that I desperately needed to do the same thing and someone told me about Fly Lady. I learned so much from her, but the main thing that helped me was setting a timer for 15 minutes when I was doing something. At the end of 15 minutes, I quit. I didn't tend to feel as overwhelmed when I knew I only had to do something for 15 minutes. Have you tried that?
Your kitchen cupboard that you organized looks great! Just keep at it, a little at a time, and with each thing you declutter and organize, the more of an incentive it will be to move on to something else.
Praying for you, my friend.
Dianna, do you know I get excited when I see your name in my email because I know that whatever you say it will be tender and encouraging. You are a gift.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try the 15min. thing. I should be doing that because I use to have the kids do 15min. clean ups with me of a certain thing. It worked so well for them. But then I forgot about it (like a lot of stuff for me). I'll start working on that again. I think it will really help too. I'm more of a short project person in terms of feeling accomplishment. I'm much rather sew up an outfit for the kids than do a quilt just because of the time factor. So thank you for that idea!
I covet your prayers. I pray for you too.
You are a dear, Becky! :-)
ReplyDelete