Time 2 $ave: simplify sundays

Showing posts with label simplify sundays. Show all posts

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Simplify Sundays (6/6): Stockpiling

I must say I am completely blown away at the pictures that some of you have sent in showing your stockpile of great bargains! I have a stockpile of goodies but it pales in comparison to some of your collections. I know how great it feels to look at what God has blessed you with and realize that your family will be taken care of because of your new approach to shopping. Everytime I go into the garage and look on the shelves I can almost hear the music playing and the angels singing "Hallelujah!" (I also hear it everytime I am in the appliance section and open one of those big stainless steel fancy refrigerators.)

It is wonderful that so many of you have taken the lessons that Kelly and Kasey have taught and have filled your "store houses." But please do not store up stuff just for the fact that you can. If you collect just for the sake of collecting, it won't be long before it becomes "CLUTTER". When items become clutter they are no longer useful to you, your family or others. There is no reason to spend the time clipping coupons, hunting for the best bargains and then spending your time shopping just to let things sit, collect dust and get in the way. If this is just the latest in a long line of projects that soon will get set aside once the newness wears off, you need to re-evaluate why you are doing this. If you have jumped on the couponing band wagon, good for you. If you have joined because it seems the latest thing all your friends are doing, good for you. But if these are the only reasons you have become a couponer, it will only be a few months before you get bored once again and move on to something else. So before that happens let's make sure you take a look at why you need to continue to coupon and what is the best way to handle all the stuff you keep bringing into your home.

Many of you have gotten started in couponing out of a need to make ends meet. You saw it as a way to get what your family needs and still be able to have a little money left in your pocket. It is unbelievable the amount of money that can be saved by taking the time to clip and organize your coupons. I have had many opportunities to share with people about the amount of money I have saved and they always are amazed. I tell them if I count the time it takes to clip, organize and shop, I could pay myself at least $50 an hour with the amount I save. I get to share with them that the reason I coupon is to provide for my family and to be able to bless others out of our abundance. I know most of you have had the same experience. Being able to bless others with a random box of goodies is the best part for the giver and the receiver. Keep in mind while you are shopping that just because you may not need it, if it is just costing you pennies or may be free, it is a great item to donate!!!

Now that you have re-evaluated why you coupon and have made the pledge to stick with it to not only bless your family but to also bless others, what do we do with all the STUFF? This is the most important item you must decide before you get too far into the couponing world.

There are a few things to take into consideration about the items you will be storing. First, consider what is the climate of the area that you want to store items in? I use an old baker's rack that we have had for at least 100 yrs, in the unfinished garage to hold the basic household items such as toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, razors, shaving cream, and canned items. Inside I keep the perishable items. I have cleaned out a closet in my sewing room and have donated 12 bags of material to make room for my bargains. In this closet I keep cake mixes, noodles, crackers, cookies, anything that bugs may get into or the weather could effect. I know people that have outfitted their garage with top of the line shelving and some that are storing things wherever they can find any extra space (under the bed, in the kitchen, in a closet or under the stairs.) Your situation is different from anyone else's, so do what you can and what works for you.

It doesn't matter what kind of shelving you use as long as it is clean and stable. Keeping your area clean, neat, organized and free of critters is the most important thing. Start with what you have and add or replace it as you find a great bargain. I found some very nice painted metal, heavy duty, wire shelving on clearance at our local Lowe's, yep, I bought all they had on sale. (I love a good sale).

The most important part is how to organize the items on your shelves. If you aren't into all the organizing stuff, I bet there are times when you can't find something you need, and you wish you had taken the time to organize those shelves. I would start by putting like items together...such as all paper products together, all cleaning products, baby items together, you get the idea. Now don't just stick them on a shelf. Put the same items in a row, front to back. If you have items that are dated put the date that is the earlier to expire up front then the latest date in the back. Make sure you check the dates regularly. Donate at least once a month. If you have your items organized and in order you know what you have to replace or what needs to be moved out or used up. Do not become one of those shoppers that have 600 boxes of Jell-o. Unless you do Jell-o sculptures there is no way in God's green earth that you should need or want that many boxes. GIVE IT AWAY!! Only keep what you can use in a 4 or 5 month span. Keep in mind that if you have some over stocked items there are lots of great families, shelters or churches that could use a box or 2 of goodies.

I hope you enjoy the "hunt" of coupon shopping. It has been an amazing journey, to go from shopping and hoping you have enough food to last or worrying if you have enough money to pay for what you bought, to shopping and knowing you will have more than enough food and money left over. God will honor your efforts!! Being a good steward of what He has given us, honors His blessings on us. I am surprised that out of a need to make ends meet, God has begun many ministries that constantly give back to others. What a blessing!!!! We want to be used to bless others, but many times we are looking at the big ways--Bible teachers, preachers, or any other staff at the church. Yes, they have an impact on large groups of people. But I believe that the day to day, one family at a time, is the blessings that will last and make a difference in people's lives. Don't look at what you can't do--find a way that you can bless others in the small stuff that happens in their life everyday. Shop, enjoy and bless others...life can't get any better than that. Keep sending in those pictures-- ladies, you are making a difference in this world!

Any questions or comments send to queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Simplify Sunday (5/30) Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day! May I take a minute to say a very special THANK YOU to the men and women that have been willing to put themselves in harms way to protect my freedom. They are amazing people!! They go where and whenever they are called to give more than most, for me and my family. I stand in awe when I think of the sacrifices they have made on behalf of people they may never know. The sweet moments they miss with family and friends. The little and big problems that they know are going on at home but still continue to do the job they have been called to do.

I will forever be in debt the the families that have lost their precious son or daughter, brother or sister, husband or wife, and daddy or mommy so I can continue to live my life. Because of their sacrifice, it makes me want to live worthy of what they are willing to do for me. Please take a minute, anytime you see someone in the service, and thank them. Maybe if you know their family you could help out while they are away. Let them know we realize that without them we would not be the living in "THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE". Thank you!!!

Keep Reading HERE!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Simplify Sunday (5/23) Out With The Old Cosmetics!

Ladies do you have a drawer full of makeup?

Do you know that most of the items in your makeup drawer have a shelf life of 3-6 months?

Only recently did I realized that I had some of my makeup for (brace yourself) maybe as long as 10 years! It wasn't until my daughter was gathering her stuff to move to her newly married life and we were dividing up all our makeup that I found cosmetics I didn't remember buying or wearing. Between my fashion forward daughter and TLC's What Not to Wear, I have learned that the sparkly stuff on my eyes will make me look old. (Good to know it's not my age, it's the sparkly blue eye shadow that is causing all these wrinkles).

Keep Reading HERE!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Simplify Sunday 5/16

Debby McCuiston, self-proclaimed "Queen of Clutter-Free", does a segment for us each Sunday on simplifying our lives, getting rid of "clutter", and focusing on what's important. We're really love this weekly segment - and hope you will too! Take it away Debby...

This week had a bit of a sad beginning. A very Godly, southern lady went home to see Jesus. She was 90 years old and in complete control of her life and had no problem letting you know what was what, just in case you had a question. She lived her life with the sole intent of telling others about Jesus. She was one of the ladies that you wanted on your side. She seemed to have a direct line to the Lord. If you needed someone to pray, she was your warrior.

To Continue Reading, CLICK HERE...

Sunday, May 2, 2010

SImplify Sunday: 5/2 (Undies & Mother's Day)

Well, I hope you all have had a great week trying to work through your "spring cleaning".

If you are like me, I am not sure I will get it all finished before we change seasons again. Then it's just too hot to get much done. So now the pressure is on, to get it done. ( Yep-- all we need is more pressure).

With Mother's Day just one week away, this may be a great week to get some extra help around the house. Anytime someone asks what you want for mother's day, and after your first answer of world peace is given, this is the time to mention how much you could use their help around the house. (Really, don't expect this to go over great, so have a back up plan, maybe perfume or a new outfit). This may be the only time all year that the family will ask what you want them to do to help you out. Don't pass out, or act surprised, just pull out the list and start passing out the jobs before they realize you took them seriously.

If you are a mom, take this week to do something special for yourself. Maybe go through the drawers that hold your undies. Get rid of anything you have had since high school. It is also time to get rid of the ones you wore while you where pregnant. Most moms will tell you, they haven't bought any new ones since giving birth to their first child. If you can see thru them (and you didn't buy them that way) let them go. If you have to keep them up with a diaper pin, let them go. If you can't remember when you purchased them, let them go. If they have the days of the week on them, let them go. It's time to go and replenish your supply of pretty panties. No one has to see them, get something you like. You should feel pretty in them and they should give you a little spring in your step.

Now for the bra department (sorry for getting so personal, but the family is starting to complain). If you have never been sized for a bra, you can go to one of the high end department stores and have it done or you can find the directions to the proper sizing of a bra on the internet and do it in the privacy of your own home. I first was introduced to how to fit a bra by watching "The Oprah Show". (This may be the first time you have realized that your mother did not teach you all you need to know to make it in this world). Make sure you pass this info on to your daughters, so as not to have it thrown in our face with all the other "things" we failed to do for them. ( This may be the thing that gets us on Oprah's next show about the ways we have "failed" our kids).

Now that you've figured out that your bra should keep you feeling lifted - not "free" - make sure you purchase enough to be able to change a few times each week. I know people that have so many they can change during the day according to their mood. (Now that's living the high life). These should also make you feel pretty. (Remember just because you have gotten really pretty bras, the world does not need to see them).

Now you have gotten rid of all the old stuff, it's time to make sure you find a way to store all of these new items. If you are like me, I like my drawers to look nice and neat whenever I open them. (Yep, my family thinks this is weird too!)

This seems like such a silly thing to worry about, but as women we need to feel pretty even if it's just for ourselves. I am sure you have had those days you know are going to be tough as soon as you get out of bed. Knowing you took the time to make sure you have started your day with pretty "undies" may help to make you giggle instead of screaming. (We do what we have to, to make it through the day). The strange thing about all of this is, you may have never really thought about pretty undies before, but now you will at least notice them in the store and stop and think about it before you walk on, saying something about a crazy lady on the computer. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

If you are a mom, I hope you realize how important you are in the life of your children. We may not be perfect. We may not be up for the "Mother of the Year" award. But we are important in the lives of the little ones that God has blessed us with. If you have children that are yours by birth, adoption, or stepchildren, they are in your life for a reason. I know that I have learned more from my kids then they ever have learned from me. I have learned to slow down and enjoy the little things. I have learned that letting your kids do it themselves is one of the best ways to learn something. I have learned that kids love you no matter how you look or what you weigh or how much you make. I have learned that the faith in a small child's eyes will show me what I need to believe, even when my mind tells me something different. I know that when they wrap those little arms around your neck the world somehow seems right. I know when I hear the words "I love you mom" my heart skips a beat no matter how old that child is. I know I would not trade places with anyone else in the world as I watch my kids grow to be the people that God created them to be. I am honored to be called "MOM". I may never set the world on fire, or be the one to finally bring about world peace, but I pray I have made a difference in the lives of my kids. I pray that I've taught them enough to make them want to learn more - so someday they may be the one that will set the world on fire. Make sure you thank your kids for giving you the best gift in the world--- the gift that keeps on giving-- their mom. I hope you have a wonderful day! If your kids are grown and gone take some time to remember the "good old days", (the time when they thought you were smart and could do nothing wrong) those days pass so fast.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Contact me at queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 4/25 (Planning for Summer Guests)

Well, now that we have welcomed Spring, the next big event in most of our lives happens this time of year. It may be a graduation, wedding or family and friends are coming for a visit. This can be a very stressful time for you and the one going through the event. The secret to surviving these events is planning.

If you have a wedding coming up this summer your planning should be almost be completed. So we won't try to stress you any more than you are already with all the details that need to be completed. Good luck! We may tackle wedding planning at a later date...

If you are going to have family or friends in your house for some type of summer event, it is time to plan. Get your calender down (I use a desk calender and it hangs in my hall on the pantry door) and fill in all of the events and the arrival/departure of company for the next 3 months. While you have the calendar, check and make sure you have all birthdays, family celebrations, anniversaries, ballgames,etc... I color code my calendar, so at a glance I know what is happening in the coming week.

Now you can start to make plans for all the company that will arrive sometime soon! The good thing about planning for company is that when unexpected ones show up you have things on hand to make their stay enjoyable for you and them.

Decide what room you will have them sleep in during their stay. If it is an extra bedroom, a real guest room, or a blow up mattress on the living room floor- decide ahead of time. Nothing can make someone feel unwelcome as feeling like they are in the way and putting someone out. (Now this may be true, but you don't want them to know that because they will talk about it at every family event you don't attend, for years to come!) Make sure you have enough bed-covers for each person that is coming. If you have a guest room, make sure you freshen up the bed covers, throw them in the washer or at least fluff all the dust off. Don't feel like you need to run out and do a complete room makeover before they arrive.

Ask friends if they have an few extra blankets, sheets or pillows. Clean bed coverings are the most important thing!!!

Now flip through a few magazines (maybe a good thing to do while standing in the grocery line) to see how the high-end resorts make their guest feel welcome. If you can get your hands on any books by Emilie Barnes, they are great resources on hospitality. Pay attention to the details: what is on the bedside tables, on the foot of the bed, or in the bathroom. These special places always have everything you could need and whatever you forgot. Maybe have a basket with a razor, shaving creme and some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, a toothbrush and toothpaste. (If you shop with coupons these items will cost you a few pennies). If you know your company very well, having their favorite fragrance will really speak to their heart to help them realize how special their are to you. Nothing says Welcome like walking into a room that says "I planned on your arrival and am glad you are here". Having these things available makes it easier on guests that are flying, they won't have to worry about what will pass inspection at the airport.

Next, plan on filling a basket with some type of snacks. You may have time to bake cookies or some special snack, place those in a sealed container so as not to attract bugs. Some fruit and prepackaged items help to fight off the midnight munchies. Maybe a small cooler with bottled water would be a nice touch.

If they are staying more than a day or two, clear out a space in the closet and a drawer or two. People can relax when they don't feel like they are living out of a suitcase. Now don't go on and on about how you had to spend days finding a place to put everything so that you could give them a drawer or a spot in the closet. It's nice to know people went to a little trouble to make your stay special, they just don't want it thrown in their face.

Leave out on the bathroom counter or in a large basket a fresh towel and washcloth for each guest. No one wants to have company going through cabinets looking for clean towels. Also make sure you let them know what to do with the used linens, either provide a laundry basket or a place to hang them to dry. That helps to keep that bathroom floor free of wet towels, waiting for the "maid" to pick up.

I like to put a basket of magazines, books and puzzle books beside the bed. This gives them something to do if you are busy or they need sometime to rest and relax. Also some fresh flowers from your garden or the grocery store will make any room very welcoming (unless they have bad allergies to the outside world).

I usually don't put a candle to be lit in their room, but something that can melt fragrance tarts with the use of a light bulb are great to have on hand. (Then you won't have to worry if they remembered to blow out the candle.) Having a nice smelling room to stay in will make anyone feel special and loved. Also remember to provide an air freshener for the bathroom...

Try to prepare as many meals ahead of time and put in the freezer. Make muffins and breakfast items that can be heated up, in case your company loves to get up early and needs something to eat as soon as their feet hit the floor. It's hard to spend all of your time in the kitchen, while others set around and visit or head out to shop. This will keep you from enjoying your company and the thought of having them come back will be out of the question. See - planning ahead is as much for you as it is for your company!

Having friends and family in your home can be a bit stressful. If you plan a head and try to anticipate any need they might have will really help with the stress level. Don't drive yourself crazy with trying to get EVERY detail covered. You need to also relax and enjoy your company.

Whenever there are friends or family in our home I try to look at it as an opportunity to minister to them. Making them feel loved and welcomed is very important to me. I have read every book I can find on hospitality, to get ideas and different ways to welcome others into our home. You never know when we may be entertaining "angels". The way we treat others in our home or out, reflects on our relationship with them and our Lord. It would be very hard to invite someone to church when we can't go to a little trouble to have them in our home. When we are willing to invest in others lives and let them in our world, we break down some of the walls that people build up. When I open my home to others, I am also opening my heart to the possibilities of meeting the needs of someone else. You never know what is going on inside of each person that comes in your home. If you can offer a safe place to lay their head or a cold drink of water you are not only ministering to their physical needs but their spiritual needs as well. (Now this is not to say that everyone that comes to your door needs to come in--be smart and stay safe- ask God to give you wisdom to know the difference). Start with family and friends- they know us the best and need us the most. What a privilege to make a difference in someones life by having them share a cup of tea or coffee and give them the gift of my time. Hospitality is a gift that God gives to us, to give to others. Make a difference in someones life this week and make them feel special.

Contact me at queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Simplify Sunday 4/18 - Decluttering Kids' Rooms

Hope you all have had time to play in your yard this week. Our weather has been beautiful. It's still a little cool in the evening which makes it great to walk or just sit outside and make plans for the coming months. We have made more trips to the garden center at Lowe's and Walmart than I care to mention. When the workers know you by name, that is a sure sign you are there way too much. But the end results will be worth it all. (With all this exercise and sweating in public, I better see some results when I weigh in at Weight Watchers!)

This week let's make a plan to work through our kids' stuff. This will be a great rainy day job. If you do not have any children in your life right now, look around, there may be an overwhelmed mom that could use your help.
This may be one of the hardest jobs you will do. I can remember something special about every toy my children played with. I am the parent that saved all of their stuffed animals and could tell you who gave them each one. You can imagine how upset I was when I realized that most of these stuffed friends had become a great winter home for all the cold little rats that lived in the woods behind our house. As I was going through the carefully packed bags and seeing the bits of fur and stuffing, I was able to get rid of each bag as I quickly became aware of the fact that the rat family could still be on their winter vacation in those bags. Toss or burn became the question at that moment! I did find a few things that were worth saving so they got a spin in the washing machine. But stuffed toys that old (at least 26 yrs) do not survive the wash very well. So a second wave of tossing the toys came to a sad end. I did save 1 or 2 for each child to pass on to their children someday. Going through the toys got easier as I realized that I will be the first to buy all the latest and greatest for my grandkids. If the toys weren't handmade or didn't hold VERY special memories, out they went. (Our Goodwill store loves it when we get on a decluttering roll!)

If it really gets hard to get rid of some of their toys, take a picture of the item. This helps because you will be able to save the memories in a scrap book (another rainy day project). Get rid of all the "happy meal" toys and all the little pieces that fall to the bottom of the toy box. If you can't figure out where to put it -- toss it.
Now that you have gotten rid of the clutter, it's time to organize what is left. Let's take a few minutes and make a plan. (You knew that's what I would say!) If you are lucky enough to have a playroom space for your children--you are blessed. If you will need to plan on storing you child's toys in their bedroom, remember you can't hang everything from the ceiling.
If you have a large closet you maybe able to store some of the seldom played-with items in there. As you make plans, take into account the age of your children and always keep safety in mind.
While thinking about what to do with all of the toys, keep in mind the more you can put up and out of site to bigger the space will feel. We have a 9 cubbie shelving system that we bought at Target. In 6 of the cubbies I have baskets and the top 3 I have placed their books. I love this because you can label each basket with it's contents. For awhile the labels are for you, but when they get a little older they will know where to put their toys. Make them a part of the picking up, so they understand how to do it and where you want things put. Children learn by example, they will do what you teach them to do.

Whatever system you use, make sure it is age appropriate and easy for the little ones to use. Put like items away together, etc. all the building blocks together. Keep the books all in one spot, up and off the floor. This will help the children understand the importance of books. At our house we have stressed the fact that books are our friends and they are to be treated like that. I keep the hardback books for the toddlers seperate from the "big kid" books. It is easier for toodlers to place them back in a basket than on a shelf.
Many people that have their children pick a toy to give away when they receive a new toy. (We might want to make this a household rule, use it on your clothes and shoes!) Taking the time to teach them to take care of and to put their toys away, teaches them to respect all the things that God has blessed them with. I think we also teach them to respect others when we take care of something that a friend has given us and spent their hard earned money on.

Let's expand this idea of taking care of our things as if they were our friends. I wouldn't leave friends laying around outside in the weather, or leave them on the floor to be stepped on. Nothing can hurt someone's feelings as fast as finding something they gave us was tossed in the corner, or not honored by being taken care of. If it is something you can't use or want, pass it on.
Remember that the people that God brings into our lives need to be treated as well as we treat our stuff. He brings them along for us to enjoy, learn from, or minister to. They are there for a season. Some are there through our growing years and some are there to see us through to the end. Take some time to spend with each of these often. They all are there for a reason. They are not to be tossed aside when we are tired of them or left to find their way on their own. Take care of these relationships. Sometimes we have to go through the friends we have collected and decide where to place them--is it time to let them go or dust them off and rekindle a lost friendship. Let God lead and He will let you know when and how to grow that friendship. Remember what our moms told us--"Treat others the same way you would like to be treated." Not "Treat them like they are treating you"!!! Sometimes they are not in our life for our enjoyment but to be ministered to by us. Enjoy these seasons of your lives. They are ever-changing and getting better each year.

Hope to hear from you! queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Simplify Sunday 4/11 - Tending Your Garden

I must tell you, a week in New York City can change the way you look at things. I don't think I will ever complain again about how fast the grass grows or having to plant flowers or how long it takes to get anywhere to shop. The only grass we saw was in the parks that the city has planned. I must say, they have done a beautiful job of putting parks in even the smallest spot. Did you know that those concrete areas in the middle of the road can be turned into a really nice park. With some grass, a few flowers, a fancy iron fence and a little magic you now have a park where people will eat lunch, read the paper and meet up with friends. The odd thing is that no one seems to mind doing all that in the middle of all that traffic. I guess in a barren land any park helps to rejuvenate your spirit.

I came back ready to get in my flower beds. I can't wait to get out in the yard and make some plans to get the yard in order. I do not like to get dirty or sweat! Since we do not have a gardener or young kids at home, it's up to me and my sweet hubby. (This is one of the draw-backs to letting your kids grow up and move away to have a life of their own). If you have kids at home, get them to work in the yard and get all the projects finished before they leave. They won't come back and help, no matter how hard you beg and heap the guilt on.

I know many of you have been working so hard on getting the inside of your house in order. This week let's take a step outside and dream.

Having a yard that is clean and free from all the things that you are saving for that someday projects can be one of the most rewarding areas in your life. When I let myself dream big, big dreams about my perfect house, it always starts in the yard. I want the outside of the house to reflect our personalities. I know most people wait to do the yard after all the stuff is finished on the inside. But we all need a place to relax and get away.Your yard can be another room to entertain friends, and enjoy some quality family time.( Note to self: Friends and family will not think working in the yard is quality time).

Imagine driving up in your driveway and having your yard done. There is a peace that will come over you even before you enter your home. Having flowers around you can calm even the most ruffled feathers after a bad day. I know that getting the yard in order can be expensive and take a lot of time. But you would be surprised that just cleaning the weeds and unwanted stuff in the yard can make a major difference. When you get the basic things taken care of you can add in some small things in as you budget allows. When you start you must make up your mind not to try to keep up with the neighbors or the winner of "the most beautiful house on the block award'. Start by doing what you can with what you have available to you. When we first started working on our yard we would find people that were getting rid of bushes or changing out items in their yard and make a "deal" to take it off their hands.

Start looking through books for ideas of what you would like to have your outdoor space look like. Drive around and see what other people have done to their yards. My favorite is watching the shows on TV about redoing your yard. (My husbands hates this one because I always come up with new ideas and a never-ending list of things to do in the yard). Start gathering ideas and pictures before you begin working. Your yard will always be a work-in-progress, but having an idea of how to begin will help with the motivation when you run out of energy.

While you are working on the yard, consider putting a few veggie plants in pots somewhere in the yard - or, if you have the space, you may want to put in a small garden.. Not only will it add to the beauty of the yard but nothing is better than a fresh tomato on your sandwich.

Start small by getting out and cleaning your yard. Mow and rake up all the dead stuff. Next, get a small flower bed started, around a tree or in a few pots to set on the porch. Get your flowers at any store that has good healthy plants or get a few packs of seeds. (I haven't found coupons on plants or seeds but if you do, let me know).*Jamie Interupts here to point you to THIS POST for plant/seed/mulch coupons!* Take a few before and after pics and send them in. I would love to see the before and after results.

Remember, one of the first things that God created was gardens. He made them for man to live in. They were complete with everything we needed. Can you imagine walking through those gardens? Talk about peaceful. We can never recapture that amount of beauty in one space. We can create a place to spend time with the Creator, a place of Peace and Beauty. A place to spend time with family and friends. This can be a place to remind us that our relationship with the Creator of the universe needs to be tended to. There are always "weeds" in our lives that are waiting to find a weak spot to take over and choke out the beauty. We need to be looking for ways to make the garden of our lives more peaceful and to reflect the personality of the ONE who lives within us. This garden is always a work in progress, adding new things and taking out the old nature. Remember the ever-growing relationship with our Lord is the most important thing that we must spend time on. Be careful to get the weeds of life out and replace them with seeds that grow by spending time in His word and time with His people. Nothing can replace the peace that comes from spending time in the "garden" with Him.

Now get out and play in the yard.

Let me know how things are "growing" at queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com or post a picture of your favorite place in your own yard on our Facebook Fan page here. Others will enjoy and glean off your ideas!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Simplify Sunday (Easter Sunday)

Debby McCuiston, self-proclaimed "Queen of Clutter-Free", does a segment for us each Sunday on simplifying our lives, getting rid of "clutter", and focusing on what's important. We're really excited about this new segment - and hope you are too! Take it away Debby...

Well, here I sit in my son and daughter in law's apt in New York City. My goodness, this place is crazy ( my apologies to anyone that may be here or from here). Tomorrow is Easter and you would never know it around here. It is just a whole different world. There are people everywhere all the time, going who knows where. Everyone is always in a hurry, going and coming all the time. Talk about clutter and chaos!!!!
As you read this I hope you have enjoyed a morning celebrating the fact that Christ has risen!!! If you spent this special time in church or with family and friends I hope you have had a wonderful time. Take time to reflect on the meaning of the day and how much God loves you!

After just the little bit I have seen of the city so far, I have decided they need to have a major "clean the clutter" campaign. I am willing to lead this, but I am not sure how well a southern girl telling New Yorkers to clean up their mess, will come across. There is stuff everywhere!!! I know that many of you feel like you live in the same amount of clutter. It's time to arm yourself and start to fight that battle. You can not continue to sit in that mess and think that it will go away all by it self. It is time to make a plan and slowly but surely fight your way out.
Since it's spring and a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, it's a perfect time to restart and make a plan. Take some time this week to decide where you want to go on this journey. Keep in mind, it is a journey, not a race. This journey requires you to keep moving, putting one foot in front of the other everyday. Before you begin any journey, you need to make a plan. Without a plan you have no direction. It's hard to stay motivated without a plan. No general ever goes into battle without a plan. There would be total chaos. No one wins when there isn't a plan. I am sure you have heard the quote-"When we fail to plan, we plan to fail". Needless to say this clutter battle can not be won without a plan. It doesn't have to be a plan laid in stone. Just a simple plan, that gives you some sort of direction to go in everyday. Progress is when we can look back and see how far we have come. If you don't plan where to start - how will you know when you are finished or what to do next?
Many times we make more work for ourselves when we have to redo something because we didn't have a planned sequence. Look around and decide what room you need to start in. It does not need to be the worst room. Take it slow, just start with what is around you, then branch out. Reward yourself with something special. Meet a friend for dinner or go to the movies, but get out and do something for yourself.

Don't think that you are in this alone. There are millions of people just like you and me. We all need someone to care enough to say "Follow me, I know the way out, I have been where you are". That is why I am here, I have fought the same battles you are fighting. There have been days when I thought I would never see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I wanted it bad enough to continue to fight for my right to to live in a place that was not ruled by chaos. Until I sat down and decided where I wanted to go and how I was willing to get there - I felt lost and unmotivated. Now believe me, it is hard some days. I want to give up and forget it all. After all, I can always close the door to that room and no one will know.
But I know.
And there is something very unsettling about having chaos and clutter rule your life. I will no longer be ruled by the things I need to hide from others or from myself. It's time to take control of the things in our lives instead of letting them control you. Take the time to decide to move forward and get started. You may have tried before and given up. So--- now it's time to try again.

God did not create this beautiful world without a plan. He did not create it overnight. He set His mind to develop a plan and then spoke it into being. Can you imagine what this world would be like if God did like we do-- Whatever, Whenever. So if the God of the universe had a plan to create this world, why do we think we can do something so simple as cleaning our small little world without a plan. How and when did we get too big for our britches that we wouldn't need a plan but God did. I guess that's why He is God and I am not.

So as spring settles in all around us take some time to focus on the direction you want to go in. Decide what you are willing to do to make it happen. It is up to you. Stop complaning and get busy. Don't continue to wish for a better life -- get rid of what is holding you back. You can not move forward when there is not room to move. Make a plan and let me know how things are going. You can do it --You are the only one that can make a plan to make a difference in your own life.

send any questions or suggestions to queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 3/28

The up and coming celebration for Easter brings lots of great memories. I can almost tell you each and every Easter outfit my kids wore every year. I remember trying to make sure they received just the right candy in their Easter baskets. Then the pictures we took every year out back by the same dogwood tree. Getting ready to go the the family for Easter dinner and Easter egg hunts for the little ones. Sweet memories!!
But I also remember the stress over getting the perfect outfit. If you are a mom like me who loved to sew for the kids-- gathering all the fabric to make the perfect outfit. I was up until the wee hours of the morning sewing until I couldn't see to take another stitch. As I look back, I would not trade that time for all the money in the world. I do wish I had planned better with the sewing projects and filling the baskets. At times, trying to complete the dress on time became the main focus. Sometimes I worried more about getting the eggs colored then remembering the colors that have a deeper meaning at Easter.
Colors like the Red in the blood that flowed down the cross as Christ hung on that cross to take my sins away so I can enter heaven. The Purple robe that they put on Jesus, to mock Him as He hung on the cross. The Brown of the thorns that they placed on His head. The Gray from the stone that covered the tomb where they laid His body. The Black in the sky moment that Jesus died. The Yellow in the sunrise on the 3rd day when it was discovered that indeed He had risen from the grave. The Blue in the sky as more and more people realized that He was the Christ that had come to save the world.
These colors may not be our "Easter colors" but without them there would be not Easter. I am sure we would still have a "spring celebration" with all the outfits and candy. But any type of celebration that the world could come up with pales in comparison to the real meaning of Easter.

As you and your families go through this week, take some time to notice the colors around you. Remember the white in the lily and how Christ took our sins away to make us able to be pure and blameless as we enter heaven. Remember the green in the grass that shows the new life we can have if we believe that Jesus is who He says He is. This time of year colors seem brighter and have a deeper meaning for me and I hope for you too.

Don't get caught up in all the fluff of this time of year. The new outfits are great! Any excuse to eat all of your favorite candy in one day makes me very happy. But all that will be gone in such a short amount of time. The kids out grow the clothes. We gain weight from all the candy and dinner with the family. But what we have in our hearts is all that will last. Having a relationship with Jesus and teaching our children why we celebrate Easter is what we should be spending our time on. The investment into the lives of others is better than any sugar high you can get from eating too many "peeps". So as this special week unfolds before us share with someone why you love this time of year--invest in them.

Stop and notice the freshness in the air as God breathes life back into the earth. Notice the cleansing power of rain as it clears all the impurities out of the air and remember the tears that have been shed on your behalf to bring to closer to Christ. Take a few minutes to feel the sun on your skin and celebrate the fact that you are alive and that you have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those around you, everyday. Don't waste this special time of year. Look around you, there are so many things to remind us that God loves us and gave His son for us so we could be in heaven with Him.

I know this isn't the normal "simplify sunday" article, but how can I tell you to clean up the outside of your life when the inside is more important. You can follow all my advice and finally get caught up on all your projects but that will not make a difference in the light of eternity!! You heart is more important than any room in your house and WHO lives in it is the most important thing. Because that is what will determine where you will spend eternity. It's not what you have or what you do, It is WHO you know that gets you into heaven. Please make sure you will be able to join me someday in heaven, as we set at His feet and finally understand how much He loves us. May God bless you in a special way this week. What a wonderful week to celebrate being alive!!!

Please contact me at queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Simplify Sunday 3/21

It's that time of year when visions of spring projects are dancing in our heads. If you are like me I have a project list a mile long. There are always more projects than time or money. There have been many times we have wondered if other people have a million projects that they are always working on or thinking about. Is it true that there are people that live in this great country that don't wake up everyday thinking about working on projects or really working on projects? What do they do with their time--or are they bored out of their minds?

We are dreamers-- always dreaming and planning what home improvement we will tackle next. It seems that we have had the same projects going on for at least the last 5 years. I have noticed that as soon as you get close to finishing something-another something breaks. So you stop what you are doing and fix the problem. And on and on it goes. Of our million pending projects, about half are ones we started and didn't finish. It seems to be a never ending circle. I am sure if we EVER get everything completed the very next day it will be time to start over and redo the first project because it has been so long ago!

I sat down this year determined to figure out why we never seem to make any progress on the project list. After taking a realistic look at what is going on, I have come to the conclusion that we needed a plan that we could stick with. I am one of those people that needs to put it on paper and be able to mark it off when it is completed. I guess its sort of like a grown-up sticker chart.

As we started making the list, we wrote down all our dream projects and all the stuff that has to be done before the house falls apart. We decided not to take the advice of all the "how to" shows that tell you to upgrade or repair with the idea of selling someday...always asking what this repair will add to the value of our home in the sellers market. To tell you the truth, I don't care. We plan on staying in this house until the Lord moves us on--either to heaven or somewhere else. We have been in our home for almost 25 years. I like it just fine. There are memories in every room in this house. I don't need an upgrade or to keep up with the latest or greatest. We have worked hard to make this house a home. All we really want and need is to make our home a place that people feel comfortable in, and that they know we care about them. The Lord has blessed us and we want to be able to share that with everyone and anyone that comes into our home. Now we have a purpose and a plan, next is putting it into practice.

We went thru the list and put them in order of importance--sorry that didn't work. So we listed them in order of what we wanted to do, grouping like projects together. We came up with 28 major projects. They range from finishing the rock wall in the front yard to adding a sun room on the side of the house. Then we took each project and broke these down into all the steps it would take to complete that job and gave it a ball park cost. We wrote each project on an envelope and the cost, numbered them, then put them in order. Now when we get a little extra money we will start filling each envelope. (The envelope system works like a dream, thanks to Dave Ramsey's financial peace university) When that project is funded we can begin. As hard as it was, not one of the envelopes have "hire this job out" on them, much to my sweet husband's disappointment. I guess I will have to continue to watch HGTV to be able to tell him how to do the next project on the list. Now we just need to find our own "rich uncle" and get a sneak peek at his very generous will. We just need $50K to get it all done. Oh well, looking at the big picture and the BIG price tag it seems impossible, but breaking it down to one job at a time, it is much easier to see progress. So now in five years we can look back and see how far we have come and where we are headed.

I believe we are like this with God. We want to see the whole plan He has for our life. We think that God needs us to check the blueprint and see if it goes along with what we had in mind. But in reality if we saw the big picture and knew what was ahead we would be scared to death. We just need to trust that He has made these plans just for us before time began. If we keep our eyes on HIM and don't let the world set the standard for our lives It will get finished. In Jeremiah 29:11 God talks about the plans He has for us - plans to prosper us not to harm us....We don't need to see it all we just need to trust. When we plant a garden, we trust that those little tiny seeds will grow and prosper. If it is so easy to trust a seed, why do we try to second guess God or wonder where He is in all of this? Let us try to be more like the little ones in our life that trust us every time we hold out our hand and they put their sweet little hand in ours and would follow us to the ends of the earth and never think twice about it. May we set our eyes on the prize before us and follow with a child like faith. God is in control when we aren't!!! Don't miss the journey of a lifetime worrying about the "what ifs". He has loved us since the world was spoken into place. Trust Him it's the best and hardest thing you will ever do!! My prayers are with you!!!

Any questions or suggestions please let me know--Love hearing from you queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 3/14 (Don't Wait for the Money Van!)

Debbie McCuiston, self-proclaimed "Queen of Clutter-Free", does a segment for us each Sunday on simplifying our lives, getting rid of "clutter", and focusing on what's important. We're really excited about this new segment - and hope you are too! Take it away Debbie....

This may be the hardest article I write but I want to share from my heart about how the clutter of debt can take over our lives and steal our joy.

This weekend was the dreaded BUDGET discussion at our house. I know, many of you cringe when the budget word is spoken. Up until a few years ago we did too. My sweet husband and I rarely had a "strong discussion" about many things but the budget talk could get ugly. We had a lot of clutter in our finances. As the oldest daughter I was raised to be in charge of things and taught to make decisions and take the lead. I married the youngest son (that would be the baby child of the family) who was raised to be a southern gentleman (I really like that about him), and this was an OK mix at first. I took up where his mom and sister left off, and he let me take the reins and leadership in all things.

The clutter we both brought to the marriage did not raise it's ugly head until after the 1st baby (a son) arrived and then almost 3 years later we were blessed with a sweet baby girl. Who would have thought that only 2 children could make your "budget" spin completely out of control? My idea of a budget was to buy what you wanted and/or needed, then pay bills with the rest. And my husband, being the gentleman that he was and the smart man that he is, never fussed much. Every once in a while he might ask how the money was going and I would assure him I had it under control. To tell you the truth - I didn't have anything under control. It was spinning quickly downhill... But my kids looked good at any activity they were in. We ate out alot. And made the trip to Florida several times a year (my family lives in Fla so it was a cheap vacation) but the clothes to go and the sights to see weighed heavy on the budget. So being the typical American family, we continued our lifestyle thanks to the wonderful world of charge cards.

This is where many people start to acquire the clutter also known as BILLS. On the surface, the paper clutter alone is enough to take over the kitchen table to the point we set in front of the TV to have family meals. If you are like many families and are in over your head, most of the bills lay on the table unopened. I guess we hope the good fairies are going to come in the night and take them all to a place far, far away. Reality is - they are always there every morning and every night. I, like many of you, made it a matter of prayer ALOT! I never was quite sure why God didn't send the money van to our house or why He didn't give me a rich uncle to make all my money problems go away. He kept insisting I get our finances in order (I thought I was when I cleared the kitchen table off!). I heard many a sermon on tithing and teaching your children by example. One day I guess I realized what I was really teaching my children when my daughter "needed" something and I had to say I couldn't afford it now- she sweetly replied, yes you can mommy you still have checks. Oh my! That shocked me a bit into reality, but not enough to clear the money monster clutter from our life.

It wasn't until I quit my teaching job of 21 years to homeschool my daughter through high-school. I know without a shadow of a doubt that it was the best thing to do for my daughter and God has blessed us more than we could imagine. She is my best friend now. At the time all my husband could say was "someone will die" because we are too much alike (sorry sweet daughter) and we almost hated each other at the time. But God brought us home to teach us to love each other and along the way He taught me how to clean up the mess I had made of our finances. You see, the real problem wasn't that we went from two incomes to one income overnight. The problem was pride and the attitude that I could handle it all - but I had God as a back up plan. Into the first year of homeschooling, we needed to decide if we were going to file bankruptcy or keeping fighting a losing battle a little longer. This is where God took me so I would completely understand I needed Him in all things. He didn't need me to give over a part of it or ask His advice, I had to completely let it go.

The first step was to swallow my pride and tell my husband the truth. You don't realize how big a pill that pride is, until you have to swallow it. Now don't think that this is where God sent the money van or the good little fairies to make all our problems go away. No--He sent the answer in the form of a class that was being taught at our church called "Financial Peace University" by Dave Ramsey. A friend started the class on a Sunday evening and by Tuesday I had read ahead and had redone our budget and had letters written to those we owed to rework a payment plan. The class is the path that God chose to lead us out of the debt that held us in bondage.

We are now free of the clutter of debt. It took us several years to get to this point. No it doesn't happen over night. Lessons aren't learned overnight. It's the putting one foot in front of the other day after day, paycheck by paycheck. It's a lesson in trusting Christ is ALL things. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but isn't that what faith is- following Christ without knowing where He is leading. We have been debt free for almost 3 years. We've had many opportunities to share the lessons we have learned along the way. We've been able to look back and see the path that God laid out for us to get us to see the blessing along the way. It is amazing how God can take the bad choices we make and turn them around to bless others through the lessons He patiently teaches us.

If you are trapped in the bondage of debt and are overwhelmed by the clutter that comes with living a lie, do not wait for the money van. It's time to ask the Lord to show you the way out and trust Him to do it. Don't believe the world's lie that we need to keep up with others to be somebody. Find your identity in a relationship with the Creator of the universe, not in what you have. Look for a class at a church near you, if one isn't available call and ask if they have a financial counselor that could help you. Don't go another day living a lie!!!

If you have any questions please contact me at queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 3/7 (Being God's Hands & Feet... By Spring Cleaning!)

Well ladies it's almost spring time!!! Praise the Lord!! If you are like me I love the snow. Not the day after when it starts to melt, or the mess it makes, but the time it is snowing. If it's winter and cold I believe it needs to snow. I don't like to be cold if it is not snowing. See, I am a Florida girl. I was born in New York but the family moved to Florida when I was 1 yr old. So when I moved to TN. in the late 70's to attend Bryan College, I had never seen snow. You could shake the rug out and I would be out taking pictures of the "snow". I love the snow and all the warm fuzzy feelings that go with it. But now the possibilities of a good snow are over and I am ready for spring.

I love everything about spring!! The cool mornings, warm afternoon and the signs of everything coming back to life. Bring it on!! Have you noticed it doesn't get dark at 5 in the afternoon or that you can hear the birds first thing in the morning?

I know you will find this had to believe but one of my favorite things about spring is "spring cleaning". No, I have not lost my ever loving mind. I do not live to clean but spring cleaning is a whole different world than regular "saturday chore day". I love to open the windows and feel that fresh air with abit of a chill left in it. It feels so clean and fresh. All the germs that have been hiding in your home all winter now will be blown away with that spring air. My outlook on life even changes. I want to move more and play in the dirt, get the gardens in, fill up the bird feeders and dust off the patio furniture. By this time in the last of winter I start to notice all the things I have left undone. I am not sure why I notice the dirt and dust more, maybe it's all that sunshine or I go the eye doctor this time of year. But whatever it is --- boy do I have some major work to do.

One of the strangest spring cleaning rituals I was introduced to a few years ago was the practice of "wall dusting". I grew up in a home that every wall was and still is covered in the famous 70's paneling. My dad oiled these with "Old English"oil once a year. It smelled for days. But never did we dust the walls. (guess they did get dusted during the oiling). I finally decided it is a Southern thing and I am so glad that Southern women care enough to take spring cleaning to a whole new level. With the invention of the swifter, dusting walls is a breeze. You won't believe the dust and grime that has collected on the walls while you weren't looking. Makes me glad the lady with the white glove test hasn't come in a few years. (Maybe she retired to a beach in Fla). Once you dust your walls you will be able to tell the difference right away. Be advised this will begin the spring cleaning frenzy. Everything must be cleaned. I have thought of having a few baseboard washing parties and providing all the pizza you can eat. So far no one has returned the RSVP card.

Now I am going to be perfectly honest with you, if you are a smoker you will need to wash your walls and baseboards with some warm soapy water. You will be surprised how yellow they have become because of the nicotine. You will need to wash until ALL the yellow gunk has been washed away. Helpful hint - these are great items to save for the next time your teenager breaks curfew.

Spring is the time to be outside, but don't think these things don't need to be done--the lady with the white glove may come out of retirement just to check your walls and baseboards. Or if I get all of mine done and I am really, really bored I may drop in for a "little visit". While you are down there cleaning those baseboards you will realize that they need a fresh coat of paint. (Reminds me of the children's story "If you give a mouse a cookie") Go ahead and get that paint brush out and paint away. If you have crown molding don't forget to get the ladder out and take a wet rag and wipe them down also. You will really be surprised how much better any room will look just by doing this simple task. Don't think you can only do halfway up the walls, unless you want to explain why you went with 2 shades of the same color on all your walls. By now you are probably are saying--"There is no way in God's green earth I am washing my walls--Ha Ha!" I guarantee you will be thinking about it every time you set down to watch TV. So you might as well get them done and move on.

I realize that in the great scheme of things clean walls and baseboards don't mean a thing. But I also believe that if you have been blessed with a roof over your head, whether you rent or own your home, we are to take care of what we have been given. If you are not in great health or your life is in turmoil right now, don't worry about the baseboards. But if you have a dear friend that wants to help out in someway--remember you have a project you have been wanting to get to and they would love to help out. Sometimes God calls us to be His hands and feet , and wants to use us to bless others' lives. Whether it is to have our home clean and ready to have a group of women in to allow you to invest in their lives, or to bless someone by humbling yourself enough to clean their walls and baseboards. Too often we ask God to use us but we want to be used on some grand scale--it is the simple act of serving others that is the biggest blessing to others. You will be surprised how blessed you will be by allowing the Lord to create a servant's heart in you. Being a blessing to others takes on a whole new look. This week get a jump start on your spring cleaning and when you are finished look around your part of the world and find someone that you can be a blessing to!!!! Never pass up a opportunity to help others, you never know when you might be entertaining angels. God is at work even in the simplest of tasks. Never under estimate the power of God to take the simple and bless the world!!! Make sure you don't miss out--start at home and then branch out.

Please email me at queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com with the results when you step out of your comfort zone and become a blessing to others each day.

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 2/28 (De-Clutter Your Car)

In case you are wondering if I got kept my promise from last week (getting rid of my collection of fabric) Yes!!! I did. I gave away 8 kitchen garbage bags full of fabric. It was very hard but I kept telling myself what a blessing that fabric would be to someone else. When I finished, I felt very happy to be able share something that meant so much to me.

With spring just around the corner I thought we might address the condition of our cars. At times during the next few months many of us will feel like we live in our cars. If you have kids in any sport or band or belong to the many other things that require us to be on the road from sun up until sun down, you probably know that feeling all to well.

As I was trying to gather my thoughts together for this week's article, I was reminded of one of my daughter's first dates. She was introduced to this young man by a friend. He lived out of town and was coming into town to visit family. While he was in town arrangements were made for my daughter to meet him and go out on a "get to know each other" date. My darling daughter said he seemed nice and was very impressed with the picnic he had prepared himself. The problem started when he opened the door for her to climb up in the truck. Nothing could have prepared her for the avalanche of garbage that landed at her feet after he opened the door. At that point my beautiful daughter realized this relationship was on a slippery slope. Her first impression was that if this young man did not care anymore than to take a few minutes to pick up the garbage in the floor board, he need not plan on a 2nd date. First impressions on something so simple can make or break a relationship.

Would you want the first impression someone has about you be the inside of your car? With all the stress that is involved in driving in today's traffic and getting from here to there, driving around in a garbage can only add to the stress. We would never let anyone in our home if we had spent the week throwing every food wrapper in the floor. Or if we had thrown our dirty clothes all over the living room and then stacked everything and anything we carried around for the week on top of any surface available. So why in the world do we ask our friends and family to get in and ride around in all that yuck!? I know by the time we get to our destination and unload children, groceries and anything else that we pick up on our way, the last thing on our mind is the Cheerios that are now laying in the floor board. But by the end of the week with all the forgotten food, wrappers, lost school papers and coupons that have found their way under the seat, in the carpet and ground into the seat covers we find ourselves riding around in our own customized garbage truck. Do we allow this to happen because we are too busy to take care of what we have been blessed with? Or is it a lack of self-respect that we have given up caring about the impression others may get of us? I know first impressions aren't always true or should not always be what we base our relationships on, but what would you think about that person the first time you where ask to get in and ride in the garbage truck. Because a young man didn't value the time he would spend with my precious daughter enough to clean out his truck, he missed the opportunity to get to know her better. (She did meet and marry the man of her dreams and he cleans his car out every time he gets gas). I would hate to think I missed out on ministering to someone or developing a new friendship because I couldn't find the time to clean my car.

I know it seems so shallow to base so much on a clean car but the inside of our car (like the inside of our home) is a reflection of what is going on inside of us. If we are in turmoil, stressing about what we believe God is not doing, then we are a wreck on the inside. Because we allow all that the spill out of us it has to end up somewhere. Look around you and see what have you allowed to spill out of your cup. Is it a mess where every you go inside and outside of your life? Sometimes it takes getting the outside in order to be able to start to work on the inside. Picking up the garbage in our lives is never as easy as sweeping up a few Cheerios, so start with the easy stuff first. By creating a clean and orderly environment we are able to let theLord teach us how to let go the stuff that weighs us down . Start spring cleaning in the place you spend the most time (your car). You will be pleasantly surprised how much easier your day goes and how the impression you leave with others will be much more positive. Take a few minutes to get your car ready for spring! It's as easy as taking a few of those plastic bags we get at the grocery store and making a plan to keep your car clean and stress free. Now turn up the music and sing like no one is listening and enjoy--Spring is right around to corner!

Please send any comment or questions to queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 2/21 (Letting Go)

I hope you have had a productive week. No matter if you dug in and got your purse in order or tackled any room in your house you are still moving forward. Congratulations!! It doesn't matter if you have done alot or just a small bit you are still ahead of where you were a few weeks ago. Keep up the good work!!

Well, I decided I needed to finish decluttering my office/sewing room. I am not sure who made that mess but if I catch them, lets just say they will be a few pounds lighter. Where in the world did all that stuff come from? I will be honest, I am having a really hard time letting go of all the "stuff" in my sewing room. It's easy to get rid of clothes that not longer fit or shoes that are well past their prime. But to let go of fabric that you have picked out to make your daughter a special outfit, that's messing with some sweet memories. Of course it never got finished due to the never ending time problem or she out grew the pattern by the time you finally got around to working on it. Most of my fabric was purchased with a "someday" project in mind. At this point I will have to live until I am 300 yrs old to get all my "projects" finished. I also remember how much money is tied up in all that fabric. I feel like I am being wasteful or not valuing the time and money I have invested in this stuff. But I feel like I am being selfish by keeping it when there are ladies that have the time and engergy to put all this fabric to good use.

We have a wonderful group of ladies at our church that make quilts for children that the local police have to remove form their homes due to a varitey of reason. Because I know that a little life may be ministered to because I gave up my fabric collection, that makes this purgering much easier. I can't think of a better reason for cleaning that fabric closet. I promise before bedtime tomorrow it will be finished.

It is always easier to give up what we hold on to for so long when we know others will be blessed. But I really think we are the ones that receive the biggest blessing--more space, less stuff to keep up with and no more unfinished projects hanging around. So my advice to you this week is find a way to bless others with your abundance. Don't continue to hang on to stuff that could be used by others. The space that is tied up with your collection could be used for so many different things- maybe it needs to just be empty for awhile. Don't hold onto things that you may get to "someday". I realized the things I enjoyed doing a few years ago are not the same things I enjoy doing now. Let go of the past and move on to a cleaner future. Make room for new adventures.

Sometimes I believe we can get so focused on our stuff and our plans for it all, that we miss where God wants to take us. We can't grow until we are willing to let go of the past and all that weighs us down. Freedom comes when we let go and let God lead. Let it go and bless someone this week.

Any questions or suggestions please e-mail them to queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 2/14 (Don't be that "Big Purse Lady"!)

OK, I have been shopping several times this week and have encountered the infamous "lady with the big purse." Needless to say this is a pet peeve of mine. It's not the size of the purse that drives me up the wall. It's the fact that women that carry these feel that they must carry everything for their entire family in that purse. How many times have you been in line behind this women waiting for her to find that .25 cent coupons on dog food. As she is digging in the abyss she is totally unaware that your ice cream is starting to melt. What makes it worst is that she is sporting a 5 carat ring on each hand. Don't you want to give her the stinking 25 cents she "needs" to save?

If you are one of these women--why? Why do you feel you need to carry everything for everyone is that purse? That's what diaper bags are for. Or maybe you aren't the one choosing to be the pack mule for the family, but as you leave the house your darling husband drops his wallet in your purse because if he carries it in his pocket his butt may look big in those jeans. Or the kids add their loot to your purse "just in case". Then the baby needs a few extra diapers and bottle and maybe a change of clothes. Now take into consideration the meds we must carry "just in case" your family comes down with malaria or the latest illness while grocery shopping. Now that it's loaded for the trip, what about all the other stuff--notes, old nasty tissues, snacks from the last diet, phones, ipods(in case we get a wild hair to jog while we are out), extra extension cords and a millon other things. It's not so bad what is in your purse until you decided to unload it on the store counter to find the coupons (you are sure you have) or the phone that keeps ringing, or the car keys or maybe you have even misplaced your youngest child-- yep, there she is hanging on the car keys in the zipper pocket on the inside.

Maybe I should start a new campaign--Clean out your purse and save the world!!!

I really don't think it will catch on but maybe we could have some type of device at the door that will go off if your purse is overloaded. We all have seen these ladies dragging their purse behind them leaving a trail of who knows what in it's wake. Ladies there are MANY different ways to organize your purse - also known as your "second home". First thing to do is clean the thing out:

Get rid of anything that is dirty, nasty, or unuseable.
Take all clothes out that your children have outgrown.
Do not continue to carry food that you no longer reconize.

Tell your family they are on their own- you are no longer the family pack mule. Stop the insanity!!! Put matching stuff in ziplock bags if you can't find any other way to start. All 500 pens go in the same bag (get rid of the ones that no longer work). Put all the lipsticks together.

Put your checks in the checkbook holder. Don't carry loose checks in your purse--unless you are hoping someone steals it and writes checks on your account. Just because you can't find your check book when you need it does not mean a thief can't in 30 seconds or less!

There are several items that you can buy that fit down in your purse that is full of pockets-- a place for everything and everything in it's place. I have seen purses that the whole inside is divided into small sections - no empty space for things to get lost in. ( Yes, I made sure my sweet hubby saw this and knows without a doubt it is on my must have list). Life is much simplier when your purse is organized and clean.

If you are one of those ladies that does not carry a purse and stuffs everything in a plastic shopping bag or in her coat pocket --don't get me started!!!! Please be kind to yourself and take a few minutes and clean that thing out. You do not want to be the one that we are talking about at our next "fellowship" or asking for special prayer for you and your purse. Be kind to those around you and take the plunge--spend an evening and clean and organize your purse. Boy!! I feel better-- venting-- is so cleansing. Now don't make me stand behind you in the grocery store while you dive in and search for that special coupon--just ask if I have one you can have, I promise to find one for you in my very organized coupon notebook.

Hope you have a blessed week--and be a blessing to someone each day.!!! Send questions or ideas to queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Simplify Sundays: 2/7

Well ladies I hope this finds you well. Would love to hear some of the progress that you ladies are making. (Hint Hint!) Send some pics or leave a comment.

Today at our church we had our 11th annual women's conference. The theme for this special day was "Press on." As I sat and listened to our speaker I was amazed at how God's timing is perfect. We get in such a hurry to get where we need to go or hurry to see people we need to see. Our life seems to slip away in such a whirlwind and lots of drama. It's not until we get thru the the latest problem or "bump in the road" that we take the time to see how far we have come. I think our challenge to declutter our lives is like this. When we start we can only see ALL there is to do, but we press on. As we dig thru the years of saving stuff and not being able to let go we finally get to the other side. We can see that if we had not tackled the mountain one thing at a time, we would never have pressed on to the prize before us.

There are so many things that need to be done, or at least started. It can be a very daunting project. But we press on. Sometimes, the prize in the end, is to realize that we pressed on thru what we thought we could never do.

When we look at the whole house and all the stuff that needs to go- somewhere- we want to walk away just like we always have but if we put our heads down and only work on what is in front of us, before you know it that area is clean. Just by putting one foot in front of the other, focusing on the task at hand, we understand that we can do it. We can do it because we have come to believe that we want and deserve a better life. A life that isn't filled with "I wish I had" or "I can't do that" or the famous "why bother". Pressing on takes on a whole new meaning in light of the fact that we no longer want to always take the easy way out. We are finally willing to fight for the dream of a clean and organized home. A home free of chaos, drama and tension. We dream of a home that we can be proud of, that friends will feel welcomed in and family can be cared for and loved. We must continue to press on and not give up. We must for the sake of our dreams. We will realize how strong we are and how capable we are to finally complete a task no matter the amount of time it takes. Pressing on is realizing that the lessons along the road are there to help us acheive our dreams. When we complete even the smallest project we need to take some time to reflect on the lessons that we learned along the way. Remember lessons we learned along the way are to be used to pave the road for future projects. Our lessons can become words of encouragement for those around us, ones that are trying like us to order their lives in such a way that they can live out their dreams. Don't waste this time! God has called us to be women that are willing to teach those around us. He never takes us thru something for just us. In time there will be someone that needs to hear the lessons we learned, the ups and downs, what worked for you and what didn't. Look around- notice the doors He is opening for us, to step thru and be an example of" Pressing ON". Make the desision to make each day count for something bigger than ourselves. If you think about it, being selfish is what got us in this mess. So decide to become a giver of our stuff, our time and our energy. Love yourself enough to share the dream of a true home. It's not all the stuff we own but the time we spend investing in the lives of our family an friends. That is all that will remain when everything else is clean and the dust has settled. This is the time to step up, determine to make a difference in your life and choose to invest in those around you.

May God bless you as you declutter your life so you can hear His voice and then obey.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

A special thank you to the ladies that have sent in the pics and ideas on how they are working to become clutter-free. It is very encouraging to me and others that are following our progress. Keep up the good work and keep sending in your pics. You and your family are worth it!

In the past 2 weeks we have discussed reasons why we have accumulated clutter. One being priorities and the other being our control issues. This week I would like to address the problem of being overwhelmed or my favorite title- "I don't know where to start so I will just set here and stare at it."

Being overwhelmed is a common problem in all areas of our lives. From the small areas of "where do we put the 20 bottles of ketchup we bought with our coupons for about 35 cents each?"...to "where did we leave the kids?" - (I thought they were with you!) Nothing says overwhelmed like leaving your kids and not remembering where you saw them last.

Most of us become overwhelmed because we try to do it ALL!! Let it go, you can't. Don't wait until you have become so sick you can't go on. There have been several studies that have proved if we do not take care of ourselves we will GET SICK!! Many cancers and disorders can be attributed to the fact that we are too busy, doing too much, in too little time. It's time to stop and get our lives in order so we can be strong healthy women.

If you are like me or many of the ladies I know, we all take on way too many things to do. How many of you say yes to anything you are asked to do because "If we don't do it who will"? How many of us are leaders in our church, community and in our homes? We take on any and every task at hand. Maybe you think no one can do it like you can. This may be true but in the test of time it's ok. I know I am as guilty as the next mom for trying to do it all to prove to our children we love them and prove to the other parents we are the Best!! I hate to tell you -- the kids rarely remember all you do. But they will remember how tired and grumpy you were.

In the last few years I have taken a step back and tried to decide what was REALLY important to me and to figure out why God put me on this earth. I truly believe there are seasons in our life, so what we are to do when we are young or have small kids is going to be different when we get older and have more free time. I am the women's ministry director at our church and have done this for 4 1/2 yr. My rule to live by now is that if the job has something to do with the "church ladies" I am there. Anything else I just can't do. At first people will be taken aback but I promise they get used to it. I explain that I want to do a good job at what God called me to do so I am trying not to get too much on my plate. I know God will be pleased when I seek to do His will and do it for His glory and not my own.

During this "slow" time of the year when the cold weather keeps you indoors, take a minute and look at how you spend your time. Maybe look at it through the idea -what difference will it make in the light of eternity? Are you filling your time with things to get the praise of others or will you do things so that when we stand before our heavenly Father will we hear- "well done"? Maybe it's time to clean out the clutter that fills our schedule and focus on what is really important. While cleaning out that closet or drawer this week think thru your goals and what will last in your life. Take time to make a difference in the lives of others and focus on why you are here. Do not waste the life God has given you. May God bless you and your family as you seek to de-clutter the things that weigh you down. Keep pressing on to your High calling to be a reflection of Jesus in all you do.

Please send any questions or suggestions to queenofclutterfree@yahoo.com

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