Looking Forward

Long time, no write.
I think I have said that in a past blog post. 

Many, many blog themes have popped in my head over the last weeks. Nearly every day a thought of a blog comes to mind and I am in the habit of beating myself up over it.
Thoughts like...
"It's been so long...just forget it."
"What's your deal, Amy?"
"Fear again? Of what?"

Thinking back, I heard the word vulnerable a couple of months ago. This just might be the core of the hesitation in writing. 

Vulnerable: adjective  Yahoo definition.

1.Susceptible to physical harm or damage.

2. Susceptible to emotional injury, especially in being easily hurt.

3. Susceptible to attack.

4. Open to censure or criticism; assailable

Yep, numbers 2-4.  

I don't do well with any of that.  I admit it.  Sensitive. Easily hurt. Take things personally.  

Afraid of rejection? 

Good grief.  More layers to work through.  It goes on and on. Time to turn to an encouraging word...

Vulnerability in the Bible.  

1. Esther- Esther 4:9-11 came before the king in her "off time" which would be cause for death (susceptible to physical harm)    

2. Ruth- Ruth 1:8-17  being separated from her mother in law, she cried openly (emotional injury)

3. Abigail- 1 Sam 25  threw herself at David's feet in humility to save her husband's life (attack)

4. Mary- Mat 1:18-23 pregnant; not by her fiance' (criticism)

Wow!  These are the women who came to mind and may I say, what do I have to be afraid of?  And many, many more, hero after hero in the Bible were exposed to much vulnerability; Moses, Abraham, Noah, Joseph, David, Rahab, Sarah. Hebrews 11 lists these humble humans in the Hall of Faith!

God honors a sensitive, scared, sacrificial soul of a submissive servant. As frightening as it is, I will humbly move forward. Leave the stumbles, failures, mistakes, poor choices, and procrastination in the past and press on.

Looking forward to:

the closing of 2014 and opening 2015 

a wedding in January :-)

a winter snuggled under a fuzzy throw watching our favorite shows

starting up the 40 bag challenge

touching base with y'all

celebrating the small blessings

Looking forward to enjoying Him in 2015, won't you join me?

Happy New Year,

Amy

Mug Fetish

"I better get busy." I say

"Have you  blogged?", says Stone.

"Oh, that's right, it's Monday!" 

"Yep."

"I really should fill up a bag first!"

Snicker...from the young man.

He is my motivator and I am thrilled. 
I scanned my brain to locate an area that I could quickly de-clutter. As I snuggled on the couch with mug in hand, my brain took me to a collection.

It seems I have a thing with mugs. I like sayings on them or one of the newest ones for Stone; can be written upon.  I also like the mug where I can fit my fingers into the side to warm them up.  Tall mugs, short mugs, inspirational mugs, cute mugs...all kinds of mugs.  

Because this is a fetish I share with my son, my heart and brain will not let me purge mugs. Each mug has a memory.  Here we go...emotional attachment to stuff. Oh boy!  We have a cupboard in our lower level summer kitchen where we store the over flow and can regularly rotate as we see fit. Is this the way we justify it?  My heart likes it because it is something I share with my second born.

Long story short, I don't have a bag to report.  Summer has me out of the mode and it's ok.  It's too much fun being outside in the nice weather as we have so few months to enjoy the green trees and grass, flowers and rocking chairs on the deck.

All the mugs are safe and sound in one cupboard or another for now...

Mugs made me think of liquid containers mentioned in the Bible...the word that came to mind was pots.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 The Message

If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us. As it is, there’s not much chance of that. You know for yourselves that we’re not much to look at. We’ve been surrounded and battered by troubles, but we’re not demoralized; we’re not sure what to do, but we know that God knows what to do; we’ve been spiritually terrorized, but God hasn’t left our side; we’ve been thrown down, but we haven’t broken. 

You know, when tears come to my eyes as I read a scripture...I know, it's meant for me in this moment.  

I shake my head, still, when these truths are alerted to me through my sitting down to write. 

God hasn't left our side. God knows what to do.

Even when we feel; surrounded, battered, spiritually terrorized, thrown down, perplexed, afflicted, persecuted, embarrassed, cramped, oppressed (other versions included).

We carry Him.  His power with us.

Even with tired, seemingly broken down pots...it's His light that shines through. 

 Imagine yourself like the photo above. Ask Him to take over. It's not your light that needs to shine out of the clay pot...it's His.

Blessings my friends,

Amy

Monday Musings

What a glorious day in Minnesota!  This summer has been a-typical weather for us. Cooler temperatures than average and the air is fabulously dryer. Meaning, not humid!  :)  I am sitting out on the deck listening to the birds sing and enjoying the calm breeze and dancing reed grass. It makes me smile, happy and peaceful and it brings to mind the word I have been pondering the last couple of days.

Joy. 

My search drummed up this. “True happiness comes from within.” At least that’s what our culture tells us while beating the drum of self-esteem as the route to real joy. But what if this is wrong? What if true joy comes not from within, but from without? What if it comes from God himself? Quote from Josh Moody his book Journey to Joy. 

Let's delve into this.

A quote I heard from the fabulous speaker on Saturday:
 "Joy is heaven's language!"

And as the Lord would have it the day after in my devotional this verse is highlighted "Be joyful in hope..." Romans 12:12a and another...
1 Thes 5:16  Be joyful always.

There are 214 uses of the word joy in the NIV. Of those verses, nearly a quarter of those verses are found in the Psalms.
1. I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
2. Shout for Joy to the Lord
3. Joy in your presence
4. Joy comes in the morning
5. You will fill me with joy in Your presence
And the one that touched my heart the most while searching:

 6. What's more, our hearts brim with joy since we've taken for our own His holy name. Ps 33:21 MSG

Taken for our own. 

Choose: It has to do with choice.
Take: It has to do with action. 
Look: It has to do with looking to Him instead of looking within.
Seek: It has to do with seeking. But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!" Ps 70:4


Anyone remember this song?
I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
So where does joy come from?
I've got the Love of Jesus, Love of Jesus down in my heart.
It comes from Him!  Wahoo!

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Seek and you WILL find,
Amy

 


it is a time to celebrate with a hearty meal and to send presents to those in need, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. You must not be dejected and sad!

To Do List

It's time to get back to the list.
Master To Do List

I was looking back over my posts and I also discovered it has been months since I filled up a bag!  I believe I was on bag #45. 

Outside work starts and I find myself much more inclined to pull weeds, dead-head flowers and dig in the dirt than to deal with the clutter in my closets, basement storage room, and counter! One week's worth of mail in several different piles, AGAIN.  I think it may be time to face the fact I need a mail entry system.  Mail enters the house 6 days a week. Every week. Every year.  This shouldn't be a surprise. Perhaps an organized manner in which to deal with this might be in order!!

I wonder how many organizing books I have read over the years. The latest was One Thing at a Time by Cindy Glovinksky. http://www.amazon.com/One-Thing-At-Time-Clutter-Free/dp/0312324863/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405604254&sr=8-1&keywords=One+thing+at+a+time+book

How about this for crazy good "coincidences"!?.  I picked up the aforesaid book, opened it up at a random place and here is the page...Chapter 45, Make a "To Sort" Basket. 
First line of chapter:  Do you leave papers spread out all over your dining room table as a way of motivating yourself to sort them?...If this is your game, it's time to get real.
Put everything into the "To Sort" basket and then every couple of days or once a week sort it! 

This brings me back to the To Do List.  This sort basket is all fine and good, but it needs to go on my schedule.  I would much rather meet a friend for lunch, sit out and look at the lake, or watch a tv show with all of my boys than sort, file, and pay bills!

Time to get real.
1. Go get cute basket
2. Put all mail in it
3. Enter in datebook time to Sort Basket (Fridays at 9:00)

Done. 

Cool!  Ok, and while I was at that list I cleaned off all of the kitchen counters. And filled bag #46 with expired boxes of cereal!  (Can you say, "Distracted!")

This is the verse that came to mind as I flitted about...
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace...1 Corinthians 14:33 and verse 40
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 

Message version 
God doesn’t stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony...
God doesn't; so who does???

Guess who?  Satan...him and his helpers.  It delights him when we are in disorder. It's easy pickens'. 
Keep her preoccupied, glorifying busyness. Make her believe she is inadequate, confused, and that the situation is hopeless.   Aaah...the lies. 

So perhaps this is what is on The Master's To Do List?
1. Come away with me for a while. (from today's Jesus Calling devo) Song of Songs 2:13
2. Follow Mary's path...(Luke 10:42)
3. Make Him your highest priority

Focus on the King of Organization. He makes things clear.  

His Coincidences. Sort Basket Chapter. 
He's helping me all of the time. I just have to pay attention, stop striving and listen.


Arise, come, my darling;
    my beautiful one, come with me.

Sit at His feet,
Amy

Bag #46  Expired boxes of cereal

Blessed by bling!

Blessed by bling!  Yep, that is exactly how it happened.

I was in the mall this past winter and saw this amazing sparkly sign that said "BLING".  I told my son that we must go over and take a photo. Then we proceeded into the store.
We met a beautiful woman and got to talking about bling and blessings.
Long story short we shared about health issues. And boy do I have a lot to share in that category.
In the end, my new friend learned about my naturopathic doc and found relief! PTL!

This God meeting was brought to you by my eye for shiny, pretty things.

God can use all things for good...and He does.
I was reminded of all of this by a grateful message commented on Facebook.

Yep, God has used Facebook as a blessing in my life in more ways than I can count.
Even though some want to use it for bad (my account was hacked into on the 4th of July), God intended it for good!

You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. Genesis 50:20a NLT
This comes from the mouth of Joseph. Joseph whose brothers threw him in a well to die, got a new idea as they ate lunch and instead sold him into slavery and covered it up with the blood of a goat on his coat of many colors. (See the whole story of Joseph in Genesis 37:1-50:26)

The above verse was stated after many years of Joseph being faithful. He chose to see God at work in every day life.

This is my desire. To stop being caught up in the mundane of the same old same old. And look for blessings in the serving of others, making of the meal, strolling in the sunshine, watering of the flowers, and even shopping in the mall. Believe that God is at work in the normal.

Bling...it is good.

Blessings,
Amy

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

My Cup Overflows

Long time, no blog.

Does it really take me 3 weeks to recover from a graduation open house? Or was it a mindful decision to check out for a bit? 
Pretty sure it was the latter.
 
I was ready to stop using the "master" list.
Done doing little projects.
Beyond time for a vacation.
Then it hit me...I better open the mail and make sure collection agencies don't come after us.  Ha!
Get with it Amy, get back into real life.

So, I take a bit of comfort in talking with other moms about this whole party for the grad thing...that I am not alone. But why do we make ourselves crazy?

It's because of this:
Man looks on the outward appearance.
And we all know it. We all strive to make ourselves look good.
Like we have it all together.
A slice of Martha Stewart heaven.
Or keeping up with the Jones'

Humbling really to think about this. Yuck.

The Lord had us pegged thousands of years ago.
It was written around 1000 B.C.
1 Samuel 16:7b For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. ESV

Outward appearances. We had done all we could do for party prep. 
Lawn mower parked 45 minutes before start time.
Make up and hair done. Oops...almost forgot lipstick. (Like in above photo!)
So, let's concentrate on the heart now.

What I do know about my heart that day was that it was overwhelmed with gratefulness.
The blessings were abundant.
My cup overflowed.

                                            Chet, overwhelmed with amount of people!


The outpouring of love given to Chet and our family by the guests was amazing.
Gifts. Hugs. Kind words. Hand shakes. Smiles. Laughter. Tears. Memories.
Food. Family. Friends. Neighbors. Joy. 

So blessed.
I hope the Lord looked at my heart and knew. 
Knew that I was humbled.
Knew that I was appreciative.
Knew that this mom was glad He had the homeschooling idea in the first place.
Knew my heart swelled with pride and joy for my son. 
Knew He was the author of all good.

I think He did.

He forgives when we forget and look at the outward appearance. Thank goodness.
He blesses because He loves.

It's a heart issue. And my heart is happy.

Blessings,
Amy

Above and Beyond

Alright, so it's gone beyond Spring Cleaning!
It's gone into having my 16 year old come looking for me last evening because he thinks I may run myself into the grave!
He found me in my shade garden watering and weeding away.  Which by the way I thoroughly enjoy.  It is just that we had spent most of the day outside already digging, planting, mulching, etc. The reason for his concern is warranted. Years of him watching me do very little physical work because of the repercussions have affected all of us.  In the past, today would be a couch day. And he knew it. 

I am thankful for the progress I am obviously making in my health. Albeit, I am tired and quite sore, but today I am not laid out and I am SO thankful.

Graduation open house is the reason for my motivation. Leisurely, is how I would describe my past work outside in my garden and flower pots. I would slowly work on beautifying the areas until about the 4th of July. This year I have a June 1st deadline. It is good. I will get to enjoy the posies for an additional month!

I am thankful for the talents of my second son. He is doing the creative end of the party; organizing pictures, painting picture frames, and preparing table decor. Not to mention all of the cleaning and yard work he is getting in on. I am blessed.

So, I am off to get groceries as I guess the food intake doesn't stop even though I think I am too busy to cook!  Ha!  

Praying all of this will make my son's party a blessing for him and all who attend. 
Through all the prep, we have had many fabulous trips down memory lane, worked together, laughed together, and of course I have cried.  It is good!

The Lord went above and beyond in all that he created. 
It shows so abundantly as the view out my window has wonderfully changed from white, gray, and brown to glorious green and blue. And the flowers...aaahhh...what glory! "The land produced vegetation: and it was good." Genesis 1:12
He blows me away with the beauty He has graciously given.  

To Him be the glory. 
For my son who will soon leave the nest. My son I will still have under my roof. The husband that works to provide. And my health continually improving. 

Yes, praise and gratefulness swell,
Amy
 

 

Spring Cleaning

Spring is in the air! 
Prom
Graduation
Greenhouses opening
Perennials popping up
Sports Cars coming out of hiding
Green grass...what a delight!

But then the dreaded dread: Spring Cleaning!

I remember when my sisters and I had to hand wash all of mom's dishes from the china cabinet!  Oh man, did I hate that job. Seemed a bit pointless to me to wash items that were first of all not used anytime recently (IE: no food particles on them) or secondly, would not be used anytime in near future!  

Now, being the owner of my own pad I get to choose what gets a cleaning and what doesn't. Wash fancy dishes before using maybe isn't the best system, but works for me. Windows...well, that happens occasionally. If we get a good rain/wind from northwest I can call it good on that side of the house. 

This year we add a graduation open house so that will include a scrub a dub-dub in the garage as well.  Yikes!   

So as I was raking dead leaves and hauling away today in between rain showers, I thought to myself...who am I doing this for?  The scripture that I used to pound into my children's heads when chore time was upon us came to mind; it was always an the attempt to spur on better attitudes.

Colossians 3:23-24

New International Version (NIV)

²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
  
And...

Ephesians 6:7

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

Hmmmm...whose attitude needs to be adjusted now?!  
Who am I trying to impress by getting my gardens just so by June 1?
What about the cute little graduation "theme"?  (I still haven't been on Pinterest to get ideas!)
Clean windows and floors...who is it for?
Me? My husband? The graduate?  

Oh boy, heart check #5,336... 

Serve the Lord, not people. 
Work from the heart for your real Master, for God. (The Message)
  
Next, I googled "cleanliness is next to godliness".  Ha!  Not in the Bible!  But there is plenty to say about this subject of cleanness.  I could spend a week on this one.  

^{Matthew 23: 27-28} “You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You’re like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it’s all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you’re saints, but beneath the skin you’re total frauds. 
The Message emphasis mine
For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,ⁱ and then the outside will become clean, too.

Well now,  Jesus is speaking here to the religious leaders/scholars of His day. They were hung up on their religion. The outward appearance of obeying the Laws; looking holy on the outside...but their hearts were far from Him. 

So what does this mean for me Lord?  It never ceases to amaze me how He hits me between the eyes every time.  As I was scouring through my Strong's Concordance and found there were 192 references to "clean" in different forms I said out loud, "I love you Lord", over and over. I love that He has me digging and cleansing as I write.  Blows me away that He cares about every detail of my life right down to my blingy blog. He is faithful!  

From here forward I will work as for the Lord. Each task I think has to be done, hand it to Him. Praise Him for each corner of our home, cobwebs and all. Every bit of food prep I will thank Him for His provision. Every dead piece of lawn; for giving us land and our black lab that brightens our days. Every scary moment for the future of my grad or how much food to make; praise that I have dear friends who have been through it and are only a call away. 
Thank you Lord!

And when I slip and my mind gets away from me, I will get on my knees and ask forgiveness.
He won't mind if I have a sponge in my hand...

Ramblings of the one being refined by spring cleaning,
Amy

Bag#43 Clothes
Bag#44 Miscellaneous household items

 
 

Bag #40

Hello from Western Minnesota on this rainy, cold spring day!  
Seems like a great day to get caught up on writing.

The last I posted was bag #39 in this quest to simplify, de-clutter, and purge.  I didn't know that this innocent challenge of filling up 40 bags of unwanted items, junk, home decor, and reusable goodies was going to become a look at the inner me!  Cleaning out the physical closets of clutter behind closed doors has spurred me on to look at the "stuff" inside the hidden places in my heart, mind, and soul.  

I have learned that the Lord had much more in store for me on this journey.  Should I be surprised?  Of course I shouldn't; unexpected blessings.

Here is a synopsis of of the 40 bag in 40 day challenge which was extended through Easter and some lessons learned while working on this project.
1. This Bling Thing-Inner beauty is the ticket
2. Stinking Thinking-Uphill climb to retrain the brain/renew the mind
3. Hoarder, who Me?-Stockpile treasures in Heaven
4. Less Me; More Him- Humility...when I am weak, then I am strong
5. Pity Party-Thankfulness Needed
6. Let it Go!- Negative self talk...everything connected with the old me...must go (put off old self!)
7. Addition by Subtraction-Impurities must be skimmed away, junk be-gone
And so the bags went. 1-39 (appliances, clothing, puzzles and the like as well)

Addition by Subtraction. Little did I know that bag #40 was going to be a lesson in obedience.

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

^{Mark 1:16-18  16} Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”^{[a] 18} And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

English Standard Version (ESV) Emphasis mine

Footnotes: Mark 1:17 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women

Obedience. The Message version says, "They didn't ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed."
This is a biggie. These guys do this for a living. This is what they know. It's what they enjoy. They have likely been successful. And they drop everything and just go!? With no questions!?  Well, here is something Amy could learn from.

I have had a burden for my business for some time.  I guess not exactly sure what my role is to be as Leader, Mom, Wife, Consultant.  But until recently, had just carried on through with my usual determination and drive on my own.  Catch that last phrase? On my own.  On my own power, stubbornness, tenacity, and love for friends and Hostesses and customers I have met. Not to mention the message Mary & Martha products share. 

Finally, it was suggested to me by more than one friend, that I diligently pray and directly ask what it is HE wants me to do. 
And so I did. And waited. And dug in the word. And got impatient. And prayed again.
Then, while driving down the road and putting in kind of an exasperated request...I said out loud, "What do you want me to do with M&M?"
This is what "went through my mind"

Still Small Voice (this made me sit up and listen...where did that come from?)
Trust Me
Let it Go
I asked, "When"
Today

So there you go. 

 And a battle ensued. Unlike the future disciples in Mark, Chapter 1...I asked questions. In the still of the night, I doubted, I whined a bit, I cried, I wondered if he really wanted me to give up the trips, fun, girlfriend time, income, product...etc. Lord, forgive me. He is so patient. 
I sent in my resignation, 1 day short of a week after He said, "Today."

As I typed my last blog, I realized I was hanging onto something He was clear I needed to let go. Bag #40.  Not that I consider my Blessings/M&M baggage so to speak, but you know what I mean I hope.  It goes along with everything I have posted about over the last several months. It makes perfect sense now, looking back. He wants me to move on. Let it go. There is something else in store. I have no idea exactly what. And neither did Simon or Andrew. They just dropped the nets and followed. Perhaps they had some of the same emotions I had; fear, grief, but likely best of all, peace.

Whew! 
He is faithful, I am thankful.

Blessings,
Amy

P.S. Yesterday, I went through my library of books, many of which were given to us when we started homeschooling. Books gather a lot of dust, especially when they are not being pulled off the shelf!  Time to bless another family. They have served their purpose for a season and time to move on.
This also made me realize that I need to keep working on the bags!  
Anyone with me on continuing the clean up!
Bag #40 My Business...Oh My!
Bag #41 Books
Bag #42 Books

Addition by Subtraction

Long time, no write!  Sorry I have been away from my writings. I missed it and you!  Alas, I have been busy with getting rid of the baggage so to speak.

Bag #28-Bag #39
Puzzles (I like to buy puzzles at Salvo and then return after using...I had just forgotten the return part for several years!), organizers that weren't such great organizers, clothing
The best part was 3 appliances that I sold on a Facebook area Rummage Sale site and a piece of furniture that we no longer use!  Fabulous! 

Getting rid of clutter is so liberating. My linen closet has now become an area of peace with less puzzles, my pantry has more space for supplies instead of appliances. It's all so good.

There have been amazing finds as I have been de-cluttering. A wonderful gift given to me dated 2005 was rediscovered. And, as the Lord would have it, impeccable timing. It is the book Fresh Faith by Jim Cymbala.  The title of my blog is from Chapter 12 of his book.  These verses are brought to the readers' attention.

^{Prov 25: 4-5} Remove impurities from the silver
    and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
Remove the wicked from leadership
    and authority will be credible and God-honoring.

And this verse:

Isaiah 1:25

New International Version (NIV)

²⁵ I will turn my hand against you;^[a]
    I will thoroughly purge away your dross (something regarded as worthless; rubbish.)
    and remove all your impurities. 

 

Or the Message version:

I’ll give you the back of my hand,
    purge the junk from your life, clean you up.

Purging, remove impurities. Less is more. Addition by subtraction. 

Taken from the book mentioned above: We can easily avoid the fact that all the noise and knowledge in the world will take us nowhere if there is unremoved dross in our lives. In God's math, you sometimes get more by having less.  His process is to subtract in order to add. He will never make a treaty with our secret pockets of sin. "That has to go," He will insist. "you cannot go on with that in your life. I cannot make a beautiful silver vessel with that dross still present."

We have to face the fact that in order to be what God wants us to be, he will have to take away things in our life that don't belong.

Unforgiveness

Competitiveness

Glory seeking

Prejudice/Judgmentalism

Habits

Attitudes

I am blessed by how He reinforces the learning process for me. I could retype the entire chapter for you here.  It's all so good. Basically, He desires us "to be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Romans 8:29). And this most certainly requires deep cleaning, getting rid of the rubbish, baggage removal, kind of work.

As I sat in the sauna reading this book, the sweat was rolling...I thought...how cool to have a physical analogy of this process.  In this removal of heavy metal toxins and others from my body, I must heat up to 130 degrees and sit there and sweat it out. It's not a quick, pill taking kind of fix. Day after day, week after week, month after month, the toxins need to rise to the top and be wiped away. 

And so it goes with the heart cleansing process.

One layer at a time. Asking Him to reveal what needs to bubble to the surface next to be skimmed away by His ladle.

Now, back to the 40 bags before Easter challenge...

Bag # 40...it's a long story. I will share that with you later.

It didn't fit in a bag.

Blessings to you on this special week,

Amy

 

 

Let it go!

A dear friend loaned us the Frozen DVD.  The kids had seen it in the theater and I was anxious to enjoy it myself. Thanks Lisa! Great music and story.  

Let it go. I keep singing it over and over and since I don't know many other words at this point the same words keep rolling out.  Let it go, let it go. 

What is this message saying? It fits right in with the de-cluttering we have been doing together.  Totally. Many items that I have hung onto for years out of guilt, nostalgia, or memory's sake...I have decided it's time to let them go. 

During the journey of healing there are many other aspects I have discovered I need to let go of.  This requires self evaluation. Negative self-talk is just one of those habits that HAS to be dealt with. Let it go! Don't do it anymore. I have become more aware as soon as the thought flits through my mind.
I promise you...many of us do it. You may not even know it. 

Old habits. Let it go.
Old behaviors. Let it go. 
Old beliefs. Let it go.

Check out the lines from the Frozen song:

Don't let them in,
don't let them see
Be the good girl you always have to be
Conceal, don't feel,
don't let them know

Yep, old habit, behavior and belief!

Well, now they know.  Now you know...
I am not perfect.
I am a sinner.
I struggle with life.
I have too much stuff.
And it is OK to admit. It is good.

Now, back to the physical de-cluttering.
Does scrubbing my oven count as a bag. It did carry baggage!  Nasty grime and smelly, very black stuff-gone. Wowza!  

The rest of the week will be dedicated to bag filling. 

Letting it go,
Amy

What do you need to let go of?

Ephesians 4:22-24

The Message (MSG)

^20-24 But that’s no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.  [Emphasis mine]

Bag #27  Grime from oven...yep, I'm counting it!

Pity Party

Today, all I feel like doing are "numbing" activities. 
Things like read Facebook posts.
Ding around on Pinterest and look at pictures of Downton Abbey.
Drink Coffee
Look at magazines.

All non-productive activities.  Why?  Why do I have this tendency to unplug from reality?

I look around and there are an over abundance of things to do: 
Dishes
Laundry
Book keeping
To Do List of odd ball phone calls
Errands
Order entry

Not feeling it. Not feeling the love for every day life.

Maybe it's the intense detoxing I am doing that is wearing me out. 
Maybe it's the view out the window that looks the same it's looked for 6 months, white, grey and another hue of grey.
Maybe it's a full blown pity party!!!

Then this verse came to mind.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.  Galatians 6:9 NKJ

And this one...This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.
And this fabulous one I read last night...in The Message Phil 4:4
Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! 
And this...Let petitions and praises shape [you], let God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. Philippians chapter 4  

Once again...Less Me; More Him  

I get it. I get why He says to offer yourself as a living sacrifice. 
A live sacrifice...me...keeps getting off the altar!  Same message, different day. 
He is so forgiving and patient and I am thankful.

Ok, pity party over.
Only thankfulness.

Blessings,
Amy

P.S. Bags purged since last post
#23  Expired supplements and OTC drugs
#24  tea bags that I don't like
#25  Perfume and fragranced lotions and shower gels...purging chemical smells from home
#26  Recipe box--purged recipes I know I won't use and reorganized storage wahoo!

Less Me; More Him

The world is a needy place; do not go there for sustenance. Instead, come to Me. Learn to depend on Me alone, and your weakness will become saturated with My Power. ~ Jesus Calling by Sarah Young March 9

This is fitting right into my theme of "Less is More".  I am so thankful for my devotional. It seems to always hit me between the eyes. Which is most of the time where I need it so He can get my attention!  
Weakness = Strength
Less of my own strength = More of His
Less doing it by myself = More of letting Him
Less hanging on to control = More of knowing Who is in control

"Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness...And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become."  The Message 2 Cor 12:9

It is so much easier too. Why as a mere human do I think I can control anything? Why do I think I have to?  

What is it? A pride thing..."Hey, everything is ok over here." Ignorance? "I didn't know this thing about getting on my knees."  

My dad used to sing the song, "Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble, when I'm perfect in every way." I can't tell you exactly why he sang that...it had a great tune... Could it be that this is part of the problem...deep down I want to be perfect...I want everything to run smooth? Maybe it's inerrant (def: incapable of being wrong) in all of us...or maybe it's just me?

Humility is not exactly promoted in this world. Even possibly frowned upon.  Hey, it might even show our weakness!?  Ho-ho!  Exactly where Satan wants us.  Satan knows the scripture..."The Lord hates pride." Prov 6:17 It's easy pickens' for the Father of Lies.

Combat pride with humbleness.  
Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up!  James 4:10
He will. He does and it is good!  Trust me on this one.  
Try it. Get on your knees. Lay your head on the floor and just start talking to Him. 

Less is More

Less Me; More Him

Amy

Less is More

Jammin' to Sunglasses at Night by Corey Hart
There is just something about 80's tunes. And now Rick Springfield....it's nearly impossible to concentrate on writing! 

Ok, so here I am several days after my last post about being a hoarder.
I am intentionally using less. When I asked my youngest son what he thought of the mantle (mind you, he is my marketer, designer, guy with the eye!) and he said, "it looks so clean and simple...nice"!  Wowza!
This is exactly the goal here. 
I have decided I can't go completely without bling for my house. I have heard from several ladies that my decor' is welcoming and a reflection of my spirit and love for family, the Lord and others.  It doesn't change  the time needed to reflect. And you can see I am working on this Less is More theory. Which, by the way was introduced to me by my English teacher, Mr. Walker. In fact, he often wrote it on the top of my papers!  "too wordy" less flowery" hmmm...

I really do enjoy the change of seasons and moving around my stuff. Repurposing and energizing an area...why not use a cute neck scarf as a table runner or garland? 

I have also cleared away an area right next to the fireplace. One little corner with NOTHING sitting there or hanging on the wall.  Last night my hubby stopped in front of it and said, "This is nice. An empty spot. I like it!"  Well then...

The de-cluttering will continue! This is really quite fun and challenging. It is all good.

I have a lot going on the next couple of weeks so I won't be able to purge a lot of bags, but do hope to do some work on email purging, figuring out why my iCloud is too full and won't back up (what is an iCloud anyway?) and all of the media/gadget clutter, you get the idea.  Although I did get some bags done at the end of the week. I made some progress in the office. Wow! Things multiply in there when I'm not looking!

As the 2nd evening closes before I get my blog published...I looked up evening verses
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
    and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!. Ps 141:2

Rest well friends,
Amy

Bag #21 Kitchen garbage bag from office
#22  Broken Household item/decor that I thought I might fix one day...

Hoarder, who me?

I literally feel sick to my stomach.
Today is the day I decided it was time to put the snowman decor' away. I have had it with winter and I need to brighten up the place some. 
It's been eye opening.

I have tubs full of things I enjoy decorating our home with: 
Spring Tub
4th of July Tub
Easter Tub
Fall Tub
Snowman/Winter Tub
Christmas Tree Decor' Tub
Christmas Tub

I also have miscellaneous items that don't fit in a tub.
Candlesticks
Wall Decor' for mantle
Framed Art
Dried reeds
Garland

I am overwhelmed.  Thus, the stomach involvement.
Overwhelmed with:
Guilt
The work the stuff creates

Guess what I figured out...It's bling!!! It's bling for my house. Oh good grief!

More truth...here it comes.

Do not store up treasures...where moths destroy... comes to mind...

Ok, Lord...really?  I Google "moths destroy scripture" and up comes Matthew 6:19. So I grab my Message Bible because I really like to see how things are worded in this version.
The first two words are "Don't hoard". I throw up my hands and let out a little gasp and chuckle. I had already titled my blog entry. He hits me between the eyes yet again. He is so good at that. So good at knowing how to get my attention when I sit still long enough to listen.
Oh Amy, still so much to learn, so much to apply, so much to admit.

This chica is thankful for grace. Thankful for His patience.


Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. The Message Mat 6:20
Heaven. Where your treasure will never lose value. No one can steal it.
This sounds heavenly!


Less time on the literal things, items of possession, things on earth. More time with Him, for Him and being about His business.

So...there is a reason He had me initiate the 40 bags in 40 days challenge...it's all becoming more clear.
 Is He up to something in you?

Humbled,

Amy

Bag #17 Jewelry drawer in Bathroom
Bag #18 Medicine Cabinet (old makeup)
Bag #19 Christmas Decor
Bag #20 Christmas Tree
Remember...we are working on these 40 bags until Good Friday...you can do it!

Stinking Thinking

I am trying to get caught up on my magazine reading so earlier this week I took a pile with me to the 130 degree sauna as I am forced to sit still for 30 minutes. I read an article written by a 51 year old gal taking banjo lessons, she wants to add to her skill set. Learn new tricks because it's therapeutic. 
It brought my mind back...

For many years in recent history I only had one goal in mind; live long enough to get the boys through high school. That sums up how I felt  for about 10 years. I didn't realize how much this thought process has affected my future planning/thinking until a friend about a year ago asked me what my dreams or goals are? I realized I had forgotten how to dream. I had not dared to dream. No new tricks being tried.  I was surviving day to day.  Appointment to appointment. Laundry and meals...my only "dream" of the day. I never planned too many events during the week and sometimes just getting groceries and the basic errands would set me on the couch the next day. I played the charade well, most didn't know how sick I was; maybe because of the bling, make up, hair gel...etc. Ha! ;)  (A side note here...many, many Blessings happened during this time as I pushed through. I certainly wasn't incapacitated.)

I remember distinctly chatting with a friend that I share a birthday month with. She was turning 50, I was turning 40. She looked at me and said, "I have never felt better." I looked at her and just about bust into tears because I had never felt worse!  

When I had finally received the diagnosis of Chronic Lyme I was so relieved. Thank you Lord! There is a reason behind this misery, yay! So, let's fix it and move on. Right!  Good thing I didn't know the road ahead. This is not a 5 day Z-Pak fix. 

Anyway,  all of this to say...chronic illness messes with your head. Big time. Makes for stinking thinking and so now it's the uphill retrain.

Think about what you are thinking about!  Think less, Thank More; You can think yourself into a bad mood or you can think yourself into a good mood;  Deceived Mind - Deceived Life ~ Joyce Meyers   

Know the word and you know the truth. Know the word and you can distinguish the lies. Know the word and you know when you are off track. I get lost in my own thoughts far more often than I care to admit.

Check out this link! Great Bible verses on this subject.  
http://www.openbible.info/topics/thoughts_and_the_mind
 
And so the push forward to try new things. Blogging, who'd have thunk?   This 45 year old CAN try new things. She can renew her mind and she will. New tricks are to be had. And learning along the way.

Blessings,
Amy

P.S. Bag update!
I received a text photo of a friend that had the back of her van packed with goods to go out the door! Talk about motivation!  She asked how many bags does this count for?  She decided on 5.  Motivated me for sure! 40 bags in 40 days + added days through Good Friday
For my Bags
#9 Donation for Silent auction (yep, another one)
#10 Salvation army--clothing
#11 Salvo--more bags/purses?  wow
#12 Salvo--pans, misc unused kitchen items
#13 Salvo--unwanted gifts
#14 Second Hand store clothing
#15 Artificial Christmas Tree to friend
#16 Sweater Dresses to Friend

Box of Chocolates

Ups and downs and give and take...

This quote taken from the Valentine's card from my hubby. Yep it happens in marriage and life.

And so it goes this life on earth. I posted on Facebook last night the famous quote from Forrest Gump; 
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get."  Ups and downs, hills and valleys, disappointment and joy...

Maybe you have bitten into a delectable looking chocolate and then realize you landed the orange cream one.  Blah! My face scrunches up thinking about it!  My boys used to squish the little chocolates before mouth entry to make sure it wasn't a dreaded cream one!  It was a great thing when Russell Stover started labeling the cover of the boxes with corresponding flavors.  This was not fool proof either as there had to be rules followed with this...leave the wrappers in place after eating to save the spot and do not tip, shake or bump the box!  

You never know what you are going to get. And to think we think we can control this thing called life when we can't even control our chocolates! 

I have so many topics I want to cover in my blog. It's all over the place. Maybe that makes it interesting. 
There has been a strong tugging on my heart to start sharing with you my Lyme journey. I think I will sit down and figure out a strategy for this. Too much is too much information. And yet, I so want to help others.  My original title a year ago for my blog was Blessed by Lyme!  So, stay tuned...

Will someone let me know if they are doing the 40 bags in 40 days besides my girlfriend that is selling everything in her house on eBay except the kitchen sink? You go girl!  
I need some motivation from all of you.  I see in my calendar that I should be on bag 19 today and have only done 8 officially.  Time to get back to work. I started a book about Minimalist Wardrobe and I about had a stroke!  That is taking it too close to my bling!  hehe

Ok, better go and get beautified for my date tonight. 

Looking forward to hearing from you!
Enjoy your chocolates...even the camouflaged ones...nuggets with nougat instead of caramel....
 
Blessings,
Amy

 'Cause I bring out the best in you, and you the best in me -- Another great line from my card today!
 




 

This Bling Thing

I want to chat about Bling for a bit, since this is part of my blog title.
But first what is this thing called bling?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary online says that the first known use of the word bling was in 1999.
noun: :  flashy jewelry worn especially as an indication of wealth; broadly :  expensive and ostentatious possessions 
The Free Dictionary
an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation 
gems)
The Online Slang Dictionary says it is used as an adjective, interjection, verb, and noun;
using definitions like: High class, fancy, flashy, expensive, to be wealthy
http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/bling-bling 

I like bling. I have a lot of bling. Or what I classify as bling. (Most of my jewelry does not fit into the precious metals or gems category, however.)
I find it a bit concerning thinking about the above definitions.

Oh no, here it comes again...the truth.
1 Peter 3:3-4

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.

 Adornment.

: the act or process of making someone or something attractive by decorating

: something added to make a person or thing more attractive

When I started this entry yesterday I had no idea that this was going to be so difficult. Bling; it's my hobby, big deal I thought. It's fun, harmless. And yet I kept walking away, avoiding...this IS hitting me where it hurts. I mean, really. I have spent a lot of time reflecting...

So I started digging deeper. The verse I quoted above is spoken to wives. 1 Peter 3:1b-2 ...so that even if some [husbands] do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, ² when they see your respectful and pure conduct. We are talking about winning our husbands for the Lord; jewelry and nails aren't the ticket. 

It's about your:  

1. Inner disposition/beauty

2. Gentle, quiet spirit

3. Respectfulness

4. Self-control
5. A changed life
This is what will get his attention.  I am able to say that yes, yes this works...from experience. I will spare you the gory details, but it was I that needed to change. I am still a work in progress.
Anyway, I don't believe the above scripture means we are to become frumpy or stop caring for our outer appearance, but the bulk of our attention should be given to our inner beauty. 
(And this surely applies to all of us married or single as we affect those around us.)

I had no idea this entry was going in this direction. I guess the Lord did though. He is forever taking me places I would just as soon ignore. Ha!  Sense of humor that guy has!  So...who is this blog for...me or you or Him?  

To Him be the glory for saving the gory and those with bling,
Amy

PS. I had someone ask the other day about the 40 bags in 40 days challenge.  
Let's keep at it and extend it through Good Friday. 
40 bags...means a bag of any size of something to throw, give away, sell, donate, or re-purpose. A bag can be a grocery bag, a big black garbage bag, a baggie. The whole purpose is to start looking at our stuff and dealing with small spaces at a time...a drawer, a closet, desk, room...
You can do it girlfriend! Check out previous posts for ideas.  

The Truth Hurts

Today is hair coloring day.  Every time I redo the roots I think, "Maybe this time they will grow back brown!"  Hmmm...eternal optimist?  Maybe.  Unfortunately, I believe my body has used up all of it's allotted hair pigment.

So when I color my hair at home I have an arsenal of tools.  My favorite is my tri-mirror medicine cabinet.  Without this tool the job would be nearly impossible.  The training I received in dental assisting has helped me to work backwards in the mirror!  The other tool is an old pair of glasses. I use these so that my new pair doesn't get stained. 

Today, I had a humbling realization. I have my old glasses on and am trying to send a text.  I can't see a thing. It's just blur.  I am like...what's the problem...and then it hits me.  Bifocals.  Ugh. These glasses don't have that helpful little tool. Really? 

The Truth Hurts.  It really can sometimes. It can a lot of times. And does.  What does it touch inside of me?  A belief I have hung onto for so long I thought it was truth? Do I really think I am still 18?  Is that such a bad thing?

I think I am on to something here.  Truth and the Lies it shatters.  And the humility it brings me to.

Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
When I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:10
The Lord hates haughtiness.  Prov 6:17

This is a deep subject.  One I will continue to explore.  

I like The Message version in 2 Corinthians.
My grace is enough; it's all you need. 
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness...I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.  

I have experienced this. It is glorious.  For me, it takes an overabundance of concentration and complete emptying and most likely on my knees or laying prostrate before I can humbly hand it over. Admit my weakness. Quit trying to act like everything is OK. Give up handling it on my own. Accept the truth of not being in control or needing to be.  He's got this, He's got me and weakness is good.

Imperfect me right down to the "clear hair" and bi-focals.   And truth be told...I am behind on the bag a day challenge...

Blessings to you my friend, 
Amy


  

1,000 Blessings

Happy Monday! Today was tax prep day.  If it weren't for the scheduled tax meeting I am pretty sure it wouldn't get done!  Deadlines are a good thing.

I am pretty excited that my blog has had over 1000 views!  Thank you to everyone that has read and shared!  I pray that my writings continue to be a blessing.

I heard from a friend that this "bag challenge" is addicting!  Is this a good addiction?  I think so.
The lesson I have learned from purging my stuff is that I am going to be very careful with purchases from here on in.  What I should start are a list of rules for purchases...hmmm...
Rule #1  Consumable--groceries, lotion, paper products
Rule #2  Usable--Pretty things allowed, but must be functional
Rule #3  Kindle Books when possible

Well, that's a start.  Any other ideas?

Bag #7  Christmas cards ( didn't throw...just finally read all of the letters :)
Bag #8  Unnecessary papers in files -- small but fulfilling bag

I am starting to think 40 bags might not be enough...and how did I get so off on this tangent.  ?

Fun, fun

God is good and I am blessed,
Amy

Are you in on the 40 bags in 40 days?  Start today!  Let me know what bags you have filled to donate, throw,  or share.  It's all good!

Bag Lady

Back when I was in elementary school my gramma told me, "When you get
older, the weeks will fly by and the months and years as well."  I couldn't imagine it!

Well, of course she was right!


Friday, here it is again! Cinnamon Roll Friday at the Larson's.  Thankful for the round cans...
I started this tradition when the boys went to St. Mary's as a celebration that they made it through another week of school!  I made up 2 cans of rolls so the boys could bring some wrapped in tinfoil for
warmth conservation to Sharon,  the bus driver.  Fun memories...I bet she misses them.  :)


How are y'all doing on the bags?  I started a challenge of 40 bags in 40 days!  This means that you clean
out an area every day for 40 days, put in a bag, and get rid of it.

In my datebook I have written what the I have purged each day starting Monday, January 27.

Bag #1 Purses

#2 Jackets

#3 Bags (a bag of bags! Ha!)

#4 Donation of Mary & Martha to St. Mary's

#5 Luggage

#6 will be Bag of old hangers


I tell you...this is addicting!  In a good way, of course.  Liberating.

Here are a couple of books I have read on this clutter issue. I like to get
the Kindle Version books...less to de-clutter later!!!


If I am so Smart Why Can't I get rid of this Clutter, Sallie Felton
http://www.salliefeltonlifecoach.com/blog

Miss Minimalist, Francine Jay (now this one is a little more radical...but thought provoking)

There is plenty said about possessions in The Word as well!

Luke 12:33-34

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³³ “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

  Winging It: Hard Sayings - "Sell all your possessions"

The above is a blog I found on this subject.  Good read.


So, where is your treasure Amy?  This is definitely a heart issue to be examined.
Search me, and know my heart of God, test me and know my anxious thoughts. Ps 139:23

Happy Weekend everyone!

Sincerely yours...The Bag Lady ;)

Amy