Bee~ Journal of then...

[DrakeMaiden]

Yes, I have had some time to start re-organizing my life lately too. Spring and summer always feel like a whirlwind. I love the arrival of fall, because I can get my house back in order and start cooking again . . . I mean really cooking, not just throwing meals together. Did I mention that I love fall?

Enjoy your new-found order and peace of mind, Bee. There will always be projects waiting . . . but sometimes it is good to get everything you already have in order.

ETA: Wishing you some truck luck!

 

[keljonma]

We always saved the feed bags and used them for insulation in the barn during winter. They are "free" and great gap fillers.

We have been "cleaning and weeding out" for months! At first, it was so the farmhouse, garage, barn and farmyard would be somewhat presentable and clean for sale. Then it was emptying the farm and moving stuff to storage for the move. Now we are moving stuff from storage to the new place. Since we went from 1300 sq ft to 320 sq ft, we have found new homes for lots of "stuff".

So reading your description of your mom having a clear out made me smile. I actually only have 4 large rubbermaid bins filled with genealogy/family history stuff and pictures that I would keep - everything else could probably go.

Bee, you might be interested in John Ortberg's book/Bible study When The Game Is Over, It All Goes Back In The Box. http://www.christianbook.com/game-over-all-goes-back-box/john-ortberg/9780310253501/pd/253501

I borrowed the book from our church library. DH and I are beginning the Bible study (6 week class) next Wednesday and are looking forward to it. It is a wonderful book reminding us only people and God's Kingdom are eternal. Everything else is temporary.

 

[Beekissed]

Thank you, Kel! I am always looking for good, inspirational books to read! I will definitely check that one out.....

I am currently reading one called "What Will Happen if you Pray for your Family" and one called "Irregular People" that describes how to deal with, forgive and live with people who cause you pain and stress in your life. I was quite relieved to find that I already had taken most of the steps recommended by the author!

I have been drawn to these types of books and I think God is showing me a way to help my mother get through this horrible time. We have at least 6-7 "irregular" people in our family and this makes for some bad times if you can't let it go. Fortunately, I'm the kind of person who can't hold a grudge and forgives easily, so this doesn't hurt me as much as most, but it's still good to read about how to cope so I can help my mother and other siblings.

I simply love cleaning out, throwing out, creating smooth and empty spaces. I learned long ago from my mother that one's house can look clean, even if it is not, if there is very little clutter. It's all smoke and mirrors, baby!

 

[keljonma]

Here are two of my favorite ideas for clear out.

I'm sure many have heard of or also use this one...
Put like items in a box, label and put the current date on the box before closing it up and putting it into a closet, storage, garage, or attic space.

If you haven't opened the box for 12 months, donate or sell the items in the box. If you do go into the box within the year, cross off the date it was last opened, and add the new date. That way you can tell at a glance how often the items in the box are used and which can be re-homed.

This rule does not apply to family heirlooms, pictures, memory books, etc. It also does not apply to canning supplies, holiday or seasonal items, such as winter clothing, Christmas decorations, and the like.

Also, I love to get books as gifts during the year. If I am finished with a book, and am not planning to add it to my library, I sell or donate it immediately. That way, it doesn't take up space.

 

[keljonma]

I am currently reading one called "What Will Happen if you Pray for your Family"

Bee, could you please provide the author's name for this one?


If you like books about prayer, Sheila Walsh has written a book called Get Off Your Knees And Pray. It talks about how we get so wrapped up in the legalities of prayer - posture, what we will say. When in fact, "Every sound we utter, every thank you we say, every tear we cry in God's presence is prayer." We shouldn't worry about how we talk to God, the important thing is that we *talk*.

 

[big brown horse]

I am doing cleaning and PAINTING! Starting in the kitchen, unscrewing all the cabinets hardware etc. I had a deadline of next Sat, but a sick St. Bernard has thrown a wrench in my plans. A 116 lb baby is eating up all of my time! (A case of bloat, caught in time.)

 

[justusnak]

I like fall cleaning about as much as spring cleaning...... :/ I think its a love hate relationship. Im still busy with the outside...so the inside will have to waite. As long as we have good weather, there will be stuff to finish before the freeze, THEN I can work on the inside.
BBH, so glad you caught the "bloat" in time with your dog...hope your big baby is feeling better soon.

 

[Farmfresh]

Boy do I EVER need to do some fall cleaning. I just don't seem to have time right now to add that to my schedule.... maybe I can do some WINTER cleaning.

 

[TTs Chicks]

I need to do some fall cleaning - shampoo carpets and stuff, but there are sooo many outside project that need doing that I haven't had the time (or energy ) Maybe when it gets cooler out I'll work inside.

 

[TTs Chicks]

I am currently reading one called "What Will Happen if you Pray for your Family"

Bee, could you please provide the author's name for this one?


If you like books about prayer, Sheila Walsh has written a book called Get Off Your Knees And Pray. It talks about how we get so wrapped up in the legalities of prayer - posture, what we will say. When in fact, "Every sound we utter, every thank you we say, every tear we cry in God's presence is prayer." We shouldn't worry about how we talk to God, the important thing is that we *talk*.

I haven't read the book but that's how I feel/think - I can thank God any time no matter where I am. I also say a little prayer most everytime I hear a siren for whoever is in need.