Day Twenty Seven – Removing Clutter

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27

When I was a young woman my dad would always say, “My home is my sanctuary.” Meaning his home was his sanctuary. He was so at peace with apartment life that he kept his door slightly opened as he sat at his kitchen table in nothing but his whitety tighties! It’s clear to see he disregarded how his behavior could have made his neighbors uncomfortable. But! My son’s who were used to wearing bed/street clothing in our home quickly suggested to their grandfather to put clothing on during one of their visits. My dad told them, “This is my house.” So, as young men who wanted to spend time with their grandfather they overlooked what temporarily made them uncomfortable.

Now! I totally disagree with my dad’s actions when it came to him sitting around in his undies with the door open and in the presence of others. But! I wholeheartedly agreed with him that our homes are our sanctuaries! And! With each new day we need to protect its tranquility. As why I’m on this clutter removing journey because I DO NOT function well in chaos, never have and never will! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, give those that seek peace your peace. Amen

The Hem of His Garment

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3

I have a really weak stomach! And! The only baby diapers I could change without gagging belonged to my children. Yet, love will help you endure things for others beyond what your stomach can handle.

When I was a little girl and my mom was a young woman, the first thing she taught me when using public restrooms was to squat over the toilet. Later, I learned to line public toilets with toilet paper if I had to rid my body of soiled waste. Well-any-who! Age and my mom’s illness robbed her of being able to do either; therefore, during her Oncology visits she would say, “Annette, I gotta go to the bathroom.”

Her soft and gentle request would prompt me to grab my bag that I had packed full of cleaning products, her medicine pole as she closely followed me to the nearest bathroom. Sometimes all I would have to do is wipe the toilet seat with a Clorox Wet Wipe; but, there would be times I would have to clean the toilet because feces and or urine would be very visible. It was those days my poor mom would say, “Hurry up!” She had no clue I was hurrying and I had no clue how her bladder was screaming to her that it wanted to be relieved. But! The one thing she knew during our bathroom breaks was she was loved. She truly understood I was going beyond my ability to help her when she could no longer squat and or make public toilets safe for her to use.

Those bathroom cleaning days are gone but I would gladly return to them if it meant I could have my mom back. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. And, I’d forgotten the bathroom moments until my son shared how his friend is bravely fighting cancer.

I wrote the above to write this: Sometimes people lose control over their body functions as their illnesses rob them of feeling alive, truly alive. It’s during those times when they need small favors without strings attached to remind them to hang in there and continue fighting for their life because they are loved. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, you know the secret places of everyone. You know how to reach us as communities, groups and as individuals. Today, I humbly ask that you put on the hearts of many to visit the sick and shut in. Inspire them to give life and meaning to your words by allowing their kind actions to comfort those that are sick. Amen

Day Twenty Six – Removing Clutter

October 22, 2023

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

As I continue on this journey of decluttering my home, I find myself with little to no support. And in turn without thought I’d made those that read my post the someone’s whom I was accountable to. For only God knew how the years of being involved in stressful situations depleted me of a natural resource of being a self-starter. So, therefore, to accomplish tasks that I would never need help doing, I’ve unconsciously made people of the Universe forces that hold me liable for removing the clutter from my home. This revelation explains why I try to write about my actions daily. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I call on you this morning. Life happens, bad days are a given and depression is always lurking and looking for victims, but you are ever present! You sit patiently and quietly waiting for God’s children to seek your help in matters that go beyond their ability to solve. Today, Holy Spirit, I ask for your infinite wisdom to give aid to those that don’t know how to seek your help when it appears they are totally alone. Amen

Day Twenty Five – Removing Clutter

October 21 2023

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

Well! Several days ago, I made it to the Salvation Army with my donations! When I opened the sliding door to the middle cavity of my van the guy said, “Wow! You got this car filled!.” Oh! Yes! I did have my car filled! And, I plan on filling it again until my home no longer has clutter. And, yes, I even donated those really nice storage bins because I’m not playing. I gotta get my home cleared, clean and remodeled.

Today I’m packing the car with items that can hopefully benefit Habitat For Humanity. All the items I’ve purchased within the last 20 years to upgrade the upstairs and or finished the basement of my home are outdated and taking up prime real estate in my garage. So! They gotta go! Including those 2 cases of red Christmas lights [tire screech]! I might want to rethink giving away the red Christmas lights! Especially since things are so expensive now! Ok! I’ll keep the cases of Christmas lights but I gotta give up something else to make space for them on a shelf. This is a Winnie the Pooh moment, think think think. I know! I can donate those ceiling fans I couldn’t sell on Facebook MarketPlace years ago. Clutter problem solved!

Side note: I haven’t posted in a couple of days because I fell off the wagon when it came to removing clutter from my home. Life happens! However, this morning I’ve dusted myself off from the fall and I’m back in the saddle! I have a house to clean and remodeling projects to complete! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, sometimes we fall and our hurt determines how long we stay down. Today, Lord, I ask that you whisper in the ears of those that feel defeated they are loved. Loved by you, your son, the Holy Spirit and people like me that believe in you. Amen

Day Twenty-Four: Removing Clutter

October 17, 2023

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

Wow! Sometimes on my clutter removing journey I really do have funny moments. Yesterday was the 3rd day for me burning the left behind paperwork that belonged to my oldest son. Sadly, because life happens, I wasn’t able to burn all the documents consecutively but it did take three days of my life to attend to someone else’s responsibility. Any-who! I sent my son a text as I neared the end of the project. It had a photo of the cover of a family genealogy book. I asked him if the book was the one he was missing; because he claimed my mom had taken it and had gotten rid of it. He replied with a “yes.”

Well any-who, I sent the same photo to a paternal cousin. I told her how the book came to be in my possession. She said, “You should keep that book. He left it behind.” I told her I would make copies of the book for her and I and give the book to my son. The book means the world to him as it was given to him by my dad, his late grandfather. But here’s where the story gets hilarious!

After sending my son a photo of the cover I also sent him a photo of me reaching the end of burning his personal paperwork. So! When I called him he said, “MOMMA! You didn’t burn my book did you!” His question left me puzzled with my own question of “why would I burn his book.” Then I said, “No! Why would I burn your book!” He says, “Because the last picture you sent was of something burning!” I started laughing and assured him I didn’t burn his book. Afterwards, he told me how he got the book and how much it meant to him.

My son is extremely frugal! Extremely! He asked, “Mom, are you going to send that book to me when you send me my photos? If you do, I will send you the postage.” Now! He was willing to let me send him his photos/pictures/framed artwork on my dime, but that book means so much to him that he is now willing to pay postage for everything. Wow! And! The book is poorly put together and is stained with whatever! Yet, that small bundle of paper that’s clamped together with some type of closure means the world to him.

What I’ve learned from this moment is that sometimes we lose things of value and always find them when we clear clutter from our homes and our minds. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, help us to clear clutter from our homes and or our minds and afterwards help us to organize and prioritize both spaces so we can enjoy our divine purpose. Amen

Day Twenty-three: Removing Clutter

October 16, 2023

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
PSALM 32:8

I had a case of these small vases and I donated the entire case.

The car is loaded from the back to the middle! And! I did leave the driver’s seat unfilled though! Because had I not, I couldn’t get all the stuff I have to donate to the Salvation Army!

When I was a young single mom I always made a dollar too much to get food stamps for a family of three and later four, therefore, I was always struggling to make ends meet. Since buying food took a big chunk of what I made it was not unusual for me not to have money to pay my electric bill. I’m not even sure how I heard about the Salvation Army but I went to them for help. I remember sitting in an office and being extremely nervous as I was being asked questions concerning my finances. Honestly, I was ashamed! I couldn’t take care of myself and the children that depended on me! I had to go to strangers and ask for help! OMG! Telling this story ties into my feelings concerning my snaky ex! Let me move on quickly before I get myself upset!

Well! Each time I had to go there I felt so bad for asking for financial assistance. So for two years they paid my bill. Both visits meant I got my bill paid once a year through their organization. And glory be to God, their kindness allowed me to financially breath and sleep without worry for at least a month or two. It was then when I began to give what I could share to the person ringing a bell standing near a red pot in front of King Soopers grocery store every holiday. My donations were never over $20 dollars but I gave what I had.

My son’s are all grown and making it on their own without help from me, their dad’s and or stepdad. And every now and then when a melancholy moment returns and visits them about our past life of never having enough money they find strength in their journey and push themselves to be inspired for greater accomplishments.

Today, despite my emotional ties to never having enough so long ago has also helped me when it comes to releasing unused items to a worthy organization that has a great humanitarian cause. May the items always give joy to the new owners. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for keeping your eye on us and being an understanding teacher that lovingly instructs those that want to hear your wisdom. Bless all donations great and or small for the glory of God and for the good of humanity. Amen

Day Twentytwo: Removing Clutter

October 15, 2023

The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.
PSALM 33:11

As I write about my experiences with renovating my mom’s home and dealing with the snaky ex, I’m quickly reminded that some things perceivably hard and or bad gotta work a certain way to bring God’s plan to the forefront for our lives. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your strength and always let it be front and center on our journey. Amen

Day Twenty-one: Removing Clutter

October 10, 2023

They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Titus 1:16 ESV

Why was I crying about the missed opportunity when it came to working with my friend? Well, I’ve done DIY projects forever. Twenty years ago I remodeled my first home I’d purchase for $43,500 and later sold it for $175,000. I made a nice profit of $131,500! As a result, I was able to pay off several student loans, pay several creditors off, move my children and myself to a better neighborhood and pay cash for a new car to boot! So, after years of remodeling my current home, I felt I could increase the estate’s finances by renovating my mom’s home after she had died. The task was easier said than done! Remodeling my own home on my own time and dime is one thing but when I entered into the construction arena with little to no knowledge, I became easy prey! Therefore, I found myself doing jobs that were harder than what I’ve ever done because of the outrageous bids I got. I became extremely tired and physically sick from it all. So, I cried because I knew my friend had the resources to help me. I didn’t know how to contact her. My ex rents her basement apartment and knew I was struggling. Yet, he never said a word to either she nor I to lighten my load. What a snake! It has always been about him! Never about the kids and surely never about the woman that gave him two wonderful gifts he claims he loves. And tomorrow always comes with him saying “I’m a nice guy.” What a freakin snake! Sigh. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, protect your children by covering them with the blood of Jesus. Amen.

Day Twenty – Removing Clutter

October 9, 2023

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from they presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12

Yes, I’m still working on removing clutter as I write about the effects deceitful people have on others. As a matter of fact, I’m trying to get rid of tons of stuff from my hallway closet. I’ve been working on it off and on for the last day or so. This morning I plan on finishing the project. But, today’s post continues about the phone call between my friend and I.

As I reflect on how I felt after hearing my friend was a realtor, I must write about how I sat crying after learning of a missed opportunity. She doesn’t know about my tearful moment and I never plan on telling her. For crying over spilt-milk has never helped anyone but the person that cries. However, what I’ve learned is, sometimes people don’t want you to have peace no matter how good you’ve been to them. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit. Amen

Day Nineteen – Removing Clutter

October 8, 2023

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

Tomorrow, I will write why my friend means so much to me. But, today I will continue on with telling the story of why my ex is still a snake. Sigh. Well, any-who-how, when my friend and I did connect we talked for hours! Hours! We caught up on everything and everybody we knew and didn’t know. As we covered our life journey my heart sank to the bottom of my already disappointed stomach once she said, “Oh, yeah, I’m an engineer and a realtor.” I remembered she was an engineer and a property investor but I must have forgotten she was a realtor. Shame on me! Because I allowed time to rob me of so many good memories. Yet, I’m glad I never forgot she’s a successful engineer that continues to reach back into her community to inspire young and old. She is truly amazing! And from the sounds of things her successes intimidate men. Her open desire to have a faithful husband and grandchild clearly shows no matter how successful you become, the heart always want to belong and connect with family. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Our hearts are burdened for our friends who are hurting right now. We ask that you would be their comforter, that you would cover them with your infinite grace and mercy, surrounding them in peace during this dark season. We pray for fresh grace, for renewed strength, for your goodness and mercy over their lives today.

We thank you that you alone are our refuge and strong tower. We thank you that no matter what we face, you are still on the throne, you are still in control, and nothing can ever stand against you. Thank you that you hold the victory in this world, and you have promised in your Word that you will be with us through any hardship we may face.

We know that only in you do we have the hope to face dark and uncertain times, for our future is held secure through the gift of Christ. We ask for you to extend your hope and compassion to our loved ones right now. In these days when they’re struggling, or seem to have lost their way at times, would you please remind them that you are still here. With them. Close. That you are bigger than this storm they’re facing, and you promise to hold them secure.

Thank you God that you are with us always, that your presence is mighty, and you hear our prayers on behalf of those we love. We ask that you would show yourself strong on their behalf. Remind them that nothing is too difficult for you, and you are leading them through this difficult time, covering them in your care. We know and believe beyond any doubt, that your power and love will never fail.

You are always trustworthy. You are all-powerful. You are fully able. You are Lord over every situation no matter how difficult it may seem. You are our healer and will never waste the pain we carry today. You promise to use all things for good in some way, because you are a God of miracles and nothing is too difficult for you.

All these burdens we carry for our friend today, we lay at your feet, Lord. We give them to you, and we thank you that you hear our prayers and are at work on their behalf even now. Thank you that you fight for us, even when we can’t see all that you’re doing, even when we can’t fully understand your ways. We know that nothing can ever separate us from your great love and care, and our loved ones are safe in your hands. ~Debbie McDaniel