Day Thirty Six – Removing Clutter

I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way. In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”

Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.
Psalm 142

I began writing a post that made my soul feel uneasy. It was clear it didn’t want to share the content I found noteworthy, therefore, I deleted what I wrote. And, I asked God to give me a prayer for today. He gave me Psalm 142:3, “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.” That verse is so profound. I read the entire Psalm to see what the author was writing about.

Ah! Awh! Psalm 142 is David praying when he was in the cave! I love that moment! I’m sorry David had to endure such. But! OMG! That moment has been my benchmark for dealing with enemies. Really! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, someone is under great stress. They are being heavily pursued by their enemy/enemies. Hide them under the breastplate of righteousness. Shelter them under your protection. Let them enter into your rest and dance in the rain. Amen

Day Thirty Five – Removing Clutter

Trust in the Lord with all you heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

Now that I’ve sorted, distributed, opened, saved and scanned one bag of mail, I can write a post.

Today, I would like to tell you about “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” I remember the first time I heard this proverb. I was doing a crafting project reluctantly for a former pastor’s wife. It seems she was always calling on me to do this and to do that, while my young children went without my guidance.

As I stood at the fabric counter complaining, forgoing all the dirty little details, the clerk’s life experiences had given her a birds eye view of my “good intentions.” Somewhere in-between me taking a breath, she took the opportunity to say, ‘the road to hell is paved with good intentions.’ Her words hit me like a ten ton brick! Why?

During that time I was a single mom that desperately wanted to be accepted. As I write this post and have moments of reflections, I just gotta say, “Boy! I was stupid!”

I was a single mom with little to no help financially from my children’s dads. And whatever money I had my kids were entitled to it first! I should have been at home with them, because they deserved home baked cookies. And most importantly they needed structure! Doing such would have helped them transition easier in every area of their lives as they grew into adulthood. Sadly, I couldn’t give my children what I didn’t have, my poor spirit felt abandoned. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, today I pray for the souls that seek to be a part of something greater than themselves. Help them until you can help. In Jesus name I ask. Amen

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

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-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 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

Day Eighteen – Clearing Clutter

October 7, 2023

Enemies disguise themselves with their lips, but in their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them, for seven abominations fill their hearts.
Proverbs 26:23-25

Well! After having being smacked in the face with a bone chilling reality check concerning my ex is still a snake! He forwarded my phone number to my friend his landlord. I missed her call. She missed my call. And on Wednesday night she and I finally connected. She was just as surprised as me that he kept silent about knowing either of us on some type of strange level. Boy! Oh! Boy! What a freakin snake! His silence closed doors of opportunities for she and I. And, sadly, those doors were closed by someone that tell us often he’s our friend. With a friend like him, people don’t need enemies. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, give us wisdom to discern friends vs enemies. Amen

The Hem of His Garment

October 6, 2023

For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Matthew 9:21 KJV

The view from my mom’s hospital room as she fought to live.

My oldest celebrated his 44th birthday on October 1st. He spent it with a friend that’s a year older, shares the same birthday and is now fighting for his life. As my son told me about his wonderful day my heart went out to both men. My son shared how poorly his friend looked but his friend was happy to see another day. Oddly enough my son’s story took me back to when I had to sit with my mom during her sessions of infusion. For the moment the name of the department escapes me but not the images of those that were fighting to live. Oncology! Is the name of the department! Well, as I document my journey of clearing clutter from my home and occasionally sorting through mental clutter, I’m going to pray for the sick and shut in.

PRAYER

Lord, you’re the author of all life. Someone was medically diagnosed with terrifying news and you know who they are. You also know their fears go beyond the moment they received disappointing news despite them putting on a face of being strong. Place your loving arms around them and comfort their tormented souls. Showing them you’re there for the long run. Amen

SONG: The Anointing