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

Day Seventeen – Removing Clutter

October 6, 2023

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21 NIV

As I was clearing mental clutter a couple of days ago I called my children’s dad to see if he could get in touch with a friend of mine from junior high. Only for him to finally come clean that he lives in her basement apartment. Apparently he’s lived with her for years! And, unknowingly, I’ve been to her house several times to pick him up for whatever! And the little creep never said he was renting from her! OMG! What a snake! And, sadly, it seems lately I’ve been dealing with many humans that have snake like behaviors! Can a girl get a break! Yet! The funny thing about this . . . I’m not the only person feeling as if I’ve been dealing with snakes lately! Oh! Well! A snake is always a snake! Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, speak your peace to my soul amidst evil doers. Amen

Day Sixteen – Removing Clutter

October 4, 2023

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Every year I enjoy watching the classic movie “Holiday Affair.” It’s about a young boy who secretly wants a train, a single mom’s desire to raise her child, a professional man that wants to get married and a man who’s a store clerk that wants to live his best life on the coast building boats. Well, any-who-how, the most memorable line in the movie was and is “Anything can change a life, even a toy train.” Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, give the individuals that have strong desires to change the will to change. Amen

Day Fifteen – Removing Clutter

October 2, 2023

For his eyes are on the ways of a man, and he sees all his steps.
Job 34:21 ESV

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

It’s bad when you find what you need when clearing clutter! The other day I found an outdoor grill still in the box tucked away on a shelf. I gave thanks to the Universe for missing out on buying a rickety grill that was new and had rusty grates. The missed opportunity saved me $50! WooHoo! And, for now, the primary use for the grill is to burn paperwork! As I’m scanning, uploading documents to disks. My current paper shredder can’t handle the load, therefore, I’m going back to the days of old! I won’t be using a metal discarded oil can but a charcoal burning grill will do the same job! So! Let us thank God for unanswered prayers!

PRAYER

Father God, thank you for seeing all and knowing all to meet all our needs. Amen

Day Fourteen – Removing Clutter

October 1, 2023

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 NESV

As I tried to give a gift to someone that needed what I’m going to unload, I quickly learned not everyone wants help, including me.

I arrived at a beautiful home that had tattered window treatment. I have at least 5 faux window blinds that I’ll never use. In a nutshell, they do not fit my windows. So! I immediately offered them to the person I was visiting with no strings attached! I guess I’ve always been a “no strings attached” giver. Why? Usually, when I’m given something “FREE” the whatever comes with a hidden tag and a price that is always too high for me to pay. As a result, I have spent days, weeks, months and sometimes years paying for something that isn’t worth its prior owner’s ‘free’ cost. Therefore, I usually don’t take gifts from others and made a vow to always give ‘with no strings attached.’ Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, heal the wounds of those that were hurt from receiving gifts that had hidden costs. Amen

Day Thirteen – Removing Clutter

September 20, 2023

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.
1 Corinthians 13:2

I live in Colorado and today I’ve come to realize our foothills are considered mountains in other states. And the same can be applied to clutter and or problems. My hardest struggles might be solved easily by someone else and vice versa. And! During my clutter removing journey I’m having to remind myself daily about celebrating small victories. Doing so is part of self love because loving myself has been one of the hardest things in life. Yet, many of my friends have perfected self love and I admire them for their abilities; mainly, because God wants us to love everyone including ourselves. Let’s pray!

PRAYER

Father God, hold our hands as we learn to love ourselves and others, including our enemies. Amen

Day Eleven – Removing Clutter

September 28, 2023

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

OMG! I don’t even know how to write what happened yesterday into a short paragraph. But! I’ll start and end today’s post with the making of breakfast sandwiches.

I’m always watching homesteaders on YouTube. And lately I’ve been watching Acer Homestead/Scratch Pantry. I noticed I’ve become a sideline commentator as I get older. Well, Ms. Becky pre-makes meals! I thought I would do the same. I loved her idea of making breakfast sandwiches with sausage, egg, cheese and croissants and freezing them for later. The thought of having breakfast made in nanoseconds as I’m on this journey of removing clutter sounded great until . . . I tried to make them!

The moment ended up with me extremely tired, yelling at my husband for wanting a simple cup of coffee as I felt defeated. Who knew making 12 breakfast sandwiches would cast a cloud of uncertainty. But! They did! And I really felt bad about screaming at my husband. He relies on me to do most everything since walking is painful for him. He needs a hip replacement and his surgery is scheduled at the end of October. He accepted my sincere apology as we found humor in my adventure.

LESSON LEARNED: Sometimes defeat plays a major part in accumulating clutter because after I made those sandwiches I had no energy to clean, to organize and decide the fate of unwanted items. So! Let’s pray!

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for another day to get things right. Amen

Day Ten – Removing Clutter

September 25, 2023

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, comfort the minds that are weary and burdened so they can find rest in Christ. Amen