A CLEAN HEART - Homeschool Blogger

To bless your heart and home in 2008...

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:52:00 -0600

After much deliberation and prayer, the decision has been made to offer the CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART! Devotional FREE! My husband and I have talked about this for a very long time, and what God wanted us to do in this area. I know that what I share (whether it's what I've written on paper, in my blogs, or otherwise) is from God. He has given me the ability to write, and I'm humbled by how it's touched others' lives. Not for a second do I want to take away the glory from the Lord.

If you've been following my DANDELION SEEDS blog, you know our financial situation. Yet, I know so many who have written to me in financial strains of their own. I don't ever want someone to be unable to read something I've written because of money. I know what it's like to be so miserable from clutter that you'd do anything to get out... and therefore, I just can't charge anyone for this devotional. The Lord said He would provide for us, and we're going to continue leaving that area up to Him by adding a donation button to my blog so if you feel lead to give money for the download of the devotional, scripture verses, or journal pages (or anything else offered here) then we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We know that the Lord will provide for us, and we know that He does that through people as well. There have been so many of you that have helped us in the ways we needed, and so in giving this devotional, I know that I am doing the same. May you be blessed as you start the new year out cleaning your heart and home... and thank you for allowing me to be a part in that.

So... Merry Christmas! May your heart and home be blessed as You seek Him in 2008!

"CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART!" Motivational Devotional for the Disorganized (print two-sided)
"CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART!" Journal Pages (print two-sided to begin & add more pages as needed)
"CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART!" Scripture Verse Posters (print one-sided only. I also suggest using white cardstock, or a bright color(s) and change to greyscale printing)

Still Seeking,
Amy

(You can also purchase the devotional comb-bound with a heavy cardstock cover and back (printed with a laser printer, so no smears from water or coffee!) if you'd rather it just be done for you or to give as a gift. Please email me (amy@dandelionseeds.com) if you are interested in purchasing one or multiple copies. I will be gone for the next couple of days, but can help after that.)

Getting ready for the holidays!

Sat, 6 Oct 2007 11:09:00 -0500

I just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing the 12-Week Holiday Planner by Sherri Graham and would love for you to see more about it so stop by my other blog, DANDELION SEEDS (just click on the link to take you to the post). Also, if you'd like to know when a post has been made about it, then please sign up for the DANDELION SEEDS notification, since I'll be making all the posts there (there's a place to sign up on the sidebar of the blog).

So, what are you waiting for?! Check it out!!

Bless your heart and home,
Amy

I May Have Stopped... but the World Hasn't...

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 22:01:00 -0500

Even though I've stopped blogging... I know the world continues to move. In being nominated for the blog awards hosted by my friend, Sprittibe, I've been touched once again, by the harsh reality of life at times while reading of another woman's trial... and I knew that it was more than just my prayers and heart could handle... this is a story that needs to be spread to everyone...

One of the other women helping with the blog awards has recently found out that she has a brain tumor. Heather has a blog that I have been reading, and in awe of her writing as she shares her heart about her life. This tumor is not the first story to follow... the birth of her daughter Emma is one to read as well. But, since I can never just read about someone... this woman has become a part in my life now as well. My world has become smaller, as my heart aches for someone I've never even met... and it's stories like this that remind me how precious our time is... that we never know what will be next...

Please take time to share about Heather on your blog, in your church, womens study... everywhere... and if you'd like to help out financially, BooMama is asking anyone to come to her site on the 18th of April to give a love offering to Heather and her husband Mark (they will be traveling to the Mayo Clinic for an appointment on the 25th of April).

Thanks for spreading the word about Heather... and hold your loved ones a little longer tonight... getting organized and "de-cluttered" is great... but the dust bunnies can wait another day... choose what's most important first.
Still Seeking,
Amy

Good bye for now...

Tue, 6 Mar 2007 09:57:00 -0600

Please read my post at DANDELION SEEDS... I will finish the CCC posts, and get The CHCHC going as best as I can, but otherwise, my time here will be limited.

Thanks for everything ladies... May the Lord richly bless your hearts and homes,
Amy Verlennich

WEEK 32: Pickin' Up the Pieces

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 08:11:00 -0600

The Lord upholds all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14 (NKJV)

You are overwhelmed, and with everything piling up, you may be feeling as if the weight of the world is on top of you. Maybe you feel as if you've fallen spiritually and aren't sure of how to get back up.

"The Lord upholds all who fall…" He is like no other. He is all-powerful and all knowing. He is invincible and unstoppable; omnipotent. He watches where you're going at all times, and carries you through. He's there twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; always. He invests all His time in you. He's never too busy. All His thoughts and concerns are centered on your well being. He is there to uphold you and give you strength. He is there each and every time you fall… even now… and He will raise you up.

Before He does that though, He may want you to take a longer look to see how you fell to begin with. Did things of this world get in the way? When was the last time you just sat in His presence? Have you gotten involved in one too many "good things" that took your time away with the Lord? You can do all you want for Him, but only time with Him… in His word… will help you to keep from falling.

Yes, the Lord will pick you up, but don't forget to pray while you're down there. It may be the very reason you've fallen in the first place.

Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being by my side and always looking out for my best interests. I look to You for the answers. Please help me to keep from stumbling and falling. When I do, however, I pray that I would use that time to draw closer to You, and learn from the lessons You have for me. Uphold me today Lord, and give me the strength that I need to stand tall and walk through my life with confidence in You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich

"Create in Me a Clean Heart" Devotional for the Disorganized is 52 weeks (a year). If you'd like, you can be notified through email weekly (on Sundays), to read the devotion for the week. You can begin at any time, as the notification will just be a reminder (you will have to remember what week you're on). Just go to the sidebar and click Subscribe to the "Create in Me a Clean Heart" Devotional.

Magazines + Catalogs = BIG Clutter!

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 11:47:00 -0600

There is nothing that attributes to clutter faster than our mail. Magazines, catalogs, letters and bills add up so fast, that to miss a day or more can leave your mailbox busting at the seams! You can't even escape by shopping online. One purchase, and your on the list of a "million" other shops, and you begin to receive catalogs you've never even heard of!

As far as magazines go, the easiest thing to keep the clutter gone, is to only have the current issue in your home. Now... if you don't have time to be reading every magazine you're currently subscribed to... then it's time to cancel some subscriptions! (You CAN do it!) Magazines "fool" us. We think because they're magazines, that we can read them faster than, let's say, BOOKS... With books we don't go out and purchase six books with the idea that we're going to read them in a couple of weeks... yet, that's essentially what we do with magazines. Just like books on many topics, there are many good magazines on different (or similar) topics. Don't fool yourself in thinking that you "need" them all. There may be "pretty pictures" and wonderful content... but we must guard our time and evaluate how we're spending it and every magazine you read takes time.

Another thing to look at when thinking about what subscriptions to keep, is to evaluate magazine content. How much is stuff you're reading, and how much are you skimming? In other words, is there more that you're not paying attention to then what you're actually looking at. If you're reading less than 50% of the magazine, then you really need to evaluate the money being spent on the subscription. There are many good books out there (that you can get from the library for FREE) that you can get helpful information about.

If you're keeping magazines for kids to make projects from, chances are good that you have a friend or family member (maybe even at church) where you could ask to use an old magazine of theirs (therefore not needing a subscription at all!). Any articles you would like to keep for their information content or otherwise, put in a folder to keep organized, but be sure to evaluate doing this as well. By keeping these articles, are you really going to come back to them and read them? There is so much good information out there and you need to trust the Lord to bring you the answers you seek when you need them. Make sure you're not keeping things out of the FEAR of not having them when you WANT. Creating a folder for school and only a FEW pages for projects would be helpful as well.

Subscriptions also cost money so to help in that area you can find out who has a subscription and ask if you could have their copy after they're done (which would help in their clutter too)! Or, share a subscription with a friend by splitting the cost and holding each other accountable to getting rid of the magazine when done reading! If it's a great magazine that you continually find great stuff in, then take turns clipping things out every other month.

Catalogs are to be treated similarly, and can add up even faster (as you seem to get a catalog from almost anything and everyone once you buy something through a catalog or online). When you go through your mail, literally stand by the garbage can and go through it... throwing any and every catalog away (or recycling)! Seriously! If I don't have the money to get something, why do you want to look? Not to mention the fact, you don't need to look so you can become discontent with what you have! Now, occasionally you could keep a few to look for decorating ideas and such, but if you can't do anything (paint, sew, whatever) because money is tight, then there's no reason to even keep the clutter.. ah... catalog. Put it straight into the garbage (or better yet, recycle)! If it's something you decide to keep, then be sure you look it over in the next couple of days. If it's something you want to keep (for sale reasons or such) then make sure you have a spot for it, whether it be in the bathroom on a rack, in a basket in the livingroom, or by your nightstand... and maintain the pile by making sure you don't have too many catalogs.

Looking into these problems and resolving them will be a HUGE help in the area of de-cluttering your heart and home! Keep fighting the good fight!

Bless your heart and home,
Amy Verlennich

WEEK 31: Your Heart's Welcome Mat

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 11:12:00 -0600

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:1-2 (NKJV)

When there's a knock at your door, what are your immediate thoughts and feelings? Are you excited at who might be there? Or, do you have a sick feeling in your stomach as you walk towards the door with a red face from embarrassment, as you open the door just enough so the person can't see into what a mess you live in?

What do you walk into when you enter your home? What is the first thing you see? What do you feel like when you come through the door after being away from your house? Whether it's an entry, foyer, living room or kitchen; what does it look like right now? Does it make you feel good? Are you relaxed at the thought of it?

The Lord wants us to be welcoming to people in our homes. Not keep them outside in the wind and rain, having to peer through a crack in the door because you don't want them to be able to see inside, or worse yet, because you can't pry the door open any further than that! If you've allowed the place that you walk into upon entering your home to become an unwelcoming place, then you need to deal with that. If your entire house is an embarrassment, then you'll need to deal with that too, but one day at a time.   Today, focus on that front door. Look at what you need to pick up, put away and clean. Think of why you feel anxious and hesitant when someone's at the door. Now think of being that someone receiving your welcome on the other side. What kind of a welcome do they get when your answer the door? What is your heart?

It's embarrassing when people see us at our worst. It's like being in 3rd grade with your zipper down and the class laughing. But, if you've let your home overtake your heart, then it's time to re-evaluate. God wants you to welcome people into your home, no matter what it looks like. You are touching a person's life when they come in contact with you. It doesn't matter if it's a stranger or a close friend. Once they see you, you've become a part of their day; a part in their life. How you choose to respond to their presence in your life at any given moment is up to you. God may be sending you an angel, or He may be sending someone for you to be an "angel" to. While taking care of your house is important (the Lord gave it to you) don't forget that people are the Lord's most precious gift. What will you be like the next time there's a knock at the door? Remember, more importantly than what your house looks like, is what you are when you're in it.

Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the house that You've given to me. I pray that I would get things done so that I would feel better about people entering.   I also pray that You would give me a sense of peace that comes from You so that I would be able to focus on who is coming into my home instead of what they are coming in to. Take away apprehension when someone knocks, that I might be gracious and welcoming to all those who enter.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich

WEEK 30: Google "God" Instead

Sun, 4 Feb 2007 23:34:00 -0600

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-18 (NKJV)

It's all too easy to get caught up in things of this world. It can seem like everywhere you turn to, there's another thing you need to turn from. With so many things targeted at human desires, it can be especially hard for your flesh to fight the constant battle of good verses evil.

The internet is one of these examples. It's amazing what it did for conveniences. It's also disappointing what it's done to men and women alike in so many other ways. The internet has become a super highway for knowledge of good and evil. There's so much information at just the click of a mouse, and with so much so easily accessible, it's too easy to find trouble without even trying.

The deeper heart issue here is lusting after more than what you already have. Looking can lead to wanting, and wanting can lead to discontentment… and it doesn't take long for things to go down hill from there! You have become overwhelmed with your lack of organization, and for some reason, you've gotten behind in one thing (or many) and you're struggling. If you have a computer, you must be mindful of how much time you spend on it, and what you look at. It can easily suck up a day's worth of cleaning and organizing that you could be doing otherwise. Keep on task! You will not get organized and your house will not get clean by avoiding it (or by bringing more things into it from a shopping spree from e-bay)! Keep your focus where it needs to be and let your needs be where your focus is... on God.

Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for everything that You've blessed me with. I pray that I would stay on task and focused on You so that I can get out of this terrible pressure of being behind. Help me not to stray by looking at things on the computer. Give me energy to work hard to get things done and stamina to see it all through. Thank You for the modern conveniences of today. I pray that I would use them for good and never evil.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich

The C.C.C. Assignment #6

Sun, 4 Feb 2007 15:33:00 -0600

The next step in "perrging" your home is to REUNITE. This is the easiest and fastest step in the "perrging" process! YIPPEE!!!! (And it comes right before the hardest...) Let it encourage you to see how far you've come, and that you're so close to the end! You can do this!

ASSIGNMENT #6:

How's your weekly devotional/memory verse coming along? Be sure to be "hiding God's Word in your heart" throughout the week. (If you get to the point where you need more devotions, they are available to read at A CLEAN HEART Blog, as well as coming out soon in a PDF format that will be available for purchase as well.) Also, don't forget to read the next devotional when Sunday comes!

Are you checking things off 'MY DON'T FORGET LIST'? Remember, don't let the rest of the house fall behind! This will also help to establish a routine that will continue after you're done de-cluttering and will help you keep on track.

Read page 39. This step is to get everything closer to where it belongs and will eventually "live". Don't forget that FIND box. REUNITE all of its items as well. If something can't be found, keep it in the box until you've went through the rest of the rooms and spaces (closets, drawers, etc.). Take the filled boxes into the rooms/areas they belong and get ready for the next step. (It's the hardest one to tackle, so you may want to take a day off to rest, but even if you don't... be sure you're in prayer for wisdom and stamina.)

Be sure to be checking this step off the AT-A-GLANCE CHECK LIST as well (found on page 63).

You're nearing the end! Are you seeing progress? How 'bout the "inhabitants" of your home? Have things been more peaceful?

Keep de-cluttering... inside and out!
Bless your heart and home,
Amy

The C.C.C. - Assignment #7

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 14:21:00 -0600

The next step in "perrging" your home is to GO THROUGH your boxes. Emotionally, this step is really the hardest. This is where all the heart strings are pulled. If at all possible, it may be a good idea to have someone to help you through this process and keep your focus on the Lord and His desires for you. This is where "freedom" is accomplished where the clutter is concerned in your home... it may even become painfully obvious some of the heart issues you still have with your clutter, and amazingly, in getting rid of the clutter in your home... you may even find the clutter diminishing from your heart as well.

ASSIGNMENT #7:

How's your weekly devotional/memory verse coming along? Be sure to be "hiding God's Word in your heart" throughout the week. Don't forget to read the next devotional when Sunday comes!

Are you checking things off 'MY DON'T FORGET LIST'? Remember, don't let the rest of the house fall behind! This will also help to establish a routine that will continue after you're done de-cluttering and will help you keep on track.

Read pages 40-41.

Pages 42-55 have checklists for each room (you will have to make copies for more than one room). Check things off each list as you go so you will know where you at in case you get interrupted. LOOK-TOUCH-TOSS is explained and a reminder at the top of each list to help you with this step as well.

Be sure to check this step off the AT-A-GLANCE CHECK LIST as well (found on page 63). As you get done with each room, be sure to check it off the list to know what you still have left to do. (If you need to add rooms, then do that too.) Notice you're nearing the end!

This step will take some time. When you feel yourself getting stressed, walk away, pray, and come back to it. You're so close to the end! You're almost there! If you need to, take a couple of days off before beginning this step, or take a day off in-between the rooms you're in. Most importantly, seek the Lord for the strength, stamina, and wisdom to get through this! You're doing great!

Keep de-cluttering... inside and out!
Bless your heart and home,
Amy

YOUR Perfection Will Never Be Good Enough

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:43:00 -0600

When getting your home in order, a heart issue that needs to be addressed, is why things are so disorganized, cluttered, and behind. Often, women find themselves wanting things "done right" or a certain way and because their NEED for it to be "just so" is so strong... they don't begin until they know they can do it the way they want it done. They want it perfect.

Stay-at-home perfectionists often find themselves lost in a sea of chaos. Their "meticulous pursuit to reach excellence" (definition of perfection given by Wikepedia) can never be achieved. Seemingly put together in public, the hard truth is hidden at home under the piles of papers, clothing, and garbage. How is it that wanting things done "right" can cause one such turmoil?

Wanting to do your best or even wanting to have things done to the best of your ability is not the same as wanting perfection. There's a big difference from trying to do something and putting things off until they can be "done right"... you will never reach your goal... NEVER. PERFECTION will never be good enough... When you'll settle for "nothing less than the best", you may have to settle for nothing. You may find yourself without the things you want and instead find yourself with something else... perfection doesn't come empty-handed... along with it comes DISCONTENTMENT.

Discontentment, as defined by WordWeb Online, is a longing for something better than the present situation. Certainly a perfectionist can relate to that, and because a perfectionist desires to have things perfect (which nothing EVER is, can be, or will be), the only thing left is discontentment. The more things get set aside until they can get done "perfectly", the more discontent the perfectionist becomes. It's a never-ending cycle and can only be stopped when the heart is examined.

If you've stopped doing things because you're waiting until you can do it right... or perfect... then you are NOT becoming anything... but discontent. Whatever your reasons have been for not doing the things that need your attention, your decision to move ahead and press toward the goal the Lord has for you is crucial in His call on your life. I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. Phil. 3:12-14 (Message)

Your quest for perfection will never be good enough... but Our Savior and Lord will. Stop waiting to do it perfect... and go to the One who is.

Bless your heart and home,
Amy

WEEK 29: Sweet Dreams

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 17:05:00 -0600

Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds though Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Do you sleep peacefully, or have you found yourself restless, thinking of everything you still have yet to do? Do you lie awake, tired and exhausted, but unable to enter "dreamland" because you're making a mental list of everything you need to do the next day?

You are to be anxious for nothing. NOTHING. NO THING is supposed to worry you. Instead, you are to be prayerful in everything. EVERYTHING. EVERY THING is supposed to be brought to the Lord in prayer. Not just when times are at their worst. Not when you feel you can't handle it anymore on your own. The Lord isn't an ambulance to be called on only when there's an emergency. He's not only the Great Healer and Restorer, but He's also the Caretaker. By giving your worries to Him, you are preventing anxieties from beginning!

While giving thanks to God, all your thoughts and requests are to be brought to Him. In doing so, there will be a peace you will experience like no other. It will "surpass all understanding". It's unfathomable, immeasurable and unbelievable. By giving it all to the Lord, your heart and mind will be protected from corrupting influences and problems. He will keep you focused on the Truth. Be prayerful in everything. He will take care of you, and everything else. So, there's no need to worry. There's no need to be anxious. Put your fears to rest in Him, and put yourself to peaceful rest.

Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all You are. I come to You today, asking for You to remove all that is on my mind. (Take a moment to make your requests known to God...) All that is worrying me and causing me to be anxious, I give to You and pray that You would give me peace. Ease my mind so that I would be able to enjoy the things You've given to me. Help me to be less driven by what I think I need to do and remember, and more focused on what You want me to do and be. Give me rest Lord. Restore me today that I may know of Your peace that I can't explain, but just feel.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich

Update on House Showing...

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 15:52:00 -0600

Thanks for your prayers... things went well. To read more about it, visit my other blog post at DANDELION SEEDS Blog.

Bless your heart and home,
Amuy

De-cluttering... De-cluttering... and a House Showing?!!

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 07:15:00 -0600

So......... you ladies know that I've been doing this whole "de-clutter" thing with you, and in less than 12 hours my home is being shown, quite possibly for the last time as the realtor said these are "strong buyers" and we would need to be out of our home by February 25th... so your prayers for the day would be appreciated, as well as prayers for wisdom as we have no idea what to do if our house happens to sell.

Bless your heart and home,
Amy

WEEK 28: Content with Your Contentment?

Sun, 14 Jan 2007 22:48:00 -0600

... Contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:6-7 (NKJV)

"A gift?... For me?... Oh thank you!... I just love gifts!.................. Oh... it's... uh... nice... I guess... um... you know... I don't really like this color... and it's not the brand I normally buy myself... oh, and you see this? There's a little mark on it too. Do you think I could exchange it and get something else?"

"But I picked it out for you."

"I understand, but I'm just not real happy with this. You know, all the other things that You've given me have been pretty great, but this is just not exactly what I wanted."

"But it's what I chose for you to have. You may not want it right now, but it's what you need."

Can you imagine having that conversation with God, telling Him that you're not happy with a gift that He gave you?! Discontentment is just that!! Everything you have is what the Lord has blessed you with. EVERYTHING! How you choose to respond to what He's given is up to you. You can't choose what He gives you. You can't pick things you'd like and then pass on the other things that might pose a problem for you.

Right now it may be easy to be discontent because you are behind and things are chaotic. It's easy to get frustrated and say to yourself, "As soon as I get this done, things will all fall into place. Then I'll be so happy." Be careful though. Discontentment is not an emotion that the Lord is "okay" with us having. It's like telling Him that He doesn't know what we need.

Are you content with what you have right now? If you never got another thing... If you never got a bigger house... If you never had a child... If you never went on a cruise... would you find yourself content? If the laundry didn't get done... If your husband lost his job... If the cancer didn't go away... would you be happy in the Lord anyway? What would it take to make you content for everything you have? A fire? A flood? A terminal illness? A death? If everything you have were gone tomorrow, would you look back on it and know only then, how much you truly were blessed with?

There's no gray area when it comes to being content. You either are, or you aren't. The Lord has blessed you with many things, by way of possessions and in the people in your life. You will not take any of those things with you when you leave this world, but you will leave people behind who will remember you. Will you be remembered as someone who was "happy in the Lord anyway"? If not, you have some work to do.

Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I'm sorry for being discontent. Please forgive me. I know everything I have has been Your gift to me. I'm sorry for the times I was ungrateful in receiving them. I know that even the things that I didn't want, were things You knew I needed. Thank You for all the blessings you've given me. Please help me to have a content heart, knowing that You will take care of everything. Please help me to not be dissatisfied with my house, or any other thing, but to be happy and rejoice in You always.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
© 2004 Amy Verlennich

The C.C.C. Assignment #5

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 00:49:00 -0600

Are you ready for the next step in "perrging" your home? You are now going to RE-ASSESS your boxes/bags... take your time and pace yourself. Call in recruts if you need them. You've thrown away the trash, now you're going to go a little deeper and begin to sift through your stuff. Don't forget about the previous step (EVALUATE why you have all the clutter) and open your heart to hear what the Lord has been telling you, and continues to teach you about what to do with all your stuff. You can do this!

ASSIGNMENT #5:

How's your devotional/memory verse coming along? Be sure to be "hiding God's Word in your heart" throughout the week and don't forget to read the next devotional when Sunday comes!

Are you checking things off 'MY DON'T FORGET LIST'? Remember, don't let the rest of the house fall behind!

You should have a "KEEP" box for each room in your home (this DOES NOT need to be any special kind of box... you will not be keeping it forever... it's just to put the things in that you want to keep to put away. The clutter that you have in these boxes will either need to find a home, or be thrown! You should also have a "FIND" box (one big and one small so the smaller items don't get lost) to put everything that is missing a piece or part to eventually bring together (in the next step), a "BLESS" box/bag to put the things in that you want to give away, and "THROW" bags (probably lots of these!).

RE-ASSESS the boxes/bags that you PICKED UP from before by putting them in their appropriate boxes (KEEP - one for each room, FIND, BLESS, or THROW). You are touching things more than once through this de-clutter process, but hopefully as continue examining your heart and looking at things a few times, you're seeing your clutter in a different way. Pray for the Lord to release you from these earthly treasures... these idols that you've been clinging to, and experience freedom for the first time in a long time!

Be sure to be checking this step off the AT-A-GLANCE CHECK LIST as well (found on page 63). If you have boxes in more than one room (if you were unable to move everything into one spot) then be sure to mark it on the list so you'll know where you've been.

You're doing great and running a great race! Find time to do this when kids are sleeping, during playtime, or in the evening. Discipline yourselves to get this done. The next step is easy so be encouraged... a little break is on the way! Keep drawing your strength from the Lord and be patient with yourself. Your home didn't get cluttered in a day, and it won't become de-cluttered overnight. Life is still happening... you can't put it on hold... this is a process... and you are learning more about yourself along the way. If you have children that are old enough, ask for help. This can be a learning experience for them as well. Writing in your journal about your experience will let them see how you felt during this time in your life. It may be a great encouragement to them someday... as well as a great reminder for yourself.

Keep de-cluttering... inside and out!
Bless your heart and home,
Amy

Can You Say... PROCRASTINATION?

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:50:00 -0600

Please check all that apply:

Are you avoiding a task because you have to do it perfectly (or it has to be "just so" before you start)?
Are you stressed by what you must do?
Do you feel guilty from what you're avoiding?
Have you become sluggish, just giving up on every day things because you feel overwhelmed?
Is everything... and everyone else suffering because of what you haven't been doing?
Have others laughed at you, teased you, or joked about what you can't get done?

Procrastination (as defined by Wikipedia) is the deferment or avoidance of an action or task and is often linked to perfectionism (a belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable). For the person procrastinating this may result in stress, a sense of guilt, the loss of productivity, the creation of crisis, and the chagrin of others for not fulfilling one's responsibilities or commitments.

If you're waiting to get something done so it can be done "just right" (at least in your eyes) and not doing what NEEDS attention because of how you want to do things, then you're being selfish. Things only spiral from there... You get overwhelmed at everything that HAS to get done because you've waited (until it could be done "just right") but because you've procrastinated, now there's even more to get done ("just right"). Giving up or slowing down only makes it worse, physically and emotionally. Things get further behind and your heart gets more and more frustrated, overwhelmed, and anxious and you begin to feel as if you'll never get it done... let alone, "just right".

A cluttered and chaotic life is a result of procrastination and procrastination is the reflection of a selfish heart. YOU are waiting because YOU want things done the way YOU want them. YOU have a plan that YOU want executed. YOU think it would be better the way YOU have envisioned.

So what are you waiting for? You know the problem... An alcoholic can't only admit there's a problem... there must be an action taken in the direction of recovery. You must do the same. You must rise above yourself, fall on your knees, and look to the One who is the Restorer, ask to be restored... and then MOVE!

So you've procrastinated... maybe for years... maybe with many things... maybe to many people... So, go ahead... say it... say "I'm a procrastinator"... now get over it and be overcome by Him. His grace is enough to cover it all... every last procrastinated thing. Stop waiting until you can get it done "just right". That day may never come. That's not a scare tactic... that's a reality check. We're not promised what tomorrow will bring. Life is what you're living right now... not what you're hoping or planning to have in the future.

I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. My friends, I don't feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. Phillipians 3:12-14 (CEV)

If you wait long enough, some day will come... whether you're ready or not... and if you're not moving ahead... you're moving backwards. Time stops for no one... it keeps ticking... Will you go toward or fall behind? You must choose... but you are not alone... the Lord is there to help. Stop waiting. Run away from procrastination and toward completion... and with HIS help... it will be "just right".

Bless your heart and home,
Amy

The C.C.C. Assignment #4

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 22:25:00 -0600

So how was your first part of P.E.R.R.G.E.? If you're needing more time to finish, then please take it. Don't move on until you are done PICKING UP & PROPELLING in every room/area of your home (doing your vehicle(s) isn't a bad idea either). THIS MEANS EVERY HORIZONTAL SURFACE IN YOUR HOME (floors, tables, beds, desks, etc)! If you try and do one room at a time, you may get discouraged. I know that in the past I would work on one room and get it totally done... closets, drawers, bedding... the works... and then walk into the kitchen with the dirty dishes still in the sink, homeschool things on the coffee table... well, you get the picture. It's hard to feel really great about one room when the rest of the house has fallen apart (and for those of you who are married... it's hard for our husbands as well!)

ASSIGNMENT #4:

How's your devotional/memory verse coming along? Be sure to be "hiding God's Word in your heart" throughout the week!

Are you checking things off 'MY DON'T FORGET LIST'? Remember, don't let the rest of the house fall behind (or even more behind!).

Bring all the PICK UP boxes into one spot... one that doesn't receive a lot of traffic or one that you can work in anytime (so a baby's room wouldn't be good or the entry way of your home!), or atleast keep by the doorway of each room.

Read pages 36 and 37. EVALUATE all the boxes that you have in your home after picking up. Take a good long look at what you have and ask yourself...

Why do you have all this stuff? Write your answers on page 36. You may also want to journal your feelings about this as well, or write a prayer to the Lord releasing all of the desires and wants you've been holding onto. Go ahead... write it all down and leave it in the Lord's hands...

Don't forget to check off your AT-A-GLANCE CHECK LIST as well (page 63).

Read page 38 and begin to think of what room you want to tackle first for the coming assignment. You might want to start in the one that everyone sees first upon entering your home, or, if you're married, maybe the bedroom, or you may want to start in the kitchen where everyone eats (or tries to), or maybe you want to start small and begin in the bathroom. You'll eventually get to all the rooms, so pray about where the Lord wants you to be first (yes, He cares about EVERYthing).

Get your heart ready to begin the next assignment (RE-ASSESS)! You'll need to have the following items ready:
- a "KEEP" box for every room
- a "FIND" box (a small and large one would be nice)
- a "BLESS" box or bag (you'll probably need more than one of these!)
- "THROW" bagS... you'll need LOTS of these!

You're doing great! Remember, one step at a time! We're movin' ahead, but more importantly... how is your heart? Keep de-cluttering inside and out!

Bless your heart and home,
Amy

The C.C.C. Assignment #3

Tue, 9 Jan 2007 22:27:00 -0600

We're FINALLY moving onto the "physical" part of the challenge (YIPEE!)! Really... if you're anything like me... this will be a lot easier than the beginning stages of cleaning out my heart! That will continue to be a work in progress as we de-clutter our homes but for now... let's P.E.R.R.G.E.!

ASSIGNMENT #3:

How's your devotional/memory verse coming along? Be sure to be "hiding God's Word in your heart" throughout the week!

Are you checking things off 'MY DON'T FORGET LIST'? Remember, don't let the rest of the house fall behind!

NOW... take a picture of every room. You may cringe now, but the after pictures are going to be so encouraging! Plus, you never know when you may bless someone who is struggling someday (remember my pictures?). I have to admit, that having clean pictures of my home also encourages me to get it back in order after it's fallen apart (um... I mean if it ever fell apart... since I'm so organized and all... um, yeah... right).

In order to begin to P.E.R.R.G.E., you must completely get rid of every ounce of desire to clean and organize!!!! I'M SERIOUS LADIES!!! YOU CANNOT ORGANIZE OR CLEAN! YOU CANNOT GET SIDE-TRACKED! You are going to PICK UP & PROPEL only! If you need to be reminded of what it is that you're to do, then refer to the list on page 33 (and continue to do so if you begin feeling the urge to clean or organize!).

Go through every room/area and put things into boxes/totes and pick up all garbage and throw it away. You are not going through anything yet (so if you have some "issues" with magazines, then just put them in a box to go through later). By garbage I mean garbage (dirty diapers on the coffee table... ahem... if that's where someone would leave them, breakfast on the table... uh... if that's not already taken care of, or broken toys, etc... you get the picture... GARBAGE. Get rid of it right away! Again, you're not going through anything yet. This a "no thinking" step. Do not evaluate anything or think about keeping or not keeping... it's just everything versus garbage. Those are the only things to think about.

Be sure to be checking the rooms off the AT-A-GLANCE CHECK LIST as well (found on page 63). You don't have to do the rooms in the order listed and if there's a room you don't have or you have more than one (for example a bedroom or bathroom) than just put another box behind it and check it off when you're done. This way you'll know what you've done and where you've left off (if you have to stop). You can start in any room you wish, but if I were you... go for the one that everyone sees when they enter your home.

Do not try to organize the things in boxes either. You are putting everything in the boxes. When you get one box filled, get another one and start filling that up. Keep going... you can do it! This step really shouldn't take much time if you're really ruthless about it. One day... three tops. Keep going! (You may even consider staying up a little later after the kids are in bed to finish.)

When everything is in boxes step back and look at your home (take some more pictures if you'd like... it's another step to remember). You've made HUGE strides in getting things in order! Now, if you're anything like me, having those boxes is driving you nuts, or maybe you're even considering going through your kitchen cupboards and cleaning them out... STOP!!! Stay on track. You can do it... it may not be easy to do it this way... but it will all get done eventually. Hang in there!

Bless your heart and home,
Amy

The C.C.C. "Clutter FREE for Thirty" CHALLENGE!

Mon, 8 Jan 2007 22:38:00 -0600

In effort to really get those hearts cleaned out, I'm introducing a little challenge to The Colossal Clutter Clean-Up. Because clutter is what we're dealing with... let's nip it in the bud. Go one step further and be:

Let me explain... even though you may have clutter that's piled up as a result of Christmases, birthdays, or generous friends, clutter in your home is also the result of buying unneccesary things. So...... my challenge for you is to go the next 30 days WITHOUT buying ANYTHING that is UNNECCESSARY! In cleaning out your heart, examine not only what you buy, but what you want. This could be a very revealing experience for you.

You will have to decide for yourself what is "neccessary", but I believe that if you pray about this and throughout the thirty days, that you will clean up even more areas in your heart that you may not have known needed de-cluttering.

For those of you who have blogs, please feel free to pass this challenge along and link the "button" to this post. Those who are not doing The Colossal Clutter Clean-Up can still be a part of this challenge! May God bless you as you continue to de-clutter your heart!

Bless your heart and home,
Amy