Just in case…

Got to keep ’em…”just in case.”

The week after Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. Why? Because to me it signals the time to begin my annual “clean out everything.” And I do mean everything.

It generally takes a few weeks but it goes like this: Christmas décor gets put away in the attic. Which leads to cleaning out the attic where I discover things like my “just in case” boxes you see pictured. While it’s good to TV boxes as they offer protection should you move, it’s the other boxes that seem to pile up. You keep them “just in case.” So, this year they’re going. (Note: the picture is only about half of them as the rest were already broken down and put in the recycle bin.)

Room by Room

The garage clean-out comes next and is actually being started today. Then, I go room by room in the house opening every drawer and cabinet, going item by item through each closet, moving everything on every shelf, touching every single item of clothing and asking if I need it or use it, do I love it, can I do without it, can someone else use it, should it be tossed or repurposed. Then items get listed for free or donated. And, of course, there’s tons of stuff that simply gets thrown away.

We’re only getting started and already I’ve given away items, donated to the thrift store, and my garage is filled with stuff that will be placed at the curb tonight and gone tomorrow.

And boy does it feel good!

I mean, it really, really feels good. I don’t live a minimalist lifestyle by any means, but as I age, I find I have less tolerance for stuff that exists to only look pretty or is no longer being used. Like the declutter queen herself Marie Kondo espouses, if it doesn’t have purpose or bring joy, then I don’t need it.

Since I’ve held this viewpoint for a decade or longer, you would think I never have anything to get rid of, but I’m also one of those who can lean a little towards a “just in case” scenario. “These are really nice, sturdy boxes, I should keep a few in case I need to ship or store something.” Here’s another one, “I’m sure I’ll lose those pesky 10 lbs. and fit into these clothes again so I really should keep them.”

My final difficult-to-get-rid of items are those for crafting. And I’m not even a big crafter. But I like to keep a few things on hand for when the grands are here and we’re looking for something to do. Yet it keeps piling up and this year I’m determined to reduce by half!

Will I succeed?

Absolutely! Decluttering, even a little, is a huge success. And while it comes naturally to some, it’s not always easy for others.

Want to give it a try? Then start with baby steps and don’t even think about sorting through things that hold a sentimental memory. Choose a room, perhaps the kitchen. Open just one drawer, empty it, clean it, then look at each item to determine if you use it or need it. I bet, like me, you’ll find some duplicate items you can pare down. Turns out I had three ice cream scoops. Does anybody really need three!

After one drawer you can decide when and if you’re ready to tackle another one. But beware…the success you’ll feel at one simple accomplishment is contagious and it won’t be long before you’ll begin tearing through the house room by room.

Happy New Year…and happy decluttering!

 In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. (Col. 3:23 NCV)

Love, Mimi

Mimi

If you want the rainbow…

This post is inspired by my precious aunt and a recent art project she worked on. I couldn’t locate the exact quote she used in her project but I sure enjoy this one by Dolly Parton, who plainly states something we can all relate to.

When my aunt shared her similar quote last week, I remember thinking She knows…because she’s encountered more storms in her life than one can imagine. In fact, she wrote a gripping memoir about her life and resulting mental health struggles. In it, she recounts the events leading up to her diagnosis with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DIDI), formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder. Horrible as this disorder is, in many ways it’s what protected her over the years. Use this link to read her book I Was More Than One.

Most of us will never experience the kind of trauma that leads to severe emotional and mental illness. Yet we all encounter storms of ill health, loss of job, estrangement from family, and so many others. We get beaten down and held hostage in terror. And though some of these storms are mere showers or annoyances, at other times they are raging tempests that paralyze and render us hopeless.

At the risk of sounding trite, and without comparing my storms to yours, there is definitely a truth in what Dolly says. If you want the rainbow (blessing, happy ending, answered prayer) you will undoubtedly need to put up with some rain (showers or storms).

And though we can see the truth in what Dolly says, more importantly, we can find peace and hope knowing that:

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

It’s not easy to stand on God’s promises knowing we will endure affliction, but our hope remains in the One who designed our lives, who sees us where we are, who redeems every situation, and who ensures ultimate victory.

Right now, things are pretty good. I’m seeing mostly rainbows. But I know rain and storms are a part of life. My hope is that when they come—and they will—that I will stand firm, keep my eyes on God, and trust, trust, trust that He is working everything out according to His plan for my life.

Mimi

Life’s Storms Bring Transformation

Years ago, a Bible study teacher presented a lesson on going through life’s storms. Since no one is exempt from encountering them, lessons on their purpose or how to make it through are important. While she spoke, she gave each of us a jar filled with sea glass she had collected over the years. (That’s my jar above.)

The teacher’s point was to give us hope and remind us that every storm changes us. We become stronger, more reliant on God. Our rough edges are smoothed out. And we become more beautiful as more of God’s image is revealed in us.

A Little About Sea Glass

Sea glass is often discovered on rocky beaches, the kind where you best wear shoes while walking. Perhaps you’ve even gone to those beaches looking for some to collect. Among all the jagged, rough stones, you discover a piece of beauty—frosted, smooth, colorful sea glass. You’ve found a treasure. Yet it came with a cost. Its amazing transformation occurred because of turmoil.

Sea glass begins as litter from bottles and jars that makes its way into the ocean. Over years (50-100) the constant tumbling and soaking in the salt water creates a smooth, frosted surface over the glass, as well as rounded edges. (litaseaglassjewelry.com)

Changed into God’s Image

While I would love to avoid such turmoil, at my very core, I want to be a beautiful image of a beautiful God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us that it is God who accomplishes this in us “…And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

My precious jar of sea glass has been a constant reminder over the years—of God’s promise to always be with me and to always have great purpose for those storms. And the end result of being changed into “his glorious image” is definitely worth it.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2)

Knowing this, I have complete confidence that whatever I face, I can trust God to do his transforming work in me. May you also be encouraged that God is with you, even in the deep water.

Mimi

It is well with my soul…

September 28, 2022

Living in Florida brings with it the reality of hurricane season. We’ve been here since 1999 and except for a few really bad ones, we’ve mostly escaped their destructive impact. We’ve lost trees, screens on the lanai, and power for a few days. But we’ve also been spared the devastation that can accompany them. And while we’re so very thankful for that, we are also aware that so many others have been greatly impacted indeed.

Ian is the one we’re waiting on today. It’s huge, slow moving, and promises to bring rain and the potential for destruction that we’ve not seen in a while.

But Florida takes these things seriously. Newscasters and municipalities keep you apprised of everything, reminding you of the importance of heeding their instructions to be prepared and safe. Days ago, school districts made the preemptive decision to close Wednesday and Thursday. Even businesses have shut down for two days. Facebook posts important messages and updates as well while HOA’s have sent out hurricane preparedness info and rallied the troops of homeowners to be ready to help neighbors.

While we expect lots of wind and rain, and being without power, it’s the rain this time that brings the real threat. Forecasters say the Orlando area may see 15-24” of rain. That’s a lot of water without many places to go which means flooding is a great concern.

Only time will tell what Ian will leave behind. But our trust is in the Lord. Does that mean we escape everything? No, not at all. But it means that we are not alone in our trouble. We have a Father who sees and cares. With the Lord with us, we have complete confidence that all will be well…no matter what happens.

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

No matter the storm in your life, my prayer is that it will be well with you, too!

Mimi

Hello?

Knock-knock-knock.

H-E-L-L-O? Is anybody there?

It’s me…Mimi. The one who used to post every Monday, sharing tidbits of life lessons or stories about the regular day-to-day life of a nearly 70-year-old.

It’s been 18 months since I’ve written or published anything. A year-and-a-half since I even wanted to write anything. But here I am.

So…what happened?

Let’s just say, life got in the way and I lost interest in sharing. And though I stopped writing at the same time as COVID, that really wasn’t the reason. I realized I just didn’t feel like writing. It had become a chore. So, I stopped.

Interestingly, I thought I would feel guilty about it but I didn’t. I had simply lost the joy in writing and sharing. So I needed to take a break. At the time, I had no idea the break would last for 18 months!

Why now?

Great question. Simple answer. I want to.

And—I’ve been inspired to begin again by several people. They don’t even know it!

One is my friend Judy. She faithfully writes, sharing her heart and the things God teaches her in her own everyday life. Her posts are inspiring to read and wonderful reminders that God cares about us, speaks to us, and directs us.

The second reason is because of my friend Jan who is putting the finishing touches on her fifth book. It’s a memoir of her life and her discovery of a very real and very personal God. Her story comes alive as she shares her own journey through numerous tragedies, all while finding our faithful God has met every need and walked with her through it all.

Third is because of bestselling author James Patterson. (And no, I don’t know him personally.) His book James Patterson is on my nightstand and I’ve been devouring all his short, personal stories about his life. From his growing up years to rising quickly within the ranks of a reknown ad agency to finally deciding to write full time, James’ wit and writing style have reminded me that we all have our own stories to share. Stories that will not only entertain but that might encourage and help those reading them.

And so I’m beginning again. Probably baby steps at first. I may publish every Monday or I may not. I want it to be an enjoyable experience for me—as it’s been in the past. And I want it to be enjoyable for my readers as well.

Want to join me?

If you want to see what I come up and are already subscribed, then just stay the course. If you decide no for now, then use the unsubscribe button and my posts will disappear from your email. (Note: It’s been so long since I’ve sent out a post that I don’t remember if an unsubscribe link is included.  I think it is, but if not, use the contact button and write me a note. I’ll remove your name right away.) And if you think someone else you know might want to follow, please feel free to share what you read and encourage them to subscribe as well.

It’s a whole new journey!

Love, Mimi

Gifts from the heart make lifelong memories.

Today is my precious daughter-in-law’s birthday. What a perfect day to think about gifts. (Happy birthday Sarah!)

Decades ago (early 90s) I looked for a creative outlet and came up with preparing a monthly newsletter to send my family and friends. Since email wasn’t available back then, they were sent via US mail. The name of it? Monthly Musings with Cindi.

While I saved a few of those hard copies, none of the digital copies remain. But recently, I discovered one such hard copy in a box on a shelf. Dated September 1995, it’s lead article was titled Gifts from the heart make for lifelong memories, which I share below.

Sandi Patti (a Christian singer) sings a song that says in part, “Don’t you love to get a present wrapped up in a Christmas bow?” Well, yes, I do. In fact, I love to get presents any time at all.

I was looking around my house the other day and realized I’ve received a lot of gifts this summer, gifts of love, gifts filled with memories. I have a china dolphin from Canada, cologne from Pennsylvania, software from Los Angeles, a kitty teapot from Santa Barbara, and a Christian tee-shirt from Dallas. And pictures, boy do I have lots of pictures!

While gifts are great fun to receive, they are even “funner” to give. Even the little everyday gifts we give can express great meaning. Last week, a stranger stopped to let me move into a long line of traffic. I appreciated that. This week, when I had the right of way in another long line of traffic, I gave this same gift to someone else. It felt good.

The politically correct phrase for this type of behavior is “random acts of kindness.” The golden rule calls it “Doing unto other what you would have them do unto you.” God calls it loving your neighbor as yourself.

No matter what you call it, it’s a good idea that brings a lot of satisfaction.

A cast iron skillet: one of my favorite “just because” gifts from my sister-in-law who thought I should have one…so she sent me one!

Twenty-six years later I have to say I still love giving and receiving gifts from the heart. A gift given on a birthday or holiday is expected, isn’t it? But a just because gift brightens the day of the recipient, brings unexpected joy, and can often serve as a timely reminder that you are loved.

Any thoughts on how you might “do unto others” this week?

Mimi

Geocaching…say what?

While some of you may know what geocaching is, until it was offered as a lifelong learning course where I used to work, I had never heard of it or knew anything about it.

I quickly learned it’s a treasure hunt where people hide caches (containers filled with a log sheet and sometimes trinkets to trade), then post the coordinates through the Geocaching app for others to find.

Who doesn’t like a treasure hunt?

Let me digress a bit to explain why we’re even talking about geocaching today. As grandparents, we have begun a tradition of spending a weekend away with each grandchild when they turn 10. A trip filled with things that interest them.

This year we have two turning 10. Both have been creating their to-do lists for quite a while. First up is Callan who turns 10 in a few weeks. He likes the idea of going to the beach (no problem doing that in April since we live in Florida), hunting for shark teeth, and trying out geocaching.

Though I had a basic idea of what was involved with geocaching, I watched several videos to bring me up to speed. Not only did they explain the process, but they got me so excited to try it that the next morning I announced to the hubster that we were going on an adventure. The best part was that to get started all we needed was a smart phone loaded with the Geocaching app. (The pic at the beginning shows you what the Geocaching app looks like and the links below provide a 75-second overview along with a longer (19 minute) in-depth first look at exactly how to get started, what you’re hunting for, and all sorts of tips on being successful. It’s definitely worth the watch.)

Let’s get started.

Upon opening the app, I was surprised to find so many caches right near our community. The first was about 2 miles as the crow flies, but since we can’t fly, we used the built-in navigation option to take us there. And 13 minutes later we arrived.

Of course, each container is unique and they are all very different in size.  The app tells you the size category which is based on volume measurements. So, we knew we were looking for something relatively small, no larger than a lunchbox. And boy were we excited when we easily and quickly found it. (These things can be anywhere: in the ground, hanging from a tree, disguised, or out in the open. Often a hint will be provided to help you.)

After signing the log sheet, we discovered there were trinkets inside to take. Typically, you would take one/leave one. But this was our first cache and we didn’t have one to trade, so Greg chose one as a keepsake. And we will be sure to gather some of our own trinkets to begin leaving for others to find on future expeditions.

Next one was just a few miles away but on a very busy road. Thankfully, the provided hint told us there was a nearby, safe place to park, and thankfully there was. Greg found this one and soon we were off again. Three more were quickly discovered for a total of 5 for Day 1.

There are a wide variety of caches, some easier to find than others. Note the bottom middle. It was hidden inside of a rock!

Time to head home.

Along the way, I realized there was one more in the area so we decided to make one final stop. We were on a beautiful back road without cars and peaceful surroundings. While we thoroughly enjoyed the hunt, we were unable to locate the cache. Time to head home.

What a great afternoon. Relaxing, fun, sharing time with each other. This new (to us) hobby will be so enjoyable to share with others, too. And Callan is going to love, love, love this. With no investment of time or money, you, too, can quickly get started,

Why not watch the brief overview followed by the instructional video. Download the free geocaching app (it looks like the picture at the beginning of the post), create an account, and you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to bring a pen. Many of the cache containers are micro size which means something like a pill container or flash drive. No trinkets in those and the log sheets are teeny tiny. You’ll need to carefully unfold, sign your name, and reinsert it back into the cache. Then hit “log” in the app where your “found” number will begin increasing with each new discovery.

Enjoy, and happy hunting.

Mimi

What is geocaching? (75 seconds overview and links to app) https://youtu.be/vuFiLhhCNww

Great in-depth introduction (19 minutes) https://youtu.be/V9Wg38rn0q8

God’s Plan for Aging.

Received this from a friend. And because you’re important to me, I’m sharing it with you so you can be reassured about God’s great plan for our lives…down to the tiniest detail.

Most seniors never get enough exercise. In His wisdom, God decreed that seniors become forgetful so they would have to search for their glasses, keys, and other things, thus doing more walking. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Then God saw there was another need. In His wisdom, He made seniors lose coordination so they would drop things, requiring them to bend, reach, and stretch. And God looked down and saw that it was good.

Then God considered the function of bladders and decided seniors would have additional calls of nature, requiring more trips to the bathroom, thus providing more exercise. God looked down and saw that it was good.

So if you find, as you age, you are getting up and down more, remember it’s God’s will. It is all in your best interest even though you mutter under your breath.

Hope you have a wonderful, wonderful week.

Mimi

A beautiful picture of the Father’s love.

 

Another goodie from Joshua Rogers. Using a relatable example from a mishap while using Roundup, he beautifully shows us the amazing, deep love God has for us.

I poisoned my grass and rediscovered God’s love

What a tremendous reminder that the Master Gardener “cares for every blade of grass” meaning each one of us. Thanks Joshua.

Have a beautiful week everyone.

Mimi

Sharing the comfort of God.

We have enjoyed Sirius radio for many years now. Rather than music or comedy or news, I typically have some kind of talk radio playing.

Rush…Talent on loan from God as he often says. He used to bug me but now I get his wit. He’s intelligent, current on all that’s happening, and yes, we share very similar political ideals.

Dave Ramsey. A very down-home type of guy who wants to help people get and stay out of debt. Like Rush, we share similar financial views.

About a year ago, I discovered the Triumph channel. My car’s readout would always announce the name of the show and the show’s host. Until it didn’t. Don’t know what happened, but the readout is no longer there despite refreshing my signal many, many times. So, unless I remember the lineup for the day and time, what’s playing is now always a mystery.

And recently that mystery was Nancy Grace.

What do you think/feel when you hear her name? She is not someone I generally listen to. Though I often share her opinions, her tone is accusatory and abrasive. She often interrupts and yells. After a few seconds of hearing her voice, I’m done. Can’t take it anymore.

A few weeks ago, however, the show was very different. Nancy was actually giving her guest time to speak. And Nancy herself was soft-spoken…tender even. Her tone and sympathy toward the guest was so endearing my eyes welled up with tears that started overflowing. Empathy. Turns out, it wasn’t her sympathy I was reacting to but her empathy for the guest. The way she connected with her guest.

There was a lesson for me that day.

It was a two-fold lesson. First, we can be abrasive without meaning to be and often without our knowledge. For instance, someone else has a problem and we can so clearly see the solution that we may bark out the answer get on with it, pick yourself up, do the right thing. As if it’s ever that easy.

And just because we can clearly see the right path, doesn’t mean the other person can. Even if they can, it may be a very difficult choice for them to make.

Second, we want to be there for others; we want to help. We lend an ear but feel powerless to make a difference. Powerless to provide that desperately needed help. Since we’re unsure how to assist, we may end up doing nothing.

Yet…

…perhaps there is something we can do. Perhaps one of the best things we can do for someone else is to feel their pain. To genuinely sympathize with them. Not to offer a solution, but simply to offer friendship, love, and hope…or comfort.

Paul describes the comfort of God in 2 Corinthians 1. Check out verse 4 where we are encouraged to use our own circumstances to help us understand what others are going through and pass along the comfort God has so often given us.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Thanks Nancy Grace; the empathy you showed your guest was a beautiful reminder of what our actions ought to be toward others.

Mimi