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

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

He’s in love…

Look at my man. He’s so happy. Why? Because he has a brand-new vacuum. We needed one in a hurry and thanks to Costco, we found a reasonably priced one that Greg really likes. And…it has a big headlight. I’ve always wondered why a vacuum needs one but it’s rather impressive and makes my guy happy!

There’s a story behind the purchase.

Funny story about why we needed a vacuum, and so quickly. My dad has been hospitalized since Christmas. He’s now in a rehab center and on his way to recovery but we decided to do a little sprucing up at his apartment. Anticipating we might want to spruce up the carpet, we brought a vacuum with us and got to work.

Dad had a rug he no longer needed, so we packed it up in the back of the Jeep, followed by the vacuum. Since the rug and vacuum took up a bit of space, we decided it would be best to simply make the 10-minute drive home with the hatch all the way open.

Why did that idiot honk at us?

You may already be ahead of me but for those who aren’t, I’ll continue. Making our first left, we heard a car honk its horn as we turned. Laughing, I remarked “Does he think we don’t know our hatch is open?” as we continued on our way.

We arrived home, unpacked the car, and two days later after putting away the Christmas decorations, it was time to vacuum our own house. But that vacuum was nowhere to be found. We looked in every closet, under the beds, in the garage THREE TIMES. Nothing.

The light bulb went off…

…it sure did. Greg was the one to realize what happened. When that car honked at us it wasn’t for driving with the hatch open. It was for the vacuum falling out of the car while we drove on, completely unaware. (I have been through that intersection several times since then and there’s no vacuum. As Kate says…someone got an early New Year’s gift!)

Is there a moral to the story?

Possibly. Perhaps “don’t point the finger at the other idiot when it’s really you who’s the idiot.” But mostly, we thought it was hysterical. We laughed and shook our heads wondering how we could have been completely oblivious to it falling out of the car without noticing.

But perhaps even funnier, is that we had to quickly buy a new one. My man loves to vacuum and leave those lines in the carpets as evidence of how clean things are. So, no borrowing from a neighbor. Instead, we went right to Costco the next day and as you can see from the picture, Greg is a very happy camper with his new purchase.

Happy New Year’s everyone. Hope you can find a little laughter in each day.

Mimi

Send Help!

It’s that time of year again. People greeting each other with smiling eyes (since our masks hide our smiling mouths), others holding the door to allow you to enter first, declarations for a wonderful holiday or a better 2021. There’s a feeling of cheer in the air.

But that cheer often hides what’s really going on. Preparing for a holiday or event can bring untold stress as we manage our long to-do lists as well as everything else life entails. The smile on the outside may not tell the real story, the one on the inside.

Christmas should mean one thing—an acknowledgement and celebration of the birth of our Savior. Yet to many it’s a reminder of things lost such as loved ones, jobs, our peace. The addition of COVID this year makes our sense of loss even greater.

I’m one of them.

Yup, that’s me. At least it was in years past. These days I’m better though there’s definitely room for improvement. Years ago, I realized I couldn’t do it all, and changes needed to be made. So…I stopped sending Christmas cards. What? Yes, I just stopped. And you know something? The world didn’t fall apart.

More changes also occurred as the years went on. No more baking tons of cookies. No more worrying about how clean my house was or having a great Christmas outfit to wear.

But I didn’t just take away, I also added in some activities to keep me focused. A few years ago, the hubster and I read an Advent devotional each day. Alexa plays Christmas music and though it can be repetitive, it definitely lifts my mood. A Christmas puzzle on the dining room table provides a little entertainment but so do the 10,000 Hallmark and Lifetime Christmas movies available each evening. Christmas concerts are also available, though this year you need to find them online.

With each change, my stress levels have decreased and enjoyment (most days) returned. It’s not easy and change will most likely happen a little at a time. Being retired also helps make it much easier to navigate Christmas simply because there’s more time. But a few small changes here or there will help…a lot!

The payoff is worth it.

I promise you, making change is worth it. And when you lighten your load, you are then available to help lighten the load someone else carries. Be on the lookout and you’ll find lots of places you can help ease someone’s burden. Here are a few thoughts:

• Running errands? Ask a friend or neighbor if they need anything from the places you’ll be.
• Baking? Make an extra batch and bring a few plates to people. Someone did that for us last night. What a delight to receive an unexpected plate of goodies.
• Don’t mind wrapping gifts? You might be able to help someone else who struggles with arthritis or time or who just doesn’t have the patience to do it.
• Double a dinner recipe and share the extras.
• Text a word of encouragement to whoever is on your heart.
• Send a just because gift.
• Get creative and do a craft for you or for someone else. (I’m not crafty at all but there are tons of videos that will teach you.)
• Knit or crochet or sew something needed by the military, hospital preemie wards, or the many other places that need items.
• Sit in front of a YouTube fireplace video with your feet up, a cup of tea or hot chocolate in your hands, and pray for others.

We all need help.

Like the photo at the beginning of today’s post, help is needed. This particular photo is courtesy of our daughter who is undergoing a major house reno. The dust builds up every single day despite daily dusting. It really gets to my daughter. And while she’s very grateful to be able to have the reno done, it’s yet one more thing during an already stressful time of year.

Don’t let the dust of life steal your joy…especially at Christmas. Like my daughter, when it builds up just wipe it off (deal with it or do something for others), and declare thankfulness over your blessings. We all have them. Sometimes we can see them…sometimes they’re hidden under the dust of life. But I promise you, they’re there. Here’s what the Psalmist says in 9:1-2. This is from The Message, and it’s downright joyful.

I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart,
I’m writing the book on your wonders.
I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy;
I’m singing your song, High God.

Mimi

 

Doing Things That Matter: Neighborhood Fun Run

In Part 3 of my series “Doing Things that Matter” I am introducing my friend Deborah and her idea to bring delight and encouragement to her neighborhood.

Deborah has participated in Disney races for year. (You should see all her medals!) She’s even convinced me to participate in my first race as an adult this December. You could say racing is a passion of hers.

A desire of hers is to one day participate in a race with one of her grandkids. While they’re not quite ready for that yet, that desire grew into hosting her own event so her grands could be a part of it along with Deborah’s neighborhood kids. This fun run would be way to encourage people during the pandemic when so many activities have been curtailed and people often find themselves feeling a little down.

Her planning began.

The race would be manageable for young kids and there would be medals for all. Above all, it would be fun.

An announcement was posted on the neighborhood Facebook page, medals and balloons were ordered and goodie bags filled. Then the course was mapped out. And lastly, a few volunteers were gathered to assist.

The date was soon here for the race. Because Florida is still hot in November, it would be held early in the day. Deborah set up her check-in table and the kids arrived right on time. Some of the volunteers were spaced out along the course to offer encouragement and to show the turnaround spot so every racer would be sure to return to the starting point.

Parents and other volunteers were near the start line and the countdown began. “Go!” was shouted and off they went. It was such fun to see these youngsters take off and soon disappear in the distance. And in no time, we saw the first and second place runners returning. The volunteers hastily created a finish line “tape” so each runner could break it as they crossed the line.

Their huge smiles said it all. Each child thoroughly enjoyed the day’s event. The goodie bags and medals were a big hit and I just bet some of those medals will turn out to be the first of many to come.

An idea with a huge payoff.

Deborah could have easily shrugged off her initial thoughts about hosting the run. After all, there are plenty of organizations that plan and host events for kids and families. She could have decided it wasn’t worth the effort.

But that’s not what she did. She followed through and held the race. Her neighborhood will remember that, too. Should she decide to do it again next year, you can bet there will be even more kids participating.

For a little while on a Saturday morning, Deborah helped the kids focus on something besides COVID-19. She gave them an opportunity to have a joy-filled morning. And she showed the parents and neighborhood that she is someone who cares.

Showing others you care.

The scope of what you do for others doesn’t matter. The amount of effort required doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you care for others and that they can see Jesus in you and through your actions.

Hopefully, these past three weeks have sparked a few ideas of your own. It’s easy to let things get in the way so when you have an idea about how to serve others, go for it. Have fun. Know you’re showing Christ and demonstrating His love in everything you do.

Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Mimi

Doing Things That Matter: The Blessing Box

In last week’s post, I was excited to share how the members of our Bible study turned some lessons on making a difference into actions. I mentioned Tami and how she felt the Lord was encouraging her to put together a prayer walk through our entire development. It was a joy-filled time for all as we held up our community and nation in prayer.

The Blessing Box

Two other members of our group are Mary and Randy. The minute they mentioned what they do to make a difference, I just knew I would share it through Mondays With Mimi.

They created a blessing box. Though it began in humble circumstances many years ago, the scope of it has changed over time. And the concept is powerful: be purposeful and be prepared to be a blessing when the need arises.

It all began when they were parents to young children. Though they had an abundance of love, there wasn’t always an abundance of money. The budget was often tight. Occasionally, they would receive birthday or holiday gifts of money in cash or check, which they would toss in a green metal index card filing box. Checks were cashed first and then added to the box. They would also add any other unexpected money that came their way. And soon, the cash began to accumulate.

In the beginning, the cash would be used for a car or house repair. Even for a vacation for their young family. Because this was their “just in case” money, it always came in handy for the unexpected.

Over the years…things changed.

Of course, as years went by, jobs and salaries flourished. Though their budget could now cover both expected and unexpected expenses, they continued contributing to the box. Only, now it turned into a blessing box. They were able to help others in very significant ways. When a need became known, they were ready to act. And what they shared with others were gifts; there was no expectation of repayment.

Imagine their joy in being able to help others immediately when the need presented itself. They didn’t have to save up or preplan. In fact, they had already preplanned by simply continuing the tradition of adding cash to the box as it came their way. They decision to keep the blessing box supplied meant they were always ready to help.

I think a lot of what Mary and Randy do is because they had parents and family who also lived a life of generosity and giving to others. It was really a very natural thing for them to follow in those footsteps. Their actions have planted seeds in the lives of their own children but also in those who know them. And now I get to share with you the idea of having your own blessing box.

What’s the best part?

To me, the best part of having a blessing box, is that you’re always ready to give. The box begins with a desire to help others and is followed by actions. The first action is to keep it supplied. And the second is to respond as the Lord leads.

Today, I encourage you to think about having your own blessing box. It might be a physical box like Mary and Randy have, or you may set aside money in your bank account that you reserve for a future use. It doesn’t really matter how you set it up; what matters is that you’re ready to bless someone as soon as you know of a need.

Please reply below to share your own experience. Maybe you already do something similar or perhaps this post and Mary’s story has encouraged you to create your own blessing box.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

Love, Mimi