Hello, readers! Just thought I would share a quick note with you all before heading to bed.
After a long discussion over the frustrations of household clutter (especially in large families) my friend Patty and I decided to do one of those clean house challenges. Here is what we are doing to bring in the New Year! It's a 30 day challenge. You have to clean out 30 things a day for 30 days. It can mean throwing things in the trash, or cleaning out closets and donating to Salvation Army, Goodwill, or just consigning items to have some kind of cash return. Another idea was to have a clothes swap with other ladies in our areas. Perhaps someone else can use those clothes that no longer fit or just don't meet your current tastes any more.
Which leads me to this thought. I have learned that when I am so eager and cheerful to give things to others who may need them. Or to donate items without looking back, God sees fit to bless my giving. I am no longer bound in the "what if I need that" or "how will I replace it" traps. I give knowing that if I am ever in need of anything God will surely supply. Many times I have given things away rather than selling them because I knew that God would bless the person I was giving to and also would bless me when it was my turn to be the one "in need." On one occasion I was able to purchase an entire Gymboree wardrobe for my infant son for $30.00 at a resale shop. It was a major blessing at the time because he had outgrown everything else and $30.00 happened to be just what I had. He wore those 10 outfits, (maybe a few more I can't recall) hats, socks, and all for the following 6-9 months!
So come on and join us in our 30 day endeavor! Don't be afraid to dig in to those overloaded stacks of things long over due to get rid of. Give them away cheerfully. And toss worn out things without a look back. You will live a happier, uncluttered life.

In Joy,
Aimee