wading through stuff

Yesterday I cleaned my house and we hosted the last official Young Married's Group at our home.  (although we do life with these couples so all it changed is a regular monthly study)

This change was necessary because my hubby's been asked to launch men's groups this Fall at Crossroads -so we had to eliminate something to make room for more.

I was thinking about how full my house is and made the comment to my hubby that I would be content never to move again…the thought of packing is overwhelming!

Over the 4th of July holiday we spent time with my parents in Ashland - and went to an auction.  I love seeing what people are selling and this sale was a 2-household sale.  There was tons of stuff!

This is a shot looking down just 1 of probably 20 tables of stuff..  

Although we have more than we need - I really think the only things I have boxed up are some dishes of Ron's grandparents and my kids old toys/school books.  We try really hard not to buy stuff that just gets put in closets, boxes or not used.  Even so, we have too much!

I wondered how the people who's stuff was for sale, could have this much extra that family didn't take? It looked more like a 5 family sale.

If we could take all the stuff that accumulates in our homes that we have no need for, sell it and use it to bless others - what clean houses we would have and what a blessing to our families some day that won't have to deal with all our stuff.

I've also been working this morning at cleaning out my email.   I can't even guess how many emails  I get each day… it requires regular housekeeping too.  Gee, I wonder why we're all so stressed all the time!  We're surrounded by things that need care - things that need cleaned - and things that need discarded.  Certainly not a simple life.

Well, I'm finished wading through my stuff for another day - I'll turn my eyes toward the weekend and the privilege once again to lead at Crossroads!  See you all there!

slackin

I am on vacation and it has been awesome. Originally I decided to take the week to be with our kids who are done with finals this week. But, as usual, they have other plans.

It's off to Chicago for one kid and off to Michigan for the other until this weekend. So, darn, I am home alone! So...no excuses to not be ready for Christmas - I better get busy! Tonight my living room is once again covered with a huge project that is one of my gifts to a family member. I have a 2 day deadline, then everyone comes home! Still, I refuse to be stressed.

Stressed: To subject to physical or mental pressure, tension, or strain. No thanks-I choose not to be stressed.

My desire is to really be ready this year, to not miss focusing on what God did for us so long ago, and to avoid the stress of the holiday.

Luke 2:10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

And I will say, "Glory To God in the Highest!"