Your dining room is a great place to bring in some cheery color. If you keep your table set with pretty dishware, new placemats or chargers will bring a pleasant freshness. New stemware in a bold color will shake things up. If you use a centerpiece (which you should) look through Pinterest or magazines for fresh ideas. Change things up and it will brighten your mood as well as the room.
Word for Today, Irritant: A tiny little speck in our eye could scratch our cornea which is very serious and will affect our vision. A tiny splinter can become infected. Anything, no matter how tiny, that affects our relationship with God has to go. It will lead to serious consequences if not done away with. "Those you let remain will become an irritant and thorns in your sides. We are more than conquerors."
This time of year it is easy to be in the mind set of the Christmas Carol "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" especially if you live in an area where the sun seems to hide. So this week I will give you a few ideas to brighten your surroundings. New pillows will cheer up any room. Stitch up a few (a great beginner project) or purchase some in bright patterns and bring in some instant "sunshine."
Word for Today, Endurance: This is a quality of strength to carry on in a great endeavor. This life we are given to live is a great endeavor. It should not be something to endure, just pushing through to make it to the end. Endurance is what athletes train to have. It speaks of strength and power. Are you going through this life in your strength? It will fail. "Let us run with endurance, looking unto Jesus."
The last stinky area we will look at is the car. We spend so much time in our cars they easily start smelling funky. Of course the common culprits are spilled drinks and food. Deal with them ASAP, do not let them sit. Another problem is mold and mildew from damp floor mats. Pull the mats out and let them dry after a snow or rain storm, sprinkle with baking soda and vacuum to refresh.
Word for Today, Strength: As we get older we notice our strength waning. I look in the mirror and am surprised to see the 55 year old me. I still feel like I am a young woman, but am learning that age really does happen even though I take care of myself. "He (God) gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. My (God) strength is made perfect in weakness." I want to be perfect in Him.
Your furniture can be a big cause of funny smells in your home. Vacuum under sofa and chair cushions and the cushions themselves. On a sunny day sit cushions outside, not in direct sun, to air out. Spray sofa with Febreeze especially arms and head rests. Once a week use a lint roller, rotate the cushions, and LIGHTLY spray. Use a roller on upholstered dining room chairs and spray.
Word for Today, Transformed: I started this year with trepidation. The past three years we have experienced the death of someone very close to us in the first few months. I have purposed in my heart to cling to God's promises and rejoice in Him no matter what comes my way. "The Lord Jesus will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body." Lord transform my mind and spirit as I wait on You.
Today's yucky smell is coming from your refrigerator. It is hard to beat good 'ol Baking Soda to keep your fridge smelling fresh. Remove everything and wipe down the walls and shelves using an all-purpose spray and throw out all expired items. To maintain wipe up spills immediately, dispose of leftovers once a week, wipe down inside once a month, and replace baking soda every 3 months.
Word for Today, Adopted: in our family we know a little about adoption, we have 4 adopted daughters. Two adopted at the ages of 3 and 5 and two by common-law adoption as young adults. No matter the age when they joined our family they are our daughters through and through. It is the same for us when we come to Jesus, it doesn't matter your age, you are His. "The Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, Abba Father."
Does your bathroom have a funky mildewy smell? The culprit could be a combination of several things. Always run the exhaust fan when showering and leave it running for 15 minutes after. Wipe down the shower walls after each use. Always hang towels and do not leave the shower curtain bunched up. Pull it wide to dry out after use. Anything left damp will contribute to mold and mildew.
Word for Today, Righteousness: We all desire to be considered righteous, but in ourselves we can only be Self-righteous. God requires Christ-righteousness to live in His presence and the way we can be is Jesus willingly giving us His righteousness. Ours is just filthiness. "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus became for us wisdom and righteousness."
Today I am facing the mountain of vacation laundry we came home with, so my tip is for the laundry room. To keep your washer smelling fresh run a cup of white vinegar through the hot water/high volume cycle. This will clear out the mildew smell that grows because of the machine being closed up. Also, leave the lid of the washer up while drying your load and this will help dry it out.
Word for Today, Lips: Over the years I have developed the habit of asking the Lord to "set a guard over my lips" as I am heading into a situation where it is easy to get swept up in the conversation. I also ask Him to put the words on my lips that should be spoken. This is so needful for me and is a great practice as we "speak" to others including social media. Lord, speak through me please. May my words please You.
I have a Very sensitive sense of smell. This week I will give you some tips on how to get rid of some funky smells you might encounter in your house. To combat the smells in a closet place dryer sheets inside shoes or tucked around the closet. Save the silica packets that come in new shoes and other items and place in the closet. Leave the door open a few inches at least once a week.
Word for Today, Expectations: We anticipate events in our lives, or look to people to fulfill needs and so often we end up saying, "that did not live up to my expectations." Nothing on this earth ever will, no matter how awesome "it" is. There is only ONE that will always live up to our expectations, and go beyond, "My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. I know whom I have believed"
It's Saturday and as usual my tip involves getting out there and enjoying life. Start a family tradition of making Saturday morning special. Wouldn't it be great to hear your husband or kids or friends say, "every Saturday morning we...". In our house we stay in bed reading our Bible together, then walk to the corner deli (summer), or make breakfast/go to our favorite breakfast (winter).
Word for Today, Daddy: This word is so beautiful to many of us, but to others brings bad or sad memories. But there is a Father that you can trust and that loves you beyond measure. "The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. Show us the Father. We cry Abba (Daddy) Father. as the Father loved Me, I (Jesus) also have loved you." Won't you crawl up in His lap and let Him lavish His love on you?
Is clutter robbing you of joy? Are you spending more time picking up "stuff" than you are enjoying your home and family? Now is the time to choose to take control. You are the only one that can determine to no longer live in chaos. 15 minutes a day can begin to bring your home under control. If you are new to this spot look back through past posts to see great ideas to easily accomplish in 15 minutes a day. I will continue to post new ideas at least 5 days a week.
Our homes are to be treasured as a gift. By "Home" I don't just mean the physical place we sleep and eat, I am talking about the people that dwell there as well as the belongings we are blessed to have. We are to be good stewards of all of these treasures. You can determine today to become a good "keeper of the stuff" and bless all those that come through the door of your home. Are you ready?
Word for Today, Confidence: Are you facing life with timidity? Are there things going on that seem too big to face? There is a way to walk through this life in peace, but you have to decide to embrace The Answer. "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he shall sustain you. I will trust and not be afraid, the Lord is my strength and my song."
How often do you look in the fridge or pantry and think "I have nothing to make for dinner." Today's challenge, create dinner from whatever you find. If you have ever watched "Chopped" you know it can be done from the oddest ingredients. I am making Chicken noodle soup from leftover spaghetti noodles, bones I froze from a chicken I roasted, homemade apple butter, and veges. Tell us what you create.
Word for Today, Satisfaction: Where does it come from, what does it look like? Mick said he couldn't get any. If we look for it in wrong places we never will. Job had every disaster imaginable strike him and yet he loved God. "Seek first His Kingdom and ALL these things will be added to you." What things? What you need. "The Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your soul, you shall be like a watered garden."
Now that you have cleared the old items out of your linen closet take the time to put items in where they are easily accessible. Put seasonal linens on the very top shelf. Storing them in a bag like a space bag will keep them dust free. Place daily and weekly use items front and center. Using my tip about not folding sheets and storing them unless you have little ones will free up space.
Word for Today, Deliverer: The world is seeking a deliverer. Every 4 years American's vote for a man they believe will deliver them. Sadly we see people have resorted to settling for the man who can just beat the other man. They don't even believe in the actions of the one they are voting for. But there is One who can deliver us. Have you chosen Him? "Our Redeemer is strong; The Lord of Hosts is His Name!"
January is "White-Sale" month in stores, so it is a great time to clean out the linen closet. New towels will feel great and new sheets can help you sleep better. Rotate old items to the rag pile and bring in the new. Get rid of what you don't use, re-purpose an old tablecloth into pillows or a tote bag. Think of other uses instead of the items being stored in the closet taking up space.
Word for Today, Blemish-free: At every stage of life we seek perfection for our bodies. If we have freckles we try to hide them, Clearasil makes a teen, Olay will clear up your laugh lines, etc. The Bible tells us God, through Jesus, is the only way we will be blemish-free. "Christ loved us and gave Himself for us that we might be presented to Him Glorious, not having spot or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish."
As we take down Christmas decorations it can leave a feeling of letdown. The tree lights and things we use once a year bring an atmosphere of coziness to our homes. Add a couple of new touches to your home to start the year. Maybe a dish stored away would make a pretty centerpiece or a new pillow in a daring color, add some flameless candles. A few minor changes can brighten your home.
Word for Today, Victory: "We will rejoice in Your salvation, and in the Name of our God we will set up our banners!" As I read this verse I was struck by the image of the fans at the football games we watched yesterday holding their banners up for the TV cameras to spot. I realized my life is to be a banner declaring the victory I have in Jesus. What is the banner of your life saying about you today? "The Lord is my Banner."
Enjoy the day, it's Saturday. The key is not letting the house turn into a disaster area while enjoying the weekend. If you keep things neat and picked up as you go it will make the atmosphere more pleasant and certainly make starting the week more pleasant. Have a fun filled weekend.
Word for Today, Wonder: I am awestruck at the beauty of this world and what God has created in nature and in the family and friends he blesses us with. I want to always see it all through the eyes of a child, in Wonder. "Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
The transition of taking down the Christmas decorations is a great time to do some mid-winter cleaning. Wash curtains, vacuum under sofa cushions, move furniture out to vacuum, etc. All the activities of the holidays have led to some extra dirt, but it was so worth it. Start the year with a clean house, then sit back with a cup of hot chocolate, a couple of Christmas cookies, and enjoy.
Word for Today, Beauty: I am a lover of ALL seasons and look for beauty in everything. We live on "The Sunset Coast" and the sunsets are spectacular especially in the Winter, and Summer, and Spring, and Fall. Today the sunrise was incredible. Hard to believe that Heaven will be even more beautiful, but it will be because of Jesus' presence. "Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish the work of our hands."
I love living in a part of the country where people leave their Christmas lights up longer. They look so pretty in the winter evenings. As you begin to take yours down to store for another year take the time to clean them, repair them, wash the linens, etc. This will help preserve the items and make for a pleasant experience when you unpack them next Christmas. Take your time and enjoy.
Word for today, Speech: The tongue can be a deadly weapon. We can apologize, but the sting of an unkind word remains. On the other hand our speech can be seasoned with grace and speak words of comfort. Pause before speaking and test everything you say. "Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. this should not be so. Put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language. Put a guard over my lips."
A simple 15 minute project to begin the New Year is to get rid of any clothing you did not wear this Fall. If you follow the backward hanger process it will be easy to see which items you need to get rid of. It felt great to drop my bag off at the Thrift store yesterday to make a clean start to the year. The great thing is your winter items will fit easier into the closet.
Word for Today, Belong: It is natural from the time we begin interacting with people that we want to be part of the "in" crowd, or be picked for the winning team, or have a boyfriend or girlfriend. But the true desire to belong will never be satisfied in any earthly relationship or situation. The One our hearts truly desire to belong to is The One Who gave us life. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus."
After a week at the cabin where there is no TV reception, cell phone service, or internet, I hope to slowly come back to technology. It is amazing what you "Hear" when unplugged. I am grateful for the technology we have to be able to share with each other in this fashion and hope to use it wisely in the New Year.
As you begin the new year commit to no less than 15 minutes, 5 days a week, to do one small task to bring peace to your surroundings and therefore your life. I will again be posting a tip each day this year that will take no more than 15 minutes to accomplish and will enrich your life. Blessings as you seek a life filled with peace that can come from seeking the One Who is our Peace.
Word for Today, Pleasing: There are so many things we find pleasing, certain foods, activities, sights, sounds. But do we consider if we are pleasing to God. After all it is His opinion that counts above all else. Purpose to live a life pleasing to Him and you will find joy in all you do. There was a man in the Old Testament whom I desire to pattern my life after, Enoch. "...He was commended as one who pleased God."
Happy New Year Friends!
