We are well on our our way to a very wearable wardrobe in our neatly organized closet. Essentials should make up about half of your wardrobe. These are the pieces we talked about the other day and should be high quality that will last many years. A classic boot cut black pant of good quality will last many years. Accent pieces are where you express your taste and personality with color, patterns, cut, and design. These are tops and other layering pieces as well as dresses. These pieces need to be chosen with your lifestyle in mind. If you are a professional do not choose knit pullovers, crisp is the way to go. However if you are a stay at home mom, shirts that need to go to the dry cleaner every wearing are not the right choice. Remember to limit the number to a reasonable amount according to potential wearing. I may love dresses, but I know in the winter I won't wear one more than once a week normally now that I work from home. In the summer I will wear sun dresses a lot during the week. Really think about your potential usage of each item. How can you mix and match items to layer and change a look. A pant or skirt that can be worn with 5 different tops is much more practical than 5 complete outfits. I recently read an article about a women that decided to wear the same pair of black pants for two weeks to see if anyone noticed. Her conclusion was she had more fun mixing combos of tops, scarves, jewelry and shoes and received more compliments than normal. The smallest amount of your wardrobe should be what are considered trends. If it is a look you really love go for it, but do it in moderation. Just because everyone in Hollywood has shown up wearing it doesn't mean it is right for you. One or two very trendy pieces are enough for a normal wardrobe. Stay true to your overall clothing personality and you will be much more comfortable and happy. Tomorrow, how to pull it together. (Remember we are shopping in our own closet right now. Do not head out to Le Target' today. LOL )
Word for Today, Choices: Today is primary day in Michigan. No matter your political leanings this is a process that should not be taken lightly. We still live in a country that allows us to make our voice known. It is so easy to just follow the crowd instead of voicing your convictions. As I stated last week, I am no longer willing to just sit on the sidelines and not speak truth as I have come to know it. I have been given a choice regarding my future. So, like Joshua, I am standing up and saying, "Choose you this day whom you will serve, as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." May the Lord lead us to the right choice for our nation.
Well let's get back to organizing those closets. I was sick for a few days and was not up to posting. So sorry for the delay.
We now have a base of black and white to build on. The only things that should go back into the closet are things you truly love and will wear. More articles of clothing does not create a wardrobe. If you never wear it it is a piece of clutter to remove. Too many women have clothes hanging in their closet that they KNOW they will fit back into someday. We need to enjoy today and wear clothes that will make us feel good and confident now. If you get back to a previous weight you can alter clothes you really like or get new ones. Don't cling to the old, it will drag you down. So decide what your style is, what your color collection looks like, what fits your lifestyle today and put those items back into the closet. Have you changed jobs and need a different style of clothing, more casual or more professional? Are you working less so you don't need 20 "work outfits"? What you spend the most time doing should fill most of your closet. For example, now that I work from home I do not need as many professional pieces of clothing. I have a couple of pairs of nice slacks and skirts and 3 - 4 appropriate tops and jackets to mix and match when needed. Along with a few dresses for church my "professional" wardrobe is complete. The rest of this week will look at what else is needed to fill out your closet.
Word for Today, Free: We all love to get something for free. But if something is offered and we never take possession of it even free doesn't matter. Often we look at a free offer and think it is too good to be true. But when someone offers something for free and gives their very life to guarantee it it should make you think this is real. So why do so many people still not accept the free gift Jesus offers? Are you afraid of what you might have to give up. Well, He didn't ask you to give up anything, He gave up everything to give you the gift of eternal life. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?"
Are you looking in your closet seeing inspiration and less confusion? Now you can evaluate your needs. Do you have the basics to really wear what is in there? You need a basic white top and black top, a pair of black pants, black skirt, a good fitting pair of jeans and the little black dress. Start with these essentials and build up. Tomorrow, what to add.
Word for Today, Lamp: The right light creates ambiance in a room. It can make a room warm and cozy, or bright and stark, or dark and dingy. Bright lamps are necessary to do work and a nightlight is comforting. "The lamp of the body is the eye. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light." What is passing through your eye into your body? Is it pure lighting your path, or dark causing you to stumble?
It is time to put everything in the closet in categories so you can see what you have of each type of clothing. Pants together, pull over shirts, button blouses, etc. Use ROYGBIV in each category to see how many similar colors you have. Eliminate duplicates and those colors that are oddballs. Stick to the ones you truly like, not fads, because that is what you will wear.
Word for Today, Sleep: It makes me sad to see how many people mention they sleep poorly. I went through years of insomnia due to a medical condition, so I understand. God's Word tells us, "You will lie down and your sleep will be sweet." Turning off the TV, calming music, etc. can all help, but the key to sweet sleep lies in spending time dwelling on Him who gives the sleep.
If you have been using the backward hanger tip you can easily see which clothes need to go. If you didn't, then it will take a little longer to weed out the unwearables. An easy place to start is what you haven't worn, but the second step is anything you don't like or are tired of. Even if it is a practical or "classic" piece, it is useless if you don't like it. Don't feel guilty. Purge!
Word for Today, Almost: It is said,"Close only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades." If we almost bake a cake the designated time it isn't edible. If we sew a dress and leave out the zipper it isn't wearable. If we listen to a sermon every Sunday of our life and never accept Jesus as our Savior we will be like King Agrippa who after listening to Paul the Apostle said, "You almost persuade me." Almost won't count.
Simplify. My goal is not to teach how to store stuff, but how to live with less and be more comfortable in your environment. Let's start with clothing. As Americans our closets are overflowing. We build closets the size of our childhood bedrooms. Let's get serious this week and pare down the contents as we move into Spring. Take a step today by removing what you have not worn all winter.
Word for Today, Nationality: I am proud to be an American. Having lived in a non-democratic country I do not take our freedoms lightly. I am grateful for the Presidents whose lives we are supposed to remember today. I am even more grateful for my eternal citizenship in heaven guaranteed by the One who gave all for me. "You are a chosen generation, a holy nation, His own special people." My name is written in Heaven.
So have you been brave enough to add some Red to your environment this week? If not, here are a few simple additions for your wardrobe, a Red purse is a lot of fun, Red earrings or a Red statement necklace. Try a Red print like paisley, stripe, or plaid. Even Red nail polish will cheer you up. Be adventurous.
Word for Today, Likeness: I am told I look like my Mom. My Nanny tells me I look like my Dad's Mom. Our granddaughter looks and acts exactly like her Mom. Our girls who are all adopted have similarities to us (God's doing). We are proud of our family resemblances. If you are of the family of God you have the privilege of looking like Jesus. "I will be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness." Who do you look like?
Red Shoes, how can you not love them? They bring a little spark to any outfit. Anyone can wear them because they are on your feet, not next to your face. Using the color guides I gave you yesterday, pair them with a color you wear well and have a ball. After all red shoes made Dorothy's dreams come true.
Word for Today, Name: When introduced you make sure your name is pronounced correctly. It identifies who you are. God wants to be called by His rightful Name as well. He has many to choose from, but without acknowledging life is in the Name of Jesus the other names are useless. God, Lord, Jehovah, Everlasting Father, Immanuel, Prince of Peace are all one Name above all names, Jesus. "How excellent is Your Name."
Here are some easy ways to incorporate Red into your home. A hand towel in the kitchen will encourage appetites and the desire to cook. A throw pillow on a chair invites people to sit and visit. Placemats will encourage people to linger and talk. Fresh flowers for a touch of elegance. Easy and fun.
Word for Today, Noise: Living in a city you are used to noise. Living in a small town my ears perk up when I hear a siren because it is not the norm. Other sounds are loud, but not noise to my ears, like the birds chirping in the tree outside my window or the waves crashing on the Lakeshore. Both speaking God's voice. "The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea."
Here are a few color combos to dress you or your house for today and any day. Bright Coral Red-Taupe/Dark Gray/Pale Blue/White; Lipstick Red with blue undertones-Black; Deep Plummy Wine Red-Mossy Green and Camel; Brownish earth-toned Red-Chocolate Brown. Add some fun today.
Word for Today, Blood: I am sure you thought it would be Love, but true love was given to me through the shedding of my Saviors blood on the cross. Without His love I would not know what true love is. Because of Jesus' love my marriage is pure and strong and full. May you know His love first and always. "By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us."
All around us this week we are seeing the color red. It is one of my favorite colors and a great one to embrace in our homes and wardrobes. It can be used as a neutral color in both cases. Pairing the right shade of red with other colors will enhance a room or your style. Take a look in your closet or jewelry box and see if you have a red piece you would like to build around. Tomorrow I will share how to match the right shades of red with other colors. Designers have said, " every room should have at least a touch of red." Give it a try, it will make you smile.
Word for Today, Heart: I showed a red paper heart to my kids in Sunday School yesterday and the 5 year old Doctors son proceeded to tell me that was not what a heart looked like. He is right, sometimes our heart can be black, or hard, or broken, or torn in two. But by God indwelling it it can be beautiful and full and overflowing. Which heart would you prefer?
Valentine's Day symbolizes romantic love for us, but there are many people not in a romantic relationship and we can use the day to reach out and show them a special touch of love. Send flowers to a widow, give a box of chocolates to the neighbor that lives alone, seek those that need a loving word spoken and show them they are meaningful and special. You will be glad you did.
Word for Today, Words: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." A word can destroy or can bring life. A simple word from Jesus raised the dead, made the lame to walk, and the blind to see. A simple word from you will insure eternal life in heaven,"Yes Lord" is all it takes. "Behold it is written. By your words you will be justified or condemned."
A great Valentine's gift is a coupon book. My husband looks forward to receiving one and prefers it over any other gift because he knows it is me giving of me to him. Be clever with the coupons. As I always advise, think outside the box. These are great to give to your kids as well with things like "stay up 30 minutes extra." Have fun thinking up things you can do for your loved ones.
Word for Today, Water: We can't live without it. It can bring life but can cause death. We love to watch it crash on the shore of our Lake or the ocean and we pray it would rain down from heaven on our crops. No wonder Jesus was called Living water. He sustains life and is more powerful than the waves crashing against the shore. We can't live without Him. "Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely."
Candy and Hearts are symbols of Valentines Day and there are so many ways and people to share these symbols with. We always think of visiting Nursing Homes during the BIG holidays, but why not take a box of old fashioned cards to a nursing home on VD. This would be a great activity for adults or children. Everyone likes to receive a Valentine.
Word for Today, Someday: Today we will say our final goodbyes to a dear friend who has gone on to eternity. As with all we have said goodbye to that know Jesus as their Savior we can say,"someday soon I will see you again." "Blessed are those who die in the Lord. They are before the throne of God."
A great Valentine's Date that could be implemented once a month or so is a "nice" meal created at home. Cooking together can be fun as part of the date, set the table, dress up as if you were going out. You will save lots of $, there is no waiting time to be seated, and you can stay as long as you want.
Word for Today, Secrets: When I was 10 my best friend, Sharlene, and I read "The Secret Language." It was about 2 girls in a boarding school that created their own language. Of course we tried to create one as well. We may feel like God has a secret language, but the Bible tells us He will hide nothing from us, He wants us to understand. "It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven."
As we look toward Valentines Day put into action activities that you can enjoy together. How about a cooking class or dance lessons, audit a class at the local community college together, pursue a new hobby you can both participate in. Look beyond passive activities like watching movies and be involved together.
Word for Today, Provision: "I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread. When you have eaten and are full, you shall bless the Lord." God provides all we need and yet how often do we say a "blessing" at a meal truly aware of the awesome provision before us? The next time you sit down to a meal consider it a blessing. So many are starving and we have an abundance. "I AM the Bread of Life."
Valentines Day is next week and it is easy to pass it over as a "Hallmark" holiday. But it can be such a fun time to express our love to friends, not just a spouse or significant other. Remember how fun it was to choose just the right valentine to give to your friends? Buy a box of those fun little cards and surprise your friends. That and a piece of chocolate will make anyone smile.
Word for Today, Light: The moon was so full and beautiful last night and so many stars to see. The backyard was still bright at midnight. However the reality is without the sun there would have been no light to brighten even the darkest night. When all seems dark to us we need to look to the true source of light, The Light of the world. "I am the Bright and Morning Star." Is His Light shining through you today?
As we make our way through our homes brightening it up an inexpensive addition is hand towels. These can bring a cheery atmosphere in the bathroom or kitchen. Rotate ones through and have "special" ones for guests. Hang a pretty one on the handle of the stove and cheer up the kitchen. Choose a bright contrasting color for the bathroom. Step outside the mindset of a "set." Mix and match.
Word for Today, Work: This word can bring happy thoughts or groaning to us. The Bible says, "if a person doesn't work, he doesn't eat." We all like to eat. Our "job" is to make the work enjoyable. Do we complain constantly or do we go about it joyfully recognizing the rewards it will bring. Maybe we don't need less work, we just need a new outlook. No matter what the work is you have been given do it joyfully.
On our quest to brighten up our homes and infuse a little color an easy fix is "new" pillow cases and throw for the bedroom or on a chair. You don't have to purchase a whole new set of sheets to brighten a room, just a different pair of pillowcases can change the entire atmosphere. Look through your linens and see if you have a pair from another set of sheets that you could mix and match. Look through throws, baby blankets, or table clothes you have stored away and use them in a new spot in the house. Any of these can be used to dress up the end of a bed, or over the arm of a chair or sofa. Consider adding a ribbon or other trim to any of these to change the look as well. Think outside the box to mix things up.
Word for Today, Sleep: Well thanks to the chocolate malt I decided to have after church last night I joined the ranks of those of you that are on here so often saying you cannot sleep. As Mama Kay (the affectionate name so many of us have for Pastor Chuck's wife) taught us many years ago, when you can't sleep pray the alphabet. Sometimes I will go through the alphabet declaring attributes of God to Him--Awesome, Beautiful, Caring, etc. Other times I will pray through the alphabet all the people I know whose name start with A, B, C, etc. Since I usually fall asleep before I make it to M, I will sometimes start from there. Other times I will pray for everyone I know in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, etc. It is a great use of the time when sleep can't be found. "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation."
A simple way to infuse some cheeriness into your home is to follow the seasons with simple touches around the house. This will keep your home fresh and vibrant. At Christmas we change the atmosphere dramatically and we all love the feelings it stirs up in us. For February you don't have to do hearts and cupids. Place a pink bowl on a table with fresh flowers. Simple is the key.
Word for Today, Sight: It is a frightening thing to think that we could be blind. To spend our life in darkness. Yet so much of the world is walking around blind to the truth of eternal life in Jesus. Take their hand and be their guide to the truth. "We walk by faith, not by sight. In Him you trusted after you heard the word of truth. Blessed are those who put their trust in Him."
