Tip of the Day 5/31/12

99 Days of Summer: For many of us we have fond memories of lazy summer days spent reading stacks of books. This is still one of my favorite activities any time of year, but summer and reading just seem to go hand in hand. Most libraries sponsor a summer reading program for kids and many do for adults as well. This is always fun to participate in, but why not create your own. I choose a genre or author to read throughout the summer and choose a reward for myself when I finish my list. This is a great motivation to move out of my comfort zone or learn about a new topic. This summer I have chosen books on France and will treat myself to a French manicure at the end of the list. It works well for kids as well. They will enjoy getting to choose a new topic to read about all summer. An example for kids would be reading through the Anne of Green Gables series, then at the end of the summer host a party based on Anne's funny party hosting experience. Ask the kids for ideas and jump into some exciting adventures this summer.

Word for Today, Fulfilled: Last week I was enjoying some time just talking to the Lord praying for many of you. I was about to say amen when I felt like I was supposed to pray for my own healing of my back. I have been believing I was going to be healed, so I hadn't actually prayed for myself. As I prayed I knew beyond a doubt that God was going to heal me and my pain level went from a 8 - 10 down to about a 6 for the first time in months. Because I was feeling so much better I had to resist the temptation to overdo. (I know none of you would think I would overdo. LOL) The next morning I was scheduled to see the neurosurgeon and at the last minute he had to cancel. It was clear to me I had been trusting in the surgeon for my healing, not in the Lord. The Lord might use a surgeon or doctor for my healing, but my faith was not to be in man. During the same day a friend shared with Richard her experience with a new chiropractor and he believed I was to see him. After seeing him yesterday I believe God is using this man to bring about His promise to me for healing. God is the Great Physician and the extent of my healing is ultimately in His hands. My responsibility is to listen for his voice and follow His leading. This verse was part of my devotional reading this morning and I am so grateful God speaks when I stop to listen. "Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." Luke 1: 45

 

Tip of the Day 5/30/12

99 Days of Summer: One of my favorite summer memories as a child was going to the dime store, TG & Y in Tulsa, with my Nanny or Grandma Hanks and getting a new toy. One of my favorites was a new coloring book, always Barbie, and a box of crayons. That is still one of my favorite things to look at in our local dime store. Why not pick up a coloring book and crayons for yourself and remember the simple pleasure.

Word for Today, Boundaries: As parents we are often given the advice that our children want to know what the boundaries are. It makes them feel safe. We like to know what the rules are in a game and want others to obey them. Human nature leads us to push as close to the boundaries as possible. At sometime in our lives we have all considered the boundaries to be meant for someone else. Whether we agree with the rules or not does not mean we can just arbitrarily choose which ones to obey. A society without boundaries would be chaos. God has set boundaries for our lives just like any good parent does for his children. We can choose to ignore them, but in the end we will know they were for our good. There is a huge quarry near Chicago that the highway goes through the middle of. I have a friend that lived near the quarry as a child and, of course, was forbidden from going near it. Like typical kids she and her friends ignored their parents warnings and would jump the fence and see who could ride their bike as close to the edge as possible. This is such a picture of how many people live their life, as close to the edge as possible. It may not seem as exciting to live by the rules, but in the end you will be thankful for the rewards of choosing to stay within the boundaries. "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction."

 

Tip of the Day 5/29/12

Dee-Clutter Tip of the Day, 99 Days of Summer: Let's crank up the music and listen to some summertime tunes. Here are a few to get you started:
Surfin' Safari-The Beach Boys
Under the Boardwalk-The Drifters
Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay-Otis Redding
Where the Boys Are-Connie Francis
See You in September-The Tempos

What songs set your summertime state of mind? 

Word for Today, Wait: From the time we are born we are waiting for something. We wait to be old enough for kindergarten, a drivers license, to vote. Then as adults we wait for the right person to marry, the right job, the right time to buy a house or have children. We wait for the next holiday, or pay day, or a promotion. It is so easy to spend so much of our time looking toward something that we miss living today. In the Bible we are told over and over to wait, but the waiting is always for the good in our lives. At the same time we are told to be busy. Not to miss any opportunity to live, to do good, to tell others of the great joy of living a life for Christ. The lesson we learn from this is that waiting does not mean sitting and doing nothing. When the children of Israel were crossing the Jordan river to enter the Promise Land they had to wait for God to provide the way. In order for Him to provide the way they had to step into the water. Wait on the Lord and step into the water by faith to see what great things He will do. "Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us."

Tip of the Day 5/26/12

Memorial Day weekend begins our celebration of summer and we usually consider Labor Day the end. We will try to cram as much fun as we can into the next 3 months. So for the next 101 days I will give you a tip each day to help celebrate the season.
Day 1: Everyone enjoys a cool summer drink and this is a perfect one for all the patriotic holidays. 1 part red punch drink (not sugar free), 1 part blue Gatorade, 1 part DIET Sprite. Layer liquids in individual clear glasses in this order. Do not stir. The punch has the highest sugar content and will remain on the bottom. Serve with a fresh strawberry slice and a mini American flag pick or red and white stripped straws. Can also be made in a pitcher or gallon dispenser, but the colors will not stay separated when poured.

Word for Today, Shepherd: Sheep are the only non-domesticated animal in need of a caretaker to survive. They do not know how to find clean water, they will eat the grass in a field until they are eating dirt, if another animal starts to attack them they will run in circles instead of trying to escape, if they fall down they can't stand back up and will die. They are helpless without a shepherd to care for them. Is it any wonder we are called sheep? We drink dirty water and eat the dirt the world offers, run around in circles looking for a way to escape the hardships we face, and when we fall down we need a helping hand to set us on our feet again. There is One who is known as the Good Shepherd who can and will do all of this and so much more for you. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul, He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names's sake."

 

 

Tip of the Day 5/25/12

Memorial Day weekend is finally here and many of us will be heading to the beach or pool. Hopefully the tips I have shared this week will help lead you to a more pleasant experience. One last area that I would like to mention is a dress code. You may be thinking, what?, but hear me out please. There are two forms of beach wear that really should be banned. They are the norm in Europe, but I am convinced they should be banned from public settings. I am talking about Speedos and thongs. They are scary and the image can scar you for life. Please save the world from this atrocity. Have a great time this weekend and remember to use sunscreen. :)

Word for Today, Cheap: Several years ago I was in Walmart and in need of a pair of pants for work, so I grabbed a few pair to try on. As I slipped into one I thought they felt really strange, actually like fake fabric. It was a very odd sensation and very uncomfortable. I looked at the price tag and could fully understand why they were only $4.95. We all like a great bargain, but some things are just cheap. It is worth spending more on a pair of good pants or shoes that will last a long time and are comfortable. Cheap is not always best. When it comes to investing in eternity, do you really want to settle for a cheap imitation? Yes, following Christ costs us something, but it is nothing compared to what it cost Him. Don't settle for the bargain, in the end it will cost you everything.

 

Tip of the Day 5/24/12

Contrary to popular belief, rules were not meant to be broken. Engineers study so that they can make recommendations for the maximum weight a bridge can hold or the height of a truck to go through an underpass. I trust their wisdom. What does this have to do with our beach tips this week? Lifeguards instructions and rules established for the beach are not just arbitrarily decided on to spoil your fun. When the warning flags for an undertow are ignored people drown. One of the saddest news reports we hear every summer is a teen that decided they were invincible and drowned because they jumped off the pier. This summer strive to make everyones beach experience safe and enjoyable by obeying the signs and warnings. From something as serious as the undertow warning to the sign that says, "no dogs on the beach," set a good example and have a safe experience.

Word for Today, Helper: All of us have areas in our life where we could use an extra set of hands. There are tasks that are sometimes too difficult to handle or we don't understand how to accomplish it. So, we look for someone with the strength or wisdom to help us. Over the past decade Google has become a "helper" for many of our questions. Just type in the problem and you will get dozens of answers. But what about those times when life is so overwhelming you don't even know the question to ask. Well, Google has you covered, just start typing and it will suggest questions, filling in the blanks for you. Isn't it great to know "someone" out there has your back. It is a little scary when you think about it. A fellow pastors wife once told a story that made a huge impression on me. She had imagined a conversation between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. God the Father said He wanted to create man to have fellowship with Him, The Son said since many would reject that fellowship and gift of love He would be willing to die for man to be restored to a relationship with the Father, and the Spirit said those that did accept the relationship would need someone to help them here on earth so He would volunteer to live inside them and teach and guide them. This picture of compassion and love has always amazed me. Not only did God want me to exist, but Jesus volunteered to give up His life for me, and the Holy Spirit volunteered to help me live a life I couldn't live on my own. When I need help, I don't have to depend on Google for the answers, the Spirit knows what I need before I do. "The Helper, the Holy Spirit." "Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." "The Spirit helps in our weaknesses."

Tip of the Day 5/23/12

The beach and litter, two things you not only do not want to see written on a page together, but do not want to experience. It always amazes me to see someone purposely litter and walking along any beach you see evidence of this ugly practice. Not only is it gross to come upon a diaper someone has left behind, but it is dangerous to the wildlife. Birds die or are injured by litter left on the beach and stepping in someones left behind mess is unpleasant. Trash containers are located along every beach. If you can haul half your house to the beach I am pretty sure you can carry your trash to a container. This is your public service announcement for the day.

Word for Today, Words: I am a lover of books. But if all I ever do is collect books or walk through libraries, I will not benefit from the words written on the pages. I have to open the books and read tbem. Perfect days and vacations consist of endless hours reading. Each summer I choose a genre or author to spend the summer reading. One summer I read Emily Dickinson, another I read books by and about Louisa Mae Alcott, one summer I devoted to re-reading my childhood books-Nancy Drew..., I have also spent summers reading Shakespeare, biographies and autobiographies, and cookbooks. This summer I have chosen books on France. The words on the pages can provide excitement, escape, entertainment, knowledge, wonder, even wisdom, but the one thing all these books cannot provide is Life. There is a Book that can and it is the best seller of all time. However, just owning that Book will not do anything for you if it just sits on a shelf unopened. It has to be opened, read, and believed. As I was reading this morning I was struck by the power of the words used in the Bible. Words like unchangeable, uttermost, faultless, boldly, safety, strength, honor, mercy, humble, death, peace, forgiveness, grace, love. I never tire of reading these words or of the One who embodies them all. One of the first movies I remember seeing in the theater was "The Greatest Story Ever Told." The awesome thing is, unlike many of the books I have read over the years, the one I read daily changed my life for eternity. It isn't just the greatest story ever told, it contains the key to eternity.

 

Tip of the Day 5/22/12

Be a good neighbor on the beach. One of the most frustrating things that can happen during a visit to the beach is others imposing themselves into your experience. This can happen in several ways, you are settled into the perfect spot and a group comes along and parks themselves within inches of you. Not a big deal so far. Next they pull out the music and crank it up, then they have endless conversations on the phone at full volume, next they grab the football and start throwing it over your head while cursing loudly. I think you get the picture of not real neighborly conduct. Being considerate of others is such an easy thing to do. If you see a family with small children and your group plans to behave like I have exampled, pick a spot on the beach somewhere else. Better yet, don't behave obnoxiously. If you want to throw a football move away from the crowd to do so. If you want to have a phone conversation, try to do it at a lower volume. No one else wants to hear your gossip. The beach can be a wonderful experience for everyone when we all respect our neighbors.

Word for Today, Popcorn: I heard a pastor mention the concept of a popcorn mentality and it really resonated with me. We live in a society that continually dips it's hand in the bucket and puts meaningless stuff into our minds. Many homes have the TV on from the time everyone wakes up until the last person falls asleep, others go to the movies every week to see the latest block buster, or bust, just because, others spend hours lost in video games. It isn't always the content that affects us negatively, it is often the volume. Popcorn isn't a bad snack (unless you douse it with butter and add Snocaps to it like I do), but if you mindlessly eat an entire bucket of it every day you will not be very healthy. When you buy that bucket of popcorn at the theater you don't think about it as you eat your way to the bottom. There is so much in this life that we mindlessly indulge in. We need to be purposeful in our choices. This is not to say I think people should never watch a movie, or TV, or play video games. We all need "down time", but mindlessness cannot be our steady diet if we want to live a healthy life physically and spiritually. "Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ Jesus."

Tip of the Day 5/21/12

Having lived in a beach town for over 10 years I believe I am well-versed enough to be able to share Proper Beach Etiquette with others. We joke about the fact we are invaded normally beginning Memorial Day weekend, it started a week early this year thanks to the Senior PGA being in town this week and the awesome weather. We are so grateful for all our visitors and I hope we are good hosts. This week I will share some things that will make you a good visitor to any beach or pool, and are things locals should apply to their behavior as well. One of the things people complain about is the amount of paraphernalia people drag to the beach in wagons and carts. Everyone has the right to bring as much "stuff" to the beach as you believe necessary to enjoy your visit, however, we all need to be considerate of others. So, when setting up a small encampment on the beach choose a location not in the center of the action. People enjoy walking along the shoreline without having to skirt and weave in and out of large groups camped out. Be considerate of pathways that lead to concession areas and do not camp in the middle of them. Also be considerate of setting up in front of others that have already found a spot to relax for the day. Everyone wants to enjoy the view of the water and erecting a large canopy in front of someone already relaxing is inappropriate. If you are already located in a spot and see a group gathering to set up, it is perfectly acceptable to ask them if they could please move to a little less congested area. Politely explain that you need to be able to see your children playing in the water or just that you chose that spot for your relaxing day and their set up will interfere with your view. The key to all of the behavior exhibited on the beach is consideration for others. Be polite and respectful and we will all enjoy the beauty of creation together.

Word for Today, Care: Jesus cares, He cares for you.

 

Tip of the Day 5/18/12

With the weekend before us today would be a good time to make sure your backyard emergency kit is up to date. Refill bandages and ointments, insure sunscreen and insect repellent are not expired and you have plenty on hand, refill hand sanitizer bottle or replace anti-bacterial wipes if needed. Include pain reliever and chap stick in the kit as well. A basket or bag of these supplies at the ready will make for a fun and relaxing weekend in the yard, on a picnic, or at the beach. Let the fun begin.

Word for Today, Immortality: Mankind has always been fascinated with this subject. Movies are made and books are written depicting living forever. We do not want to think that when we die it is all over. I am so grateful that we have the promise that we can live forever, the choice of where we live out eternity is ours. People make jokes about if their friends are in hell that is where they want to be so they can party forever. It breaks my heart to hear anyone take the reality of the eternal torment hell is and make it into a joke. God wants to give us a beautiful eternity beyond anything our minds can imagine. Why would we turn down that gift for eternity in a place created for Satan and his demons? You will live forever, the choice is yours where you will spend eternity. "Our Savior Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." "Because I live, you will live also."

 

Tip of the Day 5/17/12

4 Things Disaster Experts recommend to be prepared.
1) Buy the right insurance. Disaster policies can be costly, but not as costly as the disaster. Review your policies carefully.
2) Buy upper story escape ladders, and practice using them. You won't figure it out in the middle of a fire.
3) Keep important papers and at least $100 cash in a fire safe to grab if you need to evacuate.
4) Have an emergency plan for where the family will meet in case you are separated.

We all pray we never face a disaster, but being prepared will help if you ever do. 

Word for Today, Upright: Sadly this is not a word we hear used very often to describe a person because it is becoming more rare to find someone that this description fits. When a person does come along that appears to be upright media and society start looking for any little thing that will prove the person is not. It is tragic that the world seems to take so much pleasure in finding something wrong with people rather than rejoicing in the good. It was no different when Jesus walked the earth. The religious leaders followed Him around just looking for something they could say was wrong in His actions. Often times He chose to not answer their accusations, and when He did answer them He used God's Word as His source. When the world stands against you turn to God's Word for the answers. There are many times we need to just keep our mouths shut before our accusers, but if we answer it should be in grace. If you are choosing to live according to what you believe God's Word teaches, there will be trials, but stand firm, in love, on your beliefs. "He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless." "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct."

Tip of the Day 5/16/12

As we are enjoying the beautiful Spring weather we all need to be aware this is also the time of year we begin experiencing natural disasters in many parts of the country. I have lived in earthquake zones, tornado country, blizzard areas, and even experienced floods in two locations. Even though we currently live in an area where we have experienced very little truly severe weather conditions we have taken preparedness steps just in case. Every home should have an emergency kit that will keep your family warm and fed for 3 plus days. Google "Home Emergency Preparedness Kit" and fill a bin today. I hope you never have to use it.

Word for Today, Counsel: We all, from time to time, find ourselves in need of counsel. In this day and age we can Google any topic and find dozens of answers. Often people pose a question on FaceBook or other social media and get dozens of responses from friends. Some people ask co-workers their opinions on a problem. The more opinions we get the more confused we can become. There is one place we can go for the answers we need, God's Word. He may tell us to seek the counsel of someone older and wiser, we may be directed to seek the counsel of a pastor, we may even be directed to seek the counsel of a counselor, but the direction is there and it should be our starting point. "Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." "You will guide me with Your counsel." "His name will be called Wonderful Counselor."

 

Tip of the Day 5/15/12

Hopefully over the past year many of you have used the tips I share each day and have been able to conquer some of the clutter in your home and life. Our home and belongings are not more important than people and relationships, but they need to be taken care of. None of us can afford to just replace furniture, etc. at will. Hopefully you have taken steps to protect your belongings with good insurance policies. Take the time to do an inventory of your house. Write down the names of the valuables in each room, including serial numbers and models. Photograph the items as you go and show some of the background surrounding the item to help prove ownership. Take pictures of outside items, tools, cars, and the house itself. Save the list and photos on your computer and on a flash drive in your fire safe.

Word for Today, Together: Years ago I saw a program on HGTV about a family that decided to build a house that a couple of generations could share. It had a large central living room and kitchen along with a couple of guest bedrooms. Off from this were wings with smaller kitchens, living room, and bedrooms for each family. Several of my daughters and I mention this from time to time that we would love to do that. I have lived away from my family all of my adult life and now our children live in other states from us. The Walton's always appealed to me because they all lived together. In today's world that just doesn't happen very often. But someday we will all live together in the home our Father is building for us and it will be perfect. "Father, I desire that they whom You gave me may be with me where I am."

Tip of the Day 5/14/12

After living in the upper midwest for over 25 years and enduring freezing winters one of my favorite things about our house is the attached garage. We do not have a large home, no basement, and just a small storage shed, but we park both cars in the garage. I am astounded at how many people don't because they can't. I read some interesting statistics on this phenomenon; The U.S. Department of Energy reports that 32 percent of people with 2 car garages can't park any cars in the garage, and 36 percent only have room for one. With a little effort and will power you could clean out that garage and make room to protect one of your most expensive possessions--your car. Cleaning the garage is just like cleaning the house, tackle a small section at a time. Sort items into 3 piles-trash, donations, keep. If you can't decide within 5 seconds, get rid of it. Aside from major tools, if it hasn't been used in the past year, get rid of it. Just like inside your house, ask yourself "is the space the item is occupying worth it?" Clean items before storing. Look up for storage space. Hanging items, securely, is a great space saver. One important rule, do NOT get rid of or reorganize anything belonging to your husband without him present. :) Trust me on that one.

Word for Today, Parts: Several years ago a friend told a story about her husband taking apart a car motor. The parts sat untouched on his work bench for a couple of years. She was tired of looking at the mess and decided to clean it all up by scooping all the parts into a box. The car was towed away for scrap as her husband had no way of knowing how to put the motor back together now. He had placed the parts in order of the way he had taken them apart. They both learned an important lesson. Sometimes we can feel like our life is being taken apart one piece at a time and there is no way it can be put back together. But there is One with the master plan. He "knit you together in your mother's womb" and He has the power to make you whole again.

Tip of the Day 5/11/12

One of the most common replies to the question, "what would you grab in a fire?" is "my photos." We have so many that it would be impossible to grab them all. But thanks to modern technology we can electronically convert our photos and store them very easily in a fire safe with important papers. That is the one item you should grab if you ever find yourself having to evacuate your home. There are many programs that can help you convert the photos. Google's Picasa (picasa.google.com) is a free program that searches your hard drive for all photo files. Your hard copy photos can be scanned and easily organized and preserved. The choice to keep the hard copies is yours.

Word for Today, Listen: No one likes to be part of a one sided conversation, unless you are the one doing all the talking. We all want our opinions and thoughts heard, but one of the keys to friendship and knowledge is learning to listen. If all we ever do is talk TO God, how will we know what He has to say. We must learn to listen, to tune our ears to hear His voice. Just like a parent can recognize the sound of their own babies cry in a room full of crying children, you can recognize your Heavenly Father's voice through the noise of the world. Take the time to listen to Him, you will love what you hear.

Tip of the Day 5/10/12

As you are working on organizing photos you will discover many of those photos are contained in old albums with sticky pages. Some are no longer stuck and some are so stuck you will tear the photo trying to remove it from the album. A blow dryer and very fine thread or dental floss will help you remove the photos. Work slowly and gently and in no time you should have the photo free.

Word for Today, Fly: A distant cousin on my Mom's side, Albert E. Brumley, wrote many hymns and songs during his life. One of the most well known is "I'll Fly Away." He wrote the song while picking cotton on his Daddy's farm in southern Oklahoma and dreaming of a better life someday beyond this earth. Since moving to Michigan 10 years ago I have been awestruck many times by what I have come to see as "a hurt your eyes blue Michigan sky." It can be overwhelmingly blue thanks to The Lake. For years I would drive down the road or sit at the beach staring into it in wonder of heaven that lay beyond. Last year, when my Mom died, I suddenly had a very hard time looking at the sky. I felt like if I looked at it I was admitting she was beyond the sky in heaven and not still at home in Oklahoma. My great comfort is knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was her Savior and she is with Him in heaven, I just didn't want her to be there YET. Over the past year I have again begun looking at the sky and finding peace knowing what is beyond this life and that my Mom is there, with so many other loved ones, waiting for my arrival.
"Some glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away. " ~Albert E. Brumley
"We finish our years like a sigh. And we fly away." Psalm 90

Tip of the Day 5/9/12

Like most of you I have thousands of photographs that have been sitting in closets for years. The difference from most peoples collections is that mine are actually organized and I can access pretty much what I am looking for on a moments notice. Recently I have been going through the photos to pare them down and pass on to the kids. I am not a scrap booker and for years I have used photo boxes for storing pictures. They are easy to label for access and I don't have to take an entire album with if I want to share the photos with someone, I can remove just what I want to share. By placing the pictures into the boxes chronologically for the year and then numbering the back of the picture I can remove a photo and replace it where it belongs. Along with the photos are Christmas letters, pics, and cards that I have saved over the years. I just put these at the back of each year. I have separate boxes for each of my grandchildren that contain photos from their special events. The boxes are very inexpensive and can be purchased at any craft store. I am enjoying the process as I look through pictures filled with so many happy memories.

Word for Today, Substance: It is so easy to believe in something we can see. We all want proof that something is real. I have been teaching the kids in Sunday School the meaning of faith and as an illustration I have ribbons tied onto a fan and when I turn it on the kids are reminded that we know there is wind by faith and that is also how we know God is real. You can't hold or see wind, you can only experience it. There is a commercial out currently that says, "just show me the CarFax." It is pretty awesome to realize that God left us with the "GodFax", the Bible, so that we can know Him. But those are just words on a page just like the "CarFax", how can we trust they are true. Faith is the answer. I love that I serve a God big enough that I don't have to physically see Him to know He is real. He is evident in everything and all I need is faith to believe. The even greater thing is just by asking He gives even the faith needed to believe. He is all the all sufficient provider of everything. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. We walk by faith, not by sight."

Tip of the Day 5/8/12

As you know my goal with Dee-Clutter is not adding to what you already have, but eliminating unused items and using what you do have. But sometimes it is fun to bring a new thing we love into our home, just because we like it. Maybe you have been going through the things you have and found some great brackets you would like to use for a shelf, but don't have the shelf component, here are some ideas for shopping for the needed part and other fun creative non-essentials.

1) Take pictures with when you are going to garage sales or places like Hodge-Podge Emporium. Show the proprietor the pic and they can point out some possibilities for you.
2) Take measurements before shopping. These type of items are usually non-returnable and you don't want to bring home something you can't use.
3) Take a tape measure with.
4) Look the item over carefully and make sure it is what you really are looking for. Consider the condition for the use you intend. A bowl with a crack is fine as a decorative piece but is not going to work to serve food from.
5) Remember everything is negotiable. Dealers expect you to bargain, but be respectful. This is their business and criticizing an item is rude. Be reasonable and if you negotiate down, you should buy the item.

Word for Today, Friendship: We were created to spend time with others. God wanted someone special to spend time with and so He created man. Adam wanted a companion in the Garden of Eden so God created Eve. Take a child to a park and most will have made a new friend within minutes. We don't like to be alone all the time. People that live alone have the TV on a lot just for the sound of other peoples voices. Often we find ourselves with lots of friends, but do we have friendships? These are the type of relationships that time and distance cannot diminish. We know the person intimately and can pick up where we left off without missing a beat no matter how long it has been since we last talked. Jesus is that kind of a friend. If you need someone to talk to, He is waiting. "The Father has not left me alone."

Tip of the Day 5/7/12

As you clean out your house, garage, etc. it is tempting to think, I should hang onto this or that because I can make something out of it. There is always a way to re-purpose an item, but if it just gets put back on the shelf it is still just clutter. Here are a few ideas to make the magic of re-purposing happen.
1) Steal other people's ideas. Pinterest and magazines are great resources.
2) Consider the shape and original purpose of the item. Old window frames make awesome picture or mirror frames.
3) Think outside the box. Reuse an outside piece in the house.
4) Don't limit yourself. If you have an idea, try it. If it doesn't work, at least you tried and it wasn't serving a purpose before so you haven't lost anything.
5) There is no right or wrong way to use the item. It is yours to make into whatever you want so have fun.

Word for Today, Simplicity: Yesterday in Sunday School I asked the kids to tell me how I could get to heaven. They said I needed to believe in God. I told them I did believe in god, he looked like a calf made out of gold (I said that since they know that story). They all said, no, you have to believe in Jesus, He is the real God and the only way to heaven and if I believe in Him I will have eternal life, that's a 1 with zeros after that never end. Then they told me how to pray to ask Jesus to live in my heart. All of this from 2 three year olds and a six year old. It really is that simple and beautiful. A little child shall lead them.

Tip of the Day 5/3/12

Here are a few basics to help propel you forward and keep that Dee-Clutter state of mind going.
1) Start every day with a good breakfast. Energy will propel you forward.
2) Tackle just one drawer. Periodically doing this task will keep you caught up. Once a month I go through the drawer in my desk where I stash things I think I might want or need. It is amazing how much goes right into the trash.
3) Do it now. If you can do it in under a minute, just do it. It takes less than a minute to put a dish in the dishwasher instead of the sink.
4) Clean your microwave. The leftover funky smells will permeate other foods you heat up. If there is stuck on food, bring 4 tablespoons lemon juice to a boil in a microwave safe dish. This will loosen the stuck on goop and you can wipe it away.
5) Count to ten. If you feel overwhelmed by the clutter or general messiness in your home or office, return 10 things to their rightful place and you will feel clam start to sink in. This is a propel you forward action.
6) Clean out your medicine cabinet. This is a good practice every 6 months.
7) Organize your jewelry. Get rid of what you don't wear and enjoy being able to find what you want to wear.
8) Alphabetize your spices. It really does make a difference.
9) Clean out your underwear drawer. Get rid of anything you would not want to be caught wearing in an accident.
10) Place a "To the Thrift Store" box or bag by the back door or in your car and try to fill it up at least once a month.
Forward motion is good and you can do it.

Word for Today, Perfection: The meaning of reputation is who you are when everyone is looking, character is who you are when no one is. We all want to be seen as perfect, but of course, no one is. That is why tabloids post pictures of celebrities at their worst, it is supposed to make us feel better. We all have standards we choose to compare ourselves to, or we put pressure on ourselves because of statements made by others, even family or friends. Sadly it is sometimes those closest to us that can make us feel the most inadequate, but there is only one person whose opinion of us matters for eternity. This does not absolve us from living rightly before others, it just means when we fail or stumble we know the one who is called "the Lover of our soul" will be there to pick us up. He will never bring up our past failures, He will never ridicule or point out flaws, not even in jest. He is perfect and in Him so are we. "You shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."

Tip of the Day 5/2/12

A houseful of things that don't fit your lifestyle (not enough time to dust it all or overflowing closets) is a chaotic house. By eliminating the overflow you can organize your home and enjoy it. Things that require a lot of upkeep are fine if you like to spend your time doing that. But if you would rather spend time doing other things than cleaning or trying to find a place to sit in your house, it is time to clear some things out. If your house feels like a burden it is time to decide what needs to go. By reducing what you have and sticking to standards on basic items (dishes, towels, and sheets like mentioned last week), you not only gain space, you also gain freedom to enjoy your home and the things that really matter. Once the kitchen is streamlined you will be able to prepare meals without the frustration of not being able to locate the needed pan or ingredients. Your home should be a haven and a place you want to spend time, not avoid. Wouldn't it be nice to have a home that no matter when someone dropped by you were able to welcome them and maybe even invite them to stay for dinner.

Word for Today, Everywhere: Years ago I organized a presentation for teenage girls and young women on sexual purity. As a part of the day a skit was performed in which a young girl who claimed to be a believer in Christ was preparing to go to a party her parents were unaware of. She knew she should not be going, but chose to anyway. As she was getting ready to go Jesus was following her around the house and she was trying to explain to Him why she didn't need Him with her for that part of her life. The thing is when we ask Jesus to live in our hearts He is there. We don't get to pick when we want Him with us. He is everywhere we are. If we are living in a way pleasing to Him this is very comforting, but if we are doing things that we know He would not approve of we believe we can lock Him out of the room. It doesn't work that way. He is God and He is everywhere. Are you comfortable with sharing your choices of activities with Him present? "Surely the Lord is in this place. My presence will go with you. You are the temple of the living God."

Tip of the Day 5/1/12

May Day is not the most controversial holiday originating from pagan practices, but it does stir up some. My personal stand is that anything can be redeemed for good, I am living proof because Jesus redeemed even me. So, I think today is a great opportunity to show some love and spread some joy to someone in need of cheer by sharing a May Day basket. You more than likely have a basket in your house that is not being used and you just haven't gotten around to taking it to the thrift store yet. Why not pick up a small bouquet or plant and deliver a pretty May Day basket to a deserving recipient. Maybe it is a cranky neighbor, a lonely widower, the new family on the block, etc.; we all know of someone that will have their day brightened by your act of kindness. Happy May Day everyone.

Word for Today, Trouble: This is not a very uplifting word to start the beautiful month of May with unless you think about the promise it holds. In this word I see the faithfulness of my Savior, and see that He is real, and I see that He desires good for me. I know He is real and faithful because He does not sugar coat life in this world. He told us, "In the world you WILL have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." This is reality. I also know He desires good for me and I will know that good as I rest in Him. If my life was without trouble I would have no need for a Savior. If I look at the trouble that WILL come my way in the light of it being an opportunity to draw closer to my Jesus, I will find the peace that passes understanding. "The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever."