Tip of the Day 3/2/12

I hope you are now looking into a very neatly organized clothes closet or have plans to follow the easy steps soon. As you have probably noticed in my posts I am a firm believer in using what we already have, not buying more storage containers, or in this case new closet systems. We need to learn to use what we have. There are things we need to purchase to help from time to time, but a trip to home depot or office depot for a lot of new containers to organize with is really not necessary to have an organized home. The key is eliminating the surplus and creatively using what you already have. There a couple of things that are useful in this closet rehab, the main one being good matching hangers. The velvet covered ones are very nice. I have all plastic, some with slots to prevent skinny straps from slipping. This is not a major purchase and will certainly make the closet neater and help you maintain your clothing. The only other recommendations for purchases are to fill in gaps in your wardrobe. I consider a few camis essential wardrobe pieces, black, white, neutral, to wear under clothing that reveals a little too much. Please leave the cleavage for your husband, mine doesn't need to see yours. Slips seem to have been forgotten as well, but no one needs to be able to see through your dress or skirt at the office or church. A good belt to wear with jeans, because we all know what we don't need to see. Department stores used to have a section called "Foundations" and these items are still essential in our wardrobes. Build on them and you will look put together, neat, and professional.

Word for Today, Rest: We live in a society that has forgotten what it means to rest. After we return home from our jobs there is so much to do around the house, running kids here and there, cooking, etc. that when we finally sit down or collapse into bed our minds won't shut down and allow us to rest. We fill our weekends with activities and cram our vacations so full we need a vacation when we get home. We have forgotten how to stop. It is easy to say "I have too much to do to stop and if I don't do it it won't get done." There is not a lot in this world that is that important. Rest needs to be as much a part of your day as eating or drinking water. It will nourish you. In the times of quiet is where you will hear that still small voice of God speaking to you. I remember driving through Amish country a few years ago and seeing a father arriving home at the end of the day. His wife and children were out on the lawn and he stopped and threw himself down and wrestled with the children and then rolled over on his back and stared at the sky while the kids crawled all over him. It was an idyllic picture, but one rarely seen. I have a feeling he slept well that night. Resting can be found in moments alone but also in fellowship with others with no agenda. In other words, no shop talk, just friendship. If you are having trouble resting maybe you don't need more time alone, you need fellowship. "There remains therefore a rest for the people of God."