Tip of the Day 4/12/12

It is rare I recommend containerizing items and even more rare for me to recommend purchasing containers. In pursuit of going green, by saving some green, to enjoy the green, I am recommending some containerizing, but, sorry big box stores, no purchase needed. If you do not have one or more empty baskets sitting in a garage, closet, cupboard, or basement, you are in the minority of Americans. Being in this majority will help you organize your outdoor space, and that can be very rewarding. Over the years I have been given plants and cheese selections that came packaged in baskets and I am sure you have as well. Any time I receive a gift in a basket I consider what it can be used for. Some are obviously designed to be re-used for a specific purpose, but others take a little imagination. I have a handled basket that is divided perfectly for silverware and napkins. I keep it stocked all the time and can pull it out for use on any occasion. When the kids were still at home I left it out on the counter with paper plates through the whole week between Christmas and New Years. We didn't do dishes for the whole week. Now I keep it out when company is visiting for easy access for them and more free time to pursue fun. It is easily taken out for gatherings in the back yard and can be switched out with good silver instead of plastic depending on the type of dinner party. Baskets can hold party favors for your guests, individual packets of condiments are fun to include on a buffet table, or be creative using them as decor on the table holding cloth napkins, flowers, conversation starters, etc. Along with baskets, use the other pieces you have collected or been handed down over the years, napkin rings add a touch of fun, serving bowls that you only use on holidays can be put into service throughout the summer for a dressed up tablescape. Take the good glassware and china outside. Make a pot of tea using the tea pot sitting in the cabinet and serve it on a tray with china cups. Think of creative uses for the "containers" just sitting around the house and spend time outside enjoying all the beauty of the things you have collected, as well as creation. They can really enhance each other.

Word for Today, Knowledge: It has been said that throughout your life you should learn one new thing a day. This will help keep your mind strong and give you more purpose each day. The older I get, the more I want to learn. I love discovering something I have never known before, learning a new skill, tasting a new food, seeing a new place, or meeting new people. There is so much this world has to offer and it can become a distraction from the only knowledge that will matter for eternity. The knowledge that is life changing is found in the pages of God's Word and listening to His voice teach me truths to live by. I have read the Bible completely through every year for many years and have sat through Bible studies since I was a little girl, but every time I open God's Word I see something new. It is alive and vibrant and contains the words of life. "My purpose is that (you) may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that (you) may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that (you) may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Teach me Your way, O Lord. Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord."