Tip of the Day 4/23/12

Since beginning Dee-Clutter I have been asked many times where I get my information, was I professionally trained, etc. All of the information I share with my clients, groups I speak to, on my Blog, and on FaceBook is what God shows me each day to share. They are lessons I have learned from over 35 years of running my own home and always wanting to make it more pleasant and comfortable. I read a lot and am inspired by other peoples ideas, but the tips I share are my own. If they are from another source I always acknowledge that. Life is short and should be enjoyed not frustrate us. So, I feel led to give tips beyond basic organizing on how to live a fulfilling life in a comfortable environment. That is why my Blog is sub-titled "Tips for everyday living." I am also asked if I actually do the things I post. The answer is a simple, yes. I always tell groups I am speaking to that if I don't know from experience I shouldn't be offering the advice. This week I will be giving some common sense kind of basic tips on how to live a simplified life. Less is more and here is the first tip on how to do it. Get rid of all the extra sets of dishes in your cupboards and basement. Choose your favorite that can be dressed up or down. I have never owned a set of china. If you do, and you love it, then use it. Currently I have a set of Corsica in Fiesta Ware colors. I add a charger, nice napkins and stemware to dress it up or we eat sandwiches off of it with paper napkins for everyday. I have a small set of china plates that were my Mom's and I use them for some occasions. The key is, I use them. I also have a set of Holiday dishware that I use from Thanksgiving through New Years in place of my other dishes. Get rid of those extra sets, partial sets, and hand-me-downs that you never use. You could end up with cupboards worthy of glass front doors.

Word for Today, Home: I have always wanted to have a house full of children and be a homemaker. Even though I was unable to bare children God saw fit to bless us with our daughters and now our grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also blessed me with the privilege of staying at home to home school them and make a home of our choosing. My being able to do so was the fulfillment of a promise a precious older woman in our church shared with me from God's Word back in 1982. Every time I read that verse I am overwhelmed by God's faithfulness. The verse was in my daily reading through the Bible this morning, and today I saw how God has continued to fulfill that promise, even though we are now empty nesters, by allowing me to help others through Dee-Clutter. It doesn't matter if you live alone, are male or female, have 5 kids under age 10, are just starting out in your first apartment, or have lived in your house for 30 years, we all desire a comfortable home. We are all called to be home makers. But don't get too comfortable, soon we will be moving to our forever home that God has been working on for over 2,000 years. He is the original home maker and and it will be spectacular. "He makes the barren woman the keeper of the home and the mother of many children. By the grace of God I am what I am."