Tag: reflections

Simple Life – One’s Junk is Another’s Treasure

As the end of the month is drawing near, I am getting increasingly excited – with a little bit of stress thrown in there for good measure. I’m anxious and excited to see a lot of stuff disappear from our home, but I’m still not as far into the process as I’d like to be. This week and weekend will be a big one for us. But I must explain the exciting part!

HB and I attended a meeting, last night, with a few couples from other churches near our own. We are working together on a community outreach project to help local families in need. One of the couples has a ministry called Atlas that helps hurting men and women in the community; people who are down on their luck and are in need of assistance, support and resources to rebuild their lives. They told us about a new branch to their ministry and how they recently acquired a thrift store for their organization.

Immediately, the light bulbs began to click on! I told them about my month of minimizing and simplifying, and the stacks of clothing and other stuff that I’m accumulating. Not only did they want to hear more about the journey I’ve been on, but they also wanted any donations we were willing to send their way. And get this…their doors open the first week in May!

Seriously now…is all of this timely or what?! As someone who believes that everything happens for a reason, I am so excited to load everything onto our trailer and cart it away to this great organization. To know that, not only will this help out some good friends in building their new store and ministry, but also that my junk will be treasures to others in greater need, just excites me to no end.

This Simple Life Adventure just became more meaningful than I imagined.

So bring on the boxes!!
I’m ready to load them up and take them to their future home.

~CindyLu~

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Simple Life – True Accomplishments

I haven’t been able to accomplish all that I had planned for while HB is gone. After the whole toe incident, a week ago today, I’ve had to slow it way down. I did allow this to discourage me for a day or so, but I feel good about what I did get accomplished when I first started out on this quest; that is, an organized kitchen with one large box of kitchen items, and an almost completely organized bedroom with three 39-gallon-sized bags, ready for the local thrift store. In spite of my unplanned down time the past couple of days, I’ve kept up with a bit of surface cleaning. The house does feel tidy and I can live with that.

I seem to be all about clichés this week, but I’m seeing that hindsight really is 20/20. As I reflect back over the past six days alone, I’m seeing how this little incident opened the door to do things that I wouldn’t have otherwise done, because my list was all about tasks.

So here are the things I have accomplished this week:

Spent an afternoon with my brother, sisters and mom. We all have busy schedules, so it’s not often that we’re able to get together and to do something fun. My brother happened to be in town, so we threw together an afternoon to have a late lunch and go to a movie. My sisters handed out bags of sinfully delicious movie treats and we had a blast. ♥

Met a friend for an evening coffee date. After a long day of work, I could have easily just stayed home to veg. The plan was to meet up and chat up some details for an Easter brunch, but that ended up being the smallest part of the conversation. Instead, we chatted about everything and nothing that we had going on in our lives. After almost three hours, I left there realizing how much I needed that girl time. ♥

An impromptu pizza and a movie at home. One of my daughter in-loves wrote me an e-mail to see if I had dinner plans. Nope, I didn’t. I told her to call in a pizza and I’d pick it all up on the way home. She came over with two of my grandsons and we just vegged together; dinner in the living room while we watched a movie. It was so relaxing, I almost dozed off a couple of times. ♥

Dinner with family. Not only is HB gone, but two of our sons went with him. This has left my two daughter in-loves at home with the kids. Well, these two amazing girls are making me a birthday dinner tonight. Are you familiar with the story of Naomi and Ruth? Well…these two girls are my Ruth. It’s one thing to be loved by your own children, but when you are loved by children from another mother…that’s a bonus blessing. ♥

Slumber Party. When I saw my mom this past weekend, I just realized how precious this time is with her. She’s been a widow for many years now and I couldn’t help but think about how empty the house has felt with HB away. So I invited her to come and join us for dinner tonight and then to spend the night with me. To make it even more special, I decided to also invite my only grand-daughter, because I want her to have something I never did…a relationship with her great-grandma. So we’re going to spend the late evening eating too much candy and watching something girly…probably “Tangled” because my grand-daughter believes she is the lost princess. ♥

I actually took tomorrow off, so I could have a nice three-day weekend. My intent was to spend it alone…my gift to me. I figured I would have a quiet cup of coffee, turn on some tunes, and well…do more cleaning. But instead, I’ll be spending more time with many listed above and tomorrow evening, I’ll drink too much coffee while I wait for HB’s plane to touch down around midnight.

As for my weekend list, it says…nothing.
It’s empty…a clear page of more relaxing with my very best friend.

Shouldn’t that be a picture of what a simple life looks like? Spontaneous, impromptu, decisions to do whatever we feel like in that moment, which includes nothing at all? Here I made a list of all that I wanted to accomplish to “reach” this goal, while missing the entire concept of what I should be reaching for.

I guess I need to be thankful for my dislocated toe because I never would have accomplished all that I have. My quest to declutter is still a goal, but I think I’m moving it down a few notches so I don’t miss out on other opportunities around me.

The chores will always be there, but spending time with family, friends, a good book, or a quiet cup of coffee…now THAT’s a true accomplishment towards simple living. 

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Learning As I Go

Like many writers out here, this world of blogging is all very new to me. I mean, I do have profiles on Facebook and Instagram, and I’m known to post my little CindyLu-isms about everything and nothing, as well as the occasional “look what I’m eating” picture. But I’ve never really opened up the personal pages of my “life journal” to share the internal ramblings of my heart.

While I am a complete and utter optimist, I do write all over the place, because I just go as my emotions lead. I don’t know about you, but I often stop for a moment, before hitting “Publish” and think to myself, “Is this really worth it? Does this even make sense?” My mind sometimes tells me, “Don’t do it,” but usually my heart overrides and says, “Let it go…send it.”

So I’m venturing out into this unchartered territory and I’m beginning to see a little bit more of what calls out to others. I’m a people watcher and find it very interesting that I even “see” people here. I’ve read blogging articles that say over, and over, and OVER again…”Just be real.” I seriously need to print that and put it on the wall in my little study, because that’s what keeps ringing out to me in that moment of panic before I push that button.

I must say that I am truly humbled by the support I receive from fellow writers, as well as my little circle of friends. When I find out that someone “likes” what I wrote, my heart does a little dance knowing that they “got it.” And when I get a notification that someone new has jumped on board to follow along, well…I am just in awe by such an act.

Because of my optimistic, the-sun-will-come-out-tomorrow, attitude I often put things out there that have that same cheery tone and bounce to them. And then there are the other ramblings I write, where I pull back some layers of myself and reveal something very deep, very real, even painful…and I see the difference in the response.

I’m beginning to understand how much people love and appreciate it when we get to the very core of our hearts. It’s hard, sometimes, for me to be so vulnerable and expose myself in that manner. I come from a time where you swept your problems under the carpet. Where you move forward and you keep that smile on your face.

I suppose, in some ways, that’s what has helped direct the heart that I have. I stop and wonder…am I optimistic because I was taught to sweep things away and rise above? Or have I been able to sweep things and rise above because I’ve always been optimistic? Hmmm…now that’s deep!

Whatever the case…while I am good at rising above and seeing the good in things, there are times when, even I, need to vomit out of me the frustrations and disappointments of life. And I’m learning the value of both, as I go along this journey.

As an encourager, I know that others need to hear words of love, faith and hope…lots and lots of hope…but, I also see the true value of letting down my guard and just being real while I do that.

It’s amazing to me…we write because we feel this need to get it out of us…to share with others and maybe help someone along their journey. But the truth of the matter is, as we write, we also learn so much more about ourselves. The therapy seems to go both ways.

 

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Things I Take For Granted

It’s true what they say, you know. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder. HB (aka my husband) has been gone for four days now. He’s serving with a team from our church down in Mexico; building a small home for a family in need. Awesome, huh?!

I’m so proud of what he and the team are doing there and so thankful for social networks, like Facebook, because I can chat a little bit online and see the daily upload of pictures. However…I sure miss his presence around the home.

It’s amazing…the little things that I just take for granted. There’s so much that he does, big and small, in our daily life together that I never even stop to just say, “Thank you” for.

He gets up earlier than I do and always puts the pot of coffee on. Oh, how I miss waking up to the scent of coffee and aftershave. We usually sit and have our first cup together, before we both head off in opposite directions. I’ve slept in each morning this week because coffee alone in the livingroom just doesn’t feel right. I miss not having an early morning conversation and the sound of his voice.

We have certain shows that we watch together. I watch very little TV while he’s gone. I don’t know, somehow I feel like I’m having a TV affair if he’s not there watching it with me. Besides, it’s just weird watching something like, “The Voice” and not having him there to ask me who I liked best – or me telling him, “Oh…that one was chill worthy” (I get chills if someone is really good. I know…I’m odd like that, but he “gets” me). So I’ll wait until he returns and we’ll catch up on Hulu together.

I’m also certain the dogs miss him something awful because no one plays with them or scratches their ears quite like he does. And on a couple of mornings, they’ve followed me around, sort of moping, until I finally realize that they’re still waiting for me to fill their food dish. HB is like clockwork when it comes to feeding them. I’m sure they will be whimpering with delight when he walks back through the door.

He just does scads of things that are so helpful to our daily lives; like stopping at the store on his way home from work, starting dinner because I get home after he does, moving my clothes from the washer to the dryer… The list could go on and on.

But then there are other things…the little simple things, like, how I get into bed with my ice cold feet (which is just about every night, regardless of the temperature outside) and how he reaches over with his leg to draw them in between his to warm. Or how he’ll say something so funny that it gives me uncontrollable giggles and then we both end up in tears from laughing so hard.

I don’t know…maybe it’s good for couples to spend a little bit of time apart sometimes. It truly does make you take notice of just how much they do. You really see the “team” that you’ve become together and it gives you a new and improved appreciation for one another.

He is my very best friend in the whole wide world. I’m so proud of what he is doing and so thankful that he’s able to be a part of this team…but I really miss his presence.
Thank you, HB, for all that you do.

Sheesh – I sound like a lovesick puppy, huh?
But, isn’t this the way marriage should be?

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“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
~Matthew 19:4-6

Simple Life – Taking Notes

Day 9…

After seven solid days of blogging about my simple life adventure, I felt like I needed a day in cruise mode (on Day 8). Monday was filled with information that gave me a brand new focus. I haven’t made as much headway as I thought I would. After Sunday, I pictured myself flying around the house this week tossing things by the arm loads into boxes. But one thing I have realized is that I definitely have a more critical eye towards the stuff around my home. Last night, I did a quick walk-thru of each room and could fairly quickly see the things that I truly love and know will stay. As well, I also saw much that I know I can part with.

The big clean will begin on Saturday, because this week HB is preparing to leave for a missions trip in Mexico. And on that note, I feel this is very timely; as I’ll have time to really dig my heels in and declutter while he’s away – and I have a feeling he will come back with the realization of just how much we have. You see, he is heading down there to work with a team from our church (which includes three of our sons and one grandson) to build a small and modest home for a family in need. Talk about a reality check. So again…I believe this will be very timely for the both of us.

So today, I thought this might be a good place to stop, breath, and re-cap what I’ve put together so far. If I don’t write things down, my brain can begin to feel like a pinball machine with ideas and information bouncing everywhere. Since writing each day, a lot has taken place mentally and spiritually so I thought I’d take time to go back and read my own daily journaling; adding additional notes to help me keep my focus.

Something Old and Something New… – I came up with the idea to blog each day. Up until this point, I was writing articles as they came to mind, but I wanted to improve my writing skills and found that other bloggers recommended this. I love to write in my journal and felt this was a way to bring readers along with me. This has been a great exercise to hone in on my personal skills. It’s not always easy to come up with daily notes, but I keep telling myself, “Just write what’s on your heart.” I love the freedom in that.

Simple Life – The Bullet Points – As a list maker, I decided I should come up with a list of things to focus in on. I basically thought up three areas that I felt were  in need of decluttering. However, as I’ve made it through a solid week, I can see that I need to add some sub-bullets with a bit of detail.

Simple Life – Matters of the Heart – This was a very eye-opening day for me as I realized that clutter goes way beneath the surface. It was a day of reflection and setting my spiritual mind back on a healthy course.

Simple Life – KP Duty – I spent the weekend, before beginning my April blogging, detailing the kitchen, which is what set me in forward motion on this personal challenge. I got rid of a lot of the clutter in my very small (galley) kitchen by pairing down what was in the cupboards. I spent this particular evening taking inventory of the freezer, fridge and pantry so I could make up a good menu and grocery list. It was a tedious job, but I’m glad I did it because I was able to put together a great menu and didn’t need nearly as much as I thought from the grocery store.

Simple Life – Clearing the Cobwebs – Days like these are rare for me. I’m an über optimist and pretty even keeled, but man…did I need an attitude adjustment. It felt good to write about what was going on inside of me. I’m often amazed at how much better and focused I feel once it’s out of my brain and somewhere that I can see it and edit, re-write, or simply delete it.

Simple Life – Paperless Procrastination – Ugh…the dreaded task of paperwork. I did get some of it organized, but didn’t make a dent the way I had hoped. Instead the garden called out to me (a new item for my list because I’m making some changes to that area as well…but I’ll save that for another blog day). I’ve decided that I’m just going to plug away at the paperwork; grab a stack and organize it while I watch TV or something…you know, multi-task.

Simple Life – Organized Hoarder – I think this was, by far, the biggest eye-opener of all; when it all really came together for me. I’m so glad we took the time to go listen to those guys about creating a much simpler life. So much of what they said struck a chord in me. I felt clear-headed about the “stuff” in my life. And not just material items…but the things that take up my hard-earned money and my time. Even though I haven’t taken any huge steps just yet, I know it’s coming soon (this weekend) and I’m actually feeling excited about it.

Wow…it’s a good feeling to go through all of this and grab a few highlights. As I read through these lists, more details come to mind – and more ideas of areas to declutter in my quest for a simpler life. Stay tuned…

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Thoughtful Reflections

I take a moment’s glance backward

Pondering what to take with me

Deciding what to leave behind

I take a loving look Upward

Praying for wisdom and growth

Faith and energy to guide my path

I take a confident look Forward

Holding onto His promises

Prepared to finish my week stronger than I was before

~CindyLu~

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Thoughtful Reflections

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I have always liked Thursday. Some think it’s an odd day of the week, but for me, it seems to be my thoughtful spot.  It’s my day where I take a look back at what I’ve done so far, and take a look forward to what I have yet to do and how I want to do it. It’s a day that serves to keep me in forward motion…regardless of what the earlier part of the week has thrown my way.

I have always had a passion about sending encouragement to others, so please stop by each week to get something to ponder on for your own week.

I also invite you…no, I encourage you…to reply back with your responses to these thought-filled questions. Your words will not only encourage me, but will encourage others who stop by.

As for me…today I find my joy in “rest.” It’s been a busy week, with a bit of stress and worry tossed in there. I find myself with some down time today, so I am embracing it. I’m listening to music that lifts my heart and reading truths (Matthew 11:28) that fill it back up again.

So how about you? What does your joy look like today?