Keep It Simple, Sister!

DIY Fun! 

It’s not always easy to get away from the mess in our homes. As soon as we do our weekly cleaning, we turn around and the dust-bunnies are back! This time of year (winter for some and spring for others), we start thinking of what needs an overhaul. Drawers and cabinets need a fresh coat of paint. The garage and closets need organizing. Gutters need cleaning from all the trash that collects in them. Draperies need to be taken to the cleaners and curtains need washing. "Spring cleaning" is not all that enjoyable, but seeing the results are quite amazing and rewarding.

DIY projects are quite a bit more fun! Creating a new wreath for the front door can lift anyone’s spirit; use leftovers for a bouquet of happiness for your desk. Recovering outdoor chairs can make them new and get them ready for spring. Chalk paint with its matte finish is perfect for that distressed furniture style, indoors and out. Of course, spending a weekend browsing through the many thrift stores available in the neighborhood can get our momentum going.

No Workaholics Here

Usually, the reason for getting all this cleaning done early in the season is so we can spend the rest of summer enjoying it all with friends and family. But, it’s not a time to wear ourselves out doing everything all at once. There is no deadline to worry about and, if we don’t feel a need to tackle a particular project, it can wait until a better time.

Slowing down and working at a relaxed pace regulates our energy, as well as making dreadful tasks more enjoyable. Especially if we have kids around--ours or the grandkids--we can turn old boots or wagons into planters for a nature teaching time. Sorting unwanted books for the donation pile into reading time. Cleaning out a closet into “dress up” time. No kids? No problem. Grab a friend, share projects, and build a relationship.

Our Missed Step

An easygoing stride works with our personalities to create a sense of completion and contentment not otherwise achieved. We find out taking breaks prevent burnout in all areas of our life. So, where can we improve and not stumble through life?

• Quiet Prayer - we can give ourselves a few extra minutes in the morning to speak with God. Ask him what he has planned and how he wants us to do it. Consider it our pre-staff meeting!

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  Enjoy God's world!

  Bible Break - a midday lunch break keeps us healthy. Ending with a short time reading a Bible passage will energize our afternoon, encourage us spiritually, and make others wonder how we push ahead.

• Anytime Devotion - when life gets us down, just the right devotion at the right time can change our attitude and put a smile on our face.

• Nightly Gratitude - to get a good night’s rest, we can thank the Lord for all he has done for us, even if we don’t understand his ways right at this moment. He’ll hold our hand as we count blessings, rather than burdens, as we wind down. 

“Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. Matthew 6:6 (The Message).