Do You Set Goals for Yourself?

This summer I set two. A physical challenge and a spiritual challenge.

Both required discipline.

I decided to challenge myself to read the New Testament in 90 days. I had heard of a program called "B90X". Extreme Bible reading. There are some who have taken that challenge and actually read the entire Bible in 90 days. I decided to start with the New Testament. Hal and I have read the entire Bible each year for several years now. But this would be a new challenge. I printed my plan to keep in my Bible and began August 1st.

The second challenge for me was a physical challenge. For some crazy reason, I decided to train to run with the goal being a 5k run in our city on Oct 30. I used the "Couch-to-5K" program. This too began on August 1st.

Since I have read my Bible consistently for years, the challenge was just to read MORE each day. And to be consistent.

But the running was a different story. This was new. I mean VERY new. As in, I have NEVER run. I had thought about it some. And this past year, when some friends at church began running, I thought about it some more. But I had been able to talk myself out of the idea. I had convinced myself that since I was 52 years old, that I did not even need to start. But while reading a blog one day, the writer was talking about the benefits of running- and that he had started running at the age of 52. hummmmm.

Maybe I could.

I heard a speaker recently call that a God parade. When He starts moving in our lives - and we have that parade of things that lead us in the direction that He wants us to go. My last excuse was my age... until I read the blog of someone who began running at my age.

The first week was "do-able". The second week was ok - but the first time that I had to run 3 minutes, I thought I would die. But I kept training. At least 3 times a week, I ran. Doing exactly what the program told me to do.

I iced my 52 year old knees when I would get home. I bought some better shoes. I did exercises to strengthen the knees and to stretch the legs. I read articles about how to run.

And on October 30th, I ran the 5k. I am slow, but my goal was to run the entire race. And I did.
And the crazy thing is, I even won in my age division.

Sometimes it pays to be old.

It always pays to train for the race set before us.

This week, I had someone ask me which goal was harder. I had to think. The run was a real challenge. But the warfare that happens to keep us out of the Word was extreme. Regardless, I finished BOTH.

Today, I am thinking about what new goals I need/want to set. For I know this... if I had not set the goals, I would not have accomplished either.

Do you set goals for your life?
Would you share?

Not as I Planned...

A beach get-away...

It is a little bit of heaven to this gal.

Well, usually.

However, this year, my trip made a WRONG turn.

I thought I would not bore you all with all the details. But I do not know any other way to tell this story.


Day One:
Wonderful trip down to Destin. Laughter does good like medicine.

Lunch before we unload and go to the beach. - We think this was where the food poison decided to vacation with me.... and my overall excitement began it's journey down...

Supper - to be honest I do not even remember where we went or what I ordered. I was just ready to get back to the room and go to bed. This is when the AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL headache decided to join me. I thought I was having an aneurysm. Seriously. Not.Much.Sleep.



Day Two:
Started the day by going to get some supplements to help with my YUK. Surely this would help. Spent a little time with my toes in the sand - and decided to go to the room to get a nap / and I just knew I would feel better when I woke up. WRONG. I spent most of the afternoon in the bed. For those of you who know me - that tells you how sick I was. DeeDee is at the beach and I am in the room in the bed and not on the beach. I still can not believe it.



Regardless, I got dressed to go to supper. And then I FELL in the kitchen. One minute I am on my way to the refridgerator to get some more tea. The next minute I am on the floor. I have slipped and fallen on my knee. I was able to get up ... I was ok. I was ok. I could walk. I could.



I still felt YUK. But it had to get better soon.

Have I mentioned yet how much I also LOVE seafood?

So, as I sat at the table and ordered my food, I began to wonder where I would run if I did not think I could make it to the restroom. After about two bites of my SHRIMP, I excused myself. QUICKLY. Very Quickly. I did make it to the bathroom. There were three stalls. THANKFULLY. But it is hard to hide the reality that you are throwing-up everything that you have eaten for two days.



As soon as I could... I washed my hands, I splashed my face, I wet some paper towels to hold on my head and I HURRIED to the car. I did get some funny looks as I passed by. Oh well....



Back at the room, I went to bed. Not to the balcony to listen to the waves roll in. Not on the couch with a throw covering me as we watched a "chick-flick". NOPE, DeeDee went to bed.



Now, the knee starts hurting. BAD. I got up to go to the bathroom. I dug through my clothes and found some soft cotton pajama pants that I could roll up and wrap around my knee and give it some support. I was being quiet so I would not interupt the girls watching a movie. Then I realized that I was about to pass out. I broke out in a sweat...and the eyes were losing sight.



Think quick.



What do you do?



If I lay down and pass out - they will not know. That would not be good.



If I go to the door and tell them that I am not feeling so well.... I will certainly pass out and fall. That would not be good.



So.... I took a couple of quick steps and BANGED on the door - and dove for the bed.



Of course they came running. I scared them to death. Whatever - I scared me to death.



"Get me something to drink. Quick!" Orange juice. Something to get my sugar levels up. NOW.

I think I was dehydrated. Does it sound like I am having a vacation yet?



They offered to take me home. I WANTED TO BE AT HOME. But seriously, I do not think I could have made the ride. And I really kept thinking that I just had to feel better for the last day. I had to...



Day three:

I think I am going to live. I do feel some better. I ate some almond butter on a cracker. YUM. That stayed down. Then they asked what I thought I could eat. An egg/cheese omelet and a Starbucks Vanilla Latte. Yep, that was it. And finally something tasted good. But the knee was still not co-operating.



So, my girls went downstairs and got a wheel-chair for this crippled momma. Wheeled me to the beach. Helped me walk to the beach chair. And catered to my every whim. Yep. Vacation had arrived. I was finally soaking up some SunShine. And my toes were in the sand.



I did get some good seafood. I did get to go to the outlet mall. But I will never again say that I think it would be fun to be pushed around in a wheel-chair. Nope. It is only fun when you don't need it.

So, I come away with a few thoughts.
(1) Friends are a treasure.
(2) Laughter really does good like medicine.
(3) When the body functions as it was designed, it will not receive food poison and keep it. (whether you like it or not)
(4) Our physical bodies are subject to change in a moment. (the time it takes to go from standing in an upright position to the floor!)
(5) Having a Dr. J who lets me call her on her cell phone is a blessing.
(6) Sitting on the beach is still therapy for what ever ails you. (if you can get to get to the beach)
(7) Riding in a wheel chair is not as much fun as it looks like.
(8) There is no place like home.

I am thankful for the opportunity to go to the beach - but this year it was not as I had planned.

New Beginnings...

Here I am again sitting at my desk... and it really needs much attention.

Somehow, when I decided to have my house painted and new flooring BETWEEN Thanksgiving and Christmas, this study of mine is what has suffered the most.

I won't bore you with the details. Because I have covered it before. But I will say that I desire for my study to be just that. A study. A place of quiet rest. A place of solitude. A place of reflection. A place to work. And most of all, a place to sit at His feet.

With that freshly in my mind and my heart, I will not call it a resolution, I think I will call it my first goal for 2010.

Do I dare take pictures so that I can give you an update and show you the before and after? I will think about that .

But I will let you know this. It will not be fast. My calendar is FULL to the rim for January. The plan is to whittle away as much as I can for now. Little bit size pieces. But by the end of Februray... I hope to have a "goal accomplished" post to share.

So, the new year has begun...

I have recently read - and posted on my fb page - that the difference in goals and accomplishing them is DISCIPLINE.

Are you working on something? Just one thing? Let's do it!

Nothing...

Well, after having three posts in one week - I am dry.

I just really have nothing to say.

Surely I will be back on track soon.

Going to the beach again soon - maybe that will renew my writing ability... It sure helps everything else :)

Is Facebook an Addiction?

I am still having trouble getting back into the routine of blogging on a consistent basis.

It is not that I do not have things to blog about. I have several going on in this head of mine.

I think the truth of the matter is that I have spent entirely too much time on Facebook.

Now, I am not saying that I am against it or that I plan to take a break from it. No, I really am so thankful for my FB connections. It has given me the opportunity to re-connect with long lost friends. It is a wonderful way to connect with those in our present day "world." ie - church family. It is such a good way to stay connected with our REAL (flesh and blood) family.

It is simply a way to know and be known. Does that make any sense?

While I might not have the time (or actually take the time) to write a letter. I may not even have/take the time to write an email. But when I sign on my Facebook page, I can quickly see an update on the people in my life. Then I have the opportunity to respond or not. It only takes a minute. The connection is made.

Today is a good example. I had just talked to my Jonathan by IM. My heart was aching. I posted about it on my status:

once again... time with my soldier this morning on IM... makes me happy and sad... I just hate it when he says "my time is up... I have to go"

I sit and stare at the screen... and pray...

And the support/connections began. Such sweet manna to this Mother's heart. Support. Love. Prayers. None of which took much time - from me or from my fb world. But it was real. And it blessed me more than can be expressed.

So, I have no intentions to give up my Facebook.

But... I may need to limit my time there.

Information Overload (for Me and my GPS)

Do you ever find yourself talking to your electronic devices? i.e. computer, tv, gps?

I do. It is as if I think they will straighten up and work correctly with my verbal prompting.

Today I share my latest ordeal.

After the She Speaks conference on Sunday, I had the opportunity to go to and visit with my daughter and son-in-love. They only live a couple of hours away from the conference site. They also were sharing about their recent trip to Ecuador on Sunday night at their church. It was good to visit with them and hear their story about their trip.



On Monday morning, I pulled out the loyal GPS. I went to "favorites" and programed HOME. Easy enough. Two items needed when this woman is traveling alone: my cell phone and my GPS.



But before officially beginning the 8 hour drive, Julia and I were going to eat breakfast. She went ahead to order our Chick-fil-A, and I stopped at Starbucks to get our latte's. This meant that I was ignoring my sweet GPS. I knew the way to Starbucks, I knew the way to Chick-fil-A, and then I would pay attention to her directions once I was officially on my way home. And just to be honest, I am somewhat amused at her insistence when I get off route. "When possible make a U-turn". "In 600 feet, if possible, make a U-turn." And if I get off route far enough, she will start the "recalculating...".

Evidently, my sweet GPS has stored our trips. Even the off-route portions.

Evidently.



I got back in the car from Starbucks and this is the message that I was given:

MEMORY FULL

FATAL ERROR

What?



So I did what I do when my computer starts mis-behaving.... Shut down.... Restart.

MEMORY FULL

FATAL ERROR

Now what? I have already had to buy a NEW SHINY RED Blackberry on this trip. (since mine died). I have already bought a new purse on this trip, since my handle broke. I ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to call Hal and tell him that I am stopping at Best Buy to get a new GPS before I come home.



So, the discussion with the GPS begins. Seriously.

"Ok, sweetheart, I completely understand. I am in information overload too. But here is the deal. We have to get home. And I need you. So, all I want you to do is just remember the route home. That is all. We will figure out what to do with all of this information that has you overloaded when we get there and can get some rest. Surely there is a way to sort through what needs to be stored on here and what can be deleted.

I am doing the same thing, so I completely understand. I have more information in this head of mine from this weekend than I know how to handle. My plan is to get home and begin sorting through... see what I need to keep....see what I need to file away for a later time....and see what I need to delete.

But today the simple goal is to just get home... and I need your help. So will you just co-operate? Please and thank you."

Then I turned off. Un-plugged. Restart. There she was. Once again telling me how to get home.

OHHHHHHHH thank you so much...

They (who ever "they" is) say that it is ok to talk to yourself as long as you do not answer back. I wonder what "they" would say about talking to your GPS. She does answer back sometimes.

Sweet Blessings my friends...sweet blessings..

Working on Change...

I am working on a new plan. I am trying to put everything together. My blog, Hal's Blog, Helping Homes, and Holding On. There is the "little" problem that I have no clue as to what I am doing... but I am trying. I will not close this one down until it is almost ready for a "go."

I just wanted you all to know why it is quiet on the home front :)

However, with that begin said - Please continue to pray for my soldier. Continuously...
And remember to wear RED on FRIDAYS in support of our troops.

Time Management

I am once again dealing in my mind and heart about my time management.

I have a lot of ideas and dreams bouncing around in this head of mine... but am having a hard time even beginning ANY of them.

I also have a few assignments that I really need to be working on... that is also not taking any form as of yet...

I am trying to figure out how to structure my day in such a way to get it all - or even any of it done.

Let's just take a couple of writing assignments for examples:
** I write a small "treasure box" for a monthly newsletter. It is due EVERY month on the first. I have been late submitting it for the last several months.
** I am going back to the She Speaks Conference again this year. I am going to be attending the writer's track this time. I have a couple of assignments to have written before I get there. I have not even started.

Then there is the Sunday School Class that I have taken:
We are studying the book of I Peter together. We have only had one lesson. I have much studying to do and much preparation to be ready to teach these college kids. I want to learn and I want them to catch the vision of really studying the Word and letting it be applicable to their lives today. I do not want to ever go to class without begin prepared. But this takes time. Much time for me.

Hal and I are already talking and thinking and praying about our ministry to families. Specifically, the opportunity to teach/lead in Marriage Conferences. We had the opportunity to lead in three last year. We are already planning on another one for the young couples at our church for January or February of 2010. We will probably will add the co-ed 3 class too. It will either be a completely different trip or we may decide to have a combination of the teaching time with different Chalets for the different age groups. We are already discussing the topics and each are beginning our study. But once again - the time issue is at hand. It takes time. (And remember the different preparation approach between us... adds an entirely different factor to be considered. You can read our different perspectives from last year - here and here and here.)

And on the note of our ministry to Couples/Families - since neither one is a professional counselor, and yet, we are "counseling" more and more couples each week... We are beginning to think that maybe God is calling us to a COACHING ministry of sort. While we are meeting with many on an on-going basis at the time, we are both sensing a burden to refine/define our approach and our goals as we help precious families to survive in this world. And then ultimately, we hope to be able to guide them into a lifestyle or homelife of THRIVING together for the Glory of God.

And then there is my ministry to the women of our church... and the studies that I teach them. And the opportunities that I have had to speak at Women's Conferences. I absolutely love my ladies... and have a heart to minister to them. Here again is an area that I have ideas and dreams in my head and heart... but need to get it refined and prepared.

Which brings me back to the issue at hand. TIME MANAGEMENT.

We all have 24 hours in our days. We have families. We have jobs. We have children (and some have grand-children). We all have lots to do. But there are those who are efficient in using their time wisely. Time invested in Eternity. That is what I desire. That is what I am seeking.

I would absolutely LOVE for you - my readers to give me some ideas. Could you tell me how you order your day. Seriously, you can comment anonymously if you would like.... just give me some ideas to chew on. (you can email me if you are not one who usually comments or if blogger is not letting you comment. That has happened alot lately - halanddd@charter.net) Share some ideas and suggestions and let me see if they will work in my world. I thank you in advance.... You are blessings to me.

(I did not even mention this ministry here on my blog - or the desire to be consistent with the family blog and the devotion blog.)

I am looking forward to hearing from you....

I am Listening...

Following my previous post I just had to update you today.

I have laryngitis. "No More Words."

I think I will listen today, like I ended my post yesterday.

"Speak Lord, for your servant listens."

I really think our Lord has a wonderful sense of humor.

NEW BLOG DESIGN

I am SO excited. I feel like a little girl with a new "outfit". All complete. All matching :)

Tell me what you think?
(And don't forget to add your name to my "followers")

Thanks to Amy at Split Decisionz!

A "Proverbs-31 Woman"

A Proverbs 31 Woman
(a.k.a. Shopping at Chicos)

I have to share when I do so well. I was functioning in my "Proverbs 31 Woman" role. Here are the verses:

Vs 14 (Message Bible) - She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. (that means a good sale)
Vs. 22(b) She is dressed in fine linen and purple. (that means Chicos)

So, here is the list of what I got:

One Blue Jean Jacket (with pretty gold stuff on it) $25.26
One Black Linen Jacket $9.49
One Pair of White Linen Pants $9.49
One Bright Pink Linen Top $9.49
One Bright Blue Linen Top $9.49
One Peachy/Orange Linen Top $9.49
One Black Sleeveless Top (one of those that you wear under everything) $9.49
One very pretty pair of earrings that will go with the pink and peachy tops. $6.64

Total spent: $88.84 (plus tax - $97.28). – Did you get that total? Two jackets, one pair of pants, four tops and a pair of earrings for less than $100.00. OHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

I just love a good sale and I just love me some Chicos.

And I just love fulfilling my role so well.

Blessings,
DeeDee

Answer to the Clutter Question

Thanks for your responses to my clutter question...

But in reality - the only thing that I really needed to do was - Just sit down and DO IT!

That is not work that anyone else can do for me - I just have to take the time and dive in.

Reminds me of another area of my life too... EXERCISE.

I think this will be the topic of another blog.

But for today - I am still decluttering.

Love you gals!
DeeDee

An AWARD...

Arte y Pico (meaning "Peak of Art")

As a recipient of this award, I have been asked to share each award with five blogs that bless me.

I have chosen:

Julia @ http://www.adventuresofjulia.blogspot.com/

Jenifer @ http://www.jendee783.blogspot.com/

Jessie @ http://www.justjessie.typepad.com/

Michelle @ http://www.michellecoxwell.blogspot.com/

Mitzi @ http://www.mandmbentley.blogspot.com/

I have received the Arte y Pico (meaning “Peak of Art”) award from Darlene @ http://www.puffspocket.blogspot.com/ Darlene's Blog (and friendship) has blessed me and I am honored that she finds spiritual encouragement here at mine. She shares from her heart and is transparent about what the Lord is doing and teaching her in her life. If you have never visited her please take some time to stop by and give her a visit.

All of these women are Godly gals who encourage me and spur me along in my Christian faith. They share their heart with us and allow God to speak to, encourage, and even convict us through what God lays on their hearts to share. Each one are precious to me. Congratulations friends!

The “official instructions” follow. Now go forth and share the love!

To the recipients of the award...share this with five blogs you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community, no matter what language.Name each nominee and link to his/her blog. Show the award and include the name (and link to his/her blog) of whoever presented you with this award.

Link to the Arte y Pico blog so everyone knows the origin of this award. Post these rules.

Blessings,

DeeDee

Paper Clutter

Ok.... I am needing some help here.

Please tell me how you handle all of your paper clutter. It seems to grow in the night and I am having a horrible time managing it. !!!!!!

Today I am working in my office.

Tell me - what do you keep as far as receipts/paid bills/ etc. I think I keep too much.

Obviously.

I am looking for some words of wisdom. Practical Words that I can apply. Today.

Confessions of a PACK-O-HOLIC

So, I must confess. I really am a pack-a-holic!

I try hard not too. And since I know that this is a problem, I try to make a list ahead of time and STICK TO IT. But since the opportunity to go to the She Speaks Conference came quickly, and I did not even get to start packing until Thursday morning (while I was watching my precious 2 year old GRANDbaby)... the weakness took over.

I needed to pack for Friday and Saturday. I was not able to stay until Sunday. TWO DAYS.

So...

My make-up bag: (essential)

My suitcase: 2 pair of capris. 2 pair of pants. 2 skirts. 3 summer jackets. 8 (yes EIGHT) tops. 6 pair of shoes. 9 necklaces. 9 pair of earrings.

And let me note that right before I tried to zip the suitcase... I had already put 2 pair of shoes and 2 complete outfits back! So, it really could have been worse.

I also ALWAYS take a book bag with me: My Bible, my devotion book, my journal. Oh, but I also packed 7 other books to take with me. When in the world did I think that I would be able to read anything? I was driving. And the sessions were all day! When I did get back to my room... I collasped. I also had so much going through my mind, there is no way I could read anything else! LOL

The really bad part is having to take all that stuff in alone. Ridiculous! And everytime, I say that I will do better next time. And I really do try.

The Deeper Still Conference is this weekend. I am the one telling all of the Ladies from our church to PACK LIGHT LADIES. It is just one night and two days. Sure hope I can follow my directions. I promise I will try.

Confession is good for the soul...

Blessings,
DeeDee

New Design

Hey Friends...

Still "tweaking" on it ... and restoring my "widgets" - whatever they are :)

But tell me what you think?

More coming soon

Love and Blessings!
DeeDee

The Company I Keep; The Books I Read

"You will be the same person in five years as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read." by Charles Jones

Another one: "Be as careful of the books you read as of the company you keep."(author unknown)

DeeDee's version: "You will be known by the company you keep and defined by the books you read."

Now, for me personally, the company I KEEP consists of my immediate family, and my precious church family. The really close ones hold me accountable... love me regardless... push me to do more and be more... inspire me just by being with them... and challenge me with intriguing conversations.

I have more who are not as close...but still leave their mark on me. I listen, I observe, I think, I analyze. Then, hopefully, I make application. Even imitation... remember it is the highest form of flattery.

Then, there are many on the fringes... not because I do not like them, or avoid them... just the sheer fact that I have not had the privilege of getting to know them. Those who may in the future, become some of the very ones who will come close enough to make their impact on my life.

I will be known by the company that I keep. I will be changed by them. I will be influenced by them. I will be like them.


Then, the books I read. I do not want to be the same in five years. I want to be careful of the books that I read because in a real sense - that will define me. Or change me.

With all of that in mind, I asked Hal to recommend a book for me to read. One that would stretch my thinking. One that would challenge my reading. One that would take me deeper.

So...he recommended, Communion with God, by John Owen. I confess, I am beginning with the abridged version. But, that does not bother me. Beginning with the abridged version is better than never reading it at all. And who knows, it may challenge me to go for the unabridged at a later date. Regardless, I needed to have a good book that was not an easy reading book. Not a book that I could fly through (with my fast reading). And that is certainly what I have. I have only read two chapters this first week, and really feel as if I need to read them again before moving on to the next chapter. Then there is the side of me that likes to read the last chapter of the book...to see where I am going. I am not sure that practice would be good for this book.

Since I am the type person that usually has about three books going at one time.... I also began reading The pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer. I have had this book on my desk for quite some time, with the desire to read, but just have not ever picked it up. So, in my zeal - to be challenged, inspired, changed, defined... I have taken the dive. I will probably share quotes/thoughts/questions with you along the way.

Join me.

What books are you reading? They will change you. They will define you. They will inspire you. They will affect you.

And think about the company that you keep. They too affect you. They either push you to be all that God wants you to be- or they hinder your walk with Christ. There is not a neutral. Certainly, I am not talking about evangelism...we must get out of our box to evangelize. I am not talking about building bridges of relationships to bring others into the fellowship (or back into the fellowship)...we must reach out to the hurting/weaker/younger. But I AM talking about the "company you keep". The people you spend the most time with. The ones that affect your very life. These must be headed in the direction that you want your life to go. They will help you reach towards the mark of the high calling.

In five years...where will I be? A good indication of where I am going...is seen by the company that I keep and the books that I read.

The Great Closet Clean-Out

After Christmas is the usual time to sort through clothes and straighten the closet.

Last Saturday, when I told Hal that we were going to clean out our closet... I informed him it was not the usual clean-out. This time I meant that we were going to the walls. I wanted to see the baseboards (and wipe them clean of course.) I planned on vacumning the ENTIRE floor. Really I just wanted to "dump" the closet into my bedroom...and only put back what should go in there.

There was SO MUCH "stuff" cluttering my closet - items that I kept asking myself - "Why in the world did I ever put this here?" Some things were put there almost 13 years ago when we moved into this house. Maybe because there really was no place else to put it at that particular time in our lives. But we are empty-nesters.... I have room now.

I had made the decision that this small room called a closet needed to be organized and de-cluttered because we use it every day. I was on a mission.... I had recently read FLY-lady's instructions on cleaning out the closet. And as we went through... the things that we loved (and needed to be in this closet) were put back. Then there is the throw away stack... the give away stack... and the put away stack. So here are the embarrassing statistics so far.

We had three large black trash bags to give away (so we took them to the Thrift Store). We had one large black trash bag that went to the dumpster. I have several large stacks still on the landing (hallway) outside our room. On a side note... I cannot ever keep that landing cleared off. It is just the place to put things when you do not know yet where they go. How sad is that???? But back to the closet.... now comes the rest of the statistics....... This is just from ONE side of the closet. We still have all of my clothes and the wall of shoes/books/misc. items to go through. That is the plan for this weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

Here are a couple of examples of items found...

• The Teddy Bear that Hal gave me in 1974. I am not going to get rid of it now (I have kept it all these years.... that is one thing my kids will have to deal with when I am gone) but you know, it will survive in the newly organized attic.

• The Teddy Bear that Hal had when he was a little boy. He gave it to me when we were dating also. It too has found a new home in the attic.

• My Bride doll from my teen years. She will stay in the closet.

• Cassette tapes - lots and lots and lots of cassette tapes. Once again, why my closet? I asked Hal if we even still had a cassette tape player that worked. We do...it too was in the closet...so I kept a few of them... but they are neatly stored in a box. Not sure where I am going to put the box...tell me, where do cassette tapes go?

• An afghan that a high school friend made for me years ago. Nothing wrong with having it...just why had I seen the need to put it in my closet. The linen closet in the hall has all of our blankets/afghans/sheets, etc.

• You are going to love this..... I still have the Brides Magazines from 1976. Now, how do you throw them away after all these years? So, what did I do with them? I put them in the box with Hal's old comics. Sorry kids, that is one more thing you can deal with. :)

• The Wedding Dress. Again...nothing wrong with keeping it...just not in my closet that I use every day. (So.....where is it now? on the landing... Where do you put it? FLYlady will not let me put it under the bed. LOL.)

And I could go on, but I will spare you. However, I will let you know how the second half of this project turns out.

So you know I have to have an application.... for me and maybe you too. What is cluttering up my life? What needs to be re-arranged for me to be free to do what God has called me to do... to the best of my ability? Functional? What needs to be given away? What needs to be thrown away? Maybe that is why the clean out always comes at the first of the year. I want everything back in order... or in better order (i.e. the resolutions/goals). I really like goals better. I am still working on that list. For now, decluttering is high on the list. From my closet ... from my life.

More later!