February 12, 2008

Continuing On...

I went to LifeWay this weekend, and spent my Christmas gift card. After much deliberation, I walked out with a a great reference and some serious Jesus music! The bonus is...I still have a little money left on my card. I could hardly resist this book, but I need to read what's on my shelves at home before adding another (even if I don't spend any money).

I thought I was doing well...pared down to two shelves of books. Then, during my most recent hunt for treasures in the attic, I found two boxes I hadn't unpacked since our move! I will be going through those soon, determining what to take to the church library. Obviously, I'm going to have to take another look at my bookshelves.

CJ & I went through her playroom closet this weekend, and I've got another box to take to the consignment store (for those of you keeping track...that's TEN!). I still have to weed through my side of our closet and a few of the bottom cabinets in the kitchen. The final major organizing projects will be the laundry room and our office. Once I get those done, I'll be finished for a while. I'll tackle CJ's bedroom in the spring, when we make the seasonal clothes swap.

Then, dear friends, it will be time to face the attic and the garage.

I've got to admit that I'm still astounded I have let go of things so easily. This is about so much more than clearing out clutter. God has really changed my heart in a way I can't begin to describe. He's sharpening my focus to what truly matters, and I'm finally able to see how I was trapped by the trappings of life. I told R that I don't want anything for Valentine's Day, except some time alone with him...and I genuinely meant it. Friends, that is HUGE for me.

I'm not saying I will never buy another frivolous thing for myself. Heck, I could run out right now & buy this sweet thing! As a rule, I want to give much more thought to each purchase and to ask myself if the item in question is honestly worth the space it will occupy (and what I'm willing to sacrifice to have it).

The road to peace and simplicity is a long one, and I've only just begun. The first six weeks have been tough, but I am convinced that God has ordained this. I'm glad you're joining me on the ride.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are a great motivation. Thanks! I've got another round of boxes and bags packed. I've listed the items for tax deductions and now I just have to take all this stuff to the thrift store.

Alana said...

It is so freeing to be free of things. I'm glad you are enjoying the journey!

His Girl said...

so so proud of you. i am on a similar journey....keep going, chica! you'll be so glad for persevering!

Kimberly said...

One of the things that I first loved about your blog is your homekeeping mission statement. You are truly putting your heart and time into living that statement out! What a blessing and an inspiration!

Tiffany said...

It's so good to see and share in your success in this area. I'm about to start on my basement as well. (We don't have anything in the attic.) When I open my closets now, everything is so organized and there is so much more space. It feels like there has been a weight lifted. I feel like I have room to move, now that I'm out from under my piles of stuff! Hope you are having a wonderful day! Blessings!

Deidre said...

Oh my! We have a lot in common. You will love that concordance and seriously love that CD - our favs are "I know you're there" and "The word is alive". Great music. And, the vera bradley bucket tote is my absolute favorite style ever! I have it in 2 colors. Love it!

You still inspire to clean some stuff out. Heading to the basement.....

Anonymous said...

That Jane Austen book looks good! I bet it was tough to resist!

Heather C said...

So proud of you! That Casting Crowns CD is one of my favs!

God bless...

Heather

Kimberly said...

Happy Valentine's Day, Melissa!
Lots of Love,
K :)

Janelle said...

Keep on keeping on. You are an inspirtation. I just wish I had your motivation.

Vera is hard to resist!

Girl Raised in the South said...

Encouraged to see someone else on this journey of cleaning out, to get to the truly important!