Month: February 2021

“By simplifying our lives, we’re making space for what matters – to hear God more clearly, to give more wholeheartedly, and to place our energy in people and hearts rather than in things. Ultimately, simplifying allows us to slow down enough to savor this life.” Emily Ley

If you had to identify one specific thing that often keeps you from opening up your home to others what would it be? I’m going to say for most people, it’s not time, money, or even square footage, it’s the condition of our homes. It’s the stuff, the piles, the cleaning, the kids toys, and the endless piles of laundry that have to go somewhere. When our homes feel overwhelming, so do our hearts. I think many of us desire to be people whose homes are open and marked by hospitality. We want to open our front doors to the last minute play date, guests for dinner, or neighbors stopping by, but how can we ever have a home that’s ready for unexpected guests at the last minute?

I’d like to encourage you to consider making this the year you take on a decluttering challenge.

“Decluttering is not cleaning. Decluttering is not organizing. Decluttering is paring down and getting rid of things you don’t use or need to create a more pleasant and more useful space.” Stephanie Cowan

Before you start tackling any of these challenges, it might be helpful to read this article on 10 Decluttering Tips.

3 Spring Decluttering Challenges

1. Mika Perry 30 day decluttering challenge

What I like about this one… 

If you’ve never done any kind of decluttering challenge and the very thought of decluttering makes you want to cringe, you can totally do this one! I like that you’re not being asked to tackle an entire room at a time, but rather small, simple tasks (everything from emails to purse to makeup to your phone.) You could also easily double up on items and complete several at a time over the weekend. This is also a great option for those of you who declutter every year but want something new!

2. Emily Ley’s 30 Days to Simplicity 

What I like about this one…

This is more than just getting rid of things for 30 days. Emily Ley also encourages you to ADD IN more of the right things (think rest, getaway with your spouse, birthday cards for friends, meal plans), and helps you walk through simplifying your life by working through different areas of your home. I think this is one of the more creative lists I’ve seen over the years. If you’re currently in a busy life season but want to do something, this could be a great fit for you.

3. Ruthless Decluttering Challenge

What I like about this one…

This is for those of you who want to do your entire home but just don’t know where to begin. This guide offers you the options of decluttering everything in 1 week or breaking it down into 4 weeks. It will literally walk you through every room of your house, give you step by step directions, and ask you questions to consider as you look through your possessions. If you decide on this challenge, I would highly encourage you to grab a friend for accountability and do it together! This was one of the first decluttering challenges I completed 3 years ago and can honestly say it transformed my home.

2 Things I’m Loving

1. Struggling with fear and anxiety? I think we all do at some level. I’ve really been enjoying the new series on Fear by Risen Motherhood and noticed the Gospel Coalition’s Lets Talk Podcast recently tackled the subject as well.
2. These mini meatloaf muffins. Even my kids will ask for seconds or thirds so these have stayed on our meal repeat list this winter. Tip: I found mine stuck too much to my muffin tins so I just bake mine in a 9×13 pan. This is also a great recipe to double and freeze half!

1 Quick Thought

“I always wanted to be a hero–to sacrifice my life in a big way one time–and yet, God has required my sacrifice to be thousands of days, over many years, with one more kiss, one more story, one more meal.”

(Sally Clarkson)

“A wise woman builds her house, while a foolish woman tears hers down with her own hands.” (Proverbs 14:1)

As I’ve been thinking through the month of February, I’ve been praying that the Lord would give me more of this vision as I start my days…

“God, help me to do the most good for those around me today. Help me wake up today and see all the interruptions as opportunities… May my life make a difference in the lives of those around me.”

So what does this look like in relation to our marriages? What does it look like to be the wise woman mentioned in Proverbs who builds up her home and those in it? What does it look like to wake up every morning with the mentality of serving those in your sphere of influence?

3 Tips (for building up your marriage)

1. Commit to praying for your spouse every day for the next month.

We all know we should be doing this. But if i’m honest, sometimes other needs seem more “urgent” and before I know it, a few days have passed since I’ve spent time praying for him. I love this 31 day challenge by Revive our Hearts to help get back into the habit of praying daily for my spouse.  Print it off, place it in a spot you’ll see it every day, and enter a reminder on your phone. Once you’ve finished the 31 days? Just start over!

https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/31-days-of-praying-for-your-husband/

2. Grab some friends and start the 30 day husband encouragement challenge.

Another 30 day challenge? Stay with me here. This challenge is going to take you beyond prayer to practical ways you can build up your marriage. 

“For the next thirty days, don’t say anything negative about your husband—to him or to anyone else about him. Each day, for the next thirty days, tell your husband something you admire or appreciate about him—and say it to someone else about him!”

https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-husband-encouragement-challenge

3. Look at your calendar, your to-do lists, your priorities, and ask yourself the question “Am I reserving the best of my physical and emotional energy for my husband?”

Maybe this means taking some things off your calendar. Maybe this means not getting everything done on your to-do list today. Maybe it DOES mean getting your checklist list done during the day so that you aren’t distracted and overwhelmed in the evenings when you actually have time with your husband. 

2 Things I’m Loving

1. The MamaBearApologetics Podcast. This one is new to me, and if I’m honest a little out of my comfort zone! It’s an area I definitely need to grow in, so I’ll be sticking around to check more episodes. Also this episode from the Lazy Genius Podcast. I’m totally trying a few of her tips and tricks on cleaning this month (including putting socks on my kids hands and having them help me dust and cleaning my bathrooms in her recommended order.) 
2. This chicken alfredo spaghetti squash recipe. Why have I never tried this sooner?? I doubled the sauce, made my kiddos a box of noodles (because some are more willing to try the spaghetti squash than others) and paired it with garlic bread. This will definitely be on my meal repeats during the month.

1 Quick Thought

Try the  “Five Dollar, No Hollar Date Night”

(Taken from “Make Their Day” by Karen Ehman)

The premise is pretty simple. Spending only $5, purchase a drink from a local eatery (think large milkshake with two straws, a buy one get one free drink, or share a large coffee from your favorite coffee shop.) Then spend time asking each other these questions.

What was the high point of your week?

What was the low point of your week?

What is one thing you’d like to do around the house this next month?

What is one place you would like to go with me in the next month or so?

What is one task I could help you tackle in the next week or so?

What is your greatest prayer request at work right now?

What is your greatest prayer request regarding our family right now?