Do-It-Yourself projects are not my thing. I like the idea of being crafty, but let’s face it, I don’t do crafty well. For me to attempt and complete a project it has to be super easy, just a few pieces involved, and cheap to make.

Creating a cake stand from a plate and candlestick fits the bill. Of course, all you DIY divas are thinking ‘that’s so last year’. You’re probably right, this project can be found on any number of blogs and websites. Just in case, there is anyone left who has not seen this, it is truly a project worth trying.

Three components: a pretty plate, candlestick or glass to use as a base, Gorilla glue.

My plate was $3 at Goodwill.

The pretty candlestick stand was $2.42 at Goodwill.

Look, it’s a Gail Pittman too!

Glue it all together for a pretty fall dessert stand. Don’t let the glue’s brown color cause concern, it dries clear.  Now that I have this project under my belt, I plan to make a few for Christmas gifts. (Pretend you did not hear that if we’re related.)

The Lord bless you and keep you The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen

Nowadays it seems we need how-to books, vlogs, blogs, and even devotionals to tell us how to clean our houses. Entire industries have sprung up catering to how-to-clean your house. My great-grandmother would have thumped my head or said her favorite line while holding out her hand, “cry me a handful, just cry me a handful.”

Lest you think I am the guru of housecleaning with no compassion for those who may struggle. I am not. In fact, I’ll have to share soon how I did not know until six months into marriage that a bathroom was supposed to be cleaned. Housecleaning has always been an uphill challenge for me. I’ve read the books, watched the videos and still it comes down to two simple words no matter how I avoid or slice it: do it.

The problem is not really the cleaning, it’s the want to.
I admit–I don’t want to.

As a newlywed if I didn’t want to, I didn’t. Now as a mom of four if I don’t, a new lifeform is likely to grow in my home. Is there a problem with trying to improve one’s skill? Of course not! FlyLady.com is a great resource. I will always credit her with cleaning with my shoes on and shining my sink until it sparkles.

As my friend Michelle recently said, “If you’re heart’s not in cleaning, it’s not going to get done good.” And that’s true whether it’s our children completing chores or ourselves. The want to is all about disciplining ourselves to get the job done whether we want to or not. If you’re like me and missed out on the cleaning want-to gene, there is help. First, talk to the Lord; ask for His strength, ability, discipline, and want to.

Avoid making housecleaning an idol or stronghold.
It’s just cleaning. It’s taking a broom, mop, a toilet bowl wand, furniture polish, and getting to work.  It’s not about spending time obsessed with learning how or allowing it to consume our lives. It’s a chore and we just…do it. How would we respond if our kids said, “Mom, I need to pray about this, do a devotional and in a few weeks, Lord willing, I will be ready to do my chores”? Yeah, you and my grandmother both!

Beth Moore in her book, Get Out of that Pit, says, “Scripture has a name for a small distraction that becomes a big distraction. It’s called a stronghold. Scripture defines it as any and “every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Anything that becomes a bigger preoccupation in your mind than the truth and knowledge of God, anything that dwarfs His truth and knowledge in your imagination, is a stronghold. In other words, if I have a relationship through which I can no longer prioritize Christ and His Word, Satan is building a stronghold there.”

Don’t allow life to be ruled by a belief system that places housecleaning, of all things, into a position of dominance. Nothing, nothing is to take the place of our time spent in prayer and study of the Word of God. If you are feeling overwhelmed and defeated, especially after reading about how someone else keeps their home spotless on a daily basis, let me give you a bit of truth:

* They do not have your life, your home, or your family.

* They are probably not in your season of life.

* Their expectations of what a clean home is and how to do it may not work for your family.

Housecleaning is a stewardship issue, a priority on a weekly to-do list, and a part of life. When it overwhelms, defeats, and paralyzes a family into doing nothing or not giving it it’s proper place, there is a problem. But there is an easy solution.

Overcoming and Conquering
Keeping a clean home is a challenge we all face daily. It can be put into its proper place, not dominating or overwhelming our lives. We can walk in freedom, not locked in a stronghold of cleaning obsessions that require more and more.

How?

In upcoming posts I will share how knowing your family’s season of life is key to cleaning, introduce you to a panel of moms who will inspire you with real life strategies, talk about the nitty gritty of getting everyone to help–including spouses–and celebrate putting cleaning in its proper place!

Can you spread the word? Forward this email to family and friends. Got a question or have a strategy you would like to share? Please, please do! Commenting is how we become a community of encouraging sisters–and live out mentoring. If there is a particular issue you would like to see addressed, let me know!

My house is too small.  They won’t have a place to park.  The carpets are always dirty.  Sit on the floor?  Are you kidding me?  I can’t cook.  What if I run out of things to say……

Why be hospitable?  Do people even need your caring words or actions?

Are people hurting today?  Yes.  Are they thriving or are they in survival mode?  Do they have peace or are they in need of peace?  Can you offer them a glass of water?

I’m not known for my hospitality.  My mother is a gracious person.  I don’t have any excuse…..except one.  Perfection.  I want things to be perfect.  And they aren’t……ever.  My desire for perfection doesn’t even come from wanting to please others as much as it comes from my own pride.  Ugg.  The ugly cards are out on the table now.

Martha, just call me Martha.

But when I consider those I think about hosting I know that they need ME.  They need the love of Christ that I can share that day.  They need a loving touch or a listening ear.  They need to relax and have a moment away from the demands overwhelming their lives.  They need a meal…..any meal.  A friend recently got excited when I invited her to come over “one day soon.”  I told her I wasn’t sure what I’d cook.  She quickly responded, “Grilled cheese would be fine!  I just want to come visit!”  It really isn’t my food she longs for, it’s His food she knows she’ll get!

Another friend wants to come over.  She has never been here but she likes some of the things that consume my time.  She just wants to sit and be encouraged, she wants to take a deep breath and slow her pace.

As I prepared for our wonderful fellowship yesterday with my Polish friend, Maria Rybarczyk, I knew that I wanted the focus to be on her, not the food.  I bought some fruits, cubed some cheese and set out crackers.   We made a delicious punch and had hot coffee and tea available.  The table looked bare so I thought about buying a few pretty flowers but I didn’t have a lot of time to run out and get them.  As I walked into my kitchen I saw some (old….I’m being honest now) “silk” flowers in a vase.  (I really feel like I’m using the term “silk” loosely.)  At that moment I felt God say to me, “Jan, this isn’t about perfection and you have only Me to please.  Wash the old flowers, put them in a vase and set them on the table.  This day isn’t about your idea of beauty.  It is about showing them My Love.  Just love.”

The day was full of dark skies, strong winds, hard rain, impressive lightening and powerful thunder.  The phone began ringing as two o’clock approached and I braced myself for regrets.  Instead I had requests for:  driving instructions, permission to bring a friend, and “Is there anything you’d like me to bring?”  Everyone showed up and they were all on time!  They brought smiles, umbrellas, diaper bags, excitment and anticipation.  We all sat in my livingroom and compared our circle to what the early church must have been like huddled in the catacombs.  What a wonderfully glorious day it was.

They sat on the sofa, diningroom table chairs (that don’t match the table and were bought from an old army kitchen), the floor….even the inexpensive folding chairs I bought to use outside!  There was laughter, some tears, many hugs and prayers.  We sang aloud a few songs that have guided and strenghtened Maria….and we sang them a capella.  Talk about missing perfection.  But I’m certain the angels were singing along too.

My friends (from all walks of life and many not knowing anyone else before coming over), left refreshed.  They looked more filled and complete than when they first walked in the door.  They were built up and ready to “go forth.”

The kitchen was not as clean as I would have liked.  A few prep things I had planned to do never got done.  My little projects even sat in their places unashamed, waiting on me.  It was obvious.  She didn’t get her whole “look” finished.

But now I know.  We weren’t really going for “my look.”  We were going for His look.  And since He is Perfection, what was I worried about after all?

IF He is my Boss (and He is!), then I need only concern myself with the assignments He puts before me and they are never too much or too hard.

My friends relax when I relax.  And before I know it the meal is finished and they’re drying dishes and putting them in my cupboards.  (Never my intention or desire by the way!)  But they smile and say, “Wow, we’re a lot alike.  I’d put my such-and-such here too if I were you.”  Then we’re laughing and I’m understanding that they just want to be my family for the day.

They got a lot more than nourishment at my table.  They got loved.  They felt cherished and listened to and the ride home is an easier one because they know I care about them and they have another sister looking out for them.  The harsh world is a little less harsh because they felt loved and not with a love that is superficial….but with God’s love, the Perfect love.

“But when perfection comes, the imperfection disappears.”  1 Corinthians 13:10

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13: 13

Be the balm that is needed, the oasis that is desired, the friend that is loving and available.

I am tossing the pride of my own need for perfection.  My Boss expects obedience, not my simple idea of excellence.

The world is in too much need to wait for us to finally get over ourselves.  Set aside personal agendas and Love One Another!  The time is nigh.

Can I count on you?

Can He count on you?

Obediently,

Jan aka The New Mary

Last year, I experienced one of life’s major moments: I bought a home. As a single-again woman, I beamed with pride on closing day. For most of the five years after my divorce, I lived in a decent-sized apartment. But I didn’t let that stop me from having people over.

Now, with my very own home, I had a unique opportunity–welcoming even more people into my mission field. I didn’t know that God already had a plan in mind.

Several months after being in my home, a young friend (whom I consider the little sister I never had) needed a safe and emotionally-healthy place to live. I didn’t hesitate. I had three bedrooms in the split-plan home, and I was using only one. She graciously accepted my offer, and I’m glad she did.

Our friendship blossomed as we confided in each other, laughed, and cried together. I admit it wasn’t always easy; it’s a challenge to live by yourself for so long and then have someone in your home. But we worked around our quirkiness, and after eight months she was able to move into a place of her own. Even though I’m happily married now, I still miss her presence. We still hang out, and she visits regularly. I wanted to bless her, but she blessed me.

My home is my mission field. Of course, that doesn’t mean I invite all people to live in my home, but I want my home to be an inviting place–a safe place for all who enter. I want my guests to be welcome any time, any day, and to make themselves at home. Anytime? Any day? Yes, I truly mean that, and my friends know it.

In the past, I refused to have anyone come over if the house wasn’t in tip-top shape with everything in its proper place. Spotless. But after years of struggles–divorce and medical issues, to name a few–I now treasure the important things in life.

My house is not perfect–it’s lived-in, it’s real, it’s my home. Of course, that doesn’t give me an excuse not to clean, but it puts cleaning in perspective: Do I spend time serving, laughing, and sometimes even crying with friends, or do I spend the time preparing frantically for their visit?

The Bible says to share with God’s people who are in need, to practice hospitality, working together for the kingdom of God (Romans 12:13; 3 John 1:8). Some of us have to work harder than others at hospitality, but when we do, our home is our mission field. What we do for one of the least of our brothers, in reality, we do for God (Matthew 25:40).

Daphne Tarango is a freelance writer—and happily-married newlywed–who comforts others with the comfort she herself has received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). She lives in the Southeastern U.S., where she is a leader in a Bible-based recovery program and president of a local writers’ group. Visit her blog Daphne Writes.

Editor’s Note: Daphne’s piece jogged me into adding this as I think that many Christians in our hurried era fail to answer the call to hospitality–even in their own churches. A friend told me that her Sunday School class decided to have dinner party groups to get to know each other better. Each couple who wanted to participate was grouped with two other couples for a period of three months. Then the groups would change members. The goal was to meet once a month. My friend signed up for three consecutive rounds. Each time, after receiving the names, she contacted everyone first and offered to have a dinner at her home. They decided on a date and what each couple would bring to supplement her entree.  Everyone seemed to have a great time at the first dinner meeting.  But…no one else volunteered for the next dinner. Everyone was “busy.” Right before the three-month period was up, one woman suggested they all meet at a restaurant (dutch treat, of course) to fulfill her commitment. (My friend knew that this woman had a lovely, spacious home which she kept immaculate, so space or cleaning was not the issue.) In the second group my friend entertained first, and the three months passed with no one else volunteering to host a meeting. In the third group, my friend entertained first again. Late in the third month one other couple invited the group to their home. When the fourth round was advertised, my fellowship-seeking but disillusionined friend didn’t sign up. Apparently most others didn’t either, so the program was abandoned. How different it might have been if each couple who had signed up had taken their commitment to hospitality and fellowship more seriously.

It’s been a long day, the sun has just set, and dinner is over.  You’ve managed to clear the table and get the dishes to the sink–even to give the little ones a bath.  Whew!  Finally, the time you have been waiting for all day has arrived.  You settle down on the couch to cuddle with the little ones and your husband.  He turns to one of your favorite psalms and begins to read. You needed this–it soothes your soul.  You drink in every word.

Ding Dong!

Startled and surprised, you look at your husband in disbelief.

Ding Dong!

The reality begins to sink in, but still you whisper to him, “Company?  This late?” As he rises to answer the door, you squeeze the babies hoping for the moment to last just a second longer.  You sigh and ask the Lord to make you be what He needs you to be at this moment.  You pray that you will be “hospitable without grumbling.”

The thought that this is your time crosses your mind, and you push it away, knowing that you are here for Him.  You are here for His glory and to be used at any time of the day.  You even smile as you remember that you prayed just last week for Him to use you.

You greet your company both sincerely and cheerfully.  You are glad they are here!

Unexpected? Yes!

Blessed?  More than yes!

A few hours pass and they leave.  They leave comforted and filled, because you gave up your comfort.  They thank you for being so hospitable and apologize for “just dropping in so late.” You assure them it was no imposition and remind them that they can come by any time.

You slip into bed exhausted but with a heart full of joy.  You drift to sleep thankful for a home to use for Him, thankful for a husband and children to share it with, and thankful for friends that feel welcome enough to “just drop in.”

Jennifer Ross
Jennifer is the cherished wife of a very visionary man, and a home schooling mother to almost a dozen children.  Her deepest desire is to consistently love her husband and children and to be a diligent and joyful keeper at home, all for the glory of God.  Her favorite pastime is to encourage fellow housewives in their highest calling of wife and mother.  When she’s not creating Homemaking DVDs or hosting webinars, she can be found blogging at Renewing Housewives.

I love working with wax paper. I think it is the opaque quality it has. Plus it is dirt cheap. I wanted a bouquet for my outdoor gazebo. Something that could withstand the wind and rain in the summers of western Washington. I played around and came up with these wax paper flowers. You could do a zillion things with them. Add them to scrapbooking pages, make a fun pin for your lapel or add them to a pretty package. I wired mine to sticks to make a bouquet. They are very easy to make but there is one caveat, so follow my instructions below about ironing the wax paper together. Otherwise, have fun!

You will need wax paper, pretty fabric, scissors, a piece of cardboard, iron, button and wire.

1. Cut out a flower from the fabric. The best way to do this is to trace a circle onto the fabric. After you cut the circle, fold in half and then half again. Then trim the raw edge to make a rounded edge. When you open up the circle, you will have a scalloped edge.

2. Tear two squares of wax paper, at lest twice as big as your flower. Now this is the important part! You want a good inch of wax paper around the edge of your flower. Heat iron on high. Do not try to iron until it is fully hot. Set a piece of cardboard under your flower to absorb the melting wax. Now quickly run the iron around the wax paper on the edge of the flower. You do not need to iron the fabric center, just the wax paper edge. But it takes only a second or two. If you iron too long, the wax melts away and the paper will not stick. Try playing with a few pieces and you will see what I mean. All you need to do is melt the wax enough to get the papers to stick.

3. When wax has cooled, (a minute or two after you ironed), cut the wax paper following the shape of the flower. It does not have to be perfect. Actually I think they look better not too perfect. Remember to not cut too close to the fabric. Leave about an inch of melted wax paper around the fabric!

4. To add a  button to the center, run a thick piece of wire through the button holes, then through each flower and twist wire in back to secure button. If you want to do a bouquet, then twist the wire again around a stick.

Clarice Fox- Hughes, is the writer of Storybook Woods where she blogs about cooking, crafting and making the most of what she has. She also has written a novel Wren Bay, based upon her blog, with 41 of her recipes.

Jesus was a master partier.  No, He did not include unacceptable behavior in His gatherings.  He just found that people take down their defenses when you sit down with them and eat.  He was often found with the disciples feeding people or attending a party.  His first miracle was done at a wedding feast.  He enjoyed cooking on the beach with the disciples and even invited Himself over to Zaccheus’ house.

You too can get beyond the walls that people have erected by practicing some simple hospitality tips.

*  See the people around you and pray that God reveals who you are to minister to.

* Simple is best.  The person in front of you should be the focus, not the food or the preparations.  There is some Martha preparation for every gathering, but you must have the Mary time of just sitting down and giving your guest your attention.

* People are not as concerned about the food you serve nor whether your home is perfect as long as they know you love and care about them.

* Listen to where they are.

* When the time is right, share the Hope that is in you.  You may not share the “gospel message” until a trusting relationship is developed, but you can share what keeps you going and balanced from the beginning of your friendship.

* Be patient and allow God to reveal His timing.

No matter how you party, whether it is a pre-planned event or just an impromptu meeting for coffee, the main thing is to be willing to share the Hope that is in you (1 Pet. 3:15).  If you live a life daily devoted to Christ, your life will reveal there is something different.  Then just love the person God puts before you.  Don’t try to change them, let Him do that.

Is Mentoring Moments for Christian Women an encouragement to you? Share this post and our link with your family and friends! www.MentoringMoments.org

Having a plan for house cleaning and organization will help your summer run more smoothly. Here are a few techniques I use in my family of eight.

ORGANIZING: What needs to be organized?

• Put like items in a similar location. Decide on area of home items makes the most sense to be in.

o   Batteries – all over house? Put in one location such as a drawer or basket near games. Maybe a drawer in the laundry room?

• Three bag system: give away, throw away, store away.

o   Label with permanent marker.

o   Use boxes to store clothing for kids for the next seasons, label.

o   Do not keep things if you did not know you had it and would not know where to find it again.

o   Do not hoard, this is a sin. Be generous and give to others; only keep what you are a good steward of and use.

o   Clutter is a contributing factor to feeling overwhelmed.

• One box:  items to go to another room (so you don’t get sidetracked).

o   Once you have established where items should go in your home and made proper accommodations for items, kids can take this box and put things in the right location.

• Everything needs to have a place:

o   Your home stays much more organized, and flows smoothly.

o   Clean up is easier when all family members know where things go.

o   Entertaining on a whim, having kids’ friends over without them feeling embarrassed (your husband too), is much easier, because you can quickly have everyone put things in their proper place.

o   Think before buying. Where will this huge doll house go? Should we buy that adorable play ironing board? Where will it go to play with it and where will you put it away? Don’t buy it if won’t fit your home. That big, fancy cutting board? Where?

o   Buy things thinking ahead of how they will be stored and where. Legos – clear boxes.  Doll clothes, pull out clear stacked drawers, etc.

o   Less money is spent because you see what you have and do not it buy again.

• Empty everything out of cabinets, closets, and drawers when cleaning them.

o   Only put back what you will really use.

Those extra pots – you have never used them, those pencils that no one likes because the lead is too light, those dry markers (teach kids to throw away when they are no longer good).

o   Put back according to similarities.

§ Pantry – veggie cans together, soups together, starches together.

§ Clothing – jackets together, pants together, facing same direction.

§  Have a list and pen ready of what items you discover you need.

• Those underwear that all have holes, leaving you one good pair! (Put on the list!)
• Backpack that’s falling apart that kid has used for 5 years; throw away, put backpack on list.

§  Plan one shopping trip to get these needed items.

• Teach family members to add to this list as needs arise (groceries, school items, toothpaste, milk, shoes, etc).

o  Use the sorting system: three bags, and the one box (to go in a different room) and make the end result be a reflection of truly what you use/wear.

• Locations to consider that might need organizing this summer:

o   each closet

o   laundry cabinets, drawers

o   kitchen drawers, including junk drawers

o   school supplies

o   all kids clothes: closets, drawers, (3 bag system, plus box)

o   suitcase closet, skis

o   junk room, closet

o   under beds

o   each room thoroughly

o   Every drawer in house, start at one room of the house and work your way through – have kids learn. (Do not hoard! Will you really use this?)

o   Only put back what you will really use.

o   File cabinets, paperwork, documents

o   School work; past papers, art projects

o   Kitchen cabinets, spices, Tupperware, pantry

o   Garage – (oh my!)

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/PROJECTS:

• What have you been procrastinating on?
• Take a pen and paper and travel from your driveway, looking towards your home, scanning the yard, front porch, flower beds, the front steps, then move inside to the foyer, and each room of the house.
• Then take that list to your family and come up with a reasonable plan on what you can do, hire to have done, learn to do (let your researching kids look up things on the internet), painting, etc.
• Set a reasonable goal.

Now that you are quite possibly overwhelmed, let’s remember to use this list as ideas… and for you to just bottom line it…and not be numb and do no planning.

What are the main things that stick out that you need to focus on?

What are the priorities God is giving you to focus on this summer?

What do you want your summer daily schedule to look like (the days you plan to be home – at least for the morning hours) and what are the main things you want to put into that part of your day?

• Be flexible! Be willing to go have lunch with someone to interrupt your cleaning.

Do you have a drawer filled with tangled jewelry? I used to…

Some prefer using a hanging system for jewelry organization such as Carla shared with us last year. She taught us how to use a bulletin board to create a fun and functional system here.

Rhonda Ellis has a system for those of us who like to shove it all in a drawer…neatly. Using clear Zip Loc style bags, Rhonda labels each with the date and if her jewelry is real or costume.

Does your daughter know which of your pearls or real or fake? Clearly marking the baggies will save dress-up heartache.

When a piece is no longer worn or out of style, she suggests storing it for future grandkids one day. I like the ease of popping a price tag on the bag and putting it in a consignment or yard sale.

What I like about Rhonda’s system is I now have a way to keep matching pieces such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets together. No more rummaging through my drawer trying to locate the other earring on Sunday morning. Also, when traveling it’s easy to pack just the baggies needed. I also put pieces not in a set by kind, such as a baggie of bracelets.

How do you organize your jewelry? Any suggestions to share?