Let Go of Stuff...

I think that most people just have 'too much stuff.'  Garages and basements are often filled with things that are either no longer needed or useful.  Why do we hang on to things that are of no real value and could be given or sold to someone who could use them?

Love this sign on my fridge; a great daily reminder!

We've moved 14 times over the past 14 yrs.  It's been difficult for us to do so as I'm a single-parent and have mostly used me and my children to do the labor.  Yet, the good thing that has come from it has been my need and desire to live more simply.  It's freeing to do so.

We've learned to let go of stuff that has served it's purpose, help others' in need, donate or sell items that are no longer needed, and, learned to trust that if we'd do so, we'd have the things we needed when that time came.  I've found that to be the case and wish that others' would learn the same lesson.  :)

I've helped other people pack and move.  I've also been in or seen many homes over the years that were filled with clutter and, often, the chaotic energy that accompanied it.  Garages are so filled that people can't park in them.

My belief is that if we store it in our home, it is also somewhere in our brain.  Then, we have to worry about caring for it, cleaning it, dusting it, moving it, or....finding things somewhere in it.

I love the statement 'a place for everything, and everything in it's place."  I've sought to do that; to simplify so that I could more enjoy the things that mattered most to me; studying, pondering, time with my children, preparing healthy meals etc.

It's not always been easy and I've found that it's a continual process.  Just when I think 'everything is done' - something else breaks or falls apart or needs to be mended.  But, that is the beauty of the ability to let go and to simplify.  I have more time to do those things - when I'm able to really remove excess and live in a more peaceful environment.

If our hearts are set upon the things of this world; we will never find lasting peace.  I'm grateful for the ability to simplify, let go of clutter and excess stuff, and downsize.  And, by doing so, to help those who are truly in need by sharing what I no longer really need; with those who really do.

WIN a FREE Music CD - 'Arise and Shine Forth"

WIN a FREE Music CD (6 being given away) - entitled 'Arise and Shine Forth' with featured artist David Osmond. 

BEAUTIFUL Music - GREAT for youth who need encouragement, uplifting, strengthening.

ENTER HERE:

Drawing to be held on July 4th, 2012. 

Thanks Your LDS Radio!!!

You can find me.....

I've done many blogs over the years.  Currently you can best find me at:

Simply Mormon              (personal blog)
Women of Light              (8 wonderful women)
Mormon Moms               (aggregate list of over 600 bloggers) (Also, FB group)
LDS Power Bloggers      (LDS bloggers and businesses) (Great Facebook Group, too)
All About Preparedness  (yup)
and....
Utah Valley Homeschooling  (blog and FB group)

We all have 24 hrs. in a Day

We all have 24 hours in a day; no more, no less. We can choose to spend that amount of time in frivolous pursuits or in developing our gifts and talents, loving and serving others, making our home, family, neighborhood, community or world, a better place to live, beautifying our surroundings etc.

Most of us also have limited resources. We can choose to be wise in our spending and heed the scriptural reminder "do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy" or....we can do the opposite and experience the fruits of those choices.

A young woman recently reminded the youth that 'when you pick up one end of the stick you also pick up the other end.' There are consequences to our choices; good or bad.

Things OWN YOU!

The more things you own --- the more things own you!

Simplify and ....Let Go. Free Yourself from Clutter and Too Much Stuff! :)

Filling Our Buckets (and....our kids')

Years ago we were letting other things take precedence over our 'emotional buckets' and family relationships were running a bit dry. So, we decided to jump start a new way of thinking.

We purchased small plastic buckets for each family member to hang on the wall. Each week we had to put at least one item into each others' buckets; such as short thank you note, poem, compliment, treat, new toothbrush, small toy, photo of fun memory or coupon for night out.

It worked well for a while and helped us refocus our thoughts on serving and loving one another while we looked out for each others' needs.

What's For Dinner?

A common question from hungry kids' returning from school is "What's For Dinner"?

I solved this problem by posting a list of 20 favorite dinners on the fridge. We also have a chore chart that includes who is making dinner each night.

The list has solved the problem of who and what will be included in the evening meal as well as what groceries are needed for the week.

Utensil Drawer Dilemma

To avoid the moving back and forth of the utensil holder in a pull-out drawer, I attached velcro strips to the front of the holder as well as the actual drawer. Now, the utensil holder stays-put in front and other less-used items are at the back.

Simplifying....

In my quest to simplify I'm combining my blogging efforts. To this point I've had several different ones on various topics. Now I'm doing one main one and would love to have you come for a visit!

I'm now at SIMPLY MORMON blog and hope to use that as an umbrella for all the things I'm thinking and feeling. I'm sure I'll put some info. about Simplifying and Organizing in there as it's a quest for us all!

Upcoming Seminar "Living in the Last Days"

Join with us on Sat., May 22, 2010, at the Logan Tabernacle in Logan, Utah. It's a FREE SEMINAR on "Living in the Last Days" entitled "To Prepare My People". Click HERE for more information.

We'll have 4 excellent speakers from 1:00-5:30 p.m. including Scott Bradley, Farley Anderson, Arlene K. Butler and Janet Ashcroft Summit.

All are invited. LDS Content will be presented.

Thanks,
Heidi Garvin

Putting First Things First...

It's been a while since I've blogged on here. Apparently I've been spending my time living instead of writing about it. :)

We've had a lot going on and some things have taken precedence over blogging. Life is like that. Different chapters and seasons bring unique challenges and growth. Time and experience have a way of helping us grow and progress --- even if we don't want to. :)

Blogging has been enjoyable and has met some of my needs of self-expression. It's even been therapeutic at times.

One of the quests of life is to put 'first things first'. I believe that the Spirit guides us in doing that. He knows much better than we do our gifts and talents, challenges and limitations. Those who feel to 'press forward' just for the name of it may be missing other items of more importance at the time.

My belief is that as we follow our guide/conscience/gut etc. we'll be led to do the things that matter most 'first'.

Breath of Heaven

Thankfully many of us are able to enjoy the blessings of warm home and food during these next few weeks. Often our hearts are turned to remembering all we have to be grateful for and thinking of others who may be in need. Sometimes the 'most wonderful' times of the year can also be the most challenging for different reasons.

Those who have much may be challenged with trying to figure out what to do with their abundance. Those who are alone and lonely may long for any type of companionship or friendship. Those who struggle, who have lost jobs or incomes may wonder how to 'celebrate' without abundance.

Having been in many of these situations over the past 10 yrs. as a single-parent, I know all-too-well some of the challenges that this time of year can present. I also know that I am much more aware of the struggles and heartaches of others because of what I have experienced myself. The thing that underlies all of our desires is a feeling of peace and love and harmony. This blessing is available to us all; the 'breath of heaven' if you wish. His love and life gave us all the opportunity to find comfort amidst trials, peace amongst trauma, and comfort amidst challenges. Without this hope many of us would not know what to do nor where to turn.

On several occassions I've sung these words
"Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me, Breath of Heaven.
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness, pour over me Your holiness for You are holy,
Breath of Heaven....
...But I offer all I am for the mercy of Your plan,
Help me be strong, help me."
(Breath of Heaven (Mary's song), Words and Music by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton)

My hope is the same as yours; to be filled with Christ's love and share that with those around me. And, when you and I are down, that someone else will reciprocate; the Breath of Heaven.