Make new friends, but keep the old…

One of the hardest things about moving has been the loss of close girlfriends. I’m not one of those girls who has always had a posse of friends, just one or two with whom I can share some of my deeper thoughts. I have not given “friendship development” the highest prayer devotion. I mean I have had my hands full this past year with nurturing my husband and children in this new life in Nebraska and praying for more relationships to commit time and energy to has not been a priority. I have reminded myself the Lord provides friendships and the precious ones He has provided have been gifts. God has placed two ladies in my life that I have felt a connection with and I have the privilege of having them over for tea this week. I am praying that our time of fellowship would be an encouragement to each other.I so enjoy inviting people into my home. I like providing a comfortable environment, an attentive ear and delicious brewed tea for my family or special guest. However, one hurdle that has made hospitality non existent since our move has been CHAOS. I have not been able to get myself and family into a rhythm so that there is peace and order in my home…until recently. With the help of Flylady and Dr. Randy Carlson I am back on track, so to speak. I tend to procrastinate and mis-priortize my days, leaving those I care about most (and myself) with little of my genuine attention or time. Both Marla Cilley and Randy Carlson have used the power of the media (radio, internet, publishing) to help people like me lead focused, productive, God-honoring lives.

By following routines and living an intentional life there is peace in my heart and home. My eyes focus on Christ and not on the CHAOS that is around me. So this week as I invite my new friends into my clean, orderly home I am thankful for the ministries of Marla and Randy, for their devotion and love of the Lord and others. I am able to focus on my guest, not on clutter.

If you are like me, “sidetracked Sally”, as my dear husband sometimes lovingly calls me, I encourage you to visit Flylady and Randy Carlson’s websites or listen to their radio show. Their encouragement, honesty and wisdom can provide you with the direction and focus you need to grow into the person God has designed you to be.

(Above image from Pottery Barn website)

I wanted to, but I didn’t. We just moved to Nebra…

I wanted to, but I didn’t. We just moved to Nebraska and my basement is filled with boxes. Specifically boxes of books. Good books. Like Sense & Sensibility, Core 5 readers from Sonlight, my journals, nursing textbooks. There’s at least 20 small boxes of books lovingly packed by the movers just waiting to be liberated from their corrugated jail. Last night I was looking for The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik…I want/need to get back to running & this book is awesome encouragement. I eagerly ripped the tape off two boxes, briefly poked around and set them aside. I began to eye a third box when common sense took hold and I stopped. It was 2300 at night…I can’t run at 0530 if I stay up much later no matter how motivated I am. I briefly calculated the odds of actually finding said book and concluded I had better odds at winning the lottery. So, I packed it in. I did find The Complete Guide to Pilates, Yoga, Meditation and Stress Relief, no doubt a bargain from the Dusty Bookshelf and one of my favorite books Celebrating the Christian Year by Martha Zimmerman. I was content with these two treasures so I lumbered quietly up the stairs looking through the pages. As I slipped under the covers to read, I promised myself I would launch into the rest of the boxes tomorrow.