Call me ca-ray-zee, but I cannot imagine using e-readers, EVER! Sorry nook and kindle users...even you color nook folks.
I suppose one thing positive I can say about the e-readers is: they are convenient. My best friend, Joe, uses one. He travels for the government, and would be bogged down in baggage if he was carting books back and forth. I also can see the convenience for elderly readers that need larger print. With very little effort, all books can become larger on the screen. Many of our older book club members use an e-reader for this reason alone. The ebooks are also cheaper (I was able to purchase 31 Days to Clean for under $5). And the big one: we are saving our earth's resources. Reading from an e-reader eliminates the need to print a book, and therefore, saves trees in the process.
I really do understand the above, but alas, I cannot make the conversion. I wonder if this would be comparable to when the automobile was available at the time of horse and buggies. People probably thought the "horseless carriage" would become a passing fancy, and only a toy.
To be completely honest, I don't really feel that an e-reader is for me. I love books. Pretty much everything about them. I like to dog-ear (I know...for shame) the pages, add little notes in the margins, use sticky notes to remind myself to research the topic further, and hold the paper in my hands. There is also an almost satisfying euphoria when I go to the bookstore and/or the library. Especially if they also offer coffee. My two favorite smells are books and coffee. HEAVEN!
So today I decided I needed to print 31 Days to Clean, because May 1st is tomorrow. It wasn't a very long e-book (70-some-odd-pages), and I did feel a bit guilty when I was printing it (saving a tree, another item to organize, etc.). However, now I can write on the pages, add sticky notes, dog-ear the pages....
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Wanting my Daughters to be Ladies
I enjoy the monthly Metro Parent articles and information, but today I read an article that really got me thinking.
"Silly Girls," by Lynn Meredith Schreiber, was an article about how society (i.e. celebrities, rock stars, etc.) is destroying female empowerment. I saw the subheading, "Makeup for Kids?" and was shocked that Walmart is selling a makeup line called "geoGirl" targeted at 8-12 year-olds. The Wall Street Journal reported on it back in February.
And I guess I wonder, why? What happened to borrowing mom's lipstick or wearing Care Deeply lip balm from Avon. I remember in 6th grade our class went to Fish Lake for a weekend camping trip. We were doing little skits, and some of the girls wanted to wear makeup. I remember my mom putting on lipstick and a bit of blush on my classmates. I was uncomfortable to wear anything, so I didn't participate.
Of course, I was not far from wearing and experimenting with make-up. I clearly remember one evening (I was probably 13) coming to dinner in a fully made up face. Three shades of eye shadow (blue, purple and pink), blush and RED lipstick. I was hoping to look more like Madonna than a 14 year old, and I think I might have aged my father a few years.
I have to disagree with the article's focus that society is worse than ever before for young girls. I was a pre-teen (i.e. 8-12 year old) in the 80s. Madonna, Cindy Lauper, and other punk artists were my heroes; and magazines, billboards, and TV constantly reminded me that I wasn't skinny enough or pretty enough to get a boy. So I really don't see how that is different from today; albeit there is the Internet now. But really, I think it has more to do with what you allow as a parent.
I believe that if your daughter is confident in herself (her inner beauty and relationship with God), then she doesn't have to wear mid-drift shirts or butt-crack-showing pants. I want to empower my daughters with THIS kind of confidence.
My mother was (and still is) a wonderful mother. I don't want to have people believe she is not. However, she also was (and probably still is) too concerned with her body-image. She was always on a diet, and I remember her making a huge deal out of what I ate and how much. My sister was super skinny, and I remember that she had to drink whole milk and eat extra calorie-rich items. Can you imagine having a beautiful, skinny sister that could eat WHATEVER SHE WANTED! Ah...I digress.
I am hoping (desperately) that I won't do the same to my girls. I am currently following Weight Watchers (down 13 pounds in 7 weeks), but my girls only know that we are eating healthy. They don't hear me talk about dieting, my weight, being fat (I never even say the word), clothes fitting (or not fitting), or see me drink odd shakes (my mother had these chocolate shakes pre-Slim Fast), or just skip lunch all together (my dad did this and still does to this day...swearing that if he eats lunch he gains weight).
I just began reading a VERY interesting ebook called, "Core Lies." I will blog about the entirety of the book at a later date. Core lies are those we tell ourselves and, therefore, believe to be true without question. I know that one of my core lies is that I'm not good enough, pretty enough, and skinny enough for others to like me for who I am. This is why I get so hurt when I'm not able to connect with another person (mainly other women). It is also the main reason I had such a hard time with friends, boyfriends, and others while growing up. I could NEVER be as popular as other girls, especially my sister. She had a ton of friends, was skinny, and was voted "best hair" her senior year. Need I say more?
I do not want my girls to believe the same lies that I did; and thus repeat my past mistakes. I also realize that they will make choices that I cannot control. However, I really hope they understand the lies we tell ourselves earlier than I.
I guess there is always someone (i.e. parents) purchasing the "street walker" clothing, and the make-up. I guess on a positive note, the geoGirls line is natural and doesn't strike me as "adult." Sigh...my girls won't be getting anything more than lip gloss from me, Santa, and the Easter Bunny. And if they think I'm being "mean" or they "hate" me for my standards and rules, oh well - they can take it up with God.
"Silly Girls," by Lynn Meredith Schreiber, was an article about how society (i.e. celebrities, rock stars, etc.) is destroying female empowerment. I saw the subheading, "Makeup for Kids?" and was shocked that Walmart is selling a makeup line called "geoGirl" targeted at 8-12 year-olds. The Wall Street Journal reported on it back in February.
And I guess I wonder, why? What happened to borrowing mom's lipstick or wearing Care Deeply lip balm from Avon. I remember in 6th grade our class went to Fish Lake for a weekend camping trip. We were doing little skits, and some of the girls wanted to wear makeup. I remember my mom putting on lipstick and a bit of blush on my classmates. I was uncomfortable to wear anything, so I didn't participate.
Of course, I was not far from wearing and experimenting with make-up. I clearly remember one evening (I was probably 13) coming to dinner in a fully made up face. Three shades of eye shadow (blue, purple and pink), blush and RED lipstick. I was hoping to look more like Madonna than a 14 year old, and I think I might have aged my father a few years.
I have to disagree with the article's focus that society is worse than ever before for young girls. I was a pre-teen (i.e. 8-12 year old) in the 80s. Madonna, Cindy Lauper, and other punk artists were my heroes; and magazines, billboards, and TV constantly reminded me that I wasn't skinny enough or pretty enough to get a boy. So I really don't see how that is different from today; albeit there is the Internet now. But really, I think it has more to do with what you allow as a parent.
I believe that if your daughter is confident in herself (her inner beauty and relationship with God), then she doesn't have to wear mid-drift shirts or butt-crack-showing pants. I want to empower my daughters with THIS kind of confidence.
My mother was (and still is) a wonderful mother. I don't want to have people believe she is not. However, she also was (and probably still is) too concerned with her body-image. She was always on a diet, and I remember her making a huge deal out of what I ate and how much. My sister was super skinny, and I remember that she had to drink whole milk and eat extra calorie-rich items. Can you imagine having a beautiful, skinny sister that could eat WHATEVER SHE WANTED! Ah...I digress.
I am hoping (desperately) that I won't do the same to my girls. I am currently following Weight Watchers (down 13 pounds in 7 weeks), but my girls only know that we are eating healthy. They don't hear me talk about dieting, my weight, being fat (I never even say the word), clothes fitting (or not fitting), or see me drink odd shakes (my mother had these chocolate shakes pre-Slim Fast), or just skip lunch all together (my dad did this and still does to this day...swearing that if he eats lunch he gains weight).
I just began reading a VERY interesting ebook called, "Core Lies." I will blog about the entirety of the book at a later date. Core lies are those we tell ourselves and, therefore, believe to be true without question. I know that one of my core lies is that I'm not good enough, pretty enough, and skinny enough for others to like me for who I am. This is why I get so hurt when I'm not able to connect with another person (mainly other women). It is also the main reason I had such a hard time with friends, boyfriends, and others while growing up. I could NEVER be as popular as other girls, especially my sister. She had a ton of friends, was skinny, and was voted "best hair" her senior year. Need I say more?
I do not want my girls to believe the same lies that I did; and thus repeat my past mistakes. I also realize that they will make choices that I cannot control. However, I really hope they understand the lies we tell ourselves earlier than I.
I guess there is always someone (i.e. parents) purchasing the "street walker" clothing, and the make-up. I guess on a positive note, the geoGirls line is natural and doesn't strike me as "adult." Sigh...my girls won't be getting anything more than lip gloss from me, Santa, and the Easter Bunny. And if they think I'm being "mean" or they "hate" me for my standards and rules, oh well - they can take it up with God.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
31 Days to Clean - Preview
Today, on Facebook, I saw a post for a lovely ebook titled, 31 Days to Clean - Having a Martha Home the Mary Way.
I read a bit more about the book and realized that I should purchase this little gem and sign up for the Homemaker's Challenge that begins May 1st.
A couple of my friends (which happen to be on Facebook and parents of children at my girls' school) are also participating in the challenge.
So, this is the challenge that I have accepted from Joyful Mothering:
I read a bit more about the book and realized that I should purchase this little gem and sign up for the Homemaker's Challenge that begins May 1st.
A couple of my friends (which happen to be on Facebook and parents of children at my girls' school) are also participating in the challenge.
So, this is the challenge that I have accepted from Joyful Mothering:
- Read the chapters each day that week. Highlight, take notes, do what you have to do to engage the material. Don’t just read it. Really allow it to change you. Journal, pray, look up scriptures.
- Write a post (or more, if you like) sharing your most challenging chapter for that week and give us a personal glimpse as to why you struggle in this area. Don’t worry! We all have an area of struggle, so we will all be sharing! Share what you need that could help you in that area. I will be posting a struggle, but also some extra solutions to accompany what Sarah Mae has offered. If you feel compelled, why not also share something that comes easily for you? Perhaps you could offer tips to others who may be struggling?
- Use the button in your post so that others can find their way back in case they would like to join us. The more the merrier! I have changed the code so it brings you to the list of “31 Days to Clean” posts. You can find the button in my sidebar.
- Link up your post(s) on Friday, beginning May 6th . It doesn’t matter what day you choose to write your post, you can still link it up on Friday
Thursday, April 21, 2011
30 Day Abbreviated - #30
Day #30 - Get A Little Help From Your Friends
As a musician, the first thing I think of is the Beetles song:
The truth is: when you are a control freak, like I, it is very hard to get by with a little help from your friends. Depending on others is truly difficult, but very necessary in this world. My friend, and fellow blogger: The Enchanted Schoolhouse, is the inspiration for these 30 day missions. She inspired me to reorganize, organize and simplify my home and my life.
In the last 6 months, my family has gone through quite a few health issues. Nothing long-term, but frustrating all the same. I have had to rely on others to help me out, and that, my dear readers, has been very humbling for me.
One of the items listed in the 30-day mission was to say NO right away. That is a VERY VERY good statement for me to read, hear, etc. I tend to want to help my friends and with the kids' school and with church to the point where I am forgetting my own needs here.
I am in the process of creating a comprehensive grocery list program, and I will share it as it gets closer to fruition.
As a musician, the first thing I think of is the Beetles song:
The truth is: when you are a control freak, like I, it is very hard to get by with a little help from your friends. Depending on others is truly difficult, but very necessary in this world. My friend, and fellow blogger: The Enchanted Schoolhouse, is the inspiration for these 30 day missions. She inspired me to reorganize, organize and simplify my home and my life.
In the last 6 months, my family has gone through quite a few health issues. Nothing long-term, but frustrating all the same. I have had to rely on others to help me out, and that, my dear readers, has been very humbling for me.
One of the items listed in the 30-day mission was to say NO right away. That is a VERY VERY good statement for me to read, hear, etc. I tend to want to help my friends and with the kids' school and with church to the point where I am forgetting my own needs here.
I am in the process of creating a comprehensive grocery list program, and I will share it as it gets closer to fruition.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
30 Days Abbreviated - #29
Day #29: Find Out What Works
Ah the check list - I knew it was coming. In 30 days how could one possibly accomplish EVERYTHING on this list?! I am speaking of the missions from:
Here is the list and my responses are on the right in bold lettering. My plan is to work on the incomplete list in the next couple of weeks. I figure the list really revolves around meal planning, which I despise anyway; but I will manage to establish a better system then the current one. I would like to make everything digital (i.e. on google) so that Jim can grab the list and check it off on his phone as he shops. I am also in the process of determining healthier and more family friendly meals (ones that we ALL enjoy), so it's possible that I will take more than a week or two to establish that one. Wish me luck, and I will post as I continue my mission (a quest on my part).
Ah the check list - I knew it was coming. In 30 days how could one possibly accomplish EVERYTHING on this list?! I am speaking of the missions from:
Here is the list and my responses are on the right in bold lettering. My plan is to work on the incomplete list in the next couple of weeks. I figure the list really revolves around meal planning, which I despise anyway; but I will manage to establish a better system then the current one. I would like to make everything digital (i.e. on google) so that Jim can grab the list and check it off on his phone as he shops. I am also in the process of determining healthier and more family friendly meals (ones that we ALL enjoy), so it's possible that I will take more than a week or two to establish that one. Wish me luck, and I will post as I continue my mission (a quest on my part).
Closet
Love and Wear clothes exclusively OK
Closet organized OK
Accessories managed OK
Stockings OK
Belts OK
Scarves OK
Shoes OK
Jewelry OK
Clothing Systems
Dry-cleaning system OK
Laundry system OK
Out of season system OK
Recycling System OK
Linen closet OK
Kitchen
Counters cleared OK
Storage organized OK
Love and Use items exclusively OK
Meal Planning System HELP
Grocery Shopping System HELP
Entertaining Menus and Setup HELP
Home Office
Mail Handling OK
Desktop Papers OK
Office Supplies OK
Bill-Paying System OK
Filing System OK
Current OK
Important Documents OK
Estate planning OK
Tax records OK
Home improvement records OK
Insurances OK
Archives OK
Stationery and stamps OK
Ticket system OK
Gift wrapping OK
Photos OK
Subscriptions OK
Travel files and planning OK
Kids
Kids' rooms
Closet OK
Desk OK
Storage OK
Kids' papers and mementos OK
Babysitter information current OK
House Maintenance
Supplies organized OK
Daily Routine OK
Weekly Routine OK
Seasonal Routine OK
Garage NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED BY HUBBY
General
House sitter information current OK
Recycling system for useless stuff OK
30 Days Abbreviated - #16 thru #28
and....now I will continue with my abbreviated completion of the missions described in the following book:
My inspiration (in case you read this post first) is from my dear friend, and blogger, The Enchanted Schoolhouse.
Day #16: Set Up an Efficient Office Space
We lost our dedicated office when I got pregnant with Evie. After all, I couldn't have Zoe sleeping in the same room as the baby. So we restructured the spaces 4 years ago, and thus took our computer and desk to the basement music studio. I lost the beautiful closet space for all the computer stuff, but I did recycle and donate quite a bit of "unneeded" items at that point. There was SO MUCH STUFF in that closet. Jim was using it for trash (old receipts, etc.) However, I do have an adequate filing system, and when I do taxes in January I go through, shred and reorganize the paperwork. So I did not do this again recently.
Day #17: Organize Your Computer Life
Being married to an IT professional and a gamer, I am often amazed at all the CDs, files, books, etc. that are collected throughout the year. I have to keep a ahead of the game, or things can get pretty crazy. However, the filing system I have (and the limited storage space) prevents from too much to be saved. We do have a tote in the storage area that is filled with items like power cords, keyboards, and other computer hardware. I wish we didn't have that tote, but I have learned when to pick my battles. I suppose if this was 4 years ago I would have more to report about the craziness that was our office.
Day #18: Go For Financial Freedom
This is a VERY important mission for us. As I mentioned before, we do have a family budget. However, we also have credit card debt that I hate having. So, this year I put it in our budget to pay off most of the debt (i.e. higher monthly payments and not charging more). I also have refused Jim to purchase unneeded items (computer parts) and to do house projects (like the bathroom) that aren't needed at this time. My main goal this year is to get out of credit card debt. Thankfully, even with the crazy amount of medical bills we've received, the goal is still attainable.
Day #19: Run Fewer Errands
I have been trying to achieve this for years. Jim grocery shops on Saturday mornings with our girls (while I teach), or Sunday if they are ill (like today). So throughout the week I add items to a grocery list on the fridge. I love the magnetic list pads from Target $1 bins, and quite often stock up on a few at a time. This makes getting items a lot easier. I also try to limit my errands to one day - one morning if I can help it. (usually on the days the girls are at school) Of course, with physical therapy appointments this becomes a bit more difficult. Some weeks I have no errands, and others a ton. I do appreciate the suggestions given, and I like having an area dedicated to errands (i.e. a basket for library books). However, finding the place without it becoming a "catch-all" is pretty difficult for me. I do have a sock monkey bag (imagine that) that I put items in (checks to cash, mail to take to post office, copies to be made) which seems to work pretty well. It is my errand bag, but I really think I need suggestions on how I could remember what I need to do and then do it on one day. Hmmmm....
Day #20: Be Mindful, Savor Time
In this fast-paced world, where technology has made it almost impossible to truly "get away from it all," I find it very daunting to savor the moment. I find that even in the bathroom, my time is not my own. However, I do try (I say try, because I would be lying if I said this happens every day) to savor my morning coffee. I do read emails while I am drinking the coffee, but I really like to drink my coffee this way. I suppose if we were delivered a morning newspaper, I would sit and read it. This is my time to zone out, to prepare for the day ahead. I also spend time on Sunday evening to look at the week ahead. But to savor the exact moment is hard for me...hopefully I can learn from this exercise...maybe savor the moment one time during each day....but unfortunately my mind races to the next activity, the next thing that needs to be done.
Day #21: Travel Light in Style
This mission was to create a travel center...and since we never travel anywhere, I just put all the travel books together. We used to travel more, and I try to keep ideas in a center for ideas...but if we traveled more often I would have an area for more books.
Day #22: Keep Track of your Valuables
Jim and I have very few valuable things. Our instruments are covered by insurance, as is my engagement/wedding ring. When we first moved into our home (December 2002) we took pictures of all our "stuff". I guess at that point it was important to us to know everything we had, in case of fire or natural disaster. I really think that my girls and Jim would be the only things irreplaceable in a fire. As much as I love the items in my hope chest, because they are memories and such, having a lock box with a picture would never EVER bring the items back. They are irreplaceable. So at this point I think I can safely state that this mission is complete.
Day #23: Give Vanishing Gifts
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one. My favorite thing to give is something personal, but my favorite gifts have been dinner out with Jim, or a night away from home. Of course an occasional pedicure/manicure is very welcomed too. However, all the above vanish after their use. Nothing to store, or find a place for. I would love gifts like this for our girls, since they have so much and really don't need for anything. Maybe a gift certificate for a class, or lessons, or a gift of taking them to a location for the day. Regardless, I will definitely keep this in mind, because I have a bad full of books that I got for Christmas from my mother in law that I haven't even touched in two months!
Day #24: Create Hassle Free Holidays
When I read the mission I thought: sheesh, if I was a Jehovah's Witness I wouldn't even have to concern myself with this. But, alas, I am not a Witness. Therefore, I happen to love holidays. I love decorating, making crafts, cooking holiday meals, traditions, etc. I am a planner by nature. I tend to be pretty stress free at holidays, and that is one less thing I need to simplify at this point. This Christmas I decided to send ecards instead of the vast amounts of traditional cards. I really thought about the amount of cards I keep after they are received. I clip the pic of the kids from the cards, and post it on the fridge (I have a special frame). The rest I recycle or toss. What exactly would I do with 80-100 Christmas cards each year? After all, we don't have that computer room closet anymore. Okay, so this past Christmas I sent ecards. It was so fun, and it was interactive with a picture of the girls. I think this year I will expand on that idea...but I'm pretty sure the years of writing out tons of cards is over for me.
Day #25: Enjoy Your Photos and Memories
I enjoy photos, but I have never gotten into doing the whole scrapbooking thing. I think to really do it right I would be frustrated to not complete the project in a weekend. Those weekend getaways produce a few pages for the book; that would drive me nuts. So I take pictures and oftentimes only print a few through Kodak. I have the standard photo albums. These albums are stored in the hope chest that I mentioned above. However, because I have uploaded all the pictures to Kodak they could all be printed again. Cool how that works. I try to put the pictures into the album as soon as I receive them in the mail. This doesn't always happen so easy, but maintaining a system is much easier than having to reinvent the wheel every time a great trip or event happens.
Day #26: Pare Down Your Garage
The calendar shows that it is spring, but here in Michigan we definitely do NOT have spring weather. It has been cold and that doesn't make it easy to clean out the garage. Each spring Jim and I clean out the garage. He has taken our out door furniture (we have wicker furniture on our front porch) out, but hopefully one day this spring break it will be warm enough to work outside and straighten up the garage. Since Jim is the "outdoor" guy, I usually wait until we can do this task together. I would not hear the end of putting the tools in the wrong places. And in all honesty I would have a fit if he redid my indoor organizing!
Day #27: Make Landscaping Easier
Jim is in charge of the outside. I used to plan a ridiculous amount of annuals, but in the last 5 years we have planted more foliage that allows us to be lazy. Since we don't live in a neighborhood that spends time and money on outdoor appearance, I don't feel my laziness is going to be noticed. After all...our grass is not the only dead lawn in the area. HA!
Day #28: Get Physical
Okay - am I the ONLY one that doesn't sing the song, "LETS GET PHYSICAL" when they read that?! Okay, due to my recent knee injury and surgery I am only getting 3 days a week of exercise. But there is stretching, there is endurance, and there is weights; so I think I'm doing pretty okay with this. I look forward to when the weather lifts and I can start taking walks. I have lost 12 pounds in 6 weeks on WW (according to the scale on 4/18), and even though I have a long way to go I am hopeful. I really believe my surgery and health issues I endured earlier this year were a wake-up call to my future health. I do believe exercise needs to be part of your daily routine to make it "work out" long term. I applaud my dear friend and blogger, who has done a wonderful job at her mission.
Day #16: Set Up an Efficient Office Space
We lost our dedicated office when I got pregnant with Evie. After all, I couldn't have Zoe sleeping in the same room as the baby. So we restructured the spaces 4 years ago, and thus took our computer and desk to the basement music studio. I lost the beautiful closet space for all the computer stuff, but I did recycle and donate quite a bit of "unneeded" items at that point. There was SO MUCH STUFF in that closet. Jim was using it for trash (old receipts, etc.) However, I do have an adequate filing system, and when I do taxes in January I go through, shred and reorganize the paperwork. So I did not do this again recently.
Day #17: Organize Your Computer Life
Being married to an IT professional and a gamer, I am often amazed at all the CDs, files, books, etc. that are collected throughout the year. I have to keep a ahead of the game, or things can get pretty crazy. However, the filing system I have (and the limited storage space) prevents from too much to be saved. We do have a tote in the storage area that is filled with items like power cords, keyboards, and other computer hardware. I wish we didn't have that tote, but I have learned when to pick my battles. I suppose if this was 4 years ago I would have more to report about the craziness that was our office.
Day #18: Go For Financial Freedom
This is a VERY important mission for us. As I mentioned before, we do have a family budget. However, we also have credit card debt that I hate having. So, this year I put it in our budget to pay off most of the debt (i.e. higher monthly payments and not charging more). I also have refused Jim to purchase unneeded items (computer parts) and to do house projects (like the bathroom) that aren't needed at this time. My main goal this year is to get out of credit card debt. Thankfully, even with the crazy amount of medical bills we've received, the goal is still attainable.
Day #19: Run Fewer Errands
I have been trying to achieve this for years. Jim grocery shops on Saturday mornings with our girls (while I teach), or Sunday if they are ill (like today). So throughout the week I add items to a grocery list on the fridge. I love the magnetic list pads from Target $1 bins, and quite often stock up on a few at a time. This makes getting items a lot easier. I also try to limit my errands to one day - one morning if I can help it. (usually on the days the girls are at school) Of course, with physical therapy appointments this becomes a bit more difficult. Some weeks I have no errands, and others a ton. I do appreciate the suggestions given, and I like having an area dedicated to errands (i.e. a basket for library books). However, finding the place without it becoming a "catch-all" is pretty difficult for me. I do have a sock monkey bag (imagine that) that I put items in (checks to cash, mail to take to post office, copies to be made) which seems to work pretty well. It is my errand bag, but I really think I need suggestions on how I could remember what I need to do and then do it on one day. Hmmmm....
Day #20: Be Mindful, Savor Time
In this fast-paced world, where technology has made it almost impossible to truly "get away from it all," I find it very daunting to savor the moment. I find that even in the bathroom, my time is not my own. However, I do try (I say try, because I would be lying if I said this happens every day) to savor my morning coffee. I do read emails while I am drinking the coffee, but I really like to drink my coffee this way. I suppose if we were delivered a morning newspaper, I would sit and read it. This is my time to zone out, to prepare for the day ahead. I also spend time on Sunday evening to look at the week ahead. But to savor the exact moment is hard for me...hopefully I can learn from this exercise...maybe savor the moment one time during each day....but unfortunately my mind races to the next activity, the next thing that needs to be done.
Day #21: Travel Light in Style
This mission was to create a travel center...and since we never travel anywhere, I just put all the travel books together. We used to travel more, and I try to keep ideas in a center for ideas...but if we traveled more often I would have an area for more books.
Day #22: Keep Track of your Valuables
Jim and I have very few valuable things. Our instruments are covered by insurance, as is my engagement/wedding ring. When we first moved into our home (December 2002) we took pictures of all our "stuff". I guess at that point it was important to us to know everything we had, in case of fire or natural disaster. I really think that my girls and Jim would be the only things irreplaceable in a fire. As much as I love the items in my hope chest, because they are memories and such, having a lock box with a picture would never EVER bring the items back. They are irreplaceable. So at this point I think I can safely state that this mission is complete.
Day #23: Give Vanishing Gifts
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this one. My favorite thing to give is something personal, but my favorite gifts have been dinner out with Jim, or a night away from home. Of course an occasional pedicure/manicure is very welcomed too. However, all the above vanish after their use. Nothing to store, or find a place for. I would love gifts like this for our girls, since they have so much and really don't need for anything. Maybe a gift certificate for a class, or lessons, or a gift of taking them to a location for the day. Regardless, I will definitely keep this in mind, because I have a bad full of books that I got for Christmas from my mother in law that I haven't even touched in two months!
Day #24: Create Hassle Free Holidays
When I read the mission I thought: sheesh, if I was a Jehovah's Witness I wouldn't even have to concern myself with this. But, alas, I am not a Witness. Therefore, I happen to love holidays. I love decorating, making crafts, cooking holiday meals, traditions, etc. I am a planner by nature. I tend to be pretty stress free at holidays, and that is one less thing I need to simplify at this point. This Christmas I decided to send ecards instead of the vast amounts of traditional cards. I really thought about the amount of cards I keep after they are received. I clip the pic of the kids from the cards, and post it on the fridge (I have a special frame). The rest I recycle or toss. What exactly would I do with 80-100 Christmas cards each year? After all, we don't have that computer room closet anymore. Okay, so this past Christmas I sent ecards. It was so fun, and it was interactive with a picture of the girls. I think this year I will expand on that idea...but I'm pretty sure the years of writing out tons of cards is over for me.
Day #25: Enjoy Your Photos and Memories
I enjoy photos, but I have never gotten into doing the whole scrapbooking thing. I think to really do it right I would be frustrated to not complete the project in a weekend. Those weekend getaways produce a few pages for the book; that would drive me nuts. So I take pictures and oftentimes only print a few through Kodak. I have the standard photo albums. These albums are stored in the hope chest that I mentioned above. However, because I have uploaded all the pictures to Kodak they could all be printed again. Cool how that works. I try to put the pictures into the album as soon as I receive them in the mail. This doesn't always happen so easy, but maintaining a system is much easier than having to reinvent the wheel every time a great trip or event happens.
Day #26: Pare Down Your Garage
The calendar shows that it is spring, but here in Michigan we definitely do NOT have spring weather. It has been cold and that doesn't make it easy to clean out the garage. Each spring Jim and I clean out the garage. He has taken our out door furniture (we have wicker furniture on our front porch) out, but hopefully one day this spring break it will be warm enough to work outside and straighten up the garage. Since Jim is the "outdoor" guy, I usually wait until we can do this task together. I would not hear the end of putting the tools in the wrong places. And in all honesty I would have a fit if he redid my indoor organizing!
Day #27: Make Landscaping Easier
Jim is in charge of the outside. I used to plan a ridiculous amount of annuals, but in the last 5 years we have planted more foliage that allows us to be lazy. Since we don't live in a neighborhood that spends time and money on outdoor appearance, I don't feel my laziness is going to be noticed. After all...our grass is not the only dead lawn in the area. HA!
Day #28: Get Physical
Okay - am I the ONLY one that doesn't sing the song, "LETS GET PHYSICAL" when they read that?! Okay, due to my recent knee injury and surgery I am only getting 3 days a week of exercise. But there is stretching, there is endurance, and there is weights; so I think I'm doing pretty okay with this. I look forward to when the weather lifts and I can start taking walks. I have lost 12 pounds in 6 weeks on WW (according to the scale on 4/18), and even though I have a long way to go I am hopeful. I really believe my surgery and health issues I endured earlier this year were a wake-up call to my future health. I do believe exercise needs to be part of your daily routine to make it "work out" long term. I applaud my dear friend and blogger, who has done a wonderful job at her mission.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Five Rules of Order
Due to my recent household overhaul, I was pleasantly pleased to find a 5-step list regarding clutter prevention.
I usually bring a magazine or book with me to physical therapy to occupy the time I sit getting "iced". However, this morning I was a bit off my schedule (since it is spring break in my town), and forgot reading materials. Most of the magazines at the therapy office are centered around hunting and other physical sports. But I found a little gem called, "All You." There was a section devoted to spring cleaning, and at the end of the article there was this lovely little list. I absconded with said list, and will now share it with my readers.
THE FIVE RULES OF ORDER
1) ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
For instance, when you enter your home, put your handbag in a designated place, along with your coat, the dog's leash and other items. Remind yourself until it becomes second nature.
2) RESET
Every time you use something, put it back in its home. Think of this as "resetting," so it's ready the next time you want it.
3) SEE TASKS THROUGH
Unfinished chores are a major factor in a disorganized home. Laundry isn't done until the clothes are folded, hung and put away. Dishes aren't done until they've been dried and placed back in the cupboard. The same is true for home-improvement projects. Don't start a job unless you have the time and motivation to finish it.
4) CYCLE ITEMS IN AND OUT
If you bring something new into your home - from a new winter coat to a newspaper - something else can likely be thrown out or given away.
5)WORK ONE ROOM AT A TIME
Don't organize by going back and forth between areas of your home. It will sap your energy and often result in half-finished projects.
I usually bring a magazine or book with me to physical therapy to occupy the time I sit getting "iced". However, this morning I was a bit off my schedule (since it is spring break in my town), and forgot reading materials. Most of the magazines at the therapy office are centered around hunting and other physical sports. But I found a little gem called, "All You." There was a section devoted to spring cleaning, and at the end of the article there was this lovely little list. I absconded with said list, and will now share it with my readers.
THE FIVE RULES OF ORDER
1) ESTABLISH A ROUTINE
For instance, when you enter your home, put your handbag in a designated place, along with your coat, the dog's leash and other items. Remind yourself until it becomes second nature.
2) RESET
Every time you use something, put it back in its home. Think of this as "resetting," so it's ready the next time you want it.
3) SEE TASKS THROUGH
Unfinished chores are a major factor in a disorganized home. Laundry isn't done until the clothes are folded, hung and put away. Dishes aren't done until they've been dried and placed back in the cupboard. The same is true for home-improvement projects. Don't start a job unless you have the time and motivation to finish it.
4) CYCLE ITEMS IN AND OUT
If you bring something new into your home - from a new winter coat to a newspaper - something else can likely be thrown out or given away.
5)WORK ONE ROOM AT A TIME
Don't organize by going back and forth between areas of your home. It will sap your energy and often result in half-finished projects.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
30 Days Abbreviated - #1 thru #15
I have been inspired by my dear friend and blogger: The Enchanted Schoolhouse. This Lenten season she decided to incorporate the book, "30 Days to a Simpler Life.
I have been following her admirable journey through the book. Even though I did not follow the 30 day plan from the book, I have been inspired to spring "simplify" along with her.
Today I decided that I should look at the list from her blog and confirm if I have in fact succeeded up to this point. Below are the first 15 days, so you don't get to overwhelmed or bored reading my stuff.
Day #1: Fill a Shopping Bag
I am proud to say that this mission was completed by more than a bag. I donated 9 bags to Purple Heart, which consisted of stuffed stuff, books, and clothing. I was assisted in this mission by my two daughters, as we also created two new spaces for them: a shared bedroom and a play room.
Day #2: Practice Living Without It
This mission goes hand in hand with Day #1. I was able to convince the girls to donate things they no longer needed and/or used. I went through my closet and drawers as well, and felt very empowered after eliminating quite a bit of excess.
Day #3: Think Before you Buy
I wish that Evie (my youngest) was able to understand this mission. She loves EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING, and she must have EVERYTHING or at least one thing no matter where we are shopping. In that last 6 years we have cut back our spending to a very bare minimum. I have a family budget that I created in Google docs, and after attending a recent financial workshop at the kids' school, I was more motivated to adhere to a budget than ever before. I have made changes in our home and car insurance, by simply calling and making sure we have the best plan and the best rates around. Having a budget really makes a difference in my opinion.
Day #4: Create a Serene Bedroom
I actually really love our bedroom, and after cleaning the closets and my drawers I liked it even more. Five years ago Jim and I redid our bedroom, and I really love the color scheme. Jim did get a new dresser, that was passed from Zoe's old bedroom when I consolidated the ladies. We were given beautiful furniture from a family friend, and the cool dresser I acquired about 10 years ago was moved to house Jim's clothing. Our bedroom actually looks adult now, and I am thrilled.
Day #5: Organize Your Closet
Another mission that goes quite well with the ones above. I organized our bedroom closet, the closets in the other two bedrooms, and the two storage units in the basement. The one area that was probably the most time consuming and created the most waste (trash that wasn't able to be recycled) was the storage area in the basement. I found so much junk in there I was appalled to think I haven't seen it before. Or maybe I had, but I just left it for a rainy day. Fortunately it is presentable now, and I am very proud to have organized these spaces. I also found myself going through our coat closet as well.
Day #6: Dress with Less
I am not a fashionista. I also have gained a considerable amount of weight over the last 2 years, so I have not purchased a lot of clothing. I get by on 3 pairs of jeans, t-shirts, and a nice pair of dress pants that I pair up with a few blouses for church. When I donated the bags of clothing (i.e. after I cleaned and organized the closet spaces) I added quite a few pair of shoes that I have had for years...like 10 years, 15 years, etc. None of them fit my feet, not since before my pregnancies. My feet grew a half size and became wider; plus I don't have an office job anymore, so the heals and such were a great donation item.
Day #7: Transform your Bathroom
In order for me to correctly transform our bathroom, I would need a sledgehammer and a crew of designers and the like. However, today I successfully scrubbed it down and organized the closet and two cabinets inside the room. I made certain to correctly dispose of all expired medicines, and I was happy with the outcome.
Day #8: Streamline your Kitchen
Our pantry is in the basement, in what I like to call the "fruit cellar". That area was organized as one of the closet spaces. However, I was inspired to organize the plethora of spices we acquired in our cooking adventures. I had labeled the spices about 5 years ago, but over the course of the last couple years I had let the upkeep go to the waste-side. So I reorganized the spices alphabetically and created labels for those that needed them. I also went through the cupboards and organized the coffee, tea, cereal and other items that are used daily. Felt so good!
Day #9: Fix Quick and Healthy Meals
I have been on Weight Watchers since March 7th. I have an earlier blog regarding my commitment to eating healthier. However, I have started to be very careful to what I stock our shelves with. I am also making the weekly grocery list, because Jim tends to not concern himself with meals that are healthy. I also have been making simple crock-pot meals at least once if not twice a week. This cuts down on the microwave meals that are so easy to prepare when I work. My Evie is a very picky eater, but I have a variety of veggies and other quick to prepare foods for her consumption as well.
Day #10: Revise Your Living Spaces
I am not one that collects items that are meaningless...normally. I have a curio cabinet with items that I refuse to get rid of. I also decorate very minimally, because I don't like a lot of clutter. Less decorations = less clutter. So I did not revise my living room, nor the dining room. However, I think the ideas are very good for those that collect and decorate ad-nauseum.
Day #11: Consider Minimalism
This mission requires one to eliminate wall art. I did take down wall art and replaced it in the rooms we redid for the ladies. But I REALLY like my wall art. In fact, I use my girls' original artwork as some of the wall hangings in our dinning room. Unfortunately, I refuse to eliminate artwork from the walls. I think a mission like this would be better for those that have stuff everywhere on their walls, not an inch to spare. Without naming anyone publicly, I have a hard time with my anxiety when I am in a few homes with this problem.
Day #12: Simplify Your Mind
This mission requires one to stop anger and disappointment with others. I actually have something to share on this mission. Last year I was part of a Bible study group. The women were diverse and I met some lovely people. The problem was one of the leaders of the group was very short when it came to me. I would answer a question and was almost always cut off. I left the group because Evie was VERY unhappy in the nursery, however, I did not rejoin last fall when Evie started preschool. I did pray about my situation because this woman also has children in my girls' school. Our school is quite small, therefore it is pretty hard to ignore her. Anyway, I decided to join the committee she heads up, and work on projects with her. However, even though I offered my services in the beginning of the school year via sign-up sheet, she was late asking me to help. By the time she wanted help I was laid up with a bum knee (from the fall before Christmas) and couldn't commit to her projects anymore. This really made her put off towards me. I really hoped she would like me if I helped on the tasks of her committee. However, after reading this mission I decided to pray again. This time I realized that I don't care if she likes me. Less to worry about, less to concern myself with, as I cannot control her feelings toward me.
Day #13: Edit Your Projects
I have a few projects that I anticipated doing for gifts, and they have fallen to the waste-side. However, I organized my supplies and discovered a few treasures I thought I had lost. I tend to complete a project once I begin, which made this mission a bit easy for me. However, with my love of crafting and my collection of magazines (see #14), I will definitely keep in mind the suggestions in the book.
Day #14: Combat Information Overload
I have been quite good at catalog recycling. I only subscribe to FamilyFun, because I love the crafts and ideas. They have a place, next to the dinning room book shelf I have for the girls. I refuse to recycle or donate the magazines, because I love too many of the ideas in them, and I don't want to reduce at this point either. However, I recycle catalogs and junk mail immediately. I have read there are ways to reduce the amount of junk mail, JUNK MAIL IDEAS, but I have not gone to the extent to reduce the amount that comes to our home. At least I get rid of it once it comes in.
Day #15: Design Simple Systems
This mission was actually quite fun for me. We have one house key for our home, and Jim and I both have a key ring with car keys (2 - 1 for each car) a house key, and I have my mother's house key and my grandfather's house key as well. My key ring is stored in my purse. I have a jar that Jim puts his wallet, keys and sunglasses in each evening. However, I realized that I did not have a house key for the babysitter. I love when the sitter takes the girls on a walk or to the park, but if I am not home I really dislike leaving the house open. So, I hung a hook (found while cleaning the back storage area in the basement) and then made a key ring out of Shrinky Dinks materials left over from Zoe's birthday party. I made an "M" for our last name (Monkey of course..tee hee), and cooked it down to size. Then I had a key made and then hung it on the hook. The girls know where it is, and now the sitter can lock up our house before heading out.
The rest of the 30 days will follow.
I have been following her admirable journey through the book. Even though I did not follow the 30 day plan from the book, I have been inspired to spring "simplify" along with her.
Today I decided that I should look at the list from her blog and confirm if I have in fact succeeded up to this point. Below are the first 15 days, so you don't get to overwhelmed or bored reading my stuff.
Day #1: Fill a Shopping Bag
I am proud to say that this mission was completed by more than a bag. I donated 9 bags to Purple Heart, which consisted of stuffed stuff, books, and clothing. I was assisted in this mission by my two daughters, as we also created two new spaces for them: a shared bedroom and a play room.
Day #2: Practice Living Without It
This mission goes hand in hand with Day #1. I was able to convince the girls to donate things they no longer needed and/or used. I went through my closet and drawers as well, and felt very empowered after eliminating quite a bit of excess.
Day #3: Think Before you Buy
I wish that Evie (my youngest) was able to understand this mission. She loves EVERYTHING, I mean EVERYTHING, and she must have EVERYTHING or at least one thing no matter where we are shopping. In that last 6 years we have cut back our spending to a very bare minimum. I have a family budget that I created in Google docs, and after attending a recent financial workshop at the kids' school, I was more motivated to adhere to a budget than ever before. I have made changes in our home and car insurance, by simply calling and making sure we have the best plan and the best rates around. Having a budget really makes a difference in my opinion.
Day #4: Create a Serene Bedroom
I actually really love our bedroom, and after cleaning the closets and my drawers I liked it even more. Five years ago Jim and I redid our bedroom, and I really love the color scheme. Jim did get a new dresser, that was passed from Zoe's old bedroom when I consolidated the ladies. We were given beautiful furniture from a family friend, and the cool dresser I acquired about 10 years ago was moved to house Jim's clothing. Our bedroom actually looks adult now, and I am thrilled.
Day #5: Organize Your Closet
Another mission that goes quite well with the ones above. I organized our bedroom closet, the closets in the other two bedrooms, and the two storage units in the basement. The one area that was probably the most time consuming and created the most waste (trash that wasn't able to be recycled) was the storage area in the basement. I found so much junk in there I was appalled to think I haven't seen it before. Or maybe I had, but I just left it for a rainy day. Fortunately it is presentable now, and I am very proud to have organized these spaces. I also found myself going through our coat closet as well.
Day #6: Dress with Less
I am not a fashionista. I also have gained a considerable amount of weight over the last 2 years, so I have not purchased a lot of clothing. I get by on 3 pairs of jeans, t-shirts, and a nice pair of dress pants that I pair up with a few blouses for church. When I donated the bags of clothing (i.e. after I cleaned and organized the closet spaces) I added quite a few pair of shoes that I have had for years...like 10 years, 15 years, etc. None of them fit my feet, not since before my pregnancies. My feet grew a half size and became wider; plus I don't have an office job anymore, so the heals and such were a great donation item.
Day #7: Transform your Bathroom
In order for me to correctly transform our bathroom, I would need a sledgehammer and a crew of designers and the like. However, today I successfully scrubbed it down and organized the closet and two cabinets inside the room. I made certain to correctly dispose of all expired medicines, and I was happy with the outcome.
Day #8: Streamline your Kitchen
Our pantry is in the basement, in what I like to call the "fruit cellar". That area was organized as one of the closet spaces. However, I was inspired to organize the plethora of spices we acquired in our cooking adventures. I had labeled the spices about 5 years ago, but over the course of the last couple years I had let the upkeep go to the waste-side. So I reorganized the spices alphabetically and created labels for those that needed them. I also went through the cupboards and organized the coffee, tea, cereal and other items that are used daily. Felt so good!
Day #9: Fix Quick and Healthy Meals
I have been on Weight Watchers since March 7th. I have an earlier blog regarding my commitment to eating healthier. However, I have started to be very careful to what I stock our shelves with. I am also making the weekly grocery list, because Jim tends to not concern himself with meals that are healthy. I also have been making simple crock-pot meals at least once if not twice a week. This cuts down on the microwave meals that are so easy to prepare when I work. My Evie is a very picky eater, but I have a variety of veggies and other quick to prepare foods for her consumption as well.
Day #10: Revise Your Living Spaces
I am not one that collects items that are meaningless...normally. I have a curio cabinet with items that I refuse to get rid of. I also decorate very minimally, because I don't like a lot of clutter. Less decorations = less clutter. So I did not revise my living room, nor the dining room. However, I think the ideas are very good for those that collect and decorate ad-nauseum.
Day #11: Consider Minimalism
This mission requires one to eliminate wall art. I did take down wall art and replaced it in the rooms we redid for the ladies. But I REALLY like my wall art. In fact, I use my girls' original artwork as some of the wall hangings in our dinning room. Unfortunately, I refuse to eliminate artwork from the walls. I think a mission like this would be better for those that have stuff everywhere on their walls, not an inch to spare. Without naming anyone publicly, I have a hard time with my anxiety when I am in a few homes with this problem.
Day #12: Simplify Your Mind
This mission requires one to stop anger and disappointment with others. I actually have something to share on this mission. Last year I was part of a Bible study group. The women were diverse and I met some lovely people. The problem was one of the leaders of the group was very short when it came to me. I would answer a question and was almost always cut off. I left the group because Evie was VERY unhappy in the nursery, however, I did not rejoin last fall when Evie started preschool. I did pray about my situation because this woman also has children in my girls' school. Our school is quite small, therefore it is pretty hard to ignore her. Anyway, I decided to join the committee she heads up, and work on projects with her. However, even though I offered my services in the beginning of the school year via sign-up sheet, she was late asking me to help. By the time she wanted help I was laid up with a bum knee (from the fall before Christmas) and couldn't commit to her projects anymore. This really made her put off towards me. I really hoped she would like me if I helped on the tasks of her committee. However, after reading this mission I decided to pray again. This time I realized that I don't care if she likes me. Less to worry about, less to concern myself with, as I cannot control her feelings toward me.
Day #13: Edit Your Projects
I have a few projects that I anticipated doing for gifts, and they have fallen to the waste-side. However, I organized my supplies and discovered a few treasures I thought I had lost. I tend to complete a project once I begin, which made this mission a bit easy for me. However, with my love of crafting and my collection of magazines (see #14), I will definitely keep in mind the suggestions in the book.
Day #14: Combat Information Overload
I have been quite good at catalog recycling. I only subscribe to FamilyFun, because I love the crafts and ideas. They have a place, next to the dinning room book shelf I have for the girls. I refuse to recycle or donate the magazines, because I love too many of the ideas in them, and I don't want to reduce at this point either. However, I recycle catalogs and junk mail immediately. I have read there are ways to reduce the amount of junk mail, JUNK MAIL IDEAS, but I have not gone to the extent to reduce the amount that comes to our home. At least I get rid of it once it comes in.
Day #15: Design Simple Systems
This mission was actually quite fun for me. We have one house key for our home, and Jim and I both have a key ring with car keys (2 - 1 for each car) a house key, and I have my mother's house key and my grandfather's house key as well. My key ring is stored in my purse. I have a jar that Jim puts his wallet, keys and sunglasses in each evening. However, I realized that I did not have a house key for the babysitter. I love when the sitter takes the girls on a walk or to the park, but if I am not home I really dislike leaving the house open. So, I hung a hook (found while cleaning the back storage area in the basement) and then made a key ring out of Shrinky Dinks materials left over from Zoe's birthday party. I made an "M" for our last name (Monkey of course..tee hee), and cooked it down to size. Then I had a key made and then hung it on the hook. The girls know where it is, and now the sitter can lock up our house before heading out.
The rest of the 30 days will follow.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Name Change
Today I decided to change the name of my blog.
Originally this blog, titled: "A Closer Walk", was intended to follow my spiritual journey. That was approximately two years ago. Since then, I wanted to incorporated other topics, so I thought that "Little By Little" was an accurate description of my life.
Little By Little I am learning to be a better wife, mother, friend, musician, teacher, and child of God.
Originally this blog, titled: "A Closer Walk", was intended to follow my spiritual journey. That was approximately two years ago. Since then, I wanted to incorporated other topics, so I thought that "Little By Little" was an accurate description of my life.
Little By Little I am learning to be a better wife, mother, friend, musician, teacher, and child of God.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Listen to your Heart....?
My friend, Bonnie, came by on Friday afternoon to drop of the April Jehovah Witness publications. As always, she had scriptures to share with me. This time she shared a few that had to do with listening to the heart. On our last meeting I had mentioned that no matter how intelligent something is presented to me, I am still compelled to have emotional connection behind another answer or ideas. Basically, no matter what a Jehovah Witness presents (or any other mathematical calculated scripture-based church) I am apt to have a hard time accepting their "truth". I love traditions, like holidays and parties, and I love my relationship with God.
One of the scripture verses she shared is Jeremiah 10:23:
LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
The above seems pretty logical. After all, I cannot predict nor control the world around me. However, the next verse (from Jeremiah 17: 9-10) bothered me:
Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. I, the Lord, search the minds and test the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do.
Does this scripture mean that I cannot trust my heart? That is what Bonnie told me. That our hearts deceive us all the time. We fall in love with people, trust people, and continue to conduct ourselves in ways that are not pleasing to the Lord (i.e. celebrating holidays and not listening to the truth). So, instead, we need to follow our heads; intelligent thinking and logical "proven" conclusions.
I must admit that the Jehovah Witnesses have compelling information that would appeal to a great deal of people looking for answers. They have a book devoted to answering questions, and honestly on a high level it appears pretty comprehensive. And in her defense, Bonnie is very concerned that Armageddon is coming very soon. Since I am no longer studying she is worried that my children and I will not make it into the new system.
However, what I think Bonnie doesn't realize is that whether there is a heaven or is there will be a new Earth, I don't want to be there unless everyone I love is there too. And if the truth is REALLY the TRUTH then I suppose I will just be dust in the Earth.
One of the scripture verses she shared is Jeremiah 10:23:
LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.
The above seems pretty logical. After all, I cannot predict nor control the world around me. However, the next verse (from Jeremiah 17: 9-10) bothered me:
Who can understand the human heart? There is nothing else so deceitful; it is too sick to be healed. I, the Lord, search the minds and test the hearts of people. I treat each of them according to the way they live, according to what they do.
Does this scripture mean that I cannot trust my heart? That is what Bonnie told me. That our hearts deceive us all the time. We fall in love with people, trust people, and continue to conduct ourselves in ways that are not pleasing to the Lord (i.e. celebrating holidays and not listening to the truth). So, instead, we need to follow our heads; intelligent thinking and logical "proven" conclusions.
I must admit that the Jehovah Witnesses have compelling information that would appeal to a great deal of people looking for answers. They have a book devoted to answering questions, and honestly on a high level it appears pretty comprehensive. And in her defense, Bonnie is very concerned that Armageddon is coming very soon. Since I am no longer studying she is worried that my children and I will not make it into the new system.
However, what I think Bonnie doesn't realize is that whether there is a heaven or is there will be a new Earth, I don't want to be there unless everyone I love is there too. And if the truth is REALLY the TRUTH then I suppose I will just be dust in the Earth.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Harold Camping - prophet of the end times
"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves." Matthew 7:15
I researched why Family Christian Radio states that 3% or roughly 200 million will be saved in the rapture on May 21st, 2011. Apparently it all stems from a Biblical prophet, Harold Camping.
Mr. Camping is a very interesting fellow. He reminds me a lot of the Jehovah Witness founder, Charles Taze Russell. Men SO desperate to find conclusive evidence in the Bible to prove the end of days. To prove that their beliefs are true. If the Bible says we are to beware of false prophets, then who are we to trust?
While researching Harold Camping I came across this great Wikepedia site with a picture of the Judgment Day Bus:
According to the article concerning May 21st, here are the following items that support the date of the rapture:
A commonly cited proof in favor of the May 21st date is:
There is also a calendar that describes why October 21st is the end of the world:
I researched why Family Christian Radio states that 3% or roughly 200 million will be saved in the rapture on May 21st, 2011. Apparently it all stems from a Biblical prophet, Harold Camping.
Mr. Camping is a very interesting fellow. He reminds me a lot of the Jehovah Witness founder, Charles Taze Russell. Men SO desperate to find conclusive evidence in the Bible to prove the end of days. To prove that their beliefs are true. If the Bible says we are to beware of false prophets, then who are we to trust?
While researching Harold Camping I came across this great Wikepedia site with a picture of the Judgment Day Bus:
According to the article concerning May 21st, here are the following items that support the date of the rapture:
A commonly cited proof in favor of the May 21st date is:
- According to Camping, the number five equals "atonement", the number ten equals "completeness", and the number seventeen equals "heaven".
- Christ is said to have hung on the cross on April 1, 33 AD. The time between April 1, 33 AD and April 1, 2011 is 1,978 years.
- If 1,978 is multiplied by 365.2422 days (the number of days in a solar year, not to be confused with the lunar year), the result is 722,449.
- The time between April 1 and May 21st is 51 days.
- 51 added to 722,449 is 722,500.
- (5 x 10 x 17)2 or (atonement x completeness x heaven)2 also equals 722,500.
There is also a calendar that describes why October 21st is the end of the world:
TIMING OF IMPORTANT EVENTS IN HISTORY
11,013 BC—Creation. God created the world and man (Adam and Eve).
4990 BC—The flood of Noah’s day. All perished in a worldwide flood. Only Noah, his wife, and his 3 sons and their wives survived in the ark (6023 years from creation).
7 BC—The year Jesus Christ was born (11,006 years from creation).
33 AD—The year Jesus Christ was crucified and the church age began (11,045 years from creation; 5023 calendar years from the flood).
1988 AD—This year ended the church age and began the great tribulation period of 23 years (13,000 years from creation).
1994 AD—On September 7th, the first 2300-day period of the great tribulation came to an end and the latter rain began, commencing God’s plan to save a great multitude of people outside of the churches (13,006 years from creation).
2011 AD—On May 21st, Judgment Day will begin and the rapture (the taking up into heaven of God’s elect people) will occur at the end of the 23-year great tribulation. On October 21st, the world will be destroyed by fire (7000 years from the flood; 13,023 years from creation).
And there, in a nutshell, is why May 21st is appearing all over billboards and getting media attention. However, the calculations are done by a man. Just a man who considers himself a prophet. Of course, this prophet also predicted the rapture would come in 1994. Obviously that didn't happen.
In my humble, Christian, opinion: this Earth will continue to change as the years go on; the Earth is an active planet. But if there is a God, he is letting man destroy himself - which man has been trying to do since Cain killed Abel. After all, God is a father and can only watch while his children make poor choices and out of jealousy and fear hurt each other.
I can only hope that I constantly learn to accept others and love others, even when I don't like how they act and how they treat others. I can only move forward hoping to be more Christlike, and learn from my mistakes and short-comings.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The date of the Great Flood
I found a nicely written article that illustrates how the date of the Great Flood was calculated. Very interesting stuff:
GREAT FLOOD
GREAT FLOOD
drum roll....
7000 seems like such an arbitrary number...even though the number 7 appears in the Bible many, many times.
But there is a Bible verse to which the 7000 number has been obtained. In 2 Peter 3:8 the Bible states:
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
So, with that in mind, creation was not 24 hour days; but rather it took the Lord 7000 years to create the Earth, see, sky, etc.
This is an interpretation, because even the Jehovah Witness (who are very date oriented) do not believe in a specific amount of time that creation took. They believe there were 7 different time periods in which certain items or things were created. However, the Witnesses have their own set of dates and times that are important to their faith.
From this website: CARM the following is stated:
An absolutely critical date for the Jehovah's Witnesses is 1914 AD. It is the date when, according to the Jehovah's Witnesses, the time of the Gentiles ended (Watchtower, 5/1/93, page 11) and "Jesus-the heavenly warrior Michael-became King of God's heavenly Kingdom," (Watchtower 11/1/93, page 23). To arrive at this date, the Witnesses take the account in Daniel 4 and apply a 360 day year for each of the seven "times" for a total of 2520 years. They add this date to 607 B.C., their date for the fall of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar, and arrive at 1914 A.D., the date when Jesus supposedly returned invisibly in the heavens.
From my teachings with Bonnie, the generation alive during 1914 will see Armageddon. So, with that thought in mind...a person born in 1914 would now be: 96 or 97. I don't know how long a generation alive constitutes, but even with the Witnesses numbers 97 is pretty old. *
As I was saying, the number 7000 comes from an interpretation of Creation. From there, Noah's Ark is the other component to the date of May 21st, 2011. So, at this point we know that the 7000 years is a date that is interpreted by MAN to give logical numbers to dates and times in the Bible. There is no date in the Bible that tells us the rapture will occur on May 21st of this year; nor is there data that would allow us to infer the start date (as illustrated in the last blog).
Now onto who will be saved?
I will address the 2 million number (found in the quote below) from the Family Christian Radio website in my next blog.
"We learn from the Bible that Holy God plans to rescue about 200 million people (that is about 3% of today’s population). On the first day of the Day of Judgment (May 21, 2011) they will be caught up (raptured) into Heaven because God had great mercy for them."
*From a bit of research on the year 607BC I found a lot of varying information. Historians do not believe the 607BC date is correct. Here is a Jehovah Witness site that has their beliefs and why they won't give credit to other historic accounts: 607BC.
But there is a Bible verse to which the 7000 number has been obtained. In 2 Peter 3:8 the Bible states:
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
So, with that in mind, creation was not 24 hour days; but rather it took the Lord 7000 years to create the Earth, see, sky, etc.
This is an interpretation, because even the Jehovah Witness (who are very date oriented) do not believe in a specific amount of time that creation took. They believe there were 7 different time periods in which certain items or things were created. However, the Witnesses have their own set of dates and times that are important to their faith.
From this website: CARM the following is stated:
An absolutely critical date for the Jehovah's Witnesses is 1914 AD. It is the date when, according to the Jehovah's Witnesses, the time of the Gentiles ended (Watchtower, 5/1/93, page 11) and "Jesus-the heavenly warrior Michael-became King of God's heavenly Kingdom," (Watchtower 11/1/93, page 23). To arrive at this date, the Witnesses take the account in Daniel 4 and apply a 360 day year for each of the seven "times" for a total of 2520 years. They add this date to 607 B.C., their date for the fall of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar, and arrive at 1914 A.D., the date when Jesus supposedly returned invisibly in the heavens.
From my teachings with Bonnie, the generation alive during 1914 will see Armageddon. So, with that thought in mind...a person born in 1914 would now be: 96 or 97. I don't know how long a generation alive constitutes, but even with the Witnesses numbers 97 is pretty old. *
As I was saying, the number 7000 comes from an interpretation of Creation. From there, Noah's Ark is the other component to the date of May 21st, 2011. So, at this point we know that the 7000 years is a date that is interpreted by MAN to give logical numbers to dates and times in the Bible. There is no date in the Bible that tells us the rapture will occur on May 21st of this year; nor is there data that would allow us to infer the start date (as illustrated in the last blog).
Now onto who will be saved?
I will address the 2 million number (found in the quote below) from the Family Christian Radio website in my next blog.
"We learn from the Bible that Holy God plans to rescue about 200 million people (that is about 3% of today’s population). On the first day of the Day of Judgment (May 21, 2011) they will be caught up (raptured) into Heaven because God had great mercy for them."
*From a bit of research on the year 607BC I found a lot of varying information. Historians do not believe the 607BC date is correct. Here is a Jehovah Witness site that has their beliefs and why they won't give credit to other historic accounts: 607BC.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
7...70...700...7000...
When I was 6 years old (interestingly the age of my eldest daughter), I thought 50 was ancient. A 50 year old would have a cane, wear glasses, and be pretty much washed up. The idea of 7000 years would have been eternity to a young child.
The age of the earth really depends on your belief system. If you think scientists estimation of 4.54 billion years is true, then it is very hard to believe that Earth is only 7000 years old as many creationists believe. There is a huge difference in those numbers.
However, no matter if the Earth is 7000 years old, or 7 million, or 7 billion; the truth is: at some point we are to be judged. Right? If we believe in the Bible....or is that something that man has created?
So today I want to begin with where these Biblical numbers stem.
The number seven (7) appears all over in the Bible. Here are just a few:
As a musician, the following statement was very interesting to me:
"There are SEVEN notes in the musical scale. All other pitches are only variations of these. When the musician uses the eighth note he goes back to “do” and starts over. Man named the notes but God fixed the sounds, even as God fixed the days of the week, and man named them."
Okay, so this website person knows a bit about music. Or is it more than that? Is this number 7 have something to do with numerology?
I ran across this website: NUMEROLOGY, that states, "Number 7 is the most spiritual of all numbers." Was this why the number 7 appears so many times in the Bible. After all, the people of the ancient times were very spiritual and had mystical dealings with numbers and such. Did the prophets of old use numerology to explain what God would do?
The Judgment Day, as promoted by Family Christian Radio, is based on this number 7. They calculate that the year 2011 is 7000 years (minus 1 for the transition from BC to AD) from the flood. They calculate that the flood took place in 4990 BC. Where do they come up with this date?
The only evidence is stated, "by careful study of the Bible". Don't you wish they would explain how they deduced that the date of the flood was in 4990 BC? I do. Because if the Bible gave us dates we could all jump on the rapture bandwagon. We could sell our homes, rack up debt on our credit cards, see the world, and wait for the inevitable.
The number 7000 is derived by a passage in 2 Peter 3:8, which says:
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.(NIV)
So, with that calculation in mind, it took the Lord 6000 years to create the world as we know it: Earth, sea, sky, man. And then he took 1000 years to chill out.
Why 7000 years? That will be discussed in the next blog entry.
The age of the earth really depends on your belief system. If you think scientists estimation of 4.54 billion years is true, then it is very hard to believe that Earth is only 7000 years old as many creationists believe. There is a huge difference in those numbers.
However, no matter if the Earth is 7000 years old, or 7 million, or 7 billion; the truth is: at some point we are to be judged. Right? If we believe in the Bible....or is that something that man has created?
So today I want to begin with where these Biblical numbers stem.
The number seven (7) appears all over in the Bible. Here are just a few:
- In Genesis, God rests on the 7th day after creating the Heavens, Earth, man, etc.
- In Exodus, we are told to rest on the Sabbath day; which is the 7th day of the week.
- In Genesis, Noah was on the Ark for 7 days when the rains began.
- Leviticus suggests that there are 7 Holy feast days for our Lord.
As a musician, the following statement was very interesting to me:
"There are SEVEN notes in the musical scale. All other pitches are only variations of these. When the musician uses the eighth note he goes back to “do” and starts over. Man named the notes but God fixed the sounds, even as God fixed the days of the week, and man named them."
Okay, so this website person knows a bit about music. Or is it more than that? Is this number 7 have something to do with numerology?
I ran across this website: NUMEROLOGY, that states, "Number 7 is the most spiritual of all numbers." Was this why the number 7 appears so many times in the Bible. After all, the people of the ancient times were very spiritual and had mystical dealings with numbers and such. Did the prophets of old use numerology to explain what God would do?
The Judgment Day, as promoted by Family Christian Radio, is based on this number 7. They calculate that the year 2011 is 7000 years (minus 1 for the transition from BC to AD) from the flood. They calculate that the flood took place in 4990 BC. Where do they come up with this date?
The only evidence is stated, "by careful study of the Bible". Don't you wish they would explain how they deduced that the date of the flood was in 4990 BC? I do. Because if the Bible gave us dates we could all jump on the rapture bandwagon. We could sell our homes, rack up debt on our credit cards, see the world, and wait for the inevitable.
The number 7000 is derived by a passage in 2 Peter 3:8, which says:
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.(NIV)
So, with that calculation in mind, it took the Lord 6000 years to create the world as we know it: Earth, sea, sky, man. And then he took 1000 years to chill out.
Why 7000 years? That will be discussed in the next blog entry.
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