Day 11: Clean Out The Ashes

A few years ago, I heard a sermon that really stuck with me.  This conference speaker shared that as a boy growing up, it was his responsibility to clean out the ashes in the old stove every morning before his Dad built a new fire.  You see, in order to make a fresh new fire, the old ashes had to be removed in order for the best fire to be kindled again.

Sometimes we want blessings, more things, when our lives are completely cluttered with too many things.  It has a way of snuffing out every bit of breath your home may have or, how ever you want to apply this.

I also know of someone that was praying for a husband and lived her life as a single person.  Her home and everything she did, did not have a space for another person.  For example, her garage had only one space for a car because it was only her.  This brought to her attention, she cleared space for another vehicle in hopes this would move her closer to her dreams.  And yes, it attracted the very thing that she had longed for.

It's kind of like churches, I have heard when they get 80% full, it is time to begin a building program less your congregation begins to decline.  I am not sure just why, but proven.

I have found for myself joy when I have one drawer that is empty, one large bowl sitting on a counter completely empty and extra hanging space in my closet.

So that being said, I am on the path to begin decluttering my home and cleansing.  Instead of purchasing another accessory that I really do not need, I want to purchase tin containers to put my spices in and replace hodge-podge bowls, etc. with some fresh sets just to begin with.  This will take some time and money but mainly discipline!  Ew, that's a word we really do not like.

I hope you have had a great week end as I have had.  Looking forward to what this coming week has in store.  Good night.

D A Y 10: Fall Fest

As ladies director of the Church Triumphant, Pasadena, we helped to bring about a Ladies Fall Fest today.  It was a lot of work but so worth the results.  The Fest consisted of a live cooking show, transfer vintage photo art, huge snowflakes crafts, and tutorials on "Plan My Days", Book Cover Pop, Fashion Styling with scarves and decorating with apothecary jars.  We were also treated with a taste of the cooking show's delights and an array of snacks and beverages.

The recipes and styling tutorials will be posted soon on Heartstrings blog.

Joyce Morgan, Plan My Days

Taken during the cooking show.

Joan Glass with Kimberly Sciscoe.

Heartstrings Ladies.

Apothecary Decor

Have a Great Sunday. Smiles.

D A Y 9: It's Never Too Late

This is what I am feeling tonight. I just want encourage someone tonight that it is not over for you.  No matter where you are in life at this very moment, YOU have the power to get up and start fresh.  God IS on YOUR side.  He is cheering for you on on the side lines.  In fact, He wants to be right in the big middle of everything you do.  

Follow your passion. The rest will attend to itself. If I can do it, anybody can do it. It's possible. And it's your turn. So go for it. It's never too late to become what you always wanted to be in the first place.

J. Michael Straczynski

It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and however alone and deserted you may feel.

Henry B. Eyring

It is never too late to change the way you eat - once you do, your body will thank you with a longer and healthier life.

David H. Murdock

It's never too late. Don't focus on what was taken away. Find something to replace it, and acknowledge the blessing you have.

Drew Barrymore

There's a lot of women out there, some of whom are my age who've never been married and some who have been married and would like to be married again but think their ship has sailed, and I'm like, 'Oh no, honey, let Miss Niecy show you it is never too late for love!'

Niecy Nash

I don't always have the best eating habits. I like butter and ice cream. There are days when I should work out and I don't. But it's never too late to change old habits.

Florence Griffith Joyner

Here is a photo I just saved the other day as it is very powerful.  Something to ponder.  I think Grandparents are even better than when they were parents because they have finally slowed down long enough to realize this.  The things that I take time to do and talk to Abigail Summer about, my granddaughter at only 4 years old are indeed things I wish someone would have taken time to share with me when I was her age.

I really missed not have Grandparents growing up.  But, my parents and childhood was so that I never realized I was missing anthing.  I am thankful for great parents that lead by example and gave us the thought processes that we could do anything.

Good Night.

Day 8: Super Tired

Wow, it has been a super busy day.  Worked on a presentation for a new client.  Loving the inspiration I am feeling for this home and great couple.

Had a leadership meeting tonight followed by meeting with a committee for our Ladies' Fall Fest happening this Saturday.  So much to do.  So thankful for this committee following through on all of their commitments.  It's going to be a fun day!

Earlier today, I did some work at home and reclaimed my dining room again.  I moved the table I recently purchased into it's new space and did a little styling.  This cozy room draws you into the space.

From this pic, I think I just need to add a rug.  I am thinking a white fur one but I want it to be a really thick one and let it flow into the negative space.  I will add another photo later of the left side another day when it is nice and sunny.

Good Night.  Tomorrow.  Make it great!

Day 7: Everything Needs a Home

Today, I thought I would just pass on something that I read in an organizing book that has helped me.

"Everything Needs A Home."

As simple as this seems, no matter what item you are picking up or need to store or put away, it may be on the procrastination list because it really does not have a distinctive place that it goes.

Now, I have to preach this to myself and remind my own self sometimes.  I am not a neat freak and if you could see my house at this moment, you would most likely laugh out loud that I would be writing this.

I have a medium size box and a basket I am looking at right now in my office with things that needs to find their home.  Sometimes it's as simple as creating a new file folder with that name on it or clearing a drawer or shelf.  It can really be that simple.

I think our biggest problem is there is sometimes NO MORE VACANCY in our housing development for some of the new stuff we bring into our home.  As a reminder to myself and to you, we become maxed out when we fail to find a moment or two to take something out.  Give it away, throw it away or sell it.  Sounds easy?  It really isn't.

As I quoted on a recent blog, "inch by inch, anything is a cinch".  I can remember taking out one drawer each night and turning it upside down and going through the stuff.  I found plenty of things to go to the trash, give away or reorganize.

At this moment, I am overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in my house!  Furniture that goes back to clients, a pile of decor making ready for another client, a fabulous large frame I got out of someone's trash on the side of the road ( !), 3 large baskets waiting for a church event, and the list goes on.

My advise, if your home becomes too overwhelming, start with one corner.  I used to think I could not clean unless I could detail clean the entire space at one time.  As a result, things just didn't get done as it should.  I have learned, even if I were to break up a room for example the bathroom, potty one day, tub the next, sink area another day, I have at lease gotten one area done and 9 times out of ten, that is all I needed to get my "starter" going and before I know it I have the entire space done.

Ok, just a few words and just maybe someone may be encouraged.

Not everyone has had good examples in their life.  Not everyone has had someone love them enough to share something as simple as this blog post.  It may not be for you, but, JUST MAYBE, someone needs it.

This is one area that can be tackled very easy and brings great rewards.  All of the toilet paper out of the plastic wrapper and neatly put on a shelf, q tips, etc. in clear glass, towels folded neatly, add a basket and decor.

There are tons of ideas on Pinterest and Google searches.  Have a great day Thursday!  Now, decide what area you can tackle tomorrow.  No matter what you keep shuffling around, give it a home and you will always know where to put it.

Day 6: Honoring my sister, Judy on her birthday

Super busy day stacking a whole bunch of errands and shopping all in one day. Stuff to resale shop, stuff to give away to a thrift store, Redbox, bank, return an item, shop for decor jobs, grocery store, oh and of course, Starbucks.  : )

Today marks a special day for a very special person in my life, Judy Ann Walston.  My big sister.  Some time back, I wrote a blog entry about her.  I want to share it again today.

        Meet My Sister, Judy

Judy, my "big" sister, is one of the most fun people you will ever be with. Her gift is making you laugh and encouraging you when you need it most.

A first memory I am privileged to remember about Judy's many talents is, when she was about 10 years old, she sculpted a hand that she created out of mud. It was really neat and how I wish it could have been preserved! Since then to now, her many talents have soared to great heights!  And, "hands" have been sculpted and painted in many shapes and forms.   I know Judy is capable of building a house from scratch if she just wanted to.

It is a must that you visit her blog that features her many creations in art.  http://judywalstonartist.blogspot.com/ At present, Judy is an interior designer at the VA hospital staff in Alexandria, Louisiana. She has completed her degree in art in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is a member of the Pentecostals of Alexandria and a member of the sanctuary choir. Judy also gives "fantastic" massages! Her home is very serene with faux finishes on the walls, an art gallery with unusual themed rooms of her many creations. 

Her children are, Kevin, a banker in Alexandria and husband of Rebekka, a school teacher, Michelle, full time mother of twins and teen daughter, wife of Wallace, a chemist and Jennifer, of Houston, Texas, marketing in the banking industry.

Here we all are...me, Linda, Judy, on right, and Kenny.  Christmas 2014 at my mother's home.

Judy's newest grandchild, daughter of Kevin and Rebekah, Gianna

Today, I was telling Judy that someone asked me, "who do you get your talent from, your Mom or your Dad"?  Judy answered and said, "I get it from God".  She says her talent all comes down to one thing, desire.  People think, she says, that she is so talented but she prefers to think of herself as just really having the "want to".  How true that is.  One of the greatest sermons ever preached was by Allen Oggs, "You've Got to have the Want To".  Bro. Oggs was born with cerebral palsy and not expected to live.  He had a HUGE speak impediment and could hardly speak, but when it came time to preach, it all went away. I found the audio!  Listen to it here.

To Judy... no matter how life has made it's turns, I have always expected you to take care of me.  You have helped me so many times in my life.  You have made me laugh when I was going through my hardest times.  You indeed possess a gift of ministry that is a strength to many.  Just like the vision in your dream that I have a painting of that God revealed to you and you painted.  You are an encourager.  I hope you have the greatest year EVER!!  Expect God's best in your life THIS YEAR.  Love you, big sister.

The most prized possession in my home is this really large original art done by Judy.  To each his own interpretation.  This is my hand she painted.  I choose to interpret this art as "The Keys to Overcoming Your Fears".

Day 5: Inch by Inch Anything is a Cinch

Here we go.  Looks like 2 double rolls of paper is going to do it.  My DIY project is nearly done.  I talked myself into getting started late today.  ALMOST done.  But, it will not get done until tomorrow.  Just thought I would give you a "sneak peak".  It is really going to look great and really make that little niche area pop!

When you have a project that can not be done in a one time attempt, just remember, start.  But, the important thing is to FINISH!  I am thankful that I somehow inherited a trait to finish when I begin something.  This can be a very difficult thing for some.  I will say, I do not enjoy a lot of things I have to do to keep up with life, but, if you love the finished product enough, it will be the the driver that keeps pushing you forward.

My next project has to be the very now ugly gold cushions.  This could be an easy fix, but when you are like me and too stingy to spend full price to get something done, it will be some work on my part. I have some ideas.  We'll see.

Happy to be starting on a new decor job on Wednesday.  I am also enjoying the vignette decor project for a women's shelter made possible by a few people who caught the vision and made donations to make this possible.

Good Night. Back tomorrow evening.