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1000 Things Day 2: An Unexpected Blessing

8/4/2014

2 Comments

 
On Monday, when I first dreamed up this "Let go of 1000 things" idea, I spent quite a bit of time asking the Lord whether giving away that much stuff was really the right idea. After all, we also struggle to make ends meet. Yes, I'm selling a portion of those things (mostly higher quality books and specific items of furniture), but even then, keeping prices low. For the most part, though, I am freely giving away our excess, to bless others. It seemed like the right thing to do, for a number of reasons. Still, one does tend to second-guess oneself. There are things we need that cost money. Will giving away stuff void an opportunity to make money for the other things we need/want to buy? I wanted to be sure, before announcing to the world that this is what I'm doing.

Right about there in my thinking, I took a break from cleaning the bathroom and checked my emails. And I found an unexpected blessing - an email to tell me I was one of the winners of a free copy of a new book I've been wanting for months: "Embrace Your Space" by Janet Luke - a NZ writer and permaculture gal who writes about self-sufficiency in your back yard. I've been putting off getting it because it costs $45.  I'd completely forgotten filling in the online entry form a month or two ago with a magazine I enjoy - after all, I never win such things....

It felt like such a blessing, and also a little bit extra confirmation that I'm heading in the right direction. Meeting our needs, and even desires, is not all about us - not all down to us. There is Someone who watches over me, who knows my needs and even the desires of my heart. When I open my hands and share the things we've been blessed with, He is still MORE than able to provide all that is needed. And sometimes, even what is merely desired.

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On Tuesday, I started clearing out some stuff that's been waiting in my living room for me to deal with. I also emptied a couple of boxes that have been stacked in the hall. It didn't take long to find a bunch of stuff to give away. Tuesday's items total 37, including 1 bag of quilt batting, 1 small whiteboard, 1 devotional book, 1 camera case, 1 bookmark, 1 cutlery stand, 2 pieces of fabric, 1 lace mat, 1 scarf, 2 folders, 1 twin pack of new CFL bulbs (I accidentally bought screw in ones instead of bayonet), 1 pack of recipe cards and 23 books.

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I also identified 21 books to sell, and by the time of writing this have sold 19 of the 24 books so far advertised for sale.

I've half-filled another box with recycling, and added more things to the trash bag.

Also removed from my house on Tuesday - 34 books returned to the library, and two items returned to a friend.

Things are starting to look less cluttered already!

So far, due to the first real rain we've had in 3 months, I haven't been able to put boxes out by the road, but if it clears up this morning, I will do so. I wonder how long it will take for things to go?


2 Comments
Fiona T
12/4/2014 06:48:03 am

I am so inspired by your 1000 items challenge! Keep up the awesome work! And congrats on winning the book!! I have just finished reading Janet Luke's 3 books from the library and I must say that they have to be some of the most practical and inspiring gardening books I have read! Definitely worth having copies of. I love it when God encourages us like that :-)

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Cynthia
12/4/2014 09:20:47 am

Thanks Fiona! And yes, I've enjoyed the other two of her books very much. I would like to own them all in time! I, too, love those encouraging moments from the Lord! :-)

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    Cynthia Hancox's desire is to lead women step-by-step from chaos to peace in their homes and lives.

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