Christmas Uncluttered Day 8

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Today I’m dragging from lack of enthusiasm with our family project. I found myself going to each family member’s room and asking for their items for the “give away” box. Clearly they’re over Christmas Uncluttered. I was even referred to as the “Donation Nazi” (but they all still participated and slowly added their items to the “give away” box).

Once today’s effort was complete, we stood around the overwhelming pile of items while complaints were shot at me about how this project is taking over the kitchen! I proceeded to let everyone know that I would move it to the laundry room before the weekend. Wouldn’t you know, the response was, “How can you do that, the laundry room already looks like this?”

This journey is so eye opening! We want so many things and then when we have them they become distracting, in our way, and causing affliction in our lives. Call me what you wish but I’m certain if we are joyful in our hope of God, patient in affliction from others, and faithful in our prayer life, God will take care of it.

I’m so grateful for Christ’s love and protection.

Merry Christmas!

Paige

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Christmas Uncluttered Day 2

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2

Hmm, Day 2 was interesting. Items are starting to show up in the “give away” box that one person doesn’t want and another person says, “Wait, I might want that!” What?!? Now we want to trade? On top of that, big brother is trying to donate little sister’s toys! I, on the other hand, am a purger by nature and find myself in need of giving all of my 325 items away today. Waiting, and only giving the correct number of items each day, is helping me to wait with anticipation and remember the reason for the season, the coming of the Christ child.

Just like the captive people of Israel who were permitted to return to their country, we too have been held captive my material possessions. But this family activity is giving our family the opportunity to talk, laugh and play together more often which is showing the great things God has done and is doing for us.

If you are joining us on this journey, I hope you too are experiencing the same.

Merry Christmas!

Paige

Christmas Uncluttered Day 1

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Acts 20:35

Well, I would say day one of Christmas Uncluttered was a successful start to giving. Each family member (minus one who was more concerned about getting Instragram fixed on an iPhone) gladly placed his/her first item in our “give away” box. We have begun small but I’m hoping we will get more serious as the reason for the season draws near. So far we have a shirt, a pair of shoes, a baby toy, a lava lamp (We actually have more than one), and everyone’s favorite – a Justin Bieber scarf (guess he is now a “has been” in our household)!

My husband and I had a good laugh talking about day one items placed in the “give away” box. After all, it’s been way too long for us to have a baby toy in the house!  Let me clarify, one part of a baby toy. On a bright note, it’s still usable if you’re creative. I think it’s been used as a pencil holder for 18 years! I mean look at it –

This treasure could be used for snacks or drinks, as a cookie cutter for your Christmas gingerbread house, a stencil in your next art project and much more! I might have to rethink giving it away (just kidding – it’s going, going, gone).

Day two items are already hitting the “give away” box. More on that tomorrow! I’m so excited to hear from those who are already joining us on our journey to a Christmas Uncluttered. Won’t you join us too?

Merry Christmas!

Paige