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Fall Tips for Closets and Hearts

Jeannie Waters12 Comments on Fall Tips for Closets and Hearts

Goosebumps covered my ten-year-old arms and legs as I skipped rocks on the river beside our grandparents’ cabin. How I wished for my soft, gray corduroy pants on that cool, breezy autumn day!

Warm apparel is comforting when fall approaches. Curling up on a cool night with a good book and a soft blanket is better than ever when I wear my black-and-white checked flannel pajamas. Do you have a favorite sweater, pair of leggings, or warm coat that’s like an old friend?

Each September I remove summer clothes from my closet to make more room for turtlenecks, jackets, and warm slacks. (Not this week; it’s still hot where I live!) As I prepare for the new season, I assess my fall wardrobe. The try-it-on-to-see-if-I-still-need-it mound grows on my bed. A glance in the mirror confirms my suspicion that some outfits have outlived their usefulness. I mean, when did I wear that last? Will I wear it again?

The goal is to keep only seasonally-appropriate, well-fitting clothes. The rule? Toss those articles you haven’t worn in two years. Or if you’re feeling ruthless, one year. Are you ready to tackle your closet? Come on, it’s not THAT hard, right? Well maybe, but not impossible. Try the strategies below.

Closet Purging Strategies

  1. Write a closet-cleaning date on the calendar.
  2. Plan a reward for a season-ready, well-organized closet.
  3. Divide clothing into three piles:
  • Keep and enjoy.
  • Donate so that someone else can enjoy. (Keep receipts for tax purposes.)
  • I’m not sure.
  1. Tackle the “not sure” pile and ask, “Will I wear this soon? When? Where?” Mirrors are honest. Try on each item and take a whirl.
  2. If necessary, call an honest friend. Be brave.
  3. Arrange outfits on the bed. Make a list of new pieces to purchase that might add pizazz to your wardrobe. A new scarf, a denim jacket, or a tailored white shirt might multiply possibilities.
    Would you share your strategies in the comment section? We all need help.

    Now for more important changes . . .

Just as cool weather signals wardrobe adjustments, a new season can be a good time to examine our hearts. Are there habits or attitudes we should abandon like a moth-eaten sweater? Are there Christ-like characteristics we should adopt or “put on?” The Bible can help us decide.

 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

                                                                                                                              –Colossians 3:8 ESV*

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

                                                                                                                         –Ephesians 4:29

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another . . . And above all these put on love . . .

                                                                                                                              –Colossians 3:12-14

God’s Word teaches us to “put on” godly conduct. I’ll be honest. When I try to improve myself, success is short-lived. I try but always fall short. Have you found that to be true in your life?

The good news is when God does the work, it’s from the heart outward. Once we’ve accepted Jesus as Savior, God promises to conform us to His image. When He changes us, these qualities dwell in our hearts and shine from our lives.

Prayer and reading Scripture will remind us of the work God is doing in our hearts. Maybe it would help to imagine slipping on a new fall jacket labeled “kindness,” or “love” or “patience” before we start each day.

Okay, it’s time to get into that closet and make those bold decisions as you prepare for cooler weather. When you finish, if you’d like to read further about heart changes, I suggest the following:

Colossians, Chapter 3
Ephesians, Chapter 4
Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character

Many readers have found this book amazingly helpful.

If you want God to change your heart, you’ll enjoy reading one article at a time written by 30 authors, including me.

Please click the book cover link below to read more.

Disclosure:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you decide to purchase the book via my link, I’ll receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) which will assist with blog costs.

   

Happy Fall, Y’all!

*All Bible verses are from the ESV, English Standard Version.

Storm Watch: Be Prepared

Jeannie Waters2 Comments on Storm Watch: Be Prepared

Today we are watching news reports from the National Hurricane Center as Florence ravages the coast of the Carolinas. Some people who live in areas with mandatory evacuation orders decide to stay. I don’t think I could do that but leaving home must be terribly difficult.

Last year on a cool, windy September day awaiting Hurricane Irma’s impact, I cherished a few pre-rain moments on my deck. Like so many, my husband and I watched weather predictions and prayed for those in the storm’s angry path.

A cousin who evacuated from a coastal city stopped for lunch as she traveled to avoid Irma’s wrath. I was not only blessed to share food and company with her but enjoyed the cat she had adopted after our beloved cousin’s death.

When Carole started to leave, we couldn’t find the gorgeous Siamese anywhere until I peeked into my bedroom and found her fast asleep, encircled by her sleek brown tail, and curled up on my pillow. Perhaps she felt comfort after a tense departure from home and endless meowing on her journey to my house.

I now know how to pray more specifically for evacuees as our visit opened my eyes to the trauma of selecting items to take, leaving home behind, and seeking shelter.

Preparing for a physical storm or one of life’s trials is difficult at best. And we don’t always have advance warning. Neither meteorologists nor our best friends know what is just around our “corners.” Praying and reading the Bible is the best way to prepare our hearts and minds for each day.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

–Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

When people we know experience painful or fear-producing situations, we want to help. Although each family and its circumstance are unique, there are preparatory steps we can take to help us minister to those who are enduring life’s “storms.”

As we consider hurricane preparedness, let’s equip ourselves to be a blessing to others in their trials.

Preparing to Help Friends in the “Storms” of Life

Watch the news and heed advice. 

Pay attention to prayer requests and be sensitive to the needs of others. Keep a list and pray diligently for them. Be sensitive to God’s leading about when and how to help.

Gather supplies.

  1. Prepare two crockpot meals, roasts or casseroles and freeze one. Add a salad and vegetable when someone needs a home-cooked meal.
  2. When there’s no time for cooking, a restaurant or deli meal served with love will be appreciated just as much. Partner with friends. (My neighbor and I collaborate to prepare meals to meet needs in the neighborhood.)
  3. Keep a supply of miscellaneous greeting and note cards, stamps, and address labels. Choose one that’s “just right” for a person on your heart.
  4. Save some money for meeting financial needs when led to do so. 

Observe the experts.

Think of those you know who seem to be “Johnny-on-the-spot” when needs arise. Our talents and style may differ, but we can gather ideas. Sometimes the best help is just being available to listen.

Evacuate when necessary.

Sometimes God leads us to leave the comfort of home and our busy schedules to minister to someone who needs a helping hand. A brief hospital visit or sitting with a friend’s elderly relative can offer respite and rest. Shopping for groceries or mowing a lawn can provide much-needed help in a time of trial.

We can’t tune in to media reports to assess life needs ahead of time, but preparedness on our part can make it easier to help others when their “storm” comes ashore.

God enables us to meet the needs of those around us. The Good Samaritan in the parable Jesus told (Luke 10:30-37) didn’t know he would meet a battered man on the road to Jericho that day. However, he used the resources and skills he had to minister to a poor soul in dire straits.

Heavenly Father, You have equipped us to meet the needs of those around us. Make us sensitive to Your leading and guide us to meet needs in Your name.  

Wait please.

Would you do us a favor?

Please share how you prepare to meet the needs.

We can all use new ideas.

Thanks so much!

Morning Prayer

Jeannie Waters14 Comments on Morning Prayer

“Sweet dreams. See you in the morning,” my mother said to my daughter and me.

“Good night, Mema,” my daughter replied.

“Good night, my darling,” was the answer.

“Sleep well. I love you two,” I added.

My mom then called from her bedroom to ours, “Do you want French toast in the morning?”

“Of course,” I replied, “Yours is the best.”

And it was. Her powdered sugar-coated French toast was a treat served with crispy bacon, fruit, and coffee.

Sometimes when my daughter was home from college, we’d hug my husband good-bye and travel one county north to spend the night with my mom. Her country home was set between two huge oaks on a 19-acre plot with a pond, a pasture, and lots of hardwoods.

Realizing that my daughter would sleep late while she could, and my mom, by her own admission, was not a “morning person,” I tiptoed into the kitchen when a neighbor’s rooster crowed. Coffee mug in hand, I headed to the glassed-in porch which faced the pond. Sitting on the cushioned glider under a blanket, I had a front row seat to watch a new day begin.

Rich sky colors danced in reflection on the pond as a multitude of songbirds welcomed the dawn. Raindrops decorated a spider’s web just outside the window, and dew sparkled from the grassy lawn. Only the sights and sounds of nature…and me…and God.

What a perfect time for a conversation with my Heavenly Father! After praising Him and giving thanks for my blessings, I prayed for my family, friends, and those with needs. Then, I read my Bible to learn what God wanted to teach me before the day got underway.

We can certainly pray at any hour, but there’s something special about that morning time that sets the tone for my day. Later, I can seek wisdom from the Lord and share my requests, but when the day is fresh, it’s peaceful and quiet and new.

We know that Jesus sometimes prayed in the morning (Mark 1:35) and the psalmists wrote about communicating with God at that crisp, new time of day. Here are some verses I enjoy reading and praying.

Morning Prayer Verses

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

–Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.

–Psalm 119:147 ESV

Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love,
for in you I trust.
Make me know the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul.

–Psalm 143:8 ESV

Now by nature, I’m a night owl, and although early morning is the best prayer time for me, I’m not always up bright and early. Please share below your favorite time to pray.

The Gift of US Citizenship

Jeannie Waters2 Comments on The Gift of US Citizenship

Celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day–

                                                    Help Others Obtain Citizenship

Usually my post at the beginning of the month centers on meaningful gifts. This month I’m writing about the gift of prayer and gratitude we can offer for our country as we celebrate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day on September 17th.

Should we let the day pass by unnoticed or should we celebrate these gifts? I say CELEBRATE!

Here are some suggestions:

  • Take time to thank God for citizenship in a less than perfect but wonderful country. We all realize our nation has problems to solve. However, let’s focus on the positives and celebrate the beauty and freedoms we enjoy.
  • For those problems and the future of the United States, let’s pray.

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

–2 Chronicles 7:14 *

  • Let’s pray for our nation’s leaders, and to celebrate the Constitution, include the Supreme Court justices and judges throughout the country.

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.

–1 Timothy 2:1-3

  • In person or over the phone, share with children and grandchildren the stories of great American heroes and the freedoms you most appreciate. Purchase a book about one of those heroes. Fly a flag. Enjoy apple pie or another traditional American food.

  • Thank God for the freedom in Christ that is offered to all who accept Him as Savior and Lord.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

–John 8:3

You can help someone learn English and study for the citizenship exam.

As an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, I’ve joined in celebrations for students who earn United States citizenship after working hard to speak English and to learn about American government and history so that they could pass the citizenship test. What an accomplishment!

In our state, the technical colleges offer ESL classes to help immigrants from other countries learn English, obtain citizenship, and become gainfully employed. Many churches offer these services as well. Do you know of anyone who could use help with these difficult challenges? Volunteering a few hours a week could extend the hand of friendship and change someone’s life.

Share the gift of prayer, national pride, and volunteer services with someone this month and add your ideas or thoughts in the comment section below.

Thank you.

Happy September!

 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

–Philippians 2:4

*All Scripture is from the ESV, English Standard Version.

Song Sparrow Prayer Lessons

Jeannie Waters10 Comments on Song Sparrow Prayer Lessons

 

As distant lightning sliced the sky one pre-dawn morning, my friend Jan heard sparrows singing. When sheets of rain blew across the yard, she could still detect the birds’ melody until the rumble of thunder crept closer and muffled their notes.

Inspired by her observations and knowledge that song sparrows sometimes sing in a rainstorm, Jan designed and created the beautiful coaster pictured below and painted an entire set. She explained, “I painted these sparrows as early morning silhouettes because of the birds I heard that rainy day. They reminded me of how the four of us encourage each other through the storms of life.” The birds perched on the branch represent the four ladies in our prayer group who each received a coaster.

Jan’s right. We do encourage each other by praying through sunny and cloudy days. My coaster sits on my desk and reminds me of the prayer sister flock who prays for me regularly.

The group rarely meets in person, but at least weekly via email we share our joys and prayer needs, Bible verses, and encouragement. Requests include pending decisions, job interviews for children, health needs, and other concerns.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV 1

Some burdens of our heart are personal, but others can be shared with trusted Christian friends. When I share with this group, I have assurance they are lifting my needs to the Lord. Of course, admitting sinful attitudes and needs can be humbling, but that is beneficial, too.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another.

James 5:16

In addition to seeking prayer support from faithful friends, we can learn about preparing for the storms of life by observing our feathered friends. Some birds sing before a storm and then seek shelter under protective branches. Birds that perch on tree branches, sparrows included, “tend to perch on a thick branch very close to the trunk on the side most protected from wind and rain. When these songbirds are relaxed their feet grasp automatically, so they can sleep while tightly clasping the branch.” 2

When God created these beautiful birds, He designed their feet for gripping branches and equipped them with instinct to seek shelter during storms. We are created to bow our heads and seek God as our Refuge in the storms of life by drawing close to the One who holds us in His hands. Isn’t that a comforting thought?

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Psalm 91:1

I want to pray like a song sparrow sings, before the storm (as trials are sure to come), while seeking shelter with my heavenly Father, and by singing His praises while storms rage. To be honest, I’m not always quick to do that. Sometimes I fret and struggle before I release my need to God. That’s why I need my faithful friends who remind me that our loving God promises to care and provide for us.

Please share in the comments below how you prepare for the storms of life. Do you find comfort in requesting prayer for your needs?

1 All Scripture quoted is from the ESV, English Standard Version.

2 “What Do Small Birds Do in a Storm?” All About Birds, Cornell University, accessed August 16, 2018. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/what-do-small-birds-do-in-a-storm/