This week is about SAVING MONEY. So we're going to use this timely/trendy tip to revisit the idea of "shopping your closet!" In previous series, I've had you "get into" your closet and toss old, unwearable items out, gather out-dated or wrong-sized clothing and put it in a goodwill bag (which you put directly into the trunk of your car), and wash or dry clean any clothes that might need refreshing. Eliminate, then concentrate.
After this exercise, what is left? Do you need a few "pieces" to update your wardrobe? Do you (really) need another pair of black shoes--or can you take a few pair to the shoe repair store and refurbish them for one more season? Interestingly, this week, I received a pink satin "shoe bag" from a church as a gift to me...with a request from them to send them any shoes that might benefit their thrift store--outfitting women who can't afford work clothes. What a wonderful idea!
If you are like me, you have TOO many clothes--perhaps even some that you've never worn that are hanging in your closet, still bearing a price tag!
This week, EACH day, take 5 minutes--that's all--in your closet. Put the Goodwill bag/box on the floor and get started. Allow this concept (of reusing, refurbishing, redistributing) your nice, but no longer of use for you, apparel to filter into other areas of your life: impulsive purchases at store counters, another lip gloss--really?, paying for bottled water instead of asking for a cup of water, etc.
Waste not, want not...perhaps the real focus is retooling our "wanter?"
Be encouraged!
Becky
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Becky how funny! I was just thinking yesterday "I hope Becky talks about shopping your closet again!" No kidding!!! I will not make the call live as usual but I will be happy to listen later.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, I bought 3 pair of black shorts this past weekend because basically I could not decide which ones were the most flattering and I was hot, sticky, and tired at the store. The next day I tried them all on again and immediately made the decision and immediately returned the other two. I felt so good about it too especially because the pair I kept were the least expensive. :)
I was already on this topic and thinking about it as well. I had to take my husband shoppping the other day because he literally was out of every single thing. He asked me if I needed anything, and I had to admit my closet has plenty enough to keep me going for a long time. I wrote Shop Your Closet, in my journal notes and on my Just Do It list....
ReplyDeleteI am so behind ---because of just getting back to work. Early Bird gets the Worm
ReplyDeleteI did better than I thought
I would do.
RATE: 8
Just DO it!
I wanted for a long time to put my
sons accomplishment of climbing MT ELBERT on the rock that he brought back...2yrs ago. I DID it...so can I rate myself
RATED: 10 for just doing it!
and I have a small rock that I saved for at least 5yrs and I did put a nice picture on it with a saying on it ...I am pleased....
thanks for all the assignments.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteI liked what you said about not getting freaked out about the assignment of the closet. Just wanted to say HOW..that thought about giving cloths away...is on my mind also, we have a table at work that people just leave bags of stuff and it's up for grabs. And this morning I was thinking I should live a bag of stuff there. I hadn't read your blog yet. Go GOD!
Dear Becky,
ReplyDeleteWith a short vacation and then a trip to yearbook camp with my editor, I have not been very consistent about things lately. I missed the call this week and haven't yet listened to the recording, but I've been doing more than shopping my closet . . . . I got a call from a local charity between vacation and camp, and they will have a truck in the area on Monday for donations. For the last couple of weeks, I have really had the urge to go shopping; summer sales are everywhere, and the ads and my own acquisitive nature have been beckoning me to go, and yet a small voice in my head has stopped me.
After not spending much money on clothing this spring, I promised myself that I would work hard this morning and shop this afternoon. Instead, when I really started going through closets and bookshelves, I realized just how wasteful I have been. I have so many books I haven't read, household items I don't need, and more than enough clothing and shoes. I also saw clearly that I have been using trips to the malls and bookstores as a way of procrastinating and taking my mind off matters I don't want to deal with. "Retail therapy" is NOT therapeutic at all, is it? When I looked around at all the needless stuff I have accumulated, I felt really ashamed. I can't believe I'm admitting this to myself, much less writing it in the blog, but I'm glad I'm facing up to it.
This is a new month, and I am firming up my resolve to get my house in order before fall arrives. Today's reading from the Change Your Life Daily Bible is just what I needed to hear. When I got to the end of the reading from 2 Chronicles, I saw that I had already underlined " . . . Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful." I had scribbled in the margin "The message is clear!!" I had also underlined many lines from Psalm 25, among them, "Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord . . . " and "he shows the proper path to those who go astray." How I needed to read those passages today!
I am grateful for this group, for your wise and thoughtful tips, and for the work that the Lord is doing through these weekly assignments.
Wishing everyone a blessed week and looking forward to Wednesday's call.
Wanda, that was a blessing to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of that.
It meant a lot to me.
Laura.
Wow, Wanda, very encouraging. I actually enjoyed this weeks assignment. I found and returned 4 clothes items in my closet that still had tags attached. I have a bag ready to go for donations too. Plus, I found lots of clothes that I will be able to wear if I can lose 10 pounds. So, happy closet shopping and giving away everyone!
ReplyDeleteOh, I forgot to mention, Becky's last Wednesday call came one day late, I had just bought 2 lip gloss's the day before because they were 2 for 1.( But really when 1 is 9.99 that is still not a good deal) I am always on the lookout for the perfect lipstick/lipgloss/right color/ long lasting . But, I really didn't need another one. :-(
ReplyDeleteI had to buy two pairs of pants a size larger than I was wearing but I had a plan, I only bought two pairs and I am so happy to announce, that I will be giving them away this week. I reached one of my many goals since we started and I am down twenty pounds. I had moved to my extra closet the clothes that were frustrating me because I had gained to much weight from January to May. 29 pounds to be exact. I have to tell you that losing the weight when in the midst of emotional turmoil is a gift from God.
ReplyDeleteToday, my youngest son and his wife went to church with me. I had bought me two new shirts on Saturday and when I got home one was two big so I gave it to my daughter in law and she had something new to wear to church. I bought an outfit for my granddaughter that was on sale but seeing her gleefully run into her two year old class and then for my grandson who went into his four year old class so that Dale and his wife could worship. My heart was full because I have been praying for my sons to become the spiritual leaders in their families. I have been hurting and God gave me a beautiful gift today. My son participated and took notes and read in the Bible as the preacher preached. Joanna did the same.
Then we all had communion.
I would covet your prayers as my family is fractured right now. My grown sons barely speak. My younger son needs a job. My oldest son is angry with us over a decision my husband and I made but I just got a promising text from my oldest son, he said he loved me and we would talk when he gets home from vacation.
Today was amazing, God is so good, however, could it be from the obedience of being in his word and reading the prayers of King David and Solomon? Could it be from being reaffirmed in reading Romans or could it be reading Psalm 25. Or could it be because I have been obedient to not watching TV and escaping into God's word instead of into the world.
My closest being too full is just a symptom, I need to be filled. I only have today to bless God by my obedience. On the 28th of July in my prayer time I surrendered my family to God.
Cluttered closets what about our heart, how many things need to be cleaned out of our hearts. We can by asking God for forgiveness, by forgininvg by surrendering and by renouncing the unhealthy things.
Oh Lord I give my life to you and I trust in you. Psalm 25:1
I am giving way the two pair of pants this week and much much more.
I think you've proven that those who post on this blog have more at stake--their pride, their goals, their transparent honesty. I'm so grateful for your willingness to share your progress and ask for prayer.
ReplyDeleteBe encouraged,
Becky
First, thank you for posting your life. I do lift you up to our Lord who sees all and cares deeply for things that we care about. ie children being dedicated to Him. In my closet this week I came across a wonderful article on Spring Cleaning by Char Barnes Letting His Light Penetrate Your Darkest Closets, the last paragraph was her prayer to God, "May my closet cleaning be ongoing so that I am truly well dressed for Your Glory and for my good from the inside out." Well, I took a section each day, yesterday was the shoes: polished, give away, and shoe repair. I have space available and enjoyed ruminating where those shoes took me. Isaiah 26:8 "Yes, Lord, walking in the ways of Your laws we wait for You. Your name and renown are the desire of our hearts." What a wonderful day I had. I am now on my second week of the flat belly diet. At first my husband was opposed to me doing this but after the first 4 days he could see such huge results, he is now supporting me in my efforts. Resting with God is such a lovely book, a must read. I am taking it slow as it has lovely morsels to ponder on. Thanks ladies for doing this with me, your thoughts are a great encouragement. Robbie
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