It has been a busy year for the Pleasants! Lots of good times, new experiences and now lots of changes on the horizon. As I think back on it all, the blog is often the place I go. While I use this blog to review products and keep friends and family informed on our lives, it is also a good reminder for me of where we have come from and where we are headed. It is a reminder of the many blessings in our lives and of God's faithfulness.
It is also just fun to see what interests you the most! So without further delay, here are the top ten posts of 2019!
Enjoy!
10- A New Word Given
9- What Our Weekly Cleaning Looks Like
8- Drive Thru History Has Done it Again
7- Cracking the ACT
6- What's in a Day?
5- A Graduation, A Trip to Texas and What's Next!
4- The Kids in Our Life
3- Who Knew?
2- Welcome to 34 Weeks of Clean 2019
1- Modesty- A Command, Not a Conviction
It is no surprise that my oldest daughter's post is still number one around here. Though written many years ago, that thing just flies around the Internet and gets read on a daily basis. I will admit our standards and thoughts may have changed a bit here and there, but we are still convinced that modesty is an issue that needs to be taken more seriously!
Not sure where the blog will head this next year. As my boys get older, the homeschool reviews grow thinner, and yet I know homeschoolers still come here looking for occasional advice and support. We have to stick together, you know! Next year I will only have one student at home- be still my heart. BUT- on the other hand we have a move on the horizon and a possible house build, so you may get to see that each step of the way. Obviously people still like to read about house related things like organizing and such. And you KNOW, organizing is my passion! Oh the possibilities! ;)
Either way, and no matter what draws you here, I pray you are blessed.
Blessings,
Showing posts with label 2019. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2019. Show all posts
Monday, December 30, 2019
Friday, January 4, 2019
A New Word Given
If I haven't said it yet, Happy New Year to you all! I pray it is a year of great things and beautiful blessings.
This post almost wasn't written. It has been a busy past few weeks and I have been out of commission the past few days sick in bed. It was not how I wanted to end 2018 and begin 2019, but I haven't been sick like this in a long while and I am taking it as a sign that my body just needed a rest.
Being in bed multiple days has a way of giving you lots of time to think, and blog- both of which have been on the back burner for a while. In the process of poking around on my blog for a while, I discovered I had done a word of the year post for the past 5 years!
2014- GRACE
2015- JOY
2016- A NEW THING
2017- RESTORE
2018- VISION
I was, quite frankly, shocked. Reading over them brought back a lot of memories and tipped the scale on my decision to write this post. I had been contemplating a word for a few weeks and even looked up a verse with it but then life took over. But, as God always works (unexpectedly), the word appeared on my facebook feed this morning in a verse that a friend posted and I knew it was my word for 2019.
What is interesting is the fact that the verse she posted was NOT the verse I had originally found the word in. Same word, different verse, and really a different thought behind it. I needed both, and of course the Lord provided.
Don't you love that?
When I looked up the word RENEW here is what I found-
- to re-establish
- to resume
- to repeat
- once more
- afresh
- anew
forgiveness to replace unforgiveness
love to replace hate
joy to replace anger
acceptance to replace judgement
The list could go on and on, right? Only with God's help can we replace the wrong with the right. Let's purpose together to ask Him daily to RENEW a right spirit in us!
Isaiah 40:31 is the verse I had originally looked up. It has always been a favorite of mine.
...but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
The picture of the Lord renewing our strength is a comfort to me. Sometimes, ok many times, I get caught up in all I should do or can do. Then I get worn out- weary. See the "I" part? When we leave the Lord out of the equation we get weary. When we follow HIS lead, he will renew us and give us strength. A simple truth I need to remind myself of daily. How about you?
Are there things you are trying to do in your own strength? Have you grown weary of the task at hand? Do you long for strength to move forward?
God CAN and WILL renew your strength- just ask him. Turn to him and ask him what He wants from your life. Then trust Him to provide the perfect path.
The Lord can RENEW our spirits and our minds if we allow Him to! May 2019 be the year you allow Him to do both!
Blessings,
Want to see some of my favorite friends' Word of the Year choices? The Crew is sharing theirs and you are welcome to link up with us! Go ahead- tell us your word.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Welcome to 34 Weeks of Clean 2019!
Oh. My. Word! We are back at it. 34 Weeks of Clean starts next week and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about the journey. We just retired from the military after 26 years, moved into our "forever" home, and are still in shock that we are living in sunny Arizona. Lots of changes have taken place in our lives and we are still trying to find our new normal.
BUT, like you- there is always a new project waiting for us. And let's face it, it is much more fun when you work as a team! So let's get started!
WHAT IS 34 WEEKS OF CLEAN?
It is about deep cleaning every space of your house.
It is about decluttering those spaces.
And finally, it is about re-organizing those spaces.
One week at a time. One space at a time!
You CAN do it! Our first run of 34 Weeks of Clean (several years ago) proved to be helpful to many. With a little hard work and a lot of cheering from friends, you too can take your house back!
How did this craziness all begin?
34 Weeks was a project born out of the need to keep busy during my husband's year long deployment, but turned into a passion I did not even know I had. Yes, I have always loved lists and schedules and calendars and been a little type-A about my house, but what I did not realize was how passionate I was about helping others take control of their homes and the stuff within. 34 Weeks gave me the opportunity to share some hints I have learned along the way and since then has even allowed me to speak with a MOPS group about how to declutter and clean, making your house a place that will be filled with God's peace, and allowing you to open your home to others.
34 weeks not only became a verb in our home and others, you know- "What happened to that basket?" "Oh, mom 34 weeked it!", but it also buried itself deeper and deeper in my heart. We never run out of the need to clean, declutter, and take control of our homes. It is NOT a one time deal, as nice as that would be.
So let me answer a few questions-
Why are you doing this again?
Maybe because I am a glutton for punishment! ;) Not really. So many of you asked, so here we are. Whether or not I posted, my family would be following this schedule. It is just what we do. I am thrilled that so many have found it to be helpful in their lives as well and it is fun to share and compare notes each week. Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing are not just a one time fix. Our homes do not remain static, no matter how hard we try - thus the need to "rinse and repeat," as one friend put it!
Why 34 Weeks?
It just worked out that way! Can it be done faster? I am sure it can. But take it from those of us who have done this before - if you push too hard or try to work ahead you risk burnout. This is not a race. Our homes did not get to the place they are now in a day and they will not be magically fixed in a day!
What does joining us mean?
That you will follow along as we go! No need to subscribe (although we would love for you to subscribe) and nothing to fill out. No fees! No contracts. Just hop on the blog each Monday for the week's assignment. If you want an easy reminder, make sure to like our Facebook page- links will be posted there each Monday!
What do I do then?
How you tackle the assignment is up to you. No one's house is quite the same and no one works in the same manner. In addition, some projects will be harder or more time consuming than others. If you work during the week, you may find working on weekends is best for you. If you are a busy mom of multiple children, you may enjoy enlisting their help and working as a team. If you are a night owl, 15 minutes a night may be best for you. Find what works for you and go for it!
Do I need to report in?
Nope! But we would love it if you would help us encourage others by checking in occasionally! We love when you post pictures on our Family, Faith and Fridays Facebook page! It helps inspire others, really it does.
What if my results don't look like yours?
OK, I made that question up. But I want to say this - everyone's idea of clean is different. Everyone's idea of decluttered is different. Everyone's idea of organized is different. We ARE ALL DIFFERENT! This is not a competition. It is a chance for YOU to take YOUR home back. Enjoy YOUR results and know you are doing a GREAT job!
Why one week at a time? Because these are not small projects. We are deep cleaning, de-cluttering AND re-organizing! Yes, it is a challenge. Yes, it is worth it! In the end you will feel like you have a new house and a new lease on life. Trust me, I know! It is freeing to unload stuff you don't need or love. It feels good to walk into a house that is clean and says welcome. And it saves much time and effort to live in an organized house!
I know some of you have gotten industrious and moved out a lot of stuff already. Can I just encourage you to slow down a bit and wait for the rest of us? It is exciting to get started but I know from experience that those who bolt out of the starting gate at lightening speed are usually the ones that fade out the fastest. There is a reason we tackle one project or area one week at a time. 34 Weeks of Clean- our houses, our messes, and ALL that it encompasses is just one tiny part of our lives. We must not let it become an idol. It should NOT consume our lives. (shhh, don't tell my kids!) I truly believe your life can be blessed by 34 weeks, but there are many other blessings out there you don't want to miss. Clean, declutter, and organize with us each week and then GO, enjoy your life.
Let me say it again, don't work ahead! Please. You will wear yourself out in just a few weeks. Take your time each week and do it well. Don't give up! You CAN do this and you WILL be blessed by it! Just remember it is a journey not a sprint. Your house did not get in the shape it is in one day. It is a slow creep, and it takes time to reverse the mayhem.
So each Monday, beginning on January 7th, we will be posting your new 34 Weeks of Clean assignment! And yes, heads up, we will start with Christmas decorations. If you are new, jump in and join the fun! If you participated before, I am so glad you are back. The posts will be updated (because my new house needs a lot of work) and expanded a bit so hopefully you won't get bored. (Who gets bored while cleaning, anyway?)
Be ready to clean, purge, and organize your house back into shape and cheer each other on! I am so thrilled you are joining us on this adventure! Can't wait to get to know you!
Week 4- Fridge, Freezer and Floors
Week 5- Recipes
Week 6- The Stove and Loose Ends
Week 7- The Dining Room
Week 8- The Living Room
Week 9- Books
Week 10- Bathrooms
Week 11- The Foyer
Week 12- The Family Room and DVDs
Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
Week 14- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies
Week 15- The Master Bedroom
Week 16- The Master Closet
Blessings,
BUT, like you- there is always a new project waiting for us. And let's face it, it is much more fun when you work as a team! So let's get started!WHAT IS 34 WEEKS OF CLEAN?
It is about deep cleaning every space of your house.
It is about decluttering those spaces.
And finally, it is about re-organizing those spaces.
One week at a time. One space at a time!
You CAN do it! Our first run of 34 Weeks of Clean (several years ago) proved to be helpful to many. With a little hard work and a lot of cheering from friends, you too can take your house back!
How did this craziness all begin?
34 Weeks was a project born out of the need to keep busy during my husband's year long deployment, but turned into a passion I did not even know I had. Yes, I have always loved lists and schedules and calendars and been a little type-A about my house, but what I did not realize was how passionate I was about helping others take control of their homes and the stuff within. 34 Weeks gave me the opportunity to share some hints I have learned along the way and since then has even allowed me to speak with a MOPS group about how to declutter and clean, making your house a place that will be filled with God's peace, and allowing you to open your home to others.
34 weeks not only became a verb in our home and others, you know- "What happened to that basket?" "Oh, mom 34 weeked it!", but it also buried itself deeper and deeper in my heart. We never run out of the need to clean, declutter, and take control of our homes. It is NOT a one time deal, as nice as that would be.
So let me answer a few questions-
Why are you doing this again?
Maybe because I am a glutton for punishment! ;) Not really. So many of you asked, so here we are. Whether or not I posted, my family would be following this schedule. It is just what we do. I am thrilled that so many have found it to be helpful in their lives as well and it is fun to share and compare notes each week. Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing are not just a one time fix. Our homes do not remain static, no matter how hard we try - thus the need to "rinse and repeat," as one friend put it!
Why 34 Weeks?
It just worked out that way! Can it be done faster? I am sure it can. But take it from those of us who have done this before - if you push too hard or try to work ahead you risk burnout. This is not a race. Our homes did not get to the place they are now in a day and they will not be magically fixed in a day!
What does joining us mean?
That you will follow along as we go! No need to subscribe (although we would love for you to subscribe) and nothing to fill out. No fees! No contracts. Just hop on the blog each Monday for the week's assignment. If you want an easy reminder, make sure to like our Facebook page- links will be posted there each Monday!
What do I do then?
How you tackle the assignment is up to you. No one's house is quite the same and no one works in the same manner. In addition, some projects will be harder or more time consuming than others. If you work during the week, you may find working on weekends is best for you. If you are a busy mom of multiple children, you may enjoy enlisting their help and working as a team. If you are a night owl, 15 minutes a night may be best for you. Find what works for you and go for it!
Do I need to report in?
Nope! But we would love it if you would help us encourage others by checking in occasionally! We love when you post pictures on our Family, Faith and Fridays Facebook page! It helps inspire others, really it does.
What if my results don't look like yours?
OK, I made that question up. But I want to say this - everyone's idea of clean is different. Everyone's idea of decluttered is different. Everyone's idea of organized is different. We ARE ALL DIFFERENT! This is not a competition. It is a chance for YOU to take YOUR home back. Enjoy YOUR results and know you are doing a GREAT job!
Why one week at a time? Because these are not small projects. We are deep cleaning, de-cluttering AND re-organizing! Yes, it is a challenge. Yes, it is worth it! In the end you will feel like you have a new house and a new lease on life. Trust me, I know! It is freeing to unload stuff you don't need or love. It feels good to walk into a house that is clean and says welcome. And it saves much time and effort to live in an organized house!
I know some of you have gotten industrious and moved out a lot of stuff already. Can I just encourage you to slow down a bit and wait for the rest of us? It is exciting to get started but I know from experience that those who bolt out of the starting gate at lightening speed are usually the ones that fade out the fastest. There is a reason we tackle one project or area one week at a time. 34 Weeks of Clean- our houses, our messes, and ALL that it encompasses is just one tiny part of our lives. We must not let it become an idol. It should NOT consume our lives. (shhh, don't tell my kids!) I truly believe your life can be blessed by 34 weeks, but there are many other blessings out there you don't want to miss. Clean, declutter, and organize with us each week and then GO, enjoy your life.
Let me say it again, don't work ahead! Please. You will wear yourself out in just a few weeks. Take your time each week and do it well. Don't give up! You CAN do this and you WILL be blessed by it! Just remember it is a journey not a sprint. Your house did not get in the shape it is in one day. It is a slow creep, and it takes time to reverse the mayhem.
So each Monday, beginning on January 7th, we will be posting your new 34 Weeks of Clean assignment! And yes, heads up, we will start with Christmas decorations. If you are new, jump in and join the fun! If you participated before, I am so glad you are back. The posts will be updated (because my new house needs a lot of work) and expanded a bit so hopefully you won't get bored. (Who gets bored while cleaning, anyway?)
Be ready to clean, purge, and organize your house back into shape and cheer each other on! I am so thrilled you are joining us on this adventure! Can't wait to get to know you!
Week 4- Fridge, Freezer and Floors
Week 5- Recipes
Week 6- The Stove and Loose Ends
Week 7- The Dining Room
Week 8- The Living Room
Week 9- Books
Week 10- Bathrooms
Week 11- The Foyer
Week 12- The Family Room and DVDs
Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
Week 14- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies
Week 15- The Master Bedroom
Week 16- The Master Closet
Blessings,
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Welcome! Follow our family of 6 on our military moving, God loving, homeschool adventure! We are honored you have joined us and look forward to hearing from you.
