I know some of you don’t want to think about it and others of you can’t wait to do it! It’s spring cleaning time and if you tackle it, you will have a healthier home (because it helps with interior air quality) and a more fun summer.

Why? Because having a home, whether it’s a house, condo or apartment, needs constant care. I can’t even believe how fast things can get in disorder. It’s just my husband and I in the house yet I have to keep on top of things constantly to keep this house running.

But let me share something: You might think that my house is perfect – it’s not! In just the last month my dishwasher broke (standing water in its base but my husband was able to fix it after two trips to Lowes), we had to get the front door sanded and stained and had to buy a new handle and lock, we replaced burned out light bulbs outside and inside, after our annual A/C check-up the repair man said we had a leak and last, our kitchen sink hot water dispenser shorted out.

Now, we are part of a home warranty insurance plan which means if anything breaks they fix it for a small fee. So we called the company to check our A/C. They said it was fine. So we called our A/C company back and they said we did have a leak. Frustrating you think?? We have now had to interview A/C companies to see how much it will cost to replace them. Yes, you’re right, too much! And the homeowners warranty company won’t help.

Then, we have moisture in some of our windows which means their seal has broken and so now we have to replace them. Yep, more calls for more estimates. How much? Yes, you’re right, too much!

Yet, we are so blessed to have a house and thankful we live where we can find repair people. But I share all of this to say that no matter who you are or where you live, there will always be times of inconvenience in our lives whether it’s our house, our car breaking down, a storm that’s swept through our yard, children sick or a plane delayed.

One thing that has helped me through the years is to keep myself as centered on the Lord and His Word as I can. Trusting God when things are going wrong is saying, “I know God is in charge so I can thank Him and get through this.”

And to stay as organized as I can so when something unexpected happens, I can find the phone numbers/people I need. Being somewhat organized helps me live moment by moment without getting too overwhelmed when things go wrong.

So let me share some tips that might help you get your spring cleaning going:

Action Plan

1. Make a list of what needs to be done each spring. I keep a list in the back of my calendar (a large one always on my desk, my command center) to remind me what needs to be done each year and when I did it last. The reason for the list is so you can take it step by step and not get too overwhelmed.
2. Go through your home checking on what needs cleaning: windows; dirty walls, light switches and doorknobs; top of windows to dust; ceiling fans; cleaning away any cobwebs; replacing burned out light bulbs
3. Bedrooms. This is the time to swap out winter blankets for summer ones and to wash them along with mattress pads, bathroom rugs.
4. Clothes closets. This is when I make the switch from winter to spring/summer. It’s my hardest chore and takes me forever before I can get myself geared up for it. But once it’s done, wow!, I feel like I have new clothes. Once you get all the closets done, and have your children work on theirs, take your discarded clothes to a place that needs them.
5. Refrigerator, pantry, laundry room, drawers and cabinets. Try to find time to go through these too and clear out and clean.

To conclude, if you can do a little cleaning and organizing daily, you will stay on top of clutter and your will find that as you simplify your home, your life will become more simple!

Manna from Heaven

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Summer is here and I will be with family and friends at different times so this blog will be sporadic. I will be back!