This weekend, I'll be going to Lifeway's dotMOM2013 conference in Frisco, TX! I'm excited to hear the lineup of speakers (especially my friend Priscilla Shirer) and attend the breakout sessions that are planned for Saturday. I had a last-minute opportunity to register (surprise gift from a friend) and I'm feeling a little giddy at the prospect. I don't attend many conferences and retreats, but when I do I always feel refreshed and energized for "real life." Perhaps just getting away and getting poured INTO is just what my soul is thirsting for.
Anything "MOM" is right in my wheelhouse...so this conference should be great! If you are, by any chance, going to be there as well, MESSAGE me on twitter (@RachelAnneRidge) or email me and let's meet up!! I'd love to hug your neck!
Now, how 'bout an easy and satisfying Small Thing?
A few years ago I learned a very valuable lesson. My son was helping with a big fundraiser for camp - a church-wide garage sale, and it was the night that everyone dropped off their stuff while the kids unloaded and got everything set up. Just before we were about to leave the house to head for church, I thought I should take a look at the informational flyer that was sent home with the kids.
To earn camp money,
- Each kid was required to work 4 hours over the weekend. Check.
- Each kid was required to bring 4 large trash bags full of donated items for the sale. No check.
I shoulda read the fine print earlier! I didn't know about that part.
Normally, it would not be a problem to come up with 4 big old bags of stuff to get rid of. But I'd been trying real hard to declutter, and I'd just donated a ton of stuff to a local charity not long ago.
I grabbed 4 bags and headed upstairs to the closets. I checked my watch. Only 15 Minutes before departure? I'll never be able to do this.
Imagine my complete surprise to EASILY, EASILY fill three bags before running out the door! The fourth bag would have to wait until later, but after seeing how fast the first three went, I knew I could do it.
Today's Small Thing is to take ONE trash bag and fill it up with either TRASH or STUFF to donate.
I am living proof that it can be done very quickly...and without tears, I might add. Perhaps the ticking clock helped me fight sentimentality as I stuffed the outgrown clothes into the bags, so you might want to consider limiting your time to about 10 minutes. Don't, I beg you, DON'T spend too much time on this!
POINTS: 40 for filling one (13 gal) kitchen bag
Aw, why not get some BONUS POINTS? 20 each for filling two more bags
You could earn 80 points today, just for saying bye-bye-bye to some of your junk!!
Link up for some coffee time love with girlfriends! I'm using a new linky that allows you to upload a photo thumbnail, but don't let that intimidate you. Just follow the directions and post away. Have a great weekend, sweet Company Girls!
