Happy Monday Divas! We are chugging along on the 31 Days to Clean Challenge! Our 31 Days to clean challenge is based on the ebook ”31 Days to Clean” by Sarah Mae. Go here for more info on our challenge.
When I started this challenge, I had NO idea how much I would learn. 31 Days to Clean is about the “why”, the vision and the heart for taking care of our homes. Well into the challenge, I discovered my vision and heart for taking care of my home is that I want our home to be a place of encouragement… a place where my girls can “bounce back”.
Once I identified my purpose, getting and keeping things in order has been a little easier. By doing this challenge, I have been motivated to complete cleaning tasks that have been sitting in a pile of “I-really-need-to-blah-blah-blah”.
I cleaned out and organized my closet and my daughters closets! We gave away and donated over 5 huge trash bags of clothes. Over the past two weekends, we cleaned out our basement AND garage. It was hard work but the best part was doing it together.
Days 23 and 24 of the challenge were all about dealing with distractions and organization. I get distracted easily, especially when cleaning! Facebook, blogging, and talking on the telephone are my biggest culprits. I have had to put my phone away to get our major projects done. I didn’t touch my phone or a computer for most of the day on Saturday and it felt great!
In addition to being easily distracted, I am a true Organizing Junkie! We have every color and size plastic bin ever made. Once we really hunkered down and threw things away, our basement looked like a container store. I have learned, “organized-everything-in-a-pretty-container” has to come after purging!
After each day’s reading in our challenge, Sara Mae gives two challenges:
- The Mary Challenge -Something you do that encourages/engages your heart
- The Martha Challenge – Specific cleaning tasks
The Mary Challenge for days 23 &24 -Figure out what distracts you and then think of what you can do to lesson your distractions. Pick one hot spot in your house and bring about order.
The Martha Challenge for days 23& 24- Home Office-steam clean carpet, area rugs and wood floors. Clean out your desk, update files, organize supplies and drawers.
Most of all, be grateful for your space and your life!
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Does the Martha challenge give me permission to organize my husband’s desk and piles of papers? LOL! I guess I will over look those and find something of my own to organize! Great post and encouragement! I am off to organize!