ThinMint

-3- And because I’m a multi-tasker and/or my brain is a spaz, as I’ve been working on some of these projects and listening to some lengthy videos, I’ve also been humming some real oldies tunes. I enjoy many genres so it’s not surprising who has come to mind (various 70s artists and groups have been strumming their melodies in my mind) just that it seems like a lot of nostalgia lately. When John Denver’s “You Fill Up My Senses” hit me a couple of days ago I had to figure out what was happening. Some of it I think is due to me working subconsciously through the ordeal with Felix so certain “love songs” have slipped in. But, I think the 70s genre in particular is due to the 4th of July coming up. I don’t know about you but I can become a little melancholy around holidays. So many of these sweet memories come from my childhood, and when those tender moments are juxtaposed against the harshness of adulthood, it can be a little enfeebling* *Remember, we celebrate using big words with a cookie!

-2- I’ve been selling at a bi-annual kid’s consignment sale for the last 12 years. Once we clear out the kid stuff the house somehow feels lighter. It’s such an awesome, peaceful, wonderful feeling! We missed the one held in January, but we’ve spent the last couple of weeks getting ready for the one coming up in late July/early August. I’m a multi-tasker so I’m usually juggling several projects at the same time (kid’s sale, donations, helping various friends with their stuff, our office, master closet, pantry, getting the twins ready for high school). When I’m working on these time-consuming projects/chores, I will listen to those longer podcasts/videos I’ve put off, because you know, it takes time to listen. So for those of you who might be feeling too overwhelmed to start de-cluttering/organizing, start small –like with a drawer or cupboard, and listen to your favorite music or worship music, or listen to those longer podcasts/videos as you clean. It really helps.

-1- Hello My Fine Friends! Been mulling some stuff over… Believe it or not, prepping and living a Less Is More life go hand-in-hand. It may feel like you’re adding more to your life with preps, however prepping makes you reevaluate what’s really important. Thus you will purge the unnecessary to make room for the necessary. For those lacking the motivation to tackle clutter, making room for preps can compel you to employ some sort of organizational method. I have four piles when cleaning out: throw away, keep, donate and sell. If you’re able to sell some items, perhaps friends or neighbors will join you for a garage sale. Or maybe you can collaborate with your church to arrange a rummage sale. It does take some effort to clean out, but once you get going is becomes easier. And it’s actually a lot of fun selling and interacting with the folks who visit your table. More so when your friends are doing this with you. When I’ve set up sales, I make sure to have some baked goods (and drinks) for the shoppers. These can be offered for free (maybe with a donation jar) or you can sell to raise additional money. Put out some flyers with messages you think may impact the community. Make the most of a sale! There’s no pressure, no judgment when it comes to prepping or living Less Is More. You do what works for you.

And… Do I owe y’all any other updates? 🤔

ATHLETIC PROWESS UPDATE: Remember when I mentioned that Felix and I had a blast throwing a Frisbee around? I asked the lady who brought it to the party where she got it, but never did get a response. Thankfully, I took a picture of it. I did a little poking around for it online but found it was either available in bulk, too expensive just for one and/or found at sites a lot of us try to avoid. Even so, I will still share it. Because I want you to feel like a Frisbee Ace, too. I have one of those ironic channel names in that I’m neither thinny nor minty, yet I was rocking the flying disc like a pro … fessional coach potato. Seriously, it made us look like we knew what we were doing. And as a friend who is always looking out for you, I want you to look good monkeying around. Just be sure to enjoy some cookies into between rounds 👇🏻

BUNNY UPDATE: Our Bunny seems to be doing well. She trusts my oldest son and myself, but runs, hides and scrunches down when the youngest come around. It’s fun learning about a creature we didn’t know too much about. I spoke with the vet on the phone recently and he said he’s never seen a rabbit from the wild tamed before. Well, he doesn’t know my Jesus! I’ll explain. We hear that we need to go to God with everything. I know this, but I didn’t really apply it to –well, everything. Little things that popped up: the daily routine of raising a family, the chores, the bills, the split-second decisions one makes countless times a day, I was on auto-pilot. I just routined, chored, paid and decided without consulting God, without praying first. It wasn’t done out of malice, of course, it just never occurred to me to seek His counsel for all these seemingly little, ordinary things. I’ve been a born-again Believer for a very long time. Needless to say, I’ve conversed many times with my Creator. After the ordeal we faced last winter, my prayer life was shaken up, re-arranged and put back together by God Himself. From that moment when I completely surrendered my will to God and trusted Him wholly to take care of Felix (no matter the outcome) I’ve been aware of the need to go to God in the name of Jesus with the seemingly ordinary things I was excluding Him from. And part of this inclusion has been praying over Bunny. For the last couple of months, I briefly speak over her, out loud, telling her that in the name of Jesus the fear must leave. I tell her that she has been created by God and that He loves her so much, and He loves seeing her doing bunny things and having bunny thoughts. She started coming out of her hidey-hole for my son and I, not flinching when we open her home’s door to give her more hay, treats and fresh water. She’s been hopping near us when I take out of her home to let her roam in a safe area. And just a few days ago, she started eating treats from our hands. While it may seem unconventional* to use Bunny as a writing inspiration, the point I’m making is that God absolutely, without a doubt wants us to go to Him with everything. Don’t we want the same relationship with those we cherish the most? Don’t we want them to feel safe enough with us that they will share what’s on their minds, burdening their hearts and making them joyful? How much more does God, who knows our very thoughts want with us? There is nothing we can withhold from Him. He wants us to know that it is safe to go to Him with everything –the big and the ordinary because He absolutely cherishes us. *I wouldn’t really consider myself too conventional either

The Bunny 😃

👇🏻 I'm posting the Comedy Night extra early today so we can post those Trump Took The Wheel and whatnot memes 😃

Y'all are amazing with your insights, your kind words and willingness to help others. Thank you for being here 😊 Time for me to get some cuddle time in with the Kindle, praise God for all He is and try to unwind my mind enough to drift off to sleep sooner rather than later. Have a very delightful Wednesday!

I spy with my little eye... lots of Special Envelopes™?

Remember when The Losers™ at The Bush Funeral™ received their Special Envelopes™? Heh-heh, yeah, that was awesome. Remember when The Other Losers™ at President Asterisk’s inauguration also received Special Envelopes™? Heh-heh, yeah, that was awesome. Don’t forget Patriots –justice is coming.

Favorite 4th of July foods!!!!

Hello Sweet Friends! Just a friendly reminder to keep working on your preps. Steadily, calmly, patiently, determinedly. We are getting our homes ready to be a place of comfort for those we care about who will be seeking solace, encouragement and grace. Spring boarding off prepping, let’s have a fantastic Independence Day celebration! Please share your favorite eats for the 4th of July so we can pick up the needed supplies this week 👇🏻