Get Organized!

Since January, I have had a looming urge to get things in order. I would call it spring cleaning or nesting but it clearly is still winter and I am not pregnant.

I have always loved order but recently it has given me a new satisfaction. I have been trying to follow this rule; do I use it and could someone else benefit from it.

When I get rid of things, contrary to what you might think, I don't miss them. Things are things. Often people use things as a way to fill something inside of them. People are in the pursuit of something better; a car, a bigger house, fancier clothes, the latest gadget thinking that when they have such things then they will be happy, their loves will be better.

This has always been my favorite quote"

"Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you, but what happens inside of you."
-Harold B. Lee

I like to think of my home as an extension of me so as a result I like my things to all have a place to call home. My first project {at the time I didn't know it was a project that would stem a cleaning frenzy) was after Christmas. It was not easy task finding a home and organizing the toys but once done and order was restored, I was happier. My next project was probably the most useful because it's something that I access several times a day-the pantry! I took my inspiration from this blog although didn't go over the top with it. I didn't take a picture but love the results.

Today I finished cleaning all our windows and screens, believe it or not it makes a big difference...ok mine were really dirty! My next project is completing to purge and organize my closet and refinish the dresser and nightstands in our room. I hope I don't run out of steam because I love feeling accomplished!

Aside from the household cleaning chores that are perpetual and virtually never ending, we can spring clean ourselves; changing even minutely our habits and the way we use our time which can leave us feeling rejuvenated and these changes over time become part of who we are leading to greater happiness inside.

Always Improving

"Just do the best you can, but be sure it is your very best."
-Gordon B. Hinckley

Since the beginning of last year, instead of picking and choosing what Ensign articles to read I have read each issue from cover to cover. By doing so I know that by doing so my testimony has been strengthened. Much thought goes into each article and no matter the topic, or your life circumstance, each article is in the Ensign for a reason.

Today I was reading an article in February's Ensign titled "Achieving Your Full Potential" and it offered the reassurance and motivation that I needed and reinforced choices I am making.
Here are a few points that I especially loved that I thought I would share.

-Each of us can and should do more to meet the Lord's expectations of us.

-Complete your degree or vocational training no matter the intellecttual or financial strggles you encounter along the way. (no excuses)

-Education is a vital key to the dooe of opportunity

-Stay focused and stay on course-to finish what we have started.

-Satan's biggest tool is distraction and discouragement. He finds ways to help us make excuses about why we can't do this or that. He blurs our focus by diverting our attention.

-Staying focused, discipline, and committed to meaningful goals, both spiritually and temporally, is an important-in fact, an essential-key to your success here in this life and in the eternitites to come.

-"Behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."-Mosiah 2:17

If I had more time I could explain what each sentence meant to me but I won't go that deep. I try not to get preachy on the blog, but I felt the need to share so maybe this will mean something to someone else as well.