It’s Wednesday! I have no idea where the past week has gone, but it has been a whirlwind. We accepted an offer on our house. I’ve been back every day until today, packing up some of the closets and the office desk. And the file cabinet. It’s amazing how long it takes to go through those things. You definitely don’t want to get rid of important papers by accident. The biggest headache? My craft closet. I was ruthless my friends. I got a day off because today was the house inspection. We have no idea how it went. Apparently it usually takes a few days for the seller to get the results.
I don’t remember if I told you we ended up going with the first offer. It’s a lovely family with five children who wrote us the sweetest letter and emailed us photos of their family. I would love to think of a family living in the house again.
We ended up taking 18 full loads between the truck and the car, packed to the roof to the thrift store. We have new neighbors in the house next-door and we’re going to give them a lot of our furniture as they don’t have much. They are refugees from Afghanistan and have been wonderful neighbors in the few months we have known them. She was crying yesterday when I told her yes, we were really moving. The poor lady thought it was because they had moved in next-door. I assured her very quickly that that was not the reason and that they are welcome to any of our furniture they would like to have. They have been a delight to have next door.
That isn’t to say that getting rid of so many things hasn’t been a struggle. My friend Cheryl had the most impeccable timing. She wrote a book called “Biblical Minimalism, Following Jesus from a life of Abundance to a More Abundant Life” and she sent me a copy. Oh. My. Goodness. I had only read the first half of the book when we decided to sell our house. Her book is what gave me the strength to get through the past week. She was able to put onto the printed page the same feelings and thoughts that I was having about letting go of “things“. She included lots of Bible verses and I am just so grateful to her for sending this book to me when I needed it the most. I finished it today. Just when my spirit was feeling a bit wounded and raw from the process of letting go of so many things so quickly, the last half of her book provided a balm to my soul. I have no doubt what we are doing is the right thing and it is what God would have us to do at this time in our lives.
She also spent some time on the subject of being debt-free. This is something that both Dennis and I feel very strongly about. We taught the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University class at our church for many, many years. It is such a wonderful feeling to not owe anyone a debt of money.
I honestly don’t believe you have to be contemplating a move to receive a lot of beneficial and healing information that Cheryl provides. It was as if she were talking directly to me and I think it would be the same for each of you if you were to read it. Please visit Cheryl‘s blog if you were interested in getting a copy of your own. I’ve provided a link for you.
In addition, Cheryl has also generously offered to give one of my blog readers her book for free. If you are interested, please mention it in your comment below. I will be having a drawing this coming Sunday evening, July 12th at 6 PM Pacific time.
I’m hoping each of you are having a wonderful day.
Blessings,
Betsy
Thrilled to hear that everything is falling into place for you and Dennis. Your donations of “stuff” will benefit a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thrilled and excited for you and Dennis! How wonderful to be able to bless those "new" neighbors with your furniture. And what a blessing your house will be for a whole new family to love and enjoy. Although i would love to read Cheryl's book, someone else would probably benefit more from receiving it since we have always lived minimally like Jesus and we believe in being debt free (we've never owned a credit card and I pay what few basic bills we have each month long before they're due or at least as soon as possible). Being poor has its upside... much less money worries. Good luck to everyone in the drawing! Blessings to you, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteDear Betsy! THANK YOU ever so much for your precious, kind words! I am so grateful to you for mentioning our book, and oh, how I praise the Lord that it was a help to you during this time of transition in your life! I trust the lessons will continue to minister to you as you move forward in this process. May the Lord's richest blessings be poured out continually upon you and Dennis!
ReplyDeleteIt's so harc to let go of things, but I love that you're helping your neighbours like that. It's wonderful that your things will help them build a new life.
ReplyDeleteBetsy, you're a brave woman. I know I should be getting rid of things before I die.. but I like my stuff. LOL! I'll just live vicariously through your adventure. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeletePrecious Betsy.. in my heart and prayers. One glorious day we will meet but l9ve how your writing takes us there with you though miles away. Not sure why. Cant see your bible verse at the end.
ReplyDeleteI know God is in this for you and so thrilled. Dear Cheryl very precious sister, so glad her book was the balm of Gilead at right time... God's ways are perfect. He makes my way perfect. Ps 18.
Thanks for sharing, and so cheering my heart.
May God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
I am so excited for you. It is an upheaval and there is lots to do and lots of 'things' to sort through but I can assure you it will all be worth it in the end when you find your forever home. We have peace in our hearts and a sense of fulfilment that I sincerely hope will happen to you once you are settled. Both Gerard and I send our love to both you and Dennis wishing you well on the next chapter in your life. Take care dear friend.
ReplyDeleteI need to lighten my life. The book is intriguing. Congratulations on selling your home. I am looking forward to seeing how things go for you.
ReplyDeleteCheryl
You are doing so well considering! I don't think it's always the possessions as much as the memories attached to those possessions as I know you are not materialistic at all. You are so generous! That is so nice you were able to help your new neighbors. I have stuff to get rid of but not sure how at this time. I would have to drive 1 1/2 hours to Salvation Army and maybe I will! Good luck and you are doing so well! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteSo glad everything is working out so well for you and Dennis. Downsizing and getting rid of "stuff" is so freeing!
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine cleaning out a whole house is such a short period of time! How thoughtful and kind to gift furniture to your neighbors. I keep putting off cleaning and purging my craft room and here you are doing a whole house!
ReplyDeleteOh the work!!! I had to do that with Dad's house when we had to get the money for the nursing home. It was summer. It was hot and it was hard work-not to mention the emotional impact. You're in my thoughts. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your leap of faith with us. I have Cheryl's book on my list to buy and read. She, too, is an amazing inspiration...and we all need faith, inspiration, and kindness these days. Blessings, Karla
ReplyDeleteHello Betsy. What a big step....I can imagine it is quite daunting selling your house. However I am glad you have sold it well and to a family who will enjoy it as much as you have. Are you also moving away or staying in the same area? I really dont know how I would manage if I had to move. I find I hold on to my things and memories too much!! Ok so I am back after 10 months of making do with facebook instead of my blog...and I am happy to be back here in blogland. That is why I have a Fresh Start giveaway on the go on my blog at present and am inviting you to participate :-) keep well Amanda x
ReplyDeleteOh Id cry if you were my neighbor and you were moving away! We were thrilled to be changing our lives , and we left without a tear. We also were relieved to sell that old house AS IS, and someone stepped up to love it in all its scars and history! I'd like to read that book!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad for you--the timing is perfect and the fact you see God's hand in all things is very proving! So wonderful to help someone like your neighbors--look how you will encourage them and they will know it is because of God's grace in your life!
ReplyDeletePrayers--coming out the other side is going to be so peace filled!
I am so glad things are going well Betsy and that the book has helped you through this big transition. I would cry if you were living next door and you were leaving, I think it is sad your neighbor thought it was because they moved in. The hard times they must have faced these past years. It is loving to give them things they can really use, but I would expect nothing less of you my friend. Stay safe.
ReplyDeleteDebt free is wonderful...we have enjoyed it for a long time now. It is all a process...I hope things keep going smoothly for you! Sending prayers your way as I sense you need some extra ones! :) Stay safe and cool!
ReplyDeleteSo I wasn't able to post before but I can now. I'm very interested in the book. I'm glad it has helped you though this whirlwind you are in. I hope the house closes without a hitch!
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouraging post you wrote. I've been struggling with too much in my house. Papers. Books. I need to get some things tossed in rest of July since I'm off work all month. Sharing furniture with a neighbor who needs it is so kind. Justin and Erin did the same thing when they moved. I hopped over to Cheryl's blog. I read her latest post with your comment. She sounds like an inspiring lady. I am letting Megan use a few things of mine for her to take with her to CO as too much weight in her suitcase last eve while she was packing early. I remember your craft closet and it was arranged so well. Praying all goes well with your moving season in life. Book sounds good to me. May put it on my kindle. Take care my friends. Hugs to you and Dennis!💜
ReplyDeleteI am excited to read of your new adventure! I am impressed and amazed at the speed of this move! It is sad that we sometimes become slaves of our possessions. I got the book on my kindle;thanks for the recommendation. I have an elderly friend from church who is struggling right now with too many possessions, after having to downsize their home (I think the problem is more with the husband and grandson that lives with them). I would love to give her a copy of the book!
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely in my thoughts. I remember the difficult decisions in moving and we just moved next door. That book sounds interesting. I would be interested in it as this is a life I would love to strive for. You take care Betsy. God's blessings and HUGS for you and Dennis
ReplyDeleteCongrats on selling the house. Your friend's book sound like exactly what I need but am afraid to read. :) After we cleaned out my parents house, I did a Major purge on my own. I did not want to leave that kind of mess for my own kids. But... it's in my DNA apparently because 15 years later, you'd never know I got rid of a thing. Even after selling our house and moving in with the MIL and giving away 75% of our belongings, we still had to rent 3 storage units to hold what's left. Good grief!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, what a sweet and kind thing you did giving your furniture to you neighbor...
ReplyDeletePurging unnecessary stuff is good and very liberating.(unless it's crafting stuff.. LOLOL!)
Pace yourself, don't over due..
Blessings
katmom~ Grace
Betsy, I am SO happy for you two and your decisions. I just keeping about all of the 'stuff' George and I have accumulated in the almost 20 years we have been married.... I have a lot of 'stuff' --but I think George has even more. We have tons of books... I even have all of my piano books from childhood.... George has several hobbies (besides his flowers). He is 'gradually' turning old record albums (which he has many of) into digital recordings. He also has MANY old slides --which he is also (VERY gradually) changing into digitals..... He's also a stamp collector ---and has a huge amount of that stuff.... Get my jist???? But I am happy that George is happy and is enjoying his retirement. BUT----whenever we sell, it's going to be hard to turn loose of stuff.... SO PROUD of YOU.....
ReplyDeleteNice that you could give some furniture to a neighbor who needs it... Are you keeping anything in a storage unit?
Hugs,
Betsy
Wow! you have definitely been busy! We need to get serious about getting rid of stuff, too. I think I'll check out that book. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDelete