Home Management Tip

OK...this is more of a "Home" Moving Tip.

As many of you know, we've been praying for a couple of years now about relocating to Hawaii to help with a new church plant (click on the pink flower for more info). This summer, by God's grace, we took our next step to bring us closer. We sold most of our worldly goods and only kept what we needed...with a few extras like my hubby's crossbow...

**side note: the crossbow isn't exactly a need, it's just very sentimental***

...OK back to my point...

We went through EVERYTHING, clothing, furniture, pens, papers, cooking utensils, plates. When I say "EVERYTHING" I mean E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! It took us about 2 months to do all this. In the end we can fit what we'll be bringing to Hawaii in a 9x7x7 crate (we're planning on sharing a 20' crate, Lord willing).

So you could imagine what type of organization was required to take on such a task! I pulled out my trusty "Hawaii Relocation" binder (I'll have to take pictures and post it later on) and got down and dirty.

Here are some tips & tricks I've learned along the way. Please note these are not all my original ideas. I got some of these ideas from websites, blogs & wise counsel from other godly women.

**before you even attempt this task, spend some time in prayer and ask God to give you wisdom to keep only the things that is needed and strength to let go of things that..aren't**

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously..."

(James 1:4-6)

#1 - Put a binder together so that you can keep all your important papers together.
#2 - In that binder keep a record of what is in each box by...
#3 - Label each box with a number, 1, 2, 3, etc., rather than it's contents. That way "uninvited eyes" won't know that you packed "Nana's antique silver".
#4 - COLOR code your boxes. Since we're going to be sharing a crate with another family, we're putting RED duct tape over our boxes so ours will be easily distinguishable.
#5 - (this probably doesn't have to be done if you're just moving across town) Disassemble chairs, small tables, dressers if possible to maximize space. Lucky for us we have alot of Ikea furniture.
#6 - Don't forget to put COLORED tape on your "wrapped" furniture, sterilite containers and anything else that's not in a box.
#7 - (a big THANK YOU to Amel & Vange for this tip!) Tape off a section in your house the size of the crate (if you're going to pack into a crate or storage facility) to ensure that everything you want to bring will fit.

So that's it for now. If I think of anymore then I'll post them.

HAPPY PACKING!

What can I say?

I suppose the question should be...how can I say it? So many times I've sat at my desk, contemplating how to describe the happenings of the past few months. But to my dismay, nothing happens. Here I am again, attempting to post but with success my fingers start typing...


Summer came and went with a blink of an eye. Summers go by faster and faster if you ask me. This year marked 15 years of Summer Volleyball Ministry for me and 18 for my beloved. Sad to think that there's going to be an end to that ministry for us soon. :( This year's summer camp was extra special for me because my little sister was there. My prayer for her is to cling on to Christ no matter what! I was able to share my testimony in front of all the students, shared things that I've never shared before. Got to see my beloved as the Commandant for the last time. Witnessed lives changed, souls saved....I'm really, really going to miss this!!! If you haven't already, click here (or just scroll down) to view a slideshow of Summer Camp 2009.

Throughout the summer months, hubby's work had him assigned in the southbay. He spent most of the summer in the San Jose then Fresno area. During volleyball season, he'd drive up for practices and games. During the tournament he'd have to leave a little bit early so he can make it back in time. Some thought it was crazy for him to drive back and forth, he didn't. To him, it was just a small hurdle to climb as served the Lord. He'll do anything to serve our King, if that means driving back and forth then he'll do it (that's what first attracted me to him. His desire to do whatever it takes to serve our God)! The children and I supported him all the way.

Daddy made extra effort to spend lots of time with us. I really appreciated that, so did the children. Lots of drive-in nights, water park visits, things like that made our week with him special. Thanks Daddy!

This biggest event, I suppose, this summer is MOVING! Yes, we just moved into this house a year ago but this move means that God is working to bring us closer to Hawaii. It is both sad and exciting (I should add exhausting) to go through your house, sort through our belongs and keep ONLY what is neccessary. It's absolutely AMAZING what we gave away and sold at our yard sale! We really didn't need all these things that we thought we needed! I'm thankful that God has been showing me not to be attached to worldly goods but to treasure Christ, ONLY Christ!

I'm floored when I look back at all the prayers that God has answered this summer! HE IS GOOD!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

~Proverbs 3:5-6~