7 Challenge for Lent: Week 3- Possessions

The challenge for this third week of Lent is possessions. It was to give away 7 possessions every day. I have gathered 7 items each day to get rid of. The first few days were very easy. Things like: 3 scarves, 4 old placemats, a lot of old rubbermaid/ plastic containers, 4 kids books, a book I don't need about having the perfect word to say (I can look on the internet instead, right?), 3 vases, a tray for the microwave that we never use (it's metal?!), 2 spools of crochet thread (new!), a too-big purse, my son's old pajamas and more.

The challenge for me this week is where to get rid of my things. I decided to bring them somewhere new. Somewhere that I've never donated before. I looked around at a few places that took clothes and household items. I gave a few things to my church and local MOPS group that I knew could be used in the church library or on the Moms give-away table. Another challenge during this week was that my kids were sick and it was not easy to go anywhere. I had to wait until the second part of the week to get rid of things.

My hubby gave a few things too, and I went through my dresser and closet. I gathered a few items from my daughter's drawers that they won't miss. What is the sense in having bulging clothes drawers if there are items on the bottom of the drawer that don't get worn? It is nice to simplify and de-clutter a bit more. The bookshelves don't bulge so much. It is nice to have margin.

For the week, I was supposed to give away 49 items. I didn't count exactly. I just knew I got past the 7 count every day. It may have been closer to 75 items, but that's not the point. I kept thinking of the book 7, and her quote that I like... "Jesus, may there be less of me and my junk, and more of YOU and your kingdom." I'm creating space, less distractions, less stuff for Jesus to "get through" to get to me. I don't need all of this stuff! Getting rid of things can be so freeing!

My trunk load all ready to go!

I did take a load of "stuff" down to a different organization that I've ever donated to before. They took everything I brought them, even air fresheners that I don't use now that I am involved with doTerra! I liked that it was a Catholic organization, so they will be used for God's kingdom in someone else's life too!

So true...

You can read week two (Clothes) in 7 here.You can read week one (Food) here.

What about you? Do you have some items in your life that you can de-clutter and make more space for God? Next week is Media... to give up media for 7 days. This blog post has been scheduled in advance to post on Friday... See you next week!

Matthew 6:25-27 

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (this is said by Jesus)

Proverbs 28:27
Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.

Mark 10:20-22
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.