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The Best Advice I Could Ever Give

A daughter called the other day feeling frustrated and frazzled. The little grandkids were at it again--destroying any possible dings of clean and order my dear daughter had worked on that Saturday morning. As my daughter expressed her frustrations, I immediately jumped into "solving" mode. Perhaps she could install child locks on a few doors, place excess toys out of prying little hands and keep important things out of harm's way. I started to offer suggestions, and then stopped myself. 

Instead, I listened and expressed sympathy. I told my daughter I understood her feelings--I had been a mom to toddlers once upon a time. I told her I could give her a lot of advice--which she may or may not use. Instead, I told her the best counsel I could give would be to study the situation out in her mind, turn the matter over to Heavenly Father and listen.  I shared my experience of being at the end of my rope back in the day, praying, and pleading for help. My home was in a state of chaos. I felt out of control inside and my physical surroundings reflected it too.

 I will never forget the prayer I offered on the morning of April 28, 2003. I logged onto my computer, and through a series of divine internet searches, I found FlyLady and her book Sink Reflections. I signed up for her daily emails, and within the hour I was clearing the breakfast dishes out of my sink to "shine" it as she suggested. The small action felt good, and within a few more minutes, the rest of the kitchen was put into order. I felt a glimmer of hope. FlyLady's daily emails gave me a framework for getting some control back in my life. Her oft-said phrases rattled around in my mind. "You can do anything for 15 minutes". "You can't clean clutter." "Be free to get rid of stuff. It will bless others". "Your home didn't get this way in a day, and it won't get clean overnight". "Be gentle with yourself. You are a flybaby". "Progress over perfection". "Get dressed and get your shoes on".

Through the following days, weeks, and months I learned how to organize, declutter and beautify my home. Like FlyLady had said, my home did not magically clean itself overnight. But, slowly and blessedly, order, peace, and contentment came to me and my family. I was happier, less reactive, and more patient. I felt empowered, no longer content to be acted upon, but to be proactive. I have never felt such light and guidance as I did during that time. 

As I look back at those days leading up to this transformation, I look at the root of the change. Flylady was a blessing, but my ultimate gratitude goes to my Heavenly Father for guiding me. I know that as we have challenges and struggles, our Father in Heaven is there to help us. I also know that he puts people along our path in life to help us. I am grateful for Marla Ciley (aka FlyLady) who followed the spirit to share her talents with others. I know I have been blessed.  

As my children and I face challenges in life, I am reminded that Father in Heaven is always available to help us. Each day we have opportunities to turn ourselves over to the Lord, to give Him our joys, troubles, challenges, concerns, and questions. Life will not be perfect but is a BILLION times better when we yoke ourselves daily to Heavenly Father and His Son.   

So this is the best advice I could ever give: Turn to Him. Have troubles with children? Turn to Him. Not sure what do with your life? Turn to Him. Turn to Him. Turn to Him. Turn to Him. 

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