Well, it’s been a while since I actually posted on my Simple Summer decluttering progress. I just have had so much fun posting about following God and raising our little blessings that I haven’t gotten around to it, but I need to keep going because the summer sure is flying by! So, I chose to tackle the master bedroom.
Long, long ago we used to have a dungeon of a bedroom (well maybe just a few years ago). If you have ever had one of these you know exactly what I am talking about. The curtains are rarely opened, the bed is only remade so that you can climb in it, and there are odd piles of various things throughout. You don’t really want to clean the room because, well, you’re not sure of what you will find. With the help (or insistence) of my darling hubby, we don’t have this problem anymore, but if you’re still living it, I totally understand!
One of the biggest helps for me is to make my bed and open the curtains every morning. Having the focal point of your room looking nice makes a huge difference. By letting light in, you no longer have to feel trapped or depressed. Next, reclaim your room. Taking out the kid’s toys, piles of papers and dirty clothes helps you to remember who’s room this really is.
When we moved into our current house about 3 years ago, we had just finished a complete remodel of the entire house. Hubby had made book cases and shelves in our room, and the closet was off in our bathroom. The joy in this was no clothes in our actual room, and places to put our books and any special knick-knacks. Also, our bedroom is not very big. There is ample room for what we need, but it’s not large, which is actually a huge help when trying to reduce clutter.
Since there isn’t a lot of room for clutter in my bedroom, other than weeding through unneeded books and trinkets, I chose to focus on a small improvement I wanted to make: a mommy corner. I know, it sounds a little selfish, but I mean it to be a positive thing. One of the hardest parts of living in a not so huge house with four little ones is finding a moment where I can read the Bible, or take a minute to myself to pray during our hectic day. Although at night and early morning are perfect times to spend with God, it’s during the chaos of my normal day that I need a chance to refocus.
When I am feeling short on patience, and need a chance to “get away” to beg for more, it’s nice to have a spot where I can go. I had thought about making it in the craft/school supplies room, but that isn’t very relaxing is it? I wanted a place that was away from the bustle, the computer, and all the things that I think I should be doing. Otherwise, instead of praying to refocus, I will end up praying to get more done, or just adding things to my mental to-do list.
Since I am a huge fan of rocking in a rocking chair, I moved one from another room and stuck it in the corner of my bedroom, right next to my bookshelf. It’s not inaccessible when a little one needs me, but away from the noise of the rest of the house.
If you’re looking to find a place for you to get a little quiet, think about where you can squeeze it in. Is there a corner of your bedroom, spare room, or even the family room where you can have your Bible waiting for you during your hectic day?
My hope is that it will be a place for me to refocus on God, and close to my Bible.
Do you have a special place where you can take a quick minute during a trying moment?
Making the bed does make a big difference. I think I need to go and open my curtains!
I know it sounds simple, but it sure helped me! With the bed made and curtains open it doesn’t feel so depressing. Enjoy your sunny room!
Ahh, I wish I had a place tucked away in a corner that I could hide in! Alas, our house isn’t quite set up for it, we are pretty squished in here. ;-D But I do have a desk in my bedroom with my laptop, my bible and my lamp and I try and close the door and take a bit of refreshment in there. The Momma Corner – I love it! Thanks for linking this up today.
What a great point- it doesn’t have to be a corner, just a special place where you can go to refresh. Thanks for sharing what you do, and happy, again, to link-up!
Our bedroom was very recently as you described the way yours was! Trying to do better at that, it has managed to not look like a pig sty for 2 weeks now.
I agree, open windows and a made bed can make all the difference! I am trying to get/stay in the habit of making our bed each morning. It just makes the whole room look so much better.
I wish I had room in our bedroom for a “mommy corner”, but our bedroom is tiny. So I make do with my rocking chair in the living room. That is where I like to sit and read my Bible in the morning while the children play quietly in their room after wakening.
Great job, Naomi! Often times it is just taking the plunge that makes such a difference. When I tackle a messy room I am always so pleased with how it looks that I am motivated to keep it up. Making the bed has been the hardest habit for me to keep, too. I find that the sooner I make it in the morning, the better it goes. I don’t put it off and then get busy with my day.
That’s great you have a place to sit, and your kiddos know to play quietly in their rooms- I never seemed to master that skill with my kids!
Thanks for sharing!
Teaching the children to play in their room wasn’t necessarily intentional at first. When my oldest was a baby, we moved into a house that needed cleaning done. So I put him in his crib where he could see me, gave him toys and books and he played so happily for a long time! When he would wake up, if I needed some time to finish something, I gave him books and toys and he was content knowing that I would get him up soon. When my 2nd came along, she was clingy, and ended up being “worn” a lot, something we both enjoyed. Now that she is 2, she has learned from big brother how to play contentedly. They currently share a room and love being with each other. As long as she has her cup of milk first thing in the morning and her favorite toy(s), she is happy for a few minutes
They have learned and understand that Mommy needs to read her Bible, and that she WILL let them come out before too long. 
I think that is wonderful! Not only does it give you some quality time with God, it sets a wonderful example to your children while they are still young.
By the way, I am a big fan of letting my kiddos at least sleep in the same room. It is such a great way to transition from being with mommy and daddy, while not getting too lonely.
makes me think of Susannah Wesley, who would set herself down amidst her rather large brood and pull her apron over her head. A definite sign to all that Mama is spending time with the Lord, don’t disturb Mama.
I love that! Now, if only I ever remembered to wear an apron!