Instead of deciding for you what room we're going to do, take a look around and decide for yourself this time...  Think about a room that's in need of some attention and make a plan to start... tomorrow... Now I know we're not supposed to "put off 'til tomorrow what we can do today" but I want you to think about this, and arrange it so you'll have time.  If you can start tonight, GREAT!  Otherwise, plan it in the schedule for tomorrow (have the kids help by watching other siblings or by grabbing a rag and dusting!)  We're not making time-consuming lists... We're just blessing our family!


Now, go into the room you've decided to bless, and take a picture (seriously... TAKE A PICTURE!  This will be evidence... um, I mean, this will be an encouragement when you're done and you see what you've accomplished!)

1. Grab a couple of boxes or garbage bags... One is for garbage, one is for give-away or garage sale, and one is for keeping (but dealing with LATER... a box really is best for this one). 
   
2. Have a pad of paper and pen to mark down any thoughts or things that need to be done... you're not getting side-tracked, so don't leave the room to do this!
3. Make sure you have water, the phone (but only answer if you need to!... you don't want to stop!), music to get 'ya going, and anything else you might need so you don't need to stop.  (Making sandwhiches for the kids now, so you don't have to stop later to feed them is a good idea too... speaking of kids... I like to have mine help me for a 30 minutes, and then have them take a "break" for 30 minutes (computer time, a movie, outside time...).
   
4. Start in the furthest corner.  Begin the "bulldozing" process. (The bulldozing process is simply moving through the room like a bulldozer... not stopping to take something out of the room (therefore increasing your chances of being side-tracked), and continuing until you reach the doorway.
   
5. Depending on the room you're in, there may be some things that need to be taken care of first (in the laundry room... be doing the laundry while you're cleaning, in the kitchen... the dishwasher or self-cleaning oven can be on while you're cleaning, in the bedrooms... throw the sheets in the wash while you're cleaning).
   
6. Continue "bulldozing" through the room.  Start at the ceiling (does that fan need dusting?) and work your way to the floor as you move through (sweep as you go... leave washing it for last).  (I'd like to suggest leaving windows and  washing walls for another time if you're really behind, otherwise, by all means, deep clean as you go.)
7. REMINDER:  If you haven't needed it, worn it, looked at it, or used it in a year (6 months if you really want to be ruthless) than GET RID OF IT!  Quit keeping them INCASE... Jesus may come back before you use them, so bless someone else and give them away!
   
8. Once you make it to the door way, (after stopping through out the day... hey, you're a mom first and we know what that entails!) take your boxes or bags out... put the garbage one in the garbage... put the give away one in the car and take it immediately or put the garage sale one in the garage, and put the keep box in a place where you will go through soon (like that night).
9. Now, finish by wiping down anything that needs it, and any other cleaning that needs to take place (if you weren't doing that while bulldozing)...call in the recruits for this if you have to!  Lastly, wash or vacuum that floor.
   
10. Step back, pat yourself on the back, and TAKE A PICTURE!
11. Be sure to post this on your blog (with the pictures!) and please make reference to this site so others can be encouraged to get on "TRACK" as well!
    

Blessings to you and yours!  Be thinking of what room you'll do tomorrow and get it done!  Take two days if you need it!  REMEMBER: The enemy loves chaos, and will do what he can to prevent you getting this done!  Don't get discouraged!  Call on the Lord to give you strength!  You can do it!

• What room will you be working on?  (I'll be in my bedroom and cleaning out the closet as well... I'm sure my husband will be thrilled to find underwear in his drawer again instead of having to search in the clean clothes pile downstairs... hmmmmm... maybe the laundry room is next again?  tee hee...)
  

In Him,
Amy