APPENDIX C

          “Use the Corningware,” God said. Lately, our conversations have felt a bit puzzling to me. It's just another reminder that this whole idea seems to be divinely inspired. I believe this part will truly be a labor of love.

Buy One Christian’s Closet

www.buyonechristianscloset.com

          A delightful online Christian thrift shop where you can find quality used clothing and accessories, all at an affordable, fixed price!

                                                                              Adults: $8

                                                                          Specialty: $12

                                                                          Designer: $16

                                        Shipping: Based on weight with Pirate Ship (US only.).

What’s in your closet?

          Miss Bess focuses on presenting a different perspective on life. When you take a peek into your closet, what do you see? Are you satisfied with what you have accumulated? Is everything neatly organized, or is it just tossed in with no specific order? 

Do you have a style? Does it truly reflect who you are, both to yourself and to others? If not, it may be time to tidy up a few things and clear out your closet. 

          Perhaps it’s just me, but when I opened my closet to take a closer look, I was surprised by what was actually inside. Hidden away in unmarked boxes were memories and mementos from childhood, high school, trips, and past loves. What was I keeping all that stuff for? Were the memories associated with those items even positive? 

          Here I was again, wondering how I had gotten so far off track. It was time to clean up my life. The wisest way to start is always with a clean-out. That really helps get the ball rolling and lets others know that you mean business. What was I waiting for? I was only hurting myself.

Time To Unpack:

          It’s time for all of us to part with certain items and the memories tied to them. This is an ideal moment for transformation. You need to explore your identity and decide how you wish to portray yourself to others. Perhaps it's time to declutter that closet, both physically and emotionally.

Donate: Lighten Your Load and Bless Others

          Consider donating all those items to your local Christian thrift store. My aim has always been to rescue “unwanted items” from ending up in the landfill. Waste is avoidable. 

          The adage that one person’s trash is another’s treasure rings true. What brings a negative memory for you could evoke a positive response from someone else. 

This applies to people as well. My son always says if you aren’t being valued by those around you, it’s time for a change. Surround yourself with individuals who truly value you. They are out there. 

          Think about this: Your attire and self-presentation elicit either positive or negative reactions from others. If you come across as a disorganized wreck, both internally and externally, and don't plan on changing, you'll probably seek out others who are just as disheveled so they won’t try to change you. An alcoholic typically spends their time drinking alone, with others, or at a bar. 

          A recovering alcoholic may find it difficult to resist returning to their former lifestyle if they are around other alcoholics or in settings where alcohol is offered. Once you dedicate the time and effort to change, you likely won't want a chaotic situation to pull you back in. You've already been there, made the decision to break free, and will do anything to avoid returning. Amen. 

          The real question is this: Who do you want to attract? Now is the perfect time to start a journal. This way, you can keep all your ideas in one place for easy reference and easily track your progress in different areas of your life.

Buy: No time. No money. 

          My goal was to allow people to assemble an outfit for about $20 then provide them with the opportunity to explore mix-and-match possibilities and build on that. I'm avoiding low-quality clothing that shrinks or wears out after the first wash. 

          This clothing may be used, but I try to handpick items with better brands or unique styles. There should be no rips, stains, or missing buttons—just clothing that is no longer useful to its owner. Perhaps they changed sizes or styles. 

          I excelled in this area. I stored clothes ranging from sizes 6 to 12, thinking they would come in handy someday. However, after regaining my health, I found that none fit. I embraced the opportunity for change and allowed myself the freedom to create a fresh look that reflects my current preferences.

Why Declutter?

          Do you have a closet full of choices but still feel like you have nothing to wear? It's a common sentiment we all experience at some point. However, the issue arises when this feeling becomes a routine part of life. 

          You hold on to cherished belongings that no longer serve you, thinking this is helpful. It's not. This habit is quite detrimental. Interestingly, it reflects the condition of your mind and emotions. Try not to dwell on the past; it can get in the way of your progress.      Someda,y you may see that the past happened for a reason, although right now that reason may be hard to see. Leave the past in the past and keep your eyes on what lies ahead.

          Do yourself a favor: Gather some empty boxes and packing tape. Clear out your closet completely, piling everything onto your bed so you're forced to sort through it before bedtime. Begin by hanging up the clothes you've worn recently and those that you know fit well. 

          This may require some time, so it’s advisable to stretch and warm up a bit. Next, try on each piece. If it fits, check yourself in the mirror. If you can imagine yourself wearing this item and smiling, put it back in the closet. The difficult part is this: If it doesn’t fit, place it straight into the cardboard box for donation. No exceptions. 

          Picture yourself at the store, paying for each item one more time. Now your closet is filled with wonderful choices instead of just wasting space with wishful thinking. You've taken that important first step and you should feel proud of that accomplishment. 

          Take a deep breath in for eight counts, hold it for four counts, and blow out calmly for eight counts. As you breathe, remember you breathe in Yah and breathe out Weh, Yah-Weh, God is with you. You’ve got this. Inhale positivity, and release negativity one last time, embracing who you are at this moment. Acknowledge your current you and feel the excitement of what's ahead. 

         Remove the boxes from the house immediately, loading them into the car for donation. As you remove each box, mentally that you are letting go of these items physically and mentally, releasing yourself from their hold on your identity. Then return inside and walk straight to the bathroom, avoid touching anything, and gaze into the mirror. Express gratitude for your life, decide to live it to the fullest, and bid farewell to your former self.

          We often become our own toughest critics. By expressing negative thoughts about ourselves, we unconsciously bring those words to life. If you tell yourself you will never lose the weight, then you won’t. It’s time to confront the reasons for the weight gain. Factors like food choices, exercise, sleep, and your state of mind all play a role in shaping who you are.

          Many naysayers have caused you pain in the past. Now is the moment to release that hate and embrace the love of Jesus. It’s time to embody your faith. You are filled with love. How can you extend love to others if you can’t love yourself? From the heart, the mouth speaks. So, let’s dedicate the next 100 days to nurturing self-love with Jesus.

          As you get dressed from now on, embrace the empowerment that comes with it. You've let go of the old, and now you can look forward to exciting new beginnings. With every outfit, you're welcoming a fresh version of you. Let go of self-criticism. It only pushes people away. Instead, shower yourself with a little love. When you do, others will see and be drawn to your positive energy. Remember to honor yourself as a cherished child of God in the most humble way possible. 

          Set aside the divisive team jerseys and run home to Jesus. Indeed, God is calling you. Whether you have realized this in the past or not, you have been individually chosen by Him to join His Son’s team. However, you need to take a step forward to accept this honor. If you hesitate, you may risk being chosen by the other side. There are only two teams. You might assume the choice is evident; yet it will remain humanity's greatest struggle until the very end.

          If you haven't heard this before, Miss Bess is here to remind you that “Jesus loves you, this I know. For the Bible tells me so.” The Bible is truthful. I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join Team Bess. The No Not One community is devoted to making heaven crowded. Come as you are, bring your brokenness, and contribute your unique pieces to the Kingdom that God is building. 

          You may find yourself in front of your closet, observing its barrenness, but each item presents a potential choice. There's no need to pick something from the hanger only to discover that it doesn’t fit once you try it on. If you’ve been postponing a wardrobe update and need a total refresh, there’s no need to stress. For approximately $100, you can get five tops and five bottoms delivered to you, providing ample mix-and-match possibilities. Step beyond your usual preferences with styles you admire without breaking the bank. Who knows? You might just love it. 

          What are you waiting for?  There's no need to spend $100 on a single t-shirt. Let someone else’s loss be your gain and say thank you. The stark truth is that you might never reach the size you desire. Lift your self-esteem, brush off the doubts, embrace your current self, and find joy. 

          It really can be that easy. You are the only one holding yourself back. Remember, it’s all a matter of perspective. Don’t let something as trivial as your outside appearance affect your entire life. Your ability to thrive comes from within. Embrace the gift of choice and choose wisely.

          Once you've accomplished this, you can establish a goal and a plan for change. You might find that, ultimately, you learn to love yourself just as you are. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

No Sticker Shock

          You won't encounter any surprises with pricing here; everything is consistent. There's nothing more disappointing than discovering an item, only to check the price and have to return it. That can quickly turn your smile into a frown.

          I envision this evolving into a physical store. A place where representatives from local homeless shelters can gather essential items online for those in need. Or perhaps, the school nurse five states away might know of a case where a child or a family needs urgent help. 

          At times individuals require a hand-up rather than a handout, which can feel demeaning. Consider all the elderly in nursing homes who lack family and visitors. Who looks after them? Do they feel the love of Jesus?

          The focus isn't on profit; it’s about delivering a service and evoking feelings. A feeling of being deserving of love and of not being overlooked. Just think about the impact of sending packages to those in need, complete with a card or perhaps even a Bible. Every item of clothing can be blessed in prayer, just as I hope each of my books will be. From my lips to God’s ears. Amen!

          Eliminate the clutter. Eliminate the chaos. Organize your belongings and your life. Keep what you need. Keep what you love. Absolutely. But cherish what you have. If you don’t love it or it doesn’t suit you, then consider donating it to give someone else a chance. Pass it forward.

          As a single parent, this was crucial for me when my son was young and constantly outgrowing clothes. Even today, it’s largely a matter of principle. I refuse to overpay for any clothing item. It’s a waste of both God’s resources and mine. I can think of many better uses for that money.

          Right here and right now, this little old lady is standing up for her Almighty God. I want to remind you that He remains on the throne, waiting for you, and His love for you surpasses anything I could convey with mere words. 

          When you experience that kind of love... When you not only hear the words but also truly feel them... When they resonate deeply within your heart, filling it with warmth and joy... Then that love intertwines with the Holy Spirit. Hold on tight; it’s going to be a thrilling experience. It erupts like a vigorously shaken soda bottle, turning into an unstoppable force.

          You feel so powerful! The love of Jesus inspires you to dream and accomplish incredible and mighty things, things you might never even think possible on your own. In the past, I had made God out to be smaller than He truly was because I kept adding “me” to the equation. Once I stopped focusing on doing things my way and started looking to Him for guidance at every step, I could barely keep up with my own progress.

          Imagine if this gained enough traction for me to launch an online appeal. Community, we have a call to come together. Seniors are feeling neglected and need to feel the love of Jesus. Contribute $20 to sponsor a senior in need, and they will be able to choose two items. This lets them choose a style that makes them smile and brings them joy every time they wear the outfit. Lasting love.

          Email your personal note in the comments section to be sent along with your gift to them. Include your pets' names and species, as well as anyone close to you who makes you feel loved. Create a personal bond that allows them to smile and genuinely connect with you in a positive way they will remember. Let them know that even though you cannot be physically with them, they have not been forgotten by you or Jesus. 

          Boom, it's here! You've made a significant impact. You've spread joy to them—and to God. You've contributed a coin to heaven's treasury. So, what's next? Let’s ensure access for veterans, those affected by domestic violence or trafficking, and anyone who has experienced abuse or neglect. The opportunities are limitless. This initiative can expand as far and wide as can be imagined.

          Begin preserving your treasures today. The saying “you can’t take it with you” holds true. Many individuals have attempted this, and many will keep trying. However, what they fail to understand is that there's no need to bear that burden. You can pass it on instead. The right hand is not meant to know what the left hand is doing. Thus, allow God to keep count of your treasures on your behalf.

          Let me take a moment to describe the experience for those of you who are unfamiliar with having a phone that doesn't ring and a mailbox that you only need to visit once a month to collect bills. If you have never felt that loneliness, let me tell you, the sound of all that quiet is deafening to the core of your being. It is debilitating.

          You don’t need to continue living like this. Don’t lose hope. Jesus could return on the white horse at any moment. What do you wish for Him to find you doing when you turn to see His face? I want to emphasize that the decision is yours to make. You might not be able to change everything for everyone, but you surely can have a positive influence on someone's life. Begin with prayer. That’s always the first rule.

Keep What You Love

          I hope you don't mind me being straightforward here, but it's important to say that you've brought the idols in (and we all have our own favorites). Now it’s time to return them. Let's take this opportunity to clean up, shall we? It’s all about taking care of God’s house together.

          As long as I have breath, I want to express that the devil has taken far too much from me and my family, and I want it all returned. No more. My word for 2025, “I AM = ENOUGH,” is completely accurate. It holds double and even triple meanings, depending on your perspective. I am rebuking the devil in the name of Jesus, and I’m taking my God and my future back. 

          Lucifer was cast out of heaven, never to return. He had his opportunity and squandered it. Now he seeks companionship in misery. Jealousy, indeed! The reality is that the devil resents God's love for you, demonstrated by sending His Son, Jesus, to restore your relationship with Him. At the same time, Lucifer is doomed to stay in exile forever.

          I realize that some readers might view this manuscript as merely an expensive paperweight. I must admit it’s far more probable than the unlikely chance of one little old lady calling for revival and actually achieving it. That would be a sight to behold.          Nonetheless, this ministry will serve as my paperweight to present at the feet of my Savior upon my arrival in my heavenly home. 

          My beloved grandmother would always tell me, “You have not because you ask not.” Perhaps we were created to usher in revival. Someone had to be. Why not me? Why not you? We should feel honored to be considered, let alone chosen, to be placed here at a time such as this.

How Completely Freeing

          Happy Valentine's Day to me! A remarkable prototype of a Corning Glass Works Glass Makers Oven from 1945 has just surfaced on eBay. I fell in love at first sight. It was small enough to fit in a shoebox and absolutely stunning. I knew I had to have it. It was crucial for my collection. I vowed to pay any price to make it mine. Then I could proudly claim ownership of it. 

          Deep down, I was prepared to begin bidding at $1,000, yet found myself drawn to submit a lower bid than initially planned. With five minutes remaining, I still hesitated to place a bid. I sensed God guiding me, reminding me it was just another material item. Time seemed to freeze. This was a pivotal moment for me. I could feel His presence beside me, watching over my shoulder, encouraging me to pause right then and there. 

          I could use this money to do so much good for one of the missions I worked with. My priorities were backwards. I was behaving like 10 percent of my money went to God, and I got to divide the other 90 percent between me, myself, and I. 

          Only three people attended the auction. Maybe it was listed incorrectly, or 11:00 PM on a Sunday was just too late. I couldn’t bear it. The item was going for $20.50. So, to support the seller, I raised the price with bids of $200 and then $350. I had to tread carefully to avoid winning. This woman was offering an incredible item. Why was no one else bidding? It was tormenting me.

          I could have gone higher. However, winning the piece wouldn’t have meant as much to me. I have hundreds of other pieces. Now, not having it, knowing I could have had it but chose to let it go, the photograph is priceless to me.

          I felt as if I had successfully completed another test. I was returning, moving towards the right path. I would reach the correct finish line. My pursuit of material possessions had finally concluded. I had triumphed. Now it was time to put my money where my mouth was.

          This is how I envisioned running the race of my life. The journey was lengthy, and I stumbled and fell numerous times. Yet I always got back up. After forty years of trials and errors, I rediscovered the path I strayed from as a child. 

          The hard reality that I could have been left behind due to a lifetime of biblical misunderstandings and backsliding stirred the Jesus in my heart. Feeling free at last, I was compelled to share what I had learned with others, hoping to shorten their journey and pain.

          It was truly a shame that I had spent forty years sprinting as fast as I could, only to get nowhere. I was so busy, busy, busy trying to get ahead—of what or whom, I’m not sure now. All I know is that I had spent most of my life waiting for the right time to enjoy it. At almost sixty years old, I had no idea how much time I had left. It would be now or never.

          There were many things I wanted to do that simply never happened. Oh well. Accepting that I could only change my future, not my past, was liberating in its own way. I was free to finish my race without having to drag all that baggage from my past around with me. I just stopped. Was this what it felt like to be free?

          Now, it really didn’t matter how many people I was running with or how they finished. The only thing I needed to be concerned about was how I finished. That realization allowed me to slow down, stop comparing my life to others, and pace myself.

          I would finish my race to the best of my ability, not caring what position I came in, just caring. I would stop and help those who had fallen along the way. I would remember to be thankful and grateful for every day ahead. I would make every remaining day count.

          Now I could truly appreciate the life I was living. I began listening to praise and worship music constantly. The joy I felt while praising my Lord was the only time I didn’t feel my pain. This allowed me to stop and rest, to genuinely appreciate the moment. 

          I would soon see the finish line, as my Lord prepares to call me home. In some ways, this brings relief. You know who awaits you there, so there is no fear. But before I leave, I intend to encourage as many weary and thirsty souls as possible to finish strong.  

It’s Your Turn

          So, enjoy your race! You only get one. There are no do-overs after you leave this world. Take a deep breath, relax, and focus on your form. Remember to embrace the athlete within you. Train hard, demonstrate your moral character, and practice the power of teamwork. 

          Encourage others along the way. Don’t trip them up. If they fall and skin their knee and cry out, God will hear them. He keeps all those tears. You don’t want to be responsible for that. Don’t push people aside to get ahead of them. There will be consequences. God sees everything, and you may be disqualified. Just worry about yourself and let God lead the way. Allow Him to discipline others.

          Since you know you won’t be the first to finish this race, you can pace yourself. Enjoy the scenery. Take deep breaths. Settle into a comfortable rhythm. Encourage others along the way. Give a hand to those who have fallen. Don’t run so fast that you can’t talk. Run and converse together. Share your journey. Encourage and be encouraged.

          Help others so they can help even more. Complete your race surrounded by people. The only thing that might surpass finishing your race powerfully is doing so with many loved ones and friends beside you. 

          Look into the back of that closet. Dust off your Jesus shoes. Put them back on and start walking with the Savior every single day. That’s what makes life worth living. Then use those shoes to kick the devil out of your life. Really put some effort into it. You might want to get a running start. What do you think all those heartaches and breaks have been training you for all these years?

          Then put on your Jesus glasses and join those of us who plan to make heaven crowded. We are heaven-bound. The Kingdom is calling for revival. Pick up the phone. Tell God He can count on you to do your part. Don’t be part of the problem. Be part of the solution. That’s what gives life purpose.