Welcome to Day 11 in our Clutter-Free Challenge. Only five more days to go. As we wrap up our time together, I want to remind you of something I said in the beginning. I never expected anyone to be able to do this in 15 days. However, I do hope I given you encouragement to make some immediate changes in how you process your responsibilities, manage your schedule and de-clutter your home. Even one change will make a difference.
Before I get into today’s challenge, I want to announce the winner of my book, “I Used to Be So Organized.” Based on a random selection, I’m happy to announce that Kimberly, who posted a comment January 20th at 8:30 p.m. is the winner. Thank you to everyone who posted and all the fabulous ideas. I will have another giveaway at the end of the week. Kimberly, I’ve sent you an email.
Today we are going to talk about our main living areas. If your house is like mine, there’s a lot of living going on in these spaces, and lots of clutter that gets left on tables, chairs and the floor. It requires daily maintenance to keep these areas de-cluttered. But it can be done. And once you make some foundational changes it will be easier.
I’ve got some practical tips, but first I want to share some thoughts … thoughts that might help you overcome the common avoidance of dealing with clutter. There are two principles that keep me motivated when I get weary of maintaining my home. The first deals with conveying authority.
In Proverbs 31:11 says “Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.” Whether you are married or not, conveying confidence to those around you happens over time. Confidence is built up through consistently doing what we say we will do. You cannot demand someone trust you; we all see past words and evaluate actions.
However, a woman who quietly brings order to her home conveys confidence and authority without ever saying a word. Our husbands’ trust grows when we can find the passports before a trip. Children can tell mom is in control when she pulls out the permission slip from a handy file. We all have been given some level of authority over our homes, even a college student renting a room. Do we manage with authority or is there chaos? Are we conveying trust or insecurity?
The second principle which motivates me is based on the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14-30. I won’t take the time to summarize, but please review the passage when you have time. The verse that rings in my head is 23: “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
I’m convinced God is watching to see how we handle every responsibility He gives us. He longs to give all of us more responsibility, but we must prove ourselves faithful with what we have – no matter how little or how much. I apply this verse to my health, my finances and my home. I can wish I had more all day long, but if I squander what I have, I’m simply not a good investment.
Having said all that hard stuff, I am SO THANKFUL FOR GRACE. I’ve fallen short so many times. At the end of the day, I’m just a dressed-up mess. Instead of giving me what I deserve, God generously showers me with good things. He forgives my sin and sympathizes with my weaknesses. And it’s in my weakness that His strength is revealed. So if you are feeling weak today, please invite God to be your strength. He is faithful.
I know I got off subject there, but I believe the Lord wanted me to share that. If that message was for you, I’d love to know.
Let’s move on to some practical tips for de-cluttering your living spaces. There are two main reasons for clutter. The first involves items that have a home but aren’t in their home. An example would be remote controls sitting on the table next to the box you bought for the remote controls. (ahem – yes, this happens in my house) This is a discipline problem, not a clutter problem.
The second is items that have no home. This problem never gets better on its own. And the older you get the worse it gets, what with all the tchatchkes we collect and are given. What to do with it all? Here are some ideas for common clutter items:
Little treasures
- A glass-enclosed curio cabinet. Twenty years ago, my husband bought me a six-foot high, two-foot wide class case. It sits right by my front door where I can see all my little treasures, safely tucked away, and dust free.
- Give items to family now. If you’ve got children, nieces or nephews, plan to share some of your treasures with them now. This can be an inexpensive Christmas or birthday gift. It blesses both of you.
- Give items away. Find a ministry helping people be independent after a trauma. This could be a battered women’s shelter, refugee ministry or a recovery program. Your beloved items could bring hope and healing to someone else.
- Sell on e-Bay or at a consignment center. If you need to make some money, consider selling your extra items. A good digital camera, and packing material, is all you need to sell online.
- After my father passed away, my mother created shadow boxes for my sister and me. She carefully arranged little items my father collected over the years in this box. For example, his army pins, a pipe and his school ID (he was a teacher). This is one of my most treasured items.
Remote controls
- Store remotes in a decorative box on the coffee table.
- Buy or make a fabric remote holder that fits over the arm of a couch or chair.
- Install a wall-mounted basket by the television
- Put a box or basket by the television.
Blankets
- A chest of drawers can serve as an end table and storage for items like blankets.
- Position a quilt hanger by the couch.
- A vintage-looking sea chest can double as a coffee table and blanket holder.
Craft supplies & games
These items can take up lots of space. Store them in boxes you can stack to make the most of your space. Consider storing games behind closed doors of an armoire or entertainment center to minimize visual clutter. If the game box is damaged, transfer game boards and pieces to specially designed plastic game-keepers sold at specialty organizing stores.
For crafts, consider a rolling organizer with multiple drawers that can be tucked in a closet while not in use. A cubby system with boxes covered in wallpaper to match your design could fit nicely in a niche. Make labels for each drawer or box.
Toys
Unless you have a designated playroom, keep most toys in bedrooms. For a quick pick up, keep a large basket with a lid in the living room. Rolling bins make clean up fun when a child can roll it back to her room.
Multi-media
Plastic boxes multiply like rabbits at a home with growing children. Whether it’s a CD, DVD or video game box, it needs to be stored in a crush-proof place. Consider adding pull-out drawers to deep shelving so that items in the back can be easily seen. A specially-designed media tower protects boxes and keeps the titles visible.
Framed photos
Consider a collage of photos on the wall instead of cluttering the surface of an end or sofa table with frames. Choose a common frame color, and complementary matting to make a design statement.
Extra storage options
Make furniture do double-duty. Invest in accent tables with shelves and drawers. If that’s not an option, store items in large baskets tucked under tables. A chest can serve as a coffee table, or a bench with cushions. And go vertical when you can.
That was a lot for one day. Thank you for sticking with me to the end. Please join me tomorrow when I talk about cleaning out your kitchen. Fun stuff!!
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting me with a place to call home, a body to care for and finances to manage. I admit that I often fall short of where I want to be in many areas. Sometimes I grow weary dealing with the same issues every day, and need a fresh breath of Your Spirit to fill me up. I long to be a woman who stewards well her responsibilities, and know I’m in desperately need of Your help and strength. In Jesus name, Amen.
Glynnis,
What you shared with the scriptures is what I needed to hear.
Thank you.
I second that! Thanks ..talking about Gods perfect timing.
Glynnis,
Thank you so much for your heart to help women like me in this area of our lives. You have been an inspiration to me. It will take me a little longer than some people due to some other responsibilities in my life, but I will keep moving toward the goal. I was able to get some things done this weekend that have been a stumbling block for me for a while. Thank you so much!
Well today is Mon… and I def needed to be reminded when I am weak, then He can be strong… This morn, I walked into work with the heaviness that one of my best friends mom passed yesterday.. but what is so sad is that she didn’t know the Lord… she strongly believed in her hindu religion … and also, that my neighbor of 36 yrs, who is like a grandpa to my kids is dying from cancer, his organs are now shutting down… but I press on to work… only to be confronted by a coworker (who is christian) who was nothing short of mean.. so… I go to my decluttering for the day (which has been tremendous.. kitchen all decluttered
and here are your words of encouragement… With tear in my eyes, thank you… I needed that word from God… I am not forgotten….
Hello Celeste:
I am dealing with a situation similur to yours and I know it becomes difficult to deal with the stresses of everyday life, less alone work stress. I have learned to get to work just a bit earlier than normal so that I can have prayer time. I just wanted to share with you a prayer that I printed out and I have it near my computer, so that anytime I feel as if I am struggling, I just kindly look a my prayer, say it in my mind and meditate on it. You will not believe how much better you will feel. I know that this cite is about decluttering our lives; but we must learn to declutter our minds, spirit and soul as well. I hope that this will help you. Enjoy!!!!
PRAYERS FOR THE WORKING WOMEN
Lord Jesus, as I enter this work place, I bring your presence with me. I speak Your peace, Your grace, and Your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office. I acknowledge Your accomplished within these walls. Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gifts you have deposited in me. I do not take them lightly but commit to using them responsibly and well. Give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty on which to draw as I do my job. Anoint my creativity, my ideas, my energy, so that even my smallest task may bring You honor.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energize me. Lord, when I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring hope, life, and courage to all that I come in contact with today. And Oh Lord, even in this day’s most stressful moments, may I rest in You. In the mighty Name that is above all Names, in the Matchless Name of my Lord and Savior Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Please pass along to other Christian women that you know out in the work force. God Bless.
“AUTHOR UNKNOWN” – SHARED BY: YOJO
thank you Yojo…. printing it out right now!!!! :’)
What a beautiful prayer — for everywhere we work! I am putting a copy next to the areas I am making clutter-free. Thank you!
a definite blessing to have you share that prayer– I passed it on!
I needed reminding today that in my weaknesses His strengths are revealed. Thank you,Glynnis!!!
Your encouraging words are exactly what I needed to hear today. I have literally been struggling with the concept of God’s grace vs my need to please Him. It has been a source of great anxiety and even panic attacks lately. I have been praying for God to speak to me and heal this anxiousness in me and He just did through you. Thank you for those words! Please pray that God will continue to give me peace in this area.
Amen! God is so faithful. Peace has come for me the more I acknowledge that I desperately need a Savior. I really want to have it all together, and in the most honest place in my heart, I want to be “perfect”. But that won’t happen until heaven. So for now, there is freedom in admitting I can’t do this on my own. And I have seen God’s power most when I am weak. That’s how He planned it after all.
You are precious and loved just as you are.
Glynnis, I can’t even tell you how much encouragement you have brought to my life. I look forward each morning to your tips because it’s not just about cleaning up but about focusing on GOD! Thank you for sharing about the talents this morning I’ve heard it so many times but today it made me see that I’m a little stuck. THank you for the reminder that even though we are called to do much for the Lord we do fall short and He steps in an we continue because of His strength.I love it!
I am loving this challenge! Again, it seemed like you were talking to me today!
Had a great weekend with our oldest daughter organizing her room. She’ll be 13 soon and said she was just overwelmed with the clutter. (I so understand that!) Tackling it together made it less stressful for both of us, and we had a great time working together! She went to be last night with a floor that you could see, huge smile on her face and a real sense of accomplishment in her heart . . . God is so good! I’ve been making good progress in other areas of the home as well. It’s funny how little successes each day motivate us to continue with the chore. Thanks so much for blessing us with your organizing gift from God!
Amen!
Thank you for backing up what you say with scripture. It really helps maintain the right focus!!
Oh, yes, I definitely needed to hear your message today. I work all weekend and my Husband and three boys are at home. When it rains, they stay inside along with our dogs and the mess seems to multiply. Monday mornings can be so discomforting. I sometimes feel like I’m starting all over again with the house cleaning and de-cluttering. It creates that paralyzing deer in the headlights view of the entire mess and not focusing on the little tasks. Thank you for your words of encouragement!
Thank you, Glynnis! Often, I feel that I have several areas of my life in which I need improvement. When you share that you have struggled with organization and weight, it gives me hope that I can also find ways to overcome and succeed. Your prayer today was especially meaningful to me as my prayer for the new year is to be a better steward
with all of my blessings and responsibilities. I cling to “My grace is sufficient for you for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Sometimes I have to laugh when I think of all my weaknesses in which God can show His power! But I know that He can and I believe that He will.
Have a great day!
Thank you, Glynnis for your continued delivery of His message to me. I needed the reminder today that His strength is seen in my weakness. This past week has been exhausting (nothing bad, just visiting family and lots of busy-ness), and this morning was a rough one before work (woke up not feeling well, dusty footprints in the living room from last night’s work in the messy basement, my son poured a half a can of soda on the floor because I forgot it on the end table last night, and the dog made a mess in the laundry room because a thunderstorm kept us from putting him out that one last time before bed…just the “normal” chaotic Monday). I’m slowly putting your tips to use, and I am starting to feel a bit more in control. I definitely needed to hear about embracing my authority over what God has given me. He has spoken to me several times over the past few weeks about my role as a wife and mother, and I am trying to take on all of those responsibilities with a smile (that’s the tough part sometimes). I work 2 days outside of the home, and catch myself complaining to my husband occasionally about all the things that don’t get done at home or that he doesn’t help with…but I reminded that my husband provides for our family by working full time and does still do a lot of the “man jobs” around the house. I try to remember that it is my responsibility to keep the chaos in check and the house clean, dinner made, or whatever. I have chosen to work those 2 days and should not let that be an excuse for nagging or laziness at home. I believe that God has given me my wonderful home and family to care for and I am to spend my time enjoying those blessings while putting in the effort they deserve. It’s not always easy, but I love those moments when I can pull out some paper that my husband seems sure we had lost or knowing right where he left his keys. It’s a great feeling to know that my husband can trust me with our home, and I think it’s important to remember that the joy of being trusted is only multiplied when we know that God is also smiling. Definitely more motivation to keep de-cluttering and smiling through all the tiring trials of daily home and family maintenance.
Thank you, Lord, for using Glynnis to remind me of the authority you have given me over my home. Please help me to work diligently and happily every day, and thank you for providing strength for those days where it’s not so easy to smile. Thank you for the blessings you send even when I falter. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Thank you for your reminder of Proverbs 31:11. I need to do better with the authority entrusted in me as wife and mother of 3. Have a blessed day!
That message was for me – thank you so much for sharing. I thank God everyday for His beautiful grace. Salvation He has given us alone is way more than enough. I know I do not deserve all He has graciously poured out, but am so humbled and thankful that our God loves us this much – He loves me that much!! I pray that I can be (in the days ahead) a much better steward of the time He gives me to tackle this very cluttered and messed up house that I have let get this way. It seems I can work my fingers to the bone and it still is the same way. I’m prayng for declutter and order and a whole lot of grace, but with that grace that I am able to move forward and do it the right way, God’s way! In ALL things thank and Praise God!!
Glynnis–
I again thank you for helping us with the messes that take over our lives. I will be able to fully take advantage of all these tips and tricks–in Jesus’ Name!!
I just really have too much stuff–too much food, too much weight, I got in the habit of spending too much money. Now, I am left trying to clean up all the messes my bad habits caused over many years. I just have to keep telling myself I can do this, even if it is just a little at a time. It may take a long time to fix it. We are hoping to perhaps rent another roll-off dumpster in the springtime to just throw a whole lot of stuff away. We did that before my son was born, and it was SUPER helpful. We still have too long a way to go.
About my personal situation, there has been no miscarriage yet. We are still in the waiting game. The doctor said there is nothing more to do before then–they can’t see anything via ultrasound at this point. I am still behaving as though I am still carrying a viable baby until God causes this to end. I have had bouts of pain and spotting, but nothing like a heavy menstrual period. I wait on Him to see what will happen.
Thanks for all your prayers and all your support!
Carissa in eastern Iowa
I liked that verse, it is very appropriate. It made me think of time that I squander on things that don’t matter. Your verse today sparked pictures of areas I need to work on in my home. I know it won’t take just a day. Having you confirm that makes it less overwhelming!
Thank you Glynnis
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your clutter-free messages! Last summer, I put together a binder similar to the one you described for projects. It’s actually a combination of some of the binder ideas you’ve written about. I’ve made some notes on how I want to tweek mine after reading your messages. I love organization and struggle when surrounded by clutter.
Your message today stating “a woman who quietly brings order to her home conveys confidence and authority without ever saying a word” really spoke to me. My husband is not very organized, but handles our finances. There’s clutter in our office, kitchen, and bedroom. When I suggest that we spend some time organizing and offer to help, I’m put off or criticized for nagging. How can I communicate my need without him taking it as critical?
How about you buy him an organizer file and supplies and wrap it as a gift with a thank you card for his taking on the financial leadership of your house. The right tools might encourage or inspire him!
Whenever you feel lead to share a word, do it because you never know the impact this word will have on someone or many people. God’s word never go back void. I have been reading this challenge and putting it away in my clutter-free folder in my email to get back to them when I am ready to begin. I am a stay at home mom with a newborn and a preschooler who is home 24/7. I needed to hear this word because I have just been beating myself up with guilt of what I should be doing but has not been able to get to. So I am very thankful for your word this morning. Be bless, and continue the good work knowing that your reward is from Our Father in Heaven.
Dear Glynnis, your words are what I needed to hear today. Thank you for your ministry. Your words and help to all of us women are so greatly appreciated, and I’m sure it so pleases our Lord. God bless you dear one!!
Thank you for today ! All that you shared is so relevant to my everyday living.
Blessings !
Betsy
I’m off work today, which is unusual for a weekday. So, I put a load of clothes in the washer just now. Got a second load ready to put in when this load is done. I am going to get a bag of trash gathered and the remaining dirty laundry into their respective baskets so they’re ready to wash. My goal is to have the living room in a livable condition before we leave for my son’s basketball practice tonight. Might seem trivial, but the smallest of tasks often feel like mountains to scale in my mind. I often blame my living conditions on the size of our income and square footage of our home, but the truth is, I haven’t even taken care of what we DO have, so why would God trust me with more? I want to be that Proverbs 31 Warrior Woman to my husband, son, and the children in my classroom.
I really appreciate this study. I think you have some great organization tips. but . . . I keep feeling like my answer to decluttering is not in organization. I am actually fairly organized. I think my answer is just in buying less stuff and getting rid of stuff I don’t need or use. You touched on this a little today, but I really feel like more emphasis could be put on this idea of minimizing the “stuff” in our lives. If we spend less money on “stuff” we have less “stuff” to organize and more money to give back to God or to others in need. If we give away items we aren’t using we are also blessing others who are in need.
That scripture has always been my FAVOURITE parable! Maybe it is because I come from a home of entrepeneurs. I have been a stay-at-home mom for nearly 18 years now. And it seems that my organizaton skills have been slowly getting worse and worse. Thank you for applying my favourite parable to my daily chores at home. I need to get off the computer and go an invest my time in my home now. Thanks again.
This study is coming at the perfect time for me. After a shoulder injury last year and several weeks of illness that I still have not regained my energy from, I am feeling very overwhelmed by my home. I have struggled with this off and on all my life, and know God doesn’t want me to struggle all my life. All the clutter causes me a lot of stress and embarrassment, and I need Gods help to make changes. Thank you for encouragement and a God based help for this problem
Your words resonated with me today. Thank you for the verses in the home. I am to portraying the confiendce I would like. Too many times things are turned in late because I can’t find them. Or money is wasted because I didn’t press pants for my husband and they have to go to the cleaners. Your words are a blessing to me. Thank you.
Today’s reminder about God being our strength was for me as well. I’m overwhelmed at work, but help is coming. In the anticipation of that, I’ve thought I could make it these last few days…on my own. I can’t, I need God’s strength and grace for today. Tomorrow will take care of itself, I need only focus on today- and relying on HIS strength.
Thank you for being sensitive to His leading!
The message that you shared today when you said you got off topic was definitely for me. I am struggling and was feeling extremely weak and on the verge of giving up but your words reminded me to ask God for strength. Thank you!! This challenge has been a true blessing.
This has been revolutionary for me, my home already looks so different. I’ve managed to throw away about six bags of “stuff”, give a way a bunch of other things, and downsize my book collection. The journey continues! Thanks, thanks, and thanks!
Please go to http://www.momsquire.blogspot.com for an opportunity to win free jewelry!!!!!
I’ve been nonstop decluttering, giving stuff away, got rid of six bags of junk, downsized my own book collection, and my home already looks so much better. THanks for the inspiration – the journey continues I feel charged and ready for more.
I’m also giving away free jewelry on my blog – please check it out everyone!!!
http://www.momsquire.blogspot.com
Right before reading your message I prayed about some things on my heart. And then your message spoke directly to them! Thank you for reminding me that keeping God’s Word in focus will help lead me in all areas of my life.
Thanks for this challenge-we are getting ready to move and your tips have been very practical and realistic! Although it takes time, it doesn’t seem to take a lot of money or brains to de-clutter & organize-why didn’t I do this sooner? Thank you for laying it all out there for us in an “easy-to-understand-AND-implement” way. Thank you for reminding us that God cares about the “little” things. AND thanks for the “extra” stuff today, I needed that!
I’m always wanting to convey more authority in my household. I never knew that just keeping it neat and orderly would do the trick. Thank you!
Good afternoon Miss Glynnis – thank you for ALL of the practical information and today, thank you for the prayer that reminds me that I must be a good steward of ALL God has entrusted to my care as a mother, daughter, wife, woman and friend. Allowing God to order my steps each day ensures that I will abide in His PERFECT will for all of my moments.
Blessings to you today and always – Andrea A, Peoria, AZ
I have never given much thought to the way that my organization (or lack thereof) can convey my authority in my home. Thank you for helping me see how I can nurture the confidence that my husband and children have in me just through managing our home. With that said, thank you also for reminding me that when I am not successful, that I have God’s grace.
Thank you for taking the time to help us women juggle the joys of life!
Clutter is one of them! I’ve been reading Ecclesiastes trying to figure out what season of life I’m in… I’m in the “time to throw away” There’s a time to gather and a time to throw away… or give away! For his birthday I just gave my nephew and old lap blanket that was my mom’s… They are in the gathering stage! Giving away old treasures can be a blessing.
I just have to keep reminding myself that I’m not collecting anymore.. it’s time to give away… almost 50 and planning a big move is helping me do that.
It hurts and is hard but I’m praying to accept the challenge.
Glynnis, thank you so much! You really touch our hearts with the practical and the Scriptures. I had to laugh, though, as I can soooo relate: we are *both* dressed up messes ; ) LOL
Thank you very much this wonderful reminder and for me an answer to my prayers. Long story short I have been praying about a job change. After reviewing my noytes from code orange revival and getting ready for my egroup I realized that my main overwhelming stress is where I work. Yes it provides for my family but at what cost. Thank you for helpping me grow. I’ve learned so much!
Grace is definitely a significant component in getting organized. Too often, as women, we tend to beat ourselves up for our failure to get everything organized. Doing so is demoralizing, wastes time and keeps us from getting up and organizing a small portion. It’s like the old adage, “How do you eat an elephant?” “One bite at a time.” Thanks for directing us to take one bite at a time and remembering that the mess didn’t happen overnight, so why do we think that we have to eliminate it in a day?
WOW…God pulled you off subject, but I needed to hear that! I’ve been reading the purpose driven life, and Luke 16:10 says ” unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large one”.
That message was for me! Thank you ♥
Awesome. I bet all of the comments are saying the same, “that message was for me”. It was! When I read that, I thought, boy I needed to hear those words. Then you added “I know I got off subject there, but I believe the Lord wanted me to share that. If that message was for you, I’d love to know.”
I am feeling weak today after spending a few (or 20) hours at the hospital for chest pain. It turned out to be nothing but a pulled muscle. But your words (God’s words) came at the right time as I am now trying to get back on track in the world of mommyhood.
Thanks Sister. I love you!
Theresa, I’m so glad your problem was so simple. I’m sure you were very relieved. And thank you for writing.
Thanks for sharing about being willing to be an authority in our homes, to give off an air of confidence rather than an attitude that “I really have no idea how to handle all of this responsibility!” This message is meeting me right where I am at today. I already sensed the LORD telling me that I need to grow in this area. Your message was a good confirmation and encouragement.
Your message was definitely. I am so grateful for God’s grace! I’m also thankful for you, Glynnis, who is a wonderful vessel for God to use. I love these emails, they are really helping.
sorry, it was definitely for me.
Glynnis, thank you for the message you shared today. It blessed me.
Your post was a blessing, thank you! As I mucked up in my weakness last night, getting the kids to bed at a decent time was not happening. I was overly flustered & it was well known. My eldest son kissed me & said, “I hope your night gets better, Mom”! (how could it not after that! & tonight, my 6yr old daughter followed suit, except she was laughing hysterically as she said it! Lol
Glynnis the “rabbit trail” you chased was for me! Thank you for following the leading of the Holy Spirit on that one. He has entrusted to me 2 kids, a wonderful husband and home. I have been lazy about taking care of all of those. I do only what “has” to be done and moan about the rest. I want to be a wife that my husband and kids can trust and believe in. Although I believe they do that now I think I could do it on a much deeper level. Thank you for calling me out on this and allowing Him to use you in a great way! Blessings to you!
It is helpful to me to choose one small thing at a time to organize. Even cleaning out a kitchen drawer or a corner of my closet can make me feel so much better & gives me the momentum to keep going. Doing one small organizing task a day can really add up after a week or two!
You are so often speaking my language.
Thank you for your heart and all that the Lord has done in you ahead . . . to give to us.
Blessings . . .
Thank you for the challenge to clutter free not just my home but some areas of my mind too. In my opinion…today’s post “keeping things in perspective” is the most precious advice you have given in the 15 day period.
Thank you Glynnis, I am just beginning this journey but with your great tips and focus on perspective I will succeed this time. May your day be blessed.
Well I sooooooo enjoyed this and NO I am not close to being clutter free YET! I have to say that God has a sense of humor with His timing. I am currently having new windows and my house sided, yes in the middle of de cluttering I have to create clutter like never before. Move complete rooms almost to get to the windows etc. Gotta laugh its the only way. I haven’t always been like that and really most often not like that but am learning to laugh more and more. So here is my quote of the week from my 23 y/o son. “Mom ,they are going to be putting in new windows and I just looked and we have something infront of almost every window in the house” “Really”? Can you just imagine where all of my “stuff” is now. LOL. well As I have been moving stuff I have actually gotten rid of things. so proud of that. Just a little bit but it is a start. I want to say that this could have been a tremendously overwhelming 3 weeks but the way that you handled it made it so do-able. You made it so that it was acceptable to not do it all. so that meant we wouldn’t fail. I think that you were very wisely lead by the Holy Spirit. I thank you for doing this “just like Jesus”. I am going to start again with day one in another week or so and continue with what I have in my memory until then.Thank You again and Jesus Bless.
Glynnis,
You had asked us to please comment if the scripture / mini sermon touched us, and YES, it is EXACTLY how I’ve been feeling about my “to do” piles. I need to get them done so I can move on to bigger and better things for God. They eat at me every single day and I need to toss the stuff I have the very best intentions of doing, but now realize I will NEVER get to …. : )
Thank you, Glynnis for this wonderful opportunity. Although I did not accomplish as much as I had hoped, I am further along than I was before the 15 day challenge. May God continue to bless and inspire you to continue to share with others. Have a blessed day!!
I know I am a little behind but this message was for me, especially conveying confidence and authority and being good stewards of our responsibilities. Thanks for the reminder. I need to pray and seek God regarding my priorities in my home. I have allowed other things distract me from some things.
God is good! My husband and I have been struggling to get along and it seems that it’s due to a messy/ cluttered home mainly due to my baby being born (she is six months old now).
I needed to read this tonight. I need to remember that God is still on my side even when I feel like everyone else is because I’m not reaching their expectations at the moment. Sleep schedules and depression over loosing my mom are huge right now. And it seems my husband doesn’t even want to go out on a date unless the house is spotless for the baby sitter :-/
Thank you for your words of encouragement and advice! After reading this I no longer want to give up just yet!
I can’t wait to read the rest (since I just started on this one being day 11)
God bless you and this blog! I think God was thinking of me when He had you do this
With tearful eyes I thank you!
Melissa, sleep deprivation and grief are a difficult combination. I wish I could be there to make a pot of tea for you and help you clean up.
I just wanted to comment quickly about how I can tell you are truly a woman of God. Scripture comes bubbling up with excitement for how good and gracious our Lord is. Strength is for service not status.Thank you for sharing your wisdom in service.