Happy Tuesday! Today I’m continuing my Spring Cleaning Festival with my special guest, Sarah Mae. Sarah Mae is an amazing woman with brilliant ideas. If you don’t know her yet, just keep your eyes open and you will. Her e-book, “31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way” has sold gangbusters! And it’s on that subject that I’ve invited to her to guest today. I hope you’ll visit her website and read all about her and her ministry.
Keep reading to the end of this post for some prizes and special promotion of her e-book. Now Here’s Sara Mae:
Sarah Mae is the author of several eBooks, including her newest eBooks, “Frumps to Pumps – Your one-month guide to getting dressed and staying that way,” and two soon-to-be-published books, “Desperate” (Thomas Nelson) and “Having a Martha House the Mary Way” (Tyndale). She is the owner of the community site Allume.com and the co-host of the national Christian women’s social media conference, Allume Social. Sarah Mae spends her days homemaking, home- educating, writing, reading and drinking smoothies (now that she’s given up coffee). Her family embraces life in the beautiful Amish countryside of Pennsylvania. You can find her writing almost daily at sarahmae.com. Find her being social on Twitter @sarahmae and on Facebook.com/ sarahmaewrites.
I believe the only way to get your home in order, is to get your heart in order first.
Do you know why you want to “spring clean?” Do you even want to spring clean? What’s your why?
Why do you care if your home is messy or clean? What kind of clean do you want – sparkly clean or picked-up clean?
I really believe that if you don’t have a why, you won’t be motivated to keep your home out of chaos unless you’re a natural cleaning type. By the way, if you are a natural cleaning type, this article is for you as well.
What’s your why?
Cleaning/organizing/keeping out of chaos all comes down to the heart. Are you a people-pleaser? Do you struggle with laziness? Are you tired? Do you have little ones and you just need to catch your breath? Are you too busy? Is your worth wrapped up in how well you maintain your home or don’t maintain it? These are important questions to ask yourself, because they all lead to the heart of the why.
If you are in a season with babies or little children, you’ve got to cut yourself some slack, knowing that chaos will most likely ensue at some level. If you have limitations, illness or you are caring for someone, cut yourself some slack. There is grace in the dust.
If you’re ready to get your home in order, figure out your why, and then get to work. When you care for your home, what you are really doing is loving people well. There’s the secret. When you care for the domain which God has given you, when you steward it well, you are choosing to love. You are loving yourself (admit it, you’re less stressed and enjoy life more when your home isn’t in chaos), you are loving your family (a peaceful home leaves hearts content), and you are loving others by having an available home open for those unexpected times of hospitality. You are able to be hospitable!
By the way, hospitable doesn’t mean you present a Martha Steward home; being hospitable is about being able to say, “put your feet up and stay awhile!” It’s coffee served with a warm smile, and a comfy couch that begs you to make yourself at home. It’s a clean floor so no one trips, and it’s a place to ease weary bones. That’s hospitality: it’s loving people well.
Your home is a place that you can choose to give life to and extend to others, or it can be a place of stress and chaos. It really is our choice (see exceptions above). You have the choice.
What’s your why? What do you choose?
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, and we will show our love – by His grace – through a “put-your-feet-up”, “clean” home.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24
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Oh, how I love this woman’s heart for her home. It inspires me to dig in a bit deeper, and address some areas I’ve been neglecting and bother me.
As a special treat for you, Sarah Mae is giving away three downloads of her e-book to commenters on this blog. To enter, please make sure you click here to get to my blog and leave a comment. THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED.
Even if you don’t win, Sarah Mae is making her ebook 50% off (making it only $2.50) with code: SPRING (good through April). To read more about her e-book, click here.
Remember, if you are reading this in an email, you’ll need to visit my blog to post a comment for either me or Sarah Mae.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
I usually have a semi-well kept house. Why do I clean..”Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. I believe a messy cluttered house is the sign of a messy and cluttered mind, & a way too busy life.
I’m not talking about sparkling spotless clean, just dusted, swept, decluttered & items put up.
“…way too busy life…” Exactly what the Lord has been laying on my heart in recent months. Thank you Beth
I feel that I am being led into a ministry that includes my home. Still not sure what it is, but Sara Mae’s ebook and other resources that I have been checking out lately are helping and encouraging me so much!
I keep a fairly clean and organized house, but it’s de littering closets that I need to
Focus on…allergies to dust is one main reason I walk in and right back out shutting the door…..I need to get motivated
I was truly inspired by glynnis’ book. Think this e-book would keep the encouragement flowing. With an 18 month old and my home currently on the
Market (did I mention working full time?!) I’ve got a full plate but I’ve quickly learned taking a few minutes to pick up each day makes such a difference!!
This spoke directly to me:
When you care for your home, what you are really doing is loving people well. There’s the secret.
Off to finish the laundry now.
I so agree. As an ultimate “Mary” personality, ONLY putting a relational spin on cleaning and organizing will create a “want to” big enough to tackle my mess!! Nice paridygm shift!
So thankful there is “grace in the dust” I need plenty of grace cause there’s plenty of dust.
Great thoughts!
Love this, Sarah Mae! This is just what’s been on my heart lately too, and sorting through the mess, and separating my value from the state of the union here has helped immeasurably, for my own heart and for productivity’s sake. Thanks for your wise words!
I had enough. I didn’t use to be this messy. After tax season is over, overhaul is needed. I normally can find things and know where is everything, but I have lost the battle. I believe in a live-in house, not excessively clean. I use to host bible study and friends keep asking me to come over. It has been on my heart as well, but the inside and outside need work, so twice a week something has to be done at least for at least an hour. Some projects will require more time, but it must be done.
Thank you.
Wonderful post! A few quotes will be going on my inspiration/motivation board that’s inside my laundry room closet door.
This is so helpful for me. Getting to the heart of the issue is where I struggle. I don’t always know how to differentiate between people pleasing and loving people in my heart. I want to say it is because of my love for others and the Lord, but many times I look inward and see selfish motivations. I am 7 months pregnant currently and unable to do many of the chores I would like, which is making this inward struggle even more clear. I’ve recently learned that I need to look to Christ in my weakness and do all things as unto Him…even if it is letting my house be less than I would like for a season to ensure a healthy pregnancy. Thank you for this article. I hope to read your book soon!
Very well said. I am feeling inspired!
Thank you for this. After over a week of four very sick kids under the age of five (with the end of prednisone-induced tears and grumps more than a week away yet), our house and all of its occupants are greatly in need of grace!
I am a stay-at-home-mom with 6 kids, the house will never be perfect. But thank you for inspiring me to make a bigger effort in the cleaning. “Good enough” usually isn’t, is a phrase I heard a lot growing up. The kids are all 5 and older now, its time for a new season in life. Thank you for the nudge!
Thanks for the great message. I never thought cleaning in this way before. I need to look at why I want to clean so that I can stay motivated to keep my house clean and also to grant myself some grace when things aren’t perfect (which is always).
I am the type that keeps the house just clean enough. I need to declutter my mind then my house.
Wow…. do I need to be more like Mary, not Martha! I can picture myself with Jesus telling me that I am worried about the wrong things. I need to find the balance in all things in my life. I’ve always struggled with the balance…always…Thanks in advance for great advice. God bless you.
I love the idea behind this. I had not thought about cleaning like this before. I lean towards it being a huge chore and burden thus my children viewing it the same way. My family and I are working on mending our relationships with God right now and this spoke right to me. Thank you!
Intrigued. Would love to read the ebooks.
Thank you for this…I have become so hard on myself with not keeping up on house cleaning. I love that there’s “grace in the dust”…
Yes, I need Constant reminding that I Will feel Less stress or anxiety If my house is clutter-free. I’m not an anxious person usually, but I Know it affects me in some kind of way. One a more serious note, isn’t it Satan’s wishes to make us anxious, unhappy, discontent? Let’s fight that Loser by getting rid of the obstacles that keep us in that state, whether consciously or not! Yea!
I am looking forward to reading 31 days to clean! I have been reading frumps to pumps and it has helped me a ton already. Thank you for helping me find my inspiration to do a better job keeping my home.
Oh, how I needed this today! I am constantly balancing these two perspectives: my children are only here for a short time, do not spend so much time cleaning the home & the other is how cluttered my heart feels when my home is not in order and I am using cleaning as a training opportunity for my daughters. I love the Col. verse that probed my heart to remember why I want to serve, for Christ alone. He does not demand perfection, but I will not sacrifice to Him who sacrificed it all for me, that which costs me nothing! When my motivation is for Him out of gratitude of this home He’s entrusted me with, I find that home care is delightful rather than dutiful!
I generally keep things picked up, but I have bouts where I let the clutter go out of frustration. I feel so disrespected and hurt when my kids and husband don’t pick up after themselves–glops of toothpaste on the sink, shoes in the walkway by the front door, toys left here and there, juice pouches under the bed, and stinky socks stuffed under the couch. Before long, I feel my blood pressure rising, and I’m in full-scale temper tantrum, determined that I’m done being the maid and they can clean their own filth.
Then, I remember…Jesus washed their feet..all of them…even Judas.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34
I want to love them as He loved me, even if that means digging stinky socks out from under the couch.
Oh my goodness Patty, I could have written this, right down to the socks in the couch! Blessings to you!
This is something I really need to think about. I detest a dirty house but I resent the fact that I need to clean it. I have 4 children and often feel like a slave. I know that my attitude stinks most days and I wish it didn’t.
This is very inspiring and helpful to me as I become overwhelmed so easily. Great series!
Thank you this was just what I needed to hear today. I am 48 years old with three children in their twenties. My husband and I have also started fostering. We have adopted a very active three yr old boy and will soon adopt our little 18 month old girl. My mind and body say I am in one season and my life proves to be in another season. Those two need to meet somewhere in the middle. Haha Our home needs to be ready at all times to greet people or new babies. You know you are doing what the Lord has asked of you when these little children ( and even the social workers) feel peace in your home.
I have always said that my house represents me and how I feel. When people come to my house I want them to see and feel the God in me! I want to be a true representative of the God I serve.
Thank you for this encouragement. I’m definitely feeling convicted. My hubby loves an orderly home, but I struggle with keeping up with it all. I need to clean and organize out of love for my family. Thank you.
Great Post! Love this:
“Your home is a place that you can choose to give life to and extend to others, or it can be a place of stress and chaos.”
May God be glorified in our homes
I had never thought about getting my heart in order to get my home in order. Makes perfect sense! Thanks for pointing it out, and thanks for this post!
Wow, this is it! This is where I can start. I want to be cleaned and organized, I know I will feel better, I want to make my home welcoming, and a haven for my family, just never thought about the “whys”. Thanks so much!
It’s so practical, the idea that keeping a clean home is about stewardship! Thank you for the reminder, and also the reminder of God’s grace during specific seasons.
I love the idea of finding out WHY i need/want a clean home. I’ve never really thought about it, but I do stress over it! I’m looking forward to continuing your blog and becoming more of godly cleaner, rather than a cranky one : ). My husband and kids will thank you!
I so need to find this balance. I recently went part time at my job in order to spend more time with my kids AND keep my house in order. I haven’t made it to the “house in order” part yet. lol I do a little each day but seems like by the next day, what was done the day before is already undone. Thank you for the encouragement!
Love the thoughts in this! Love where she said…..”It’s a clean floor so no one trips, and it’s a place to ease weary bones. That’s hospitality: it’s loving people well.” That is what I want, a place where everyone…..including myself……can ease their weary bones.
Can’t wait to read!
Thanks so much for these few cleaning articles. I have been struggling with cleaning
ever since I had surgery 8 weeks ago from kidney cancer. I feel strong enough but
my heart just hasn’t been willing. Just looking at cleaning in a different light
may just get me up and moving. Thanks again.
I am caring for elderly parents and still have teens at home and need my home to be safe for my parents to move around in. This book sounds like something I need to read. Thank you for your insight Glynnis.
With Holy Thursday and the Lord’s service to his apostles through the washing of their feet still fresh on my mind, I love the connection of serving my family by leading the way in providing a clean, welcoming home. Whatever you do for others, you do for Me – and my youngest daughter caught all that so she is reminding me!
This is wonderful! I do not have a little one at home anymore, my son is 24 and in graduate school. However, I have a cousin with special needs that I take care of. He is 48 and has polio, cerebral palsy, and moderate mental retardation. I will be 57 on April 26, I am exhausted and need to de-clutter and re-organize my home.
I am actively involved as an associate minister at my church with responsibility for Children’s ministry and am pursuing employment after being laid off from working in the nonprofit world for years.
I am looking forward to reading your book and getting some encouragement towards getting my home together.
Thanks for your ministry.
Loving people well, that’s the goal. I love it.
I really love this article. Never had thought about the Mary and Martha concept applied to house cleaning before. I do tend to be a people pleaser and I stuggle a lot with decluttering. Tend to get overwhelmed and discouraged and then give up. Doing better, but looking forward to reading this book. It is going to be a long process to get things completely organized and clutter free. I’m a pack rat from a long generation of pack rats. Not only do I have my own clutter, but a lot of my parents clutter which was left to me. Hard to know what to keep and what to save. Like the idea of taking pictures of some of the things and then giving them away. Like the idea of a cleaning task and an encouragement. That verse in Colossians is one of my favorites.
Loved the new perspective on cleaning! I have 4 kids and I take care of 6 others so my house is a little loud and a little crazy at times! Would love to read the book! Looking forward to getting it!
Oh, how that spoke to me. I grew up with a Martha mom – even married a Martha husband, so things were always wonderfully clean. Now, alas, I am on my own & really struggling to get out of the chaos that is just mine! Some very good thoughts to mull over & I’m going to check in to her blog for the series.
I love to come home to a clean home…I don’t always, but it does relax me when I come home from a active day & find the put your feet up place my husband & I l ove. It is an oasis when it’s clean.
The “public” areas of my house are somewhat clutter free, but I need inspiration for the rest of the house. I would love to read more in Sarah’s book!
Declutter – accumulation of paper etc. is my biggest challenge.
Sounds like a great book! Would love to have a copy to start the spring cleaning!
Thank you for these wise words. We just moved and simultaneously found out we are expecting our first child. With first trimester symptoms, our boxes are still unpacked and our house is not up to my expectations, but I need to remember there is grace.
This was the perfect post for me today and this really spoke to my heart: “When you care for your home, what you are really doing is loving people well. There’s the secret.”
Spring cleaning used to be a ritual for my mother every year! Of course, I got that gene and I have always done spring cleaning. My husband could never understand why I would wash down everything and vaccuum everything (even walls) and wash curtains and blinds! I have not done this in about 3 years because I just have not been able to due to knee problems. I feel so overwhelmed by what I need to do. I look at this BIG picture not small picture. I feel so cluttered and disorganized if my home is not clean and orderly. Looking at this post and then looking at 31 days to clean calendar – this is doable. I travel a lot with work and need something easy to get me back to a clean, organzied home. Thanks so much for the ideas. Getting started today when I get home from work!
Love your blog! Sounds like an interesting e book. I strive for balance and desire for organization and cleanliness! Thanks for what you do!
I’d love a copy of this book. Cleaning always feels so overwhelming to me and my house isn’t all that big. I work full time and when I get home, I look around & think “where do I start? What’s first?” I keep thinking I want a schedule of some sort but it just seems so overwhelming (with the rest of our schedule) that I turn around & walk away so hence…my house is too cluttered and feels really dirty (although it does get clean, just not as well as I’d like)… Here’s hoping I win. Maybe it’ll help motivate me. Thanks for the opportunity!
Interested in the book. Thanks for the chance to get it in the give-away. Crossing my fingers…
I just came inside from spraying off all the pollen on our back & front porch and deck, along with all the furniture. It’s been driving me crazy that I haven’t been able to enjoy the beautiful weather on my back porch!! I develop this sense of anxiety about keeping my house (inside and out) clean and equate a clean house to my self worth. I have two children under 6. There is always something to cleN, pick up or wash. I feel conflicted over spending time with my children and the oressures of keeping my house clean, not to mention that my husband has his expectations as well. I have NEVER looked at cleaning this way before! It makes total sense in looking at why I clean my house. I need to take the time to consider this. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
I love knowing the difference between “entertaining” and “showing hospitality”….it’s all about what’s really in your heart! I’m having trouble entering the code “SPRING” when trying to order for the Nook. Please advise. Thank you!
Clean and organized generally equals order and peace. It’s difficult to show hospitality and enjoy your family when every surface is covered with something out of place
Sarah Mae is great!! Her eBook has touched many lives!
Thanks for this blog post. I needed the reminder that everything we do we should do as unto the Lord. I should probably keep repeating that as I clean up after my teenager. As a single working mom, I tend to get resentful of being the only one doing any work around the house. Thanks again!
So well written and inspiring! Maintaining a home takes balance and sometimes some supernatural strength! My struggle is wanting to be present with my kids and not becoming consumed by a tidy home. I’m a work in progress and so thankful for grace. Certainly desiring to be hospitable!
Oh, this would be awesome for my mom! It would be great to be a winner, but I know whomever the Lord has picked out will be the deserving ones. Thank you for providing this opportunity.
Loved this post. I’m in that “little kids and chaos” stage and it’s so hard to find the balance between keeping my home clean so that they can thrive, and being present to thrive with them. Would love to check out the book
Hi completely agree with earlier post…speaks to me…when caring for your home you are loving people well. Convicted! Off to tidying and cleaning!!
WOW!!! hit me between the eyes as I have begun cleaning out closets, packing up unused things, and encouraging my daughter to do the same with playroom toys, because the clutter keeps me from enjoying my home and family. I am especially encouraged to take some time and let God speak to the ‘why’ in my heart and clean out some ‘clutter’ that has been sitting too long unattended.
I like the comment about a clean heart….clean house.
As with all things, its the clutter in our heart and head that brings the torment of the physical struggles – trying to keep the house in some kind of order, trying to find time for everything and everyone else. Thanks for the reminder that our service is truly to the Lord and whatever we do for others in His name we are doing for Him.
thanks for sharing this. I never thought about the why and gives me something to think about as I start to fit “cleaning” into my crazy nuts schedule for a party this weekend.
Blessings!
I need to get motivated for some major spring cleaning and I need to have Christ as my motivator, but I also need to learn to cut myself some slack since I have 3 young children!!!
I love the grace represented in your thinking and doing, Sarah! It’s a refreshing approach to a daily and very necessary part of life.
I like ‘clean’ as does my husband. God blessed us with 6 children and I get the feeling they don’t share our love of clean. I admit I lose my cool sometimes at their endless messes…I can lovingly serve and clean up after them for a time and then I begin to resent their freedom to be lazy and expect someone else (ME) to clean up after them. Our house isn;t huge, but it’s adequate…but it seems we can’t find our happy place in cleanliness. I want more and expect more, but then I will feel guilty for wanting it clean. I believe we need order and organization to function in our large family, but getting them all on board and not making picking up after yourself a ‘chore’ but just aprt of life is a tough lesson. Struggling to get it all in perspective. Would love to read her books…always ready to glean and learn!
Amen and amen. My why? To please my Lord by having a home that blesses my family and can be opened to bless others. My challenges? I’m tired, lazy, busy, selfish. I can get my home somewhat clean and organized for a gathering (usually takes a good week) but how to keep it that way for more than a few days seems to elude me. Will keep praying for wisdom and guidance from our Lord.
Oops! Forgot to add my name and email.
What a great title for a book! I love the idea of finding the “why” for a clean house. The concept of a clean house being about loving people may just help me get to my “why.” Thanks!
I need this SO badly – trying to deal with both my house and my recently deceased mother’s house. Have learned that she (and I think I am too) was an organized horder! Thanks for the advise!
I work full-time outside of the home, and have two school-aged children. I have always enjoyed cleaning my home and making it a haven for my family, but my attitude changed towards it a few years ago. I used to resent my family for what I perceived as creating clutter and not being responsible to clean up after themselves. My heart changed and I now LOVE cleaning because its a way I can show love to them, by making our home a place they can relax and regroup for life outside of the home. Amazingly, once my attitude changed towards cleaning, they started helping me so much more. My daughter loves to help me clean, and my son does his daily chores without having to be asked. Even my hubby wants to be around me and if that means helping me fold laundry or load the dishwasher, he does it. I love to see affirmation on the why of cleaning!
Thank you so much for this! My house always looks like a tornado hit it, but I tend to struggle with motivation and procrastination. I have three kids, ages 6, 4, and 2 weeks, so I’ve accepted that it’s tougher right now, but maybe I’ve been too lenient, especially with the toys scattered around the house. I never thought of keeping a clean house as a way of loving people. It’s given me a new perspective on things.
Love this post! We just moved into a new house 3 weeks ago that we spend 2 years building ourselves. It feels like there are not enough hours in the day or days in the week to get all our stuff finally unpacked and settled in. Asking myself “why” has given me renewed motivation and a better outlook. Thanks!
Boy, did this ever speak to my heart and step on my toes at the same time!! I’ve never really thought of the DEEP DOWN “WHY”, only the obvious surface of why: because it’s a mess and needs to be picked up and cleaned. Thank you for putting that little reminder (actually it is HUGE!:) in my heart! I AM a people pleaser, I AM lazy (at times), I AM tired, I AM to busy……and I AM ready to face my WHY and get to work!! I love the Mary and Martha story, and I have always wanted to be both. Now I know that i really can! Thank you for this post! I cannot wait to ready the book!!
I have also found that when my home is spotless, guests are less at ease than when it is clean but real. So, I strive to keep my home a little less than magazine-ready and more real and inviting. Clean but casual.
wow thank you for this post i so needed that. i wouldn’t say always have it together even spiritually . I am determined and try to constantly be strong on the outside but screaming in the inside. I do easliy get distracted. mom of 3 young kids and homeschooling hubby is working overtime no matter so carrying extra weight and give give give with no breaks or help. Even when hubby is working i still pretty much do everything no help. I want to do spring cleaning and organize esp as i know my hubby gets upset when we can’t find things mind you he is not organized but find it hard when the kids are there all the time and there and getting into things when i do and even when i have done something fustrates hubby
Thanks. Please register me for the book give-away.
I love my clean and straightened home ……..and then I wake up from my dream and hit the floor running!!!!! I just keep striving for a home that is a haven form my kids and husband. That is why I clean, and straighten.!!!! I love having others over……and know that it will be a blessing to them if the surroundings are tidy and clean. ( not perfect shiney polished perfection…….just not messy and dirty!)
I would love a copy of her book!
Thank-you Sarah Mae! Inspiring post!
Wow! I never thought about my ‘why’. it’s just what you do, right?!? you’ve definately given me some food for thought and prayer. thanks!
A very well written and inspiring article. I have a nice warm feeling after reading it and I am looking forward to this year’s spring cleaning!
I LOVE the line, “Your home is a place that you can choose to give life to and extend to others, or it can be a place of stress and chaos. It really is our choice”. I choose to make my home peaceful so I try my best to keep the clutter down and things relatively ‘livably’ clean. My priority is ‘if it’s dirty, clean it; if it’s not dirty, leave it alone.’ There is so much good work involved in raising a family, that sometimes the dust can settle or the windows might get a little smudged from day-to-day. Thanks for your great point about balance and giving our homes to others. I need to get back to getting it cleaned up!
Great article and reminder of the reason that we need to keep our houses clean. When we remember the reason, it actually makes s job that is somewhat daunting, not as bad! Thank you so much!
I have an 8-week old at home, and I’m really not good at cutting myself slack. I feel a strong need to be Superwoman at work and at home. Thanks for this post…I may need to read it over and over again to remind myself to keep things in perspective.
God was telling me to clean my heart for a while but I was “toooo busy” to listen to Him and didn´t get involved in cleaning with the right enthusiasm. Your De-cluttering series and other posts, Glynnis, really helped me as I can see I am not the only one struggling. It gave me the right kick to start. I am in the process of de-cluttering my “Inner-me” and expanding to things “outside and around-me”. There is lot of things to be removed, given away, reorginised etc….I am the “collection” type and keeping lot of things “just in case” or because of the memories…especially books and different important documents are starting to overcome me
Although slow, I can see there is a change and spiritual growth, thanks God and His patience. The idea that the point of having clean and orginised heart/home is because to be loving people around me is just putting everything in the right place 
Amen.
I never thought about cleaning and serving the Lord go together. I am not sure why I want to keep everything clean and tidy except that I was taught to always be sure you make your bed every day and the dishes are done and put away before bed. It spills over in all areas but the hours in the day are never enough and before you know it clutter is all around you! Maybe if I sing Jesus Loves Me while I vacumn it will at least be fun!!
Would love a copy of this book! Being in charge of the house has been a constant battle for me – and at times overwhelming!
Definitely will recommend this book to anybody around me who needs a little motivational kick!
I am really enjoying this spring cleaning journey you are taking us on. Spring cleaning is so much more than just a clean house. I never thought about getting my heart in order first.
I desire to be the hospitable woman that has a house that says “put your feet up and stay awhile!” Right now, my house doesn’t feel that way.
Thanks so much for your encouragment as I take on this process.
I have been “following” Sarah Mae for just a few weeks and have already been very blessed by her writing! We have 5 boys and live with my in-laws (b/c of poor financial choices on our part…we’re working on that though!) so sometimes I feel sorry for myself and only clean out of obligation…that means it’s not too clean!
I’m working hard on being content in whatsoever state I am in!
I almost purchased her book, but as I said, we’re working on not spending money so winning it would be AWESOME!!
I’ve been working on decluttering my house which I know will help me declutter my mind in the long run. I think a copy of the book would help me continue on this path!
I have never thought about the ‘why’ of cleaning. All I know is that we have lived in the same house for almost 38 years with lots of closet and cupboard space and as the years have gone by, the things put away in boxes is filling everything up. It is high time to sort and get rid of things that we don’t need anymore…..before our children move us into a care home and have to take a few months off to go through our ‘stuff”. It seems like such an overwhelming task….first finding the time to do it in the midst of our busy life and secondly, because I have a husband that likes to save everything we’ve ever had and doesn’t see why I feel a need to start going through things that have been dormant for so long. I do want his input in deciding what to keep and what to get rid of but in a loving, non-judgemental, way that can be ‘freeing’ instead of a ‘horrible’ experience. I must admit, for me making decisions is hard, too, but I know I have to do it….whereas he would rather not do anything than have to make decisions. I really need to think about the ‘why’ and I think for me it is the overwhelming task, I know is before me, and it is constantly on my mind and stressing me out without even getting started. HELP!!!
Sounds intriguing! Would love to read the book!
Okay so now I realize why I felt so peaceful sitting in some actual quiet and “neatness” yesterday. Just a day later than Easter, Had Easter dinner in my way too crowded and usually cluttered home. I did great getting it ready. so the challenge to keep it that way is there as usual. Feel inspired to really continue to declutter. Next week is school vacation so maybe just maybe I’ll get some more decluttering done amongst some very important rest and having fun.
thanks ladies you are inspiring.
I’ve got my why, there’s so much “stuff” that it stresses me out! Now, if I can just get my motivation! Thanks!
Thanks for the insight. Register me for the book give-away.
Diane
Spring Cleaning makes me feel like I am given a new start yet once again to get things right!!! Life does get hectic and plans to clean do get ‘swept under the rug’ when you have to play taxi unexpectedly on the days you set aside to clean. I love the way it makes me feel, I love the way it makes my boys feel and I love knowing where things are when they are needed. It is also healthier to have a clean home and God has instructed us foremost in cleanliness – so I’m all for it, now to find that list . . . . LOL
Thank-you for this different perspective on cleaning. I have read lots about cleaning but not many ever mention this significant aspect of the topic. You have hit the nail on the head. So many things in our lives are like this. Why are you doing this? Ie exercise, eating healthy, housekeeping, opening your home…
Great perspective. Thanks! I definitely need a motivator–my family should be it, but I also like the idea of being ready to be hospitable. I would love to win your book.
Thank you for your grace & encouragement! What a blessing you are. Thank you for the reminder that cleaning like anything else is a heart issue. I am expecting pir sixth child and feeling a little crazy. Reading your words gives me Godly perspective. Again, I so appreciate your practicality & wisdom. May God bless you & your ministry.
Grateful for the reminder of ‘Grace in the dust’.
With 2 young kids & working full time, I seem to muster enough strength to get dishes washed before collapsing. This article has been an inspiration to try a little harder, and to also not be so hard on myself for what I haven’t gotten around to clean yet. Thank you for the encouragement! Julie
I Spring Clean because I have a rebellious streak in my heart. My husband is 20 years Navy retired and everything has a place…he’s the picker upper, I’m the cleaner.
But there is my work desk…my haven he doesn’t touch and as spoiled as I am… I leave it messy just because I can. (the rebellious streak)
And then… my natural need to be clean and orderly kicks in and I want to do it all…ceiling to floor, sparkle and shine. I subscribed to flylady a few years ago and it really works for me. I’ve learned to put music on and relax but unclutter areas at the same time for small periods of time and once a week I pick a room and do the top to bottom scrub. Thanks for this series. I’m learning lots!
I like how Sarah notes that having a clean home allows us to serve God by providing opportunities for unexpected hospitality. My home is normally clean, but not always tidy (I’m a pile-maker). So taking care of the piles to create more “white space” and less chaos will give great opportunities for hospitality as God desires it. Thanks!
Just want to say thank you for your inspirational outlook on organizing. It really has helped me put things in perspective as I go through our small home and purge!
Love the sentence, “There is grace in the dust.” I work full time, am a mom of a teenage son, caregiver to an Alzheimer’s suffering father, and married to a recovering alcoholic. You have finally said something that makes my heart and mind feel better about my messy and hectic home. I’ll look at dust a different way now. That dust means I’m spending quality time with my son, that dust means I’m making sure my dad doesn’t wander out the door, or trip and fall, that dust means I have time to strengthen my marriage. (Now if I can just find Grace in the stuff and clutter around the house.)
I love Sarah Mae’s idea of cleaning and also the questions…I love a clean, organized home because it helps me to destress and feel like I have a safe haven to come home to and leave the stresses of life off at the back door.
Thank you so much for this message on spring cleaning. I have a problem with busyness and just plain tired. It makes so much sense to know my why first. Thank you for waking me up
Great question….the “why”???? I love how, quite easily, you put great perspective in one small word….”why”. Of course I would love to have a more organized and neat home for my husband and family and friends to enjoy….but always it seems like I allow something or someone (even myself) to take precedence over this. Beginning today, I ask that God will keep the “why” in the forefront of my mind! Thanks for your wonderful insight:)
Great post–I’ve definitely let my house get away from me lately; and it does affect how hospitable I am! Would love to read that ebook!
I would love to read on about Martha and Mary! I also need to delve in deep to my why, since cleaning is not one of the things that make me Merry.
This idea of “loving others well” just sings to me! I’m as anxious to read her book as I was to get Dana’s yesterday. Thank you for sharing these women with us!
Why? This is a good question to ponder.
I have been through the several-young-children-let’s-just-survive stage, and also the now-we’re-homeschooling-takes-all-our-time/energy stage. I’m just about to enter the sometimes-empty-nest stage. Our house shows that it’s been through these years!
Seems like it’s time to ratchet up my level of loving my husband through home keeping. Also time to be nice to my self; I would love to live in a clean(er) home. Love to be able to show more hospitality without the last-minute cleaning frenzy! Want to provide a haven for our young-adult kids when they are home from time to time.
Part of it is clutter, which I have been addressing systematically for a year already. And part of it is actual cleaning, like dusting and vacuuming. I know there’s grace in the dust, but now it’s time for me to show grace without dust!
I NEED THIS BOOK! LOL! This is something I’ve struggled with for many years. I even did Glynnis’s Spring Cleaning Course a few months back and got my house pretty straight, only to have it cluttered again. I try.. I really do, but things get in the way and my best of intentions are out the window. I truly need help!
Your message was very inspiring as it focuses on loving others as the reason why. So good.
I’m in a season of doing some massive decluttering and it has been encouraging to be able to find things that are needed instead of knowing they are buried somewhere and needing to buy another one! Yikes!
Thanks for sharing…
This was so good for me right now! Thanks a bunch
Sarah…I really needed to hear this. We just recently moved, so spring cleaning is by default right now as the last of what we have to unpack settles…but I needed to hear this to remind me of the why I am a SAHM and why I have been placed in this environment of stewardship…not just for my family, but others that we invite into our home.
This was so good for me! Thanks a bunch!
Very helpful. I am in the midst of cleaning and rearranging our home for my Mother-In-Law to come live with us. This is requiring us moving upstairs and rearranging 3 other bedrooms and bonus room. A great time to clean and throw things I don’t really need but have kept – because SOMEDAY!
Thanks for the inspiration to continue moving forward.
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the great article.
Pick me! Pick me! Pick me! I have two young children, and I need all the help and motivation I can get! We just moved into a new house, and chaos seems to be the rule instead of the exception. Help!
I would love to read this book. I have young children so sometimes it is a struggle to keep things picked up and clead. Thanks!
I really struggle with a toddler and a full time job….and a husband who does helps some, but also leaves a mess everywhere he goes.
I suffer with OCD but my house is a mess. I have a maid and still clutter….screaming on the inside!
This spoke loudly to me. About the time our youngest son left home, I pretty muched stopped cleaning on a regular basis. My sons would even say things to me about cleaning the house. When reading the excert from the book, I realized my “why” had left home, we were empty nesters and I just didn’t know what to do. Can’t wait to get the book and start reading.
Thank you for remembering the grace part- I have spent about four years seriously sick- a major surgery every year.
I hate the way my house looks! It’s sheer chaos, and my kids have grown to expect that that’s the way a house should be.
I want it to be clean and comfortable, welcoming and warm. But I have been sick for so long that it is overwhelming to even think of having a clean house.
But I want it…
I keep things picked up because clutter affects my spirit. This is something I have learned about myself. Even though on most days it feels like I’m the only one in my home who cares about it, I still have to de-clutter, clean and organize my home. Unfortunately, as a working mom of a 7 & 13 year old, my energy doesn’t make it as far as my intentions and de-cluttering often wins out over deep cleaning. Working on this. Thank you, Glynnis for your wonderful blog, for great ideas, and for grace to celebrate even small victories!
I love the part about determining “your why”. Too often I’m comparing myself, and my home, to others and forgetting the real reasons for why; to create a peaceful, loving space for my family! Thank you!
Why? Because I want my home to be open to others without advance notice. And I want to eliminate stress in my family. Thanks for the encouragement.
Great post! I need to show love better in this area of my life. But thanks for the reminder too to cut myself some slack with 3 kids under 4. It’s about showing love, not having a spotless home.
I would love to win a copy of Sarah’s ebook and get my home and heart in order! She is inspiring and has been such a blessing. I love reading BOTH of your blogs! thanks for this offer.
Loved this post and the “why” of spring cleaning. That distinction helped my attitude a lots. Thanks for sharing.
Because of my perfectionistic, task-oriented personality, I have always had a sparkling house, that is, until I started homeschooling. It is still clean overall, but the dust is forming on the baseboards before I can get to it, which is now only once per year when I spring clean. My spring cleaning often happens in June after we finish our school year. Letting these things go has been a real challenge for me, but I can see how the Lord has grown me in this area. I am interested in reading her book. My heart motivation and attitude toward cleaning my home could use some biblical guidance and encouragement.
So encouraging! I needed to read this today.
I N
The key for me is to clean my home for my family and for guests and to not be unloving when I’m doing it! My husband says, dust and dog hair really don’t hurt you! It’s good to be married to a gracious man.
this is cool. going thru a season where the hubby isn’t working, and I have a 6 almost 7 year old boy at home. I (we) got started making a family relatively late and most women my age are grandmas (gulp!) and wistfully looking at retirement. I’m working a day gig and have a business that takes up my weekends in terms of production and sales…so I pick up stuff (around the house, not extra jobs if I can help from it!) when I can, and rely on hubby to help out to help around the house until he finds full-time work. I never was the type who was really on the keep it clean and spotless train, but I always loved hospitality. So busy now I am pressed to find me time.
i am just worn out by doing the same thing over and over again. i can’t seem to find a system that i can stick with. i love it when my home is clean, but that lasts for a day if i am lucky. having small children really does takes its toll, but is there some way to actually not be overwhelmed and exhausted by things that really need to be done?
been wanting this book for quite some time..would love to win!
Thank you, Glynnis & Sarah Mae! I need all the help I can get.
I have been doing pretty good at keeping the house “presentable” but maybe not spotless. I’m glad to hear being hospitable is having a “come on in and put your feet up house”. I think I have that, but I still always worried it wasn’t clean enough. Maybe I can relax a little now.
What an encouraging post today! Thank you Glynnis & Sarah Mae for your ministries!
Thank you for this article. I am thankful for the reminder that keeping a clean home is a way I can show love to others, as well as for the one about Grace in the dust! With four at home, and two under 2, I get frazzled with the debris..I would love to read this book!
wow, those questions cut pretty deep (“Do you know why you want to spring clean?”). I’m a homeschooling mom with 3 children under age 8 and I remember when I went from a slob to a neatnik! I was 12 when my parents divorced. I had always been a packrat, sloppy kid, but after we moved out… well, my room was the only thing I had “control” over. With all the life-changing craziness dealing with divorce issues, I could have order and peace and calm in my little room. Now, at almost 40 years old, I still struggle with the cleanliness control issue. I honestly can’t seem to relax unless things are in order (not necessarily scrubbed, but that helps :p). It’s amazing how God has brought that insight to me only a few years ago. And now it’s also to “keep up reputation” with friends b/c I’ve been known as a neatnik for years and you’ve gotta keep up appearances!
I absolutely appreciated what you had to say in this article. I am 30 years old and have only been married for 9 months now. We both waited a while compared to our peers to get married but I’m so glad we did. Either way, with both of us having lived our lives for quite some time alone and with established careers, home and social lives, we have found it hard to blend everything. I know, I know, my sister tells me all the time that this is normal no matter what age you get married (She has been married almost ten years now), but I still insist that its somewhat harder when you both get set in your ways. Along with being newlyweds, we became youth pastors the week after we got married and are also in the middle of remodeling our home that my husband purchased a year prior to our marriage.
We currently have our living room and kitchen torn out to remodel. We have moved all our belongings into our three bedrooms and well it’s a little crowded, with my kitchen in two different bedrooms. I have been fighting feeling overwhelmed and somewhat anxious about the organization of our home. I know the Bible tells us to be anxious for nothing but I have had trouble shaking the feeling.
I grew up in a very chaotic home and just felt like organization and cleanliness might have been my way of controlling my world, but I loved what you said about getting to the heart of the matter. It helped me so much to really realize that this can be an expression of my love towards my husband, providing a clean home where things can be easily located. It also helps me to love on him through providing peace, and let’s just face it, newlyweds need some aces in the hole to help with this some times. We also love to entertain and it has been difficult to do so with remodeling going, but I do look forward to our new home and being able to provide love to others through hospitality. It was a great confirmation to hear once again that I am not required to present a Martha Stewart home in order to provide a place where people can come relax and enjoy themselves.
It also is liberating to understand that some slack needs to be given for extremely busy schedules and life with little ones to care for. We do not have any children of our own at this time, but we have plenty of other ones to care for through our various ministries and relationships.
I feel like I am ahead of the curve in reading this article and will hold to “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, and we will show our love – by His grace – through a ‘put-your-feet-up’, ‘clean’ home.
‘Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.’ Colossians 3:23-24”.
Can’t wait to dig deeper into this book!!!
This is a talk I really needed to hear. I never thought about the why. This really gives me some food for thoughts.
Nice post! I am definitely a “Martha” type and need to take your advice and look at my heart and my why. Thank you.
I am very interested in reading the ebook.
I’m a Martha striving to be a Mary and not succeeding at either very well. Sounds spiritual enough on the surface, but the truth is, I am tired and have some physical (increasing arthritic back pain), as well as mental impairments (OCD & perfectionism) that keep me from being able to find the balance.
My inner Martha looks around and sighs, “It’s too much. I don’t know where to start. I can’t get it all done well at the same time, and if I can’t do that, it’s not worth it at all. I’d rather the laundry stay in the dryer than be folded incorrectly or put away improperly.”
My inner Mary replies, “So stop looking around and come sit at the feet of Jesus. Read the Bible. Read encouraging words from sweet sisters. Organize your email inbox to calm down the chaos in your heart, because it’s the one thing you have control over.”
Only I don’t. They’re like dishes & dirty clothes, they just keep on coming & I just keep on signing up for more in an attempt to hide from my inner Martha.
What my inner Martha is really saying is, “If it’s not perfect, it’s not worth the effort, and I can’t do perfect anymore, so don’t do anything”. And nothing gets done.
What my inner Mary is really saying is, “Focus on the computer screen or the book in front of your face so that you don’t have to face the chaotic clutter all around you & deal with that nagging, frustrating inner Martha.”
I know the problems. I even know the solutions. I just don’t know how to get there. I know I can’t be the only one.
Thanks for the opportunity to unload something! LOL!
~ Jackie
Spring cleaning has definitely been on my mind. This was encouraging and motivational! Thanks for the thoughts to think over about having a right heart about my home and how we serve Him with it in many ways.
Thank you for the refresher on looking at our motives behind what we do in our homes. May my motive always be to bring glory to my Heavenly Father.
I would love the opportunity to read her book. I have heard so many reviews of it but we are EXTREMELY strapped right now so winning it is my only option for now.
My “Why” is bc I seem to think in a cluttered way when the house is cluttered. I can’t always stay focused on my to do list bc the clutter is distracting me and stealing my attention. Between kids sports, kids crafts (we have a “crafter” who works on several projects at one time at rhe kitchen table), it only takes a moment for a mess to appear!
Papers from work and school and the stack of mail take ovet the counters before I know it! Rather than Invasion of the body snatchers, its more like INVASION OF THE paper catchers.
I wish I knew where to start. Between the baby crying almost constantly, the 6 year old arguing with everything and anything, and the four year old caught in the middle of the turmoil, I can’t hear myself think. This house of boys almost has me in ruins. My mind is definitely cluttered, and my house is more than that. I would love some help and prayers.
I have 4 kids 5 and under and I am always in a state of chaos around the house and always stressed about needing to clean. Not spotless clean but “being able to walk through without tripping” and “being able to find a place on the counter to set more stuff” on it clean. No clutter!! I can’t stand it yet my mind is always clutter. It spoke to me the “why”… I realized that I am too busy, overwhelmed and my constant need or frustration of the house is the need to feel peace, clarity and to be able to finish a small task before a little one distracts me! We can’t always “unbusy” our lives but we can try to “unbusy” our minds but how?? I guess lots of prayer and submission..
I have a “way too busy life” but I long for a clean hospitable home! I want to welcome others in but the site is rather embarrassing! That’s why I’ve come to Glynnis’ blog! To start trying to declutter and get a real handle on being organized!
So inspiring today! My home is all about me…you can see parts of me all over it! I love a clean sunny airy home! I strive for the Martha Stewart home, but am so happy I have the ‘come in as you are, put up your feet, and enjoy your stay’ kind of home! I love the days I can open the windows, even if just a crack, so I can hear the birds singing! When that is not possible I turn on the inspirational cd’s! And yes….whistle, well actually sing, while I work!!
Thanks for the inspiration!
My house is generally pretty messy. So gracious entertaining is never going to happen. I want to have an open home, but I am embarrassed of my mess. So I clean and scream like a mad woman before we have guests and spend the time they are in my home secretly bemoaning the fact that they (or their kids) are messing up all my hard work! I have been so blessed by glynnis’s great truths and I am plugging away at decluttering this house. The thought of having a Mary house Martha style struck a chord with me. I cant wait to learn more. I want to be more like Mary with my priorities in line!
The book sounds wonderful. I have aproblem keeping my house clean. I really want it to be clean, and stay clean so I’m not embarrassed.
If I don’t write things down, I don’t get anything done. I think that cleaning goes hand in hand with all the other responsibilities we have as wives and mothers. I home school so not only do I have household responsibilities but there’s also school schedules & activities to keep track of, not to mention menu planning, gardening, etc…the list goes on! I’d also like to start doing some creative things for myself. It just seems so hard to juggle everything! Some days I feel like throwing in the towel and just saying, “Calgon, take me away!”
So joinning her blog today.. i have two little ones and two dogs that i constantly keep cleanning up after…. hahahha
With 4 boys 4and under, getting things done seems next to impossible. Most days I don’t even want to try. I would love to win a copy of this book and get since encouragement and how to.
Boy do I need this book!!! It’s been on my “want” list for a while now… Glynnis – your info on decluttering was AWESOME! Now I need the practicality of CLEANING things – love the tag line – Having a Martha House the Mary Way!
WOW! Scrolling through the massive message list certainly underscores the need for such a book. I can identify with so many others in wanting to honor Christ in my heart through a decluttered house that reflects His peace and unconditional grace not only to my grown family and my 11 grandchildren, but also to those visiting from around the world. I would be blessed to receive your e-book and learn from your wisdom!
I have 5 kids and and never-ending quest to organize! Thanks for the tips and a chance to win the ebook!
I clean to create an atmosphere of peace, and so my home is always ready for guests.
“Treat your family like company and your company like family”
I love that! Keep a nice house because your family is worth it!
I wish my children felt loved when cleaning the nest! My teens seem to think clean and tidy are over-rated. Thanks for the perspective check, I will examine my heart first then tackle the abundance with a thankful heart.
Thanks for this post. Would love to have this book!
thanks for a great article! Now, I must ponder the “WHYs” and allow the LORD to answer!
Oh yuck! I am so sick of my mess but I’m paralyzed. At 65 you’d think I would have gotten the message!
Side Tracked Home Executives and many others have failed to make a dent.
Even when my kids grew up and left the home I, of course, choose the messiest hobby I could find….. making ceramic pots out of bags of clay!
I am certifiable but I do agree. Nothing is as pleasing as a non cluttered home.
My fear is that I am unfixable. And I am brought to tears by the way I disappoint my Lord. He’s given me resurrection power and I seem unwilling or unable to apply it to my life. Can yet another book give me clarity?
Claudia in Arizona
Also Thanx for this post and I too would love to learn from this book.
My house is a defeated house … I used to be so constantly clean … cleaning, vacuuming, rearranging rooms on a weekly basis … only to meet snide remarks that let me know I did not meet the required standards … and so my home shows my rebellion … don’t get me wrong … the most of the house is neat and tidy, but my areas are a messy state of definace … something that I have just realized as I type this … how do I learn to do this for the Lord and for myself … how do I get over needing to be accepted and needing to have my efforts recognized and valued. Thank you for this opportunity to maybe start to see …
This is for me. Thank you, through my tears. . .
It never occurred to me to ask “why” do I want a clean house. It’s always just been something you are supposed to do; like it or not — and I really do not like it, so I generally fail miserably at keeping it clean. I think my biggest reasons “why” are so that my family will be at peace while at home and so that I do not feel that panic that strikes when the door-bell rings unexpectantly!
I sure want my house to be clean. I think the “why” is because I feel more relaxed and less embarassed when it is clean. The problem for me is I work full time, have 2 teenagers who also have busy lives, a husband who works full time, and an elderly mother who lives with me. Oh yeah, there’s 2 dogs in our family as well. Finding time is my problem. When I do have the time, I’m usually too tired.
would love some motivation to get on the right track! i’m in the small children phase, but could definitely do better!
Loved your thought provoking comments today. Thank you. I would LOVE to win one of the books. I too believe it is a ‘heart” issue. Also, much less stress in your head if the house is somewhat together. Thanks alot!!!!
I love the way she put taking care of your home is loving people well as well as serving God well. My friends used to call me wonder women with the amount of things I could do and get done in a day. I just recently got married in addition to working full time and getting a PhD, trust me when I say I have not felt like wonder women, but rather barely keeping my head above water. Over the past couple of months I have been studying the Proverbs 31 Women and truly have a heart for wanting to be the best steward I can for God in all areas of life! He is teaching me a lot about time and what matters most with my responsibilities. Thank you for reminding me of the importance of home.
I really identified with this post as I’m just now finding my “why” after years of severe hoarding. I would love to take it that much further by reading the book, and would be thrilled to win a copy, but will buy a copy if I’m not lucky this time. Thanks for the chance!
I love how this presents cleaning your home as “loving people well.” My family has probably felt pretty neglected over the past years! I’m ready to love them as they deserve to be loved – with a clean, comfortable home!
My why is about loving and serving my family, but it also makes me feel good to live in relative calm. It calms my heart when things are where they belong. I don’t need spic-and-span, only picked up, vacuumed, and dishes put away (oh and a clean bathroom)
This article makes a very good point. When my motivation for doing something doesn’t line up with Godly principles, I inevitably fall flat on my face. And my life erupts into chaos and putting out constant fires. When I am in sync with God’s will, even times of incredible busyness become bearable and conquerable. I would like to add that one of the biggest things that has helped me is to eliminate clutter as much as possible. This one thing has helped me immeasurably and also helped to bless others along with greatly simplifying my life.
Spring cleaning!!! I can’t get my regular stuff done
, much less the good stuff of deep spring cleaning. Maybe this book will help.
I would love to read more of this….
I loved the part where your revealed the secret….loving people…..awesome….God has been laying in my heart…..ORDER AND ORGANIZED…..God is a god of ORDER….slowly but surely getting there!! Thank you for this!! I needed it!!
I like the idea of “put your feet up” clean! It let’s me know I can make people feel comfortable without getting stressed that it has to be perfect!
I’m presently so exhausted I’m trying to figure out “When?” But I think if I can find just one day to read a book, I may find 31 more to work through the “Why?”
love her ideas. would love to dive in more in depth.
I loved this post and the why behind it. I am reaaly wanting the clean house but really need some help getting there.
Just signed up on Sarah Mae’s blog. Love to read about ways to keep the house clean. Would love this ebook.
This is an awesome blog post and so very true! God has really been using Sara to speak to me since I found her blog. I would Love to win her book
Hospitable sounds really good!! Someplace to feel comfortable to be and not to feel like I might break something or move something out of place. Slowly working toward that.
I loved the post for today, so inspirational! I’m in a constant trying to “get organized” and feel very distracted. I so appreciate the blog along with Glyniss. I don’t think I know who to get an e-book. Perhaps it would help me get organized. Thanks so much for what you do. Melissa
Since I am on spring break, I have been decluttering my house this weak. I was feeling so overwhelmed. As I remove the clutter is has been such a relief for me.
Glyniss, I have enjoyed your blogs on organizing & this works great for me!! I have told many of my sisters about the blog as well. I just read Sarah Mae’s blog on spring cleaning & I agree with her –why do I want to clean? How true is this, for myself, my family or others? I want to keep my home clean for the Lord and the Lord’s children who come to visit me. I know that a clean home is a happy home for me anway. I have a ministry of inviting people in my church to come for Sunday lunch at my home twice a month. This encourages people to get to know others in our congregation.
I enjoy your blogs & the blogs of all the girls. God bless you all
Love Gail
Looks like a wonderful book. I read somewhere recently that a cluttered mind leads to a cluttered life. I don’t want either one! I’ve been getting ready to make my list of spring cleaning projects. Thanks for the additional motivation!
Obviously this has struck a chord with many readers, based on the number of comments. I find the title intriguing, just loved what the author had to say and hope that this title is available on iBooks, just in case I don’t win the download…
Blessings to all!
Does extra dust mean extra grace? I have found in times when I seem to have the least time, when I take a few minutes to really appreciate our children and give them a few minutes of truly focused attention instead of trying to pick up while “playing” with them for an hour, I am more successful at both being a mom and at being a housekeeper.
This really speaks to me. My sister’s name is Martha, and she has always been one. Her house is neat, clean and organized, even though she is very busy. My name isn’t Mary, but my parents have joked that it should have been. I have piles everywhere, and mostly because I’m just not done with it yet (or I haven’t made a decision about it), so I don’t want to put it away, just to get it out again later. Plus I might totally forget about it! I guess I need to stop being so lazy, and also declutter MORE. Thank you!
This blog really hit the nail on the head for me! I really do want to be open and ready to welcome others into my home, but I struggle with the”Mary/Martha” issue! Would love to read this book!
I would love to read this book.This is exactly where I am at today.I do good for awhile cleaning then things get piled up again.I see what your saying about it beginning with my heart.I have some things to ask the Lord:)Thank you for the encouragement!
I don’t think I ever consciously thought about why I want to clean/unclutter my home. I guess I’d really like to be comfortable no matter who dropped by and still allow my family to enjoy and relax in our home. I’m enjoying this series of articles…thanks for your ministry and encouragement. Blessings, Terri in AZ
Recently I have begun to simplify my life. Saying no to a few things I used to feel obligated to say yes to. That has enabled me to find time to simplify my home too. It’s amazing how decluttering my home can help me declutter my life too. Thank you for the words of inspiration.
Thank you for the post. I would love a copy of this e book. Just started trying to clean closets and give away a lot of no longer worn clothes. Need all the help I can get.
I often feel like the maid! I need to remind myself that by keeping a clean house I show my family how much I love them. Also to be thankful for all the Lord has blessed me with.
Great post! Wonderful perspective on keeping things clean and organized!
This is a thought-provoking post and has me wanting to read this book. I am going to have to wait until school is out, however. Working 12 hr days as a teacher doesn’t leave enough energy or time in my 3 waking hours at home to do deep cleaning. But come the end of May, I’m on it! Thanks for sharing this awesome-sounding resource.
My “why” of cleaning is that a messy house makes me feel off balance mentally. I feel inadequate if I can’t keep my house clean.
Still working a bit on the uncluttering….I’m thinking more of summer cleaning! I’m up for it!
I found this to be inspiring and uplifting. I have not thought much about why I clean my house in this way. I feel that I just never seem to get it all done and that as soon as I get one load of dishes, clothes, etc. that another is ready to be done. It is a never ending job and I stay frustrated more that not. I am is a desperate need of direction in this area. One in not trying to do it for my family that doesn’t seem to appreciate it, but to do it for God. The scripture you gave fits well. Thanks so much.
I’m working hard to try and get motivated to clean my home. With working 2 jobs and trying to spoil my grandkids….there’s not much time or energy to clean. I’m so thankful for any encouragement to clean!
I never really thought about why I want my house clean. But, it’s true, I am much more peaceful when my house is not in disarray. The thing I hate is that right after I’ve done a thorough cleaning (which usually means putting things where they belong and not that I’ve actually cleaned anything) everything gets cluttered again. I hate that house cleaning and organization is an ongoing thing.
Feeling very overwhelmed with the housework right now. I have two children, ages 6 and 1 and cannot seem to find the time or the “want to” to get it done. We just bought a house that needs some work and everything is unsettled. I feel trapped because there is so much to clean/organize that I just want to sit down and do nothing. Hoping I am able to read this book and get some insight.
With 3 children, it is so hard to keep the house decluttered. Would love to read your book!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts….would love to know more about decluttering.
I’m having such a hard season right now being self-disciplined and keeping my home clean and company ready. I despise cleaning, put it off, and fret over it constantly. This post by Sarah Mae is really great perspective on why we keep our homes presentable. I know this will help me! Thanks for sharing!!
I like to have a clean home because I like to feel competent and peaceful, able to invite people in and have them feel valued and loved. That being said, my home is currently not in a condition to do that. I have had to battle with control issues and to realize that having too much “stuff” in my home does not make life better, but the opposite. I would like to bless myself and my husband first and foremost by keeping a tidy home where we can relax and not feel pressured. It sounds like “Having a Martha Home the Mary Way” would suit my personality and be a blessing!
I think I need to re-group. My home is an empty nest home and my why is different. I want the Mary home not the Martha house; the one where people sit and stay a while! This sounds like just the book for me!
Hi. For Christmas 2010, I received a few sessions with a woman who came in to help me declutter, organize. We live in a tiny home and just had a lot of stuff. I got a lot of great ideas and continue to use many of the tools I was given. intesting, a year or so later, I have found it is easy to go back to some old habits. Looking forward to reading your book to help me get back on track!
Hi, I would love a copy of this book!Exactly what I need right now,Praise God!!
Would love to win this ebook. I love Sarah Mae’s focus on the most important things. We all have seasons in life!
I definitely need to work on my why… Sometimes, I get on a roll and get everything in order… And on other days it’s chaos everywhere and I get frustrated trying to get everything back on track. With 4 year old triplets, it is hard to keep things tidy; irrespective of my state of mind. I’m sure figuring out why I want to keep my house clean, would put things in perspective.
I love that there is “grace in dust.” Is there grace in clutter? I clean to remove the clutter and to give my children an inviting space and enable them to find their things and play!
“Why” is certainly a key to cleaning – it is actually a key to life because it addresses the heart or motive behind our words and actions, for out of the heart flow the issues of life (Prov. 4:23). I love the way all of life is addressed in the Word of God – even cleaning! Thank you for a challenging post that gets to the heart of the issue at hand.
I love the idea of doing this Spring Cleaning series. My why is simply because I feel like I have to keep things clean. My mother did a major weekly cleaning, therefore I am feel trained to do the same. I do rather enjoy cleaning. It is kind of therapeutic. And my daughters are at the age (5 and 2) that they think it is still fun to help mom with their spray bottles full of water and their little cleaning cloths. (So cute!)
Glynnis, I wanted to share a quick funny story. My husband was packing for his business trip and asked where was the book he was reading. I in return asked him where my “I used to be so organized” book was. He started laughing and couldn’t stop. He said, “You know you really need an organization book when you lose the book that is supposed to help you organize.” We laughed for a while. After the birth of our second daughter, staying organized took on a whole new concept. I am trying to get our home back in order, and I do thank you for your book and for the good laugh it helped provide!
Wonderful thoughts. . I love the thought that caring for my home is loving my family. This is hard for me sometimes as I have a husband who is much pickier than I am when it comes to a clean home. I want to clean as a ministry to my husband.
I just love this blog and it manages to speak to me all the time. I am not a good housekeeper and with an 8 year old and both my husband and I working full time and going to school part time and a baby on the way, it seems impossible and very overwhelming. I would love a book that could give me insights to make it more manageable.
Thank you for the reminder that having a small child means your home may be chaos for a while. I feel the messes and clutter have been more accentuated since I am now a stay at home mom and see it all the time. My focus and goal is to raise a happy, healthy baby, not have a pristine home. Sometimes my priorities get “dusty”, so thank you for the healthy reminders to help me re-shift my focus.
When my house is clean it feels peaceful. Even though I don’t work it isn’t always as clean as I would llike for it to be. Sometimes I just don’t feel like clesning it. I try to have it done by Thursday so that I can enjoy my family on the weekend.
I hadn’t really thought about why I would want to clean, it is simply something one needs to do. I need to ponder on this question awhile……….long enough for spring to turn into summer and then no more cleaning because who ever heard of summer cleaning.
Seriously, I am looking forward to reading more from this blog (and from Sarah Mae’s books).
I have seen in my own life that when my spiritual life is in order than my house is in order, my diet/exercise is better, and my whole outlook is better.
My fourth baby just turned one. I’m so excited to spring clean and get my house back in some order. I love this post about giving grace during the baby season. Thanks!
Thanks for you inspiring words that are prompting me to think…. I believe in “Clean Enough” and our home is usually neat and tidy. But I struggle with comparing my housekeeping to others who are meticulous and make time to scrub baseboards! I’ll continue to think & pray.
I need this e-book…
I’ve tried several different ways of cleaning, and what is currently working best for our family is cleaning every Saturday morning. Works great!
Oh how this spoke right to my heart today! What a lovely way to put housekeeping in perspective with this busy, demand-driven world we live in. Thanks to you both for such a powerful message!
I love the idea of learning the why first and then looking at cleaning and organizing your home as a way to love others
I love (and agree) with Sarah Mae’s coaching on “if you have little ones around the house you need to cut yourself some slack”. As a “do-er” and a bit of an OCD (just kidding) perfectionist (not kidding), cutting myself some slack has been a learned frame of mind. It has really taken time, but when you finally adapt to that perspective you also gain the blessing of being able to relish and “be” in the moment more and with your little ones and you gain so much more from those experiences then. Not only is your home realistically clean (enough) but your heart rejoices more from being able to be in those moments all-in.
I saw a sign & it said…. “welcome to our home, you are welcome to look at the dust, but please don’t write in it!” so true!
Love this message! thanks for sharing.