How To Declutter In A Christian Manner

How To Declutter In A Christian Manner

Posted by Rachel on April 15, 2019 in

I heard about Marie Kondo's style of organizing and uncluttering years ago.  Implementing her system of folding was useful for my closet's benefit.  This year Marie Kondo became much more popular when she had her own show on Netflix.

However, there have been some speculations about her methods whether we as Christians should adhere to the steps she gives.
There is a Christian-friendly alternative to that. A book by Melody Carlson, Devotions for Clutterers, provides powerful insights about clutter, which are taken from a Biblical perspective.

When you are disputing with yourself whether or not to throw something out, she provides tips by asking yourself four questions։

1. Does anyone use this?
2. Do I enjoy having this in my life?
3. Does this have sentimental value?
4. I've got more than one of these, do I really need them all?

If you answered yes to any of the questions, then you should probably keep the item. Definitely so grateful for this book because it is like being taken on a journey filled with hope that I can fix the clutter in my home. I have started cleaning, simply by starting with my dresser. It's a small step but it did wonders for my spirit. 

Whenever I see clutter, I feel stressed. The chaos and disorganization fill my heart with frustration. The clutter inside my room would often discourage me but when I took steps to organize and clean, it filled my heart with peace. For so long, I have wondered why but the answer lies in the Bible, 

"For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14։33

A simple step taken to organize stuff can do so much for one's peace and happiness. Will you take a step today? What's your declutter story?

**This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase the book, I earn a small commission but with no additional cost to you!

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Lessons Learned From Nature

Lessons Learned From Nature

Posted by Rachel on April 08, 2019 in

I love to spend my afternoons sitting at the porch; looking up to the blue sky, feeling the wind on my face and the grass upon my feet. Blooming flowers captivate my eyes and the sway of the sturdy trees gives me peace. The sound of birds singing makes me smile. As my dogs run around and play, I sense deep gratitude for God’s creation. These are pieces of evidence of God’s beauty and most of all, of His love

He could have created the world dull by making everything of the same color, but He filled nature with wonderful hues. He wanted us to see a glimpse of His majesty and splendor.

Whenever I spend time out in nature, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness in providing. He clothes the flowers, feeds the birds, provides sunshine for the trees, makes the wind blow for coolness, etc. He created each insect for a purpose and cares for them. If God can take care of animals and plants how much more of me, oh how little is my faith! (Matthew 6:26-34)

There are about 391,000 plant species in the world. And there are approximately 1.2 million known species of animals, but scientists estimate there are closer to 8.7 million species on earth. Scientists have only documented 14% of living species.

By having quality time in nature, I become much more aware of God’s beauty in creating variety. There is no need to compare. Each plant thrives on its own and blooms where it is planted. It trusts the purpose God has bestowed upon it. Reminds me of the song from Jewel, entitled What You Are.

The trees bear fruit in its season. It doesn’t always bear good fruit. For me, the fruits represent the consequences of our actions and the fruits of our faith. (fruits of the spirit) In Psalm 1:1-3 we are likened to a tree,

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

We blossom like a flower and then wither. (Job 14:2) What is our life but a breath here on earth? God is in control. He is our Father! Why not spread out your wings and fly for His cause? Why not give your heart out to serve people in the name of Jesus? Time is gold because I don’t have forever to do God’s work. This present moment is what I got.

Observing nature has taught me a valuable lesson about patience. Plants don’t grow in a second just like we don’t grow right away. Christian maturity is a process that we go through day by day.

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45) Whatever weather (challenges) may come, as long as our roots are founded in Christ so will we grow in His knowledge and grace, and we will continue to do so until the end of time.

I hope we never take for granted, the opportunities we have every day to learn from nature.

I hope we take time to stop and stare at the blue sky or the twinkling stars, always in awe of God’s wonder.

I hope that when we see a breathtaking sunset; we bow our hearts in worship to God.

I hope that whenever we see a flower bloom; we whisper a prayer of gratitude to the Creator.

In a digital world, I hope you never lose sight of the precious gifts God has given us through nature.

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