By Sarah Doering

 

Does anyone ever feel overwhelmed by what you see when you walk into your home?  Do you wish you had more time in your day?  Do you feel unorganized or can’t find things you need?  Do you ever go to bed thinking and hoping tomorrow will be a better day?

 

My goal in my recent session at the Beautiful Conference was  to empower you with organizing tips backed by biblical truth to clean out your home, which will develop a clear heart and clear mind. If we can learn to switch our perspective on our belongings, what we need rather than what we want, we can reduce the clutter in our lives.

 

I began my session sharing that God is the ultimate organizer!  In the story of creation in Genesis 1:3-5, it tells how God had a plan and true sense of order when creating our world.  In this story God exemplifies two key organizing principles; Categorization (grouping) and Specific Labeling (naming).  Since God is a God of order, it makes sense that we will function better when we have some order in our homes and living spaces.

 

God’s view and the world’s view about our possessions is so different.  The World’s View tells us that “stuff brings Happiness”.  It’s driving force is Consumerism.  This focus encourages the acquisition of things (more and more stuff) in ever-increasing amounts and has created a culture of luxury, consumption and often greed. This greed in our hearts can often turn into too much in our homes, which brings a lack of order, which then breeds chaos.  The worlds view can leave us feeling empty.

 

God’s View says that true Happiness & Value come from Him.

Look at what Matthew 6:25-31 says, “If you decide you are living a life for God, it follows that you do not fuss about what’s on the table at mealtime or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than clothes you hang on your body.”

 

If we focus on God and trust him to provide, anything outside  of our immediate needs are an added bonus and reward.  Changing our views of possessions as a bonus takes away feelings of entitlement which allows us to live peacefully and satisfied with less.

 

So much organizing literature tells us to ‘do this’ and ‘do that’ and then you will find order. Accomplishing a purging to-do list is helpful for a season, but this often does not bring long term change. If we can learn to change our perspective of what we need and focus on the fact that God will provide for us, we will begin to build a much healthier relationship with our stuff.

 

If you feel inspired to give to those in need, here are a few charities that will come to you to pick up donations!

Salvation Army  - provides services for substance abuse treatment

1-800-728-7825

Vintage Thrift Store - benefits ybor dream center

813-220-3497

Urban E - recycles your electronics

813-512-6998

 

sarah@sorganizing.com.