" />

18 comments

Paula Hendricks

Simplify: The Crush of Stuff

Posted on 12.27.10 by Paula Hendricks | Twitter: @PaulaWrites678
Topics: Homefront, Workfront

Does anyone else out there feel the crush of stuff? Maybe it’s overflowing dressers, hampers, and closets; a towering pile of bills stacked precariously on your counter; or just a general sense that if you don’t maintain control at all moments, your whole world could come crashing down.  

I think Jesus might have had all this in mind when He warned us that one of the things that would “choke out” the impact of the Word of God in our lives is “the cares of the world” (Matthew 13:22).

This Christmas, one of the best presents I received was when my boss (the brave man) offered to sort through my 628-item-long task list and release this overly responsible girl’s brain power to focus on reading and creating helpful content, rather than spending hours each day attempting to manage my overflowing inbox (and failing miserably).

If you’re like me, it’s easy to lose perspective and become paralyzed in making decisions about what to let go of, and what to keep:

•    Should I track down my fellow classmate’s address so I can return his algebra book I borrowed years ago in high school?
•    Is it okay to throw away this clay snowman flower pot Grandma gave me last Christmas?
•    Do I need to keep 25 years’ worth of bank statements on file?

That’s why I highly recommend inviting a “neutral party” to help you de-clutter your life. I’ve taken to bringing questionable clothing items with me when I visit my mom and sister. They actually seem to enjoy the routine—talking on the couch while I give them a fashion show, and then they tell me if it’s time to pass that article of clothing on to another happy owner. 

This month, do yourself a favor and ask a friend to be a “support buddy” to help you de-clutter your life. It may take a bit of humility, but it will be so worth it! You can offer to be a “support buddy” to a friend, as well. Then, please let us know about it right here.

(Tomorrow, hear from a woman who has this down—in fact, she’ll tell you how to make a daily habit of de-cluttering your life.) On that note, let the simplifying begin!

Comments

  1. This is an answer to prayer. If you could only see my home right now and every room and closet is bulging at the seams. It's time to de-clutter. I'm so ready for this....I think when my best friend calls today, I will set an appointment with her and have her come to my home and help me. She is a born organized person and her home is organized and simple.

    I crave simplicity so much and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's blog. God bless...Jodi C.
    posted by Jodi C.
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 8:12 am
  2. This year we downsized! It was wonderful! Moved from a 17 room house to a 9 room house with no basement. I feel free. Once you start letting go it's easier to to let go of the next thing, and the next. Right in the middle of the sorting and moving we heard a sermon on all of our stuff, which the preacher called, "kindling." It's all going to burn up one day. Thinking with that persepctive caused us to reevaluate our true needs even more.

    628 items on your To Do list...I will pray for you!
    posted by Julie
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 8:16 am
  3. For years I've told myself that keeping all this "stuff" was a matter of stewardship: I might need it again, and it would be costly to repurchase it. I'm beginning to realize that there is some fear involved: I might need it again, and I won't have what I need. That fear has been supported when I've given up something, only to need it again.

    In reality, even though I've needed something that I've given up, it hasn't been a serious need. Certainly, it hasn't matched the need I have to live a simpler life of trust in my God's provision.

    Looking forward to tomorrow's blog.
    posted by Dianne
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 8:54 am
  4. good job julie! that is a wonderful example to the other gals around you. a few years ago i was talking with a friend and she was telling me that her pastor's wife was wanting to build her dream house. amazingly, several others then became discontent with what they had and thus began...several others in the church built new homes, some added on to their homes...my friend told me that it just didn't satisfy, but it was being modeled and that is what they did.
    julie, please share your story with everyone you meet how GOD has become your treasure and not your stuff. great job!
    posted by rhonda schueren
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 9:21 am
  5. I always believe God gives me grace and support through others. I'm in tears now as I realize how much I needed this suport from other women. And also knowing that He wants to help me with all my clutter and disorganization. It can be so debilitating and frustrating not accomplishing what I know He wants, but I feel I need to clear out a perfect place and time for Him. (That "I" always gets in the way!) I can't wait to further study your message today and hear you tomorrow. Thank you so much!!!
    posted by Karen
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 10:38 am
  6. Oh how I needed to read this message today! Just yesterday I was looking around my home hopelessly shaking my head. It seems like I have so much STUFF and not enough room for it. When I try to "clean" my house, I just end up rearranging things and the end result is still clutter everywhere! As Dianne stated above, I have given up things before only to need them later. This has prevented me from de-cluttering.

    I so want to de-clutter my life so everything in my life (and house) has it's own place. I tend to have a hard time passing along sentimental "things" that have been given to me over the years but in essence, these are the same "things" that are making my home cluttered. HELP!!!!!!!

    I'm looking forward to tomorrow's blog!!!!
    posted by susan
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 11:25 am
  7. My husband is great: he helps me evaluate the value in "stuff" so we can make decisions on what to keep, what to give and what to chuck out. I know his healthy influence in this has helped me make good decisions for our family about everything from kitchen stuff, crafting stuff, to what to do with our clorhes. For me this is a balancing act, as I am a "saver" and if left to myself, would keep most everything. Thank you for the timely article. Looking forward to the next part.
    posted by lesley
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 11:46 am
  8. Julie is my mom and it's been a blessing watching them downsize before they turn 60! Such an inspiration to me and my husband! Before Christmas, well actually all of 2010 has been a year of decluttering and simplifying! It's been AWESOME!

    I feel free of the pull of stuff. Toys, junk, trash, stuff can so overtake your life you can hardly think!

    Thanks for sharing Paula!
    Happy New Year to you!
    Heather
    www.emotionalpurity.blogspot.com
    posted by Heather Patenaude
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 12:03 pm
  9. Paula, there are people in my life who have taken clutter to the extreme. Clutter is only a couple of steps away, emotionally, from hoarding ~ and hoarding is bondage.

    What has helped me is to understand that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" (Eccl. 3:1, NIV). We can't cling to every "thing" or focus from every season and still have room to breathe or the freedom to accomplish what God wants us to do in this season.

    We need to stay unencumbered by our "stuff" so we can be fresh and purposeful now. I truly believe that learning to let go is an opportunity to let God show us something new and use us in more powerful ways.

    Making choices about what to let go may be difficult, but you are absolutely right that it sometimes takes others to put us on the right path to proper stewardship of our stuff. May God help us all to do better in this area in the coming year.
    www.LOLwithGod.com
    posted by Dawn Wilson
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 12:20 pm
  10. Thank you so much for this encouragement! I have been on this slow and steady path for several years now, transforming from the consumate saver to living much more simply. I have a long way to go but hope to accelerate my pace in this new year! Several things have inspired me along the way: having to go through my parents' home of 40 years, where every piece of paper from every source imaginable was neatly saved (I don't want my children to have to do this!), not having much storage space in my house & not liking clutter, enjoying the freedom from the bondage of some things, realizing that I no longer need many of my info files, etc,. because I will now look things up on the internet instead anyway.
    Loved Dawn Wilson's encouraging post! For me, this journey is very spirital and more about being ready and available for what God has in store for me in the next chapter of life (my baby is turning 16; only a couple years left of homeschooling, my mom is moved to a memory care facility, and I work only 15-20 hours/week outside the home).
    Keep the encouragement coming! :)
    posted by Nancy Welsh
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm
  11. In our early years we thought we would be in full time ministry. We have accumulated books through the years and wish now we had the money for our retirement instead. We reared six children and were careful what we purchased for them. Also, there is my music and craft materials. Makes me think of creative mess. We live with my mom in a condo so we have really have streamlined our lives and we have no closet in the bedroom we use, so clothes hang on a rack. We know that when we do go back to our house we will have a basement to clear out. If I purchase anything now, I ask two questions: One, where will I put it; and two, will any of our six kids want this when I am dead. Enjoyed the article. By the way, my problem is also organizing all the Christian clutter that comes in the mail. Help!
    posted by Susan
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 1:41 pm
  12. I need this too! Can't wait for tomorrow. I have not only my clutter, but what is left of our parents' home. I know I need to have a sale, ebay, etc. my parents' things. Neither my sister nor I have children, so all those things that our parents saved need to find new homes.
    I think that the Depression Era really did a number on that generation. They in turn have instilled in us, their children, the need to save. HELP!
    posted by Joan Adams
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 2:43 pm
  13. You hit on a needed topic, I too will be waiting to read tomorrows post.
    posted by Erin
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 3:42 pm
  14. I needed this reminder. After sorting through 50+ years of my parents belongings, I conctantly work at keeping the 'stuff' down. I have a friend that loves to clean closets and tells me what I should keep or let go of. Sometimes I haven't enjoyed her advice, but years later I still don't use items I thought I had to have. We all need a friend like this.
    posted by Kathryn
    on Monday, December 27, 2010 at 9:12 pm
  15. Greetings, Paula and all--

    This is a big area of need in my life -- if you want to say a quick prayer for me, it will be appreciated, Paula! I think I'll make it a goal (and ask the Lord's help) for the new year (and years to come).

    Though my downstairs is usually company-ready, I still have way too much stuff upstairs and in storage areas (attic, etc) as well as closets and piles in other places.

    Thank you for addressing this need, Paula, and thank you sisters for many wise and helpful comments and suggestions (this post and the next one!).

    The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. (Ps. 119:72)

    In His love,
    posted by Leslie S.
    on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 10:07 am
  16. Almost three years ago we moved from a small house that had a full size basement. Even though the living quarters on the main living floor was livable, well maintained and fairly organized, there was a whole basement (with the same square footage as on the main floor!) that was packed to the brim with unused furniture, toys from when the kids were small that I didn't think I could part with, baskets of odd clothing, paid bills and bank statements, crafting items that eventually wasn't even organized enough for me to use it, much less find it if I wanted to use it, and the list goes on.

    We moved into a house with more living square footage but virtually no storage space other than small closets in the bedrooms, and an attic with a small crawl space. You can imagine the things we had to get rid of!

    It was painful, but we had to do things quickly so I closed my eyes and tossed. Those helping us made 4 trips to the dump, and I made numerous trips to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, etc, and boy, were they happy to get the stuff! We moved in the dead of winter, so the idea that wanted to cross my mind to "keep the stuff for a garage sale someday" was nipped in the bud.

    That experience was THE MOST CLEANSING EXPERIENCE I have had in a long, long time! There still is one little place out back in a children's homemade play fort that is housing some of our boxes left over from the move. I've been through it once and got rid of a van load of items; as soon as the weather gives us a warmer break, I'll do it again and hopefully that will the end of the cycle of thinking I can't live without whatever.

    Really, though, the shame of what I had hoarded in the basement all those years still gets to me. Somehow I think that I could have been a much better steward of the resources given to me. Going to garage sales was part of the problem, and the idea that I could craft something and start a business. Ha! That was a joke!

    A few years ago, I ran across flylady.com/org? and those organizing hints were very helpful to me.
    posted by Former Hoarder
    on Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at 7:25 pm
  17. I am greatly encouraged by everyone's willingness to share their struggle with clutter! Thank you for your tips and for your encouragement! I seem to have the greatest difficulty getting rid of "information", i.e., magazines, aritlces, etc. I have been working on decluttering for the past year and, with God's help, will make some significant progress in 2011. I pray that all of you will experience more freedom to serve God as a result of less stuff this year! Sue
    posted by Sue
    on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 12:06 pm
  18. What a timely topic for me and clearly many others. I returned to work last year and have been trying to get my house in order ever since! I was just off two weeks for the holidays and I praise God for gentle guidance and direction in what to tackle. I got a little discouraged the first couple for days because there was just so much to do- from cleaning to reorganizing closets, drawers, etc. One thing God really showed me was to make a plan to tackle small projects one at a time over the next several months- and that is exactly what I plan to do! This way it doesn't seem so overwhelming and I don't spend all of my time away from work cleaning!

    I am constantly amazed by how God is so concerned with every detail of our lives- praise Him!
    posted by Pamela
    on Monday, January 3, 2011 at 11:23 pm

Leave a Comment:

We love hearing from you, and will post your comment as long as it is appropriate, and is written in a tone that is encouraging, edifying, and loving to others. Even then, know that the following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts.