Chapter 5: Conquering Clutter

I'm sure you know him or her, that person who refuses to let things go? It does not matter that they have not use or worn that thing in years, they just have to keep it (among other things), just in case.... Chapter five of my book focuses on conquering clutter and the chaos in our homes that hinders mobility and productivity in every aspect of life.

Clutter is the result of disorganization, whether it's time, a physical condition, or mental condition that keeps us from getting organized. Clutter in our homes and our lives have cost people jobs, promotions, relationships, ministry opportunities, and most importantly clutter hinders our effectiveness for God.

You are probably at the point where you do not need me to convince you that clutter is hazardous to your physical, mental and spiritual health. You want to know where to start and, how to conquer your clutter. For those who do not have my book, please click here to download a snapshot of my clutter worksheet (password: "BBClutter") which includes steps that I have taken to minimize the clutter in my home--so that I am more responsive and receptive to the call of God. For a detailed process of conquering your clutter, I ask that you get a copy of my book Balancing Blessings and Obtaining Order which covers: Clothing Clutter, Paper Clutter, Kitchen Clutter, Another's Clutter, Scaling down Collectibles, and Toy Clutter.

The question that stood out for me this week was: "How closely does the interior and exterior organization of your home represent the way you feel or view yourself?" Speaking on behalf of someone who went from being a minimalist to having to deal with clutter, I can tell you that clutter weighed me down. I always felt overwhelmed and as if there was so much work for me to do. It also killed my creativity; I was constantly scrambling to find things, to get to work on time, to pay bills on time, and to find peace. I'm not going to lie and say, "I am clutter free" because I'm still dealing with the clutter of others. However, I can say, "I'm in a much better place today than I was yesterday."

What clutter category will you be conquering this coming week?

Next Week's Goal: Review Chapter 5 or Step 5, and finish chapter questions.

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Chapter 4: More on Exercising and Eating Healthy

This week's goal was to continue with chapter four, "Exercising and Eating Healthy" to give those who are working diligently through my book, time to work through the process. In addition, I want to take time to commend you. I know this journey has not been easy, but if it's any consolation to you, I'm so glad you're still hanging in there with me.

This week I thought it would be suitable to share with each other responses to the extreme challenge 2: "Learn how to make smoothies which are a great way to add nutritional value to your diet. Experiment with fruits, yogurts, and low-fat milk or soy milk then add protein powder, flaxseed, or other powder supplements for even more nutritional value."

Because I'm not that great of a cook, and not at all creative in the kitchen, I will be sharing with you a smoothie recipe that I use that I obtained from a woman's health book (Simple Pledges, Building Blocks for Healthy Living, Volume III).

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp. ground flaxseed
• 1 banana
• 1 cup low-fat or fat-free fruit yogurt
• 11/2 cups frozen blueberries or strawberries (peaches, mangoes, raspberries)
• 1 cup low-fat soy milk

PREPARATION

• Place all ingredients in blender and process until desired texture.

Each serving contains approximately:

• 113 calories
• 5 g. protein
• 19 g. carbohydrates
• 3 g. fat
• 8 mg. calcium

What I have found helpful in making smoothies quickly and effortlessly is to take time on Saturday or Sunday to cut my fruit into cubes and store them in plastic baggies or plastic containers. That way when I feel like having a healthy snack, it's just a matter of adding my ingredients.

If you have a favorite smoothie recipe or a healthy snack you would like to share, I would love to hear from you!

Next Week's Goal: Read Chapter 5 or Step 5, and start chapter questions.

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Chapter 4: Exercising and Eating Healthy

Chapter four, the chapter in my book I’ve been eager to get back to. With a new job further away from home, exercising and eating healthy has become difficult for me; but I’m no different from most Americans who commute or who are in a job that requires them to work long hours or travel a lot. The more time spent away from home, the harder it is to maintain a healthy life-style; and with the increased difficulty to find time to exercise and eat healthy comes an increased necessity to keep the body healthy, as it’s stressed, stretched, pushed and pulled in various directions throughout the day.


Reading this chapter again brought to mind how important our bodies are to God. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul declares:

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

You were bought with a price so high that no amount of silver or gold could redeem you. Redemption could only come through the blood of Jesus Christ.  How does that make you feel? When I read those words this week I almost felt guilty for not taking better care of myself, but for the most part I felt special that Jesus loved me so much, He died for me. Hearing those words gave me the desire this week to get back on track with exercising and eating healthy.

Some small changes I have made this week was to walk for twenty minutes during my lunch break, I plan to do that at least three times a week every week--as the weather permits. I’ve also been more adamant about taking my vitamins and supplements; and I have started storing healthy snacks in my purse. Always having a snack with me makes me less eager to eat something (anything) because I am starving.



Next week I will continue with chapter four, but I also want to encourage you visit ChooseMyPlate.Gov. It’s a site created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to help you choose the foods and amounts that are right for you. If you decide to build a personalized plan, you’ll need to enter your age, sex, height, and activity level in the ChooseMyPlate Plan form. The form will take your information and calculate in cups and ounces how much of what, from five food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein foods) you should be eating daily. In addition, the site contains a lot of assistance and information on eating healthy and losing weight.

Next Week's Goal: Review Chapter 4 or Step 4, and finish chapter questions.

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