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Rest and Clutter

Playtime & Rest

21 Mar

You probably knew it was coming, former procrastinators… I’ll say it: Clutter is a major rest buster. We’d like to cover our ears and block out all those piles and stacks that call to us in mocking tones, “Yoo hoo! Here I a-a-am! Gonna clean me up?”

Clutter drains us. Because it shouts for attention, it interferes with our abilities to mentally process what needs doing. It draws attention away from where we should focus or it hides the very items we need to focus on. It’s a large extra burden to carry on the road to our God-directed destination, and its weight hinders our progress. It disturbs the peace of our homes and our spirits.

I like making the bed in the morning because it’s a simple task with maximum impact. The bedroom is immediately decluttered in a major way. In hotels, we spread up the coverlet. It helps us feel more relaxed and keeps us from losing things we’d have to search for in a pile of linens. (Done that.)

I’ve read that clutter comes from failure to make a decision. Where does this item go? Put it there now.

This is a battle for me. Here are a few tips that help me in the fight against clutter that robs my rest and peace:

  • A place for everything. Age old advice. Return the item there as soon as I’m done with it. Not having an assigned place for something means I have to deal with it over and over – which is making work for myself.
  • Make one pile or stack. A professional de-clutterer told me having many stacks is more draining than having one large one. True.
  • Fewer footprints. If not stackable stuff, I look around and see how many items are out. Each makes a “footprint.” I lessen the number of footprints.
  • Sort mail the moment I bring it in – or place it in the same basket every time.
  • Bring less in the door. I don’t accept receipts unless necessary, don’t pick up business cards, I cancelled magazines, catalogs, etc.
  • Quick evening pick up. Before bed (or before children’s bedtime) I do a five or ten minute pickup. The next day starts fresh, free from yesterday’s leftovers.

What rest-reclaiming, clutter-taming tips can you pass on to help us?

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”

Rebecca F.

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2018-08-16T14:43:28-04:00

Rebecca F.

“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/rebecca-f/
"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."

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2018-08-13T20:09:23-04:00

Mary R.

"I realized [procrastination] ... hindered my relationship with Him."
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"Biblical truth ... with a lot of fun and laughter."
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“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”

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2018-08-16T14:41:59-04:00

Christine B.

“I never saw myself as a procrastinator until her talk – I just thought of myself as productively busy! She helped me to gain new focus on what my priorities really are.”
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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."

Julia F.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:31-04:00

Julia F.

"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/julia-f/
“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”

Carole S.

Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
2018-08-16T14:42:59-04:00

Carole S.

“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
https://putoffprocrastination.com/testimonials/carole-s/
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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