Comments on: From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html Loving simple, natural, and intentional living Sun, 12 Feb 2012 21:21:39 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Carrie http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-27631 Carrie Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:34:27 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-27631 This is over 8 months after your comment, but I wanted to say that I have experienced first hand how pursuing a more natural and healthier lifestyle can become too much clutter in your life and there are definitely wise and unwise ways of going about it (obviously)... The last 6 months or so, since I started reading this blog and many others, I have tried to incorporate SO many new ideas, methods, and routines into our lives that it really has gotten in the way of my husband and I's relationship to each other, to God, and to others. I was so excited to learn and implement all the changes (also other things like budgeting, organizing, decorating, getting out of debt, you name it) and thought that it would be better and easier if I just did it all as soon as possible. I figured why keep doing things wrong when I can do them right and do it right away! But I can't even keep up with myself! Not to mention our budget (which is a new concept to us!) has gone WAY over with all the new gadgets and bulk foods I've been buying. I know it is all an investment and will eventually be worth it (at least financially), but not in the sense that it was the wisest way of going about it at the time. I've learned that we must always keep our focus on the main thing- is what we're doing bringing us and others closer to God and bringing HIM glory (mainly) and us joy (secondly)? or is it causing more stress, conflict, discord, unrest, etc in our hearts and in our lives? Everything new can be somewhat stressful, but I'm really learning now that I need to be more prayerful and wise and patient with myself and God in all these "good for us" things that we think we should incorporate. I'm hoping and praying that from now on (literally just realized this the last day or two) that I can step back and refocus on God and go from there. :) I'm so thankful for this blog and the great commenters that help me along the way! This is over 8 months after your comment, but I wanted to say that I have experienced first hand how pursuing a more natural and healthier lifestyle can become too much clutter in your life and there are definitely wise and unwise ways of going about it (obviously)…

The last 6 months or so, since I started reading this blog and many others, I have tried to incorporate SO many new ideas, methods, and routines into our lives that it really has gotten in the way of my husband and I’s relationship to each other, to God, and to others. I was so excited to learn and implement all the changes (also other things like budgeting, organizing, decorating, getting out of debt, you name it) and thought that it would be better and easier if I just did it all as soon as possible. I figured why keep doing things wrong when I can do them right and do it right away! But I can’t even keep up with myself! Not to mention our budget (which is a new concept to us!) has gone WAY over with all the new gadgets and bulk foods I’ve been buying. I know it is all an investment and will eventually be worth it (at least financially), but not in the sense that it was the wisest way of going about it at the time.

I’ve learned that we must always keep our focus on the main thing- is what we’re doing bringing us and others closer to God and bringing HIM glory (mainly) and us joy (secondly)? or is it causing more stress, conflict, discord, unrest, etc in our hearts and in our lives? Everything new can be somewhat stressful, but I’m really learning now that I need to be more prayerful and wise and patient with myself and God in all these “good for us” things that we think we should incorporate. I’m hoping and praying that from now on (literally just realized this the last day or two) that I can step back and refocus on God and go from there. :)

I’m so thankful for this blog and the great commenters that help me along the way!

]]> By: Carrie http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-27630 Carrie Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:24:37 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-27630 Oops, I meant to say "I wind up getting frustrated and upset at the mess and at HIM sometimes too"... not "at home"... my bad. :) Oops, I meant to say “I wind up getting frustrated and upset at the mess and at HIM sometimes too”… not “at home”… my bad. :)

]]> By: Carrie http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-27629 Carrie Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:21:37 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-27629 Thanks for this great reply, Lindsay... exactly what I needed to read. My husband is particularly messy and he really doesn't mean to be, that's just how he has always been. He tries so hard to clean up after himself but my standards are always too high and I wind up getting frustrated and upset at the mess and at home sometimes too. I need to pray pray pray and also see it as a way of serving him. This has been such a struggle as I'm also working full time and just don't have the time/energy to keep up with all the cleaning/organization I want to do in our home, especially when trying to clean up after him as well. I know it's my primary responsibility and I see how much I fall short with it... but I recently realized that I still have NO reason to grumble ("Do all things without grumbling or questioning" from Galations... can't remember the chapter/verse) and also that there is no point in being frustrated at something that you are wishing you could do in order to be less stressed... the frustration only causes more stress! Defeats the purpose completely. I need to pray and do my best in this season to keep our home and to serve my husband with a JOYFUL and peaceful spirit. :) A daily heart-check will be needed, indeed. :) Thanks for this great reply, Lindsay… exactly what I needed to read. My husband is particularly messy and he really doesn’t mean to be, that’s just how he has always been. He tries so hard to clean up after himself but my standards are always too high and I wind up getting frustrated and upset at the mess and at home sometimes too. I need to pray pray pray and also see it as a way of serving him. This has been such a struggle as I’m also working full time and just don’t have the time/energy to keep up with all the cleaning/organization I want to do in our home, especially when trying to clean up after him as well. I know it’s my primary responsibility and I see how much I fall short with it… but I recently realized that I still have NO reason to grumble (“Do all things without grumbling or questioning” from Galations… can’t remember the chapter/verse) and also that there is no point in being frustrated at something that you are wishing you could do in order to be less stressed… the frustration only causes more stress! Defeats the purpose completely. I need to pray and do my best in this season to keep our home and to serve my husband with a JOYFUL and peaceful spirit. :) A daily heart-check will be needed, indeed. :)

]]> By: Revae http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17221 Revae Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:38:05 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17221 Amy, I completely understand feeling overwhelmed by it all, and I think Lindsay's advice on keeping in mind your season of life is the first place to start. Maybe it is just not for you right now. But having said that, I remember when I started my health journey years ago now, and I thought - I can make one change at a time. It sounds like you are on your way. You can worry about soaking grains and such later. For now only do what seems obtainable. You can get completely consumed with health and nutrition. But our goal is not be consumed with it, but to use it glorify God in having a healthier more energetic family able to serve him in the good works HE has planned for us beforehand. I spent years learning about nutrition and then moved to the mission field where my knowledge meant absolutely nothing. There were no options to fit my previous lifestyle and for 18 months I had to give it up and trust God that my family would survive. Our little town has developed a bit more and there are finally some options to help. But now I am in a season of life with 3 children (1 is 8 months and nursing) home schooling and ministry, that I rarely get to making my own bread and such. You'll get it figured out. Give it to God and take your time. Amy, I completely understand feeling overwhelmed by it all, and I think Lindsay’s advice on keeping in mind your season of life is the first place to start. Maybe it is just not for you right now. But having said that, I remember when I started my health journey years ago now, and I thought – I can make one change at a time. It sounds like you are on your way. You can worry about soaking grains and such later. For now only do what seems obtainable. You can get completely consumed with health and nutrition. But our goal is not be consumed with it, but to use it glorify God in having a healthier more energetic family able to serve him in the good works HE has planned for us beforehand. I spent years learning about nutrition and then moved to the mission field where my knowledge meant absolutely nothing. There were no options to fit my previous lifestyle and for 18 months I had to give it up and trust God that my family would survive. Our little town has developed a bit more and there are finally some options to help. But now I am in a season of life with 3 children (1 is 8 months and nursing) home schooling and ministry, that I rarely get to making my own bread and such. You’ll get it figured out. Give it to God and take your time.

]]> By: Lindsay http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17206 Lindsay Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:21:24 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17206 Well, I guess it would depend upon if pursuing natural living has caused too much clutter in your life. That would definitely be something you should pray about! It sounds like it just might be too much for you at this time. If so, definitely bag it or just step back and take a bigger look at what are the priorities. What is one important thing you could focus on changing? Take the baby step mindset rather than trying to learn and apply everything at once. For our family, we really pursue simple meals. I plan a monthly menu, shop twice a month, and keep a regular preparatory routine. I don't necessarily do everything currently that I have shared about on my blog in the past, as there are different seasons of life. Eating naturally is a hobby for me. I love learning new things...but I am always on my guard that if it becomes too overwhelming, I need to step back and re-evaluate. Husbands can be especially useful here! Well, I guess it would depend upon if pursuing natural living has caused too much clutter in your life. That would definitely be something you should pray about! It sounds like it just might be too much for you at this time. If so, definitely bag it or just step back and take a bigger look at what are the priorities. What is one important thing you could focus on changing? Take the baby step mindset rather than trying to learn and apply everything at once. For our family, we really pursue simple meals. I plan a monthly menu, shop twice a month, and keep a regular preparatory routine. I don’t necessarily do everything currently that I have shared about on my blog in the past, as there are different seasons of life. Eating naturally is a hobby for me. I love learning new things…but I am always on my guard that if it becomes too overwhelming, I need to step back and re-evaluate. Husbands can be especially useful here!

]]> By: Lindsay http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17196 Lindsay Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:15:41 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17196 I would strongly encourage you both to PRAY! and then graciously appealing to him with Scripture. Maybe you could read the book together and pray about how it might apply to your lives. There are some wonderful Scripture passages in the book that might help you as you address these issues. Don't nag...just let the Lord work. Remember you are his helper. It is part of your service to him to clean up after him. I have learned this the hard way. I used to raz my husband for not picking up his stuff, and it led to contention and lack of peace. It never got me anywhere! After further prayer, I just started joyfully seeing this as an opportunity to serve him. Don't view it as equal roles in home organizing and such...that is the pit-fall. Whether you work full time or not, your primary domain is the home. Demanding his help will not get you anywhere, but keeping a spirit of humility and submissive can win over any man! I cannot say enough about prayer! This has been an instrument to bring such beautiful change in my husband and his shortcomings. Focus on the positive and encourage him in that! Then be faithful in your part. Always check your heart! Blessings upon you in this pursuit! I would strongly encourage you both to PRAY! and then graciously appealing to him with Scripture. Maybe you could read the book together and pray about how it might apply to your lives. There are some wonderful Scripture passages in the book that might help you as you address these issues. Don’t nag…just let the Lord work. Remember you are his helper. It is part of your service to him to clean up after him. I have learned this the hard way. I used to raz my husband for not picking up his stuff, and it led to contention and lack of peace. It never got me anywhere! After further prayer, I just started joyfully seeing this as an opportunity to serve him. Don’t view it as equal roles in home organizing and such…that is the pit-fall. Whether you work full time or not, your primary domain is the home. Demanding his help will not get you anywhere, but keeping a spirit of humility and submissive can win over any man! I cannot say enough about prayer! This has been an instrument to bring such beautiful change in my husband and his shortcomings. Focus on the positive and encourage him in that! Then be faithful in your part. Always check your heart! Blessings upon you in this pursuit!

]]> By: Anna C. http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17193 Anna C. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:10:23 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17193 I have the same question as Naomi regarding a husband who keeps EVERYTHING. It isn't just him, he gets it from his mother so it's just very natural for him. Nothing against his mother, I lover her dearly =) I grew up in a home that was very simple and everything had it's place. We've struggled the last four years of our marriage with all the clutter in our house. We are getting ready to have our first child next year and I can't stand the thought of having a baby in a messy, unorganized, clutterd home. I'm becoming very stressed and I have noticed my mood changin. We need to do something about this, SOON. Another problem is that he makes very little effort in helping me with large home projects such as organizing a room to make it more efficient. We both work full-time jobs so it is important that we help each other when we have time on the weekends. How do I convince him of the importance of a simplified home and the importance in helping me achieve that? I have the same question as Naomi regarding a husband who keeps EVERYTHING. It isn’t just him, he gets it from his mother so it’s just very natural for him. Nothing against his mother, I lover her dearly =) I grew up in a home that was very simple and everything had it’s place. We’ve struggled the last four years of our marriage with all the clutter in our house. We are getting ready to have our first child next year and I can’t stand the thought of having a baby in a messy, unorganized, clutterd home. I’m becoming very stressed and I have noticed my mood changin. We need to do something about this, SOON. Another problem is that he makes very little effort in helping me with large home projects such as organizing a room to make it more efficient. We both work full-time jobs so it is important that we help each other when we have time on the weekends. How do I convince him of the importance of a simplified home and the importance in helping me achieve that?

]]> By: amy http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17192 amy Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:26:16 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17192 I'm curious to know how you think about this in light of the natural foods stuff. In other words: moving toward eating the way your family does is anything BUT simplifying for me. I've been taking deliberate steps toward whole foods/healthy living for the better part of a year now, and the sheer quantity of information to consider *just on your blog alone* is totally overwhelming. So in my mind, "simplifying" and "learning to eat naturally" seem almost mutually exclusive! How do they fit together for you? I’m curious to know how you think about this in light of the natural foods stuff. In other words: moving toward eating the way your family does is anything BUT simplifying for me. I’ve been taking deliberate steps toward whole foods/healthy living for the better part of a year now, and the sheer quantity of information to consider *just on your blog alone* is totally overwhelming. So in my mind, “simplifying” and “learning to eat naturally” seem almost mutually exclusive! How do they fit together for you?

]]> By: Sarah M http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17190 Sarah M Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:33:55 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17190 great review--this is definitely where I am--doing something every weekend since Sept 1st for other people. Not that this is a bad thing, but when it becomes an obligation rather than a joy--it turns sour. Although I have abotu 3 more weekends that I am committed to, after that I have planned to par down my schedule to nil and just relax! It is a *VERY* hard thing to say no, until you've had lots of practice :) It is just very easy to get right into that old habit of saying *yes* to everyone all over again, too. Sounds like a great read & thanks for posting teh scripture verses in your post. Sarah M great review–this is definitely where I am–doing something every weekend since Sept 1st for other people. Not that this is a bad thing, but when it becomes an obligation rather than a joy–it turns sour. Although I have abotu 3 more weekends that I am committed to, after that I have planned to par down my schedule to nil and just relax! It is a *VERY* hard thing to say no, until you’ve had lots of practice :) It is just very easy to get right into that old habit of saying *yes* to everyone all over again, too.
Sounds like a great read & thanks for posting teh scripture verses in your post.
Sarah M

]]> By: Naomi http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/11/from-clutter-to-clarity-simplifying-life-from-the-inside-out.html/comment-page-1#comment-17187 Naomi Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:48:21 +0000 http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/?p=7089#comment-17187 I really enjoy reading your blog by the way! I am nowhere near implementing things that seem to come naturally for you, but I like thinking that someday I will..haha. I am interested in this book about de-cluttering your life. There are some things in my inner life that I need to de-clutter. I was wandering though, what you do when your husband is cluttered? My husband keeps everything and we have piles of stuff everywhere and we have a small house too. It is very difficult to get him to throw anything away or even give it away. It is hard to live simply and de-cluttered when your husband is not. Just wandering what your thoughts were on this issue. Thanks! I really enjoy reading your blog by the way! I am nowhere near implementing things that seem to come naturally for you, but I like thinking that someday I will..haha. I am interested in this book about de-cluttering your life. There are some things in my inner life that I need to de-clutter. I was wandering though, what you do when your husband is cluttered? My husband keeps everything and we have piles of stuff everywhere and we have a small house too. It is very difficult to get him to throw anything away or even give it away. It is hard to live simply and de-cluttered when your husband is not. Just wandering what your thoughts were on this issue. Thanks!

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