Friday, November 9, 2012

Getting Rid of the Clutter

I am a "pack rat". I do not like to throw anything away. The problem is, many of the things I hold onto need be thrown away!

I have some of the clothes my boys wore as children, toys, books, school papers, ball cards, and these are good things to keep. But some of the other stuff that fills the floor and walls of my basement......... who needs a broken mixer or mini blinds with bent slats??? And in 2012 who needs orange kitchen curtains and an avocado can opener from the '70's? (yes the 70's)

On the few occassions David and I have tried to clean out the basement we didn"t get very far because I wouldn't let him throw away anything. Needless to say, no one is invited into our basement. David says in case of a tornado, he'll take his chances upstairs not downstairs; it's safer.

Now, I wouldn't tell him this, but what needs to happen is for him to catch me gone for a day and clean out that basement and tell me about it after the orange curtains and avocado can opener are a part of our 1970"s history!!

But my real problem is...I have a hard time letting go of "stuff" that clutters me spiritually. Hurt feelings from umpteen years ago, anger over an unresolved issue, fear, worry, jealousy, (yes I admit it) and even letting go of pre-conceived ideas from decades past.

Since women tend to battle the same issues, I thought maybe you might have a problem letting go of some
"stuff", too. I'm a big fan of writing scriptures on index cards and keeping them where I can easily find them. Here are some scriptures for those times when you just need to "let go" of the stuff that clutters your mind and heart and keeps you from experiencing the true freedom in Christ that He purchased for us on Calvary.

When I need to let go of:
Fear: 2 Timothy 1:7; For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Isaiah 41:13; For I the Lord thy God will be thy right hand, and say to you, "Fear not, I will help you." (There are 365 "fear nots" in the Bible. Is there one for each day of the year? I think so.)
Hurt Feelings: How often are we to forgive those who hurt us? Jesus said to Peter, "7X70!!"
Worry: Psalm 91:15; He shall call upon me and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him.
Jealousy: Psalm 37:7; Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; fret not thyself because of those who are prosperous in his way.
Anger: Proverbs 15:1; A soft answer turns away wrath; but harsh words stir up anger.
Prejudice: All prejudice is rooted in pride. (and God hates pride; Prov. 8:13)

So... the only way to get rid of the clutter in my basement is to throw away the things that aren't worth keeping and bring some order and organazation to the things I want to keep. (easier for me to say than do.)
And the only way to get rid of the clutter in my mind and heart is to throw away those feelings and emotions that keep me from experiencing true freedom in Christ. And I do that by attacking them with scripture.

I just have to show you one little thing that I will keep forever!! A Fischer Price Farm Set from the 70"s with most of the pieces. (of course, I wouldn't have thrown any of them away)
It was such fun watching my grandkids play with
something I watched my kids play with. Now what could be a better reason for being a "pack-rat"?







Share with us some of your favorite scriptures for decluttering your mind and heart. We'd love to hear them.

And thank you so much for sharing this blog with your friends and family. And a big welcome to our sisters from Israel!

Penny