It is of enormous value doing this as we can’t view life successfully thru the “filter” of past baggage. Drop it and “restore” – return to the Original. 🙂
This is exactly what I am doing this week, both physically and mentally. I tend to hoard things I really won’t need again (e.g. CS articles that I find particularly helpful but can always find again on JHS), and also sometimes hang onto mental clutter which is just mortal mind rubbish. So it’s spring -cleaning time, away with outgrown fears, and make room for fresh inspiration. Thank you, Evan.
We helped a relative over several months with a major de-clutter so that she could move from a house to a more suitable flat. I’m sure she feels more freedom from possessions, as, having moved, she is continuing to dispose of things. My husband and I are working on de-cluttering for ourselves too, and the thought that really helps us is that the item could bless someone else, instead of being in the back our cupboard – a blessing all round.
Thank you, Evan!
I sometimes think time is a scarce commodity and life is cluttered with things to do. In reality, I have eternity. If my activities are loving and meaningful, they won’t occupy or encroach on “time.”
Many years ago I moved from our house to a flat when my husband and I split up…I had very few belongings out of the house before he changed all the locks. At first, I was devastated, thinking about all my precious THINGS” ….all my collected STUFF! After a few weeks, when I realised I probably wasn’t going to be able to get the rest of my things, I suddenly felt a remarkable sense of freedom! A fresh new start in every way was now possible, not dragging the stuff of the past into my future. My life suddenly felt simple and uncluttered, I could think clearer, I buckled down to my CS study so much more because I not only HAD to but I now COULD…(being undistracted by my million and one things to look after, clean, arrange, tidy up) Also, I had ample opportunity to prove God’s care as all my NEEDS were met through prayer and I lost forever the need to collect things I didn’t really need. It really was a case of learning the true meaning of “loss is gain” which I had never understood before! I was suddenly in financial strife as a month after we split up, the company I worked for went bankrupt and retrenched everyone. I had no furniture., no job, no money …..in fact almost nothing! Every single day I had to demonstrate supply and guidance from God…and I did…everything we needed came into our hands in the most surprising ways, for a number of years. They were years that I may have appeared to “struggle” but actually I was constantly learning to trust God and constantly seeing God’s loving supply for my children and me. Yes, “Loss is Gain”…even though it can take a long time to truly appreciate how that works!
Beautiful demonstration Diane. I have been thinking about how “we do not choose for ourselves but must work out our salvation in God’s on way.” You did this and with seemingly minimal resistance. Very inspiring, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your story. You have given me confidence everything is ok and going to be wonderful in time. Its Gods plan and i just need to trust him daily, pray constantly, and he will show me the way! I feel a sense of relief already as i lost a storage filled with my whole life of belongings..just material..My children and i are safe and the toxicity of of everything os risking my health…not nomore..changin now, forever…the Good Lord is shinning on me now as i speak!! Thank you, Jesus..
Yes, Richard, I agree, but sometimes you need to de-clutter physically first so your thoughts are clearer and less distracted…I could never seem to concentrate on my CS study with my house full of “collectables” …but after “losing” them all, I felt my thoughts were more orderly and that was when I was able to get back into my CS study properly.
I began “simplifying” about 8 years ago and it was the best thing to do! Clearing the clutter clears thought so all our moments are focused on what is truly important – living with God. My living space may look sparse to some, but I have found more freedom, joy and clarity of thought with just the necessities. It is also a great way to focus on “now” rather than spending time in the past or anticipating the future. Knowing that God provides us daily with everything we could ever need, enables us to just “let go” of material possessions that we might be saving because we think we need them some day. This was a great lesson learned for me!
Oh Lord, have I to clear my home from a lot of clutter. Sometimes I ask “dear God what shall I clear next”.
Annepat, you are right, also clearing my mental clutter. Am working on it.
Thank you all for your comments.
Thank you Evan for pointing to this neccessity!
I collect Journals and articles, books, and since I am a crafter, I have alot of wool in baskets. There is always something to be given away. I know I can get CS articles on line but I like the turning of the pages. I give them one good look before I let them go. I want to find a place for them. I bring my Monitors with me when I travel to catch up. I cut out the address label and leave them for the hotel staff. I hope they are read. But I must agree with the comment, cleaning your consciousness is the minute by minute cleaning.
Dear Diane W in Australia,
Thank you so very much for sharing your valuable experiences with us. Your demonstration over loss and hardship are inspiring and extremely encouraging. And yes indeed, you certainly were presented with the opportunity to “de-clutter”!
Truly, you have graciously shared with us the meaning of these precious words “loss is gain”. (From Hymn 207, Mother’s Evening Prayer by Mary Baker Eddy,)
I am grateful for SpiritView and thankful to all those who share their insights and inspiration.
Love all the comments so energizing! Mrs. Eddy stated order is heavens first law. My grandmother always quoted this statement and it helps me maintain order today. People that worked in Mrs. Eddy’s household realized her insistence on cleanliness, order and simplicity in decor. A high goal for all of us to look up to.
I’ve noticed that after being inspired by spiritual study in CS that I find myself immediately ordering and tidying up my house.! I think that it’s godlike to have things organized and ordered. I know it’s time to clear out the clutter and let go of the “things” when I can’t find a place for them anymore!
All of these comments are very helpful to me. But CB really resonated with me when it was mentioned that you can’t find enough space for something . Alert! I shall try to do more decluttering.
I’m thinking of simplicity connected to clutter. Last week in the CS bible lesson I really appreciated the first section where Jesus said “No prophet is accepted in his own country.” I had never really understood this before. But the Cedars Camp bible lesson notes (a CS camp that produces weekly bible notes for the lesson) expanded that the people in his own land tended to over look his great nature because of his simplicity and their “familiarity” with him-his human nature which was all they could see. Interestingly, last week I opened “Miscellaneous Writings” by Mary Baker Eddy to page 469 in the chapter “Letters from those Healed” to read: “Truth is, and ever has been, simple; and because of its utter simplicity, we in our pride and selfishness have been looking right over it.” Then I re-found an account from practitioner who was sharing that a CS treatment can be so very simple, but with infinite power to heal. Her 1st grade Sunday school student answered when asked how she would help someone needing prayerful support that she would tell them “you are safe in God’s Pocket.” The the practitioner found herself sharing these words later that day with a man who called for support. The account says that he started crying and hung up the phone after hearing these words, calling back a week later saying that he had been completely healed in that moment after hanging up the phone. I love thinking about the simplicity and simultaneous all-power of God and his/her government.
I battled clinical depression during my college years and had a shopping addiction that was tied directly into a thought pattern of undeservingness of the good in life (buying into them). I particularly tended to go for books. The problem was that I was wasting money that I didn’t believe that I deserved (partly because I hadn’t earned it myself) on a bunch of stuff that I mostly didn’t really even want. As a result, my side of the dorm room was often very cluttered I usually went home for the summer with at least five times more stuff than I moved in with. I ended up re-selling over 90% of the books I bought at the time to Half-Price. I can honestly say from that experience that it really is better to be financially underserved and happy with your life than it is to have an abundance of money and be miserable with your life. As they say, money makes a wonderful servant but a terrible master. Secondly, money is also just a material ticket to making your material life comfortable. Including God in everything really is best. For the most part, my tendency to impulse shopping has been healed and the temptation almost never even comes up now. These days, most of the time, I would rather be spending my spare time studying Christian Science than shopping.
I am in for a second round of decluttering. I sold the big furnature, the huge dinner service and masses of glasses and it felt very feeing. Now I must declutter my office and laptop. I have found that the more material things I get rid of, the more time I seem to have to devote to CS study and the lesson, so just do it and free up yourself along with your space.
Yes! I wholeheartedly agree with all your comments. Interestingly, I spent most of today clearing out my “office” space because a friend is coming over later to help me with some tricky computer work. I certainly didn’t want her to see how messy and cluttered the space looked. I too have collected a lot of books over the years, and don’t tend to read them again. You have all inspired me to continue the clearing out (not only books but drawers, closets, etc.). What we have collected never really defines us, which only God can do. It isn’t “wrong” to have some nice things, but too much “stuff” certainly clutters us mentally as well as physically. Thank you all for your inspiration, and much gratitude to you, Evan, for that inspiring message today.
It is of enormous value doing this as we can’t view life successfully thru the “filter” of past baggage. Drop it and “restore” – return to the Original. 🙂
This is exactly what I am doing this week, both physically and mentally. I tend to hoard things I really won’t need again (e.g. CS articles that I find particularly helpful but can always find again on JHS), and also sometimes hang onto mental clutter which is just mortal mind rubbish. So it’s spring -cleaning time, away with outgrown fears, and make room for fresh inspiration. Thank you, Evan.
We helped a relative over several months with a major de-clutter so that she could move from a house to a more suitable flat. I’m sure she feels more freedom from possessions, as, having moved, she is continuing to dispose of things. My husband and I are working on de-cluttering for ourselves too, and the thought that really helps us is that the item could bless someone else, instead of being in the back our cupboard – a blessing all round.
Thank you, Evan!
I sometimes think time is a scarce commodity and life is cluttered with things to do. In reality, I have eternity. If my activities are loving and meaningful, they won’t occupy or encroach on “time.”
Many years ago I moved from our house to a flat when my husband and I split up…I had very few belongings out of the house before he changed all the locks. At first, I was devastated, thinking about all my precious THINGS” ….all my collected STUFF! After a few weeks, when I realised I probably wasn’t going to be able to get the rest of my things, I suddenly felt a remarkable sense of freedom! A fresh new start in every way was now possible, not dragging the stuff of the past into my future. My life suddenly felt simple and uncluttered, I could think clearer, I buckled down to my CS study so much more because I not only HAD to but I now COULD…(being undistracted by my million and one things to look after, clean, arrange, tidy up) Also, I had ample opportunity to prove God’s care as all my NEEDS were met through prayer and I lost forever the need to collect things I didn’t really need. It really was a case of learning the true meaning of “loss is gain” which I had never understood before! I was suddenly in financial strife as a month after we split up, the company I worked for went bankrupt and retrenched everyone. I had no furniture., no job, no money …..in fact almost nothing! Every single day I had to demonstrate supply and guidance from God…and I did…everything we needed came into our hands in the most surprising ways, for a number of years. They were years that I may have appeared to “struggle” but actually I was constantly learning to trust God and constantly seeing God’s loving supply for my children and me. Yes, “Loss is Gain”…even though it can take a long time to truly appreciate how that works!
Thank you for the beautiful example, Diane!
Thank you Diane. So insightful and helpful.
Beautiful demonstration Diane. I have been thinking about how “we do not choose for ourselves but must work out our salvation in God’s on way.” You did this and with seemingly minimal resistance. Very inspiring, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your story. You have given me confidence everything is ok and going to be wonderful in time. Its Gods plan and i just need to trust him daily, pray constantly, and he will show me the way! I feel a sense of relief already as i lost a storage filled with my whole life of belongings..just material..My children and i are safe and the toxicity of of everything os risking my health…not nomore..changin now, forever…the Good Lord is shinning on me now as i speak!! Thank you, Jesus..
Mental cutter ring the most important!
Yes, Richard, I agree, but sometimes you need to de-clutter physically first so your thoughts are clearer and less distracted…I could never seem to concentrate on my CS study with my house full of “collectables” …but after “losing” them all, I felt my thoughts were more orderly and that was when I was able to get back into my CS study properly.
Thanks Diane – good point and I have a lot of physical stuff delivering to do!
I have made a start! Old work papers to tip!
I began “simplifying” about 8 years ago and it was the best thing to do! Clearing the clutter clears thought so all our moments are focused on what is truly important – living with God. My living space may look sparse to some, but I have found more freedom, joy and clarity of thought with just the necessities. It is also a great way to focus on “now” rather than spending time in the past or anticipating the future. Knowing that God provides us daily with everything we could ever need, enables us to just “let go” of material possessions that we might be saving because we think we need them some day. This was a great lesson learned for me!
Oh Lord, have I to clear my home from a lot of clutter. Sometimes I ask “dear God what shall I clear next”.
Annepat, you are right, also clearing my mental clutter. Am working on it.
Thank you all for your comments.
Thank you Evan for pointing to this neccessity!
I collect Journals and articles, books, and since I am a crafter, I have alot of wool in baskets. There is always something to be given away. I know I can get CS articles on line but I like the turning of the pages. I give them one good look before I let them go. I want to find a place for them. I bring my Monitors with me when I travel to catch up. I cut out the address label and leave them for the hotel staff. I hope they are read. But I must agree with the comment, cleaning your consciousness is the minute by minute cleaning.
Dear Diane W in Australia,
Thank you so very much for sharing your valuable experiences with us. Your demonstration over loss and hardship are inspiring and extremely encouraging. And yes indeed, you certainly were presented with the opportunity to “de-clutter”!
Truly, you have graciously shared with us the meaning of these precious words “loss is gain”. (From Hymn 207, Mother’s Evening Prayer by Mary Baker Eddy,)
I am grateful for SpiritView and thankful to all those who share their insights and inspiration.
Love all the comments so energizing! Mrs. Eddy stated order is heavens first law. My grandmother always quoted this statement and it helps me maintain order today. People that worked in Mrs. Eddy’s household realized her insistence on cleanliness, order and simplicity in decor. A high goal for all of us to look up to.
Less stuff to think about. More opportunities for prayer, study, and in helping our fellow man. And even a little fun for ourselves. 🙂
Thanks, Evan!
I’ve noticed that after being inspired by spiritual study in CS that I find myself immediately ordering and tidying up my house.! I think that it’s godlike to have things organized and ordered. I know it’s time to clear out the clutter and let go of the “things” when I can’t find a place for them anymore!
Thanks so much to everyone for your very helpful comments – much to think about!
All of these comments are very helpful to me. But CB really resonated with me when it was mentioned that you can’t find enough space for something . Alert! I shall try to do more decluttering.
I’m thinking of simplicity connected to clutter. Last week in the CS bible lesson I really appreciated the first section where Jesus said “No prophet is accepted in his own country.” I had never really understood this before. But the Cedars Camp bible lesson notes (a CS camp that produces weekly bible notes for the lesson) expanded that the people in his own land tended to over look his great nature because of his simplicity and their “familiarity” with him-his human nature which was all they could see. Interestingly, last week I opened “Miscellaneous Writings” by Mary Baker Eddy to page 469 in the chapter “Letters from those Healed” to read: “Truth is, and ever has been, simple; and because of its utter simplicity, we in our pride and selfishness have been looking right over it.” Then I re-found an account from practitioner who was sharing that a CS treatment can be so very simple, but with infinite power to heal. Her 1st grade Sunday school student answered when asked how she would help someone needing prayerful support that she would tell them “you are safe in God’s Pocket.” The the practitioner found herself sharing these words later that day with a man who called for support. The account says that he started crying and hung up the phone after hearing these words, calling back a week later saying that he had been completely healed in that moment after hanging up the phone. I love thinking about the simplicity and simultaneous all-power of God and his/her government.
I battled clinical depression during my college years and had a shopping addiction that was tied directly into a thought pattern of undeservingness of the good in life (buying into them). I particularly tended to go for books. The problem was that I was wasting money that I didn’t believe that I deserved (partly because I hadn’t earned it myself) on a bunch of stuff that I mostly didn’t really even want. As a result, my side of the dorm room was often very cluttered I usually went home for the summer with at least five times more stuff than I moved in with. I ended up re-selling over 90% of the books I bought at the time to Half-Price. I can honestly say from that experience that it really is better to be financially underserved and happy with your life than it is to have an abundance of money and be miserable with your life. As they say, money makes a wonderful servant but a terrible master. Secondly, money is also just a material ticket to making your material life comfortable. Including God in everything really is best. For the most part, my tendency to impulse shopping has been healed and the temptation almost never even comes up now. These days, most of the time, I would rather be spending my spare time studying Christian Science than shopping.
I am in for a second round of decluttering. I sold the big furnature, the huge dinner service and masses of glasses and it felt very feeing. Now I must declutter my office and laptop. I have found that the more material things I get rid of, the more time I seem to have to devote to CS study and the lesson, so just do it and free up yourself along with your space.
Yes! I wholeheartedly agree with all your comments. Interestingly, I spent most of today clearing out my “office” space because a friend is coming over later to help me with some tricky computer work. I certainly didn’t want her to see how messy and cluttered the space looked. I too have collected a lot of books over the years, and don’t tend to read them again. You have all inspired me to continue the clearing out (not only books but drawers, closets, etc.). What we have collected never really defines us, which only God can do. It isn’t “wrong” to have some nice things, but too much “stuff” certainly clutters us mentally as well as physically. Thank you all for your inspiration, and much gratitude to you, Evan, for that inspiring message today.