Devotion: "But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men..."

Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger.
But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men".
Matthew 23:1-7

My recent client couldn’t wait for me to witness her closet.

Her wardrobe was the main focus of our organizing session for the day; you could tell she was delighted that this was where she would be spending our time together. Upon entering her closet, I couldn’t help but notice many designer shoes (some never worn) and many designer labels on her dresses and accessories. She seemed almost intoxicated by the fact that the closet reflected an aura of status few could rival.

The professional organizing industry is by nature a witness to what our clients/society value. Our western world hungers to be significant and is willing to do anything to obtain attention. Getting noticed and adored is the hallmark of all advertisements.

Jesus was very clear in his admonishment to the Pharisees in Matthew 23. Their status was reflective in their garments to indicate their spiritual superiority, and they sought to increase that superiority by the design and placement of the phylacteries and tassels. It was of upmost importance that they projected a superior ‘Rabbi" attitude insuring that they would gain respect and obtain all the very best places of honor. Their aim was to be noticed and revered.

Jimmy Chu shoes say much the same; at least they spoke to my client that way. Her hunger for significance is an inherent drive that desires recognition and relational significance. Attempts like hers to find that significance through material possessions are common within our industry. We not only see them played out in material goods, but in careers, vacation destinations and friendships. As an organizer, I have witnessed the twisted intent of a world searching for significance without the Lord. At times I have felt a heavy burden for my clients, but I know that as my client relationship deepens, their trust in the organizing process will also take on new directions.

The most powerful tool that I bring to every organizing session is a mirror. It is I that become the mirror, reflecting back their actions and thought processes. By restating their words and holding up objects for examination, they begin to see their thoughts clearly. I am continually amazed that God uses this process to change beliefs and habits that have been ingrained for years.
　
Prayer

My significance comes from my personal relationship with Jesus, the risen Christ!!! I am significant because I am a daughter of the living God! The great thing about that is that NO ONE can take it away from me! My status does not make me "who" I am; Christ makes me "who" I am! My place in this world does not make me "who" I am; Christ makes me "who" I am! It's SO incredibly freeing to know that whatever I "DO" in this life, whether it is big or small in the eyes of people, will always be BIG to my God because I "do" what I do for HIM! For HIS glory! And He smiles on that and says, "That "is" BIG!"

So, my friend, find your significance in God! Allow Him to show you your significance in Him! My prayer is that each one will find his own significance in the God of the universe, the God of all creation, and may you be richly blessed by truly knowing Him as Lord and Savior!

This Prayer is written by Katie Schlatter. You can find Katie at My Father's House.

Simple Living: Hope for the New Decade

In the not too distant future, our thoughts will turn toward the holidays and all the trappings, some good, but most nerve -racking. My friends complain each year that the joy of the holidays seem to be overshadowed by the rush-rush and have-to’s, out of tradition and guilt.

This year, I have hope.

The Santa Claus image of material goodies tied to those who have been nice seems to be eroding from our fabric. In its place, meaningful and deepening experiences are replacing the tinsel-laden trappings of surface expressions. The continued recession has had a profound effect, and this one is for our own good.

However, I see a big question mark on many faces. My friends seem to know what they want to do, they just don’t seem to know how to do it. Here are six tips to get you moving toward a more meaningful Holiday.

Tip #1
Plan ahead. This is the perfect time of year to sit down with your family before the leaves begin to fall and discuss what you loved about last year's holiday and what you did not. Not everyone will express his or her delight in visiting Aunt Martha. There may be a need for compromise. Get everyone’s input and make this year one that everyone feels excited about.

Tip#2
Research the meaning behind your holidays. Why do we have Christmas trees? What exactly is Kwanza and how did it begin? What is the central meaning behind the shamash on the menorah? Give your family a task to find out why you celebrate the way you do. Instead of doing things out of habit, learn the reason for the season.

Tip #3
Avoid Debt. Make sure you have a budget before giving in to the mindless consumerism onslaught at the mall. Make sure everyone understands the reason behind the budget and get creative. The best gifts I have received over the years didn’t cost a thing, only the time and talent of the giver.

Tip #4
Avoid stress. Add into your schedule time for the unexpected. The days will become shorter, both in terms of daylight and it seems in terms of minutes. Don’t sweat the small stuff, go with the flow and laugh more at the interruptions of the day.

Tip#5
The gifts. Make a new tradition. Instead of many meaningless gifts under the tree or beside the menorah, consider one gift that the person has wanted all year. From my perspective people don’t know what they want until they see a commercial or someone else’s toy. Start now and do some diligent research on each member of your family. Making it memorable, both in time and gifts, is what makes our memories pleasant.

Tip#6
Our family began a new tradition a couple of years ago. During the year, we sought out one charity that we felt we would like to contribute to. At Christmas each member gave to that charity and wrote a letter and put it on the tree inside an ornament explaining why that charity was important to them. Giving to those less fortunate is a great way to bring a new focus to the season.

There are as many ways to celebrate the holidays as there are people. I hope this list will be a beginning to inspire you to take your holidays to the next level.

I’d love to hear how you celebrated simply and with meaning.

Walking The Talk

At the annual NAPO (National Assn. of Professional Organizers) conference last April, I had the wonderful experience of presenting conference speaker, KJ McCory.

KJ lives in Colorado and has been instrumental in that states "Green Awareness" for many years. Her list of accomplishments within this industry is just mind-blowing and I could on and on about her impact in the "green" arena.

During her presentation, she mentioned more than once a small start-up company in NYC called Green Irene. She stated that they offer certification and eco-makeovers. On the plane home, I began sifting though the myriad of options that conference always brings, but I put at the top of my list "Green Irene". It didn’t take me long to research this fabulous company.

After speaking with Green Irene’s owner PJ Stafford, I decided to join up and take their courses to become certified as an eco-consultant. You may have noticed more than a few mentions on my home page regarding Green Irene.

I strongly encourage you to take further notice of just how easy this company makes it to help you make simple, yet profound changes in your day-to-day living. These small changes will not only save you big bucks, but will help you save our planet in ways you haven’t even thought of.

Here’s the best part. As an organizer, it is vital that I offer high transference of skills at a reasonable cost. Green Irene operates with the same philosophy. Eco-makeovers are a very methodical. Each makeover can last 90 minutes discussing topics like energy and water conservation, toxic free living, indoor air quality, recycling, waste reduction, and emergency preparedness.

We also offer fun and informative eco-parties, but the best part is that all of this only costs the homeowner $99.00. With so much waste out there these days, I am thrilled beyond words to have found a company with which I hope to have a continued relationship for years to come.

Thank you PJ and Rosa Maria for having this vision for Green Irene.

Featured website:
http://www.greenirene.com/eileenstonybrook
1-888-212-GREEN