What’s in Your Closet?

Genesis 3:4-5
“And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil”.”
“And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.
Genesis 2:25

Once upon a time, all was right on planet Earth, Eve did not notice her nakedness. Adam and Eve are in perfect communion with God and each other, and they are naked, vulnerable and completely okay with it. They are secure in themselves and in who they are with God. Eve had no understanding of shame of body type or image.

So I envisioned that immediately after her first bite, as her eyes opened to sin and her mind was flooded with thoughts. Something along the lines of:

“Look at me…Oh my gosh, how did these get here? OK, I have to go back to our tree and find something to cover “the girls” up. I know, I’ll go shopping for just the right leaf. Oak leaf, no, leaf too small, Pine needle, no…too itchy, Oh look, that fig leaf, smooth texture, right size, and Oh...there’s Maple, not bad either, which one… HUMMMM…Adam which one do you like, fig or maple? The fig leaf, you really like the fig? Oh well, same boring green, guess it will have to do. I have nothing else to wear.

“And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons.”
(Genesis 3: 7)

As new insights of sin entered, a new industry was birthed… Sewing!

Adam and Eve saw that they were naked and decided that they must cover themselves up. Isn’t it typical that men think their self-sufficiency can cover-up sin? Before the first bite…there was no sin in the garden and incredibly, no death. I imagine that in the pre-fallen world leaves did not die. Adam and Eve had no way of knowing that their fig covering would turn brown and shrivel. They didn’t understand the nature of death, and they were ignorant to the choices they had made.

God knew…so the fig leaf that Adam and Eve chose to use to cover their nakedness was quickly replaced. God provided a covering with quality skins. Like the first couple, when we try to cover up our sins ourselves, it proves insufficient. We may try to lie, ignore it, or cover it up somehow, but these will not last… like the leaves that dry up and fade away. But animal skin, now your talking tough and durable. The symbolic fig leaf that man chose to use was quickly replaced by something that God found redeemable for this act of rebellion. A lamb.

The shedding of the blood of the lamb was a demonstration of the only means by which man could gain forgiveness. (Sin’s covering) This principle, established in the Garden, culminated in the sacrifice of Messiah through whom redemption can only be achieved. Talk about deep symbolism!

Eve could never have foreseen the extent that her actions would have far into the future. She could never have envisioned the enslavement woman would shoulder. We choose what we cover ourselves in, both spiritually and materially. Women would find their identification with the clothes they cover their bodies with, desiring a different body type so that others would find them more desirable, and as quickly as we decide what looks good, an increasingly infiltrating industry permeates our mindset and says what looked good on us yesterday doesn’t work today.

So, What’s the point to all of this, and how does this relate to our clothes closet? Since we look at our bodies everyday, you would think we would know how to dress our body type. Sadly however, we do not. Women use clothes to express their inner beliefs about themselves, or they might use clothes to hide or make themselves blend in because of a deep emotional trauma.

You will notice that your closet holds a great deal of emotional thoughts, beliefs and behaviors which no longer fit. As we change, grow, mature, and develop we can look back on certain beliefs and say, “That served me well at the time, but now I can let it go and move forward.” Some beliefs and behaviors we might set aside for awhile just to be sure we don’t really need them.

Are you hanging onto beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve you? Are you ready to clean out your closet and make room for something new? When we give something for someone else to use, like our clothes that we have been holding tightly, God then breaths new life into the “stuff’. Not only does he breathe new life, by allowing someone to actually use and enjoy the item, but also I believe that the giving is blessed manifold. We may never know on this side of heaven how he uses our gifts, but rest assured, he will make something we consider common and create something sacred out of it.

Are you ready?

What’s in your closet?
Our clothes closet is emotional charged because we transfer our memories to items that remind us where we were at certain times in our lives. Events dresses hold special meaning, pregnancy clothes remind us of days before children, and + and – sizes remind us of body types we are not currently in charge of.

Here are 10 emotional tips to help you do a closet intervention.

1.“Never” shop when your feeling disgusted with yourself or your body. The clothes will only be a temporary fix that will end up disappointing you later which will lead to a major case of buyer’s remorse.

2. If it's too big or too small. Get it out of your closet and donate it so that someone who DOES fit into it can wear it. Even if you're trying to lose or gain a few pounds, it's not worth keeping it.
Live in the “now”.

3. You don't like it. This is a no-brainer. Get rid of it today.

4. It's stained. If you really like the garment, but can't wear it because it's stained, spend some time this week getting that stain washed out. If you can't get the stain out, bring the garment to your local dry cleaner. If they can't get the stain out, and there's no other way for you to hide the stain, such as a patch or accessory, then bite the bullet and part with this piece of clothing.

5. It's ripped or torn, a hem needs to be sewn or it needs to be taken in to fit. Either repair it yourself, have someone else repair it or get rid of it if the price of the repair is not worth it. Make one of these choices today, rather than allowing this damaged item to take up precious space in your closet.

6. It's a wear-once outfit. If you have a wedding dress, prom dress, tuxedo or other wear-once dress in your closet, you have an emotional decision to make. If you can't bear to part with these items because they bring back happy memories, then you may have to just keep them. However, if you have photographs of yourself in the wear-once outfit and that's good enough for you, consider parting with it so that someone else can make his or her own good memories in that outfit. On the other hand, if they bring back bad memories, by all means get rid of them. Bring them to a consignment shop, sell them at your next garage sale or donate them.

7. You don't have anything to match it. Perhaps you have a shirt that you love, but can't seem to find pants to match it--or vice versa. Make it a point to go shopping in search of that perfect match. Remember, neutral colors such as black, brown, beige and gray go well with most other colors. You might even want to bring the piece you have to the store with you and have a sales clerk help you find a good match. Try a reputable department store, so you can get professional assistance before you make your choice. You'll be thrilled that you can finally wear that shirt that's been sitting in your closet!

8. You never wear it simply because you have too much. If your closet is packed with clothes and you have outfits you never wear simply because of the high volume, you may want to consider putting some of those clothes into storage so that your closet doesn't feel so stuffed and cramped. If your budget allows you to invest in a closet system, to better organized your closet, so much the better. Once your closet is organized, you will be able to see all the possibilities your clothing presents.

9. Expensive Doesn’t Mean Keeper: Have you ever splurged on a pair of shoes that blew your budget, only to realize that there was no way you could ever wear six inch stiletto heels outside the house? It may have cost you a lot of money, but if you’re not going to wear it then it’s just take up space in your closet. Toss it or, better yet, sell it to a consignment store and make some extra dough.

10. But It Was A Gift: Who hasn’t received a well-intentioned clothing item that ended up being a dud? Don’t we all have oversized sweaters, strange scarves, or pants with a funky crotch sitting in our closets that someone gave to us? Yes, you may feel guilty giving away an item that was a gift, but you’re not wearing it anyway. Donate it to charity and perhaps those items will find a second life with someone who will actually wear them.

Cleaning Out My Closet

I decided today was the day,
To take and cast out some old things.
Things I have kept far too long,
Things that no longer belonged.

I opened the closet door,
With determination inside.
I started to sort through things,
That were left hanging way to long.

First I came upon Bitterness,
Buried deep inside,
So I took it and cast it
Into my box of sin.

Next was envyness,
I needed that no more,
So I took and tossed
That envyness clear out the closet door.

Well my closet was looking better,
Yet more needed to go,
So I dug even deeper,
Deeper then ever before.

Hid deep into the middle,
I thought that was long gone,
I found unforgiveness,
It seemed to just hang on.

So I took that unforgiveness
Along with self-pride,
I took them both,
And cast them both aside.

I looked at my closet,
Looking good I had to admit,
Yet something was left there
Hanging, that needed to be cast.

I grabbed a hold of the hate,
Firmly I gave it a yank,
It was the hardest article,
More stubborn then the rest.

I knew if my closet was to be cleansed,
That this one above all the rest,
Had to be cast deep into the pit.
So with determination, hate was cast aside.

Now as I looked into my closet,

I had room for new things.
Like love, and happiness,
That had no room before.

Now my closet is only filled with
The Holy Spirit, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
Isn't it amazing what our closet
Can hold, when we cast away Our sins,
Inviting Our Precious Lord Jesus Christ In
Author Unknown

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.

Devotion: Taking the Land a.k.a. Little-by-Little

You may say to yourselves, "These nations are stronger than we are. How can we drive them out?" But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the LORD your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt. You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the miraculous signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out. The LORD your God will do the same to all the peoples you now fear. Moreover, the LORD your God will send the hornet among them until even the survivors who hide from you have perished. Do not be terrified by them, for the LORD your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God. The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you. But the LORD your God will deliver them over to you, throwing them into great confusion until they are destroyed.
Deuteronomy 7:17-23 (NIV)

In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was condemned to push a huge stone to the top of a hill. With great physical exertion he pushed all day until he got the stone all the way to the top. But no sooner had he reached the top than the stone rolled all the way back down to the bottom. Thus, his struggle is recognized as an “uphill battle."

Organizing may seem that way for many. You spend an entire day or maybe several exhausting days organizing what may have taken weeks or years to create. At the end of your marathon, you are spent and weak from your efforts. But what happens next? You “release” the stone and the next thing you know things are once again in disarray. It can be very discouraging to realize how long it takes to deal with clutter and how long it takes for clutter to collect again.

This tendency is very reminiscent of Sisyphus. You work and work with intensity, and once you release the bolder, your tendency is to relax and let things go back to the familiar, with no plan in place for maintenance. Habits take time to reform in our brain, and when we do too much too quickly, not only do we get exhausted and burn out for the next several days, but in those next several days we undo all that we have accomplished. Even though you've had great results in a short time, you have to remember that keeping things looking that good is a matter of building daily habits--habits of keeping things organized.

God promises that He will “drive out” with His mighty hands that which is keeping disorder in your life. But this works only little-by-little, in the taking of the land or the taking of the room! Building habits one at a time, little-by-little, will insure you of a great success and will allow you to rule over your possessions instead of being ruled by them.

The magic “key” to continuing with your organizing efforts is to build into your system a maintenance schedule. Finding someone to help keep you accountable until the maintenance is routine, and remembering to schedule the end of the day de-cluttering session will insure you that you will not find yourself in the same original circumstance as before.

Organizing Principles:
1. Never buy more than what you need.

2. When starting the de-cluttering process...every time you buy something new, decide what you have that is like it and train yourself to dispose of 3 articles that are like the new one coming in.

3. Begin de-cluttering with the Mt. Vernon Method. Choose one spot in the room and keep your focus on that area until everything is completed. Then move to either the left or the right and continue to sweep the entire room in a systematic process. Distractions occur when we zigzag in our de-cluttering because we feel it necessary to put things away, and in doing so, we forget where we were. Have a basket that accumulates everything that is to go someplace else and at the end of the session, take those items and put them away.

4. Build one habit at a time. Trying to take on 12 new habits at a time is a sure fire way to become overwhelmed. Don’t let your perfectionism (the desire to do it all at once) ruin such fantastic efforts.

Yes, you may backslide once in a while. That’s normal. However, if you have taken measures to “keep the wild beasts away” getting organized again will only take half the time and effort as your original endeavor.

A quote from a dear one:
“Please remember that your home didn't get into this shape at the rate of one room per day, and it's not going to get out of this shape at the rate of one room per day either. Sure, you can continue to purge at that rate, but when you're done, you won't even remember what you got rid of, where you put the things you kept, or even what you kept. Trust me, I know of what I speak. I purged my sewing room very quickly within the past few months, and now there are things that I either can't find, or wish I had never gotten rid of. Sure I had good reason to get rid of a lot of stuff, but there are still items that I now wish I'd kept, because I've gone looking for them and have come to the conclusion that they were among the purged items.”

Prayer,
Lord, thank you for opening my eyes to Your promise that You will drive out the clutter beasts from my life. What I was missing was that You want me to build new habits, little-by-little. Your son Jesus said, “…my yoke is easy.” I never understood why I spent countless hours taking the land of my room, only to be discouraged because the wild beasts came back in and devoured all I had done. I now know to take it easy, bit-by-bit, and to create and maintain a schedule to keep it that way.

~Eileen Koff, CPO