(Book Study: Ten Habits of Happy Mothers by Meg Meeker - Habit #8)
Habit #8 (Find Ways to Live Simply) is one of my three favorites. Simple living has been my goal for several years now, but the progress has been slow. However, in the past three or four months, I have stepped up my efforts to declutter, organize, and clean my home. Simple living is just as much about our interior life as our exterior one, but I believe the latter is necessary for the former. My own goal is not only a beautiful home, but more time for family, more time for quiet and stillness. I think that busyness has replaced idleness when it comes to the work of Satan. Without solitude, we don't have time for prayer or creativity. And solitude is best achieved in a decluttered, organized, and clean environment.
As you know, Jessica is doing "40 Bags for 40 Days" this Lent in an effort to organize and clean her home. I am not doing anything quite as direct, but for several months, I have been learning to use a card-file system outlined in Sidetracked Home Executives: From Pigpen to Paradise by Pam Young and Peggy Jones. Another sidetracked home executive (S.H.E.) offers help at S.H.E.'s Organized.
If you are looking for inspiration or help, a quick Google search offers many resources. Here are two of my favorites - Organized Home and Smart Martha. Smart Martha is maintained by Tami Kiser, the author of Smart Martha's Catholic Guide for Busy Moms, and it offers ideas for celebrating the Liturgical Year within the home, in a printable format.
What are your favorite resources, either books or websites, for simple living? How do you keep your own home organized and clean?
Sorry I missed this morning! With two sick kiddos I didn't feel spreading these terrible germs was a good idea! I plan to write a reflection on my Lenten Challenge soon. I know it’s been a bit so I need to make it meaningful: As meaningful as the experience has been.
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