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Mary vs. Martha
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Posted by: JeriRose12
What is a prayer warrior to do? Do all prayer warriors hate cleaning like I do, because it's of the utmost importance to pray 24/7 and whose got time to clean? There is clutter all around me. A couple nights ago, I vacuumed for the first time since Thanksgiving (at least an entire floor vacuum). Or is it not prayer warrior related and I'm just messy? That, too, is true. 
I clean one day, and it looks pretty good, then, by the next day, I can't figure out why it's messy again. 
At work I am called "Miss Messy" (or did I just start calling myself that, because everyone always comments on how messy I am?). Believe me, I don't TRY to be messy; it just comes natural. My mother was a cleanaholic and she got four messies for kids.... What are the odds of that? We all took after pack rat Dad, I guess.... So, what to do? Sigh.
When Martha gets out, Mary starts getting irritated. When Mary is in operation too long, Martha suddenly sees how messy the place has gotten and decides it's time to do something..... So, she goes into an overdrive clean all in one long session. At least it gets clean.
I mean, two nights ago, I had everything pretty much cleaned up and vacuumed, but there is stuff all over my room.... clothes, dishes, CDs, notebooks, box of jewlery makings.... Stuff piled around my computer, like cups, a CD case, a Bible ( 
), note pads books, mail....
Anyway, I don't really know if you guys can help me on this. Perhaps, you have some hints on ways to cut clutter and to get rid of stuff.
My closet is overflowing with clothes.... I discovered thrift stores! I don't wear all of them, but I keep thinking some day I might wear that item....
The issue is: You CAN'T take it with you! So why do I need it? Having all this stuff just makes me shift stuff around and around (never really getting it cleaned up). So, what is the deal? I know what counts: Relationship with God and leading others to Him. So, what is the proper attitude toward stuff? And how much time should one spend cleaning?
Jesus said Mary had chosen the better part, but if Martha hadn't prepared the meal who would have SERVED? Server is also a God given gift. Someone has to clean around here, or it will be a pit. My niece is far worse than me about cleaning (her room should be labled "Disaster Area"!). I actually, don't think, though, that I can say I am guilty of cleaning too much and spending too little time in prayer.... Quite the opposite. Martha doesn't surface that much, except at least every other day, I get the kitchen fairly presentable.
I guess I am wondering the importance of cleaning. Are there scriptures that would say I should keep it clean? Or should I just quit trying to be a clean nick and settle for being messy? Someone (a cleanie) told my Sister "You can't get out what God hasn't put in." How come, deep down (I guess WAY DEEP DOWN 
), I dream of living in this neat, clean envirornment, but my actions don't show that? How come I keep thinking "Cleanliness is next to Godliness," but it's SO HARD to get it clean and keep it clean? When push comes to shove, we know time is short and there is MUCH to pray about! We know that cleaning just seem to be a destraction from praying/seeking God..... So, what is the balance here? What is the hope that one can keep it clean and pray, but not go over borad in the cleaning department? I kind of felt my mother cleaned TOO MUCH! She WAS a house wife -- married to her house. Yet, she can't seem to NOT to do it! It's easy for me to not do it.... I don't even see the mess more than half the time. It's just like one day I look around and think, "This place needs to be cleaned up!" Whether I do it, is another thing.... 
Well, just wanted to know if anyone can relate or would like to share on this. I know others must struggle with this, too. When I cleaned the other night, I said that I must throw out a lot of stuff.... I've yet to do it. 
Threw out the old boom box tonight. Put one skirt in a bag to take to the thrift store. 
On the other hand, you could me all day, and I still wouldn't really want to clean. Spirit is willing, flesh is weak.... and face it, SPRIRIT WOULD RATHER PRAY!!! 
So let's get a 
(I prefer frozen mochas) and discuss this. Of course, by discussing it, it gets me out of doing anything about it!!!
Hmmmm..... 
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM amongst the clutter!!!
Posted by: JeriRose12
I just threw a flyer about a mall I want to go to toward the trash can and missed.... Hmmm, a mall. More stuff to bring home and clutter my place up.
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM amongst the clutter
P.S. I couldn't possibly get up and throw it away now, because I'm on here posting....
Posted by: michellejane
These are great. I think they're really funny. Sometimes it's other people that are offended by mess but they shouldn't be because they don't have to live in it! If it doesn't bother you why should it bother them? It's their insecurity really isn't it?
I'm a serious sort of person so here's what i think.................
If you can talk to God and work you get the best of both worlds. I do both all the time, remember God is Spirit we don't need to sit and gaze into His eyes and He won't take the hump if we work and talk. 
We don't have to put our hands together and close our eyes to pray. We'd miss a lot of prayers if we did that.
Try asking for an Angel to tidy while you sleep He might just send you one. Ask and you shall receive. Jesus You are the best. 
Posted by: akabezalel
One good rule of thumb is...
If you don't love it, wear it or use it, you DON'T need it. Feel free to get rid of it.
Of course I shouldn't talk too much about clutter
I am in the process of planning right now, we are getting our home refinanced and I am setting aside 2,000$ per room to Paint, replace flooring and buy some new furniture which means I am sitting making lists of things that stay in a room and things that go to the trash or thrift store.
I have a house full PLUS a full basement full of boxes... some of which I have not gotten into in 11 years when we moved here.
This summer I have hired a young man to come and help with the basement, his payment is anything I get rid of he can have to take to the flea market and sell for himself.
His Dad does that for a living so he knows how it works.
You may want to get hold of a neat friend and have her help you de-clutter your stuff.
Sometimes we can find it in us to toss something if we have someone ask us why we keep it.
I have cut my crafting down to 3 crafts, cross-stitch embroidery, silk ribbon flower making and jewelry making. The rest is going to a senior center or the church.
I only kept the 3 crafts I actually enjoy doing and am getting rid of the ones I have that I collected thinking I would like to do it or did for someone else but don't enjoy doing for myself.
I will keep the sewing machine only because you never know when you may need to fix something but I don't enjoy sewing for the sake of sewing.
I am going to try to clean the pantry next week and get rid of the small appliances I really don't use and all the dead stuff in the back of the cupboards. 
Use the 4 box method... get 4 boxes that are the right size for you to carry when full and lable them... Trash, Put Away, Give Away, Undecided.
Small steps are best, take an area like the top of a dresser or the whole dresser and clean it and de-clutter it.
It then becomes off limits for putting other stuff on it or in it.
Make sure you empty the first 3 boxes and when the 'Undecided' box gets full either close it and put it in a corner to get to later or make it your next area to clean and make your decisions then.
Remember the rule of thumb at the start of this post.
You only need to keep things like bills like electricity, credit cards or phone etc for 6 months.
Find someone who has a shredder or fireplace/ fire ring where you can safely dispose of them.
Throw flyers away immediately.
Keep a coupon file for those coupons you will use (you can get those at the dollar store) THROW THE REST AWAY!
You can also file things like loose pictures in those little accordian files from the dollar store too.
I have a red file for current bills and a green one for things like savings bonds and garauntees, a purple one for prayer requests, a grey one for a cleaning schedule file box. and 3 extra ones for things like money being saved for specific items and other flat stuff.
I use a small calendar to keep track of bills and spending.
Deal with it once, file it and forget it.
Clothes sound like a comfort item for you, try figuring out how many outfits you actually need in a week.
That is how much you should cut back.
I have 7 pairs of pants, 7 short sleeved shirts, 7 long sleeved shirts, 2 dresses 2 pair of shoes, 1 pair of slippers, under garments for 10 days and 3 sleeping shirts.
When I get something new I find the piece of similar clothing that is in the worst shape and replace it.
Yeah it is boring sometimes but I don't have room for more.
My husband on the other hand takes up 2 full closets! ... I don't have a closet, I use a makeshift rack and sweater bag.
He has more clothes than most people simply because I cannot convince him to get rid of ANYTHING!
He is also going to be surprised when he goes to visit his Dad for 2 weeks in August............. I intend to jump a claim on a closet!
Posted by: JeriRose12
Thanks for the input guys. Work to do! I was looking for some info last night, so I have notebooks and ----- ? piled on the floor that need to go back on the shelf. But do I NEED all this stuff or should some of it NOT go on the shelf but into the trash instead? In some ways it doesn't bother me, but in some ways it seems a constant destraction to have all the clutter around me, because then when I sit or lay down to just spend quiet, undevided time with God, I think I ought to get up and clean.... I guess that's why I like to lay down and shut my eyes !!! Then, I don't see it. I like seeking God in the dark, too, which also means I don't see it! And, being, here, on the computer (which is in a corner), I don't see it too much, because it's mostly behing me....
Well, I will pray that God gives me the courage to THROW SOME STUFF OUT!!!
What's crazy is, I keep these seed packets from World Vision that I am supposed to send to these poor counrties so they can grow the carrots or other produce.... but I have never had the money (or forget when I get some money) to mail them in..... See, I'm kind of a perfectionist. I want to do some thing with that (item) some day....
As to crafts, it's more of a collection. I love to buy the stuff, but to actually do the project.... Well, I get busy and procrastinate.
I had better get to bed!!! Man, it's late....
You are right, michellejane, I've done some really good interceding while washing the dishes....
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM in admist the clutter
Posted by: Christian Commando
I just praise God people can own homes and not have to worry about making messes. I have to clean up whats left, sell most everything and see if can make enough money to get me to the only prospect God has opened up for me. I admit, I hate moving.
God bless and enjoy your mess(es).
Posted by: JeriRose12
Well, when you put it in that light.... I WILL enjoy my mess! I thank the Lord almost daily for a place to get in out of the weather and have a nice bed to sleep on. It isn't just one of those trying to think of something to be thankful for deals with me.... I am truly grateful I can pay the rent and keep a roof over my head.
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM in 2005 
Posted by: JeriRose12
I am working on it! I did something VERY HARD for me -- threw out all the old Benny Hinn letters, with articles with titles like "Household Salvation" and so on that I figured I would benefit from reading.... but were in a box, untouched. So -- that is HUGE progress for me!
Also, I have bagged up MANY clothes for the thrift store -- those I bought that were minstakes, because I never wear them. Then, I threw out the "old" clothes, too pilled, too thin, too faded..... What to do with the teddy bear sleep shirts that are all pilled and thin? I collect teddy bears, but they are in horrible shape !!!
Well, I actually feel the anointing while I type this. I asked God if there couldn't be an anointing on cleaning? Or is that just the usual anointing I feel on this site? Perhaps, God is saying it's TIME to get rid of this clutter -- it's weighing you down. It's distracting you from your focus. I KNOW that's what he's saying!!! My rationale is that I own less stuff than some others I know.... but He keeps telling me if I own more than I feel able to deal with, I need to GET RID OF IT!!!
I really believe all the extra stuff is keeping me from focusing on the real goals of my life. It is just stuff to move around or fritter away my time trying to figure out what I might make, etc.
Oh, I threw out my old Taco Time shirts, the blue ones the new owner doesn't like. I threw out this acient coat, with the logo (all cracked) of another place I worked. Hey, for me this is tremendous progress. Sentimental value does hold me somewhat. But I CAN'T take it with me, and my reletives don't want to deal with a life time of collected stuff when I go....
So, I will keep working on it and keep you posted.
Oh, yes!!! I started a spending moratorium. I can't spend until pay day at least (the 21st). Mostly, because I MUST get the bills paid and quit spending money I don't have. But, also have three other reasons: to not keep cluttering up my place with new stuff; to focus on praying (it's a kind of fast); and to make myself use what I already have, rather than buying new stuff that I will just pile up with the other stuff I'm not using. (A side benefit, is I won't keep bringing home chocolate , cuz I'm not even allowed to buy groceries right now).
So, let's see if I make it to the 21st! Do you know how HARD it is for an American to quit spending for TEN days??? Well, from today it's nine, but I started yesterday.
Ouch! Okay, let's just keep praying that God helps me with this. Because I know He doesn't want me hampered down by all this stuff. What if He suddenly asks me to up and go on the mission field or something? I don't want to be scrambling around as to what to do with all my stuff! Better to get rid of it NOW!!!
Here is something that we can all benefit from in this area of getting rid of stuff. I always write a list of my goals and priorities in life. If it isn't related to those goals and priorities, OUT THE DOOR!!! Sometimes easier said than done, but I majorly got rid of stuff, by this method, one time. Perhaps, some of my goals and priorities have changed since then, or I am seeing even more realistically now, so I can get rid of stuff I kept back then.
I will keep you posted.
If you're having problems in this area let us know, so we can pray with you and encourage you. I think MOST American's have problems with this. Do you know there are 22,000 storage units being rented in Washington State alone???
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM as I declutter!!!
Posted by: JeriRose12
Lord, help me get ruthless! Help me get rid of some stuff! Deliver me from stuff; don't let me be bound by stuff! Father, break the spirit of greed and the spirit of poverty, that cause me to hold onto stuff I don't need! Help me declutter in ALL WAYS -- mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually! Set me free to be the neat, clean woman I KNOW is hiding down inside me!
I declare, in Jesus Name, I am FREE of stuff! I declare, in Jesus Name, I am no longer BOUND by stuff! I decalre in Jesus Name that my room and apartment is CLUTTER FREE! I declar, in Jesus Name, that there is a place for eveything (including the trash or thrift store for some things) and EVEERYTHING is in it's place! I declare, in Jesus Name, that this is a neat and orderly place, an ORGANIZED place! When I want to find something I know RIGHT where it is! When I want to do something, the project is all set aside in an orderly fashion. I declare, in Jesus Name, that I CAN do this! I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me! Yes, I SHALL be free of all hinderances and distractions of STUFF! I will get organized and set up my prayer alter and devote myself to Jesus and to prayer, NOT TO STUFF! In Jesus Name, I decree and declare these things DONE!!!
Now, to it, Lord!!!
(Help me find that paper for the auditor, so I can vote next election!!!).
In Jesus Name, amen.
~JeriRose~
Finding YOU in 2005
Posted by: JeriRose12
Well, Lord, I threw out more stuff. Why does the stuff seem to be holding onto me? Break the hold! Lord God, it's only got value to me, really. Those books written by classmates, that I seldom if ever read.... and I don't even agree with most of what's written there or have matured so far beyond those vain philosiphies of men... Why do I need such stuff? Father God, just keep working with me on this! I must reduce the amount of stuff, and I cut one box by about half, and reduced another by about half and joined the two.... Lord, help me to keep going and not give up!
The fast is this weekened, and I don't want to be focused on cleaning then. So, help me to stick to the moderators fast!!! Lord, I just need you to turn that light bulb on or zap me with lightning. Just open my eyes to see it! Open my eyes to know how wonderful a junk free place will be and look! Give me a vision of it and for it!
What to do with all the junk scattered around for the weekend? I want to fast and pray, not clean.... help me put it all somewhere where it won't bother me. I feel so good when I get rid of stuff, and perhaps cleaning my place somehow fits with going to higher levels. There will be a new freedom, as I declared in the last post. So, show me how to win the battle over clutter!!!
I pray and ask, in Jesus Name, amen.
~JeriRose~
Finding YOU as I declutter!!!
Posted by: Ericsmom
How's the cleaning coming? A mom must have come up with "cleanliness is next to Godliness." As you know, God will help us in all things. I've thought about the Mary and Martha situation also. The people there would probably talked about them not being good hosts if Martha had not done the household responsibilities. They probably would not have eaten or been able to walk through the house, if Martha hadn't stayed on task BUT since Mary didn't care about what they were going to say and concentrated on Jesus, she got the spiritual food/blessings. Wonder if she would have been able to not thinking about the physical things that needed to be done, if she had sat at His feet?
Posted by: JeriRose12
Mary did get the better part. I know that. But do I have to live in a mess? I go round and round on that issue? Right now, I am sitting at Jesus feet, here on anointed.net, and the dishes desparately need done..... There is a little clutter around me. We are having apartment inspections, so I have to clean for that. The land lord was here fixing on things before one of the inspections and she saw my little bit of clutter and told me to clean up. And it wasn't much at all. My nieces entire floor is covered, and that's probably two layers deep! I have gone in her room and nearly stepped on my own dishes (she likes to take the dishes upstairs, until there are none in the downstairs kitchen.) I keep thinking I will pass a "Don't touch my dishes (use your own)!" rule, but I am a softy.... I just grumble to myself about her bad habits.
I am just thinking if Martha could get a system down, it would free up more time for Mary. I could just keep it organized all the time, and not have to suddenly do a major cleaning project because I let it get so bad. Well, I try to get my dishes back down to the kitchen, rather than leaving them in my room for weeks as my niece does.
One thing that works well, is to clean the kitchen as I prepare my after work early dinner or late lunch. I get home around 3:30 most days, so while cooking, I do the dishes and clean the kitchen. Only, today, while cooking, I was paying bills, so the kitchen still needs help.
Anyway, if you have any hints or suggestions that really work, let me know. Everything I "try" to get organized seems to shortly be forgotten -- or just isn't as handy as I thought it would be. I guess it's because I lack discipline.
Lately, I have another problem. LAZY! I don't necessarily clean, but I don't necessarily sit at Jesus feet, either. I watch a lot of TV or make up stories in my head (something writer's tend to do). I have gotten depressed, so I don't particulary want to be Mary or Martha. Back when I was being Mary a lot and started this thread, these isssues were burning in me more....
I am praying that I get back on the battle field and quit being so lax.
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM in 2005
Posted by: Ericsmom
It does get very frustrating when other peoples' habits impact us. I really can identify with you on this. Of course, you know that God has the answer to all our prayers. Confession: Up until a couple of years ago, I thought I was suppose to take care of a large group of things and God was suppose to take care of the stuff I couldn't handle. But NOW I've learned God is interested in every thing. Currently I'm reading Romans, "Intercessory Prayer" (Dutch Sheets), "Power of the Blood of Christ" (Andrew Murray), and researching the Blood Covenant so one thing that helps me is to read some text and think about it while doing tasks - dishes, clothes, etc. I agree with you I do dishes as I cook - that helps me too. Also, I section things off - do one corner or one room and when it's clean, move to the next corner or room. YOu know there are thousands of suggestions on the web for cleaning house, too. When my kids were at home, I got them to use commercial time to straighten up. They were motivated because it was a short amount of time, and it didn't seem endless. There are a lot of commercials so there's usually music, it's loud so you won't miss your program, and you're achieving your goal. I praise the Lord for TBN - another strategy is to turn it on and listen as tasks get done. A couple of years ago, God led a friend to stop watching decorating shows and the news b/c she watched them constantly. Sometimes she "fast" all secular tv for a month at a time. It's good that we're learning how to improve ourselves.
Posted by: MarkSentMe
LOL! When we first started attending church, the church was offering a class "Being Mary in a Martha World" OK, so here's my ignorance showing. I thought it was the Virgin Mary vs Martha Stewart!! You know, how to be virtuous in a materialistic society! hee hee
My house is "lived in". I could spend all day cleaning (and have done so) and as soon as my crew gets home from school and work...BAM! it's a wreck! Rather than get angry, I just clean enough to keep the Board of Health at bay! I sweep. I mop. I vacuum. Dusting- no thanks! Windows...just pull the drapes closed. Speaking of drapes, they need washed. I wash laundry. I dry it, I fold it, but somehow going from laundry basket to drawers just doesn't seem to happen. Sometimes I put it in piles on my bed, get distracted and at bed time, there's 10 piles of folded clean laundry....which get put BACK in the baskets!
I just got a job where I clean 2 day care classrooms. Do I LOOK like I want to come home and clean??
We are pretty much cured of "stuffitis". I had tons of nice clothes, all small, just lingering around in case I lost enough weight to wear it all again. After 4 years of hauling it around from Colorado to Germany to Kentucky, I blessed GoodWill, Salvation Army and ARC with my barely-worn duds. I figure if I get motivated enough to lose the weight, I can hit up my old haunts for "new" stuff.
I have a box of NASCAR memorabilia left to sell on eBay. I also have other stuff as well. I used to be into collecting things. Now collections just seem a waste of time and money. I really enjoy the thrill of the hunt, but not necessarily owning the item. Maybe there's a niche for me
Well, it's late. I just waited on the gas line for 30 minutes. The gas here on post was still $2.61 a gallon for super-unleaded (they were totally sold out of raggedy unleaded and mid grade- I think they really had plenty, but lied!) Rumor has it they are going to jack the price up to $3 for raggedy at midnight!! Watch, then they'll have tons!
Posted by: JeriRose12
Well, I live in a fairly clean environment compared to some I know. I don't have much laundry -- since I only wash my own. That is a help! I wash a lot of things by hand because it takes too long to get a load together or the washer ruins them. It took me TWO weeks to get to my work clothes, and they were getting spot cleaned here and there. Between being depressed and busy, I just couldn't seem to get them done.
Well, my room could use some cleaning now. I am trying to get the bill paying area (which is also my computer desk) organized, for one thing. I write little notes here and there on scratch paper or in my computer notebook to remind me to pay the bills on time! You see, along with being messy, I am also really forgetful these days. Bills keep falling behind, and part of this is due to me misplacing the bill for a a day or two or a week or more.... I am working on disciplining myself to REMEBER to pay the bills, even if I have to write UMPTEEN reminder notices, write it on my calendar or any other thing like that. Three bills are ready to go (except for stamps). Now, how will I remember to mail them before work tomorrow???
Well, I keep plugging at the cleaning.
In light of the people who have nothing left after the hurricane, it seems I should just be glad to have some stuff to clean up. It should also make me willing to get rid of some stuff. Life is not stuff! As Max Lucado pointed out, they are not saying, "Where's my TV?" or whatever. They are just happy to find family members alive! Puts in in perspective, hunh?
MARY is the one needing help now! I just don't seek God the way I used to.
~JeriRose~
Finding HIM in 2005