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Having less stuff means having more time for life. @ AVirtuousWoman.org #ATimeToClean #declutter

Less Really is More

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

 Having less stuff means having more time for life. @ AVirtuousWoman.org #ATimeToClean #declutter

A Time to Clean: Day 13

You can read the rest of the posts in this series here.

“I wish I’d had more had more stuff, more things, and more money,” said no one ever as they breathed their last breath.

No, most people thinking back on their life will have wished they’d spent more moments living life to the fullest and loving their family more.

So much time is spent buying, organizing, cleaning, moving, carrying stuff. Things. Material possessions that have no eternal value. What do you want more of?

I have said to my husband many times in recent months that I want less stuff and more life. You know, real living – the good stuff, like adventures in the mountains, travels around the country, laughter and games with my kids.

How much of my time is spent moving, shifting, dusting, cleaning, washing, moving, organizing, re-organizing, stuff? It’s probably shameful. Is that how God wants me to spend my time?

Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21

I want my life and my home to reflect my love for Jesus. A space that is cluttered, messy, or too full doesn’t give justice to the life want to to live. I want my home to stand as a witness to my life of peace and joy in Jesus. If my home does not reflect a peaceful, happy life and instead looks cluttered and overrun with chaos, am I really living the life God wants me to live? Or have I given “things” a higher place in my life than they deserve?

Less Stuff, More Joy

By having less stuff I can have more life. By having less stuff, I can have more time for living the life God intended me to live instead of wasting time on futile tasks. By having less stuff I can have more fun and laughter and games with my family. By having less stuff to clean and pick up and wash I can have more time to do meaningful activities that add joy to my life – like painting, writing, crafting, scrapbooking, or sewing. By having less stuff to try and organize I can also have less stress which means I have more peace.

Having less stuff means having more time for life. @ AVirtuousWoman.org #ATimeToClean #declutter

I’ve noticed when I’m traveling that I really don’t need that many clothes. In fact, every year we spend two weeks away at campmeeting and we each pack one suitcase full of clothing and I bring one laundry basket. And at the end of each day, that days clothing for the entire family gets washed, dried, folded and put away.

And it’s wonderful. 

Why do I feel the need to have a closet full of clothing that I don’t really need? 

Isaiah 55:2 says, “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And delight yourself in abundance.” NASB.

I’m not saying we should never buy anything except for bread. I don’t believe we have to live as paupers to be faithful Christians. But I do believe we should be good stewards and not always be so anxious to spend more money and more time on things that really aren’t going to add goodness to our lives. So much money could be saved if we just bought less stuff – and that money in turn could be used to support a ministry who feeds and clothes the poor.

So much money could even be saved and put toward your retirement which is also part of being a good steward!  

Temperance

We live in a consumer world. Every where we go we see advertisements enticing us to spend money on new things. We’re so used to having what we want, when we want it and today’s youth really struggle with doing without. This generation of parents have encouraged this behavior by giving so many “things” to our children when what children are really desperate for is love, guidance, and boundaries.

We need to learn temperance in all things. 

Temperance: n. moderation and self-restraint

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25 KJV

What area’s in your life are lacking temperance or self-control?

Today’s Goal

  • Think about which area of your life is most lacking in self-restraint. Do you shop way too much? Do you indulge in too much television when you should be doing the dishes? Has a lack of self-control contributed to your clutter problem?
  • Pray about making hard decisions – about what things you should keep, preserve, or let go.
  • Pick up a journal and write down your thoughts about what He has shown you or print my free prayer journal.
  • Choose an area in your home you want to tackle. I’ll be working in my family room today.
  • Fill at least one bag or box full of stuff to give away. You can donate to our Appalachian Community Center if you’d like.
  • Take a picture of your bag. Share it on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram – use hashtag #atimetoclean {optional}
  • Leave a comment below about what you chose to get rid of and anything else God has laid on your heart.
  • Do your best to wake up early tomorrow and spend time in prayer. Use your prayer journal. I’ll be waking up around 6:00 am.
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About Melissa Ringstaff

My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I've been blogging here at A Virtuous Woman since 2001. I'm a pastor's wife and homeschooling mom living in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of Southeastern KY. I believe in finding freedom from perfection and living life with purpose and I want to help you do exactly that.

I'm so glad you've stopped by to visit with me. I hope we can be friends!

You may also enjoy reading these posts:

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The Heart of Her Husband: Day 3

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The Heart of Her Husband: Day 2

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The Heart of Her Husband: Day 1

This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.

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Previous Post: «Self-disciple means doing what you know needs to be done even when you don't feel like it. {A Time to Clean: 30 Day Challenge} @ AVirtuousWoman.org About Self-Discipline
Next Post: Create in Me a Clean Heart Create in me a clean heart... God will heal your brokenness! @ AVirtuousWoman.org #ATimeToClean»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Natasha

    November 19, 2014 at 7:40 pm

    As I get older, I really do see the value in less because of all the time it takes to maintain all the "more" we have in our lives. Recently, we have been sorting through all the totes of clothes that we have bought over the years and getting rid of a majority of it! It is easier to dress when you have less choices!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      November 19, 2014 at 11:20 pm

      Thanks for sharing your experience! I agree - it's so much better... I've been purging my clothes, but I think I'm ready to really get rid of most of them!
      Reply
  2. Mary

    November 20, 2014 at 7:57 am

    i read an article months ago about someone who decided to become a minimalist and what measures they took for their wardrobe. The other day my husband asked if we were going to do that and then reading this confirms that is where my focus will be for this day. I may not go as extreme as I should but getting rid of about half of what we own would be such a relief... Now if I could only get over my thoughts "what if I want to wear it someday" or "I may not fit that noe (after having two babies in the last two years) but I am hoping to lose weight to fit it again"
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      November 20, 2014 at 4:10 pm

      Mary, that little voice in our head is tricky! God is hard at work. I'm sure you'll see progress! God bless you!
      Reply
  3. Karen

    November 20, 2014 at 9:25 am

    I recently read a book about living with less called The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. She is a Japanese woman who has made it her life's work to help people make their homes exactly how they vision them. I have read dozens of de-cluttering books and this one gets the blue ribbon. Love your blog!
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      November 20, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Thanks, Karen! You brightened my day! :)
      Reply
  4. Jennie

    November 20, 2014 at 1:15 pm

    I have a hard time getting this through to my kids. Especially this time of the year! It is hard when my ex husband and his family are about things. I pray for God to help my kids see that people and experiences and serving others out weighs who has the most of something. I have tried purging but only when they can't beg "Mommy no!! Not that!!" Thanks for the article.
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      November 20, 2014 at 4:02 pm

      Jennie, it is definitely a challenge! Keep praying and live by example. Talk to them a lot! God bless you!
      Reply
  5. Ntombikayise Nzama

    November 25, 2014 at 11:14 pm

    Good Morning! Am so glad I found this website and it is so helpful,am so excited,am a fan of proverbs31.You website is so practical.Ntombikayise Nzama,Florida,SouthAfrica
    Reply
    • Melissa Ringstaff

      November 26, 2014 at 8:45 pm

      God bless you! :)
      Reply
  6. Melinda Mitchell

    June 22, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Melissa, yes, yes, yes!! I KNOW this, but living it out is hard! When I get rid of stuff, I feel relief. Then not long after, there I am at the store again! God has been speaking to me about my rebellion. And boy, is He hitting it hard! I am full of rebellion, which is as the sin of witchcraft. I'm daily pleading with Him to cleanse me, and break down all the stronghold the enemy has in my life. And clutter, and hoarding is definitely one of them. Keep on encouraging me, please!
    Reply

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Hi There! My name is Melissa Ringstaff and I believe that being a Proverbs 31 Woman isn't about being perfect. Here at A Virtuous Woman you'll find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose.


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purposenotperfection

Freedom from perfection. 🪁
Live with purpose. ✝️
Proverbs 31 for modern women. 👱‍♀️
Wife + Mama + Homemaker + Kentucky
Life: @melissa.ringstaff

Melissa Ringstaff
Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just Not gonna lie. 2020 was a hard year. And not just because there was a pandemic. Our family has faced many trying times in the past but 2020 gave us some doozies.  I’m looking forward to a new year. The beginning of the new year always feels like a fresh start to me. It feels like HOPE.  But the truth is, whatever heartaches and hardships you and I were facing on Dec. 31 will most likely still be there on Jan. 1.  That’s why it’s hard to keep New Years resolutions. It’s easy to feel motivated for a few days or a couple weeks until we realize life hasn’t really changed and things are still hard.  But if we want to see real change it takes hard work and real effort. It takes showing up every day - even when it’s hard.  Whether that means working on your fractured relationships or setting healthy boundaries or cultivating self disciple... whatever that hard thing is that you need to work on ... it will only get better if you work on it.  We aren’t promised an easy life. But we are promised an “Ever Present Help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46:1  *
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#faithblogger #faithfulness #faithandfamily #bibleverseaday #christianbloggers #dailyverses #christianlife #jesuscalling #shereadstruth#proverbs31women #proverbs31life #10virtues #daughteroftheking #jesuslovesme #womenoffaith #faithquotes #proverbs31
We’re coming into the new year with all the same We’re coming into the new year with all the same problems we had in the last year. And that’s okay! Life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Perfectionism is a joy stealer. Let’s determine to enjoy life right now in all its messiness.  I believe you can find freedom from perfection and the confidence to live your life with purpose. #purposenotperfection  #christian #Jesus #love #quotes #quoteslife #quotestoliveby #godisgood #votd #lifequotes #inspirationalquotes #life #motivationalquotes #inspiration #bible #bb #bestoftheday #happiness #wordofgod
🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. 🏠 Being a homemaker is such an important role. It’s a ministry to your family and all who enter your home.  But I want you to know: You don’t have to be perfect. ❤️  There’s a fine line between teaching your children to be neat and insisting on perfection. No one can meet that kind of standard and it can be detrimental to the emotional health of your family.  What we want for our homes is to provide a space that is neat and clean enough that your family and friends feel comfortable and well loved.  There is freedom in accepting the fact that you’re not perfect. Not to make excuses for slovenliness - but to give yourself grace.  It’s when we recognize our weakness that we find ourselves reaching out to Jesus to receive the power that comes only from him. As homemakers, when we can find grace for the moment when we accept His Gift.  “But now for a brief moment grace has been shown from the LORD our God, to leave us an escaped remnant and to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our bondage. Ezra 9:8  Let His Grace wash over you, cleanse your weary heart. Homemaking isn’t about creating a perfect space. It’s about creating a home where loved ones feel cared for and nurtured. 
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking #wearethehomemakers
❤️Your attitude about homemaking matters.⠀
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A homemaker by definition is someone who manages and makes a home. 🏠⠀
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But, anyone can clean and organize a home. ⠀
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☑️ Homemaking is about more than checking off the items on your to do list.⠀
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Learning how to be a homemaker means you learn how to make your home feel like haven of peace and love. You seek out ways to make your home feel inviting. You work at it.⠀
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There is no easy button for homemaking. There are easier, more efficient ways to do chores, but the chores still have to be done. If you live in a house, you will create the need for the house to be tidied every day and cleaned on a regular basis.⠀
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Having the right attitude about homemaking is the first step in learning how to be a homemaker.⠀
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The good news is, even if you’ve been struggling with your homemaking, you can always go to God and ask Him for help. ⠀
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He sees the unseen work of your hands. And He loves you very, very much. He wants to help you succeed. ⠀
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#proverbs31 #proverbs31woman #purpose31 #10virtues #homemaking #homemakingministries #happyhomemaking #homemaking101 #cleanhome #cleanheart #fromchaostocalm #housekeeping #cleaningroutine #inspiredhome #makingahome #lovewhereyoudwell #homemaker #homebody #biblicalHomemaking  #youngwife #housewife
🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regu 🙏 If you’ve found it difficult to have a regular time with Jesus every day, you’re not alone. Lots of busy Christian women struggle to find time for a daily prayer and devotion time. ⠀
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But I still want to encourage you to start your day with God! ⠀
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⏰ If it’s hard to spend 30 minutes in the morning for a quiet time, I want you to remember you can still begin your day with God – even if that means saying a short prayer before your feet hit the floor in the morning.⠀
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✝️ I also want to encourage you to memorize this verse:⠀
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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.⠀
Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Psalm 143:8 📖⠀
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In the morning you can recite this verse and say a prayer. It doesn’t have to take a long time. Although – if you do have time – you will be greatly blessed by spending more time in prayer and devotion.⠀
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📌 Free Printable Morning Prayer Prompts on the blog today: https://avirtuouswoman.org/morning-prayer-prompts/  #linkinbio ⠀
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🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be inte 🏠 As a homemaker, one of my goals is to be intentional with how I plan our days. I love any opportunity to create a good memories at home for my family and guests. ⠀⠀
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📌 If you're looking to make this holiday season really special, you need to be intentional. Goodness knows 2020 has had a lot of ups and downs. And maybe you feel like it's been mostly downs. ⠀⠀
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🎄 But the holiday season is a chance to focus on celebrating the life we have right now. Things don't need to be perfect for us to celebrate life right now!!⠀⠀
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☑️ Inside the pages of my Purpose 31 holiday planner, you'll find 8 weeks of planning and cleaning all laid out for you. Recipe pages, journaling pages, and more - 120 pages total. ⠀⠀
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✏️ The Purpose 31 Holiday Planner is by far one of the most popular resource I produce each year. ⠀⠀
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Thousands of women have downloaded it over the last four years I've offered it.⠀⠀
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So, even though it's early still, you can go ahead and downlaod it. Print it out and then set it up so you're ready to go.⠀⠀
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I usually take my holiday planner down to Office Depot and have them spiral bind it with a plastic cover for about $5.00. This year, though, I just bought a new 3 ring binder at Walmart, printed off extra cover pages to slip in the clear sleeve, and created a binder with it. ⠀⠀
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📌📌📌 If you use the planner this year, be sure to share and tag me in your photos! ❤️⠀  Download: https://avirtuouswoman.org/holiday-planner/ #linkinbio
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