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A Christian Perspective on Wallace D. Wattles 1910 classic The Science of Getting Rich. This is Wattles' 1910 classic with a forward written by Marnie L. Pehrson and her commentary throughout. A fresh look at this classic from which many self-help books were taken. (Adobe Acrobat needed)

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"Simplify Your Life"

Sandra Walker is a Professional Organizer, speaker and author. She provides time management consultation, business and personal organization for her clients. She also teaches the popular Simplify Your Life organization and time management series upon which this chat is based.

"The four basic keys to getting organized are:

1. Pick your target. Choose 1 place to begin working.
2. Focus your efforts. Start in one corner & work out from there. Work in your target area until you're finished with it before moving on. If you find items that belong in another place, group them together & return them to their "home" at the end of your work session.
3. Divide & conquer. Break tasks down into steps. Ex, for organizing office: 1) Sort in-box 2. File papers on desktop. 3. Get paper piles off floor. Do 1 step at a time & finish it before moving on.
4. Start small. Work in small blocks of time. Try starting with an hour, or if that seems too much, try 30 minutes.

You'll find that this approach works well in just about any area that you want to organize. The important thing is to do small amounts at a time & stick with it. As you see results, you'll be motivated to keep going.

Any questions/comments?

butterfly: I'm a keeper and a stacker

Jenette: I worked with Sandra for a bit and as simple as this sounds, it really worked. My biggest challenge was finding extra storage space, but once I began purging stuff I no longer needed, I found tons of it. So if you're a keeper or a stacker...PURGE. :)

butterfly: I just hate to file away papers. I tend to forget, out of sight out of mind.

Sandra: Yes, ask yourself, "Is this item beautiful, useful or special?" if not you can probably get rid of it.

Sandra: As for stacking vs. filing, if you get a good filing system, you should be able to quickly & easily locate things.

butterfly: I file, then find myself going back to what's easy, I know I'll find a system that works for me.

Sandra: The important thing is, does stacking work for you? Are you happy with it? If so, there's no need to change.

Jenette: This might be off topic, but since it's the SheLovesGod conference I'll ask {bg}, how do you see being organized as something that can/will bring you closer to God? Do you know what I mean? Do you think that being organized etc as being something that can help with your relationship with God?

Sandra: Well for me, it helps keep me serene and calm. There is a spiritual feeling to it.

butterfly: I also know stacking works for me, however I can't stand the mess, maybe it's time to clean up my spiritual files and rest will follow.

Suncoach: anything that brings you peace and comfort brings you closer to your spiritual self, I think.

Jenette: So the actual act of keeping things tidy is spiritual for you?

butterfly: I'm happiest when things are neat and tidy.

Jenette: What about those that find it a stressor to keep things organized? How would you help them?

Suncoach: Your outside mirrors your inside

Sandra: Living & working in a neat orderly surroundings helps reduce stress, lets me think more clearly. When I feel like this, I'm more centered and in touch with my spirit.

Jenette: I wonder if there's any Biblical references for being neat and orderly? Marnie?

Jenette: I only ask because I find certain things even more enjoyable when I know they're centered around God... etc.

Jenette: Something along the lines of cleanliness is next to Godliness {BG}

Sandra: The point of being organized is to make your life simpler and increase quality of life. If being organized stresses you out, there's no point. But that's why I tailor suggestions for each client. What works for one may not work for another. When you find the right fit for you, it will help you feel calmer and less stressed.

Jenette: Right that makes sense. So in other words, some people live in happy chaos?

butterfly: How about if you have 2 coats give one away? It's hard to create clutter when you bring something in you send something out.

Marnie: Well the theme for the conference is "Order my steps in thy word." Psalms 119:113 {BG}

Sandra: Right! What works for you might drive me crazy or vice versa!

Jenette: Butterfly, I like the idea of giving when we bring in. That's got a spiritual side to it...

butterfly: Thanks, how about the proverbs woman she had it all together what was her secret?

Sandra: I find that in this, as in all things, when I pray for guidance, answers always come. I just say "I need help God. Please show me what to do."

Jenette: I just went to my mother's house and reorganized her kitchen....threw out bags of old boxes of food, but gave away food she'd never eat that's in cans... that I'm not sure WHY she bought and neither does she But knowing it's not being "thrown away" makes it feel better, and knowing someone's going to get to use it makes it even more wonderful... then looking at her pantry made us both happy! She's got sooo much more space now!

Sandra: I have a "1 in, 2 out" guideline that goes like this: When you bring in 1 new item, try to find 2 similar older items that you can get rid of -- donate, sell, or trash.

Jenette: Oh that's a new one and I REALLY like it. REALLY like it.

butterfly: I teach my kids that too.

Sandra: Very good lesson for kids!

butterfly: You should see them clean out at Christmas!!

Sandra: I know someone who the day after Thanksgiving, has each child pick out two toys to donate. They know they are making room for new Christmas presents, and giving to someone in need. Great lesson!

butterfly: Mine doesn't even notice.

Jenette: I'm just thinking how wonderful that rule would work with getting rid of my own clothes and stuff.

Jenette: How do you handle spouses that get angry when you "touch" or "move" their stuff?

Sandra: I feel very strongly that we must respect others' boundaries and privacy.

Sandra: Jenette, sometimes you just have to compromise. If his "mess" bothers you, can you get him to agree to keep it in a closet, behind a closed door?

Jenette: Oh, so you think I shouldn't bother with his stuff? But it really annoys me when he comes home and sticks everything on the kitchen counter and never touches it again.

butterfly: I made his side of the bed on the opposite side of the door so the mess couldn't be seen.

Sandra: Butterfly, good thinking!

Sandra: Well, you need to talk with him first and get his permission. Would you like someone else going through your things and making decisions about them without your input?

Jenette: Well, I told him I was making a special place for him and if anything was ever not where he left it to look for it there, but he still gets all annoyed with me when I put it in his special place.

Sandra: The key, I think is having HIM put it there.

butterfly: Good luck on him doing it!!

Jenette: I could do that, but my kitchen is very modern looking, so I'm not sure what kind of piece I would use for that. Oh please, I'd LOVE for him to put it there... no such luck.

Sandra: Have you asked him what he thinks is a good solution?

Marnie: I think having a relaxed conversation that gets him involved in finding the solution is going to be the only way you can do it. I know this with my kids... I have to sit down and say, "This is the problem, what do you think a good solution would be? People do things better if they think it's their idea. {BG}

Jenette: Yes, and he says for me not to touch his stuff ! This coming from a coach! Most of the time it works out well, but every now and again he gets really irritated when something's not right where he left it. I tell him it's a compromise of marriage {BG}. I was just wondering if you had any ideas...so I'm glad I asked. :)

Sandra: Jenette, often, just discussing the issue & finding a joint solution works. It's much more agreeable to be in on a decision, rather than having something "decided" for you.

butterfly: How are we to do all we have to do plus work outside the home and still have the time to study, pray and do the things to keep our spiritual side going with no help?

Jenette: Oh that's a good organizing question.

Sandra: I've found that I have to choose what's most important and focus on that. Ask: What do I have to do today?

Jenette: So make scripture reading and prayer a #1 priority, in other words. Maybe keep your scriptures close at hand... in the car while waiting for the kids at soccer practice or something.

Sandra: It's a matter of priority. There are some things that would be "nice" to do, but if they aren't important, they come after the things that are.

Suncoach: your priorities reflect your values.

Sandra: Prayer & meditation time are vital for me, so I plan time in my day for them. Excellent suggestion, Jenette.

butterfly: You're right, reading and prayer are most important finding the best time is the challenge.

Sandra: I've found if I don't have a plan, then my day runs me & I feel overwhelmed, tired and discouraged at days end.

Marnie: I do better if I have a set time of day that I read my scriptures (generally in the morning). Otherwise the day gets away from me...

Sandra: The plan needs to be flexible, to allow for unforeseen things, but it acts as a guide for how I spend my day and use my time.

butterfly: It's a discipline and there's where I need help.

Sandra: I get up earlier than needed to get ready for the day, so I have some quiet time for prayer and meditation.

Sandra: Butterfly, OK, set your goal, then figure out the steps to reach it.

Marnie: It helps if you have something or someone that holds you accountable...for example, studying the scriptures with a friend helps you keep up.... Jenette and I do that together and it helps me stay on track.

Sandra: It may also help to write it down. Do you use a calendar or planner?

butterfly: Truthfully my goal right now is to get my spiritual life in order. I know 'til that happens my marriage is going to stay right where it is.

Sandra: If you write it on your schedule, then you can plan time for it.

Suncoach: I like using a highlighter to block out parts of the week that are for me and myself alone. :)

butterfly: I have a planner and lists in the planner you're right schedule it in.

Sandra: B, your goal seems big and undefined. What does "getting your spiritual life in order mean to you?"

butterfly: Suncoach, you are too too!! How do you do it?

Suncoach: If you don't respect your own time, no one else will.

Sandra: Absolutely!

butterfly: Right now, turning my situation over to God and letting him keep it rather than me taking it back. Learning to believe he'll take care of me.

Sandra: OK, right that in your planner, to remind you that it's your goal. Keep it where you can see it.

Marnie: What makes you want to "take it back?" Have you learned to recognize when you're first tempted to do that -- to recognize the signals when this is starting to happen?

Sandra: You might also want to read my story "Ask" that Marnie has posted for the conference. It talks about my experiences with trust and faith and miracles.

butterfly: Because part of me feels I'm justified to be hurt and angry.

Marnie: Sandra's story is at http://shelovesgod.com/conference/article.cfm?articleid=2722

butterfly: Thanks

Sandra: I think you can turn it over, and still have your feelings. Have you asked God to help you work your feelings out?

Sandra: I have found that I pray about EVERYTHING & God always comes through for me!

Marnie: I think the key indication that we're trying to take something back can be measured physically -- by the level of anxiety we feel.

butterfly: Yes, but there's still that thing about feeling justified. I know I'm not but I have to talk myself out of my anger.

Sandra: Very true -- if I feel tense, or "stirred up," it's usually because I'm afraid or worried.

butterfly: I know God can do anything, I don't know why I have such a hard time trusting Him.

Marnie: Which sort of goes back to being organized...God is a God of order... as we have our surroundings in order, we're more able to think clearly and have less stress/anxiety. If your surroundings are so chaotic, how can you tell if it's anxiety over a spiritual issue or anxiety over just your chaotic life? (speaking from experience here {BG})

Sandra: God gave us all of our feelings, including anger. It can be an indication that you need to take action or address a situation in some way, to take care of yourself.

Sandra: Again, very true!