I just finished a book that I had to share with you. 🙂 It goes along with the big goal that so many of us are pursuing: simplifying. The book, From Clutter to Clarity: Simplifying Life from the Inside Out, was written by Nancy Twigg; and I really enjoyed it!
The book is written from a Biblical perspective, which always helps me to put into a *right* perspective…a perspective of Truth, God’s perspective. I don’t want to simplify for the sake of simplifying. For me, personally, I want to simplify (in many areas) so that I can be closer to God, spend more time with Him and His word, and have more time to serve others. More time to abide. Abiding in Him, that is.
Each chapter of the book uses parts or all of the verse from Hebrews 12:1-2. I absolutely love how she weaves the theme of this verse through the entire book!! I think this verse needs to be added to my “to be memorized” list.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:1-2
Throughout the book, Nancy Twigg challenges us to ask the Lord to show us any areas of “clutter” in our lives that hinder and entangle us. Things like…
*too much on our schedule
*wrong thoughts or perceptions of ourselves, contrary to Scripture
*debt
*discontentment
*too much physical “stuff”
*bad attitude about giving
The book defines clutter as, “anything that complicates your life and prevents you from living in peace as you live out your purpose.” Hmmm…I think I have a lot of clutter in my life! And, there is more than one kind of “clutter.”
Time and time again, through each chapter, Nancy shares scriptures, challenging questions and things to ask God about that have really inspired me. In fact, I finished the book, but I’m going to go back now and make a list on a notepad of ideas and scriptures that she gave so I can hold on to these truths. (since this was a library book!) 🙂
This book is excellent, I hope if you are seeking to simplify in your own life you will check it out. It is well worth your time! I also noticed on the back of her book that she has a website…AND that she lives pretty close to where I am! I may have to check out her speaking schedule! (but only if my schedule and calendar have some blank space in there. hee hee…)
You know, Candace, I was thinking about this today. I was reading in Mark the parable of the sower and how some of the seed just couldn’t take root because of so many distractions. I think that’s where I am. (I’m sorry–I didn’t mean for this to turn into a confessional. 🙂 Anyway, this book sounds like something I could use right now. Thanks for the review!