Dear Overwhelmed,

If you used to keep your house clean, then you can again. I do believe as we get older our priorities change somewhat. I know some people would rather be working in their yard sprucing up their flower or vegetable garden than inside taking down cobwebs! You are not alone about cleaning house. Personally I would rather write than clean! I also know if I go with my rathers and not clean, then the cleaning part gets huge and I get overwhelmed.

I think it will help if we look at the Scriptures and see what it says about where and who our things come from. The Apostle Paul says in 1 Timothy 6:17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. We are told to not trust in our stuff but to enjoy our stuff that the Lord has given to us….richly. I like that. I am sure from your cry for help with cleaning your house that you are not enjoying it when it is NOT clean. When we understand God wants us to enjoy our things, then we should want to keep our home in a way that we enjoy it. . . CLEAN!

I also know that I would have nothing if God had not allowed me to have it. As Christians we are servants and stewards in the household of God. We represent Christ on this earth, and for me, how I treat and keep what I am given reflect my Jesus to the people around me. Put on praise music and praise HIM when you have to clean house. Just start one room at a time. Then when it’s all finished, sit down and look at the fresh wonderful home you live in. The key is to then keep it up one room at a time before it gets overwhelming again!

Send your questions to Judy Baus, 9309-99W Highway, Gerber CA 96035 or baus1@juno.com