Kathi Lipp's Blog, page 38
February 18, 2019
Parenting: Don’t Try To Do the Most Important Job Alone
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
When it comes to moms and clutter, I feel like there are two kinds of women:
Those who used to have beautiful, presentable, comfortable homes before kids.
Those who have always struggled with clutter, but abandoned all hope of being clutter free once kids came along.
I see a couple parallels between learning to be clutter free and raising kids.
1. Both becoming clutter free and raising kids look simple for other people, and feel impossible for us.
Before working the Clutter Free system, I couldn’t figure out how everyone else kept their house so perfect. I now know that a lot of those people, because they are a part of Clutter Free Academy, had closet clutter. While their houses looked perfect, you wouldn’t dare open a closet door. I had bought all the books and tried to enact a plan, but none of those resources seemed to cover my issues.
It was the same with raising small kids; it seemed like everyone else had the secret manual on how to grow little ones. They had a plan, and apparently I was out of school the day that plan was handed out. Even though I’d read all the books and taken all the classes, it felt like every situation that came up with my kids hadn’t been covered in the books.
2. Both becoming clutter free and raising kids can feel isolating and lonely.
One of the main reasons we created the Clutter Free Academy online community is because clutter can be incredibly isolating. The fear, guilt and shame that go with clutter can keep us secretive and alone.
It is the same with being a parent. When we feel that everyone “gets it” except us, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and “otherness.” I’m so grateful there were groups like MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers International) when my kids were little. I needed to sit with other moms who were honest about their struggles — not every day with their kids looked like tidy finger painting and super-fun playdates where lattes and laughter were served.
I think one of the best things we can do in every tough journey—including decluttering and mothering— is normalizing those feelings of just not measuring up. When we read the books, gather with others, and are open and honest about our own experiences, it’s amazing how we can lessen the feelings of fear, guilt and shame that so often accompany hard things.
One of the resources I will be giving the moms in my life is Grit and Grace: Devotions for Warrior Moms. I love that the two authors, Suzanne and Gretta, are as real about the challenges and self-doubt around mothering as they are about the fact that they feel like they may never recover from bringing children into their homes.
Don’t do any of this alone. The mothering, the decluttering or anything else you feel like you just have to “grit” through. Because while you may need to grit those teeth, you don’t have to do it alone.
Hang in There, Mama!
For those moments when you think you’ll never live up to the Supermoms around you—when you’re elbow deep in the grind of diapers and laundry and peanut butter sandwiches—you need a good dose of Grit and Grace.
This refreshing collection of 90 daily devotions comes from two moms who’ve found themselves face-to-the-floor in need of encouragement—and now they’re offering it to you. Through humor and vulnerability, these short messages of truth remove the filters of perfection clouding your vision and bring clarity to your purpose as a mom. As you read the Scripture and prayer that accompany each day’s message, you’ll discover more fully who you are in Christ and how to raise your children to reflect His love to the world.
In receiving grace from the One who is present in your life right now and in every moment, you will find you have ever more grace to give your kids.
CONNECT
Stop by www.suzannegosselin.com to get to know Suzanne, author and stay-at-home mom.
WIN
Enter to WIN! We are giving away a Grand Prize one lucky winner PLUS, Harvest House gave us 5 additional copies of Grit and Grace to give away to five more lucky winners! Our Grand Prize winner will get:
• A copy of Grit and Grace, of course!
• A $50 Starbucks card to take you and your mom friends out for coffee on us!!!
Enter to win by leaving a comment about your biggest kid related clutter issue below in the comments section. (We’ll randomly select 6 winners and notify them in the comments section by February 27th.)
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Today, look at the woman in your mirror and tell her, “God knew what He was doing when He picked you to be your kids’ mom.” Pray for God to guide you to reach out to a mom who needs to hear this same message: give her a call, drop her an email, or send her a quick text.
Kathi Lipp and Clutter Free thank Harvest House for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
February 12, 2019
#343 An Un-Overwhelming Approach to Quiet Time: Just One Word with Susie Crosby
On today’s episode Kathi is joined by Susie Crosby, author of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In. Kathi and Susie talk about what to do when we’re feeling overwhelmed with the spiritual clutter we can sometimes bring to our time with God. On today’s show you’ll learn:
How to keep your spiritual life more simple
Why “one word” can be enough to turn your day around
Why we tend to make God’s message more complicated than it really is
Enter to Win!
Enter to win a copy of Susie”s book!
Five lucky winners will win a copy of Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In
One lucky winner will win our Grand Prize which includes:
A copy of the book, Just one Word
A journal
A pack of 18 Fine Tip Felt Pens
A Rustic 10x10 Letterboard
Enter by sharing in the comments over on yesterday’s post by clicking here.
*US residents only
Or buy the book here
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
Leave a note in the comment section below.
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Special thanks to our sponsor Harvest House!
Meet Our Guest
Susie Crosby
Susie Crosby is an author, a blogger, and a kindergarten teacher. She loves the beach, cozy coffee shops, and discovering the creative and meaningful ways that Jesus works through people and words. Susie is a wife and mom, and she resides in Seattle, Washington. Connect with her at SusieCrosby.com.
#343 An Un-Overwhelming Approach to Quiet Time: Just One Word with Susie Crosby
February 11, 2019
When Your Quiet Time Feels Like a Chore, Focusing on One Word Changes Everything
THINK ON THESE THINGS
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8 (NIV)
How does the most important person in your life go from being your focus to your “Well, if there’s enough time…,”?
If I treated my marriage that way, I would be in a world of hurt. But if I’m honest, that’s how I’ve treated Jesus at many points in my life. I can hang out with you when I have more time.
It’s funny – I never have a problem finding time to hang out with my husband or my best friend, even when it’s a crazy busy day. It may just be a quick dinner or even a quick chat on the phone, but I can always make time for those I love.
Plus, I’m thinking about them throughout the day. When I see a video Cheri would like or read an article I know my husband Roger would appreciate , I send it to them because I’m thinking about them.
So why was I so bad about hanging out with God?
After some analysis of what was holding me back, I realized it wasn’t Jesus I was resisting, it was the long list of rules I had set up for myself to make sure that my time with him “counted.”
You see, my time only counted when:
• I spent time in gratitude
• I spent time in prayer for other people
• I spent time in adoration
• I spent time listening
• I spent time in confession
• I spent time reading God’s word
• I spent time meditating on God’s word
• I spent time in silence
• I spent time in worship
Thinking on all the requirements I made for myself, it is no wonder I was skipping my time with God. If my husband had a list of demands like that, I would want to spend less and less time with him.
But here’s the thing – God did not come up with that list of demands. God has issued me a series of invitations.
To spend time with Him.
To talk with Him throughout my day.
To lay my burdens at His feet.
To ask Him to advocate for those I love.
Where did I ever get the idea that all of that was a requirement, every single time we met?
I’ve realized that my time with God isn’t an appointment to be kept – it’s a relationship to be developed.
That is why I’ve decided to keep my expectations small when it comes to my morning quite time. I’m “touching base” in the morning and inviting God into the rest of my day, into relationship.
One of the ways I am currently spending my morning time is by reflecting on one passage of scripture. The book Just One Word by Susie Crosby is a devotional that has one, focused word and verse for each day. It is so easy to carry that one word through my day, and like Philippians 4:8 says, “think on such things.”
I love that it is just one word, and one verse, to focus on throughout the day. And it’s amazing (or a God-thing, more likely) that each word somehow finds its way weaved throughout my day.
Are you overwhelmed by your to-do list when it comes to your relationship with God? Wipe out the requirements and lean into relationship.
One Word Can Inspire Unending GratitudeThere is power in words–the words we read and the words we speak. Power to build and power to destroy. One word—just one—is all it takes to turn a day around. Just one word is all it takes to set your mind on the never-ending power of God’s work in your life.
In these delightful meditations, Susie Crosby draws out one unexpected word from a daily Scripture verse—words like “steep,” “roomy,” and “multiply.” As she explores each theme, she shows you a mighty God who is there for you, who calls you to live, and who you can invite into your day with just one word.
Here you will find a simple and heartfelt recipe for keeping your eyes on Jesus throughout your week. Uncover a wealth of spiritual insight in just one word!
CONNECT & WIN
Stop by susiecrosby.com and get to know Susie and her heart for women who long to know God.
WIN a copy of Just One Word. To celebrate this new book, Harvest House is giving away 5 copies plus we are giving away a grand prize package including:
A copy of Just One Word
Rustic Felt Letter Board 10×10
A Notebook Journal
18 Colored Felt Pens
Enter to win by answering this question in our comments section below: What is one expectation of your quiet time that has been holding you back from having time with the Lord? {We’ll randomly select 3 winners and notify them in the comments section by February 27th.}
*Giveaway open to US residents only.
REFLECT AND RESPOND
Today, be gentle with yourself and your list of requirements to get it “right” in your relationship with God. Focus on one word, one verse, and one act of worship. Ask God to keep the conversation going during the day and be open to hearing His voice.
Kathi Lipp and Clutter Free thank Harvest House for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
When Your Quiet Time Feels Like a Chore, Focusing on One Word Changes Everything
February 5, 2019
#342 Creating a Clutter-Free Community of Sharing: Living a Life of Generosity and Reciprocity
On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi is joined by Tonya Kubo, the illustrious leader of the Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. Kathi and Tonya share about the value of creating a clutter-free community and how you can create a culture of generosity and reciprocity in your own community.
On today’s show you’ll learn:
How a “small give” can be a great way to start building a community of sharing
Why it is a false economy to hold on to stuff “until I have time to sell it”
The many benefits of a “semi-permanent” loan
You can find Kathi’s pizza fondue recipe here!
And the Tightwad Gazette Kathi referenced is available here
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
Leave a note in the comment section below.
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Meet Our Guest
Tonya Kubo
Tonya Kubo is the illustrious, fearless leader of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. A speaker and writer, Tonya makes her home in the heart of California with her husband, Brian, their two spirited daughters and one very tolerant cat. Visit her at www.GreatMoms.org.
#342 Creating a Clutter-Free Community of Sharing: Living a Life of Generosity and Reciprocity
January 29, 2019
#341 The Difference Between Minimalism and Clutter Free
On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi is joined by Clutter Free Academy Facebook group leader Tonya Kubo. Kathi and Tonya talk about the similarities and differences between minimalism and living clutter-free and they each share what they love about minimalism.
On today’s show you’ll learn:
How something being necessary for survival is different from being necessary for joy and peace of mind
Why the clutter free mentality is really about living so that your stuff doesn’t happen on accident
The benefits of a minimalist lifestyle
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
Leave a note in the comment section below.
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
• Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Meet Our Guest
Tonya Kubo
Tonya Kubo is the illustrious, fearless leader of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. A speaker and writer, Tonya makes her home in the heart of California with her husband, Brian, their two spirited daughters and one very tolerant cat. Visit her at www.GreatMoms.org.
January 22, 2019
#340 Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis – When You Must Declutter Quickly Part 2
On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi and Tonya Kubo are back to continue their conversation on decluttering when you’re in crisis mode. Kathi and Tonya share the last four of their seven tips to help you declutter in the midst of a crisis.
On today’s show you’ll learn:
Why storage isn’t just paying for storage but also the emotional time and energy
The value of considering “is this what I want the next version of my house to look like?”
Why even in a crisis we still need an hour to plan
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
Leave a note in the comment section below.
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
• Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Meet Our Guest
Tonya Kubo
Tonya Kubo is the illustrious, fearless leader of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. A speaker and writer, Tonya makes her home in the heart of California with her husband, Brian, their two spirited daughters and one very tolerant cat. Visit her at www.GreatMoms.org.
#340 Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis – When You Must Declutter Quickly Part 2
January 15, 2019
#339 Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis – When You Must Declutter Quickly Part 1
On today’s episode of the podcast, Kathi and Tonya Kubo chat about their recent experiences with “crisis moves” when they had to pack up and be ready to move in a very short amount of time. In part one of this series, Kathi and Tonya share the first three of seven tips to help you declutter in the midst of a crisis.
On today’s show you’ll learn:
Why you should only have three places for your stuff to go
Why you need to have phases when taking on a big declutter
The value of asking “is it coming back?”
Why storage really is just delayed decisions
Thanks for Listening! Join us next week for Part Two.
To share your thoughts:
Leave a note in the comment section below.
Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
• Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Meet Our Guest
Tonya Kubo
Tonya Kubo is the illustrious, fearless leader of Kathi Lipp’s Clutter-Free Academy Facebook group. A speaker and writer, Tonya makes her home in the heart of California with her husband, Brian, their two spirited daughters and one very tolerant cat. Visit her at www.GreatMoms.org.
#339 Clutter in the Midst of a Crisis – When You Must Declutter Quickly Part 1
January 8, 2019
#338 How to Stay Focused on What you Really Want: The Successful Woman Planner with Valorie Burton
On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Valorie Burton to talk about her new book, the Successful Woman Planner. Kathi and Valorie talk about the planner and Valorie shares practical tips for clearing the emotional clutter so we can be successful in what God has called us to do and take action.
On today’s show you’ll learn:
Why you have to let go of the things that don’t matter as much if you’re going to succeed in the things that really matter
How authenticity is a hallmark of resilience
Why we should not downsize our dreams.
Enter to win a copy of Valorie’s planner and a $50 gift card to Office Max!
Simply head over to yesterday’s blog post here to find out the one thing every successful women I’ve ever met does and to enter the giveaway!
Buy the book here
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
• Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Meet Our Guest
Valorie Burton
Valorie Burton is a bestselling author and founder of the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute. She has a master’s degree in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in journalism from Florida A&M University and a BA from Florida State University. She has written twelve books. Learn More.
#338 How to Stay Focused on What you Really Want: The Successful Woman Planner with Valorie Burton
January 7, 2019
The One Thing Every Successful Woman (I’ve Ever Met) Does
I know that I’m one of the lucky ones. (And when I say lucky, I mean fortunate.)
I have a career I love, one with purpose and meaning and serves God in a way I was created for, people I love working with, and enough income to not stay up late at night worrying about how we are going to pay the bills (most nights, that is).
But let’s be clear… my life was not always this way.
I spent most of my twenties and thirties living paycheck to paycheck, in a job that had no potential, loving some of my coworkers but barely tolerating some of the people I worked with.
Some of that was just finding my place in the world – it’s what a lot of 20 and some 30-year-olds do. But part of it was not really believing I could be successful in what I wanted to do in my life. It was easier (and safer) to just do the day to day and survive instead of having a hope for a better, more successful future.
When did things finally begin to turn around for me? Was it a job promotion or a new opportunity?
No – it was a planner.
It was a simple, paper planner that, for the first time, I actually used to plan what I was going to accomplish instead of using it like a calendar.
I started to write down my dreams and started turning those into goals.
And this is what I’ve noticed with every successful woman I’ve ever worked with:
Most of them have great teams of people.
Most of them get up early to attack their day.
Most of them have supportive family and friends to encourage them.
But all of them take time away from their crazy, busy, jam-packed days to pull back and plan for what they want.
How to Pull Back and Plan
I call it Pull Back Planning because I have to be intentional about pulling back from my regular life and setting that time aside to plan for my day, my week, my month, my year, and yes, my whole life.
Each day, before I end work, I take a look at what is coming tomorrow to see what I need to plan for, pray for and do. I apply the same principle to my week, month and year.
I love what Dave Ramsey says about budgets: “A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” It’s the same with a planner – a planner will help you tell your time where it goes instead of wondering where it went.
Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) says:
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
I love that verse. But we have to know what we are planning to do in order to pray about it and commit it to God.
I want to give my readers the opportunity to try this out.
My favorite planner this year is Valorie Burton’s The Successful Woman Planner. I love the motivating, clarifying quotes placed throughout the week-at-a-glance page layout, and that Valorie (one of the most successful women I know) has shared her wisdom throughout those pages. It is my go-to planner for 2019. 
In order to be entered to win a copy of Valorie’s planner and a $50 gift card to Office Max, simply comment below and tell us the next step to success you want to take.
Offer open to US residents only.
Deadline to enter: January 30, 2019.
A bestselling author and Certified Personal and Executive Coach who has served clients in over 40 states and eight countries, Valorie Burton has written nine books on personal development, including Successful Women Think Differently and Happy Women Live Better. She is the founder of The CaPP Institute, providing tools and training that build resilience, well-being, and productivity for life and work.
She has been a regular contributor on CNN, HLN, and the Today show, where she gives practical career and life advice. She has also been featured in and on The Dr. Oz Show, NPR, Oprah Radio, Ebony, Essence, “O” The Oprah Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, LA Times, and hundreds of others. Valorie’s corporate clientele includes multi-million dollar businesses such as Accenture, Black Entertainment Television (BET), Deloitte, General Mills, McDonalds Corp., and many more.
Join 25,000 subscribers to her weekly e-newsletter at www.valorieburton.com and visit her company site at www.cappinstitute.com.
January 1, 2019
#337 Creating Places of Sacred Rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
On today’s episode, Kathi welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith to talk about one of Kathi’s favorite topics- rest. Dr. Saundra shares insight from her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Kathi and Dr. Saundra talk about the physical and spiritual side of rest and the importance of restorative rest.
On today’s show you’ll learn:
Why medical solutions for rest might not be enough
What rest looks like in the Bible
The seven different areas that need to be restored
Take the Rest Quiz
Enter to Win!
Enter to win a copy of Dr. Saundra’s book!
Two lucky winners will win a copy of Sacred Rest
Enter by answering in the comments:
What do you do when you’re in need of spiritual rest?
Buy the book here
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
• Leave a note in the comment section below.
• Share this show on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest.
To help out the show:
• Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one.
• Subscribe on iTunes or subscribe now.
Meet Our Guest
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith is a busy author, speaker, and board-certified internal medicine physician in practice near Birmingham, AL. She has been featured in many media outlets including Women’s Day, Redbook, FOX, MSNBC, and Prevention. Her newest release is Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity. Learn more here.
#337 Creating Places of Sacred Rest with Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
