I Used to Be So Organized: Help for Reclaiming Order and Peace

by Glynnis Whitwer

Combining spiritual encouragement and practical application, "I Used to Be So Organized" presents a balanced approach to finding order and peace for today’s overwhelmed woman.

"I Used to Be So Organized" addresses the frustrations many women feel when they can’t get a handle on their lives. They know, deep in their hearts, they should be able to manage things. After all, they used to be organized . . . Ten or twenty years ago. But now, life seems to hand them one distraction and challenge after another, and “helpful technology” that just seem to add to the problem. Just when they think they have “caught up,” something else changes, and there’s more to be done.

In this book, Glynnis Whitwer addresses the issue of organization based in this new reality of information overload, overwhelming choices, increased expectations and technology advances that won’t slow down. This book contains twenty-three chapters, each short enough for a busy woman to read during a lunch break.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Christian Living, Christian Non Fiction, Self Help

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2011

Reviews

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not a huge fan of this book. I liked the first half, but I might have personally done better reading an article about the topic rather than a book. I most appreciated that the author helped me to understand that you can feel disorganized in the season of life that is caring for children and running people around to activities, etc. I didn't feel like the second half of the book held that up well though with a lot of how to tips. I have a ton of my own "systems" for organization, but it doesn't always pan out with children and church and a work from home job. After putting the book down at the end, I had to go back to the beginning to remind myself what she said earlier about the different types of disorganization problems. I definitely agree that God likes order, but it started feeling really guilt ridden to me, which I'm sure was completely self inflicted, and not the author's fault entirely. I just would have loved more of the reminders of the first half sprinkled in the second half.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good tips but nothing that I didn't already know or try.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book.

[Donna Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Although it had many tips I have previously read, do, or heard before in the last half of the book, it was well written and not condescending. The first part of the book discussed why we let clutter take over, why we feel overwhelmed and unorganized. The author talked about her own former struggles. It spoke to my heart and reminded me again that I am not in control, God is, that I am to use my gifts and talents for His glory.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glynnis offers practical tips and advice on conquering the clutter in you home in order to get a better grip on life, be more efficient with your time, and put your family first. She also encourages spiritual and mental decluttering and walks with you by sharing her stories and personal testimony. A great book to read as a group!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think we all get so over-whelmed in different seasons of our lives. This book addressed it for me. To find a decent paying job meant driving a distance and doing something that really drained my energy daily. This book was helpful in many ways and even had an online study group to share thoughts and ideas with. I like self-help and being by a Christian writer it worked well for me.

[Miko · Rating 4 out of 5]

practical information,
i think that targeted audience is a little bit older than i currently am - this book contains good practical advice on how not to be a perfectionist in all areas of our lives.
it's just good to know that that is a way to have some sort of organization in the midst of hectic-ness!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not just a list of do's and don'ts. The author really takes time to unfold how disorganization evolves and hinders our spiritual growth/well-being. She give some practical how-tos, but really strives to inspire a willing heart to take small, but necessary to steps to make big changes. Refreshing and motivating read.

[Pam Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the approach of this book and it had lots of good advice that any working mom (inside or outside the home) could use. More practical focus than spiritual.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

currently reading for a online bible study

[Jennifer Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read organizing book from a Christian mommies point of view. Loved it!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully encouraging about getting your life organized not just your things.

[Danaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book that helps you organize inside yourself as well as your surroundings.

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book. although i had heard some of the suggestions before, it was refreshing to look at organizing your life from a different view. making time for god a priorty....

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only wish I had read this book earlier in my parenting journey instead of 6 years into it. But all in God's timing & feel blessed to have read it when I did! ;)

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should have taken the time reading the book and spent it cleaning my house!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Biblical study for "reclaiming order and peace".
A girl can dream, can't she?

[My Bookish Delights · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a lot of organization books. This one was fine. A lot of the tips I've already seen before. It had a couple inspirational moments.

Challenges:
2017 Goodreads Challenge
2017 Mount TBR Challenge